Chapter 2
Austin's POV

I'm glad she got a call to remind her, because I honestly had been freaking out about how I was going to tell her without speaking to her. But now that she knew, I was more excited for our trip to get acupuncture. It was lame, but I was actually going to get out and do something.

I hadn't spoken to anyone at this school in almost two years and I had almost broken that record when she yelled my name and glided over to me, her eyes glued to mine as everyone gawked at her. She had talked to me and didn't care that people saw. She had chosen to be my partner when Dez, who was once like a brother to me, refused to work with me. She had smiled at me and looked at me with something in her eyes other than loathing and fear. She seemed genuine when she talked to me.

Ally Dawson.

What an angel.

It was Friday and lunchtime. Which meant I was on the school roof, eating in peace, and playing on my guitar. I hadn't sung a song in years, I would play my guitar to calm my nerves, but I hadn't been able to sing since… it happened. I hadn't even spoken to anyone besides my parents in two years. Nobody wanted to hear that I didn't do it. They just believed that I was guilty and that was that. Even my so-called best friend wouldn't believe me. So I decided that if they didn't want to hear what I had to say, I wouldn't say anything to them.

I was never tempted to speak, even when the teachers scolded me. I didn't yell at anyone who tried to intimidate me. I was never tempted to break that promise to myself until she smiled at me. Ally, that girl made me want to sing again. That girl made me want a friend again. That girl made me feel something I hadn't in a long time. Happy. Ally Dawson was once my friend. And I missed her.

The school bell rang, but I didn't get up from my spot. I had music class next, but I figured, I'd be happier playing my guitar here than in the classroom where I would be talked about and glared at. I played a song that I had created, singing in my head.

By the time I had finished, I had a real, genuine smile on my face. Because I realized, the song had been about her. It had always been about her and I didn't realize it until I saw that she wasn't afraid of me. She was too caring, but it was good.

I set my guitar back in its case and slung it across my back. I made my way down the steep staircase that led to the vacant auditorium. It was my access point to the roof. Nobody knew that that's where I hid for my lunch break. It was peaceful and I could be alone. I wandered the school halls, not knowing where I was going. I was sure a teacher or other faculty member would find me and tell me to get back to class, but I would just keep walking.

I turned the corner when someone ran into me. I kept walking, not bothering to check to see if they were okay. They would probably scream for help if I tried. They had been so small, it was probably a freshman.

"Gee, thanks, Austin."

I stopped in my tracks. Shit.

I turned back slowly to see her pretty face turned into a pout. She held her wrist in such a way that I knew she had hurt it catching herself when she fell. She was on her feet now, glaring at me, but her eyes sparkled letting me know she was too mad at me.

"I guess it would have been too much to ask that you catch me twice in one day," She laughed.

I smiled at her joke, not taking my eyes off hers. She was so beautiful. It wasn't fair that I wouldn't allow myself to speak to her. I started to feel stupid just staring at her with a smile, so I turned and walked away. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Just say something to her. She's worth it.

"Hey, Austin," Ally said, from beside me. I jumped slightly at her sudden appearance at my elbow, but I looked down at her to let her know I was listening. "Are you going today too? To get the acupuncture?"

I nodded silently. Just say something.

"Would it be alright if you drove? I hate driving and I don't know where we are going."

I stopped walking and stared at her. She was wearing a tight, modest dress that showed her curves. Her brunette hair fell down her back in loose curls. When she turned around, I could see her eyes were concerned. She was wanting to get in a car with me and drive an hour away? How? Why? What had I done to deserve this? I thought it would have taken years for a girl to want to go somewhere with me. Certainly nobody from here.

"If you aren't comfortable, don't feel you need to. I just need to know where we are going if that's the case. I don't remember the name of the resort or what beach it's at. Or if it's even at the beach. I don't even know how far it is. My appointment is at 4:30, so should I leave from school early?" She kept rambling on, pacing slightly, no longer looking at me. I tried to hide my smile, but I think it just made me look like I was in pain because when she did finally look at my face, she stepped closer asking, "Are you okay?"

I forced my face to go blank, something I had perfected doing over the years. I inhaled deeply and nodded. I was nodding to her original question about riding with me, but I don't think she caught on to that. She pursed her lips and looked at my quizzically.

"Why don't you talk?"

Say something, Austin! Just one word. One small word. Open your mouth and say something. This is Ally.

I opened my mouth to speak, but a voice from behind me said, "Hey! What class are you two supposed to be in? Get going. This is not social hour. You better not be skipping, Moon."

I didn't even bother looking to see who spoke, I just walked away, Ally by my side. But she didn't speak either. After a minute, she turned off with a small wave to get back to her class. I sighed and continued around the school for the next half hour before the bell rang.

Last period of the day was finally here. I didn't particularly enjoy health class, but it meant that I could see her again. Or at least get stolen glances at her. I didn't want people to see me staring at her because then they might get the wrong idea. Or worse. She might get the wrong idea and stop talking to me.

I entered the classroom and headed to my spot away from everyone else. Nobody bothered to sit in the same row as me. It was always the same in every class. The other students had grown wary of me and withdrew from me easily. Over the past two years, all the friends that I had once had, left me, and avoided me altogether. It was as though they all decided that the words of a girl were more honest than that of their friend. It wasn't just the students either. It was the entire community. The trial had made it public, but when the physical evidence made it inconclusive, nobody wanted to believe that it wasn't me. I lost everyone. Everyone except my parents. And maybe even her?

Her laugh brought me out of my dark thoughts. I glanced in her direction. She was laughing and smiling at something that had been said between her and her friends. I so badly wanted to smile and laugh along with her. The way her brown eyes lit up and her smile made the room brighter. As cliché as it all sounded, she was the only light at this hell of a school.

Ally turned her attention forward, and unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I was in front of her, so our eyes met. I turned away from her quickly, but not before smiling slightly, hoping she didn't notice.

Luckily, the teacher was ready to start the class at that moment. "Alright, so today we are going to have a test to see what you already know about the health topics that we are going to be discussing over the course of this semester. And it doesn't count towards your final grade. But it will be graded as if it were. And if you receive 100% on this test, you will get extra credit. So, do your best. And seeing as it's the last period of the day, you may leave once it is completed. As long as you promise not to loiter or disturb the rest of the school. Got it? Good."

The test packets were passed around the room. I took one and looked it over. It seemed pretty standard multiple choice. I didn't know if I wanted to take it seriously or not. Was a little extra credit really necessary or worth it? I sighed and decided I would answer to the best I knew how but not stress about it.

It took longer than I thought to finish the mock test. It wasn't too difficult, just long. With an hour-long class, I spent maybe forty minutes on it. I was relieved to see that Ally was still working on it when I left the room, giving me an idea.

I went to my locker first, grabbing my guitar and chemistry book because I knew I needed to study this weekend. After I had what I needed, I headed down the hall to where I knew her locker was. Leaning against it, I pulled out my phone and looked up directions to the resort. Ally had asked for a ride, but I figured, if I gave her the address, maybe she would change her mind. Not because I wanted her to drive herself, but because I thought I would offer her an out.

It didn't take long to map the route, so I turned my phone off and looked out the window to my left. It was a sunny day, as to be expected in Miami. I had worn khaki shorts and a tank for that reason. I was planning to go to the beach after the appointment as well. It was what I liked to do on my Friday afternoons. I often travelled away from Miami for my beach trips because it would be less likely for someone to recognize me. Also the reason why I chose a resort outside the city. Less people to know my face.

"Austin?"

I looked down, startled to see the doe eyed beauty in front of me, looking cautious. She had her health book held to her chest and her bag slung over one shoulder. She bit her lip nervously, and her eyes looked into mine, curiously but cautiously. Her hair fell down her back in loose curls and framed her pale face. She wore a dress today and sandals.

"Austin, you're kinda blocking my locker."

Oh! I pushed off of it and stepped to the side, watching her carefully. I didn't want to make any sudden movements that would scare off the only person that would talk to me or even look at me like a normal person. I saw a smile dance on her lips as she put away her health book and pull out her chemistry book, putting it into her bag. I smirked when I saw that she too probably needed to study.

"Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?"

I should just say it. Just open your mouth and tell her what you want. Instead of opening my mouth and explaining, I shrug and take out my phone, unlocking it to show her the directions to the resort. I handed her my phone. She took it without hesitation. Her eyes widened and her pretty smile graced her face.
"Oh, great! I'm ready when you are," Ally said, shutting her locker and handing me my phone back.

She was still wanting to go with me? My intent had just been to give the directions, but she legitimately wanted to go with me. I smiled at her before turning and leading the way to my truck. She followed in step with mine. School was still technically in session, so we didn't have to worry about anyone seeing us leave together. That would have caused so many problems and concerns. But as I stowed my guitar and backpack in the space behind the seats, I couldn't help but feel excited to be doing this. Ally put her bag behind her seat and sat quietly as I pulled out of the parking lot.

I knew where we were going, I didn't need the GPS, but it still played from my phone, giving me directions. I had never been to the resort itself, but I had been to the beach it's located on, numerous times. It was one of the ones I frequented on my Friday nights. As I pulled onto the highway, I noted the silence and was curious how long it would take before Ally spoke. But I was starting to feel uncomfortable, so I reached forward and turned on the radio, giving some sort of background noise.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ally's eyes watch me. She seemed to be studying my movements and expressions. I could feel a little blush creep into my cheeks, it was weird having someone look at me. It had been a long time since someone else sat in my car as well. In fact, I had gotten my car after the incident, so I guess nobody had ever sat in the passenger seat before. It had been too long since having an audience while I drove.

Finally, unable to take it much longer, I looked at her, catching her eyes. She blushed but didn't look away. I so badly wanted to say something. Ask her what she was thinking, or what she was looking at. Was I really something to stare at? I tried to convey this questions through my eyes. And she seemed to understand the gist of what I was asking because she giggled.

"I am just trying to figure out why you don't speak. Are you unable to? Did you lose the ability somehow?"

I rose my eyebrows, looking at the road, but glancing at her like really?

"Okay, well if you can speak, why don't you?"

Just tell her. What's the worst that could happen? I mean, sure, I would be breaking my promise to myself. Talking to someone who betrayed me, left me in the dust when the rumors started. I could get it thrown in my face if I said the wrong thing. No. It was best that I didn't say anything.

I shrugged.

To my surprise, she giggled again, "Austin Moon, you are a mystery."

I glanced over at her, confusion laced throughout my face. But she was no longer looking at me. She was looking out the window. We were about ten minutes away from our destination, when a song came on that she must have liked because she started to hum along. It was quiet at first, but once the chorus came on, she started to sing along. It wasn't very loud, and I wanted to turn down the radio so I could hear her sing, but I thought that would scare her off. So I strained to hear her voice. It was lovely.

When the song ended, a commercial came on and I turned and smiled at her. I wanted to compliment her singing, I had even opened my mouth to say something to her but pulled myself back. She caught my smile, and asked, "What?" But again, I just shrugged, causing her to sigh. I hated that I couldn't speak to her. I wanted to so badly, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. It was stupid, I know. But it was their fault for not wanting to listen to me in the first place. Everyone just assumed that I did it.

A few minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of a classy resort on the beach. Ally gasped and turned to me, with obvious concern on her face. But I wasn't sure what it was for. When I had parked and turned off the engine, she grabbed my hand before I could leave. I felt a shock go through me, up my arm, tingling my spine and sending a flush to my cheeks. I stared at her hand on mine before meeting her gaze.

"Austin, I probably should have said something sooner, but I don't know if I can afford something like this. I had been looking for a cheap place to go because I don't have that much money to spend on this kind of thing. Please, don't be upset, but I think this might be too much. You can still go get yours done. Just tell them I'm sick or something. But what if they charge a late cancel fee? That's usually cheaper right? Maybe I can pay…"

I put my hands up to stop her from rambling. I couldn't help the smirk that came across my face. Oh Ally, don't you know that I would never expect a lady to pay for anything I have planned? Then again, she probably didn't. I never did get the chance to go any proper dates. Instead of saying anything, as usual, I just got out of the truck, leaving her looking scared and confused. I walked to her door and opened it, offering her my hand.

She gave me a concerned not taking my hand, "Austin, I can't let you pay for something like this. I'll make it up to you. This is just a school project, we can figure out a different way of doing things."

I just rolled my eyes and my head along with it, throwing my hand out again for her to take it. She sighed, giving in, and taking my hand. I helped her out of the truck and let go of her hand.

Once inside, we were met by a man in a suit. He gave us a quick look over, seeing that we didn't have bags and weren't dressed as fancy as the other guests. "What can I help you kids with?" he sneered, unapologetically.

"We are here for an acupuncture appointment, sir," Ally said sweetly, with a smile. The man looked at her and his demeanor seemed to melt. I didn't blame the man. If anyone had received a smile from Ally, they would be enthralled instantly. I would know. That smile almost has me talking to her.

"Ah, well the holistic healing spa is down the hallway there and the door will be on your right. Thank you for choosing Elements Holistic Healing Resort."

Ally thanked him as we walked in the direction he pointed us. I noticed she hadn't expected me to talk to him, which I was sorta grateful for. I pulled open the door and allowed her inside ahead of me. The room was quiet and smelled like fresh linen and some sort of flower. There wasn't anyone in the waiting area, a single young woman sat behind the desk typing on a computer. When we stepped into the low-lit room, she smiled at us and said, "Welcome."

"Hi, we have appointments at 4:30 for Austin and Ally," Ally smiled back.

"Perfect, I just have some paperwork for you to sign. Just some health history and areas of consent as well as some contact information," the young woman said, standing up and handing us each a clipboard with two pieces of paper on it.

We took them back to a soft plush couch and started to fill them out. I didn't have any underlying health issues, so I didn't spend too much time on the health history sheet. As an emergency contact person, I put my mom. Probably wouldn't need it, but it was someone.

I finished first and I waited for Ally. Once she had also finished, I held out my hand for her clipboard and walked them back to the desk. The girl took them, smiling. "Alright, I will let them know that you are ready. They will be with you shortly."

I turned back and sat down next to Ally. I noticed that she didn't turn away or try to scoot away from me. It made me feel better about being here with her. She was a good person, and I almost felt guilty for not talking to her.

The acupuncture treatment was great. Overall, a very good experience. I thought the needles would freak me out, but I didn't even feel them except for the initial prick. I had plenty of time to think as I lay there with the needles in various parts of my body. And I even felt my body physically relax.

By the end of the hour, I felt better than I had in years. As I got dressed, I wondered what Ally had thought about it. I wanted to talk to her, and during my time on the table, I realized that I could make an exception to my no talking rule. She had never shown me a reason I couldn't talk to her. I had never tried to explain my side of things to her. She had never shut me out. So I was going to talk to her. I was going to let her in.

I was nervous.

I was quicker than her, it seemed, because I got to the lobby first. I handed my credit card to the receptionist and gave her a smile when she asked how everything went. A few moments later, Ally walked out with a calm smile on her face. My heart started racing, remembering that I was going to talk to her. I smiled at her.

"Alright, you're both good to go. Thank you for coming in today. It was nice meeting you both."

Ally gave me a curious look but didn't say anything as we left the peaceful room. The lobby was a lot livelier now. People were coming and going, a few couples were arguing, and some were being overly flirtatious. I instinctively grabbed Ally's hand and pulled her through the chaos. Outside, I realized I still held her hand, so I dropped it quickly, without looking at her. I didn't want to give the wrong idea before I got the chance to talk to her.

"So what did you think?" Ally asked as we got to my truck. I turned to see her smiling warmly at me. No fear present on her face. She was comfortable, happy, and willing to be here with me. Something I hadn't had in years.

I just smiled at her, unsure of how to go from here.

"It's traffic hour, do we need to head back right away? We are at the beach, would you mind taking a walk with me before we head back?" Ally asked.

She is offering to hang out with me?! I was stunned. And I think my face showed it because she laughed at my reaction. My mouth fell open as I nodded eagerly. She left the truck and walked to the stairs that led down to the sand. I followed, hoping this wasn't a dream. At the bottom of the stairs she slipped her sandals off and stepped into the sand. I took my shoes off as well and continued to follow her. When we reached the water's edge, she turned to look up at me.

"So, you never answered my question," she smirked.

I laughed silently. She grinned up at me. And before I could say anything, she kept walking along the beach.

It was now or never.

I opened my mouth to call her name.

"Ally?"