Ally's POV

I am so beyond happy. I'm so glad I left New York, and I'm now here in Chicago with my friends. I missed them so much, especially Austin!

I haven't had the discussion with Austin yet, the party lasted for so long, so when it was over, I went straight to bed. I bet he'll want to talk sometime today, and I do too.

But, its hard. Last night, seeing him again after being apart, was absolutely amazing. When he hugged me, I didn't want him to let go. I'm not exactly positive, but I think my feelings for Austin are heading past being friends. I think I'm falling for him. Which cannot be good.

How can I be music partners with him if I have a crush on him? It would be super awkward all of the time, and that would be terrible.

And of course, I can't TELL him. That would totally ruin our friendship, and I definitely do not want that.

What if he likes me too? He doesn't. He made himself very clear a long time ago that we are just friends. You know, back when he read my songbook. He thought I had a crush on him, and he flipped out, trying to get me to not like him. We even wrote a song about it! Not a love song. So yeah, can't really tell him where my feelings are heading. No. Way.

So, basically I'll just be miserable. Being with Austin, but not BEING with Austin. This may prove to be too difficult for me to handle. We'll see.

Love,

Ally

I closed my songbook as Austin walked up to me.

"Ally, hey. I've been looking everywhere for you." Everywhere? I was in my room...

"Oh? Well, I've been writing a new song."

"Sweet, can I hear it?"

"No, no, no. I'm not done, and I don't want you to hear it til its finished,"

"Haha, okay. So, Alls. How was New York? Really."

I could tell he genuinely cared, so I told him the truth. "To be honest, it wasn't that great."

"But, you got to see your mom,"

"Only for two days, and barely at all. She was working after all. And then, those copyright issues were unneccessary too. I felt useless, and lonely, there all alone,"

"Oh Ally. But, what did One Direction want?"

"Well..." But he then cut me off. He looked like he had enough, I couldn't blame him.

"Ally, you refused to call me for four days, when you promised you would. Every time I ask what One Direction wanted, you go silent and distant, and you change the subject. So please, spare me, and just tell me already,"

So I told him, very quickly, to shut him up mostly, not wanting to see him mad. "One Direction wants me to become a songwriter for them and leave you."

I said it so quickly, I didn't know if he could even understand me. But, when I looked up, I could tell he heard. He knew exactly what I said. All of the color drained from his face, he looked shocked.

"What?" He looked to be in disbelief.

"They want me to leave you behind and write for them exclusively."

"And?"

"And what?"

"What did you say?"

I could tell what he wanted to hear. I knew what he expected to hear. He always hopes for the best, but expects the worst. I was about to tell him my reply to One Direction's offer when Trish barged in.

"Austin! Get out! You need to get ready for the party! Also, I heard that you may get to perform a song tonight, so you need to make sure that's ready. And, woah, am I interrupting something?"

I guess Trish could see the desperate look on Austin's face. How stunned and shocked he really was. It made me hate myself.

"Nope! Just about to get ready for the party myself. Austin you should go and get ready."

"But-"

Trish then yelled "NOW AUSTIN!"

He got up, with a stunned look on his face. I should've told him my answer. He left the room, without a single word. He didn't even look back. And, that broke my heart. I hurt him, without meaning to. It was the last thing I wanted to do.

But, the truth is. I haven't answered One Direction yet. I was supposed to meet with them yesterday, but I came to Chicago instead. I told them I'd be in touch with an answer soon.

But, I don't know what to do. Can I really pass up a huge opportunity like that?

I guess Austin could realize that I haven't told him, because it isn't good news for him. Otherwise, why wouldn't I just tell him? I need to make a decision, and I need to make it today. I can't let Austin worry anymore. He needs to know which I choose. Him, or One Direction.

I don't think my heart can bear this. Getting into my new party dress, I let one tear slide down my cheek. This would be my hardest decision ever.