AN: As Michael deals with the secret that he now knows about Jackson and Miley, Robby makes sure that Michael will keep quiet, or else...

Chapter IV: Snitch, or Not to Snitch

Michael laid in his bed, unable to sleep after today's events. Michael knew that Miley and Jackson were hiding something, but he had no idea what. He now knew that he had friends that were being beaten and abused by their own father. Michael was angry at Robby Ray for doing that to his friends, especially Miley, but he was more angry at himself for not seeing this sooner. He noticed bruises on both Jackson and Miley, but he never pressed the issue due to their right of privacy. He wanted to tell someone about this, but with no proof, he had no idea what he was going to do. Michael hoped out of bed, and walked to his bedroom window. He looked out at the starry California light, and sighed. He had to do something, but what?

Melody walked towards the surf shack and sat down. She saw Jackson approach her behind the counter, and smiled. She noticed that she was wearing some sunglasses, and this only piqued her interest in him.

"What's up?" Jackson asked her casually.

"Nothing really." Melody answered, looking towards the beach and its beach goers. "Michael came home after checking on Miley yesterday, and ever since he has been acting strange. Do you know what's up with him?"

He knows. Jackson thought. "I have no idea what's up with him. He is a very unique guy, as you said yourself.

"Between you and me, I think that Michael has a crush on Miley." Melody said secretively.

"Really? What makes you think that?" Jackson asked her.

"Oh, come on! You must have noticed the way that they looked at each other sometimes!" Melody exclaimed. "It's like they know that they want each other, but they won't say anything or do anything about it. It can drive you mad sometimes, you know?"

"I feel the same way." Jackson said silently.

"Sorry, didn't cath that?"

"Nothing, just clearing my throat." Jackson said, changing the subject.

"Anyway, what's up with the glasses?" Melody asked. Jackson knew that he was caught, and lifted up his glasses, revealing his black eye.

"Wow! What a shiner!" Melody exclaimed. "Who did that?"

My own damn father. Jackson thought. "I got into it with some punk after work, and he sucker punched me."

"That guy really beamed you one good." Melody said inspecting the bruised eye even more closely.

"Melody, I'm fine." Jackson said, moving her hands away. "Really, I am."

"Okay. Well, it's about time for me to head home, before Michael gets back. Later, Jackson." Melody said, waving goodbye.

Jackson waved goodbye, and watched his friend leave. Jackson knew that eventually Melody would find out what exactly Robby Ray was doing to him and his sister. He just prayed that he wouldn't lose her as a friend when she did, though.

Michael walked out to his truck after he was finished with his shift at the video game store where he worked. Michael walked to his truck, and was met by Robby Ray.

"Hey, Michael, what's going on with you?" Robby asked as if nothing was going on.

"Nothing. Just about to head home." Michael said, doing everything in his power to keep himself from jumping on Robby Ray.

"Well, it seems that you were around my house yesterday. What were you doing there?" Robby asked, taking a step closer to him. Michael could literally smell the liquor on him, and it stunk.

"I was just checking on Miley, because I was worried about her." Michael said calmly.

"Well, let me make it clear for you." Robby said, getting in his face. "I own Miley. She's my daughter, and she is my property. I know that you love her because I have seen the way you two look at each other, and I know how to use that against you. If you tell any one about what I am doing to her, I'll kill her. You wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her, would you?"

"No." Michael said. Robby was right. Michael did love Miley, and would do anything for her.

"Good boy." Robby said, tussling Michael's hair. "I will see you later. I'm going home to spend time with my very lovely daughter."

Michael watched in painful anger as Robby walked away. Michael punched his truck so hard, that he left a dent.

Robby is right. I am in love with Miley...

AN: Wow, what is going to happen next? R&R to find out!