I'm back at school now (sigh) and this is my exam year so updates probably won't be as frequent as I'd like but I'll try my hardest. The weekend is my best hope so please stick with me.
I want to thank all of my reviewers from the bottom of my heart, without you guys I wouldn't have the motivation to write at all. Just thanks so much :)
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"Hey!" I smile softly from inside the back of my mom's Barbie car and lean over to open the door for Miley who is looking especially beautiful tonight dressed in a long, tight shirt and a shorter skirt revealing her smooth, tan legs (I'm a hormonal teenager; it's natural to glance at my girlfriend's assets while she's unawares.)
"Hey yourself." She slides carefully into the small car to keep her skirt dignified and I carry on looking at her with an irremovable smile. I'm so happy she's here. We're actually going to the bowling alley with Oliver before I spend the night at her house so I'm in high anticipation to set off and just … be with her.
"Will you stop staring at her, Lil? Honestly, you're making me uncomfortable," my mom kindly cuts in from the driver's seat, readjusting the mirror now she's finished preening. "Are you girls ready? Miley, seatbelt?"
"It's on." She gives it a secure tug and my mom nods approvingly as she pulls out from the drive of Miley's house and we head off down the darkening streets, my cheeks a little red from my mom's earlier uncalled for comment. Sometimes she can be impossible. Of course I told her immediately about mine and Miley's relationship because I just knew she'd be so pleased and supportive, which is why she's the one driving us tonight. Before we left the house I did warn her not to embarrass me but I think the thin line between joke and humiliation is invisible to her.
"How's the family, Miles?" My mom then interrogates and I meaningfully kick the back of her seat. How can she be more casual with my girlfriend than I am?
"They're great. Daddy's working on some new songs so he's got a lot of business coming in. That's where he's off to tonight, to meet with some people," Miley tells her informatively.
Every time she says daddy I just want to melt. It's just … ridiculously cute. It makes her seem vulnerable, but at the same time I want to give her a hug and hold her in my arms because she's so fragile and breakable. Like glass. Like the glass ornament I have in my room of the skyline of California.
"You'll all have to come around for dinner some time. Lord knows, we need an excuse to cook," my mom laughs and I cringe for her.
Miley, however, laughs with her and I don't see what's funny. Maybe it's a relative thing. If you're not related to them you can find an excuse to laugh at their stupid jokes. Finally, my mom leaves us to a few moments of peace after she's strolled through all of the parental questions (how has school been? Any more trouble from that Jenny girl? Miley, you have nice style; do you think this color shirt goes with my nails?)
"I'm glad we're doing this," I lean over and whisper and she turns her attention away from the window and smiles back.
"I am too."
"By the way you look really …" I falter at my loss to describe how pretty she looks but she just gives me an understanding look.
"You do too. That shirt really brings out your eyes."
Oh, my god, I'm blushing furiously, I can just feel myself overheating and she giggles slightly at my reaction.
"You're so cute," she remarks tenderly but so, so quietly and I'm almost startled at her new found confidence. She drives me crazy and I don't want to ever stop spinning out of control if this is how I'll always feel when she's here. Giddy and hyperactive.
"Those earrings are nice." I strike up some courage and lean over to move her silky, long, curly hair back a little so I can play with her silver loops. As I do she takes a quick intake of breath and my heart begins to palpitate in excitement.
"Stop flirting, Lilly! You're fogging up the windscreen." My mom finds the need to interrupt and I curse her mentally as Miley blushes.
"Mom?" I say sweetly once I've finished returning upright. "Can you not talk?"
"Its called being sociable, honey. Something you aren't."
Shaking my head, I mouth 'ignore her' her at Miley and set my hands in a praying motion and look up at the heavens (or the roof of the car since I can't see beyond it), hoping I'll make it through the rest of this car journey with minimal embarrassment. I should have begged Jackson to take us, or even Matt since he's not working today.
"Look at that assclown!" My mom suddenly shouts and Miley and I both jump. "What is he doing? Where did he get his license from!?" After muttering a string of impressive profanities about the guy in the car besides us, she takes a sharp turn and I end up crashing into Miley.
"Ouch," I say, my voice muffled by her side (she smells vaguely of a fruity scent and maybe a little bit of vanilla). Rubbing my head, I burn crimson and shakily sit up again. This car trip is the worst of my life. Thanks mom. Thanks a lot.
"Are you ok back there, Miley?" My mom asks quickly and turns around, lowering her sunglasses.
"I'm fine," she reassures her with a smile, undoubtedly just being polite since my nerves are in turmoil so hers must be too.
"I am in the car as well, mom," I say indignantly.
"Yes, honey, I know."
Miley chuckles and shakes her head. She looks over at me and I shrug with a warm smile. I have the desire to take hold of her hand. Just as my confidence is building and I lay my hand on the seat between us, pretending I'm just stretching, gradually working my way further to her unsuspecting hand – we pull to a stop.
"Here you are. Bowling alley. Tips are welcome," my mom jokes but I just ignore her.
Grumbling, I push open the car door and march around to Miley's side, opening the door for her and giving her a sweet smile while I glare my mom daggers.
"Good luck," she mouths before she drives off and I roll my eyes. There's no hope for her anymore.
"It's been ages since we've been bowling," Miley says as we walk through the building. "And it's so fun, too. We should come here more often."
"Anything you want," I sigh dreamily under my breath and we walk over to get our bowling shoes.
"What if the person who wore these last had feet fungus?" I grimace as I look over my pair of shoes for any severe signs. "That would be gross."
Amused, Miley stands up to test out her own rental shoes. "Thanks for putting that idea in my head."
I grin sheepishly. "My bad."
"Yes, it's always your bad."
"Hey!" I warn good-naturedly and stand up as well after lacing up my shoes cautiously. "You've had your fair share of bad moments!"
"At least I didn't wipe my nose on you in the car," she reasons with a little glint in her eye and I splutter inaudibly.
"Guys!" Oliver spots us and he's already stood by a lane with a bright pink bowling ball in his hand, beckoning for our company and humorlessly flexing his non existent muscles.
"We've been targeted," I nod over and Miley looks up from fiddling with something on her shoe that's making her uncomfortable. "Shall we go kick his butt at bowling?"
"Stand still a second." She hops over and grabs my arm, my hand covering hers on reflex as she balances on one foot to fix whatever is wrong with her shoe.
She's stood so close … she smells gorgeous … and that skirt …
"Lilly?"
"Huh?" My eyes must have been closed because they suddenly snap open. Miley points behind her at Oliver who looks impatient and I blush and walk in front.
In greeting Miley goes over and gives Oliver a hug (she's always been touchy-feely that way) and I offer him a fist punch instead.
"Are you guys ready to bowl?" he asks and cracks his fingers and rolls his shoulders in preparation.
"I call the pink ball!" Miley says from where she's stood and Oliver hurries over with a pout. "I want the pink ball!"
"It's just a ball!" I say and throw up my hands but they don't take any notice. "Do you want something to drink?" I try instead, hoping for a better response. Miley momentarily pauses in her argument to unclip her bag and pull out her purse but I quickly reach her and shake my head.
"I'll pay," I promise and guide her purse back in her bag. "My treat." I smile to seal the deal and she grins. "What?" I laugh. "I'm a traditional romantic."
She pretends to pick something out of my hair but she whispers in my ear so only I can hear, "I like it."
Shuddering, I gulp as she steps back. She looks surprised at her own boldness. Immediately she gets flustered and avoids my eye, rushing over to the computer screen so she can type our names in to get the game prepared. While reliving having her whisper in my ear, Oliver walks over and says he'll have a coke.
"Money?" I hold out my hand.
"You're paying for Miley's!" he exclaims and she looks up, still pink around the cheeks.
I grab his arm and he crumbles under my lethal grip. "Can't you be quiet?" I hiss and he looks fearfully back at me. "This isn't exactly a date for me and Miley but I'm still trying to make it seem a little like one. Since she's my girlfriend I think I'm good to buy her a drink and not you!"
Instead of crumbling further under my grip he straightens up a little and smiles.
"What?" I demand.
"It's hard to take you seriously when you get a love sick look on your face when you mention Miley is your girlfriend. You just practically swooned," he teases and I let him go while he shuffles around his pocket for some spare change.
"I'll be right back," I call over to Miley and she raises a hand in an affirmative gesture. As I'm walking to the little refreshments bar I look around for any signs of boys that might be interested in her. Luckily, I made sure Oliver understood not to let any male hit on her while I'm gone.
The place isn't that crowded so thankfully there's no queue at the little shack selling food and drinks. After ordering, I look around and tap my rental shoes on the floor, smoothing out my jeans and shirt, straightening out my wristband and necklace. Being accepted for who I am with Miley just makes me fall in love with her even more. Previously, she's said she loves my style and she wouldn't want me to ever change. I remember answering that I wouldn't if she wouldn't and we even shook on it. God, I love her … Maybe tonight when we get back to hers I can initiate our first kiss, although just thinking about it makes me feel all weak and nervous. What if I don't do it right? What if she thinks I'm a bad kisser? Before, I've kissed a lot of guys but she's different than a guy … she's Miley and she's flawless. I just want to make whatever we do together special.
"Hey." I break free from my stupor to see a girl stood at the counter with me, leaning back against it with her thumbs threaded through her belt loops, blowing a bubble with her gum. She looks overly confident and self assured. Even though people tell me I'm like that I've never been that way with Miley. She's shy and conservative and I respect that. She's changed me for the better.
"Hey," I acknowledge her, thinking she's just being sociable and polite.
"Who are you here with?" she moves onto ask me and looks at me from the corner of her eye.
"My gir- two best friends," I hastily correct at lightening speed, heart beating to the dozen at my almost slip-up. That was too close.
"Cool." She nods and then sticks out her hand. "I'm Tiffany."
Hesitantly shaking it, I reply, "Lilly."
"Cute name."
Feeling a tad uncomfortable, I turn my attention to the man making my drinks, wishing he would hurry up so I can get back to Miley.
"Do you come here often?" she carries on and I know she's someone I can't just block out and ignore. It's obvious she's used to being the centre of attention.
"Sometimes," I answer, not liking the way she's looking at me.
"My friends and I are having a game over there. Maybe we could have a game sometime."
This is starting to feel like she's hitting on me and its awkward. I thank the man as he hands me my drinks. "Thanks, but I already have people to bowl with." And with that I offer her a forced smile and walk back to the lane, feeling her eyes burning into me the whole way. Why do I have the funny feeling it isn't just the back of my head she's looking at?
As I return, Miley is clutching the pink ball and Oliver looks disgruntled with the blue.
"Thanks, sweetie," Miley stands up and grabs her drink and takes a sip from the straw as Oliver does likewise. "Who was that girl??" she casually asks and she glances back over to the bar.
Is it my hopeful imagination or is she a little jealous? And she's been watching me while I've been gone!
"Just some random girl who said hi to me while I was being served." I shrug like it's no big deal.
"Oh." Miley frowns and chews on her straw.
"Miles." I touch her arm and her eyes flicker to the contact and then at the people around us. Unphased, I don't let go as this is easily perceived as platonic touching. Lowering my voice a considerable amount, I say, "I can't look at anyone but you. You're the only girl I want to look at."
Blushing, she coughs and meets my eyes with gratitude.
"Let's go kick Oliver's butt," I smile and squeeze her arm and she nods and laughs. "It shouldn't be so hard, especially with your cute pink ball."
"It better be lucky now I've fought for it." She walks over to the lane and lines up as the pins are set at the end.
Admiring the view, I lean against the computer screen and happily gaze at her. God, she's beautiful.
"Whipped," Oliver pretends to cough as he copies my stance and hides behind his hand. "Completely hooked."
I just grin at him. "And I wouldn't have it any other way. She's perfect."
Without any hint of a witty comeback he replies, "I'm so happy for you two. You both haven't been this happy in a long time."
"She's the one, Oliver." I look up at him. "I just know it."
"Who would've believed that you of all people could fall in love and want to spend your life with that person," he shakes his head incredulously but I know it's not an insult. In fact, I whole heartedly agree with him. It's taken me by surprise as well. But I can just feel that it's right. Other people may scoff and disagree but I know that what I feel for Miley is so powerful and meaningful. I've never felt like this for anyone.
"Your turn, Oliver," Miley beams as she joins us.
"Great shot," I hasten to compliment and give her my trademark smile, something that Oliver laughs at and mouths 'whipped' over Miley's shoulder. It's so true that I can't even find the breath to argue with him.
"Now I know why you want to go bowling all of the time," I comment as she takes a seat, exposing more of her creamy thigh. "You're just so good at it that you can beat me and Oliver with a landslide."
"You caught me." She holds her hands up. "But I'll let you win sometimes," she winks and I grab onto something solid to stop my knees from buckling.
The game goes on, the most entertaining part was when Oliver slipped on the lane and let out a girlish shriek, his blue ball tumbling into the lane next to ours.
Miley could barely breathe for laughing and to my unhidden delight she clung to me to stay upright since she was doubled over with tears streaming down her face. I sort of missed the whole thing since I was staring at her, but I did hear the echoing crash from when he lay sprawled out on the floor.
"We don't only have to worry about fungus with these shoes," Miley giggles as she gets into position for her turn. "Maybe I need some support in case I fall over," she says a little louder, intentionally aiming it at Oliver who is nursing his ego by the seats.
As she takes her shot, I feel someone watching me and I subconsciously look to my right and Tiffany is looking at me with a smoothie in her hand. When she catches my glance she waves enthusiastically.
Thankfully, Miley comes back over and gives me a short hug since she's just scored a strike and Tiffany looks a little perplexed. Oliver notices our interaction and frowns.
"Is that the girl you were talking to?" He points and Miley snaps her head around to look at her, releasing me.
"Yeah," I mutter. "She really creeps me out. She just started talking to me, and asked if I'd like to bowl with her sometime."
"She was hitting on you?" Miley pales.
I smile at her reassuringly. "She's not my type, Miles. Only one person is."
"Lilly, it's your turn." Oliver nudges me and I finish the last strike of the game.
Needless to say Miley beat us both by an incredible landslide, taking a moment to celebrate her victory by giving a whole new rendition of a Hannah dance move. Then, we all waited in the main area with our own shoes for my mom to pick us back up. (oh joy).
Later that night I was at Miley's in her room, flipping through a magazine, focusing on Hannah Montana longer than necessary. Today has been an experience. Miley is slowly becoming more confident with me. She'll take my hand and give me hugs. She even called me sweetie in public.
"It's been fun today," Miley comments and stands before me. "Thanks for making me do this; I had a great time with you ... you and Oliver."
"But me mostly right?" I smirk and shuffle off of her bed.
"Of course."
We're both standing and my heart leaps into my throat painfully. Should I … Does she want me to …Is she ready to… "Miles?" I utter and search her eyes, edging closer so we're hardly a few inches apart. She doesn't say anything but she slowly, gradually leans in and I likewise step closer. Before I can gather a technique together she stops, her lips close to mine. I feel her breathe against me and I feel something like electricity shoot up and down my body. After checking her eyes for the last time, I gently press my lips to hers.
We don't move for a few moments, all is still, but then I carefully wrap my arms around her waist, while she hesitantly and loosely wraps hers around my neck. We break apart slightly, but this time I tilt my head and push my lips against hers once more. As I move my lips she stands still almost as in a state of shock but after the third time my mouth moves against hers she returns the kiss softly, eyes fluttering shut, her arms becoming more secure around my neck.
Little sparks erupt inside of me, my heart is pounding so hard I think she can feel it and my stomach is clenching. I don't want to stop kissing her, not ever. These new waves of euphoria crash through my body and I think I'm flying. Below I can see all of the judgmental people who don't understand, I see our school all grey and forlorn, I see my dad looking up at me with a disappointed look on his aging face but I'm with Miley and none of that can ever matter anymore. Not when her lips are pressed so beautifully against my own. Not when we're connecting on a new emotional level.
Finally, she gently pulls away and I open my eyes to see her eyes alight and dancing. Entrancing, captivating, magical … This is where I need to be. This is what I always need to feel.
Before she can speak I entwine our fingers and hold them against my rapidly beating heart. "This only happens when I'm with you," I whisper and she engulfs me in a tight embrace.
My Miley.
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It's strange but when I write in first person my standard of writing just slips :P
I think this is the longest chapter yet and probably the quickest I've updated so I hope you guys like it!
Please comment :) Tell me what you loved, what you didn't like so much, ideas, anything.
Everyone's reviews are appreciated!
