Thanks to WorthyPurpleCrayon and SeleStarz for supporting my story! I am grateful for any reviews however harsh they may or may not be because every review affects my writing.
Austin's POV
I walked into Sonic Boom for the third time this week, just a few more days before the ball. Today, though, Ally looked a little unhappy, tired, and overworked. "Hey Ally, what's wrong?" I looked around for her snooty stepsisters and was thankful they weren't there. "It's nothing, my dad's on a business trip so my stepmother is stepping in as owner and manager today. I've been restocking, helping customers, and I have a personal piano lesson today all without much of a break in between which means no lunch break today." She sighed putting her journal that she was staring at away. "Why don't you stand up to her?" I wondered. "She'd just laugh and say that I was being lazy that, that is why I don't have a life." Ally frowned.
"Ally, I'm here for my violin lesson!" a little boy walked in carrying a violin case. "Nelson today is your piano lesson not violin." Ally smiled halfheartedly at the boy. Nelson groaned "Oh nards, I gotta take fewer instrument lessons! I'll be back, Ally!" The boy ran off and Ally called out "You know we have a piano here!" I laughed and she shook her head. "That boy, he's so silly." "Oh I got an invitation to that ball you were talking about; a Prince is looking for a wife. This should be interesting considering everyone will be wearing masks." she sighed "I won't be going if I don't finish my chores in time and don't have a dress or mask." I looked at her shocked "Masks, no one will be recognizable." She laughed "It's kind of the point, I guess." I was about to say something in response when she began fiddling with her clothes and glancing behind me. I turned and saw a guy walking toward us and looked back at Ally who was trying to look normal I guess. I frowned it was clear she liked him.
Ally's POV
I saw Dallas walk in and without thinking began fiddling with my clothes to make me look a little better as Austin stood there confused. "Hey Ally, the cellphone cart is having a sell, you should check it out." Dallas walked up smiling. "Sure, um, w-what brings you here?" I nervously played with my hair. "I was planning to get my girlfriend a guitar. I figured you knew what the best was." Dallas grinned. I mentally kicked myself for thinking that he was single and sighed "Sure, acoustic is definitely the way to go, they're over on the left. Oh, this is Austin. We're thinking about becoming partners in the music business. He is an awesome singer and dancer. It won't be hard for him and I'm going to be his songwriter." I introduced Austin trying to make Dallas react in some way. "Hi, it's nice to meet you." Austin shook Dallas's hand. "Yeah you too, Austin. Ally, Can you help me choose the right guitar?" Dallas turned back to me.
"Sure, the color should be either her favorite or one that represents something about her. Austin, what do you suggest?" I asked knowing Austin knew just as much if not more about the instruments than I did. "Honestly, you just have to choose what you feel would be most special to her, price doesn't matter, the color doesn't matter, it is the idea of the gift that matters." Austin replied. I smiled at the answer it was surprising to know someone had the same belief about gifts. "Alright, I'll get the teal guitar right here and get going back to work." Dallas sighed as I took the guitar over to ring it up. "Hey Austin, are you her boyfriend?" I heard Dallas say. "No, I just met her the other day, but we connected so well. If I were you keep your-" I heard Austin say, but he got silent with the last part.
He took the guitar after paying and left without a word. "Ally, where we left off earlier, I could buy you a dress and help with your chores." Austin offered. "No, I'll do it all myself. I can't let anyone else use their money and time for my selfish wants." I smiled. Austin nodded "Okay, I'll see you there then." I was about to reply when his phone went off. "Oh no, I have to go." He hurried out of the store. "I already said I may not be going." I mumbled to myself. "Ally, the shelves need stocked again, things need dusted, and things need picked up. Get to it!" my stepmother yelled down from the office. I groaned and walked to the back for items to restock.
Austin's POV
I didn't like the guy that Ally had been talking to, Dallas. He was in a relationship and yet trying to start something with her trying not to be obvious. It made me angry that she was almost playing into his hand like putty, but the fact that he had a girlfriend threw her off. I could tell she was disappointed and using me to make him jealous. That just made me laugh, but I wonder if she liked me at all. I had to get her to see me as more than a friend in time for the ball. I had to admit Dallas would be a bit of an obstacle, but he had a girlfriend so his threat was minimal. I just hoped she'd be at the ball because I wanted my parents to meet her and not set me up with some money hungry girl. I had the ball, Ally, and what I'd do if something went wrong flying around in my head. I needed to sing and dance to clear it so I called Dez. We were going to have a guy's night and maybe I'd go to Ally's practice room later to stay the night. I didn't want to go home tonight at all, mom and dad would be upset, but they'd get over it. They had what they wanted, me doing their stupid ball and now I was going to enjoy the last few days of my freedom.
I have plans for the ball having to do with Dallas and well, you'll see in the next chapter!