I sat silently in my reclining seat on the air plane. "Goodbye Tennessee," I whispered to myself solemnly. I could feel the tears verging breakout point, and it took every ounce of strength to force them to stay in my eyes. I'm done with crying, I had spent the last week crying and I was cried out. Now, I must put on a brave face and leave my southern skies, and move out on to the west coast. California, almost everyone's dream, except mine.
Moving out of Tennessee isn't the problem, I've been to California before, I've spent every summer since I could walk out of Tennessee. The hard part was that I was leaving, and knowing I'd never see my Dad, or Jackson again. I'd never hear someone call me bud, and I'd never have anyone to call Jerk-son. Basically, I was at a lost and alone. Jackson and Daddy were gone, gone to heaven above and I was left crying over them.
"Bud," My Dad smiled at me. "I'm going to the committee dinner tonight, and Jackson's coming with me, so he can learn the ropes of a Tennessee business man," He chuckled his loud laugh echoing in the halls. "We'll be back around midnight, call Lesley and ask her to come over, you can order pizza or something," He said knowing I wouldn't argue, pizza and Lesley were my weaknesses. He smiled at me while then kissed my head and grabbed his good jacket.
My dad was the head board man of Nashville's school board, and was going to a committee dinner tonight. Jackson who had recently graduated high school, and was looking to follow in the same path of my dad decided to tag along. "Alright Daddy," I said returning a kiss. "Be safe, and make sure no one drinks too much," I smiled.
"You know it bud," He said leaving.
"Bye, Jerkson!" I yelled at Jackson as he merely stuck his tongue at me and waved. I wasn't worried about the party, Daddy and Jackson go out to these almost weekly, I was aware that daddies co-workers have a tendency to over drink, and usually result in my dad having to drive them home, but Dad wasn't a drinker. He would always say to Jackson and I "The purest of hearts are pure in soul," Basically, his poet version of "No drugs, sex, or alcohol," I gladly complied.
Dad was the exact opposite o f most well-off business men. He didn't have a pot belly, he spent a lot of time working out. He was not verging hair loss, dad had a head of luscious brown hair, there was almost nothing more important to him then conditioning. Except Jackson and I of course…. Well except me.
Pretty soon, the bright Tennessee sun had settled exposing the beauty of the southern skies. Lesley was over faster then you could say "Shoes" and we bought a large vegetarian pizza. We watched a marathon of "Law and Order" and soon fell asleep on the couch.
I spent the night in the most uncomfortable sleep ever. Never, I repeat never fall asleep on a couch with Lesley, she takes so much damn space. On top of the worst sleep of my life, I was awoken by a loud bang on the door.
"Miley!" I deep voice yelled. "Miley Ray Stewart if you are home please open up," It wasn't a voice I recognized, so I hesitantly made my way to the door,"
"Yes?" I asked, opening the door ever so slightly, only exposing a small fraction of my face. I was surprised to be met with a police officer.
"My name is officer Johnson, please let me in," He said his deep voice softening with empathy.
"Umm, sure come in," I said completely at lost to why a police officer was at my house.
"Miley," He said. "Have a seat," beckoning to the sofa.
"Alright," I said taking a seat next to Lesley's sleeping body. "Is there a problem sir?" I asked.
"Miley, I'm sorry to say this but, your father and your brother have been killed," He said putting a hand on my shoulder for support. He continued to speak, but nothing registered, all I could hear was "Killed, your father and your brother have been killed," playing over and over.
"Miley," He whispered to me. "I knew your father, he was good friend of mine in high school, and I know it must be hard, but Miley please pay attention, there is a lot we have to cover," He said
"How?" I finally chocked out. "How did it happen?"
"Drunk driver, hit them, we are assuming it was someone from the same committee of your father, obviously not on purpose, your father was a well respected and well liked man. But I am extremely sorry for your lose," He sympathised.
I knew my tears were pouring from my eyes, my daddy, my big brother. But I knew enough about being the daughter of a well respected man, always fake a smile. "I am very thankful for your sympathy," I said in between sobs.
"Now Miley," He said. "Your father was a very wealthy man, and I expect you are aware of that," He said.
"Yes," I said.
"Now, as you know your father has no living relatives, so his will left. And I quote "Everything to my lovely daughter Miley Ray Stewart, and Wonderful son Jackson Rod Stewart, in the event that one is unable to accept, I leave everything to the other child," He quoted.
"As you can tell, Jackson is unable to accept anything," As he said that I let out a loud sob.
"Miley," I herd Lesley say as she awoke, but its sounded so far away. "Miles, what's wrong?"
"We'll talk later Les," I said sternly. "Continue Officer Johnson," I said
"So," he continued. "Everything your father owns has been left to you, but," He said. "Your only sixteen, therefore you can only use what he has already transferred it to your savings account, which is about two million dollars," He said.
"Okay," I said not really caring how rich I am. I just want my daddy and my big brother back.
"But, Miley." He paused. "Your father also made it clear he wants you to stay with your god parents until you finish high school," He finally stated.
"My god parents?" I asked shocked.
"Mr and Mrs Lucas," He said staring at a piece of paper, and showing me their picture.
"I know who they are!" I exclaimed. "But they live all the way in California!" I cried out.
"I know Miley," He said "And I'm very sorry," He said genuinely. "But please, go pack, everything you own. Your plane leaves tonight," He finally stated. "I'll pick you up in about five hours," He said leaving the house. I looked at the clock. Ten o'clock, I had until three to pack everything.
I looked at Lesley, and she hugged me tightly as I cried in her arms.
"Oh Miles," She said sadly. "Do you like your god parents?" She asked.
"Well, I haven't seen them since they moved," I sighed. "Mr. and Mrs. Lucas are really great, I know they have four sons but I haven't seen them in like ten years. They move a lot, from Tennessee, to Texas, then New Jersey, before they settled down in California," I said in one long breathe.
"Oh Miles," She said hugging me, and then helping pack my bags.
The rest of the days was blurred, and before I knew it I was giving Lesley, my best and only friend the last hug I'd ever be able to give her until I graduated. Soon Officer Johnson was at my door, and I packed everything I owned and something's that belong to Daddy and Jackson that I would keep 'till the day I died.
"Sweetie, wake up," The Old women next to me on the plane smiled, and whispered. She had taken me under her wing, throughout the flight, waking me up for every meal, listening to me rant about my problems and even sympathized. Like me, She's a Tennessee native being forced to live in California, with her son who doesn't believe she's capable of taking care of herself.
"Hey Betty," I whispered to her, realizing tears where in my eyes.
"C'mon sugar where landing now," She said.
"Oh man!" I exclaimed.
"Now listen good , no Tennessee darling acts like that, now plaster a smile on your face and give me as much enthusiasm as you can!" She said, sounding like a football coach before the big game.
"Yehaw, California!" I yelled out causing people to stare
"That a girl!," she laughed.
"All passengers, please exit the plane," A voice said off the intercom.
"Here," Betty said just before I got off the plane. "My address you ever wonna visit just stop bye," She said with a hopeful look in her eyes.
"You know Betty," I said. "I totally think that can happen," I said and I watched as she smiled.
"Thanks Ms. Miley," She laughed.
"Also," I added. "I think your son is nuts, your totally rad," I said smiling.
"Thanks," She laughed.
"No problem," I smiled. Maybe California won't be so bad.
As soon as I stepped out of that plan and into the LAX I knew that wasn't going to happen. I stood for like twenty minutes, waiting for someone to pick me up, but was too busy feeling like everyone was staring at me. And they were.
As a parting gift to my home town I wore the most Tennessee outfit I could find. I was wearing a jean mini skirt, a red plaid shirt that was tied under my bust, with a white tank top underneath, while I equipped it with pig tails, cowboy boats and a cowboy hat. And as a result the whole population of LA was staring at me.
"Excuse me?" I herd. "Are you Miley?" I turned to see a tall curly haired guy standing next to me, he was around Jackson's age or rather, how old Jackson should be.
"Umm, yea," I finally stated. "And you are?"
"Kevin, Kevin Lucas," He said extending his hand for me to shake. "It's great to see you," He said. Taking my millions of bags of luggage, and leading the way to the car.
"Thanks," I said shaking his hand and trailing behind him.
Soon, we reached his car, and I was settled in next to him. Kevin seemed pleasant, he took me to Starbucks,(and I grabbed a Caramel Macchiato) he played music in the car, giving no reason to even attempt small talk.
Soon, the warm feeling of the macchiato, blazed my stomach and I closed my eyes. I was as good as asleep. But, I wasn't sleep. As soon as I almost completely asleep, Kevin's phone buzzed. I watched through half shut eyes as he hit the speaker button.
"Kevin?" One voice yelled out.
"Yeah," He said calmly.
"Are you with the culprit?' A different voice asked.
"Culprit? Really Joe?" He asked.
"Come one Kev, some chick moving into our house, who we've never met before we are a little bit curios," There was that first voice again.
"Well yeah, she's here. She's asleep," Kevin said again.
"Is she nice? Is She pretty? Is she a total Hill Billy?" The questions being thrown at a hundred miles per hour.
"Of course she seems nice, what did you expect? She's our parents best friends daughter, she isn't going to be evil," He said while rolling his eyes. "As for pretty, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," He laughed.
"Great so she's ugly!" the second one, Joe exclaimed.
"No Joe, she is pretty," He said finally.
"Nice," he said. "But is she captain of Hicks Ville?" he asked.
"Joe, I'm not answering that," Kevin said.
"Great, total country bumpkin," He said. If it's country bumpkin he wants it'll be country bumpkin he'll get. Believe me, he will.
"Gotta go," Kevin said. "Where parking in the drive way now," He said.
"Later," The two boys said at the same time.
"Miley, Miley wake up," Kevin said giving me a gentle shove. "Were here, home," Great home…
"Thanks," I said, pretending to just wake up. I got out of the car, and stared at the house. It was cute, a tan brick colour, with a flowered front year, and French doors.
I walked to the back of the car and took half the bags, while Kevin helped me carry the others. I'm not so sure about the other boys, but Kevin I definitely like, he is a total gentleman.
"Thanks," I said with a smile.
"No problem," he said leading me into the house.
"Where home!" He yelled.
"Hi Miley!" Mrs. Lucas exclaimed.
"Howdy!" I smiled, tipping my hat to her, as she laughed.
"Now, where can I drop these bags, there heavier then the champion hog at the state fair," I said with the heaviest accent I could muster.
"Nick!" She yelled.
"Yeah mom?" Said a boy around my age, with curly brown hair and chocolate eyes. He was kind of cute.
"Show Miley to your room," she said.
"You'll be sharing a room with him, is that okay?"
"Thanks right dandy Mrs. Lucas," I smiled. Continuing to use my accent
"Oh please," she smiled. "Call me Aunt Denise,"
"Sure thang," I smiled.
"Come one," Nick said. Not even making eye contact with me. Never mind cute I can see he's going to be one of those type of guys.
"This is my room," he said beckoning to a room painted dark blue, filled with football and Baseball posters. "There's your bed," He said pointing to the one bordering the window ledge.
"Thank you," I said not really seeing why I was thanking him.
"What ever," He said.
"Umm, ok," I said to my self as I watched him walk out of the room. What a jerk.
I stared at the closet, the majority was filled with Nicks clothes. I simply shifted them to one side of the closet, put my I-pod in it's speakers, and spent the next hour hanging and folding my clothes.
"Excuse me miss," I herd someone whisper from behind me,
"Oh wow, you're a cutie," I laughed. Staring a little boy in the eye.
"I'm Frankie," He said extending his hand to mine, "And your real pretty," He said looking at me.
"Why thank you," I smiled shaking his hand.
"You talk normal," He said staring at me with a weird expression across his face.
"Is that a bad thing?" I asked seriously.
"No, but I herd Nick say you sound like a pumpkin," he said. As I laughed.
"I think you mean bumpkin, and you want to know a secret," I said to him.
"Oh yea!" he exclaimed.
"I don't really talk like a bumpkin, but I herd your two brothers Joe, and Nick saying mean things about me being a Hill Billy, so I thought I'd teach them a lesson,"
"You know Miley," Frankie said smiling. "I like you,"
"I like you too Frankie," I said pulling him into a hug.
"Now its time for dinner!" He said.
"Perfect!" I exclaimed rummaging through my newly hung clothes.
"Are you gonna teach them a new lesson?" He asked as I pulled out a pair of overalls.
"Yep," I laughed. "I'll meet you down stairs I need to get changed.
"Okay," He said. "Bye pretty lady," He said walking out the room and down the hall.
I quickly through the overalls on and ran down stairs. "Howdy!" I yelled as loud and as obnoxious as I could.
"Hello dear," Mr. Lucas said smiling at me.
"What's for dinner?" I said putting on my accent
"Just Steak, potatoes and Salad, you know American food," Joe said. I found it funny, he was the only one who hadn't actually introduced himself to me, but was the quickest to judge me.
"No, steak for me please," I said "I'm a vegetarian," I added blushing.
"I'm sorry," Denise said.
"It's totally cool," I smiled. "A good tater is good enough for me!" My voice dripping with an exaggerated accent.
"So," Nick said awkwardly. "I see you changed," he added while chewing on his steak.
"Heck yea!" I laughed. "That outfit was too much for a country girl like me, I like to sit back in my overalls, and just work on the farm!" I laughed. Now that was a lie, my daddy didn't even have a farm.
"Interesting," Kevin said giving me a weird stare. Now he, can see the difference between an act, and reality. Once again, I like him.
The rest of dinner went by pretty quickly aside from the chewing of meat, nothing could be herd.
"Would you like me to do the dishes?" I asked Aunt Denise.
"No need dear," She said giving a toothy smile. "Its Kevin's turn,"
"Oh shocks!," I hollered. "Kevin drove me all the way from the air port, and carried my bags the least I could do is help him," I smiled.
"Alright," Denise said giving in.
"Miley," Kevin said in between the pattern we'd set up, wash rinse, rack, wash rinse rack.
"Yes?" I said not bothering to use my accent.
"What's with the act?" he asked.
"What act?" I laughed nervously.
"Miley, first off, I was with you in the morning before your whole working on my farm act, and Miley, you may not know this but I knew your dad and Jackson really well before you were born, we visited every summer, and Jackson was one of my closest friends, I know you never had a farm," He smiled. As we finished the dishes.
"Well, its just I kind of herd what Joe, and Nick said on the phone," I mumbled quickly.
"I thought so," Kevin said. "Don't worry about that Miley, you're a cool girl," He said.
"Thanks Kevin," I said with a smile, a real smile. One of the first once since I got here.
"By the way Miles," He said putting a protective arm on my shoulder. "If you ever want to talk about it, just tell me," He said.
"Thanks Kev," I said the tears I didn't even know were in my eyes started falling, as I pulled him into a hug. "You're a great brother," I smiled.
"That's great, now go to bed!" He yelled.
"Aye aye captain!" I said saluting him and running up the stairs.
"What's this?" Nick asked as soon as I walked in the room, as if waiting for me.
What?" I asked.
"This," He said again he said holding a cloth bordering the closet.
"That," I said. "Is to separate the closet," I said annoyed. "I thought it would be more convenient so you wouldn't have to see my women items," I said.
"Oh!" He said blushing and dropping it automatically. "Whatever," He said again. Stripping into his boxers, and climb into his bed.
"You could have used the bathroom," I exclaimed.
"Why?" He asked. "Its my room,"
"Our room, until I graduate high school," I said remembering to use my fake accent.
"And god knows how long that will take," he whispered, except I herd it.
"You know what!" I yelled. "Never mind, just forget it," I said grabbing my clothes and changing.
I walked back into the room wearing blue silk PJ pants, and a white tank top. "What no special cow girl pyjamas?" He said into his pillow.
I ignored him and put a picture of Jackson my Dad, and I at the County Fair on the dresser between our beds.
"Night Daddy, Night Jerkson," I said kissing the picture, and climbing into the bed.
The hot sun awoke me the next morning, I was about to climb out of bed, and grab my tooth brush when I realized where I was, and why I was there. I laid on my bed, and stared at the ceiling, tears pouring from my eyes, and I didn't bother to wipe them. "Its okay to cry, but for the right reason. Cry because you need to, not because you want to," Is what daddy used to say to me. And now I needed to cry. I needed the closure.
"Miley, why you crying?" I herd Frankie say.
"I miss home, miss my daddy and my brother," I said.
"Would a hug make it better?" He asked.
"I'm sure it could," I said as Frankie climb into my bed and gave me a big bear hug. "Hey Frankster, whats say we go brush our teeth, eat breakfast, then we can play a game our something," I said smiling.
"That's great cause I got new transformers!" He yelled.
"C'mon lets go," I said getting up with him trailing not far behind. We quickly brushed our teeth, and then made our way down to breakfast.
"I made pancakes," Denise said smiling.
"Oh I love pancakes!" I said seriously
"Me too!" Frankie yelled with a fork full already in his mouth. Soon we were joined at the table with Joe and Nick
"Mom were going to the mall with some friends!" Nick said coming down the stairs.
"Oh perfect, take Miley with you. That way she'll meet new people, and get to see the town," Denise said.
"No!" Frankie yelled. "Miley said she would play with me,"
"Don't worry Frankie, I'll do that when I get home okay?" I said.
"Fine," He whined.
"But she's not even ready, and Jake, Jesse, Demi and Lilly are waiting for us to pick them up," Joe said.
"Go pick them up, then come back for Miley," Denise said, except it was more of an order.
"Well be quick," Nick said to me. "Our friends," he said exaggerating the friends "Are meeting only a block away from us so we'll be back in five minutes," If what Denise said was an order What Nick said was a demand.
"Sure," I said already half way up the stairs. I already knew what outfit I would wear. A typical Miley outfit, not the country girl I was pretending to be. If what I've learned about Nick and Joe was right, then they've already given everyone they know an earful of my "hickness"
I pulled my black skinny jeans off the hanger, and pulled out my small red tank top, and my black tank top over it. I pulled my hair out of the pig tails, while shaking it out. My brown curly hair was in the state of half curly, half straight. I put on the little bit of make up I do wear, mascara and lip gloss. And Smiled at my reflection.
"If I say so myself I look great!" I smiled. Before I even had a minute to sit down I herd a loud honk. I slipped on my red converse and ran down stairs.
"Bye guys!" I yelled to the Lucas residents who were still in the house.
I ran towards the car and opened the door to the backseat. "Hey," I said smiling not bothering to use my accent.
"Dude!" The blonde one yelled. "I thought you said she was a freak, you never said she was hot!" He yelled.
"What ever," Joe said not bothering to turn back, while Nick was staring at me mouth a gap.
I noticed two girls sitting in between the boys, "Hi I'm Demi," The dark haired one said.
"Hey," I smiled back.
"Nice shoes," The blonde one said smirking. I looked down at her, wearing some expensive pair of high heals, like Jimmy Choo's or whatever.
"Tell me about it," Nick said breaking the awkward silence. "I've got the same pair," He said pointing to the red converse that lay rested on his feet.
"Cool," I said. This guy maybe a jerk, but if he's into Chuck Taylor he cant be that bad.
A/N ok so that is my first chapter of my new story. I was orginaly waiting for BTS to finish before i uploaded, but i just needed to upload this :)
Review, and let me know what you think!