I am soooooo soooo glad you all liked the story so much! As of right now its going to continue, I'm not sure how long I'm gonna make it yet but lets just go with it for now and enjoy the ride. So, here it is, Chapter Two!
PS. check out my profile for a link to Ally's outfits!
Refusing to even turn to him, I removed all emotion from my voice. "Please just leave me alone, I'm not in the mood to be hit on today."
"Well, that was bold" He laughed behind me finally causing me to turn around.
"You know-" I felt my throat tighten as I took in his new appearance.
Unlike yesterday his purposely messed up hair was neatly swooped to the side. He wore not a simple tee but a navy blue button up and matching Dickies pants. His shoes weren't the laid back converse but laced up combat-like work boots. I noticed the backwards flag and fire company badge patch on his sleeves.
"What? That I'm hot? Yes I know, you can stop staring now" His cocky remark brought me back to reality.
"You're a firefighter?" I stuttered and he cocked a smile.
"Yeah, that a problem?" I shook my head and turned back around to avoid embarrassing myself anymore.
"What? You can't talk to me now that I'm a firefighter?" He chuckled again, moving next to me as they called both our coffees at the same time.
"No" I shot back. "I was just done talking to you" I shrugged before starting to walk towards the door.
He sped ahead of me and held the door. As I walked out I made a sarcastic smile towards him.
"Oh and they say chivalry is dead." I spat as I turned down the sidewalk to start towards my bakery.
"I'm just a gentleman" He smirked and shrugged as he started walking next to me.
I let out a sarcastic laugh before glancing at his face to see he was serious. I shook my head as he stuffed on hand in his pocket.
"Are you following me?" I pressed after a few beats of silence.
He let out another small laugh. "No, I'm walking back to the station. Although you should be so flattered I took the long way."
This time I laughed. "How can you be so gentleman-like one second, but then in, like, another split second become a cocky jerk again?"
"Where are you walking to?" He said, completely ignoring my question.
"Why?"
"Because now I kinda think you're following me." He chuckled, tossing his empty coffee into the trash and instantly digging his now empty hand into his pocket.
I didn't know why but I found it very attractive how he walked without a care, hands in his pockets. His uniform added to it also, he might have actually been appealing if he hadn't spoken.
"Work" I said after some more silence.
"Where do you work?"
"Where do you work?" I shot back, smacking myself internally after.
"Firehouse 43, only one in town." He laughed, halfheartedly.
"I own a bakery" I stated, looking down my shoes.
"Ohh, a baker. What is the name of this sweet ole' bakery?"
"That is for me to know and for you to never find out" I laughed as we came up to the four way intersection.
He turned left around the corner but I stayed, waiting for the light to cross the street. He stopped and looked back as I didn't follow him. His face held hurt and disappointment for just a moment before his face went back to the stone cold emotionless one he held majority of the time.
"Well, I guess this means 'until next time'..." His voice trailed off. "Sorry I didn't get your name"
"Well, Austin Moon," I smiled, reading his embroidered name on his jacket, "maybe you'll just have to wait to find out." I waved before walking across the street and around the block to throw him off.
The last thing I needed was him following me to my bakery. I saw enough of him already, anymore and I might just have to move. Although somewhere deep down I kind of hoped to see him more. No. I suppressed that thought. I was not going to get attached to someone like him. It always ended the same way.
"Mind if I join you?" I looked up to see the brown orbs that belonged to none other than Austin Moon. "Ally"
I felt my stomach flip as my name slid off his lips with ease. "How?" My eyes narrowed on him.
"Um, well I would sit down across from you and enjoy-"
"No, you dingus! How do you know my name?" I spat, feeling my blood boil.
"Dingus, really Ally?" He laughed, taking a seat anyway as my eyes continued to press him. "I asked around, perks of a small town."
My eyes landed on Jo as she gave me a sad smile. I would have to talk to her about this later. I watched cautiously as Austin unwrapped his bagel with cream cheese and began to chomp down.
"Slow down there killer, you act like you haven't eaten in days"
"Lets just say I worked up an appetite this morning." He smiled, taking a drink of his coffee.
"T.M.I" I scoffed.
"Not like that, get your mind out of the gutter. I meant running, a guy's gotta keep up his-
"-girlish figure" I muttered, picking at my half eaten croissant.
He let out a deep laugh, "Funny cupcake, but no. There's nothing girlish about this 176 lbs of hunk."
"Cupcake?" I shuttered.
"So, I know your name now...but I still have yet to find your bakery. Are you sure it actually exists?"
I laughed. "Yes, did you really look for it? Why not just ask your informative over there" I nodded towards the register where Jo stood, taking an order.
"She refused to tell me, said she already said too much"
"Well, then I guess you'll have to ask around" I shrugged smiling, genuinely, and taking a sip of my coffee before placing it back down.
He smiled too as we kept eye contact for a few seconds, I noticed he had golden specks in his eyes. He sighed and checked the time on his phone before pushing out his chair and gathering his trash.
"Wait, where are you going?" I called after him.
He turned around with a smirk on his face. "Some of us have bosses that need us to be at work on time."
I smiled again and bid him a goodbye. Secretly hoping these morning encounters didn't stop.
"I can't believe you can't even find my bakery, it's like the only real one in town besides Sallies, which technically isn't even in town." I laughed that Saturday.
A full week of little morning rendezvous'. Whether we were sitting down for breakfast and small talk or walking down the sidewalk for deep, short-lived conversations. It all depended on his schedule, whether or not he had the day or night shift. It was mostly days but whenever he had night shift he would trudge in looking like hell but still came in nonetheless. It made me feel like he wanted to spend time with me, like if he didn't show up one day it might end our little fantasy.
But that's just what it was...a fantasy. I knew deep down it would end eventually...everything always did. I just hoped it would be later rather than sooner. I was starting to get kind of attached to him, which scared me the most. There were two things I hated the most, change and disappointment. Both were things I could experience with Austin.
His laugh brought me back from my thoughts. "I don't want to hurt your feelings but I haven't even had the time. Between work and sleep and occasionally eating, I've barely had time for anything outside our coffee dates."
I felt my stomach swirl at the word 'date', he said it without a care, he probably didn't even realize he said it.
"Yeah" I sighed, thinking about everything again.
"Penny for your thoughts?" He asked like he always did when I would space out.
I let out another sigh and shook my head. "Not this time fireman" I let out a small laugh, letting him know I was ok...even if deep down I wasn't.
His brown eyes grew with concern although he didn't press the issue anymore. I picked at the sleeve on my coffee cup, bending the cardboard paper back and forth until finally resting my hands on the table.
I felt a hand cover mine and my eyes fell on them. His large, rough hand covered my small soft one. I felt my cheeks warm at the feeling of his touch. I oddly liked it and it calmed my nerves and settled my stomach...while causing butterflies to erupt also.
"I'm here, if and when you want to talk about whatever it is" His voice was soft.
I shook away the thoughts, fear of letting off more than I should. "Don't you have work?" I asked, looking at the time and pulling my hand away.
"Nah, day off actually." He smiled at me.
"Oh," I breathed out.
"Will you spend the day with me?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck, one of his nervous habits.
I felt my heart jump at the thought. "I would love to...but ya know some of us actually have to work today" I frowned.
"You are your own boss, I'm sure the bakery will survive without you." He chuckled.
I shook my head. "I'm afraid not...Trish has off today so it's just me"
"Oh, well then I'm sure you won't mind me tagging along. I'm sure you could use the extra hands." He held up his hands with a goofy smirk.
I scrunched up my face, taking in the idea.
"Please?" He pleaded with me and I felt my icy exterior soften.
"I…guess so" I shrugged, smiling inside at the thought of spending my day with him. "But you better be ready to work." I said standing up.
"Ally, I put out fires for a living...I highly doubt it could be that bad."
I smiled to myself as I walked out the door, he had no idea.
"So it looks like I will be finding out where this little bakery is after all" I shook my head at him, laughing to myself. "I thought you would put up more of a fight."
I looked at him like he had 2 heads. "Why?"
"I don't know I just thought it was this huge secret" He shrugged.
"Ha, yeah no. I just loved making you squirm" I nudged his side with my elbow.
He nudged me back before stuffing his hands in his pockets, it was a habit of his, one I was getting used to.
"Is it over?" Austin plopped down on a chair as I switched the sign off and locked the door.
"Yeah" I sat down across from him.
"How- you didn't even warn me" He exclaimed.
"I did...I told you to be ready and I meant it"
"They all came at once, the whole town had to be in here at one point" He said as I shrugged before getting up to start boxing up the leftovers out of the case. "How do you do this everyday?" He asked, following me and leaning against the window of the case.
"I don't know..I just do. I love it. I love seeing people smile when they take a bite of something I made. It makes me happy. It makes it worth it."
"That's really nice actually, that you find so much joy in your job."
"Here" I tossed him a rag, "Make yourself useful and wipe the tables and counters."
"So, how did you become a baker?"
I shrugged. "My mom loved to bake, we used to always bake cookies and cupcakes and it was just our thing." I looked sadly as I tied off the twine around the last box of cupcakes.
"That's sweet, do you still get to bake together?"
I felt my stomach drop as the words hit my ears. "Uh" My voice caught in my throat. "No...but that's enough about me, what about you? What inspired you to be a firefighter?"
I noticed his hesitation but he knew better than to pry, every time he tried to in the past week I would shut down, in fear of getting hurt, he didn't know that though.
"Um..I guess I've just always wanted to help people and there was this kid once..he got separated from his parents on a fire scene. It was a massive store warehouse fire around christmas time. He was so scared. He felt like he would never find them. Then this firefighter noticed him and brought him back to the chief on scene. He made sure he was warm and comfortable before personally searching high and low for his parents. When he finally located them an hour later the mom was searching all over for her family and the father...he was stuck in the fire but the firefighters got him out in time. He was only in the hospital for a few hours before he was released. It was such a small act but yet meant the world to that one family..that one kid. When everyone felt no hope at all he restored that hope in them. I knew from that moment I wanted to be a firefighter. I wanted to help people like that, even if it was as small as reunited a family. I wanted to have that purpose."
I watched as he talked, there was so much emotion behind that story. I felt my lips start moving before I could even realize it.
"Was that boy you?"
He didn't answer but simply nodded. I wanted to say something but felt like I couldn't find the words. I walked the bags of boxes over to the table by the door as Austin stood his back to me a few tables down.
"My mom..she died when I was 18. My dad, I haven't seen him in over 5 years. Ever since mom died he doesn't come around. I wish someone could bring us together like that... I wish it was that easy. I wish he didn't blame me." I felt a tear fall down my cheek as Austin looked up at me.
"Ally?" His voice broke, I could tell he was choked up too. "Ally?" He tried again, with more power in his voice this time.
I felt the tears start to pour more rapidly as I felt a hand grasp my shoulder.
I shook my head. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me." I pushed forward trying to ready the packaged goods for travel but Austin stopped me and pulled me into a hug.
"You don't have to apologize...ever." He whispered.
"I haven't even cried since the accident" I tried to pull away but his hold tightened.
I finally relaxed into his arms, wrapping my arms around his torso. It was a well needed hug..for both of us. I didn't want to cry anymore, being in his arms soothed me.
"Ally?" Austin asked quietly.
"Yeah" I responded in the same tone.
"Why, why did you tell me all of this?"
"I don't know...I just felt like I had to. I wanted to."
"I'm glad you did. I'm sorry to hear about your mom and I'm sure your dad will come around soon."
"Thanks but I don't see that happening, at least not anytime soon." l laughed bitterly, before looking up at him.
He gave me a small smile, reaching up and cupping my cheek. His thumb rubbed over my cheek, ridding the dry tears off my face. His touch was soft and left a trail of warmth on my skin. His eyes held nothing but sincere concern and care.
"Thanks" I smiled goofily.
"Any time" He whispered, still stroking my cheek but refusing to tear his eyes from mine.
He slowly began to lean in and I felt my eyes grow heavy. Did I really want this to happen? It didn't really matter because fate had another idea.
"Ally!" I heard my name along with a banging on the door.
I pulled away, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Austin looked down and scratched the back of his neck. I sighed and walked over to the door.
"Hi Karen!" I said, trying to sound happy. "I have the treats right here"
"Oh, thank you so much Ally. The kids are going to be so happy" She voiced, she always was happy, no matter what.
"Kids?" Austin asked from behind me as I handed her the bags.
"Oh yeas, Ally here donates all her leftovers every night to our local orphanage. The kids look forward to it every day. Sometimes I feel like she bakes extra just for them." She laughed nudging me.
"Sorry. Karen, this is Austin...Austin, Karen" I introduced them.
"Nice to meet you, would you like help to your car?" Austin offered.
"Well that would be wonderful!" She gleamed.
I watched as he picked up the bags and they started towards her car. Meanwhile I finished closing up. When Austin came back in I had finished counting the drawers of money and had gathered my things and fished out my keys.
"Ready?" I asked.
He looked at me for a long second before nodding and grabbing his jacket. I followed him out and locked the door behind us. We both started to walk down the sidewalk and towards his car, I didn't own one since I didn't really need one. I just planned on walking home, it wasn't far.
"That's really nice of you" Austin stated out of the blue.
"Thanks, I think it makes it all worth while. I couldn't imagine just throwing them all out when others could still enjoy them." I said as we stopped at his car, parked behind the bakery in Trish's spot.
"Let me take you home?" He asked.
"I only live a couple blocks away and I enjoy the fresh air. It's relaxing." I explained and he nodded.
"May I walk you?" I hesitated. "It would make me feel better." He shifted under my curious gaze, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Do you always do that?" I asked, starting to walk.
He quickly caught on and matched my pace. "What?"
"Put your hands in your pockets?"
"I mean, I guess I just do it when I don't know what to do with my hands." He shrugged.
"I know the feeling" I laughed, throwing my hands in the air.
He smiled at me before looping his arm with mine. "There, all better."
I smiled up at him as I grasped onto his arm with both of mine. It felt right, this felt right. The rest of the walk was silent but it was a comfortable silence.
"This is me" I said, stopping at my front stoop.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
"It's Sunday" I stated, stupidly.
I don't usually work Sundays, since we were closed, it had always been that way. It always would be.
"You don't get coffee just because it's Sunday?" He asked.
"I mean it's my day off so I usually-"
"Wait, your day off?" He asked.
"Yeah" I said slowly.
"Spend the day with me?" He repeated his question from earlier.
"What?" I deadpanned.
"Give me your day off, let me show you what I do for fun."
"I don't know"'
"Please? If it is terrible, I will leave you alone forever"
I felt my stomach drop, that was the exact opposite of what I wanted. "Oh..ok"
"I mean, unless you don't want to" He rubbed his neck again.
"No" I jumped. "I want to. I do."
"Oh ok, good. Um so I'll see you tomorrow. Usual time and place?" He smiled, nervously.
I nodded. "Can't wait. I'll see you tomorrow Austin."
"Goodnight Ally"
"Night, Fireman."
"So how is it that you have two days off in a row?" I questioned him the next morning at breakfast.
We sat at our usual table by the window, Austin got there early and bought my coffee and toasted croissant with butter. He knew me so well, but there was still a huge chunk that I kept protected away from him.
"I have every other Saturday off and I have Sunday's off, since the part-time guys come in to earn a little extra money. I usually work the night shift into Tuesday and have Monday off."
"So basically your schedule is extremely confusing?" I laughed.
"Basically." A beat passed as we both finished up our food. "And your schedule is extremely flexible?" He asked.
"Sometimes. Sometimes not so much. I mean as my own boss I should be able to make my own schedule but if I have no one to work then I have to. No if, ands, or buts about it."
"That's very responsible of you. Most bosses would just tell the employee they had to work, instead you bite the bullet."
"It's my business, my responsibility, it's everything to me. The stand mixer I, um, use to make the smaller batches of cookies or cupcakes or whatever, my mom gave it to me when I told her I wanted to pursue a career in baking. It's the only thing I have left of her, well besides the songbook she gave me for my eleventh birthday, it's somewhere in my apartment." I rambled on.
"You write songs?" Austin rose an eyebrow.
I blushed. "I used to, I thought I wanted to be a songwriter/singer. But I have terrible stage fright so that was ruled out almost immediately."
"I play a few instruments myself. Well, only because my mom made me learn piano and from there I learned guitar, ya know because what girl doesn't like a guy who can play them a song?"
"How charming" I faked a dreamy look before letting out a laugh as Austin rolled his eyes.
"But after the guitar I learned harmonica, tuba, trumpet, cello-"
"I get the idea" I cut him off.
"So, you ready to have some fun?"
"It's now or never I guess" I laughed, standing up and straightening out my shirt before slipping my army green jacket over top of my white shirt. I adjusted my maroon, tan, and green plaid scarf before looking down at my shoes, double-tongued low top maroon converse.
"Are these shoes okay?" I asked, feeling self conscious.
"Perfect, I told you, you look amazing."
I blushed as he waited by the door for me, holding it like always. "Thanks"
As I stepped out I finally got a full look of his plain blue jeans and black converse paired with a gray tee that had his firehouse emblem printed on it. His hair was in it's 'purposefully messy' style. His eyes, well I could get lost in those for hours.
"You okay?" He asked, pulling my from my thoughts as we were now strolling down the sidewalk.
"No car today?" I pointed out, saving myself.
"Not today" He said simply.
"So your idea of fun is walking?" I joked.
"Well...yeah" He shrugged his shoulders. "I love the outdoors"
"I do too" I smiled up at him sheepishly.
"Good" he smiled back. "We are going to be outdoors a lot today."
As he became silent I noticed we were now walking up to a building with three large engine bays, inside were the red trucks that kids loved and homeowners were more than thankful for in times of need.
"You are taking me to work?" I said, stopping before the bays.
"Well you showed me your work, so I thought it would only be right to show you mine."
"So we're going into a burning building?" I asked, eyes growing wide.
He let out a light laugh. "No"
"Then what?"
"You'll just have to wait to see."
He placed a hand on the small of my back and led me into the firehouse. I felt shivers shoot up my spine. His touch warmed my skin, even through 3 layers of clothing. I tried to brush it off, but it was showing to be harder to suppress with each day.
"Guys" Austin yelled out, leading me into a large room.
There was a small kitchen area against the back wall and a couch with a tv set to the left. To the right there was a large meeting/dining style table where about 4 or 5 men sat. There was a few more men scattered around and a dalmatian laid at the foot of the table.
"Guys!" He yelled again and they all turned to face us, smiles on all of their faces. "This is Ally, Ally…" He looked at me, then the group. "This is my squad"
"Squad?" I laughed a little. "Are Trish and Amber my gang?"
"Well, actually I think he meant more we are members of Rescue Squad Co. 3 here at Station 43. We are the special ops team of firefighting here in town." One of the shorter males laughed looking at the other guys as I felt my cheeks flare up.
"Oh, sorry" I laughed nervously, looking everywhere but the people in front of me.
So much for good first impressions.
Austin's hand began to rub small circles on the small of my back, bringing my eyes to his. They held care and concern, offering some of his confidence. His smile told me everything was fine and was going to be fine. I offered a small smile back before he turned his attention back to his guys.
"Thank you, Stan, but I think I meant both. It is pretty funny…" He trailed off before nodding to the guys, speaking with their eyes.
"I'm Stan, as you probably know now." He smiled wide and offered his hand for me to shake.
I greatly took it and followed the same for Danny, TJ, and Dez. Dez seemed a little off but nice and funny to say the least. TJ was also a little iffy, but not in the same way...he was a little sketchy. Danny seemed really kind and friendly. He was a family man, two kids and a wife.
"So what brings you guys here on your day off?" I asked, knowing that they all were on the same squad so they all had off.
"We are pulling a well over-do favor for someone" Danny smirked, looking at Austin.
I looked to Austin and he just shrugged. "Come on Ally, we have a lot of fun to have and not a lot of time to do it."
He took my hand and pulled me back towards the engine bay, saying hi to a few passers by. We walked out of building and head towards one of the trucks, there's a large ladder attached with a bucket on the end resting near the ground. I knew immediately that was for us...and I hated heights.
"Aus-"
"Hey, I survived your hell...at least humor mine" He smiled, reassuring me slightly. "We save people with this equipment if it wasn't safe we couldn't use it." I still had my doubts and gave him a small unsure look as we started towards the bucket. His hand landed on my back and he leaned down to my ear. "l'll be right next to you the whole time."
I felt goosebumps raise where his breath hit my neck. Surprisingly with his touch and words, I was somewhat calm. Somewhat.
Dez was there and he handed us both firefighter helmets, Austins was obviously more worn than my loaner...it got me thinking 'how many fires had this guy been in?' Dez gave me a firm squeeze on the shoulder and a small smile before Austin motioned for me to get into the bucket. I looked at him, pleading with my eyes but he avoided my gaze. I hesitantly got in and Austin followed behind. He slammed the little door shut and clasped the back up latch.
I found the edge of the bucket and secured a death grip on it so tight my knuckles turned pure white. Austin let out a small chuckle next to me before placing a light hold around my waist and moving the bucket in motion up into the air. I closed my eyes as we grew higher and higher. I felt it jolt to a stop and my grip grew tighter.
Austins hand covered mine and I opened one eye to look at him. "You can open your eyes, ya know."
I opened the other and turned to look directly at his chest, refusing to look down. I instantly missed his hand on mine. "Happy, can we go down now?" I asked, feeling him chuckle and the basket shake slightly causing my hands to fly back onto the railing.
"Ally" He said knowingly, meeting my eyes. "Just look out, along the horizon."
I stared at him for a few more seconds before turning my head and taking in the breathtaking view. I felt a small gasp leave my mouth as I looked over the vast mountain tops that seemed miles away. I saw the sun peaking out of the clouds, letting the sunlight fall over the entire town. You could see everything from up there.
"Do you see your bakery?" Austin asked, pointing down to the roof of my building.
"I can see the people coming in and out, that's so cool!" I exclaimed like a kid in a candy store. "Hold on" I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures. "This is so cool!"
"It's one of the perks" Austin laughed, looking down and shoving his hands in his pockets.
"How high are we?"
"Um, well right now we are about a hundred feet off the ground"
"Damn! I can cross this off my bucket list." I giggled and he just rolled his eyes. "Come on that was punny" I nudged him and he rolled his eyes again.
"Ready to go back down?" He asked.
"No!" I jumped, surprising both of us and causing my grip to find it's way back to the railing. "I just want to take this in some more...It's just wow..and…"
"Beautiful" Austin breathed out, staring at me.
"Yeah" I smiled at him. "It's beautiful."
He opened his mouth to say something else but closed it, turning away from my gaze. "Well as much as I would love to stay up here, we have lots more to do." He pulled the lever and the basket jerked down causing me to fly into his side.
Out of instinct his one arm flew around my waist to steady me close to him using his body as the other steadying factor.
"Easy there killer" He said as I felt a chuckle erupt out of his chest.
I felt my cheeks heat up and smiled sheepishly as I grabbed the railing and backed away. "Sorry"
"You don't have to apologize Ally, ever." He looked at me with sincerity as the basket stopped a few inches off the ground.
"Sorry" I said immediately slapping myself internally, "I mean okay?" I offered.
He didn't say anything just smiled as he opened the gate and stepped out. After he offered his hand and I took it gratefully, hopping down with ease.
"How was it guys?" Dez asked, taking my helmet as Austin held onto his.
"A little shaky but absolutely beautiful to say the least." I smiled at him.
"Come on, I have to put my helmet back with my bunkers"
"Your what?" I asked following Austin back inside and over to a line of gear racks filled with similar almost identical fire turnout gear in each. "Which ones yours?"
He stopped at the second to last one from the back wall and smiled back at me. "This one."
I walked over and looked to where he was previously looking. His boots were already in his 'bunker' pants, ready to be slipped on in an emergency. I felt my hands grow minds of their own and trace over his last name on the back of his jacket. I wondered what action and kinds of tragedies this gear had seen. Above his name was another label, lieutenant.
"Lieutenant?" I turned to him.
"Yep, that just means I'm in charge of those goofballs" He looked over to the guys playing with the dog outside.
"Oh, okay" I said, knowing there was more to it but didn't mind him sparing the details. "Have you been in many fires?" I asked, feeling myself internally face smack again.
"Hmm... lets see." He pretended to count on top of his head and with his fingers. "Yep."
I laughed. "So what's next?"
"I thought you would ask that. Come on." We started to walk out passing by the guys on the way.
"Leaving so soon?" Danny asked, holding the ball from the jumping dalmatian.
"Well, there's only so much to do here." Austin joked as we walked to the sidewalk. "See ya guys tomorrow night!" He yelled over his shoulder.
"Yeah yeah! See ya later boss!" Stan yelled back.
"So what did you think about the guys?" He asked after a few minutes of comfortable silence.
"They seem really nice, and probably funny from what I can tell."
"Yeah" He nodded his head,smiling.
"Where to now?" I asked.
"If I told you, I would have to kill you." He smirked.
"I can deal with that, considering that what we've done so far has almost killed me twice."
"No need, we're here." He stopped walking and I followed.
"Seriously? You are just full of surprises Lieutenant Moon." I laughed as I looked at the scene in front of me. "The carnival? When did this even get into town?"
"Last night" He said proudly. "Come on!"
I quickly rushed to catch up with him as he began to head towards the rides and games.
"Well, I have to hand it to you. I didn't think you could do it" I said as we walked down the sidewalk a few hours later.
"Oh come on it was a piece of cake." He boasted.
I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Austin, you spent $20 on a game that was rigged anyway before just buying the damn thing off the guy for 10 bucks"
"Yeah, but if anyone asks I won it first try" He shot back.
"Maybe second try will be more believable." I suggested.
His face pouted before returning back to normal. "Fine"
"Thank you Austin" I blurted out.
"Really it wasn't a big deal, more a pride thing" He shrugged.
"No I mean thank you for today" I said. "It was amazing. First the amazing view and then the fun and laughs at the carnival. It had to be the most fun I've had in a really long time."
"Your more than welcome but...it's not over just yet" He said, shoving his hands in his pockets.
He was nervous.
"Oh, sorry" I apologized.
"Please stop apologizing, it's totally fine there's no need to apologize...ever." He looked down at me before looking back ahead of him.
We walked in silence for a few moments before he slowed to a stop in front of a brick building that looked like it probably held apartments.
"Where are we?" I asked, looking up at him.
"Well, I'm home." He stated, opening the wrought iron gate and starting up the steps to the large red door. "You coming?" He turned around after I didn't follow.
I snapped out of my thoughts and started to walk behind him. We walked up the large staircase and I stayed silent as we continued to rise with each flight. I was fully aware that I was potentially going into a sticky situation, entering a almost strangers house. It was like a horror story gone right. But Austin wasn't some stranger, I was oddly comfortable with him. Even though I had only known him for a week he was one of the closest friends I've ever had. I felt like I could trust him completely and he trusted me from what I could tell.
"Ally?" Austin said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I lifted my head to see a door labeled 'roof access' and a very confused Austin. "Sorry" I said, immediately regretting it. "I mean-"
"It's fine. Are you ok?" He asked, taking a step down and placing a hand on my bicep.
"Yeah" I nodded. "I was just thinking."
"Oh ok" He said, dropping the subject thankfully. "Come on."
He didn't let go of my arm, but used the contact to guide me out the door and onto the roof. As I look around I see a blanket and basket along with some pillows and other little dining necessities. We walked over and sat down, slipping off our shoes.
"Wine or beer?" Austin asked, reaching into the cooler next to him.
"Beer" I answered quickly, I hated wine.
"My kind of girl" He laughed, handing me a beer.
I felt my cheeks glow as his eyes looked into mine. "Got any food in there?" I distracted myself from the feeling he was giving me.
"Of course! Lets see...we've got some finger sandwiches, grapes, chocolate covered strawberries, and last but certainly not least a blueberry muffin?" He said, more like a question. "I guess this is what you get when you ask a bunch of male, shift workers to pack a picnic." He chuckled, laying everything out.
So this was another part of the 'favor' they were talking about.
"Well I love blueberry muffins" I said, breaking off a piece of the muffin and popping it into my mouth.
"Oh good, so I don't have to kill them after all."
"Wow" I said breathlessly, the sunset taking all other possible words from my mouth.
"I know right, it's breathtaking. I always come up here when I need to think or clear my head or just relax. No one knows about it, it's like my little place." He smiled as he took a grape and popped it into his mouth.
"Wait so I'm the first girl you've taken here?" I asked, turning to him in disbelief.
"You're the first person I've brought up here." He laughed again, I was starting to love that sound.
"Oh, I thought for sure you would have used this to get lucky once or twice"
"What?" He asked, now the one in disbelief.
"Well, a rooftop picnic with sunset included is a real panty dropper" I shrugged.
He laughed out loud again, "That did not just come out of your precious little mouth" He exclaimed and I shrugged. "So is it working?"
"What?" I deadpanned.
"It's just a joke Als, don't worry." He said, effortlessly.
"Als?" I asked, I hated when people called me that, but when it slid off his lips it seemed so much more appealing.
"Yeah, do you not like it? I don't have to call you that."
"No, no. I love it, actually" I said, smiling up at him.
He simply smiled back, starting to unwrap the sandwiches. He sparked up some decent small talk, conversing about the more light stuff that wasn't covered in our morning dates. Well, I couldn't even call them dates because we were just friends and part of me really wished we weren't. I would never admit that though. It all happened so fast, it still was. It had only been a week for pete's sake. I had never taken a liking to someone so fast or so deeply. Only once had I ever felt anything close to this and that was with my high school romance, which was story for another time. I wished my mom was here to help me figure all this out. I was confused and without her to clear things up, I was just left...lost and alone.
"Ally?"
"Mhmm?" I asked, keeping my eyes trained on the now star filled sky.
"What're you thinking about?"
"Hmm?" I said, finally turning my full attention to him.
"You okay?" He asked, fully concerned now.
"Oh, yeah" I said quietly.
"You wanna talk about it?" He asked, leaning closer to me, placing his support arm behind me.
My body instantly reacted to the new source of heat and the uncontrollable butterflies that flooded my stomach.
"It's fine, just stupid girl stuff." I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink.
"Nothing you have to say is stupid." He said, softly.
"Sorry" I apologized and his face instantly scrunched. "I'll try to stop that" I smiled sheepishly.
"It's fine, I just don't see what your apologizing for all the time...so, are you gonna share your mind with me or do I have to pay a penny?"
"I was just thinking" I said, turning back to the sky.
"Okay, a dollar?" He joked.
I smiled at him apologetically before looking back at the stars. "My mom, she used to help me sort everything out when I was feeling confused and my mind was cluttered. I just feel like I could use my mom's intuition right now."
"Can I help?" He asked, looking to me...waiting for me to look at him.
But I didn't. I just laughed a short laugh and shook my head. "No, you can't. No one can, it's just something that only she could understand."
"I'm sorry that I can't make it better for you" He said, still burning a hole into the side of my head.
I feared that looking at him would cause me to lose my cool all together and melt at the simple sight of his concerned brown eyes.
"Yeah, you have no idea." I said under my breath.
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Sorry I tarnished the mood" I frowned.
"I'm sorry that you don't understand that if you keep that pout on your face any longer I'm gonna have to kiss it off, ya know since I did plan this amazing dinner and should get something in return." He laughed, clearly joking.
I felt my heart stop when he said the word kiss and my face in the same sentence. I knew he was joking but completely wished he wasn't with my entire being. I wanted nothing more than to have his lips on mine, even though I knew very well it wasn't going to happen. Not today and most likely not ever. But somewhere in my heart I found courage and with that I did something that surprised us both.
I leaned up slowly and placed a simple, small kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, this day was amazing and even though this was definitely a panty drop worthy dinner I must bid you adieu, I have to be up early tomorrow morning and it's getting late."
"Wait what?" He said, flustered.
"We have work. It's Monday."
"At least let me walk you home."
"I can't let you do that, you're already home. It would be backwards, plus you hijacked my walk home last night and I could just use the alone time to clear my mind. Thank you though, you are the spitting image of the perfect gentleman." I laughed as he cracked a small smile.
"You're killing me, but I will let you go...as long as you text me when you get home safely." He said sternly.
"Will do."
"I'll be waiting."
"I know you will." I said getting up and walking away with Austin behind me cleaning up. "Night Austin" I called back as I made it to the door.
"Good night Als. See you tomorrow?" He asked, looking at me with puppy dog eyes.
"See you tomorrow."
My walk home was filled with many tangled thoughts and tears. It was very needed and even though nothing really changed after I felt a lot better. Tomorrow was the 3rd of December...one of the few days I dread each year. I knew very well I most likely would have to rush to the coffee house after my morning 'appointment'. I could make it work though, and after that I would definitely need some Austin Moon in my life.
When I got home all I wanted was to sleep, and that's what I did. I slipped into comfy clothes and fell into my bed, falling asleep with tears flowing down my face. I felt like a little kid again, all I wanted was my mom. I just wanted my mommy.
I looked down solemnly at the grave below me. I hadn't been here in over a year, it was too hard. I felt the tears start to run down my cheeks as I sat on the crunchy, frozen grass that was still wet from morning dew. I ran my cold, raw fingers over the engraved lettering. 'A devoted mother, loving wife, and caring friend. As she always said "The greatest gift in life is love."' I tore my eyes away and fell against the grave as tears began to fall down my face at a record breaking rate.
"I miss you mom, I miss you so much. Please come back to me. Please I need you. I can't do this, I tried and I can't. I just I need you. I need my mom." I cried helplessly to the heavens hoping for a miracle that never came, no matter how hard I tried.
I couldn't imagine life without her before and now I had to live without my mom...and my dad. When a family loses a parent it's a tragedy, but when you also lose the other in the process it's devastating. It was even worse that he was still on this earth, alive, and yet I felt like when I lost my mom, I lost my dad too. I was alone.
I was all alone.
I would just like to take a minute to thank all my reviewers and followers and favoriters!
Thank you..
Mysterygirl122
Ross lynch R5 fan
SalwayR5
and all the Guest reviewers! Thank you!
XOXOX!