His arms encircled her as she cried on his shoulder.
"Hey, hey! What's wrong?"
"Oh Austin! She sobbed against his chest.
"Shhh... It's okay. Everything will be okay." He said softly.
She sighed in his arms, grateful for his friendship.
"I-I'm sorry." She said when she finally pulled out of his arms.
"Don't be sorry. I've just... I've never seen you this upset before."
"I know..."
"You looked so happy earlier. What happened? Was it Tyler?"
"Yes." She nodded tearfully.
"Oh God, what happened?"
"Um... He..."
Austin rubbed her back in an effort to calm her. "It's all right. Just... take your time."
"Okay, well... We were at the theater and I was trying to get him to put his arm around me or hold my hand. I-I mean, I really wanted him to, but then... Well... He made us leave."
"What? Why?"
Ally began to sob again. "H-he said that it wasn't working out between us and he... um... wants to get back together with his ex-girlfriend... Wendy!"
Austin hugged her warmly. "Oh man! Oh Ally I'm so sorry! I just can't believe what a jerk he turned out to be! This is all my fault!"
"No, It's not your fault at all, Austin! I'm the one who was dumb enough to go out with him! I should have known this was too good to be true! I mean the guy made us take a bus to the movies!"
Austin smiled and rubbed her back. "You're not dumb, Ally.
She raised her head and smiled at him. "I-I'm not?"
"No way! You're awesome! And in fact, I think you're really smart... And sweet, talented, pretty.. And a great friend."
Ally gasped in surprise. "You really think I'm pretty?"
"Well, yeah! And Tyler obviously couldn't see that, so I guess that makes him the dumb one."
"Thank you, Austin." Ally said, hugging her best friend.
"Sure, anytime! Well, I really should get going, but I'll see you tomorrow?"
Ally smiled. "Definitely."
"Bye Ally."
"Bye Austin."
As Austin walked out of the store, Ally waved to him, wondering what she'd done to deserve such a wonderful friend.