My Angel

Chapter 5

I woke up the next Saturday morning and rubbed my eyes when I felt the sun shining through the window and onto my face. I looked over and saw Lilly sound asleep. I smiled as I remembered last night, she really was a great friend. I grabbed my phone that was on the bedside table next to me and started looking through my emails. I got one email saying that the local coffee house in town was having an open mic night.

There is a little coffee shop in Crowley Corners where people can go and listen to music. A lot of the times, it is just normal people from around town who write, play, or sing music. It is just a fun place to hang out pretty much. I used to go there and sing all the time when I was younger. After my grandmother died, I just kind of wanted to stop singing in public. I don't know why but ever since I've stopped, it feels like there is something missing. It's like I'm supposed to be doing something else with my life.

I was scrolling through the email on my phone when I felt someone shift in the bed next to me. I looked over to see Lilly's blue eyes staring back at me.

"Good morning Lils," I said as a smile spread on my face. I tended to do that a lot around her.

"Good morning Miles. Checking your email?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"I just know you. Just like I know you will get up, put your house slippers on and walk straight to the bathroom and brush your teeth afterwards. Then, you will text or call your mom to let her know you are ok."

I smiled as I sat up, "You know, it's really creepy how you do that."

"What can I say? After our countless sleepovers these last few weeks, I seem to know how you will act." Lilly said with a smile as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. I smiled and shook my head as I put my house slippers on.

"Hey do you and Oliver want to go out tonight? I got an email about this restaurant that I had forgotten all about." I don't know why I wanted to go, I just did. Maybe I would even sing a song.

"Sure Miles," Lilly said as she walked past me to the other sink. "Where are we going?"

"Well, there is a coffee shop downtown. They have open mic nights and a lot of singers and songwriters go down there and sing. Tonight they are having an open mic night. I thought it looked like fun," I said as I grabbed my hairbrush and started running it through my hair.

Lilly finished brushing her teeth then looked at me with a huge smile on her face and said, "That sounds so cool Miles. Hey, maybe you can sing a song you've written."

"I don't know Lils. It has been years since I have done that. I really haven't done it since my grandmother passed." I said as I put the hairbrush back on the counter.

"Well, you can start again if you want. Miley, I've heard you sing and you're wonderful. Why haven't you done it for so long?"

I looked up at her and smiled sadly, "No one cared enough to come see me and support me."

Lilly walked over to me and took my hand. "Oliver and I are here now and we support you. Miles, I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to do. I just know how much you love singing. She then wrapped her arms around me.

I held her tightly in a hug. "Alright but if I do, there is a song I have been writing that I want to sing."

"Oh really?" Lilly said as she pulled away slightly. "What is it?"

"Now that will just have to be a secret," I said with a smile. The truth was, the song was about her. She had been such an incredible friend and it really inspired me to write a song. No friend that I ever had has done that for me.

Of course, no other friend has made me feel the way Lilly does.

I can't explain it really. I just love being around her and I hate when we're apart.

"That's no fair," Lilly grumbled.

I laughed and said, "All's fair in love and war." I felt Lilly smile into my shoulder. I started getting these weird feelings in the bottom of my stomach. They almost felt like butterflies fluttering around. I could feel my heart beating faster in my chest. It was strange, I didn't understand it.

Finally, we pulled away after a couple of minutes. I pushed her hair behind her ears and said, "Come on, let's get ready."

After we got ready, we told Oliver about our plan to go out tonight. He seemed pretty excited but he, like Lilly, also wanted me to sing. So, I decided I would but we would have to run by my house and get my guitar. I really did hope my stepfather wasn't going to be there but he probably was.

Lilly, Oliver, and I walked into my house. My stepdad was sitting in front of the television and didn't even acknowledge us coming in. I just shrugged my shoulders and walked into the kitchen where my mother was. Sometimes the best thing to do was just ignore the man.

"Hi mama," I said as I grabbed some sodas for Lilly and Oliver.

"Hey baby girl," my mother said then turned to Lilly and Oliver and say, "Hi Lilly, Hi Oliver, listen, I'm so sorry about what happened last night."

"It's fine, honestly, Miley already warned us," Oliver said then, he screamed, "Oww, what was that for." My head snapped around to see Lilly had just stomped her foot on Oliver's."

"We don't need to tell Susan that Miley talks about how her stepdad is," Lilly said as she kept her foot pressing down on Oliver's. I shook my head as I shut the refrigerator door. I really didn't care, my mom probably already knew I had warned them.

"Oh, it's fine," my mom said with a laugh, "Miley has already told me exactly what she thinks of him and I know she will tell anyone who will listen."

I smiled. Do I know my mom or what? YES!

"Hey mom," I said changing the subject, "Lilly Oliver, and I are going down to that restaurant tonight where you can get up and sing. Lilly has talked me into singing one of the new songs I've written."

My mom looked shocked at first, of course, I haven't done it in years so I can see why. "That's wonderful baby girl."

"Well, I'm going to get my guitar. You two can come up with me if you want," I said as I turned and headed for the stairs.

Lilly's POV

Oliver followed Miley and I was about to follow them when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Lilly, can I talk to you for a minute?" I heard Susan say behind me. I turned around to see the smiling face who looked just like Miley would if she were older.

"I just wanted to tell you, I don't know what you have done Lilly but you have made quite an impression on my daughter. She has been a completely different person," Susan said. I smiled. I definitely wasn't expecting that but it was nice to hear. For some reason I felt that I could really talk to her.

"I'm just glad I could help her. She's really special, I've never had a friend like her," I said in all honesty.

Susan grabbed a plate and continued drying the dishes. "Singing?" She said, "She hasn't done that since her grandmother passed. She gave it up all together. That was always her dream, singing. The look on her face whenever she would sing made her so happy." She put down the plate and turned back to me, "Thank you Lilly, for bringing the Miley we all once knew back."

I could feel tears brimming my eyes but I held them back. "You're welcome. I just know how hard it has been on her, especially with her stepdad." I don't know why I said that but I guess it was a conversation that was coming.

Susan just shook her head, "I don't know what is wrong with him. He's going back to his old ways. It seems like he just lied so he could move back in."

I really felt bad for Miley having to deal with him but now, it was different. I also felt bad for Susan. She was a sweet woman and she had to deal with an abusive jerk like that. It isn't right! None of this is!

"Why do you deal with that treatment? You don't deserve it." I said. I really didn't understand it.

"Oh Lilly, you and Miley will both understand when you get older. I'm in my fifties. I could never enter the dating world again, no man would be interested in me." I just looked at her. I talked to her for a few minutes more then I went upstairs to find Miley and Oliver.

Fear. Fear is a terrible thing. Fear that you'll never find love again. Fear that you'll never be worth the world to someone else. That's what Miley's mother was afraid of. Miley was afraid of failing without her grandmother's support, afraid to stand up for herself and let the world beat her down. I sat on Miley's bed wondering if I could do anything when I heard a voice break me out of my train of thought.

"Lilly?" Miley asked looking at me concerned. I looked up at her and smiled. Seeing that I was alright she smiled back.

"Did you come back from your home planet?" Miley said with a laugh. I grabbed one of the pillows on the bed and threw it at her but she ducked it. I started laughing along with her.

"Seriously Lil, it was like you were worlds away," Oliver said when the laughing died down.

"I was just thinking," I said as looked down at my hands that were in my lap. I suddenly felt a shift on the bed next to me. I turned to see the smiling face of Miley.

"What were you thinking about?" She asked as she raised an eyebrow.

I looked into her bright blue eyes. Should I tell her exactly what I was thinking? I finally decided just to tell half of the truth. "I'm just proud that you're going to sing tonight. Your mom told me you haven't done that in a long time and she missed the joy you would get in your eyes."

Miley smiled sadly and said, "Yeah, well, got to start sometime I guess." She then stood up and grabbed her guitar case. "Alright let's go, we should probably get there soon.

That girl was so hard to figure out sometimes.

Miley's POV

I think for the first time in my life, I was actually nervous when it came to singing. I never minded it but for some reason now I did. A part of me wanted to crawl into a tiny hole. I was picking at the sleeve of my shirt when I heard someone scoot their chair next to mine. I felt a pair of warm arms wrap around me and put my head on their shoulder. "It's ok Miles, Oliver and I are both here for you.

I smiled as I snuggled more into Lilly. Why did I always feel so safe in her arms? "I know Lils and I appreciate it."

I could feel Lilly smile and I saw her grab a glass of water that had a straw. "Here you need to make sure you get plenty of water." Lilly said as she put the straw up to my mouth. I took a long drink that honestly felt like heaven going down my throat. When I'm nervous it dries out easily. I found myself saying a quick prayer, thanking the Lord for the day He made water. After a few minutes Lilly set the glass back on the table and continued to hold me. I shut my eyes as I felt the warmth of her embrace and tried to breathe it in. Then I heard a voice from in front of me.

"Miley?"

My eyes quickly snapped open as I realized the voice. I quickly found myself staring at a blonde haired man with blue eyes. "Travis?" My head quickly raised up from Lilly's shoulder, almost hitting Lilly on the cheek. He smiled at me. I remember that smile. That was the smile I fell in love with. That million dollar smile. 'No Miley, remember, he hurt you.' I heard myself say. Instead I turned to Lilly and saw another blonde hair, blue eyed person who had come to mean the world to me over a short period of time. I smiled at her then looked back at Travis.

"Travis, these are my two best friends, "Lilly and Oliver. Guys, this is Travis I was telling you about."

Travis shook both of their hands and said, "It's nice to meet you two. So Miley, what are you doing here? Planning on singing?" He said with a smug smile on his face. Now that was the face of the cocky football player he turned into. The one that I was hurt by.

"Actually, yes, I am. Lilly here talked me into it," I said patting her leg with my hand.

"Well, that's good, you always loved singing. In fact, I thought you would have done something about it by now."

"Yeah, well, life happens Travis, you can't always do what you want." I said. Is it possible to love and hate someone at the same time? I did care for Travis, heck I was in love with him for most of my life but he changed. He became cocky, he became someone I hated. Gee, all I wanted was to stay in Lilly's embrace until I went on stage. At least there I knew I wouldn't be hurt. At least there I knew someone loved me as much as I loved them.

"Yeah, um maybe I'll see you around later?" Travis said.

I put on a fake smile. He better not count on it. "Yeah, maybe," I said.

Travis smiled then turned around and left. I slowly shook my head and put my head back on Lilly's shoulder. "If he asks me to dance, I ain't doing it," I mumbled under my breath. "He hurt me when I needed him most. I'm afraid I might fall for him again if I dance with him.

I heard Lilly chuckle, "Well, no one is going to force you Miles," she whispered.

"Yeah, don't worry, we'll make sure he doesn't get the chance," Oliver said putting his hand on my back.

I smiled. So, this is what it was like to have real friends. "Thanks guys, I appreciate it."

Lilly squeezed me tighter in a hug as all of the nervousness of getting on stage slowly disappeared.

About an hour later found us sitting at a table in the front row, Lilly and Oliver had coffee and I stuck with water. I don't know why but I can't sing well after I've drank coffee. Never did. Was I nervous? No, not as much. I was earlier but I felt like this is what I had to do. It felt right, it felt about as right as my friendship with Lilly and Oliver did.

I hadn't seen Travis at all which was good. Maybe I wouldn't see him. I just worry too much about the what if's. I always knew that I needed to stop that. I started picking at my fingernails which was just an old nervous habit.

I wasn't nervous about the getting up and singing as much as I was about what other people thought of me. What if they didn't like me? What if they decided to throw tomatoes at me because I was so bad? Well maybe not tomatoes. Although they used to do that to prisoners that were sent to the stocks. You know, those wood things that prisoners stuck their heads and hands in. See, I paid attention in history.

I was broken out of my train of thoughts as I heard a chair scoot out across from the other side of the table. I looked up to see Travis sat down at our table. Great.

"Mind if I sit here?" Travis asked.

"Might as well, you're already sitting," I said coldly. Yes I know that was mean but I really didn't care at the time.

Travis just smiled that cocky half smile of his. "Listen, Miley, I know I hurt you."

"Yes, I do recall that. You left me when I needed someone the most."

"I guess I deserved that'" Travis said, "but I would like to start fresh. Maybe we could go out to dinner Friday."

I slowly shook my head. He didn't get it. I was in love with him at one time. We were best friends since kindergarten but then he decided the popular group was more important I never wanted to relive that pain again.

Lilly's POV

When I heard Travis ask Miley out a strange feeling came over me. It felt like jealousy. I wanted to go over there and punch that cocky smile off his face. I looked over at Miley and she looked so uncomfortable. 'No tonight is her night, he is not going to ruin it,' I thought.

I tried my best to not say anything but now I had to say something. "Travis, not to sound rude but Miley is really nervous already. I don't think this is really the right time."

I looked over at Miley and she smiled at me. I loved that smile of hers. The she looked back at Travis and said, "Travis you really hurt me. I don't know if we could ever date again but we could be friends." Now that's the Miley I know.

"Oh yeah sure, that would be nice." Travis said unconvinced, "well, I guess I'll see you guys later," he said as he got up and left. She watched him walk up and leave then turned to me and grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. "Thanks Lils," she said with a smile on her face.

I smiled back at her and said, "Anytime Miles."

I continued to look into her blue eyes. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful they were. I always noticed that but tonight they seemed to stand out. We continued to stare into each other's eyes for a few seconds. I felt myself moving in closer towards her and I noticed she was also moving closer. It was like an unexplainable force was pulling us together. Our lips were about to touch when someone broke us out of our reverie. I turned around to see a man with a cowboy hat on and boots. He was standing on the stage in front of the microphone.

"Alright, next on the list to perform is Miley Stewart."

I turned back around to face Miley who looked very nervous. "Well, it's time for you to go up there. You'll be great Miles," I said with a smile as I squeezed her hand. I didn't understand what almost happened between us and I wasn't too sure that I was happy we were interrupted.

"Yeah, youf goo gweat."

We turned around to see Oliver had stuffed a whole doughnut in his mouth but I saw Miley smile at his attempt to wish her luck.

"Thanks guys, this song is for you," Miley said as she smiled at us and turned around to walk up on stage.

I watched her as she walked up on stage. On the outside she looked very confident. She had a smile on her face, her shoulders were back but I knew that on the inside she was nervous. I was nervous for her but I knew she would be great.

She turned towards the microphone. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked as the light hit her skin. She took a deep breath and said, "Hey everyone. I wrote a song for my two best friends. They have been there for me no matter what and I am so grateful for them. I hope ya'll enjoy." She looked at me and smiled before she played the first couple of chords and started singing.

We sign our cards and letters BFF

You've got a million ways to make me laugh

You're lookin' out for me; you've got my back

It's so good to have you around

You know the secrets I could never tell

And when I'm quiet you break through my shell

Don't feel the need to do a rebel yell

Cause you keep my feet on the ground

You're a true friend

You're here till the end

You pull me aside

When something ain't right

Talk with me now and into the night

'Til it's alright again

You're a true friend

You don't get angry when I change the plans

Somehow you're never out of second chances

Won't say "I told you" when I'm wrong again

I'm so lucky that I've found

A true friend

You're here till the end

You pull me aside

When something ain't right

Talk with me now and into the night

'Til it's alright again

True friends will go to the end of the earth

Till they find the things you need

Friends hang on through the ups and the downs

Cause they've got someone to believe in

A true friend

You're here till the end

You pull me aside

When something ain't right

Talk with me now and into the night

No need to pretend

You're a true friend

You're here till the end

Pull me aside

When something ain't right

Talk with me now and into the night

'Til it's alright again

You're a true friend

By the end of the song there were tears strolling down my cheeks. The song was so sweet and I was so proud of her I just wanted to hug her and never stop.

"That was Miley Stewart everyone! Let's give her a round of applause!" I heard the cow boy hatted man say. Miley smiled and said a quick thanks before she stepped off the stage. She walked up to me and I pulled her into a big hug.

"Miles that was wonderful," I said as Miley hugged me back. Soon I felt another pair of arms around us and saw Oliver.

"Yeah Miles, you were great." After a few more seconds we all sat back down at our table. Miley took big gulps of her water. I couldn't believe she wrote a song for me well for me and Oliver, I know it wasn't just for me. Soon a blonde woman walked onto the stage and said in a country accent, "If ya'll don't mind, I would like to slow it down a bit."

The blonde woman played the first few chords and I could tell it was going to be a slow song. I looked up to see Travis walking towards us. I knew he was going to ask Miley to dance with him. I also knew Miley didn't want to dance with him but she was too nice to say no. I looked over at Oliver but he was flirting with another woman and was totally oblivious to the situation. Without even thinking about it, I quickly grabbed Miley's hand.

"Come on Miles, lets' dance." She looked confused for a minute but then looked where I was looking before and saw Travis. She quickly stood up and followed me to the dance floor, leaving a stunned looking Travis standing there alone. I kind of wanted to laugh a little bit but I didn't.

When we got to the dance floor I took Miley's hands and we started slow dancing. It was kind of weird, the feeling I got. The blonde woman started singing and she really had a beautiful voice. 'But not as beautiful as Miley's, I thought. We shuffled our feet back and forth and quickly got into the beat. Looking back on that night, I couldn't describe what I felt. It was something I had never felt before. It was both scary and exciting.

Third Person's POV

Lilly put her hands on Miley's side and Miley put her hands on Lilly's shoulders. Their feet shuffled back and forth as they quickly fell into the beat of the song. When Miley and Lilly would look back on this day, they would remember the quickening of their hearts and how everyone around them slowly faded out until it was just the two of them, staring into each other's eyes.

I'd never gone with the wind

Just let it flow

Let it take me where it wants to go

'Til you open the door

There's so much more

I'd never seen it before

I was trying to fly

But I couldn't find wings

But you came along and you changed everything

All her life, Miley was always the type to live her life day by day. She never liked to rush into anything or care about someone too soon. She always put her walls up and never let them down for anyone. Until she met Lilly. When she met Lilly, her life changed. She realized she had just been existing through life, never really enjoying life. When she met Lilly, she could describe her life as perfect. No matter what else was going on, all she cared about was Lilly and lately her feelings had gotten more and more confusing. Lilly was also feeling those confusing feelings. It wasn't something either of them could explain.

You lift my feet off the ground

You spin me around

You make me crazier, crazier

Feels like I'm falling and I am lost in your eyes

You make me crazier, crazier, crazier

They continued to slow dance but it was slowly becoming more intimate. Their movements became slower and their touches became gentler. Blue eyes stared into brown and at that moment, nothing else existed. Lilly couldn't believe it. No one had ever affected her the way Miley did. She slowly found herself falling for the country girl but she couldn't admit it to herself. Not until this dance. It was so natural, as if they had done this a million times before. It was as if some force had destined them to be together millions of lifetimes ago.

I've watched from a distance as you made life your own

Every sky was your own kind of blue

And I wanted to know how that would feel

And you made it so real

You showed me something that I couldn't see

You opened my eyes

And you made me believe

Before Lilly, Miley never believed she could have feelings for a girl. Sure she had thought about it but never took it seriously. She had trouble believing in true love, she desperately wanted to know how it felt. Staring into Lilly's blue eyes, she could finally truly see. This is what love was. She had always believed that a girl grows up and finds her Prince Charming. At this moment she was thinking, what about a princess?

You lift my feet off the ground

You spin me around

You make me crazier, crazier

Feels like I'm falling and I am lost in your eyes

You make me crazier, crazier, crazier

Baby you showed me what living is for

I don't wanna hide anymore

Oh oh

Miley and Lilly slowly moved closer, smiling at each other. They couldn't explain what was pulling them so close together. It felt like an invisible force moving their faces closer towards each other. The closer they got to each other, they felt sudden bolts of electricity coursing through their bodies.

You lift my feet off the ground

You spin me around

You make me crazier, crazier

Feels like I'm fallin' and I am lost in your eyes

You make me crazier, crazier, crazier

Crazier, crazier.

Their lips gently brushed each other and were about to kiss when they heard someone clear their throat behind them, quickly breaking out of their reverie.

Miley's POV

Lilly and I quickly broke apart and turned to see an older man, probably in his fifties with dark brown hair wearing a suit, standing in front of us.

"Excuse me miss, I hope I wasn't interrupting," the man said as he glanced at my left hand, which was still holding onto Lilly's hand.

"Oh, you weren't interrupting anything, can we help you?" I said as a blush rose to my cheeks. I had no idea what just happened. It was as if I was lost in Lilly's eyes and the only people that existed were the two of us. My feelings for Lilly were very strong but I couldn't explain it. Was it best friend feelings or falling in love feelings?

"Yes, my name is Mr. Harrison and I'm the owner of Harrison's Music Company. I heard you sing that song you wrote and you have great talent," he said while pushing up his glasses.

"Thank you," I said as Lilly gently squeezed my hand. I felt butterflies in my stomach just at the reminder that she was right next to me. I was snapped out of my thoughts when I saw Mr. Harrison handing me a card.

"Here's my card, I would love for you to contact me and maybe we could get you a career in music. A great talent like yours shouldn't be ignored. Take some time to think it give me a call," Mr. Harrison said with a smile on his face.

I reached out and took the card. I couldn't believe this was happening, this had been my dream for years and there was a chance that it was actually happening. "Thank you very much Mr. Harrison, I will definitely think about it."

"Wonderful, well, ya'll have a good night. I look forward to hearing from you Miss Stewart."

I smiled at the man as he walked away. I was shocked and couldn't believe this was happening.

"Lils, did I dream that or am I awake and that really just happened? I asked, staring at the card in my hand, It was almost too hard to believe this is real.

"No Miles, this is real, you are not asleep," She said as she gently squeezed my hand. "So are you going to call him?" She said with a voice full excitement.

"I don't know, I need to think about it." I know, singing has always been my dream but I had so much going on in my life. I was going to college, dealing with stuff at home. Plus there were those nagging fears in the back of my head. Would I be good enough? I mean, there is only a one in a million chance I could become a singer. Sure, my dad was a rock star and Aunt Dolly was a country star but could I pull this off. Yeap, definitely something I needed to think about. I stuck the card in my pocket and looked up to see Oliver walking over.

"Hey guys, who was that man?" Oliver asked pointing in the direction Mr. Harrison just went. I was about to answer when Lilly chimed in.

"Oliver, he's a music producer, he wants Miley to call him to make a record deal." Seriously, she seemed more eager about this then I did.

"Miley that's great, did you say yes?" Oliver asked with a similar excitement in his eyes that Lilly had.

"I have to think about it before I make a decision." We walked back to our table and sat down so we could get out of the other people's way who wanted to dance. "I mean, if this did work out, it could have an effect on the rest of my life. My life could be changed."

"Yeah, I completely understand that," Oliver said. He was about to say something else when we heard a loud slurping sound. We looked over to see Lilly drinking the last of her soda, it was like she was trying to get every last drop.

"I'll be back, I need to go get a refill," Lilly said as she stood up and let go of my hand which I just realized she was still holding. I watched her walk away then turned back to Oliver who was giving me a strange look.

"What's that look for?" I asked. I don't think I had ever seen that look on anyone's face but hey, it was Oliver.

"Miles, is something going on between you and Lilly?" Oliver asked as he crossed his arms over the table. I had no idea what prompted that question. Sure I was feeling something for Lilly, wasn't sure what it was but no one knew but me.

"Nothing's going on. Why? Have you noticed something?" I realized that I sounded more defensive than I meant to but I'm from Tennessee. I'm used to people not being open minded when it comes to having feelings for the same sex.

"I saw you two on the dance floor and from what it looked like, you two were about to kiss, plus, you two never stopped holding hands until she got up to refill her drink," Oliver said.

I took a deep breath, he was right. I couldn't explain these feelings. All I know is when Lilly and I were dancing, it was like it was just the two of us and I did want to kiss her. The confusing feelings I had now were almost overwhelming now and I know if it wasn't for that music producer, I would be focusing more on what happened between the two of us.

"I don't know Oliver. I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling anything for her. I'm just so confused. My heart is telling me that I'm in love with her as more than just a friend but then there is my head that reminds me that I've always been told that romantic feelings toward the same sex are wrong."

Oliver took my hand across the table, I looked up and saw a kind smile on his face. "Miles, its ok. You can't help how you feel and it's definitely not wrong. I've known Lilly my entire life, she's probably had two boyfriends and a few crushes but that was it. In that time I never saw her look at anyone the way she looks at you. I'm just saying this because I want you two to be happy and this is the last thing you need on your plate."

I smiled at him. He was right, I was glad he came down over fall break, he turned out to be one of my greatest friends. The only weird part was that he could read me like an open book sometimes. "Thanks Oliver, you're a good friend," I said as I gently squeezed his hand.

Lilly's POV

I was walking back to my table after getting a refill from the soda fountain. I swear that line was huge, I just guessed people were thirsty, heck there was some line dancing song on a minute ago, and it would make anyone tired.

Right as I was about to approach our table, I saw Miley and Oliver holding hands. A pang of jealousy hit me right in the stomach, I didn't know why but I was ready to go over there and yell at Oliver. I didn't understand why at the time, I just didn't like that Oliver was holding Miley's hand. My pace quickened as I walked up to them. They both looked up at me right as they released each other's hand.

"Oliver, stop flirting with Miley," I said as I gave him a stern look. A look of amusement crossed his face and I wanted to smack it off but instead I just sat down.

"Why Lilly? Are you jealous?" Oliver asked.

Yes. "No you doughnut," I said as I glared at him. Did he know I had a crush on Miley?

"We were just talking Lils," Miley said with amusement in her voice. I looked over at her to see her laughing but trying to conceal her mouth with her hand.

My only response was to take a sip off my drink in order to hide my embarrassment.

Later that night found me awake at 3:00 in the morning. I just kept thinking how weird the evening was. Miley and I danced and almost kissed and then when I saw Miley and Oliver holding hands, I felt this extreme jealousy. I had been feeling things for Miley but I tried to just push those thoughts out of my head. Now was different though. There was no pushing those thoughts away.

We came home from the café at around eleven o'clock and we were so tired, we all just went straight to bed. I didn't get much sleep though. Every time I closed my eyes, all I could think about was that almost kiss that was ended abruptly. I did want to kiss her but I didn't know if she felt the same way and I didn't want to ruin the friendship.

I looked over at Miley's sleeping form and sighed, I decided that I needed some fresh air so I got out of bed and opened the doors to my balcony, walked outside, and sat down on the bench. I obviously needed to think. I needed to tell Miley, I would go crazy if I didn't but I didn't know how to tell her.

Miley's POV

I slowly rolled over and sighed. For about the fifth time that night, I had dreamt about that near kiss with Lilly. I looked up at the clock and those green numbers were telling me it was 3:15. I looked over to where Lilly was sleeping to find the covers had been turned down and she wasn't there. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Once my eyes were completely open, I saw Lilly's balcony doors open with Lilly sitting on a bench.

She looked absolutely beautiful. The moonlights washed over her making her hair almost white. She closed her eyes as the breeze blew her hair back.

Then I realized, there was a breeze and all she was wearing was a tank top and pajama pants. I got out of bed and put on my bathrobe and grabbed hers off her side of the bed. I slowly walked outside and put the bathrobe on her shoulders. Lilly jumped as she turned around and saw me. "Hey, what are you doing up?" I asked as I walked around the bench and sat next to her.

"I'm just thinking, thanks for bringing me my bathrobe," Lilly said as she pulled the cloth fabric around her.

"You're welcome, I figured you were cold," I said. I could tell her eyes were distant, almost as if she was in another place and time. I heard her Chuckle and looked at her.

"Yeah, sometimes I forget how chilly it can get at night. I'm used to the breeze in Malibu where it would cool you off but not make you cold. I like Tennessee nights though, there is just something peaceful about them."

I smiled. "I know what you mean, whenever I was younger and couldn't sleep. I would go out on my balcony, look at the moon and stars. Listen to the sounds and watch fireflies fly around"

"Yeah, that's what I like about it." Lilly said with a sigh. "So what are you doing up?" Lilly asked turning to face me. I didn't know if I should tell her why so I didn't give details.

"I couldn't sleep either, too much on my mind," I said. Lilly tilted her head to the side then glanced back at the stars. She closed her eyes and sighed then turned back to face me. She took my hands in hers and I could see tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Miles, I need to talk to you about something but I want you to promise me that no matter what, we'll always be friends."

I could see the fear written on her face. I gently squeezed her hands and said, "Of course we will always be friends, you're the best friend I've ever had, there is nothing you could say or do that would make me stop being friends with you." I started feeling the butterflies in my stomach again and my heart was pounding in my ears. I didn't know what she was about to say, but I know what I was hoping she was about to say.

"I'm so confused," Lilly said, "I don't even know how to start this. Tonight, well, a few weeks, actually maybe since we first met, I've felt something for you. I can't explain it and it scares me. I know what I feel is more than just a best friend feeling. I just tried to brush it off as nothing but tonight, was different. We were dancing and all I wanted was for us to get closer. Is any of this making sense?"

I smiled gently. It was as if she was reading my mind and it put me at ease to know I wasn't alone with these feelings, "Yeah, it does. I felt the same way, well, have been feeling the same way about you. I can't necessarily explain it either."

Lilly got up and walked over to the balcony and looked at the moon again. I walked up next to her and rested my arms on the bars. "Miley, have you ever had feelings for another girl? Looking back, I dated guys but I don't think I felt the same way about them as my friends felt about their boyfriends."

The truth was, I had. When I was thirteen. "Lils, I'm about to tell you something I've never told a living soul." She looked at me, intrigued.

I sighed and started telling the story, "When I was thirteen, I had a friend. She was a wonderful friend until I realized I started having feelings for her. I would glance at her in class and feel a blush cross my cheeks whenever she complimented on my outfit or something. I went home, about to tell mama I thought I was in love with another girl. I was about to say something when my stepdad stormed into the house. He said his friend's daughter just came out as gay and how he was disgusted. He started yelling about how being gay was a mental Illness and how it was disgusting and perverted. I felt so ashamed of myself that I didn't say a word to anyone. I think my friend also realized I had feelings for her because she started keeping her distance. In eigth grade, I joined drama club because they were doing my favorite musical, The Sound of Music. My friend, who loved drama club, walked in, took one look at me and ran out and I found out the next day she dropped out of drama club. I felt even more ashamed. I was disgusted with myself."

Lilly's eyed widened as I told the story. "Miles, that's horrible! What happened to you friend? Not that I really care."

I laughed, "She hasn't had one successful relationship, she keeps going from one boy to the next. Seriously though, liking the same sex isn't gross. It took me a long time to accept that and to this day I don't know if I'm gay or what but I know, while I loved Travis, I wasn't in love with him. I never wanted to do anything sexual with him, actually the thought of it makes me want to throw up."

"I'm just so confused Miles. I don't know what these feelings are," Lilly said as tears started flowing down her face. I reached out and wrapped her in a hug.

"I know, I completely understand but hey, we can figure this out together," I said as she buried her face in my shoulder.

"I'm glad I have you Miley," Lilly said as she pulled away a little bit and looked in my eyes.

I smiled, "I'm glad I have you too Lils."

All of a sudden I felt that force again that pulled us together again but this time there was nothing to interrupt us. Finally our lips met. The first kiss was slow and sweet. It was nothing I had ever felt before. Not even Travis made me feel this way. The kiss was sending electric bolts through my body. I could see fireworks going off. I could smell her shampoo which smelled like apples. Her lips were so soft that I wanted to keep my lips on her forever. The butterflies in my stomach were flying wildly and my heart was fluttering. After a few seconds, air became a need so wee slowly parted.

"Wow," we both said at the same time.

"Damn that stupid music producer," Lilly suddenly blurted out. I raised my eyebrow.

"What are you talking about Lils?"

"If that music producer hadn't interrupted us, I could have felt that sooner," Lilly said.

I chuckled," Yeah, I know the feeling."

"Hey Miles?"

"Yeah Lil?"

"I mean, I knew this before we kissed, but I love you," Lilly said with a smile on her face.

My heart all of a sudden felt like it was floating all over my body. So this is what love felt like? I had never felt this way towards anyone before, not until I met Lilly. "I love you too Lils. So what does this mean for us?" I asked. I hoped it meant we were dating but I had to be sure.

"Well, I'm hoping you'll be my girlfriend." Lilly said with a smile.

"Of course Lils, only if you will be mine." We smiled at each other before our lips met in another kiss. This time, our tears were tears of happiness. I couldn't believe it but Oliver was right about Lilly and I. How he knew, I have no idea, I didn't realize we were that obvious.

We pulled away after a couple of seconds. I smiled at her and gently rubbed her arms. "Are you feeling better now," I asked.

"Yeah, I am," Lilly said softly. "Now I'm getting sleepy. Want to go back to bed?"

Since Lilly and I had our talk, I could feel the need for sleep overwhelm me. "Yeah, I am."

We walked inside and closed the balcony doors. Then we put our bathrobes on the end of the bed and got under the covers. I felt so much happier than I ever did. It was like everything that happened in my life was supposed to happen to lead me to this night.

"Miles? Have you thought about calling that music producer?" Lilly asked pulling me out of my thoughts. I had completely forgotten about that.

"A little bit. I don't know Lils, what if I'm not good enough. I know you and Oliver think I'm good but what if the rest of the world doesn't?" I said as I leaned back against the pillows.

"Well then at least you can say you tried. Miles, you've always dreamt of this, do you think you'll regret this if you don't take this chance?" Lilly asked. She had a point. I knew I would regret it.

"I'm just afraid Lils." I said.

"Miley, don't let fear stop you. Go for it and if it doesn't work out, at least you can say you tried." I looked at her and smiled.

"Ok, I'll call my dad tomorrow and tell him about what happened. He works in the music industry, he knows more about this than I do. I'll get his advice then call the music producer." Something about calling the producer just clicked, it was almost as it was supposed to happen.

"Good," Lilly said as she laid he head on my shoulder and cuddled into my side. I kissed the top of her head then drifted off into sleep.

For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

Author's Note: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry it took so long to update my stories. Things in my life just keep popping up which makes me pause my writing but I'm writing more now, just because I missed it. I will update all my stories and I promise I will finish all of them. Hope you all are doing well. :) Please review, I like to hear what ya'll think! Feel free to message me if you want. :)