A/N: I'm back, finally!

I had computer problems, for anyone who hasn't already read about them.

Thank you to Liz for waiting P and for all of you who have been patient.
So I'm sorry, and I hope you like the chapter.

Today's the day.

It's the funeral. It might sound selfish but I'm dreading it.

I want to be there for Miley, I want that more than anything, but the last funeral I went to was my mom's. I may have only been young, but it doesn't mean I don't remember how much I hated it.

Like I've said before, I'm not good with emotions. Being surrounded by people crying and moping around is not my idea of fun. But this is for Miley, she needs me. No matter how much I don't want to I'm gonna be there for her.

Just as I threw the small ball against my wall again, Oliver stormed through my door. The distraction caused my aim to go completely off and I sent Oliver the best daggers I could; that was until the ball came flying back and hit me right in the face.

"People knock for a reason," I said in an agitated tone, putting the ball to the side.

"People also have walls for a reason, and it's not to play basketball on!" he said in a loud whisper, grabbing the ball from my bed, "I sleep next door, and at 5:30 in the morning that's exactly what I should be doing. And so should you for that matter," he said, looking suspicious, "what's up?"

I sighed, placing my head back against the wall, "I just can't sleep, okay?"

He scoffed, "You… can't sleep?" he laughed, "...okay, I haven't known you for that long but even I know that's the stupidest thing you've ever said." He must have caught on to how un-amusing I found that, as the smile that was once on his face had given way to a concerned frown, "Seriously, what's up Lilly?" he asked, taking a seat on the end of my bed.

I rolled my head to the side, looking at him. I couldn't help but smile. I had a… brother… and he was concerned about me. "Today… it's the funeral," I said finally, "I guess I'm just nervous."

He smiled back, "We're all gonna' be there with you, Lil. And besides, even if there is a tear or two, everyone else will be doing the same, so there's no risk of unwanted attention," he laughed, "you'll be fine." He placed a hand on my knee, squeezing is supportively before pulling it back and fidgeting with the ball.

I smiled, "Why do you care so much?"

"Because," he began, the smile on his face increasing in size, "you're my little sis, it's what I do."

I tried to put an angry look on my face, but my smile was making it hard, "You're older by like, what? Two months."

"And you're younger by two months, making me the oldest," he smirked, getting to his feet, "and I'm taking this. Get some sleep," he said, holding up the small object in his hands.

"Yes sir," I joked, saluting and beginning to get into a lying position on my bed.

"I'll wake you up at 9, give you a few extra hours," he smiled, turning as he finally reached my door.

"You're my brother, not my dad," I laughed, shaking my head.

"I like how that sounds," he smiled, "Anyways, whatever. Now sleep!"

After shooting me one last look, he finally exited my room. No matter how much I hated the little over protective thing he was doing, I loved it that much more.

--

I tried, but I just couldn't sleep. I spent the next two hours waiting for someone to emerge from their room so I could join them. I don't know…I didn't like being the first one up, I liked having someone to sit with, to talk to.

Corny much?

Finally, I heard what I guessed was Oliver getting up from his bed. I waited a few minutes, making sure that he wasn't just going to the bathroom or something. When I heard his footsteps on the stairs I finally got to my feet and headed the same way.

"Wow!" he exclaimed as he finally saw me enter the lounge, "up by 7:30… that has to be some kind of record."

I faked a laugh and took a seat next to him.

"By the looks of things, you didn't get any more sleep, huh?"

I shrugged, "Like I said, I can't sleep."

He laughed, "Whatever." He picked up the remote control and turned on the TV. I was thankful; I wasn't a fan of silence.

I guess I wasn't a fan of much.

--

"Lilly! Are you all set?!" I heard Maria call up to me.

I looked at myself in the mirror, emotionless.

Black.

Black wasn't an exciting color, I wouldn't even call it a color. It could mean so many different things to so many different people, but right now I knew exactly what it meant, and I hated it.

It was time to head for Miley's house. Time for the first funeral I had been to since my mother's, and it just so happened to be for the mother of my… of Miley.

I was brought out of my thoughts by someone calling me again, this time the voice belonging to Daniel.

"One second!" I finally replied, agreeing with myself in my head that I looked okay.

I quickly slipped on my all black converse; I know, not the most convenient shoes, but I'd pick comfort over convenience any day.

I brushed down my black v-neck jumper, and pulled at the hem of the white blouse which lay underneath. Again deciding that I looked okay, I headed for the stairs.

I was greeted with three large smiles.

I was the last one ready? That had to be a first. It was usually just anything I could get my hands on.

I guess I was just nervous. I wanted to look good for Miley, and for Susan, like a kind of a respect thing.

After reassuring them that they didn't have to try so hard to make me feel accepted, we headed out for the car.

The drive wasn't too long; we were meeting at Miley's house before the funeral, and heading back there afterwards. Oliver had told me that Robbie wanted Susan's family and friends together in one place, something he also told me hadn't been done in a long time.

When we finally arrived, I noticed the scarce amount of cars in the driveway. I guess I expected more, y'know? Having met Susan, knowing how friendly and loving she was, it seemed weird to have such a small amount of people here.

I quickly put it out of my mind, putting it down to us being early or something, as the car came to a halt.

"It'll be fine," Oliver smiled, seeing the far away look in my eyes.

I could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't looking forward to it either, well, no one would; it's a funeral. But you know what I mean.

I simply nodded, attempting a smile and opening the car door, getting out seconds later.

As I stood completely still, unsure of what to do, I felt a firm hand grip my shoulder.

I looked back slightly and saw Daniel send me a sympathetic smile. I sent one back as he nudged me slightly, getting me to begin my walk towards the house.

Maria and Daniel entered first, followed by me and Oliver. The door was unlocked, and there were small groups of people sat around the place, talking amongst themselves.

It didn't take me long to spot Miley, though. She was sat next to Jackson, both with a glass of water in their hands and looking pretty uncomfortable.

They both looked up at the sound of the door closing behind us, and a simile appeared on Miley's face as she saw me looking back at her.

With a smile of my own I slowly began walking over to her. Well, I wouldn't have if it wasn't for Oliver practically knocking all the breath out of me. He followed behind, knowing how hard I would find it to start a conversation.

"Hey," he said slowly, clearly due to the situation. I felt wrong for smiling in the first place.

"Hi," Miley smiled sadly. Jackson just held up his hand, signalling a hello, and brought it back down to his lap. He still wasn't too fond of me, that much was pretty obvious.

"How you feeling?" Oliver pressed, moving forward and placing himself on the seat next to Jackson. It was clear what he was doing; leaving the only spare place on the couch for me, which just happened to be next to Miley.

"Okay I guess," Miley said sheepishly, smiling to me as I took the seat next to her. We ended up sitting much closer than I had intended when I initially sat down, I guess it's just how the couch is. Not that I'm complaining or anything.

"It's weird y'know?" Jackson finally spoke up, "all these people here, acting like they care."

I scrunched up my nose, confused, "What d'ya mean, acting?"

He finally looked at me, for the first time today, and weirdly enough he didn't seem to be as… annoyed by me as usual, "Since Miley came out they all just… turned their backs on us. Don't get me wrong, I mean, some of them stuck by us, but I bet I could count them all on one hand."

I just nodded, acknowledging that I understood but not too sure as to what I should actually say. I'm crap, I know.

"We should get going, bud," Robbie Ray said, walking over towards us and standing in front of Miley.

"Okay," she said weakly, getting to her feet.

"You too son," he continued, trying his best to seem unaffected by the events that would take place in the day. It must be hard, burying your wife.

Jackson got to his feet also, and moved to the other side of his father.

People had made their way out of the house, and to be honest I hadn't noticed. With my mom everyone just made their own way there, but we didn't really have a place to meet… I didn't really have a place to live.

Oliver placed his hand on my arm, "We should leave," he said simply, pushing himself off of the couch, me following suit not too long afterwards.

"Daddy…" I heard Miley say as I began walking, "can Lilly come with us?"

I continued walking, not wanting to seem rude, like I was listening in… which I obviously was. I made sure I walked slow enough to hear the response before I left, though.

I heard a small objection from Jackson, but seconds later I heard Mr.Stewart say that it was okay. I was relieved that he didn't hate me as much as Jackson seemed to.

"Lilly," he finally said, stopping me in my tracks. I turned to face them as he continued, "would you like to make your way to the church with us?"

I smiled, but before I answered I looked to my side, to Oliver.

He nodded, a small smile on his face telling me it was okay. I felt kinda mean, y'know? They've been friends for so long, but she wants me to go with her.

Oliver seemed to understand, though. He actually seemed a little happy for me.

I turned back to them, "Sure. Thanks Mr.Stewart," I said softly.

He nodded, much like Oliver moments ago, and released his arm from around Miley's waist, heading for the door.

Jackson was close behind, as was Miley. She walked up to me with a smile, "Thank you," she said simply, linking her arm with mine.

I smiled back to her, "Anytime."

--

The drive there was quiet, silent even. The radio remained muted, Jackson was gazing aimlessly out of the window, and Miley was doing the same to my side. Robbie just seemed focused on what he was doing, that was until the car finally came to a halt.

It was beautiful.

I don't say that much, especially about objects. Actually, I always found it stupid when people did so, but this place was beautiful. The church stood tall, the windows decorated, the grass on the outside perfectly trimmed.

As we arrived and exited the car there were still people making their way into the building. There seemed to be more people now, and many of them had made their way over to us.

As they offered their condolences and sympathy to Mr.Stewart, I had made my way around to the other side of the car and stood next to Miley.

I could see the tears, the tears that she was trying to hide. The people coming over were talking to Robbie, to Jackson, offering hugs, handshakes, comforting words; yet she stood alone.

I took her hand firmly in mine, squeezing it as tightly as I could. I wanted her to know I was here.

She looked towards me and managed the most pained smile I think I had ever seen.

--

It hadn't taken us too long to get into the church and to take our seats. I was about to leave Miley's side and head over to Oliver, but when I felt her hand still gripping mine, I knew I shouldn't leave her.

Instead, I was sitting along the front row; somewhere I didn't think I deserved to be. Miley still had tight hold of my hand, her other one holding a tissue that she would no doubt need as the service progressed.

Is it wrong that I didn't really hear anything that the priest was saying? All I could do was look at our hands together, or look up at her tantalising eyes. Even when crying they remained as beautiful as ever, every part of her did.

Soon enough he had finished, and one last prayer was said. I had tears in my eyes too, but they didn't fall. I needed to stay strong. Not for me, but for Miley.

He spoke again, asking if anyone had any last words for Susan, if anyone wanted to pay tribute to her life.

Miley bravely stood after releasing my hand. I'm guessing she was supposed to be making some kind of speech, because Mr.Stewart sent her a thankful smile. He wouldn't have been able to get through it, even I knew that.

She slowly walked to the front as silence remained present throughout the place. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I knew it must have taken a lot for her to do this; not only does she have to stay strong, but she has to do it in front of a group of people who have shunned her for the last few years.

She cleared her throat; managing to control her shaking hands long enough to get her sheets of paper in order.

"My mom was someone who always knew what to do, always had a spare shoulder whenever you needed it most," a small smile crept its way onto her face, something I put down to some sort of memory that had popped into her mind. "She never turned her back on anyone when they needed her help. I think Daddy and Jackson would agree that without her, the house would've fallen apart years ago. If you've ever tasted my Daddy's cooking, you'd know what I mean," she paused, laughing slightly, a few people in the crowd doing the same. I just smiled in admiration; I had no idea how strong she was. "She never judged, she never thought badly of anyone, and she always had nice words to offer. She could find the bright side of any situation, crack jokes when you needed to laugh.

"What I'm trying to say is… my mom was special in so many ways. I don't know what I would've done without her, and I don't know what I'm going to do. But she's taught me to be strong, to stand up to anything that gets in my way; and that's how I'm going to live my life. I'm going to live it for her.

"I hope I make you proud, mom."

Mr.Stewart, Jackson, and me were the first people to clap, but soon enough everyone in the place was. No loud cheers or anything, just a show of their respect for Miley's braveness.

I don't remember my mom's funeral being like this, it was more…dull. I know it sounds stupid. I guess it was just because I was so young, maybe I just didn't understand.

--

It was over. We were heading back to Miley's house again, and much like before, I was sharing a car with her and her family.

We had been to the burial after the actual service, which I guess is where Miley was saving all her tears for. She spent basically the whole thing wiping her eyes dry and receiving comforting hugs from her father.

It's only supposed to be close family at the burial, like mother, father, husband, children, stuff like that. But with both of Susan's parents having died years ago, and Miley not wanting to be alone again, I was along for the ride.

It was quiet, and pretty short. Miley threw on some flowers, saying her final, emotional goodbyes.

It might sound selfish, but I felt pretty uncomfortable. Jackson, Mr Stewart and Miley were all together, crying and offering their comfort for one another. I was just standing, waiting for instructions as to what I should do.

In the end Miley ended up standing next to me, holding tightly onto my arm and burying her head in the crook of my neck from time to time. It's weird; it was like she didn't want Jackson or Robbie Ray to know that she was crying when it was clearly evident that she was.

I felt Miley's soft hand take mine and I quickly looked to the side. "Thanks for today," she said simply. Her eyes were still red and puffy, but the tears had finally stopped. She delivered one of her winning smiles, and I tried my best to send her one that measured up; but I know it didn't. Nothing could.

I squeezed her hand tighter, "Like I said, anytime."

"Here goes nothin'," I heard Robbie Ray say. I looked away from Miley to see that we had pulled up outside of the Stewart household. I didn't even realize we'd traveled that far.

I sent him a smile as he looked my way. I noticed his smile brighten a little as he noticed Miley's hand lying on top of mine, and I quickly pulled it back. I know; stupid right? But it was like… he would know something about me, something that I didn't even know about myself. People must have seen us before, but now I could see it in his eyes… I didn't like it.

He turned back around moments later as I received a questioning glance from Miley. I just smiled at her and quickly scrambled out of the car.

I was soon back at Miley's side, though. She didn't take my hand this time, she seemed a little unsure about it all now.

We entered the house again, I think it was Robbie's brother that got to the house first and prepped it for everybody. There were people in little groups, just like earlier, and they were all lost in their own conversation.

"Robbie," I heard a woman say rather loudly. I saw her quickly walking over to Mr.Stewart, pulling him into a hug, "I'm so sorry I didn't see you at the church, honey. The flight over here left a little late so I was in one heck of a rush," she finished, pulling back out of the hug. She placed a quick kiss on his forehead.

Miley must've noticed the pretty confused look on my face, because she leaned in to explain. "Mamaw. My Grandma," she said, I could hear the slight smile in her voice.

The woman turned, a large smile emerging on her face, "Miley, honey," she quickly rushed over to Miley's side now, "and Jackson. I've missed you two," she gushed, pulling Jackson into the hug also. For the first time today I could actually sense happiness radiating from them. They seemed to be a pretty tight knit family.

"Hi Mamaw," Miley smiled.

"You're lookin' good, sweetie. How you feelin' these days?" she asked, moving some hair out of Miley's eyes as Jackson walked over to Robbie, both of them walking further into the room, ready to receive all the messages of sympathy from the guests.

"I'm doin' fine, Mamaw," Miley smiled, "It's tough but I'm gettin' there."

"That's wonderful, dear," the woman smiled right back. She must've seen me standing off to the side, because her vision was quickly diverted my way. "And who is this?" she asked, still smiling.

"Mamaw, this is Lilly. Lilly, Mamaw," Miley said, introducing us both.

I held out my hand, and she quickly took it and shook it firmly, "Hi," I offered with a small smile.

"Hi, sweetie. You a friend of Miley's?" she asked. I knew exactly what she was hinting by the tone in her voice, and the sly look off to Miley, who was now looking more than embarrassed.

"You could say that," I laughed, bringing my hand back down to my side.

"Well, it's lovely to meet you Lilly."

"Likewise," I smiled.

She moved back over to Miley, placing her hand on her shoulder just before she walked past, "You've got taste, I'll give you that," she said simply in a loud whisper, before walking away. I don't know if I was supposed to hear that, but she sure didn't keep it quiet.

Miley just shook her head, quickly apologizing to me. After assuring her that it was fine, we headed for the kitchen to get some drinks.

"Lilly…" she said, sounding nervous as she poured out some soda.

"Yeah?" I simply replied, putting my full attention to her and looking away from the rest of the people at the house. It was interesting; looking at how different everyone was.

"What Mamaw said… I don't mean to…" she paused. I looked on confused, as she just stood dead in the spot. She placed down the bottle and crouched slightly.

"Miley… what's up?" I asked, slightly concerned about her behaviour. Well wouldn't you be?

"Brooke," she said simply, "Brooke's here."

I thought for a moment, wondering who Brooke was. I finally thought back to the story she told me. It was Brooke as in first girlfriend Brooke.

I quickly looked to the side, trying to figure out which one was her. I was intrigued, I wanted to see if Miley had a type… and if I was anywhere near it. Stupid right? "Which one is it?" I asked, still searching.

"The short-ish black dress…" she began. Oh great, she likes the dressy type, "brown hair…" this is just getting better, "she's pretty tall. Taller than me." …She either doesn't have a type or one of us was just completely chosen at random.

"Ah, I see her," I said, leaning over slightly and finally spotting the girl that she was describing. I must give Miley her props… she wasn't bad looking.

"Why's she here?!" Miley panicked, moving closer to me.

"Well you said her mom and your mom were friends. She's probably just here with her."

Miley nodded, clearly liking my explanation.

"She can't see me, Lil," she said, panicking yet again.

I couldn't help but laugh, she was practically crawling along the floor just so she wouldn't be seen.

"Just go outside," I suggested, making it sound like the simplest thing ever. Well… it kinda was.

She nodded yet again, grabbing my hand and pulling us through the lounge full of people. There was some strange looks thrown our way; something I quickly put down to what they knew about Miley, but for the first time today I didn't care. I was just having fun.

Miley came to an abrupt halt, and so did I after running straight into the back of her. "A warning would be nice!" I laughed, picking myself up and brushing myself down.

She had let go of my hand just as I fell to the floor, she had also not said a word since.

"Brooke… hi," she said uncomfortably.

I quickly looked up, seeing said girl stood right in front of us. "You'd make the worst spy ever," I whispered into her ear.

She shot me a look before turning back to Brooke, who still hadn't said a word. "Miley… I'm only here for your mom…" she trailed off. She seemed like the type of person to really want to say something mean and hurtful; I guess the occasion was stopping her from doing so.

"Yeah… sure," Miley continued, straightening up and shrugging it off, "Whatever. I just didn't expect to see you."

"Well you did."

"Unfortunately."

Brooke shot her a look, doing the same to me seconds later, "I don't know who you are, and quite frankly I don't really care. But you better get away from her fast. Miley's a bit on the… freaky side."

I laughed slightly, moving forward and standing next to Miley. I took her hand in mine yet again, "then I guess I am too," I smiled sarcastically.

I could feel Miley looking at me, I assumed she was shocked.

"Trust me… you're gonna regret that," she sneered, turning back around moments later and joining back in the conversation that we had interrupted.

"And you were friends with her why?" I asked, both of us heading more casually for the door now.

"We just knew each other since we were young. And she changed… a lot," she laughed, opening the door and leading me towards the bench that was against the side of the house.

I sat down first, her following suit moments later. She let go of my hand now and gripped my arm tightly, leaning up against me. It was pretty cold and getting later in the day; the sky darkening and the first stars of the night beginning to show themselves.

"I'm really glad I met you, y'know," she said casually, "you've only lived here for a few weeks and I can't imagine you not being here."

"I'm glad I met you too. Let's face it, there's a lot of things I probably would never know about myself if I hadn't met you," I laughed, looking up at the increasingly intriguing sky.

"Well I'm glad I could be of assistance."

"Me too," I smiled, looking down to my side, locking eyes with her for the first time in quite a while.

After a few moments she jolted her head forwards quickly, catching my lips with hers for a brief second before pulling back. I looked on at her, she seemed nervous, "Sorry… one of those perfect moment kinda things," she laughed, again the nervousness shining through.

"You don't have to be sorry," I smiled, leaning forwards a little myself, "You really don't have to be sorry." The gap was closed between us again, this time the kiss becoming much deeper. I could feel every emotion going through her at that moment, and yes, I am aware of how corny that sounds, but it was true. It was like… everything was put into the kiss; every thought, every feeling, every touch.

I turned just enough to get into a more comfortable position and instinctively placed a gentle hand on her cheek. I didn't want this to end any time soon, I'd never felt anything like it.

For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I wasn't alone.

"Not to ruin the moment or anything, but I doubt anyone here would be too happy if they saw that," I heard someone say. I instantly knew it was Oliver, not just from the voice, but from the goofy little laugh he does after everything he says that he considers funny.

We both turned, looking at him. Our agitated looks soon changed to smiles, though, both of us finally registering what had just happened.

I turned my head slightly, catching her eyes with mine again. I didn't say anything, I didn't need to.

Sometimes actions speak louder than words… or in this case eyes, I dunno. I just know that nothing needed to be said at that moment. Besides, this is me we are talking about, if I said anything right now the mood would be officially ruined.

"You comin' in?" Oliver asked.

I turned back to him and saw the smirk he had on his face. I knew that he had this planned from the get go, he'd finally got what he wanted. I could only imagine how proud he felt of himself.

I held out my hand, it quickly being joined by Miley's, and sent her one last smile before getting to my feet.

I pointed to the house, looking at Oliver, "After you."

This had to have been one of the craziest days of my life, and as you know, I've had a few. I woke up this morning scared, was moping around and crying most of the rest of it, yet now I felt better than I ever had in my entire life.

For the first in nine years I felt happy.

For the first time in nine years I was happy.