-Austin's POV-

Months have passed. We were on summer vacation already. We are going to be seniors. Ally's mom hasn't come home yet. She was supposed to, but keeps delaying her trip due to her study. I feel bad about it because Ally doesn't do much anymore. Her and I work on songs and that's about it. We haven't done much at all.

Ally has a boyfriend…Yeah, she has a boyfriend…No it's not me. They've been dating since March. His name is Elliot. He's sort of a prick. I personally hate him. I've never liked him. Not because he's dating Ally, but because he's a straight up asshole. He's one of those people that think just because their GPA is over a 4.0, they're superior.

Now that I think of it, Ally and I spend less and less time together. I'm usually with Dez while Ally is usually at home or with Trish or even Elliot. But lately, she hasn't been with Trish at all, nor has she been with Elliot. She's been home. I stop by Sonic Boom quite often and ask about her. Her dad never tells me anything, he tells me that she's fine and is just overwhelmed with her AP summer packets. I don't believe any word of that.

I walked into her backyard and climbed that awful tree once again. I told myself sneaking into her room once was the worst idea, I don't know why I'm doing this now.

I sat on her ledge and knocked until she came. She looked different. She didn't have her bubbly personality; she was boring and almost lifeless.

"What are you doing here? It's midnight," she stuttered.

"Where have you been? I haven't seen you in a few weeks. You've had me worried. I thought you were dead," I whisper-yelled. She just looked at me with those big brown eyes. I could never be mad at her. One look and I get weak.

"I've been home, why?" she retorted.

"What's wrong? I know something is wrong," I looked at her. I know her well enough that I can tell something is off.

"My mom isn't coming home," she cried.

"Ally, I'm so sorry. Is she…?" I hugged her.

"Dead? No. Just really, really sick," she cried ever harder.

"How sick?"

"She's not allowed in the United States until she gets the virus or whatever she has out of her," she shut her eyes.

"Ally, she'll get better. I know she will," I pulled her closer.

"Austin, stay with me," she sobbed.

"Anything for you, Als," I smiled.

"I'm sorry you don't have a change of clothes, but I have a pair of sweatpants you let me borrow the last time I stayed at your house. You've obviously gotten taller since, but they'll still accommodate your needs," she rambled. Ally always rambled. Especially when she was anxious about something.

"Also, I'm sorry it's summer and it'll be hot and yeah. I'm sorry, I really am," she looked at me.

"It's fine, Ally. It's the thought that counts," I hugged her.

She turned around while I put on the sweatpants. They were a little too short for me, but it's better than sleeping in jeans.

Ally wore a huge shirt; it probably belonged to Elliot or her dad. Most likely her dad, because Elliot is about my size and that is definitely too big for me.

"Ally, it's really hot in your room," I groaned.

"I know. It's awful isn't it? I have about three fans on. It's this damn heat wave we're having. Austin, if you're warm you can take off your shirt. I don't mind," she mumbled.

"I was about to anyway," I smirked.

This time I was in bed with Ally was different. She didn't curl up next to me; she didn't let me hold her, or anything. I slid my arm around her waist and she jumped.

"I'm dating Elliot," her breath hitched.

"You don't seem too happy about it," I mumbled.

"No, it's just. He doesn't like you," she stuttered. Well point out the obvious Ally. Elliot and I hate each other.

"You don't love him, do you?" I glared at her.

"No, I don't believe in love," she mumbled.

"Why not?"

"I just don't. I've never felt love or had someone that loved me. Well besides my parents, you get the picture."

"Ally?" I looked at her.

"Yeah?"

"Never mind," I sighed.

"What is it?" she turned around.

"You'll find someone that loves you. Now what's really bothering you?"

"How do you feel when someone loves you? You've had a girlfriend before Cassidy, right?" I nodded at her.

"Your heart starts to race, you feel butterflies when you look at them, you never want to get their face out of your head. You want to be with them forever," I breathed heavily.

"That's not what's bothering you though" I added.

"Elliot doesn't want us to be friends…" that sentence killed me. It felt like I've been shot in the stomach more times than I could count.

"Do you love him?" I repeated.

"No. It's just I don't want to stop being your friend, but I don't want to lose him either. Austin, you're my best friend and I would do whatever it takes to change his mind," she sobbed.

"Ally, just dump that jerk. He's no good for you," I blurted out.

"What?" she looked at me.

"I hate Elliot. I'm going to flat out tell you that. I don't like him. He's a jerk, he cares about himself and only himself, he's only dating you to spite me," I hissed.

"What do you mean?" she looked at me.

"He hates me. You know why he hates me, he probably told you," she froze

"Whatever. I just miss my best friend," I stuttered.

"Austin…" she whispered.

"Listen, just forget it. Let's go to sleep," I mumbled.

"You're just making this a lot worse," she sighed.

"I'm sorry," I pulled her closer to me. "I'm so sorry."

"We'll talk in the morning. Goodnight, Austin," she sighed and rolled over.