Ally's POV
My mother and I sat on the grey love seat in the small four wall room, opposite of the grey haired woman who wore rose colored glasses while sitting in her desk chair with her notepad and pen in hand. We've been seeing Dr. Greene for the past three weeks. If you're wondering what's been going on ever since my comeback performance at the AMA's, then I'm here to provide you with the answers.
My original song "Ordinary Girl" went number one on the pop charts for two weeks and my performance alone received rave reviews from critics all over the country. It's brought me so much happiness that when Austin eventually headed back to Miami, I decided to head right back into the studio to record the album of my dreams with songs written and produced all by me.
My label approved it right away because of all the press I have received since I left. To them, my disappearance was amazing publicity for me and the label and of course, they still see my life as a game. Luckily, my contract is up in 6 months and after that, I'm not renewing it. I still don't know if I'm gonna go to another label or just retire after I put out this next album. All I know is that I have to make a decision soon.
Most of my fans have been so supportive after my interview during the morning show and especially after my speech and performance from the AMA's. So many people sympathized with my situation and how stressful life as a teen can be in the spotlight. Others are not as forgiving despite the reason and hold a grudge. Many are no longer my fans and think I was selfish to do what I did and thought there was still a better way and honestly, I can't blame them. I just know that I have to take a breath and remember, not everyone is gonna understand me or like me and that it's not the end of the world because of it.
Austin went home the day after the AMA's and though we dreaded being away from each other, we knew he couldn't stay here forever. Despite graduating, most of his things were back home and there was no sturdiness here. As fun as it was, we were living out of a hotel room. My mother and I's therapist Dr. Greene, thought it was best to not live under the same roof during our sessions. My mom offered for me to go back to the house while she booked a temporary hotel stay but I told her it was fine because I was already settled into the hotel room Austin and I had checked in. So, that's how it's been the last three weeks.
Austin's absence did give me time to focus on recording my album and repairing my relationship with my mother. Of course, it didn't mean I didn't miss him every minute of everyday.
"I just want to say that though I've been seeing you two in less than a month, I am so proud of you. You've had more progress in this little time than clients I've had for years." She encouraged us as my mother and I glanced at each other and shared a smile.
"Mostly, that's because the root of your problem was never each other. It goes all the way back to your husband and your dad." She vocalizes as we nod agreeing.
"Some things I wanted to discuss today is your personal trauma from Lester's death, Penny."
"Okay..." My mother replied a little nervous.
"I know we've talked about how he died and the way that traumatized you but let's talk about closure." She added.
"Usually, when family members are able to say goodbye, it takes less time to heal. There's still a brokenness within them from the death itself but the ability to say last words to their loved ones helps fill a small void. You were able to say goodbye, but for some reason your mind didn't find it good enough. Why do you think that is?"
"Well, for one it wasn't a proper goodbye. He was in a coma. It's like it I could I hear his voice one last time or see his eyes looking back at me as they let me know everything was gonna be okay. Plus...even if he was awake, nothing would've ever been good enough if he wasn't here with me." She spoke sternly.
"Why are you so sure?"
"Why do you mean? Why am I so sure things wouldn't be good enough if my husband wasn't here?" My mother replied confused as ever.
"No, why are you so sure that you're grieving process couldn't have gone better if you got the desire closure you wanted?"
"Because like I said...he wouldn't be here. I'm sorry if it's not the perfect answer and that I should be grateful or whatever that I was able to say last words but goodbyes will never help with the loss of him. Never." My mother continues as I hear her voice become more shaky and upset, so I begin to rub her back softly before Dr. Greene watches her body language and seems to be thinking.
"Are you angry at him?" Dr. Greene asks lowly to my mother surprising us both.
My mother stares at her for a few seconds and then looks around the room as if she's in a trance before emotion is shown on her face.
"I never thought of it like that before..." My mom responded as if she was in slight shock at the revelation.
"But I guess...I am mad at him. Mad at him for dying. For leaving me. For leaving Ally. For not being here." She says as tears fill her eyes.
"I know it's stupid because it's not his fault-"
"No, it's not stupid, Penny. It's normal. It's not uncommon for family members to feel some level of anger to the person who died in order to cope with the loss."
"But I shouldn't. He was an amazing husband and an even better father. He loved Ally so much which is why I just get so upset when I think about how he wasn't able to be here for her because some other idiot was too reckless on the road!" She shouts filling me with sorrowfulness.
"But more than anything...I was so scared." My mother said softly.
"Elaborate, Penny. Scared of what?" Dr. Greene pushed.
"Scared of raising a child alone. Scared of being alone. Scared of not being enough for her." My mother shares as the tears fall down her face as I grab and hold her hand in mine, caressing the top of it sympathetically.
"Mom, as long as I'm here...you will never be alone. We're always gonna be in each other's lives, no matter how old I get or how much things change." I tell her truthfully as she looks to me with sadness in her eyes.
"I just didn't want you to resent me as a parent Ally. I was on my own raising you so I needed to do everything, including being the parent that made all your wildest dreams come true. I didn't want to let you down. I didn't want to let your father down. I just didn't want to fail as your mother." She shares honestly.
"How could you ever think of yourself as that? Do you honestly think that I wouldn't have loved you as much or appreciated you if I didn't become a superstar?" I ask in disbelief as she doesn't reply.
"Mom, listen to me. The mom manager you've been trying so hard to be in order to prove you're a great mother is not the reason I found you a good mother before. Not at all." I tell her as she looks at me with confusion.
"You have raised me since I was two years old. You changed my diapers, you kept me fed with a roof under my head. When I became a little older, you read me bedtime stories, you took care of the fictional monsters under my bed, you took me out on mother/daughter dates where we had the most fun in the world. I may not have been raised in the traditional two parent like others but you still gave me more love than I could handle and a lifetime of amazing childhood memories. That's the mom that I loved and appreciated. You were an amazing mother before and I don't know how you could convince yourself otherwise. I never asked nor needed you to change because even though you weren't perfect, you were THERE for me. I couldn't have asked for anything better." I finish with heart wrenching eyes as she smiles with heavy emotion.
"I'm so happy we did this, honey. I love you so much and I don't know what I'd do if I ruined our relationship forever." She said to me.
"Me too, mom." I reply as Dr. Greene smiles at us.
"I'm happy for you two, I truly am but we still have a long way to go. We need to make sure that old patterns are never resurfaced and that their aren't grudges that will come back up in the future as you get over this hill. This is a team effort." She explains as we listen keenly.
"You did extremely well today, Penny. I'm sure he'd be proud of you." She told her, referencing my father making her even more tender.
"Thank you and we understand. We're gonna keep putting in all the work. Our relationship is too important to ever give up on." My mother confidently tells Dr. Greene.
"That's great to hear. Now, Ally. I'd like to hear about you. Have you come to a decision yet? I heard that you're putting out an album in a couple of months." She said as I crossed my legs a little awkward about the topic.
"Yes, it's true. I am coming out with an album soon. I was inspired to make an album filled with all the original songs I had written during my disappearance."
"Was it therapeutic for you in a way?"
"Very. It's the most I felt like myself since I've been back." She nods writing it down in her journal.
"But...that doesn't mean I've come closer to a decision." I admit as she looks up to me.
"I know it may appear that way because I'm doing stuff for my music but I still feel stuck in a way. Like it's one foot in and one foot out and I keep going back and forth on what to do and the answer is never clear." I confide in her as she looks to be thinking.
"Well, I have a suggestion." Dr. Greene says after a few seconds of silence.
"I'm all ears."
"Maybe it's hard for you to make a decision because you haven't exactly been doing anything lately just for fun in both lifestyles. You're either here, in the recording studio or in your hotel room. You need to really get out. I think you need to spend some time with your closest friend or friends in the industry who represent the fame and living in the spotlight then hang with someone in your life who represents normalcy. At the end of day, you should know which one your heart truly wants." She finishes off as my mother and I look at each other with a curiosity before I turn back to Dr. Greene.
"Okay...I'll test that theory."
***Time Break***
As I sit on the hotel bed waiting for Raina's arrival so we can go hangout and test my therapist's theory, I see someone trying to Skype me on my laptop.
Except, it's not just anyone. It's Austin.
The biggest smile appears on my face as I race over to sit in the chair and click accept as his gorgeous face comes into view.
"Hey beautiful." Austin says with a smile causing me to giggle like a schoolgirl.
"Hey babe. I miss you so much." I tell him even though we talk and text on the phone every single day.
"I miss you too. I would've done this earlier but I kind of slept in a little late. So, I decided to Skype you before I get ready to head out." He tells me apologetic.
"Head out? Where are you going?" I ask with curiosity.
"Oh, I'm hanging with Dallas, Cassidy and Trish today. We were gonna go see that action movie starring The Rock and then probably come back to my place to just hangout." He explained filling me with nostalgia of the all times we use to hangout as a group and have the best of times.
"Gosh, I miss everyone."
"And they miss you." He reassures me.
"So, how did your therapy session go with you and your mom this time?"
"Super emotional. A lot of talking about my dad again."
"I'm sorry. That must be hard." He replies sympathetically.
"It is but I'm fine. As long as it helps, it's all worth it."
"Yeah, it will be."
"My therapist gave me this theory to test out where I have to hang out with Raina-" I cut myself off when I see Austin's mother and father come in their front door in the background.
Oh, I guess that's what I forgot to tell you. I've been avoiding talking to my boyfriend's parents ever since I did that morning interview and revealed who I was. Austin keeps reassuring me that they're okay with me and that they accept that we're together but I don't know. I just would feel weird talking to the parents of the son I lied and deceived even if my intent wasn't to hurt him.
"You know, maybe I should go. Raina's gonna be picking me up soon to hangout and you have to hang out with-"
"Babe, you can't keep avoiding them. They're my parents." He says cutting me off knowing I was just making excuses.
"Is that Ally, sweetheart?" Austin's mother said slightly cheerfully causing him to smirk towards me as she came over to the sofa he was on and sat next to him while his father took the groceries in his hands to the kitchen.
"Um hi, ma'am." I speak awkwardly to her as her smile fades feeling the tension.
"Please don't tell me you're still avoiding me and Mike." She said as Mike came back into the room and stood behind the sofa and behind them.
"I wouldn't say avoiding..."
"Definitely avoiding." Mike said as Austin laughed and I made a face towards him as he stopped but still found it amusing that I was seemingly being jumped by his parents.
"Ally still feels awkward around you guys because of what she did." Austin tells them.
"We've always made it clear we didn't hold that against her." His mom responds confused.
"That's what I keep telling her but what can I say? I have the world's most stubborn girlfriend." He says as I playfully roll my eyes.
"You don't have to avoid us because of that, Ally. That's in the past." Mike comments kindly.
"I don't want to. It's just-"
"It's just what?" Mimi says concerned as I take a pause before sighing.
"Austin thinks so high of you and I know you think the same of him. You were so kind to me and welcomed me into your home and all the while, your son didn't even know who I really was." I say as both his parents look sympathetic towards me and I don't know why.
"What I did...lying and deceiving Austin like that...your son...how can you NOT hate me?" I finish not understanding as Austin looks at me pitiful while his parents takes in my words.
"Darling...we never felt hatred towards you ever. Not even when we first found out. When we talked about it with each other, we honestly just felt bad for you. That things were so bad in your real life that you felt the need to runaway from it. Of course, we're not happy that our son's heart was broken but we know it wasn't out of malicious intent. You love him, we never doubted that." She told me as I glance at Austin who smiles softly to me.
"Listen Ally..." Mike Moon starts off as I face him.
"We just want to continue to get to know the young woman our son fell in love with. You're his girlfriend and the love of his life and though a pop star is the last person we suspected-" He says making us all chuckle.
"We're still happy for him. We welcomed you into this family months ago and we still welcome you now. I think you're still looking for someone to blame you because you haven't stopped feeling guilty. If you think about it, the only person who needs to forgive you...is yourself." Mike told me as I take a breath in at his words realizing that he was right.
All this time, I was still searching for some kind of punishment for my sin. I wasn't over what I did, so I assumed no one else was either.
Even in therapy, Dr. Greene told me to find the solution of why I think Austin's parents secretly hate me when they've made it clear they didn't. This is what she meant. She already knew. She wanted me to come to the conclusion on my own. Granted, I didn't but just knowing now gives me so much clarity.
"Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Moon. I really needed to hear that. More than you know." I said suddenly very emotional.
"I truly do love your son and I'm happy you understand my actions. I will never ever lie or deceive you again or...avoid you." I add awkwardly as they laugh.
"That's good. It'd suck to not be close to the woman who makes my son so happy and has him up all hours of the night staring at photos." She said making Austin blush.
"Okay, mom. Don't you guys have to put groceries away?" He asked as I giggled.
"Alright, son. I think we get the memo." Mike stated as Mimi got up.
"It was nice seeing you again, Ally." Mimi said as they waved goodbye heading to their kitchen while Austin faced me again still embarrassed.
"So, you stare at pictures of us huh." I tease as he shyly puts his head temporarily in his lap.
"It's more like innocently admiring." He says looking back up to me as I laugh and he does too knowing I wasn't buying it.
"I love you." I tell him and mean it with all my heart.
"I love you too." He replies staring me in the eyes intensely and I don't break eye contact until I hear a buzz from my phone.
"Raina?" I hear him question from the screen as I nod my head looking back up to him.
"She's outside. I have to go babe." I tell him as he nods understanding.
"It's all good. I have to go change and get ready to head out with the gang anyway." He responds before I smile giving him an air smooch as he pretends to catch it making me shake my head with a smile at our dorkiness before signing off.
***Time Break***
Raina and I head to this local skating rink that she personally got shut down for a day simply for me. She knows we'd never be able to skate in peace, otherwise. When we arrive, outside of it is covered desperate paparazzi and some of my fans. Please don't ask me how everyone always seems to know where I am or where I'm going all the time.
My eyes make notice that some of my fans are being pushed off to the side carelessly by a bunch of reckless photographers.
"You three. Come with me." I say causing all heads including Raina's.
"What are you doing, Ally?!" Raina whispered-yelled into my ear.
"They can skate with us. I don't mind." I tell
her defending my actions as they come up to me starstruck.
I let the security guards know they're okay to enter with Raina and I. The three of them follow us into the skating rink and look around in amazement.
"Whoa. I can't believe you actually rented this out just for you. Famous people are so lucky!" The blonde one said as Raina and I looked at each other in amusement.
"So, what are you girls names?" I asked as they all begin talking at the same time causing Raina to shh them.
"Ladies, one at a time please." Raina said as they nodded repeatedly still very energized.
"I'm Mina." The browned hair and brown eyed girl said with an enthusiastic wave causing me to internally chuckle.
"I'm Haley." The black haired and blue eyed girl said.
"And I'm Chloe!" The last one said who had blonde hair and blue eyes and seemed to be the most excited even though they were all pretty hype.
"Well, it's nice to meet you girls. Let's get our shoes and skate." I say as they cheer ecstatic causing Raina to look at me with a 'you're gonna regret this look' but I just scoff it off with a shrug.
Raina, the three girls and I get our skates and have been skating for the past two hours and it's been super fun. Apparently, Haley and Mina have been friends since the fourth grade and they just met Chloe last year but they still consider themselves three peas in a pod.
"So, can I ask why did you let us in?" Mina commented skating next to me on my left as Chloe skated on my right. Meanwhile, Raina and Haley were ahead of the rest of us showing out their awesome and more advanced skater moves.
"I didn't like the way those guys were hassling you guys out there." I answered honestly as she looked appreciative.
"Thanks. To rent out this place, you must've wanted alone time. You don't think we ruined it?" She added curiously.
"My fans could never ruin anything." I respond sweetly as she just smiles.
"Wow. You're more amazing in person than in your interviews." Chloe cheesed widely and giggled as I found her amusing.
"Okay, so I don't want to ruin this but since it's just us in here...can we please get the scoop on your hot boyfriend?!" Chloe shouted enthusiastically getting the attention of Raina and Haley who made their way back to us.
"Chloe stop! You're gonna make her hate us and kick us out!" Mina sighed shaking her head as I chuckled.
"Lord, did she ask about Austin?" Raina asked pretty entertained right now.
"My god, Chloe." Haley said putting a palm to her face embarrassed by her friend's intrusion.
"Alright, alright. No need to jump on Blondie. I'm sure she didn't mean any harm." I finally speak up as she smiles at my defense for her.
"Considering this is my first real relationship, I'm not too privy about sharing more details about it than I already have, but since I'm in a lucky mood today..." I trail off as all their eyes lit up.
"Austin is great. An amazing guy. I'm pretty sure I've given up on ever having a great love story of my own until I met him. He came into my life or I guess I came into his..." I switch up quickly as everyone laughs.
"-and I was never the same again and it's all because of him. He's the best guy I know." I tell them as we decide to move off the skating ring to remove our skates.
"I bet. It's so nice that he forgave you for what you did. Only a strong person could do that." Mina replied as I nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, he has a good heart...which came in handy for me since I am super in love him with him."
"Awe..." They all purred causing me to chuckle.
"Yeah, they're adorable or whatever." Raina teased making the three girls giggle while I playfully rolled my eyes.
"Is he still here?" Haley asked.
"Nah, he had to go back home for now."
"I'm sorry. You must miss him so much." She said apologetically.
"Yeah, but it's okay. We talk a lot and I have a billion pictures of us to look at." I say showing them my screensaver of a picture of me and Austin.
"He's so hot!" Chloe complimented as her friends nodded exceedingly, making Raina and I laugh.
"No denying that." I reply putting my phone away.
"Thank you for this, Ally. We love you so much." Mina stated happily hugging me as Haley and Chloe joined in which is as uncomfortable as you're picturing it but I accept it because they're my fans and I love them.
"Yeah, we appreciate this so much! Though, our friends will never believe us." Haley said a bit sadly as they pulled away before I placed a hand on my hip.
"They'll have to believe pictures." I respond with a smirk as they all look at each other shook before squealing like school girls. It's even funnier because they are schoolgirls.
"YOU ARE SO FREAKING AWESOME! I LOVE YOU QUEEN! AHHH!" Chloe screamed quickly taking out her phone and wrapping her arm around my shoulder and forcing our cheeks together as I hurriedly smiled when she took the pic.
Afterwards, I took solo pics with Mina and Haley and then pics with all of us together including Raina. They thanked and hugged me again before heading out.
"What?" I said because I could feel Raina's eyes on me.
"You just made those girls day. It's gonna be a day they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Most celebrities would never do that. Let them join in on their fun and treat them like friends and equals." She shared impressed.
"The industry may have been shit to you but I admire that you never let it change who you are. You're a good person, Ally. Never forget that." She told me as I smiled softly.
Raina and I head to the mall after and our security guards guide us through the hundreds of people trying to talk and take pictures of me.
We walk into the cafeteria where they have blocked it off so none of the rabid paparazzi could have access to me. Raina laughs as she looks at the fans just watching us eat in awe, despite it being a normal human activity.
"Your life is unreal." She says shaking her head in between taking bites of her salad.
"You mean overwhelming? Yeah, I agree." I reply taking a bite out of the sandwich that I ordered.
"I understand...why you did what you did." She speaks lowly before looking me in my eyes.
"I was one of your biggest critics when it came to what you did...but to deal with this-" She said pointing to the crowd of people.
"For that many years and EVERY day? Any normal human being would be exhausted too, Ally. Especially a teenager. I'm sorry for making you feel ashamed for feeling that way."
"You don't have to apologize, Raina. You literally let me stay in Miami as Amy Russo for months before you actually said something to me just so I could have some more time. You understood me back then." I say reminding her of her own good.
"Yeah, but I still judged you too. I was just thinking of the selfishness of it and I was wrong."
"We already did all this months ago, R. No need to open up old wounds, but thank you for letting me know once again that you understand me." I tell her putting a hand on hers as she smiles.
"Oh wait...I forgot to tell you. You might take back that comfort hand rub." She says as my eyebrows raise in confusion.
"Why?" I say taking another bite.
"There's a benefit concert back in Miami tonight and the owner of the fundraiser wanted to know if you could perform a few songs." She shared with me as my eyes widened.
"What?!"
"I know, I'm sorry! But in my defense, it was a very recent thing. I mean, I just got the call this morning. Their entertainment cancelled last minute and since you've done a couple of concerts for them over the years and they had my number, they thought they'd ask since it's your hometown." She explained as I sighed.
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to, Als." She told me.
"No, I'm going to. I have to. It's for charity. I just didn't wanna perform again until I knew for sure of what I was going to be doing moving forward. But helpless children are more important than my indecisiveness." I stated as Raina gives a sweet smile at my kindness.
"Okay, I'll call and let Clara know as soon as we leave here and I'll let Pilot Jeffrey know we're gonna need him to fly us to Miami within the hour on your private jet." Raina informs me as I nod.
"What time is the concert?"
"7pm."
"Well, it's only 1 so by the time we arrive in Miami, I'll still have some time to see Austin and my friends." I calculate in my head.
"Oh, yeah! See? There's some good from last minute changes." Raina said trying to make up for her irresponsibility of not letting me know right away.
"You're not getting out of that." I say as she scoffs.
***Time Break***
Before Raina and I board the plane, I let my mother know that I was heading back to Miami just for the night. No, I did not tell Austin I was coming because I wanted to surprise him! We haven't seen each other in person in three weeks and we had no plans to, until I made a final decision but this gives us the perfect excuse. God, I missed him so much.
The hours fly by and the next thing I know, we're at the Miami airport. I smile taking in the air as it feels like just yesterday I was here. Raina and I didn't bring any suitcases because we're literally scheduled to leave first thing tomorrow morning. The one pair of clothes each of us have is in this book bag Raina is currently carrying. I know Austin will let me stay the night with no questions asked and Raina will probably stay over at Cassidy's.
Raina and I get a taxi with an older brunette driver who looked to be in her forties and was not a fan of me at all. She made it very clear through her constant creepy glare. I told you, not everyone approved of the way Ally Dawson handles that situation and no, I don't know why I spoke in third person.
Raina gets dropped off at the place that's holding the benefit concert because she has to give the DJ and producers the set list I'll be performing later, along with talking to the owner to make sure everything is set right and will go smoothly. The driver takes me to Austin's house after I give her the address.
"Thank you, ma'am." I say politely handing her the money and getting out the car.
"Yeah, no problem. Just make sure you don't run away and become another identity just in case your next convo doesn't go well." She replied smartly with a smoker's voice before pulling off.
Wow. What a bitch. I should be offended but I laugh and shake it off. People like that simply aren't worth it. I have to keep remembering what Mike Moon told me. It's time I forgive myself and I'm not gonna let petty others drag me down with them.
My exposed legs because of my short casual white dress and black cardigan complimented with my black converses walk up to Austin's door, taking a deep breath.
After a few knocks from me, the door eventually opened revealing Trish.
"What-" Trish started off rudely before realizing it was me causing her face to change from complete shock to extreme excitement.
"OH MY GOD. What are you doing here?!" Trish said elevated before hugging me tight.
"I'll explain inside." I reply with a chuckle returning the hug as I missed her and the others so much.
"Come in!" She said as I entered house as we made our way into the living room seeing Dallas and Austin on the couch watching a football game as Cassidy was playing some game on her phone while sitting on Dallas's lap.
"I'm back, guys." Is all Trish says as we come into view but everyone's eyes were glued to something else they found more entertaining.
"What took you so long? Who was at the door?" Austin asked her with his face still to the TV until he turned around when she didn't answer before he froze in place from seeing me.
Austin's eyes almost bug out of his head as he takes me in. I smile shyly as if he's not my boyfriend and walk a few steps before waving with a single hand.
"Hey, you." I say which causes Dallas and Cassidy to turn around after hearing my voice.
"Baby!" Austin finally yells jumping off the sofa and running over to me, picking me up and spinning me around making me giggle.
"What- what- what are you doing?" Austin stuttered as he put me down but before I could answer, I'm squashed by another person.
"Ally!" Cassidy shouts hugging me tightly as I hug her back.
"Oh, I missed you Cass!"
"I missed you more." She said against me before we pulled back and I saw their were tears in her eyes.
"I see you're as emotional as ever." I say as she chuckles rolling her eyes before hugging me again.
"Okay, okay, Cass. I think Austin wants to know why his girlfriend paid him an early visit." Dallas said trying to get his girlfriend off of me which I found amusing.
"Sorry." She replied to Austin with an innocent smile as he came back in front of me.
"So?" He asked referring to his previous question while softly running his fingers along my face as if to feel if I was real. If this was real.
"I'm performing at the annual Miami benefit concert for charity. It was a very last minute thing when they asked for my services through Raina. I decided to come and do it in order to help raise the money. Of course, seeing you and the gang wasn't a burden in the plan." I explained wrapping my arms around his torso as he cheesed widely down at me as Trish and Cassidy still make excitable noises that I was back.
"It's really good to see you again, Ally." Dallas commented as I smiled towards him.
"You too." I say before kissing Austin's cheek and separating.
"So, the concert is a hour and a half from now and I have to meet Raina there on time but I was wondering if we could hang before then?" I asked my boyfriend who eyes lit up.
"Of course babe. We can go to the beach. It shouldn't be anyone there today at this time." He told me as I smiled satisfied at the choice.
"Oh, I can't wait!" Cassidy cheered hyped as we all looked at her awkwardly.
"Babe, I'm pretty sure she meant just them. They haven't seen each other in three weeks and Ally's only back for a night." Dallas let her know as she pouted like a child making me feel slightly bad.
"No fair. Trish and I haven't seen Ally in a month. You'll go back to LA tomorrow morning and the cycle will start again."
"Yeah, that does suck." Trish agreed.
"Oh come on guys. You're moving to LA in the fall. You'll be living in MY city soon enough and it won't always be like this." I promised them as they smiled.
"Fine. Go be with your boo thang, Dawson." Trish ordered making me and Austin laugh.
"Have fun." Dallas told us as I hugged Trish and Cassidy again before waving and leaving with Austin.
Austin's POV
Can't stop smiling from Ally's return. Yeah, yeah. I know she's only staying a night but I'll take what I can get. Three weeks is the longest Ally and I have been separated since she joined Marino High. There was those two weeks of me not talking to her after her reveal but we were still around each other frequently. This was different. We're a couple and we couldn't physically touch for almost a month. Don't think dirty, either. Just simple hugs, kisses and holding her in my arms wasn't possible. It was hell.
I hold Ally's hand as we walk into the empty beach as the sand is felt through our toes. I make sure to put a blanket down so we can sit and catch up even though we talk all the time. She lays on me and it feels like just yesterday that we were actually doing this.
"I missed you so much." I tell her under my breath as she turns her head to look at me while resting her hands on my chest.
"I missed you too...but at least you had the entire gang here. I have one friend in LA." She said with a chuckle.
"Won't lie that they definitely helped me with distractions but sleeping without you by my side never failed to bring me back to earth." I responded honestly.
"Happy that I was still on your mind, love." She said before kissing me softly on the lips.
"They do say distance makes the heart grow fonder."
"Oh, don't be cheesy babe." She replied making me laugh.
"Our entire love story is cheesy, Ally. You're gonna have to get use to it." I tell her as she playfully rolls her eyes with a smile.
"So, what were you trying to tell me earlier about your therapy session when we Skyped before my parents walked in?" I questioned.
"Oh, yeah." She said sitting up and facing me completely, causing me to do the same.
"Dr. Greene gave me this theory to test out in order to make a decision about what I want to do regarding my career." She started off as I nodded listening.
"Okay, so let's here it." I say intrigued.
"Apparently, she thinks hanging out with someone who represents the fame in my life and someone who represents normalcy in my life will give me the clarity I need." She explained.
"And let me guess. Hanging out with Raina today was the industry life representation." I said with raised eyebrows.
"Yup."
"And I'm-"
"Normalcy. Yes." She finishes my sentence quickly as I take it in.
"Well...I'm sure you already know this but if it wasn't clear before, we're gonna be together no matter what. Remember that whatever you choose is the right decision, as long as it's right for you." I tell her as she smiles appreciative to me.
"I struck gold with you, Austin Moon." She says as I smile kissing her cheek.
"Wouldn't mind you showing appreciation then." I say teasingly as she laughed kissing me as I returned it passionately.
Ally's and I's mouths go at it like never before, as if neither of us had any control.
I kissed her like she was a rare delicacy and never failed to leave her wanting.
"Wait, we can't do this in the middle of a public beach even if it is empty." Ally said as I looked around knowing she was right before I thought of something.
"We have an extra blanket." I say taking it out the beach bag we brought.
"If I put this over top of our bodies then at the most, all people are gonna think we're doing is making out and that's IF anyone catches us." I tell her as she looks at me amused shaking her head.
"Guys will come up with any plan to get their rocks off huh." She said as I blushed accordingly.
"Hey, you're gonna blame me for wanting to be intimate with my girlfriend who I haven't seen in almost a month?" I reply as she playfully rolls her eyes.
Ally then gave me a smile that told me she loved me in a million different languages before she seared my lips with a kiss. I buried my fingers in her smooth brunette strands. It wasn't long before I took control of the kiss, even shorter time for the both of us removing our clothes until we were in our birthday suits. I angled her head how I wanted so that I could kiss her how I wanted. I reached under the blanket that was lying on both of us and wrapped her legs across my waist.
My manhood entered slowly at first to cherish her wet and warmth center but once I gained a certain pace, there was no going back. Ally's moans don't take long to arrive as her legs hold on for dear life around my waist while her hands run roughly through my hair.
My pelvis continues to thrust in and out deeply as she moans into the air in delight from the way I feel inside her. Her hips buckle towards me as I bury myself in her rapidly while she clings to sand that slips through her fingers.
It was written all over her face how much she enjoyed it. Her head was thrown back, eyes closed. Don't wanna toot my own horn but it's like I'd stole her breath and she only had the lungs to whisper. But I could read those soft, pretty lips of hers. She was just saying my name over and over and over again.
Finally, after what felt like forever but a good forever...Ally and I came together and it was so fucking amazing. The please was something I can't even describe and a high that I don't ever wanna come down from.
Ally's POV
"I love you so much, Ally." Austin said so low that it could've been mistaken for gibberish but I heard him perfectly.
"I know we're young and anyone else hearing this will think it's just young love bullshit but I can't ever picture wanting someone as much as I want you or loving someone as much as I love you. You are my everything. Just in case you had any doubt." He added the last sentence sweetly almost making me giggle from the adorableness.
Our eyes stare into each other's so intensely before I place both my hands on each side of his cheeks as a smile formed on my face.
"I didn't have doubts...because you're my everything too, Austin." I tell him as a small smile forms on his face as he begins to lean in to kiss me but I stop him.
"Nuh uh, wait." I say as he looks confused.
"I love you." I respond as he playfully rolls his eyes before kissing me passionately and deeply as I wrap my arms around his neck breathing all of him in. True love. I never thought I'd find it so young or at all but life is full of surprises.
Suddenly, I push Austin off of me when the thing I've been searching for all these months finally comes to me. An answer. That doesn't change the confusion on Austin's face.
"I made a decision." I tell him with light in my eyes which causes him to become intrigued.
"Alright, so what is it?" He asked highly curious.
As I'm about to respond, I check my phone when I realize we've been here longer than I realized. The time proves me right when it reads 6:44 and I groan frustrated getting up.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Austin asked concerned standing up as well and holding my arm.
"The benefit concert. I'm suppose to be on stage in sixteen minutes!" I answer frantically as he makes an 'O' face remembering.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. I'm gonna drive you there. We're gonna make it. Let's go." He said quickly grabbing my hand and running to his car and I didn't ask any questions.
When I finally arrived to the benefit concert, I was escorted by security swiftly backstage as Austin went to go meet all of our friends that he called and asked to come on the drive over. He thought they should be here for my concert since it's the last night I'm gonna be in Miami for a long time once I leave in the morning. He's thoughtful and sweet like that.
"Where the hell have you been?" Raina asked me as I undressed and redressed in front of her.
"Lost track of time when I was out with Austin." I confess as she rolled her eyes.
"It's not his fault! It's mine."
"Oh, I don't blame him. It's not his responsibility to make sure you're here on time, Als. It's yours." She grilled me as I sighed fixing my make up in the mirror.
"Don't you think I know that?"
"Ally-"
"Hey, I'm here aren't I?" I said turning around to her as she looks at me still upset.
"Listen, Raina. I'm sorry. I get this is because of all the back and forth in my life lately but all of this is gonna stop because I made a decision." I confess to her as her eyes go wide in surprise.
"Oh my god, really? Well, spill!" She voiced right before my name was called on stage.
"Sorry. It's just gonna have to wait." I say with a smile as she scoffs watching me walk away to the curtain before it lifted causing the hundreds of fans to scream in hype and happiness.
"MIAMI, HOW ARE YOU?!" I shout into the mic as the audience almost blows my ear drums off.
"IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE HOME!" I yell with a huge smile on my face as I see familiarity in the front row.
My eyes water from joy when I recognize the faces of some of my closest friends. Carrie, Kira, Dez, Dallas, Cheryl and Chris cheering along with everybody else and waving to me when they notice I see them. I turn to the left to see Austin, Cassidy and Trish peaking out behind the curtain backstage, smiling to me as Austin gives me a thumbs up and a wink.
God, that boy is gonna be the death of me.
***Time Break***
I've been performing for almost two hours when I look to the money board to see they've almost reached their goal of 500k. I have one last song left but I decide that this is the perfect time to share my decision with the world and my fans. After disappearing on them, telling them something as big as this on a personal level is the least I could do.
"You guys enjoying yourselves?" I ask into the microphone with nothing but sweat beads on my forehead and body but still gaining a loud response.
"Me too." I say with a smile before taking a deep breath.
"You know there's something I want to share with you. Something really important that's gonna impact my life and some of yours in a way." I start off as slight murmurs occur.
"For the past month since I've been back to LA, I was burdened with having to make a decision that required choosing between continuing my music career or retiring." I admit to the huge crowd as they gasped at me and looked around to others in disbelief.
"I know, I know...how could I ever think about retiring from music when it's everything to me? And it really is...but it's also extremely overwhelming and I don't ever want to burn myself out so much that I resent the dream I've loved for so long." I say truthfully.
"That's why I finally decided that the best thing for me to do is to...take a temporary break from music." I reveal as the entire crowd along with my friends in the front row inhale in shock.
My eyes find Cassidy's and Trish's as they cover their mouths after hearing my confession before I make eye contact with Austin. He's the only one looking at me admirable and to continue on, letting me know through his eyes that he's here for me no matter what the outcome of their reaction is, which gives me the courage to face my fans once again.
"All this time I thought I had to choose one or the other because it was impossible to do both. Maybe it is, when you're trying to balance them at the same time but that's why I need to do this. I've been working in this industry since I was thirteen years old. It robbed me of a lot of childhood and teen opportunities but I felt like I gained so much more. I have given a lot of myself over the years and now, I just want to take some time for me. Maybe that feels greedy because I already had five months but I wasn't even myself during that time. This is something I need to do for me." I share emotionally as everyone's eyes that I can see in the crowd seem to show devastation.
"I know it's sad, guys. It breaks my heart too, but like I said this is temporary. Maybe it's just for a year or maybe it's two or maybe it's more, I don't know and truthfully, I like the not knowing. What I do know is that Ally Dawson's music career is not over. I will be back and when I am, I'll be better than ever." I say as the crowd cheers once again putting a smile on my face as my friends look up at me proudly.
"The last song of the night was gonna be 'No Place Like Home' which always felt so right whenever I was here in Miami...but I have to say, nothing feels more fitting than my new song right now. This was written for all of my fans from all over the world for being there with me every step of the way. This is called... 'Thank You.' I hope you like it." I say finishing my speech before putting my microphone into the mic stand as the music starts.
[Verse 1]
I never said that I had it all figured it out
I never said, I never said that I live my days without doubt
I swear all I've ever done was be honest and stay modest
[Pre-Chorus]
So this is a, sincere, unscripted
Unwritten for all that you've given, forgiving, I'm driven
I wanna be better than I was, better than I am
So I say
[Chorus]
All I'm trying to say is I thank you, I thank you
All I'm trying to say is I thank you, I thank you
All I'm trying to say is I thank you
[Verse 2]
I never said that I was done with my growth
I never said, I never said that I was done doing the most
And I swear all I've ever done
Was stay honest, keep my promise
[Pre-Chorus]
So here goes my real life, unscripted
Unwritten for all that you've given, forgiving, I'm driven
I wanna be better than I was, greater than I am
So I say
[Chorus]
All I gotta say is I thank you, thank you
All I gotta say is I thank you, thank you
[Bridge]
(Hey) Thank you for watching me walk across the stage
For walking me through my heart-breaks
Thanks for the love every step of the way
With no support, this wouldn't be as great
Thank you for making me stronger than most
For taking it beyond my coast
Thank you for raising your glass when I toast
[Outro]
All I gotta say is I thank you, thank you
All I gotta say is I thank you, thank you
All I gotta say is I thank you
All I gotta say, all I gotta say
Thank you, really...
All I gotta say is I thank you
As I finish the last line and the music stops, the standing ovation and applause happens immediately. Everything seems to move in slow motion as I watch people's hands move in the air and their bodies jump up and down. My friends are going wild in the crowd as I look to the side as my three best friends are smiling widely at me.
Austin looks at me with so much pride and a face that told me that he knew I could do it. My heart warms looking into the crowd once more knowing that I did it.
I made the right decision.
4 Months Later
Hey! Ally Dawson, here! Former pop star! Or should I just say pop star since it's only a temporary break? Eh, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that it's been a while since I've last talked to you and I can't wait to catch you up on how things have been for me and the loved ones in my life.
For starters, the self written and produced album I put out just two months ago titled 'Ordinary Girl', went number one on the Top 200 Billboard charts and have been there ever since!
The album consisted of all the songs I wrote in Miami during my disappearance:
1.) Party in the U.S.A
2.) Adore You
3.) La La
4.) My Everything
5.) Ordinary Girl
6.) Me & My Girls
7.) Hands To Myself
8.) What The Hell
9.) Issues
10.) Thank You
It's an amazing feeling. My first number one album was something made by me and me only. Nothing but blood, sweat and tears went into it. An album that truly represents my heart, style, personality and true self. I worked so damn hard on it and I'm thrilled people love it as much as I do.
Secondly, my mother and I's relationship has improved immensely as our therapy sessions continue. They can be uncomfortable at times and super emotional but it's also equally helpful and beneficial. My mother is finally working on actually healing from my father's death and overcoming it so she can truly move on and begin living her own life instead of ignoring it and focusing on mine. I can't believe I'm saying this but I feel like I'm getting my old mom back.
Raina and I have started to gain the closeness we once had as children back. Somewhere in between all my fame and fortune, our friendship got blurred and became more professional than personal but that isn't really the case anymore nowadays. We hang out, go to the movies, skate, have lunches. Of course, it's not as frequent now because Raina is dating someone. Oh yeah, that's right! Raina has a boyfriend named Seth and I couldn't be happier for her! I don't know him extremely well but on the two occasions I have met him, he seemed like a pretty chill guy and I'll support their relationship until he gives me a reason not to.
As for everyone else you're wondering about, they all started college, which just started two weeks ago!
Austin, Dallas, Cassidy, Dez and I all attend UCLA together. Dallas and Austin are both in the football program. Austin is the shining quarterback on campus just like he was in high school and Dallas is an amazing running back who stands out. The coach never fails to mention that he believes they both have promising future careers in the NFL and all of us couldn't be prouder of them. Cassidy is in the theater program because she wants to be an actress and has so far, scored a couple of commercials! Dez is in film making and he's actually really good. Who knew? Maybe one day, I'll let him shoot one of my music videos.
Trish, Kira and Carrie all attend FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). Trish and Kira are in the fashion and design program which wasn't a shocker to no one. I have no doubt in my mind that those girls will have their own clothing line one day. Carrie on the other hand goes there for modeling after she was approached by a talent agent who thought she'd be great for it and it has peaked her interest ever since. Don't worry, their college is in LA too! It's just not as close as the rest of us hoped. It's about an hour drive which in retrospect doesn't seem too bad, but when everyone's busy with school and their budding careers, it can be hard to find time to see each other. We all still do our best to try and meet up every other weekend. Sadly, Dez and Carrie have to manage a long distance relationship but they're making it work so far.
Unfortunately, Chris and Cheryl are still in Miami. They got into really good schools there which makes me super proud of them, it's just bittersweet because I don't see them at all. We talk on the phone maybe twice a month. It's really heartbreaking but I try to keep telling myself that this is life. This is what happens when people go their separate ways.
Cheryl is in school for nursing and I know she'll make an amazing one. Chris is studying photography as a serious profession and even sends me some of his work from time to time in the mail and it's phenomenal.
I feel like I'm forgetting somebody?
Oh right. Me!
Well, as for me? Ally Dawson, former pop star, now on hiatus to find out more of who I am in this crazy amazing world...I'm doing great. Besides attending UCLA with some of my friends and boyfriend, I still very much enjoy my photography hobby. Especially when my focus is someone named Austin Moon. If I'm being honest, I don't have anything at the moment that I'm really crazy about or interested in but I'm okay with that, because I got plenty of time. In the meantime, I'm gonna focus on getting to know myself, spending time with my friends, and loving my amazing boyfriend.
"Ally, are you ready?" I hear behind me in the hallway catching me out of my day dream.
"Huh?" I say facing Austin's handsome face as he stands at the end of the hallway.
"Babe, were you daydreaming again?" He asked with an amused smile as I blush a tad embarrassed.
"Maybe just a tiny bit." I said using my fingers as a gesture as he shakes his head with a laugh that I love so much.
"I was asking if you were ready to go on our date?" He asked again as I smiled widely.
"Always." I reply happily running down the hallway and into his arms as he catches me before we smile at each other happily.
So, yeah. That's my story on how I, Ally Marie Dawson, a pop star...ran away from my life and in the end it all worked out.
"I love you, Ally Dawson." Austin says as we pull away.
"Of course you do." I say pecking him quickly and jumping down.
"I'm gonna get you." He said as I screeched like a kid running away while he chased me, making us both laugh, until he caught me by the back turning me around as I wrap my arms around his neck.
"I love you, Austin Moon." I said returning his statement from a minute earlier with a small smile because he still makes my heart beat as fast as the day I met him. He looks at me and smiles knowing I mean it and moves hair out my face before slowly leaning in and connecting our lips as I kiss him back, enjoying a moment out of millions that we have yet to experience.
To think...all of this happened because I was hungry for ice cream. Funny how life works.
The End
Hope you enjoyed Pop Star Runaway!
I don't write or own any of the songs mentioned in this chapter and I am not affiliated with the AMA's or any of the colleges mentioned.