Chapter 3:

"I've messed this up badly, Trish," Ally said to her best friend. They both came to the mall and were now sitting in the cafeteria. They had ordered smoothies for themselves. Trish was drinking hers whereas Ally hadn't even touched her own. She sighed.

"I know, I'm sorry, Ally. But I've tried talking to Austin about this. But there's nothing I can do really," Trish tried to comfort her friend. She wanted to help her out. But it was tough. "Have you tried talking to Austin?"

"You seriously think I haven't tried? I have Trish, it's just that Austin doesn't even want to see me, let alone talk to me," Ally held her head in her hands. It was true. Throughout the whole week, Austin has been ignoring Ally as much as he could. Whether it was at Sonic Boom, or at Marino High, or at the Shredder's Beach Club, Austin would hang out with Dez, (sometimes even with Trish, but if she would bring up Ally he would simply say, "I don't wanna talk about it."), but whenever Ally would approach the group, he would simply walk away, refusing to communicate. Even Dez was sad about it.

"I'm sorry Ally, I really am. I'll try everything to help you, but, you should have been a-a bit careful." Trish said.

"I know, I know. The point is, how do I make it up to Austin? I mean I don't even know how to face him," Ally finally picked up her smoothie and took a sip. It felt somewhat soothing.

When Trish didn't answer, Ally asked. "Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Nothing, just thinking how you should approach him," Trish replied.

"Oh," Ally kept her smoothie back on the table. "Hey, wait! My performance with R5 is this Friday…"

"So?" Trish looked puzzled.

"So, what if I do a song, just me, for Austin? The band could help me with it!" Ally literally stood up in excitement.

"Yeah, that seems great. You should go talk to them about it." Trish stood up too with a big smile.

Ally's smile turned into a frown of concern. "But do you think he will come?"

"Has he ever missed any of your performances?" Trish kept a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Well…no."

"Then? I assure you, he might be angry, but I don't think he's going to miss the biggest moment yet of your musical career."

"Thanks, Trish," Ally smiled and the both friends hugged. Ally turned around to leave.

"Oh, and Ally?" Trish called.

"Yeah?" Ally paused and looked back.

"I think you should talk to Ross first. He's even more in a confused state than you are in," Trish said in a matter-of-factly way.

"Yeah, you're right."

"I apologize again, Ross. It's basically all my fault." Ally said. She came and found Ross in his hotel room with the rest of the band.

"Nah, it's okay. I completely understand," Ross smiled at Ally. Ally smiled back.

"So is it okay with you guys?" Ally asked now towards the rest of the group.

"Yeah, we'd love to help you patch things up with Austin, Ally," Rocky replied.

"Totally," Rydel and Ratliff said in unison.

"So you wanna do it right after our performance?" Riker asked with a smile.

"Yup," Ally confirmed.

"Have you finished the song?"

"Uh-huh. It's called 'Me and You'." Then after a moment she said to herself. "I hope he comes."

"Of course he will," Ross exclaimed. He explained further. "I mean you both have got a bond so special and built upon something so beautiful, and I don't think Austin would like to give that up so easily."

Ally smiled and began thinking about what Ross had said. She bid the band goodbye and left. On the way to home her mind was busy thinking about Austin. I hope he shows up. She opened her front door. Why do I love him so badly, man?

Austin couldn't sleep. He got up from his bed and paced up and down around in his bedroom. He kept thinking about Ally. He lied back in his bed.

What if he over reacted? He loves Ally. It was difficult for him to stay angry at her that long. Maybe he was just being a jerk. He should go talk to her.

Now tomorrow's her biggest performance ever with R5 at the beach club. He should be there for her. She was always by his side at every biggest moment in his life. They were partners. They were best friends. No, they were even more than that.

Yes, he'll go to the beach club tomorrow. He'll talk to Ally and say how deeply sorry he is for his actions.

I hope she accepts, Austin thought to himself. Why do I love her so badly, man?

"That was Ah-mazing," Ally said back-stage right after her performance with the band.

"I know, right?" said Ross.

"Thanks Ally, that was awesome singing with you," Riker said ad hugged Ally. "Now it's time for you to sing with Austin.

After Trish and Dez got back into the crowd to cheer her on, the band and Ally resumed their positions.

When Ally took the mic in her hand, she felt some pain in her stomach. She tried to put it aside and focus on singing this most important song of her life. Everything to her that mattered was on the line. If she wasn't able to make it up to Austin, then she knew she wouldn't be able to pursue her singing her singing career without him. She scanned the crowd. No sign of him. Her heart dropped.

No, he'll show up, Ally thought. Be confident. Have faith.

The music started. "This is for you, Austin. I'm sorry for everything. Please do forgive me," Ally spoke into the mic. The crowd awed and clapped. She was just about to start singing, but then her head spun badly. She couldn't focus. The pain hadn't subsided but instead had increased and felt like as if it had spread into each and every part of her body. Words didn't come out of her mouth. She groaned and suddenly collapsed to the ground.

"Ally!?" Riker shouted.

Her vision became blurry. She couldn't stand. What is happening to her? Unpleasant thoughts rose into her mind. Is she dying?

The music stopped. The crowd let out a gasp and the band members all crowded around Ally to help her up.

"Somebody call an ambulance! Quick!" She heard someone say. But she couldn't recognize who the voice belonged to. Trish and Dez had ran up the stage as well to help.

"Ally!" That voice. She would recognize it anywhere in the world. It was full of concern. He had shown up.

"Step, aside please," Austin made his way through the crowd. "Ally!" He came ran up to the stage and kneeled down beside.

"Ally, forgive me. I'm sorry, I-I know I over reacted, please. What is happening to you?" He whispered that last sentence. A tear trickled down his cheek. He took her hand in hers and squeezed it.

Ally turned her neck to face Austin. It was excruciating. She couldn't make out Austin's face perfectly but could notice his blonde hair.

She was barely able to let out the following two words. They came out in a hoarse whisper.

"You're…here."

A smile formed on Austin's tear-stained face. "I'll always be here for you. Always."

Ally managed to smile, but it hurt.

It was then when she blacked out.