Chapter Three: Night Out
"Come on Ally, admit it," Austin pleaded.
Ally groaned from under the covers of her bed. She grabbed the blanket, and turned over, facing away from Austin. "Leave me alone. I don't want to talk about it." Her voice cracked.
"Ally..." Austin grabbed the covers and pulled them off to reveal his fiancée all curled up with tears streaming down her face. "We'll figure it out later. But it's the last day of 2013! We need to do something! Celebrate the past year!"
"And until the new year comes, I'll be here. So forget anything about any celebrations."
Austin sighed and sat beside her on the bed. He took the covers and settled them at his feet. "Well then I'll be here with you until you get up."
"Austin," Ally wined, but she was laughing. She sat up and looked at him, tears all dried.
He look backed at her. "Ready to face the world?"
"Get off my bed." She tried to shove him off, but Austin just laughed and kept his position. "Damn, you're heavy."
"I'm a guy. A guy who happens to be a hockey player," he retorted.
Ally rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah."
"So you gonna get up? I've got a night planned ahead for us." Ally pleadingly looked at him as if saying 'please, not today'. Austin noticed the face. "Oh come on Ally, you'll love it. Trust me."
Trust me.
She'd heard those words before. But not from Austin. It was from her mother the day before the worst day of her life. A few months ago, her worst day would've been when Austin walked away, but that had been bumped to second since that had been remedied. But her worst day (officially) was when her mom walked away from her family. Ally resented her mom for doing that.
It was April 1993, Ally was at a young age of 8. She and her mom had been walking down the street coming back from her best friend Trish's house from where she'd spent the afternoon playing with tea sets and chasing Trish's little brother JJ. They were walking hand in hand and on the other hand, ice cream cones. The cold, creamy treat was dripping from the cone to the sidewalk, and Ally knew her face was masked with ice cream, but she didn't care. It'd been the perfect day.
Suddenly the door flung open to the house across the street from them. Naturally one's reaction is to turn their head and glance over. Ally did just that.
A man in his young adult years stormed out with a bag over his shoulders. He turned back to a woman's voice who was yelling, "You ridiculous bastard!" She ran out to the porch to confront the man.
Ally's mom gripped her hand tighter, and urged her daughter to look away, but Ally couldn't. It was the only time she had not followed her mother's orders and she was damn glad she did.
The man was red from rage. "I don't care about any more of this bullshit, Mom! I can't even trust a word that comes out of your filthy mouth!" he'd screamed, then turned away and began running down the walk then down the street opposite of the Dawson's direction. "It's MY life, and it's MY say. So... adios!"
"Lee," his mother called out. But Lee was fuming with hate and anger to hear. Plus the distance made it harder.
Ally stared at the scene before her. What world was this? She'd never seen so much hate and anger in a family before. That was probably because her parents had raised her in a nurturing environment. But still... to see this as an eight year old. To see a loved one walk away from a loved one.
It was now bedtime and her dad was already asleep on the couch. It was Ally and her mom.
"Mommy?" Eight year old Ally turned to her mother who was tucking her in.
Penny Dawson looked up. "Yes, Ally?"
"When Mr. Lee had left his mommy today, why'd he leave?"
Her mother looked at her young daughter and sat down on the bed next to her. "Well, there are many reasons why people leave. Sometimes it's fated or... more like knowingly the separation was going to happen like a marriage or because Mr. Lee is grown up and he wanted to live on his own."
"But why was he so angry? Aren't goodbyes sad?"
"They are... most of the time. But in some cases, people can't get along well with the people they live with. Or maybe they'd found a home elsewhere but someone doesn't agree. It's life, Ally-gator."
"But doesn't Mr. Lee love his mom and the other way around? So why'd he leave?" she'd persisted.
Ally's mom remained silent. After a few seconds she said, "They'd love each other at one point, very deeply. But maybe after time wore on, maybe the love just... faded."
Ally shouldn't have noticed. She should've taken that was a signal, a warning. But she was eight. She hadn't know any better. And even if she did, what was she to do?
"Now, time for bed, Ally. I'll tell you more, later." Ally's mother smiled and tucked a few loose strands of Ally's curls behind her ear. "Good night, sweetie."
Ally smiled in return. "Goodnight, mommy." Then she held up her hand with her pinky out. "But promise you'll never leave."
Now, only did Ally remember a sad smile before her mother had locked pinkies. "Don't worry Ally. I never will. Trust me."
With that Ally was content. "Okay." She turned over to sleep.
And just like that, in a blink of an eye her mother was gone. She had left in the middle of the night, with a letter for Lester waiting in the morning. There was nothing else of her mother. She'd taken everything that belonged to her. Except her daughter. It had crushed Ally, especially after that pinky-promise. She was eight, a pinky promise was like a legal contract.
And Ally had hate her mom since then.
Now looking back, she had left home the way Mr. Lee had about twenty years ago and probably because of differential feelings on a subject. It goes to show how delicate, yet predictable people are. Her father didn't have much interest after his wife had left, and I guess it's true. People don't change.
Ally sunk back to reality. "Please, Austin. I really don't want to hear those words either."
Being Austin, he'd notice her tone. "Okay. How about you get up and let's go. It's actually late in the evening. You'd better get up or we'd miss the whole date."
"Fine." She really didn't want to be asked about her past. Even Austin didn't know about her mom leaving like that. The story he knew was that Penny and Lester Dawson had just divorced and went on separate ways. And because of the story, Ally made sure to keep her actual feelings hidden when talking about her mother.
"Get dressed," Austin instructed. "Something warm and comfortable, we'll be outside for most of the night. I'll be waiting outside." He smiled and got up.
Ally stayed in bed for a minute more, before getting dressed.
"Ally!" Trish greeted from the couch, surrounded by everyone else. "You finally got out of bed! What did Austin do to get hyped up for the date?" She raised an eyebrow along with the statement.
Ally face-palmed. "God, Trish."
"Okay Trish! We're done with questions," Austin intervened. "Ally you ready?"
"Obviously," Trish muttered, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear. "Wait. Austin is also avoiding the question... ain't that more suspicious? Right Elliot?" She turned to Ally's brother, who was holding in his laughter.
"Totally," he agreed.
"Real mature, guys," Ally noted. "I'll see you later. Happy New Years!" And she followed Austin out the door.
Trish waved and joined Cassidy by the couch. Everyone was gathered here (exception Austin and Ally because they had a date planned). Dallas and his brother, Colby, were grabbing drinks in the kitchen while Trish and her cousin, Brady along with Cassidy watched the New Year's Eve Countdown in Time's Square. Elliot and Dez were cooking. It seemed out of question, but apparently bachelors themselves, they'd learned a few skills and techniques in cooking.
"What do you think Austin has planned for them?"
Cassidy pondered the question. "Whatever it is, it's obviously going to be romantic. And knowing him, he's going to go all out for Ally's sake."
Trish sighed. "I wish I had a guy like that."
"Same here," Cassidy acknowledged. "What guy can hold a candle to Austin, romantically-wise?"
Both guys heard that. Dallas made up his mind right there, that he'd make it a goal to vie for her heart. It's been a while since he'd seen a girl who was as stunning as Cassidy.
As for Dez, he knew he'd blow her away with his cooking. He'd know her longer, knew more about her. But that works against him, seeing as Cassidy saw him as a brother, not much more. But he'd work with it.
"Elliot," Trish called. "Or any one of you boys, what drinks have we've got?"
Elliot looked up from dicing some vegetables. "Watch your alcohol intake Trish."
Trish rolled her eyes. "I can hold my wine. Don't worry."
"There's some champagne in the cabinets." He smiled.
"Now you're talking. Thanks Elliot." She got up from her position on the couch. "Want some, Cass? Brady?"
"Just a glass."
"Same here."
"Don't worry, I'll get it for you guys," Dallas said. "I'm here anyway. Colby, find some glasses."
Trish sat back down. "Oh. Thanks guys." She looked at Dallas in confusion. What was up? She shook her head and dismissed her thoughts. He was just an overall nice guy.
"Thanks Dallas," Cassidy called from her seat. Dallas smiled triumphantly at himself and got their drinks. Dez furiously cut his fresh pasta. Just wait...
"Where are we going Austin?" Ally asked once they'd exited to be on their way.
He smiled. "That classic question, that you never seem to get tired of asking. And the same question, I'll evade forever."
Ally laughed. "This is why I love you."
"I love you too." He looked out at the dark world. There was some fireworks exploding time to time to celebrate the New Year. "But we aren't going far."
He took Ally's hand and led her to a stairway at the end of the building. All her years living here, she hadn't noticed it until now. "Austin, where does this go?"
"Come. You'll find out." Pulling on her hand earnestly, he pulled her up with him. "Do I have to carry you up?"
Ally shook her head, smiling. At the top of the staircase was a steel door, leading to the rooftop. Austin pushed the door open, and led her out to the crisp night. She gasped at the sight.
Beyond the roof, the view was astounding. The moon wasn't full, but gave enough light to bath the world with light. Every few minutes, the world seemed aglow with sudden bursts of light from above.
"This is beautiful Austin," she gasped. "It's stunning."
He nodded. "It was late one night, I found this. I had to clear my head after you broke up with me, and finding this, I knew that if we ever got back together, this would be a place I'd show you. Well... for our night planned." He gestured to a table set up several yards away. Ally strode toward it and let Austin be the gentleman by pulling back her chair and settling her in.
He stood by the table. "Now." He clapped his hands together and smiled at Ally. "Dinner is served." He lifted the covers off the plates to reveal pasta quiche, a fresh buttered bread roll, with some salad with French dressing. Austin pulled out some champagne. "Took this before Trish or Elliot could find it. There's an extra bottle for them, though."
"Well, you know how much Trish loves a drink, especially if it's needed on occasion." They laughed as Austin took his seat.
"Enjoy, Ally. I prepared this all for us." He took a bite. "Sorry if it's a little cold, but it's the best I could do. I couldn't really tell everyone to clear out of the apartments."
"No need to fuss," Ally interjected, "it's beautiful. The fact that you prepared everything is amazing. Thank you Austin. And you're quite a great cook."
He shrugged. "Well, you live by yourself for the past ten years you learn to cook or else you die."
"So where do you think we should hold the wedding? Here? Miami? Or Colorado? Or elsewhere?" Ally asked, turning the conversation elsewhere, while taking a bite of the delicious quiche.
"Miami is home... but lately this place has begun to become home too."
Ally nodded. "I really don't want to go to Miami. My dad's there... and so is the past. I don't think I can go back there."
"Ally."
"Don't Austin." She sighed. "They've had their word. I'll respect it, but I don't want to face them. Plus, Miami is more than just the past. It's the memories too." Ally's thoughts stayed to her mother. She shook her head.
"Okay." Austin respected her decision. Plus he wasn't too keen into seeing his parents at the moment. "You know this place is perfect. We could get married here. I don't really want a huge wedding either. Just close family and friends. Not the wedding of the century."
"Same here. You know, you might be right. I want to stay here. I want to grow old here. Raise a family here. Of course, with you. But what about your hockey career?"
"I could get transferred to another team closer here. Like the Boston Bruins*."
"Austin..."
"There's nothing we can really do. But if that does happen, I promise that I'll be here whenever I can. It's going to be tight during the hockey season, and with off-season training, but I'll be here to support you. Believe me. Okay?"
Ally nodded, staring at her plate. "Okay," she softly whispered and they clinked glasses.
They spent the next hour or so talking about the past. They laughed a memories, and talked of their plans in the future. Oh how much does the future hold. Plenty...
"Now, I got one more surprise." Austin looked down at his watch. It was just a few minutes until the new beginning was to come. He got up and pulled Ally up from her seat, both of them holding their glasses of champagne. He led her until they reached the edge of the rooftop. He set his drink on the stucco railing which was wide enough to balance his glass.
He grabbed a wire and a plug. "Happy New Years Ally." He connected the two, and suddenly the entire rooftop blinked to life. All around the edge of the railing were lights. They illuminated the night and on the center of the roof was a special conjunction that created the shape of a heart. "Do you see it Ally? Do you see my heart that beats for you?"
Ally smiled at his cheesiness. "I do. And believe me, one day, I'll compete with all these types of dates. I'll plan a date for the two of us, that you can't even compete with."
Austin laughed. "You wish." And pulled her into a kiss. A new year, beginning with a kiss to show their love and the coming future the two of them will share.
...
"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!" they all counted down, all their faces glued to the TV. "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" They leapt in joy and wrapped arms around each other to greet the new year.
Cassidy turned to Dez to wish him a new year, and instead her lips was pressed against his. She pulled back immediately and stared awkwardly at Dez. "Happy New Years kiss?" she hesitantly asked to cover his/her mistake of being in too close proximity.
Dez laughed, but deep in his heart, it felt amazing. "Of course." He held his arms. "Now come here." Cassidy chuckled and embraced Dez.
Dallas looked on to the two, his hands folding into fists, but kept his composure. Deep breaths. Deep breaths. He turned away and smiled at his brother.
*Don't own the Boston Bruins (hockey team).
A/N: Sorta late. And theoretically this is 6.5 months late with the timeframe in the story. Sorry, been sick over the past week and also because of laziness and procrastination. Oh well. Tell me, how'd you like the chapter?
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