( A / n : Hello again! Thanks for reviewing, reading and doing what you do – it's greatly appreciated. So here's what you've maybe been waiting for, the second chapter. Enjoy it! )

The End of The Beginning Chapter Two

She twirled her brunette locks with a slender finger as she held the cordless phone up to her right ear. In all honesty, she just couldn't wait to hear his voice again. It gave her much comfort. Much comfort indeed. "Hey Nick," She greeted, trying her best to stay in a happy tone.

"What's wrong Miles?" He could tell just by hearing her voice that something wasn't right. Of course he did tell her to keep him updated and what not, so maybe this wasn't a very good update? He wouldn't know until she told him.

"I've already started chemotherapy and radiation… it's not fun, I know that much." She let out a soft sigh, "I should be rehearsing for a tour, not sitting here having to take things easy because of… this, this disease." She wasn't going to cry, no she was done with tears. At least for now anyway.

"Yeah, it's hard to deal with – believe me I know." He revealed, his voice holding much sympathy and sincerity for her. "Hey, just asking out of curiosity – is anyone with you?"

Miley had to admit, she was a bit stunned by the question. What on earth did he even mean? "I'm sorry, what? What do you mean is someone with me?" She looked around her bedroom, which was all hers and only hers. "I'm alone. Why?"

He gave a soft chuckle, "Well maybe we could go out for a bite of something to eat? Just to talk and stuff, y'know?"

The more she thought about it, the better it seemed. Why not? It would be some alone time for them, even if she wasn't all that hungry, any time with Nick she could get – she'd take. "Sure I suppose."

"But you do know that your chemo can mess around with your appetite and mood eh? I know it kinda did with me, I get irritable sometimes when I really don't mean to. So if you find yourself doing that, it's pretty normal." She felt assured to know that at least one person was looking out for her. One person that barely knew her, but seemed as if he did want to get to know her.

"Nick, I'll be fine." She assured, knowing that she would be, at this point anyway. "So I'll go get ready…" She began, but he caught on to her hint.

"Right, you do that… although it shouldn't take much preparing, as I remember just how naturally beautiful you are." Gah, he was so charming! She blushed and let out a cute giggle. "I'll pick you up around five thirty."

"Pfftt, yeah." She gave her head a little shake, and then cleared her throat. "Uh yeah, yes. That would be lovely." After saying their goodbyes and hanging up – she rose out of her seat to try and prepare herself for this spontaneous date.

::(H-M)::

"Okay... you can do this Lilly - you totally got this," the blond told herself as she paced the living room by herself. Oliver had to go home and quite frankly – she was glad he did. It wasn't because she didn't adore him, she did. She just... had to think things through. Who knew? Maybe she wouldn't even be living here soon? Only time would tell.

"Hey Lilly," Robby Ray greeted, he didn't expect her to drop her glass of water in surprise. She'd been acting... quite skittish lately, if you will. He wondered just what was going on with her, but didn't question it. She wasn't saying anything so, 'if it's not broke, don't fix it'. "looks like you had a bit of an accident there." He noted, waiting for her to notice she spilled her water.

"Right! Aha, soo sorry Mr. Stewart. Didn't mean to! I'll go get a towel, I'm so sorry." He raised an eyebrow as she seemed to practically beg for his forgiveness, over water? The saying was, 'Don't cry over spilled milk' – this was only water and she looked as if she'd be ready to burst into tears.

Now Robby wasn't an expert when it came to the complicated creatures known as females, but he did have a beautiful wife and managed to keep her for as long as he did – so he knew something about them, just not... too in – depth.

"Lilly, is there... something wrong?" He asked casually as she came back into the living room with a towel in her hand, very obviously avoiding eye contact.

"No! Why would you say that? I'm sorry! I said it already but I'll say it again if you want!" She offered hesitantly, speaking almost way too quick for Robby to even register what she had said.

"Lillian, you need to slow down right now and tell me just what the heck is wrong. You're acting very different, more than usual. Something is outta whack, I'm not dumb y'know." He told her softly, his masculine hands on her shoulders, more or less trying to steady her.

"I... I... I'm pregnant..." she said in a barely audible whisper, but judging by Robby's face – he heard her perfectly. He let go of her shoulders and noticed that her eyes welled up with tears. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry Mr. Stewart, it's your house, your rules, I'm so, so sorry." She blurted, words just pouring out, she wasn't even sure if they were making sense.

He gently took the towel from her hands, folding it and putting it over the wet spot on the rug. "Lilly, sit down and let's talk. Don't... don't be upset. Just relax." He said softly, she sat down and grabbed a sofa cushion. She looked genuinely scared. Of course any young female would be, finding out this news and the only person who can relate – their mother – is miles and miles far away. He honestly couldn't blame her for being scared.

Robby ran a hand through his soft hair, letting out a sigh. He didn't even think he'd hear this from his own daughter any time soon, let alone her best friend. But when she moved into this house – he more or less did accept her as his own, 'other' unofficial daughter. So, he'd try to be there for her, best he could be. As well as dealing with Miley's illness.

Finally, he sat down next to Lilly. It was then, the water works started flowing heavily. His instinct told him to reach out and lend a hand, but she hugged him as her soft tears went to soft sobs that shook her whole body. "Hey, hey – Lilly... it's... okay...?" He really wasn't sure of what to say here. He didn't know any details, that being Oliver's thoughts – assuming he was the father, and as far as he knew – Oliver was the one who took Lilly's virginity and she'd been with him ever since.

"No, it's not really. You have your own things to worry about, like Miley, your own daughter – not some knocked up slut." She said harshly, she truly didn't know what to do.

Robby comfortingly rubbed her back. "Lilly, you may be knocked up but you're not 'a slut'." He told her with a chuckle and soft, warm smile. She sniffled and wiped her tears away, parting the hug.

"Try telling everyone in high school that," she said bitterly, just having this knowing feeling what everyone would say about her, to her, maybe even what they might do to her. "I don't know what to do... I'm sorry, you have so much to deal with already... I... I should go pack my stuff."

His eyes widened, "What? Lilly, no! No, there's no need for that. Don't feel that... because you're carrying a little one, it means that I'm kicking you out. I'm not. And Lilly, we can deal with this and Miley too – I'm not overwhelmed or anything kiddo," he took a breath and continued to talk to her. Lilly listening to him seemed to have calmed her down, or at least she was barely crying now. "it's nice of you to think of me like that, but really – I'm not overwhelmed at all, I'm not angry, I'm not mad – I just need to know your plans Lilly, that's all." He gave her knee a pat as she sniffled, wiping her nose on her sweater sleeve. He recognized the sweater to be Oliver's.

She sighed. "I... I don't know." That was the absolute truth, she didn't know what she was doing, or going to do for that matter. She needed to hear from Oliver of course, his side of things – what he thought would be best for them... she needed to include him in the decision. She just never thought she'd be making a decision like this so... early. She could've sworn they were careful... but apparently this little one slipped through.

Robby nodded, understanding how overwhelmed Lilly herself probably felt right now. "Well, first thing's first – you need to tell Oliver. You really do need to, then from there – you two decide together on what it is you're going to do." He reached over, giving her shoulder a rub, "You'll be fine Lilly, we're always here for you. I know I'm not going anywhere."

She felt much comfort in hearing that Mr. Stewart wasn't going to kick her out, that he wasn't mad, that he was willing to deal with whichever outcome she and Oliver chose. "Thank you Mr. Stewart, for being there when I need you most. And for all the other times."

He shrugged it off, "You're welcome. Now, are you craving anything in particular for dinner tonight?"

Lilly smirked, "Your amazing Mac'n'cheese?"

Robby grinned, "Done deal!"

::(H-M)::

The restaurant was beautiful, modernly decorated yet it held much elegance. "Wow..." Miley breathed, her breath almost taken away from her. Hot blush caressed her cheeks as she felt Nick take her hand in his. Ooh this felt so right! Nothing in the world felt better right now.

"It is something, isn't it?" He smiled, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

The rest was a blur to Miley, she was focusing so much on him she didn't really notice when they were seated, or what was on the menu, or what she even ordered for a drink! He was making it almost impossible to concentrate. Damn his good looks! "So, are you hungry at all? A little bit?" He asked sincerely.

She shrugged, "I don't really know yet. Kinda... kinda not. I really thank you for getting me out of the house though. I think it's the worst thing... y'know, when you're sick... to be cooped up inside all day in and day out." She noted he gave a smile and nod.

He agreed completely. "Yeah, I see what you mean. I wish my parents listened to that – they kept me inside all day and night – day in and out. They were so scared of any little thing getting to me. I guess they thought if I so much as stepped outside, I'd break, reduce to dust – something," he said with a chuckle. "but they were horrified. My brothers, for the most part stayed right next to me. I love them – they're my biggest support."

Miley found herself really listening to the words he spoke. "Yeah, they're family – and your brothers. It makes sense." She said with a cute, feminine giggle. "How... bad do you think it's gonna be to me?" She asked him honestly, she wanted to know if she should be prepared for the worst or... hopefully not?

He narrowed his enchanting eyes to the side, taking in her words and thinking about what she had just asked him. "Y'know... I personally would be prepared for the worst – only because... if you don't get the worst, it's a nice, uplifting feeling. Y'know? Maybe that's just me though."

She nodded, letting out a sigh as she reached for a dinner roll. "Yeah, that's true." She peeled it open, taking her buttering knife and scooping up the butter, smoothing it out on the bun. It felt so soft and it was very warm. Yum. "It's... not gonna be easy, huh?"

"Nah, but I mean – everyone's journey is different. We all react to stuff, differently than others. While my first time was hard, the second... well, it's not going so bad, so far." Miley's eyes widened, the second time? That must've meant, he already dealt with it a first time.

"Second time?" Those were the only words she could get out of her mouth, before lightly setting her dinner roll down. Not even food would distract her from listening to him now.

::(H-M)::