Chapter 23

She pulled her thick winter coat on the block the harsh weather and ran. Tears ran down her face because she knew that rain fell when the clouds couldn't hold the weight. Now her tears are falling because she couldn't handle the pain anymore. She sighed and continued to run despite the cold winds that cut her face. She had no bearings of her locations, but she didn't care. If she died due to the cold weather, she wouldn't care. All that pain would be erased. Gone. No more. Adios.

"Ally?"

"What?" she croaked out not caring to take a look at the owner of the voice.

"Ally," he or she repeats. Either their voice was muffled or her ears weren't working properly at the moment. "Are you okay?"

She shook her head truthfully. No, she wasn't okay. Her world was crumbling to pieces. Once it already had ten years ago and she had ran away from it. Now, ten years later, history was repeating itself. Why does life have to work like this? She considered running away again, but what good would it do, if events were to repeat? There's no escaping it. You just have to fight through it.

Her head slowly turned to the owner of the voice. "What do you want?" she asked weakly through her tears. "Who are you?" Her vision was still obstructed by tears and she didn't have the bother to wipe them away.

The person squatted down next to her and kneeled down into the snow. "Don't you know me, Ally? After all, you've been at my place in Miami several maybe a hundred times."

Ally wiped the tears away and focused her vision. But it was dark and there wasn't much light since it was waning crescent. "Trish?"

"No, I'm not Trish," the voice said.

But this voice, was one where it was a bit hard to place. She hadn't heard it in a while, but she was sure she knew that voice. Dez? Maybe, but she'd been to his place only a few times since they've become friends. "Austin?" she guessed.

The person shook their head. Now Ally could trace the long busy strands of hair. If it wasn't Trish, then who? But it must be female. It wasn't her aunt because there'd be no way she was out this time of night looking for her, plus she lived here in Vermont, not in Miami. It's not her mom. Then... Mimi?

"But your last guess was close," she said. "Austin is my brother."

Austin has a sister? Of course he does! But who? Ally had met her before, but she couldn't place the name. Austin's sister... Austin's sister... Cassidy! That's who!

"Hey Cassidy," Ally said. "What are you doing here? Not to be rude, but I kinda want to be alone right now."

"That's why I'm here!" she chirped happily. But her tone softened. "I know you're going through something tough, but you need people by you. You need company."

Ally smiled. "Thanks, Cass. You're a great friend. I don't know what I would do without you."

Cassidy shrugged. "You're great too!" She set a moment to wipe snow off of her knees, but quickly returned her attention to Ally, since snow on her jeans isn't a big problem at the moment. "Plus, you're great friends with my brother! We're practically sisters!"

Ally chuckled slightly, but quieted down once her thoughts diverged to Austin. She was quiet for a moment before answering. "Yeah."

Cassidy pursed her lips. "Are you okay Ally?"

She shook her head. "No." Tears welled up in her eyes as she buried her head into her hands. "I hate my life."

Cassidy scooted over and moved next to her. She wrapped a comforting arm around Ally's shoulders. As Ally let out all the pain she withheld through tears, Cassidy comforted her. It was no use to bottle a person's feelings because it'd be nothing but trouble once that person couldn't hold it anymore. Better to let it all out now before its a handful later on.

"Life is precious," Cassidy soothed. "I know you're hurt, but everything happens for a reason. To experience and learn from it or change you somehow. Don't worry Ally, we'll be there for you."

Suddenly loud footfalls approached them in a swift manner. "Cassidy!" a male voice called. "Did you find her?" Suddenly a figure clad in a heavy winter coat, jeans, tall brown hiking boots, and a beanie rounded the corner to find them. He careened his head left to right scanning the landscape. "Cass!" he shouted, seeing her... and her companion. "Ally."

Ally sniffled one last time and looked up to find... "Austin."

He slowly approached them and waved hesitantly. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

She shrugged in response. "Okay, I guess."

Austin nodded and put his hands in his back pockets looking toward his sister. She really got down in the wet snow for Ally? Wow, a change of character. "Cass, could you excuse us for a minute?"

Cassidy nodded. "Sure, I needed to text Dez, Elliot, and Trish anyway." She stood up, brushed the snow from her jeans and walked a distance away from the two.

"Need help?" he asked as he bent down to offer his hand to Ally who was sprawled out on the snow.

She took his offer and stood up. "Thanks," she mumbled and stared up at the sky, not knowing where else to look.

"I know this is hard to process, but I'm here for you Ally," Austin began. "I know th-" But Ally held up her hand to stop him.

"Thanks for the sympathy, but I'd rather not talk about it. Please."

Austin nodded in assent. "Okay. I'll walk you home?"

"No thanks." Ally shook her head. "I can manage. Thanks though."

"We live close by, I can or Cass and I ca-"

"No thanks," Ally hastily cut in. "But tell Elliot, if you seem him, not to come and see me." She'd love the company from either Austin and/or Cassidy but it'd be better as of now to keep Austin and especially Elliot at a distance. She really didn't have much hard feelings for Austin, but he was part of it all. He just reminded her of her brother. And it just... it just pained her.

"Morning Trish," Brady greeted as he strolled in the front door.

She smiled and waved. "Hey. Good morning to you, too." Then she turned her attention back to the coffee-maker. "How does this thing work?!" she muttered to herself. "It's so complicated."

"It's a Keurig. Open the top and pop in which flavor you want," Ally instructed as she walked from her bedroom still in her yoga shorts and V-neck.

"Oh. Ohhhh." Trish sheepishly smiled and asked, "How about you? Anything you want? I can make it for you."

"No thanks." Ally shook her head and stared at her best friend as she sat on a bar stool standing next to the island. "Trish?"

"Um, yeah?"

"Are you okay?"

Trish furrowed her eyebrows and looked at Ally. "What'd you mean?"

"Are you okay?" Ally repeated. "As in... It's 8 AM and you're, you're awake! I'd believe you would sleep in until ten!"

"I was thinking the same thing!" Brady hooted. "Plus she's in a good mood! Are you sure you're Trish?" He casts a suspicious, teasing look at his cousin.

Trish scoffed. "People change, guys. No duh."

"And what?" he retorted. "Did it take you about 25 years?"

"Ha, ha," Trish deadpanned, clearly not amused. She poured herself some strong black coffee and sat adjacent to Brady as Ally joined them.

"So what's today's objective?" Ally asked.

"Okay, everything's been set," Brady stated. "The obituary, everything. Plus I've penned in and checked for the cremation service and for the ashes spread."

Trish nodded. "Okay, so for a couple days or so, people can pay their respects to Aunt May. Then a private ceremony consisting of family, friends and close acquaintances to be held, a cremation, then the family to spread the ashes. Then put the rest of the ashes one of those flagstone things at the chapel at the cemetery."

"Um, yeah," Brady said. "So for the ceremony...?"

"Of course, a vigil," Ally cut in. "Speeches in like a memoriam of her life. Then maybe something else..."

"So like a video?" Trish suggested.

Brady snapped his fingers. "Yeah! That'd be great. But we only have a few days time. We need to like dig up her whole history, videos and photos include, with choice of music."

"Oh yeah..." Trish thought for a minute. "It's a great idea, but... ugh! Too little time..."

"Wait. SO its to be held on the 20th and today is the 16th... so we do have some time..." Ally trailed on.

"Okay. Here are the dates," Brady started. "So on Monday, the 18th to Tuesday the 19th is for people to pay respects. Wednesday is the private ceremony."

"So we can gather pictures and begin creation as of now. Got it?" Trish asked.

Both Brady and Ally nodded.

...

Ally let her sad playlist swarm her as she shifted things in her bookshelf looking for pictures of her and May. She accidentally knocked a necklace box to the ground and found that it was filled with pictures. She gingerly picked one up and flipped it over.

The picture and its memory brought tears to her eyes. It was a small group of toddlers from two to five gathered around herself and May. It was a frozen capture of time but they all had smiles, laughter and toothy-grins plastered all over their faces.

She remembered how fun Story-Hour was back then. By no, those toddlers must be teens. Ally still loved reading to little kids, but without May, it was different. There was no fun charisma and enthusiasm anymore.

But she remembered when she first had met May and had gotten the library gig. Meeting May was probably one of the best things that had happened in her life. 'The best things that come to us is free,' May always had quoted.

-Flashback-

It was a blistering summer day. Ally had just escaped her nightmare in Miami and now was strolling the streets of Manchester, Vermont. She was much cheerier than she had been a few months back and she was truly happen because that hole in her heart was starting to mend itself. Her aunt had helped her in many ways, but she wanted to prove herself to her family. She wanted to prove that she could make it somewhere in this world standing on her own.

A few more streets gone, Ally was now walking in front of the library. Not wanting to miss the chance for a good read, she let herself in the air-conditioned building being met with the smell of books, new and old. This aroma comforted and calmed her since she practically grew up with her nose in a book.

Without a heartbeat, she crossed the threshold and headed for the Romance-Fiction section. She picked up a few books that picked her interest before she got to the Sparks, Nicholas section. One book partially caught her eye. That one book in particular... The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, brought back a few painful memories.

She set the books that she already had thought of borrowing into an empty section in the bookshelf next to her and pulled the brand new book out of its position on the shelf. She fingered the spine of the book and let it fall open on her hands. She flipped past the title page, publication, content, to the first page.

"Chapter One: Miracles

"WHO AM I? And how, I wonder, will this story end?" she read. She had always loved the name of the first chapter and its first line. It mean a lot. She ran her fingers over the words of the page and sunk into her thoughts.

Who am I? She had always ask that question to herself. Three months ago she knew exactly who she was. She was a Marino High junior who dreamt of going to MUNY. She was going to be the valedictorian and the daddy's girl who always had her father' back. She was part of the foursome who always had each other. All while staying next to Austin's side. Now... she had no idea who she was. She wasn't a Marino High student, and long ago gave up on MUNY and music. Valedictorian? As if. Her father? He gave up on her, so it seemed fitting she give up on him. And her best friends. She had to cut ties with them because... because... of him!

Austin...

They were so sure. Of their plans for their future. The college they'd both attend, all while climbing the musical leaderboards. How they'd get married one day. Her dress, the chapel, the cake. Everything. How many kids they planned to have. Sure, they were only juniors, but they believed in themselves that much. Or so she had thought! He betrayed her!

The memoires came flashing back as Ally leaned against the steel bookshelves. She sunk to the ground, cradling the book. Tears streamed down her face as she let out some of the pain. But it only came harder, faster, and more painful. She clutched her heart in hopes to calm herself down. In and out. In and out. Deep breathes, she took. Strangled gasps escaped from her as she fell to the ground.

May was beautifying the books on the shelves behind her when she heard someone crying. She placed the last book back in its place and cautiously walked around to see a teenage girl on the ground, looking like a mess, with a book in her hands and tears in her eyes. Her heart saddened at the sight of her and slowly walked up to her. She crouched to the ground and held on the girl in comfort.

She looked at the book and sadly smiled. "The book's supposed to touch your heart, not make you cry full on."

Ally shook her head and held on tighter. She let out a few more choked sobs before speaking. "I-I never finished t-the book."

May nodded. "Hm. Why is that?"

Because Austin and I never had the chance, her heart answered for her. "N-never had the c-chance."

For the next minute more Ally cried her heart out, but she composed herself and wiped the tears away. She always found herself crying since the break-up, but it was just part of the process of tearing someone from your heart. But it was hard especially when they had come so deep. She looked at the elderly lady who had come in aid of her. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "You must be busy. I think I'll... just go now."

"No, no. It's okay. The library's pretty slow today. I have all the time in the world. Oh, yeah, where are my manners?" she asked herself. "I'm May Leandro. Town librarian and your savior."

Ally weakly chuckled. "Thanks. I'm Ally. Dawson." she added.

"Hey! Aren't you Naughty's niece?"

Ally looked at her curiously. "Who's Naughty?"

"Nancy. Your aunt, right?"

Ally nodded in response. "Yeah. But how do you know her? And why do you refer to her as 'Naughty'? She is one of the most strictest people I know. I've never known her to be a rule-breaker."

May chuckled. "Well, girlie. I know this town inside and out. And your aunt. But some people are not who they once were. She was Naughty Nancy because back then... whoo! She was quite feisty and may I dare say it, kinky."

Ally laughed at the thought of that. Austin had completely been driven from her thoughts and she was glad to be distracted. "She... she really was?"

"Yeeaah!" May exclaimed. "If you don't believe me, ask her yourself!"

Ally shook her head. "NO thanks!" She knew that'd only lead to more trouble. And technically, she wasn't legally an adult yet, so she had to behave or get kicked out from her aunt's place. Plus her aunt had sacrificed so much for her; she didn't want to cause trouble.

"You seem like a good girl, far from your aunt," May said which caused Ally to laugh. "How about you like to work here? As of now you can volunteer but in the end, if you need a job, just ask! Plus, you seem like you know some good books."

Ally smiled. She was finally finding a place that accepted her. "Thanks. I'd love to. Plus I get to hear more stories of Auntie Nancy."

Both threw their heads back in laughter.

-End of Flashback-

And everything worked itself out from there. May had taken the first steps to welcoming her and eventually the whole town followed heed. And Ally was gratefully thankful to her in the many ways possible. She was her first actual friend when she moved and she would forever keep that in her heart. She had gotten the ball rolling once again in Ally's new life.

She would be eternally grateful to May Leandro.

Dallas hummed a new Christmas song that he had fallen in love with last night. He was in a pretty good, no not good, superb mood. All thanks to last night. He pulled out his keys to Lighthouse Café, which his boss had entrusted him with. He flipped the switch and suddenly the whole place was illuminated fighting against the dark of the early morning. Every morning, this moment, right here where everything was still, amazed him.

He walked over to the main counter and started up everything. Dallas noticed that he was short of a few ingredients and went to the storage to refresh his stores. He pulled out several new cakes and pies and cut them very neatly to present in the open freezer during the day. He arranged the setting of the tables and chairs so it was neat once again and put in a new Christmas playlist. Humming along, he took a cloth and started to wipe the tables and surfaces.

All while Ally was on his mind.

Dallas had such a great time with Ally. All his years of fantasizing their first day, well, those days were over. Their first date was not quite how he imagined it, but it was close, very close.

Ally was such a great person. The person who held her heart must be very lucky. And he did consider himself lucky. But then he remembered the conditions for their date. That she would decided if she wanted to be with him after. He hoped so because she meant nearly everything to him. He knew that sounded cheesy and dramatic, but he believed it to be true.

Then he remembered when she had come into the café many numerous times clinging onto one's arm. Austin's arm. Not his. She was so happy. Her beautiful face brightening every time she saw his face every time he has walked through the doors of Lighthouse Book Café to meet her. Everyday he had heard her merry laughter to his jokes. Not Dallas. Austin.

It seemed that Ally had always been happier when she was with Austin. Was that necessarily true? She rarely smiled whenever he saw her, but with Austin, she had a grin 24/7. Even though she still has peppy Ally, she had lost some of her brightness. But with Austin... she had always shone brightly.

Dallas could tell Ally definitely was herself whenever she was with Austin, and even though she was supposed to be dating him, even he could tell that she was a bit distant. She really wasn't herself, he could just tell.

And he had a gutting feeling that Ally would, decline his request to be with him.

He could tell, Ally's heart had really belonged to Austin. And he was jealous. Ally would never be his. But he was determined to make her his.

But still... what was right? For Ally to be happy? Or him to be happy?

A/N: Hey. its Friday! and a three day weekend! yes! so hey, guys! thanks for the reviews and the support. thank you so much! to my avid readers, thank you! so wanna leave a review down below?

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