Template:Under a Paper Moon 3

A/N: Dedication to @LauraBearHugs and @Primpixieprincess for the adorable messages regarding this here ol' story and making me feel like the coolest cucumber in the salad. :P

I am honestly so surprised that I got through, let alone was one of the top voted. 2WIYGKJSEHKJSRT Gosh, I appreciate you all supporting my story so much! I really do hope I can deliver, and can give you something you can enjoy!

My chapter lengths seem to expand every single time, so, uh, I hope that's okay... I mean, I think it's good? I hope you do too.

I wanted to upload this as soon as possible to thank you for voting for me last round. I hope this next chapter is good! :D

UNDER A PAPER MOON - ch3

“Dear Austin,

All I remember is shattering. The fragmented glass jutting out in all directions, catching the light and casting it across the room. That’s where we left our story. Our story.

You always had a knack of making me smile in the most sullen situations. It was the simple things that did. For example, you watching the birds slice through the air and smiling, knowing they were making the journey and were part of a family. You probably thought I hadn’t noticed that, huh?

Well Austin, I always notice.

So, there’s a lot of things I hadn’t gotten time to miss while I was in New York, studying at college. I had forgotten of the simplicity of being part of a bigger family, moving all together in separate parts but joining collectively as one. I had never gotten a large family, seeing as my only close family members were divorced. That’s why I envied you in Porcelli, slipping into the folds of Amelia’s family like a puzzle piece. You belonged to someone, and had a family to love you.

I wish I could say the same.

It was the first Thursday after the bridge deteriorated. My dad’s wedding was slotted in for Saturday, meaning I needed at least three and a half miracles to get there on time. They were probably so worried, I was due home a day ago. Poor Julia, never got to wear the beautiful dress she was destined to wed my father in.

My time in the cellar was up at this point. After a certain ‘jarring’ moment (haha, get it Austin? Because jar – oh, never mind) I was reinstated to work the kitchen with Agnes and Trish. I was petrified, seeing as Agnes really had something against me. I’d walk by her, and she would give me a greasy that had been brewing for nothing short of seventy years.

I still sat all alone in the corner of the barn. The families in Porcelli weren’t too concerned with our comfort, so we continued to be prodded and harassed like the animals whose home we now stayed in. The sun had only just peaked over the horizon, when five consecutive knocks stirred me from my slumber.

I was itching all over. The straw was our only form of comfort, and as the golden rods were driven into my side, my skin was drawn in red like chalk to a chalkboard.

I groggily paced myself across the floor, making sure not to wake anyone else up (I don’t know why I offered that courtesy.) The door creaked as I pulled it towards me, a beam of light protruding through the gap I’d created.

“Grandmamma wants girls in kitchen, now.” Amelia pursed her lips, doing all she could to avoid my gaze.

“You mean Trish?” I stammered, turning around to my former best friend, motionless with sleep.

Amelia swept her charcoal locks from her face, and nodded in affirmation. “Yes.”

I took a deep breath. None of us had changed clothes in a few days, and the cracks were really showing. Our hair was fluffed in unnatural ways. My hair resembled a cloud. And not the cloud you’d make a wish on – no. It was more like a suffocating raincloud of darkness.

Trish was my raincloud.

With Amelia staring intently into my being, I knew I had to wake Trish up. Even when we were on good terms, that was a struggle. Now though? It was the last thing I wanted to do.

I inched closer to her, the back of her head streamed with her curls. As I tread across the straw silently, I had a startling thought – what if she didn’t come? And she was kicked out of town?

Wait, was I empathising with Trish again?

I narrowed in on her, as I kneeled beside her. With a deep breath, I braved the consequences and placed a hand firmly on her side.

“Trish,” I cooed gently, trying my best not to sound as horrified as I was. “We have to get up. Agnes has requested us.”

“Huuuh?” Her eyes still full with sleep, Trish rose with a dim look on her face. She scratched her head, not fully coherent.

“Okay, this way.” I directed, linking my arm in hers tentatively. Trish’s eyes were still closed, as I led her across the barn and to Amelia waiting on the other side.

“Follow.” Amelia barked out, as I was caught completely off-guard. Amelia was a fragile girl, she reminded me of the dandelions in the meadows I used to call home. Her ferocity was from a place much deeper than Trish and I could comprehend.

Well, Trish would have to be awake to comprehend anything, and awake she was not.

We followed Amelia up the steady incline to her homestead. I had to lead Trish all the way, as she slept walked.

“Are you Ally?” Trish murmured dazedly, her smile misplaced on her face.

I turned to her and raised my eyebrow, only to realise she couldn’t see it anyway. “Uh, yeah?”

“So you’re my best friend Ally? The one that I think about every day? The one that I miss more than anything in the world?” Trish is giggling now, but I don’t think she understood what she was saying. Her thoughts were unfiltered, spluttering out without her permission. These were her true intentions.

My eyes were pricked with tears when she made the sentiment.

“I hope I’m that Ally.” I mumble, leaning in closer to her.

“You’re definitely that Ally. I miss my Ally.” Trish was still completely out of it, walking around like a zombie. For once, I didn’t mind her tardiness and her addiction to sleep. My heart bubbled with the warmth of our friendship, and it meant so much to know that is how she felt. After all this time.. she still cared for me, like I’d cared for her.

Trish gripped my hand harder, as she started to come to consciousness. Her eyes blinked thrice, before one more confession slid off her tongue before she fully awoke.

“My Ally... the one Austin lov-“ She began, as Amelia had pushed us to a stop.

What were you going to say, Trish??

We reached a narrow doorway to lead into the kitchen of Amelia’s family home. Her arms were folded with the aggravation we didn’t know she possessed. Her timid, perhaps shy ways were amidst that of rage.

“Inside. Now.” Amelia pushed us both through the door, and slammed it against our backs with no warning. Trish jumped five feet in the air, her eyes snapping open.

“How on earth did I get here??” She scoffed, as she turned to me.

We were standing within the family’s provincial kitchen. Windows spanned the walls, streaming in light from the fields. A few other women hurried in and out of the kitchen, crafting different dishes in large quantities.

“Hi girls, I’m Desidre. I’m Amelia’s mother, and Agnes’ daughter.” She greeted us warmly, whilst placing two cloths in our hands.

“It’s my father’s birthday today. We’ve got a huge celebration planned, but we need you to clean up, alright?” Desidre looked much like her daughter, with an iridescent glow to her skin.

Trish’s expression was hazed with confusion. “How come so many of you speak English??”

“Oh... my late husband was American.” Without a word, Desidre disappeared back into the flurry of women baking, with Trish and I standing there in perplexity.

We moved silently over to the sink where we were wanted, and ran the water. This is the cleanest either of us had been for days. As we graced the fabric to the dirtied equipment, I still couldn’t rid myself of the grin that Trish’s friendship confession gifted me.

“You made some interesting comments while you were sleepwalking.” I phased, not lifting an eye from the plates.

“Huh?” Trish sounded terrified, turning to me in terror.

“Simmer down Trish,” I laughed whilst watching her delayed reaction “it was just... you said you missed me.”

Silence encompassed us. Many dishes piled up besides us, and we refused to say another word, or glance at another dish. She and I just stared at each other.

Until Trish coerced me into a hug.

“I miss you so much, Ally. It’s crazy.” She breathed into my shoulder, as she gripped tighter.

“I guess it’s a good thing then, that I’m never letting you go again.”

And as everything in that kitchen faded away, the cords of music long lost to me were struck again in my heart.

Trish and I managed to finish all the dishes without breaking anything. Music blared from the record player in the lounge, and many of the older women commented on how good my dancing is!

I just thought I’d tell you that, Austin.

Anyway, the celebrations were at an all time high. The townspeople respected Ramos, Amelia’s grandfather. His birthday, seeing as he was a past mayor of the town, had sparked a widespread festivity. Dainty fairy lights glowed above the streets, with food dispensed everywhere you look.

We were given the afternoon off, to do whatever we pleased. We all took it as a gift, when really it was just Agnes’ way of telling us how much we [don’t] mean to them.

Not that I minded.

The children of the town ran with merriment, bouncing around, hyped up on sugar. Their sing-song laughter chorused through the streets, revibrating up my spine. It was a joyous sound, just another reason my lips were curled upwards.

Then I noticed the park area, where many had gathered. All the townsfolk were swaying to the classical tunes, dancing with a partner. A tart placed in my mouth, I watched with envy as the pairs danced with the one they loved.

There was one couple that stood out to me.

They were both young children, no older than six. The girl donned a beautiful golden gown, spiralling at the hand of her partner. Both of the children giggled, unable to reciprocate the feelings thought were unrequited. The innocence of their dance lacked the complication of relationships beyond their years. To be young means simply to live happily. There are no rules, no expectations. All you do is that which makes you happy.

That’s where you come in, Austin.

You stand at my shoulder, as I glance across the street to the dancing.

“Hi.” You offered gingerly, flanking to my side.

“Hi, Austin.” I responded softly, my eyes still on the party.

“I’m... well, yesterday was awkward. I shouldn’t have confronted you like that.” You responded sincerely, spinning me around to face you. The breeze blew your hair in all directions, and I knew you hated it. But you resisted the urge to flatten your mop just to keep an air of seriousness around me. It was very sweet of you.

“Well, I really shouldn’t have snapped.” I callously shrug, returning my gaze to the party.

Conversation dulled, no more words spoken. I didn’t feel the need to add anything. All I do know was Trish had restored my mood, so I wasn’t eager to make snide judgements at you.

You, on the other hand, opted to fill the silence. “So are you excited for the wedding?”

My expression animated with sadness. “Of course I am. But it doesn’t matter anyway, I’m not going to make it.” I scratch tentatively at a spot on my wrist, as your eyes question me every which way.

“You didn’t quite sound sincere when you said that.”

Ding ding ding.

“Well... okay, I haven’t danced publically for such a long time, and... I’m scared.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, as you return the gesture with a chortle.

“What? That’s ridiculous.” You continued to laugh, as I glowered at you.

It was then you realised I was serious. “Oh...well, how about I teach you? I mean, I’ve done it before, how hard can it be?” You offered up selflessly.

I bet you wished you hadn’t.

Of five minutes of intense shuffling, my hands grew clammy whilst they were placed in yours. My heart rhythmically beat uncomfortably in my chest while you were so close, an unrest I can only imagine was mirrored in your own. I felt so... odd. It was strange to be within such close proximity to you again.

Plus, I did step on your feet... a lot. Although some stamps were put in edgewise, I didn’t mean to hit you every single time.

But you persevered... you didn’t give up on me. So we continued to dance, the music only an echo, as you vowed to teach me to such a standard that I would be excited for the wedding.

Much time passed, and the sky was painted pink. A few people to pass stared at us weirdly, for dancing on our own in the middle of the party. I didn’t mind too much, surprisingly. Hey, it was even a little fun.

But your vision caught Amelia’s, and immediately you stepped away.

“Well Ally, I can confidently say you improved.” He nodded awkwardly, rocking back and forth on his feet.

“You’re a pretty good teacher.” I complimented, as a smile unfurled on your face. I would be lying if I didn’t say my heart beat a little bit faster when you did that.

“Well.. see ya.” With that, off you ran to Amelia at the actual party. I sighed, watching you leave... again. I’m kind of accustomed to it now. I guess it’s kind of payback for yesterday. Whatever.

I could feel eyes bore into my side, which caused an unrest inside me. Clearly uncomfortable, I turn to find Agnes gossiping viciously in Italian while pointing at me. Caught completely off guard, I scuttle away... until I run into Trish.

Quite literally.

“Watch it, Ally. There are other people walking, too.” Trish laughed, playfully bumping my shoulder. I say nothing.

“Are we... not good?” Trish’s words were laced with concern, to which I took back immediately.

“No no no no,” I chanted insistently, proving a point. “It’s just.. old lady Agnes treats me worse than the rest of you. I think some of it has rubbed off on Amelia.”

Trish’s eyes narrowed on me, looking at me with utter disappointment.

“You can’t tell me you don’t know why.”

“Well that’s awkward, because I can’t tell you why.”

Trish took a deep breath, accounting for total lung capacity. She looked tired, and also quite annoyed that I wasn’t able to articulate it for myself. “Ally... they don’t like the fact you’re here. Everyone, even the people in the middle of nowhere, have seen those gossip magazines. They know your history with Austin. And now they see you two together... they can see the chemistry. Agnes just wants her grand-daughter to be happy, and she can see the similarities between the two of you. Shy, beautiful... Agnes knows why Amelia is the first proper girlfriend Austin has had since you two broke up.”

The fairy lights twinkled above us, as darkness blanketed the sky. The music was still sounding, and many vocal villagers hustled about the premise with excited chatter.

“Trish, that’s absolutely – wait, he hasn’t had any other girlfriends??” My mind was in five places at once. Part of me couldn’t believe what Trish had said, yet some of me wanted to. Then at the back of my mind, warnings were flashing – they knew what was happening.

“Nope. Flings, yeah... but splitting up with you was probably the hardest things he ever had to do. It damaged him in a way that couldn’t be repaired. Well, until he met you again.”

Is that true, Austin?

My mouth forgot how to form words. My tongue was useless, as no words could escape the firm threshold of my lips.

“I... I’m gonna go.”

Without another word, I walked away. Not to the barn, of course. Why would I want to go there? I just walked across the luscious scenery of the gardens, hidden within the crowds of people. No one stopped to recognise me, or acknowledge me. I was kind of used to that. So I settled into everyone else’s shadow, as the rest of them jumped around and had fun.

“Please!!” A kid whined, tugging at someone’s pants. I couldn’t discern the face because they were strung in the middle of the crowd of dancers.

With a sigh of contempt, you emerged from the crowd, hugging your backpack to your stomach. That bag was really the only materialistic possession that was salvaged in the great bridge fall.

I leaned against the chair as far as I could without falling. I didn’t want you to see me, although I didn’t know why. I put it down to the fact I had nothing to form into a conversation.

“Let me play with it!” The child threw a tantrum, and you shaked your head while smirking.

“Okay, but I get Doughie!” Your childish side was all exposed for those watching. I felt more and more like a stalker, as I tried to disappear into the hedge. But I fell short when you pulled the toy out of your bag.

Doughie the Dolphin.

“Why do you have a soft toy?” The kid taunted you, as your cheeks were glowing crimson.

“Doughie isn’t just a toy, Evan. He’s... special. He was from a special friend of mine.” You were kneeled next to him, levelling with him in a way he’d understand. You were so amazing with kids.

You became lost in thought while looking at the plush animal. My lungs gasped for air. The young kid began to turn to me, so I leaped across the hedge. I couldn’t have managed an exit more conspicuous.

Most of the people turned to see the site of the loud thud sound. You included. But my identity was hidden behind the shroud, and I made a run for it before anyone could pin it on me.

I should have been concerned that everyone was looking at me, the way that I hated. But instead, my mind was left wondering more and more why you wouldn’t fade from mine.

Friday. Four and a half miracles still required. The day was dreary and overcast, a comparison to the day before, which left most the town partying all night.

Tomorrow was the wedding. It was also your awards ceremony. Luck can only go so far for an international pop star and his washed up ex-partner.

The thought hung over me like a cloud. I could barely invoke the will to move. With Trish by my side, we all ate breakfast at the table in the park. Porridge was our delicacy, and Dez spooned his full of honey. Not many of us were willing to take the risk of senseless splendour.

Amelia appeared at your side, her smile spellbinding. I was a little apprehensive when your expression looked more bored than pleased.

“Alright guys, I have good and bad news.” Amelia stated, slowly sliding the honey jar towards her.

“Good, goOD, GOOD.” Dez screamed, leaving all of our ears vibrating.

“The bridge construction is underway. We’re building it now!”

The four of us cheered in victory, jumping up and down with glee. I hugged Trish, as we all laughed with the momentous joy the news gave us.

Until I realised that, no matter how fast they can build that bridge, it was already too late for me.

My expression fell as I floated back into my seat.

“What’s the bad news?” You asked, nudging Dez.

“Well... you’re helping. You’re going to be builders for the day!” Amelia applauded with faux excitement.

“Isn’t that a bit of a OH and S?” I inquired, referring to the danger we’d face constructing a bridge.

“Well, if something does happen to you, we won’t have to worry about you complaining, do we?” Amelia’s joke missed the mark, leaving us all trembling. The air drew thick with the awkwardness Amelia had wedged between us.

“I’m going to leave now...” And off she took, leaving us all exchanging glances of unadultered terror.

None of us were willing to see what would happen if we didn’t do what we were told. We all silently made our way to the build site, which mainly consisted of middle aged men. None of which spoke English by the way, which meant the entire exercise turned out to be a deadly game of charades.

The builders would frantically point at a slate stacked with cinderblocks, as Dez scratched his head.

“Banana? Charcoal? Disestablishmentarianism?” He continued to guess, as the builders grew more and more frustrated.

We were all exhausted. Besides you Austin, who worked out all the time. I knew this because you insisted you take your shirt off to build. I thought the notion was a little stupid, but it seemed to attract Amelia to the worksite. Among a few other teenage girls in the town.

“Austin, you’re like a magnet. Get your shirt back on!” Trish chastised, as you blatantly refused. You thrived on the attention. It annoyed me a little.

“Ally, you’ve got to move that cinderblock more to the left. It will fall if you leave it like that.” Amelia yawned, sitting atop the pile of building equipment.

I looked down at the block I just placed. Amelia looked sincere in her request, but I couldn’t help but notice the flash of envy that burned behind her eyes.

“Okay, whatever...” I chuffed, willing just to listen to her to get it out of the way.

The block was wedged along the platform, against several others. This part of the bridge was floating above the ravine, a long fall down. I tried to pry the block out of its’ place, but it was stuck. I turned to Amelia hopelessly, and her expression was livid. I knew exactly what would happen if I didn’t do this – and I didn’t want that to become reality. So I persevered at the block.

“Hurry up!” Amelia chorused, as I rolled my eyes. This earned a grin from you.

After the remedial work for so many hours, I used one final burst of energy to free the block. And I did.

But I also lost my grip.

“AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!” I screamed, as I catapulted backwards. No one had time to react, and I didn’t have time to process what was happening until it was too late.

I was falling off the bridge.

Miles down to the ground.

Where the end await.

Time slowed. People clamoured around the edge, as they screamed out my name, trying to reach me. They couldn’t.

My heart was beating through my ears, as the air pushed past me. The people of the bridge grew smaller and smaller, and all I could see was a blond-haired boy hanging off the bridge... but it was too late.

“Austin...” I whispered, clamping my eyes shut.

I didn’t want to know what happened next.

All I knew was that my story – it was over.

A high pitched scream erupted from above, as I saw a figure falling towards me. I was three quarters of the way, and the shadow only confirmed what I knew.

Until you wrapped your arms around me.

A small piece of rope was tied to your ankle, as you gripped me in your arms for dear life. We were so close, I could feel your heart beating against mine. Out of breath, I stare hopelessly into your eyes. You saved me.

You were literally my superhero.

Your arms were wound around me so tightly, and I pressed myself against your bare chest. The people on the bridge yanked the rope with difficulty, trying to pull us up. What seemed like an eternity was over within seconds. You cringed as they finally pulled us up onto the perch of the bridge.

Amelia stared at us with wide eyes.

“Ow!” You cried, falling into the grass on stable land.

I saw your leg. The rope had burned it, crazily. Not only was your ankle rimmed in red, but layers of skin were broken. You looked like you were in immense pain.

“Austin!” I clamoured over to you, trying pointlessly to evaluate the injury and make it better. Using a stream of water and cloth from the site, I wrapped it around your ankle hopelessly.

We said nothing in this exchange. I mean, what could we have said? You had just saved my life. Adrenaline was coursing through my veins, my eyes were watery, and you looked absolutely pained.

But none of that mattered.

We made it – together.

Clearly, we were excused from bridge work. We all walked back to our barn (besides you, who hobbled like a penguin) and literally hit the hay. We were exhausted. I was more so than the others, after having, you know, almost died.

If not for the divine intervention of you, Austin Moon.

And as we all lay still in our makeshift beds, I inched closer to the three of you. With the stars reflected outside the grate of the window, and as I was lulled into sleep, a beautiful song erupted from your mouth.

“There’s no way I can make it without you, do it without you, be here without you...” You sang, your acoustics more beautiful than I ever recalled your voice being.

Your voice was not much louder than a whisper, but it screamed volumes. The sound, so beautiful, continued. No one else said anything. You just sang as my eyes grew heavy with sleep. You gave me something very simple, Austin. And as I lay there, my dreams seconds away, I knew for sure that you all were the dream I had been chasing. As my eyes fluttered shut –I finally felt true, I finally felt like I was home.

You have just reached the end of this chapter. This marks the three quarter point, meaning that I only have one more chapter to go.

Each chapter seems to get longer and longer without my permission... huh. This chapter was a humble 4250 words bHAHAHAHHA. Hopefully it wasn't too much. :/

I didn’t want to do this, to ask this much of you, but I don’t have any dignity anyway so I’m going to just ask you regardless Bhahaha

I really love writing this story. I honestly do. I’ve never really written a story to receive so much feedback, and it warms my heart to know that you’re taking precious time out of your day to absorb my writing. Even if you don’t enjoy it, even if my writing is terrible – you’re still here, supporting me with a few clicks. It would mean the world to me to be able to finish this story for you, and deliver an ending that is both well written and well justified.

Of course, I can’t make you vote for me, but honestly, it would mean the absolute world to me if you voted for me, even just once. I want to finish this story for you guys, seeing as I have a huge final chapter planned (that I promise won’t disappoint!) And I won’t be able to share it with you unless, you know, a few votes are chucked my way. Feel free to vote for the other amazing stories and give them the recognition they deserve! I’m just saying that I would genuinely love for you guys to consider me when voting, because I want to finish this story – for both you and for me.

So that’s it, no pressure or anything. ;)

But awh, I love you guys. Thank you so much for supporting me up to this point, and I really hope I can share the final instalment with you all!

And one parting question before I leave my fate completely up to you -

Will the gang make it off the island to get to their weddings/awards in time? Or will they no longer need to be with others now they have each other again?

Or does some third mysterious thing happen?

*twirls moustache mysteriously* [side note: I, being a sixteen year old girl, actually don't have a moustache]

Well, I'm out. Thankyou so much for reading and I hope I get to do this again the next (and final) time! :D

~ me