CH. 6: You Don't Feel Pretty, You Just Feel Used.

He can't help but stare at her after the show. Every single chance he has, he steals a glimpse of her when no one's looking.

He can't decide if seeing her again is a dream or a nightmare. He's unsure if her fame will become her victory or misfortune. All he knows as they both talk to their fans at the meet and greet, is that her being here, could be another sweet mistake waiting to begin.

But when she takes quick glances at him, all she can think about was it all worth it. Was fame worth the pain he caused her? Does he have everything he ever wanted?Did all his dreams come true?

She knows that he's not the boy who left her behind. Because the Austin she knew, would have never left her standing in the cold when she needed him the most. He wouldn't have ran out after things got complicated. But maybe everything was an act to him.

She has always known that he can be charming and so hypnotizing when he wants to be. He knows how to make you forget your own name until he's everything you've ever known. He makes everything seem so sweet and beautiful until you can't get free. And she foolishly fell for him.

She trusted him in every way possible. She would have taken a bullet for him if necessary. She would have done anything to keep him close. And that night, when she gave herself away to him, she could have sworn that he would have done the same. She had no doubts in him and that's the reason why she didn't question his actions. The reason why she gave herself away to him all too easily.

But she was wrong. And even through all the pain he caused her, she does have to thank him. Because he taught her the hardest lesson in life, no one really cares. Nobody in this world is honest. You simply can't even trust your own damn shadow.

And thanks to him, her dreams became possible. When he left, she decided to change. She never wanted to learn that lesson again. So she did what she had to do. She changed her style. She learned to dance. She lost all innocence she ever had. And it seemed like overnight, she became a whole new person. A better person.

It's not long before they find themselves alone. One unsure of what to do and the other deciding whether they should leave or not.

She's gathering her stuff when she hears him whisper, "I'm sorry."

His voice is soft and fragile. His words leave them vulnerable. It makes her lose her balance as they once again find themselves in a messy place. Old feelings mix with new ones, and for a second she believes him. She actually wants to believe him but she can't. She just stands still and he takes it as a sign to continue.

"Ally, I am so sorry for hurting you the way I did. I don't know what happened Ally."

He sounds embarrassed. Almost ashamed of the decisions he made. And she doesn't know, but it's the same mistake that haunts him at night. The same reason why he can't forget her. And oddly, having her with him on tour makes him happy. Because she can hate him all she wants, but he just wants her close.

His words somehow hurt her. It doesn't bring her comfort but instead only adds flames to the fire as she says, "You don't know what happened?"

There's venom in her words, even regret. He can't help but flinch at her voice. And when he opens his mouth, he knows this is a fight already lost.

"I was young Ally. I didn't know if you felt the same way. And I knew sooner or later we would have called it off. I was going to leave, Ally, to LA within three days. When that night happened, I was only visiting Miami for an interview I had to do. You deserved someone who would be there with you."

She wants to turn around to face him but she can't. She knows she'll break done again if she stares into his eye. She only hugs herself tighter as she says, "And you don't think I was worried? I knew you would have to go at some point Austin. I knew that I was risking everything, but decided you were worth the fall."

They become quiet for a few moments before Austin says, defeated, "I was stupid and scared. I didn't know what I was doing."

This seems to be the last straw as she turns around to let him see just how defenseless she is. She looks like a small child as a tear slips from her eyes. And accusingly tells him, "You think you were stupid and scared? I'll tell you how stupid and scared looks like.

"It's when you wake up the next day and find the person who you slept with for the very first time in your life is GONE! It's when you wait to see when he'll walk through your doors to tell you he wants you. It's when you believe every 'I love you' he told you as he made love to you! And you wouldn't know how terrified you feel as time passes by and he doesn't show up. You don't know how damn lonely it feels to wake up in bed alone, Austin!

"And I'll tell you how stupid looks like. Stupid looks like when you wait for a whole week waiting to see if he'll call. Even if it means he might tell you that to him it didn't mean anything. But then at least you wouldn't be losing your mind hoping that, that night, had meant something to him. But you know what the stupidest thing to do is…

"When you still find a way to love that person after all the damage he has done until you no longer can love. I was stupid and scared Austin. You were a coward."

She hates herself for the couple of tears that have slipped out of her eyes. She quickly wipes them away before saying, "Don't tell me you're sorry. Because if you ever did care about me, you wouldn't have done what you did."

She doesn't let him say anything as she swiftly grabs her stuff and leaves.

He just stands in the same place and stares at the spot where she stood. And all he can think to himself is that he tried to call. To explain he's reason for leaving, but every time he heard her voice, his voice disappeared.

His actions were foolish, he knows and he takes the blame. But she would have wanted more from him as the time passed and he wouldn't have been able to give himself to her. His career was just starting out and having a girlfriend was out of the picture.

He loved her. She was his first love but the timing wasn't right. And he never meant to let things get out of hand but after all those years of pushing away feelings, and forcing themselves to date other people, everything came crashing in with simple kiss. They couldn't stop even if they wanted to.

And what he felt for her was terrifying. She had everything to break him if she wanted. And giving himself way like that, well he just couldn't do it.

That's one reason why he started dating Maddie. Because sure he likes her. She's pretty. But he can't love her no matter how much he tries. She's too self-centered to love. Ally on the other hand, even now with all her changes, he can still love or learn to love her with the same intensity when they were teenagers.

And that's what scares him the most. If he loves her again as he did before, there's no guarantee that the ending will change with their reckless behavior.

A/N: Wow it's been forever since I've written and much more update this story. All I want to say is thank you so much for all of your support. I know I've said I would update on other stories, but I got inspiration for this one and went back edited the other chapters.

I don't know if you remember but last year was a hard one for me and that's one of the main reasons why I didn't upload and this year was senior year and college applications and grades were my priorities. But I am glad to say that last Saturday I graduated and although I may have not gotten a full ride to the college of my dreams, I did get a big scholarship from my new school which was my second top school to attend. All I can say is that within two months, I shall be moving to a new state and seeing what it's like to live in the snow!

So Any who, want to say that you will see more updates until I leave in August for school, and for the first time in a really long time I shall be doing shout outs! I miss them so much and just wanted to say thank you to all you nice folks who review! :)

A Secret smile: I know I took a long time to reply but I hope everything turned out well and that everything is well. You deserve it and don't forget that life can be confusing but things will get better. And if you need to talk you can leave a review or PM. Again not sure if you still read my stories but I want to let you know that you are strong for supporting everything you are going through and brave. You should be proud of yourself. :)

queenc1: What can i say? I still don't know what I would do without your support! You have been there with me since the first story that is yet to be finished and have only encouraged me to write more. I can only say thanks so much but seriously, you are an AMAZING person and don't forget it! :)

Randomsmileyperson: Again, thank you so much for being an avid reader of mine and letting me know that at least someone is reading what I write. Your support means a lot and I have to say your writing is AWESOMENESS! Thank you so much and glad you loved my song choice! ;)

jamesmaslow4evz: Thank you so much for every single review you have ever left. You are seriously one of the sweetest persons I have ever met and hope everything is going well because you deserve it. Thank you! :)

Dianacnunez: Thank you so much. You are really to sweet, but I want to let you know that anything is possible no matter how many mistake you make in your life or whatever problems arise. I wish you the best and if you ever need some to talk to or have questions, I am always available. I know it's late but you deserve the best and you shouldn't be content with nothing less. :)

Guest: Thank you so much for reviewing and supporting me. It meant a lot at the moment and I hope you enjoyed the ending of Read Between the Lies and Maid of Horror is soon to be finished. Just deciding if i want to end it int two chapters or one, but yea. Thank you once again! :)

Guest: Your reaction was so cute. Thank you so much for enjoying the story and sorry for the really long update. I hope you enjoyed it! :)

nats: Thank you so much for reviewing and to answer your question. Last chapter was inspired by Ariana. I saw the performance and it was just heart breaking. I thought it fit well with the story and at the time I was obsessed with Honeymoon Avenue so I knew I had to somehow incorporated it to the story. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed this chapter... if you're still reading after all this time! :)

writermeAL: Thank you so much for reviewing even after the long time, and for reading my stories. Your compliment was too sweet and hope that you are still enjoying them! ;)

Again thank you so much for every review and favorite, and follow. I still can't believe that you guys actually like reading my stories and how supportive you all are. I wish you the best and take care!

XOXO,

Smileysteph