Was Austin really saying that? Asking me to admit that I was being abused by my very own mother? I don't even see it that way.

"Ahhhhmmm, I have to go."

I said getting up. He has no right to ask me something as personal as that. So he surely doesn't deserve an answer from me.

"You're not planning on leaving are you?"

Sonia came running towards us and stopped right infront of me. How did she even know I was about to leave?

"Well I was planning on doing just that. I have to go home you know."

I smiled at her.

"This douche bag didn't say anything bad to you did he?"

She asked putting on a thoughtful look while staring at Austin.

"No he didn't I just have to go."

"Good. That means you're staying Alice. After all you guys already know each other and you need to bond. You get what I mean."

She said pushing me to the bench until I was sitting next to Austin. We need to bond? What's she going on about?

"I know he's a douche bag but he'll be so bored if you leave and I'll feel a bit,  just a little guilty since I'm the one who dragged him here. You feel me?"

She says staring at me.

"No."

I decided to tease her just a little. She placed her left hand on her forehead before saying,

"Do I have to repeat myself? I said you have to stay because-"

"I get it, I'll stay. Go and play."

I laughed slightly and she just smiled before taking off.

What now? I just stay here and bare this awkward silence until Sonia decides to let me go home. And Austin has been awfully silent throughout my exchange with Sonia. Maybe I should just leave. Right I'll leave and say sorry to Sonia some other time.

"Ali."

Austin called me softly before I had a chance to get up.

"Yeah."

I responded quietly without looking at him silently praying that he doesn't ask me about my mom again. I'm not used to talking about my problems anymore.

I stared at him after a while since he didn't say anything after he had called my name.

He opened his mouth to say something but he closed it before anything could come out of it. It looked like he was debating with himself on whether to say something or not.

"Austin if you're going to continue with-"

"No no no, I totally get it that it isn't in my place to ask about things related to your personal life."

He said looking at me and I nodded slightly.

"So why did you call me?"

"I didn't, Sonia brought you back here."

He said and I rolled my eyes.

"I mean you called my name but you never said a thing."

I said and he smiled.

"Ouh that."

"Really now?"

"Would you come to my house now?"

"Like now?"

"Yeah why not? You refused earlier because you had somewhere to go but now you're free and available. Like really available."

He said with a smirk and I wondered which available he was referring to. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him.

"I'm not coming to your house."

"And why is that?"

"Because... because it's already six so it's pretty late and I-"

"I'll drive you home if you're scared of the night."

He smiled.

"I have my own car thank you."

"Even better. It's settled we're going."

He said grabbing my hand and pulling me up so I follow him.

"Fine, you don't have to drag me like a lost puppy."

"You practically look like one so..."

He laughed and I glared at him.

"What it's not my fault you look like a lost puppy."

He shrugged.

                                    ___

"So Austin, is Alice like your girlfriend or something?"

Sonia asked in an investigative tone.

"What are you? A detective now."

Austin retorted.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"No."

I answered.

"Yes."

Austin emphasized and I glared at him.

"Fake girlfriend."

I muttered so only Austin could here which he only laughed at. He stopped the car and Sonia quickly got out.

"Alice let's go."

Sonia squealed as she opened my door.

"She's coming with me princess."

Austin said as I got out of his car. He insisted I leave mine at the park so we ride in the same car. And Sonia wildly agreed with the idea.

"No, I asked her to stay so I'm taking her in."

Sonia responded and I chose to remain silent.

"But I convinced her to come to our house so I get to take her in plus she's my girlfriend."

Austin retorted.

"If I knew she would agree to come over than I'll obviously have convinced her."

Sonia answered back.

"You know what, no one's taking me in."

I finally said.

"No, I'll let Austin take you in if you promise to come over another time and buy me chocolate."

She said and I smiled.

"You do know you're not allowed to have chocolate right? It's not good for-"

Austin didn't even finish his statement.

"That's the point douche bag. So you're bringing me chocolate next time?"

She said to Austin before turning to me.

"Definitely."

I answered her as she went inside.

"Sometimes I doubt if she's really my sister."

Austin joked.

"You love her."

They might seem to be arguing all the time but I've seen the way he looks at her.

"She's my life Alice."

He said with a warm smile.

"I know."

"Let's get going now sweet cheeks."

He said and I suddenly started fuming.

"Don't call me that."

He stopped and looked back at me. I could feel him studying my face.

"Sure then Ali."

He said opening the door for me.

I walked in and quickly took in the familiar surroundings. Just then aunt grace walked out of the kitchen.

"Austin you're..."

She stopped as soon as her eyes landed on me.

"Alice!"

She squealed excitedly as she walked towards me and embraced me.

"You really came?"

She asked happiness evident in her eyes.

"I told you so."

I said recalling the day I told her I'd eat her meal some other day. Not like I knew I'd come here again but well yeah.

"Austin tell me this is what I think it is?"

She asked expectantly.

"Yes mom, Alice is my girlfriend."

He said walking towards his mom.

"Finally son, you have no idea how long I've waited for this moment. You telling me you finally have a girlfriend."

She said putting her arms around Austin and I.

I almost felt bad for lieng to her about this whole dating thing but when she hugged us it just felt good, it's been long since I've felt so safe, secure and happy.

"And who the heck is this in my house?"

A voice pulled our attention to the door were the angry voice shouted from.