a/n: thank you so much for helping me reach 300 reviews! :) 15 – 18 reviews for the next one. :D
Chapter Twenty One ; Moment Of Truth
N I C K : We stared at Liam as he pointed the pistol. Miley's body stiffened beside me. We were so close to getting out and I was so close to saving her. I don't even know what Liam wanted from her. He was my best friend and I knew him better than anyone else. He was never this crazy in love and I mean literally. He never went this far – kidnapping a girl and all and what was this even about? This was an all time low for Liam. He wasn't like this and I didn't know him anymore. Liam and I were so much alike when we were best friends. But right now, it's like I don't know him anymore.
"Nobody move," Liam whispered, glaring at me. He took steps toward Miley, still pointing the pistol at us. He grabbed Miley's wrist forcefully and went back to the same spot he was earlier. Miley shot me a nervous and scared look giving me some sort of adrenaline rush.
"Let go of her," I ordered, taking a step forward. "Dude, what happened to you? I don't even know you anymore. You're not Liam. The funny, obnoxious friend I used to know. Right now, it's like I'm talking to a stranger. You let yourself become like this just because your heart broke? Face it, Liam. That's immature."
"Don't tell me what to do, Grey. I thought we were friends. I guess I was wrong. You're getting married, Nick! To Rachel, in case you forgot! You can't have two! You chose Rachel by asking her to marry you. Now you don't have the right to take Miley away from me. It's not my fault I broke a promise to a person I love – like waiting. Something so simple yet you managed to break that. That's a real keeper, Miley." Liam glared at me, still holding Miley as she struggled to break free from his grip. A tear slid down her cheeks, quickly wiping it away with her other free hand. My heart broke, knowing Miley believed him because it was true. It was something so simple yet I managed to break it. The truth was, she didn't deserve me. And Liam doesn't deserve her. "You know it's true, Miley. Right?" he smirked.
"I know I am! That's why I'm getting married in a couple of days! Did I back out? No I didn't! Because I love Rachel! But I still have the damn right to take Miley away from you! She doesn't want to be here! She doesn't want to be with you and she thinks you're a total psycho! It's not my fault either that Miley doesn't love you. But don't you drag the past here. It's all over and I don't give a shit. After this shit is over, I'm walking down that aisle but I never regret what Miley and I regret and I'm sure she doesn't either," I said, all in one breath. Miley looked away, tears rolling down her cheeks. I glanced at her, knowing she was in so much pain right now and I didn't have to rub the fact in her face that I was getting married to Rachel. I didn't expect an answer anymore.
"Do you even wanna know why Miley wants to leave California and live in New York? The reason was you. She doesn't want to see you or talk to you or be with you anymore. But if she's with me, she'll forget about you completely. And I know you wouldn't give a damn because you're married and you're with Rachel. Am I right Nick? You won't care about Miley because you chose Rachel." Liam smirked, glancing at Miley.
"That's not true," I shook my head, glaring at him. "That doesn't mean I don't care about her. That's why I'm here. That's why I'm risking my life right now for her! Because I don't just care about her, I love her and I never stopped," I said. Miley glanced up at me, her eyes shining from the tears. She looked so helpless and trapped in Liam's grip and I wanted to grab her and pull her into mine.
"No you don't." Liam scoffed. "You would've cancelled the wedding the moment you saw Miley. But no, you were too scared to hurt Rachel. Right, Nick?!" he said making me wanna beat him up. The pistol was still in his hand, directing at us.
"Will you stop?!" Miley interrupted. "This is fucking stupid!"
"Shut up," Liam said, tightening her grip on Miley's wrist making her cringe. "Now I suggest you two leave before I shoot both of you. Nice to see you, Emily." he smirked. No, I wasn't leaving Miley in Liam's hands. He could kill her in a snap. I did a quick thinking, planning to grab Miley and run like hell before he starts shooting.
"You're fucking crazy, Liam." Emily said.
"I swear, I'll shoot you," Liam glared at her making her take a step backward, her body stiffening. "Leave! Miley and I have some bonding to do. Leave or I'll shoot you both!" he warned. Miley struggled to get out of Liam's grip, her wrist turning red from his hand. Then, I thought I had to do this.
I charged, balling my hand into fists, pressing it against Liam's cheek and stomach. He didn't even have time to think. I grabbed Miley quickly as he lied down the ground. He quickly grabbed his pistol and started shooting as we ran out of the backyard. Liam quickly followed, still shooting though he can't seem to target us. He pressed the trigger, a bullet zooming out of the pistol, almost hitting Miley, I quickly pulled her away. Her face was filled with horror, worry and nervousness. Emily was right beside me, her face filled with the same emotions. I was charged with adrenaline rush and I couldn't think. I was panicking and panting, not sure where to go next,
I wasn't sure and I have no clue where I was taking Miley but I didn't care. All I cared about was to get her out of Liam's house and that she was safe. I didn't care if we had to spend the night in the woods as long as she was in my arms. Rachel was probably wondering where I was right now and she was probably awake. My phone vibrated, Rachel or Kevin was calling. I ignored the ringing as we heard sirens from the distance making all three of us stop. Liam stopped also, pointing the pistol back at us. The police was coming. How could've they possible knew that we were in need of help right now?
"I'll shoot you, damn it!" Liam shouted. I held Miley in my arms tightly as I watched him place his finger on top of the trigger. Just as he was about to press it, the police finally came, pointing guns at him.
"Drop the pistol, sir." an officer said as I felt Miley bury her face in my chest, not wanting to see the scene that was unfolding in front of her. Liam obeyed slowly, putting the pistol down the ground. "Put your hands up." the officer commanded and Liam followed again, raising his hands in surrender as he continued to glare at me.
Cops walked towards him, putting handcuffs on his hands as he got shoved inside the police car. An officer walked towards us, a clipboard and siren on his hand. He wore a serious and tired look on his face. "Sir, we're going to need to know what happened here." he said, looking at Miley and Emily then to me.
"Miley got kidnapped last night, officer. I knew Liam kidnapped her because he once threatened me about it. We came to save her and Liam had a pistol, using it as a threat to make us leave. Keep him locked in for a long time, officer please." I explained as Miley finally looked up at him.
"You are 'Miley'?" the officer asked Miley and she nodded. "Don't worry, Mr.?"
"Grey." I answered.
"Don't worry Mr. Grey. We'll keep him locked in. If you want to, you can file a case against him and take it to the court. This is serious, Mr. Grey. It would be best if you did. Until you decide, he's going to be locked in." he said as he jotted down notes on his clipboard, the sirens overpowering his voice a little.
"Yes, um. We'd decide later. I need to take them home first," I answered, nodding. "Thank you, Officer Keith." I said as I read his name tag. He nodded before walking back to the police car and got inside the driver's seat. We watched as the two police cars raced back to the police station and one question bothered me. How could they know we needed help right now and right here? "Hey, Em? Aren't you wondering how the police got here?" I asked her.
"I texted Oliver to call 911 and send them here." Emily managed to smile at me. "You're certainly most welcome." she giggled. "Oliver's supposed to be here right now. I wonder where he could be..."
"Em, that was genius! Liam didn't even notice you since he was caught up with out argument. Thank you, Em." I smiled at her, giving her a hug. A car stopped in front of us and I knew exactly who it was. It was Oliver.
"Em!" he said, jumping off the car and wrapping Emily in his arms. "I was worried sick about you. Are you okay? I'm sorry I was late. I was caught in a traffic jam. Did he hurt you guys?" Oliver asked, glancing at me.
"No, he didn't. Nick managed to punch him and grab Miley so we could finally escape." Emily answered. "I'm so glad you read the text message. Thank you so much. I love you, Oliver." she whispered, hugging him again as she got on her toes. "You don't know how glad I am to see you right now."
"I love you too, Em." Oliver whispered as he tightened his hug.
I smiled, looking at Miley. She smiled back, weakly before throwing her arms around me, giving me a hug. "Thank you. If it wasn't for you, I'd still be there right now and Liam wouldn't be arrested right now. Thank you so much." she said.
"It's no problem, Mi." I whispered in her ear, kissing her head. "Let's get you home." she nodded quickly as we turned to Emily and Oliver. "Hey, Emily, Oliver. We're going to get going. Thanks for your help, dude." I smiled at him, giving him a quick knuckle touch. "Thank you for coming with me also, Em. It means a lot." I said.
"No problem, Nick. It's Miley we're talking about here." Emily said as she walked over Miley and gave her a hug. "I was so worried about you, too. I thought Liam raped you already or something." she shivered.
"No, he didn't." Miley chuckled, softly. "Thank you, Em. I'll see you guys around," she smiled as we made our way to the corner of the block here the mustang was parked. I opened the door and let Miley in before I did. She leaned her head against the window, closing her eyes. I smiled before sliding the key into the ignition making the car roar to life.
"Miles?" I said, glancing at her and turning my eyes back on the road. She was asleep. The horror and nervous look on her face faded and it was replaced with tiredness and content. I never regretted saving her even though it almost cost me my life. I always knew that Miley was worth it. She always was. I sighed, knowing I was getting ready in a couple of days. Liam's sentences continued to ring in my head. He was right. I was unfair. Everybody kept saying I should pick already between Rachel and Miley but I always knew the answer was clear. She was always with me, she always made my day and she was the only one that has the laugh I have always loved. I glanced at Miley again, her face making me at ease. Whenever I looked at her, I was at peace and I was home.
Before I knew it, we reached her apartment. I turned off the ignition, looking at Miley. I watched her chest rise and fall as she breathed in and out. Her hair was messy and went up in every direction but she still managed to look beautiful and breath-taking. I brought my hand up to her face, carressing it as I smiled. "Miles. We're here." I said as I shook her hand slightly, not wanting to scare her. Her eyes opened and she smiled at me before rubbing her eyes.
"We're here?" she asked, still confused from the nap she just took.
"Yes." I chuckled. I studied her face and her wrist, the redness from Liam's grip still not fading. "Are you okay?" I asked, concered about Miley.
"Yeah. I'm just tired," she said, nodding. "Will you come in? Please? I really need company right now. But, Rachel's at the hospital. If you don't want to it's okay. I mean, Rachel's more important 'cause she's sick and all. It's okay, I really don't mi–"
"I'd love to come in." I smiled at her. We got out of the car, walking towards her apartment. Miley walked inside the living room and I immediately followed. She flopped down the couch, grabbing a pillow as she glanced at me, patting the empty space next to her. I smiled, sitting down beside her. "Are you sure you're okay? You want me to get anything for you?" I asked, wrapping my arm around her waist.
"No, thank you. Just stay here. That's all I need you to do," Miley said, resting her head on my chest as she wrapped one arm around my torso. I smiled as I kissed her on the forehead. "Nick?" she whispered, looking up at me.
"Yes, Miles?" I asked as I looked down at her.
"Thank you again," she smiled weakly. "I just need to ask one question... how'd you know I was kidnapped by Liam?" she asked. I froze. I couldn't just tell her that Liam warned me not to tell you or else he'd harm Rachel. It was like telling her Rachel was more important than her and she might think I was being unfair. She deserved protection also. I sighed, inwardly , knowing there was no other way to explain this.
"Liam threatened me about this. I overheard him talking on the phone to somebody about his plan and I warned him not to and I was going to tell you this. He said if I did warn you, he would know and he'd harm Rachel. I didn't want Rachel to get into this so I decided to keep quiet but stay with you all the time to make sure he wouldn't lay a finger on you. I'm sorry, Mi. I didn't know what else to do at that time." I sighed as I watched Miley glance down the floor. I instantly knew she was disapponted at my decision.
"It's alright, Nick." Miley sighed. "I'm safe now anyway. I just wanna tell you how much what you did meant to me. Nobody else could do that for me. You do realize that your life was on the line at the very moment you entered the house, right?" she giggled softly.
"Yes, I'm aware." I chuckled. "You were the reason I didn't care that my life was in danger. All I could think about earlier was to get you out and make sure you were safe." I said, smiling.
"I was?" she beamed, smiling. "Thank you, Nick. Again." Miley leaned up, kissing my cheek, softly and leaned her head back down my chest, closing her eyes. I smiled, kissing her on the head, pulling her closer to me.
"I love you, Miley." I whispered, sighing. I looked at her, one last time before closing my eyes and dozing off to sleep. I've never felt so at peace, knowing Miley wasn't in trouble anymore and that she was safe. She was more than that. She was in my arms as I held her close and right now, I know, no one could harm her. I'd always be his 'knight in shining armor', she would always say. But not for long. I was going to be a husband to Rachel and we were going to start a family again. I sighed, even in my sleep I knew that my hopes of being with Miley forever was now gone.
If only I waited...
xxx
Rachel was finally better and got released earlier. We were now back in the house as she sat on the couch, watching TV. I sat down beside her, smiling . I held her hand as she smiled back at me. We were getting married. That was probably what she was also thinking right now. She was going to be a part of the Grey family. Mom always expected that it wa s going to be Miley. Even Kevin and Joe were kind of disapponted when they learned Rachel was going to be my bride and not Miley. I sighed, even I was disapponted right now. But I still loved Rachel. I always will.
"You feeling better?" I asked as she lowered the volume down so we could hear each other better. "It was about time you got released." I chuckled.
"Yes, I am." she smiled. "Yeah, I was getting bored at the hospital. You know, we should do something. You know, go out to dinner or something," she suggested.
"That sounds perfect." I smiled, kissing her on the forehead. "Listen, Rach. I gotta tell you something because I wanna be honest with you." I said.
"What is it?"
"When I left you a note yesterday that said I was going grocery shopping, I meant saving Miley. Liam kidnapped her and I was the only one who knew. Emily and I went over and rescued her. We almost got killed but Emily called the police so we were saved before he could even press the trigger. I'm alright, Rach. I just wanted to make sure Miley was safe and she is now," I said as I watched Rachel's expression turn into shock.
"You almost got killed?! Nick! You never should've went there! Don't you realize we're getting married in days? What if something happened to you there?! God, Nick." Rachel said, running a hand through her brunette hair. I sighed, knowing this was another discussion.
"I wanted to save Miley, okay? I'm okay now, am I? So there's nothing to worry about anymore. I'm safe and I'm here right now. It won't happen again," I said, sighing.
"Well, it shouldn't." she said. "W-Why did Liam kidnap Miley?"
"I don't know. He just wants her," I answered as I noticed Rachel grow uncomfortable. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" I asked as I watch her shift in her seat, uncomfotably. I looked at her, concerned about what she was feeling.
"I'm o-okay." she answered. There was a long pause. Rachel was struggling for words to say. She was never like this. Maybe it was because of her health condition right now since she was just released earlier. "Nick," she finally broke the silence. "I can't take it anymore. I know you're honest with me and you trust me to be too and guilt is eating me. I just wanna tell you something." Rachel said, tears rolling down her cheeks making me panic.
"W-Why? What's wrong, Rach?"
"Please don't hate me," she whispered, closing her eyes.
"What is it?"
"I don't know how to tell you this. I'm struggling for words, Nick. The baby I just lost... y-you weren't the father," she sobbed, choking out the words. "It was... Liam's." Rachel cried, grabbing my hands. "I'm truly sorry, Nick. I know you loved that baby. I-I was just afraid..." she whispered, tears cascading down her cheeks.
My world started spinning as I started to wonder if I heard it right. The baby wasn't mine? How could Rachel do this to me?! It was Liam's. Liam's! Yes, I loved that baby because I thought it was mine! I thought I was a father! She deceived me and my heart broke again, I stood up, not knowing what do next as I kicked a lamp, knocking it down making Rachel cry harder. Why was everything going wrong?! How could she do this?! She was Rachel and she couldn't just do that! I punched the wall, my knuckles turning red from the force.
"How could you do this to me?!" I screamed at her, smacking the wall over and over again. "I trusted you! I loved you! How could you do this, Rachel?! How could you lie?!"
"I'm so sorry, Nick." Rachel sobbed, trying to stop me from punching the wall. "I didn't want to hurt you, I'm so so sorry. I was wrong. That night was a mistake! We were both drunk." she cried, covering her mouth with both of her hands.
"Damn it, Rachel! Damn it!" I cried, throwing everything I touched. Tears rolled down my cheek, knowing all she did and all the love she showed wasn't sincere and wasn't true. I wanted to die. I wanted to give up. I wanted to escape. Rachel. She caused me all of this pain. "I thought... I thought..." I whispered, running a hand through my hair, tugging at it forcefully.
"I'm sorry, Nick." Rachel whispered over and over again.
"The wedding's off, Rachel." I managed to say before grabbing my keys and jacket, her expression turning into shock and sadness. I walked to the door, opening it and slamming it behind me. And then I knew, Miley was my light and hope through all of this...
a/n: the ending's sooo close. The next chapter might be the ending. I'll be writing an epilogue also! :D so how was it? I tried my best not to make you guys imagine the scene from Glee. But it wasn't, right? :) haha. 15 – 18 reviews for the next one. :D