Only four people really got it right, but it's been a few days and the story's no longer on the front page, so I'm unlikely to get any more reviews (although a couple of users who almost always review didn't…)
The names were:
Chapter 1 - Chloe (the fangirl who asked Austin for an autograph)
Chapter 2 - Riley (Jake's manager. She's also mentioned in Chapter 5 but unnamed)
Chapter 3 - Cayce (the first girl Austin dated after Ally left)
Chapter 4 - Devin (the girl who is a big fan of Ally)
Chapter 5 - Timothy (the owner of "Walker Records")
Chapter 6 - Gwyneth (the waitress)
Chapter 7 - Dawson (the kid who got Trish off of Brooke)
This chapter - Will (well, you'll see his name in a second)
I actually wrote this chapter a long time before the ones that came before it. So it may not fit perfectly. But whatever. Let's get this on the road.
"Ally!" I called as I stepped into Sonic Boom. A couple of customers stared at me- thankfully, Will (who was one of my friends at school- not too close of a friend, but still) pointed upstairs at the practice room.
It's nice to know people.
I dashed upstairs to the practice room. Ally was packing a bag with some of her personal belongings that she kept up here.
"Ally..." I said quietly. She whirled around, shocked.
"Austin, what are you doing here?!"
I started to confront her, like "You were just gonna leave without telling me?" But I didn't want to ruin the moment again. I stepped closer to her. "I read your note," I whispered. She looked at the floor.
"I thought you- I thought you didn't have it," she said. "I'm sorry, I should have told you in person. You were right, the note was stupid... I was just... too afraid." I could see her starting to cry. I quickly hugged her.
"It's okay Ally, you didn't do anything wrong," I reassured her. "I've been an idiot. I got jealous of Jake and now we haven't spoken to each other without arguing in almost a year, and... it's all my fault. I've ruined one of the best things that I've ever had." Now I was starting to cry. Ally hugged me tighter. "There's no way I could make it without you," I added. Ally chuckled a little at my cheesy attempt and pulled away.
"I don't want to say goodbye," she told me.
"We don't have to," I replied, trying to give a reassuring smile but failing utterly. "Trish, Dez, and I can video call you every day. Kira, Alex, and Jenna too. It'll all work out. We can even write songs together."
"It won't be the same," she argued, sitting at the piano. I sat next to her.
"If we just beat ourselves up about the past, we won't be able to enjoy the present. It's a gift, you know." Another chuckle. I grinned. She looked at the piano and played a couple of keys. I glanced down at them.
"Never known anyone like you before
Someone who can make me smile when I've fallen down on the floor" she sang. I smiled at her and played a few chords beneath her as she continued.
"Never laughed so hard till I met you
Somehow you get me when nobody else has a clue
It's okay to be me next to you
It feels good to be one of the two, just like glue
Me and you, ooh
So glad I got a guy like you
Me and you, ooh
Always got each other's backs we do
And everything's a little bit better
When you and I stick together
Stuck on you, ooh
Me and you, ooh"
"How did you make that up right there?" I asked with a grin.
"I've been working on it for a week or two," she replied, blushing. I hugged her again.
"How do you…" she started, then looked back down at the piano, as if nervous to speak.
"How do I what?" I asked, confused.
"How do you know everything's going to be alright?" she asked and looked up at me. She didn't look sad- more confused, or even scared. Like a puppy abandoned by its owners.
"Because we have a connection. And I know that life can't break this kind of connection… it's a different kind," I said with a smile. She blushed and looked down. "Just remember, I'll always be right here."
"Thanks Austin," she smiled, satisfied.
"I better get home," I said, standing up. She stood up too.
"I'll video chat you as soon as I get to our new house," she assured me. I smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll miss you," she said quietly.
"I'll miss you more." She smiled and looked up at me. After a couple of seconds of us just staring at each other, she stood up on the tips of her toes and planted a short but meaningful kiss on my lips.
"Goodbye, I guess," she said, avoiding eye contact.
"Not goodbye. Just… see you later," I said, quoting one of the most cliché goodbyes ever.
"…See you later," she smiled. With one last (slightly longer, not that you should care that much) kiss, I left Sonic Boom and started pedaling home.
The end. (Kinda.)
Sad ending for once! Well not like, sad (sob sob sob) sad, but not happy in any way shape or form either. I'm sure you guys expected Ally to realize she loves Austin too much and can't leave. Well, I wanted to write this part more realistically (ish), and I doubt that ever happens. So. Here ya go, a realistic ending! (I hate myself)
I may make a sequel. Just so that their story doesn't end with them hundreds of miles apart. That'd be too depressing and unrealistic.