Hey, guys! Sorry it took so long. But I'm baaack! ;D

To make up for the long wait, I wrote a long chapter for you guys. Hope you'll forgive me ;)

By the way, check out the new story I'm working on! It's called Romantic & Reckless. The idea was originally R5Auslly's, but since she couldn't write it, SkyDuck, Daddysgirl11, and I are co-writing it together. We just posted the first chapter, ans the story's on my profile. I hope you'll check it out! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Austin & Ally, or anything else you may recognize in this story.

Follow me on Twitter! From now on, I'll be posting tweets for new stories, so stay tuned to that! My Twitter is Mimi_R5Family

Enjoy! :)

"Oh, hi there! I was waiting for you!" Austin's grandmother, Theresa, opens the door. She then turns to Trish. "You must be Trish." She extends her hand for Trish to shake. "I'm Theresa, Austin's grandmother."

"Trish." They shake hands. "Austin's friend."

Theresa smiles, opening the door wider. "Come in!" Trish and I step inside, immediately greeted with balloons and other colorful decorations, along with young to old people, probably Austin's family. "Everyone!" Theresa shouts, getting the attention of everyone in the house. "This is Ally, and this is Trish. They're Austin's friends."

After offering us nothing more than a small wave and a forced smile, they all turn back to their previous preoccupations.

"Don't worry about them. They're just a bunch of antisocials. They'll get used to you after a while. Well, except for a couple of them." A girl that looks about our age with blonde hair and brown eyes—definitely related to Austin—steps infront of us. "I'm Hope, by the way."

"Hope! Don't talk about your family like that!" Theresa scolds her.

Hope shrugs. "It's true."

Theresa huffs, then turns to Trish and I. "If you need anything, you can either serve yourselves or find me. I'll be somewhere around the house." We both nod and she walks away.

"Well, you guys can come help me, if you want. I need to blow as much balloons as possible and help would be appreciated. It would be kinda nice to not get a headache for Austin's birthday."

I giggle. "Sure." I agree, following her to the kitchen, where about a hundred of unblown balloons are laying on the table. The three of us sit down and quickly get to work.

"So, Hope, how are you related to Austin?" Trish asks before blowing in a balloon.

"Oh, I'm his cousin."

"On his mom's side?"

She rolls her eyes. "Obviously. Austin doesn't want to see anyone that has anything to do with his dad. I understand, though, since his situation is pretty..." She trails off, probably not knowing how to end her sentence.

"Weird." Trish ends.

"Sad." I add.

"Messed up."

"Hard."

"Okay, I think we get the point." Hope blows into her balloon, then turns to me as I blow into my own, cheeks slightly red. "So, how long have you and Austin been dating?"

I immediately release the balloon, coughing a bit. I look up at her with watery eyes. "Who told you we were dating?"

She frowns. "You aren't?"

"Yes, we are, but how did you know that?"

She shrugs. "It's obvious."

"How so?"

"You get that glint in your eyes and that in-love-teenager smile when you talk about him. If you weren't together, I would've said you had a crush on him."

Trish laughs, high-fiving her. "And you're officially on my good side."

She smiles. "Glad to know that." She then turns to me. "You still haven't answered my question."

I shrug. "A week and three days."

"So, recent girlfriend?" Hope raises an eyebrow.

Trish chuckles wholeheartly. "But longtime flirt and crush, let me tell you that."

I huff, swatting her arm. "Shut up."

"It's true." She whispers not-so-quietly to Hope, who just laughs.

"So, are you the one who got Austin... back to being a normal kid, I guess you could call it that?"

"She is." Trish answers for me. "She wouldn't stop trying, even though everyone kept telling her it was hopeless."

"Thanks for bringing him back." Hope tells me. "Austin's like a brother to me. We don't see each other a lot, but we're always there for each other. I was devastated when I figured out that even I couldn't help him. I thought he—and I'm not trying to make a pun here—was a hopeless case."

"No problem. I never would've given up on him." I tell her honestly.

"Thank you. Really. Austin needs someone like you in his life."

I smile. "I know. And I'll make sure to stay."

She nods. "Glad to hear that." She looks around, suddenly seeming uncomfortable. "Listen, guys... There's something you need to know."

I frown and share a look with Trish before setting my eyes back on her. "What's wrong?"

"Umm... I know and you know that Austin is slowly drifting away from the person he made himself become. But around our family... I don't know why, but he's still that person."

"How do you know that he's not that person anymore, then? You're a part of his family, right?"

She shrugs. "Austin and I were very close since birth since our birthdays are really close to each other. We were born two weeks appart. Even when he outcasted himself, he still talked to me. I was the only person he stayed himself with. Well, when we were alone. I don't know if he'll be like that with you guys are here with him, but if you notice a change in his behavior... either try not to show it or take him somewhere else."

We both nod. "Okay." "Yeah, sure."

"Thanks. Also, this family is really good at judging people. So, umm... Good luck."

I blink. "Uh... Thanks?"

"So, how long have you been in Miami for?" A woman whom looks to be around her mid-forties asks me as I hang up a banner that reads 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' on it.

I shrug. "Beginning of August."

She nods. "And since when do you know Austin?"

"End of August."

"How long have you two been dating?"

"Almost two weeks."

She purses her lips. "What's your name?"

"Ally."

"Is it a nickname?"

"Yeah."

"What's your real name?"

"Allyson."

"How old are you?"

"Seventeen."

"How many months appart from Austin?"

I shrug. "Like... five, I think."

She nods. "Any siblings?"

"Nope."

I see her eye me from head to toe from the corner of my eye. "You're very short, did you know that?"

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and bite back a sarcastic answer. "Yes. I noticed."

She laughs. "Probably the reason why you can't hang that banner very high. Need a chair, or something like that to climb on?"

"I can do it by myself, thank you very much."

"Always been a brunette?"

I frown. "Umm... Yeah. Why?"

She shrugs. "Just wondering."

I sigh and roll my eyes. I know I shouldn't hate a person who's related to my boyfriend, but she's just getting on my nerves. I'm trying really hard, but I can't stand her. I just can't.

"Listen, if you're trying to find something wrong with me, just ask away." I finally snap.

She blinks, seeming surprised. "I wasn't-"

"Well, seemed like it! Wanna know what's wrong with me?! I'm a persistent bitch!" I exclaim. She gapes at me, her eyes wide. I fake a smile in her direction. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name and your position in Austin's life."

"I-I'm his aunt... Rebecca." She answers, still looking shocked.

I nod. "Have a great day, Rebecca." I then walk away, only to notice a few steps later that all eyes are on me. I stop and nod at everyone else, then leave the room. Not knowing where to go, I decide on Austin's room. After slamming the door, I throw myself on his bed and stare at the ceiling.

What have I done?

"Ally, what was that?!" Trish asks, bursting into the room. She shuts the door behind her and sits beside me.

"Please don't make me feel any more guilty than I already am."

"Make you feel guilty?" She scoffs. "Ally, that was amazing! I wasn't standing so far from you two. I heard your whole conversation. Trust me, I would've done the same thing. Probably earlier than you did."

I smile slightly, feeling a bit better. "Thanks." Suddenly, I feel a bit panicked. "Wait, what if that was Hope's mom?!"

She scoffs. "So what? She was still annoying and deserved what you did."

"But Hope's really cool and nice, and I wouldn't want to have another member of Austin's family who hates me."

"Ally, calm down, Hope doesn't hate you. She was right next to me when you blew up at that Rebecca chick. She had a huge, proud smile on her face."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

I exhale in relief. "Oh, thank goodness." Suddenly, I tense up again as yet another thought comes into my mind.

"Okay, what is it?"

"I have to talk to Austin's grandmother before Austin comes back. I hope she doesn't hate me as well." I explain, sitting up.

"I'll go get her for you if you don't want to go back yet."

"Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Of course! You're my best friend!"

I smile. "Thanks, Trish."

She smiles back. "No problem. Wait here." She says, before getting up and disappearing behind the door.

A few minutes later, the door opens again, revealing Theresa. Am I even allowed to call her that anymore?

"You wanted to talk to me?" She asks cautiously, sitting down beside me.

I sit up. "Yeah. But first of all, I need to know if you're mad at me."

She frowns. "For what? What you said to Rebecca?" I nod. She scoffs and chuckles. "Honey, we've all been waiting for someone to finally snap at her for years! Why would I be mad at you for something I've been wanting to do myself in the first place?"

I frown in confusion. "Isn't she your daughter?"

She shakes her head. "No! Oh, Dear Lord, thank God she's not! She's my son's wife."

"I'm sorry to hear that." I joke.

She laughs. "I am too, Dear." Her smile fades slightly, showing her concern. "You wanted to talk, Sweetheart?"

I clear my throat. "Right, umm... I wanted to talk to you about Austin."

A worried look appears on her face. "What is it?"

"You see, he's shown some... concern. He told me a couple weeks ago that... he thought that when he turned eighteen, you would kick him out." I explain slowly, struggling to find the right words.

She gasps in surprise. "What? W-Why would he think that?"

"Well, you know, Austin's still insecure about some stuff. I guess having a house to call home is included." I explain, still trying to choose my words carefully.

She nods. "I see."

"I just wanted to make sure—you're not going to kick him out, are you?"

"Of course not! Who do you think I am?"

"I-It's not that! It's just that... Austin seemed so insecure about it, I thought maybe he had a reason to be that I didn't know about." I explain with a shrug, hoping not to have ruined what I had with Austin's grandmother.

"Well, he doesn't." She blinks, sighing. "At least I don't think he has." She turns to me, the worried look back on her face. "Do you think I'm a horrible grandmother?"

I shake my head. "No, of course not! Don't worry about that, it's my fault, I shouldn't have talked to you about that in the first place. I'm sorry."

"No, Dear, you did the right thing. I'm glad you told me. I'll make sure to let Austin know that he's welcomed to stay as long as he's not ready to be on his own. But are you sure there isn't another reason why he would think I'd want to kick him out?"

I bite my lip. "Well, there is one thing."

"What is it?"

"His room... It's not the best thing ever, you know? He thinks you put him in here because you were waiting for the moment to kick him out and that when you'd do, you wouldn't have a lot to clean up. Do you think you could move him to another room? Maybe he'd feel more at home into a place that isn't so... small, dark, and—there I say it—trash-like."

She looks around, then nods. "I had never noticed how trashy this room really looks. I could move him into the guest room. It's hardly ever used anyway."

I smile. "Perfect. Thank you so much for doing this for him."

"And thank you for telling me. I think it'll help us get closer. But I have one more question for you."

"What is it?"

"Do you think I did a good job? At raising him, I mean."

"Who, Austin?"

She nods. "I know I got him when he was already pretty much raised, but... am I a good mother figure?"

I nod, sending her what I hope is a reassuring smile. "Yes, of course you did a good job. If you didn't, I'm pretty sure Austin would've done way worst than just outcasting himself."

"Thank you. And just because I know you're wondering, yes, you are an incredible girlfriend to him."

"You really think so?"

"Yes. And everyone else does too, I can tell."

I smile. "Thanks. That's quite relieving."

"For me too, Dear. For me too."

"Ally? Still not ready to go back?" Trish asks, peeking her head inside Austin's room, where I still am. I've been sitting at his keyboard for the past hour, playing random songs and tunes.

I shrug. "Not really feeling like it."

"Come on, Ally! People have been asking me where you are."

"What did you tell them?"

"That you had a headache. But I think they all know you're too embarrassed to go back."

"How so?"

"We can hear you play, you know. Someone with a headache doesn't usually look for more sound."

I nod, looking down at my hands. "I'll turn it down."

"Don't. You're really good."

I smile softly. "Thanks."

"Austin and Dez should be here in five minutes. Are you sure you don't want to come?"

I sigh. "I'll be there in a couple minutes."

"Don't waste time! Clock's ticking!" She calls, walking away. I laugh a bit, turning back to the keyboard to play yet another song.

A few minutes later, I hear people shout 'SURPRISE!'

I look at my watch. It's already been five minutes? Oh well, it's not like anyone will miss me.

I keep playing the song I was playing before I got interrupted, shutting out everything around me, just like I do whenever I play music. As I finish, the sound of someone clapping makes me jump.

I hear someone chuckling and approaching me. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

I turn around to see Austin standing close to me, an amused smile on his face. "Austin! Hey."

"Hey." He greets me back, sitting down next to me.

I peck his lips lightly. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks. What are you doing in here?"

I shrug. "Playing on your keyboard. How about you?"

"Well, I came home to see a bunch of people there to celebrate my birthday. I noticed Trish was there, but not you. So, I asked her where you were, and she said you were down here. So, I came to find you."

"Why didn't you stay with those people?"

"Because in those people wasn't my favorite person." He replies, nudging me.

I nod. "I see."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

"Why are you lying to me?"

"Because it's your birthday."

He gives me a look. "Does it look like I care?"

"Nope."

"Exactly. So now, are you okay?"

I shrug. "Yeah. It's just that I totally embarrassed myself infront of your family, earlier, and I'm kinda scared to go back."

"How did you embarrass yourself?"

"Well, your aunt came to me and started asking me all those questions-"

He cuts me off. "Which aunt?"

"Rebecca."

"Oh. Yeah, no one likes her."

"Anyway, I could see that she was trying to look for something wrong with me or whatever, so I snapped and pratically screamed at her if she wanted to know what was wrong with me.""

"What did you tell her?"

"That I was a persistent bitch. I pratically spat that in her face." I answer, ashamed of myself. He bursts out laughing. My eyes grow wide. "Why are you laughing?!" He laughs even more. "It's not funny!"

"Y-Yes it is! Oh, Alls, I would've paid a lot to see that! You're awesome!" He exclaims and hug me, still laughing.

"Umm... Thanks?" I say, hugging him back awkwardly.

He slowly stops laughing and pulls away from me. "So, wanna go back there?"

I make a face. "Do I have to?"

"If I have to, then you do too."

I pout. "Fine."

He gets up and offers me his hand, which I take, then get up as well. He sends me a reassuring smile before leading the way out of his room.

"Wait, I thought you didn't want to see your family. Why do you want to go back there so bad?"

"I don't. But if I don't go, someone will come and drag me upstairs and won't let me drag you with me. But right now, I can, so I will while I still have the chance."

"I would've been fine with staying in your room by myself, you know."

"I know. But I wouldn't have been fine with staying upstairs by myself."

"You would've had Dez, Trish, and Hope."

"But not you. Wait, how do you know about Hope?"

"We met before you got here."

He nods. "Glad you met the only decent person in my family."

"Can't argue with that since I haven't met your whole family yet, but I do know your grandmother is a decent person."

He rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well, aside from her." He says as we get upstairs.

"Well, there she is!" Theresa exclaims, coming toward us. "Are you okay, Ally? Trish said you had a headache."

I make eye contact with Austin, who gives me a disappointed look. I shrug at his direction before turning back to Theresa. "Yeah. I'm feeling better."

She smiles. "Great! Well, you two can go to the living room. Everyone is there." We nod and walk away.

"Headache?" Austin whispers into my ear.

"Not my excuse. Blame Trish for that one." I whisper back.

"Will do."

"And they're back!" Hope exclaims as Austin and I step in the living room. I send everyone a shy smile along with a small wave. Austin tugs me by the hand toward the couch, sitting beside Hope. That makes me sit between him and Trish, who's sitting beside Dez.

"Where's Rebecca?" Austin asks after a few seconds of looking at everyone.

"Bathroom." Someone replies.

We both nod. Probably sensing how tense I am, Austin brings me into a tight side-hug, which he doesn't pull away from, but only releases a bit.

"So, you're the famous Ally." A woman, not older than thirty, finally speaks up. I can't say I'm really happy to be the subject of the conversation coming up, but at least it's not an awkward silence.

I nod. "Umm... Yeah. I think that's me."

"You know, even my mom—Theresa—talks about you all the time."

"That's my aunt, Danna." Austin whispers to me.

"Thanks." I whisper back.

"No problem."

"Really?" I ask Danna, trying to act like I didn't talk with Austin during our conversation. "About what?"

"How sweet and pretty you are, and how you got Austin to open up again."

This time, it's Austin who tenses up. I squeeze his hand lightly, hoping to comfort him at least one bit.

"It's no big deal, really."

"Yes it is! You didn't even know him back then and you still gave him the chance no one bothered to give him." Hope tells me.

Austin nods. "It's true."

"You really think so?"

He nods, but before he has the chance to speak, a voice beats him to it.

"Oh. The persistent bitch is back."

I turn around to see Rebecca standing there, arm crossed, glaring at me. Shaking my head, I get up with a sigh.

"Umm... I think I'm gonna go. I just realized I had to do... something." I say, preparing myself to leave, but Austin grabs my wrist, prevending me from walking any further.

"Don't. Lie. I told you that already." He tells me strictly.

"But I-"

He cuts me off. "You're not leaving. If anyone's leaving, it should be you, Rebecca."

"Me?" Rebecca asks, offended.

"Yes. You're just ruining everyone's day. So, therefore, leave."

"W-What?"

"Don't make me repeat myself." He says darkly. Honestly, I've never been more scared of Austin. I'm so glad his anger isn't directed to me. "LEAVE!" He shouts. Rebecca jumps and quickly walks away. A man gets up and quickly follows her, reminding me of a lost puppy. Probably her husband.

When we hear the door slam shut, Austin tugs on my wrist, making me sit back down to our previous position.

This party definitely didn't go as planned.

BAM! Done!

Ooh... Angry Austin!

I think I'm gonna start from here on the next chapter. I had more to come, but I just thought it was a good ending, and since I'll be busy for the rest of the week, I wanted to update tonight. I was supposed to be asleep an hour and a half ago. I'm risking getting punished for you guys. If you don't call that commitment, I don't know what is ;)

Don't forget to check out Romantic & Reckless, and don't forget to review! :)

Until next time,

R5AAFan :)