I don't own the song "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
Ally's POV
I wake up when the bright sunlight hits my eyes. I yawn loudly stretching my arms and legs from sleeping in my car the whole night. Yeah, I bought a car yesterday. Apparently, it's very easy when you got cash. Though, I'll have to be sleeping out of my car because the hotel is too far from here to be walking and I don't have a place to stay. There's no apartments around here for sale and even if they were. My credit cards are all in my real name. So, I can only by stuff with cash after taking it out off the bank so I can't be traced.
I smile when I realize that this is real. I'm actually free. Even if it's just for a while. I'm free. Woo!
I scream into the air happily falling onto my back in bliss that for the next five months, I don't have to worry about what other people want me to wear, say or do. I can do whatever the hell I want and be whoever the hell I want to be, which is just myself. You know...besides wearing the disguise and everything...But deep down, I can be myself. The only thing that will be different is my name and look.
I see that the sun has not risen yet, so I take the toolbar I have and get out the car bringing my change of clothes. I cover my face with my black hoodie and sneak into the school opening the chain.
When I walk in, I head straight for the locker room for either the girls or guys. I can't exactly tell. Luckily they have one because I'm pretty sure not every school does. Right? I walk in, put my bag down, turn the water on, and begin to strip. I get under the warm water and smile with delight. Shit. I don't have any soap. I look around and realize somebody left there locker somewhat open. I get out the shower for a second and check the locker to see if it had anything I could use.
And...vuala! I found something which answers my question of this being a guys locker. It was guy body wash but what the heck. Work with what you got. I make sure not to use too much because whoever it was wouldn't be able to tell the difference and beat someone else up for it.
I finish up and I get dressed in my new clothes which consist of a mini yellow cute top, white mini skirt and yellow matching wedges. I look in the mirror and braid my real hair before placing my blonde wig on that comes with bangs. I then carefully put my crystal blue contacts in and when I look at myself, I don't even recognize the girl staring back at me. I mean it when I say I look like a completely different person.
Now, there is no way anyone could tell who I really am. Finally, I have a shot at being the normal girl I always wanted the chance to be.
"Hello, Amy Russo. It's nice to meet you." I say softly to myself when I hear footsteps coming down the hallway. I silently gasp in fear before hurrying and putting my old clothes in my bag and going near the door and peaking out the hole.
I see what looks like a janitor with a flashlight coming down the dark hallway. I hurry and turn off the light so he won't get suspicious and come in here. I watch nervously as he slowly moves down and then passes where I let out a deep breath.
When he's gone, I exit and run as fast I can out the building and head back to my car. The sun should be up in about an hour or so, and in the meantime, I'm going to take a nap.
*Time Skip*
Ring! Ring! Ring!
I hear loudly as I wake up suddenly hitting my head on the roof of my car. "Ow..." I said to myself rubbing my head.
I look around as I see brightness and so many teens walking into the building, getting out cars or out of the bus, laughing, talking or just kissing their boyfriends and girlfriends.
I quickly put my mirror down and check my appearance one more time before I go in. My hair was a little messed up from the nap so I fixed it but my contacts still looked good and so did I. I smile before opening the door with a smile until a guy on a skateboard almost hit me.
"Yo, watch it Blondie!" He yelled as I awkwardly said sorry and turned on my way. Well...that ruined the mood.
I forget about it and walk into the building with my cute and sparkly book bag and smile as I see all the teenagers crowding around every part of the building. It must be nice to have friendly interaction all the time. Sometimes, I feel isolated.
After my trip to the main office, they handed me a slip which is apparently called my roster slip? I don't know exactly what that means but it's suppose to tell me when and where my classes are. Let's see...first stop is-
"Ouch!" I yell out simultaneously as this big haired girl as we bump heads when I turn around. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. That's totally my fault." I said apologizing feeling bad about how I'm messing up my first day already. "Don't be. It happens to the best of us. Though, I'm not really a clumsy person, therefore it probably was your fault." She said jokingly as we both chuckled a bit.
"Patrisha de la Rosa. Call me Trish." She said sticking out her hand.
"Al- Amy Russo." I corrected myself from almost blowing my cover.
"Well, Amy. You look completely new. Transfer?"
"Yeah, actually."
"Cool. From which school?" She asked as I got nervous. I don't know any other school!
"Um...it was somewhere in Michigan. I don't like to talk about it. Super lame." I said laughing in a dorky way trying to cover it up as she looked at me a little strange.
"Well Amy Russo from somewhere in Michigan. Welcome to Marino High." She said with a smile as she did a hand gesture to the building as I giggled.
"Thanks. I appreciate it. But do you mind helping me out with this..." I already forgot the name for it.
"Your roster? Sure thing. It looks like you have...English first. Awesome! You have it with me and a couple of my other friends. I'll introduce you." She said politely making me feel welcome. "Thank you, Trish. I would love that." I responded as she nodded and lead the way as I followed.
When we entered the classroom, it was already full. "Why does it feel like all eyes are on me?" I whispered sideways to her as she looked at me and smirked. "Because they are. If you haven't noticed already. You're super hot girl." She said as I smiled shyly at all the boys who were practically drooling and some girls who were staring in envy.
Trish and I take our seats at a table with two guys and one other girl already sitting there. "Hey Trish. Who's this pretty lady?" The tall brunette asked as the blonde haired girl hit his shoulder as he laughed. "Don't be jealous, babe. I'm just giving out compliments. Don't girls like a gentlemen?" He asked as she smiled shaking her head.
"Amy, this is Cassidy, Dallas, Dez and A-" She stopped in her tracks. "Dude, where is Blondie?" She asked them as the ones who are apparently Dallas and Cassidy shrug their shoulders. "He's at the principle's office. Apparently, that Cheryl girl he was into was the principle's niece and she never told him so he's probably getting his ass handed to him right now." The Dez guy says as Dallas laughs.
"Don't laugh ass face. He's your friend." Trish said sitting down as I sit down next to her. "Yeah, who doesn't know how to quit. I tell him all the time to stop going after girls I have a bad feeling about." He said not feeling bad. "So, he's just suppose to listen to you about how you feel of the girls he likes?" Cassidy asked him sitting on his lap. "Yes! Babe, I'm telling you. I have this gift. I know things. I really do." He said as I giggle accidentally drawing attention to me.
"So, what's your story, new girl?" Cassidy asked.
"The name is Amy. Amy Russo. I prefer you call me by it instead of new girl." I said nicely as she looked impressed.
"Girl's got a backbone. I like it. Pound it." She said sticking out her hand as I look around at them not knowing what she was talking about but stick my hand out anyway and pounding hers.
They laugh at my hesitation. "So, why did your parents decide to transfer you in the middle of a school year, Amy?" Dez asked as I thought about an excuse. "My parents actually don't live with me. I decided to transfer myself since I'm 18 and all. They are still back in Michigan where my old high school was." I told them as they looked at me speechless.
"Wait a minute...let me understand this. Your parents let you switch schools in the middle of your last year, and fly half way across the country by yourself just because your 18?" Dallas asked as I slowly nodded hoping that it made sense and it wasn't blowing my cover. "Man, that is the dopiest thing I have ever heard!" He said laughing along with the others as I joined in unknowingly. "Your parents are awesome Russo. I got to meet them one day." Trish said as I smiled without a reply.
Class goes on and I find out we're just reading about Shakespeare for the rest of the month. I talk more and more with Trish's friends and they actually aren't bad. They're pretty cool. You can tell they are all popular but they don't seem like the regular types I've seen in some movies over the years.
I go through the day in different classes when lunch finally comes which warms my hear because I am starving my ass off. I didn't have breakfast so it makes it worse. I get in line and that's when I notice some guy comes up to me. I felt short before. I really feel short now.
"Hey sexy. Wanna go out tonight?" He asked as I widen my eyes taken back at his forwardness.
"Um...not really. I have to study." I lied getting my food trying to go past him but he blocked the way.
"Study? Come on. You don't look like the kind of girl that studies. You look like the kind to-"
"Get their ass kicked if they don't keep it moving." I turn around to see Cassidy standing there with folded arms.
"Cassidy, seriously? Am I suppose to be scared of you?" He asked with arrogant smirk.
"No, but you should be of my boyfriend." She said as Dallas came up with a straight face looking much more scary and intimidating than when I first met him. The guy face changed and he just walked away. I laughed impress as did she. "Thanks babe." She said kissing him quickly on the lips as he nodded walking away back to their table.
"That was Zachary Barnes. He's an ass and player. Don't pay attention to him." Cassidy told me as I smiled grateful. "Come on. Sit with us." She said as I nodded following her to a table with the same people as before. Trish, Cassidy, Dallas and Dez. Wow. I can't believe I remembered their names.
When I sit down between Cassidy and Trish, I notice Dallas and Dez are arguing about something. Nothing serious though. I think. "Dude, I'm telling you Carrie is going to be there." Dallas said which sounded like he repeated it a few times. "I just don't know. Carrie is not a party girl." He replied. "Dez, how would you know? You've talked to her for like 5 seconds and even then it was just mumbles." He said as Dez blushed and Trish laughed.
"Babe, leave him alone. He likes her and as his friend you should support him." She said rubbing Dez's shoulder.
"Baby, I am supporting him! I'm trying to help him! I keep telling him to go to Kelly Parker's party in a few weeks because she's going to be there. Her sister is making her." He told us as Cassidy looked confused.
"And...how would you know this?" She asked as Dallas shrugged his shoulders. "Her sister Piper and I are chemistry partners." He said casually as Cassidy smiled a little jealous.
"Well, as long as you two don't have actual chemistry." She said in a sweet but threatening voice making Trish and I laugh.
Suddenly, I hear loudness come from behind me. A lot of people face the lunchroom doors and I see what looks like a sports team come through the doors.
About 20 guys that come through the door are loud with laughter, talking and just throwing a football in the air. Ah...football. That's what they play. I turn back around when I notice Dallas flagging someone down to the table. "Finally, he's here. I feel like we haven't seen him all week." Trish said and I guess she's talking about that other friend. "Well, I'll just throw this away real quick." I said standing up. "I probably didn't need to say that out loud, did I?" I asked as they all laughed and I walked toward the trashcan.
I threw my empty platter away and when I turn around, I bump roughly into someone making our foreheads meet hurtfully. "Ow! What the hell?" I hear a guy say as I hold my forehead in pain before bringing my face up to see a very handsome blonde haired guy. "Amy!" I hear Trish and Cassidy say as they run over to me along with Dallas and Dez.
"Amy, are you okay?" Trish asked checking my forehead as I see the guys go over to the guy I bumped into. Wow, thanks. "Dude, are you good?" Dez asked with a chuckle along with Dallas. "Not funny." The guy said punching both their arms before wincing again and holding his forehead. Wait, do they know him?
"I'm good guys." I say to the girls before passing them and going to the blonde boy. He finally looks at me and sees my face and it looks as if his breath hitches. I hope it's not because he realizes who I am.
I notice his eyes sparkle and his face lightens up his mood that he was in after getting hit. "Hi, I'm the girl that bumped into you and hurt both our foreheads. I'm really sorry. I'm new and somewhat of a klutz." I apologized feeling really badly.
"It's...it's..it's no problem." He stumbled and I wondered how hard I hit him. The guys and girls smirk as if they know something I don't.
"Really? You can be honest. I'm kinda clumsy and it can be annoying." I said rambling as he just shook his head.
"I promise you it's fine." He said reassuring me with a calm smile as I return it sweetly staring into his beautiful hazel brown eyes.
"Um...so..." Cassidy says as everyone smiles looking at us as we finally snap out of it. "Amy, this is our friend we told you about." Trish told me. "Oh..." I said stupidly realizing that it was in fact him. "Austin, this is the new girl we met but couldn't introduce you too because you weren't in English." Dez told him as he nodded still looking at me.
He then pulled out his hand to me. "I'm Austin Moon..." He said with a soft voice. "Hi Austin. I'm Amy...Russo." I said shyly because of his handsome face. He smiled sweetly to me showing his perfect wife teeth that made me do the same.
I realize we are still shaking our hands and I gently separate it as we both chuckle nervously. "Okay, guys will be over at the table when you're...done here." Dallas said shaking his head with a chuckle as the rest laughed going with him. I turn back to who I now know as Austin. "Again, I am so sorry for that." He shakes his head.
"It was my fault too. I wasn't paying attention. Talking it up with my guys." I nodded understanding.
"So, you're on the football team? That's cool." I said as he smiled a little.
"Yeah, Dallas is too. But he's still recovering from a minor injury. I love it because it keeps me occupied. Besides my obnoxious best friends." He said nodding towards the table at Dallas and Dez making me laugh.
"Well, I've only known all your friends for 5 and a half hours and they seem really cool. Sorry if I use that word a lot." I said making him laugh.
"You apologize a lot. You know that?" I shrug my shoulders.
"To be honest, I've never been good at manners so I feel if I use them enough, I'll get better at them, ya know?"
"I guess. In a way, yeah." He replied as I noticed the red mark forming on his forehead.
"Your forehead is swelling up. You should probably go to the nurse." I warned him.
"Well, since you're half the reason it's there, I guess you should walk me." He flirted as I shyly blush.
"I guess that's only fair." I said walking with him out of the cafeteria.
We walk down the hallway, when a pretty red headed girl turns the corner and comes up when she sees us. "Hey you." She said leaning in and kissing Austin's cheek. Oh...he has a girlfriend? That's fine...
"Cheryl, what are you doing?" He asked a bit irritated.
"What are you talking about? Are you still mad about the principle?" She asked pouting.
"Yeah! Why didn't you tell me you were his niece?" He asked upset as I remembered Dallas talking about this earlier.
"Because I knew you would react like this!" She said folding her arms against her chest. "It shouldn't matter that we're related. I'm 18 and I can date whoever I want. I like you and you like me. Why are we fighting?" She asked and I almost feel bad for her.
"I don't know, Cheryl. If we continue to date, Principle Keller is going to be on my back all the time and I don't know if I can handle that pressure." Austin said as I awkwardly look away because that was just a tad bit harsh. Cheryl looks taken back with hurt. "Wow...Austin. Well call me when you decide that I'm worth it!" She said covering her face and running away with tears in her eyes. He turns around to get her but she's already gone.
He sighs and then we continue to walk to the nurse's office. "You must think I'm the biggest dick in the world." He said turning to me as we stopped in front of the nurse's office. "Uh, no...I just think she was right." I said as he just looked at me. "But that's none of my business." I said as he chuckled some. "It's fine Amy. You can tell me what you think." He told me as I slowly nodded sitting up better.
"I think she was right. Cheryl being related to the principle shouldn't matter if you two really like each other. Yeah, sure it will probably make the Principle look out after you more but if you really care about her than it shouldn't make a difference. Trust me when I say that I know what it's like being held back from getting to know people I would like to be with. The world can already be a painful place. Why go through it alone if you can be with people you love or care about?" I said as he looked at me in awe.
For a while I thought I said something wrong because he didn't respond for a long time. "Wow...I'm sorry. I didn't expect that." He said as I nervously chuckled putting hair behind my ear. "You're right, Amy Russo. Thank you." He said grateful.
"Where did you come from?" He asked rhetorically as I just smiled. "We should get you checked out now." I said as he nodded as we walked in.
The nurse sat him down and gave him ice. She was gonna leave to go get a chart until he made her get me ice as well even though mine wasn't as bad as his.
"So, I guess we got another blonde in the group." He said as I made a confused face before I realized he was talking about me. God, it's so easy to forget I'm wearing a disguise.
"Oh yeah. Me, you and Cassidy. So much blondness." I said as he chuckled. "Yeah. And then there's Dez..." He said making me laugh at how Dez is the only red head.
"You have beautiful eyes by the way. I don't think I've seen a blue like that before." He complimented as I smiled. "Thank you." I said a little disappointed because everything he sees isn't me. How I really look anyway. I shouldn't care. He's going to be with someone else and I just met him. What did I think was gonna happen?
The nurse comes in with a chart and we sign it stating that we visited there today. We then leave and walk out going back to the cafeteria where the group is.
Before we sit down, the rest of the gang try to hide their smile or smirks as I playfully roll my eyes. "So...where were you two?" Dez asked nonchalantly. "Settle down. We were at the nurse. Nice Amy here, wanted to make sure I was okay." He said as I blushed. "That was sweet, Amy. You didn't have too." Cassidy said as I shrugged.
"So Amy, Trish and I have been meaning to ask you if you wanted to go to a party this Saturday." Cassidy asked as my eyes widen. "A party? Like a real party?" I asked as they all laughed at my confusion. "What other one would there be?" Trish asked taking a sip of her drink.
A party? I mean the only other parties I've been too were my own for my birthday's. I went to a bunch of after parties from celebrities but all we did was perform and dance. Is that what they do at high school parties too? If so, that should be fun. "Yeah, sure. I would love too." I told them as they nodded satisfied with my answer and Austin smiled to himself which made me too.
I'll just buy a dress today after school. I really need to find someplace to stay because I can't keep sleeping in my car. It's very uncomfortable.
After lunch is over, we all head to our last class which I realize is my free period. I walk around in the silent hallways not knowing where to go when I hear the sound of a piano. I continue to follow the sound until I reach a room that seems to be dark and empty until I spot blonde hair and see Austin. I peek in just a bit so that he doesn't see me and I watch him play a soft melody beautiful.
I start to sway and that's when my clumsiness gets the best of me again knocking down a trumpet. Austin quickly turns around as I close my eyes tight at my idiocy.
"I am so sorry. I really didn't mean to intrude. I was just-I am just gonna go." I said turning around and quickly going for the door. "Amy!" He called my name making me slowly turn around. He smiled and instantly I felt calmer. "It's okay. You don't have to leave. Come over." He said inviting me. "Really?" I asked to make sure. "Yeah." He nodded as I slowly made my way over to him and sat down next to him in front of the piano.
"You play the piano. That's awesome."
"Um, not really. I'm actually trying to learn." He admitted.
"Well, you sound great for a beginner." I complimented.
"Thanks." He said lowly as I lowly chuckle to myself catching his attention making him smile.
"What's so funny?" He asked curious.
"I don't know. I guess I didn't figure someone on the football team would be interested in playing an instrument. The music scene." I said as he smiled with a shrug.
"Well, I love football with all my heart. That's where my heart is. But since I was younger, I always thought music was cool. That's not bad, right?" He asked as I turned my face to his with a wide smile. "No, it's not at all Austin." I said as he looked returning the smile before quickly turning back around.
"So...um show me what you got."
"What?" I said confused.
"Yeah. I mean you're judging me for liking the piano. You got any skills?" He challenged me.
"Maybe..."
"Oh maybe?" He smirked.
"Maybe just a little." I said as he eyed me as I sighed caving in.
"Okay..." I said to myself flexing my fingers as he chuckled as I slowly started to play
"Everything Has Changed" By Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran.
"I love this song." Austin stated as I stopped the beginning melody. "You have to sing it!" He said as I widen my eyes. "What? No way. I-I-I can't even-" "It doesn't matter. We're just having fun. Please?" He asked pouting his lip as I couldn't say no. But what if recognizes my voice? Let's hope not. "Fine. But only if you sing with me." I told him as he's taken back a little but shrugs. "Okay, sure." He said as I nodded nervously.
I start the melody all over again but this time getting ready to sing.
(Ally)
All I knew this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before.
And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
Is brown eyes and dimples and your smile
(He smiled when I changed the words to fit his description)
In the back of my mind making me feel like
(Ally)
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
[Both]
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
(I smiled at our voices singing together very nicely)
(Both)
'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
(Austin)
And all my walls stood tall painted blue
And I'll take them down, take them down and open up the door for you
(I stare in awe at him because of his beautiful voice while continuing to play the piano)
And all I feel in my stomach is butterflies
The beautiful kind, making up for lost time,
Taking flight, making me feel like
(Both)
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
(Both)
'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
And you'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
(Both)
(We both stare at each other when we sing this bridge getting into the song)
Come back and tell me why
I'm feeling like I've missed you all this time, oh, oh, oh.
And meet me there tonight
And let me know that it's not all in my mind.
(Ally)
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
(He glances down at my lips a little while I sing before turning away which just makes me smile and blush)
(Both)
All I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
(Ally)
All I know is we said, "Hello."
So dust off your highest hopes
All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed
All I know is a new found grace
All my days I'll know your face
All I know since yesterday is
(Both)
Everything has changed.
We finished off softly looking at each other. My breath hitches at how handsome he is and he smiles scanning every inch of his face. "Amy, I know this is gonna sound weird but somehow I feel like we've known each other forever." He said as I smiled nodding. "I agree. Like we were suppose to meet." I added as he nodded. "Exactly! I'm so glad we're friends." He said with a smile as my insides fill with disappointment while he goes back to playing the piano. I have to stop letting it upset me when I know he's dating that Cheryl girl. I even helped him try to get her back! Get it together, Ally. I don't know why it bothers me more than it should. Friends. I guess that's all we'll ever be.
END OF CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.) What do you think of the friend gang?
2.) What did you think of how Austin and Ally met?
2.) Is your heart sad for Ally?