I was sitting in the barn with my guitar and note book writing a song that had just seemed to write it self. Lilly was back in the house with my grandmother learning how to make her homemade ice cream and Jackson was out on a date if you can believe it. I know I can't.
I continued to play chords and scribble things down giving the song my undivided attention. I guess I was so focused that I didn't even notice when Travis entered the barn. It wasn't until I felt hands covering my eyes and couldn't see that I knew he was there "guess who" he told me in his adorable accent.
I smiled and placed my hands over top of his "Orlando Bloom?" I guessed teasing him slightly but knew he got my sense of humour when I heard him chuckle slightly. He took his hands away and walked around me so that I could see him. "No, you're much cuter than Orlando." He smiled at me and then reached forwards to take my notebook but I quickly grabbed it before he could "it's not done yet."
"Well, when will it be done?" He asked obviously curious. I shrugged my shoulders and then closed the note book as I set my guitar aside. "So I hear Jackson's out on a date with Lea, I have friends who have been trying to date her for years. How did he do it?"
I laughed "how does Jackson do anything? He probably had to play the 'Hannah's my sister' card" I told him honestly. I didn't see how else Jackson could have gotten a date with Lea Cane. She was a pretty red headed girl who was an attention grabber here in Crowley Corners.
Travis then got up and moved so that he was sitting beside me. He reached his arm around my shoulders and leaned up against the pile of hay. I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes savouring the moment.
"Miley" I heard someone whisper my name. "Miley" this time someone slightly shook me and I opened my eyes realizing that I had fallen asleep. I looked up to see Travis smiling at me "It's almost two in the morning. We both fell asleep." I reached into my pocket and looked at the time. Sure enough 1:57AM was there in bright digital numbers.
I lifted my head from his shoulder and rubbed my eyes careful not to smudge the mascara that I knew was still there. Travis soon stood up and reached a hand down to me to help me up as well. I happily took it and stood up as something dawned on me "I leave tomorrow morning." At that Travis' face fell and so did mine.
Then he seemed to shake it off "well then we'll have to make the most of today; name one thing that you really want to do." I thought about it for a minute and realized all I wanted to do was spend the day with him.
"Honestly? I just want to spend the day with you. Why don't we just go into the market and shop or go to the diner and talk or a few hours. My treat" I offered with a sweet smile.
He shook his head "now what kind of boyfriend would I be if I let my girlfriend pay?"
I giggled "a smart one." Once again he shook his head with a smile on his face and he took my hand leading me out of the barn and into the moonlight. I looked up and couldn't believe it. I hadn't noticed it before but the stars shone brighter out here and there appeared to be more.
He must have seen that I was cold because he took off his jean jacket and draped it over my shoulders. I looked back down and smiled at him before continuing to walk towards the house. As we walked we reminisced about the past two weeks. Though we only talked about the good times, neither of us really wanted to mention the fight it just wasn't necessary.
We sat on the front porch and talked about the first time we saw each other back in grade school and about when we saw each other my first day back. I still can't believe I didn't recognise my own horse. Blue Jeans was my best friend growing up and Travis had gotten closer to him in the last few years then I had. I was happy that over the last few days Blue Jeans seemed to prefer me though. Then again that was now, what about when I left again?
I felt Travis' hand on my knee and I turned to face him "are you okay? You seem like you're lost in thought" he commented. I loved that he knew me so well.
I sighed as I looked back at the stars "when I left Tennessee I thought everything would just fall into place. That my mom had left us for a reason and that maybe I would grow from it. Then when I started the Hannah secret things just spun out of control. By the time I was fourteen everyone knew who Hannah was. I guess I let the fame go to my head and I lost my family along the way. I almost lost my friends and now that I'm going back I'm scared that I'm going to loose everyone again." Slowly I lowered my head so that I was looking him directly in the eye "I'm scared of loosing you." My vision began to blur as tears swelled up in my eyes.
"You won't loose me. Sure maybe you lost your way for a little while but you've found it again and you have an entire family and all of your friends who are more than willing to support you. You'll never lose me. Even if things don't work out we'll still be friends. I promise." I nodded knowing that it was true but I knew that I would never want to be just friends with him.
By the time Travis and I actually said good night and I walked up to my room it was four thirty and I surprised to find that I really wasn't tired. I guess my mind was just too preoccupied in thought to really contemplate that I should be exhausted.
When I opened the door to my room I saw Lilly fast asleep on my bed with a book in her hand. I suppose she must have tried to wait up for me. I quickly changed into my pyjama bottoms and a tank top before climbing into the bed next to her and turning the light out.
When the rooster crowed a few hours later Lilly and I both jumped out of bed. Neither of us had really gotten use to him as an alarm clock. Lilly turned to me with a sly smile on her face "so where were you last night?"
I knew it wasn't a big deal so I told her nonchalantly "Travis and I fell asleep in the barn." I slowly began to start packing my suitcase and Lilly eyed me curiously. When I noticed her look I reminded her "we're leaving tomorrow morning remember? I just want to start packing. I don't want to be rushed tonight to get everything packed and put away." I turned back towards my suitcase and continued to fold my clothes.
"I can't believe it's already time to leave. I mean it will be good to get back and see Oliver and my mom but still. I'm really going to miss it here." She began to pack her suitcase as well and then turned back towards me "so what are you doing today?"
I turned towards her and couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face "Travis and I are spending the day together."
"Oooo spending the day with Mr. Perfection, so how are things going so far? I know you've only been going out for a day but still." I bit my bottom lip and then smiled brightly "that good hey?"
I was still holding onto one of my skirts when I sat back on the bed and smiled dreamily "he's just so different from the guys back in California. He's sweet and caring and I know he likes me or me. I just can't believe that I got this lucky."
Lilly sat next to me "and to think you always had it waiting for you." I turned to her confused "well think about it. You knew him when you were a little kid and then left when your mom died. You went on with life, followed your dreams and only ever had one thing missing. You came back here, where you started and found him again. It's like it was fate or something." Fate, I liked the sound of that.
"Knock, knock" Lilly and I both turned towards the door and saw Lorelei standing there. I had to admit she was very pretty, even in ripped jeans and a plain white t-shirt. "Hey, Miley do you mind if I talk to you for a minute?" I turned to Lilly and nodded letting her know that it was okay to leave.
Lilly walked out of the room and Lorelei took her place sitting beside me on the bed "you and my dad seem to be hitting it off pretty well" I smiled at her as she blushed.
"Well he's a really good guy. He cares about you and your brother a lot." I nodded knowing that it was all too true. "I just wanted to make sure that we were okay. I mean you're not mad at me or anything are you?" I didn't understand why I would be mad.
I shook my head "I'm glad he's finally putting himself out there again. I mean he's been on dates but nothing serious since my mom."
"I knew your mom. Did you know that?" I looked at her surprised and shook my head. "Yeah, not very well mind you. We worked in a diner together for a few months. I was always on the move when I was younger and so I only stayed working there for about three months. From what I can remember Susan was always a giver. She loved music and loved to dance."
I laughed "Yeah she did but she was never really good." Lorelei and I both laughed at that. "Dad always says that I look a lot like her."
"You do. You have her smile and her hands and her beautiful brown eyes. Then you have your dad's gift for music and his hair." I laughed thinking back to the mullet but I knew what she meant. My hair colour was the same as my dad's. My mom's was a few shades darker.
I tucked my hair behind my ears "so what are you and my dad going to do when we leave tomorrow?"
"We're going to try the long distance thing and if things seem to work out I wouldn't mind moving out to California eventually." I smiled at her seeing that she was already thinking about the future. She seemed to realize that she sounded very forward and she tried to take back everything she had said "I mean in a few years if we're still together which we might not be."
"Its okay I understood but for what's its worth, I wouldn't be opposed to you moving out To California with us. In fact it would be nice to have another woman in the house" I confessed. "Just a warning though, you may want to stay out of Jackson's room. It should be a toxic waste dump."
She couldn't help but laugh at my attempt at humour "well how about this. When I come to visit we can send the boys to a football game and we'll tackle Jackson's room together. Who knows maybe we'll even discover a new species."
I laughed and nodded "that sounds great." The room then went quiet and turned into an awkward silence until I decided to break it "hey Lorelei?" She looked at me and waited for me to continue but instead I hugged her "thank you."
I think she was a little surprised at my gesture "what for?"
I pulled back and smiled "for everything."
"Miley, I know I'm not your mom and I would never try to replace her but if you ever want to talk. I mean if you ever want some female adult advice, you can call me at any time. I'm here" I could tell she really meant it and it would be nice to talk to someone. Usually I just go to Lilly but having an adult to go to would be great.
I nodded "I'd like that" I smiled. "Maybe we could exchange notes on this whole long distance relationship thing because to be honest I have no idea how it's going to work."
Then she whispered to me "me neither. I've never been in a long distance relationship before but I believe that they can work out if you really work at it." Then she turned her body towards me and she began sixteen again "so you and Travis?" I giggled and nodded "tell me about it? Is he a good kisser?" I couldn't help but think that that was something a mom would ask just to embarrass you.
Before I could answer her I heard another knock and turned around to see my dad standing there "it looks like you two are getting along pretty well." I nodded and could tell that my dad wanted to talk to Lorelei alone so I got up and told them that I was going to go find Travis before waving goodbye.
When I got to the front door Lilly was there waiting for me "so what did the potential step mom want?" She asked as she followed me out the door.
I turned to her "she just wanted to talk. She said that I could call her if I ever wanted and that she wasn't trying to replace my mom but that she's here if I need her." Lilly touched her heart and awed. I simply rolled my eyes at her actions and continued to walk.
Lilly struggled to keep up with me "hey, what's got you in a hurry?" I looked at her questionably. "Oh the boyfriend, that's right. So where are you meeting him?" I stopped walking and took out my cell phone as I felt it vibrate. She stopped after me and leaned over my shoulder to read the text.
My friend is really upset. He just broke up with his girlfriend. Would you mind if we hung out with him?
It was from Travis. "Great. I really wanted it to be just the two of us" I sighed and then I slowly looked around to Lilly and got a sly grin on my face. She looked at me and started to back up once she saw the look on my face.
"Oh no, I know that face, it's your 'I've got a plan' face." I gave her my best puppy dog eyes and she caved instantly "what do I have to do."
I hugged her "thank you! Okay so you'll come with me to meet up with Travis and his friend. Then you'll turn on your Lilly Truscott charm and you and Travis' friend will start to hang out on your own so that I can have my time with Travis."
"But-"
"Have you seen Travis? He's gorgeous and I'll bet all of his friends are just as gorgeous as he is." At that Lilly stopped complaining. "Besides didn't you say you wanted cowboy for yourself?"
She smiled and rolled her eyes giving in completely "fine, but only because there's a cowboy involved she stressed and right now I was going to take anything I could.
I then took her hand and pulled her along with me as we walked into town. I then opened my cell phone to text Travis back.
Of course it's fine your friend needs you right now. I'm going to bring Lilly with me though if that's okay. Where are you?
I hit send and then Lilly and I looked at some of the jewellery as we waited for Travis' response. We both wound up buying matching bracelets that only differed in colour. Lilly took the blue one and I took the purple one. Then I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket again.
Look behind you.
I smiled and showed the text to Lilly before we both turned around to see Travis and his friend standing there. I looked over at Lilly who was looking quite pleased. She leaned towards me and in a high pitched voice whispered "wow." I smiled and nodded in agreement.
Travis' friend was almost as cute as he was. He had light brown hair, the same build as Travis and warm brown eyes. I guess would have to see him but just go by what Lilly said, wow.
Travis walked up to me and gave me a warm hug before shortly pulling back to introduce us to his friend "Miley, Lilly this is Liam, he's a really good friend of mine. Lilly and I both said hi before the four of us walked into a small restaurant in town that was actually quite nice. Nothing like back in California but for Crowley Corners it was very cute.
I felt my heart start to race when Travis put his arm around me once we sat down. Lilly was sitting across from me with Liam looking very comfortable. I turned to Liam to start up a conversation "so Liam, I'm sorry to hear about your break up."
He shrugged his shoulders "me too but why stay with a girl who cheats on you right?" I felt bad for him but also couldn't believe anyone would cheat on such a gorgeous guy, besides that he seemed really sweet. He was like Travis, the best of both worlds. No pun intended "so Miley or should I say Hannah?"
I smiled politely "Miley, unless I'm wearing my wig it's just Miley." He nodded understanding.
"What's it like to be famous?"
I had to laugh at the question "well that's a question for Hannah but I guess I can answer. It's good I guess but busy and very stressful with interviews, recording new albums, and movies, meet and greets, concerts, commercials and charity events. It's rewarding though, I mean I get to sing everyday. It's what I've always wanted minus the annoying rumours that constantly go around."
Lilly starting laughing at that "did you hear the newest one?" I shook my head waiting for her to continue "apparently Hannah and Jake got together and are sneaking around behind Mikayla's back."
"I haven't even seen Jake in almost a year. Where did they get that?" Lilly shrugged her shoulders and then too out her cell phone once it started to beep telling her that she had a text message.
"Cool!" She handed it to me and when I read it I couldn't help but smile. Travis leaned over my shoulder to read it.
"Your friend Oliver got the gig? What gig?" Travis asked not really knowing much about Oliver.
I handed the phone back to Lilly and then explained it to Travis and Liam "Oliver is a pretty good musician himself and his band is really cool. Apparently they auditioned for a gig at a local café and they got it." I turned back to Lilly "when is it?"
Lilly quickly texted Oliver the question and we were both surprised at how quickly he responded "he says it's on Friday afternoon so he'll have to skip some school for it but it's worth it."
I nodded knowing that I've missed my fair share of school for Hannah things. Granted I have a tutor with me at time but still. Lilly then handed me her phone and I looked at the screen, on it was a picture of Oliver with a piece of paper that said 'miss you' on it. I awed when I saw it and then leaned my head against Travis' shoulder.
The four of us started up another conversation but it was soon interrupted by a group of girls. "Travis, Liam it's so nice to see you two again" the long haired blonde smiled while batting her eyelashes. I looked over at Lilly who was biting her lip trying to stifle a laugh. The way she was trying to flirt with the guys reminded us of Amber and Ashley. It was hilarious and I too was trying hard not to laugh. I was doing so well to, until the blonde girl brushed her hair over her shoulder; that's when Lilly cracked and went into a fir of giggles with me closely behind her.
Travis, Liam and the four girls that were standing there looked at us oddly but we both continued to laugh hysterically. Lilly tried to talk as she laughed but quickly learned it was useless "th-the-rem" that was all that came out of her mouth before she just let the laughter take over.
Liam turned to Travis and asked "do they have an off button?" Seeing full well that Lilly and I knew each other so well that we could communicate without words. At the time Liam asked his question Travis leaned over and kissed me shutting me up right away. I immediately kissed him back and heard Lilly stop laughing and awe.
"Well there's nothing funny about that" she said dreamily as she smiled at Travis and me kissing softly. As always he pulled away too soon and I smiled at him as we pulled apart. "I want a boyfriend" Lilly announced out of the blue.
The blonde girl then turned to Lilly and smirked "with that hair good luck." I rolled my eyes at the same time Lilly did taking no offence to her comment at all.
I smiled at Lilly and retorted to the blonde girl, whose name I had heard another girl say was Rosella but I preferred to refer to her as the blonde girl. Anyway, I turned to the blonde girl "it's the whole skater girl look. Guys are very attracted to it actually" I turned to Lilly. "Remember Matt he only liked the skater girl once you went all girly he didn't like you the same way."
Lilly then defended herself "hey I only went girly because of you you're the one who made me."
"That's my point Lil. Guys are sometimes more attracted to the skater girl than the girly girl and who can blame then. You're amazing" she smiled at my compliment.
Liam then turned to Lilly "I like your hair and the skater girl look but I suck on a skateboard. Maybe you could teach me sometime?" Lilly nodded and asked him if he wanted to start right then. Liam nodded and the two of them said goodbye to us and headed off in search of some skateboards.
Travis chuckled "we've been ditched for skateboards" he said in disbelief.
Then Rosella (the blonde girl) and her friends sat in the booth across from us which was where Lilly and Liam had just sat. "So who are you?" Rosella asked looking towards me.
I looked at Travis confused. I had thought the entire town was at the fundraiser a few days ago but then Travis stepped in "this is my girlfriend Miley. Miley this is Rosella, Heather, Janie and Annie. They just got back from Houston today." I then understood.
None of the girls looked happily at me and I could see why. Their friend Rosella seemed to have a huge thing for my boyfriend. "It's nice to meet you guys" I told them but then turned to Travis "do you want to head back to my grandma's place? No one's home right now and I want have some time in private before I leave tomorrow."
"You're leaving" Rosella asked putting on a pouty face which was really funny.
I nodded "I live in California." Travis then got up and took my hand saying a quick goodbye to the other girls and the two of us walked away leaving Rosella looking very unhappy.
Wow! Thank you guys for all of your great reviews! I'm so flattered. Hopefully this chapter didn't disappoint but I didn't have time to go over it. My friend was taken to the hospital and that's really where my mind is right now.
Thanks
again! ~Kylie V.
