Chapter 10 - Help You Find Your Way

Malibu, California; June 5, 2004

It was a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon in California. The school year had just ended and everyone was looking forward to the next few months of relaxation.

Well, at least the children were.

Robbie Ray was hard at work trying to make a living. This afternoon he had a meeting with one of the label's top producers. Unfortunately for Robbie, he was one of the more unimaginative producers. Robbie Ray was pretty sure this guy wouldn't know a hit song if it walked up and kicked him in the nuts. How he managed to get this high up in the company…he had to be related to someone.

The producer was dressed in a simple black trousers and a white collar shirt, with a red and yellow stripped tie. He was currently sitting on the Stewart's couch, wearing a sour expression on his face. Shaking his head in disappointment, he addressed Robbie Ray. "I'm just not feeling it Robbie."

Robbie moved his favorite guitar so that it was hanging behind him as he ran two hands through his hair. Robbie was an amazingly patient man, but even he had his limits. "Its cause its definitely a female song." he explained. Robbie knew that the producer was hearing Mr. Achy Breaky Heart singing the song instead of just hearing a good song. Some people simply couldn't separate a song from the voice singing it.

Suddenly, the front door opened to reveal Miley, back from the mall with a shopping bag in her right hand. "Hey daddy." she greeted, as she tried to quickly pass through the living room so not to interrupt her father's meeting.

Robbie watched his baby girl heading for the stairwell, when he was suddenly struck with an idea. He called out to his daughter before she could run upstairs, "Hey Bud, could you come give me a hand here for a minute." he asked.

Miley turned and gave her father an unsure look. She couldn't imagine what was so important that he would interrupt his meeting to tell her to do. "Sure." she said, setting her bag next to the stairs and walking over to stand in front of the couch.

Robbie wrapped his right arm around his daughter's shoulders and waved toward the producer sitting on the couch in front of him. "This is Jonathan Starsmore. He's one of the VP's at Hollywood Records. He's looking over some of my material, but I can't seem to get him to feel one of the songs…cause I wrote it for a female singer. Could you give him an idea what it would sound like coming from a woman. Please."

Miley tried her best not to let her surprise show. Granted, sometimes Miley had sang her father's songs back to him after his was done writing so he could work out the music, but this was in front of his boss. An actual record producer. "Sure daddy." she said in her most confident tone. Inside however, she was scared out of her mind.

Robbie Ray handed her a sheet of music and whispered in her ear. "Nothing to be nervous about. Forget he's here and just sing to me." Robbie Ray thought briefly about what else he could say to Miley to relax her enough to sing her best. "Better yet, imagine you're singing to Lilly. You know how much she loves hearing you sing."

Miley smiled at that thought. She nodded her head at her father and took a deep breath. "I'm ready." she said.

As Robbie Ray began playing the first chords of the song, Miley pictured her perky blonde best friend sitting in front of her.

Uh oh

There you go again

Talkin' cinetmatic

Yeah you! Your charming

You got everybody starstruck

I know, how you always seem to go

For the obvious, instead of me

But get a ticket and you'll see

If we were a movie

You'd be the right guy

And I'd be the best friend

That you'd fall in love with

In the end

We'd be laughin'

Watchin' the sunset

Fade to black

Show the names

Play the happy song (yeah)

Jonathan threw his hands in the air. "Stop. Enough." he said, cutting off both Miley and Robbie Ray. He had heard all he needed to hear. "Thank you Miley." he said, smiling kindly at the young girl.

Robbie Ray laughed forward and kissed the side of the brunette's head. "Thanks Bud." he said, gently swatting her backside to indicate that she could go.

"You're welcome daddy." she called over her shoulder as she walked over to the stairs, picked up her shopping bag and heading upstairs to her bedroom.

Jonathan watched as Miley disappeared up the stairwell. After a few seconds, he turned to regard Robbie with a serious expression. "Robbie Ray, your daughter is incredible." he said softly.

Robbie Ray chuckled as he removed the guitar strap from his shoulder and placed the guitar next to the chair he sat down on. "Yep, my pride and joy." he said proudly.

Jonathan leaned forward on the couch. "Robbie, her voice…she could be a major artist." he said, staring intently at the songwriter to gage his reaction to the producer's words.

Robbie Ray knew his baby could sing, but all the negative aspects of her going into the music business at such a young age made him hesitant. It was one of the reasons he had never even suggesting the possibility to Miley. Frankly, the thought of it scared him shitless. "Jon, I know what you're saying, but I have seen how those kids today are acting and I don't want that for Miley." he told the producer honestly.

Jonathan's eyes narrowed at the songwriter. "Who are you thinking about?" he questioned.

Robbie Ray chuckled. "Please, like you don't know who I mean. Britney, Christina, Lindsey, my baby ain't gonna grow up and be like those girls using their bodies to make money." he vowed that he would protect his daughter from the evils of the world. "That ain't singing in those videos, its soft core pornography. It's sad. And all of those girls can really sing too." Maybe if those girls had had someone looking out for them, then they wouldn't have made so many poor choices. Maybe.

Jonathan considered what Robbie had just said. It was clear to the producer that Robbie was worried about a very specific set of circumstances. "Robbie, I understand the father's perspective, I really do. I have a daughter myself. But is it fair to take away an incredible opportunity away from your little girl cause you're scared of what might happen?" he asked.

Robbie Ray sighed as he dropped his head and closed his eyes. He could not believe he was actually considering this. After a few seconds of silence, Robbie finally sighed. "She's only gonna be 12 Jon."

Jonathan was ready to argue the age factor. He stared intently at the former country singer. "LeAnn Rimes won a Grammy for Best New Artist at 14. And you know very well that this process does not happen in a few days. It takes months at least, sometimes even years."

Robbie sighed as he rested his elbow on the armrest to brace his hand against his head. "I realize that." he sighed in defeat.

Jonathan knew he had Robbie right where he needed him. It was time to go for the kill. He wasn't a vice president for nothing. "Do you know how wide open the pre-teen market is right now?" he asked the hillbilly. "Parents of younger children need an outlet for some wholesome music. The 9 year old's mom doesn't want her listening to Britney. She needs an alternative. Miley would be just the thing. " he said pointing towards the stairs where Miley had disappeared moments ago.

Robbie knew that everything Jonathan was saying was true. He really couldn't argue it. But this was a major decision, which would have a lot of consequences. Miley would have to be the one to decide if she wanted to do this, not him. "Tell you what, let me talk to her, and I will call you and let you know how she feels about the whole situation, and then we can go from there, alright?" he said standing up from the chair.

Jonathan took that as his cue to leave. "Sounds good. I look forward to hearing from you." he said, rising from the couch to shake the songwriter's hand. "And Robbie?" he said as he was halfway to the front door.

Robbie Ray looked up from the papers he was trying to organize on the coffee table. "Yeah?"

"You save that song for her." he said, nodding towards the stairs as he quickly slipped out the front door.

Robbie picked up the song in front of him. 'Wonder if he would still be saying that if he knew that the song was about two girls falling in love?' Robbie thought, chuckling to himself. His family was the inspiration behind much of the music he wrote. But there were quite a few songs that he had written that he hadn't wanted to share with the world because they were too personal. Fortunately, this song was ambiguous enough that he didn't mind throwing into the sea of music out there.

Robbie Ray set the music back down on the coffee table and stared at the stairwell. Did he really want to do this? He shook his head, sighed, and headed towards the stairs.

Robbie reached Miley's door and gently knocked. "Miles?" he said, gently trying the handle.

"Hang on." he heard from inside the room. A few seconds later, the door opened, despite Miley standing on the other side of the room in front of her stand up mirror, examining her reflection wearing the new top she had just bought. "Hi daddy. Do you like it?" she asked.

Robbie looked at his baby and wondered if he really wanted to do anything that might change his sweet little country girl. He stood like a statue as he tried to gather his courage to begin a conversation that could change their lives forever.

Meanwhile, Miley was starting to become concerned at her father's silence. It wasn't like him. "What's wrong?" she asked, walking over and taking his hand in hers.

Robbie shook his head and then led Miley over to sit on the bed. He held both of her hands in his as he started to speak. "Well, Mr. Starsmore really liked your singing." he said, his eyes downcast.

Miley was happy that she was able to help convince her father's boss that the song was a hit. "So who are they going to get the song to? Britney? Christina?" she asked excitedly.

Robbie chuckled at her exuberance. "Well, here's the funny thing darlin. He really liked the way YOU sang it." he said, finally raising his head to look in her eyes.

Miley shook her head in confusion. "I don't understand."

Robbie took a deep breath. "Miles, how would feel about becoming a recording artist?" he said, waiting with baited breath for her response.

Miley stared at her father in shock for a few seconds. When she finally regained the ability to speak, she could only manage to voice her disbelief. "Hair loving hillbilly say what?" she said, her jaw still dropped as she finished question.

Robbie got up from the bed and began pacing the floor. "Jonathan wanted me to talk to you. He thinks you would be a wonderful addition to their company." he said, waiting for her to comprehend what he was saying.

Realization finally dawned on Miley and she jumped up from the bed yelling, "YES!!!" then launched herself into her father's arms for a hug.

Robbie hugged his daughter with mixed emotion. It was kind of like someone giving you a brand new car. Sure you're excited to have a car, but now you got to pay for the gas, the insurance, and the repairs. But you don't think about that when that shining new car is sitting in front of you though. "Now before you get too excited, I want to talk about a few other things first. You realize what this is going to mean? You'll probably have to leave school and get a private tutor."

Miley rolled her eyes. It wasn't like she was popular. It wouldn't be horrible NOT getting picked on everyday. "Why would that be so bad? Its just school." she replied, not seeing how that would be a problem.

Robbie eyed her carefully. Okay. "Well, you know how the paparazzi chase the pop stars like Britney around? What happens if they do it to you? Lots of cameras. Lots of pressure. Would you be okay no longer having any privacy?"

Miley looked less than sure about her answer this time. "I, well, I guess." she mumbled.

Robbie narrowed his eyes. He knew he was getting close. He was pretty sure that the next point might change her mind completely. "You realize we are very publicly located. We would probably have to move someplace else." he told her in all seriousness.

Robbie watched as Miley's face dropped in a heartbeat. "Move? But we just got here!!" she said frantically. She couldn't leave Lilly! Not seeing her in school would be one thing, she still lived right down the street. But moving away? No way.

Robbie figured that he could fight dirty and play the Lilly card. He knew that in the past year she had become his baby girl's world. He was waiting to see how their relationship was going to evolve in the future. Would they remain best friends? Or more than that? Only time would tell. "Darlin, I am just trying to point out some things you need to take into consideration before deciding if you want to do this. I am not saying that you can't do this. I know you could. I just want you to understand what you might have to give up if you decide to do this."

Miley's mind was racing. She had dreamed of being a singer since she was little. But the thought of leaving Lilly just made her feel empty inside. She walked back over to the bed and grabbed Berry Bear. "Can you leave me alone for a little bit daddy?" she asked her father as she curled into a ball and hugged the bear to her chest tightly.

Robbie nodded his head in understanding. "You think about what I said, and I'll be back in a while to get your answer." he said as he left her bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Miley's grip on her stuffed animal tightened as her knuckles were going white from the pressure. Why should she have to decide between two things she loved so much? It wasn't fair. Miley took a deep breath as she felt her eyes starting to water.

Miley roughly wiped her eyes. There had to be a way to do both. Miley sat up in bed and held her hand out for her cell phone. The small device that was sitting on the corner of her desk came sailing through the air and into Miley's outstretched arm.

Miley flipped her phone open and hit speed dial 1.

The voice on the other end of the line brought a smile to the brunette's face. "S'up Miles." Lilly answered cheerfully.

Miley returned to her fetal position with the phone resting on her shoulder. "Hey Lils. You got a minute." she asked.

Lilly giggled. "Well, if life works in my favor, I'm pretty sure I still have millions of them!" she paused for a minute before adding. "I suppose I could spare you one more, if I must." she sighed dramatically, then pointed out, "I did only give you five hours worth at the mall earlier!" she finished giggling.

"Ha-ha. You are such a drama queen." Miley said, trying to be playful, but just not feeling up to it at the moment. "Be serious please." she begged the blonde.

Lilly could tell just from the tone of Miley's voice that something was wrong. "Miles, what's wrong?" she asked softly.

Miley still wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to talk to Lilly about, she just knew that Lilly would make everything better. She always did. "I just…I just needed to hear your voice I guess." she shyly admitted.

Lilly's heart soared at the brunette's admission. The moments when Miley needed the blonde always made her feel special. "Okay, can my voice help you in any other way?" she asked, trying to get the southerner to open up.

Miley sighed as she thought about how to ask Lilly about the singing thing, without actually asking her. She was afraid that if they talked about it that Lilly wouldn't be honest with her. She would tell Miley whatever she wanted to hear, because that's how Lilly was, she always put others before herself. And Miley knew that Lilly would tell her to chase her dream no matter what. Lilly would insist that she was not worth giving up something so special for. "Lils, what would you do if you could have your dream job, but then someone pointed out every negative thing that came with the job." she explained carefully, trying not to give too much away with her question. "Would you still want it?"

There was silence for a few seconds as Lilly contemplated Miley's question. "Like, if you told me that by being a doctor I could help lots of people but I'd have to spend the next 15 years of my life in school and end up in debt to my eyeballs?"

Miley grinned madly. No one understood her like Lilly did. "Exactly! Would you do it?" she questioned.

Lilly paused, biting her lip momentarily. "If its something you really want, you find a way. Sometimes, you want the best of both worlds, you know?" she said. "Have I ever told you about how I learned to surf yet?" she asked, not able to remember if she had shared that particular story with Miley yet or not.

Miley shook her head. "No, I just thought you were born doing it." she answered with a smile.

"Very funny." she answered, then shared her story with Miley.

"My mom didn't want me to surf when I was younger cause she couldn't teach me, but I wanted to learn so bad. I went to the beach early every morning and would meet total strangers and talk about surfing with them. Now and then a teenager would think I was cute and take me out and let me ride a wave or two. After several months like this, I was begging to borrow boards cause I had gotten pretty good. Finally, Oliver gets a board. I beg him to borrow it and then drag my mother down to the beach to show her what I could do. She was pretty impressed. She felt so bad that she tried to keep me from something that I had wanted so badly, but I found a way. Needless to say I got my own board a few days later." As she finished her story, she was wondering if she was helping, or just wasting her breath.

Miley smiled at the thought of Lilly nagging strangers to borrow their surf boards. "Awe, the little flower that could." she said chuckling.

Lilly rolled her eyes at Miley's joke. "Ha-ha. Southern humor, how did I ever live with out it?" she deadpanned.

Miley sat up and threw her legs off the side of the bed. "Thanks Lil. You made a lot of sense."

Lilly was proud that she was able to help her best friend in her time of crisis. "So are you gonna go for it?" she asked.

Miley chewed her lower lip briefly before responding. "I think so."

"Great!" she cheered enthusiastically. "What are you going for anyway?" she asked, realizing that all this time, she had no clue what they were actually discussing.

Miley had been working on her story while Lilly was telling her about surfing. "Oh, I mentioned to daddy that it would be great playing in a band someday and now daddy wants me to start learning the guitar."

Lilly nodded her head. She could imagine all the extra hours of practice time it would take to learn to play the guitar. "I bet you'll be great. In fact, I know you will." she told the brunette.

Miley couldn't stop grinning at this point. Lilly just…made everything better. "Thanks Lils. I'll see you in the morning." she told the blonde. They were planning on heading down to the beach early tomorrow since it would be Sunday.

"Sure will. Tell your dad pancakes would be awesome before we go. Good night." she said and hung up the phone.

Miley closed her cell and set it on the night stand. Tossing the stuffed animal on the bed, she left her room in search of her father.

Miley found him in the living room, strumming away on his guitar. "Hey Bud, you been thinking about what we were talking about?" he asked as he set the guitar on the floor to give his daughter his undivided attention.

Miley nodded and sat down on the couch to face her father who was sitting in the armchair. "I did. And the crazy flower gave me some great advice. If I really want something bad enough, then I find a way. And I agree with her. I do want the best of both worlds." she said, repeating Lilly's words to her father.

Robbie narrowed his eyes at his daughter, skeptical that she had made up her mind so quickly. "All that from talking with Lilly?" he prodded.

Miley tipped her head to the side. "Yeah, she's pretty sharp for a blonde." she said with a huge grin.

Robbie chuckled. Leave it to Lilly to be the voice of reason. "So what were you thinking about doing then?" he asked.

Before Miley could answer him, they were interrupted by Jackson entering from the deck. "What's going on family?" he cheerfully asked as he walked into the living room.

Miley looked at Jackson and wondered if he might have any ideas. "Jackson, if you wanted to do something, but didn't want anyone to know it was you, how would you do it?" she asked cryptically.

Jackson plopped his butt on the couch next to his sister and laughed at her question. "Geez, you don't watch television much, do you? Well, let's see, you'd need a disguise. Fake hair, fake name, contacts or glasses, you know become someone else. Oh and if you are planning on committing a crime remember to change your finger prints too." he said, having just watched Gone in 60 Seconds the previous night.

Jackson brought his hand up and gently rubbed his chin. "Unless you have superhero syndrome then just put on spandex and it makes everyone's minds go blank and forget everything." he added humorously.

Miley thought about what Jackson was saying. It made perfect sense. All she needed to do was come up with a believable alias. "So, what do you think would be a great code name for my alias, oh brilliant brother of mine?" she asked sarcastically.

"Would you prefer sentimental or random?" he questioned.

Miley considered his question for a second before answering. "Let's go sentimental."

"Well, mom's middle name is Hannah and she was from Montana originally." he explained, thinking that it was an easy answer.

Miley crinkled her brows. "Hannah Montana?" she said out loud, trying the name out. She turned to her father. "Do you think it would work?"

Robbie Ray had a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, I guess if we came up with the right look. It just might work. And what was that you said before? Best of both worlds right?" he asked his daughter.

"Yeah." she responded.

Robbie immediately picked his guitar back up. "I think I feel a hit single coming on."

Paging Hannah Montana....Your due on stage next chapter....lol. Let the drama return..... - Jess