The Perfect Boyfriend
Chapter Thirty-Four
Disclaimer: I own nothing.

When it comes to the end of a rough day,
Just keep reminding her that it's all going up.

The next day came a little faster than either daughter was anticipating, but they knew that this was going to help them to become the family that they were before… minus their father. But once the sunshine had completely risen in the blue sky and Miley, Brandi, Nick and Tish were all wide awake, a lady walked into the hospital room, one that they'd never saw before.

"Hello, my name is Lucille, I work at the rehab facility that your mother will be attending," she smiles brightly, looking like a former crack whore herself. Or maybe, she was just really happy. "We're ready to go anytime that you are Ms. Tish," she says, looking at the mother. Tish nods her head.

"I'm ready," she announces, not hesitating and not wanting to stay here any longer, afraid that she would change her mind and right now she wanted her kids to be proud of her. But that was just at this moment, this is what Miley liked to a call a 'Normal Moment' because her mom was thinking just like she did before. But those moments didn't seem to last long enough, and then Tish would be complaining about Miley and why she didn't think she needed any person to try and tell her she had a problem, when clearly she did not. But, clearly, she did. And you could tell just by looking at her.

"That's great, I'll have Dr. Paul come up and get your discharge papers all ready," she says, exiting back out of the room. The room suddenly turned quiet, just like it was before Lucille and came in the room. But it was okay; all of them enjoyed the silence while it was there, because silence didn't come to the hospital room very often.

Miley stuck her hand out her hand just a little bit, then wrapping her small fingers around Nick's when she feels his hand touch hers. She grips his hand, looking up at him with a small smile on her face. The first time she felt better about her new 'life change' was when she got out of working at the strip club and as soon as she knew her mother was safe in the hands of rehab, she would feel even better. She would be one step closer to piecing her family back together. With the help of Brandi and Nick, of course.

"I'm back," Lucille sing-songed, walking back into the room, but this time she had another person tagging along, Dr. Paul who had a few papers clipped onto a wooden clipboard. He swiftly took a pen out of his lab coat pocket and signed a couple things.

"It was a pleasure meeting you Tish, I'm gladdened inside to know that you will be in good hands with Lucille here and that you will be much happier, I assure you, afterwards," he smiles at Tish and she slightly smiles back. She wasn't used to the smiling part again. But, she was going to get used to it.

"Thanks," she said. Miley couldn't help but think what a relief it was to see her mother completely sober and acting like her real self again. Nick's hand released from Miley's and wrapped around her waist, placing his lips on her forehead for a few seconds. Miley breathed in deeply and then released the air. She turned in toward Nick, wrapping her own arms around his body and snuggling into his chest.

"Okay then, let's get this show on the road," Lucille said, smiling from ear to ear. IV's were taken from Tish's arm and she was finally able to get up out of the hospital bed. She changed into a decent pair of clothes and Lucille took her hand, assuring her that she was going to be her new best friend.

Tish and Lucille walked out first, still hand in hand. Brandi followed them and Nick and Miley took up the rear, their arms still wrapped around the others body. It was a line, a straight line. The one that your kindergarten teacher always begged you for, they were walking in complete unison down the hallway. This was the moment that everyone needed the most. No more alcoholic mother getting angry at her kids for no reason, no more drugs and unwanted men in their house. This was it.

It took three minutes for the group to reach the front of the hallway. Only three minutes. Now, it was the ultimate time to say goodbye and even though Miley and Brandi wanted this most for the mother, this was going to be the hardest part. Goodbye is always the part that everyone dreads and wishes they could skip. But, it has to happen; the moment of goodbye is inevitable.

Tish turns around, letting Lucille's hand fall from her own and looks at her daughters. It's become obvious to her in the past couple days that she's been very rude to Miley and she can't hold her gaze at her for very long. Instead, she looks toward Brandi. Brandi smiles at her mother, walking close to her and enveloping her into a tight embrace. "I'm going to miss you mommy," she whispers, grasping the cloth of her mother's t-shirt in her hands.

"I'm going to miss you too baby doll, but once I come back, I'll be a much better mommy," she says, stepping away from Brandi. Brandi nods, stepping away from her mother as well. The distance became farther from the two. Nick stepped away from Miley, leaving just the two of them there.

Miley hesitantly took a step forward, closing the space between them slowly. Tish bit down on her lip, taking a step toward Miley. Finally, the gap was no longer there and Miley wrapped her arms around her mother.

"I know I've been a really bad mother to you here lately Miley, and I'm sorry for all the hurtful words. I didn't mean any of it. I love you, you are my daughter and I did want you. And no matter what I always will. You weren't a mistake; you're one of the best things that has happened to me. And I'm going to miss you," Tish says. Tears cloud up in Miley's eyes.

"Thank you Mommy, for everything. Thanks for doing this, I know it's hard for you and stuff but I'm glad that you made the right decision. I'm glad you're making an effort. I love you," Miley cries, tightening her grip around her mom.

They hug. Like they used to what seems like forever ago. They're finally fixing everything. This is it.

"I'll see you all in no time," Tish says, pulling away from their embrace and walking to the door with Lucille. "I love you guys and this is only goodbye for a short period of time, don't forget that," Tish says, winking at her daughters. Then they walk out the door, Lucille guiding Tish to her car. Lucille had decided to provide the transportation herself since she wanted the goodbyes to be less hard. This was easiest, not having to drive Tish to her 'new home'. It was better.

It didn't take long, much less than those three minutes it took to walk to the door. More like thirty seconds. Thirty seconds and the two were in the car, the engine was turned on and the car had taken off. Thirty seconds and life was moving on, steps were being made. They may be baby steps, but they're steps and that's all that matters.

"Everything's going up," Nick whispers into Miley's ear, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. Miley smiles, everything is going up.

A/n: Well, Tish is officially gone; and this chapter is pretty boring. I promise next chapter is gonna be better :) i've got the idea thought up, I've just got to get it out.
Review, and all that good stuff. :)