Welcome back to the story! I now bring you chapter 8! Sorry for the delay!
Disclaimer: I do not own Austin & Ally or anything else you may recognize.
The days following the Fall Fest dance were a struggle for everybody in the group. The aftermath was filled with celebrations of Trish and Jace's engagement, but was soon turned to sadness when the reality of the situation with Austin and Ally set in.
The group hangout two days ago still happened, but Ally was a no-show. She had told the girls that she was going to be helping take care of her dad, when in reality, she was looking for an excuse to avoid Austin. She did spend that time at her parents' house, but she was moping in the living room instead of actually doing what she said she would.
While Ally was with her parents, the rest of the group had gathered at Cassidy's diner and hung out. While they still got together and tried to make the most of the situation, it wasn't the same. Austin was quiet and sulking the whole time, and the rest of the group was trying to make the hangout fun and happy to no avail.
Ally snapped out of her thoughts when she heard someone calling her name. Shaking her head to rid herself of the memories, Ally turned to the voice to see Trish looking at her with a solemn expression.
"Sorry, Trish, what did you say?" Ally asked.
"I asked if you wanted to talk about it."
"Talk about what?"
Trish gave Ally a look. "You know what I mean. You should really talk about it, Ally. All I know is what Austin told me, but that was his side of the story, and I'm sure you would disagree with it. So, I'm giving you the chance to tell me your story of what happened before I figure out a way to make you feel better."
Ally sighed. "Look, I know you're trying to help, Trish, and I appreciate that. But I really don't want to talk about what happened. It's really wouldn't make me feel any better, no matter how many times I try to not think about it but do. But I promise, if I ever am ready to talk about it, you'll be the first person I turn to."
Satisfied with that answer, Trish nodded her head. Taking caution, she then tried to lighten the mood by moving the conversation to her and Jace's upcoming wedding. While Ally was beyond happy for her best friends, she couldn't find it in herself to care about what Trish was saying. She didn't feel the need to help Trish with wedding planning when it wasn't hers to plan.
"Trish, I love you, but can we please not talk about your wedding either. That topic will really make me more frustrated, and I just can't deal with that right now."
At those words, Trish's mood changed. No longer was she sympathetic for Ally; instead, she was frustrated and annoyed at her behavior.
"Ok, hang on, Ally! Just because you once again made an assumption about Austin without hearing his explanation and broke off the best relationship of your life, that doesn't mean you can just ignore the rest of the world whenever something happy and exciting happens. You are not the center of the town, or even our little friend group. Yes, I am sorry that you and Austin are having trouble, but it is half your fault for not waiting for his explanation. You can mope about it all you want, but you need to also realize that you have four best friends who are engaged and planning their weddings and will talk about it no matter how you're feeling."
Ally tried to protest, but Trish continued talking (1). "You know what? I'm going on my break now. Come talk to me when you're ready to face the world."
With that, Trish got up from her chair and stormed off to the breakroom. Ally looked after her, shocked at what just happened. Thinking over what Trish said, Ally started to realize that, once again, she was wrong. Trish was her best friend and was supportive after Ally broke things off with Austin, and Ally was not being a very good friend in return to her.
After another minute, Ally stood up, taking her break as well and going after Trish. Hearing Ally approach, Trish looked up and started to speak. Ally cut her off this time.
"I'm so sorry, Trish! You were right, yet again. I put my own feelings first and disregarded your happiness."
Trish started to smile at Ally's words. "But you were wrong about one thing," Ally added.
At Trish's look of confusion, Ally smiled and continued.
"My relationship with Austin wasn't the best one I've had; my friendship with you is the best. You have always been there for me when no one else was, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
Trish's grin widened. "Thanks, Ally. That really means a lot. But I'm also sorry. I know you were more in love with Austin than any other boyfriend you've had before. I realize now that you need time to recover from what happened, and I'm sorry for acting like it wasn't important."
Ally smiled back and the two leaned in to share a hug. When they pulled away, Trish grabbed Ally's hands and looked at her seriously.
"Listen to me, Ally."
At Ally's nod of confirmation, Trish continued. "You need to listen to Austin's explanation about what happened. He told us all after you left the dance on Friday, and you need to hear it for yourself. It might shed some light about the truth about the press's mysterious appearance at the dance."
Ally sighed and shook her head, removing her hands from Trish's to wipe the tears that were starting to form. "It's too soon, Trish. I've lost faith in Austin now, at least for the time being. Maybe in the future I'll find it in myself to hear him out, but not right now. It'll take a miracle for me to move on from or forgive him."
Trish formed a straight line with her mouth but nodded once, accepting Ally's statement but not liking it. Ally then turned and walked away to finish her break while Trish headed back to her station.
Noticing that there were no customers needing to be helped, Trish took out her phone and pulled up a group chat without Ally.
Listen up, gang! I'm initiating Operation: Make Ally Realize the Truth. We need to meet up soon and figure out a plan.
Everyone responded back with confirmations, with Austin chipping in that he would be up for anything as long as it helped Ally understand what really happened. Piper mentioned that Ally had told her that she had plans with her parents again that night, so it would be perfect for them to get together.
Let's meet up at Wade Ranch at 7 tonight. Ally has plans with her parents again, so it'll be perfect!
Everyone else agreed with the plans, and Trish put her phone away, smiling as her plan was plan was commencing. If all went well, then by the end of the next few weeks, Austin and Ally would have found their way back to each other and be happy again, hopefully for the rest of their lives.
"Come on, you guys! We just need one good idea!"
The gang minus Ally were at the ranch throwing ideas back and forth about how to help Ally understand what really happened. So far, nothing had stuck. Everyone was starting to get frustrated, but not more than Austin, who was pacing the living room floor while running his hands through his hair.
As Austin continued his pacing, the group all glanced up at him, throwing sympathetic looks his way before all making eye contact with each other. Trish looked down and saw her phone, catching sight of her camera lens. Suddenly, she perked up with an idea.
Catching Jace's eye across the room, she noticed he had seen what she was looking at. She nodded at him, and he nodded back, knowing what to do. Dez also noticed the exchange and looked at Trish, who nodded in his direction as well.
Jace stood up, claiming to use the bathroom. When he exited the living room, instead of making his way to the bathroom, he went over to his bag, where he kept a video camera to film sports stunts. Sneaking back to the living room, he peaked his head in, focusing the camera on Austin.
While Jace got his camera, Dez pulled his phone out and texted the group chat without Austin and Ally, letting the rest know the silent plan. Austin was too busy pacing to notice the action, and the others checked their phones and looked over at Dez and Trish, nodding in agreement to the plan.
Dez looked over at Jace, who gave a thumbs up in return. Dez then got up from his seat and walked over to Austin, putting his hands on his shoulders to stop his pacing. Austin looked up at him as he stopped his pacing, still running his hands through his hair. Dez sighed, grabbing Austin's arm and moving it away from his hair. Austin gave his a look of confusion at the action.
"Austin, you really need to calm down," Dez started.
Austin got more frustrated at Dez's comment and threw his hands up in exasperation.
"I can't calm down! I lost the best thing to ever happen to me when it wasn't my fault and now I need to get her back! But no matter what idea I can think of to try and win her back, nothing seems to be good enough!" Austin sighed before continuing.
"I wasn't good enough for her and I never will be, but I love her too much to just let her go without at least trying to get her back."
Dez stood still as he watched Austin start to pace again.
"I never wanted the paparazzi and press to find me," Austin continued. "I purposefully didn't tell anyone but you and Carrie where I was going after losing my record deal for a reason. I didn't want the press to ruin my last chance at a new life. Then, somehow and someway they found out where I was, and they did just what I suspected. They ruined my relationship with the one person I love most in the world."
By now, everyone had turned their attention to Austin, anticipating his next words.
"Yes, I mentioned once very briefly that you and Carrie lived in Crystal Falls, but I didn't mean for the press to take that very tiny bit of information and use it against him."
When he finished, Austin moved to sit on the couch with a huff, putting his head in his hand. The girls got up to comfort him, glancing at Trish and Dez.
"I have an idea," Trish said. "Why don't you hold a press conference at Town Hall? You can tell everybody the truth about what happened in Los Angeles and moving to Crystal Falls. Mention everything, from losing your record deal and the situation with the press."
Austin ran his hand down his face and sighed. "Yeah, that's actually a good idea. I can try, but it probably wouldn't do that much because Ally wouldn't believe a word I say. She would think that I'm making it all up just to get her back."
Trish glanced behind her at Jace's camera. "Oh, I actually think Ally will believe it."
Austin looked up at Trish and sighed. "Alright, then. Go ahead and organize it."
The next day was the day of the press conference. Austin would be giving his explanation to the entire town and anyone else in the country who cared enough about his story to listen.
Trish and Ally were working the front desk at the orchard when Trish turned to Ally.
"Hey, Ally, are you coming to girls' night tonight?" she asked.
"Of course, I am, Trish. I may be upset, and I know I missed our group hangout, but I would never miss the chance to hang out with my girls."
Trish smiled. "That's what I like to hear."
For the rest of their shift, Trish kept sneaking glances at Ally. A few minutes before they were set to leave for the day, Trish turned to Ally again.
"Hey, did you hear about the news tonight?"
Ally looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well, apparently, there will be a special on the local news channel with a special guest speaker."
Ally shrugged. "It's probably someone talking about the recent Fall Fest."
"Well, I think we should all watch it tonight just in case it's something important, like a big update about the town," Trish suggested.
Ally nodded in agreement. Trish smiled at Ally's willingness, even though she was unaware of what the news would really be.
Later that night, the girls were gathered at Trish's house, eating pizza and nachos with the TV on in the background, waiting to broadcast the special. When the news changed from the local updates about the high school homecoming week to the special, the girls turned their attention to the screen. Ally's eyes widened when she saw Austin's face on the screen. She huffed, getting up to leave the room, but Cassidy pulled her back down.
"No, Ally! You are going to sit down and not only watch, but pay extra close attention."
Ally rolled her eyes but watched the broadcast anyway, secretly intrigued by what Austin could say.
"And now, we have new resident of Crystal Falls, Florida, Austin Moon, on his story of what recently took place at the town's most recent Fall Fest. According to our sources, a mass of reporters had tracked Moon down and were set on getting the juicy details about his move to Crystal Falls. This caused a lot of backlash and mixed signals about what actually happened. Here to talk to us today and set the story straight is Austin Moon himself!"
The camera panned over to Austin standing in front of Town Hall with a crowd of reporters and cameras flashing in his face. Ally watched as Austin took a deep breath before starting to speak.
"Hello. I am Austin Moon. As you may know, I recently moved out here to Crystal Falls to escape my life in Los Angeles. It had been 8 months since I was signed to Walker Records when everything went downhill. I accidentally recorded over another artist's music, and thinking I had done it on purpose, the studio fired me. I went to my parents' house to explain what happened, but they shunned me, telling me I had wasted the last 5 years of my life on a career that just went down the drain. So, I called my best friend Dez Wade, and he offered me a place to stay here in Crystal Falls until I got back on my feet."
Of course, Ally had already been told this information when she and Austin were at the waterfall. Yet, she found herself feeling proud at Austin for finally being able to tell the world about his past. She knew how hard it was for him to open up, and she found an inkling of pride in him for that.
"When I first moved here, I was ready to start my life over and forget about what happened. I was excited to meet new people and find a home and family in Crystal Falls. But my first night here, I read an article about me. It mentioned that the press had found out that I had left LA but were unsure of where I had gone, except for the one time that I had mentioned Crystal Falls in an interview months before. At that point I had only told Dez and his fiancé that I would be in Crystal Falls, so I thought nothing of it. Over time, I had completely forgotten about the press and the fact that they were trying to find me. I figured they would eventually give up when they didn't hear anything after a while and leave me alone. I never wanted them to know where I was for the sole purpose that I could start a new life in peace and privacy. I guess I wasn't that good at hiding my whereabouts after all."
As Austin explained the situation, Ally felt her anger and frustration slowly fade away. She was stocked, to say the least.
Austin wrapped up his statement by looking directly into the camera, almost as if he knew Ally was watching. "The press coming here ruined the best thing to ever happen to me. And I can't find it in myself to forgive them. I never want anything to do with them again. I came here for a reason, and they ruined it. I am so incredibly sorry to those close to me for the damage the situation has caused, and I sincerely hope with everything in me that we can find a way to move past this. I was the happiest I had ever been before this happened, and I want nothing more than to get back to that place."
Ally listened intently to Austin's words. She felt her heart beat faster when he looked at her through the screen, and she didn't know what to feel.
The news had moved on to another issue, and Ally felt five pairs of eyes on her. The room was quiet as the girls looked at Ally, waiting for her to say something. Thinking over what was said, Ally shook her head then stood up in exasperation.
"No, that can't be true! He's lying, that was all planned! There's no way he actually feels that way," Ally started to deny.
Trish stood up and grabbed Ally's shoulders, calming her down. "Ally, stop! Yes, the press conference was planned, but what Austin said wasn't. He truly does feel the way he said he does."
Ally crossed her arms and glared at Trish. "How could you possibly know that?"
Trish looked over to Kira, who reached behind the couch pillow and pulled out Jace's camera. Ally looked confused at the device but took it when Kira placed it in her hands, the most recent video pulled up.
The girls told Ally to watch the video, and giving them a suspicious look, she pressed play.
As she watched Austin explain what happened (again), she began to understand. When he said how he felt about her, her face lit up and she started to smile softly. When she heard Trish tell Austin that she thought Ally would believe the story, she realized she was wrong, yet again. She had overreacted the week before at the dance. The video was raw footage and Austin had no idea he was being filmed. His words were genuine.
When the video ended, Ally gave the camera back to Kira. Thinking over what just happened, the smile on her face started to fade into a frown as Ally became frustrated, but this time with herself.
The girls looked at Ally, and she glanced at all of them before coming to a final realization.
"I made a huge mistake!"
The girls all let out breaths of relief and smiled at the words. Ally, however, had a million thoughts running through her head.
"This is no time to smile, girls! I still feel like the bad guy and Austin is still upset with me!"
The girls sent her soft smiles before going in for a group hug.
"You are worrying too much, Ally. Whatever you do to make it right with Austin will be successful. He's too in love with you to not accept your apology," Piper reassured her.
Ally blushed at Piper's words, but quickly focused back to the task at hand. As an idea popped into her head, a smile broke out onto her face. The girls smiled widely when they saw Ally smile, excited for what was to come.
"I know what I have to do. But first, there are some calls I need to make."
And there we have it! Things are starting to look up again!
I know Ally appeared to be overreacting last chapter, but that was on purpose. She needed to realize that she was overreacting later on, for this chapter.
I hope you enjoyed! Only one more chapter before the epilogue!
(1) Does this interaction sound familiar? ;)
Long live A&A!