Things to Tell
Chapter Nine - Why?
Nick ran back to his house, and practically knocked the kitchen door down to get to his mum.
'Whats up?' Denise asked, looking up from the plate she was cleaning.
'Long story. Something happened with Miley and I think she's ran off to the airport.' Nick panicked.
'What the hell are you waiting for then?' Denise yelled, pushing Nick out the door.
Miley jumped off the bus and pushed the door into the airport open. She walked over to the booking counter and pulled out her purse.
'One to Sacramento. I don't care how long I need to wait for the flight.'
'Miley? Is that you? Thank god.' Nick gasped, nearly collapsing for lack of air.
'Nick. I need to go back to California. I cant show my face at school anymore. Not after what Liam done. He'll be bragging to his friends' Miley sniffed, looking at Nick, her eyes wide.
'Miley - you can. Two reasons. One, because you have me. Twelve years of friendship, and now we're dating. I wont leave you alone. Ever.' Nick said firmly. 'And two, because you're brave. You're not going to run, you're going to go back, and not let him get to you.'
'You may have a point. I've been through so much. I cant give up now.' Miley smiled, opening her arms to hug him.
'Im guessing you don't want the ticket anymore.' the woman said rudely, ripping it in half.
'Mummy! Look!' Hayley yelled, jumping into Miley's arms.
'What is it Hayley?' Miley asked.
'Look! Frankie gave me a tattoo.' she exclaimed. She held up her hand, which had 'Hayley' written on it in glitter gel pen.
'That's wonderful.' Miley smiled, 'How about you go show Nick?'
Hayley jumped over to Nick, as Miley walked over to Denise.
'I lifted $4000 dollars for you to get Hayley's birthday things. And don't thank me. Its not a bother.' Denise smiled, pressing an envelope into Miley's hand.
'Denise, this is far too much. You cant expect me to take this.' Miley said. She had been raised differently, never to take money from anyone, and never to ask for anything.
'Well, I want you to take it.'
'Thank you so much, Denise.' Miley gasped, putting the envelope in her pocket.
'Miley! Two things, one, I told you not to thank me and two, its mum!'
'Uggh, how much more do we need?' Nick whined, collapsing under the bags.
'A big special banner saying Happy Birthday Hayley.' Miley said, quoting Nick. 'You told her she was getting one, so we need to get it.'
'Fine. Theres this shop up there -' Nick said, waving his hand in a circle.
'I'll get the rest, you go home.' Miley said, running off.
Nick sat on the edge of his bed, turning the flexi-ticket to California around in his hands.
'Mum, tell Miley I went away for the weekend.' he said, running out the door.
He could feel his heart pound as he ran down the road.
'Where are you going?'
'Fuck off Liam.' Nick growled, clenching his fist. He was willing to fight if he needed to.
'Geez, cant I ask a simple question?'
'Let me think - NO!'
'Are you ok, you look really nervous.' the flight attendant mumbled to Nick.
'Just nervous. Im actually having second thoughts.' he replied.
'Don't regret things, the things you regret are what you wanted to do then.'
'I guess.'
'Nick! Is that really you?'
Nick turned to see Lilly run at him. He died a little inside. This was the person that had fucked about with Miley. His Miley.
'What?' he asked, rolling his eyes.
'I havent seen Miley in a few months. Have you heard from her? Do you know she had your daughter?'
'I know Hayley's my daughter. And I have heard from her, considering she's my girlfriend.' Nick spat, walking away from Lilly.
'Really!'
'Yes, really. Now go away, im nervous enough without you messing with my head.'
Nick took a step forward and knocked on Billy Ray's door. This was it. The moment of truth.
