The plane lands after eight long hours but it felt much shorter because of my fear of the inevitable coming.
I sit my head up from Austin's shoulder to see that he fell asleep. A small smile forms on my face as I watch the guy of my dreams sleep like a baby. He's so adorable that I really don't want to wake him but I know that I have to.
"Babe...baby." I whisper beginning to shake him gently when his eyes slowly flutter open.
"Hey...you okay?" He asked as I nodded with a warm heart that his first thought was to make sure I was alright.
"Yeah, I'm fine. We're here." I tell him as he sits himself up better and leans over to look out the window.
"Oh, okay." He said getting up before taking my hand in his and walking down the plane aisle as I followed his lead.
We both walked out the plane to see LAX and were instantly greeted with paparazzi making me internally groan.
"Jesus, they're like ninjas. They're fucking everywhere." Austin commented as I just sighed before watching Raina come off the plane and speed walking up to us and pushing as much paparazzi out of the way as she could before my security guards came rushing out to protect us.
"About time. Do your job!" Raina yelled at them for being slow and not being out here before us to help with the crowd.
They both look guilty and probably scared they'll get fired. I won't do that but I'll have to consider it if they mess up like this again.
Our security guards walk us to the car service Raina had ordered for us. The paparazzi continued to take pictures of us while asking a million questions per minute. The most annoying part is that I answered almost every curiosity they had on my morning show interview yesterday so I really didn't know what else they were expecting to hear.
We all three get into the back of the car which finally closed out all of the sounds from the very loud crowd causing us all to sigh in relief. Austin is on the left side, I'm in the middle and Raina is on the right.
The driver takes off to head to the motel we're checking in for a couple of hours since it's only 7 in the morning.
"I'll book separate rooms when we get there." Raina informs me as I nod before turning to Austin who's been quiet ever since we got into the car. It doesn't take long to notice his focus is completely on looking out the window after he rolled it down.
Austin's eyes are in complete awe of the beauty radiating from the infamous city that was home to many celebrities and now right in front of him. His eyes were gleaming with amazement as we pass popular spots, famous studios, palm trees, the Hollywood sign, all while feeling the loving sun beaming down on our faces.
"Whoa..." Is all he could say which caused a chuckle out of me.
"Welcome to LA, babe." I tell him as he finally faces me after being in a trance.
"This is fucking awesome!" He shouts as I giggle at his excitement before laying my head on his shoulder.
We arrived at the motel within the next ten minutes and thankfully, no paparazzi were awaiting our arrival. Raina checked herself into one room and Austin and I into another. We stripped down and changed into more comfortable body wear before laying down on the bed and cuddling up to each other.
"It feels weird going to sleep so early in the day huh..." I say with my left arm wrapped around his torso as he runs his left hand through my hair.
"Yeah." He replies with a chuckle.
"Our flight left late at night so we don't have a choice. Almost nobody is up right now except for people who work, but don't worry. It'll be a short nap. We'll be up by noon and then we'll head straight to your mother." He stated as a shiver was sent down my spine.
"My mother...don't remind me." I say lowly with anxiety forming.
"Come on, I know you have to miss her."
"I do. It's been so long...but I'm also scared of what she'll say or do. I gained a confidence I've never had before that includes speaking my mind and it seems EASY to do when it comes to her in my head...but in reality-"
"not so much?" He finished as I sadly nod, confirming his comment.
"Don't doubt yourself, babe." He simply said.
"But-"
"No buts. You said it yourself. You're not the same Ally Dawson that came off that bus searching for herself and you're not gonna allow yourself to fall into old patterns anymore. You're strong. I know it. Your friends know it. Your fans know it...and deep down, you know it too." He tells me holding two of his fingers under my chin to make sure I was really hearing what he was saying.
"It's not gonna be easy seeing her and talking to her but you're not gonna hold back and she's gonna hear you because you're gonna make your voice heard whether she's on your side or not. You're so brave, babe. Don't try to convince me you're not." He finished as I stated at him in awe while still cuddled up to him.
"How did I get so lucky finding you?" I whisper as a smile appears on his face before he leans down colliding our lips softly.
"I ask myself that all the time." He responds kissing me one last time before getting even more comfortable in our position.
Austin and I eventually doze off to a peaceful sleep which is usually a common thing when we are in each other's arms. There's no place safer than his arms and I mean it when I say I could stay here forever.
***Time Break***
We woke up a little after noon, making sure to quickly get in the shower and get dressed as Raina knocked on our door to tell us it was time to go. We exited the motel room as we took in the city once again, except this time it was much busier than we last saw considering it was now the afternoon.
Raina heads to the car service she ordered us while she helps the driver load all of our suitcases into the car.
"I can't believe I'll be living here in a few months." Austin stated in astonishment as he continued to take in his gorgeous surroundings.
"I know I've said it before but I truly am so proud of you getting the scholarship of your dreams. You're so talented, baby and you've worked so hard. No one deserves it more than you." I compliment genuinely as he just looks at me gratefully.
"Thank you." He responds shyly with a sweet smile before leaning down and embracing me in a deep kiss.
"Uh, we don't exactly have time for this." I hear Raina say faintly while she waits near the car but we both ignore it.
I don't hesitate to return it as I wrap my arms around his waist as his are on my face and in my hair as he continues to passionately make out with me. Our mouths move with entrancing passion, excitement and love as we explore each other over and over again even though it's already familiar.
"AHHHHHH!" Someone screams piercingly causing me and Austin to jump back from each other in fear from the sudden noise.
We turn around to see a teen girl who looked a couple years younger than us with bright red hair with her mouth agape looking at me.
"OH MY GOD, YOU'RE ALLY DAWSON!" She yelled loudly into the air causing Austin and Raina to cover their ears but I couldn't help but laugh while she walked over to me. Austin decided to move to where Raina was standing because this was obviously a fan moment.
"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, I- I- I-" She tries to get something out but she keeps freezing so I grip her shoulders.
"Take a deep breath." I say as she's even more shook that I was touching her.
"Come on. Do it with me. 1, 2, breathe." I add demonstrating a deep breathe as she copies my motion a couple of times before she's able to get her speech back.
"I'm so sorry, you must think I'm a freak. I'm just such a huge fan." She said as I smiled at her shaking my head.
"Don't worry about it. You're fine." I tell her as she looks at me starstruck before getting something out of the bag she's carrying with her.
"Do you mind signing this poster of you? I don't wanna be a bother and I know you have a lot going on in your personal life right now but it would mean so much to me." She asked in a begging tone with pleading eyes.
"Of course. What's your name?" I ask kindly as her eyes light up.
"Maribel! But people call me Cherry because of my red hair." She informs me as I chuckle along with Austin and Raina.
"Always nice to meet a fellow red head." Raina says as the Maribel girl smiles widely and waves to her.
"Well, Cherry...here ya go." I say as I finish signing off the poster for her as she screams with joy.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! My dream has always been to meet you but I could never afford concert tickets and definitely not backstage passes! Living in LA, I've seen all kinds of celebs but never the one I truly wanted to. I would've never dreamed I'd meet you from a random encounter." She says in disbelief that this was happening to her.
"You're so sweet. I'm so happy this made your day. It's all I could ask for." I say with a smile that easily formed from hearing her words.
"I don't care what anyone says. You'll always be my inspiration Ally Dawson. I love you!" She screams hugging me one last time as I hug her back tighter in appreciation, with all the warmth in the world feeling up my heart.
"Bye!" She says cheerfully before running away in glee that she met me as I look to Austin and Raina who are happily smiling that I still have fans that adore me so much despite everything that happened.
***Time Break***
Raina, Austin and I sit in the backseat as we drive to where my mother currently is. Which now that I think about it...I have no idea where that is exactly.
"Where is my mother? Is she home?" I asked facing Raina to my right.
"Nah, she's at the dance studio. She called me yesterday and told us to meet her there." She told me as I nodded a bit confused.
"Why would she be at the dance studio?" I asked.
"I think she's in talks with a choreographer there to get you as the closing act and dance performance for the AMA's." She told me as I instantly rolled my eyes.
"Of course she is." I respond irritated that my mother has learned nothing from this experience.
"To be fair...this was something that she was in talks about before you even left. She was gonna surprise you with the performance but you were cut out from the show after your disappearance." Raina informed me.
"It still doesn't explain why she's worrying about that when her daughter is back. It should've even be a priority." I said as Raina doesn't reply with anything because she knows I'm right.
"It's gonna be alright, babe." Austin whispered in my ear before putting his hand on top of mine giving me comfort as we pulled up to the building.
We were all escorted out by the driver before we sped walked into the building heading straight into the lobby.
"Ally, your mother said she's on the second floor in studio 34. You can go ahead while we check in." Raina told me as I nodded going on my way.
As I head to the elevator and watch the numbers head up to the second floor, I think about how I'm actually gonna see my mother again after five long months. I think about all the things that has happened to me over that time period, some of which that have changed my life forever. My body walks down the hallway in anticipation watching the numbers on the doors go higher and higher...30, 32, 34...here it is.
Here we go.
Once I enter the room, I look around to the empty studio that holds one person and one person only. My mother, who seems to be facing the white wall as if she's thinking deeply about something.
I take a deep breath, taking in her presence and the fact that I haven't been in the same room as her for so long. I look at the black dress shirt she was wearing along with the matching white blazer and pants that were complimented with black heels.
I, on the other hand was simply wearing a red and white striped shirt with simple blue jeans and red converse. Anyway...it's now or never.
"Mom..." I say lowly but still loud enough for her to hear me causing her body to rapidly turn my way.
My mother looks at me in utter shock even though she has known I was alive and had just seen me on TV during my interview, because it's still a breathtaking moment that I'm really right here in front of her.
My eyes follow her body language and how her mouth is agape with a little gasp exiting out before she covers her mouth with one hand as she scans me from top to bottom, almost as if she's trying to see if I'm real and if her daughter is truly in front of her again.
"Ally...is that really you, honey." She says in a soft spoken voice with tears in her eyes as I nod putting my purse down on the floor.
"In the flesh." I say with a dry and awkward chuckle before she makes a gleeful noise as tears come down her face as she runs to me embracing me tightly as I hug her back.
As much as she has angered and frustrated me over the years, she's still my mom and I did miss her terribly. She pulls back and looks at me again as I see that it looks like she hasn't slept very often causing me to feel even more guilt.
"You look okay and healthy!" She commented as I agreed with a nod.
"I am. I'm okay. Really." I tell her as she just smiles again in disbelief before it disappears when she looks behind me.
My eyes follow hers as I see Austin and Raina walk in the room after checking in. My mother looks directly at Austin and fury is instantly seen in her eyes as she storms over to him.
"You! You're the one who's had my daughter this entire time and manipulated her into staying where she was." She said as Raina held her back as I ran over to where they were.
Austin looks confused and a bit scared of my mother who seems to be verbally attacking him for no reason because everything she said was not true at all.
"Mom, stop! Austin didn't manipulative me. He's not like that." I told her defensively as she stayed upset.
"He took advantage of a vulnerable pop star and made you stay."
"No, I didn't." Austin responded baffled at the accusation.
"I swear I didn't do that ma'am." He added.
"Don't ma'am me."
"Mom, if you're gonna keep acting like this, I'm gonna leave. Again." I threaten as she looks at me before taking a breath and calming herself down.
"Austin is a good guy. He did not use me or take advantage of me in anyway. He didn't force me to stay in Miami, I chose that all on my own. God, didn't you watch my interview?" I asked not understanding how she got so much mixed up.
"Yeah, I saw it Ally. But I didn't believe a word you said." She told me honestly.
"Why not?"
"Because I never thought you'd run away from the life you had. You had it all. I made sure to give it to you." She said as I look down a bit.
"I didn't have happiness." I say causing a tense air around us.
"I think we should let these two talk." Raina suggested to Austin as he nodded, giving a comfort rub on my back before walking out the room with her, leaving me alone with my mother.
"Ally...how could you leave?" She spoke softly with heavy emotion behind it.
"I wasn't happy."
"Yeah, I heard you. The solution to that would have been to simply talk to me." She said frustrated.
"You say that as if I haven't tried. After a while, I just stopped with the effort."
"You should've tried again, no matter what."
"I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"Because you didn't care!" I shouted shocking her to her core.
"I'm falling into bad habits, aren't I?" She whispered lowly below her breath from my reaction.
"I'm so sorry, Ally. I know this is all my fault and I haven't been the most attentive mother-"
"No. It's not your turn. It's mine. It's time for you to listen." I respond reminding myself of Austin's advice that he gave me back in the motel.
"Since I was a little girl and for as long as I can remember...you were trying to find a profession for me that would require me being in the spotlight. Once you discovered that I could sing, it was like you won a lottery. I just remember feeling joy that I was making you proud for being talented. Plus, I absolutely loved singing so it was a win-win for me that I could do what I love and have the most supportive mother in the world by my side." I shared as she looked down a bit.
"For years, we were rejected because I was way too young and looking back, I really was and I don't know why you were trying for a singing career for me so hard as a kid. But once I became a preteen, they finally took a chance on me and I became a sensation almost overnight. You did that, mom. Your dedication did that and I swore to myself that whatever happened, I would always show how grateful I was to you for giving me this life.
"Over the years, mom...you changed. Once I became famous, it was like that's all that mattered to you. Booking me gigs, making sure I only wore the most expensive outfits, making sure I had all the publicity and attention of the world on me. At first, I didn't notice because I was too busy having fun and living the dream but after a while, I caught on. I started to see that I had zero control over my entire life. Whether it came to writing songs for myself, dating who I wanted to date or saying what I want to say. I felt like a fraud." I admit getting it off my chest.
"I tried to talk to you over and over again about the way I was feeling for years but nothing I ever tried to say was more important than what you were trying to accomplish for me next." I say remembering the sleepless nights of me working and working and working with no one having any care or regard for me.
"I was exhausted all the time, overworked and missing out on real teenage stuff."
"And yeah, I get it...I wasn't a normal teenager. But just the little things I wanted to do, I couldn't if it wasn't something that was benefiting my career. Somewhere along the way, I felt like just your client, Ally Dawson and not your daughter. Any hint of my mother was gone." I say as she gets a sorrowful and regretful look on her face.
"For God's sake mom, you allowed me to become a slave to the industry! I was just a robot working for a bunch of adults who just cared about profiting off of me. No one cared about my mental health or my struggles as long as I kept their pockets heavy. How couldn't you see I was in pain?!" I scream upset, finally letting it out.
My mother looks at me with tears in her eyes and a face full of emotion that is rendered speechless at everything I said to her. I guess that happens when you don't listen to someone for years and they finally let out everything they ever thought about you.
"I guess because I'm a horrible mother, Ally." Is all she says making me instantly frustrated.
"What? That's all you're gonna say? After everything I just said, this is the one time you're gonna be quiet?"
My mother looks at me intensely with depressive eyes before she puts strands of her hair behind her ears.
"You know I still remember what you said to me on the phone right before you ran off. All the stuff about how you couldn't pretend anymore and needed to get away and find yourself...the real you." She reminded me as I think back to the night that changed everything.
"It looks like you have." She says looking at me and complimenting my bravery and the way I'm now standing up for myself.
"I'm proud of you, you know that? Being here for months without you were complete hell but it put things into perspective. When you sent me those flowers anonymously, I almost passed out from shock and glee. I knew you were okay but it hurt me that you were only perfectly fine because...you were without me." She spoke sadly as I look down for a second.
"It's my fault. I know that. It's all on me. All I kept thinking about was what did I do wrong to make you run away from your life. How bad of a mother I had to be for this to happen but that's the thing, sweetheart. I made it all about ME. As usual. I never considered your feelings. I think you've been wanting to tell me some things for a very long time and now that I'm actually hearing them, it's like a puzzle finally being put together...no matter how much it hurts."
"I see you again and of course, I'm falling right back into old habits. Your poor boyfriend probably understands why you ran away just from my reaction to him." She adds making it known that she realizes she was wrong to treat him like that.
"I'm just so protective over you. You're all I have and it's always been just me and you for so long. I don't want to lose you like I lost-" She stops herself as I know who she was gonna say.
"I'm not a kid anymore, mother." I respond after a few seconds of silence.
"I know."
"I'm an adult and my life can't be controlled by you anymore or anyone else. It shouldn't have been controlled in the first place. I'm not a robot. I'm a human being who just wants to live and experience life like anyone else." I tell her as she nods exceedingly.
"I know honey and I'm so sorry for taking away so many opportunities for you because of my own selfish needs and fears. I can't apologize enough for letting this industry become your hell when it was only suppose to be your dream. You didn't deserve it. You didn't deserve a mother like me." She speaks running her hands through her hair stressful.
"Ally I-" She continues getting stuck with her words as tears glisten in her eyes more than ever.
"I'm so sorry...I didn't want to feel like I let your father down. I just wanted you to be the star he always believed you'd be." She confessed emotionally as the tears rolled down her face as they did so on mine as well.
"I may not remember dad but I have to believe that he would've loved me no matter what. You have to know that too."
"I do, Ally. I do, it's just..." She responds wiping some of her tears.
"I just miss him so much. All the time." She begins crying heavily before shaking her head and trying to get herself to stop.
No matter how upset I am at her, seeing her cry like this especially over my dad makes me heartbroken. She's never shown emotion like this around me before so it's kinda intense.
"God, Ally...you must hate me."
"No, mom...I could never hate you. All I ever wanted from you...was for you to listen." I reply with nothing but emotion in my voice as she nods slowly before stepping closer to me.
"I'm listening now. Forever and always." She told me as I let out an exasperated sound of relief before throwing my arms around her tightly as she does the same.
"Oh, I've missed you so much Pumpkin." She whispered as my heart warmed.
"I missed you too, Mom." I reply with more than one meaning before a cough interrupts us causing us to separate and turn around to see Austin.
"Sorry to interrupt but Raina wanted me to let you know that some of your backup dancers are on their way here. Wanted to let you guys know so you weren't blindsided during a private conversation." He informed us a bit awkwardly since he was still feeling uncomfortable because of my mother's initial reaction to him.
"No, it's okay sweetheart. Come on in." My mom says causing a confused and an unsure expression on Austin's face.
Austin slowly walks over to where we are as I put my arm around his resting my head on his shoulder to comfort and put him at ease.
"I want to apologize, Austin." My mother says as Austin eyebrows raise in surprise before looking down and eyeing me for a second while I nod to him signaling it's okay.
"You didn't deserve anything I said to you. I just saw you and connected you to the reason why my daughter didn't return to me sooner but that wasn't your fault. It was mine and I see that now more than ever. I hope you can forgive me for my rudeness and we can start over." She said genuinely.
"Of course, ma'am. I'd love that. You did make the woman of my dreams." He said causing a chuckle from me and my mother.
"Yeah, she's pretty amazing isn't she?" She said looking at me as I smiled towards her.
"So-" My mom started folding her arms.
"From what I heard, you two met in the high school Ally enrolled herself in, correct?"
"Yep." I said sitting up from Austin's shoulder.
"Except your daughter was enrolled as Amy Russo, not Ally Dawson." Austin says eyeing me as a guilty smile appears on my face.
"Yeah, I can't forget that part." My mother says shaking her head with a chuckle.
"I can't imagine your disbelief that you were dating a superstar this entire time. Must've been a shell shock."
"You have no idea. I was so angry because I felt betrayed...but realizing why she did what she did and a few wise words from my mom gave me the strength to forgive her." He says as I squeeze his hand with love.
"Oh and mom?" I say facing her again.
"Yeah, sweetie?"
"I'm not doing a dance number if I'm still gonna be performing at the AMA's." I tell her as she looked a little disappointed before shaking it off.
"I want to perform an original song I wrote months ago when I was away." I admit.
"I know you were never a fan of my
originals since they weren't as highly promoted as my singles but-"
"-If that's what you want, then I'm fully on board." Is all she responds cutting me off as I smile grateful for her support.
Raina enters the room with a group of people that I recognize as all my backup dancers who I haven't seen in a long time. They see my face and run over to me with the speed of lightning. Some of them pick me up as others hug me tightly, almost scared to let me go as they cheer for my return.
"Oh my god, Ally!"
"I was so worried about you!"
"I'm so happy you're alright!"
"You look amazing!"
"I can't believe you're here right now."
"Is this real?!"
All of them crowd around me as I laugh and smile missing every single one of them and catching them up on what's been going on with me.
No One's POV
Penny watches happily as her daughter gets taken to the side by her backup dancers and friends to talk some things out. Raina makes her way over to Penny and Austin with folded arms.
"So, are you guys cool or will I have to demand security guards to keep watch from now on." Raina comments smartly looking in between them.
"No, she has refrained from trying to kill me." Austin states causing a chuckle from Penny.
"Yeah, I'm still embarrassed from that...but I apologized and we're gonna get to know each other better. He is my daughter's boyfriend after all and if there was something wrong with him, you'd tell me." Ally's mother says towards Raina.
"Of course I would, and I assure you, he's a good guy who adores your daughter." Raina replies complimenting Austin as he smiles to her in appreciation.
"Yeah, I'm starting to see that...and it's also very nice to see you." Penny says walking over to Raina and hugging her since she never got the chance to earlier. Raina hugs back happily as she gives a look to Austin that he's gonna be fine when it comes to getting along with his woman's mother.
Austin's POV
My phone rings after I sigh of relief that Ally's mother no longer seems angry with me and is willing to give me a chance. I don't know how I'd feel if she didn't, considering I'm head over heels in love with her daughter. Ally still has so much left to figure out while she's here but I'm glad she finally got to speak her truth to her mother and that they're willing to work on their relationship and start healing together.
I look at my phone after seeing it's my mother who I haven't spoken to since before the flight when I let her know that I was leaving for LA for less than a week. Though, we never got to actually discuss the entire situation after Ally revealed who she really was and who she was pretending to be the entire time.
"Hey mom." I say into the phone preparing to hear it all.
"Oh, Austin. I'm actually surprised you picked up. How are you? Are you okay? What's going on?" She asked multiple questions back to back showcasing how concerned she was.
"Mom, I'm fine. Completely fine. The stalking paparazzi people that follow Ally around are annoying as hell but I'll live. You don't have to worry, alright?" I assure her as I hear a breathe of relief through the phone.
"So...this is real. She's really her. Your girlfriend Amy is really the super star Ally Dawson." She said in bewilderment.
"Yeah, mom...and she's amazing." I say glancing at her from across the room as she chats it up with her backup dancers.
"Wow...I just can't believe this. Your father is at work but he's in so much shock as well." She lets me know as I nod even though she can't see.
"Our concern is with you though, son." She adds as my eyebrows raise in puzzlement.
"Me? Why?"
"Because she's famous, honey. She's one of the most famous pop stars in the world and it's gonna be a lot of pressure dating her." She responds as I understand now.
"I know that, mom and she warned me about it too but I already decided that I don't care. I'm not naive to think it's gonna be a piece of cake but what she and I have is worth it. I'm sure of it."
"You're not worried that you'll always be associated with her? I know how much football means to you and you'd hate to always be known as just Ally Dawson's boyfriend. Again, I'm not saying this in any regard against Ally, sweetheart. I adore her. I just want to look out for what's best for you."
"I know, mom but Ally is what's best for me. Life doesn't make sense without her in it. I'll earn my own title when I make it big. I know I will, I have no doubt about it. Ally believes in me and makes me believe in myself more than I already did. She's my everything, mom. I can't let her go." I open my heart to her letting her know how deep our feelings go.
"Then don't, sweetie. Follow your heart." She says as I can tell she's smiling on the other end.
"I have to run some errands but keep me updated on everything please." She asks me.
"Of course. Love you." I reply as she says the same before we both hang up.
***Time Break***
Ally and I arrive at the hotel that Raina booked us about 30 minutes ago. I guess being able to get stuff last minute is one of the many perks of being a celebrity.
Ally enjoyed herself with her backup dancers for a good while and introduced me before we left. They were really cool and nice and I'm happy they didn't judge her and were on her side as long as she was happy.
"I'm sorry, Austin. I know we didn't get to see much of the city tonight. I wanted to show you the town but with seeing my mother again and everyone else-"
"Babe, you don't need to explain." I cut her off as we stripped down to some pajamas in the nicest hotel room I've ever stayed in.
"Sightseeing can wait. Today was about you and closing some wounds. I'm happy you were able to talk to your mother. Do you think you'll be able to repair your relationship?" I ask her sitting on the bed as she looked at me before taking a deep breath.
"Yeah...I do. But it's gonna take a lot of work. She offered for us to get mother/daughter counseling and I'm actually thinking about it." She admits to me.
"I think that's a great idea. They do say sometimes it's easier talking to a stranger. Maybe they can help you guys help or see things that neither of you couldn't." I tell her as she nods in agreement.
"My thoughts exactly and most importantly, heal. I'm pretty sure my mother never healed from my father's death or properly grieved and that's the biggest force behind her obsession of trying to make me a star. She tried so hard to keep his memory alive and make me great that she didn't know that it was slowly but surely killing me." Ally explained as I feel sympathetic as I stand up going over to her and holding her hands in each of mine.
"You're so strong, Ally. No matter what you feel right now in this moment, you're gonna come out of it. You're gonna be okay. That's a promise." I tell her as she smiles sweetly to me.
Ally doesn't say anything in response to what I just said but instead leans up to kiss me on the lips. which I gladly return wrapping my arms around her waist in order to bring her closer. Both of us get really into it, until there's a knock at the door interrupting us. I sigh leaning my forehead against hers as she chuckles at my disappointment.
Ally goes to the door and opens it, revealing an older man who she thought looked familiar and soon finds out, he's the usual tailor that would do Christopher Wilde's suits for when he and Ally went on red carpets together as a couple. Apparently, Raina sent him to our hotel so he could get my measurements so I could attend the AMA's with Ally this week.
"You sure you want me to go to this thing?" I asked her while lying on the bed as she looked at me confused as she brushed her teeth for the night.
"Why wouldn't I be? You're my boyfriend and I want your comfort and support." She told me.
"I know but wouldn't you feel more pressured with me there? They're gonna bombard you with even more questions with me there and if I'm being honest, I've been in the spotlight with you for only three days and I already hate it." I admit as she chuckles spitting out her last take before cleaning her mouth and coming back in the bed.
"Yeah, I know it's a lot babe but don't act like I didn't give you an out. You're allowed off this train anytime you want." She reminded me as I nodded with an amusing smile.
"I know...but I can't live without you so I guess I'm stuck." I say jokingly as she scoffs and laughs hitting me with a pillow.
"But seriously, babe...I want you there. You make everything better and easier. Maybe that sounds selfish, I don't know. All I know is that I can't do it without you." She opens up emotionally as I place a hand on her right cheek.
"It's okay, Dawson. I'm gonna be there. I could never abandon you on one of the most important nights of your life like that. I mean, you are up for three awards, including Album of the Year aren't you? I'm no award show expert but isn't that the biggest award of the night?" I asked as she blushed shaking her head.
"I can't even think about that if I wanted to. I'm too scared and worried about the whole night in general."
"What do you mean?"
"I've been gone for so long and I don't mean this in an arrogant way but I'm literally the talk of the city. So many celebrities are gonna be there, some of which are my friends that have already formed opinions about me. It's so easy to tell myself I'm confident and brave now but what if it all goes away tomorrow." She states with fear and uncertainty in her voice as I pull her body closer to mine.
"What did I say about doubting yourself?" I say as she sighs.
"I'm just really nervous, babe." She responds as I nod understanding.
"I know something that will calm your nerves." I say lowly before gently lifting up her shirt rubbing my hand along her stomach as I lay kisses on her exposed neck causing a few chuckles and light moans out of her.
"Austin..." She says in a 'don't try to distract me' tone.
"I'm not doing anything." I say unashamed before lifting the shirt off her upper body completely and throwing it off to the floor.
"Uh huh, sure. You're innocent." Ally replies sarcastically as I smirk pulling both her bra straps down before exposing one nipple as I pull the bra further down.
"That's exactly right. I'm completely innocent." I repeat leaning my head down as I engulf it into my mouth as she moans throwing her head back while running her hands threw my hair.
When I switch the attention to her other nipple, she unclasps her bra from the back and removes it. She lifts my head as we go back to making out as she gets on top of me and removes my shirt at the same time. Talk about multitask.
My hand finds itself in her pajama shorts and soon in her underwear where I feel an extreme wetness causing her to moan at the contact.
"Yeah, I'm the innocent one alright." I tease as she smiles shaking her head before taking off both her shorts and underwear causing her to be fully naked and still the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on.
Ally situated herself between my legs, pulling my pajama pants and boxers down exposing my super stiff manhood. To tell you the truth, from just her touch alone, made me almost cum instantly. I knew I wouldn't last long if she continued on like this.
Ally lowered herself down onto me, letting my dick slide in and out of her slick folds, accompanied by our very loud moans. She felt amazing.
At first, she was riding me slowly with her knees spread out on each side of me but after a while, she increased her rhythm, riding me faster and harder than ever causing her to throw her head back in extreme pleasure.
I buck my hips as Ally rides me into the night like never before. My mouth opens wide as I let out moans that seem to turn her on as she looks down at me while biting her bottom lip.
Holding her hips while repeatedly thrusting into her wet warmth and also feeling her get more moist was one of the best pleasures I ever felt in my life.
"Aus- Austin!" Ally moans at the top of her lungs as she squirts and has the orgasm of a lifetime right before I moaned roaringly into the air as mine came soon after from all that time being buried inside her.
"Wow." Ally says as she gets off top of me as we lay in the bed naked together staring at the ceiling after what we did.
"I know." I say with a smirk looking over to her as she smiles to me knowing that we're both completely and utterly satisfied.
"We deserve a medal for the amazing sex we have." She adds causing a laugh out of me.
"You're not wrong there, babe. You're not wrong." I respond wrapping his arm around me as we soon fall asleep after a while.
Ally's POV
The next three days go by quickly as Austin and I seemed to fall into a routine. That routine being my mother checking up on me to make sure I wasn't having urges to run away again, Raina coming by to do gown fittings for the AMA's and me taking and showing Austin different parts of the city that he instantly fell in love with. Of course, paparazzi always made sure to keep us company. We were also able to Skype a good amount of our friends to keep them updated at what's been going on and Austin's kept in contact with his parents to let them know he would be returning in a couple of days.
Besides the busy schedule, it's actually been pretty fun. I mean it always is when it's me and Austin. We've been kinda living together in this hotel room and let's just say, we have definitely been taking advantage of it.
Tonight is the American Music Awards and we're in the middle of getting ready. Austin is in a one of a kind black and white Armani suit complimented with a shiny black tie. I can't get enough of how handsome he is. Just wow. I can't believe he's mine.
Me on the other hand is not quite ready. I hate to be apart of the cliche but I'm taking forever and only because I am super nervous and I just wanna look perfect.
After about three hours, I come out in a long red gown that has two slits, one across my stomach exposing some of it and the other along my right leg and is being complimented with black five inch heels. My hair is in a really pretty updo that has two curls coming down the front sides of my face with hoop earrings and a necklace.
"It's about time. I was starting to believe that we were gonna get there in year 2050 from how long you-" Austin says as he turns around and faces me causing him to unexpectedly cut himself off.
I watch as his face turns to speechlessness after making the joke he did. His eyes scan me so intensely that it almost made me blush as if he hasn't seen me naked a million times.
"Will you say something already?" I finally say with amusement in my tone.
"Wow...you are so damn beautiful." Austin states making me blush as I walk over to him as he holds out his hand before spinning me causing a giggle out of me.
"Can we skip the award show part and go to the scene of me taking this dress off you?" He seductively asked leaning down and kissing my neck as I smiled pushing him gently back.
"No, you have to be a good boy tonight. This is an important night for me, remember?" I repeat as he groans like a little boy as I laugh grabbing his hand pulling him out the door as he follows my lead.
Austin and I got into the limo that was waiting for us as we sat in the back and after a while, I laid my head on his shoulder while our hands played with each other's.
"You look beautiful, honey!" My mother says delighted as she raises my arm taking a good look at my gown.
"Thank you, so do you ladies." I say with a wide smile glancing at my mom's shiny silver gown and Raina's black pantsuit with a back opening.
"Raina and I are gonna go make sure some last minute things are still in place for your performance tonight and then we'll meet you guys in our seats. That sound okay?" My mom asked as I nod before waving them off while Austin and I take in our surroundings.
We talk to a few celebrity friends of mine who are excited to see me and even complimented us as a couple while Austin just looked at every one of them completely starstruck causing me to laugh because it was the most adorable thing ever.
"Come on, babe." I say with a smile shaking my head at his cuteness while leading us to the red carpet.
Many camera lights flash in our direction as the men and women yell my name, each vying for my attention and begging for me to look in all kinds of directions. Austin and I pose for them and after a while, we block out their noise and do our own thing.
"Jesus, Ally. I don't know how you dealt with this for all those years. This has got to be so annoying." Austin said as I laughed before kissing his cheek for a picture.
"It is, but this isn't why I did what I did. The music kept me going. It always did." I tell him as he looks at me.
"I'm gonna ask you one more time, Austin Moon. Are you sure you wanna-"
"If you ask me that again woman, I'm gonna tackle you." Austin cuts me off, pinching my side as a tease as I giggle against him.
"I'm sorry. I just don't want to burden you with this life. It's intense and it'll only get more so from here on out." I say truthfully as he turns me to face him.
"You've told me this a million times and my answer will remain the same each time. You're not running me off that easy." He replies making me smile as we pose one more time before walking off the red carpet.
My mother made sure not to schedule any interviews during the pre show because it would've been too overwhelming for me when I'm already nervous and suffering from anxiety about being here in the first place. They would've just bombarded me with stupid questions I've already answered. I simply don't have the time for it.
***Time Break***
Austin, Raina, my mother and I take our seats in the front of the award show as it starts and I get hi's and hellos from celebs passing by and some just staring at me in awe that I was no longer missing and right in front of them.
My mother sat on the far left with Raina next to her, then me and finally Austin on my right. The award show began and luckily this year, we actually had a funny host. The show goes on for about an hour and so far, I haven't won the two other awards I was up for and though, the three of them comforted me, I was slightly relieved.
Just the thought of having to walk up on that stage was nerve wrecking. Standing up in front of all these people and looking them in the eyes knowing they know what I did. It just feels so personal and highly embarrassing despite how kind most of them have been. This is a phony industry and sometimes you never know who you can trust. I don't know, maybe I'm being paranoid.
The award show starts to come to a close as two announcers come out to give out the final award of the night. They make sure to show all the nominees on the big screen including four other singers besides me.
"And the winner of the 'Album of the Year' is... Spotlight by Ally Dawson!" They scream into the mic as the audience cheers loudly as my mouth opens in shock because even though, I've won many awards over the years, this is the first time winning this particular award. I've wanted it for so long.
My mother, Raina and Austin all stand up applauding me with smiles on their faces as I hug them all before kissing Austin on the lips as he holds my face during it before I walk towards the stage.
When I get up there, I feel my anxiety returning and I see the announcers smile to me and one of them hands me the award before I thank them. I walk up to the mic as the cheers continue on but slowly die down so they can hear me.
"Wow, I-...I don't know what to say." My palms sweat looking into the crowd as I hold the award so tight as if I'm gonna drop it.
"I didn't expect this. Truly. This means more to me than any of you could possibly know. I've worked so hard over the years and this is just proof of that." I say as I get a few whistles from the huge stadium of people.
"You know...I guess it's kinda pointless to avoid the elephant in the room huh..." I say with an awkward smile before looking at the two people who presented me the award.
"Can you hold this for a sec?" I ask one of them as they nod before I hand them the award.
I faced the microphone again, along with the stadium of people who were looking at me while there was still faint cheering that could be heard.
"There was a time in my life where you couldn't have pulled me away from this life even if you wanted to. It was everything I could've ever dreamed for. It was a dream that millions had and I felt like a chosen one. I got to sing, act, model, have fans..."
"Everyone chanted my name. What teenager wouldn't love that?" I say lowly.
"But every job comes with it's struggles and pressures. Some people forget I was just a teenager. I still am one even if I'm an adult in the eyes of the law. It wasn't easy breezy all the time. Slowly over time, I became someone I didn't recognize and I know I can't be the only one who has ever felt that way. To lose themselves in the fame, fortune and praising. On top of that, I was in pain. Suffering from the loss of someone and feeling robbed of that relationship. Things I didn't even know bothered me until recently." I say referencing the death of my father.
"It's okay to not be perfect. I know we're expected to be just that and everyone sees us as puppets in this little game they enjoy playing but we're human beings and we feel all the emotions just as much as anyone else and we shouldn't have to hide that as if it's something to be ashamed of. Not many of us are gifted with people in our corner to listen when we're going on a downward spiral and I didn't for so long but now, I have more supporters than I ever thought possible and that's because I finally spoke up." I shared as everyone listened intently as I got deep.
"Everyone who gives a slight damn of what I'm saying, young and old...know that it's okay to love what you do in this industry, but try your damnedest to not let it take over everything you are. Remember to put your mental health first, because you are not worthless without this industry, this industry is not worth anything without you. Please stay true to yourself always because it matters...YOU matter. Thank you." I say finishing my speech with tears in my eyes as I watch all the bodies in the crowd stand up and cheer me on loudly as whistles are heard among them as I take my award back from the announcer.
"That was amazing. Come on." The female announcer said to me as I smile to the crowd before going with her and heading backstage.
Cassidy's POV
"Shhh! Ally's gonna perform soon! She's closing out the show." I say excitedly to Trish, Cheryl, Carrie and Kira.
"I still can't get over that speech. She was amazing up there." Cheryl shook her head in disbelief at Ally's deeply inspiring words.
"The girl found herself. Thanks to yours truly." Trish said referencing herself and popping her collar as we rolled our eyes and chuckled.
"Does anyone have any idea what song she's performing?" Carrie asked with curiosity.
"No idea." Trish, Cheryl and Kira answered at the very same time.
"I do!" I say as they look at me puzzled.
"Cass, how could possibly know?" Kira asked amused.
"I was in the room when she wrote it a couple months ago. She told me that if the network still allowed her to perform when she returned than she promises herself she'd perform that original." I confess to them.
"Wow...so what's it called then?" Cheryl asked as I smiled.
"It's so good guys and it says everything she's ever wanted to get off her chest. I just think it's best to hear it for yourselves." I say to them as they look at each other before back to me.
"Okay, whatever you say Blondie." Carrie replies innocently with a shrug understanding causing all of us to laugh because of the irony.
"You realize you're a blonde too right?"
"What's your point?" She asked confused as I just shake my head and face the TV as does the rest of the girls.
No One's POV
"I don't know if I can do this." Ally says causing her mother and childhood friend to look her way.
"It's okay to be nervous, Als. You haven't performed as your true self in a long while. It'll come natural after about 30 seconds." Raina reassured her with a hand on her shoulder as Ally shook her head.
"No, it's not that. This. I miss performing and my amazing fans but there's also apart of me that can't forget the life I built back home in Miami when I returned there five months ago." She shares honestly.
"You shouldn't have to, honey. But you know that you can't live a double life. Not anymore."
"I know. I guess I'm just feeling stuck." She confides in her mother as her friend looks on sympathetic.
"Honey, it is your life and your decision. So, if it's advice you're looking for then here it is. Do whatever makes you happy. If the answer is both, then we'll figure it out but I'm not allowing you to be miserable any longer. Your happiness is the priority from now on. I promise." Penny tells her daughter as Ally looks at her surprisingly before smiling widely and hugging her mom.
"Miss Dawson, it's time to get in position." A man says as he opens a curtain for Ally to go through as she pulls away from her mother.
"Your mom and I are gonna head back to the seats with Austin. Break a leg, Als." Raina says to Ally as she smiles at them once more before following the man and sitting down on her piano.
"Okay guys, you know what they say about saving the best for last..." She hears one of the announcers say as the crowd roars with excitement.
"This performance has been anticipated all night long and she has just won the biggest award of the night." They add on as the crowd gets rowdier, knowing exactly who they're talking about.
"She's had one hell of a journey these last couple of months and she's here tonight to share a self written song to share some of those thoughts with us. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with honor to introduce one of the biggest pop stars in the world, who will be closing our show tonight...Ally Dawson!" He shouts as the curtains go up exposing me sitting on the bench in front of my pink and white piano as the stadium filled with over a hundred thousand people cheer.
The camera comes close to my face to film and I make sure to remember this is live so no time for screw ups or freak outs. The music starts, I take a deep breathe and begin to play the piano. Though, I had been performing when I was away, it was always as Amy Russo. I haven't performed as Ally Dawson in so long and it just feels different. The melody is felt through my body as my delicate fingers press different buttons on the keyboard and it soon becomes the most natural thing in the world to me once again.
Oh yeah,
La da a da
Don't get me wrong,
I love who I am
I don't wanna be ungrateful
It probably sounds strange
I really love the role I play
The songs I sing
But with all the fame
The things that seem so simple
Suddenly, so far out of reach
Wish that they could see
That underneath
I'm just an ordinary girl!
Sometimes I'm lazy
I get bored, I get scared,
I feel ignored, I feel happy
I get silly, I choke on my own words.
I make wishes, I have dreams,
And I still want to believe,
Anything can happen in this world
For an ordinary girl!
Like you like me
For an ordinary girl
Like you like me
(I look into the crowd as I sing the second verse seeing people moving their heads to the beat as a small smile appears on my face as I get more into it.)
How are you?
Hello, goodbye
One day here,
One day there
And again it's time to go
Miss popular always on the road
Put my best foot forward
Gotta get on with the show
Strike a pose for the front
Cover of a magazine
Everywhere, I arrive I get
High five's
They paint me larger than life
Yeah!
I'm just an ordinary girl!
Sometimes I'm lazy
I get bored, I get scared,
I feel ignored, I feel happy (yeah)
I get silly, I choke on my own words.
I make wishes, I have dreams,
And I still want to believe
Anything can happen in this world
For an ordinary girl!
(I get up from my piano taking my mic with me as I walk up to the stage singing my heart out as the bridge comes up, letting my emotions take over.)
So give it everything
Or nothin' at all
Get back on your feet
When you stumble and fall
A little luck can go a long way
So don't you worry about
What people say
Who knows where the wind may blow
For an ordinary girl
Mmm
I'm just an ordinary girl!
Sometimes I'm lazy
I get bored, I get scared,
I feel ignored, I feel happy
I get silly, I choke on my own words.
I make wishes, I have dreams,
And I still want to believe,
Anything can happen in this world
For an ordinary girl!
Like you like me (yeah!)
For an ordinary girl
Like you like me
For an ordinary girl
Mmm
For an ordinary girl
Like me, like you
As I look into the crowd giving me yet another standing ovation, wildly cheering me on and looking over to my mother, my boyfriend and best friend who are all smiling from ear to ear, I feel absolute pride...but if I'm being honest, I also feel more lost than ever. Standing on this stage right now, I have no idea what I'm gonna do.
What if I make the wrong decision?
So, what do you think is gonna happen in the finale?
P.S I don't own the song "Ordinary Girl" by Miley Cyrus or have any affiliation with the American Music Award's. I'm only the owner of the plot.