**PLEASE READ**
Hi! Ok so this chapter is going to be really different from the past chapters and I know some of you might think I'm cutting corners but don't worry, all the content will be there...eventually. But anyway I hope y'all like it, I worked really hard to get this out. It is a little longer than my other chapters but hey, that's a good thing right? thank you to all that reviewed! I love you all, keep it coming...its what makes me want to get off my lazy ass and write. XOXOX
"Ally is that you?!"
I stopped and turned around to see a tall blonde walking briskly towards me, heels clicking against the pavement.
"Syd?!"
A smile crossed my face as I opened my arms to meet her hug. She took in a deep breath before squeezing tight and letting go.
"Hi! Shouldn't you be studying for the bar exam or something other than shopping?" I joked as I saw her mass amounts of shopping bags.
"Well, actually I dropped out of law school. I finished college with my business degree and I decided to follow a different path...I'm gonna be an artist."
"Oh Syd, that is amazing! I'm so happy for you"
"Thanks, so how have you been?"
"I'm good, it's been a whirlwind of a few years but fun nonetheless."
"How was graduation? And..Austin?"
I smiled as his name fell off her lips. "Graduation was filled with a mix of emotions. And Austin is good, he is with his family right now, as am I. But I'm sure you could tell that much" I laughed nervously. "How are you though? I hate how we all fell out of touch after junior year."
"Yeah, I kinda fell off the grid for a little bit there, but I'm good. I met this amazing guy, he's a warrant officer in the military and he is just...amazing. He is actually coming home Thursday." She sighed, smiling.
I knew that look, that was the look I made when I talked about Austin. The look of pure bliss and love.
"Syd!" I exclaimed like a teenager. "That's so cute, just in time for Friday! I need to hear all about it, right now I'm actually running some errands for my mom before everyone gets in. You know her, everyone has to stay at the house, but do you think we could get together for dinner one night this week?"
"Um..YES!" She laughed. "When does Tori get in?"
My smile faltered a little as I looked down and she sighed. "Really? She isn't coming home for the holidays?"
"Syd, Tori and Scott, they…"
She gasped. Oh my...Ally?"
"They split up and Tori just couldn't handle it all. She transferred schools and the last I heard she was in Europe somewhere. She said she had to see the world, she was happy and as much as it hurt I had to let her go. I thought you knew...I should have called."
"No, no. Ally it's fine. It's fine. If she is happy then..then we should be happy for her too. But I never saw them breaking up, then again I never saw you and Austin…" She frowned, dragging up old dirt. "Sorry."
"It's fine" I smiled sadly. "It's the past, and this is the present. But, I really need to get going before my mom yells at me and grounds me." We both laughed this time.
"You always did find a way out of that though, you were the golden child remember?"
I nodded. "Call me, and we'll have dinner."
She nodded as we parted ways.
I smiled to myself as I walked down the street, so much had happened in the last 3 years. Life had thrown us all through loops. We were no longer the strong, united group of six anymore. We had grown up and separated. Some by choice and some by forces greater than us.
I remember going home for Thanksgiving that first year. It was one of the best, Austin was welcomed with open arms by my family. Which was a sigh of relief for him and me. It had reminded me that the small things in life matter and that no matter what family is always there, always.
Then there was our first anniversary, which was amazing thanks to Austin. He made me feel like the most loved girl in the world, which I was, at least in my eyes I was. He set up a romantic dinner in the park, under the stars. Rented a boat and we paddled out to the middle of the lake. It was cliche and romantic, just like Austin.
The next two years were just a lot of love and school. We had daily library sessions plus a weekly date. We took turns planning them, his were always more creative than mine, but I would never admit that to him, his ego was big enough already.
Summers were spent down the beach well that was until Syd lost touch. The summer of junior year we went down to Scott's instead, as it was right down the street and it would only be the four of us. We all had hopes of seeing Syd down there but she never showed up.
Austin and I nearly had a breaking point when Tori and Scott broke up. We fought due to the inevitable war that was created. It was Tori vs. Scott, world war three. Austin and I couldn't seem to stay neutral all the time. The fights were always stupid and pointless and lasted no longer than a day or two at the most. After Tori left it was a little better because the contact had simmered to a weekly text about how she was doing. Most the time it was a simply, 'ok' or 'busy, talk to you later'. Scott fell into a depression and drank a lot. Austin had to find a way to help him so our time together was lessened even more. I dealt with it by putting my head in my books and spending all my time on school or my part time job at the local music store. After a few months Scott found a healthier way to deal with the heartbreak and Austin and I mended the broken pieces Tori left behind the best we could.
All three of us finished out college, earning our degrees and heading home. Barely keeping in touch. Well, except Austin and I, we talked everyday. We still did. What was our title you ask? I didn't know. We didn't care. We were us and that's all that mattered.
"Hey"
"Hi" I smiled nervously up at him. "How was your flight?"
He laughed to himself and a moment passed. "Just fine, now would ya come here?"
I didn't even get a chance to respond as he moved forward and encased me in a warm hug. I melted into his arms, realizing how much I had missed him the past 6 weeks. I dug my face further into his shirt, inhaling his scent. My arms tightened around him, not wanting to ever let go. His arms loosened and I felt his lips meet my cheek.
"I missed you" He whispered into my ear, sending chills down my spine.
"I missed you too" I sniffled, looking up at him after loosening my grip on him.
"Hey, what're the tears for?" His face became concerned as he wiped a stray tear off my face.
I smiled through the tears that were uncontrollably falling down my face. "I'm just really happy I guess."
He smiled and brought my face to his. Electricity shot through my body as his lips met mine.
"Get a room!" Someone screamed from across the airport.
I pulled away and blushed as Austin just smirked. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders as he slung his bag over the other. We started to walk out of the building and I could feel my holiday spirit inflate.
"How's your family doing?"
"Good, it's hard around the holidays for everyone, especially my grandmother. She gets really sad, but we have all worked on keeping happy for the most part. How about yours?"
"My family? Ha, they're all just so jolly. I don't think I can sing another carol without wanting to hit myself over the head first." I joked.
"Ohhh! Jingle bells, jingle bells. Jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh. HEY!" He sang as people started to stare.
I smacked his abs causing him to pout. "Ow! Is this how you treat your boyfriend after being apart for 6 weeks?"
I felt my heart flutter at the word, but somehow kept my cool. "If he is going to be a ninny, then yes!"
"Where is your Christmas spirit?"
"It died after the 100th pre and post dinner carol" I laughed as we got to my car and I popped the trunk.
"Well, then it is my job to bring it back." He kissed my cheek before closing the trunk and getting into the car.
I smiled to myself and followed his lead. As I started the car Austin texted on his phone.
"Have you heard from Scott?"
"No" he said shortly. "Have you heard from Tori?"
"No...but I ran into Sydney earlier. We are gonna get dinner sometime this week."
"Oh yeah? How is she?"
"She's good..really good actually. She is going to be an artist and she met this amazing guy who's a soldier. I could tell she really likes him maybe even love and-"
"Hold on, how could you possibly know that?"
"The look in her eye, when she talked about him, it was the same one I used to get when I would talk about you."
"Used to?" He shot back, fake hurt evident on his face and a hand over his heart.
"Well, now I make a different one. We aren't in 'new love' anymore, we are in 'true love'" I explained, making up as I went.
"Oh yeah? And what kind of look do you make now?"
Well, I used to look like this.." I smiled a blissful smile and fluttered my eyelashes. "but, now I make this one." I scrunched up my nose in disgust before bursting into laughter as I caught a glimpse of his facial reaction.
"Wow, that's definitely not a face I want to see again." He poked my side and I squeaked.
"Hey! I'm driving!" I defended.
"Ok, ok. But, just you wait I will get you" He teased.
I nodded sarcastically, as we pulled into the driveway.
We got out of the car and I met him at the stairs after he retrieved his bag. His hand linked with mine as we walked up to the front door. I pushed it open and the sounds and smell of Christmas had overtaken us with one swift step.
"Austin!" I heard multiple voices exclaim.
He was pulled into a million and one hugs and given many warm welcomes as I grabbed his bag and brought it up to my room. I set it down on my desk chair and realized that he only had a carry-on. I knew guys barely packed but he was supposed to be here for a week, this was definitely not enough for a week. I decided to dismiss the terrible thoughts flooding my head. As it was the happiest time of the year, I didn't want to start a fight within the first hour of Austin being here. I walked into my closet and slipped off my toms. I looked over my outfit that consisted of jeans and a hunter green oversized sweater. I fiddled with my double 'A' necklace that Austin had given me for our 2nd year.
"You ditched me" I felt Austin's arms weave around me from behind. He kissed my neck as I fell back into him.
"You were being consumed by my family"
"Mmm, I missed this" He spoke after a moment of silence.
"I missed you" I said as I twisted my neck to look at him.
"I love you" He leaned his forehead onto mine.
"I love you more" I looked deeply into his eyes, shifting to face him completely but keeping our heads together. "I love you, I love you, I love you Austin Monica Moon." I chanted to him softly, letting a smirk float across my face.
A smile played on his. "You are only gonna get away with that because I can't stand to not kiss you for another-"
I cut him off with my lips as he had done so many times before. His hands ventured up to my jawline as mine played with his buttons on his shirt. I lifted up onto my toes as he pulled me closer. We parted for air but within seconds his lips were on my jaw moving down to my neck, landing on my sweet spot.
His hands landed on my hips, pressing me back against the wall. A small moan left my mouth as his hands began to wander all over. I let my head fall back against the wall to allow him better access. After a few seconds my head snapped back as his lips reconnected with mine. This time with more need than want. I hooked my legs around his torso and he turned around carrying me out to the bed.
He threw me down onto the bed and that's when I saw the hidden smirk on his face. I sat up on my elbows and looked at him with confusion.
"What?"
He leaned down and quickly pecked my lips. "You didn't actually think we would do this now, did you? Not with your grandmother right downstairs!" He exclaimed, taking a seat on the bed and moving my feet onto his lap. "Plus, I owed you one from the car."
I sat up, removing my legs. "Sometimes, I really dislike you" I whispered into his ear before pecking his cheek and prancing off down the stairs.
As soon as my feet touched the ground I was hit with questions from everyone who I hadn't seen yet. They were tough questions too, none of the easy ones like 'how have you been?' or 'what's new? not even a 'how's the boyfriend?''. Nope, all the ones about the future and plans. Truth was I hadn't planned my future at all, I hadn't even fully planned my week out.
I felt my palms start to sweat until a hand fell onto the small of my back. I instantly relaxed as he fell right into place next to me. With one touch Austin had calmed my nerves completely, but with one touch he also made my heart race and my mind move 1000 miles per hour. Either way I loved it.
Either way I loved him.
I may have had no idea what I was going to be doing in the next 5 years but I knew it had a certain blonde haired, brown eyed boy in it.
I looked to my left as I noticed Austin talking to my dad and uncle. He had come into this family and fit right in like the missing puzzle piece. It made me happy to see how well he and my family got along, it took some of the pressure off.
"So Ally, when am I going to get to see my goddaughter in all white, walking down an aisle, preferably towards a certain current boyfriend of hers?"
And the pressure was back.
I turned back around to see my Aunt Karen, and godmother, standing with an amused look on her face. I simply smiled and shrugged it off.
"I don't know, could be a while. I mean we did just graduate college. I'm still getting my bearings out in the real world as is he."
"Oh yeas. But, you and Austin have been dating for some time now. You are practically married already." She took a sip of her drink before raising her voice a little higher, looking around. "Why not just put a ring on it and start popping out the babies, am I right?" She chuckled.
I felt my cheeks flush and instantly knew I had turned from a cool cucumber to a hot tomato in a split second. I opened my mouth to answer but nothing came out. I looked around to see everyone now staring, including Austin, who looked just as frazzled as me.
I let out a nervous laugh before containing myself. I walked over to Austin as everyone was now awaiting an answer. With one reassuring look from him I knew I could come back from this embarrassing fright fest.
"We are going to do what we want, how we want, when we want. I'm in no rush and neither is Austin. I think I speak for us both in saying, our relationship is just that, our relationship. Now I love you all but mind your own damn business and let me enjoy this amazing time of year with the ones I love. We have plenty of time to talk about the future some other day. It's Christmas Eve lets enjoy it!" I smiled as some clapped and some just smiled and went back to their conversations.
"Nice speech" Austin said into my ear from behind.
I turned around to face him as my uncle and dad walked away, patting my back as they did.
"Thanks, I would have never had the courage to do that in the past."
"But now?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I have you by my side." I smiled up at him and poked his hip.
"You are such a dork"
"But I'm your dork" I giggled as he pulled me closer to him.
"That is so very true and would you look at that, mistletoe." He smiled up, bringing my gaze with him.
He looked back down at me, eyes locking for a second before planting a sweet, short, appropriate kiss on my lips. I felt his lips form a smile against mine and my stomach swirled with happiness.
"I love you" I whispered against his lips.
"I love you too" His smile faltered slightly as his face went serious. "But seriously, we should talk about some things before the week is over."
I swallowed any of the nervousness that came with what he was hinting at and simply smiled and nodded.
"Ally! We need you!" My saving grace, mom, called me into the kitchen. She gave me the perfect escape from Austin's worrying eyes.
I quickly gave him a 'what can ya do' shrug and sad smile before prancing off into the kitchen, this was gonna be a long night.
"I wish your family wasn't sleeping on the other side of these walls." Austin whispered as we laid in my childhood bed hours later.
"Me too"
"This is why we need our own place…" Austin trailed off, gauging my reaction.
I didn't really react at first, since I didn't really know how to react. It wasn't something I had really thought about before. We had lived together in the past and hell I loved him, he loved me so why not?
"Ok" I deadpanned.
"Ok?" He questioned. "Like ok, as in yeah lets do it?"
I nodded, letting my excitement finally show through a wide smile. His smiled spread like fire across his face as his hands lifted me from under my armpits. He stood up on my bed and spun me around before we both fell back due to loss of balance. We both broke out into a fit of laughter as a banging came from the wall next to us, signaling for us to shut up and be quiet.
"I love you, I love you, I love you" He spoke in between kisses that he peppered all over my face.
I let out a giggle as his hair tickled my forehead. "I love you too, but, geez, calm down it's not like we won the lottery"
He pulled back and stared into my eyes. "Now that's where you're wrong. This is better than winning the lottery. I get to live with the love of my life, I get to wake up every morning with you by my side, come home to your amazing cooking and warm hugs. We get to host Sunday brunches and start our life together. You have no idea the feeling I get from thinking about spending the rest of my life here on this earth with such an amazing girl by my side."
My heart swelled and warmed with his words. They were so sincere and thoughtful and simply amazing. He had basically put into words what I could not.
"I do know though, because that's the feeling I get when I think about you" I smiled up at him. "As cheesy as you are, you are true."
He kissed my forehead as we settled into bed. I rested my head on the pillow, becoming his little spoon. His head nudged his way into the crevice of my neck.
"Goodnight beautiful" He whispered.
My stomach jumped at the tone of his voice, it was so calming and so arousing at the same time.
"Night, love you"
"Mmm, love you too" He snuggled closer before his breaths became even.
I knew he was asleep, and I felt my eyes starting to give in to sleep also. Falling asleep like this every night would definitely be something I could get used to.
I looked around the next day as everyone was starting head home. One by one the crowded house silenced a little more. I was currently sitting down on the second to bottom step in the foyer. We had opened gifts, sang carols, danced around the halls, and ate some good food.
Austin and I still had our gifts that we were saving to open together in private. We were just waiting for everyone to leave. In fear of rumors starting when we 'escaped to the bedroom' for a little while.
I looked down the hall and into the kitchen to see Austin talking to my grandpa. I felt my heart warm, they had all welcomed him with such open arms and he was part of the family within 10 minutes of meeting. I examined his features as he kept the conversation alive. They way his face lit up, he had to be talking about architecture. I noticed it whenever he would try and explain it to me, or when I would ask how his studies were back in college. He had this look of pure happiness that couldn't be faked. His eyes brightened and his smile was wide. My stomach got butterflies as he laughed at something my grandpa said. He turned his head and instantly our eyes locked and I felt a blush creep over my cheeks. I was caught, damn. He let a slight smirk fall on his lips before standing up shaking my grandpas hand and excusing himself.
I readjusted myself quickly as his steps got closer. Within seconds he was standing in front of me. I let my eyes travel up his body, taking in every inch, before noticing his outstretched hand. I decided to keep my eyes moving until meeting his eyes. They were relaxed and joy-filled.
"May I?" His deep, calm voice filled my ears.
A smile formed on my lips. "You may."
I took his hand and stood up. He motioned with his other hand up the stairs and I started to walk up, feeling his eyes on my every step.
"Enjoying the view?" I asked, keeping my eyes trained on each step.
He didn't answer right away, but waited until we reached the top of the stairs before getting close to my ear. "Like you weren't doing the same thing earlier"
I giggled before turning to him. "What were you guys talking about?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"You." He simply stated, before walking away and into my room.
I stood there dumbfounded, they were talking about me? Why me? What about me?
I quickly followed Austin's trail only to find my room dark and empty, but the bathroom door shut, light pouring out from the cracks. I decided to get changed into something more comfortable as this dress wasn't. Walking into my closet I grabbed a pair of cropped leggings and Austins high school baseball hoodie. I slipped on some black socks and walked back out, pulling out my necklace from under the hoodie.
Austin was still in the bathroom so I went over to my desk and flicked on the light. I moved the chair out, revealing the small pile of presents for Austin. As I bent down to pull them out I heard the bathroom door open and Austin emerge.
"Ya know, that sweatshirt gets closer to being true everyday?" He asked, walking closer.
I stood back up and took a second to process his words. "What?" I decided to ask anyway.
"With everyday that pasts, you are one day closer to being Mrs. Allyson Marie Moon"
I felt my heart jump as he spoke. "In your dreams" I joked walking past him with the gifts.
As I walked down the stairs I realized it was actually in my dreams, literally. I dreamt of marrying Austin one day, but I knew that day was far, far away. I mean we had only graduated and we didn't even have jobs yet, or a place to live. We had a lot to do before marriage was even in the equation, let alone kids. God we were only 23 years old, or should I say 23 years young.
As I reached the bottom of the steps I saw that my parents were standing at the door with their coats. I stopped and stared at them waiting for an explanation, as it was 9 o'clock.
"Hey Allycat, you and Austin finally doing presents?" My dad asked, helping my mother with her coat.
I nodded my head. "Yeah, but what's with the coats?" I motioned to them.
My mother smiled as she fixed her scarf. "Oh, we are going out for drinks with our friends"
"At this time of night?" I exclaimed, shifting the gifts in my hands as they grew heavier.
"Oh Ally, chill out. We are grown adults, as are you now." I scoffed as my dad opened the door and the cold air hit my feet.
They started walking out as my dad called over his shoulder, "Don't wait up!" before shutting the door.
"Oh, don't worry I won't" I mumbled.
"Talking to yourself again?" Austin laughed, walking past me and into the living room.
I followed his lead, placing his gifts on the floor. He had walked over to tend to the fire as I went into the kitchen to ravage for snacks. I found some cookies and heated up the leftover hot cocoa my mom had made a few hours before.
Coming back into the room with food and drinks I spotted Austin with a present in his hand, shaking it next to his ear.
"Put. It. Down." I warned as I sat on the floor across from him.
His eyes went wide and he dropped the present back into the pile. "Ooh, what's that?"
He crawled towards me and reached for a cookie but I swat his hand away. "These" I moved my hands around the rashings "Are for good boys and girls only."
His face contorted before forming a pout and after a few seconds of no reaction from me he brought out the big guns. The puppy dog eyes.
"Fine, you can have some" I finally broke.
"Yay!" He exclaimed like a kid in a candy store.
"Only!" I yelled, halting him completely. "If you give a certain someone a kiss"
"Ahh, but there is no mistletoe" He pointed out.
"Fine, no cookies or cocoa for you." I sighed, taking a sip of mine.
He chuckled and I glared at him. "What?"
He spoke in between his laughter only making me more irritated. "It's just...you have...never mind, here."
He leaned forward and wiped my top lip with his thumb before sucking the leftover whipped cream off of it as I sat mesmerized, suddenly wanting to attack him right there.
"Thanks" I mumbled.
"No problem, walking cliche" He laughed, sitting back on his heels.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You are literally like a living, breathing romantic comedy movie, without even trying"
It was now my turn to pout as I crossed my arms in front of my chest. His face softened and he leaned back over and planted a sweet kiss on my lips.
"Happy?" He whispered against my lips and I nodded.
Within seconds his lips were back on mine and wrapped my hands around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. I pulled him closer before he was hovering over me as I laid beneath him. Lips never parting my hand traveled further into his hair, getting tangled.
He finally pulled away when we couldn't breath any longer and sat back up. "Present time?" he asked impatiently.
I sighed and sat back up, "I guess"
"Don't get your panties in a twist little lady, we will be continuing that later" He whispered into my ear as he crawled back over to the present pile opposite of me. I felt shivers run down my spine.
"Ok, ready?" I asked, sitting down in my spot across from him.
He nodded and we each picked up our present pile and handed it over.
I waited to rip mine open, watching his reaction instead. I grew impatient as Austin was trying to be neat with it. Wow, how the tables had turned.
"Als...he started, after he had opened majority of his gifts. Not only did you get me a portfolio, briefcase, sketchbook, pencils, and gift card to men's wearhouse but you also got me the one thing I will need on my desk. I love it." He stated holding up the picture frame that had a simple picture of us from last new years eve.
Tori took it, it was the last time we were all together as a group. Well, minus Tony who was dead to Scott and Austin. I didn't like him either, but never could I say I hated him. I couldn't hate someone I didn't care about.
"You forgot one" I pointed out.
He looked under the paper that was everywhere now. "Oh" He unwrapped it before a goofy smile grew on his face.
"Do you like it?" I asked, even though I knew the answer from the look on his face.
"No...I love it!" He turned it around for me to see even though I had already known what it was a picture of.
It was all five of us on that same new years, we were standing on a balcony in front of the infamous Notre Dame winter sunsets, snow covering the trees. We all had smiles on our faces, Scott positioned behind Tori, his arms draped around her neck. Tori's next to Sydney, Sydney in the middle of Tori and I, and Austin with his arm around my shoulders. Us girls had on party hats and were holding drinks, while Austin and Scott had noisemakers in their mouths. It was a totally unplanned picture that I was so thankful for now. It was our last picture together.
"Als?" Austin asked after I didn't answer for a while.
"Hm?" I shook my head of it's thoughts and saw that all of his gifts were now opened. I had also gotten him a watch, ray ban sunglasses, and some homemade 'coupons' for things like back rubs, home cooked dinners, dates, and 'get out of jail free' cards.
"Where were you just now?" He asked, concerned.
"New Years Eve, last year" I answered with little to no expression.
His face softened as he scooched over to my side, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me close. "I know, it sucks. But, what I like to do when I get sad about it is...I think about one day many years from now we might just run into each other and we will all be reunited or something and our kids will end up growing up together like you girls always planned."
I gave him a weak smile before sighing. "Yeah but nothing we planned actually went to plan"
He nodded. "Yeah but life doesn't go to plan, we just have to suck it up and go with the flow, not with the plan. Because reality is...plans fail just like we as human may fail, it's inevitable. And that's the beauty of it. Lifetime friends, they are there in times of need, they show up when no one else does. Just watch, some day, somewhere, we will need each other and we will be there because that's what we do."
I smiled and pulled back to look at him. "You just gave me an idea. Thanks!"
"Als…" he started, and I knew he was about to reprimand me.
"Present time!" I exclaimed before starting to tear open my presents.
After it was all unwrapped I had revealed a bunch of clothes and lingerie from Victoria's Secret. I made some smart comments to that. He also got me earrings, a picture book of our past 4 years together, and a separate picture frame of us from our 4 year anniversary that passed in October. He had only come down for Thursday to Monday before having to head to a job interview in Ohio.
Austin had many interviews all across the country, luckily they were mostly on the east coast and either in PA or Delaware.
"Als, one more" He pulled out a square black velvet box from behind him, it was larger than a ring box but not big enough to be a necklace. I smiled up at him as I took the box into my hands. I slowly opened it to reveal the beautiful silver bracelet inside. It was an Alex and Ani bracelet. It was my third one. Austin had already gotten me the Notre Dame charm and 'A' charm bangles. This one was the 'because I love you' charm bangle. I took it out of the box and slid it on with the others. I held up my wrist and smiled at Austin.
"I love it" I said to him, lowering my arm.
"I love you" He leaned forward and closed the gap between us. He pulled away and looked into my eyes. "We really do need to talk still"
I groaned, "Lets talk later when we can't do this."
My lips met his in a fiery dance that only grew with all the pent up tension, sexual tension that was. He quickly forgot about talking as we leaned back into the huge pile of ripped up wrapping paper. Everything else was forgotten as we got lost in each other, all that mattered was that we were together and alone at last. Finally, what I had been waiting for the past 6 weeks.
"So when does the house hunting start?" My mom questioned the next morning, when we decided to tell her and my dad we planned to move in with each other.
"Who says it will be a house? They are young, they might want an apartment. There is no need for all that room, it's not like they are having kids" My dad laughed nervously. "Right? Oh god, Allycat you aren't pregnant are you?"
Austin let out a laugh and I smacked his arm before looking back to my dad. "No, dad we will not be having kids anytime soon. Don't you worry."
"But, we may get a town home or small house since we want to entertain our family and friends and we would need a place for them to stay." Austin added.
"Yes, because, unlike you mom, we don't want to offer just a couch or blowup mattress to our guests" I teased her as she scowled.
"Whatever, so when?" She got up and cleared our plates from breakfast.
I sighed and followed her, leaning on the island.. "I don't know, now I guess. I mean we just started talking about it so we are going to have to start researching it all. Going to the bank and figuring out a budget. I mean I don't have a job yet, I have some offers to be a substitute but nothing in writing and Austin is still looking for the right company to accept. We have a lot on our plate right now and this is just adding to it and plus we don't even know where we want to look and-"
"Als, breath." Austin came up and placed his hands on my shoulders. "I actually have something to tell you. I was going to wait till a better time but whens a better time than the present right?"
"True" My dad piped in, without even looking up from his paper.
"Well, what is it?" I pressed, nervously looking into his eyes for answers.
"I...I accepted a job. At Westlake Reed."
"What? Austin that's great!" I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed tight, but he didn't hug back.
"Als. It's in Ohio."
I slowly retracted, looking down away from his gaze. "Oh"
"Hio, Ally. Oh-hio" My dad corrected me shaking his head and mumbling something else, but I couldn't even muster up a scowl or smart remark back as I felt like my world had stopped spinning.
Austin had accepted a job in Ohio, without even consulting me first. This was great, no amazing! He had a job and secure one at that. But part of my heart was holding me back from acting happy as he made this huge decision without me. He didn't need my approval or opinion, it didn't matter, not to him at least.
"Als? Say something...please?"
"You didn't even ask me?" My words started off hurt before they quickly started to slip off my tongue like venom. "You just went ahead and made this life changing decision without me, and and then you asked me to move in with you. Well when were you going to mention that this house was going to be in Ohio?" My eyes shot daggers.
He took a step back as I took my forward. "I-I don't know."
"What?" I shot, not letting him say another word. "You don't know?"
I noticed my parents look at us before excusing themselves from the area. I silently thanked them but didn't pay much attention as all of it was on Austin. Waiting for his terrible excuses to start pouring out.
"I'm sorry" He stated. "I'm so sorry."
"No you're not." I spit back. "Austin there is no way in hell you are sorry because you don't regret taking that job. You shouldn't it's an amazing opportunity and I am so proud of you." My tone softened as I took a seat on the barstool behind me. " I just wish you would have come to me before you actually accepted it. I mean I'm sure you know I could never hold you back from such an amazing job but when you go behind my back it just makes me feel...unimportant. I want to be a part of your life, I want you to share things with me, everything. Good or bad. I promise not to get too mad."
"I should have asked you, and I was so stupid not to. I just wanted to surprise you with it, and I was going to tell you on christmas but it didn't feel like it was the right time and I was just totally and completely being an idiot. AND I am sorry, not for taking the job but for not talking to you first about it, I love you Als and I don't want you to feel unimportant." He took my hands in his as he stood in front of me looking down.
I could tell he was struggling to catch my gaze but looking up into his eyes meant losing my cool completely and starting to bawl my eyes out like a baby. Inevitably his hand gently raised my chin and in an instant his brown orbs locked onto mine and I felt the tears start to well.
"I love you too" I breathed out, giving him a weak smile.
"Please tell me those are happy tears." He begged.
I nodded, causing a smile to form on his lips. Austin leaned down and met my lips in a slow, reassuring kiss. I felt all my worries and doubts fade away as the warmth of his lips overtook mine.
After a few seconds he pulled away and brought me into a deep hug. As I was still sitting my head rested on his torso and my arms went around his waist. I felt him kiss the top of my head before moving away pulling me into the hallway. I giggled as he dragged me towards the basement door.
"Austin where are we going?" I questioned.
"Shh, just go downstairs put on some kind of movie or channel with the volume down low and I will be there in just a minute. Ok?"
My face scrunched with confusion. "Um.. I guess?"
"You trust me don't you?" He asked and I nodded. "Good, I'll only be a minute"
He kissed my cheek before running up the stairs. I listened to his orders and went down the stairs and into the basement.
It was still the same as when we were in high school. The main area with the bar in the back corner. The sectional sofa in front of the TV. The one and only thing that had really changed was the new TV we got for my dad this year. It was a 64 inch TV that was mounted on the wall so it was more viewable from the table. Behind the sofa where my toys used to be was a high-top, bar style table that was larger. It fit 8 chairs and was usually where my mom and dad had their monthly expenses meetings, since it was big enough to fit all the papers and laptops and files and things. It was also where I went through all of my college acceptance letters with Austin, finding the perfect school, or what we thought to be the perfect school.
I plopped onto the couch before flipping through the channels. I finally decided on an old Saved By The Bell marathon. A few minutes later Austin came down the stairs with an arms full of stuff. He walked right over to the table and plopped it all down. I smirked before sitting up on the couch and observing as he spread it all out.
He had both macs, a binder of papers that I recognized as all his parents things, a stack of mail and various other papers of sorts, a few notebooks and pencils and pens. After everything was sorted out he placed his phone on the table and motioned me to come over.
"I have everything here that we will need to start planning our future. We are going to go through and make a list of things we need to do and prioritize everything. I want to do this Als, and I want you to do it with me." He smiled as I moved around him.
"Well, lets start." I sat down and opened my computer. "Where do we start?" I asked, and he laughed.
"Well, lets start with finding out how much my parents left me." He sat down next to me with the big white binder.
"Ok! …..wait what?" I said, taking a double take.
"My parents left me two accounts, one for college and stuff like that. The other was for after college, to help me start my life. Aka, now." He explained. "They got a lot of money after selling the mattress empire to one of their investors."
"Ok, so how do you find out how much they left you?"
He flipped through the papers before settling on one. "Go to the banks website, and sign into my account. Here, this is the information."
He handed me the paper and I began typing in the things necessary. After a few seconds I had the account open and navigated to the account named 'Austin's Inheritance #2'
"Au-Austin, this can't be right" I stuttered, looking at the number on the screen.
He looked up from what he was reading at looked at me, then to the screen. His face faltered a bit but then relaxed.
"I knew it was a lot but not that much." He said, trying to remain calm and act 'cool'.
"Austin, your parents, on top of what they already gave you, left you 800,000 dollars. How much did they give you for college?"
"Um..I think it was like 200,000. I mean obviously I had more than enough for college, so the leftover money I invested in stocks."
"Austin you realize that your parents left you a million dollars in total so far and for all you know they could have another account out there that you'll get when you retire or something?"
"Ally, you knew that my family had money, they still do. Why is this so surprising to you?"
I thought for a second, why was I so worked up. I mean he was right, I knew they owned a very successful mattress empire and with that they made a boatload of money and I guess selling it would make even more. Plus Austin was an only child which meant he got everything. It all did kinda make sense in the end.
"Als?" Austin asked after I didn't respond.
"Sorry, I was just thinking it over and I guess it does make sense, seeing as you were the sole inheritor."
He smiled. "Ok, so seeing as I have the money why don't we just use the 800,000 dollars to buy our house, I mean it probably won't be anywhere near that much so, we won't even need a loan. Als, we could own our first house within a month if we wanted to."
My smile faltered slightly. "No, you would own our first house within a month. I wouldn't own anything, it's your money."
His face softened as he took my hand. "Ally, the day my mother died, she told me that with only the short amount of time knowing you she knew that we were meant to be. She told me that if I was smart, which she knew I was, that I would never let you walk out of my life and I don't plan to."
"Austin I know this, you tell me this everyday. I'm not going-"
"Als, let me finish. They left me this money to start my life, my life with you. They gave me this so I could give you all the happiness you deserve. So if we use it to buy a house you better believe your name will be on it, because without you, there would be no house or money or…" His voice faded off, not finishing the sentence but I knew what was coming next.
"Hey, I get it. But, lets put that a side and be happy right now. Planning your future is supposed to be a happy event not a sad one right?" I smiled at him and his smile soon returned as well.
"Ok, so shall we start house hunting or?"
He reached over a pulled out a big white envelope from the mail pile. "Well, here is all the information they sent me yesterday about the job. I had my aunt forward it here." He handed me the packet and I sifted through it, reading over everything, absorbing it all.
Truth was, this was an amazing job offer, and anyone would be stupid to pass this up. I watched him as he looked at house listings in the cleveland ohio area. I couldn't believe how far Austin had come from being that scared orphaned teenager. He was now a successful, engineer. He was my engineer that I loved with every inch of my being. I knew his parents would be so proud of him, but I couldn't quite tell if he knew.
"Austin?" I said weakly, seeing if he was listening.
"Yeah?" He looked up from what he was doing, meeting me eyes with his brown pools speckled with gold.
"I'm proud of you, and I know your parents would be too if they were here to see you."
He smiled. "Thanks Als, that means a lot."
We went back to working almost silently, except for the occasional comments and concerns from both parties. He and I looked for house in our budget in the Cleveland, Ohio region, taking note of ones we wanted to further pursue and writing it down for when we made our trip up there sometime next week.
I had also booked our flight and hotel for that, Austin already had to go up for a his final meeting with Westlake Reed, and his first in person. I knew he would kill it though. While he was doing that I was going to be scoping out the area and also searching the surrounding school districts for music teacher openings. I would even take a substitute job just to get my foot in the door, considering I did have my teaching degree in music theory and early education.
After a few hours or so we were finalizing our to do list for our trip to Ohio. We had written down all the tasks that needed to be accomplished along with a few personally fun things we would do just to enjoy our trip together. Number one on the list though was to find a house, because we didn't know when Austin would need to start and without a place to stay we would have to choose a hotel, on top of that, when Austin did start working his availability to go house hunting decreased greatly.
We had a lot to do with not a lot of time to do it. But if there was anything Austin and I were good at was making things work against all odds. Either way we would be together, some how, no matter how hard it was or how long it took. We always ended up next to one another at the end of the day.
And that was worth the headaches.
I hope you guys liked it! Talk to you soon! Please review it is greatly appreciated! LOVE YOU ALL! SO THANKFUL, but must run to class! XOXOX
