Trouble
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and ocs. Enjoy and feel free to tell me what you think.
Chapter 1
She delicately rested her palm against her flat abdomen, excitement fluttering inside of her as she stood in front of her best friend's door. Austin had her had been best friends for two years, growing closer as they partnered up, him singing while she wrote his songs. His reputation was one to be cautioned, yet Ally let herself fall for the bad boy attitude. There really wasn't anything she could do to stop it. Her best friend since kindergarten had often commented on the chemistry between the two, and Ally wasn't as oblivious as every one thought. She knew she was drawn to Austin, like a moth to a flame. And no matter what he did she always kept coming back. She raised her small fist, chewing on her bottom lip with her blunt teeth as she thought over the words she would use to tell him her excitement, their excitement.
Before she had a chance to knock, Austin pulled the heavy oaken door of his home open, a wide grin stretching across his lips as he saw the petite girl standing on his door step.
" Ally! I am so happy you're here. You'll never guess what just happened," Austin spoke, his words rushing past his lips. She met his bright chocolate brown eyes, knowing he was going to tell her, whether she guessed or not.
" I got a record deal!" he exclaimed, pulling the small girl into his arms and crushing her to his body as he spun her around, bringing her feet off the ground. Her face paled slightly at his words. Her thoughts began to race as she thought over what he just said, the logical side of her brain coming into play.
His dream just came true. He was signed. He was a rising star and there would be no place for her in his life, no place for either of them. She swallowed nervously as he set her on her feet once again. She peeked at the brilliant smile on his lips from under her lashes, knowing she couldn't ruin his dream, couldn't let him ruin his dream.
" So what brought you here?" he questioned happily, watching as she shook her head, running her slender fingers through her espresso colored curls.
" I just… um… Congratulations, Austin. I'm happy for you," she finally whispered, knowing she wouldn't be able to tell him the actual reason she was here.
She sat upright in her bed, her breaths escaping her in pants as the images from the memory replayed in her mind's eye. She ran her fingers through her hip length curls, snagging on the tangles as she glanced a the digital clock that rested on the night stand beside her bed. The red digits flashed six, telling her it was time to wake up. She had a five year old to get ready for kindergarten before leaving for work. She shook her head, pushing the sheets from her waist as she swung her long slender legs over the side of her queen sized mattress. She quietly padded to the adjoining bathroom, leaving the door open as she flicked on the light switch. Her apartment wasn't dumpy, but it wasn't upscale either. It was simple, like her. She had fallen in love with it three years ago, when her baby was only two. It offered enough space for him to run around, but was small enough for her to know where he was at. She turned on her shower, allowing the water to warm as she stripped off her sleep clothes. She tugged her large night shirt over her head, dropping it onto the white tiled floor before sliding her black cotton boy shorts from her narrow hips. She kicked both pieces of clothing into the corner before sliding the glass shower door open and stepping under the hot spray. The tension in her muscles began to seep away as she washed herself, a blissful sigh escaping her lips. Five years ago, if someone had told her she would be where she was today, she would have laughed in their faces, as they obviously didn't know her. Yet this is exactly where she was. She didn't regret any of the choices she made. She was content with her life, even though she knew there was something missing. She exhaled a sigh, shutting off the water and stepping into the cool air of the bathroom. She wrapped a large, white towel around her body, allowing the terry clothe to catch any stray drops as she entered her bedroom.
She moved silently about her bedroom, pulling a pair of old, worn jeans from her dresser drawer as well as a plain black tank top she knew would contrast significantly against her ivory colored skin. She ran her fingers through her wet curls as she dropped the towel, pulling the jeans up to her narrow hips, leaving the top button undone for the moment as she slid her tank top over her head. The fabric hugged her torso like a second skin. Bunching up slightly to reveal a few inches of her skin. She pulled her bed room door open, slipping into the quiet hall way before turning to the bedroom beside her own. She pushed the white door open, a small smile curving her lips at the sight that greeted her. Her son, no older than five, laid curled on his side, hugging his stuffed bear tightly to his chest. She slowly looked him over, noticing the similarities and differences between them.
He had her cinnamon colored eyes, her small nose, and heart shaped face. Unlike her he possessed shaggy platinum blonde hair and bronzed skin. Ally knew her son looked more like her, but she knew he was more like his father, even without his appearance. Devon was loud, boisterous, out going. He loved to make others laugh and he had a talent when it came to instruments. He was just like his father, so much like him, Ally had actually cried when he began to strum her old acoustic guitar. Than he asked her to teach him how to play. She inhaled a deep breath as she finally entered the bedroom, crouching down beside his bed.
" Hey, Little Man," she spoke in her naturally soft voice, brushing her fingers through his shaggy hair as his brow furrowed, fighting what he knew was coming. She smiled as he scrunched his nose cutely before she kissed his forehead.
" Little Man, you need to wake up. You've got to get ready for school," she coaxed, listening to him groan as his cinnamon colored eyes fluttered open.
His lips were down turned in a frown as he pushed himself into a sitting position, his hair falling in odd angles as he glared at his mother.
" Come on, Dev. I need to start breakfast. Why don't you start getting ready for school," she spoke quietly, watching as his eyes widened before a wide smile stretched across his lips.
" Mama, guess what today is?" Devon spoke before Ally had a chance to escape her devious son. She inhaled a slow breath before glancing over her shoulder.
" Hmm… isn't today Friday?" she teased, watching as his bottom lip quivered. He shook his head roughly before he jumped off his twin sized mattress.
" No Mama. I mean, yeah. But it's a special day today," Devon spoke, running as fast as his little legs would carry him until he was standing just inside his bedroom.
" What's so special about today, my Little Man?" she questioned her son, watching as he grinned once again before speaking, his small body barely containing his excitement.
" It's my birthday! I'm five years old!" Devon answered, practically bouncing in his spot. Ally chuckled at her son's enthusiasm before she released a resigned sigh. She knew exactly what that meant.
" And what is your birthday wish today?" she questioned, acting serious as her son giggled.
" I want to spend the day with you and Tia Trish and Grandpa," Devon answered, watching his mother roll her eyes before she conceded.
" Alright. I'll even take you shopping. You can pick out a couple of gifts," Ally answered before starting down the hall once again.
" Now, why don't you get ready while I make your birthday breakfast," Ally called over her shoulder, listening as her son yelped happily before running around his room. She could only shake her head. Sometimes, she felt as if she were living with Austin, sometimes. She released a breath as she pulled out a carton of eggs before disconnecting her cell phone from it's charger on the granite kitchen counter. Her fingers moved easily over the dial pad as she called her best friend to inform her of the plans. When Trish answered her phone she was squealing.
" Ally, I'm so glad you called," Trish began, her excitement causing Ally to roll her eyes skyward. Today was going to be a long day if the two people she was spending time with were going to be this loud.
" Why are you so happy Trish?" Ally questioned as she delicately placed her phone on her shoulder, balancing it carefully as she reached into the cupboard for a glass bowel.
" I have a huge surprise for you. You're going to be so happy," Trish spoke, smug with herself.
Ally inhaled a deep breath, counting to ten before releasing it. Trish was a good person, an honest person…most of the time. She adored her best friend, but sometimes her surprises nearly killed her.
" I can't wait. Anyways, I was calling to let you know about Devon's birthday wish," Ally began, waiting for her friend to comment, as she did every year.
" It's that time already? Wow. That boy is getting old. What's the wish?" she questioned, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
" He wants to spend the day with his Tia and mom. And of course his favorite Grandpa," Ally answered as she cracked open an egg.
" Shopping with the Little Guy? Sounds like fun. I'll come by your place in thirty minutes. Let me just get ready," with that the phone call ended. Ally rolled her eyes as she continued to make her son's favorite breakfast, fried eggs over chocolate chip pancakes. She nearly rolled her eyes when he told her what he wanted on his third birthday. So much like his father.
" I don't understand. What do you mean you aren't going with me?" Austin's voice sounded hurt, surprised. He had expected his best friend, his partner to jump at the chance of going with him on tour. Their dream was finally coming true. Ally shrugged her shoulders, wrapping her arms around her still flat abdomen. She was only two months along and she wasn't showing. Something she was thankful for. She couldn't tell Austin the baby was his. She couldn't ruin his career like that.
" I… dreams change, Austin. I just can't go on tour with you," she whispered, refusing to look at him. She knew he was hurt. She knew he didn't understand. She couldn't make him understand. However this needed to be done. Trish and Dez stood in the back of the practice room, their eyes bouncing between the two as if it were a tennis match. They didn't know what could have changed Ally's mind. But it was clear, Austin was hurt. He was confused, and he was going to lash out.
Ally shook the thoughts from her mind as she set the two plates on the table, smiling as her son sat beside her, that wide grin never leaving his lips as he ate his breakfast. Twenty minutes later, Trish arrived, ready to shop as she hugged Devon. Trish had pieced everything together once Ally started showing. Dez of course went with Austin, the two acting as mediators whenever Austin and Ally were forced into the same room. However, this time, Trish had a good feeling.
" Are you ready to shop the day away, Birthday Boy?" Trish exclaimed. Her answer was a quick nod of the little boy's head before they left the apartment, Ally locking the door behind her. Trish cast her best friend a side ways glance, watching as Ally held Devon's hand. Ally's cell phone ringing broke the silence as they entered the parking lot, piling into Ally's Mustang. She furrowed her brows as she checked the screen, noticing it was her father.
" Hey Dad. Is something wrong? Oh, that's fine. We'll come by the store so Devon can see you. Actually I have a favor I need to ask," Trish listened as Ally paused, obviously waiting for Lester to agree.
" Could you watch Devon in a little bit. I have a couple of errands I need to run after I take him birthday shopping," She said her goodbye once her father had agreed before sliding into the driver's seat.
" Who's ready to get some new toys?" Ally questioned, mustering as much excitement as she could. For some odd reason, she had a bad feeling about today. She focused on the road as Trish turned on the radio, squealing as a popular song played through the speakers. Ally couldn't help herself as she began to dance in her seat, the habit having began when she took dance in college.
" Go Ally, Go Ally," Trish began to cheer, laughing as her once serious friend relaxed. She wouldn't be this fun if it was for Devon. The child brought out the best in people. Even Trish could admit that much.
" Do you have any lessons today?" Trish finally turned down the radio so she could speak to her friend. Ally nodded, chewing on her bottom lip as she glanced at her son in the rearview mirror.
" Just two. It's in the afternoon so it won't cut into my time with Devon," Ally answered as Trish nodded. The Latina girl glanced out the window, a secretive smile playing on her lips.
" Ally, I have a great feeling about today," Trish commented as Ally drove to the Miami Mall. The day seemed to moved quickly, her son dragging her from one store to another so he could find something he wanted. Trish couldn't help but feel proud of how considerate Devon was. Ally certainly had raised him right. She was following behind the two grinning as Devon held onto his mother's finger as she carried three bags, each containing two or three toys. Now they were making their way to Sonic Boom, the music store Lester owned. Trish watched as Ally's eyes narrowed slightly to slits, her cinnamon colored irises holding suspicion as she turned her look on her best friend.
" Trish, could you please explain to me why there is a line standing outside my father's store, a line that reaches all the way to the food court?" Ally questioned. Trish only shrugged her shoulders as they fought their way to the back of the store. Ally dropped into a crouch in front of her son, holding his shoulders firmly in both hands.
" Little Man, I want you to go to Mama's practice room until I find him, alright?" Devon nodded with a wide grin.
" Okay Mama," he answered. Ally watched as he slowly climbed the staircase until he reached the landing before moving to the first door in the narrow hall. She released a breath as she started to look for her father. Before her or Trish could take two steps they were stopped by a tall, lanky, red head.
" Can I help you two ladies?" he questioned, his ice blue eyes darting between the two oddly familiar faces.
" I'm looking for my dad," Ally started, not bothering to glance at the red head as she stretched herself to look around him. Lester saw his daughter, calling out to her before the redhead could escort them from the property.
" Ally. It's alright, she's my daughter," Lester spoke, rushing to the three. Dez's eyes widened at her name as Lester brought her into a hug.
" I wasn't expecting you until later. You should have called," Lester spoke, ignoring the lanky man as he spoke to his only child.
" Sorry, dad. What's going on?" she questioned, gesturing to the uproar the store was in. Lester released a sigh, running his hand through his sandy brown hair.
" It's a signing for a local rock star. He returned to 'reconnect' with his roots. He said he spent a lot of time here and wanted to do a signing. However, I can't really complain. He is bringing in a lot of business," Lester explained, watching as both Trish and his daughter nodded in understanding.
" I'm sorry to run out on you dad, but I really need to get Devon's birthday cake. He's upstairs in the practice room," Lester nodded, waving the two young women off. Both Ally and Trish left the store through the back door, unaware of the lanky red head who went to stand beside his long time best friend.
" What is it Dez?" Austin Moon questioned, flashing another grin as he signed a teenaged girl's poster.
" Do you remember who owns this store?" Dez questioned his blonde friend, watching as Austin nodded his head.
" Lester Dawson. Ally's dad," he answered easily. Dez nodded, waiting for him to piece it together.
" I already spoke with Lester, Dez. He told me Ally was out of state at the moment for business," Austin waved him off, posing for a camera. Dez's eyes widened at the thought of Mister Dawson lying. He could only shake his head, moving into the background as Austin greeted more fans. Slowly the never ending crowd began to wane, the fans eager to see Austin Moon, however understanding his need to eat as well. He heard a guitar coming from up the stairs, surprising him. Lester, Dez, and himself were the only ones currently in the store. He moved cautiously through out the familiar space, moving up the stairs until he stood in front of a familiar door, the metal 'A' still in place. The door was cracked slightly allowing him to see just enough.
A little boy, no older than five, sat on the old piano bench, strumming lightly on a familiar old Acoustic Guitar. He watched as the little boy played "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" humming the lyrics lightly. His chocolate brown eyes narrowed slightly as he analyzed the little boy. Platinum blonde hair kissed his forehead, cinnamon brown eyes were narrowed in concentration. He looked familiar, yet he couldn't place him. He didn't understand it. A voice coming from behind him forced him to jump, startling him as he pivoted on the balls of his feet.
" Devon, I'm back. It's time to…go," the woman's cinnamon brown eyes met Austin's, hers widening in surprise and his in confusion.
The little boy eagerly dropped the guitar he had been playing, racing out of the practice room and launching himself at the woman who was obviously his mother. They looked almost exactly alike, if they had the same colored hair. He was waiting for the squeal, the beg for an autograph. He was surprised when she quickly pivoted on her heel, leaving him in shock as she opened the back door.
Ally released a breath of relief, thankful that he hadn't recognized her. She had changed over the last fiver years, but so had he. His sun kissed blonde hair still fell over his eyes. He still possessed the bronzed skin of being out side constantly. However he had gotten taller, filed out more. He wasn't just lanky and thin, he had muscle tone underneath that sun kissed skin as well. She shook the image from her mind as she buckled her son into his booster seat, eager to leave before any trouble could happen. He hadn't followed her out, thankfully, yet she knew she would see more of him later.