When she wakes up, she knows today is special. She can feel it. It's as if it's a sign, a sign that she's starting a new chapter in her life. A chapter with Austin. And, for once, she'll be able to write the chapter. It's her life. Time to start living it.

She's quiet in getting dressed, not wanting to wake Austin up. She had already slipped out of his embrace this morning, and frankly, she felt…alive. For the first time in a long time. Because, when one door closes, another one opens. There's a new start for every end, and she found hers.

Austin flutters his eyes open, watching his girlfriend put things in a bag. He rubbed his eyes. "Okay, what are you doing? It's 7:30, Als."

"It's something I'm putting together. Do you remember last week? You said you'd come with me to visit him," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Of course. I just need to get dressed," he said, hopping out of bed and onto his marble floor. "And have my pancakes." She smiled. Throwing on his hoodie, she laid down on the bed. Her scent had become infused with his; leaving a cinnamon, vanilla smell, and the hint of water, which made it all the more attractive to her. In these now four weeks, she had learned that things were not his or hers, they were 'ours'. Finally, grasping at reality, she'd become accustomed to it. It was kind of nice. Good to know she was always taken care of, whether she wanted it or not. And although she's not exactly happy things happened, this is something she'll never forget, it's left her with beautiful, bittersweet memories. Getting used to staying at Austin's and falling to sleep with the taste of cinnamon in her mouth at night was one of the more beautiful ones. She missed her father, and she probably always would. But she was Ally Dawson. She was an optimist, and more so than anything, she was strong. Even stronger when you put Austin by her. They had become inseparable. She had swore to herself that one day, no matter how long it took, she would repay him for how much he's helped her. She'd be a mess right now without him.

She closed her eyes, squinting them shut. So much has changed over such a short time. And, despite the tears and the pain, this whole ride, the experience with him - she wouldn't change a thing. Life doesn't always have a happy ending unless you look on the bright side. You'll get no where dwelling in the past. The warm scent of cinnamon engulfed the room again, and she opened her eyes. He was back, pancake in one hand, a small box in the other. Typical.

"Here. I was going to give it to you earlier, but the timing was never right," he said, sheepishly, handing out the box to her. She took it in her hands. It was a pretty box, red with yellow polka dots, complete with an orange bow. She opened it to find a silver necklace, a guitar pick charm on it shaped like a heart. On it, it had two 'A's overlapping. She gaped. "Austin, it's beautiful." He took the chain out of the box and wrapped it around her neck. She held the charm in her hands, eyes brimming in awe. "I feel kind of bad, you didn't say we were exchanging gifts."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Don't sweat it, Als." She leaped up from the bed and pecked him on the cheek. Today was definitely different.

They walked up to the gravesite together, arms linked. The headstone was finally finished.

Lester Alan Dawson

Father, Husband

1973-2012

Rest in Peace

It was simple, yet pretty. It was lined with an elegant carved in border, the grave having several flowers set at it. She dug in the bag she had brought with her. She scattered out the remains of the bag on the ground, picking up each one in her hand before putting it on the grave. A silver harmonica. Her dad's favorite. A blue silk tie, one he had when she was seven. It was always her favorite, and her moms. Then, the book he read to her as a child. She set the bouquet of red carnations in the middle of it all. Austin put a hand on her back, just watching her in silence. He honestly wasn't sure if she was going to cry or not.

"I'll always be with you. And I really miss you, but I can't bring you back," Ally said, talking to the gravestone. "But I promise you, Austin will take care of me. Promise."

Austin smiled. He would make sure that promise was fulfilled, even if his life depended on it. She looked up at Austin, who was grinning down at her.

"Goodbye, dad. I love you," she whispered, a single tear falling down her cheek. She wiped it off. A rush of wind blew through the cemetery, and she smiled. After all, he would always be with her. Just not physically.

She stood up, leaning onto Austin for support. He wrapped his arm around her. They walked down to the park, taking a seat on the bench. She sighed, and with a delicate smile, looked around at the world. It continued, as if nothing happened. She must do the same. "I know this was hard for you," Austin began, "so, I just wanted to tell you. I promise you I will take care of you, and I will always be there for you, even if you don't want me. And even if you can't say it, I will. I love you, Ally. Don't forget that."

She nodded, burying her head into his chest. She couldn't forget it even if she tried. She hummed the lullaby he sang to her the first night she came from the hospital. It was over. She had her catalyst to keep her going, Austin. She entangled her fingers in his, gripping at his hand. "I think you said it best in the lullaby, Austin."

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Here is the place where I love you," she sang, beautifully. "It's said best in song."

He nodded. "I guess it is."

She cupped his face with her hands, connecting their lips. He put his hands to her hips, kissing back with every passion he had in him. All the sparks, the fireworks. They went off. She couldn't have been more happier. Neither could he.

"And, Austin?" she asked, drawing her face up closer.

"Yes?" he replied, inhaling the strong aroma of vanilla.

She rested her forehead on top of his. "I love you, too."

A/N: It's over. D'aww. Ah well, how was that? She finally said I love you.

:D Reviews are lovely!

~Rebel