Austin and Ally the college years

Chapter Fourteen: An Unexpected Conversation

The front door to their cozy new house clicked open quietly as Ally slipped inside, the familiar scent of home instantly soothing her. The movie with Trish had been fun, lighthearted, and exactly what she'd needed to unwind. But now, as she set her purse on the entryway table and slipped off her shoes, she noticed the house was unusually quiet.

"Aus?" she called softly, not getting a response.

Ally walked toward the living room, expecting to find Austin either dozing off or working on some project. But there he was, sitting on the couch, staring at a letter in his hands, completely lost in thought. His expression was a mix of confusion and something deeper-an emotion she couldn't quite place. He didn't even notice her come in.

She moved closer, watching him for a moment, her heart softening. "Hey, dreamboat," she whispered, using her affectionate nickname for him.

Still no response. Austin didn't even flinch.

Concern tugged at Ally. She walked over and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Earth to rockstar," she said, this time a little louder.

Austin blinked and finally looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Hey, songbird," he said, his voice soft and distant, using the pet name he'd coined for her ages ago.

Ally immediately knew something was wrong. She sat down beside him on the couch, concern etched across her face. "Austin, what's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before handing her the letter. "I got this from my mom while you were out."

Ally took the letter from his hands and began to read, her eyes widening as she absorbed the words. By the time she finished, she looked up at him, speechless for a moment.

"Austin, I...I don't even know what to say," she whispered, her heart aching for him. "You have a sister?"

Austin nodded slowly, his gaze distant again. "Yeah... Emily. She's 24, lives in Seattle, and I had no idea she existed until now. My dad... he never told me. Never told anyone, apparently."

Ally's hand found his, squeezing it tightly. "I'm so sorry, Aus. That's a lot to process."

"I don't even know how to feel, Ally. I mean, I've always wanted a sibling, but now I find out like this? It's like... I don't know her, but at the same time, she's my sister. I've missed out on 24 years of her life. And she's pissed at our dad. I don't blame her."

Ally moved closer, wrapping her arms around him. "It's okay to feel lost right now, baby. You don't have to figure it all out at once. But you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Austin leaned into her embrace, resting his head against hers. Her steady presence grounded him, pulling him out of the whirlwind of emotions spinning inside his head. "I'm just... angry. At my dad. How could he hide something like this? Emily deserves better, and now I'm wondering how the hell to even start a relationship with her. What if she doesn't even want to know me?"

"She reached out to your mom," Ally pointed out gently. "I think she does want to know you, Austin. She's probably just hurt and trying to figure it all out, just like you are. You don't have to have all the answers right now."

Austin nodded, taking a deep breath. "I guess you're right. I'm just overwhelmed, you know?"

"I know," Ally said, stroking his hair softly. "But we'll figure it out together, okay? You're not doing this alone."

He looked at her, gratitude filling his eyes. "What did I do to deserve you, songbird?"

She smiled warmly, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "You just got lucky, rockstar."

They sat there in silence for a while, Ally's hand resting on his, as Austin let the reality of his newfound sister sink in. It wasn't going to be easy, but knowing Ally was by his side made the storm in his mind feel just a little bit easier to weather.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the room, Austin finally broke the silence. "I think I'm going to reach out to her. Not today, but soon."

Ally nodded, her eyes filled with support. "I think that's a good idea. And whenever you're ready, I'll be right here."

For the first time since reading the letter, Austin felt a sense of calm. The unknown was still terrifying, but with Ally by his side, he knew he could face whatever came next.