Austin and Ally the college years

Chapter Five: New Beginnings

The evening had settled into a comfortable routine. The room was dimly lit, and the faint hum of the air conditioner was the only noise aside from the occasional clink of utensils. Austin and Ally sat at the small table by the window, their meal of takeout tacos spread out before them. The smell of seasoned meat and fresh toppings filled the room, mixing with the scent of Ally's lingering cold.

Austin had managed to get a few of Ally's favorite dishes - tacos with extra cheese and guacamole, and a side of salsa. It was a small but meaningful gesture, one that Ally appreciated as much as the company.

As they dug into their meal, the conversation continued to shift, away from the immediate concerns of the tour and into the more personal realm of future plans.

"You know," Austin said, taking a bite of his taco and wiping his hands on a napkin, "I've been thinking a lot about the future lately."

Ally looked up from her plate, a curious eyebrow raised. "Future? Like, with music, or...?"

Austin shrugged, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, both. But I've been considering something else, too. I'm actually looking into applying to colleges for a degree that's not related to music."

Ally's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? What are you thinking about studying?"

"Something in business," Austin explained, leaning back in his chair. "I've been looking into programs that focus on the management side of the industry. I mean, I've learned a lot about it already, but I think it'd be good to have a formal background in it. Plus, it would give me some flexibility if I ever wanted to step away from performing or needed a change."

Ally's gaze softened. "That sounds really interesting. I'm impressed that you're thinking about this. It's a big step."

Austin nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, it's definitely a shift. But I think it's important. Music has been my life, but there's a whole world out there that I want to explore too. And having something else to fall back on could be a good thing."

Ally smiled, feeling a mix of pride and relief. "I'm glad you're considering your options. It's important to have a backup plan, and I'm sure you'd be amazing at anything you put your mind to."

"Thanks," Austin said, reaching over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. "And speaking of things I'm sure of - I'm also certain that I need to have a serious talk with Jimmy about how he's been treating me lately."

Ally's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Austin took a deep breath, frustration evident in his voice. "Jimmy's been pushing me hard, more than usual. It's like he doesn't see me as a person anymore, just as a product to be sold. He's been bashing me for missing shows and not prioritizing the tour. I get that it's a big deal, but he's also not acknowledging what's going on in my personal life."

Ally frowned. "That sounds rough. I can't believe he's being so insensitive."

"He's always been a bit of a hardass," Austin admitted, his tone laden with frustration. "But this is different. He's not just pushing me; he's belittling my choices and making it seem like I'm failing somehow because I'm not following his exact plan."

"That's not fair," Ally said firmly. "You're doing what's right for you. If he can't see that, then he's not worth the stress."

Austin nodded, appreciating her support. "I know. I'm going to have to stand up to him. It's not just about the tour anymore; it's about my own happiness and sanity."

Ally reached for another taco, taking a bite and then leaning in closer. "You've always been good at handling these kinds of situations. Just make sure you stand your ground. You've got to do what's best for you."

"Thanks, Ally," Austin said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "It helps having you in my corner."

They continued eating, the conversation drifting to lighter topics. Ally's spirits seemed to lift as they talked about their future plans and the adventures they hoped to share together. The tacos were delicious, and their casual, comforting presence provided a much-needed reprieve from the stress of the past few days.

Eventually, as they finished their meal, Austin leaned back in his chair and sighed contentedly. "This was exactly what I needed," he said, his gaze meeting Ally's. "Good food, good company, and just a chance to breathe."

Ally grinned, reaching across the table to touch his hand. "I'm glad you're here. It's not just the tacos - it's having you with me that makes everything feel better."

Austin smiled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "And I'm glad to be here. With you."

As the evening wore on, they continued to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other's company, the weight of the world seeming to lift off their shoulders, if only for a little while. In that moment, they were reminded that despite the challenges they faced, they had each other - and that was enough to make any situation bearable.