Yup, a very late update. I apologize for letting you guys hang, but last week turned out busier than I had planned and inspiration kinda failed me. It wouldn't be fair to me or you to post a chapter I wasn't 100% content about. Luckily, detention gave me the opportunity to spend my time wisely and I managed to finish it. This is the end, but look out for a short epilogue soon. I can't say if I'll be able to finish it by this sunday, but expect it in a week or so.
I would like to thank the two guests for their extremely understanding and patient reviews they posted sunday night and the day after!
Enjoy this final regular chapter of College Works Out!
After a few days of anxiously waiting, every single student had gotten the news whether they passed the year or not. Not very surprisingly, more than 95 percent of all of them did. Brown didn't take any students, you needed a certain kind of mentality and every single student who they accepted, possessed that quality. As far as Ally knew, every person she knew passed. Austin had, too, luckily, Lib and Ian had told her. Apart from that, they never mentioned his name in her presence.
Something the university did every year, was organize a ceremony for the students that had passed the year. One for the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and the seniors, every year of college until they graduate. The first ceremony she had been a part of was last year and it surprised her how fun and spontaneous it had been. When you think of ceremonies, you expect a strictly organized service by the school, but, instead, it had been a real party, kind of like a celebration of the end of the year.
The only obligation the students had, was the dress code. Casual chic, but with a tie for the boys who would be wearing jeans as well. Ally had decided to pick one of her many casual cocktail dresses, a sailor blue one with lacy flowers on it. Lib and Hannah had offered their room to dress up and they had spent lots of lost time to catch up. Obviously, she wasn't completely over the drama that had hurt her, but she had accepted the situation. There was no doubt she would see him today, though.
"Can anyone zip me up?" she exits the bathroom she had used to perfection her makeup and hair, and enters the girls' room with her head down, holding her hair up with one hand and using the other to hold her dress up. Because her eyes are directed on the floor, she can't see who eventually zips up her dress after she walks in front of the full length mirror, but when it's safe to let her hair fall back and look up, she realizes why the fingertips on her back felt slightly rough.
"I'm sorry, I thought you knew I-" Austin starts apologizing shyly after their eyes connected through the mirror.
"What are you doing here?" cutting him off immediately, not because she doesn't want him to be here, but rather because there was no reason for him to be. She was too shocked to react casually. Taking a quick look around the room, she notices neither residents are in the room with them, while they were here just a few minutes ago. "Where are Hannah and Lib?"
"They just left. They told me to wait here," the girls had obviously planned something again and he honestly didn't know what would happen until they shoved him into the room and left him there. He decides to use this opportunity of privacy and Ally lacking intention of leaving as far as he could tell. "Before you say anything, I have something to tell you."
"Go ahead," she nods while pursing her lips and turning her full attention to him. The least she could do was give him the chance that she hadn't granted him the other day at the gym.
"I'm sorry I made you feel unwanted," he admits after a few seconds of choosing his words carefully. Ally is surprised he's not naming the excuse like he did at the gym and shows him a small smile. Grabbing his hand, she gently leads them to the edge of the bed before they both sit down. "These past weeks have been killing me. The stress caused me to lose my mind and I didn't realize I was losing you before it was too late," he tries to cramp as much information to make her forgive him in as few sentences as possible. Ally nods understanding, keeping her eyes on her hands in her lap.
"It had something to do with your father, didn't it?" rising her eyes to meet his, she gives him a sympathetic look to encourage him in which he sighs before starting his explanation.
"He called me a few weeks before the exams started. After avoiding all contact with me for years, for some reason, he wanted to talk to me," releasing a self-mocking chuckle, he shakes his head. "Somehow, I couldn't help but feel like I needed his approval, I wanted him to be proud of who I had become."
"Why did he call you?"
"He didn't give me a reason. I recall he sounded slightly slurred, like he had been drinking. Only now I realize he probably doesn't even remember calling me that night, but for me it changed everything," it's like he feels the need to reflect all pity Ally could send his way, seeing the way he keeps his head up high and diverts his eyes. "We started talking and when I told him I was currently at college, he started laughing at me. He said I was never the bright one and wouldn't be able to finish it. That he remembered I could never do anything without anyone's help when I was younger."
"That's cruel," Ally has to restrain herself from touching his hand to comfort him and, instead, just keeps looking at him.
"That's the moment I lost it, I guess. The desperate need to finally do something alone, something to make him proud, drove me insane," he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, something he often did when he was mad and tried to calm himself down. Most likely, he tried to soothe the anger he felt for himself, for the way he gullibly let his father talk him down like that. After shrugging once, trying to portray the story as less pitiable than it actually was, he looks at Ally. "It's stupid, now that I think about it."
"No, it's not. I get it," she replies.
"After I finished the exams, I wanted to tell him I did it and that I genuinely had a good feeling about it. But when I tried to call him back, he didn't pick up. That's when I decided to go to David, the owner of the gym, who still sees him now and then. In return for telling my father I passed, David wanted me to take his daughter as a client for one afternoon."
"Sydney," Ally states, Austin's silence confirming. And that's when every piece of the puzzle seems to fall into place.
"I guess she had begged her dad to let me train her for a while, even though I gave up the job. I had no idea she'd be so..." his voice weakens as he starts to look for the right words to describe the particular girl.
"Clingy? Touchy? Annoying," Ally doesn't waste the opportunity to speak her honest opinion about her.
"Among other things," Austin chuckles amused. "I swear, I only trained her because that was the only way to get through to my dad. I never wanted to hurt you. That's why I wanted to keep it hidden. I'm sorry."
"I understand," Ally speaks softly, not knowing where this conversation has led to. "But you don't need your father's approval Austin. You know that we're all incredibly proud of you here. The only person you have to do this for, is yourself," without thinking, she lays her hand in his and squeezes it encouraging. Austin shows a careful grin, appreciating the bold gesture she made. She quickly pulls her hand away, though, like she's still scared to make any move in this uncertain position they're in. "Now, let's go to the ceremony."
''Wouldn't want to be late," hiding his disappointment, he follows her example. She's about to open the door for them both, when she takes another look at him. The bareness of his neck and shirt only now catches her eye. "You're not wearing a tie."
"Right, about that," reaching in both his pockets, he reveals two ties, rolled up. One is plain black and the other a dark shade of blue, a colour you could call marine blue. With a doubtful smile, he rolls them out before holding them up on either side of this chest. "I couldn't decide without a professional opinion."
It was obvious this was more than just a decision about a tie. This was his hidden confession that he wanted nothing more than to be with her again. This was the decision whether she had forgiven him enough to take him back. If she would choose the blue tie, it would match her like they had planned it, almost screaming that they were boyfriend and girlfriend again. If she chose the black tie, the two would clash like day and night, sending the clear message they were not together and not planning on getting together ever again.
Releasing a breath, she shows him a loving smile before grabbing one and hanging it around his neck. Just as handily as she had done it for the New Year's Eve party, she crosses the two ends over each other in different ways and, before they know it, a perfect blue tie hangs around his neck.
"There, perfect," Ally speaks softly while folding his collar over the blue satin. Then, their eyes connect again, a truly happy and significant look exchanging. Ally's hands rest on the back of his neck and find their way into Austin's hair as she lifts herself up on her toes to let their abandoned lips finally connect again. They cant help but smile in the kiss as a major weight of worries and uncertainty is lifted off of their shoulders. After pecking her lips intensively one more time, Austin leans back to see Ally biting her lip happily. He copies the grin before remembering one more important confession haunting him.
''I have to tell you something, Ally," reaching behind him, he untangles her hands around his neck and brings them back between them. He doesn't want to take this risk to ruin the moment, but he simply can't postpone it any longer. Nervously, he runs one hand through his hair before holding both of Ally's hands with one as she looks at him curiously. "Ever since my dad left, I have struggled with trusting people. But when I met you, I felt... I never thought I could actually-" Ally grins at his struggle to find the right words. "What I'm trying to say is-"
"Austin, are you trying to tell me you love me?" She pulls her hand free to touch his cheek as his eyes widen in surprise, verifying that was indeed what he was trying to tell her. Giggling, she presses another kiss on his lips. "I know that already, silly."
"No, you don't. I have never told you," he stutters in disbelief.
"You don't have to tell someone to let them know you love them. I notice it in the way you look at me, talk to me, touch me," rubbing her thumb over his cheek, she tells him something that had never occurred to him. "You've loved me for a long time, Austin. And I've loved you for at least the same amount of time. Only, I actually told you now and then."
"But you were either asleep, intoxicated or in a hurry when you did. I thought you didn't even notice."
"Doesn't mean I didn't mean it. I know exactly what I say to you," Ally convinces him, causing a huge grin on Austin's face. Taking a good look at the boy in front of her, she takes a deep breath. "I love you, Austin, and I never stopped."
"I love you too, so much," he replies, a lovely feeling of relief and satisfaction washing over him. Closing his eyes, he leans down to let his forehead touch hers. "Wow, that felt amazing. I should've done that a long time ago."
Ally giggles, wrapping her arms around his waist before nuzzling her nose in his neck. "You've got a lot of time to catch up."
The picnic tables were moved to the side to make place for the small stage. There were no chairs set up in straight rows like you would expect. Instead, numerous party cocktail tables covered with clothes in different fun colours were spread over the campus. This caused the place look less serious and more fun, especially seeing the girls in colourful dresses and boys with matching ties scattered around the place.
It doesn't take them long to spot the rest of the group standing around one of the tables. Even if the way the couple was obviously matching failed to transfer the message, their intertwined fingers and blissful eyes made it pretty clear to anyone that gave them a superficial glance.
"Well, well, well. Another plan created by yours truly has succeeded," Lib is the first one to notice them and takes a big, cocky gulp from her white wine before making a slight bow, holding the edges of her flowy dress. "You're welcome."
"Another?" Ian chuckles, in which Lib shoves him before walking around the table to congratulate the couple. The rest swiftly follows, hugging and kissing the two with big grins on their faces before they return to their table.
"I need to thank you, though. It would've taken a lot longer without you guys," Austin admits, guessing the whole group had organized it together. Pulling Ally closer with an arm around her shoulder, he presses a kiss on her hair.
"This whole thing brought you back to the newly lovebird phase, I think I'm getting sick," Ian rolls his eyes and laughs, hiding a tiny bit of truth behind his smile.
"I'm sorry, Ian, we didn't realize that," Ally gasps as she lays a comforting hand on his shoulder. Only a day ago, Ian had told them he and Sarah split up. He didn't seem heartbroken, but any break up surely leaves some kind of scar.
"No, it's alright. It just didn't work out. Sarah was great, but we were just too different. She agreed and we split up as great friends," he shakes his head and shrugs lightly. Looking around, his eyes rest just a tiny bit longer on the redheaded girl. "Some day I'll meet someone who is just perfect for me. Someone who can challenge met now and then. But I'm done with girls for now."
"Who would've thought Ian would talk about finding the perfect girl? That's some character development right there," Hannah jokes while bumping her shoulder against Dan's jokingly. "Looks like you and Lib are the single duo again. Just like the good old days."
"Actually," Lib nervously twists the wine glass in her hands before brushing a lock behind her ear. Before she can finish her sentence, one of the professors calls Ally's name behind them.
"I'm sorry, guys, I should get ready for my speech," Ally excuses herself, lays a hand on Austin's chest while pecking his lips quickly, before walking over to the group of organizers of the ceremony. Ally being one of the best students of the year of sophomores and also being known as one of the nicest of them all by the rest of the students, they asked her to give a short speech to officially finish the year.
"I'm going to get a drink, can I get you guys anything?" Austin asks before a few name their wishes. Lib is about to offer to come with him, when Ian touches her elbow gently.
"Lib, can I borrow you for a second?" He seems slightly nervous as he nods his head in the other direction while walking away from the cocktail table.
"Sure," Lib nods, their departure going unnoticed by the tall couple that was just starting to feed each other pretzel sticks while giggling.
"I have to admit something," the boy starts when they finally reach a remote spot under a giant tree, his eyes hastily looking out for a potential eaves dropper. "I might not have been totally honest about the reason why Sarah and I broke up."
"What do you mean?" Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she furrows her eyebrows. Knowing Ian, she wouldn't be surprised if Sarah had found him in bed with some freshman girl.
"Recently, I started to feel like something was... Wrong," he proves her wrong quickly, his hesitant eyes telling her a different story. "God, this is hard."
"Are you okay? You're talking about feelings," Lib chuckles, surprised by this completely different kind of Ian she had never seen before. "Sarah must've had a big impact on you."
"Yeah, I don't think it was Sarah, though," he keeps talking in vague sentences, quickly detecting Lib doesn't understand the point he's trying to make. "I think I'm starting to fall in-"
"Oh my god, you made it!" Lib's eyes widen as she suddenly catches a glimpse of the person she had been waiting for, unintentionally interrupting Ian's most difficult sentence he'd ever had to pronounce. "I'm sorry, can you tell me later?" She apologizes as she runs off, Ian eventually following her. Lib finally meets the girl, hugging her tightly before dragging her to the rest.
"Is that...?" Hannah whispers, hitting Dan's shoulder frantically, who's mouth drops open. The short, curvy girl smiles shyly as Lib looks happier than ever next to her.
"Guys, you know Ruby," Lib giggles at the surprised faces starting at the couple before grabbing Ruby's hand, intertwining their fingers. They hadn't seen the girl since the night at the restaurant months ago and had, honestly, forgot about her. "We're dating."
"Wow, congratulations!" Austin stutters, shooting a friendly smile in the direction of the outsider. Lib's milky white and Ruby's chocolate dark skin seemed to clash, in the best way possible, the red waves differing from the tiny dark brown curls in the same way Lib's green eyes were conflicting with Ruby's big, brown ones. It was a match nobody could've predicted, but they looked overjoyed side by side.
"I overheard you guys went to Brown and managed to find Lib on campus. I had given Ally my number at the checkout, so she could put me in touch with her, but I don't think she heard me clearly," Ruby laughs awkwardly, in which the rest joins in, finally understanding the whole scene that had taken place that night. Lib had told her about the rest already and, in no time, it's like she's a part of the group. The only one who seems slightly out of place, is the one who had taken Lib to the side only minutes ago and was now standing right beside her.
"I'm really happy for you, Lib," Ian tells her softly after receiving her questioning look. She smiles relieved and gives him a hip bump.
"Thanks, buddy," it's ironical to him how she obliviously calls him that nickname just after he was about to profess his crush on her, because it will be the only thing he will ever be to her. He nods, hiding the aches he feels inside with a grin.
"Can I have your attention, please," a deep voice amplified by speakers silences the students on the campus. On the stage, the dean of the university had taken place behind the rostrum, looking at the students in front of him. All the professors were standing behind him on the stage. "We are here to celebrate the students of the second year, our sophomores," after a faint cheer, the rest of the students join in enthusiastically, making the man laugh. "We can give a big speech, but we figured one of you would be the best candidate to give this year the perfect closure. I'm proud to call to the stage, one of our best students, Ally Dawson."
A loud applause rises from the crowd, accompanied by whistling and chanting of her name. After shaking the dean's hand, she takes his place, setting her glass filled with white whine on top of the rostrum. Quickly detecting the group friends around the table on her right, she notices their proud smiles and Austin's encouraging wink.
"Hello, fellow students," she greets the hundreds of familiar faces, earning another few seconds of cheering. "What a year it has been. While for most of you this was the second year, for some this university was a new and scary place. I can honestly say that Brown has grown so close to me, that I can call it a second home. And I know it will stay one, even after I've had to say goodbye to it. After spending two years here and heaving dealt with ups and downs, I can now say for sure that you're never alone here," a shy grin appears on Austin's face when he notices how she's mostly talking to him, a quick side glance in his direction proving his assumption.
"It's one of the things I love about this place," she shrugs, hearing the approving sounds of the professors behind her. Picking up her whine glass with one hand, she lifts it in the air. "Let's raise our glass to the class of 2018," everyone follows her gesture swiftly, pride clearly noticeable on each and every one of their faces. "The people of the future," the sounds of carefully clinking glasses and cheerful laughs are heard as the students toast before all taking a sip of their drinks. They give Ally another ovation as she sees her friends cheering the loudest.
It sure was a long year. Many changes had occurred, but, luckily, a lot had stayed the same. Dan presses a long kiss on Hannah's lips after they exchange a peaceful look. Lib and Ruby keep their hands connected as they toast again. Ian laughs loudly at something Austin just said before taking a big gulp of his beer. Austin catches Ally's eyes as she scans the crowd once again from the stage and blows her a kiss. Yes, there had been a lot of obstacles to overcome, but, look at that. They worked it out.
Well, that's that. I started writing the first chapter of this story almost 8 months ago and it has come to an end. I'm so glad to see you guys have been with me while this story progressed and I hope the sequel did not disappoint.
If it's unclear, by class of 2018, I mean the sophomores graduating two years later, when they're seniors.
I will answer all your amazing reviews and I'll see you guys later for the epilogue. I love y'all!
Fishelle chapter 14
BRO I ONLY JUST SAW THIS UPDATE AND YAAAAS DEZ AND TRISH ARE GONNA FIX THIS I'M SO KEEN but also yes when i get time i probably will read your other fics, i mean i like your style so I'm sure I'd like the others :D – Somehow, Trish and Dez always jump in at the exact right time to make sure it ends well, don't they? I'm so happy I managed to give them another appearance in this sequel! Oh, you're a doll, but please don't feel like you HAVE to read them. I hate to make readers feel like they have to like my other stories just because they like one. If you have had a chance to check them out by the time I post the epiloge, I'd love to hear what you thought!
Acakes5500 chapter 14
GAAAAHHH I LOVE THIS STORY! I love what you've wrote and I can't wait until Austin and Ally make up! So is there gonna be a 3rd story? Because I would love to see what else you can write! (This might be kinda weird, but I noticed that A & A have already had sex-I believe it was mentioned- so I was wondering if you don't like writing that or just don't want to. Thanks :) still love your story️ - Thank youuuu! I actually have a teenie tiny idea that includes Auslly as grown adults/partents which could definitely be a good follow-up to these stories (considering the character traits I've given Austin and Ally) I'm not sure whether the college group would come back, though, I'd have to think that through. Would you like that idea?
Yes, you noticed that right ;) That's a good question that I've had before. You see, I'm 18 years old. Neither my age or vocabularity would be a burden (my inexperience would), but I don't see myself writing smut. I mean, I've been reading it since I entered this fandom some years ago, but I think I would not be able to feel completely comfortable with it. But, then again, I didn't expect I'd be writing full stories a year ago, so who knows. But don't count on it anytime soon :) Thanks girl!
fizaimran8 chapter 14
Yaaaayyyy you updated thank god i want auslly back... you better update soon missy or im hunting you down. Just kidding... not - Hahahah that was a serious threat, I'm gonna have to get extra security
ROTBTDreader chapter 14
Hoihoihoihoi, is that a smidge of jealousy going on I see? And is that a lil bit of conflict and troubles that cause pain to my heart? Does all this equal a good chapter? Yes, yes it does. Ohmigosh this is so good thank you for gracing the world with your magical writing – WOW did you realize you just spoke Dutch? Or are you Dutch...? Sorry! I have a horrible memory and just forget what nationality y'all have.. I really wanted Ally to experience jealousy, just because I've never seen that with her. Thank you so much for liking it sweetie!
EllaGx chapter 14
AHH IVE BEEN MEANING TO CATCH UP ON THIS STORY! SO GOOOOOD! I LOVE ALL YOUR LINKS TO THE PREQUEL AND AM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR NEXT UPDATE WOOO! (I APOLOGISE FOR MY OVER EXCITEMENT...) - Thank you! No need, I love me some excitement it makes me so bubbly!
Guest chapter 14
AGEJJEJRJRNTIRIRNDJDJEIEIRJIRJRJDJCCIDISIDKRKFKMRJRJRNDJRNJFIRJSJENDURNEJENRYJNRJRJRNRKEIWEIOWOQPALAPQOIRNCMMClKWOEOEOAKJDNDJRJEJEJEJEJEEJEJJEJE! HAHSOEORIRIEIDIRKEIDKDKD! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSUSISISIWIWIWIEJEJEJ!
AHHHHHHHH!
AHHHHH!
AHH!
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THOSE ARE MY FEELINGS NOW. IT IS IN A GOOD WAY. AUSTIN LOVES ALLY AND I LOVE YOU. AHHHHHHH! OKAY OKAY OKAY I DIDNT KNOW YOU WERE GONNA UPDATE THIS WEEK BECAUSE YOU SAID YOU HAD THINGS GOING ON AND I WAS WORRIED THAT IF YOU DID UPDATE YOU WOULD BE VERY STRESSED AND I HOPE YOU DIDNT GET STRESSED BECAUSE AS MUCH AS I LOVE YOUR STORY I CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH MORE SO DONT UPDATE IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO. BUT THIS CHAPTER WAS LOVELY JUST AS ALWAYS AND IM SUPER BUMMED I HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE WEEK BECAUSE YOUR STORY AND WRITING IS THE ONE THING I CAN ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO. AND EVEY TIME I READ YOUR WORK I HAVE TO CALM DOWN BECAUSE I GET WAY TO EXICTED. HAJDJEJEKSKSKSK! AHHHH! ITS JUST SO GOOD! HAVE A GREAT DAY! - Ahahaha you're such a cutie, thanks for loving this story so much! It really makes me super happy. I hope I didn't leave you hanging for too long. That's so amazing of you to say, don't worry, I care about my health too. And I want you guys to get the best possible chapter. You're absolutely awesome, hope you'll share your thoughts on this chapter, it really made my day!
adorableness chapter 14
yay! I love it! OMG ally is so stubborn gosh but I love them together
and that part at the end where Austin admits he still loves her? GENIUS
anyway, if you couldn't already tell, I REALLY love this story keep writing! - she really is, she's got her pride. Difficult character, for sure! Omg thank you! Most ideas I've had planned for a long time and some come to me on the spot. This was one of them and honestly, those are the best kinds, don't you think?