Ally's POV
I'm in Cassidy's and I's room and for some reason I am failing to get my wig right tonight. I sigh as I constantly move it side to side and forward and back trying to get an even stance. "Need help?" Cass asks coming into the room. "That would be great actually." I say as she nods coming over and doing it herself as I give up trying. "Thank you." I say when she finishes and she nods staring at me.
"Sorry. I'm still-"
"Getting use to it. Got it." I said as we both chuckled.
"Must have been hard keeping the secret to yourself this long, especially going through struggles like this." She said with an amused smile.
"Believe or not, this hasn't happened before. I think I'm just stressed."
"Really? Why?" She asked as I look at her crazy.
"Why? Are you ser-" I stop when I see a forming smile on her face. "Oh...you were joking. Of course you were." I said looking back in the mirror putting on a soft natural make up look.
"How stressful could your life be? You're only an undercover pop star being searched by the whole world while going to a normal high school, dating a guy who has no idea who you are while being disguised as a whole different person. That sounds like the most stress free life ever." Cassidy said sarcastically as I couldn't help but giggle in pity.
"Yes, my life sucks."
"Well, not all the time. You have Austin."
"For now." I said with a sigh as she looked sympathetic. "I don't know how it'll end between you two, but I really hope it works out for you." She said genuinely making me smile. "Thanks. Even if it doesn't, it's nice to know I'll still have you girls." I tell her as she smiles hugging me as I return it with nothing but friendship and love.
"Come on, my mom made breakfast for all of us." She tells me as I nod heading downstairs with Cassidy. We both sit at the table across from her parents. "This is delicious, Mrs. Jones. Thank you." I say as she smiles. "You are always a pleasant here, Ally. Your manners are a gift from heaven. So many kids forget them nowadays." Mrs. Jones replied.
"Mom, we're not kids." Cassidy told her mom annoyingly. "I'm 46. You are kids to us." She responded which made me giggle. "Anyway, my wife is right. You've been a lovely guest, Miss Dawson. You ever need anything, make sure to let us know." Mr. Jones said joining the conversation.
"Actually, there is something I need..." I trailed off as they all three looked at me in a curiously. "Okay, spill darling." Mrs. Jones said. "I know you are adults and you won't probably approve now but we need an epic prank for our senior prank." I said as both Cassidy's parents looked at each other before laughing.
"What? Why are you guys laughing?" I asked confused. "Nothing. They can be weird sometimes, Als." Cassidy replies rolling her eyes while still stuffing her face with a breakfast omelet.
"We're laughing because it's so sad how this generation truly believes we don't have any fun."
"You don't." Cassidy said so nonchalant that I couldn't help but laugh.
"Laugh all you want, but I guarantee you that teens and young adults were much more confident and fearless back then, than they are now."
"I highly doubt that." I challenge as they look at each other again but with amused smiles.
"Our class bought 52 live chickens from an actual farm and let them loose in a teacher's meeting. Then we glue taped my pain in the ass Calculus teacher to her seat and I swear I've never seen a face so red in my life." Mr. Jones said as Cassidy and I looked at each other impressed.
"That's actually pretty co-"
"Then for the grand finale, we soaped up the locker rooms since we were no longer using them. It was like a huge bubble bath." He finished as him and his wife laughed about the memories as Cass and I are in awe.
"Wow. I guess we kinda underestimated you guys huh?" I said as they nodded casually. "We were young once too, ya know?" Mrs. Jones said as I smile. "Mind if we steal your idea? That would be awesome to do." Cassidy asked her parents as they looked at each other.
"We don't know, Cass. It was different back then. It was easier to get away with things. People are stricter today, surprisingly." Her mom said as she sighed before giving them the pouty face and they eventually caved in. "Fine. But only at the very end of the year, when sports are done and you are basically a week away from getting out of there. Stay away from the cameras." Mr. Jones told her as we smiled widely hugging them both.
"Oh my god, I can't believe we're condoning this." Mrs. Jones said with a smile and a shake of the head. "Hey, we're making history just like you." I tell her as she looks at the clock. "You girls have to get to school." She said as I nodded agreeing as Cass and I said our goodbyes and headed out for it.
Austin's POV
I sit at the kitchen table as my mom and dad laugh about something only they would get. "I'm telling you it was her." My dad said as my mom continued to laugh. "No way was Nerdy Nancy at the bar." She giggled which made him laugh too.
"She was too! I saw her when I was with the guys. The only difference is that she wasn't nerdy Nancy anymore." He said as she smiled with raised eyebrows.
"Oh really? Don't tell me you're finally gonna return that crush she had on you all these years." My mom said which made me chuckle. "Not possible. I can't trade for a princess when I already have a queen." My dad smoothly said kissing my mom which usually made me puke but this time I smiled. I definitely have to use that line someday. Also, it's nice to see how happy my parents are after being together so long.
"Austin." My dad calls my name snapping me out of my state. "Oh, yeah Dad?" I asked. "What's wrong? You seemed a little out of it." He said concerned as I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I was just wondering about...you two." I said as they looked at each other.
"What about us sweetie?" My mom asked. "How did you two make it so long?" I asked curious. "Are you talking about our relationship?" My mom asked as I nodded which caused the both of them to smile. "This is the question we were hoping our kid would ask if we did make it this far." My dad said as my mom smiled agreeing.
"I like to think our love is stronger than any hardship we've faced. We've had a lot of troubles in our relationship especially when we were younger because we were so much more immature back then but at the end of the day, we always had to compare the good and the bad times and think to ourselves whatever we are mad about right now...is it worth losing each other." My dad explained and that's the most in depth I've ever heard him speak.
"I was always afraid that me and your father would grow apart as we got older because people change, that is inevitable and we both did. The only difference is that we changed together because nothing was worse than not having each other in our lives." My mom further stated as I was in just awe.
If I had heard this on a movie somewhere, I would have thought it was the cheesiest thing in the world because it's just acting and you can make anything perfect on there but this was real life and it wasn't perfect. My parents proved that by being honest about what they endured but still coming out on top.
"That's amazing. I know it doesn't seem like it because I always gag when you show affection towards each other but I'm happy you guys are...happy." I said as they chuckled and my dad patted my back. "Thanks son." He said before giving me a look.
"What?"
"Wait...was this about Amy?" He asked as I blushed which I don't do at all so that's just embarrassing.
"How are you two doing honey?" My mom asked sipping her coffee. "We're good. Great actually. I'm asking her to prom today." I told them as she looks excited.
"Oh, spill! How are you gonna ask her?" She said as I made a confused expression. "What do you mean? I'm just gonna ask her." I say as my parents look at each other and then look at me like I'm crazy. "No, no no son. You don't just ask a girl to prom unless you're looking for a no." My dad informed me.
"Huh?"
"Don't worry. We'll give you some advice." My mom said as I had no idea what they were talking about.
Ally's POV
I'm at the mall with Kira, Cheryl and Carrie and we've all been nerve wrecking about the end of school and what's next for us.
"Okay, enough stress. Let's talk something more interesting like...you and Carrie." Kira said as Carrie and I looked at each other confused. "What about us?" Carrie said. "Yeah, what about us?" I added in. "Oh, come on. You and Carrie are the only virgins in our friend group and you both have boyfriends. Has the time come yet or what?" Kira asked a little jumpy as Cheryl smiled rolling her eyes.
"Kira, leave them alone. If you keep asking, they are gonna feel pressured." She told her. "No, it's fine. I never feel pressured. I'll never do something until I feel it's right. And the answer is no, it hasn't happened yet." Carrie said casually as Kira pouted then looked at me. "Sorry..." I said as she groaned causing all of us to laugh.
"For the record, I literally just told Austin I was a virgin a couple of days ago." I admitted as they all got surprised. "Really? He didn't know?" Cheryl asked.
"Nope. He actually didn't think I was."
"Wow. I don't know if that's offensive or not." Kira said as I laughed.
"I thought the same thing but he said it's because he considers me a beautiful girl and said he knows I had plenty of opportunities. I told him I've just been waiting for the right guy."
"Is Austin the right guy?" Carrie asked me. "He definitely is." I said as the girls smiled happily.
"So, what are you waiting for now?" Kira questioned. "The right moment." I told them as they nod their heads understanding. "Well, we've been in this store long enough and we only have a few things. Let's buy this stuff and head out." Kira added as we all nodded agreeing heading to the front.
I watch as all the girls pay for there stuff when I realize I can't even use any of my debit cards because they have my name, birthday and my whole real freaking identity on them. I'm just lucky I have cash. God, this is getting exhausting. This secret is making everything harder then it has to be and I'm just annoyed and sick of it.
We all decided to head to school after all even though we are about two and a half hours late and missed 3 classes.
Austin's POV
"Thanks for helping me with this guys." I said to Dallas, Dez and Chris. "Sure thing." Dez replies nicely. "This must be weird for you Chris." Dallas says with a laugh. "Shut up." I muffle to him as Chris chuckled too and shrugs.
"It's fine. It actually feels completely normal because the more I'm around you two, it kinda feels meant to be and I have no desire coming in between beauty and her beast." He said which made me smile to myself.
"So, is anyone aware that some of the girls skipped school?" Dallas said as I widen my eyes. "What? Why the hell didn't you say something?" I asked as he looked confused. "I don't know what's the big deal..."
"Dude, you're literally helping me set up a promposal for my girlfriend!" I said as he now gets it. "Oh...right." He said as I sighed rolling my eyes. "Wait, there's Kira. She was supposedly one of them." Dez said as we stopped Kira.
"Yo, Kira. Did you happen to be at the mall with Amy today?" I asked her.
"Yeah, her and a few others. Why?"
"Does that mean she's back in school too?"
"Yep."
"Great. Plans still on guys." I say as they nod and we go back to doing what we do but Kira doesn't leave.
"Um...please tell me this is not what I think it is..." Kira says as I turn back around to her with a huge smile. "If you mean a huge, meaningful gesture in order to ask my gorgeous girlfriend to the prom then yes, it is what you think it is." I said proudly looking back at my work as Kira looked awkwardly at it which confused me. "No, I meant a lame, corny and childish looking gesture to ask your more deserving girlfriend to the prom." She corrected which baffled me.
"What?!" Me and all the other guys say at the same time. "Oh sweethearts...I find it all nice that you took the time out your day to help do this for your friends girlfriends but this sucks badly."
"My parents gave me this idea."
"That honestly explains it."
"Hey!" "I'm sorry, but this probably would have worked 30 years ago but not today. No, no, no. You're going to start from scratch. Something simple but sweet. That's Amy's personality and that's what she'll love." She told me which made me sigh.
"God, I suck at this. I have no idea what to do."
"Don't worry, I'll help. Boys leave now. You only make things worse." She told them as they gasp offended dropping the tools and leaving. "Sweet and simple. We got this." Kira said grabbing my hand and taking me away.
Ally's POV
I walk down the hallway after chemistry class now that I have a little free time when I'm suddenly pulled and backed up onto a locker and I realize that it's just my adorably handsome boyfriend.
"Hello, Mr. Moon." I say with a smile as I can't help but glance at his soft pink lips that I so badly want to kiss. What am I waiting for? He's my boyfriend. I'm gonna do what I want.
I lean in and he backs up causing a confused expression upon my face. "Pretty sure I brushed my teeth today and everyday like usual." I said sarcastically offended. "Yeah, but I'm also pretty sure you skipped school today as well." He said as I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
"That's what this is about? So what? You skipped before. What's the big deal?"
"That was before. I haven't skipped in months. The big deal is things are getting down to the wire now, Russo. I want you to make it out of here and I want you to get into your dream school whatever that may be. Please don't sabotage yourself." He said so softly.
I couldn't be mad at him because he was only worried and concerned for me because he had no idea that I really wasn't going anywhere after high school but back to my old life. "That's sweet. I'll try to be more responsible." I told him as he smiled a little but squinted.
"Try?" He repeated as I playfully rolled my eyes. "Okay, fine. I will be more responsible if you kiss me." I said as he chuckled before leaning in and colliding our lips together. I sigh in satisfaction as they both move passionately and smoothly across one another.
"So, what did you do while you were away from me today?" He asked curious as I just shrugged.
"Nothing much. Just had a girls day. What about you?"
"Um...had football practice then thought about you most of the time."
"Shut up!"
"I'm serious. You run through my mind all the time." He said as I blushed heavily.
"In that case, you're hard to get out of my head as well." I tell him as he smiles kissing me again as I wrap my arms around his neck getting comfortable.
"Oh, wait you're not gonna believe me and Cassidy have this amazing senior prank idea." I said pulling away. "Really?" He asked surprised because he knew none of us could come up with the perfect one. "Yeah, it was actually Cassidy's parents idea. They did it for their senior prank and it's actually pretty awesome." I said with a unbelievable smile.
"Then I definitely got to hear it."
"Of course, but I'll tell you some other time with the rest of the gang. You have science class right now. I can't be the only one being responsible." I said as he sighed with a smile. "You got me there. Alright, I'll see you later beautiful." He said kissing me one last time before leaving.
I open my locker and sigh when I come face to face with my...face. Well, not mine technically. I touch my cheek and look at my false blue eyes and then I touch my soft blonde wig that has kept my true self safe for a long while now. Am I losing the real me or am I just exhausted from this whole process?
I decide to head to the rooftop of the school and get some fresh air. I sit on the bench up there and take in the cool spring air and the bright sun.
Suddenly, I hear doors open and I turn around to see Trish.
"Hey...I didn't know you come up here too."
"I don't. But I saw you and you looked kinda bummed, so I thought I'd come check up on you." She said sweetly as I tilted my head with an appreciative smile.
"I still can't believe you're Ally Dawson. I mean I can't help but think of all the ways I insulted you."
"It's not your fault. You didn't know me."
"That's exactly what makes it my fault. I judged a book by it's cover and that was my mistake. I'm so sorry for that, Ally." She said sincerely as I smiled with tears in my eyes.
"Oh god, did I say something wrong?" She asked when she saw me get emotional. "No, no, no." I replied shaking my head. "That was really sweet, Trish. It's just that...it's all becoming so much. I think it's finally getting to me how deep in this I really am. Having to put on fake contacts every morning, and fixing my wig and wearing high fashion style completely opposite of my everyday look is kinda making me lose my mind a bit." I explained as she looked at me with sympathy.
"I was feeling miserable in my life before and I made a quick decision based on my emotions at the time and I can't help but wonder if I made a mistake. Look at all the friendships I could ruin and my relationship. Austin is the best thing that's ever happened to me and I'm probably gonna lose him when he finds out who I am." I said as tears came down my face and I tried to stop them but they kept rushing down.
"Ally-"
"He's so sweet, Trish. The way he looks at me makes me feel like he would do anything for me. He loves me so much and I love him and I don't wanna lose him. I'm not ready to lose him ever. How do I finish this year without going crazy?" I say putting my head in my hands. "By being the same girl you've always been. That's what made Austin fall in love with you. Not your blonde hair, not your blue eyes, not your fashion sense. Your heart, Ally. You have a big one." She said making me look her deeply in the eyes as I listen to everything she's saying.
"You told Cassidy and I and we handled it pretty badly because we thought we lost a friend but we came around because we realized we didn't. We gained one. We had to understand that though your intention wasn't telling us the secret, but when you did you were completely honest and we can't help but respect you for it." She said as I smiled a little.
"The truth is...I don't know how Austin is gonna react. I don't know if he'll embrace it or run 100 miles away...but I do know that either way you'll be okay. Just like I was." She said before confusing me.
"What do you mean?" I asked as she hesitated. "Jace and I broke up a week ago." She said shocking me.
"Really? Why?"
"Distance. We saw it coming for a while but none of us wanted to give up on each other but in the end we knew it was best for the both of us. I'm not saying you and Austin should give up on each other but I'm saying whatever happens is obviously meant to happen for a reason even if it sucks in the moment." She ended with the most amazing advice I've heard in a while.
"Wow. Thank you so much. It's nice hearing someone else's advice for me besides myself." I said as we both laughed. "No problem." She said as we stood up and she hugged me tightly. "And I'm sorry about you and Jace. I know how much you loved him." I tell her sadly. "It's alright." She said as we pulled away when my phone rings.
"Austin?" I ask into the phone. "Come outside. You don't know where I'm parked today so just follow the beeping horn." He told me as I became very confused until I hear a car horn. Trish and I eyes widen as we go to the side of the roof and look down at Austin randomly beeping his horn with one hand in the window.
"Austin, what are you doing?!" I asked yelling so he could hear me. He looks up to me in shock not expecting me to be on the roof of the building.
"What are you doing up there?!" He asked as I made a face not knowing how to explain it when I notice what's on the car and smile. "Go girl! He's waiting for you." Trish said as I smiled and hugged her one more time. "I'll be right down!" I yell to Austin before going to the door and heading back to the main floor and then into the parking lot where Austin just stands shyly.
"What is all this?" I ask lowly and sweetly with a soft smile as I look at him next to his car with 'Will You Go To PROM With Me, Beautiful?" Spelled out in pink and red roses. "Exactly what it looks like." He answered walking forward to me and holding both my hands.
"I've been around the school the whole day trying to perfect the right way to ask you to prom with me when it took someone to make me remember that's not who you are. You may come from a big family but you like things that are sweet and simple but more importantly...meaningful." He said pulling me to the car as I smile when he reveals my favorite chocolates. "I remember you told me how much you loved them on our second first date." He said as he put hair behind my ear.
"Will you go to prom with me, Amy Ru-" I cut him off grabbing his face and kissing him. I pull away slowly before opening my eyes and looking into his beautiful ones. "I'm gonna guess that's a yes?" He said as I giggled and nodded. "Si." I replied as we kissed again and I couldn't but smile into it because I felt on top of the world right now considering how I felt five minutes ago. Austin Moon truly is my heart.
END OF CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.) What do you think the weight of the secret is gonna have on Ally?
2.) Who is your favorite Ally friendship and why? Ally/Cassidy, Ally/Trish, Ally/Kira, Ally/Cheryl, or Ally/Carrie?
3.) What do you think about Austin and Ally as a couple?