Chapter 6

A Full Day

"Come on Miley, wake up."

"Spit pill dart pout." Came the reply.

"Miley wake up." Maddie tried again. Maddie stopped gently shaking Miley when she heard Jackson laughing at her.

"You're not going to get her up that way when she is this out of it." Jackson said as Maddie turned to look at him.

"Okay smarty pants, then what should I be doing?" Maddie asked.

"Well first, this is not just a normal sleep she is in." Jackson said as he moved Maddie away from Miley.

"You see Maddie this looks like one of her 'I'm on tour and just finished a concert tired' type of sleep."

"What?"

"Watch and learn." Jackson said as he moved Maddie beside one of the bedroom walls. Jackson took a deep breath and yelled very loudly.

"HEY EVERYONE, IT'S HANNAH MONTANA!"

Miley jumped and sat straight up in bed throwing the covers off herself in the process.

"NO IT'S NOT!" Miley yelled as she started to run. Jackson reached out and grabbed Miley as she run by and stopped her.

"Jackson! You know I hate it when you do that!" Miley said as she saw her brother and started to beat on him.

"What are you laughing at?" Miley asked a little forcefully.

"I'm sorry Miley. It kind of funny how you were beating on Jackson."

Miley visibly calmed down, stepped away from Jackson, and looked to Maddie.

"He knows it freaks me out when he does that. I love my fans but I hate it when it feels like they are going to tear me apart."

"I see what you mean." Maddie said and turned and hit Jackson too.

"OW! What was that for?" Jackson asked rubbing his shoulder.

"That was for not being sensitive you your sister's feelings."

Miley reach out and hit Jackson too.

"OW! What was that for?" Jackson asked rubbing his other shoulder.

"That was for…just because." Miley said.

"I'll give you just because." Jackson said as he took after Miley. Miley turned and started running downstairs yelling for her dad. Jackson was right behind her with Maddie bringing up the rear. Miley jumped the last few stairs and run into the living room with Jackson doing the same thing, but he came down on his unsupported ankle and it buckled causing him to fall. Jackson went with the direction of the fall and rolled his shoulder and rolled onto his back and came up into a sitting position.

"JACSKON!" Maddie screamed and ran to him.

"Are you okay?" Maddie asked as she dropped down to his side. Miley wasn't to far behind.

"I'm so sorry Jackson. Are you hurt? I'm sorry. Are you sure your okay?"

"Calm down Miles. My ankle just give out was all because it wasn't wrapped. Nothing else." Jackson said as he started to stand back up.

"It's okay isn't it? I mean you can still get it fixed today right?" Miley started to panic.

"That is what's going to happen in about three hours bud." Robbie told Miley as he helped her up off the floor.

-------------------------------------------------

The rest of the time, Miley hovered over Jackson, as everyone got ready for his surgery. It started to irritate Jackson, but Maddie would give him looks just before he tried to say something to Miley, which would make him close his mouth. Maddie for her part try to keep Miley busy with other things. By the time came to leave for the hospital, Miley as in a state. Maddie was starting to get worried too, but not for the same reasons as Miley. By the time, the check in process was done and Jackson was in his holding room, he had some alone time to talk to Maddie.

"What's wrong honey?" Jackson asked.

"I'm just worried that they we'll find something and you won't be able to play again." Maddie told Jackson as she fall into his arms.

"The only thing I'm worried about is my recovery time. It's just a tear they are sewing back together sweetie."

"You sure?"

"Yes. But there is something you can do for me though."

"What's that?"

"Well, since mom's death, Miles has never been to keen on medical procedures."

"I think I remember that." Maddie said as she thought back to the time that Maggie was in the hospital and how Miley behaved.

"I'm just sure she is worrying herself to death out there." Jackson said with concern on his face. Maddie leaned down and kissed his forehead.

"Anything for you sweetie."

"Thanks. Can you bring Miles back here for me?"

"Be right back." Maddie left to go get Miley. A few minutes later, Miley and Maddie came in.

"Hi Jackson. Anything you want me to get for you?" Miley asked.

"That is why they have nurses Miles."

"Oh yeah…nurses. How stupid of me."

"Calm down well you Miles and give me a hug." Jackson held out his arms to her. Miley almost jumped into his arms and then started to cry silently to herself. Maddie noticed and slowly pulled Miley way from Jackson and held her close. Over Miley's shoulder she mouthed to Jackson, I'll take care of her. A few minutes after they left, Robbie came back into Jackson's room and wait with him until they came and took him for his surgery.

-----

When Robbie came out to the waiting room, Miley was pacing everywhere. On seeing her dad, she went over to him.

"Did they take him back?" Miley asked.

"Yes they did. We should hear back from them in about an hour."

"Oh, that long." Miley said and turned around.

"Miley just sit down and relax okay." Robbie told her. Miley sat down by Maddie. Soon she started to tap her foot. In a few minutes, the foot tapping changed into leg bouncing. Miley added playing with her hair next. Playing with her hair lead to chewing on the ends. Chewing on the ends of her hair lead Miley to chew on her nails. Maddie watch this all happen in a matter of five minutes. Shaking her head, Maddie stood up and took Miley by the hand and pulled your up.

"Come on, lets go see what's in the cafeteria."

"Why, I'm not hungry." Miley objected.

"Yes you are." Maddie kept pulling on Miley's arm.

"No I'm not." Miley tried to pull herself back.

"I said you are and you're going with me. No questions." Maddie ordered. Miley relaxed and aloud herself to be pulled along. When they got to the cafeteria, they got in line. Maddie got a muffin and a bottled of ice tea and Miley got a bagel with cream cheese and a juice box. Maddie paid for everything and then pulled Miley outside to sit at a quite table by their selves.

-----

"Alright Miley, do you want to tell me what's going on?" Maddie asked as she opened her bottle of tea. Miley took the straw from the juice box and stabbed it home and took a sip.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Miley looked away from Maddie.

"Don't you dare turn you head away from me and pretend that nothing is wrong. I saw how you were around Maggie and I see how you are around Jackson. You are acting like he is going to die in there. Now talk to me."

Miley turned her head back to Maddie. Miley had tears running down her face as she tried to express her feels in words, but the tears won out. Maddie move beside her and took her into a strong embrace. Miley laid her head on Maddie's shoulder and cried. After some time, Miley stopped and looked at Maddie.

"What if he doesn't wake up? I can't lose Jackson too."

"Oh sweetie, Jackson is going to be just fine. I know you've been through a lot in your life, but you can't live it being afraid of loss. If you do, you will have missed life itself."

"I know. It just, I don't know. Just that we have gotten so close lately."

"I know. It's one of the things your brother talks about all the time."

"Mom and I were getting closer to when she had her accident." Miley said as she started tearing up again.

"They do this all the time Miley. Jackson is perfectly safe. Do you want to know what I'm worried about?" Maddie asked trying to get Miley's mind off of what if scenarios. Miley nodded.

"I'm afraid that your brother won't be able to play after the repair."

"Oh my gosh Maddie, I never thought about that!" Miley said thinking about something else that could go wrong.

"Sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have told you that, but the point is that we can all make something to worry about. Even if it isn't going to happen."

"That sounds so easy to do, but I just can't turn it off just like that."

"I know. I can't either." Maddie thought for a bit as they both sat there quietly and started to eat.

"Don't you have freshmen orientation today?" Maddie asked Miley.

"Yeah, I think it's at six tonight. I'll have to look when we get home."

"I remember my…" Maddie's cell phone started to ring.

"Hello?……Hi Mr. Stewart……Okay. We'll be right there. Bye."

"Well?" Miley asked.

"Everything went fine and Jackson is in recovery. We can see him in thirty minutes."

The girls gathered up their stuff and threw it away. Then they head back to the waiting room.

-------------------------------------------------

"Okay Jackson, daddy and I are leaving for school now. Are you sure your okay?" Miley asked.

"Relax Miles, Maddie's here and she can handle babysitting me."

"I'm not changing diapers though." Maddie told everyone when she came back into the living room with a bowl of popcorn, two drinks, and another ice pack that she just took out of the freezer. She placed the new ice pack on Jackson's ankle to help reduce the swelling.

"Ha, ha very funny sweetie."

"I thought so." Maddie said as she sat down by Jackson and started in on the popcorn.

"Well, I guess the house will be safe with Maddie here. We'll see you guys when we get home." Robbie commented.

"Bye dad."

-----

As they walked into the auditorium, Robbie leaned over to Miley and whispered.

"You know we are going to have to tell the principal about you."

"I know. I really hate leaving Mr. Aaron behind." Miley sighed. Mr. Aaron was Miley's junior high principal. When she first started at Seaview Junior High, Robbie Ray had a meeting with Mr. Aaron to explain exactly whom Miley was and what might happen in the course of her time in junior high school. What happened was Mr. Aaron became a close and trusted advisor to her helping her through many hard times, but now that was gone and she had no one to turn to in this school.

"There's Lilly and Oliver Miley." Robbie point to the middle section of the auditorium. Miley followed her dad to where Lilly, Oliver and their families were.

"How's Jackson doing?" Lilly asked as Miley sat beside her and Oliver.

"He's fine. The doctor said it was a piece of cake. Maddie's taking care of him right now."

"Have you seen Jake yet?" Oliver asked

"No. I take it you haven't either."

"Not yet."

As the three of them looked around for Jake, their parents talked to each other. Before they could find Jake, school officials walked out onto the stage.

-----

"May I have your attention please. If everyone could find a seat please."

She waited as everyone found a spot.

"My name is Renee Looney and I'm the superintendent of the Malibu School System. I would like to welcome you to freshmen orientation. Now I have an announcement to make. Some of you parents already have teens here already know our principal Mrs. Patrick. You also know that she is expecting. Well, Mrs. Patrick gave birth to a little boy just three days ago and everyone is doing fine. However, you also know that our vice-principal retired last year, which leaves us with no one to run the school. Therefore, we have an old friend taking over here. I like you all to welcome your old principal Mr. Aaron."

The parents clapped politely for Mr. Aaron. Miley on the other hand was over come with joy.

"YES!" Miley stated loudly hugging Lilly.

"What are you all excited about?" Lilly asked.

"Don't you get it Lilly? Mr. Aaron knows."

"What?" Lilly looked confused.

"OH. He knows. Right." Lilly got it.

Miley and Lilly settled down and listen to the rest of the introduction and the following instructions that Mr. Aaron gave them. After he finished, everyone left for the lobby to collect their student packs and then to investigate the high school.

Miley had other ideas about investigating the high school. She was looking for Mr. Aaron. After about a five-minute search she spotted him talking to a parent. By the time she got to Mr. Aaron, he was done with the parent.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Miley asked as she walked up to Mr. Aaron.

"It was your dad's idea. I wanted to tell you. Really." Mr. Aaron pleaded with Miley as her face went through a series of changes. Finally, a smile broke out onto her face and Miley give Mr. Aaron a quick hug.

"You don't know how relieved I'm that you are still going to be my principal Mr. Aaron."

"That is a good thing, right?"

"As long as the door stays open." Miley told him seriously.

"For you always. Now go find your locker. Oliver and Lilly are waiting on you." Mr. Aaron told her as he saw them waiting on her.

-----

"Boy Miley, I bet you're glad Mr. Aaron is here." Lilly said finally getting to talk to Miley.

"Well it is a big relief not to have to break in a new principal." Miley smiled.

"Yeah, you have such a hard life Miley." Oliver said sarcastically. Miley nodded to Lilly and Lilly nodded to Miley. Oliver didn't notice a thing and paid for it with a slap on either shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"For being a donut." Lilly told him.

"Why I'm I always the donut?"

"Two to one vote." Miley told him.

"That's not fair. You two always vote together."

"Who said life is fair?" Lilly asked him and opened her student handbook as they walked.

"HEY! Look at this guys! They have a skateboarding club. They go to the skate park every other Saturday and have competitions too." Lilly said as the excitement of her discovery build.

"That's awesome Lilly." Miley said happily at Lilly's discovery.

"Where's the clubs at Lilly?" Oliver asked as he turned in his handbook.

"And here it says that cheerleader tryouts are the first week of school for the freshmen squad and the last month of school for the junior varsity and varsity cheerleader squads." Lilly read as she searched the club listings.

Oliver finally found the club listings and was going through them as well.

"Hey, look here. It says that speech club has radio announcing as one of the areas it covers. You guys know how I want to be a sports announcer."

"Did you see this part Oliver?" Miley asked as she found the speech club too.

"It says here that the members get to the announcing at all the sporting events."

"Where? No way! That's great!" Oliver was getting really excited now.

"Look here Miley. There is a show choir of twelve guys and girls that sing and perform." Lilly pointed to the club's entry. Miley looked at it, puckered her lips, and pulled them to one side of her face.

"I don't know Lilly. I mean what if they recognize my voice."

"You are singing in a group. No one is going to hear your voice."

"They well when we practice."

"How many times must we go through this Miley?"

"Alright Lilly, just let me think about it okay?"

"Okay."

"Hey, here is my locker." Oliver commented as they rounded a corner in the main hallway. All the classrooms in this hallway were for the various English classes that the school had.

"Well, if this is your locker, then ours can't be far away." Lilly said as she looked at the school map and her locker number. Because of the closeness of their names in the alphabet, our trio's lockers were always close to each other. Miley's and Lilly's lockers were closer together then Oliver's locker to the girls. Sure enough, they followed Lilly back around the corner and there was Miley's locker with Lilly's locker just a few more down.

"Yeah, your lockers are about the same as they were in junior high." Oliver noticed the spacing between the lockers.

"Which means that the fifth locker to your right Miley is Jake's!" Lilly was starting to get excited again.

"Speak of the devil." Oliver noticed Jake walking towards them.

"Hey guys!" Jake called out to our trio as he spotted them.

"It's Jakey." Lilly sing song to Miley.

"Cut it out." Miley sing song back.

---

"Wow, looks like are lockers are together." Jake commented as he came to his locker.

"Sorry Jake, but mine is around the corner and down the hallway." Oliver told him.

"Well, if you want to share lockers, maybe we could work something out."

Oliver thought about it for a second.

"You know if we keep our coats and other big stuff in my locker, we could keep are books in yours." Oliver thought aloud.

"That sounds like a good idea." Jake said with excitement in his voice.

"Oh, I'm glad everything went well for your brother." Jake told Miley.

"How did you hear about that?" Miley asked confused.

"It's all over the news."

"Oh yeah, I forget about the press release for the operation results."

"Hey guys, lets find our classrooms." Lilly said as she started to turn. The only problem was she turned into Amber and Ashley.

"Watch what you're going losers." Ashley said.

"Yeah. Now that I'm a big singing star, you losers can't even be around me." Amber sneered at them.

"What makes you thing you're a big singing star?" Lilly asked.

"I have a record contract and I've been recorded." Amber looked down her nose at them.

"It's so hard to be famous. Isn't it Jake?"

"Well, It is hard being famous, but I didn't know that you were famous."

"If you're recorded Amber, then why haven't we heard you on the radio?" Miley asked already knowing the answer to the question she asked. Miley used her connections to check up on Amber. The word was that she was a good singer, but she wasn't good enough of a singer to make it. The record company had told her that in no uncertain terms too. Her recorded song didn't even get any airtime.

"They're just waiting for all the excitement from my close personal friend Hannah Montana's tour to calm down. They don't want to step on her toes with such a great singer as myself." Amber finished with a posed.

"That's funny, I don't recall Hannah ever mentioning you Amber." Jake said already having his fill of Amber and Ashley. On hearing this, Amber made a face and stormed off.

---

"Well, that makes for a nice start to the year." Lilly said sarcastically.

"If we're lucky, we won't have them in any of our classes." Miley complained.

"What classes do you have Miley?" Jake asked. Miley took out her class list. Lilly, Oliver, and Jake did the same. After a few minutes of checking out schedules, they discovered that they all had the some homeroom because of where their names fall in the alphabet. Oliver and Jake had English together. Lilly and Jake had science. Miley and Oliver had algebra. Miley and Lilly had P.E. together. All four of them had social studies together.

"Well this should be an interesting year." Jake commented as their schedules sunk in on them.

"Looks like we all have lunch together too." Oliver noticed.

The group started to walk the halls as they found their classrooms.

"You know Jake, you're going to go through the whole rabid fan bit again this year." Lilly said.

"How is that Lilly?"

"New school, new fans."

"Oh, right. I forgot."

"Don't worry Jake, we'll stand back and laugh at you as you get chased." Miley laughed.

"Gee, what great friends you guys are."

"Look! It's Jake Ryan!" Lilly mocked as she grabbed Miley's arm.

"The Zombie Slayer is so hot!" Miley mocked in a high-pitched voice.

"Say the line dude, say the line." Oliver said causing all four of them to laugh. By the time they had returned to their parents it had became late and the number of new students had dropped to a quarter of those at the started of orientation.

"Mr. Aaron was getting ready to send out a search party for you four." Emily, Lilly's mom, told them.

"Well, we weren't lost." Miley said as they approached their parents and Mr. Aaron.

"Yeah we were right where we were all the time." Oliver laughed lightly. The other three just looked at him.

"What? I thought it was funny." He mumbled.

"Donut." Miley and Lilly said looking at each other.

"Come on bud we need to get home and save Maddie from your brother."

"See you guys later." Miley said as she left with her dad.

-------------------------------------------------

Miley and Robbie Ray walked into the house to find Jackson sleeping with his head on Maddie's shoulder. They were holding hands. Maddie turned her head to Miley and Robbie Ray and smiled at them.

"How long has he been asleep?" Robbie asked.

"About two hours know." Maddie answered as she slowly and carefully moved away from Jackson. Robbie help to lay Jackson down on the couch as Miley came downstairs with his blanket and pillow.

"If it's okay with you Mr. Stewart, I want to sleep down here with Jackson."

"Let me get your pillow and some blankets for you Maddie." Robbie told her as he went upstairs.

"Thanks for watching Jackson for us Maddie." Miley hugged Maddie.

"Well thanks for having me over Miley. I never could have made it here if you wouldn't have paid the way."

"Anything for you and my brother. Don't tell him, but he does show good taste when he pick you." Miley smiled at Maddie and Maddie smiled back.

"Thank you Miles." Jackson said. Both girls jumped.

"Jackson! How long have you been awake?" Miley asked.

"Just the part about me having good taste." Jackson said with his eyes still closed.

"Good night Jackson." Maddie said smiling.

"Good night honey." Jackson said and pecker up.

"Ewww." Miley said.

"I think he looks cute." Maddie said playfully slapping at Miley.

Maddie got up and kissed Jackson.

"Jackson you are in no shape for anything fun right now." Robbie said making Jackson and Maddie blush.

"Awww. What a pretty shade of red Maddie." Miley laughed.

"Enough laughing and more sleeping." Robbie threw pillows to Maddie and Miley along with blankets. Fifteen minutes later, everyone in the house was asleep.