Part 28: Work to Do

Alison

As they recorded their song Alison realized that when she sang with Dean it wasn't like most duets who take turns singing, they complimented each other and made the other's voice more powerful. As the song came to an end she hit the button to stop recording then looked up at Dean and smiled.

"So tell me partner shall we listen to it over?"

"I-" Dean was cut short as the clapping started.

They both quickly turned to the clapping knowing that Anna was no longer alone, and they were right. Anna, Leo, and Alexander were all outside of the booth clapping and Anna was saying something so Alison quickly made her way outside to see what was wrong.

"Alison that was amazing!!" Anna exclaimed.

"You guys really do work great together." Leo was next to comment.

"I'm proud of you Alison," Alex had Alison blushing.

Dean stepped out of the booth and stood next to her as her family gave commentary and nudged her on the side as a signal for her to say something.

"Oh um thanks guys but what are you doing here?"

"Well the workday has ended and I wanted to come home to spend time with my daughter and her friends, only to be met with your song at the door" Leo explained.

"At the door?" Alison looked over to Anna.

Anna couldn't help but wink," I may not know how everything in here works but I know enough."

Alison sighed and shook her head.

"Well then I guess I'm glad you guys like it but we still need to finish the song."

"How about you guys listen to it first before you decide if you will still work on it," Alex suggested.

Alison looked over to Dean who shrugged, " It couldn't hurt."

And so they did, Alison thought of different ways they could improve the song and made note of them. Though in the end all her ideas were rejected for once by Dean who pointed out that they had to perform for the class thus they had to keep it somewhat simple being that they both would be playing on their guitars already.

Alison nodded but pointed out that a piano in the background would only enhance the song and she could have it playing through a recording while they performed. After much more persuading Dean finally agreed and Alison got to work trying the melody she had in her head. After getting Dean's approval on the melody she got to work recording it and layering it to the background of the song.

After all the editing was done they listened to the song once more then stood and rejoiced, both overjoyed with the outcome and relieved that they finished their assignment.

Third-person

Anna who had been watching on the sidelines was trying to hide her tears, the song was beautiful and hit close to home due to her falling for the wrong guy over and over. But it also gave her hope that one day she would find someone who would truly cherish her and her love.

Alexander heard the song but one line specifically stood out to him and he couldn't get it out of his head, "Scared to tell you the truth, but I know if I don't I will regret it for the rest of my life."

This wouldn't leave him because it was his truth, he was in love with Olivia but he was too scared to tell her because he didn't want to ruin their friendship.

Leo on the other hand was proud of the steps Alison had taken and grateful to Dean for nudging her out of her shell. As he thought of this a marvelous idea occurred to him, and he simply couldn't keep it to himself.

Alison

Alison noticed her dad make his way to Anna and spoke with her in hushed tones but didn't make much of it until Anna started clapping.

She couldn't help but sigh.

"What's wrong?" Dean was quick to ask.

"They are planning something and I'm not looking forward to it."

"What could they be planning I mean we are going home today right?"

"The way they are talking I doubt it."

"Wait what why?"

"Whenever Anna gets like that it's because she is either going to sleepover or my dad is asking her to take me out."

"And those are bad because...?"

"Wait and you will see."

"Umm okay."

Just in time Anna stood up and nodded her head.

"Alison, Dean, guess what we are going to the mall."

Alison groaned," Why?"

Leo was the one who answered, " Because I want you guys to stay another night and I doubt Dean packed enough clothes so you will get something for him to wear and you can get some things for yourself Ali."

"But dad what if Dean doesn't want to go shopping or has plans tomorrow morning and can't stay?"

They both turned to Dean, Alison with eyes begging him to say he has plans and Leo's daring him to disagree with him.

"I-I don't have plans but I didn't bring money to go shopping." Dean stuttered.

"Nonsense my treat boy, think of it as a thank you gesture." Leo smiled.

Alison face-palmed knowing very well that her father had won.

Meanwhile, Anna was in the background cheering and Alex had slipped away without them noticing and made his way out of the house to his car. He was on a mission.

Dean looked over to Alison and mouthed, "I'm sorry."

Alison shook her head and raised her hands in surrender, "fine but do at least tell us what else you have planned."

Leo smiled, "Well at the mall you guys can have a late lunch as I'm guessing you guys haven't eaten since breakfast and then you guys can shop. Anna knows what more or less to get for you Ali then you guys can decide to go out and do something."

"I should have known, of course why not kill two birds with one stone right?" Alison burst.

"It's nothing like that I just want you guys to so Dean around and have him see a bit of the place you are from."

"Do I have any choice?"

Anna then spoke up, "NOPE."

"Bloody brilliant," Alison sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"Dean do you have any brand preference?"

"Normal clothes..?" Dean scratched the back of his neck.

Now it was Anna's turn to sigh, "We definitely have work to do."