I Will Always Come Home to You (Ally and Stevie)

14. There is a Battle to Win (Ally said)

"Ally! Breakfast is ready!" my mom called.

"I'll be there in a minute," I responded.

When I reached the kitchen, Danny was already there, munching.

"Hey there superstar!" Danny said and gave me a hug.

"Let me guess why you are here at our house," I said. "You are here because Mom asked you to because she thinks something's wrong."

"No, I did not," my mom answered. "Good morning, honey." She gave me a kiss.

"Morning, Mom." I replied.

"I am here to drive my best friend to work," Danny responded defensively.

"Okay. If that's what you say," I conceded.

We left after Danny stuffed himself with a dozen pancakes and enough bacon to give him a heart attack. Danny asked me about my schedule for the day. He complimented me on my outfit despite it being my usual black shirt and ripped jeans. He even talked about the weather!

"Danny, quit the small talks," I said. "What do you want to know?"

"Ally," Danny said in his most serious tone. "I know something's up between you and Stevie. Are you okay?"

"Not really. Stevie defined the relationship already and considers us f*ck buddies. And, she specifically said that I better look for a real girlfriend. Besides, her ex is back and they clearly have unfinished business. She won't need me, let alone love me."

"So now you're in love with her! Are you giving up that easily? Stevie probably needs more warming up."

"Should I even try again? Why enter a battle when you know you will lose anyway?"

"Ally, you waited for Stevie for months. Girls are begging just to buy you a drink. Well boys too, not that it matters. My point is, even if there are seven billion people out there, Stevie is your Evangeline, your Juliet, your Rose, your Jane, your Elizabeth, your Anna. Stevie is YOUR leading lady, the one girl who is incomparable, the one girl who sets the standards high enough that only she could go beyond."

Just when I thought that was the end of it because we were already getting off at Starbucks, Danny was on a roll.

"You told me once that you cannot succeed in anything unless you try, right? All I am saying is take the chance again. You are not in battle with Stevie's ex but just with yourself now. You are a woman of courage, Ally Hills, and you are worthy to be loved. If Stevie cannot  see that, it's her loss."

"Did I really say that? I do not think I am that good with words."

"I may be putting words into your mouth as we speak."

"Ha-ha. Thank you, Danny!"

"No biggie. Besides, I got myself a girlfriend. She's beautiful and just perfect. And I do not want you moping when you meet her tomorrow night at your party."

"What girlfriend? And what party?"

"Her name is Jillian. And we will have a karaoke night to celebrate your ten million views. Do you even check your email?"

"I am so happy for you, Danny! And no, I do not check my email. But do you think Stevie will be there?"

"Yes of course. That's her video too."

"Great. With all your motivational speech, you have no choice but to help me."

"What do you mean?"

"I've got a plan. I've got a battle to win."