Hey there, readers! So yes, this is another story with maybe 10-15 chapters I'm hoping! After watching Tunes and Trials and Teen Beach Movie, which were both amazing by the way, I suddenly got very inspired to write that whole cliche high school Austin and Ally fan fiction with a few tweaks here and there. So basically Austin and Ally have been best friends since childhood and they are entering their last official year of high school together. Ally is very timid and scared for what lies ahead in her future, and Austin is determined to make their last year memorable for all the right reasons.
However, of course we're going to have some complications when a certain girl enters Austin's life and Ally now feels herself needing to battle for her best friend's attention.
I can't say anymore, don't want to spoil anything too much! But I just want to say thank you to everyone who's favoriting, following, reviewing, or even just reading in general. THANK YOU. I appreciate it to the fullest extent, seriously. Alright, enough ranting, here we go...
I'm running away from something, what it is, I'm not quite sure of. My breath is becoming short and raggedy and my legs feel like they're going to fall out from beneath me anytime soon. I feel myself trip over a bumpy part in this strange and rocky pathway I seem to be trailing on, and I turn around to see if the monster is gone.
"Ally..." it calls, and I feel myself shrinking. "Ally..."
"Ally!" a voice yells and my eyes instantly fly open wide as I gasp for air. Just a dream, Ally, I think. Calm down. I look towards my door and find my dad standing there with our house phone in one hand.
"God, what time is it?" I ask, quickly jumping out of bed.
"It's 7:00, you have one hour," he replies. "But that's not-"
"Then why did you wake me up?" I groan, heading back to my warm and comfortable bed whose invisible arms are pulling me in.
"Kira's on the phone," he says. I slowly turn around, then grin and grab the phone.
"Hello, Kira?" I say, squealing.
"Ally!" she squeals back. Then we both start squealing. Maybe it's a girl thing, but if your long distance best friend who lives in Hawaii calls you, you would understand.
"I miss you so much!" I exclaim, shooing my dad out of the room as I shut the door and flop back down onto my bed. "How have you been?"
"Oh, absolutely perfect!" she giggles. "And Ally, I have-"
"Hey, do you think I can call you back later, Kira? I have to start getting ready for school and-"
"Actually, that's why I called you, girl! You'll never guess where I am right now!" she shouts. I hear ocean waves crashing in the background and laugh.
"Um, at a beach, I'm guessing," I reply, walking over to the bathroom as I shove my toothbrush in my mouth.
"I'm at Miami beach, silly!" she laughs. My toothbrush drops into the sink and I spit toothpaste gunk all over the mirror. Gross.
"You're... wait, you're here?" I ask incredulously. My heart is pounding and excitement eagerly fills in my bones. "Why are you here?"
"My dad just opened a new record label up here, and he says that I'm going to be attending high school here for awhile. And that means..."
"We get to go to the same school!" we squeal simultaneously.
To further explain how amazing this situation is, I need to backtrack precisely five years ago. Five years ago, I was a twelve year old who luckily won a contest in piano playing and the prize just so happened to be a luxury trip to Hawaii. I remember Austin practically begging to come with me, even suggesting ridiculous things like hiding him in my suitcase, but I explained that the extra ticket would have to go to my dad. No way would they let a minor traipse around Hawaii all by herself.
Words cannot express just how beautiful it was once we arrived. The palm trees, the coconut drinks, the endless blue ocean waves... It was like a permanent summer there. I met Kira through her dad, Jimmy, who had held the contest. He was looking for a fresh new face to possibly place into his record label company, but my dad refused to throw me into show business. At twelve, I didn't quite understand the whole business either, and sometimes I do wonder what my life would have been like if I'd signed with Jimmy. At the end of the day, though, I'm happy with my decisions. If I'd signed with Jimmy, I would've had to abandon Austin, and the truth is that Miami is my home.
Kira and I bonded right away, and we gushed over typical twelve year old topics, skimming through the Jonas Brothers, favorite subjects, and boys. In my short Hawaiian stay, I'd managed to tell Kira everything: how my mom was observing apes in the wild and how I missed her a lot, how I wrote songs whenever inspiration came to me, and how I was crushing on a boy named Austin Moon, who just so happened to be my best friend.
"Is he cute?" she'd asked. She wore her hair in pigtails back then.
"I think so," I'd said. "Yes, definitely."
Even back then we were squealers. "Well you're his best friend, right?" she'd replied. I nodded. "Then why don't you tell him how you feel?"
Even at twelve I knew that telling your best friend you had a crush on him was a little risky and probably not a good idea. "I can't."
"Why not?" she'd asked, frowning.
"It's hard to explain."
And it was. It was difficult to describe just how close Austin and I were. He had seen me with scraped knees, a stuffy nose, and embarrassing Halloween costumes. Could he really love a girl that he had seen at not only her best, but at her worst times as well?
"Ally, are you still there?" Kira asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I shook my head.
"Yeah, I'm here. This is so great! Now my last year of high school is complete! I have my best friend from Hawaii and..."
"And...?" she asked, then gasped. "Oh my gosh, are you still crushing on that Moon best friend of yours?"
I bit my lip in hesitation and nodded, then remembered that she couldn't see me over the phone.
"You just nodded, didn't you?" she asked with a squeal. I nodded again. "This is great! I finally get to meet him! Are you two finally dating? Have you kissed?"
I blushed. "He's my best friend, Kira," I reminded her. I could almost imagine her rolling her eyes on the other end.
"Right," she replied sarcastically. "Well look, I've gotta go. Have to make a splash on my first day, right?"
I laughed. "Right. And hey, don't wear those pigtails, okay?" I teased.
"Oh Ally, we were twelve, let it go," she giggled. "I'll see you in a few!"
The dial tone filled my ears as I placed the phone down on the bathroom counter. Looking into the mirror, I took a deep breath. Best friend. Who knew two words could make me feel so queasy?
A horn honked outside as I shoveled my last bite of cereal into my mouth. Austin was never one to walk up and ring the doorbell, no, he had to honk. I sighed and grabbed my bag, slinging it over my shoulder.
"Bye Dad!" I yelled.
"Bye honey! Have a good day at-"
I slammed the door shut behind me. There he was, in his rusty red pick up truck. He saw me and honked his horn loudly, grinning. I laughed and rolled my eyes, running to the car. As I slid into the passenger seat, reserved only for moi, he whistled.
"What?" I asked, feeling my face flush.
"Why so dressed up?" he asked. I shot him a look, then tilted my head downwards to observe my purple floral tank top, jeans, and wedges.
"Austin, I'm always dressed like this," I replied. He lightly punched me in the shoulder.
"I know. I'm just messing with you," he said, and I felt my heart wilt a slight.
"Gee thanks," I muttered low so that he couldn't hear me. Being best friends with a boy has many privileges, but the best so far has been taking shot gun in his car. As soon as he'd scraped up enough allowance money to purchase the old rat, he'd called me up to be the first passenger ever to ride in it. I loved sitting in the front; it made me feel special. He turned on the radio and put the volume on high, smirking at me. He knew I hated when he blasted his car music, but I merely smiled at him, rolling my window down.
"Well someone's in a good mood today," he said, turning the music down a couple notches.
I laughed. "You remember my friend from Hawaii, right? The one that I've told you about?" I asked.
He snapped his fingers. "Right, Kiley?"
I stifled a giggle. "Kira," I corrected. "She's living here in Miami for awhile because her dad's job moved to this location. And... she's going to be a Marino!"
Austin threw his head back and laughed, turning to face me. "Ally-"
"Hey, eyes on the road, mister," I scolded him, turning his face towards the road.
"Only you refer to the students at Marino High as Marinos," he teased. "That's great, though, that she's going to our school now."
"I know! I'm so psyched! You're going to love her, Austin, I promise."
"As long as she doesn't get in between this," he replied, pointing a finger at us, "then we're all good."
I gasped, then pinched his cheek. "Aw, is the little Austin jealous?" I joked. He lightly slapped my hand away and I laughed.
"Please, our friendship is solid!" he yelled. "Best friends for, what, twelve years now?"
"Thirteen," I blurted, my cheeks turning pink.
He stole a sneak peek at my face and sighed. "Even better," he said, turning the wheel as we pulled into the school parking lot as he parked in our usual spot near the office. I tightened the strap of my bag as I stepped out of the car and onto the asphalt. We walked into the school together, the campus as familiar as the beach we'd spent our whole summer frolicking... I mean, chilling at.
My eyes averted to the campus areas that filled their usual assortment of groups. The football players seemingly hung near the lockers, while the cheerleaders hung on the grass, already practicing their new routines for future night games and competitions. Yet while everyone stuck to their traditional groups, we were not a school that was afraid to step out of our status quos and mingle with others. I watched Austin's attention turn to a cheerleader walking up to a group of classical music girls, and the two different girls embraced, murmuring about summer adventures and groaning about the arrival back to school.
The timid and shy freshman hovered near the campus's infamous oak tree, which stood mightily in the middle of the sea of students. Austin nudged my shoulder and we shared a secret smile, reminiscing back to the times when we were once like them, still young and unaware of the possibilities high school held for us.
"It's good to be back," I stated, smiling.
"Not as good as the beach," he reasoned as we neared our lockers which were, of course, right next to one another.
"Hey Austin! Hey Ally!" a red head and a curly haired Latino greeted as they passed by us. Another thing: when people greeted us, it was always both of us. The Austin and Ally show wasn't just airing between the two of us, but around the school as well. Our platonic friendship was well known around the campus, and while many questioned just how platonic our friendship was, I managed to hide my feelings quite well, pushing any suspicions aside.
The bell rang, signaling the beginning of a very long day that was bound to be filled with syllabuses and awkward ice breakers. "See you later," he sighed, shutting his locker door and leaving me with his charming smile and my racing heart beat.
To: Ally
From: Kira
11:30 a.m.
OMG girl, your school is gigantic!
I felt my phone vibrate in my bag and quietly pulled it out of my bag as Mr. Hansberg continued to explain to the class the following bullet points on the class syllabus. As much as I loved school, brand new supplies and acing all my exams, there's only so much a seventeen year old girl can take listening to her AP English teacher.
To: Kira
From: Ally11:32 a.m.
You'll get used to it, promise!
I pressed SEND and returned my focus back to the sheet of paper in front of me, my eyes quickly scanning the bullet points. An essay every week, in-class reading, a project at the end of every semester...
To: Ally
From: Kira
11:33 a.m.
There is this really cute guy in my class right now... And I think he's checking me out, too!
I stifled a laugh. It was so typical that a new girl would beat me to getting a guy, even though I've been here for four years. But I didn't mind... after all, there's only one guy on my list. I tried to shake the thoughts out of my head as I replied.
To: Kira
From: Ally
11:36 a.m.
Already? Slow your roll, girl!
"Permission slips signed by your parents to read certain content-"
A moan escaped from a hormonal teenage boy at the back of the classroom and the class erupted into laughter. I rolled my eyes. Ignore the fact that we're all almost legal, inside every teenage boy is a four year old child.
Mr. Hansberg sent a glare before continuing. "These are due Friday," he finished just as the bell rang for lunch. The entire class sighed in relief as we all made a bee line for the door. I stopped by Mr. Hansberg's desk.
"I'm really looking forward to reading Fahrenheit 451, Mr. Hansberg. I heard it was good," I said. Ally Dawson, teacher's pet, I know, I know. But hey, it made the old man smile, didn't it?
"That's wonderful to hear, Ms. Dawson," he said cheerfully as I left the classroom. My phone vibrated again.
To: Ally
From: Austin
11:45 a.m.
LOCKERS. NOW.
My eyes grew in alarm at the urgency in his text. I began speeding through the crowd, lightly shoving others aside so I could get to my locker. What had happened? Had he gotten a detention already? Did he really have to put another frog in Mr. Kirby's lab coat? My mind raced with different theories until I caught a blonde head in the midst of the chaos. I had to squeeze through an inseparable couple in order to reach Austin, and I felt myself slump against my locker door, out of breath.
"What did I miss?" I asked, leaning my head against the cool metal.
"Ally, you'll never believe what just happened," he said, his eyes in a complete daze.
"Did you get detention?" I asked, folding my arms and smirked.
"No," he answered.
"Oh," I replied, my smirk disappearing. "Well, what happened then?"
"Her," he said suddenly, nudging his chin to someone behind me. I turned my head and spotted a girl with flowing, black curls wearing a light blue floral dress and flats. Not only was she dressed great, but her jewelry was spot on as well, with her ears holding two diamond earrings and her wrists carrying vintage beaded bracelets. She stopped right in front of me, grinning. I gulped and managed a weak smile.
"Kira," I croaked.
Lunch was bittersweet as I literally felt like a third wheel sitting in between my two best friends.
"So how are you liking Marino High?" Austin asked eagerly. I took a glance at him and his face seemed to light up as he talked, like a freaking Christmas tree.
"Oh, it's great," Kira gushed. If my stomach were an ocean, it would be at the absolute bottom right now. "And the people seem really nice. I'm just glad I have Ally with me." She giggles and nudges my shoulder. I plaster a smile onto my face.
"You're going to love it here," he reassures her. "If you need anything, just hit me up. I know everything."
"I'll make sure to do that," Kira replies, smiling.
"I have to go to the bathroom," I blurt. Austin cocks an eyebrow at me but Kira jumps out of her chair.
"I'll come with you!" she exclaims as she practically pulls my arm out of its socket and drags me to the bathroom. As soon as we're inside, she pulls me into a stall and sighs. "Ally..."
"Is Austin the cute guy?" I ask her, folding my arms.
She bites her lip, looking down at the ground.
"Kira, come on," I sigh. "Just tell me." She looks up at me with fearful eyes.
"Yes, but Ally... No. You know that I would never do that to you," she explains.
I give her a gentle smile. "I know," I say. "Okay. Now get out, I really do have to go to the bathroom." I laugh and push her out of the stall, yet my gut still seems to be pounding in confusion.
My locker is already filled with textbooks and notebooks and I can't help but sigh because... well... it's only the end of the first day. I re-check my binder to make sure all my syllabuses are secure and tucked in. I hear laughing from a distance and turn around.
Austin is walking with Kira towards the library, and she's giggling like crazy.
Are you sure she isn't into him? a voice in the back of my mind asks. I shove the thought away and slam my locker door shut.
"Austin!" I call, waving and pointing to my watch as a signal that we need to get going. He looks over at me and waves back, then shoots me a hold-on-Ally look as he disappears inside the library with Kira. I frown and try to shoo away the strange feeling in my stomach as I walk towards his truck in the parking lot. I'm so lost in my own thoughts that I bump into someone, their books flying to the floor.
"Sorry!" I exclaim, leaning down to pick everything up.
"Ally," a familiar voice says, and I look up, relieved to see Trish's friendly face.
"Oh Trish, hey," I said. "Sorry, I was just-"
"Frowning," she laughs as we both stand up. "Are you okay?"
I open my mouth then bite my lip. I settle on a sigh, something that I seem to be doing a lot today. "Yeah, I'm fine," I reply.
"Well, we're in the same AP Psychology class this year, so feel free to talk to me," she answers, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder. I genuinely smile and nod.
"I'll make sure to do that," I say, then wince as I realize Kira said the the exact same thing earlier to Austin when he'd offered her... "guidance."
"Trish! Come on!" Dez yells from his car, a strange blue convertible of some sort. That boy was always an odd one. I watch the tiny car become a blurry blue dot as it drives away and I slump against the car door, checking my watch as the time flies. After what seems to be an entire lifetime, Austin's voice fills the silence.
"Hey there, stranger," he teases. I look up and frown. Also something I seem to be doing a lot of today.
"What took you so long?" I ask. He snorts.
"Seriously, Ally? You're really going to ask me that?" he asks, unlocking the car doors as we both hop inside. "Kira needed help finding the library. She is..."
"Awesome," I finish for him, placing my face in my hand as I look stubbornly out the window.
"Why didn't you tell me she was so-"
"Awesome?" I cut him off before he can say anything that might make my heart burst. "I did."
And as he dropped me off at my house, as I ignored my dad's usual question on how school was, as I slammed my bedroom door shut and flopped down onto the bed, I couldn't help but think back to my conversation with Austin earlier.
Here I was, teasing Austin about being jealous of Kira getting in between our friendship when really, it's me.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know I did... partly because I was listening to Teen Beach Movie songs and Steal Your Heart while writing it. They're catchy, okay? PRETTY please review if you can so I know how I'm doing. Love and appreciate you all!