ALLYS P.O.V

Thursday. Almost Friday. Thank God. I walked through the Marino High hallways with my heavy backpack and my Chemistry books in hand.

It's getting towards the end of Sophomore year, and I have to get my grades up as much as possible. It doesn't matter if I already have straight A's. If I want to get into a good college, those A's all better be pluses.

Junior year and Senior year are right around the corner. Every time I think about it I feel faint.

I feel a light tap on my shoulder and I turn around to come face to face with Austin. Well, face to chest. I'm too short to be in level with his face.

"Are you ready for rehearsal?" He asks with a smile. Rehearsal is after school today and school had just ended. I return it and nod my head.

"Yeah. I can't believe it's tomorrow already!" I nervously exclaimed.

We worked for a week on the play. It isn't very long or hard to memorize, and we had plenty of practice in these few days.

He chuckles and puts his large hand on my shoulder, "you'll be great Alls! I know you're going to kill it."

I slightly blush at his compliment and grin rests on my face.

I outstretched my hand towards him, waiting for him to put his in mine.

"Let's do this," I smiled at him.

He sent me a full teeth smile and grabbed my outstretched hand. He gave it a light squeeze.

"Let's go," was all he said, and led me towards the theatre.

When we opened the door, everyone was there already. They all turned when they heard the door open.

"Awww I knew you two would be great together!," Dez, our director, cooed while putting a hand on his heart and grinning.

Austin and I looked at each other, then at our hands that were still clasped together. We quickly let go and I could see his cheeks get pink from the corner of my eye.

If he was pink, I must look like a tomato right now.

"Well uh... Let's get started?" Austin questioned.

Everyone snapped out of their attention towards us and got back to whatever work they were doing.

"All right people! Since the play is tomorrow, lets start preparing the stage. Once we're at least hallways done, we'll rehearse, then we'll finish up tomorrow. Sound good?" Dez asked.

A few nods and murmurs of agreement were heard and seen around the room.

We all worked together to put the stage together and let me just say, it looked fantastic. There were dark purple and blue banners hanging around the stage with gold linings.

The stage had a light blue flooring and a chandelier hanging above our heads. There were chairs and tables with fancy decorations to mimic the ball. It was all just perfect.

"Alright. Let's get started guys!" Dez yelled out.

Austin and I took our place, which was the final scene. We had rehearsed the beginning scenes countless times and Dez says we're ready.

He knelt down in front of me and slowly put on the glass slipper for dramatic effect. He cautioned my gaze and gradually stood up.

"It's you," he whispered, and I slightly nodded. He grabbed my face in his hands and caressed my cheek with his thumb.

I felt my face go hot with the affectionate contact. He slowly starts to lean in. By now, I have no control whatsoever of my heartbeat.

"CUT!" Dez yells. We jump apart and awkwardly nod at each other.

"That was great guys! Do the exact same thing tomorrow. Alright, you guys are excused. Remember the play starts at 6!" Dez announced.

Everyone gathered their stuff and left the room. Austin and I were the last two leaving.

As we walked out of the school, I noticed there was only one car in the student parking lot. It was a nice shiny black truck.

I shrugged and continued to walk in the direction towards my house. I took about five steps before I heard rapid footsteps approaching me.

"Hey Ally!"

I turned around and yelped. If Austin had taken another step, he would've barreled into me. He skidded to a halt right in front of me and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Austin!" I scolded. He smiled sheepishly in response.

"Hehe, sorry Ally. Um... I just wanted to know if you wanted a ride home?"

It was getting pretty cold and I had no sweater. Plus, my house was a good 15 minute walk from here.

"Sure. Thanks Aus," I said with a thankful smile.

"No problem Alls. Come on," he motioned me towards the one car in the student parking lot.

How the hell did he afford something like this? I can't even afford a bike!

I awkwardly opened the front door and slipped inside. The seats were a smooth black leather material and there was not one dirty spot in it.

So he's one of those guys. He got in the drivers seat and started it up.

"You have a nice car," I commented. He smiled at my compliment.

"Thanks. I got it for my birthday." Huh. My dad gave me $10 and five guitar picks that we sell at the store for my birthday. Well, it's the thought that counts.

Austin turned on the radio at a red light and searched for a good station. He stopped on the famous 102.7 and we both smiled that the song that was playing.

"So you can keep me

Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans

Holding me closer til our eyes meet

You won't ever be alone,wait for me to come home."

Austin and I sang simultaneously and stared at each other in the end.

My god. I think I've fallen for Austin Moon. Everything about him is just so amazing. I forgot all about what he did before. It's just him and I in this moment.

His eyes flickered to my lips, then to my eyes again. I understood what he was trying to say. I did the same gesture and we both started leaning in.

I felt his lips barely brush mine until -

HONK

We jumped apart and Austin pressed on the gas hard. We were both beet red and cue the awkwardness once again.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, he finally pulled up in front of my house.

I quickly gathered my things and opened the door.

But of course, I felt his hand curl around my arm.

"Wait, Ally..." I turned around and he avoided my gaze, thinking of what to say. He finally looked at me and simply said,

"So I'll uh- I'll see you tomorrow?"

I nodded my head, "tomorrow." He gulped thickly and nodded again, letting go of my arm. I jumped out of his truck and grabbed my things. I gently closed the door and gave him an awkward wave.

He waved back and I watched him drive away.

Wow. What an eventful day. And I have no idea if I liked it or not.

If he was about to kiss me, then that means he likes me too, right? But shouldn't he still hate me? One school play shouldn't change his feeling or mine so quickly.

Maybe I'm overthinking this. I'll just talk to him after the play tomorrow. That's the perfect time.

Hopefully everything goes smooth in the play, and hopefully things go smooth after.