Seasons Change

Chapter 7

Disclimer: I do not own Austin and Ally.

Chapter 7:

Ally's P.O.V.

"Lines Allyson, I want lines!" Jessica's words echoed in my head as I pushed the roaring vacuum across the living room carpet. "I'll show you lines," I muttered through my clenched teeth. As part of my punishment I also had to clean more around the house; sweep/mop the floors, wash the dishes, do the laundry, and worst of all clean the bathrooms. I shuddered at the thought and continued on trying to vacuum "correctly". Jessica came downstairs a half an hour ago to check on me after I said I finished and scoffed at my "terrible job of cleaning". She wanted me to create lines without crossing them, if that was even possible. She removed the vacuum from my hands and started showing me her technic. Now I tried to match her example for the fourth time this morning and my disheveled appearance proved I was tired. I turned off the vacuum and leaned against the handle to rest. I blow cold air on my face and wiped the stray hairs away from my forehead. I examined my fourth try and felt satisfied as I admired the fresh lines across the floor. A loud growl emerged from my stomach and I realized I haven't eaten all morning. I rewound the cord and set the vacuum aside against the wall just in case my lines weren't up to Jessica's standards. I staggered over to the bathroom at the end of the hall and flipped the switch to lighten the room. The burnt light blue walls met my eyes first as I approached the sink. I inspected myself in the mirror and laughed; my loose side-braid was now astray and unkempt in many areas. I unraveled my braid to release my very curly hair. I sighed and bent over to tousle my hair slightly to loosen the curls and whipped my head back. Much better. I smiled and twisted both faucet handles inward to trigger the luke-warm water to stream out. I pumped soap and washed my hands, leaving them moisturized and smelling like cucumbers. My stomach moaned again as if urging me to feed its desire for food. "Alright, alright I'm going," I shushed. I exited the bathroom and worked my way to the pantry. My eyes rested upon a box of microwavable kettle-corn popcorn. I licked my lips and grabbed the box, rushing to the kitchen to put the bag in the microwave and hurriedly pushing the popcorn button. I impatiently tapped my toes waiting for the time to run out, leaning against the counter. The time beeped and I excitedly pushed off from the granite and flung open the microwave door. I ripped open the bag releasing a warm puff of steam then dropped it as a yell from upstairs traveled to the kitchen, "Allyson, come here please!" Popcorn and hot kernels sprinkled all across the floor and my lips pressed together tightly and I took a deep breath through my nose. I shook my head as I bent down to begin picking up the popcorn; I studied them to determine if it was still edible I mean, I did just clean the floors. But unfortunately little specks of dust and hairs were stuck to the snack food. I sadly threw the infected pieces away but lightened up when I saw a one last piece of kettle-corn stuck to the bottom of the bag. I grabbed it and smiled to myself, At least I still have one! "Allyson!" I jumped and ironically the last piece dropped to the floor, mocking me with all its deliciousness. Nice Ally… "What?" I yelled back. I heard the sound of footsteps pound against the wood stairs increase until Jessica turned the corner to face me with an irritated expression. "Allyson, didn't you hear me calling you?" She had her laptop balanced on her right hand, her now empty plate on the other and her Bluetooth plugged into her ear; her all-business no play exterior never really matched her annoyingly sprightly personality. "Yeah I did, I was just cleaning something up. What's wrong?" I wasn't really interested in what she had to say; there still was some uncomfortable tension between us, seeing we never really talked about that night I got grounded. She set her laptop on the island and walked over to the sink to place her plate inside to wash it. "Well I called you because I need you to go over to the Moon's house and invite them over for dinner on Saturday," My head shot up in shock, uncertain of what I just heard. "Um what?" I said in astonishment. She opened the dishwasher and put the dish on the rack, "Come now Allyson, you heard me." I rolled my eyes, "But why?" I said still not catching on. "Well I was cleaning the windows yesterday and I happened to look across the street to see Austin at his window holding up signs I'm guessing to you…" She gave me an "I knew what you were doing and you can't fool me" look and dried her hands on the green hand towel. "I figured if you and Austin seem to know each other so well, it's only reasonable for your father and I too as well," I felt my face burn from embarrassment and I cleared my throat, "Okay I'll go now then," I doubtfully backed away towards the door, still skeptical if she was fooling around with me for vengeance. "If they agree tell them 6 o clock will be just fine if it works for them," She said turning away from me, taking her laptop and clambering back up the stairs. I grinned and moved to the closet to grab my Uggs; stuffing my gray leggings inside them, careful not to shift my knee wrap for my sprained leg and adjusted my pink knit sweater so it didn't hang off my shoulder. I tried to tame my voluminous hair but it refused to be subdued so the best I could get it to was a beachy wave style. I finally gave up and started for the front door, "I'll be back!" I yelled over my shoulder.