A/N: I was actually just writing the first part (the prologue) to get out my feelings, and then, I was writing the part, their stories, and I was like, hmm. Miley and Nick. Ideas started floating around, and I turned this into a story. The chapters will be shorter than some of my other stories, but this story has been incredibly easy to write lately, so hopefully updates wont be as bad as the other stories. Which, you should go check out. If you like this, you should check out Forever if you havent yet.
Anyways, let me know what you think, if it sounds interesting, if you want me to keep going.
Lots of thanks to jss2420, by the way, for editing this story. You're awesome :)
And I dont own anything either. Enjoy.
xx
Prologue
For some, things just fall into place. People call it fate. For some, hard work is required. There's no easy way out, but it's worth it in the end. For some, believing that giving up is easier is a good choice. But for others, we get trapped in. Sucked. And there's no easy way out.
My life could've been easy. I could've lived at home with my dad and my brother until I graduated from college, and then went to a prestigious university a few hours away. I would fall in love with a cute college boy, bring him home to dad, and then fate would be sealed. Happily ever after.
But things never seem to happen the way we want. Roads are blocked, paths cross, and people change. When I was young, my mother would read me the fairy tales. I was determined to have one of my own. I wanted to be like Sleeping Beauty- the prince kisses the girl and they trot into the forest on his shiny horse, and they live together in happiness.
It's a disappointment to have your dreams shattered.
But again, things never seem to happen the way we want. No matter how hard we try, perfection is just a word. It means nothing. It's just a superficial glance at something, when inside, everyone has their nightmares, their fears, their stories.
And this is mine.
xx
One
"That's the last of all the college applications," I sighed and dropped my body onto the sofa. My dad placed a perfectly iced piece of chocolate cake on the table in front of me, and I groaned. "Dad, you know I'm on that diet. I have to be skinny for this sorority, remember?"
He stared at me for a moment, and I'm not sure what the look I saw in his eyes was. "Miles, are you sure that this sorority is what you want for your freshman year of college? You're not even sure you got accepted from the school yet," he murmured, sitting on the end of the couch where my feet couldn't reach.
I rolled my eyes. "Duh, Dad. Mom was president in this sorority, so I've pretty much been guarenteed a spot in, and it would be a shame to miss out on this opportunity. And besides, it will be fun. I'm leaving behind all my Malibu friends anyways, so I'll need to branch out."
He frowned, and then picked up the plate and took it to the sink. He slowly scraped it down the sink, and then put the plate in the dishwasher. "If you're sure," he said finally, and I swung my legs around on the couch and stood up. I didn't need to hear his sad-talk just yet. I still had a few months before I was finally leaving.
I slid on my flip-flops and then walked down the back porch and on the beach towards Rico's. I found Lilly and Oliver sitting at our familiar blue table, a tradition that I would sadly miss. "Hey guys," I greeted, sitting down on the unoccupied chair next to my two best friends. "How's the college scouting looking?" I asked. They rolled their eyes in unison.
"Horrible," they both muttered. I sympathized, resting a hand on Lilly's arm.
"Now, now. Let's not be pessimistic. Something great will come along, I'm sure," I consoled.
They both glared. "Coming from the one who pretty much already has an acceptance letter from San Diego State. We don't have infamous mothers who were sorority presidents to give us leeway," Oliver spat.
I frowned. "Are you serious? I had to work to get into that school just as hard as you guys. Maybe if you guys spent less time skateboarding and more time studying for the SAT's, this wouldn't have happened. It's not my fault you guys are stuck here in Malibu with just a high school certificate," I replied bitterly, and then got up and stormed away.
It's safe to say that that was my first mistake.
xx
"Got all your boxes and bags?" My dad asked four months later, a early August wind sweeping through the car as he leaned against the door.
"Yep," I nodded, glancing back one last time at the bed of the truck where it was piled with brown cardboard boxes.
"I'll miss you, bud. Call me as soon as you get there. And remember, the only people worth trusting are the ones who like you for you. Just please, remember that, Miles. And I love you."
I smiled and hugged him one last time. "I love you too, Dad."
"Oh yeah," he added, reaching into the back pocket of his jeans, "Lilly and Oliver wrote these for you." He pressed two folded pieces of paper into my hand. "They'll miss you, no matter what words were exchanged. You should give them a call or visit them on your way out." Fat chance. I was ready to get out of this place.
Mistake number two.
I drove down the scenic road next to the Pacific Ocean, the radio blaring old pop songs. I sang along, feeling free from having to hold back. Hannah was gone, two years gone, and long forgotten. I would be able to belt it out now without anyone noticing the resemblance.
Three hours later, I received in San Diego. The atmosphere was very much like Malibu, with the sunny beaches, hot lifeguards, and buildings and shops lining every corner. It felt much like home.
I drove up to the college and parked in front of the sorority. I was going to sell my car downtown later, anyways, since I wouldn't be needing it.
I pulled my purse over my shoulder and opened the car door, taking a deep breath to settle the nerves. I walked up the flower-lined walkway, and then knocked slowly on the wooden front door. It opened, and I heard a gaggle of girls in the other room. I looked at the girl at the door. She was wearing short, blue and pink striped pajama shorts and a tight, low cut white tanktop. Her skin was clear and tanned darkly, and her black hair framed around her face in layers. Her perfectly glossed lips dropped with an 'O' shape, and her voice yelled out, "Girls, come! Miley Stewart is here!"
Seconds later, I took a step back, because twenty or so girls came to the front door. "Oh my God, your mom is like, a legend!" a short, pretty blonde girl exclaimed.
I smiled. "Can I come in?" I asked.
xx
"So I'm Jade, and this is Elle," the girl from the front door said, gesturing to a girl next to her with shoulder length auburn hair and pale skin.
"Hey. It's so nice to meet you," I replied, setting my boxes down in the room I'd been shown. I was shocked at how big it was. There were mirrors covering a whole wall, and another was dedicated to makeup and beauty products.
"You'll be staying with us, and another freshman will come when we do the pledging. The makeup is all for share, any that you brought you can add to the collection. Your closet is right there, but don't be surprised if you find your favorite purple tights missing. Everyone likes to share here," Elle explaned.
I grinned in approval, and then erased the smile from my face when I remembered what she said. "Wait, pledging? I didn't know I had to do it too. Why am I already moved in, then?" I asked quickly.
"Don't worry," Jade assured with a mysterious grin played across her face. "You are a legend now. You're already guaranteed a spot. I even heard Kimberly, the sorority president, thinking about putting you vice president, even as a freshman. That's, like, a huge honor," she gushed.
I smiled, and then they left me to finish unpacking.
San Diego seemed perfect, for now at least. It seemed flawless, easy. This sorority thing was going to end up being the best thing that happened to me, whether my father and friends approved or not. I was accepted without even saying a word.
But Elle and Jade seemed to forget to tell me all the mistakes that can happen here.
Like trusting someone you shouldn't trust.
Like falling in love.