Disclaimer: I do not own Hannah Montana. But I will soon…When I fulfill my dream of world dominance!...I think.
Chapter 3: Never Let You Go
The last few days have been rough for Miley. Her new goal in life was avoiding Jake, and even admits it herself that she was doing a good job at it; considering he was everywhere she went. Miley did find that a little creepy, but figured her friends had something to do with it.
Press had gotten a hold of the whole Jake and Mikayla gig. Jake announced on Good-Morning Malibu that he and Mikayla were just friends. He stated that he only took her to the concert to prove that Hannah's concerts weren't as bad as she said they were. Miley, however, didn't believe a word he said. Lilly was surprised when she heard that. I mean, Jake told the whole nation that there was nothing going on between him and Mikayla, why didn't Miley believe it?
"He has to say that," she explained when Lilly asked why. "I mean, get real, the whole world knows how close he and Hannah are. The world also knows how much Hannah and Mikayla hate each other; him admitting he's going out with Mikayla would only show the world how horrible of a person he really is. It would ruin his reputation, and he doesn't want that."
Lilly was shocked to say the least. She and Oliver had comforted Jake when Hannah barged out on him that night. Of course she wouldn't ever tell Miley that, and she made Oliver swear he wouldn't either. Miley would blow, and Lilly wouldn't blame her. But, as wrong as it was to be doing something like that to her best friend, Lilly did it anyway. Just the way Jake looked when he saw Miley storm out, he looked heart-broken, helpless, so unlike Jake Ryan.
It had been 5 days since the whole ordeal and Miley still refused to talk or believe Jake. Lilly and Oliver set it up so that Jake turned out to be wherever Miley was. But, when ever Miley spotted him coming, she would quickly escape or busy herself with something else and ignore him.
Lilly hated that Miley was acting like that. It was obvious to everyone that she still loved Jake. No matter how hard she tried to convince her friends, and herself she didn't, everyone knew she did. Everyone but Jake of course. He was taking her attitude very hard; he continuously blamed himself for whatever happened. Even though Lilly had assured him several times that Miley's feelings for him hadn't changed, he would believe it. Not that she blamed him, he was hurt. Then again, so was Miley.
--HMHMHM—
"Mile, you're having dinner with Hillary Duff tomorrow. She said she needed help on deciding what colours she should do for her party or something." Robbie Ray reminded his daughter.
Miley looked up from the sandwich she was eating. "Oh, I had forgotten about that! Did she say Haylie was coming too?"
Robbie Ray nodded, "Yeah. She did mention that." Robbie Ray eyed the sandwich that was sitting on Miley's plate. "I'd finish that up real quick Mile. Jackson is due home real soon and you know how much he loved ham and cheese."
Miley laughed. "It's alright, Daddy. I'm not that hungry anyway. Let him have it, I'm going to go upstairs and pick what I'll wear tonight. Okay?"
Robbie Ray nodded again, hardly looking up from the television set. "You're leaving at 5:30"
"5:30 go it." Miley said as she bounded up the stairs and ran to her room. When she got in, she closed the door and locked it before flinging herself across her room and landing in her bed. She grabbed her pillow and buried her face in it.
Miley couldn't believe what was happening. For the past while, Miley had been thinking a lot. And it was always about the same thing. Jake. That seemed to annoy Miley, she couldn't believe after everything he had done to her that she was still thinking about him. But, she knew the answer; it was that she still loved him.
It seemed obvious to almost everyone else that she still in love with Jake. Lilly, her Dad, Roxi, Jackson, even Oliver knew! But from what Lilly had said, Jake thinks she is over him…Okay, Lilly hadn't really said that. Miley had over heard her and Oliver talking the other day when Miley went to pick up their food. What Miley also found out was that Lilly had been meeting up with Jake. She had been meeting up with Jake without telling Miley, and on top of that, she was lying to Miley about it whenever Miley would ask where she'd been.
Now, Miley was upset. She couldn't believe that Lilly would lie to her about that, she couldn't believe that her best friend had been going behind her back seeing her ex-boyfriend—who Miley still loved…a lot.
Miley sighed as she sat up. Things had not being going very well lately. Ever since she over-heard Jake's conversation in the park, everything had been going down-hill. She glanced around the room and er eyes landed on the clock on her night table. She gasped when she saw it read 3:00. She was supposed to be getting dressed! She rolled out of bed and padded across her sheep-skin carpet and walked into the bathroom, hoping a nice long hot shower would help relax her.
------------
An hour later, Miley stood in her Hannah closet. She had her purple robe wrapped around her and her wet hair up in a towel. The hot shower had definantly helped…a bit. She did relax but she was still upset over Jake and Lilly. Oh well, she thought as she rolled her shoulder back, eyes darting around for something to wear. A dinner date with the Duff sisters, okay, that obviously met something classy and fancy. Miley moved towards her dress racks. She fingered the material on the dresses as she shuffled them around, looking for the perfect dress. 30 minutes later, she found it. She found the perfect dress. It was a elegant white dress with black accents. She realized that the dress what something Miley would wear, so she decide to "Hannah-fy" it, by adding in a pair of black leggings. She pulled the dress and leggings on. She then sat down and carefully applied her make-up. She brushed some dark-grey eye shadow on her eyes lids, lightly, not wanted to put on to much. She them put mascara on her lashes, to add volume them. Afterwards, she dabbed on some strawberry lip-gloss.
She slipped on a black beaded necklace and a pair of chunky black heels. She pulled on her Hannah wig; the one with the straightened hair. She grabbed her purse and stepped in front of the mirror, looking herself over. She had to admit it, she looked great. Fabulous, Lola would've said. Miley smiled at her work. She was ready to handles those Duff girls.
She stepped out of the Hannah closet, closing the door shut behind her. She emerged room her Miley closet, fixing her wig as she stepped out of her room. She made her way won the stairs and walked into the living room, grabbing a handful of grapes from the counter, glanced at the microwave clock, 5:20 it read. Miley, or Hannah, felt herself smile. Not only had she managed to pull of a totally cute out-fit on her own she manage to do it record time.
She turned on her heels and made her way towards the door; she pulled up in front of it and reached to open it when she realized her dad wasn't behind her. She frowned and looked behind her; he wasn't in the living room, on the back porch or in the kitchen. He was probably in his from putting his moustache on. She shrugged, stepped away from the door and sat down on the couch, dropping her purse next to her; she reached for the remote control and turned the television on.
After flipping through the channels for a while she settled on watching a re-run of the Hills. (AN: I love that show! The season isn't over yet, Lauren and Whitney are going to Paris! Eeep!) After finishing the grapes in her hand, Miley grabbed her purse and pulled out her phone. 5:27, she'd better call her dad if she didn't want to be late. Just as she was about to do so, something caught her eyes. In her purse was a bright green post-it. Miley pulled it out and read it.
"Dinner with Hilary at 6, Sunday 17, Italiana Viones."
Wait, today was Saturday! She was supposed to meet Hilary on Sunday, not Saturday.
"Miles we're leaving now. Hurry up!" Robbie Ray called as he walked into the kitchen.
"No need too. I am ready." She said as she stood up and walked over to her Dad. He seemed surprise to see her there, he opened his mouth to say something, but Miley cut him off. "Daddy, the oddest thing happened just now. I was looking through my phone when I noticed this note in my purse; a note that said that Hannah was having dinner with Hilary Sunday, not Saturday."
Robbie Ray paled. "Well, you see darling," he started nervously. Hannah raised an eyebrow, as if prompting him to continue. "Um, Hilary called this morning. Yes, that's it. She called and asked me to tell you that dinner would be tonight rather than tomorrow, since she won't be able to make it tomorrow.
Miley nodded slowly, as if weighing it out. "Okay," she spoke slowly, "But why didn't Hilary just call Hannah on her phone?"
Robbie Ray answered quickly, "She did. She did call the Hannah phone, but she said no one would pick up."
"Oh, well that's odd. I don't think I remember her calling." Miley said. The only calls she avoided were Lilly and Mikayla's. "Did she say why she rescheduled?"
Her father shook him head, "Nope. She never mention why. She said, he just wouldn't be able to do it tomorrow and wanted to know if you could go tonight instead."
"Okay," Miley said, satisfied. "Well, we better get going, Daddy. I am going to be late." Mile hopped of the stool she was seated on, grabbed her phone and purse before walking towards the door. She turned around to face her dad who had a very relived look on his face.
"You coming?" she asked pointing to the car. Robbie Ray nodded, jumping up and running to grab his coat. Miley shook her head. Something was up.
--HMHMHM—
"Ill be fine, Daddy. I promise, I'll call when were through," Hannah assured her father as she shut the door.
"Okay darling. Have a good time." Robbie Ray winked before speeding off.
Hannah shook her head at her father's car as it sped of into the distance. She quickly straightened up, before turning around and walking towards the restaurant door.
She pulled the door open and gracefully stepped in. Another huge difference: Miley was a huge klutz, but not Hannah. Oh no, Hannah was as graceful as a swan. How she manages to do that, she had no clue.
"Hannah Montana! How are you?" a frantic hostess came running up to her.
"Fine," Hannah smiled. "I have dinner reservations here, with a friend."
"Oh, yes. Yes you do. Just follow me, Ms. Montana." The hostess turned around, grabbed a menu and led Hannah through the restaurant. As she made her way to her table, she was stopped by several people. She signed autographs and took quick picture. The hostess apologized endlessly, but Hannah didn't seem to mind. She was used to it by now, it happened to her wherever she went. Besides, it made her happy to know she just made a little kid's day with a simple squiggle of her name.
A few minutes, and what felt like 100 autographs and pictures later, Hannah reached her destination. The table she was led to was in a secluded room at the back of the restaurant. Hannah smiled; Hilary probably wanted them to have some privacy. After all, there was bound to be paparazzi in the restaurant trying to eavesdrop. If they do, Hilary's party plans will go world-wide by tomorrow morning if not by tonight.
"Here you are, Ms. Montana," the hostess said as she opened the door for Hannah. Hannah nodded and smiled. "Thank you Amy," she replied warmly glancing down at the hostess name tag. "And please do call me Hannah. Ms. Montana makes me sound so old." Hannah pulled a face.
Amy laughed. "Of course, Hannah. I'll be back soon to get your order. Alright?"
Hannah nodded and smiled at her one last time before stepping into the room. It was dark, lit only by candles that were scattered all over the room. A small table was set-up in the centre of the room. It was obvious to anyone that who ever set-up the room was aiming for a romantic atmosphere. But why would Hilary go for a romantic atmosphere?
"Hannah, it's good to see you again." A voice said from behind her.
Hannah spun around, only to come face-to-face with Jake Ryan.
(AN: I though about stopping here. I really did. Have you guys sit there and wonder why Jake was there and all. A real cliff hanger, but I'm feeling super nice, so, I'll continue. Go ahead. Read on…)
"Jake!" Hannah exclaimed loudly. "What are you doing here?"
Her tone quickly changed from surprised to angry. Jake seemed to sense her anger, as he took a hesitant step towards her.
"Hannah, relax. I needed to talk to you." Jake replied calmly looking right at her.
"I'm sorry Jake, but I'm meeting Hilary here for dinner, so I can't talk." Hannah retorted, trying to go to the door.
Jake stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "Stop, Hannah. Hilary isn't here right now," Jake started. Hannah shot him a look, he suddenly turned sheepish. He rubbed the back of his neck, watching his shoes with sudden interest. "Hilary isn't exactly here. You see, you dinner date with her wasn't moved to today, you're still going to see her tomorrow."
Hannah was confused. "Then why did she call? My dad told me she called to say she moved the date to today since she wouldn't be able to make it tomorrow."
Jake continued to watching his shoes. "Um, well that was me. Well, not me exactly. It was Lilly who called. She told your dad to tell you that Hilary changed the dinner plans so that you would come. It was sort of part of our…plan."
Hannah scowled. "So, let me get this straight. Lilly called my dad up, told him to tell me that Hilary changed dinner plans when she really didn't so you guys could get me to come here. And this was all part of a plan?"
Jake nodded hesitantly. "Gosh!" Hannah yelled. "I can't believe it! You guys forced my dad to LIE to me! This is so like you Jake Ryan! You should have just told me, I would have come."
Jake raised an eyebrow at her. They both knew that she wouldn't have come is she found out dinner would be with him.
"Okay," Hannah admitted. "I wouldn't have come. But you hurt me Jake. You hurt me bad."
Jake's heart broke when he heard her voice. She sounded so broken; she looked like a little girl who just lost her mom at the mall. He wanted nothing to gather her up in his arms and hold her close to him. To feel her against him.
"You just left after we broke up, you vanished. Then you come back a few months later and ask to be friends. I have to admit I wasn't so cool with that, especially when I found out Mikayla had a crush on you and that you were going to be kissing her in your new movie. I got jealous…because I still loved you Jake." Miley said softly.
Jake moved around the room closing the blinds and locked the door before going up and standing before Hannah again. He slowly reached out and pulled of her wig. Miley's head shot up to looked at him. Jake gave her a small smile. "Sorry, I had to do that. It just felt weird talking to Hannah about this. I know you're Miley, but it seemed weird.
"Okay, Miles. I am sorry. I'm sorry I just vanished and didn't stay in touch. But that night when we broke up, you upset me, I was hurt, I thought maybe you were better off without me. I tried to tell myself you didn't need me. Then, I had to come back to shoot a few scenes of the movie here. It took me 5 months of courage to ask if you wanted to be friends. I hated myself for it though. I didn't want us to be just friends. I wanted us to be so much more, but Miles you acted as if you were so over me. I figured that it would be better to have in my life as friends than not have you in my life at all.
"When I finally found out you were jealous about the whole Mikayla deal, I-I don't know what happened. I was overjoyed to find out that you weren't over me. That we still had a chance. I wanted to ask u out again, I wanted to tell her you how much I missed you, and how much I still loved you and how I never stopped loving you.
"But I couldn't, because I remembered back, about a year ago. When I kissed you and had to go to Romania. I remembered how angry you were that I finally asked you to go out, that I finally kissed you, and I ended up leaving for six months. I didn't want you to be angry with me again. I though we would go back to the whole Romania deal if I asked you be my girlfriend again and left for Antarctica for a while, so I never asked you." He finished, slightly out of breath.
Miley stood there shocked. Her mouth was hanging opened and her eyes were wide. She couldn't believe it. It all made sense now…Well, all but one thing. She stepped forward and poked an accusing finger at Jake. "Well, if that's all true, if you still loved me then why the heck did you how up at Hannah's concert with Mikayla as your date?!"
Jake ran his fingers through his hair. "It was a publicity stunt, Miley. I swear. The producers wanted us to spend more time together to promote the new movie. That would explain all the rumours in the magazines. I didn't want to spend time with Mikayla, but I had too. She kept complaining about how much she hated you and how horrible she though you were. I told her that Hannah was a close friend of mine and that she was a great artist. I told her that she should try checking out one of your concerts before she went around bad-mouthing you.
"She suggested that I taker her. I told her I wouldn't. Our producer happened to over hear us and told us we should. I tried talking to him, but he told me that it was only for publicity. I couldn't back out of it, trust me Miles. I tried. I don't have any feelings for Mikayla. I swear."
Miley froze, Lilly had been right. She had been right! He still loved her! "So you still love me?" Miley blurted out. As soon as she realized what she said she slapped a hand over her mouth.
Jake gave her a suspicious look. "How did you know I still loved you?"
Now it was Miley's turn to look sheepish. "Well, you see, I am sort of followed you that day."
Jake gave her a puzzled look. "What day?"
"That day you were at the beach. Well, not you exactly, Milos. Remember? We locked eyes, and I knew it was you! I decide to follow you, to find out what you were doing back in Malibu. I followed you for a few blocks, then I lost you. I closed my eyes and was walking along after, thinking. My feet sort of led me to the park, the one you took me to before you left. I came to the river and saw you there. I went up and hid behind the tree you were in front of." Miley spoke in a rush.
Jake's eyes widened, "You eavesdropped on that conversation?"
Miley nodded, bashfully. "I didn't mean too," she answered quickly. "I saw you on the phone and wanted to see if you were going to finish up soon, but then I heard—I head you say you love me. That you never stopped, ever. When I heard that, I just couldn't leave. The sound of your voice again saying you still love me was overwhelming and I couldn't control myself that well…"She trailed off.
Jake watched her intently as she told him everything. She knew he still loved her, which must have been why she had gotten so upset over seeing him and Mikayla together. "So, that's why you'd gotten so upset of me posing with Mikayla?"
Miley nodded, she looked up at him and took a small step forward. "To tell you the truth Jake, I-I never stopped loving you either. I couldn't stop myself, I tried to. I really did, but nothing worked. I couldn't date other guys because I kept comparing them too you. I wondered why, a lot. I always did actually, wonder why I wasn't able to get over you; and I realized that maybe I wasn't supposed too."
Jake heart stopped when he heard her say that. He had to be dreaming, this couldn't be true. His mind was playing an awful trick on him again. Not saying anything, he continued to stare at Miley. She took this as a sign to continue.
"This," she said pointing between both of them, "is how it was meant to be. Well, that's what I think. I think, that it's always supposed to be me and you."
Jake still shocked, hadn't taken his eyes off Miley's. No, she couldn't be… "So, are you saying that…?"
Miley stepped closer, the bodies practically touching. "Yes, Jake Ryan, I love you. I never stopped. I was always completely and hopelessly in love with you. And I probably will always be."
Jake's face lit up when he heard Miley speak those words. They were like music to his ears. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her waist. He bent down, bushing his lips on her cheek. "I love you too Miley and I won't stop either. Ever. I'll love you, for eternity."
Miley shudder involuntarily when Jake lips touched her. His lips were still so soft, she felt a wave of electric shock run through her body. Just like before, Miley rested her head in his chest. She could hear his heart beating, like a soft lullaby. She sighed contently; this is how life should be.
--HMHMHM—
Here, let me walk you in my lady," Jake ran over to her side of the car, opened the door for her bowing in courtesy. Miley giggled. "Why thank you kind, sir."
She stepped out of the car, and Jake shut the door. H held out his arm, which Miley took gratefully. He slowly led her up the driveway and to her front porch. They both then turned to look at each other.
It was the most dreaded part of thee evening, their time where their date was coming to an end. Miley hadn't wanted the date to end at all. After they had confessed their feeling for each other, they had dinner. It was wonderful, chatter and laughter rang through out the room the whole time. Surprisingly, not one awkward silence turn up, and for that Miley was grateful. It was as though she and Jake had never been apart.
"Well, this is it," Jake said hands stuffed in his pockets as he rocked on the heel of his shoes.
Miley nodded. 'No,' she thought. 'Don't let an awkward silence come up, we were doing so well.'
To prevent the silence, Miley blurted out: "I had loads of fun Jake. Im really glad you tricked me into coming."
"No problem," Jake grinned. "I had fun too, and I'm glad I tricked you into coming."
Miley laughed. "I'll have to thank Lilly and my Dad too."
"Of course," Jake nodded enthusiastically. "I should send Lilly one of those fruit baskets that had those really good chocolate turtles. She's been dropping hints about those."
Miley shook her head. "Doesn't surprise me. Lilly is always like that. But that's how I love her."
A silence over came them, but this time Miley let it. She knew it wouldn't be awkward, it wasn't that there was nothing to say, it was that there was nothing to be said. After a few minutes of silence Jake reached forward and ticked a stray strand of hair behind Miley's ear.
She smiled shyly at him as he took her hands in his warm larger ones and took a step forward. "Miles, I meant everything I said tonight. Every little thing and I'll always mean them."
"Even about not liking orange socks?" Miley teased as she stepped forward too.
Jake laughed, "Well, it depends, will you be wearing them?"
Miley giggles again. "Jake I meant everything I said too. I'll always be here for you Jake. Always."
Jake pulled her to him and held her tight. "I love you, Miles. I love you so much."
"I love you Jake," she muttered into his toned chest. "Jake, don't ever leave me again."
Jake nodded, tightened his grip on her. "I won't Miles. I can't lose you again, I won't lose you."
Miley pulled back and looked into his eyes, "I'd better get going, before my Dad walks in on us."
Jake nodded again. He was gazing into her eyes; but couldn't top his eyes from moving down and glancing at her lips. They were so full and soft. He wanted nothing more than to press his lips against hers. He was internally debating on whether or not he should. As if Miley could sense his discomfort, she rubbed his back with her hand, trailing her fingers up and down it. She then licked her lips, as though she could read his mind, inviting him to kiss her.
Jake hesitantly leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. He almost sighed in contentment. Oh how he missed this, her soft lips against his. He felt tingles run though his bodies, fireworks going off in his mind. He felt like he was invincible, like he could accomplish anything.
Even though he didn't want to, Jake pulled back. He promised her father on the phone hat he would get her back home on time and safe. He didn't want her father to walk in on them making out on his porch.
"You better go in, before your dad come out. I'll see you tomorrow, Miles. I love you." Jake whispered hugging her to him.
"I love you too, Jake. See you," Miley said when he let her go. As he turned to go, Miley grabbed his arm turned him to her and pressed her lips to his one last time. She pulled away a few seconds later, "Jason was nothing to me Jake. Don't worry." And with that she swept of the porch and in her house.
Jake stood there rooted to his spot. Face flushed, mind racing. Tonight was definanlty his night. One thing was for sure though; he could not wait to see her again tomorrow.
--HMHMHM—
AN: There you go. My third chapter, Miley and Jake met, talked and are doing fine. But, don't think everything is going all great for long. Because something will happen, something that might possibly ruin Miley and Jakes newly-found relationship? Ell, you'll have to wait till I update and I'll only update if you REVIEW. So have them coming. And I thank who ever review for my previous chapters.