Another wonderfully quiet day passed, with no word from Austin. He hadn't talked to me since I mentioned my distaste for the Great Escape, not that I really cared. Opinions are like buttholes; Everyone has one, and they stink.

Sure, I was a little harsh, and it wasn't even the band's fault that she died, but, I was mad at them because it gave me a reason to not completely blame myself.

It was shallow, and unfair, but it made me human.

I glanced out the window, watching the starry sky, and suddenly feeling so small and helpless beneath it. Normally I was a pretty fierce person who feared very few things, and the type of person who was not sentimental.

But, looking at the sky and the way it's glowing orbs stretched for miles and miles, it reminded me that I was much smaller than I thought, and that even if I was unafraid of people, I would never be as big or infinite as the stars.

I never realized how much I would miss my phone until I no longer had one. Well, I had one, but it wasn't mine. Most people would be tempted to snoop through a stranger's phone; I, however, tried not to remember Austin breathed if I could.

Plus, I was scared to go through his phone and find a lot of naked chicks, or even worse. No, Ally Dawson was already scarred for life, and I don't think her mental capacity could hold much more.

Wonder Pets, Wonder Pets, we're on our way,

To help the baby penguin and save the day.

We're not too big,

And we're not too tough….

But when we work together, we've got the right stuff…

I smirked as Austin's new ringtone went off, and I picked it up just before the last ring.

"Hello?"

"Princess, why did it take you so long to answer? I thought you weren't going to pick up."

"Well, there were two reasons for that."

"And those reasons would be…?"

"Oh, it's quite simple. One, it was you calling; And two, I love your new ringtone so much that I can't stop listening to it."

"New ringtone? And what exactly did you change it to, Ally?"

"Oh, you'll just have to wait and see."

"Ally…" Austin whines.

"Austin…" I repeat, smirking when I heard him huff.

"Secrets don't keep friends."

"Yes, but friends keep secrets."

"Does this mean we're friends then?"

"Hell no. We are anything but friends, Austin. I may not hate your existence, but I am currently not accepting any new applications for friends at this moment. Thank you for your request and for applying."

"Oh princess. You love me, for starters. And we're already friends. In fact, I bet you're already in love with me."

"Oh for sure, Austin, let me tell you. I mean, I just love your cocky manner, and you're inconsideration for other people, and the way you probably have more crabs than a beach."

"Ouch, Ally. That hurts. I think you really bruised my ego this time."

"Take two advil, a healthy dose of rejection, and call me in the morning."

"Why would I call you in the morning, when I can just call you now?"

"Just 48 hours left." I mutter under my breath.

"What was that, Ally?"

"Oh, nothing."

"I believe I heard you mutter something about 48 hours, which makes me think that you might be counting down the hours until we meet as well. I knew you couldn't stay away."

"Look, Romeo. Let's get one thing straight. I just want my phone back. That's all. I don't want a boyfriend, or a fuck buddy, or even really friends right now. It's not you, it's your taste in music."

"My taste in music? Ally, you hardly know anything about me. I just realized that we've known each other for about 4 days, and I still only know your first name."

"You say it like it's a bad thing."

"It is a bad thing! I am talking to a girl, and usually I try to at least learn her last name before I fuck her."

"Fuck? Excuse me? Who said anything about fucking? I do not hook up, especially with strangers. Austin, we are not hooking up. Not now, not ever."

"Ah, I love the fact that you're so innocent. I think the fact that you're a virgin is intriguing."

"Who said I was a virgin?"

"Oh please, Ally. I can spot a virgin from a mile away and I know for a fact that you are a virgin."

"Yeah, ok. I forgot you know so much more about me than I do, my bad. Anyway, where are we meeting to exchange phones?"

"Well, first off, you live in Miami, right?"

"Yes, that would be where I reside. Good old Miami. Home of beaches, sunshine, and fake tits."

"Well, I will be in Miami in 48 hours, but I'm only staying a couple days."

"So, you don't live in Miami then?"

"Well, I was born and raised in Miami, and my parents live in Miami, but I travel a lot."

"Sounds exotic. I would take travelling over attending school. I hate everyone here."

"Ah, princess. There is no need to be so negative."

"Gee, sorry mother. I'll really make a better effort to love all the moronic assholes I am forced to deal with on a daily base. Anyway, you didn't answer my question. Where are we meeting in order to make the big, exciting exchange?"

"Well, I was thinking… Maybe the concert?"

"Please tell me we're not talking about The Great Escape concert coming up?"

"We would be talking about that very concert."

"Austin, I can't stand their music, I can't stand the people in the band, I hate all the illiterate fangirls who strut around, and I don't even have a fucking ticket. I'll be damned if I am going to pay all that money for a concert that I have no desire to attend."

Austin is silent for a moment, and my phone goes off, alerting me to a new text message. Taking advantage of the momentary silence, I check my messages.

Babe.. I'm so sad! The Great Escape concert is completely sold out! I'll never get to meet my idols and dazzle the great and amazing Austin Moon. -T

I roll my eyes at Trish. Of course she would make a big deal about something so stupid. I mean, there are Africans starving, and she's worried about a stupid concert?

"Ally? Did you hear me?"

"No, sorry, what did you say?"

"Ally, I am offended! Here I am, arranging the most epic meeting that has ever happened in your life, and you're sitting there in oblivion, ignoring me?"

I roll my eyes again and stay silent, waiting for him to get to the point.

"I said, would you go if I gave you a ticket?"

"Is there no other way to meet?"

"I'm afraid that will be the only time I'm not so busy."

"Fine, I'll go, but on one condition."

"Anything for you, princess."

"I want two tickets."

"Two tickets? You're getting kind of demanding there, aren't you?"

"In the wise words of Howie Mandel, "Deal or no deal?"

I hear Austin sigh quietly in the background, and a very long moment of uncomfortable silence passes by before he seems to regain his thoughts.

"Of course I will get you two tickets to The Great Escape, but I have a condition as well."

"And that would be?"

"You have to tell me your last name."

I shake my head. It wasn't a very big request, of course. In fact, as far as all the requests he could've chosen, it was innocent enough. But, I didn't see why last names were all that terribly important.

"Well princess, what say you? Will you tell your prince charming the last name of his dazzling damsel, or will you leave me in the cold?"

"First off, I am not your damsel. I will never depend on a man, no matter what. But yes, I will tell you my last name, although I still fail to understand why you want to know so badly."

"I have my reasons…"

"Fine. My last name is Dawson. Are you happy now?"

"Ecstatic. Now I know where you live, and your full name, princess."

"Yeah, cool story bro. Now, go make me a sandwich."

"Very classy, Ally Dawson. Isn't that your job?"

"Absolutely not. My cooking skills are shit. I once burned water. Anyway, I have to go now. It's almost midnight, and my parents will freak out if they hear me up this late."

"Princess, it is summer. I fail to see why they should give a shit when it's summer."

"They just do. Good night, jupiter."

"Good night, princess."

This time he hung up the phone, and I laid my hand down, shaking out the aching cramp that was forming. Apparently we had been on the phone long enough for me to get cramps. It appeared I was getting almost too comfortable with Austin.

Babe! Did you not get my message? I mean, I know you can't stand The Great Escape, but they are like, my favorite band… You could at least show fake concern. -T

Trish… I have done you a solid. I have gotten us two tickets to the concert thanks to yours truly. -Ally

NO WAY! You are shitting me, right? Like, if I pinch myself, this will all be a dream; A beautiful, perfect dream. Ally Dawson does not attend concerts like this. Someone call CNN! -T

Shut up, Trish. You're welcome. I got us tickets, and I'll talk to you in the morning, kay? -Ally

I'll be expecting a phone call soon, then. I expect you bright eyed and bushy tailed by noon-thirty. -T

Kay, love you babe. -Ally

Night. -T

I rolled over, prepared to turn in early for the night, when I got another text. Take a wild guess who it was.

Princess… Why are you skipping out on our conversation? I think you actually like our conversations and that after tomorrow, you're going to like The Great Escape. Get ready to become their number one fan. -Baller

You're so full of bologna, you work for Oscar Meyers. -Ally

I am the king of bologna, and you are the queen of cliche. I think you are scared to meet me and realize that I'm even more dazzling than you expected. Get ready, Ally, because I am going to knock your socks off. -Baller

I'm sorry, I think you're full of shit. I will not be dazzled, or wooed, or swept off my feet. I am not a regular girl, and this isn't some bullshit fairytale. -Ally

Ah, princess, prepare to eat your words, because I am going to show you what being dazzled is. -Baller

Yeah, ok. I think it's time to return what ever drugs you bought, because clearly, they are giving you severe delusional side-effects. I think it's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor, because you are on some wack shit that is making you clinically insane. -Ally

Aww, I think it's cute that you keep changing the topic. Hiding something, Ally? -Baller

Oh, not yet. But, pretty soon a body will be missing, and when people ask where Austin went, I'm going to deny all knowledge of any and all coincidences. But, I have been hiding something… The spot where I'm going to burry your body. Surprise! -Ally

Strange… I always thought that getting a surprise from you would be a more rewarding and pleasing gift. Can I return your gift, because I kind of hate it… -Baller

That's the thing about life… This isn't build a bitch workshop; You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit. -Ally

You amuse me. I find you extremely annoying and childish, but for some reason, Ally Dawson, you're perfect to me. -Baller

Now you're just playing the bullshit card and trying to flatter me. Flattery will get you nowhere, Austin. Anywhore, I'm going to bed now. Good night, Jupiter. -Ally

Good night, princess. Remember, the world is ugly, but you're beautiful to me. -Baller

I give Austin my usual eye roll and I turn over on my side to fall asleep. Much to my dismay, however, I have a smile plastered to my face. Sure, Austin wasn't on my list of people I would willingly allow in my life, but he was doing a semi-decent job at breaking down my layers.