Well here it is: Chapter Fourteen! Christmas has finally arrived...Fictionally. Unfortunately, this chapter is about a little under a thousand words less than what I planned to write...but I wanted to have it up tonight. So it's just a tad bit shorter. This chapter is mostly just of Miley and Lilly having their mushi-little love fests. So yeah, I mean it's not anything too deep. But a little bit of intimacy. They love each other for crying out loud! They're allowed to be all lovey-dovey with each other :) Anyway...Enjoy! And please, please review! Three would be good for this chapter. Pleaseeee?:) Thanks, have a good day! And Merry almost Christmas!
Chapter Fourteen
Reluctantly, Miley carried Lilly back to the house feeling it was too cold for them to be sitting out there. She hoped and prayed that her Mamaw would feel bad about how she reacted and have an apology prepared for her beautiful soulmate. Unfortunately that wasn't the case at all; the minute she stepped foot on the porch she could just sense that something wasn't right. As the two got closer to the door, Miley saw their suitcases sitting in front of the entrance. Rage grew in her body as she went knock on the door. And her feelings toward her Mamaw ceased to exist.
The door swung open, revealing an anger-filled, deeply upset Robin. She glared straight at Lilly, the person she deemed responsible for ruining their Christmas Eve dinner. "Lilly is not welcome in my house any longer; and if you plan to continue loving her, Miley Ray, you are not welcome here either." She spoke in anger, still outraged that her own granddaughter considered herself gay.
Robbie came over to them, holding his own suitcase, and sighed sadly. It devestated him to know that his own mother couldn't accept the love that his daughter and Lilly shared. Why should it matter that they're both women? He silently wondered; The love they had for each other was deep and quite envious. He shook his head while looking over at the two girls. "We're going to go stay with Grandma Ruby for the rest of our trip. And Luanne decided she'd like to come with us as well, so while we wait for her to finish packin' I'd like ya'll to go get in the car." He spoke quietly to them as he made his way out the door. Before the three of them headed off to their car, he gave one last disappointing look towards his mother. "I hope you're happy with yourself, ma. You just lost your beautiful granddaughter and hurt the girl she loves so deeply. I'm disappointed in you, mom; I really am. And until you come to your senses, I don't want anything to do with you. You had no right to say what you said to Lilly!" His anger towards his mother was rising up, but he held it in as he had no interest in causing any more trouble. He took their suitcases and hurriedly walked to the car.
Once Miley got Lilly into the car and made sure she was comfortable, she went over to her father and wrapped him in a hug. "I love you so much, daddy." She whispered softly, looking up into his eyes with tears running down her cheeks. "You're the most amazing father anyone could ever ask for." She squeezed his neck tight as she let herself cry into his arms. As much as she felt rage towards her grandmother, she still loved her [deep down] and it hurt her a lot to know that her own grandma couldn't accept her just because she loved another woman.
"Oh Mile, I love you too," Robbie spoke, holding her close in his arms as he wiped the tears from her eyes. He hated to see his baby girl cry and it angered him to know that it was his mother's doing. "I'm sorry Mamaw was so mean to you and Lilly. I didn't expect her to behave that way; you're her granddaughter for crying out loud! I'm real sorry, bud; but I promise we will still have a nice Christmas. Grandma Ruby will be very happy to see you, and she won't treat either of you differently because of how you feel for each other." He pressed a gentle kiss to Miley's forehead, ruffling her hair in the process and then releasing her. "I love you, darlin'. Now go on in the car and make sure Lilly's okay."
It was a long, two-hour drive to grandmother Ruby's house. Miley sighed sadly at the sleeping girl in her arms. She felt so bad for what her Mamaw said to her and the pain that it caused her poor Lilly. Too busy in her thoughts, she barely noticed the soft touch on her arm. "Miles, don't beat yourself up over what happened. You didn't know Mamaw would react that way; I don't think any of us did." Luanne whispered softly to her cousin, stroking her arm comfrortingly.
Miley looked over at her cousin, thankful that she chose to leave with them. She gave her a sad smile, reaching her free hand over to take one of the other's. "It was sweet of you to come with us, Lu. You didn't have to do that, especially since you've never really met my grandma Ruby." She spoke quietly, stroking Luanne's hand with her thumb. Miley felt beyond grateful to have such a caring cousin and she was more than happy to have her with them.
"Please, I couldn't stand staying with Mamaw for another minute after the terrible things she said to Lilly. Sickening of her to do that! Especially after that sweet little thing saved my life just days ago. How could Mamaw be so cruel to her after that? And she hurt you too, Miles... You're her own grandchild, and she has the nerve to treat you like dirt? No way in hell would I stay with her after that. Besides, I love spending time with you Miley; it's so rare to see you anyway so I'll jump on it to have more time with my twin cousin." Luanne smiled softly over at her cousin, wrapping her arm around Miley's shoulder as she pressed a soothing kiss to her head. "Love you, darlin'."
When they finally arrived at Ruby's house, it was nearly midnight. And snow started to fall from the clouds as they got out of the car and got their suitcases out. Miley gently shook Lilly to wake her up, stroking her back in soft circles. "Lilly, baby doll, we're at my grandma's house. Time to wake up, my angel." She soothed into her ear, shaking her softly. It took a few minutes of shaking her until she finally saw Lilly's eyes flutter open and peer into hers. "Nice to see those pretty eyes of yours, Lil. Let's get out of the car and head on inside. Sound good, sweetie?" The response she got was Lilly's snuggling closer to her while resting her head on Miley's chest.
Miley let out a sigh as she held her sleepy angel close; it was going to take a lot more effort to get them out of the car than she had originally thought. She pressed her lips to Lilly's cheek, hoping it would somehow wake her back up. Instead it just caused her to cuddle closer in the singer's arms. "Awww Lilly...You know I love holding you sweetie; but you need to get up so I can bring you in the house. Come on, precious girl, just wake up long enough so that I can get you into the house and up to bed. Okay?" This time she didn't wait for a reply as she quickly got out of the car and pulled Lilly with her. She shut the door then turned to Lilly who was fast asleep again, sprawled out on the sidewalk. Concern grew as she kneel in front of the woman she loved, "Lilly, what's the matter? Why can't you stay awake?"
Lilly didn't even bother to wake up this time, instead her body began to shake really bad and her eyelids blinked continuously. Miley's concerned turn into fear as she quicky scooped the girl into her arms and ran over to her father. "D-dad, something's wrong with Lilly! She keeps falling asleep and now her body is shaking really bad!" She shrieked, not realizing that Rose was standing right there beside her father and listening to what she was saying. "W-what do we do, daddy? Something serious must be wrong with her!"
Hearing how upset Miley was about her older sister had Rose fearing the worst. She looked over at the older girl with tears about ready to fall from her eyes. "S-s-she's not gonna die...i-is she?" Her bottom lip trembeled as she peered at her shaking sister, a sob escaped her. She walked closer to Lilly, touching her cold hand and whispered into her ear, "P-please d-don't die; I-I love you Lilly!"
"Awww no Rose, sweetie, she's not gonna die..." Miley spoke, trying to keep her voice strong for the little girl. She looked down at her with empathy, stroking her hair comfortingly. "She'll be okay, honey. Don't worry. Go in the house with Luanne, okay? You need to go get some rest, sweetie. As soon as Lilly wakes up and feels better, she'll come in to see you." She pressed a soothing kiss to the distraught child's forehead before Luanne carefully took her into the house. Once those two were out of sight, Miley looked up at her dad with fear. "Lilly is gonna be okay, r-right dad?"
Robbie didn't know what answer to give his daughter as he watched the girl in her arms thrash about. But he hadn't want to make her feel any worse about the situation so he nodded his head. "She'll be okay, bud. We just need to get her in the house and have her lie down." He stated, starting down the path to the entrance of the house. Miley followed right behind as she held her Lilly securely in her arms.
Once Miley got she and Lilly settled into the room they'd be staying in, she looked down at the blonde with concern. "Feelin' better, baby?" She questioned softly, pulling her into a strong embrace. She cupped Lilly's head in her arms, caressing her cheeks softly as she pressed a loving kiss to her lips. "I love you so much, sweetie. Thank god you're okay! You had us all real worried."
Lilly peered up at the woman she loved with a sad smile. She wrapped her frail arms gently around the singer's neck, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Miley. You worry too much for me... I love you." Her voice was scratchy and worn out but it didn't bother her. She would wear her voice out forever just so she could tell Miley how much she loved her. She placed her hands onto Miley's cheeks, looking into her eyes and seeing the hidden tears. "You know Miley, you don't always need to be strong in front of me... I know it's tempting to wanna be just cause I've got cancer, but that doesn't mean you should be. I wanna be here for you just as much as you are for me; I love you so much, Miles... It would make me feel better to know you're okay with crying in front of me. I mean I don't like to see you cry; but if you have the urge to cry, I don't want you to be afraid to cry in front of me! For god's sake I've probably cried in front of you a million times since we met so there is no need for you to hold your cries in."
Miley felt her heart swell at the touching things her beauitful Lilly said to her. She smiled warmly at her, reaching down to stroke her cheek. "You're too precious, Lil. And don't you dare apologize for my being worried about you! It's not your fault, sweetie." She wrapped her arms even tighter around the other woman's waist, pulling her as close as she could get her. "Awww Lilly, honey! It's not that I'm afraid to cry in front of you, I just don't want to upset you by crying. Anytime I see you in pain and hurting, it makes me wanna cry because you don't deserve anymore suffering! And I was scared to death that you were gonna die earlier... You couldn't feel any pain, could you baby girl?" She looked down into Lilly's eyes with deep emotions.
"It would never upset me to see you cry, Miley... Well not intentionally," Lilly whispered, staring up into her eyes with sadness. "Don't worry about my suffering, Miles, it's no big deal. Suffering is part of life. But for me, suffering is my life...I've gotten use to it. So please, Miley, don't make yourself suffer over worrying about my suffering because then you'll make me suffer for making you suffer..." She let out a small smile, hoping to lighten the mood a tiny bit. She rested her hand onto Miley's cheek, stroking soothing circles onto it. "And no, Miles, I felt no pain at all...please don't stress over it! I love you so much." A white lie that needed to be told to keep the singer from worrying even more. She softly placed her lips atop Miley's, giving her a gentle kiss.
The singer could feel her heart melting inside of her, she couldn't believe how sweet her Lilly was. And she was very happy to see a little smile on her lover's face. She lovingly caressed the smaller girl's cheek, smiling brightly at her. "Awww Lil; you're too sweet. I'm glad you're feelin' better, my love. I love ya more than anything, baby girl." Miley whispered against Lilly's ear before pulling her face closer to her own and giving her a tender kiss.
Christmas morning soon arrived and even after the awful night they had, it turned to be very special. Grandma Ruby was very happy to see her beautiful granddaughter and meet her best friend, Lilly. The six of them sat at the dinning room table to a delicous home-cooked breakfast, then went into the living room to open gifts. Ruby hadn't expected to have more than her son-in-law and granddaughter there, so she decided to give the three other girls a tin box- full of her homemade Christmas cookies.
They all sat around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree as presents were passed around to everyone. Miley and Lilly sat together, feeling as though they were in their own little world, as they opened the presents they got for each other. Both girls decided to unwrap their gifts at the same time, smiling at each other as they did so.
When Lilly saw the beautiful ornament that the singer had picked out for her, she felt a swarm of happy tears fall from her eyes. "Oh, Miley; this is absolutely beautiful," she gushed, wrapping her arms around Miley's neck in a tight embrace. "I love it so much, Miles, and it's absolutely perfect! Thank you so much." She beamed while pressing a loving kiss to the other's cheek.
"Awww, I'm so happy you like it! I had a feeling you would since you love Christmas so much and how you'd help your momma decorate the tree when you were younger, I figured it would be a good keepsake for ya. Now your momma will definitely be with you all the time, sweetie." She spoke warmly, holding Lilly close in her arms as she pressed a kiss to her head. She then reached down to finish unwrapping her gift, and was in total shock when she saw what it was. It was a beautifully decorated journal that had For My Angelic Saviour, Miley written neatly in the middle of it. And inside it contained all of the many feelings Lilly had for Miley. It was written in the form of poems, songs, and she even sketched out a picture of the two of them sitting near the waterfall that Miley took them to when she told her that they were soulmates. As if that wasn't enough to melt the singer's heart into pieces, she felt something else at the bottom of the box. When she saw the stunning necklace, she couldn't help but let her tears fall. She turned to look at Lilly, cupping her face in her hands. "Lilly, this is beautiful... So beautiful, sweetie! You must have worked so hard to put this together, and I can't wait to read every single one of them. And the necklace is stunning, Lils! You didn't have to get me that, you're too much angel... But I absolutely love it; all of it! Thank you so much, baby doll. I love you," She pressed her lips softly onto Lilly's in a tenderly loving kiss.
Lilly smiled cheerfully as she reached her hand up to wipe Miley's tears. She didn't think the singer would like her gift as much as she had, but when she saw the look on her face after she opened the gift, she knew she had truly loved it. "I know it's not much, Miles... But I started writing poems and songs about how amazing you were when I first started to like you. And when I was stuck in the hospital, it gave me something to do rather than staring off into space. I would spend countless hours just writing about you and how much your music meant to me. Blah, blah, blah, pretty much what any fangirl would do. I even wrote letters to you, stating how much I admired you and how inspirational you were to me. Of course I never sent them, because I figured you would never get them; or if you had I thought you'd just throw them out and think I'm just some stupid obsessed fan. So anyway I decided to make a journal dedicated to you and I think I was either twelve or thirteen when I started writing in it and continued up until now. And the necklace was given to me by mother when I was first diagnosed with cancer... she said if I ever felt weak or didn't think I could handle anymore of the pain that I just needed to put this necklace on and it would make everything go away. It had my mom's love inside so I knew it was true, and it did help me through a lot of the pain. But now that I've met you and we've become so close, I want you to have it because you're the one who helps me through everything...And the necklace belongs to you. I love you so much, Miley. Thank you for loving me and seeing past my disease. Not many people have done that."
Miley couldn't think of how to respond to her Lilly's touching words. All she could do at that moment was pull her into the tightest embrace possible and hold her as close as she could have her. Gently, she took Lilly's head and laid it onto her chest while peering down into her eyes with compassion. "Oh Lilly...honey, this is more than enough!" The singer gushed as she stroked her lover's cheeks lovingly. "You are the sweetest little thing in the world, and I absolutely love what you made for me. That's the most precious thing anyone has ever done for me, Lil. And I will cherrish this beautiful journal forever. Excuse my language for a second, Lil...but you are so fucking sweet! I mean I can't even describe how sweet you are. Seriously Lil, you're too sweet. And you thought I'd throw away letters from you? Awww Lilly I would never do that! Especially if it was from you. You're my precious sweetheart; I would have cherrished anything you sent to me...even if I didn't know you then." She spoke warmly, holding her close as she gave a soft kiss to her head. "This necklace is gorgeous, Lilly love. You're too sweet for wanting to give it to me...That really, really makes my heart melt. Oh Lilly, I just wanna hold you forever...You're such a little sweetie! My sweetie. I love you more than anyone in the whole world, baby." She pulled Lilly up, cradling her in her arms, and took her upstairs. She figured it would be best they go upstairs and have some alone time, before they scarred the whole family with their little love-fest.
Ruby watched the two observantly, then looked over at Robbie with a smile. "Well, it seems those two really are in love with each other. Haven't seen such passionate love like that since you and Noelle." She gave him a soft pat on the shoulder as she knew how hard it had been on him to lose such a wonderful person. And God only knew how much she missed her daughter... Life was never the same after her death.
"Oh, believe me, they sure are." Robbie stated, smiling brightly. "And I'm beyond happy for the two of them. They make each other happy and they deserve to be together. I've never seen my little girl so happy as she is with Lilly. And Lilly, she definitely deserves the happiness Mile gives her. That poor child has gone through hell several times in her life. And I know the two of em' will take good care of each other."
Miley gently placed Lilly in the bed as she lay down beside her, smiling softly at her. She pulled the girl closer to her so that their faces were only inches a part and placed her hands on either side of her cheeks. "Lilly, sweetheart; I love you so much." Her voice was soft and loving as she ran her hand tenderly across her cheek. "I love you so, so much, pretty girl. How does cuddling in my arms, for the next hour or two, sound to you? After the sweet, touching things you've said to me, I just need to hold you and love on you for the next several hours. Regardless of your answer, I'm not letting you out of my arms sweetie. You need to be held by Miley. Forever." She whispered into her ear, kissing her warmly on the lips before putting Lilly's head onto her chest.
The blonde couldn't say no that; she loved how safe and loved she felt when Miley held her. That was the best feeling in the world to her and she would take that chance whenever she could. "That doesn't sound too bad, Miles. I love being in your arms...it's just so relaxing and calming to have your arms around me. You make me feel safe. I love you too, Miley." She smiled, snuggling closer into the brunette's warm embrace. There surely wasn't anything she loved more than to be in the arms of the woman she loved more than anyone.
"Awww," Miley cooed softly, pressing a gentle kiss atop Lilly's bare head. "You know I'll always hold you, sweetie. I love to hold you, gives me pleasure to know that I can always find a way to comfort you and help you through your pain. Besides holding you is as much as relaxing and calming for me as it is for you. There's not a thing I love more than to hold my precious little sweetie in my arms. Love you tons, baby doll. Can't say it enough!" She smiled warmly down at her precious lover, caressing her cheeks in a loving manner.
A glowing smile spread across Lilly's face as she peered up into the green eyes watching over her. She reached down for one of Miley's hands, holding it comfortingly in her own. "I love you too, Miley. Forever; even when I'm dead and gone, I'll still love you." She softly whispered, pressing her lips to Miley's cheek.
As Christmas day went on, Lilly felt herself begin to miss her parents. She'd never celebrated a single holiday without them there with her and today turned to be a lot harder than she thought. And for her younger sister, she couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like for her. Lilly sat alone in the living room, while Miley spent some time with her grandma, thinking of her parents. She thought of how they would have been there with them, enjoying a wonderful Christmas together...not in a hospital for once.
The longer she sat there and thought about it, the closer she was to having tears in her eyes. All she wanted was for her parents to come back, and to have a nice holiday with them. She knew they would have enjoyed celebrating with Miley's family; they really took a liking to her dad. Shaking her head sadly, Lilly tried to hold in her tears. The last thing she wanted was to start crying and have Miley come in to see that.
Fortunately, she didn't have to worry about anyone else coming in the room while she mourned for her parents. Robbie had taken her sister and Luanne on a tour of the property; he offered to take Lilly as well but she rather have some time to herself. But then as she sat there with thoughts and memories of her parents, she regretted her decision. "I really miss you, mom and dad," she whispered, tears brimming her eyelids. "We finally got the chance to have a really nice Christmas where I wouldn't be trapped in a hospital...and-and you two aren't even here to enjoy it. How unfair is that?" Her voice was hoarse and tears fell freely from her eyes as she looked straight ahead. It really wasn't fair that her mother and father weren't there to celebrate the holidays.
Miley enjoyed a nice conversation with her Grandma Ruby as they shared a pot of coffee together. It had been great to finally see her again and catch up. Especially because she reminded her so much of her mother. Ruby was just an older version of Noelle; they looked nearly identical with dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. She smiled over at the loving grandmother as she reached to take a sip of her coffee. "I'm so glad to be back here, gram. I've missed you so much, and I know it's hard on you as well without momma here. Christmas was her favorite time of the year...she spent all her time baking cookies and pies while singing along to all the Christmas carols." The two shared a loving embrace and then Miley took their empty mugs to the sink.
As she was about to sit back down, she could hear soft sniffling and talking coming from the living room. Immediately she realized it was Lilly and hurriedly made her way in there. She heard the girl crying out for her parents, which just about ripped out her heart. "Lilly," Miley whispered softly, taking a seat beside her as she pulled her close, "Awww sweetie, it's gonna be okay." She felt Lilly try to pull away from her but she held her tighter, pressing a comforting kiss to her head. "Honey, let me comfort you. I know how hard it is to go through your first Christmas without your parents. It's gonna be okay, though, Lil. And it will get easier; you just need to give it time and let me help you through it. How about I make us a kettle of tea and we snuggle up out on the porch? I think that might help you feel better. Sound good, baby doll?"
Lilly tearfully nodded into Miley's neck, "I l-love you." She held onto the singer's neck pretty tight, not wanting her to let go. "I love you..."
"Awww babe, I love you too." Miley whispered against her love's ear, kissing her comfortingly on the lips. She wrapped her arms securely around Lilly's waist as she gently led her to the back porch. "It's gonna be okay, angel. Sit down and relax, I'll be right back with some tea and a warm blanket." She could see the fear and darkness in Lilly's eyes which made her heart break. "Sweetheart, there's nothing to be afraid of...I'll be back in just a second and then I promise you can snuggle up to me. Okay? I won't be long, I promise sweetie." She tenderly squeezed Lilly close to her, kissing her softly on the head before hurrying in the house.
About five minutes later, Miley came back out with a blanket draped over shoulder and two steaming cups of hot tea. She place the cups on the side table near her and sat beside Lilly, pulling her onto her lap and wrapping the blanket around them. The blonde immediately held onto her neck as tight as she could while tears fell from her eyes. Her actions started to cause a bit of concern to build up in Miley, holding her as tight as she could. "Baby, what's the matter? You seem to be really clingy. Somethin' bothering you, my sweetie?" She kept her voice gentle, looking into her angel's eyes with love.
Lilly refused to answer, only holding onto her tighter as more tears dripped down her face. She weakly peered into the concerned green eyes watching her, with sorrow. "I-I just I need you, M-Miley...and-and I love you..." Her body started to slightly tremble as sobs escaped her in vexatious swarms.
"I'm right here, sweetie pie; I'm right here. I won't leave you, Lilly. Why are you so upset, baby girl? Please talk to me, angel, you have me really worried." Miley questioned, overly concerned and worried for her lover. She kept her arms securely wrapped around her, laying Lilly's head carefully onto her chest. "You have got to calm down, precious. You're gonna make yourself sick... You're safe, Lilly; I've got you and I will not let you go. I promise you that, my sweet angel. Close your eyes and relax. Please just relax, darlin'. The more upset you get, the worse you feel. So please, please try to calm down. Talk to me, tell me what I can do to make you feel better. I wanna help you sweetie!"
There was no response from Lilly, she only got worse. Her body start to shake really hard as she screamed out in agony. Pain began to shoot through her head causing her to hold on even tighter to Miley. Tears flung from her eyes and fell down to land on the singer's neck. She looked up at her, pain deeply evident in her eyes. "It-It h-h-hurts, M-M-Miley. It h-hurts b-bad." She cried out, sobbing into her lover's chest.
Hearing and seeing how much pain her poor Lilly was in brought a bout full of tears to her own eyes. She gently rocked them back and forth, pressing soothing kisses all over the smaller girl's head. "What hurts, baby?! Is it your head?" When she got a tiny nod, Miley gently took a hold of the other's head and held it against her chest while pressing soft, gentle kisses all around it. "Shhhh, shhhh. I've got you, sweetheart. It's gonna be okay, I'll be right here to help you through this awful, agonizing pain you're in. Does it feel any better when I hold your head on my chest? Maybe closing your eyes might help, too." She soothed as softly as she could into Lilly's ear. She saw that the other had nodded to her question, so she kept her hold on her head. "Close your eyes sweetie, and try to sleep. I think sleeping in my arms might be the only way to soothe you and make you feel better right now. I won't leave you, I'll hold you forever if I need to. Anything to take you out of this misery you're in... You poor baby! But I bet after a few hours of sleep and nice cuddle in my arms you'll feel a lot better. Shhh, close your precious eyes and rest. I love you so much, sweetheart. I promise you'll be okay, angel." She pulled the girl closer to her as she continued to hold her head against her softly-beating chest. Miley would hold her for eternity if it would take all of Lilly's pain away. It pained her more than anything to see the woman she loved suffer.