A/N: So I know you guys hate me for not updating for like a year lol but I was going through some things (not bad btw) that I had to take care of for the time of my absence. And also the fact that I didn't have access to a computer.

Oh, I meant to put an Author's note on the previous chapter but I was in a hurry to just at least update and tell you what was going on with Austin… I was going to do a double update but I couldn't finish this chapter in time to upload it because I had to get to class. I was going to do a double update on Tuesday but it didn't happen. So here's chapter 24! And no worries I'm determined to finish this story. (thumbs up!)

TO: PrincessVenture, No worries you are definitely going to see Ally meet her mom.

Chapter 24

Ally

"Enough moping," Trish says, snatching the dirty romance novel from my hands. "Come on, you're coming out with me and Dez."

"But I was at the part where he spanks her for the first time…"

Wow. I can't believe I just said that. I also can't believe I'm reading the book that Trish shoved into my hands after finishing it in one day. But she's right, it is addicting.

"Told ya you'd love the smut. But you can read it later. We're going bowling."

I don't want to give up the progress I've made, so I get dressed, add makeup and let Trish straighten my hair. The girl in the mirror looks different, but she's still me. Maybe even a better version of me. No longer terrified of being discovered, because the worst of that has happened – a guy I was falling for found out in the most spectacular fashion and hasn't spoken to me since – and it can't get much worse than that. So I'm done hiding in the dorms while my friends go out on the weekends. Maybe if I pretend I'm normal and not destroyed by Austin's rejection, things will fall into place. Fake it till you make it. Right?

With the truth out in the world, I should feel freer. But the effect is more like a great burden. It's no longer necessary to hide. I feel worse than ever. I should've had the guts to tell Austin. He was a big part of my healing, and he opened himself up a lot along the way, too. By keeping it from him, I cheapened the entire experience. If he is done with me, I at least want to keep our memories, but now they're soured with my own guilt and self-loathing.

When we reach the bowling alley, all promises of a low key evening go up in smoke. Delta Sig has rented out half the place for a private party.

You have got to be kidding me. I pause at the entrance and Trish looks past me to the group of obnoxiously drunk guys taking up half the bowling alley.

"Did you know?" I turn to her.

"No. I swear. We can go somewhere different if you want."

Dez takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. "You're not running away this time. You got this."

I nod. "Yeah. Okay." I think I can do this.

Dez pays for our lane while Trish and I go get fitted for our hideous bowling shoes. Trish leads the way back to our lane, which is thankfully on the opposite side from the Delta sig guys. I don't see Austin. It's possible he's not here. But either way, I know I won't be able to relax with the promise of his presence looming in the background.

Seeing him in the flesh would force up feelings I can't manage right now. I thought I was healing, but his presence assures me that was not the case. Far from it. I miss his hugs that lifted me clear off the floor, his stupid nickname for me, the sexy gleam in his eye when he wanted to kiss me…

I selected a ball and when I turn, I spot Austin and Cassidy across the room. Ugh. As if seeing him isn't bad enough… Cassidy wraps her arms around his waist and, even though his hands remain loose at his sides, he does nothing to stop her roaming hands from mauling him. The pain of watching them together stabs at my chest. Maybe I'd overestimated everything we shares. Perhaps he and Cassidy have always been more than just friendly exes and I refused to see it. Just as Cassidy pointed out to me once before, he and I were never exclusive. That doesn't mean the ache of losing him hurts any less. Especially the way it went down. The icy look in his eyes, the flat tone of his voice – I'll never forget that.

Austin leans down and whispers something in Cassidy's ear and she bursts out laughing, swatting his arm. Watching this doesn't help my heartache any. I set the bowling ball down before I drop it on my foot, then I turn to Trish and Dez. "I was wrong. I need to go." I have to get out of here before I do something awkward, like start crying in the middle of the bowling alley. Lord, this is ridiculous.

They exchange a glance and nod in silent understanding.

"Yeah, let's go," Dez agrees.

I smile at his half-hearted attempt to make me laugh. I link my arm with Trish's and tuck my chin to my chest, hoping that Austin wouldn't spot me fleeing into the night.

[PAGE BREAK]

I am done with lying. So when I call my dad requesting he drives my car up to campus, I could tell him I'd changed my mind about wanting my car with me, or that I got a part time job off campus, like I'd talked about doing. But instead, I make him get on a speaker phone and I tell him the truth. I've been in contact with my birthmom through email and I'm planning to go and meet her in Denver during our upcoming school break.

His silence is the longest ten seconds of my life. He ultimately agreed, saying he knew I'd want to do this eventually, that it's only natural to wonder about where you came from. Humans are wired to want to understand their identity and lineage. He doesn't like the idea of me going alone, so it takes some convincing, but eventually he comes around. I'm not quite sure he is completely on board with the idea, because he worries about me being disappointed, or hurt, and not to mention driving hallway across the country by myself. But I insist and he relents.

He drive into town on Sunday to drop off my reliable little red sedan, briefly meet Trish and Dez, takes me out to lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon plotting out my route, covering safety basics on the road, and make me promise to call every day.

He's been way cooler than I ever imagined which makes me feel worse that I considered lying to him. I wonder if he would react so well if I'd kept this from him, and they found out later, from someone other than me.

No, I know he'd be livid if that was the case. I can't help but see the similarity about how Austin found out about my past. I try to tell myself it doesn't matter, and his reaction told me everything. I wonder if things would be different if I'd just told him myself from the beginning. It's too late now. Austin has cast me away like some diseased whore. I am damaged goods in his eyes, and I shouldn't be pining over a guy who doesn't want me. Of course, I wish it was that simple. My body still remembers his touch, and my heart still aches over what has been so cruelly ripped from me.

My computer pings with a new email, and for a brief little second I wonder if it's from Austin. Crossing the room, I stare at my computer screen in disbelief.

Brad?

Why is he contacting me? He went away to school in Atlanta on a basketball scholarship. At one time, I thought it would suck going to college in two different states. Now, an entire ocean isn't far enough.

I click on the message.

Hey Ally,

You'll probably delete this without reading it. I know I don't deserve the chance to explain, but I've been thinking about everything lately and I wanted to apologize. I did care for you, and I never meant for things to get out like that. I showed a couple guys from the team your sexy photos and, before I knew it, they were everywhere. For what it's worth, I am sorry. I know your senior year sucked after that. You're probably over it, but I wanted you to know.

Brad

I hate that I've been carrying around so much hurt and anger for two years. I hate that I've allowed him to rob me of any time. It sounds rather stupid now that I think about it. I delete the message without responding, deciding I'm done wasting my time on asshats like Brad. I'm over wasting any of my time worrying about crap I can't change. Straightening my shoulders, a slow smile curls on my lips. This is a whole new Ally. I am woman, hear me roar!

A/N: and here is the 24th chapter!

So I want to be honest here, this story does not belong to me only the minor changes I made involving the characters. But the whole plot and story belongs to Kendall Ryan author of the book "The Impact of You." I just really loved the story so much and I wanted to share it with you guys.

So here's the question.. Now that that is cleared up do you guys want me to continue the story or delete it? It's your choice.