Age Of Innocence (AOI) [Sequel To IR]

Chapter 99 } Change

So just a warning this chapter skips around time a lot and is just all over the place but I had to fit all of this into one chapter so I did the best I could. Also sorry that Part 3 was kinda short but oh well.
Lastly Noah Hasher is played by Colton Haynes
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Part 4:
Ala's POV

"And the winners of the first of ever teen dance show produced by Dancing With The Stars are...Ala Dausonn and Tyler Wright!" I covered my mouth not believing this happened. We won. We actually won. I swung my arms around Tyler and hugged him tightly as a pretty girl walked up the stage with a golden trophy displayed in her hands. The host approached us, his microphone in hand. "Congratulations is there anything you'd like to say?" Tyler leaned closer knowing I was in too much shock to speak. I paid no attention to his words as I took in the privilege around us. The people all standing, for us. Cheering, for us. I smiled and knew my life had changed forever.
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I relive the memory many times in a day not wanting to forget it: the rush I felt.
I sat on the sand knowing I should be packing my belongings, going to meetings and calling my managers, this whole tour thing was a process. But I ignored it, fully enjoying this time to myself. I watched as pedestrians came and went, going about their business. All doing different things. I had recently been helping out with Cher and hanging out with Alexander and Deela. Nash has been in Texas and New York attending comic con with the whole twenty-six team. And Matthew, well I haven't heard from Matthew. Although he knew I was back from Memphis he never bothered to check in and denied all of my calls and moved in with Taylor who got his own massive house. It seemed like everyone had kind of moved apart. It was change. Change was scary, but it was okay. I was okay with it. It's been almost a month since Tessa died and only now am I starting to feel normal again. I haven't dared to go back to Tennessee without her there. It just wasn't right to be there without her.
The sun suddenly disappeared and I looked up to see what blocked my sunshine and saw a gorgeous boy or man or whatever he was standing over me.
"Hi." I smiled extremely intrigued in the guy.
"Hi." He smiled back and I swooned some more. Shit Ala. You have a boyfriend. Nash Grier. "My phone died and I was wondering if I could borrow yours to look up directions. I'm really lost." He scratched the back of his neck obviously feeling awkward.
"Could I get your name?" I asked.
"Noah Hasher. Eighteen years old and really attracted to the girl in front of me." I looked around making sure he was talking about me. He chuckled lightly. "Yeah, you." I smiled.
"Ala Dausonn. Sixteen and happy to lend you my phone." I left out the highly attracted to you too part and handed him my phone. He sat in front of me and typed away on my phone. "So where 'ya headed?"
"Downtown. I took a walk and got really lost. I'm not from here."
"Me neither."
"So a tour huh?"
"What?" I sat up wondering how he knew.
"Oh sorry a text showed up about a tour. I shouldn't have looked at it, sorry." He blushed. I relaxed more.
"It's okay. I'm actually leaving in a couple weeks."
"Does that mean you're famous or a groupie."
"A bit of both." I joked.
"A famous groupie?"
"I suppose." He laughed.
"So what makes you famous enough to be touring."
"Social media is a wonderful thing Noah."
"Ah, you're one of those famous people."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No, I actually recognize you. You won that dance show didn't you." I nodded. More people had started recognizing me for that than they had social media, and it was a nice change. "Shit. I should probably get your autograph then and sell it in ten years."
"Well then give me a pen, I'll sign your arm."
"Then I'd have to sell my arm."
"And I'd be happy to cut it off for you." He laughed sarcastically and then cracked a smile.
"Can I have your number?" He asked.
"I thought we were just going for the autograph."
"We were until I realized how amazing you are."
"I thought your phone died."
"Just add it under my autograph then my arm will sell for even more." I smiled and agreed finding a pen in my back pack. I gave him the autograph and then wrote my number on his arm. "Wow, I met a famous person. Man life is good. I'll be sure to hit you up when I'm ready to sell this baby." He stood and patted his inked arm then gave me a wink and walked away. I watched until he became merely a dot and decided to look away.
"Who was that?" I jumped and turned around quickly. Nash stood towering over me. I tilted my head and looked up at him.
"His name is Noah, he needed directions." I explained. Nash sat behind me and rested his chin on my shoulder.
"It looked like he was just flirting."
"Why are you always so jealous. I'm dating you, not him." Nash shrugged and then kissed my cheek.
"Come with me." He stood up and took my hand pulling me to my feet. I followed him as he dragged me back to the loft and unlocking it with his key. The kitchen was lit with candles and hanging lights. I smiled as I saw the meal he prepared sitting on the table. "You like it?" He asked.
"Love it." I kissed his lips and he pulled the chair out for me to sit. I thanked him and we dug into the delicious meal. A conversation-less meal. It seemed like lately Nash and I had less to talk about than normal. We finished eating and cleaned the kitchen together. As I was washing a dish I felt a splash of water drench me. I turned to the culprit. Nash looked around innocently. I grabbed the hose and sprayed him until he grabbed me forcing the faucet out of my hands. We laughed and he rung his clothes out purposely getting me wet. "Nash if this water leaks to the loft below me I'm so screwed."
"Then why don't we bring this upstairs." He whispered picking me up and carrying me to my bed. After removing our damp shirts I finally pushed him away. "What's wrong?" I sat up.
"Aren't you getting tired of this. It's all we do." I admitted.
"I happen to enjoy it. I thought you did too." He climbed off of me and sat next to me.
"I did. But it's getting old."
"Sorry." His head dropped and I felt terrible.
"Nashely. I love you." He looked up at me.
"I love you too."
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Song: Can't Be Friends; Trey Songz
I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing and groaned. I managed to escape Nash's death grip and picked up my phone walking out of the door. I saw that Matthew was calling. At seven in the morning. I dont know why, when he bothers to call me it's so early in the morning. I don't think that's very fair. When I call I have some sensitivity and call in the middle of the day.
"Why do you always have to wake me up?" I answered.
"Hi, it's nice to hear from you too." He replied sarcastically.
"I mean it would be nice to hear from you when I'm awake."
"I'm sorry. I'll buy you coffee."
"What do you need?" I was all for this now that I was getting free coffee.
"I just want to talk." He didn't sound like normal Matthew, he sounded less happy and I knew something was wrong.
"Where do you wanna meet?" I asked allowing more sensitivity into my voice.
"I'm at Starbucks."
"Ah, my favorite."
"I'll order your drink. Just hurry."
"Matthew I'll get my own drink. Your upset, you shouldn't have to buy me something just to talk. I'll be there soon, just hang in there. Okay?"
"Kay." He hung up and I hurried out grabbing keys to Tyler's car. I drove to the Starbucks closest to Taylor's house, but Matt wasn't there. I sent him a quick text while parked in the lot trying to figure out which Starbucks since there was literally a Starbucks on every block. He sent me the address and I realized the root of his sadness. It was the one closest to Bailey's house. I sighed and drove there coming to a stop once I found a spot. I walked in and searched around the crowded building. I then saw a frustrated, light haired boy sitting alone. I walked over quickly pulling out the chair across from him. He looked up and his face looked as if he'd been awake for days.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Bailey. It turns out she's a bitch." He scoffed as his eyes welled with tears. I reached for his hand across from the table but he yanked it back.  "Don't. Don't make it worse than it already is." He muttered. I gave him a confused glance. "One bad thing happened and I go crawling back to you. I go searching for your comfort and your comfort only. It sucks, I depend on you for everything. And you don't even like me." His head returned to his hands.
"You know that's not true Matthew. I love you."
"You love Nash."
"Not the way I love you. I love you... In a special kind of way that I can't describe." He silenced and I wanted to hear about Bailey. "Now tell me everything about Bailey."
"She was using me. I should've noticed, she was way too nice when I met her. And she already knew I was famous. I was so stupid." He slammed his head into his hands. I intervened grabbing his arm, he relaxed a little. "We got in a fight earlier. I was mad that she was always choosing Sam over me. Then she got pissed off because I wasn't being 'reasonable'. I yelled some things, she yelled some things. Ala it was bad. She was throwing things at me and telling me she was gonna kill me. I finally had to hold her against a wall so she didn't. And she told me the only reason she ever dated me was for fame. She never even loved me. She thought I was just an easy way into the spotlight." I looked at him with sympathy remembering how oddly subtle our break up was considering the many fights we had leading up to it.
"Matthew, I'm so sorry." I didn't know what to say, or how to make him feel better.
"I should've known. No one actually likes me for me. All they ever want is some followers. That or they actually like me until they realize what a loser I am, like Dylan." I'd never seen him so insecure. He'd always been a fairly confident person.
"Matthew you're not a loser. Dylan was just a conceited bitch who didn't bother to see the real you."
"I am a loser Ala don't deny it."
"Matthew if you're such a loser than how come you have millions of followers, and nobody would ever recognize Bailey and Dylan outside of their own city?" He let out a sigh and looked up at me from his slouching position.
"I'm never going to find someone. It's useless even trying. I'm too angry. I'm too crazy. I'm just too imperfect." I hated seeing him like this. He was so depressed and flat out despised himself.
"I happen to think you're pretty amazing Matthew. And anyone who doesn't think so. Well there missing out, big time."
"Just don't. Don't lie to me."
"I'm not lying Matthew. You're the most big hearted caring person I know. I realize you're not perfect, nobody is. I realize you get angry, everyone does, maybe not to the extent that you do but they still get angry. And you know what. Things happen. And the best people always get screwed the most because they can handle it. They can handle it like nobody else can. And you my friend have handled it pretty goddamn well considering the things you deal with." He scoffed lightly.
"Coming from you. I still don't understand how you manage to smile everyday considering the shit you go through."
"It's life. And a whole lot of other people have it way worse than me. I realize that and I appreciate how my problems aren't severe life changing things."
"You're making me feel so selfish now for feeling bad for myself."
"Just because you're problems aren't severe doesn't mean they're not real. You're problems are very real Matthew." He stared at me for what seemed like the longest time. I wanted to say something but I didn't know what. Before I could react Matthew was leaning in, and I was letting him. His lips pushed against mine and I felt a strange surge of power rush through my veins. He pulled away and looked at me for a second before pulling me up and dragging me to his car.
"I love you." He whispered kissing me again. "I love you so much." Another kiss followed. "God I just want you to be mine so I can-." He stopped himself by kissing me, yet again. I didn't stop it; however, I didn't participate either. As his hands roamed my body and pulled off my shirt I sat still unable to form a coherent thought and force myself to stop this madness. To stop screwing Nash over.
"Matthew." I whispered.
"Break up with him...please. You know I'm the one you want." He whispered back kissing my neck trying to weaken me. I wouldn't let myself be vulnerable and pushed him away again.
"I can't do this." I reached into front seat and grabbed my shirt, slipping it on and walking out of the car. I heard a door close and ignored his footsteps as I made my way to the car I was driving.
"Ala stop." He called after me. I didn't turn around or acknowledge him at all for that matter. I felt my wrist being captured and turned quickly by the force of it. "Talk to me." He pulled me in closer and all I wanted was to push him away.
"Just leave me alone." I attempted to turn away but was held in place. I grew frustrated and started pawing at his hands. "Matthew let go of me." I demanded. He drew himself closer. His breaths became heavy and I knew he was infuriated with me for not following his direction. He towered over me as his eyes turned dark and dangerous. If I wasn't so used to this I would be scared. "Matthew breath." He didn't listen and I knew I was screwed. His jaw clenched and I prepared myself for abuse. "Matthew, don't give me another reason to not get back together with you." He relaxed slightly and tilted his head giving me a viscous glare. Spike had some sort of hatred toward me, I never understood why. But Spike hated me deeply.
"Ala?" I looked around Matthew's shoulders and saw Noah quickly making his way over here looking worried. Matthew didn't even hesitate to see who was coming over here. As Noah advanced closer I anticipated he was going to try and pry Matthew off of me.
"Noah stop, you'll make it worse." I called to him as he prepared to tear Matthew away from me. He tugged on Matthews arms anyway. Matthew finally acknowledged him with a swing in his direction. Noah successfully dodged it. "Noah let him go. He'll hurt you. I can handle it."
"Obviously you can't." Noah replied squaring up for a fight.  I walked over as Matthew moved closer to Noah. I pushed Matthew back keeping my hand connected to his chest.
"Who is this jackass?" Matthew asked staring over my head at Noah.
"His name is Noah. Just ignore him."
"Ala please. Just come home with me I need to talk to you in private." He pleaded. I noticed his temper had cooled down a fair amount.
"I have to go meet Nash." Matthew rolled his eyes.
"Fine. We're talking later, take care of this bastard." Matthew muttered driving away. I sighed.
"What the hell?" Noah furrowed his eyebrows.
"That's my friend Matthew Espinosa for you."
"I've heard of him. My cousin loves him and a guy named Hayes Grier."
"Also my friend."
"I've got to make sure she stops being a fan of Matt. Holy shit he's an asshole."
"He's not. He really loves his fans, more than anything. He's just got a little issue with controlling his anger."
"Little?" I nodded.
"Well I have to go, but I'll see you around." I ended the conversation and quickly walked off. I'm not sure why but I sensed a strange, sort of possessive vibe from Noah that I wasn't too fond of. As I drove back to the loft I thought more and more about Matthew. As I thought more and more a reoccurring question wouldn't get out of my brain. Was I really over Matthew? We're the butterflies I get around him all just in good nature? Was I just simply excited to see him because we're friends or because I still liked him? For these three months that Matthew and I have been separated I've never really taken into consideration that Nash was just a distraction. Nash was my safe alternative. An easy way to ensure I wouldn't be hurt as badly as I was when Matthew drove away and left me in the rain.
I pulled into the parking lot and locked the car making my way up the stairs. I quietly opened the door not wanting to wake anybody. As I stepped inside the wind took ahold of the door and slammed it shut causing me to jump. I fell into the table closest to me and immediately caught a glimpse of the two scars I had on my arm. Two reminders that Matthew was toxic. Matthew was bad. I looked over to the wall where my arm was cut and replayed the memory, remembering exactly how evil Matthews eyes were and exactly how strong his hold on me was. I then remembered that since Matthew and I's breakup Fulton has been relatively quiet.
Before I could finish thinking Nash came bursting out of my bedroom clutching onto the baseball bat that he insisted I kept in my room.
"Holy shit." He muttered dropping the metal bat and descending down the stairs. "Where have you been."
"Coffee." I decided to leave it at that not wanting Nash to worry about me being with Matthew.
"Oh, cool." I didn't know what to say. We never could carry on a conversation anymore. "So I was thinking maybe you wanted to go have a picnic for lunch." Nash swayed back and forth nervously afraid that I would reject him.
"Yeah, that sounds good." He smiled and drew me in for a kiss, the only thing we ever did together comfortably.
"Alright well I'll go to the store and get some stuff and you can do whatever until around twelve."
"Are you sure you don't want me to help?"
"Positive, I'll see you later." He pecked my lips and then walked out of the door. I looked around uncertain of what to do. My answer came when I received a text from Cameron.