A/N: Well fanfic deleted this story last time, and I gotta say I was completely and utterly depressed when that had happen. I lost everything for a long time, the reviews the entire story. It took me a while to even get bits and pieces of the story back. And I have to say, it was a lot of work, but I'm really proud of this story, so after a lot of time to think and process, I decided to reupload the entire story. Though I am missing a total of two chapters, so those will be rewrites. I'm attempting to rewrite them to the best of my ability on what I remember, chances are I will combine the two chapters together. But the bigger news of the story however is even though majority of the story is still the same, I'm also adding to the story. They will be a mix of interludes that I will be writing, and posting to go with the story. Some of the interludes is in arrangement of the storyline, while other of the interlude is prestory line. So you can refer to them as a flashback. So while the intergrity of the story is pretty much the same, except for the two chapters that I had to rewrite, I'm adding on. I'm going to post the chapters in muliples at a time, and then post interludes. But ok, here is the first three chapters of the orginal story. I hope all of the readers from the orginal story please show your support.

I changed all the last names, so they should be within the guidelines. It's Gray not Jonas.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything, except the plot. :)

Chapter One

One Last Promise

The bright yellow light slowly made its way beyond the distance. The color immaculate as it slowly appeared, seeping above the sky slowly with grace. Embracing the time it took to finally set over the sky, the bright glow of the horizon lighting up the sky. Waking up the horizon of the California each and every morning, you would think many would learn to appreciate the true beauty and yet, here I am sitting against the coast alone on the deserted beach. The faint hums of cars passing by behind me, as the sun slowly rose from the ground. I had to admit, I use to be one of those unappreciative people, taking advantage of the golden horizon. That was until 2 days ago.

Flashback

2 Days Ago

Leukemia, one word.

I glanced down at the floor, my eyes blurred by tears, the voices around me slowly disappearing. Everything was ending just like that. I had already been through so much the first time and I remembered so clearly each and every doctor's visit. Every single time I had stepped into the hospital, knowing what I would have to face. It was like every single hope in my being would slowly disappear as I walked through those automatic doors. I had been in this position once before, but it was the beginning. It had been two years, two years that I had finally gotten my life back, two years that I would have to give back.

"Miley... Miley! MILEY!" the voice shouted.

I glanced up, the tears that were filled to the brim had slowly slid down my face, replying weakly, "yes?"

"Are you going to be ok?" the doctor asked.

I nodded at the irony of his question, he knew the answer to that. Of course not. "Yes thank you." I said politely.

"Do you want to start treatment as soon as possible?" he asked softly.

I smiled weakly, shaking my head, "It's ok... I don't think I want to go through everything again."

He looked at me, sadness in his eyes before he spoke. "You have a good chance of fighting this sweetheart, technology has advance. You are strong and healthy, young. We can help you overcome this again."

I shook my head, the tears falling from my eyes.

"Is there anything we can do for you?" he asked softly, his voice shook. The white linen jacket he wore faded into the surrounding of the bare white hospital room.

I nodded, "I need to know how long I will have left to live."

He glanced down, his voice full of sympathy, before he spoke. "WIthout treatment, I'm afraid you will only have six more months. I'm so sorry."

I nodded, smiling at the doctor, before replying. "Thank you for all your help. May I please be released?"

He nodded, "A nurse will be in a few minutes with the paperwork. Please consider treatment Miley."

I smiled at the doctor, "I'll be fine. It wasn't meant to be."

I signed the release forms, changing into my clothes I had worn before the test. I slid into the white blouse, the satin material brushing against my skin. My hands ran through my brown curls. I shimmed into my straight leg jeans before slipping on my flip flops. I slung my bag onto my shoulder, tossing my phone into the bag as I grabbed my keys and sunglasses. I slid on the shades, shielding my eyes from the bright glare of the sun. Stepping out of the automatic glass doors, I knew that this would be the last time. A single tear slid down my face, I was giving up. I just wanted to embrace whatever I had left of my life. Not turning back once, I made my way to my white SUV parked in the parking lot. I slid into the car, pressing my head against the leather head rest before I stuck the key into the ignition, starting the engine. I put the car into reverse, easing off the gas, pulling out of the parking spot. Sliding the transmission into drive, I stepped on the gas, and just like my car I went, far away, ready to take on the rest of my life.

End of Flashback

Watching the horizon sunlight, I immersed myself into the beauty of the water. The salty air hitting against my lip as a faint trickle of tears fell from my eyes. In that moment, I made one last promise to myself. As long as I was here to find another sunrise, I would no longer shed another tear. I would appreciate each and every day, down to the last minute.

Chapter Two

The Untold Tale

I walked through the front door, stepping into the spacious two story foyer that comprised of high ceilings and a large rectangular skylight. The sunlight poured into the room, filling every crevice with its warm glow. I threw my things onto the console table, making my way down the hall and into the kitchen. The large country kitchen was a modern update of what you would find in any other farm house kitchen, a family style arrangement with top of the line appliances. I walked over to the stainless steel Sub Zero fridge, pulling out a water bottle as I made note of what to buy at the grocery story later that afternoon. Twisting off the cap, I brought the plastic opening to my lip allowing the refreshing liquid to seep into my body. I walked over to the answering machine, the light blinking red, hitting the play button.

2 New Messages

"Hey Miley. It's Katy. I wanted to make sure we were still on for lunch this afternoon. Call me when you get this message. Hope the sunrise was amazing! "

"Ms. Cyrus, this is the LA County Hospital. We wanted to discuss your decision on refusing treatment. Please give us a call."

I sighed, hitting the erase button, mentally and physically erasing that part of my life. I picked up the phone, dialing the familiar number, waiting as it rang. Three rings later, a gentle voice echoed through the line before she spoke, "Hello?"

"Hey Katy, it's Miley." I said softly.

"Hey Miley, did you get my message?"

"Yeah, of course we are still on for this afternoon."

"How was the sunrise this morning?"

"Breath taking, you should have been there."

"I wish I could have, too bad I had to work. Well I have a surprise for you. I hope you don't mind, but I invited a friend and well he has a brother."

I sighed, "Katy, honestly, you can't keep setting me up on these blind dates."

She laughed, "Well if he looks as good as his brother, I'm sure you won't complain. But honestly Miley, I don't get it. You are absolutely gorgeous and yet, you don't have a boyfriend."

"Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, I don't want one. Maybe I don't need one."

"Well I already invited them, and I don't want to be rude and uninvited them. So do it for me."

"Fine Katy. But who is this lucky guy that has obviously won your heart over?"

"His name is Joe and he is an ex musician. He owns a large record label now with his two brothers. GOD HE IS GORGEOUS."

I let out a laugh, "Well I can't wait to meet this Joe of yours. What time are you coming over again?"

"1:00. Joe and his brother will meet us at the restaurant."

"Ok sounds good. I'll talk to you later. I need to go get ready."

"I'll see you later."

I placed the phone down, trotting up the stairs towards my bedroom. I pushed the double doors and entered the spacious room with its large vaulted ceilings. I made my way over to the far corner, walking straight through the archway of my large walk-in closet, flicking on the light switch. My fingers brushed across the rows of clothes that were neatly hung against the pole, everything facing the same direction. I settled on a white silk cami with little sequin beading around the neck line. I paired the top with my dark rinse jeans. I picked out the heather gray cashmere cardigan to complete my outfit before heading over to my bathroom. Setting the clothes onto the counter, I plugged in my hair straighter. Letting it heat up as I jumped into the shower. Washing my long brown hair, I gently massaged the conditioner through my curly locks. I stepped out after thoroughly rinsing my hair, wrapping my body in a white terry towel and dried my hair with the hair dryer. I pulled my long brown strands straight with the straighter clamped tightly till they were long silky locks. Pulling the plug out of the socket, I changed into my clothes.

Glancing at my reflection, my once curvier body had become slightly taunt. My face looked washed out, the color of my skin a pale white. I plastered on a smile, smearing a simple coat of peachy tinted lip gloss onto my lips before combing the mascara wand through my lashes and darted out the door. I stepped into the large foyer, pulling open the coat closet door, revealing the larger number of shoes before sliding into a pair of black wedged flip flops just as the door bell rang.

I pulled open the door revealing a brunette. Her long straight hair was curled to perfection, her brown eyes locking with mine, a huge grin appearing across her face. Her petite frame was adorned with a simple black satin tank top, revealing her bare shoulders that were kissed with the Californian glow. Her denim mini skirt showed off her tan athletic legs that went on for miles before stopping at a simple pair of black flip flops.

"Hey Katy!" I greeted, enclosing my arm around her petite frame.

"Hey Miley, are you all set to go?" she asked, her voice gentle.

I nodded, grabbing my bag off the console table, sliding on my shades, closing the door shut. We made our way down to her silver audi convertible, the top pulled down. I slid into the car as she scurried over to the driver's seat before we drove away. My house shrinking smaller as the distance between the car and the house grew. She pulled out her phone dialing a number before placing the speaker against her ear. A voice echoed through the speaker and into Katy's ear, before she rambled away. She finished the conversation, tossing the phone back into her bag before pulling into a parking spot. We walked out slowly, down the sidewalk and over to the front door. I pulled my sunglasses off my face, taking them and placing them neatly into my purse as we stepped inside. She told the hostess our name as we followed him back towards a small booth. We sat on opposite sides of each other, the hostess setting down the sets of menu.

I brought the menu to my face, skimming the different options I could have for lunch when Katy's voice caught my attention. I glanced up before following her eyes as she stood up. A tall brown haired man was on his way over to us, someone following close behind. He held his arms open as Katy walked over to step into his embrace. When the figure behind him came into view, I didn't even need to see his curls before I knew exactly who it was. In that instant, I came face to face with my first love, his brown eyes locking with mine before he spoke. His voice echoed through my ears, "Miley, oh my god is that you?"

He was the one and only, Nick Gray. And just like that my world went spinning.

Katy's head immediately whipped around, her eyes landing on me before she spoke up, "Wait, you guys know each other?"

Joe's eye landed on me, lighting up as he ran over to me, picking me up off the ground and into a warm hug. "MILEY, oh my god, it's you!" He set me down onto the floor, his eyes fixated on me before he spoke, "I can't believe it. How long has it been? 4 years? You just kinda disappeared."

I gave everyone a weak smile before I spoke up. "Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom." Turning the corner and walking down the hallway, I pushed open the bathroom door making my way over to the porcelain sink. My hands pressed down on either side, glancing up at my reflection. I was wearing a shock expression, before the image immediately replayed in my head.

Flashback

"Nick, I need to go away for awhile." I said softly, my voice cracking.

He looked at me, his eyes flashed with hurt. "Why, what's wrong Miley?"

I frown solemnly, "It's not working right now. I need some time. I need some space."

His eyes filled with tears before he nodded softly, "Miley, if that's what you want, but just know that I love you and I'll never stop. I know that we can make it through this. I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

I shook my head, "I love you too... I'm really sorry."

I leant over, pressing my lips against his cheek before turning out the door and closing it behind me, letting the tears fall from my eyes. I was making the right decision. I knew I was. He deserved so much better.

-x-

It was a late night, almost 2 in the morning as I tossed and turned in bed. The pain raced through my body as the tears fell from my eyes before I heard the faint ringing of my phone. Fighting off the pain, I pushed myself off the bed, grabbing the phone from the nightstand, bringing it to my ear before I collected myself, answering the call.

"Hello?"

"Miley?" his voice said softly.

"Nick?" I asked.

silence

He let out a gentle sigh before he pleaded softly, "I miss you... please come back to me."

The tears ran down my face, "I'm sorry Nick, I can't."

I could hear his voice cracking, "I love you Miley... I need you."

"I'm so sorry, I just can't."

It was the last phone call I received, the last time I heard his voice, the last time my life made sense. The next morning I woke up, my face tear-stained as I pushed myself out of bed. It was the last time I would see the outside world. It was the morning I was admitted to the hospital, a full time patient with Leukemia. The chemo running my life, making me weaker and weaker with each treatment.

I would lie in bed, alone, starring at the white ceilings, wondering where he would be. Pushing away those closest to me was suppose to help them, and in good time I knew that he would thank me. He never needed to see the pain. He needed to live his life. I wanted him to live his life.

End of Flashback

"Miley?" a meek voice in the distance called out, bringing me out of my trance. I glanced up seeing Katy beside me; her face etched with worry before she caught my tears, "Are you crying?"

I shook my head, wiping away the tears, "No, I'm fine, I'm sorry about that."

"Miley? Are you ok? You know Joe and Nick don't you?" she asked, her eyes widen as they waited for me to tell her the truth.

I winced at the sound of Nick's name, nodding slowly, "Yes I know them."

She looked at me, my eyes filling with tears to the brim before she said softly, "You and Nick have a past don't you?"

I smiled at her, "Yeah, but like you said, a past. I'm sorry I was rude. We better get back out there."

She nodded slowly before she glanced up, "I'm sorry."

I shook my head, enclosing my arms around her. "Don't be, it's not your fault. It's no one's fault."

We slowly made our way back to the table. I plastered a smile onto my face before we neared the table. Katy sat down next to Joe as I slid into the seat beside Nick. His shoulder were slumped, a frown on his face as he looked over at me.

"I'm so sorry about that," I apologized.

Joe smiled at me nodding, "It's no problem at all. What a small world eh?"

I let out a soft laugh, admiring Joe for breaking the silence. "Yeah, it sure is. How are you guys?"

He smiled, "We are great. Kevin, Nick, and I created a record label. We are now working behind the scenes. Kevin runs more of the business aspect. I run the touring aspect and Nick, he is the producer. He works with each artist in the studio."

"I heard about your record label. You guys have some great talent." I replied, smiling.

"They are amazing Miley.. I've been working with Joe for wardrobes for one of their popular acts." Katy said happily, a grin on her face.

"She is absolutely amazing with the sewing machine, creating remarkable stuff." Joe added, smiling at Katy.

"Sounds like you guys are doing great." I said softly, turning to look at Nick. He remained silent, his eyes watching me.

"What about you Miley? What have you been up too? We haven't seen you since..." he trailed off, looking over at Nick. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head, "Don't be, I know it's been a long time. I'm really sorry. I've just been laying low, trying to get my life back. You know how that goes."

I looked over at Nick, his eyes wore a hurt expression. His voice filled the air, "Why didn't you call me anymore Miley? You just cut me off all together. You never told me why. I never knew where you were Miley. What did i do wrong?" He accused me, his voice cracking as his eyes filled with tears.

I shifted in my seat, looking at Joe and Katy their eyes fixated on me, "Nick, please don't do this. Not now ok..."

He shrugged his shoulder, "Why not now? This is the first time I've seen you in four years and it was by accident. If Joe hadn't tried to pair me up with one of Katy's friend, I would have never been in this situation. You said you needed time, you needed four years?"

My lips faulted into a frown before I pushed out of my seat, grabbing my things off the table, turning over to look at Joe and Katy, "I'm really sorry guys," facing Nick, "I can't do this Nick. I'm sorry, I really am for everything that had happen and for everything that hadn't happen. But I can't do this."

I pulled out my wallet, placing a large bill onto the table before turning to walk out the door. I slowly made my way down the street, walking slowly and aimlessly, fighting the urge to let the tears fall. I walked over to an empty bench, sitting down onto the wooden panel, burying my face into the palms of my hand before letting out a breath of air I had been holding inside. The tears slowly trickled down my face when the memory immediately came into view.

Flashback

I laid in the hospital bed, waiting every second of the day, when the door pushed opened. The nurse looked over at me, frowning as she spoke, "Hello Ms. Cyrus, there is someone here to see you."

I nodded, the person coming into view, his hand holding my phone, his face was frowning.

"Hey Bud, how are you holding up?" Billy Ray asked softly.

I gave him a meek smile, "I'm a little tired, what is that in your hand?"

He handed me the phone, sighing. "Miley, he keeps calling sweetie. Maybe you should just tell him."

I shook my head, "Dad, I refuse to hold him back. He should be out there living his dream."

"Baby, you'll make it. The doctor says you have potential that every day the signs are improving. What happens when you go into remission?" He asked softly, his eyes filling with tears as he watched his daughter lying in the bed in front of him. Her weak body laying flat against the white linens.

"He will continue living his life." I replied bluntly.

"Honey, he would want to know. He would want to be by your side." he pleaded.

"Dad, please don't. I want Nick to live his life. I don't want him here waiting on me to get better. What if I don't get better? Why put him in even more pain? It's the right thing to do." I shouted, "Please Dad, just drop it. He'll be ok."

He nodded before he said softly, almost a whisper. "He loves you. I don't think he'll ever stop.."

A teardrop slid down the side of my face as I closed my eyes. I couldn't let him get hurt. I couldn't put him through this pain. He was better off without me. I kept telling myself that until I believe it. As much as I wanted him by my side, I couldn't be selfish. He was better off, he was just better off.

End of Flashback

I wiped the tears away from my face, looking off into the distance. Life was this scary place and as much as I needed Nick to be a part of it. As much as I wanted to stand there in front of him and tell him that he will always have my heart, I couldn't. Because no matter what would or will happen, I knew my fate 6 months from now.

Chapter Three

Tie Up Loose Ends

I slammed the door shut, making my way through the empty house, tossing my things onto the console table. I slid off my shoes slowly pacing up the stairs, the cold wooden floors beneath my feet. Pushing all my strength I had left I walked into my room and collapsed onto the bed. I closed my eyes allowing the heavy lids to rest across my eyes, the darkness taking me in as I drifted into an unsettling slumber.

-----

I woke up the next morning, the light pouring into the bare room. I shifted in bed, turning over to glance at the clock. The eerie red glow beaming back at me: 10:43. I slept through the entire night and still hadn't managed to feel one bit refreshed. My body ached with pain, my eyes roaming down to the large discolored bruise on my left arm.

I slowly pushed myself out of bed, making my way over to the large walk in closet. My fingers brushed across a large black sweatshirt, wrapping the cotton material around my bare arms. I tugged on my flannel pajama pants, readjusting them to sit correctly on my body before I made my way over to the bathroom.

My feet padded across the cold floors over to the marble counters. I turned on the water, letting the warm water run underneath the steel faucet. I quickly washed my face, grabbed my toothbrush, and brushed my white teeth. Rinsing my mouth clean, I wiped off the surrounding counters, setting the rag aside before I glanced up. A deep frown making its way across my face as I took in my reflection. The contorted line of my lips faulted. The heavy bags that were just beneath my eyes were harsh and puffy. The color I had once had in my face was flushed, making my face look almost grayed, the pale color contrasting with the black sweatshirt.

I picked up the wooden brush, running the bristle through my long strands of hair before pulling it back away from my face. I flicked off the lights, making my way out the door. I slowly walked down the steps, finding my shoes not too far from where I had left them last night. Slipping on my black flips flops, I slung my bag over my shoulder before I closed the door shut behind me.

------

I pulled up into the driveway, two cars already parked on the asphalt. I slid out, shutting the door behind me as I made my way down the cement sidewalk. My fingers came out, announcing my presence as I pressed the doorbell, waiting for someone inside to answer. A few minutes later the door swung open, revealing a frazzled looking Katy.

"Hey Katy," I greeted.

"Hey Miley! You are here early!" Katy exclaimed.

I looked at her a little bewildered before I spoke, "Katy I'm late.... Is this a bad time?"

"Katy... Katy... Where are you... who was at the door...?" a male's voice called out in the background.

"I'll be right there." She shouted, looking a little embarrassed.

I smirked at the girl standing in front of me, smiling, "I'm guessing Joe spent the night?"

She nodded grinning, her face flushed red, "Yeah, I'm sorry I forgot. Joe kinda showed up late last night and well yeah, we were watching a movie and he may have stayed over.. It was totally PG, I swear."

I laughed softly, "Katy, you are 20 years old and Joe is 23. It's not that big of deal if you have sleepovers."

She smiled shyly at me, "Again I'm sorry, come inside. I'll tell Joe to leave."

"It's not that big of a deal. You can just stop by later if that is easier." I replied smiling.

"Nonsense, come inside." She restated, tugging on my arm as she led me inside her townhouse.

I smiled, following her inside. She led me over to the living room, "Make yourself at home Miley, I'll be right there in a bit. Let me just get Joe."

I nodded, sitting down onto her couch. It was a beautiful, warm comforting look. The cloth woven couch was a deep olive color, complimenting the beige walls. The wood burning fireplace was up against the far wall, the white mantle displaying a large silver trimmed mirror. Scattered in front of the mirror, were an arrangement of different hues of greens and beige. Wooden trimmed frames adorned the mantel in all different shapes and sizes. The beige carpet was complimented by a soft brown rug, set in the center, a large wooden coffee table sat atop it. The top of the coffee table had magazines scattered across the cherry wood surface, my eyes landing on a particular article that was laid opened.

Kevin Gray, 25, and American Supermodel girlfriend of 4 years, Briana Jaramillo,23 have been spotted walking down Rodeo Drive Saturday afternoon, hand in hand. Onlookers smiled at the happy couple, who surprisingly, noticed the rather large 3 carat princess cut diamond ring resting against her ring finger. Looks like Mr. Gray is about to break millions of fan girls hearts, by adding a female addition to the Gray family. Bri, make sure to say hello to Mama J for us!

I noticed Kevin radiating smile pouring off the page, his hand laced with the gorgeous girl standing beside him, her flawless smile lighting up her face. Their body turned against one another, her long black hair was tuck neatly behind her ear, the black sunglasses shielding her face, complimenting her California tan. Her long tan arms bare, revealed in the simple black tank top. The neatly frayed mini skirt showing off her long legs. His eyes were shielded with a pair of designer aviators, his body flaunting the crisp red polo clinging to his tone body. A pair of skinny jeans, rinsed to perfection, in a dark indigo wash showing of his toned legs.

I smiled. I could tell by the smile on the page that it was genuine; his love for her was relevant.. It was blatantly obvious and I couldn't be any more thankful that Kevin had found the love of his life, even if she had missed such a huge step. Kevin was like her brother and she couldn't help but smile at the fact that he found someone who loved him back. My attention was brought from my thoughts, glancing up to find Joe standing at the doorway, a grin on his face.

"Hey little sis, what you got there?" He asked.

I smiled at him, "Hey Joey," patting the seat beside me, "an article. It looks as if our big brother Kevin has found the love of his life."

He smiled, "Yeah Bri is amazing. He is crazy about her, everyone loves her."

I nodded, my thoughts wandering back to the times when I had been a part of that family, my eyes filling with tears as I glanced down at Kevin's smile.

"Miley," Joe said softly, cautiously addressing me.

I looked up locking my eyes with his; mine were blurred behind my tears, "Yeah?"

"Why did you leave four years ago...?" He asked softly.

I glanced down at the floor, the tears falling from my eyes. "Joe..." I started softly, "I wish I could explain..."

He nodded, "It's just.... We watched Nick for years... You just left... he missed you Miley, he never stopped loving you. We missed you. My family, Kevin and I, we all did."

I nodded the tears falling one by one.

He continued, "Sometimes we would sit around and just wonder where you were. It broke our hearts to watch Nick go through so much... Whatever he had done, I don't think he meant to..."

My head immediately jerked up, looking at Joe. I pushed out the tears before I spoke, a sudden rush of confidence taking over, "Wait, what? He is blaming himself?"

Joe looked up confused, nodding. "Yeah, that's what happen isn't it?"

I shook my head, "Of course not Joe, it was never him. He didn't do anything wrong. In fact, I am to blame..."

"What happened then? Why did you have to leave for four years? What made you never come back, were you ever going to come back?" His voice asked, pleading with me to just to be honest with him, let him in after I had closed out everyone for so long..

My voice shook before I said softly, "I'm so sorry Joe. I never meant to hurt anyone, honest... It was the right thing to do at the moment. I believe it was the right thing to do."

His face faulted into a frown, the tears building in his eyes before he said softly, "Miley, how could it be right when you pushed him away? He loved you with all of his heart... he still does."

Finding my voice, "It's just..." I said softly, before I was interrupted.

"Hey guys what did I miss?" Katy said out loud, walking into the room her hair was neatly combed and up.

I looked up, pushing myself out of the chair before I made my way over to her, "Nothing important Katy. I need to go. I forgot some things I needed to take care of. Why don't you come over later? I'll leave the door unlock, just come inside ok."

She nodded her face completely bewildered.

I turned back looking at Joe, his face wore a hurt expression. "Goodbye Joey," I said softly before I walked out the door.

I found my way out to the car, sliding in before I pulled out driving home. Speeding down the expressway, I took the hard left to my house, pulling into the long driveway. I slowly got out, making my way to the front door, pushing it wide open as I tossed my things aside. The tears falling rapidly down my face, my body breaking down in the process. I made my way into the office, over to the far corner beside the bookshelf. I collapsed onto the floor, my vision blurred behind the layer of tears that hit against my sweatshirt, the water seeping through the layers. My hand landed on the leather binding. I didn't need to see the cover; I knew exactly what I had in my hand. The worn binding was slowly falling apart from being overused. I slowly flipped open the cover, my eyes landing onto the familiar handwriting. My writing scrawled across the front page in big letters. The picture set below the letters, the familiar scene playing in my head, tears pouring down onto the pages in thick droplets. I would give anything to go back, to go back to the moment to when life made sense.

Flashback

I ran across the grainy sand, the hot coarse texture seeping between my toes from the long exposure of the hot sun. The ocean water slowly rippling against the shore. The bright sun transmitting its heat down onto the coast. I heard the faint sound of breathing behind me before his arms enclosed around my waist, pulling me back against his hard firm chest. I shifted in his arms, facing him. My eyes immediately locked with his chocolate brown ones. His brown curls were blowing in different directions from the subtle breeze the water ripples were creating. The salty air clung to our body, stopping at our lips. I smiled as I faced him, before he smiled, "I got you now."

I let out a soft laugh before I said softly, "You always had me."

"I love you Miles, you know that? Because I do, with all of my heart." He said softly, picking up my hand, placing it over the left side of his chest. My hand against his bare skin as his heart beat against my fingertips.

I smiled, closing the gaps between our lips before I breathed out the words so effortlessly, "I love you too." My lips capturing his in that single instant, the world around us disappearing. Because in that moment, the world made sense. Everything was laid out in front of us. No matter how many hurdles life threw at us, I knew that my life was meant to be with him. In a moment like this, where we gave ourselves completely to each other in those 3 little words, the world around us could just wait.

End of Flashback

I glanced down at the picture that was lying in my hand, my body breaking down into a sob that filled the empty house. There I sat in the dark corner, tears falling down from my eyes, my heart aching in pain. The world that I had grown to know slowly disappearing because I knew I had made the greatest mistake of all. Letting him go only eased the pain that moment.

The front door pushed open, Katy's voice echoing through the empty house. Growing louder as she stepped closer into the room, pushing the door wide open her eyes caught mine before she ran over to my side. Draping an arm around my body, she pulled me into her arms, my head resting against her shoulder, the tears absorbing into her shirt. The pain that I had hidden for so long was slowing surfacing. This time it was harder to hide.

Her voice was soft before she spoke, "What's wrong miley?"

I shook my head, my eyes swollen from the tears before I asked softly, "Katy if you had six more months left to live, what would you do?"

She looked down at me, her eyes filled with confusion, "I guess I would tie up loose ends... Why, what's wrong Miley?"

I closed my eyes before I said softly, "I have some loose ends to tie up..."

Katy's arm slowly released me before I looked up into her brown eyes. Her eyes filled with worry before she spoke softly, "Miley... what are you talking about?"

And the words came out, a slow burden being lifted, breaking down the barriers of the wall I had placed up to protect my friends. Letting them in for the first time in years, "Katy... I have Leukemia... I only have six more months..."

Her sudden gasp told me all I needed to know. The tears falling from her eyes as she wrapped her arms tighter around my body. She held me close before she said softly, "I will be here for you Miley, I'll do whatever it takes. I promise..."

A/N: Reviews are always appreciated!