Chapter Ten- Epilogue

10 months later…

Jake couldn't help but laugh as Miley ran back and forth from her dressing room to his place on the couch outside the door, constantly asking his opinion of things. He smiled warmly, telling her for the millionth time that night that she looked beautiful and to just relax for the next few minutes before going on stage. She sighed in defeat and sat down beside him, laying her head on his shoulder. Jake simply sat there and enjoyed the moment. Ever since Miley was released from the hospital almost a year ago, Jake had spent as much time with his girlfriend as possible. Yep, you heard right, his girlfriend. Miley and Jake were finally dating. Near-death experiences have a tendency to put your life in proper perspective. Like the things that are most important to you, and for him that was Miley and every second he got to spend with her.

She looked up at him when she realized he hadn't said anything in the past few minutes, "What are you thinking about?"

Jake looked down at her, she noticed a slight hint of pain in his eyes, and she could easily guess what memory was plaguing his mind right now. She sat up and looked him square in the eyes, "Jake, there was nothing you could have done to prevent that. So stop beating yourself up about it!"

He winced slightly, but nodded his head slowly."I know, it just hard to get that picture out of my head, you in the hospital, hurt. And nothing I could do to stop your pain. If I had lost you…"

Miley leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "That doesn't matter now, we're here, together, and nothing will ever change that." She noticed he was still lingering on that memory and she sighed in frustration, "I swear Jake if you do not get your head out of the past and into the present I will knock you into next week!"

He stopped suddenly and burst out laughing, taking Miley off-guard. "And what, might I ask, is so funny?" She asked, smothering his laughter with the pillow next to her.

He pushed the pillow from his face, a small smile playing on his lips, "Oh nothing, I was just trying to picture you throwing me across the room."

Miley rolled her eyes and looked up at the clock on the wall. Ten minutes till show-time. Jake noticed this as well and stood up, offering his hand to her. She took it, of course.

"You need to go get your sound-stuff on; I'll be waiting backstage for you when you come off."

She smiled and nodded her head, "Ok…and and Jake, please don't try to help the sound guy anymore."

He looked at her with mock-horror on his face, "I was only trying to help! It wasn't that bad…"

Miley laughed, thinking back on the incident. She had glanced backstage one time to see a security guy tackle Jake after he almost accidently turned off the main power system. The sound guy had asked Jake for a glass of water and somehow Jake had heard something along the lines of 'turn off the power.' The security guy had stopped him just in time before he caused a black-out in the stadium.

"I know you were, but just stick to being my boyfriend for now and not an electrician."

He huffed playfully before leaning in and kissing her on the forehead, the same tender touch he had shown that night at the hospital. "Break a leg."

She pretended to but offended by the statement and he realized that was a poor choice of words considering she had finally gotten over rehab on her leg. He began to apologize before Miley grinned sweetly, "I know what you mean, thanks."

The stage manager came around and motioned for her to run on the stage in a minute. She nodded and turned around, hugging Jake, before she did one last hair and makeup check. Blonde wig securely in place, she counted down the minute and then threw a smile at Jake before jogging onto the stage, her fans screaming in excitement.

Jake smiled as he watched her perform. She loved her job, although he wasn't sure if it should be classified as a job considering she enjoyed it so much. She had the perfect personality for performing, she was personable, sweet, funny, outgoing, beautiful…and he loved her for those qualities and so much more. He still had yet to figure out why she chose to love him back; it was a mystery to him. But that was okay; he liked mysteries, especially the cute blonde one dancing around the stage at the moment. She turned for a second and winked at him and he laughed, he was going to have fun trying to figure her out for however long she allowed him to. The fear lingered in the back of his mind that she would eventually lose interest, find a better guy…but if not…well, let's just say he had been to Tiffany's recently and was curious of some prices on a few special rings.

In a few years if she still loved him the way he loved her….who knows? He might just be able to marry that mystery one day and spend the rest of his life questioning her on why she loved him so much.

Maybe in a few years…

…He reached down and felt the small velvet box in his pocket…

…maybe sooner…

Who knows?

A/N- It's finished!!!!!!!! And yes, I know I am evil for taking forever, as in months, to update, but I've had some medical issues recently. Nothing too serious, just my knee being retarded and wanting to have a surgery, so that's why I've taken so long. And YES! I left this story at a cliff hanger for one reason: SEQUEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure how it will turn out yet, but I've been toying with a few ideas so I'll post a note on this story if I ever post a sequel. Thanks so much for reading, hope you enjoyed it!

~Julz aka Herokari