...
"Ally?" I said nothing, only continued to stare at the small stick in my hands. I felt a pair of arms encage me, and I leaned back into the warm embrace. "I'm sorry, Austin." He was silent, his hold on me loosening as I pulled back and turned to look at him. "I'm sorry, I know how much you wanted this baby."
Austin shook his head, a single tear trailing down his cheek. "I'm alright, Als. I promise." His voice cracked at the end, much to his disdain, and I knew that he really wasn't. I went to wrap my arms around him in a soft hug, but Austin pulled away. "I think I'm going to go and lay down," He told me hoarsely, a startling softness to his voice.
I nodded, standing up on my tip-toes to kiss him softly. "I love you," I whispered, my eyes gazing into his. Austin pecked my lips once more, then walked away slowly. The only reason I refrained from following was that I knew he needed to be alone in that moment.
I watched television for a good hour or so before I grabbed my car keys and slipped on my jacket, deciding that I would head out to the fruit stand. I was almost out the door when I decided to grab one of Austin's snapbacks. Getting flogged by the press wasn't exactly number one on the list of things I wanted to do.
"Ally, where are you going?" I spun on my heel to see Austin, his usually slightly tousled hair a disaster, his eyes slightly irritated and dried tears clinging to his skin. "Austin," I sighed softly, dropping my purse as I pulled him into my arms, forgetting his previous question. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, my eyes closed as I basked in his warmth.
Austin pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, and I could feel his cool, salty tears mingle with my own. "Ally, it was never your fault, darling. I'm so sorry that I pushed you away. I need you." I nodded against his skin, pressing a soft kiss to his bare shoulder. "I'm always going to need you, Ally." His words sent my emotions over the edge, causing my eyes to overflow with tears. I hated that I had let him down, even unintentionally. I hated that I had caused him so much heartache and pain and I hated the first failed attempt to give him something both half mine and his, something he deserved.
Austin stroked my hair with his hands, murmuring sweet nothings, and in that moment, I knew we were going to be okay.
...