"Austin, you need to think about Ally!"

"I. Am." I stressed to Dez, my pacing come to a halt as I looked over to Ally.

One week later and she was showing signs of recovery. She still hadn't woken up yet, which was killing me. I prayed for her to just open her eyes. They said that they wanted to move her to the University of Miami Hospital. They had more 'qualified' doctors out there and that's where our home is. I on the other hand was afraid, I didn't want anything to happen to her on the 25 minute helicopter flight. They said I could ride with her but that still didn't make it anymore easy.

"Austin. Listen to me. They would not approve her for airlift if she wasn't strong enough. There are doctors on there for safety and you'll be with her the whole time. Think about the long run, she needs this."

I nodded, knowing he was right. "What if something happens? I can't lose her Dez." I exasperated. Falling back into the chair next to Ally's bed, I took up her hand into mine.

"I know, I understand it's hard. But if you don't do this, she won't get the help she needs and she does need it. You need to be strong and push through this." He placed a hand on my shoulder before squeezing it slightly.

"I just worry, ya know?" I responded, not daring to tear my eyes from Ally.

"What's new Austin? Last time I checked you always worry about Ally….even when you've been drinking." He walked out, leaving me to reminisce in all the painful memories.

Or at least the ones I actually remember. The one time that always stands out is when right after tour started. My first slip up since my recovery, the first time I ever scared Ally.

I looked up at Ally, scooching closer to her side. I took in a deep breath before looking back to see everyone had left. Most likely getting dinner or something. I gazed over Ally, looking so pale and small in that bed.

"Hey Als, I'm not sure if you can hear me but if you can I want you to know that you are scaring the shit out of me...sorry I didn't mean to curse. I know how much you hate that. I miss you Als. I miss you so much, I'm so-"

I took in a breath, deciding to change it up for once..no longer apologies.

"Remember the night I realized if I wanted to marry you I had to change? I know I've told you about it before, you must remember. Well, in case you don't I'll remind you. I came over, drunk as a skunk...as you say. I was so angry that you stayed up waiting for me to text you. You asked why I was there and why I didn't text or call. I told you that I just needed somewhere to sleep since my studio was a lot closer to you. I slurred every word, showing I was not just at the studio. Obviously you didn't believe me, you yelled at me. It was something I never saw before, you raising your voice was unheard of. I was so attracted to you in that moment, you were so fiery and confident. I started kissing you but I'm guessing you tasted the alcohol on my breath and pulled away. That's when I trapped you between the wall and told you to never do that again." I looked down at my hands, composing myself. "You were so scared, I remember the fear in your eyes. I was so drunk that I don't even remember how much I had to drink or anything leading up to this, but this, this I remember word for word. You straightened up and shoved me away with all your strength. And...and you told me that you were going to bed, alone. You walked right up those stairs and into your room. Not slamming the door or even showing any signs of aggression or anything. You wouldn't give me the satisfaction. I ended up sleeping on the couch and woke up to an empty house and a note. It simply said that you had left for work and told me to lock up. I knew that you wouldn't put up with this behavior and in order to keep you I would have to change."

I scooched closer to her bed and kissed her hand before looking up at her face. It looked so peaceful but so pained. I squeezed her hand, subconsciously wishing it would take all the pain away.

"I promise Als, I have changed. I can't lose you, I won't lose you. You keep fighting, I promise I will be here for you when you wake up. I'm not going to give up on you."

I stood up after a few minutes of silence and walked out of the room. Arriving at the nurses station I asked for the doctor and they pointed to a man standing at the mobile computer station. I walked over slowly, wringing my hands nervously.

"Dr. Ren?" I asked, halting behind him.

He turned around, removing the glasses from his eyes. "Austin, is everything ok with Ally?"

"Yes, everything's fine. But, I have made my decision..I want to go through with the airlift" I struggled to get the words out, still scared to death.

"I'm glad" He placed a hand on my shoulder. "This is the best thing for her Austin. I wouldn't be approving this if I didn't think it was for the best"

I nodded. "So, when will all this happen?" I asked as he removed his hand.

"We will prep her for travel and take off will probably be.." He checked his watch. "8 am, tomorrow"

I let out the breath I was holding. "Thank you" I walked away, back to my seat.

I prayed once more before reading Ally another letter from the folder and falling asleep with her hand in mine.

"Mom, Dad, please. I am already freaking out I don't need you adding to it." I spoke into the phone as I waited for the nurses to be done with Ally. "I understand but I don't need you reminding me every chance you get. Look I have to go but I will see you in Miami ok?"

I hung up the phone as Dr. Ren walked towards me.

"Austin, She is all set. I believe it's time." He shook my hand. "It has been a pleasure and please keep in touch. I would love to hear when she's awake...because I know shes going to wake up. Stay strong Austin"

With that he walked away and I couldn't help but cringe at his last words. 'Stay strong' So many people have told me that over the past week and a half. It was starting to get harder to hear, getting old quick.

I watched as they wheeled Ally out on the stretcher, she was looking a lot better, but I was still terrified. The nurse motioned for me to follow and I started to walk, this was it. Now or never. I just kept repeating Dez's words in my head.

"She needs this, she needs this, she needs this."

We successfully made it to Miami, but Ally had a rough flight. Her heart rate dropped twice and almost stopped. Her blood pressure skyrocketed but they attendants successfully attacked each obstacle and jumped over each hurdle. She was now resting nicely, and stably in a ICU suite at the hospital, family and all.

I decided to run home while everyone was visiting her. Although, mostly against my will and a few hours after landing. I walked through the door to our bedroom and was instantly hit with the smell of Ally, bringing me to my knees.

I missed coming home from a long days work and smelling the amazing dinner that was in the oven. I missed kissing her goodbye and hello, falling asleep with her in my arms every night, waking up next to her. I missed it all… I missed Ally.

I got up from the floor, tears pouring down my cheeks. Walking into the bathroom I hopped in the shower and let the warm water run over every inch. As I closed my eyes I imagined Ally, lying in that hospital bed. I felt so helpless. I slammed my hands against the wall of the shower. My tears mixing with the water, hair falling into my eyes as it hadn't been cut.

"Why her? Take me! Take me instead!" I started to sob, everything had been building up to this moment.

I turned and leaned against the shower wall, sinking to the floor. I just wanted to give up, I wasn't strong like Ally. I couldn't win this inner battle, I would forever blame myself. Hell, for all I know she could blame me too. Ally was my world, I knew that I would save her..even if it was the last thing I did.

"Austin, what can I do for you?" Dr. Gill, Ally's new doctor, asked me as I approached him.

"I need you to fix Ally" I deadpanned and his face instantly fell.

"You know that it's not that easy. There isn't some magical potion that will make it all better as much as I wish there was, there isn't. The best we can do is-"

"Wait and hope for the best. I know, that's what they all tell me. Oh, and don't forget to stay strong for her. Well, what about me? This waiting game is eating me alive. There must be something you can do, this can't be good for her body!" I started to elevate my voice.

"Well, actually I was going to wait for more progress but…" He looked around, smiling at our family and friends who were now staring, then led us into a quiet room. "Ally, she is looking a lot better but there is something else we could be doing. There is this new drug that has been administered in a few select patients. It is for the ones that won't wake up..it's hard to explain but basically it 'wakes up' there brain and body and forces them out of the comatose state."

"Well, then do it. I mean-"

"Look, Austin. There are risks with this though. Obviously there body is shut down for a reason and bringing them out of that can be potentially dangerous. If we bring her out and her body's not ready she could be in a lot of pain. But, I think we should try it only because she looks like she has recovered substantially and if she remains in this state her body might actually start to shut down completely."

"I wanna think about it, spend some time with her. Let her get adjusted and stuff"

He nodded and I walked out and over Ally's room. I walked past the group outside and over the threshold. Trish followed but I stopped her.

"No" I shook my head, "I need some time alone with her" I kept walking and sat in my 'new' chair.

"Austin?" Trish asked still in the doorway, I didn't make any movement or speak up. "Is Ally ok?" She asked quietly, which was something I almost never saw.

I didn't turn or speak, just nodded my head and waited until I heard her walk away along with the others who had gone silent. After they were gone I scooched closer to Ally and took her hand.

"Please Als, I need you to show me that you're still there. I need to you tell me if I should try this treatment. I need you to come back to me. I can't make it without you. I never could, I wouldn't be here without you. I would be in the gutter, dead. You saved me, now it's mine turn to save you."

I kissed her hand and began rubbing the back with my thumb, lacing our fingers together. I bowed my head and prayed. Asking god to help Ally give me a sign, give her the strength to come back. It wasn't her time yet, she was still needed here on earth.

I stood up and placed a kiss on Ally's forehead, a tear slipping from my eye and landing on her face. I wiped it off with my free hand and sat back down, closing my eyes. Silently rubbing her hand, waiting for someone to interrupt me like usual. I stopped rubbing, but kept my hand there. I whispered the words I had forgotten to say one too many times as the beeping from the machines picked up a little.

"I love you Als, so much it hurts to see you like this please. I love you, to the moon and back. Please just come back, I love you and I care. I love you and I care, I promise I do. Please, Als. I love you please" I payed little attention as it had happened before, just a 'bump' in the road.

But then, felt the smallest movement in my hand and my eyes shot open. They immediately landed on the most beautiful brown eyes I had ever seen. The ones I would never forget. The ones I fell in love with.

I felt my heart fly into my throat, choking me up. Finally clearing it, she let the faintest smile cross her face.

"Als?" I choked out, barely audible.

She didn't say anything but nodded, then slowly pointed to her throat. I was brought back to reality and shouted for the doctor, repeatedly until he rushed into the room, nurses in tow.

"What? What is-" He stopped in his tracks. "It's a miracle" He whispered to the nurse behind him.

They started getting to work, checking all her levels as the doctor got his clipboard and started writing notes. He asked Ally questions but she could barely answer as her throat was very dry. After a half an hour the room seemed to clear out and I could go sit next to her side again. I sat there, staring into her eyes. I was mesmerized, I missed them so much. I felt like it was the first time again. First time seeing her face with all it's color, first time hearing her speak, first time feeling the shocks I got from her touch. Well, those never really went away just dulled a bit.

"Austin?" Doctor Gill asked, pulling from my thoughts.

I shook my head and realized I had been staring but who could blame me? Ally had an amused look on her face, which warmed mine and my heart. I missed that look and all the others.

"Yes?" I asked, looking over to him.

"I was saying that Ally may be awake but she is certainly not out of the woods just yet, she could relapse at anytime and we need to be extremely cautious. Hopefully though this is the start of the long road to recovery." He smiled. "Ally, the nurse is getting you some water which should help with the dryness. I know you and Austin have a lot of catching up to do but please, do not over do it. If you feel tired, then rest. Don't worry about falling asleep, if you are going to regress it won't matter whether you're sleeping or not. Sleep is actually your best friend right now." He smiled at both of us and walked out, just as the nurse walked in.

She handed Ally the water and then told us the usual 'if you need anything..' before leaving us alone.

I felt my palms start to sweat, I was nervous. I was never nervous around Ally, well..not since we had first started dating. I was always nervous of screwing up then, but now I was comfortable. So why was I so scared to say the wrong thing? I looked at my hands, wringing them in my lap. I wiped them on my jeans, trying to dry them. I felt Ally's eyes burning a hole in my head. I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eyes, I felt so guilty.

"Austin?" She rasped, almost questioning me.

I shook my head and the tears began to fall again. I didn't care, Ally had seen me at my lowest point. She's seen it all. "I'm so sorry" I sobbed out.

Her hand reached out for mine and I met her halfway. Her hand squeezed with as much strength possible. I looked up into her eyes, which were also lined with tears. I let go of her hand and stood up.

"You should rest and I need to tell everyone so" I took a deep breath and wiped my face with my hands. "I'll be back a little later."

"Please don't leave just yet, I want to talk"

"Als, that's probably not the best right now. Like I said there are things that I need to take care of now, I need to let our family know and god Trish will probably want to see you. Not to mention your dad and-"

"Austin" Her strained and I stopped, looking up at her. "But, I want to see you" Her eyes pleaded with mine.

"Wha-what?"

"I. Want. To. See. You." She said slowly and in a lower voice.

I felt my heart drop, after everything that happened she still wanted to see me. My heart started to race, I began to doubt myself again. I started shaking my head.

"No, you don't. You should hate me. This is my fault." I said in a low voice, looking down again.

I heard footsteps and then they began running. Knowing it was most likely someone coming to check on me I moved out of the way. Within seconds Trish and Ally's dad were in the room at her bedside.

I watched for a moment before slowly making my way to the door.

"Austin!" Trish yelled, most likely for Ally since she couldn't.

I turned around and my heart broke. I couldn't hurt Ally anymore, I need to let her heal first. I needed some air, I felt like I was suffocating. Ally shouldn't want me to stay, she should want me 1000 miles away.

"Als, get some rest ok?" She looked like a lost puppy but nodded slowly.

I gave a weak smile and walked out. That was the hardest thing I had to do since this all started. Leaving Ally was the last thing I wanted to do, but with me there she wouldn't rest and she wouldn't get better. I knew she was in good hands, her dad would definitely make her rest. I stopped at the nurses station and told them to call me right away if something happened. I clarified that even if it was the smallest thing I wanted to be called at that moment. They smiled and promised they would. Perks of being a celebrity I guess.

As I walked to the lobby I noticed all the paparazzi and made a b-line for back door I left from last time. Luckily no one was there and I safely got into my car. After starting the car, I placed my face in my hands and rested it on the steering wheel. I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket and immediately pulled it out and answered.

"Hello?" I asked, worried already.

"Austin?" I heard the voice I strained to hear fill my ears.

"Als?" I asked, almost surprised.

"Please just promise me you won't do anything stupid?" She begged me and my heart strings were basically ripped out.

"Als, I promise. Just promise me you'll take it easy and please get some rest." I said, getting choked up.

"I promise" There was some static and silence between us. "I love you" She said slowly.

"I love you too Als, to the moon and back" I smiled, loving the feeling this gave me.

I felt her smiling through the phone, it was like old times again. Then I was brought back when I felt my phone buzz. I pulled the phone away for a second to see it was Dez.

"I have to go Als, I will be back soon. Get some rest" I said, before getting ready to hang up, but before I did I heard her rush one last word in.

"Please, be careful!"

Sorry for the wait, I have been going at 100 miles a minute with graduation and summer vacation and everything! Please let me know what you think! I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions! And Ally's finally awake..but will it last? DUN DUN DUN! lol I'm just kidding! XOXOX