IM SORRY IM LATE! My laptop didn't have charge and I left the charger at home when I was planning on updating and I just came home from my grandma's for my cousin's graduation. But here is the last chapter! I feel like I'm going to cry, I appreciate the support you gave to this amazing story, all those reviews made me and the original author very happy, and I feel like I can't thank enough!

I also want to give a shout out to lonelygirllovestories. Thank you so much for your words, they make me feel amazing and I can't regret to adapt this story, all you told me made me have so much respect for you. You are an amazing girl and the only thing I can do is thank you for your constant support that was the purpose of posting this, to show the world the amazing story that this is. Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: The characters of Austin & Ally belong to Disney and the story belongs to Red as a Rose01 in the Twilight fandom, I just adapt the story. I owe nothing.

Enjoy!

Chapter 25: Back to Normal?

I watched the fan spin round and round and round instead of listening to the client in front of me. I tried to focus on what she was saying, but it wasn't really happening.

Come on Ally. Please try to focus. My mind seemed to have given up hope as well.

With much effort, her words finally started to register in my head.

"We have already decided on a theme," Rebecca informed me. I think she said her name was Rebecca.

"Really, and what might that be?" I asked, trying to sound interested, but my voice sounded lifeless to me so I'm sure Rebecca could hear it. However, she didn't comment on it.

"Yes. We have decided to go with 1950's Hollywood glamour." Excitement oozed from her voice, only her excitement created nothing within me.

"That's great," I replied in my monotone voice while forcing a smile.

"Thank you. We don't want a big fuss; just something simple. Close family and friends."

"Sounds lovely," I sighed.

"Ok. Well I need to get going now. I have to pick up my daughter from school," Rebecca said, standing up from her chair.

"Sure, I'll show you out." I stood from my chair to shake Rebecca's hand before walking outside my office door.

"Thank you Ally, I'll speak to you soon." Rebecca smiled a sweet smile before waving and walking off down the corridor.

I released a deep breath. I felt tired. Not just physically but mentally.

"Are you ok Ally?" Jayde asked from her desk.

"I'm fine." I wasn't but I had said those words so often in the last three weeks I was almost starting to believe them.

The look she gave told me she didn't believe a word I had just said. I was suffering and she knew it. Hell, everyone knew it. I wasn't exactly hiding my feelings. She ignored our last exchange and changed the subject.

"Are you ready for tonight Ally?" Jayde asked.

Tonight? What was happening tonight?

Oh wait. I remember.

Tonight was the 'Wedding Seasonal Ball'. It was a major event held once a year where the most successful and exclusive people involved within the wedding industry would come together. It was an amazing place to gain important contacts. I normally enjoyed this event. However, this year I wasn't feeling it.

"No. I'm not going," I told Jayde. She did a double take. Unsure if she had heard me right.

"What? Why?"

"Don't feel like it." I shrugged.

"But Ally." I walked back into my office, closing the door before she had a chance to say anything else.

I literally fell into my chair.

Everything had changed now. I felt miserable, depressed and emotionless. I found it hard to care about anything.

This is me now.

I have had absolutely no contact with any member of the Moon family for over four weeks now. Carrie, Piper and Austin had all tried to get in contact with me but to no avail. They had left endless messages and even sent gifts (in Austin's case) but I was still holding my ground. I was hurting them and I knew it but it was the best thing to do. It was hurting me too. Nothing was the same anymore. I got up at 6:00 every morning, dressed appropriately, came to work, did my work to standards as I always did, I smiled and laughed when it was needed but it was all a show. Inside I was falling apart.

Everything I did lacked emotion.

I was empty.

I was practically in my own world. I had no idea what was going on around me anymore. And I did not care.

At 4:00 o'clock everyone started packing up and leaving early to get ready for tonight, meaning I got to go home early. I said bye to everyone before running out of the building to get a taxi. I had stopped driving as my mind seemed to wonder a lot at the moment, I found myself becoming distracted a lot more and driving while I was prone to drifting wasn't a good idea. I got home in record time. As soon as the front door closed I made my way to my bedroom where I removed my makeup, unpinned my hair, changed into tracksuit bottoms and Austin's t-shirt before climbing into my bed, pulling the cover over my head.

This had become my routine recently. I would just lie here, only getting up to use the bathroom or for food. I would just lay here with my thoughts and crying. I never cried in public so this was the only way to let out my built up emotions.

I don't know how long I lay there but the doorbell ringing brought me out of my daydream about a brown eyed, blonde haired little girl. This was going way too far. The doorbell rang again but I made no move to answer it. I just let the tears fall. Whoever was at the door seemed to have got the message because the doorbell had stopped ringing.

I fell back into my own little world; a world I knew I would never be a part of again. That realization brought on an even stronger batch of tears. I was so wrapped up in my own sorrow I didn't hear anyone enter my room.

"Ally?" Someone called directly into my ear. I literally jumped out of my skin and started screaming. I looked around for something to use as a weapon. Only my eyes were blurry from the un-fallen tears.

"Ally! Calm down it's just us." My vision cleared and focused on the two uninvited guests present in my bedroom.

Trish was standing at the side of my bed; her hands held up in surrender, she looked scared and shocked at my reaction. Sinead stood further back, only she looked smug and amused.

"How did you even get in here?" I asked, irritated.

"Through the front door obviously," Trish said holding up the spare key I had given her in case of emergencies.

"I want my house key back," I sighed, throwing myself back onto the bed pulling the duvet over my head. They remained completely silent until I had enough of the lack of noise I sat up in bed, removing the duvet from my head. They were standing in the exact same positions.

"Why are you here?"

"We're here to get you ready for the ball." The 'duh' in Sinead's sentence was impossible to miss.

"I told you I'm not going."

"Yeah and we're telling you that you are."

"I don't want to," I said in a weak voice.

Trish came and sat down on the bed next to me, taking my hand.

"Look Ally. You can't carry on like this."

"I'm fine." This was my automatic response whenever someone questioned my mood. Normally people seemed ok with that response but not today.

"NO! YOU'RE NOT FINE!" Sinead exclaimed before sighing and sitting on the other side of the bed, taking my other hand.

"Stop saying you're okay, when your clearly not," Trish added for good measure.

"We know you're not ok. We have never seen you like this Ally. Frankly it's scaring the crap out of us." Sinead was never one for emotional talks so I was surprised that she was participating in this.

They didn't get!

"I'm trying! Ok. It's not easy! You don't understand."

"No Alls, you're right, we don't understand. We have never been through something like this before. So you need to help us understand."

"I LOVE HIM! Ok! It was a mistake that wasn't meant to happen and now I'm paying for it. I haven't spoken or seen him or any of the Moon's in weeks. I will never see or talk to him again."

"What?" Sinead asked in shock and confusion.

"Why did you do that?" Trish had more control and asked me straight out.

"I made that choice to stop running away from the problems I have created between me and him, I had to face it head on. It wasn't an easy decision."

"That's just it Ally, you're not facing it, you're running away again. You're doing exactly what you said you weren't going to do anymore."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are! If you were really trying to face this you would have stayed in contact with him. You would allow him to talk to you instead of running off every time he comes near you!" Trish let out a long breath. "Look Alls, I'm not telling you how to live your life but you're making a mistake. You have to stop running. Face him, talk to him."

I remained silent, letting Trish's words sink in. I knew she was right I just didn't know what to do.

Should I talk to him?

Just to hear his side.

It was so tempting.

"Anyway! Enough of all this soppy emotional stuff," Sinead said after a few moments of silence. "We are going to the Wedding seasonal ball and yes Ally, you are coming with us whether you like it or not."

Sinead left the bedroom and walked into the bathroom. I heard water running. Clearly she was running me a bath.

"Ok Ally, Do you have something to wear?" Trish asked; I nodded.

Yes, I already had a dress. Months ago Carrie had found out about this ball. She had squealed and begged me to let her choose my dress. In the end I gave up and let her have her fun. Apparently she had gone through every single item of clothing she had ever designed but couldn't find the 'right dress', so she decided to design and make my dress instead. When I found out, I went mad. She ignored me of course and wouldn't accept any form payment when she delivered the dressed to my house. She had banned me from looking at it until tonight but after the wedding I had put it to the very back of my closet so I wouldn't have a reminder of her kindness. However, I was curious to see what she had created for me.

I pulled myself out of bed and walked into my closet to retrieve the dress bag. I hung it on the front of the closet door. There was a small pink envelope pinned to the front of the bag. I removed it and opened it.

Ally,

I swear if you're reading this before the night of the ball I will kill you!

However, if you are reading this on the night of the ball, surprise! I know you were upset with me for designing this dress, but trust me; you're going to love it.

It's one of my best creations if I do say so myself. I actually plan to release a limited number of the dress after you've worn it. Real quick, just wanted you to know that we all love you very much and love that you're a part of our lives.

I have a feeling something is going to happen soon and felt like I needed to tell you that.

Anyway, hope you love the dress.

Love Carrie

PS: Model it properly! And take pictures!

Tears slowly slid from my eyes but I was smiling down at the piece of card in my hand.

Typical Carrie. I really miss her, I miss them all. I put the card on my bed and wiped the tears from my eyes. I made my decision. I turned my attention back to the dress, unzipping the bag. My hand flew to my mouth in shock as the dress was revealed to me. The tears started again. It was a deep blue, floor length, halter neck dress with a pleated bodice.

It was beautiful.

"Oh, Wow. That's amazing." I had completely forgotten I had company. I turned to look at my company. Trish looked in awe and Sinead- who had re-entered the bedroom- looked impressed.

"Is that one of Carrie's?" Trish asked. I nodded.

"I've never seen that dress in her stuff before," Sinead commented. She was a big follower of Carrie's clothing line.

"She designed it for me." I choked out.

"REALLY? Oh my gosh. That is so cool," Trish squealed.

I didn't respond; I just stared at the dress. This was the last piece of the Moon's I would ever have. This was the last part of that part of my life I could enjoy without consequences. A short sob escaped my throat.

"Come on." Sinead pulled me away from the dress, guiding me to the bathroom where a hot bath waited.

"Thanks," I whispered to Sinead.

"It's ok Ally." She smiled back before leaving the bathroom. I climbed into the bath, the hot water relaxing my tense muscles. Trish helped me wash my hair before helping me out of the bath.

When I entered the bedroom, Trish guided me to my dressing table where Sinead began to untangle the mess that was my hair. When she managed to rip the knots from my hair, she straightened then curled it so it flowed down my back in soft, elegant waves. After my hair was done Trish took over; applying light, gentle make-up to my face giving me a natural look.

I look pretty but I was still failing to see the point of this.

After my hair and makeup was complete Trish and Sinead started on theirs holding up a continuous conversation with me. They were talking about everything from Johnny Depp to handbags. However, we avoided the subject of men, as that was a sore subject for me. When Trish and Sinead had done their hair, make-up and put their dresses on, they helped me into mine.

The satin slid across my skin as Trish zipped me up. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I looked amazing. My hair was soft and elegant as was my make-up. The paleness of my skin contrasted with the darkness of my hair. The blue of the dress brought out my eyes and was perfect for my skin tone. Carrie knew how to do her job. The dress itself was amazing. I would so have to thank her for this.

Oh, wait I couldn't do that.

I looked away from the mirror.

Upset again, tears filled my eyes.

"No Ally." Sinead pulled my chin up to look me in my eyes. "Don't cry honey."

"Yeah; you will ruin the mascara," Trish added in a jokey way, trying to bring me out of my depressed state.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The limo pulled up to the front of the venue. There was a red carpet leading up to the doors and hundreds of flashing cameras. I forced myself to smile and then to hold that expression as we stepped out of the limo. Camera's started flashing automatically, causing me to blink repeatedly. I stopped very briefly, smiling at some cameras before turning and walking away very quickly.

I didn't need this right now.

As we walked the red carpet, we were greeted by Jace- the snow machine guy. He was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and tie. I noticed how his eyes were glued to Trish.

"Hey Jace," I said out loud, drawing his attention away from a blushing Trish.

"Hello Ally. It's good to see you again. You look amazing."

"Thank you Jace. It's nice to see you too."

"Hi Trish. You look beautiful." A slight blushed colored his cheeks.

"Thank you Jace. So do you." I raised an eyebrow at that comment. Realizing what she had said Trish was quick to correct herself. "Not beautiful. I'm mean, you look...good"

I found myself giggling genuinely for the first time in months. Jace took Trish's hand and led her out to the dance floor. As they left a tall, dark and totally gorgeous guy approached me and Sinead.

"Fancy a dance miss?" He said, holding his hand out to Sinead.

"Ummmmmm…" I could see the excitement in her eyes but then her eyes flicked to me. I smiled.

"Go on."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm just going to sit down for a while." I pointed towards a spare table.

"Okay. Well I'll just be over there if you need me," Sinead reassured me, smiling gently before I walked away from her over to the table.

The ballroom was grand of course. The floors were marble, there was crystal everywhere and every single person in this room was dressed in their finest. A few weeks ago the beauty of the ballroom and everyone in formal wear would have caught my attention but now I could not care less. I didn't even want to be here. I took a glass of champagne off one of the passing trays and took a seat at one the empty tables situated on the side of the ballroom.

I hoped to blend into the walls. No such luck.

It seemed that every single person in this place felt the need to say something to me. I tried to uphold polite conversation with everyone, bearing in mind that this was my job and I could possibly work with everyone in this room at a later point. After a 45 minute conversation with Vera Wang I felt like my head was going to explode. Someone sat down on the chair opposite me. I didn't even bother to look over and see who it was.

"Hi. I don't mean to be rude but I have a really bad headache and I'm not in the best mood for a conversation right now." The person didn't respond, instead they just took hold of my hand that was lying on the table. I was shocked not only at the gesture, but the similar electrical current I felt running through me.

There was only one person who brought out that reaction in me.

I turned my head to look at our entwined hands on the table before slowly lifting my head where I was greeted with two deep pools of brown; two hypnotic, chocolate eyes that I had missed so badly.

Austin.

My breath hitched as my heart started racing. I had forgotten how gorgeous he was. Wait, this shouldn't be happening.

Why was he here? What else did he want from me? I removed my hand from his as I finally managed to find my voice.

"What do you want Austin?" He ignored my question.

"You look stunning Ally."

Don't do this to me please! I ignored his compliment and asked another question.

"What are you doing here?" My voice was harsher and he knew it was safer to just answer my question.

"I wanted to see you Ally. I needed to see you."

"Yeah, well now you have so you can go now." I stood and started to walk away but he grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"Ally please. Just let me talk to you and if you still want me to go I will. I will leave and you'll never see me again." That last statement hurt. I didn't like the idea of never seeing him again. I sighed, exhausted.

What harm could it do?

"Fine," I said in a cold, monotone voice, hoping to display an attitude of not caring about what he had to say.

I left the ballroom, walking outside into the gardens. I walked a fair distance from the hall so nobody would over hear. I stopped walking then turned to face Austin. We both said nothing. We just looked at each other not saying a word. After a few minutes of silence Austin spoke up.

"How are you?" He asked. Oh how I missed his voice.

I laughed in disbelief.

"You didn't come here for pleasantries. What can I do for you?" I was surprised I managed to keep my voice under control.

Just seeing him had sent my emotions haywire. He sighed before running his hand through his hair; something he did when he was nervous.

"I need to see you. I've been ringing and trying to get in contact with you for over four weeks. Only you're not returning my calls."

"Of course I haven't replied. I told you that I wanted nothing to do with you or your family ever again."

"Really, is that what you want?"

"Yes." No, it was the complete opposite of what I wanted.

"Cut the crap Ally!" His voice had some steel behind it. "You're not fooling me. I know you don't want that."

"Don't tell me what I want. You have no idea what I want. How dare you even think that you can just appear and tell me how I'm feeling..." I couldn't stop talking, the walls were breaking.

"Ally." He tried to interrupt me but I wasn't finished.

"Why are you here Austin? Huh? What do you want? Do you enjoy seeing me like this?" I questioned. I was beginning to think that he got enjoyment out of my pain.

I was getting really angry now.

"Ally." He tried again but I couldn't stop myself from pouring my heart out.

"If you've come here to hurt me again then you can just piss off!" I exclaimed.

"ALLY! SHUT UP!" My words fell silent.

Austin had never raised his voice at me before. I was shocked to say the least. The shock must have been evident on my face because he sighed before running his hands through that gorgeous blonde hair of his.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout," he apologized but I didn't say anything, I just stared at him. "Look Ally I know I have screwed up. I know that I have really hurt you. Believe me when I say that was never my intention. I would never do anything to purposely hurt you. I know that I haven't dealt with this situation in the best way and there was a lot more that I could have done to make things better, Carrie and Piper were nice enough to point that out to me."

I was slight distracted by the ideas of what Carrie and Piper had said to him. It probably wasn't very pleasant. I shook my head to clear the images of Piper throwing things at Austin and focused on the guy in front of me.

He looked tired; drained almost.

"Why are you here, Austin?" I was desperate to get this over with so I could go back to living in my depressing world and pretending that I was ok.

"I have to say something to you. I've tried so many times but every time I was close to telling you either you would run from me or I'd chicken out." He looked nervous.

I stayed silent, waiting for him to finish talking. He looked scared, really frightened. There were a few drops of perspiration on his head and he was shaking slightly. Why was he so nervous?

"What? What do you need to say?" I asked hesitantly. I wasn't sure I would like what he had to say.

He took a very deep breath before looking me directly in my eyes.

"I love you." He spoke those words with clarity and confidence.

I was in shock.

Did he just say what I think he did? Yes he did. Why is he doing this to me?

"Don't Austin. Do not say that," I begged him but he just ignored me.

He walked forward until he was standing directly in front of me. His body flush with mine. His hands cupped my face as I closed my eyes.

"Look at me Ally."

This was a dream. I knew it was a dream and as soon as I opened my eyes he would be gone. But I knew he wanted me to open my eyes, so I slowly forced them open. Surprisingly he was still there; his face very close to mine, his eyes staring deep into mine.

"I love you Ally." I couldn't take it anymore. The tears began falling from my eyes. He raised his hand to wipe them away. I closed my eyes at the feeling of his touch.

"Austin," I started to say but he interrupted me before I could say anything. I opened my eyes to be met by his intense stare.

"I love you so much. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you. I tried. I tried to tell you that day I played the piano for you. The time you stayed at my apartment, I even tried to tell you the day you came back from your parents. I never dreamed you would feel the same way. So when you told me that you thought you were in love with me I was shocked but you ran off before I had the chance to say anything. Obviously there were other factors to consider like Kira. But all I could think about was you. You were on my mind all day, every day. You're beautiful, smart and funny. You're the most amazing person I have ever met." He stared into my eyes as he spoke. Every single word rang with truth and promise.

I couldn't bring myself to stop the tears from falling. I had built up so many walls and defense around me therefore it took me a while to believe. However, I could feel myself believing every single word he said. I couldn't say anything; I just stared at him. He laughed a humorless laugh.

"Say something. Please." I couldn't do this anymore.

I couldn't fight anymore

So I gave up. I was tired of fighting.

I told him how I really felt.

"I love you too," I admitted while the tears continued to fall. I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders. Saying it out loud made me feel so much better.

A bright blinding smile appeared on his face.

"Ally." His finger lightly traced the shape of my lips. "You have no idea how much you mean to me. You are my life now."

I smiled under his finger as my heart stuttered and began beating unbelievably fast. He leaned down and softly placed his lips on mine. Our kiss started off soft and gentle but was growing more passionate by the second. He wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me completely against his body as my arms went around his neck securing his face tightly to mine. I couldn't bring myself to stop, I was afraid that as soon as the kiss ended I would wake up. Austin didn't seem like he wanted to stop either. As much as I didn't want this to end I needed to breathe. Once we had pulled away. I looked up at Austin who was smiling down at me; smiles that I couldn't help recuperate. He sighed, trailing his fingers down along the curve of my jaw.

I couldn't believe this was happening.

All the dreams and wishes were actually coming true. He really cared about me. He loved me.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too." He smiled again, his lips seeking mine. "Always have. Always will."

Things were far from perfect. Austin and I had a lot of talking to do. We had so much to sort out but for now I allowed myself to be swept up in a sea of love and happiness.

I allowed myself to be truly happy.

Auslly at last! It took a while but quoting R5 "Nothing worth having comes easy…"

Yaaaaay! Okay, let me know what you think in a review! I'll see you in the epilogue.

Thank you for reading!