HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all spent a wonderful day with your loved ones. Here's my holiday gift to you! The FINAL CHAPTER of Living the Dream. Thank you for sticking with me for THREE YEARS! It has been so much fun writing this story. I hope you've enjoyed reading it.
Living the Dream: PARTNERS PART 2
They both take a seat across from me at the dining table. I shift uncomfortably waiting for someone to say the first word.
"You can relax Austin. We're not upset."
Mrs. Dawson reassures me. Though her words do very little for my anxiety.
"Before you say anything, I just want to apologize. What I did was wrong and I take full responsibility. I love you guys so much and feel so blessed to be a part of this loving and supportive family. You guys gave me a place to live, a room of my own and treated me like a son. I am embarrassed and ashamed for abusing your trust and generosity. I crossed some major boundaries and I apologize. It will never happen again."
"Well, I sure hope it does someday. I want grandchildren."
Mrs. Dawson says lightening the mood. I watch as Mr. Dawson shoots his wife with a disapprovin glare. My face grows pale.
"Look, son, we knew this would happen eventually. Locks are useless when two people in love are sleeping two doors from each other. I'm honestly impressed it didn't happen earlier.
Or maybe this wasn't the first time…"
He inquires with a slightly threatening tone. My face is as red as a balloon.
"It was."
I quickly say. The first and only time.
"I usually have more...self-control, but this time I-I just… slipped. I was looking around in her bedroom and accidentally fell asleep. When she came to bed she hadn't noticed me, not until really early the next morning. So, we just stayed together. But, I know it was very inappropriate and I apologize. I'll have you know, I also apologized to Ally."
It felt good to get that off my chest. I've been practicing it since that night. I wanted them to know I took their house rules very seriously. And even though I messed up, I was extremely remorseful.
"When did you two ever decide to date?"
He asks.
"Umm, we never really decided. We just.. fell into it. You guys know we've been friends for a while so…"
I slowly trail off choosing my words with caution. Obviously, I couldn't tell them the complete truth. That Ally and I have been tempting ourselves with friendship kisses that lead to greater desires; to which we inevitably succumbed to. Even though that's what happened. They know the important things, I won't scar them with the details.
"We appreciate your apology Austin. While we do acknowledge that sex is a good thing, it has its proper time and place. This house is not the place."
I nod in understanding.
"If you two want to be physical, you need to wait until you have your own house or apartment."
My face drops slightly at the thought. Ally and I were only 17. Who knows when we'd be able to buy a house together. That could be years in the future.
"But, I was a teenager once too and I know how unmet desires can end in disaster. So, at least… this way, it will be lawful. Unconventional, but we'll be more comfortable with it."
"What are you talking about?"
"You're going to be sharing a tour bus with my daughter for 6 months. You've proven this week that you can't keep a respectful distance from her. So, if you want to go on this tour, I have one condition."
I nod insisting that he go on. I'd do anything to have their blessing.
"You two have to get married."
Shortly after our talk, I take Ally outside for a long walk through Park Central. Because we're leaving for the tour in less than five months, I needed to discuss it with her as soon as possible. We never really talked about marriage; partly due to the fact that we've only been dating for three weeks. And we're 17.
After walking for hours, we find ourselves at the beach. We take off our shoes and relax on the cold shore. My hand is over hers; pressing us gently into the sand. Her lips are slightly parted and I'm reminded of that lovely Saturday morning we spent; recklessly in love as we savored each other's taste like it was our last. A reminiscent smile spreads across my lips as I picture a married life with her. She would be mine both legally and physically. There would be no limits to our curiosity. She'd be mine to explore, adore and hold forever. And I'd be hers. She shivered slightly at the evening breeze. instinctively, I drape my arm over her shoulders. She had been waiting so patiently for me to bring up the conversation. Ally alternated between an anticipatory glare and a slight twitch of frustration in her cheek throughout the night. The anxiety that had plagued me earlier this evening, seemed to be holding her captive; as seen in her tired and worrisome eyes. Though stained with confusion, her eyes were yet the most beautiful globes that ever rested upon an ocean shore.
"Your parents are pretty perfect Ally."
I quietly fill the silence. She shifts abruptly; no doubt shocked by my sudden words.
"Umm, yeah they care about me a lot."
She responds hesitantly; as if confused by my admiration. I continue on, showing her my sincerity.
"More than that. They genuinely care about your happiness and allow you to make choices they don't agree with. They're so caring and really listen. A conversation like tonight would have gone a lot different with my parents. I wouldn't be here with you right now. I'd most likely be kicked out of the house or ex-communicated from my family."
"But, you already are."
She points out dryly. We then share a bitter laugh.
"True. But, if I hadn't already driven my parents to abhorrence and disappointment, our little incident would have surely done the trick."
"W-what did my dad say to you?"
She asks delicately.
"The complete opposite of what I expected. He wasn't angry at all. He simply wants us to hold off while living under the same roof. He doesn't hate me and is gonna let us stay together."
"What did you think he'd say?"
She yawns trapping her breath under her hand.
" I thought he was gonna throw me out."
"Austin, my parents would never do that to you. They love you like a son. And I wouldn't let them. I love you too much."
I gaze tenderly at her; admonished by her words. Her family really does love me. And despite my self-abhorrence, this beautiful girl loves me too. I gently caress her chin lifting it to my mouth. My lips softly brush hers and we fall into a deep sensual rhythm. My tongue slides down her throat in a rapturous exploration. I can feel her collapsing under my touch. A smile plays across my lips. Her glossy eyes are lost in sensation. Images of the night in her bedroom flood my mind. Excitement stirs inside me as I crave more.
"I'm all yours."
She says breathlessly coming undone under me.
Her words remind me of a very important detail of the conversation I left out. How could I forget about that? Then I remember, It's Ally. She can make me forget everything until all I see, feel and taste, is her. I'm temporarily suspended from my daze.
"No, not quite."
I murmur into her skin. Moving us backward, I pull her arms and lift her back off the sand. I swing my legs behind her so our hips are adjacent as we sit.
"What do you mean?"
She asks with lips still parted.
"When I was talking with your parents, they mentioned the tour and us sharing a tour bus. It made your dad uncomfortable. Of course, I told him I'd be the perfect gentlemen and always put you first...and"
My words trail off as her scent distracts me. Suddenly my mind goes blank and my passion takes over. I began adoring her hand with tender kisses. I soon trail up her arms. She cups my face and brings my head up. She reminds me of what I was saying.
"Uhh- sorry. I've just wanted you for so long I can't help myself. You're so captivating. I can hardly look at you without wanting to kiss every inch of you."
I casually confess; drawing circles in her palm. A faint rose colors her cheeks and she waits for me to continue.
"But, he wasn't convinced. He told me if we were to travel the world together, it has to be as partners."
I release my tight grip on her arms and slip my hands into hers.
"He wants us to get married."
I say exposing more excitement than I'd planned. I didn't want to scare her.
She suddenly distances herself with her eyes. Our connection falters and she seems a mile away from me.
"Married?"
She whispers incredulously.
"Did you have someone else in mind?"
I lightly joke.
"No. We're only 17?"
"So, we'll finish growing up together."
"What if we're not ready?"
"What if we don't have to be."
"What if we're not enough?"
"What if we are?"
I hold her gaze as I bring us to our knees. I place a hand behind her back and intertwine my other hand with hers.
"I-I can't believe that's his condition. What did you say?"
"I said, 'I'm not ready' and that I was scared."
she laughed as I explained; gently swaying along with the rhythm in my head.
"That's exactly how I feel."
"But then, your mom told me something. She said, it's not age that makes a marriage successful, but sacrifice and patience. And as long as two people offer sacrifice and patience, they'll always be happy. Ally, if you'll let me, I'll do everything I can to make you happy."
She lays her head against my chest and we dance; allowing the tide to be our metronome.
"We've always been great partners...how hard can marriage be?"
She whispers in my ear.
"Yes?"
I ask in astonishment.
"Yes."
She reassures me spreading her lips even further, revealing a full smile. My heart leaps under my chest and I lift her waist and spin her around in the air. A burst of blissful laughter pours from our lips echoing loudly in the air. Slowly, I bring her down to my lips allowing my hands to travel behind her back. Our mouths locked in a tight embrace. I'm in perpetual bliss as her warm flavor stirs my soul. The girl I've waited my entire life for is finally mine. And she's agreed to be my wife. I'm overwhelmed with satisfaction. I savor her touch before slowly pulling away. I hold her at arm's length. With only a moment's rest, her eager arms pull me back into her.
"Wait a minute."
I softly tell her.
"I wanna do something."
I release her forearms and rest my hands in hers. I reach into my pocket and held out the ring Penny gave me. Her eyes light up as they notice the ring and a subtle tear slides down her cheek.
"Ally, you've sacrificed so much for me. You listened to a thousand complaints about my dad and never once turned me away. When I took my anger out on you and made you rehearse all night, you were nothing but patient. This year's been hell for me, but you got me through all the hard times. You gave me a place to stay when my parents disowned me. You saved me from a miserable family and showed me what real love looks like. I've never felt this much love in my entire life. I'm so excited to go on tour with you and even more excited to marry you."
I gently lift her wrist and place a soft kiss on her hand. I then slide the engagement ring onto her finger. I slowly lift my gaze to meet her wide smile.
"I could've never imagined it would be this early, but I'm more than happy to marry you. I love you so much. You say I saved you, but I feel like you saved me, from losing myself. You brought me back to reality, while also fulfilling my greatest fantasies. You knew we were destined long before I did. And you still waited for me; like a patient and gentle knight. I love you and promise to offer you patience and sacrifice in everything you do. You're my dream come true. And I want nothing more than to be yours forever."
A bright smile paints my face and I spring her into the air once more. I embrace her tightly and keep her close for eternity. Without warning, I connect our lips and begin a sweet rhythm. Today is the best and the first day of the rest of my life.
"Babe we only have four minutes until sound check! Are you ready?"
I call Ally from the kitchenette. Even after three shows, she still loses her lipstick before each rehearsal. I prepare our breakfast; setting out two bowls and two spoons. I fill each with oats and a teaspoon of peanut butter. I then add the banana. After a quick peel, I chop it up with my teeth; transferring bites from my mouth into the bowl.
"Oooh, we're having oatmeal…" Ally appears through the loose curtain separating the beds from the living space. She's wearing a satin pajama top that hangs loosely on her shoulders with a matching pair of satin shorts. She laces her arms around me; kissing my cheek.
"Mmmmh." I turn meeting her lips. "Do you want banana in yours?"
"Yeah."
She smiles resting her chin on my neck. I reach for a nearby knife to properly slice the rest of the banana. She stops my hand.
"What are you doing?"
She asks with a grin.
"I want mine the same as yours."
She raises the banana to my mouth. I slice the fruit with my teeth and allow the piece to fall into her bowl. Our eyes are glued to each other as I repeat this action. Our stare lingers until all that's left is the peel.
"I'm sure we can be a little late."
I mutter sinking into her mouth. In a ravish rush, I switch places with her and lift her legs onto the counter; sliding the bowls rudely to the back. We create a wonderful song and I sing further down her throat.
We laugh lavishly enjoying our morning routine. This ordeal has become a habit for us. There isn't much time to be together during the day because of shows and rehearsals. And by the time we get home at night, all our bodies crave is sleep. Sure, we're doing all the rehearsing and performing together, but we miss out on a lot of intimate moments.
"I love our mornings together. You make me senseless."
She collapses onto my chest. Her heavy breath creates a lovely rhythm against my neck.
"And you are breathtakingly beautiful." I place a soft kiss on her hair.
We receive the last warning knock from our manager. Ally and I turn our heads to contemplate.
"Rain check?"
She says making me sigh. Why can't we just stay here all day?
"How do married couples ever leave their house?"
I stand to join her and wrap my arms around her hips. In a quick motion, I bring her back into me.
"I need to get dressed."
She laughs wrestling in my arms. A mischievous smile plays across my lips as I hug her once more. My face is buried in her locks as I savor her morning scent. Once I've had my moment I release her from my arms.
"Okay, now go get dressed."
I nod my head giving her permission. She laughs before backing into the bedroom.
"Yes, sir!"
She exclaims rushing into the back.
About an hour after sound check Ally and I receive a bouquet of flowers from Lester and Penny. They told us how proud they were of all we've accomplished and who we've become. I wanted to hug them so bad. They were the perfect parents. After a very taxing day of rehearsals, Ally and I decided to rest a little before the show.
We are currently lying peacefully on the love seat provided in our dressing room as I fondle her dark curls. There is a quiet knock on the door
I gently untangle my hand from her hair and lift her off my lap.
"Just a minute."
I call out.
I crack the door open and my dad appears on the other side. If my eyes were any wider they'd fall out of their socket. In an instant my stomach churns and my throat dries up. I swallow deeply and run a quick hand through my hair.
What was my dad doing here?
And why was he in San Antonio?
"You gonna let me in? Or are you gonna just stare at me?"
His harsh and familiar voice pulls me back to reality. I shake my head and step out of the room.
"No, uhh… we can talk out here. I don't want to wake Ally."
I exit the dressing room and lead us to a corner in the main breezeway.
I take a deep breath and stand tall in front of the man who once made me feel worthless. It hasn't hit me until now that in this very spot, I broke down in front of the entire crew and stormed into the dressing room. Just one year ago. I hadn't thought about that night in so long.
"So you two are really married?"
He inquires. As if he hadn't been invited to celebrate with us. It took me months of debating to even send him and my mom an invitation to the wedding. I had decided It was more of an announcement than an invitation. I just wanted them to know I was getting married. I never expected them to come. I knew better than to expect anything from them.
"Yes, and I couldn't be happier."
A firm and assured response.
We stare at each other hard in the face. His features are only slightly older. I can see he's taken up smoking again by the thin and paleness of his neck which is marred by wrinkles.
He better not have gotten mom hooked too
I think to myself
"Well, you guys are way too young, but you've made lots of decisions I don't agree with...and you seem happy. Just don't screw this up."
His usual judgy criticism. I couldn't expect anything less. Some things never change. A screw-up; that's all I ever was to him. I was never good enough to do something right. But, instead of countering like I used to, I just laugh.
"I won't."
I answer simply. At least he attempted to say something nice. It's just not in his blood but I could tell some part of his heart was trying.
With a nod, he pats me firmly on the shoulder and makes his way towards the exit.
"Dad."
I call out shocking myself. He slowly turns. Before I know it, my arms are wrapped tightly around him. I push back tears as I feel his tense muscles relax and fold around me. I've wanted him to do this for so long, maybe all it took was for me to initiate it. I release him and keep my eyes glued to the ground. I swallow awkwardly as I shift away from him. We share another nod before he exits the building.
Shortly after, Ally meets me in the breezeway and it's time to go on.
"Babe are you okay?"
She holds my hand.
"Better than ever."
I smile squeezing her palm against mine.
My heart beats a mile a minute as I hear the closing applause of our opening act. He introduces us and the crowd goes crazy.
The classic beat begins and the crowd claps along to the familiar intro. As soon as the guitar lick begins I flash a smile at Ally. All of a sudden reality hits me. I'm on tour with my songwriter, best friend, and wife. All in one. I couldn't ask for a better honeymoon. Only seventeen and we're already living the dream. It doesn't get better than this.
Thank you for reading! It has been a pleasure.