You're Not Alone (Austin Carlile)

31. Ode To Sleep

Title credit: Twenty-One Pilots

Two days later (when she comes home)

Holly's POV:

Today is the day I leave this horrid mental hospital. Four days seem to drag on when you are anticipated to get out of here. I just can't believe that I will be moving in with Austin, it's so crazy to think that.

I decide to spend my last morning here talking to Joy in the cafeteria. She's sad to see me go, but she wishes me the best of luck. Honestly, I will miss her, she was fun to be around, I'll even miss her stealing my food. It's so unlikely that I would make a friend in a place like this, but I did it, surprisingly. I told her I would keep in contact with her, I know how lonesome this place can get.

I watch the clock anxiously, waiting until it's 12. Austin said he would be here at 12 to get me. I still have 2 hours to go and I can't sit still to save my life. I'm so excited to be leaving, and living with Austin, since I'm actually getting better. I never thought that I would get better, but I am. I smile to myself, realizing that I have the power in me to over come all of this. I'm not completely back to myself, it will take a lot more time and effort but I'm ready to work my butt off for it. Two hours left, might as we'll kill some time by saying goodbye to people. I leave the cafeteria to say goodbye to my doctor first.

-

The clock strikes 12 as I pack up the rest of my clothes. I squeal with delight like a teenage girl who's parents bought her something expensive. I wait in my room until they send someone to come bring me up front to reception. I've seen many people leave here, and I basically know the routine now. I was always wanting to be them, they got to leave this place and I was stuck here, but that's not the case anymore. A nurse knocks on my door before opening it.

"Holly? it's your lucky day, time to leave." I smile, jumping off my rented bed, grabbing my suitcase and following her to the front desk. As I round the corner, the first thing I notice is the '6"4 man standing there ready to take me home. I walk up to him and hug him, then let him finish the last paper he was signing.

"Goodbye Holly! and good luck!" The receptionist calls to me as we head for the door.

"Let's go home." Austin intertwined his hand with mine, as we walk into the chilly weather outside. Home. That sounds very delightful.

The car ride back to his, correction; our house, is anything but silent. We talk away like we haven't seen each other in years, and make fun of each other. It's like nothing's ever changed, like I never got sent to the mental hospital. Austin pulls into the driveway and I sigh with content; home. I'm finally home. I squeeze Austin's hand with a large smile on my face, and he squeezes mine back with reassurance. We get out of the car, and he grabs my bag for me as we walk to the front door.

"Mi casa, es su casa." He says, before opening the door. No matter how many times I walk into this house, it always takes my breathe away. It's such a stunning house, I can't believe I going to be living here now.

"First things first, obviously I'm the realist, but no I'm getting a relaxing bath." I say, following him up the stairs to his-our room. He laughs at my Iggy reference.

"Go ahead, unwind, you deserve it." I pull him into a hug and just hold onto him. How did I ever get this lucky? No man will ever be as perfect as him. After a minute or two I let go of him, give him a quick kiss, and head for the bathroom to have a relaxing bath.

After my hour and a half relaxing bath, I exit the bathroom with a towel covering me, to see Austin laying on the bed watching TV. That bath was exactly what I needed to relax.

"Dress warm, I have a surprise." He says, before bitting his lip. I nod my head, grabbing a pair of jeans and a comfy sweater, and changing right in front of him. He knows I don't enjoy surprises, but I play along, 'cause I know it makes him happy. After I'm dressed I let my hair dry naturally, and don't even bother with make-up. Its honestly been so long since I did my hair and make-up, give it a few more weeks and I'll slowly start doing it again.

I slip on my vans and follow Austin downstairs. On the couch I see Ashby laying there, I squeal and run over and pick him up. He immediately starts purring and rubbing against my hand. I look over at Austin with a happy goofy face, and he laughs.

"Okay, I gotta go, but I'll be back later." I say to him in a higher pitched voice, yes, I talk to my cat like he is a human. I love my cat. I follow Austin to the car and get in the passenger seat. We buckle up before he leaves the driveway. I decide against asking him where we are going, since it would be futile, so I sit there, singing along to radio songs, while holding his hand.

By the time we reach the destination, I'm astonished by where we are at. We are overlooking the city of LA, and it's a breathe taking view. It's amazing to just disconnect yourself from that, and look it as a whole. there's millions of people just doing their daily routines so far below us.

"Austin, it's beautiful." I say, not tearing my gaze away from the busy city. He doesn't reply so I turn around to see him standing in front of a blanket laying on the grass, and a picnic basket staring at me with a smile. "Austin.." I say, lost for words.

"Shh, come sit." I smile, and join him and sit on the blanket. He pulls out a bottle of white wine, and two glasses. He fills our glasses halfway full. We lift our glasses up in a cheers. "Cheers, to my beautiful and wonderful girlfriend coming home." I blush as we clink glasses and take a sip from our glasses.

We sit around making fun of each other, until the sun starts to set. Austin pulls me into his side as we watch the beautiful colors dance across the sky. I think this is one of the best 'welcome home's' I've ever had. When the sun sets completely, Austin and I head back home. As soon as we get home, he goes upstairs quickly and reappears. He takes off his shoes and socks and heads for the backyard. I furrow my brow, and take mine off hastily, then run after him. Our house has a little grass backyard, before it turns into a beach water front. I chase after him until he reaches the water and I catch up to him.

"What was that for?" I ask, lost for breath from chasing him. I can't wait to start exercising so that doesn't happen over short distances. With a blink of an eye Austin starts to get down on one knee, without breaking eye contact. I cover my mouth with my hand, holding back a gasp. He isn't doing what I think he's doing is he? No! It's impossible! He can't! But he is! Oh my god he is!

"Holly Marie, you make me so happy, it's crazy how someone could be as happy as me. I've never been this happy. When I lost you, I thought my world was ending, and when you went to the hospital, it made me realize, I can't lose you. I couldn't imagine a world without you in it, it's impossible. You are so special to me, you are the one for me. I need you in my life, to make fun of me, sing and dance around with." By now I'm crying, and it's coming down like a river. I can't stop crying as he keeps talking. "Remember when I was drunk and I said I wanted to be with you forever?" I nod my head yes, at lose for words. "I meant it. I want to have beautiful children with you, I want to grow old with you, I want you by my side for all the good and bad." He pulls out a little box from his pocket and opens it, revealing a beautiful ring. "Holly, will you be my wife?" I can't speak, let alone breathe properly. I compose myself to a point I can answer his question.

"Ye-yes Austin, oh god yes I'll marry you." Saying it out loud makes me cry even more with realization of what just happened. Austin asked me to marry him, and I said yes. I give him my left hand, and he slips the ring on to my finger. I don't admire the ring, but instead I pull him into a hug and kiss him with such a fiery passion that it makes my lips numb. We pull apart, and I rest my head on his chest. I can't believe it, I'm engaged. Not only that, but to my best friend, my soul mate.

"Let's go inside, you're freezing." He says before lacing my fingers with his as we walk back towards the house. This was definitely the best 'welcome home' I've ever had.

THE END

Thanks for sticking around with me and slow updates! Gah I can't believe it's over! I don't know if I want to write a sequel yet, I have 2 stories to finish and one I want to start writing first. That's a wrap! Hope you enjoyed it!:)
-Holly