Lol Dark Angel, if my definition of sociopath is weird then so is the dictionary's. Oh, and you should know I take my stories slowwwwer than most. So chillax buddy, Miley's marriage is a VERY important part of this story and it is very developed and will unfold in good time, don't worry I haven't forgotten. : ) thanx so much for the support and creative criticism I appreciate it very much!

Miley sat on the banks of her little clearing in the woods. Her eyes were focusing intently on the water, and her back was pressed against a tree. There was only one thing on her mind, and she ashamedly admitted it was Lily.

The little enigma constantly bugged her. It was impossible not to want to figure it out. How could so many people ignore her? How could they not want to know what sadness darkened her eyes? What pain tensed her muscles? And what need for detachment kept her so far away from humanity? How could someone look at such a young and beautiful girl, wise beyond her years, and broken beyond her limits, and not want, not need to help her?

But what happened? What could have happened?

She thought about all she knew.

Lily was something of a young twenty three, putting her seven years younger than Miley- though she looked a good hundred years older. She moved here out of distress, she couldn't even remember the name of any of the stores around her after two years. She gets up early and talks about a cloudy mind, which must mean she's under a lot of stress or something. She can't stand being in a conversation for more than five minutes, looks like she's struggling to figure out what to say, and is constantly straying the subject. She flinches away from touches and spends weeks and weeks secluded in her house.

So she's anti-social. That seems to be the root of the dilemmas. But why? Because of her past? It looked like she needs a friend. So from there on, Miley's promise to break the shell of a stitched Lily commenced.

---*---

Lily lay with her back in the arms of the tree. It was five o'clock in the morning and she had decided not sit in her general porch chair. Instead, she finished her coffee at an earlier hour, and looked over the clear skies in the height of her tree. Suddenly, a flash of brown caught her eye, and there was no mistaking who it was.

It seemed as though the branches gripped her tighter, daring her to be tempted by Miley, but never letting her go. From where the blonde was perched, she could see out, but no one could see her. The brunette came closer, directly beneath the tree, and Lily could see the expression on her face. It was confused and exhausted and a little distressed.

She wanted to stay embedded in the warmth of her leaves, but the face called to her in a strange way. It sought comfort that begged for her company. But why? It was a question she asked every time Miley engaged in conversation. A sigh was emitted when she noticed the girl retreating, obviously not seeing her presence on the patio. Something about her being around gave Lily a settled feeling. A feeling she hadn't felt in a long two years.

She deftly jumped from the tree, landing quietly on her feet. She was still agile in her youth. Besides, she didn't want to have Miley know about her most sacred place. And, despite the chidings of the wind, she walked until she was in step with the descending curls.

"Good morning Miley." The girl jumped a little and stopped to lock eyes.

"Goodness Lil you scared me, I didn't see you up on your patio." Lil. When had Lil become her nickname? When was she even allowed to call her Lily? Was this a sign that their friendship was becoming progressively casual? No, that couldn't be done.

"I apologize Miley; that was not my intention. However, I assumed you sought my company by visiting so early."

"Oh right. I know this is usually your thinking time. But I dunno, jus wanted ta offer some company. I always see you alone."

"I don't mind aloneness."

"I know. I can leave if you want." Miley thought, why did she even come down here? Oh yeah, because she was supposed to be making friends.

"Well, you seem a bit distraught. And there must have been a reason you came down here. Is there something you need?" There was patience in her voice, yet, she wanted but couldn't feel annoyed by the imposition.

They were still standing in the middle of the street, both of them casually speaking. To an onlooker, the scene almost looked … neighborly. Something that Lillian Truscott absolutely was NOT.

Miley took in a deep breath. "I guess life is just stressful here."

"You'll become accustom to the small environment. The optimism of the people will grow on you. And, soon, you'll find peace in the calmness- and not the stress of knowing that everything is so slow."

"Wow, just about read ma mind there Lil. I mean this place ain't what I'm used ta, but I guess ma boys are a bitova stress too."

"I imagine all children are burdens at times." She tried not to recall the way she used to wish she had a child. How she wanted to feel their smiles, and know it was her that brought them. She didn't want to remember her thoughts of the perfect family.

"Oh no hon, children are great to have. They give life so much joy. But when they're seven and they're boys, they tend to be a handful."

A short chuckle was given, but not returned by the blonde. Hon. The nickname burned in her ears. It was an overreaction to become annoyed with these words on another's lips. But it couldn't be helped.

"Right, well I suppose for all they take they must give something. Anyways, I'm quite busy; I only came out for a short while. I'll hafta leave now, will you excuse me?"

"Lily, you've only been talking to me for about five minutes. Can't you spare a few seconds to hang out with a neighbor?" No.

"Miley, I have a job to get to. I've enjoyed our interaction, but I have to go in."

She began to leave but Miley grabbed her wrist on impulse and turned her back to face her.

"Mi-" She began, clearly annoyed.

"Lily how old are you?"

"Why does it matter?"

"If it doesn't matter why don't you tell me?"

"I'm twenty three."

"See, Lil, you're twenty three. TWENTY THREE! You don't have to work every second of the day. You hafta get out more. You're still young!"

"I'm content with my current schedule, please don't meddle Miley."

"What could you possibly have to do that can't wait for you to finish a conversation?"

"Will you leave me alone?!"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because something is wrong, and you need a friend. And I won't give up until we are friends."

Lily huffed and broke her arm from Miley's grasp.

"I don't need anything."

Her voice was laced with malice. Her often apathetic face was now twisted in an unreadable expression. Without another word she turned and left, stomping toward her house.

"I won't give up." Miley called after her, a small frown coming to her face. The first part of her plan wasn't working. But she wouldn't give up.

And as she walked back, she tried to think of what it was that attracted her to Lily so much. What was it that made her keep trying to converse. She'd only known this girl for around a month. She'd only talked to her around three times. And yet, she spent endless hours thinking and sorting this enigmatic beauty out. She couldn't stand to see such a fragile creature ruptured beyond repair.

Aww I think Miley's getting smitten