Holy crap I'M SO SORRY I MADE YOU WAIT A MONTH! A. WHOLE. STINKING. MONTH! I HATE MYSELF FOR THIS! IF YOU HATE ME TOO, I REALLY DON'T BLAME YOU! You guys have no idea how sorry I am. I really love you guys and you're so good to me and nice and you actually read my stories and all I do is treat you guys like crap and I'm sorry. I promise I update as quickly as possible, and I'm not making up excuses when I say it's hard to think of where to go with this story. Luckily, I'm about to get to a part where I don't think it'll be as hard to come up with ideas. The chapters may be a little shorter, though, but nothing under 1,000 words, I promise. So, if you guys could forgive me for being such a horrible writer to you guys, I could never thank you enough. Anyway, HOLY COW I CAN'T WAIT FOR LOUDER AND PASS ME BY IS AMAZING AND I GET TO MEET R5 IN TWO WEEKS SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Yup. Now, time for a disclaimer. I sure haven't missed those. Haha jk these are like my favorite. The prompt is Kellington from stilltothisday13. I think that's the username, anyway. Sorry if I got it wrong.
Maddie's Incredible Disclaimers: Part VII
*Kelly and Ratliff are on a date*
Ratliff: *Says some pointless joke*
Kelly: That was so dumb, I can't even make fun of it.
Ratliff: Haha, sorry, I was hanging out with the Lynches on set and Laura bombarded me with all her newest jokes.
Kelly: I see. That explains a lot. Ross really needs to quit with those jokes. *They laugh*
Ratliff: I love Laura like a sister, but her sense of humor is like a four-year-old's.
Kelly: I think we all know that she's a really smart four-year-old in a seventeen-year-old's body. *They laugh again*
*Me and Megan suddenly appear out of nowhere and slide into the booth next to them*
Me: Hey, guys!
Megan: Are you on a date?
*Kelly glares at Ratliff as if it's his fault*
*Ratliff looks at Kelly like 'It wasn't my fault!'*
Ratliff: Hey, girls...
To Be Continued
Oh, P.S. I still REALLY REALLY need prompts for my disclaimers! Thanks guys!
The Zoo
(Austin's P.O.V.)
For some reason, I feel like Ally's mad at me. This is the third time since yesterday. Why am I such an idiot? I don't even get what I did.
And that makes you even more of an idiot, Ally says.
How did you even know what I was thinking? I'm in my fortress, I say.
You're mind has been so messed up from the kiss that there are holes in your fortress and the files are flying everywhere. That one hit me in the face, she replies.
I thought you were reading. Ally rolls her eyes, but continues reading whatever book she conjured up.
I start wondering why she's so mad in the first place. So I kinda like Piper. Why does she care? She doesn't have any feelings for me anymore. That's clear. It's probably just the stress that's making her irritable. She probably doesn't think I'll save her in time.
Oh, I know you won't save me in time, she remarks. I just hope I'll get a chance to beat you up before Sarah kills us. I decide that it's best not to respond to that.
I sit on the piano bench and play a few notes. Without realizing it, I start playing "I Think About You." I stop immediately, knowing that that song might make Ally upset. I feel her roll her eyes.
Yes, because if you even play a song that reminds me of our relationship, I'll either cry or hate you forever.
Well, you're a girl. Girls are confusing and moody. At least I was being thoughtful, I retort. She rolls her eyes again.
"Austin, my shift is over. We can go do something now," Trish says, barging into the practice room with Dez in tow.
"Okay, what do you guys wanna do?" I reply.
"I dunno," they say at the same time. They shoot each other glares, and then they roll their eyes and look away. Honestly, I think Ally's absence has made their arguing even worse.
"Ally, any ideas?" Trish asks.
We could go to the zoo, we could- she starts, but I interrupt her.
"Yes!" I shout. Trish and Dez give me weird looks. "Sorry. Ally just suggested going to the zoo, and I really wanna go," I apologize sheepishly.
"Ooooh the zoo!" Dez shouts, jumping up and down. "Trish, can we go?"
"Ew, no!"
"Please, please pleeeeeease?!" Dez and I beg. Trish rolls her eyes.
"Great job, Ally," she mutters. Ally ignores it.
The three of us walk to the parking lot. We've decided to take my car because it's the only one that actually looks cool. I have a bright red convertible that looks kind of old-fashioned with a modern twist.
We all hop in the car; Trish called shotgun before we even left Sonic Boom. I blast the radio and all of us, including Ally, sing our hearts out. Even though it's giving me a massive headache, I'm glad Ally's having fun.
Hey, Als? I ask as we're driving.
Yeah?
How's my fortress? I feel her go over to inspect it.
It's up again and hole-free.
Kay, great. Now I can think in private again. Thank goodness.
Yeah. It takes a lot of concentration to keep it up, huh?
Not really. Remember what Piper said? It doesn't really take much concentration once it's up. You know that, you have one. I guess after kissing Piper I was so confused and stuff that it just crumbled.
Yeah, you didn't have to mention the kiss, she says bitterly.
Ally, are you- I start to ask. I don't continue when I feel her glare. She's sending me an unspoken message- You ask, you die.
But that pretty much gives it away- she's jealous.
Finally, we pull into the zoo parking lot and I turn off the car.
"Let's go!" Dez exclaims, getting out of the car excitedly. I follow suit. Trish just groans and slams the door.
"Let's go," she repeats in a much less enthusiastic tone. We quickly buy our passes and rush into the zoo.
First, we go to the elephants, which are Trish's favorite animals. I don't see why she likes them; all they do is stand there and swing their noses.
Trunks, Ally corrects me.
Whatever.
Now that I think of it, she probably likes them because they're as lazy as her.
Actually, they're quite active. They-
I imagine up an invisible, soundproof bubble to tune her out. I really don't care about elephants.
"Guys, I'm bored. Can we go to the monkeys?" I whine.
"No," Trish says.
"Let's go to the alpacas!" Dez exclaims. Trish rolls her eyes but agrees.
"No fair! You're only agreeing with him 'cause you like him!" I complain.
"Me? Like this dimwit?" Trish asks, disgusted. "Okay, sure. And we'll get married and ride off on our unicorns to the magical kingdom of Fairylandia!" she says sarcastically.
"That's what happens when we play princes and princesses," Dez mumbles. Trish smacks him upside the head.
"Let's just go to the dumb alpacas," Trish sighs. She trudges off ahead of us.
"She totally likes you," I tell my redheaded friend.
"I know," he replies, dead serious. Maybe he isn't as dumb as we all think. We set off behind Trish.
Austin Monica Moon, how dare you! Do you know how horribly rude it is to put up a soundproof barrier? You could've just told me you didn't care! I gave this long speech and I thought you were listening! Crud.
How did you even-
I'm not an idiot. I decide to just not reply. There's no way I'm going to win this. I'll let her cool down and hopefully she'll stop being mad at me.
"Ooh, alpacas!" Dez shouts, running over to the cage. While he's looking at his favorite animals, Trish grabs me by the arm and drags me out of earshot.
"If you say anything about me liking Dez again, Sarah will be the least of your worries," she threatens.
"He already knows you like him. He's not that stupid." She gives me a look. "Okay, yes he is, but he isn't clueless when it comes to that." Trish just rolls her eyes and walks back over to look at the alpacas. I follow.
Did you know alpaca fur is the softest substance known to man? Ally says.
No I did not. That's very interesting. Ally rolls her eyes at my sarcasm, but I know she's not mad at me anymore.
"Come here, George!" Dez beckons to one of the alpacas. Surprisingly, it trots over to him. "Austin, this is George. George, Austin," he says formally. He looks at me expectantly.
"Oh, uh, hi George," I say, waving slightly. Well, that's new. I never thought I'd talk to an alpaca. But, then again, I never thought I'd kiss a supernatural being who just so happened to be the granddaughter of the psycho who stole my memories, and who kidnapped my best friend/ex-girlfriend. I guess things happen.
And I never thought I'd be in your head, Ally adds boredly. Will you, like, sneak away so we can go make fun of the monkeys?
Why didn't I think of that? I quietly walk away in the direction of the monkey exhibit. If I was mad at you, would it be cheesy for me to sing the chorus of "One Thing" by One Direction? I ask.
Yes. Very.
Well, I'm not mad, so-
Please no, she begs.
"Get out, get out, get outta my head! And fall into my arms instead! I don't, I don't, don't know what it is, but I need that one thing! And you've got that one thing!" I sing. Ally rolls her eyes.
Just then, I'm stopped by a little girl with brown hair and big doe eyes. She kind of reminds me of Ally.
"Hi!" she says cheerily. "You're a really good singer. Are you Austin Moon?" she asks. I kneel down to her eye level.
"Why, yes I am," I say.
"Really?" she asks. "I always wanted to meet you! Well, actually I've only wanted to meet you since I knew who you were, which was when I was tree," she says. I assume by 'tree' she meant 'three.'
"Oh, really? How old are you now?" I ask the girl.
"Four!" She holds up three fingers to prove her point.
"Wow, you're a big girl!" I say approvingly. "What's your name?"
"Alyssa," she says.
"Oh, do people call you Ally?" I ask. She nods. "That's cool! You know, my songwriter's name is Ally. You look a lot like her."
"Really?" I nod. "Can I ask you something, Austin?" she says.
"'Course," I say.
"Is Ally your girlfriend?" I swallow hard.
"No, she's not. She used to be, but not anymore."
"What happened?" Alyssa asks with wide eyes.
"We got in a fight," I reply simply.
"So? My big sister says that you wrote a whole song in one night! Can't you and Ally get over a fight?" I shrug. "Well, I think you can. Miley, she's my sister, says that she ships Aus-a-lly," she says, sounding out each syllable.
"Auslly, huh? Is that like our ship name?" Alyssa nods.
"My sister dies a lot. Well, she says she's dying a lot. It's kinda scary," she says. I chuckle.
"Well, I'm pretty sure she's not actually dying when she says that," I assure her. Suddenly, a girl who looks a lot like a teenage version of Alyssa runs up with who must be her mother.
"Alyssa Ashley Martin! Don't you ever run away from me again!" the mother scolds, picking up her daughter. She gives me a dirty look. "And don't talk to strange men!" she whispers.
"Mom, he's not a stranger, he's Austin Moon!" Alyssa exclaims.
"Omg, she's right!" Alyssa's sister, Miley, I think, squeals. She gives me a tight hug and I have trouble breathing.
"Oh, is he that new singer you're obsessed with?" their mother asks. Miley and Alyssa nod. "The one who's on every poster covering your room?" Miley blushes but nods. "The one who's posters you're always kissing and who you're always daydreaming about and who you're always-"
"Yes, Mother!" Miley exclaims, annoyed. I chuckle.
This is oddly entertaining, Ally says.
Why?
I dunno. I'm really bored. Everything's entertaining. Oh, look at that bug. That's entertaining.
"I told him how you're always dying," Alyssa pipes up. Miley blushes even redder than before. "And about Aus-a-lly."
"Oh!" Miley's face goes back to normal. "Speaking of Auslly, okay, so I know you two like each other, and I want to tell you, as a loving fan, that you two need to date! Like, this is life or death! And don't deny that you like her, because the entire fandom knows you do. Ask anyone. Anyways, you guys are so cute together and you stinking sang her a love song she wrote about you! When are you gonna man up and ask her out?"
How does no one know we dated? I shrug.
"We already dated. It didn't work out, so we're back to being best friends and partners." Miley's face falls.
"Speaking of Ally, where is she? She's my role model and I really wanna meet her! She's with you, right?"
Aww, Ally says.
"Uh, she's not here right now. She's working on my new song," I lie.
"Oh. Well, tell her I said hi!"
"Me too!" Alyssa pipes up.
"Okay, girls, I think you've bothered him enough," the girls' mother says.
"It's fine," I say.
"Wait! Before we go, I need an autograph!" Miley exclaims. Alyssa nods in agreement. Luckily, their mom had a sharpie, so I sign Miley's phone case and Alyssa's shirt (after getting the okay from her mom, of course). We take a few pictures and the girls give me one last hug.
As they're leaving, Alyssa runs back to me. I kneel down.
"Try to make up with Ally, okay?" she says.
"We already did make up," I say, slightly confused.
"No, I mean be her boyfriend again!" she sighs, slightly frustrated. I nod. "Promise?"
"Promise." Alyssa hugs me again and runs back to her mom. I feel bad for making a promise I can't keep, but Alyssa's four and she reminds me of Ally. And I can't say no to Ally, especially when it's a miniature, even more adorable version of her.
I continue walking to the monkeys, thinking about what Miley said about my entire fanbase wanting Ally and me together. Are we really that cute of a couple? Or, were, I guess…
Duh, I hear Ally say. How did she know what I was thinking? I was in my fortress. No you weren't, she says. Anyway, do you know nothing about couples?
I'm a guy, I remind her.
Right. Anyways, you and I were, scientifically, the perfect couple. We're complete opposites, personalities, hair, height, you get it. Couples who are complete opposites with one thing in common that ties them together are, in the fangirl world, the perfect couple.
Okay? I say, confused with this "science" Ally's talking about.
For example, Ross Lynch and Laura Marano are opposites. Actually, they're a lot like us. Music and acting are really the only things they have in common, and let me tell you, they are adorable! Even though they're not dating… Yet.
Is there a point to this?
Yeah, I'm just explaining why all your fangirls think we're the perfect couple. It's actually a science.
Of course you would know that, I tease.
I'm a nerd and I'm proud, she states. I chuckle and roll my eyes, forgetting that she gets nauseas when I do that. Ally groans, holding her stomach.
Sorry, I say. Luckily, she keeps her food down.
Finally, we arrive at the monkey exhibit.
"We're here!" I exclaim, running up to the low fence that separates us from the monkeys. I get a bunch of weird looks, but I don't care.
I stare at the monkeys and smile. I don't know why, but I think they're hilarious. And adorable. They're so furry and stupid…
I laugh as one monkey scratches his butt and then eats a banana with the same hand. "These guys are awesome!" I say.
You're so immature, Ally tells me, rolling her eyes.
"It's one of my best qualities," I say, popping my collar.
You keep telling yourself that, she tells me.
"Hey, I'm supposed to be the immature one! Opposites, remember?" She smiles and rolls her eyes. I notice a middle-aged man walk up next to me.
"Hello," he greets me.
"Uh, hey," I say. Even though I'm seventeen, I'm still a little worried about the whole 'stranger danger' thing.
"Were you talking to someone?" he asks. Crud. I forgot we're in public, so I spoke to Ally out loud instead of with my head. He probably thinks I'm crazy. For some reason, though, I nod. "Who?" he asks.
"My, uh, friend." There's no turning back now.
"I see. And what is this friend's name?"
"Um, Ally," I reply uncertainly.
Austin, what have I told you? Don't talk to strangers! Especially if they're forty year old guys! Ally scolds me.
Too late now, Mother.
"Is Ally, by any chance, here with you?" the man asks.
"Uh, sorta," I say.
"And you can see her?"
"No, but I hear her, and she hears me. She actually just yelled at me for talking to a stranger, so I should really go…" I turn around to start walking away, but the man grabs my shoulder. I let out a scream that I'm really not proud of.
"Here's my card," the man says. He gives me a business card and walks away. I look down and read the business card.
Dean Rivers: Teen Psychologist
(514)-823-7461
5826 East Turquoise Drive
Miami, Florida 98265
Ally starts cracking up.
It's not funny, I complain. Some guy thinks I'm a crazy person who needs special help.
You're right, it's not funny, she says in between laughs. It's hilarious! She continues laughing.
I thought I was the immature one. Ally laughs even harder. I just keep looking at the monkeys. But, they're not that funny anymore.
Anywhere you wanna go? I ask Ally once she's calmed down.
Nah, she says, let's just go back to Trish and Dez. I nod and make my way back to the alpaca exhibit.
When I get there, Trish immediately starts screaming at me for being so rude and leaving her with Dez.
"Oh, you loved it," I say, rolling my eyes at my friend. She punches me and I laugh.
"What's that?" She takes Dean Rivers' business card and reads it. Then, she starts cracking up. "Finally someone agrees that you need mental help! Why do you have this?"
"I was talking to Ally out loud by accident and he heard me," I reply as Dez walks over. He and Trish start laughing.
It's pretty hilarious, Ally says, laughing as well. I roll my eyes, but she disconnects from my senses before I do.
"Let's just go look at the other animals," I grumble. Trish and Dez laugh and follow me.
After a few hours, we decide to call it a day. The sun has set, and all the animals have gone into their shelters. We pile into the car and drive back to the mall.
When we get there, we all head back to Sonic Boom. Dez volunteers to go get us Chinese food for dinner, so Trish and I are left alone.
Ahem, Ally says.
Outside my fortress again? She nods. You know that whenever I'm with someone it implies that you're there too. I mean, you're in my head. She rolls her eyes and chuckles.
"So, you leave tomorrow," Trish says. I nod.
"To the middle of the Shadow Realm," I say, trying to hide my nervousness. "I get to be the hero."
"You better save her," she orders. I gulp.
"I will, or we're both dead. Can you believe that a year ago, I didn't even have my memories back?" I ask.
"Yeah. It's been a while," she replies.
"Not for me. This year's gone by so fast," I say, and it's the truth. It feels like only yesterday, I kissed Ally for the first time and then slipped into a coma.
"That's 'cause you were dating Ally. Time flies when you're having fun. Or when your life's going really well." I sigh.
"Well, I guess you're right. Time's been going way too slow this week. Though, I guess that's not bad, 'cause it feels like I'm just counting down the days till my painful death."
"Or counting down the days till you see Ally, and you're so excited that time is going slower."
"Probably a mixture of both. But more the fear of dying. I mean, Ally's right here." I tap the side of my head. Trish shrugs.
"Hey, do you think Dez and I will be able to come along? Maybe we can help you save her." I think about that. I could use all the help I can get.
"We'll find a way to get you guys there." Finally, Dez comes back with the food and we dig in. After a while, he slurps down his last noodle.
"'Kay, well I gotta go feed my swan so I'll see you guys tomorrow," he says, leaving the store. Trish follows him out because apparently, he drove her here. I lock up Sonic Boom and head back out to my car.
I crank the music up loud to try to block out my worries for tomorrow. Of course I'll save her! Right? We won't die! Right? Music, Austin. Focus on the music, I think to myself. I turn the volume up even louder.
-We can dance until we die- I change the radio station quickly.
I hear your heart beat to the beat of the drum/Oh what a shame that you came here with someone/So while you're here in my arms, let's make the most of the night like we're gonna die young- I change it again.
If I die young, bury me in satin- I turn off the radio altogether and pull the car over, breathing heavily.
Austin? Ally asks. I don't reply. I'm suddenly feeling very sick. I get out of the car and throw up on the side of the road. I groan and clutch my stomach. Austin! I still don't reply. I just rush into my car and speed home.
Once I get home, I have to rush to the bathroom again as more of my dinner escapes my stomach. My parents rush into the bathroom and ask me what's wrong. I shrug weakly.
"Mike, call a doctor," my mom tells my dad. He nods and goes in his office to call. "My poor baby," my mom says, hugging me. I would be embarrassed if I wasn't throwing up. Speaking of throwing up, I lean over the toilet again and make ugly sounds that I'm not proud of while my mom pats my back.
I groan as I flush the toilet.
"What happened?" my mother asks. "Did you eat something bad?"
"All I had was Chinese from Chinese Please. That place is so sanitary, even Ally wouldn't be able to find anything to clean." My mom and Ally chuckle at this.
"That's true," my mom replies. I throw up yet again and I curse myself for being such a big eater. Just then, my dad walks back in the room.
"Dr. Chase told me that we should take him straight to the hospital," he said. "And that we should go ASAP." We all pile in the car, my parents giving me a bucket just in case. Turns out, that bucket was pretty useful.
By the time we get to the hospital, all I'm doing is dry heaving. We walk inside and I'm directed to room 183. When I walk in, I realize with a shock that it's the same room I woke up in last year when I got my memories back. Ally realizes it, too.
How ironic. At least this time you're not in danger of dying. Yet, she says. I get nauseous again. I run in the bathroom and start dry heaving again. I sigh and swish some water in my mouth before going back into the room and collapsing on my bed. I call it 'mine' because it's the one I slept in last year.
My parents sit in the chairs by my bed and look around.
"This room sure brings back memories," my dad says. I nod and swallow the nervous lump in my throat. I notice that I'm breathing heavily, and I try to calm down.
"What do you think is wrong?" my mom asks. Just then, the doctor comes in.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Marshall, and- Austin Moon?"
"Nice to see you again, Doc," I smile weakly.
"At least you're conscious," he jokes. My parents chuckle, but I don't find it all that funny. Ally doesn't either.
I really hate this room, she tells me. I nod. She stayed in here a whole month last year while I was in a coma, and I almost didn't wake up. I can see how she would have bad memories of this place.
"Now, we're going to run some tests." He takes some sterilizing wipes off a tray and begins cleaning my shoulder. I hate needles, and I start getting nauseous yet again. This time, I manage to swallow it down. My breathing speeds up as he picks up the needle.
It'll be fine, Ally says. If you want, I'll stay connected to your senses so you won't be feeling it alone.
No, I tell her. Even if it's just a little needle, I'm not letting her get hurt. I'll be fine. Disconnect. She does as I say. Dr. Marshall sticks the needle in my arm and I take a deep breath, clenching my teeth. Once he gets a sufficient amount of blood, he takes it out. I make sure not to look at the blood, or else I'll get nauseous again.
A nurse comes in and takes the blood away, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I hate blood and needles.
"Okay, Austin. Now, I need you to come with me. We're going to make sure your breathing pattern is normal." I nod as we walk into a room. Dr. Marshall puts a mask over my face and I start breathing heavier. What if Sarah somehow hypnotized him and this mask is going to suffocate me? My hands start shaking, and my palms start sweating. I feel claustrophobic, as if the room is trying to squeeze me to death.
Austin, calm down, Ally says gently. I try to slow my breathing. I notice Dr. Marshall is still getting ready to conduct the test, and that calms me down a bit more.
I don't know what's gotten into me, I tell her. I got nervous so easily. I still am nervous. What do you think is wrong? Ally shrugs.
Dr. Marshall connects a tube to the mask and I start breathing heavy again.
Ally, tell me everything's gonna be okay.
Everything's gonna be okay, she tells me gently. My hands stop shaking and sweating, but my breathing is still pretty heavy. I still feel claustrophobic. It's just a test, she continues. They're doing it so they can help you. You're gonna be fine. I take a deep breath and try to calm down more.
"Okay, Austin. All I want you to do is breathe normally." I nod and do as he says. I feel myself breathing pretty heavy, and I know this test won't turn out well. Dr. Marshall grins encouragingly at me, but it's not Dr. Marshall. Suddenly, his face has morphed into Sarah's face. She's not grinning, it's more of an evil grimace. My breathing speeds up.
My hands turn into claws and I see black spots at the edge of my vision. (1)
Ally-
Austin, get a hold of yourself! Everything is fine, I promise! Please calm down! Even though she said everything's fine and I trust her completely on that, I can't make my breathing slow down.
Then, everything goes black.
I'm at the mall, talking to Ally.
"Ally?" I say suddenly. She stops her story about Trish and Dez breaking instruments and looks at me expectantly. I take a deep breath. "We shouldn't have-I mean, I want to-I still have-" I stutter. I sigh exasperatedly and take her hands, looking her in the eyes. "I miss you."
"I'm right here," she says, confused. I sigh again.
"You know what I mean." She raises her eyebrows, obviously not getting it. Since I can't seem to get the right words out of my mouth, I start leaning in, hoping she'll get the hint.
She suddenly pulls her hands away from mine. I open my eyes and see her giving me a disgusted expression.
"How dare you?"
"Huh?" I ask.
"I have a boyfriend! And even if I didn't, why would I date you? You obviously dye your hair, you're clothes are disgusting, and a dying whale can sing better than you! Not to mention, you smell like you live in a sewer, and your face is something not even a mother could love!" she screeches. For once, her rambling isn't at all cute. I don't say anything as I realize everything she said is true. Except dying my hair. I'm a natural blonde, and she knows that.
Suddenly Dallas appears, taking her hand.
"Hey, babe," she says. Whoa, Ally is not allowed to call anyone 'babe.' Not even me. She's too innocent for that.
But she leans in and kisses him straight on the lips, long and passionately. She never kissed me like that. I realize she's happier with him than she was with me.
When they finally break away after about twenty minutes (don't ask me how they went that long without breathing), they laugh at the devastated expression on my face.
"Oh, and by the way, find a new song writer, and wish for a new best friend," Ally sneers, "because only a miracle would make someone actually like you." Then, she and Dallas walk away, hand in hand, laughing.
I just stand there, unable to believe what just happened. Ally couldn't have said those things. She's Ally. And yet, I can't forget the look on her face when she was describing me. Disgust. Annoyance. Pure hatred.
And then Ally comes back, but from the opposite direction from which she left.
"How long were you there?" I ask dejectedly, not moving from my current position.
"Since she started being mean," the real Ally replies. So she didn't hear that I want to get back together. At least I won't get rejected in real life. I sigh. A bench appears and Ally pulls me down to sit on it.
"This isn't the first time I've dreamt about that. Sure, it hasn't happened since I lost my memories, but still," I confess.
"When you would say my name in your sleep," she puts the pieces together.
"Trying to make you come back," I nod.
"When you would wake up screaming,"
"The thought of you being with him is enough to make anyone scream," I say, my voice cracking.
"The time when you were sick and you didn't wake up screaming?"
"I grabbed your hand and made you stay. But that was the only time it turned out well." Now, tears are threatening to fall as I think about everything the dream Ally said. I understand why the real Ally doesn't like me anymore.
"I would never do that you know," she tells me. "I don't know why you think I would."
"Because you can!" I shout, frustrated. "You can easily just stop being friends with me and get back together with him, and your life would still be great!"
"I don't think dating Dallas would make my life great," she mutters, thinking about some things he used to say to her.
"But you can still date any guy you come into contact with, and they wouldn't reject you."
"I don't think-"
"Exactly! You don't know! But I see it. Every guy you walk past looks at you with this… Look. Like they're a cat looking at a mouse. It's sick! But it makes me realize that you could see someone you like and leave me, stop being my songwriter, stop being my friend. And it wouldn't even be hard," I babble. "You would be happier without me, and my life would suck without you."
"Happier without you? Austin, I wasn't even living until we met." I scoff.
"Why do you even bother? Everything the dream you said about me was true. Well, except the dying my hair part, but still," I mumble, staring at the ground.
"That's about as likely as every guy I've ever met being in love with me." I sigh. So she agrees.
"See? I don't even see why-"
"No one is in love with me!" she interrupts. I am, I think to myself. "Gosh, why do you even think that?"
"Because it's true."
"Even Dez?"
"Dez doesn't count. He's Dez."
"Okay, but still."
"Ally," I say. I don't even know why we're arguing about this. "Every guy you've ever met is in love with you. Every. Single. Guy." I half hope that she understands what I'm trying to say, but she's as oblivious as ever.
"Whatever," she says, rolling her eyes. She's tired of arguing, but she still doesn't believe me. "Anyway, now let's talk about things you don't see. All those things she said to you weren't true, and you know it." As much as I want to believe her, I can't help but believe dream Ally. "Let me break it down for you," she decides. "First off, I don't have a boyfriend. You especially should know that."
Okay, so, I guess she's right about that. She was dating me for nine months, and when we broke up, she got kidnapped the next day. Even though she could have easily picked up another guy in that time, I'm pretty sure she didn't. She's afraid of rejection, for some reason. Like anyone would reject her.
"Second off, you don't dye your hair. We covered that."
"You skipped something," I point out. She didn't mention whether the part about her dating me is true. Ally coughs.
"No I didn't." I give her a look, but she acts as if she doesn't know anything. I sigh and let her continue. "Third, you have better fashion sense than… Uh… The best dressed person on the planet!" she says, not being able to think of anyone.
"No, I'm a mess!" I argue. "My jeans are ripped, my shirt is always wrinkled, and-"
"-And girls find that hot!" she interrupts loudly. She clears her throat and continues. "Anyway, I don't even know why you believe this one. You're an overnight internet sensation and a popstar! You're the best singer on the planet!"
"There are plenty of people better than me." She shakes her head.
"Okay, this next one is gonna sound kinda creepy, but just remember that I'm not a creeper, 'kay?" I nod. "Your scent is…"
"Horrible? Like I live in a sewer?"
"More like amazing, like you drench yourself in…. Something that smells really good. And I don't even get how one person can smell so good when you don't even wear cologne, but you do. I can't describe it, but it's addicting."
"My scent is addicting," I say doubtfully.
"So much that it's most likely bad for girls' health, especially mine, but that's off the point."
"As if," I say.
"And, what did she say? You have a face not even a mother could love?" I nod, wincing.
"And it's true."
"Austin, I don't understand how someone as smart as you doesn't understand how untrue this is. For once, I wish you had your cockiness." I wait for her to continue. "Think of all your fans! The girls, in particular. They think you're perfect! From your voice, to your hair, to your muscles, to your abs, to your-" she gets a bit of a dreamy look on her face. I don't even find it entertaining. I snap in her face. She shakes her head. "Sorry," she says sheepishly, blushing like mad.
"The only reason why my fans like me is because they don't really know me," I say, heartbroken.
"They like you because you're an amazing singer and person. And because they think your face is adorable."
"My face is not-"
"Your face more adorable than a stinkin' puppy!" she shouts, frustrated.
"Must be an ugly puppy," I mutter. She sighs.
"I don't know how to get it in your head, Austin. Everything about you is just….. I can't explain it. It's like, you're hot, but yet hot isn't the right word. Like, you're too young for that, but yet you're not. Like, hot mixed with adorable." I raise an eyebrow, and she buries her face in her hands. "It's the only way to explain it! I don't…"
"How can I be hot mixed with adorable, and how can you think I am when you don't even like me?"
"Because I-" she shuts her mouth, then opens it again. "Because everyone does."
"Trish doesn't."
"Yes she does. Even though she doesn't like, like you, she still can't help but think it. Because it's not even opinion. It's fact." I roll my eyes. "Anyway, there was one more thing. Austin, it would be a miracle if someone didn't like you."
"Tilly doesn't like me." Ally scoffs.
"Please. She's in love with you. Just like every other girl on Earth."
"Every girl on Earth isn't-"
"Every. Single. Girl," she says, copying what I said to her earlier. Does this mean… No. If she didn't see what I was getting at, she probably doesn't think the 'Every single girl' is including herself.
"Whatever," I say. She sighs and pulls me in for a hug. I don't hesitate to hug her back, letting her warmth make me feel better. I break down. "Don't ever leave me, okay?" I ask.
"If we make it through the current situation, I swear on everything I'll never leave you," she says, and I know she's being genuine. I hug her tighter. I start thinking about if I can't save her in time, and I get worried again. "Everything's gonna be okay," she says, as if she can read my mind.
"Thanks, Als," I say.
"You should probably wake up. You've been here for a while." I nod. It takes everything I have not to kiss her.
"Bye."
When I wake up, I'm back in my bed. I slowly sit up and look around. Just then, Dr. Marshall walks in.
"Ah, you're up."
"How long was I out?"
"Only about twenty minutes." I nod. I guess the dream made it seem like I was out longer than I actually was. "Excuse me while I go get your parents." Dr. Marshall leaves the room and comes back with my parents. They sit in the chairs they were sitting in earlier. "Our tests show that the cause of Austin's sickness is severe anxiety. It's not a virus found in the blood, and his blood is healthy. Also, it's known to cause nausea and it magnifies the emotion of nervousness, which has happened, if I'm correct." I nod. "You also hyperventilated, which is why you passed out. Hyperventilating is what happens when you're so nervous, you breathe too fast and you lose too much carbon dioxide and gain too much oxygen. If it goes on for too long, it can result in unconsciousness, which is what happened to you."
"So how do we help him?" my dad asks.
"Keeping him in a stress-free environment and ensuring him that nothing bad will happen is really all you can do," he tells my parents.
Stress-free, I wish, I say in my head.
I know, right? Ally replies. Huh, forgot she was there.
"So can I go home?" I ask Dr. Marshall. He nods.
"Just be sure to relax. Sleep as much as possible." My parents and I nod. We thank him and leave the hospital.
Once we get home, I try my best not to think about tomorrow. Stress-free, I tell myself.
I guess I'll talk to you in an hour, I tell Ally.
Yup. Talk to you then, she says. Then, she wakes up and disappears from my head.
I quickly get ready for bed. As soon as my head hits the pillow, I'm out like a light.
"Morning, Als," I say when I appear in Ally's head.
Morning, Austin, she replies as she swallows her bite of chocolate chip pancakes.
"Mmmm, Piper makes amazing pancakes," I say.
That, I can agree on. I nod and enjoy the taste of the pancakes.
"Where is she, anyway?"
In her room. Something about talking to her grandma. That doesn't sound good.
"So you aren't listening in?"
No. Eavesdropping is rude and a total invasion of privacy. Why would I do that?
"Oh, I dunno, maybe because Piper's grandma wants to kill us and might be in this house right now?" I say sarcastically.
Oh, she says, barely above a whisper. That's a pretty good reason. Ally puts her empty plate in the sink and tiptoes upstairs to Piper's room. The door is open a crack so she peeks in.
"I still don't understand why it has to be them. All the others were criminals or people who were already gonna die anyway! But you know as well as I that Austin and Ally have a lot of life left to live. Why do you want to take it all away from them?" Piper says. Ally looks to the left and sees the witch herself. She gulps back her fear, but I can still feel it cloaking her head in a fog.
"Darling Piper, I understand that you've become fond of these mortals. I would, too."
"If you weren't a sick, twisted, evil maniac with a thirst for blood," Piper mutters.
"Anyway, no one interested me except them. I'm old, Pipes-"
"Don't call me that," Piper interrupts.
"-and I need good entertainment in the last years of my life."
"Grandma, please. Just let Ally go and forget this whole thing! I'll never go into the mortal world again, and I'll stop talking back!" Piper begs, her voice thick with tears.
"Why on earth would I do that?"
"Because Austin and Ally are the first real friends I've ever had! And I don't care if I never talk to them again, as long as I know they're safe," Piper explains.
Wow, Ally says.
"I know," I reply.
"Piper, honey, are you sure that's the only reason why you want me to let Ally go?"
"Yeah," Piper says, a bit confused about what else Sarah might think Piper wanted. "Why else would-"
"You're sure you don't want them free because of Austin? Piper, you know how well I can see. I know what went on in Sonic Boom." Piper blushes, but her cheeks quickly return to their normal color.
"I-"
"No need to deny it. You couldn't care less about Ally's safety. You just want Austin safe so you have a chance with him."
"That is so not-"
"Face it, you love him," Sarah says smugly. It sounds really weird coming from her mouth. She's talking like an evil teenage girl. Not like a hundred-year-old lady.
I've been so worried about Sarah being here that I forgot they're talking about me. I start listening more intently. I might still have a little crush on Piper, but it's no bigger than the one I had on Brooke when I asked her out. And that crush was smaller than an ant.
As soon as Sarah spoke, Piper glanced toward the door, as if she knows Ally's standing outside it. And she already knows I can hear everything Ally hears. Talk about an embarrassing situation.
"Look, Grandma, as much as I love you, and trust me, I really do, this conversation is getting weird so if you would just leave-"
"Avoiding the topic, I see," Sarah says.
"Grandma, I'm not avoiding the topic."
"Really? Then answer. Do you love Austin?" Please say no, I think to myself. For one thing, it would make me feel a lot less guilty. Plus, I feel bad that she's in this situation.
"Ally, maybe we should-" I start.
Shhh, she tells me.
"Okay, yes, I do. But-"
"I knew it!" Sarah exclaims. "You really do only want Ally to save him so you have a chance."
"But I don't want a chance with him! Don't you get it? I want Austin and Ally to be happy! And they're the only friends I've ever had! Plus Trish and Dez, but you get the point. Grandma, I'll do anything to get you to keep them safe." At this point, tears are running down Piper's cheeks.
"Sorry, Pipes, but there's nothing you can do. They're going to die tonight."
I thought it was tomorrow, Ally says.
"It is. For me," I reply. "But it's tonight for you."
Right.
"I hate you," Piper tells Sarah. Sarah points a finger at her, which starts to turn red.
"Sweetie, I can melt you right now."
"Do it! At least then I don't have to watch my best friends die," Piper challenges. Sarah's finger stops glowing red, and she drops her hand to her side.
"No, I need you," she says with a sigh.
"What's that supposed to-"
"Sorry, Piper, gotta run. I have an appointment with a local thief in California. See you soon, and good job with keeping Ally in the house." Sarah kisses her granddaughter's head and disappears in a puff of smoke. Piper wipes the lipstick off her forehead in disgust.
"It's rude to eavesdrop," Piper says. Ally stumbles into the room.
"Sorry," she says sheepishly.
"S'okay," Piper shrugs. "I would've listened, too."
"So, why was Sarah here in the first place?" Ally asks.
"She had great news!" Piper exclaims sarcastically. "She killed another person. Yay!" She claps even more sarcastically than before.
"You're grandma is evil," Ally says.
"We've covered that before, Als," I tell her.
I know, but it's still shocking that one person could be that evil.
"Technically, she's not a person," Piper points out.
"Piper, do you know how rude it is to eavesdrop?" Ally mocks.
"It's not eavesdropping."
"Yeah, you just read my mind while I was talking to Austin," Ally explains.
"Whatever," Piper says. "I'm gonna go watch a movie," she says. She doesn't sound as perky as she usually does. I guess having your life threatened by your evil grandma really puts a damper in your day. Piper sadly walks to the movie room.
I feel so bad for her, Ally says.
"Same here," I agree. "But the best thing we can do right now is leave her alone." Ally nods.
She'll get back to her normal self after the movie, Ally predicts.
"So, you wanna work on the song?" I suggest. She nods and heads to the music room.
After a few hours, we finally finish the song.
Uno, dos, tres
It's been a really really messed up week
Seven days of torture, seven days of bitter
And my girlfriend went and cheated on me
She's a California dime but it's time for me to quit her
La la la, whatever, la la la, it doesn't matter, la la la, oh well, la la la
We're going at it tonight tonight
There's a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and we're dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don't know if I'll make it but watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
I woke up with a strange tattoo
Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket
And it kinda looks just like you
Mixed with Zach Galifianakis
La la la, whatever, la la la, it doesn't matter, la la la, oh well, la la la
We're going at it tonight tonight
There's a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and we're dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don't know if I'll make it but watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
You got me singing like
Woah, come on, ohh, it doesn't matter, woah, everybody now, ohh
Just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
Just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
It's you and me and were runnin this town
And it's me and you and we're shakin the ground
And ain't nobody gonna tell us to go cause this is our show
Everybody
Woah, come on, ohh, all you animals
Woah, let me hear you now, ohh
Tonight tonight there's a party on the rooftop top of the world
Tonight tonight and we're dancing on the edge of the Hollywood sign
I don't know if I'll make it but watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Yeah it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Just singing like
Woah, come on, ohh, all you party people
Woah, all you singletons, ohh (even the white kids)
Just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
Just don't stop let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party dance if I want to
We can get crazy let it all out
It's
Ally plays the last few notes on the piano and I smile.
"Another fabulous song, written by two fabulous people," I say.
I know I'm fabulous. I'm not sure about you, though, she teases.
"Please, I'm more fabulous than you'll ever be," I tell her, flipping my hair for effect.
As if, Ally scoffs.
"No, really!" I insist. "I'm so fabulous, instead of wanting fabulous, Sharpay Evans wants me."
Did you just reference High School Musical? Ally asks, giggling.
"Yup, and I'm proud of it!" She laughs and rolls her eyes, and I enjoy the first time this week that I'm not worrying about tomorrow.
Yeah, I really, really, REALLY hate the ending. But, hey, at least I finished! Yeahhhh okay so maybe I kinda rushed it and stuff, but IT'S BEEN A MONTH! And OMSTARS I'M SO SORRY FOR MAKING THEM SUCH IDIOTS! LIKE THEY'RE SO OBLIVIOUS I HATE IT! UGH! Anywhoozles, I'M SO EXCITED FOR AUSTIN & ALLY SEASON 3 AHHHHHHHHHHHHHASHLGKDJGMASODFIJMAKESDFJOALSAASDFGH JKL! If you LOVED this chapter, put CRAZY CANDY in a review! If you thought this chapter was iffy, put ICY ICECREAM in a review. If you hated this chapter, put BROWN BROWNIES in a review! If you would copy and paste or describe your favorite part, that would be pretty cool... Uhhh, that's pretty much it! Thanks for reading and please review! Love you more than candy and dessert and cake and ice cream and brownies and... Whoa, sorry, got a little carried away...
~Maddie :)
Maddie's Incredible Disclaimers: Part VII Continued
Me: Hi Ratliff!
Megan: Hi Kelly!
Me: *Looks at Kelly's dessert* Are you gonna finish that? *Eats the rest*
Kelly: I was...
Megan: I love this place! So, what are we talking about?
Kelly: Actually, I have to go to the bathroom.
Ratliff: Me too!
*They walk over to the bathrooms and stand outside the doors while Megan and I eat their food*
Kelly: *Whispering* What are we gonna do about those she-devils?
Ratliff: I dunno! They're like thirteen-year-old ninjas ((just pretend Megan's thirteen for the disclaimer, ok?))
Kelly: Well, do you have any ideas?
Ratliff: *Shrugs*
Kelly: *Gets idea* I got it!
*They walk back to the table, but Kelly doesn't tell Ratliff her plan*
Kelly: Hey, guys! Here's the deal. If you two leave and let us finish our date in peace, Ellington will do your disclaimer!
Megan: No deal!
Me: Deal!
Megan: Maddie, you can do it by yourself and we both know it!
Me: But it hurts!
Megan: Fine! We'll leave!
Ratliff: Uh, Maddie doesn't own "Tonight Tonight" or "Austin & Ally" or anything else you recognize.
Me: Thanks! We'll be going now!
*Me and Megan leave*
Kelly: Thanks, Ell.
Ratliff: No problem.
*They kiss and then finish their date in peace*
The End
(1) This actually happens when you're hyperventilating. And his hands don't ACTUALLY turn into claws, they just get stuck in that position. Y'know like if you're pretending you have claws... Yeah I hope you get what I mean.