Yup, I'm back with a new story!!! I'm thinking of making this one shorter than the others I have done here for the simple reason that I won't be able to upload during the summer and I don't want to keep you guys waiting forever for updates!! We'll see how it goes!!

So... I had to switch a few dates around for the purpose of this story... The Kids Choice Awards will be the first event Nick and Miley attend, most probably followed by The Last Song premiere and American Idol. The actual dates and order were: AI, March 24; TLS premiere, March 25 and KCAs, March 27.

Don't Let Go

Chapter One

Kids Choice Awards - March 17, 2010

I was the third - or should I say the fifth? - wheel to my brothers' respective couples. Could life get any worse? It didn't help that I was wearing a ridiculous red and blue striped bowtie that Demi had dared me to wear. She had planned for me to come across as comical, an image she was set on creating for me. The serious, president image I had going for me no longer cut it in her opinion and I had agreed that it was time to step out of the box. Only, I had taken the wrong step, in the wrong direction. What was I thinking coming here anyways? I could have pretended to be sick. Or even better. heartbroken. Which I pretty much was supposed to be since I had 'broken up' with Selena.

Yeah, I definitely should have stayed home. I was in no mood for socialising and even the enthusiastic fans hadn't managed to put a real smile on my face. I could have always snuck out, pretend I had a stomach ache that needed medical attention...

It wasn't like she was going to miss me. She wasn't even here to start with. Demi had assured me she was coming, without the Australian and for the first time in a long time, hope had seeped into my bones. Hope that came crushing down the second we entered the arena: she wasn't coming, I might as well face it and find another method to see her and perhaps even talk to her.

How wrong was it to wish bad luck on somebody's romantic relationship? Hollywood had really turned me into the biggest douche. Or maybe, just a certain curly haired brunette was driving me crazy.

Everything was about timing when it came to Miley and myself... We had led each other on for months until finally one of us had the courage to make it more. Two steps forwards, ten – I would say a hundred – steps backwards. Less than twelve hours later, we were no longer talking.

"She will be here." Demi whispered in my ear as soon as we settled into our seats, a few rows from the front.

"Huh?" It took me a moment to register what she meant and my eyes widened in comprehension. I leaned over and bumped my shoulder into hers, silently thanking her for being my guardian angel when I was so close to losing it. It was odd to think that Miley's best friend was also mine, and that without knowing, we were both confiding in her about each other.

Miley Stewart was announced over the microphone and it was only then I realised the award ceremony had begun. I had been too lost in my thoughts to even notice her entering the arena and sitting a few rows up front.

And there she was. Walking towards the stage to claim her award for best actress. I was half expecting her to wear something short and revealing like she always seemed to be wearing these days – not that I was complaining - and was taken aback to notice the simple, skin covering, outfit she had opted for.

I stifled a laugh as she ran passed Katy who was covered in green slime, opening and motioning for Miley to hug her. Miley ducked behind the microphone and warned:

"Don't you dare!" She laughed as Katy coughed and attempted to spit out the green liquid that had viciously entered her mouth. It was quite a sight.

My eyes never left Miley as she brushed her hair away from her face in that signature gesture of hers, a gesture she probably wasn't even conscious of because it was such a habit. Her smile widened as she gave her small spontaneous speech, thanking her family, friends and fans. The crowd cheered for her and I smiled at the effect she had on people, an effect no teenage girl of her age could dream of having. But that's why she was Miley, born Destiny Hope. She touched the world with her work, gave hope to the unfortunate children who were suffering from different sicknesses, taught people to be honest and spontaneous and not live behind a perfect, ideal image that was nothing but a mere illusion. She was human and didn't pretend otherwise like so many of us celebrities had fallen in the trap of doing.

Demi nudged me with her elbow, drawing me out of my thoughts like she always seemed to be doing these days... Her chin pointed to the aisle and I noticed Miley heading back to her seat. She must have felt my eyes on her because she lifted her gaze and locked eyes with me for a split second. Just long enough for me to see the hurt – and maybe a hint of anger? - hiding behind her cerulean blue eyes.

My fingers slipped into the pocket of my dress pants to pull out my blackberry. My fingers slid across the keys and I had the shortest message typed up in under five seconds.

Congrats ;)

I didn't let myself ponder whether or not I should send the message, instead, I just took a chance and pressed send, knowing that I was breeching our agreement to stay away and have no contact whatsoever. My eyes were strained on her when she pulled out her buzzing phone from her small clutch. She scanned the one word text in annoyance and turned around in her seat, an icy look replacing her usually warm, twinkling eyes.

It was official. She hated me.

Demi clamped a hand over her mouth and let out a laugh. She was obviously enjoying this.

"It's not funny." I whined, childishly.

"Yeah it is."

"How so?" I raised my eyebrows, in mock curiosity.

"She's making you squirm." Upon noticing my confusion she proceeded to explain. "If a girl drives a guy crazy by pushing him away and making him really regret whatever stupid mistake he did, then that means she's doing her job right. She's keeping you on your toes." She smiled triumphantly.

"She knows this is driving me crazy." I growled.

"Well maybe you deserved to be toyed with."

"She won't even let me explain! I don't deserve any of this!" I huffed.

"You need to earn the chance to explain yourself, buddy." She smiled kindly. "Don't give up."

"I won't." I growled, my jaw set in determination.

"Good." Her attention turned back to Joe and I was left to ponder my next move. I could always take Miley back stage... And risk getting caught fighting with my ex girlfriend and 'best friend' by the media? No thank you. Next option: call her until she gets so pissed off, she answers. She was too smart for those kinds of tricks and would simply turn off her phone. Or better yet, block my number altogether. No, I couldn't risk that either.

I was going to have to be creative.

Or not. Maybe this was going to be easier than I thought...

I had barely entered the bathroom when I felt someone shove me aside and shut the door, angrily. I heard the lock click and my heart literally bounced out of my chest as the familiar scent hit my nose.

"What did we say about contacting each other?" Her arms were crossed over her chest, her jaw set tightly in annoyance. She looked even more stunning up close. Her lashes were coated with a thick layer of mascara, making her eyes stand out more than usual. My breath caught in my throat and my lips became dry.

"I-"

"No, you don't get a say here." Her eyes blazed. "We agreed."

"No-"

"You didn't have a problem with it then, so why now?" She hissed angrily. "Oh right, because you got dumped." She scoffed. "By Selena of all people!" She shook her head and her curls bounced around her face. "You can't run back and forth between the two of us as you please!"

"You-"

"You dug your own hole, Nick. Stay away from me." And with that, she was gone.

Jealousy does not look good on you, Miss Stewart. I smiled to myself. Who was I kidding? Jealousy suited her to perfection. If only she had her facts right...