Seasons Change

Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own Austin or Ally.

Chapter 6:

Ally's P.O.V:

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dear Mom,

It's Day 16 of my grounding sentence and all I have done in those 16 days, was sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, eat, and sleep again only to repeat the same process the next day. I've never had a reason to be punished before and I'm beyond bored. The night I came back from the park with Austin was the best night I've had in a long time. And by the time I reached my house with Austin; I didn't want him to leave but we knew both of us were in immense trouble and had to deal with it by ourselves…

*Flashback*

I took a deep breath before opening the door, afraid of what kind of emotions were brewing behind it. I poked my head through the crack and slowly crept through. I softly shut the door and peered through the darkness. So far so good… I noiselessly removed my boots and started to tip-toe through the dark space that engulfed around me. I moved cautiously, waving my hands at arm's length in front of me to prevent myself from bumping into something; my clumsiness always came at the wrong time but with the addition of not being able to see, now was the worst time to slip-up. My fingers brushed over the cool steel stair railing, and sent a cold sensation through my fingertips. I tightly clutched the banister and used my other hand to feel for the wooden steps. Unfortunately, my socks against the smooth wood floorboards did not work in my advantage. My knee thumped against the step, causing a loud thud to resonate through the house. I bit my lip and grimaced; fighting back a painful shout. I started to crawl my way up the spiraling staircase until a bright light flicked on in the kitchen. "Allyson," a stern voice summoned. I unwillingly pushed myself off the steps and limped to stand in between the entrance of the kitchen and foyer. I squinted; blinded from the white light, and waited for my eyes to adjust. My eyesight soon cleared to view the marble island in the middle of the kitchen, and behind it stood a fuming Jessica whose face was flushed pale with anger. My Dad stood next to her with his bulky arms crossed across his chest; mute and not looking from his feet. "Come here please," Jessica demanded motioning for me to stand across the island. I wanted to run, to slink back into the darkness and retreat to my room but my legs moved on my own, betraying me, to come to a halt before island. Jessica was still dressed in her gray and black work clothes and her tight bun was twisted securely in place with a hair tie, seemingly trying to preserve her strict look. "Where in the world have you been?" she spat out at me. I looked down at my hands, twirling them, trying to distract myself. "I want to know what was going through your mind when you left without notice and didn't even bother to call." Jessica spoke. I continued to pretend to be interested in my hands until she said very loudly, "Look at me when I speak to you and answer the question Allyson!" I raised my head and my eyes got wide; even Dad shuffled uncomfortably in his position. Jessica always kept her self-composure and her perky attitude at full height; rarely ever did she raise her voice or seem upset around us, her job was an exception where she had to be firm; but nothing like this, not dictatorial. I started to feel anger rise up inside my chest, like a growing hatred that's been looming hidden inside me. Why does she think she can talk to me like this and expect me to just stand here and take it? "It's Ally," I looked into her eyes with a ferocious glare, in return she looked taken aback while raising her eyebrows. She leaned back against the counter crossing her arms to match my Dad's position, "Well I don't care what you want to be called, you're grounded. Did you even think of how your father and I would react?" Take deep breathes Ally… "I was at the park with Austin Moon and a few other friends of mine. We lost track of time and when we realized it was almost 11 we all rushed home," I said through my gritted teeth. "Austin Moon? The one who lives across the street? Allyson, you can't go wandering around the neighborhood in the evening with people we haven't even met. We just moved here and you're suddenly sneaking out with a boy? What could have possibly possessed you to this?" She said pushing off from the counter to walk up to the island, pointing her acrylic nails at me, emphasizing "possessed" like it was a diseased word. "Nothing "possessed" me Jessica! Why are you suddenly taking an interest in what I do anyway? I wanted to get out of the house and go do something! Not be trapped inside while you yell at your business partner on the phone all day!" I expressed brashly also moving to the island so that our faces were a foot away, neither of us wanting to back down from our glares. The tension in the kitchen was dangerously escalating, and I probably looked a mess; playing basketball for an hour, running around the neighborhood to get home, plus the leaves and grass in my hair didn't help. Jessica's usual energetic face seemed strangely different in the luminous kitchen light; wrinkles appeared on her face where I never noticed them before, her eyes had an angry flare but masked behind that I saw a quick flash of concern and worry that left as quickly as it came. "You can talk to me about this when you stop being so selfish. This promotion was best for the family; I thought you were mature enough to understand that," Jessica said looking down at me with a look of disappointment lowering her tone. "Why aren't you listening to me?" I said in frustration narrowing my eyes and searching her face for some indication of why I was being ignored. "I'm sorry I snuck out without permission but do you really not see why I did? You're not my Mom anyway so stop trying so hard," Jessica's face hardened to cover all emotion and stared at me. As soon as the words left my mouth I felt an ovewhelming sense on gulit and wanted to take them back. I looked helplessly to my Dad for so kind of assistance, "Dad?" His face had lost all the cheeriness it once contained; he was troubled and seemed to be arguing with himself internally but the uneasiness was written all over his face. After moment of silence, he sighed sadly and softly said, "Ally go to your room," My face fell in disbelief; I moved my head to try to meet his eyes but he moved his head, avoiding my eyes. "Dad I'm sorry I left but-" I said quietly before he cut me off. "Allyson just go!" he shouted in a louder tone I never heard him take before. My eyes widened and I could feel the tears stinging in my eyes, ready to spill over like a buildup that's ready to overflow. I was embarrassed he raised his voice at me. I was embarrassed he chose Jessica over his own daughter. But mostly, I was embarrassed that he couldn't even look me in the eyes like we were total strangers. I slowly turned, giving up on both of them, and hobbled up the stairs and down the hallway to reach my room. I shut the door firmly behind me and shivered at the temperature in my bedroom. I forgot to close my balcony doors before I left for the park so the fresh late November air flew into my room and circulated around into every corner and object, leaving behind a cool atmosphere. I collapsed on my bed to finally let myself release the accumulation of oppressed emotions over the years, through my tears. I never really liked to cry, especially in front of anyone; I felt too vulnerable and naïve, but now the flow of tears just couldn't stop. I muffled my sobs with my pillow and took deep breaths. The silvery-white moonlight poured through the open double doors and glowed and eluminated all around the room. I opened my eyes and looked at the night; the notable moon was high in the sky with the tiny stars surrounding it. My breathing slowed down as the night sky transported me back to a childhood memory; when I was younger, whenever the moon and stars where out, my Mom would always guide me to the window and gesture to the sky and say, "I love you more than the moon will ever love the stars," Little things always reminded me of her, but remembering only lasts for so long. I was slowly forgetting even how she talked and smiled, only to remember with the help of home videotapes and pictures. I realized I finally stopped crying so I silently crawled into bed and stared out the window; hoping the moon and stars will comfort me enough to have me fall asleep.

*End of Flashback*

After that night, I haven't spoken much to Jessica or Dad except for a little conversation here and there. I don't know where I got the courage to stand up to Jessica like that, but I can tell she didn't like it. So now I'm still locked inside just like before I snuck out. But I'm glad I did Mom, Austin did the sweetest thing, he got some of his friends and introduced them to me while we were at the park. I guess he noticed I was lonely and just need some extra company. Trish and Dez were the funniest thing! Trish is this short, black curly-haired, Latino girl who was so relatable and truthful, we couldn't stop talking and laughing; it felt as if we knew each other since forever. Dez is this really tall, red-haired, unusual guy…hahaha it's kind of hard to describe Dez but he's so creative and carefree it's laughable. Austin and I managed to still communicate with each other without our phones and I think we've developed a pretty good way…

I stopped writing and looked up at Austin's house; I smiled as I saw him sitting before his window holding up a large notepad with thick sharpie writing,

Happy Birthday Alls ;)

I laughed and quickly jumped from my bed to grab my notepad and sharpie to write,

Ah you remembered! Thanks Austin :)

I shuffled over to my balcony to hold up my sign, my knee still hurt but I didn't want to tell Jessica or Dad so I just wrapped my knee myself with a bandage. After a second of writing he held his back up.

Sorry I couldn't get you anything,

He frowned for emphasize and I shook my head at his comment and wrote back,

You didn't need to get me anything!

I saw Austin roll his eyes and wave hands. He quickly wrote his message and held it up cheekily smirking,

But I wanted to… ;)

I laughed at how annoying he was and smiled. "Allyson, lunch," Jessica's voice came from downstairs and I frowned. The Queen has summoned me… I rolled my eyes and wrote back to Austin with an apologetic face,

Lunch :(

He nodded understandably and rested the back of his head on the side of the window sill and kicked back his feet, relaxing seeing there was nothing else for him to do. I sighed and secretively hide my notepad under the cushions of my chair on the balcony, I didn't want Jessica finding it and banning me from talking to Austin. She didn't know him and didn't know what a great friend he's been since I came here. Before I went downstairs, I momentarily went back to my songwriting book to finish up my entry.

Sorry Mom I have to go. I miss you so much…

Love Forever and Always,

~ Ally xx

"Allyson!" Jessica growled impatiently. "I'm coming," I shouted back shutting my songbook and stuffing it under my pillow. Day 16 of lunch with the Queen begins…

A/N: So chapter 6 is here! I'm pretty upset because this is not one of my best chapters, but please review and share this story around! And fun fact for any of you noticed, Laura Marano's real birthday is on November 29! So I just felt the need to make it Ally's in the story. I'm getting kinda worried because no one is reviewing so im convinced my story sucks... :(

~ Jazzy xxx