I don't own Issues by Julia Michaels.
Ally's POV
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god! Why the hell am I saying this in my head? I rush over to Cassidy who is frozen in place. "Cass, I can explain this. I swear I can. I just need you to look at me. Look at me." I say as she does and then her eyes get wide again and she starts hyperventilating.
"No, no Cass. Breathe okay? Breathe with me. See. 1, 2, 3 breathe." I say showing her the motion as she starts to breathe heavily while still looking at me like I'm crazy. "It's actually a very long story..." I say with an awkward chuckle as she starts to calm her breathing. "See? It isn't so bad. This could actually go really well." I say as she smiles slightly before passing out.
"So much for it...going well." I said as I sigh putting my hands on my waist not knowing what the hell I was gonna do.
Okay, think Ally think. What to do. What to do. What to do. I finally get an idea in my head but I sigh when I realize what it means. I can't believe this day is ending like this.
I call the only person I know that can help me in this situation whether they know it or not and wait for them to show up.
Soon, the door opens while I'm in the kitchen getting ice for Cass. "Hello...Hello? I'm here, Amy. What did you want? You said it was an emergency?" She called out but I didn't answer because I was on my way out.
"Oh my god, Cass!" I heard her yell and I could hear footsteps run over to where she was. "What the hell happened?!" She said more into the air looking around before I came out in the open with no wig or contacts.
"Me. I happened..." I guiltily said.
Trish looked at me with wide eyes as it dawned on her who I was. She slowly let go of Cassidy and stood up. I watch as her mouth tries to form words but she's completely speechless.
"Yeah, I know..." I speak up sadly before going over to Cassidy.
"But there's no time to explain now. I need you to help me with Cassidy because she passed out when she found out who I was and I need to know if she's okay. I am not exactly an expert on these types of things." I tell her as she still looks at me in shock before slowly nodding.
"O-o-okay yeah. Alright." She says bending down next to me as we sit Cassidy up.
I put the ice pack on the back of her head because that's what she hit while Trish gives her tiny slaps in the face while continuing to check her pulse. Finally after about 20 minutes, she slowly opens her eyes.
"Cass, oh my gosh, you're okay!" Trish said hugging her as Cassidy groaned probably from soreness. They pull away and she looks normal until realization comes to her again as she sees me.
"Ahhhhh! Oh my god, oh my god!" She screams jumping up and backing up pulling Trish along with her. "Trish, do you see this?!" She says staring at me like I'm some kind of freak. "Yeah, I do Cass. And I'm just as confused as you are." She said as they looked at me and I sighed.
"It's not what you think. Well, actually I don't know what you're thinking right now."
"I'm thinking this is part of some kind of government conspiracy. Missing pop star. Yeah, right! You go to our school! What's the mission, huh? Spying on teenage kids?!" She asked as I look at her confused. "Alright, I think you hit your head a little too hard there, Cass." Trish said rubbing her shoulder. "But she's right. Why the hell are you here? You're famous. You're world wide missing. You're...not Amy Russo." Trish then said as she and Cassidy sadly realized that girl didn't exist.
"I can explain. I promise. It's just a long story."
"Well, we have plenty of time for this." Trish said sitting down as Cassidy still seemed wary of being anywhere near me. "I can't believe this. My freaking idol has been living and going to school with me this whole time and I had no idea." She said throwing her hands in the air sitting next to Trish.
"I wouldn't think I was your idol anymore from how you are acting around me." I said as she looked at me. "Well, can you blame me? This is freaky shit, Amy. I mean...Ally. God, even that is so weird!" She said as her and Trish just shake their heads as if it was a dream and they could make it go away.
"So...here it goes. My name is Ally Dawson. I am a-"
"A famous singer. Yeah, we got that part." Cassidy said as I nodded.
"Right. I wasn't brought up like you were. Normal as what you would call it. And if I was, I certainly don't remember it. All I remember is fame, success and money." I told them.
"Oh, poor you. That sounds like the worst life ever." Trish said sarcastically as I sighed sitting down on the sofa as they observed me.
"It's not all it's cracked up to be, I'll tell you that." I say lowly as they quickly glance at each other before looking back at me.
"All my life I was told 'Ally, sing like this', 'Ally, dance like that', 'Ally, model like this', 'Ally, talk like that', 'Ally, eat like this...'" I said not looking at them but overplaying all those moments in my head. "Ever day felt like a page in a book I had to follow. Their were always instructions but never a blank page where I could just be...me." I said taking a deep breath as tears form in my eyes as I look up to them.
"Do you know what that's like? To be told what to say, do, act, dress and even date all the time? To be told that 'you don't get to have love and fame baby girl. There's a choice. Fame is the right one. Be the star.' Then why didn't it feel that way?" I say as one tear slipped and I see there face change after what I said.
"Who said that? Your mom?" Cassidy asked lowly.
"Yeah. She's like that a lot of the time. She always had this mission in her mind that I had the biggest star yet."
"Well, she kinda got her wish. You're one of the biggest stars on the planet right now." Trish said.
"Yeah, but at what cost?" I said as they looked at me curiously.
"I know it's easy to say to people like me that I have it all and I should be more than grateful for what I was blessed with and believe me I am...but I'd give a million dollars just to be normal for a day." I said as they looked sympathetic now.
"Is that the reason you ran away?" Cassidy asked. "Yeah. It wasn't planned or anything. It just...happened when I saw an opportunity. I couldn't do it anymore." I tell them truthfully.
"So...you don't want to be a singer anymore?" Trish asked stunningly as Cassidy looked disappointed. "No, of course I do but I needed a break. A long needed break but I knew that I was never gonna get one. And it's not like I could just ask. My opinions were not important because I'm just the product. The people in the industry don't really care about me. They just care about the money I'm making them." I said.
"Wow. That had to suck." Trish said walking around a bit. "I'd hate to work my ass off just for some asshats to not appreciate the shit." She added making both Cassidy and I chuckle.
"Okay, we get now why you ran away but what about your fans? The world? Everyone either thinks your dead or kidnapped." Cassidy said shaking her head as guilt fits back in my mind. "Yeah, I know. I hate the thought of everyone worrying about me but if I'm being honest, I wasn't thinking of anyone but myself at the time and how miserable I was. I wasn't me. I wasn't even sure who I was anymore."
"Not really seeing how being in disguise as someone else helps that statement." Trish said as I sighed.
"Believe it or not, I felt more like myself as Amy Russo than Ally Dawson. Amy Russo may have been just a disguise, but I still got to be my true self. I found more of who I am because of you guys and the rest of the gang. I finally know what it's like to be truly happy." I said with a little smile. "None of that would have happened if I didn't come here and maybe I shouldn't have but I had to, to know what it was like to not follow someone else's rules for once. Just to be a normal teen for once in my life." I finish off telling them as they look at each other approving of my answers until Cass got a look on her face.
"Okay, that explains all of my questions except for one." Cassidy said. "What about Austin?" She added as Trish looked curious too. "What about him?" I said trying to avoid this conversation.
"Does he know your real identity?" Cass asked.
"Well, he has too. They're dating." Trish answered for me as I looked down guilty as they caught onto my expression.
"HE DOESN'T KNOW?!" They both screamed as I cringed. "I know, I know! In my defense, I was gonna tell him but"
"But what? What could have possibly stopped you?" Trish said highly upset.
"Everything!" I yelled back as they looked at me shocked. "Everything from my hair color, my eye color, even my slight voice change had me concerned because if we're being honest, he would have broken up with me."
"You don't know that for sure." Cass said.
"I do! I am not who he thinks I am. Why would anyone stick around after finding that out?" I said closing my eyes as anxiety starts to take over.
"Even if he did break up with you, Ally. That's his choice! What you're doing is just plain-"
"Selfish, I know!" I say finishing her statement as she just sighs walking around more.
"But...he's the most important person in my life." I admit as they look at me strictly in my eyes as they fill with tears. "He's all I think about all the time. I've never met anyone like him. Ever. He's amazing and I'm scared to death of losing him." I say as tears fall from my eyes quickly as I try to wipe them all but they keep coming.
"I don't wanna compare but Cassidy, how you feel about Dallas..." She said as her breath quickened when she got my reference. "That's how I feel about Austin. When he finds out that the Amy Russo he fell for is really Ally Dawson, he's gonna be confused and angry."
"Maybe at first, but also happy. You're not just any girl. You're Ally freaking Dawson."
"Exactly. Even then, I won't even know for sure if it's genuine because guys liked to date me all the time just because of who I was. I didn't get to date regular like you girls. My boyfriends weren't my choice. They were the industries." I told them exhausted from this whole conversation.
"I'm sorry that you had to go through that. I'm sorry it felt like your whole child and teen hood was taken away from you. I am. I really am but-" Trish said sighing. "Austin, may be your boyfriend but he's our best friend. We knew him for over a decade and we care about him like family. He doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve to be toyed with. He doesn't deserve to be with someone who's not really who they say they are." She tells me as I nod with tears stained to my face.
"I completely agree. You have to tell him, Ally. You have to." Cassidy told me as I slightly gasped standing up.
"I cant!"
"You have to! It's only right and I'm sorry to say this but if you don't...we will." Trish told me as I look at them stunned for putting me in this corner but I deserve it. I know I do.
"Please..." I beg with a low voice. "He means everything..." I say as my voice breaks unexpectedly and the girls notice the sadness in my eyes. "Everything to me. I'll tell him some day, I will. But I just can't now. I can't lose him. Not yet." I tell them emotionally as they look like they are speaking through their eyes to each other before reaching a decision. "Fine." Trish finally said.
"We won't say anything. For now. The deadline is graduation." She told me as I nodded quickly and wiping my tears. "Only because we believe in love and we want you two to work out, but only in the right way!" Cassidy said as I listened. "That means no later than graduation. Got it?" She tells me as I nod with a small smile. "Yeah, I got it. Thank you guys so much. I know this couldn't have been easy to understand but it could've gone worst." I said with an awkward chuckle.
"This has been the craziest night of my life. I need to go before my mom gets worried and has a panic attack." Trish says heading to the door. "Alright, thanks for coming over and helping me with Cassidy." I say as she uncomfortably nods to me before leaving and I could tell everything was weird now.
Cassidy turns back to me and just looks at me for a few seconds. "This is unbelievable." She said walking past me and to the kitchen to get something to drink. "I'm sorry again for pretending to be somebody else. When I found out you were a big fan of mine, I always thought that if you ever did find out, it wouldn't be a bad reaction. I was wrong." I said as she looked back at me.
"I'm sorry. I'm just not use to celebrities secretly living in my home." She said walking in the living room as I followed. "Do you hate me?" I asked lowly as she turned around putting her drink down.
"I can't really hate you considering I don't actually know you."
"But you do. Everything I did, everything I said was real. That was me."
"But the blonde hair wasn't. The blue eyes wasn't. Those bangs wasn't. Your voice wasn't." She stated as I sighed looking away.
"I met a girl named Amy Russo who became of my best friends in the whole world and I'm just now finding out that she wasn't even real and doesn't actually exist. I miss her a lot. So, I'm sorry if I'm not coming around sooner than you want me to because I'm busy mourning a friend very dear to me." She said as I looked at her and I could see the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly, I watch her sigh shaking her head. "Sorry, that was...that was mean. It's just...I understand doing what you did to get away but you involved people. People with feelings and hearts that can get broken at anytime. I just wish you would have thought about that before you jumped into this decision." She said disappointed.
"I'll say sorry a million times if you need me too." I say lowly trying not to cry again. "No need. I just need time." She said exasperated. "Look, I don't mean to be rude or anything but can you please sleep on the couch tonight? It's just still too weird for me right now." Cassidy asked as I nodded. "Yeah, of course. I completely understand." I told her as she awkwardly nodded her head. "I'll uh...go get your blanket and pillows." She said as I watched her head upstairs.
I sit down on the couch and sigh realizing that it finally happened. My secret is out now. Well, only to Trish and Cassidy but I have to be even more careful now. But I have a feeling my problems are far from over.
Ally's POV
I wake up in the morning to see that Cassidy's car is already gone. Wow. She left extremely early just to not be in my presence. But can I honestly blame her? She literally just found out that the person who's been living with her for the past three months is superstar Ally Dawson! Who also happens to be her icon, by the way.
I shouldn't expect her and Trish to come around too soon. I just don't want to lose them as friends. It's the biggest thing I'm afraid of. I get ready and I head to school by walking because it's a lot of stuff on my mind and I need fresh air. I'm not even sure if Austin and I are still together or not. Was is a breakup yesterday or just another huge fight? Either way, I didn't like it and I wish I could make all the pain in my life stop with the snap of my hand but unfortunately, I'm only a singer. Not a wizard.
When I arrive at school, I see Trish and Cassidy talking in front of all our lockers and I walk over. "Hey guys..." I smile but the tension is still there. "Hey Ally-I mean Amy!" Cass switched making sure nobody heard her.
"Sorry. Now that I know who you really are, it's gonna take some time to get use to that." Cassidy said avoiding eye contact. "It's fine. I get it." I said as they just looked at me with nothing to say. "Well...uh 'Amy'...we should go. We both have English." Trish said with a small smile but I could tell they were both still uncomfortable from the reveal last night. "Yeah, of course! Go, go learn!" I cheered weirdly as they walked off together making me sigh heavily.
"Hey girl!" I hear turning around to be faced with Kira, Cheryl and Carrie. It brings a smile to my face because these are people who don't know who I really am so no need for any awkward conversations. "Hey guys. What's up?" I asked opening my locker. "You tell us!" Kira said as I make a confused face looking at them.
"What are you talking about?"
"We heard about the Brittany thing." Carrie confessed.
"What? How?" I asked baffled closing my locker and fully facing them.
"We overheard her talking about it in advisory this morning." Cheryl told me as my eyes widened. "She was talking about it?! With who?!" I asked so stunned that she would even speak about the situation. "Some girl. I don't know, maybe a new friend of hers?" Cheryl answered as I sigh with a look of complete disbelief.
"Well, what did she say exactly?" I asked curiously. "She was mentioning how she completely embarrassed herself at her ex's house yesterday. She tried to see if they could give their relationship another try but his girlfriend came out before he could give her an answer." Kira explained as I just stood there speechless.
"What? Was she lying? I wouldn't put it past her." Carrie said as I shake my head. "No, that was the complete truth." I told them. "Wow. She really is a bitch. Whether she changed or not. What decent girl goes after another girl's man? Plus, it's not like Austin would ever get back with her." Kira scoffed.
"Don't be so sure. I got to the door a little earlier then when they saw me and I overheard what she said and Austin didn't reject her. He just stood there while she held his hand in hers." I told them as they looked surprised. "Really? That doesn't sound like Austin. Maybe he was just speechless?" Carrie said as I shrugged.
"I don't know. That's what Cassidy thought and it's what he said but it sounds like a bunch of excuses." I tell them honestly.
"Okay, since I am an ex of Austin's and I've been in a relationship with him, I must defend his honor because I know him. Austin is the type of guy who knows what he wants even if he may not go for it right away. That's how he got you. If he really liked Brittany, he wouldn't have held back on it. He doesn't want anyone else but you Amy. Trust me." Cheryl said making me smile a little but I was still feeling insecure over the whole thing.
"We had a huge fight yesterday. Initiated by me and I don't know if we'll get past it. Hell, I don't even know if we're still together." I said sadly looking down as they look at me sympathetically. "Just talk to him Ams. Communication is always key." Kira told me with her hands on my shoulders which made me giggle.
"Since when are you the relationship expert?" I asked amused. "Ever since I've been watching Jerry Springer and I see how fucked up everyone's lives are and I scream amazing advice to the screen." She told me as we all laughed.
Austin's POV
"No, it's not that easy. You should've seen her face. I don't think I ever seen her so angry." I told the guys as we played some b ball on the court taking a break from our usual football schedule. "Can you blame her? I'd feel the same way if I saw some guy asking Cassidy out, holding her hand and her not saying anything." Dallas replied as I sighed.
"It wasn't like that." I said passing the ball to Dez. "Well, what was it like? Cause from her point of view, it probably seemed like you were thinking about it." Dez said as I stopped playing for a second. "It did look that way to her but I swear I wasn't thinking about it. I was just...in shock." I tell them as they stop playing too and focusing on me.
"Here is this girl I dated months ago who turned out to be psycho crazy and then randomly disappeared. She comes back completely normal and then tells me she wants to try again in a relationship. It's a lot to take in and it was just at the wrong time." I said shaking my head feeling stupid for the night before.
"Then just tell her all that. Amy is a listener." Chris advised me. "Not when she's upset. She doesn't want to talk at all because it'll just make her angrier. I need to just give her time to cool off."
"What if she doesn't ever?" Dallas said as I didn't reply because I didn't think of that. "I'll telling you dude. Talk to her. Whether she wants to or not. There's never gonna be a right time." Chris said as the back school doors open revealing Brittany. The reason my relationship is on the rocks right now. She smiles a little and starts walking towards me.
"Um...you wanna handle that?" Dallas asked looking at her strange. "Yeah, I got this. I'll see you guys later." I say as they nod. "Well, good luck dude." Dez said patting my back as him, Dallas and Chris all left while Brittany walked up to me.
"Hey Austin." She said shyly putting some hair behind her ear. "Hey..." I reply awkwardly bouncing the ball up and down. "I wanna apologize for yesterday. You said it wasn't a good time and I should have listened. If I had knew Amy was there, I wouldn't have-"
"What? Try to steal me away from her?" I asked offended as her expression changes to embarrassment. "It wasn't my attention to be malicious, I promise. I just felt something when I got back and I needed to know if we still had a shot together. I'm not the same as before and I thought it'd be nice to see where it could go." She explained to me but it didn't make a difference.
"Look, I get it. You changed and I couldn't be happier for you but that doesn't mean you can step in on me and my girlfriend. You could have possibly broken us up." I said upset.
"That part isn't my fault."
"Excuse me?"
"I heard what Amy said the other day. She was upset because you didn't pull away from my hand or reject me." She said as I scoffed shaking my head in disbelief while her face softens.
"I need to know, Austin. Is there a part of you that still likes me?" She asked as I looked at her and I couldn't let this go on anymore. "No." I answered surely as the light from her eyes faded. "I'm sorry. You're a beautiful girl but I don't feel that way about you. I haven't for a long time and it's not coming back. My girlfriend is the only one I want and need. No amount of fights or hardships is gonna change that." I tell her as she sighs heavily with a tear leaving her eye.
I feel bad that I hurt her but I wasn't gonna lead her on to something that's not gonna happen. "Yeah, I get. You uh...you're into someone else. I'm sorry for this, really." She says as I nod awkwardly.
"I guess I should also tell you that I talked to our math teacher and she arranged you a different tutor. I just thinks it's inappropriate now." I told her as she nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, that's actually a relief. I was thinking how awkward the sessions would be now." She chuckled wiping her tears.
"Come here." I say pulling her in for a hug. "There's a guy out there for you and he's gonna be great and you two are gonna be good together. I promise." I told her as she smiled against me before we pulled away. "And I know you didn't mean to be shady or anything but advice for the next guy you're into...leave him alone if he's not single." I say as she laughs with a nod. "Yeah, I'll definitely take that into consideration." She says as we both smile. "Well, I guess I'll see you around Austin." She said as I nod and she walks back into the building. I sigh with a smile because that chapter of my life has officially closed with closure.
I walk into the building after a while when I see Amy at her locker looking as beautiful as always. It's almost as if we have this telepathy connection when one of us is around each other because she turns my way and sees me. She looks at me not mad like I would expect but with a sad expression. I think about walking over there and just talking to her when I see Cassidy and Trish make their way over to her. I guess that's a sign. Damn it.
Ally's POV
"Hey Amy!" Cassidy said very loudly looking around as I can't help but chuckle.
"Um, you don't have to do that. No one suspects a thing." I told her as she awkwardly nodded while Trish just shook her head at her.
"So, what's up?" I asked because I'm actually shocked they came up to me just now. It's been really difficult for them to adjust so I thought they'd take more time before they wanted to speak with me again. "As you know, this is still completely weird for us because of finding out who you really are." Trish started as I nodded.
"Well, we needed to ask you what are we suppose to do for our project in history about 'Ally Dawson' because we now know where the missing pop star is." Trish finished as I nodded again understanding what they meant. "Yeah, I see the problem there..."
"Yeah, how are we gonna write a paper on our thoughts about someone's whereabouts and lives when we now know the person?" Cassidy asked baffled. "I think you guys should just do what you guys were gonna do before. Be authentic."
"How is that possible if we know the answers?" Trish asked. "Don't think about the real answers. Think about the answers you had before you knew Amy was Ally Dawson." I whispered. "You guys have said yourself that you don't really know me even though I've said I was being myself for the first time in my life." I said as they looked at each other.
"If that's really how you feel then write what you really think of superstar Ally Dawson. Just because you're not writing the exact truth, doesn't mean you're lying." I tell them as their eyebrows raised impressed. "Wow. That's actually good advice, superstar." Trish said as I slightly groaned.
"Ugh, can we not make that a thing?" I said as they both chuckled and for a quick second it felt like old times. "But hey..." I trail off as they stop laughing and focus on me. "Since I gave you two amazing advice, I was hoping if it wasn't so much trouble, you could give me some?" I asked looking in between them. "Sure..." Cassidy said before a small smile forming on her face which made one appear on my face. "Thanks guys. Mind if we go in the music room?" I ask as they agree and follow me into there.
"So, as you probably know...this is about Austin." I told them. "Right. You got into a huge fight yesterday about Brittany." Cassidy said remembering what I told her last night.
"Wait, seriously? Why'd you have a fight about Brittany?" Trish asked clueless. "She came to Austin's house when I was having dinner with his family and I overheard her asking him if he wanted to get back together." I explained as she looked stunned.
"That bitch hasn't learned, I see."
"Yeah, well I yelled at Austin because he didn't reject her. He just sat their stupidly not saying no. It keeps me wondering if he even wants to be in this relationship." I said shaking my head in stress. "Of course he does. He's like obsessed with you." Cassidy said as I chuckled because of the way she said it.
"No, he's not."
"Yes, he is. When you first moved in my house, I use to see him wait by his front door for a half an hour until you came out and he would pretend he was just coming out at the same time as well." She admitted as I look in shock while Trish just laughed her head off. "That's hilarious." Trish said trying to catch her breath while Cass smiled.
"Seriously?" I asked amused as she nodded. "Yeah. He's been waiting forever to be with you, Ally." She whispered my real name. "Is there a way you can tell him what he did wrong without it turning into a huge blowout?" She asked as I sighed. "No, because he didn't do anything wrong." I said sitting down with my head in my hands.
"What do you mean?" Trish asked. "I mean our fight wasn't his fault. It was mine. Austin is my first real boyfriend so I get really jealous sometimes when it's not necessary because I'm scared I'm gonna lose him." I say as they continue to listen to me. "God, sometimes I just feel like this insecure little girl for no reason because he proves time and time again how much he likes and cares about me and all I do is complain about stuff that isn't a big deal." I finish feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
"You ever think you're self sabotaging yourself?" Trish asked walking over to me as I lift my head with tears in my eyes. "What?" I reply lowly not getting her point. "That maybe you overreact to situations with Austin because you're afraid of being this close to someone who doesn't really know who you are. Afraid that you could actually catch deep meaningful feelings for someone you might have to leave one day. You heart wants Austin, but your brain is being logical because it doesn't want to hurt him." Trish said and that's the most serious and deepest sentences I've ever heard come out her mouth. "Wow. I never thought about it like that. But now that you've said it...it has been eating me alive knowing that I'm lying to him everyday. I don't want to lose him ever." I admit as my chest tightens.
"Well, the obvious solution to that is telling him the truth but since you don't think you can right now, how about just starting with an apology for the fight yesterday. It's the least you could do for him." Cassidy said as I smiled standing up in front of both of them. "Thank you two so much. I don't know what I'd do without you." I say hugging them both as they slowly hug me back sighing with relief and happiness that we were getting back on track.
We pulled away and Cassidy shakes her head with a smile. "I can't believe one of my best friends is Ally freaking Dawson!" Cassidy cheered as I laughed. "It is pretty cool." Trish smiled with a shrug before we all hugged again. This is what real family feels like.
Austin's POV
After football practice finishes, I grab my bottle of water and take a sip while sitting down on the benches. "Hey Blondie." I hear as Cheryl came onto the bleachers and sitting next to me as I laugh. "Is this a thing now? Our meeting spot for when you give me deep rooted advice?" I say as she chuckles. "You know what? I think it is." She says smiling which made me smile too.
"So, I heard you and Amy aren't doing so well..." Cheryl trailed off as I gave her a look and she smiled putting her hands up. "Don't worry. I'm not here to fault you for anything." She tells me.
"Then why are you here?" I asked kind of rudely. "Sorry. I'm just upset. I have been pretty much all day." I apologized with a sigh drinking some more water.
"I don't understand what you guys even fight. You're so perfect together. Nothing should be able to get in your way."
"Ahh...I'm guessing you know about the Brittany situation." I said looking her way. "Yeah...I do. And I think it's beyond stupid because she's a non factor in you two's relationship. That's been over and done with."
"Yeah, I know that. But I'm not sure she does."
"Then talk to her, Austin. You guys are amazing at making out everywhere but suck at communicating." She said laughing as I chuckled along with her.
"Trust me, I want too but I keep thinking how she obviously doesn't trust me...that hurts me more than she knows." I said as she looked at me with sympathy placing a hand on my back. "I want to be with her more than anything but I can't force her trust." I told her truthfully as she nodded understanding.
"I get that. But I also get that she has a side to the story too." Cheryl said as I looked at her with confusion. "Did you ever wonder why she has a hard time trusting people or you? Maybe it's something deeper than you think but you won't find out unless you talk to your girlfriend. You have to try, Austin. You have too." She says lastly standing up as I did with her. "Thanks Cheryl." I said as she smiled with a shrug as I hugged her.
"How's you and Greyson by the way?" I asked about her and her boyfriend. "Great. Couldn't be happier." She tells me as I smile. "Good. I'm happy you're happy." I said as she smiled before waving goodbye.
I sigh thinking about what she said about Amy as I collect my things and head into the building.
Ally's POV
I walk out of my after school music session when I see Austin in his uniform walking towards the school doors to leave. I think about everything that has happened between us since we met and how I can't let him get away, even if I'm afraid.
"Austin!" I yell as he turns around. I run up to him as he just stands there stunned that I'm taking the initiate to speak to him. "I am so sorry!" I blab out emotionally as his eyes seem surprised. "I shouldn't have blamed you for something that wasn't your fault. You didn't know she was gonna come over and blindside you like that and I should have believed you when you said that you were just surprised at her advances." I said as he just started to look relived at what I was saying but also emotional as well because he missed me. "I'm a jealous girl when it comes to you, I know that. Truthfully, it's because you're my first real boyfriend and I never had a real relationship before so I'm scared to lose you. But sometimes I think it's better to lose you so I won't mess anything else up." I tell him finally opening up and being honest.
"Hey, hey..." He said lowly holding my face in both his hands. "You could never lose me." He said looking into my eyes and I knew he meant it. "I promise." He stated as I smiled sadly leaning my forehead against his. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I apologize again as he shakes his head. "Don't. We both made some mistakes and the only thing we can do to fix them is to start talking to each other. No more walking away because we're angry. Okay?" He said as I smiled slightly. "Okay." I replied as he smiled before attacking my lips in a way that never wanted me to let go.
I moan slightly as our kiss deepens with the help of our smooth tongues colliding over and over again. We slowly pull away with our lips swollen from that breathtaking kiss. "I missed that..." I said smiling shyly. "I missed you." He said before kissing my forehead then taking my hand as we walked hand in hand to his car opening the door for me.
"Dez actually told me about this bonfire he and Carrie are going to later tonight. He invited us too before he knew about our fight but I was wondering if you wanted to go?" Austin asked pulling out the parking lot. "Yeah, of course. I'd love too." I said with a smile which made him smile putting his hand on my thigh.
We drive as I see a kid from my music class walking by himself. He notices the car and then me and I wave sweetly with a smile and he waves back shockingly. "Who's that?" Austin asks noticing my gesture. "A guy from my music class. Kind of an outcast, but he seems so sweet." I tell him. "How do you know that? He gives you flowers every morning?" He asked jokingly as I playfully rolled my eyes. "Shut up. I've actually never spoken to him but I heard him play the piano. He's amazing." I told him. "Really? Well, don't fall in love with him now." He said as I giggled. "Impossible. I have you." I said leaning in and leaving multiple kisses on his face as he smiles pulling up to our houses.
"I would ask you to come over but I got to work on this English project that's due tomorrow."
"It's no problem. I actually want to take a nap anyway. I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Why?" He asked worried.
"Too busy crying." I chuckled sadly as he realized why.
"Well, you don't have too anymore." He said as I smiled with a nod. "I know." I say kissing him as he kisses me back with ten times the passion that I started with. "I'll get you later when it's time to go, okay?" He told me as I smiled. "Okay." I say kissing him one last time before getting out and heading into the house.
xXxXx
Austin and I arrived at the bonfire on the beach full of stoned, drunk or just partying teenagers and I just smile because I'm here to have a good time with my boyfriend.
"Austin, Amy hey! Woooo!" Carrie said coming towards us cheering. "Uhh..." Austin and I say at the same time at Carrie's personality change. "Don't mind her. She's drunk." Dez said holding her against her waist as Austin and I chuckle because we've never seen her this way.
"You want a beer?" Dez asked offering one to us. "No, thanks." I replied. "Sure. Just one though. Don't want to end up like this one tonight." Austin said referring to Carrie as Dez gave him one and we sat down.
"Here babe." Austin said sitting me on his lap as I smile leaning into him as he leaves sweet kisses on my neck. "Mmm, you're gonna have to stop..." I moaned slightly as he smirked against my neck. "I don't think I can." He said lowly which just made me more turned on when I noticed the same guy from my class playing a keyboard about 20 feet away from us.
"Oh my god, it's Bernie." I said standing up as Austin scoffs. "Babe, come back." He whines like an adorable baby. "What is he doing here?" I asked more to myself because he was like an A class nerd and this definitely didn't feel like his scene.
"Why do you care?" Austin replied taking another sip of his beer.
"I'll be right back, babe."
"Seriously?"
"Promise." I say kissing him before going over to Bernie.
"Hey, Bernie." I said catching his attention as he stopped playing the piano. "Oh hi..." He said lowly not making eye contact. "I'm sorry, did I do something wrong?" I asked. "Uh no. I'm just not used to pretty girls talking to me..." He trialed off shyly which made me smile.
"Aw, that's sweet. Thank you for calling me pretty. I actually wanted to ask you a favor." I said as he looked at me intrigued. "You see that guy over there?" I asked pointing to Austin. "Yeah, that's Austin Moon. Also, your boyfriend right?" He asked as I nodded with a smile. "Yes, he is. I wrote this song about us and I really wanted to sing it. I feel like I've been finding my real sound every since coming to this school and this is my favorite yet." I say as he slowly nods getting what I'm saying.
"So, you want me to play piano for you?"
"Yeah, would you?"
"I mean sure, I wouldn't mind but I don't know the chords."
"Oh, right here." I said pulling out the sheet music to my song and handing it to him.
"I know it's probably weird but I take my music sheet everywhere just in case a performing opportunity comes up."
"It's not weird." He said smiling a bit and it was nice to see because he always seemed down but it's nice that music brings others happiness as well.
"Okay, just give me about 20 minutes to learn this and I think I'll get it." He told me as I smiled satisfied. "Thank you, Bernie." I said innocently kissing his cheek as a thank you and he blushes pushing up his glasses and nodding while I head over to Austin who's laughing about something with Dez.
"Look, who's back." Dez said as I walk towards them before sitting on Austin's lap again. "Yeah, she ditched me for a guy in her class." Austin stated amused pointing to Bernie as Dez looked.
"Wait, he actually talked to you?" Dez asked as I nodded. "Wow. He doesn't talk to anyone. I don't think I've ever heard his voice." He told me. "Maybe because no one's actually tried to. He's nice." I say as Austin makes me face him. "Kiss me, please." He pouted like a child which made me giggle. "I think you're a little drunk, babe but I will oblige to the pleading." I say before leaning in and kissing him as he quickly deepens it as I wrap my arms around his neck.
Austin groans into the kiss in pleasure as our tongues softly meet together in the best way possible. It feels like it's been a life time before we pull away with smiles on our faces. "I don't think I'll ever get sick of it." He said as I blushed kissing him one last time before looking over at Bernie who was motioning me right on time.
"Wait, where are you going now?" Austin asked as I stood up. "Don't worry. This is for you." I said as he makes a really confused expression while I just kiss his cheek and head over to Bernie. "It was actually a pretty simple melody but very beautiful. You produced it yourself?" He asked impressed. "Yeah. I've been realizing I can do a lot of stuff I never knew I could." I tell him as he reaches for something on the side of his piano.
Bernie hands me a microphone surprising me. "Wow. I was actually thinking I just had to sing without one and hopefully it was loud enough for everyone to hear." I told him. "Well, lucky for you I keep one with me at all times. I like to write occasionally too and like to see what it sounds like." He said as I nodded with a smile wondering why he didn't have more friends and was such a loner. "Well, thank you. Let's do this shall we?" I say as he nods shyly now as I face the people at the beach party.
"Hello people!" I say as everyone faces me including Austin, Dez and Carrie seeming surprised. "Are you guys having fun tonight?!" I ask as everyone cheers and shouting loudly. "Well, good. Let me introduce myself to some people who may not know me." I said with a smile glancing around the bonfire.
"Hey, guys. I'm Amy Russo and I wrote this song a few days ago. This goes out to the guy who literally spins my world around in all the best and worst ways." I say as Austin smiles and blushes in the crowd. "It's called 'Issues'." I add when Bernie starts to play the piano.
I'm jealous, I'm overzealous
When I'm down, I get real down
When I'm high, I don't come down
I get angry, baby, believe me
I could love you just like that
And I could leave you just as fast
But you don't judge me
'Cause if you did, baby, I would judge you too
No, you don't judge me
'Cause if you did, baby, I would judge you too
'Cause I got issues
But you got 'em too
So give 'em all to me
And I'll give mine to you
Bask in the glory
Of all our problems
'Cause we got the kind of love
It takes to solve 'em
Yeah, I got issues
And one of them is how bad I need you
(Austin smiles after I say that)
You do shit on purpose
You get mad and you break things
Feel bad, try to fix things
But you're perfect
Poorly wired circuit
And got hands like an ocean
Push you out, pull you back in
'Cause you don't judge me
'Cause if you did, baby, I would judge you too
No, you don't judge me
'Cause you see it from the same point of view
'Cause I got issues
But you got 'em too
So give 'em all to me
And I'll give mine to you
Bask in the glory
Of all our problems
'Cause we got the kind of love
It takes to solve 'em
Yeah, I got issues
And one of them is how bad I need you
(I got issues, you got 'em too)
And one of them is how bad I need you
(I got issues, you got 'em too)
(Austin and I make eye contact and he's the only person I'm singing too)
'Cause I got issues
(I got)
But you got 'em too
So give 'em all to me
(You got 'em too)
And I'll give mine to you
Bask in the glory
(I got issues)
Of all our problems
'Cause we got the kind of love
(You got 'em too)
It takes to solve 'em
Yeah, I got issues (I got)
And one of them is how bad I need you (You got 'em too)
Yeah, I got issues (I got issues)
And one of them is how bad I need you (You got 'em too)
Yeah, I got issues (I got)
And one of them is how bad I need you
I finish the last line and everyone at the bonfire cheers with their beers clinking to others and dramatically shouting as I giggle thanking them before going over to Austin.
"So...what did you think?" I asked shyly because his opinion means a lot to me.
"I think you are every much the superstar I always knew you were." He said with a palm on my cheek making me smile before we both leaned in and softly connected our lips.
Our mouths moved together passionately as we metaphorically washed away the troubles and problems in our relationship because we had each other and that was more than what we ever needed.
Once we pulled away, I looked into his eyes and I saw something I was never sure I'd ever have. A future. My own future. Austin is that future.
"Amy, I know we have issues...but I wouldn't want to have them with anyone else." Austin says lowly to me as I look in his beautiful hazel brown eyes. "Ditto." I said making him chuckle because it's actually a word I learned from him. We smile widely before we kiss again in complete bliss and happiness.
END OF CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.) What did you think of the reveal to both Cassidy and Trish and their reactions?
2.) What did you think about Austin rejecting Brittany but still showing kindness towards her?
3.) How did the friendship makeup and advice make you feel between Ally, Cassidy and Trish?
4.) What did you think about the Austin and Ally moments?