Fic: Let Snow
Title: Let it Snow
Author: whenbuffysmiles
Pairing: Allison Iraheta/David Archuleta
Rating: G
Summary: Two days before Christmas Allison finds herself snowed in at the airport. Then she founds out that David is too. What are the chances that it’s the same one?
This was written as a present for my amazing beta heartsasmagnets. Thank you for betaing this!
Let it Snow
The stupid snow wouldn't stop falling. It was blanketing everything in its brilliant white. Maybe under other circumstances Allison would have considered it beautiful. She would either have her nose pressed against the glass watching it in newfound excitement or be begging to go outside to play in it. Not tonight. Tonight it was upsetting her because she wanted to go home. She clamped her eyes shut as her lips trembled under the effort not to cry.
If things had gone as planned, she would be home in less than an hour. Back to warm and sunny California for Christmas with her family, but instead, she was stuck in an airport waiting for clearance to fly. It sucked beyond all sucking.
Thankfully, her phone played For Your Entertainment distracting her from her misery. She picked it up. There was a new tweet for her to read. A small smile played across her face when she read that it was from David. A feeling of camaraderie came over her as she read his words; Being stuck in an airport two days from Christmas is not fun.
She tweeted him back, @DavidArchie Me too. I hate the snow.
A couple of seconds later he returned with, @AllisonIraheta I love the snow. Just not when I'm trying to get home.
Then before she could reply she received a notification that she'd received a Direct Message. It was David asking where she was stranded. She quickly typed in the information. It wasn't until she received his response that she realized she'd been holding her breath and it made her whoop of joy even louder. They were in the same airport.
"What is it?" Her mother asked, glancing up from the book she'd been reading.
Not knowing really why, Allison shrugged. "It was just Suzanne telling me about a boy she likes."
"Oh," her mother smiled before returning to her book.
Allison was in the clear. She sent a message asking which concourse David was in, hoping that he was close by, but he was on Concourse C while she was on A. Yet she was feeling cooped up and bored. She sent a message to see if he wanted to meet up with her. Of course he did and she grinned.
"I'm gonna stretch my legs," Allison said.
"Don't go far," Mom said. "Maybe Ian should go with you?"
"Mom, I'm seventeen and I can walk around and use the bathroom without someone watching me," Allison protested, but she flashed a smile at her bodyguard, Ian, who'd been assigned to travel with her and her mother. She liked the guy and he was usually fun to be around, but not when she wanted to meet up with a boy. If her mother knew that then she would have to answer a thousand questions before her mother sent her off with Ian as a chaperone.
Her mother looked around them as if looking for crazies, but apparently she decided it was safe because she nodded. "Don't go far and be back soon."
"Okay," Allison nodded.
Keeping her phone in hand, she took off, but could feel Ian's eyes watching her. She ducked in the bathroom as if it was where she'd been heading all along. Waiting only a minute, she headed back out. Ian had returned to watching the television with that exasperated face he wore when he was bored. She felt sorry for him, but it didn't stop her from taking off to her meeting spot with David. Maybe if things went well, she might even forgive the snow for falling.
"Ah fuck," she muttered. The central location where the concourses branched out was crowded with people. They were everywhere. How the hell was she going to find David? She jumped a couple of times trying to see over everyone, but it didn't do any good. All it did was knock her into some woman who gave her a disgusted glance. "Sorry." She even smiled but the woman just stalked off.
"Miss, you really should be more careful," a voice said behind her. "You could hurt someone."
Feeling crushed, Allison turned to try to explain herself, but found it was David greeting her with a huge smile. "Oh shit," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I didn't think I'd find you."
It took a second, but then his arms were around her as he laughed softly in her ear. "It's hard to miss that hair even in this madhouse."
Allison stepped back, running her hand down her hair. Maybe it was time to change it, but when he twirled a finger in a lock, she wanted to melt. Her stomach flopped at the look of admiration in his dark eyes. If he liked it, then she would wear it like this until she was a hundred.
"Hi," she said.
"Hey," David smiled, looking down at his feet then back up at her.
For a few seconds neither said anything. Allowing her eyes to momentarily wander from his face, she spotted Ian behind David and heading straight for them. She should have known her mom had given in too easily and was planning on having Ian follow her all along. It wasn’t fair and she wasn't going to return yet or deal with having a chaperon.
"Come on," Allison said, grabbing David's hand as she started to dart through the people.
"What's going on?" David asked even as he followed in her wake.
"Security," Allison tossed over her shoulder. Suddenly people parted in front of them and she took off running. It wasn't until they had no choice that she realized that they'd reached a dead end. There were only two routes available to them. To go back the way they'd come or to jump on the shuttle that would take them to another terminal. She chose the shuttle, tugging David along behind her.
~~~~
David watched as the door closed behind them and the irate man who was giving him a very dirty look. He swallowed as he watched Allison wave goodbye.
"We just ran from your security?"
"Yep," Allison grinned.
"Allison? You do know that I'm over eighteen, right?"
"Why?" She looked genuinely confused, but adorable at the same time. "What's wrong?"
"You're under eighteen and we just ran from the guy who is supposed to protect you," he explained. "I could be arrested for kidnapping."
To his chagrin, Allison laughed. "Tell your lawyer to have them look at the security tapes. It will show that I kidnapped you."
He rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but laugh along with her. "That'll do a lot of good when I'm serving twenty-five years."
"You won't," Allison promised.
David wasn't so sure, but the train lurched as it slowed to pull into the next concourse. He grabbed for the pole with one hand and for Allison with the other. She tumbled against him, sending tingles through him. Maybe twenty-five years wasn't a bad sentence for being able to spend time with her.
"Our stop?" he asked as the door opened and people poured off. They could walk back to her concourse. Once there he could deliver her safely to her mother and apologize. Hopefully it would work and she wouldn't be angry enough to send him to jail.
"Sure," Allison said from under her lashes.
Keeping his hand on her lower back, he stayed with her until they were on solid ground again. Even when he removed his hand, she didn't stray too far. Maybe she really did like him? He’d always wondered - even hoped. It didn’t really seem possible that someone as exotic and free as Allison would like such a quiet guy like him. Cook had teased him about the hug she'd given on American Idol. Until now he hadn't found either the nerve or an excuse to ask her to spend time with him.
"Do you want to get some hot chocolate?" He asked, immediately wanting to kick himself for such a lame suggestion. He'd just told her that he was a lot more grown up than she was, and he goes and suggests hot chocolate. Not that he ever drank anything stronger, but it just sounded too innocent.
"Mmm, sounds good," Allison nodded.
~~~~~
They were sitting in a booth across from each other. Allison wanted them to be sitting next to each other, but she knew that was far ahead of where they were. Maybe they never would be, but she hoped that one day her crush would develop into something more. There were very few people who understood what she was going through after winning Idol and David was one of them. It also helped that he was cute. Holding her hot chocolate in both hands, she lifted it to take a sip.
"So, you're going home, too?" She asked just to get a conversation started.
"Yeah, but it's going to be weird not having my father there for the celebration." He sighed. "I know he's coming over on Christmas Day, but it won't be the same."
"I'm sorry," Allison said. "I couldn't even imagine it if my parents got divorced." She waved a hand. "When I'm out there, traveling, even though my mom is with me, its home with all my family that makes me feel safe again."
"I know," David smiled. "Me, too. Or it did. I guess I have to find something new to make me feel secure."
Allison bit her lip to keep from blurting that she would be his safety net. He would think she was crazy. She covered his hand with hers, "You'll find something."
"Thanks," he squeezed hers.
"Oh shit," Allison said when she looked up and saw Ian walking past the restaurant. "Hide this," she pushed her drink toward David even as she was sliding underneath the table.
"Allison?"
"It's my security," she whispered, looking up at him. "Duck your head or something."
In the next instant, he was lying down in the booth. Their faces were only inches apart and all she could do was giggle.
"Shh, we're supposed to be hiding," David said in mock serious voice. "The bad guy will find us."
"Then I'm dead," Allison said, happy that he was laughing along with her. "We need to get out of here." She shifted to her knees so she could peek out into the line of booths. After looking one way and then the other to make sure Ian wasn't out there, she glanced behind her. Her eyes opened wide when she realized that David was staring at her butt. Their eyes met and he blushed, but that made her laugh, too. "Come on. Stay down."
Allison never would have thought it, but David played along. He slid out onto the floor, took her hand and keeping low they hurried to the back of the restaurant where they crouched next to the counter. People were staring at them, but Allison was having too much fun to care.
"Can I help you?" The manager stood above them.
"Someone is following us," Allison said, trying to keep a straight face. "Is there a back way out of here?"
"Hey, you're that Allison chick," the manager said, snapping his fingers.
"Yep, that's me, and that's the David dude," she pointed at her companion.
"Oh my God, yeah, we have a back hallway, but can I get an autograph for my daughter."
"Sure," Allison assured him. “Just get us the heck out of here, will ya?”
A menu and pen was thrust into her hand, and after finding out his daughter's name, she wrote a small message before signing her name. She handed it to David and he did the same.
"Thanks and follow me."
Still staying low, they followed the manager through the cooking area. He opened a door and once they were through it, they both stood.
"Follow this all the way to the end and you'll find yourselves on Concourse A."
"Thank you," David said, holding his hand out. "We really appreciate it."
"No problem."
In front of them was a long hallway with gray cement walls with doors dotted here and there along the length. It looked a bit like a prison. She didn't think they were in any danger, but there was just an uncomfortable feeling floating around them. Without thinking about it, she slipped her hand into David's and felt better when he squeezed it.
"It will be okay." He leaned against her for a second before he started walking. "Have you been having fun touring?"
"Yeah, it’s been fun, exhausting and I've really learned a lot. I'll be glad to be home for Christmas." She sighed. "If we get home."
"We will," David said. "It's just a minor delay."
"Oh yeah, that snow all over everything is minor," Allison said. "I can't believe that we got stuck."
"Is it really so bad?" David's voice was so soft she almost didn't hear him. She was such an idiot! She hadn’t meant to make him feel like she didn't want to be around him. It wasn't that. It's just that she would be happier if she was at home and spending time with David.
"No, it's not so bad," she flashed a smile. "Now."
"Here we are."
David pushed open the door to allow her to exit first. He had kept her talking to keep her mind off the eeriness of the hallway. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering from the way he was making her feel. Usually she liked being strong and in control. The girl with the big mouth, but around David, she wanted to be girly. How had he done this to her so easily?
~~~~
They'd gone silent again as they maneuvered through the crowded concourse. Allison was always a touch away, but it felt like he was losing her. She'd think he was boring. That he couldn't even converse like a normal person, but he couldn't think of anything to say. At least nothing that didn't sound lame to him. With a sigh, he blurted, "Have you gotten all your Christmas shopping done?"
"Oh God no," Allison turned wide eyes to him. "It's going to be a mad dash tomorrow if I ever get home."
"We have time to kill," David swept his hand toward the stores they were passing. "Who do you have to buy for?"
"My mom, mostly," Allison said as she stopped in front of a souvenir store. "I need to buy for my nieces and nephews, but that will just take a stop at a toy store to get everything."
"Here you go," David said, holding up a hideous neon yellow cap with the airport's name on it.
"Oooh, yeah, that's perfect for my mother," Allison snatched it from his hand and pulled it down on her head. She held her arms out as she twirled for him. "What do you think?"
"Perfect," David smiled. Then he tapped his chin with his forefinger. "Except I think it clashes with your hair."
Allison shuddered. "That would be horrible."
They laughed as she put the cap down. He followed her around the shop, but could tell there wasn't anything worthy of her mother there. On their way out, there was a stack of Santa hats. Allison grabbed one to plop down on his head, and then she put one on her head.
"Now that's perfect," David said, but when she reached up to pull it off, he shook his head. "Keep it on."
It took him only a few minutes to pay for them both, and they were on their way again. Once she’d put the hat on, he'd felt his heart lurch and there was no way she was taking it off. He was entranced.
"Thanks," she said. "You didn't have to get it."
"Yes, I did," he leaned closer so he could whisper in her ear. "It's our disguise."
"Of course," Allison giggled. "No one will ever recognize us with these on."
~~~~~
It amazed Allison how much David was going along with her hiding from Ian. Except for the first comment about him going to prison for kidnapping, he'd gone along with her every scheme. It was rare that anyone shared her escapades. Her best friend was always willing, and Adam on occasion, but mostly everyone was worried about getting in trouble or thought she was weird. David wasn't someone she would have thought would get into playing, and the fact that he was made her feel closer to him than she should have at this point. That feeling scared her.
"Hey, how about here?"
David was pointing at an electronics store. It was definitely a guy's paradise and the last place Allison would look for a present for her mother, but he'd been so good about wanting to help her that she couldn't say no. She followed him around as he pointed out really cool games which seemed as if it would be better for David and not her mother. It gave her ideas which she stored away in case there was ever an occasion to buy a gift for him.
“What’s that?” Allison pointed out a machine that had a wine bottle stuck in it.
“It cools the wine bottle,” David said. “Does your mom like wine?”
“Yeah,” Allison shook her head. “But I don’t think she likes it that much.”
Spotting a massage chair, Allison plopped down on it and pulled David down beside her. The chair vibrated around them as she leaned back.
“I don’t know what to do for her,” Allison exhaled. “She’s given up so much of her own life to be with me, living at the mansion and going on tour. I want to give her something special.”
“Give her something that speaks to your heart,” David said. “If it speaks to yours then it will to hers.”
“I don’t think I’ll find it in here.”
“Probably not,” David smiled. “I’m sorry for dragging you in here.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled back. “It’s stuff that speaks to your heart, right?”
He ducked his head, but he chuckled. As she was trying to think of something else to say her phone rang with a text from Ian.
I’ll find you, Allison.
“Uh-oh, I don’t think he’s happy about this,” David said, leaning over to read the display on her phone. “Maybe you should tell him where you are.”
“Nope,” Allison shook her head. “I will tell him I’m okay.” She typed quickly, I’m fine. With a friend and will be back soon. Don’t tell my mom.
Not good enough. Where are you? Give me a hint at least.
She sent him a quick text hinting at the store where they’d been. “I guess we need to get moving if he’s coming in this direction.”
“Where to, my lady?” David stood, holding his hand out for her.
“Let’s just keep going and see what we find,” Allison said, slipping her hand into his.
Their hands remained clasped tightly together as they returned to the crowded corridor. They lingered in front of a few stores, but none of them spoke to Allison’s curiosity much less her heart. Maybe she would have to wait until she got home. At the next corner which led to baggage claim or to another terminal there was a band playing in center court. They stopped to listen to the holiday music being played by the mediocre musicians. Except they were playing White Christmas which made Allison wrinkle her nose.
“Do they have to play that? It’s so white outside that’s its blinding.”
“Don’t be so cynical,” David said. “It’s Christmas.”
Allison sighed. “I know, but…”
“But nothing,” David stepped in front of her, putting his hand on her waist. “Dance with me.”
“Here?” She squeaked as she looked around but nobody was paying attention to them. Besides, if she was honest with herself, she knew she really wanted to be in David’s arms. She nodded.
Waltzing wasn’t her usual style of dancing but being held by David was wonderful. She forced herself to relax as he led them and with each turn somehow she ended up closer to him. The smile on her face grew wider until she was giggling.
“Okay, I was wrong,” Allison said. “This is fun.”
“I’m having fun, too.”
“Maybe we’ll be snowed in for awhile,” Allison said. “There’s still a lot of airport to explore.”
“Maybe,” David agreed, grinning at her, and then he sobered. “Allison?”
“Yeah?”
“When I get back to L. A., would you like to go out?”
The loud speaker screeched and then a voice boomed, “Passengers, the latest weather report says that the snow is clearing. We are now scheduling flights. Please check the boards for the latest information on your flight.”
~~~~~
David couldn’t believe it. He’d finally gotten the nerve to ask Allison out and he’d been interrupted. Around them was clapping and cheers, but all he could feel was disappointment that his time with Allison was over. From the crestfallen look on her pretty face, he knew she felt the same. That made him feel a little better, but it didn’t make up for knowing their time was up.
“Found you,” a voice said. They both looked around to find Ian behind them.
“Hey Ian,” Allison said. “I guess it’s time to go back.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Ian said.
“May I at least walk you there?” David asked.
“I’d like that,” Allison said. “Is that okay with you, Ian?”
“I don’t see why that would be a problem,” Ian agreed.
Knowing they were beyond being unsure that they liked each other, David held her hand on the way back to her concourse. Everyone was rushing around them, but neither of them was in a hurry. He could hear Ian on his phone behind them assuring Allison’s mother that she was on the way back and that everything was fine. When they were nearly to her gate, Allison gave Ian a pointed look.
“Don’t go anywhere,” Ian said.
“I promise,” Allison crossed her heart. “I’m just going to say bye and then I’ll be there.”
“Okay.”
They were as alone as they could get in a crowd. They moved out of the way against the wall. David pulled her into a phone booth. He could feel her breath on his face. She was looking up at him expectantly. He swallowed.
“I’ve never kissed anybody,” she blurted out.
David reared back as he stared at her in astonishment. She was so outgoing, so spunky, so beautiful. How could it be possible that she’d never kissed anyone?
“You haven’t?”
“No,” she was staring at his chest. “Mom and Dad have always been protective of me and they always told me to wait for someone special.”
“Okay,” David nodded. “I understand. Let me…” He was about to turn and leave.
“No, you don’t,” Allison said. “You told me to wait until I found something that spoke to my heart.” She laid her hand tentatively on his chest as her eyes looked into his. “You speak to my heart,” she replied, knowing it was cheesy sounding but true. He brought out the cheesy, girly, side of her and though it totally surprised her, she kind of liked it.
Just as Allison’s parents had been protective of her, his had always taught him to be a gentleman. If he didn’t feel serious about Allison then it was time to take her back to her mother and never call her for a date. Except she spoke to his heart, too. It wasn’t the most romantic spot for a first kiss, but he couldn’t let her go.
“You do, too,” he whispered as he closed the gap between them.
He tried to be as sensitive as he could, moving slowly at first and helping to guide her lips with his own. Soon her arms encircled his waist and her mouth opened beneath his. The kiss deepened for a moment as he touched her tongue with his own. Then it was over. It was a simple kiss, but it left them both reeling.
“Merry Christmas, David.” Allison’s lashes fluttered as she opened her eyes.
“Feliz Navidad,” David said, unable to hold back a smile.
With their arms around one another, David walked her back to her mother. When he left them, he felt happier than he had in a very long time. As he drifted off to sleep on the flight home, he dreamt of a girl with red hair and a smile that he knew would brighten his world.
Author: whenbuffysmiles
Pairing: Allison Iraheta/David Archuleta
Rating: G
Summary: Two days before Christmas Allison finds herself snowed in at the airport. Then she founds out that David is too. What are the chances that it’s the same one?
This was written as a present for my amazing beta heartsasmagnets. Thank you for betaing this!
Let it Snow
The stupid snow wouldn't stop falling. It was blanketing everything in its brilliant white. Maybe under other circumstances Allison would have considered it beautiful. She would either have her nose pressed against the glass watching it in newfound excitement or be begging to go outside to play in it. Not tonight. Tonight it was upsetting her because she wanted to go home. She clamped her eyes shut as her lips trembled under the effort not to cry.
If things had gone as planned, she would be home in less than an hour. Back to warm and sunny California for Christmas with her family, but instead, she was stuck in an airport waiting for clearance to fly. It sucked beyond all sucking.
Thankfully, her phone played For Your Entertainment distracting her from her misery. She picked it up. There was a new tweet for her to read. A small smile played across her face when she read that it was from David. A feeling of camaraderie came over her as she read his words; Being stuck in an airport two days from Christmas is not fun.
She tweeted him back, @DavidArchie Me too. I hate the snow.
A couple of seconds later he returned with, @AllisonIraheta I love the snow. Just not when I'm trying to get home.
Then before she could reply she received a notification that she'd received a Direct Message. It was David asking where she was stranded. She quickly typed in the information. It wasn't until she received his response that she realized she'd been holding her breath and it made her whoop of joy even louder. They were in the same airport.
"What is it?" Her mother asked, glancing up from the book she'd been reading.
Not knowing really why, Allison shrugged. "It was just Suzanne telling me about a boy she likes."
"Oh," her mother smiled before returning to her book.
Allison was in the clear. She sent a message asking which concourse David was in, hoping that he was close by, but he was on Concourse C while she was on A. Yet she was feeling cooped up and bored. She sent a message to see if he wanted to meet up with her. Of course he did and she grinned.
"I'm gonna stretch my legs," Allison said.
"Don't go far," Mom said. "Maybe Ian should go with you?"
"Mom, I'm seventeen and I can walk around and use the bathroom without someone watching me," Allison protested, but she flashed a smile at her bodyguard, Ian, who'd been assigned to travel with her and her mother. She liked the guy and he was usually fun to be around, but not when she wanted to meet up with a boy. If her mother knew that then she would have to answer a thousand questions before her mother sent her off with Ian as a chaperone.
Her mother looked around them as if looking for crazies, but apparently she decided it was safe because she nodded. "Don't go far and be back soon."
"Okay," Allison nodded.
Keeping her phone in hand, she took off, but could feel Ian's eyes watching her. She ducked in the bathroom as if it was where she'd been heading all along. Waiting only a minute, she headed back out. Ian had returned to watching the television with that exasperated face he wore when he was bored. She felt sorry for him, but it didn't stop her from taking off to her meeting spot with David. Maybe if things went well, she might even forgive the snow for falling.
"Ah fuck," she muttered. The central location where the concourses branched out was crowded with people. They were everywhere. How the hell was she going to find David? She jumped a couple of times trying to see over everyone, but it didn't do any good. All it did was knock her into some woman who gave her a disgusted glance. "Sorry." She even smiled but the woman just stalked off.
"Miss, you really should be more careful," a voice said behind her. "You could hurt someone."
Feeling crushed, Allison turned to try to explain herself, but found it was David greeting her with a huge smile. "Oh shit," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I didn't think I'd find you."
It took a second, but then his arms were around her as he laughed softly in her ear. "It's hard to miss that hair even in this madhouse."
Allison stepped back, running her hand down her hair. Maybe it was time to change it, but when he twirled a finger in a lock, she wanted to melt. Her stomach flopped at the look of admiration in his dark eyes. If he liked it, then she would wear it like this until she was a hundred.
"Hi," she said.
"Hey," David smiled, looking down at his feet then back up at her.
For a few seconds neither said anything. Allowing her eyes to momentarily wander from his face, she spotted Ian behind David and heading straight for them. She should have known her mom had given in too easily and was planning on having Ian follow her all along. It wasn’t fair and she wasn't going to return yet or deal with having a chaperon.
"Come on," Allison said, grabbing David's hand as she started to dart through the people.
"What's going on?" David asked even as he followed in her wake.
"Security," Allison tossed over her shoulder. Suddenly people parted in front of them and she took off running. It wasn't until they had no choice that she realized that they'd reached a dead end. There were only two routes available to them. To go back the way they'd come or to jump on the shuttle that would take them to another terminal. She chose the shuttle, tugging David along behind her.
~~~~
David watched as the door closed behind them and the irate man who was giving him a very dirty look. He swallowed as he watched Allison wave goodbye.
"We just ran from your security?"
"Yep," Allison grinned.
"Allison? You do know that I'm over eighteen, right?"
"Why?" She looked genuinely confused, but adorable at the same time. "What's wrong?"
"You're under eighteen and we just ran from the guy who is supposed to protect you," he explained. "I could be arrested for kidnapping."
To his chagrin, Allison laughed. "Tell your lawyer to have them look at the security tapes. It will show that I kidnapped you."
He rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but laugh along with her. "That'll do a lot of good when I'm serving twenty-five years."
"You won't," Allison promised.
David wasn't so sure, but the train lurched as it slowed to pull into the next concourse. He grabbed for the pole with one hand and for Allison with the other. She tumbled against him, sending tingles through him. Maybe twenty-five years wasn't a bad sentence for being able to spend time with her.
"Our stop?" he asked as the door opened and people poured off. They could walk back to her concourse. Once there he could deliver her safely to her mother and apologize. Hopefully it would work and she wouldn't be angry enough to send him to jail.
"Sure," Allison said from under her lashes.
Keeping his hand on her lower back, he stayed with her until they were on solid ground again. Even when he removed his hand, she didn't stray too far. Maybe she really did like him? He’d always wondered - even hoped. It didn’t really seem possible that someone as exotic and free as Allison would like such a quiet guy like him. Cook had teased him about the hug she'd given on American Idol. Until now he hadn't found either the nerve or an excuse to ask her to spend time with him.
"Do you want to get some hot chocolate?" He asked, immediately wanting to kick himself for such a lame suggestion. He'd just told her that he was a lot more grown up than she was, and he goes and suggests hot chocolate. Not that he ever drank anything stronger, but it just sounded too innocent.
"Mmm, sounds good," Allison nodded.
~~~~~
They were sitting in a booth across from each other. Allison wanted them to be sitting next to each other, but she knew that was far ahead of where they were. Maybe they never would be, but she hoped that one day her crush would develop into something more. There were very few people who understood what she was going through after winning Idol and David was one of them. It also helped that he was cute. Holding her hot chocolate in both hands, she lifted it to take a sip.
"So, you're going home, too?" She asked just to get a conversation started.
"Yeah, but it's going to be weird not having my father there for the celebration." He sighed. "I know he's coming over on Christmas Day, but it won't be the same."
"I'm sorry," Allison said. "I couldn't even imagine it if my parents got divorced." She waved a hand. "When I'm out there, traveling, even though my mom is with me, its home with all my family that makes me feel safe again."
"I know," David smiled. "Me, too. Or it did. I guess I have to find something new to make me feel secure."
Allison bit her lip to keep from blurting that she would be his safety net. He would think she was crazy. She covered his hand with hers, "You'll find something."
"Thanks," he squeezed hers.
"Oh shit," Allison said when she looked up and saw Ian walking past the restaurant. "Hide this," she pushed her drink toward David even as she was sliding underneath the table.
"Allison?"
"It's my security," she whispered, looking up at him. "Duck your head or something."
In the next instant, he was lying down in the booth. Their faces were only inches apart and all she could do was giggle.
"Shh, we're supposed to be hiding," David said in mock serious voice. "The bad guy will find us."
"Then I'm dead," Allison said, happy that he was laughing along with her. "We need to get out of here." She shifted to her knees so she could peek out into the line of booths. After looking one way and then the other to make sure Ian wasn't out there, she glanced behind her. Her eyes opened wide when she realized that David was staring at her butt. Their eyes met and he blushed, but that made her laugh, too. "Come on. Stay down."
Allison never would have thought it, but David played along. He slid out onto the floor, took her hand and keeping low they hurried to the back of the restaurant where they crouched next to the counter. People were staring at them, but Allison was having too much fun to care.
"Can I help you?" The manager stood above them.
"Someone is following us," Allison said, trying to keep a straight face. "Is there a back way out of here?"
"Hey, you're that Allison chick," the manager said, snapping his fingers.
"Yep, that's me, and that's the David dude," she pointed at her companion.
"Oh my God, yeah, we have a back hallway, but can I get an autograph for my daughter."
"Sure," Allison assured him. “Just get us the heck out of here, will ya?”
A menu and pen was thrust into her hand, and after finding out his daughter's name, she wrote a small message before signing her name. She handed it to David and he did the same.
"Thanks and follow me."
Still staying low, they followed the manager through the cooking area. He opened a door and once they were through it, they both stood.
"Follow this all the way to the end and you'll find yourselves on Concourse A."
"Thank you," David said, holding his hand out. "We really appreciate it."
"No problem."
In front of them was a long hallway with gray cement walls with doors dotted here and there along the length. It looked a bit like a prison. She didn't think they were in any danger, but there was just an uncomfortable feeling floating around them. Without thinking about it, she slipped her hand into David's and felt better when he squeezed it.
"It will be okay." He leaned against her for a second before he started walking. "Have you been having fun touring?"
"Yeah, it’s been fun, exhausting and I've really learned a lot. I'll be glad to be home for Christmas." She sighed. "If we get home."
"We will," David said. "It's just a minor delay."
"Oh yeah, that snow all over everything is minor," Allison said. "I can't believe that we got stuck."
"Is it really so bad?" David's voice was so soft she almost didn't hear him. She was such an idiot! She hadn’t meant to make him feel like she didn't want to be around him. It wasn't that. It's just that she would be happier if she was at home and spending time with David.
"No, it's not so bad," she flashed a smile. "Now."
"Here we are."
David pushed open the door to allow her to exit first. He had kept her talking to keep her mind off the eeriness of the hallway. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering from the way he was making her feel. Usually she liked being strong and in control. The girl with the big mouth, but around David, she wanted to be girly. How had he done this to her so easily?
~~~~
They'd gone silent again as they maneuvered through the crowded concourse. Allison was always a touch away, but it felt like he was losing her. She'd think he was boring. That he couldn't even converse like a normal person, but he couldn't think of anything to say. At least nothing that didn't sound lame to him. With a sigh, he blurted, "Have you gotten all your Christmas shopping done?"
"Oh God no," Allison turned wide eyes to him. "It's going to be a mad dash tomorrow if I ever get home."
"We have time to kill," David swept his hand toward the stores they were passing. "Who do you have to buy for?"
"My mom, mostly," Allison said as she stopped in front of a souvenir store. "I need to buy for my nieces and nephews, but that will just take a stop at a toy store to get everything."
"Here you go," David said, holding up a hideous neon yellow cap with the airport's name on it.
"Oooh, yeah, that's perfect for my mother," Allison snatched it from his hand and pulled it down on her head. She held her arms out as she twirled for him. "What do you think?"
"Perfect," David smiled. Then he tapped his chin with his forefinger. "Except I think it clashes with your hair."
Allison shuddered. "That would be horrible."
They laughed as she put the cap down. He followed her around the shop, but could tell there wasn't anything worthy of her mother there. On their way out, there was a stack of Santa hats. Allison grabbed one to plop down on his head, and then she put one on her head.
"Now that's perfect," David said, but when she reached up to pull it off, he shook his head. "Keep it on."
It took him only a few minutes to pay for them both, and they were on their way again. Once she’d put the hat on, he'd felt his heart lurch and there was no way she was taking it off. He was entranced.
"Thanks," she said. "You didn't have to get it."
"Yes, I did," he leaned closer so he could whisper in her ear. "It's our disguise."
"Of course," Allison giggled. "No one will ever recognize us with these on."
~~~~~
It amazed Allison how much David was going along with her hiding from Ian. Except for the first comment about him going to prison for kidnapping, he'd gone along with her every scheme. It was rare that anyone shared her escapades. Her best friend was always willing, and Adam on occasion, but mostly everyone was worried about getting in trouble or thought she was weird. David wasn't someone she would have thought would get into playing, and the fact that he was made her feel closer to him than she should have at this point. That feeling scared her.
"Hey, how about here?"
David was pointing at an electronics store. It was definitely a guy's paradise and the last place Allison would look for a present for her mother, but he'd been so good about wanting to help her that she couldn't say no. She followed him around as he pointed out really cool games which seemed as if it would be better for David and not her mother. It gave her ideas which she stored away in case there was ever an occasion to buy a gift for him.
“What’s that?” Allison pointed out a machine that had a wine bottle stuck in it.
“It cools the wine bottle,” David said. “Does your mom like wine?”
“Yeah,” Allison shook her head. “But I don’t think she likes it that much.”
Spotting a massage chair, Allison plopped down on it and pulled David down beside her. The chair vibrated around them as she leaned back.
“I don’t know what to do for her,” Allison exhaled. “She’s given up so much of her own life to be with me, living at the mansion and going on tour. I want to give her something special.”
“Give her something that speaks to your heart,” David said. “If it speaks to yours then it will to hers.”
“I don’t think I’ll find it in here.”
“Probably not,” David smiled. “I’m sorry for dragging you in here.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled back. “It’s stuff that speaks to your heart, right?”
He ducked his head, but he chuckled. As she was trying to think of something else to say her phone rang with a text from Ian.
I’ll find you, Allison.
“Uh-oh, I don’t think he’s happy about this,” David said, leaning over to read the display on her phone. “Maybe you should tell him where you are.”
“Nope,” Allison shook her head. “I will tell him I’m okay.” She typed quickly, I’m fine. With a friend and will be back soon. Don’t tell my mom.
Not good enough. Where are you? Give me a hint at least.
She sent him a quick text hinting at the store where they’d been. “I guess we need to get moving if he’s coming in this direction.”
“Where to, my lady?” David stood, holding his hand out for her.
“Let’s just keep going and see what we find,” Allison said, slipping her hand into his.
Their hands remained clasped tightly together as they returned to the crowded corridor. They lingered in front of a few stores, but none of them spoke to Allison’s curiosity much less her heart. Maybe she would have to wait until she got home. At the next corner which led to baggage claim or to another terminal there was a band playing in center court. They stopped to listen to the holiday music being played by the mediocre musicians. Except they were playing White Christmas which made Allison wrinkle her nose.
“Do they have to play that? It’s so white outside that’s its blinding.”
“Don’t be so cynical,” David said. “It’s Christmas.”
Allison sighed. “I know, but…”
“But nothing,” David stepped in front of her, putting his hand on her waist. “Dance with me.”
“Here?” She squeaked as she looked around but nobody was paying attention to them. Besides, if she was honest with herself, she knew she really wanted to be in David’s arms. She nodded.
Waltzing wasn’t her usual style of dancing but being held by David was wonderful. She forced herself to relax as he led them and with each turn somehow she ended up closer to him. The smile on her face grew wider until she was giggling.
“Okay, I was wrong,” Allison said. “This is fun.”
“I’m having fun, too.”
“Maybe we’ll be snowed in for awhile,” Allison said. “There’s still a lot of airport to explore.”
“Maybe,” David agreed, grinning at her, and then he sobered. “Allison?”
“Yeah?”
“When I get back to L. A., would you like to go out?”
The loud speaker screeched and then a voice boomed, “Passengers, the latest weather report says that the snow is clearing. We are now scheduling flights. Please check the boards for the latest information on your flight.”
~~~~~
David couldn’t believe it. He’d finally gotten the nerve to ask Allison out and he’d been interrupted. Around them was clapping and cheers, but all he could feel was disappointment that his time with Allison was over. From the crestfallen look on her pretty face, he knew she felt the same. That made him feel a little better, but it didn’t make up for knowing their time was up.
“Found you,” a voice said. They both looked around to find Ian behind them.
“Hey Ian,” Allison said. “I guess it’s time to go back.”
“Yeah, I think so,” Ian said.
“May I at least walk you there?” David asked.
“I’d like that,” Allison said. “Is that okay with you, Ian?”
“I don’t see why that would be a problem,” Ian agreed.
Knowing they were beyond being unsure that they liked each other, David held her hand on the way back to her concourse. Everyone was rushing around them, but neither of them was in a hurry. He could hear Ian on his phone behind them assuring Allison’s mother that she was on the way back and that everything was fine. When they were nearly to her gate, Allison gave Ian a pointed look.
“Don’t go anywhere,” Ian said.
“I promise,” Allison crossed her heart. “I’m just going to say bye and then I’ll be there.”
“Okay.”
They were as alone as they could get in a crowd. They moved out of the way against the wall. David pulled her into a phone booth. He could feel her breath on his face. She was looking up at him expectantly. He swallowed.
“I’ve never kissed anybody,” she blurted out.
David reared back as he stared at her in astonishment. She was so outgoing, so spunky, so beautiful. How could it be possible that she’d never kissed anyone?
“You haven’t?”
“No,” she was staring at his chest. “Mom and Dad have always been protective of me and they always told me to wait for someone special.”
“Okay,” David nodded. “I understand. Let me…” He was about to turn and leave.
“No, you don’t,” Allison said. “You told me to wait until I found something that spoke to my heart.” She laid her hand tentatively on his chest as her eyes looked into his. “You speak to my heart,” she replied, knowing it was cheesy sounding but true. He brought out the cheesy, girly, side of her and though it totally surprised her, she kind of liked it.
Just as Allison’s parents had been protective of her, his had always taught him to be a gentleman. If he didn’t feel serious about Allison then it was time to take her back to her mother and never call her for a date. Except she spoke to his heart, too. It wasn’t the most romantic spot for a first kiss, but he couldn’t let her go.
“You do, too,” he whispered as he closed the gap between them.
He tried to be as sensitive as he could, moving slowly at first and helping to guide her lips with his own. Soon her arms encircled his waist and her mouth opened beneath his. The kiss deepened for a moment as he touched her tongue with his own. Then it was over. It was a simple kiss, but it left them both reeling.
“Merry Christmas, David.” Allison’s lashes fluttered as she opened her eyes.
“Feliz Navidad,” David said, unable to hold back a smile.
With their arms around one another, David walked her back to her mother. When he left them, he felt happier than he had in a very long time. As he drifted off to sleep on the flight home, he dreamt of a girl with red hair and a smile that he knew would brighten his world.