Austin and Ally the college years

Chapter One: Unexpected News

The warm sunlight filtered through the large bay window of Ally Dawson's dorm room, casting a golden glow on the neatly organized desk where she sat, furiously typing away on her laptop. Her AP honors assignments were due in a week, and while most students might find it overwhelming to juggle both academics and a blossoming music career, Ally thrived on the challenge. Between studying and working on her new album, she'd barely had time to rest.

But something was off today.

A sharp cough escaped her throat, interrupting the melody she'd been humming. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard as she felt a wave of dizziness. For the past couple of days, she had tried to ignore the scratchy throat and the occasional sniffle, chalking it up to stress or lack of sleep. But now, her body was screaming for attention.

She sighed and leaned back in her chair, eyes closing as she willed the exhaustion away. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Ally, you okay?" her roommate, Kira, poked her head into the room. "You don't look so hot."

"I'm fine, just a little tired," Ally replied, forcing a smile.

Kira raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Tired, sure. You sound like you're getting sick. Have you taken anything?"

"Maybe I'll grab some medicine later. I just need to finish this paper, then work on a couple of tracks for the album." Ally rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. "I can't afford to get sick right now."

"You can't afford to not take care of yourself," Kira said, concerned. "Take a break. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

Ally gave a noncommittal shrug, but the truth was, she knew Kira was right. The world didn't stop, and neither did she.

But a part of her wished Austin was here to tell her the same thing.

They had been dating since junior year of high school, navigating their busy schedules and careers as best as they could. Now, Austin was in the middle of a national tour, performing to sold-out arenas every night. They were both living their dreams, but it hadn't been easy.

She hadn't told him she was feeling under the weather. He was busy enough as it was, and she didn't want to worry him.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, and Ally glanced at the screen to see Austin's name flash across it. Speak of the devil.

"Hey, Rockstar," she said, trying to keep her voice cheerful.

"Hey, Ally. How are you feeling?" Austin's voice was warm, but there was an undercurrent of concern.

Ally froze. "What do you mean?"

"Kira texted me. She said you're not feeling well." His tone shifted, more serious now.

Ally shot a quick glare at Kira, who gave her a sheepish smile before disappearing from the doorway. "It's nothing, really. Just a little cough. I'm fine."

"Ally..." Austin sighed. She could practically see him running a hand through his blonde hair, the way he always did when he was worried. "You always say you're fine when you're not."

"Austin, really, I'm okay. You don't need to worry about me. You've got a tour to focus on."

There was a pause on the other end, and Ally felt a slight pang of guilt for trying to downplay how she was feeling. But she didn't want to pull him away from his dream just because she was a little under the weather.

"Actually... I'm already on my way back."

Ally blinked in confusion. "What? You're what?"

"I'm coming home," Austin said, his voice steady but firm. "I talked to the band. We're postponing a couple of shows."

Her heart stopped for a moment. "Austin, no. You can't do that! You're in the middle of your tour!"

"You're more important," he replied, and the simplicity of his words took her breath away. "I couldn't stay out there knowing you weren't okay. I need to be with you, Ally."

A lump formed in her throat. "You didn't have to do that... I don't want to be the reason you-"

"-choose you over my career?" Austin finished for her, a soft chuckle in his voice. "Ally, I've always chosen you. Since the first day we started dating. Yeah, I love my music, and performing, and everything that comes with it, but none of it means anything if I don't have you."

Ally felt her eyes burn with tears. She wasn't sure if it was the flu or his words, but she suddenly felt overwhelmed. "Austin..."

"I know you're scared I'm giving up too much, but trust me, I've thought about this. Jimmy's pissed, sure, but he'll get over it." Austin's tone was light, trying to reassure her. "What matters is that I'm there when you need me."

"But your fans-"

"My fans will understand. And if they don't, that's on them. I've made my choice."

Ally swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. "I don't deserve you."

"Well, too bad, because you're stuck with me," he teased. "I'll be there in a few hours. Just rest until I get there, okay?"

A tear slipped down Ally's cheek. "Okay. I love you, Austin."

"I love you too, Ally. I'll see you soon."

As she hung up the phone, Ally leaned back in her chair, her mind swirling with a mixture of emotions. Relief, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of love. She wiped her eyes and glanced at Kira, who was standing in the doorway again with a soft smile on her face.

"He's a keeper," Kira said, walking over to sit on Ally's bed.

"Yeah, he really is," Ally whispered, clutching the phone to her chest.

Even though she was feeling sick, knowing Austin was on his way made everything just a little bit better. But even as she said it, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered: Is it fair to let him do this?