Chapter 20 (part 1)

3 days before graduation~

Alex's POV

I sat on the stool picking at the guitar's strings. Austin was lying on my bed playing with his phone. The past couple of days had been pretty awkward. Him and I couldn't exactly talk about much since he was working and I was busy with finals.

"Where do you want to eat?" He asked yawning. I set down my guitar and plopped myself on my elbows.

"Mmm I'm not sure. You chose," I said rolling onto my back. Like I said, it's been awkward. Plus, I miss Elias. He's still ignoring me, even in English. I tried sitting next to him, but he makes up the excuse that he only wants Victoria to sit there. Which I don't mind since she has become a bit nicer, but I still think he's acting childish about it all. Shouldn't he just be happy for me like friends are supposed to?

I stood up and walked toward my closet and looked through the few pieces of clothing I had. I grabbed a pair of dark blue jean shorts and a Sleeping With Sirens singlet. I slipped into them in the bathroom and fixed my hair into a fish tail.

"Okay let's go," I said. Yawning, Austin slipped off my bed and followed me to his car.

"Let's have dinner at the lake house. You know, something special," he smiled.

"We could just go to a restaurant. We don't need to go that far Austin, it's fine," I said feeling guilty. He shook his head and took a quick turn toward the freeway. Sighing, I lied back and listened to the soft buzz of the radio.

By the time we got to the cabin, it was nearly dark. However, several lights illuminated in the distance behind the cabin. Curiously, I walked toward the cabin and slowly creaked it open.

"SURPRISE!!" people yelled. I stepped back in shock. Confused, I looked around to see balloons and streamers hanging around the living room. Sam ran up to me and placed a pink crown on my head.

"Happy Birthday love," She smiled kissing my cheek. I guess I was so caught up in finals that I forgot.

"Er thanks," I chuckled nervously. After hugging me, Chris came and tackled me to the floor. Austin just stood and laughed.

"Happy birthday Alex!!" He yelled hugging me on the floor. I couldn't help but laugh as he pulled me back up to my feet.

"Thank you guys for this. I seriously needed to stop studying," I smiled. Austin took my hand and led me outside where the DJ was displayed and people were dancing.

He brought my face closer to his and whispered, "Happy birthday Alex." He pressed his lips gently to mine. We danced for a while, escaping reality, until Sam paused the music.

"Before we continue I have a few words to say. Well, in a few months Alex will be leaving us to conquer the UK! And I'm proud of her. I really am Alex. You've out done not only us, but yourself. We made a promise to go after our dreams and you did it.... I'm on my way. I'm so grateful to call you my best friend and my sister. So Happy Birthday and have fun this summer. You deserve it," She grinned raising her glass. Everyone did the same before taking a sip. After her, Chris came up.

"Woohoo! Who's having fun? Well Alex you made it, sis! You went after everything you wanted even when everyone you met told you, you couldn't. Now go to London and make them realize they were wrong. I'll be there with you sis, and I won't let you give up. You didn't give up on me. Thanks Alex for everything. Like Sam said, let's have fun this summer and enjoy the little time we have," He smiled raising his cup. Laughing, I took a sip of my drink. Lexi took her spot next on stage.

"Well what can I say? I met you about two or three months ago and I instantly fell in love with you. You were just... how do I explain it? You were amazing. You stood out even when you tried to hide. You were honest with who you were and didn't let anyone change you. You make people see themselves in a brighter light and make them realize they're good enough. Thank you Alex for what you've done for me and most likely everyone you've met. I'll miss you when you're gone. Love you!" She yelled and chugged down her drink. Everyone laughed as she jumped off the small stage.

Elias was last of them to come onto stage. My heart fluttered. I hadn't spoken to him in a little over a week. He grabbed one of the guitars off the stand and pulled out a stool. He was never the one to express himself with words. After taking a few breaths, he began picking at the strings and humming.

"Jaiden, I'm Jaiden, you're fading, you're fading... you take my heart away when I think about the days when we were like ourselves always together...."

He continued to sing, taking everyone's breath away. While he was fixed on his song, the audience was fixed on him. I was fixed on him. My feelings for Austin shattered. I couldn't do it anymore. Austin was perfect, but Elias wasn't. Elias wasn't someone who could be easily figured out like Austin was. Elias was... was a puzzle like I was. Austin was everything a girl wanted in a guy, but he couldn't make me happy for long. He never made me cry. He couldn't make me feel worth getting angry at or worried over. Elias worried. Elias made me cry. He got angry at me. But he made me happy. He made me realize I wasn't worthless. Austin couldn't do that. Ever.

I pulled Austin inside as Elias finished his song. We walked upstairs into a vacant room and sat on the bed.

"Austin I... I don't think I can do this anymore. I can't be with you and I know that sounds weird, but I can't do it to myself," I sighed looking at my chipped nails. Austin slipped his hand under my head and lifted it up to meet his gaze.

"Why? Because of Elias-"

"Yes. Austin, he's... too special for me to let go this easily," I said trying to hold back tears. I rarely cried in front of people and today would not be one of those unfortunate days. He let his hand drop to my leg.

"I can't change your mind can I?" He asked calmly. I shook my head looking down at my hands again. He sighed standing up, he was about to walk out the door, but suddenly stopped. I turned to meet his saddened gaze again.

"Can I ask why him?" I studied his face for a moment until realizing it was okay to tell him the truth.

"He's made me cry. He's made me realize things about myself that you couldn't do for me. You're perfect Austin, but too perfect for me," I half smiled trying to complement him. Nodding, he walked out the door, closing it behind him. Now I just needed to find time to tell Elias, but not tonight. Not after what just happened. I'll tell him soon, though. Before it's too late.