Ally's POV
Being back in Miami has a different feel to it. I guess it's maybe because my friends aren't here.
Sonic Boom practically has no "life". Since Austin and Dez are no longer here messing around with the instruments, the store generally stays quiet throughout the day. No musical instruments being used for fun whatsoever. It's peaceful; I liked it. Except for the fact that if feels really empty. Not even Trish would be able walk into the store bringing the news of her new job. Well, I suppose this is what it was like before meeting Austin.
Wow, before meeting Austin. Life was just ordinary before that day.
On another note, when I got off the airplane in Miami, my mom was there waiting for me. Immediately, I ran up to her and gave her a tight hug. We had that normal mother and daughter reunion with the hugging and the 'I missed you!' talk and all that.
When my mom helped me put my luggage in the car for the ride, we decided to go to the hospital and visit Dad. He's been there for a couple days now. The injuries weren't too major, other than two minor shots. There was one in his right arm and right leg. That's what the doctor told us before going into his room.
Upon going into the hospital room my dad was located in, he was sound asleep. He looked so peaceful; almost looking as if he wasn't hurt. Though, I saw his right arm bandaged with white wrap.
I walked over to Dad with my mom watching behind me. I rubbed my hand back and forth on his shoulder and watched his chest move up and down. His breaths came in and out smoothly and calmly to show a steady recovery progress. Mom came to my side after a couple minutes and we watched Dad sleep peacefully. I'm glad that he was going to be okay and well again soon.
But the thing now is; I have almost all the time I can ever want on my hands. I can actually write as many as songs as I want before Austin, Trish, and Dez get back. I can go cloud watching in the park for at least a good hour a day. I can dust the instruments in Sonic Boom every day after closing time. I can even go out for a jog in the morning if I wanted to.
That is how much time I actually have on my hands.
There's one thing that bothers me though. I think I have way too much time now.
Time has never been on my side before. My schedule would always be filled up and I would never have free time. But now, I have more free time than Austin has pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And, Austin has a lot of pancakes, which is saying a whole bunch for me.
Deciding to close up shop, I take my phone and book, and go for a walk somewhere. I wish the mall pond was still here; that would have been nice. But, there's this one special place I like going to that is even better. It has been years since I've gone, and on top of that, only Trish knows about my secret hideout.
Did I say secret hideout? Why yes, yes I did.
Behind the parking lot outside of the mall, there's a small forest full of trees covered in dark green leaves. It cuts off its boundaries with a metal wired fence. Though, I was able to cut a hole through the fence and then mask it with an old branch with numerous leaves. I take a look around to see if anyone will be able to see me cross the fence barrier. Luckily, no one is currently in the parking lot, so I slip through the fence hole and cross the boundary; making sure to cover up any evidence that I was here.
A few leaves beneath crunch as I walk through the woods. I push several low branches out of my way to clear my path. The birds chirp beautifully heights above me. My grip on my songbook tightens as if something's wrong, even though there isn't.
Then, I see it: the old tree house.
This tree house in particular I actually didn't build or own. One day years ago, Trish and I were wandering in this forest and came across the contraption. Though I resisted at first, we climbed up the ladder to take a look at the view up top. I have to admit; it was purely awesome. I mean, on one side in the distance, there was the Miami Beach and you could still smell sea salt from afar. On the right side, city lights glowed when dark at night; the city showing off its fortune and glam. I could imagine the amazing view again – temptation grows inside me to climb.
I check the ladder's stability to make sure it's perfectly safe to climb. Truth is; it's been nearly three years since I've been here. I remember the last time as when getting my stage fright. This place was my secret sanctuary that gave me peace and hope.
Climbing up the ladder, I get suddenly conscious of gaining splinters on my hands even though I never worried about it before. For some reason, I feel like I might slip and fall off the ladder, but I remind myself of the brave and courageous the girl that had taken over months ago when she overcame her worst fear. This is who I am now: brave and courageous – not shy or quiet.
At the top of the tree house, I look out its open window and look at the two different sides of Miami – my one home. In all honesty, I have never ever seen a landscape that could be so breathtaking. Miami had its two different sides: the calm oceanic beach and the exciting city side. How could be home be any more perfect than it is now?
Hold that thought – the sun is setting. That means the sky turns from shades of light blue into tints of orange, pink, and purple. Now, what could be more perfect?
Okay, so maybe I forgot one more detail to add to this perfect moment. Or rather, one more person to add to this perfect moment. And, obviously, everyone would know who the special guy I'd want to share this precious time and moment with.
But, if someone doesn't know… Well, it's Austin. Though, it really is obvious. It's like how everyone knows that I love my pickles as much as Austin loves his pancakes. I really do wish Austin was here with me right now though. We would be side by side: holding hands, cuddling together, talking to each other. Oh, how it sounds so perfect!
I decide to sit down on the hard wooden floor, which I oddly find quite comfortable. This tree house is not too shabby, I'd say. My songbook lies down beside me and even though I brought it so that I can write in it, I decide not to.
Leaning back against the wall, I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. Nature is filled with beauty and Miami is definitely full of it.
A gentle breeze flows through my hair and I absorb that great feeling too. It's such a nice feeling. Serenity is what it would be called.
I stay in my current position for a while; memories of me coming up to this special hideout of mine going through my mind. I totally forgot how much I loved coming up here.
Unsuspecting to me, sleep comes and takes over my body, and I drift off to Ally Land.
CHIRP. CHIRP.
I blink; letting my eyes open. Around me, crickets chirp and owls hoot. I spot the moon in the night sky from the window.
Hold on a second – night sky?!
Shoot! I've been here too long! Mom and Dad are probably worried sick about me! Grabbing my songbook, I hurriedly climb out of the tree house and down its ladder.
Looking around, it's almost completely dark. Shadows from the trees form in shapes of monsters I used to be scared of as a child. Due to being slightly lightheaded from my nap, I can't remember which way I came. So, I start running straight.
I try to find any possible landmarks that might help me out, but everything looks the same. I can only see trees and leaves which are all identical. Nothing of Mother Nature's possessions can help me now; especially at a time this late at night. I don't even know what time it is at the moment. Though, I don't bother to check my phone.
I continue to run; anxious to get out of this forest maze. Everything's so dark and I can't see, but I continue to run. I just can't afford for my parents to think that I've gotten hurt or something. What would they think?
My brain tries to navigate my body and trace back my steps to the hole in the fence. But, all I see is forest. It's forest, forest, forest! How can that even be possible? I should be in the mall parking lot by now.
Leaves continue to crunch in rapid bits under my feet. A windy breeze runs through my hair as I slow down to a jog in the woods. I don't even know where I am. Ally Dawson is not a quitter though. I pick up my pace and run past the tall trees and push the branches out of the way. Then, I finally am able to spot it.
Somehow, I spot the forest fence exit a good – I'm guessing here – fifty feet away from my current location. I allow myself to simply walk towards the exit.
Finally.
As I walk towards the exit though, I trip on what I believe to be a root stump and fall on my face. In the process I twist my leg and –
SNAP!
"Ah!" I scream out; also adding a small curse under my breath. I attempt to pick myself up and stand, but I fall back down. Slowly, I crawl to the nearest tree trunk and lay my back against the bark. I pull my phone out of my pocket and pull up a flashlight app.
I examine what could be a major wound on my left ankle. The light scans the injury which is covered in drips of blood and a gash mark. I can feel my ankle throbbing with pain that's almost unbearable. Actually, it doesn't look too bad, but looks can be deceiving. I personally don't think I can walk home in this condition.
Then, I figured that it just might be for the best that I call my parents to find me. It's worth a shot, right? I don't even care about getting in trouble anymore.
As I dial the third digit for my house number, a warning message pops up on my phone.
LOW BATTERY
Shoot. I try to ignore the warning message and continue dialing the number. Just as I'm about to press the Call button though, my phone immediately turns off. I'm too late.
Why, how fantastic…
With no ability to walk, and no way of communicating, I'm stuck where I am. No getting out of this situation. Now, I really do wish Austin was here with me. Where are my friends when I need them?!
I shut my eyes; attempting to ease my panic and a bit of pain. What do I do?
Oh, that's right. I can't do anything.
The feel of sleepiness dawns on me and my eyes remain closed. I let my brain relax and hope that this is all just one crazy dream.