Chapter Nineteen

Miley.

"So are you coming in today or not?" Jason asked unimpressed.

I twisted a strand of my hair around my index finger considering what my Uncle just asked me. Did I really want to go to work? How could I, now that everyone most likely knew who I was? How could I ever face any of them again? I released the strand swapping the phone to my other ear,

"I don't know Jase," I responded honestly. "I really don't know."

"You have more sick days you can use…" He offered seriously.

I'd called him this morning not knowing what else to do. I knew everyone would know the truth eventually. There was no such thing as discretion when it came to personal matters in the force. This would be the biggest gossip for the month, let alone this week. Therefore I'd called Jason because he deserved to know that our secret wasn't exactly that word anymore. After all it wasn't just me who had to front the entire workforce, it was Jason too.

"But that's just a short term solution," Jason murmured carefully and I knew exactly what he was thinking. What about the long term? Tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Next year? I couldn't avoid work forever.

A silence fell between us as I sighed, "Jason I'm sorry." I whispered.

He was mad, I'd heard as much from his tone but he wasn't yelling at me. For a change he actually seemed to understand the situation and wasn't jumping to his normal assumptions and conclusions.

"Don't be," He responded quietly. "It was bound to happen eventually."

"I just hoped it wouldn't be this soon."

"You and me both Miley."

"I think I just need today off." I finalized, "To think about what I'm-"

The phone was ripped from my fingers, as I turned confused to see my shirtless boyfriend holding my cell to his ear. "Good morning Jason, it's Nick here, Miley's boyfriend and your favorite officer." He stated casually as I felt everything in me just drop. "We'll be at work on time this morning, both of us. I promise. Bye."

Nick hung up the phone as I just gawked at him. He smiled at me handing my cell back as I just continued to stare.

"What did you just do?" I hissed at him feeling sick.

Nick went towards the cupboard confused, "I told your Uncle-"

"That you slept over here basically? He's going to kill me Nick!" I yelled at him furiously as Nick rolled his eyes grabbing the bread, "Don't roll your eyes at me! I'm serious Nick! Fuck, you just made everything a million times worse!" I continued following him,"And wait, did you just tell him I'm going to work? Nick I can't after last night I-"

"Need to grow some balls Miley." He proclaimed almost mockingly.

My mouth dropped yet again, "Excuse me?"

He dropped the bread onto the counter staring at me with a smirk, "You heard exactly what I said! Miley you are an adult okay? I slept over big fricken deal, it's not like we had sex and your uncle can assume what he wants we know the truth." Nick announced care free, "Oh and yes we are going to work, because we need money, well I need money. Plus I promised to help you Miles and letting you selfishly wallow in your own self-pity isn't on my schedule or yours. You're going to have to face everyone, if you don't you'll just be a coward and they'll think less of you everyday you take off. Be brave."

I just blinked opened mouthed. He smiled leaning down kissing my lips.

"Oh and good morning beautiful, you want toast?"

Nick walked off as I swallowed still in a state of shock. His chocolate eyes found mine again waiting for a response as I just took my seat completely confused by how my day plans had just changed very quickly.

"You're crazy." I whispered speaking my mind.

"I am, but do you want toast?" He repeated.

Nick smiled at me as I just stared at him. Finally he sighed moving over to me, kissing the side of my head. "Miley come on, it's not a big deal unless you make it one. Joe and Kevin are my brother's, Demi is my best friend. They are all your friend. Do you really think they are suddenly going to change because now they know your last name?"

Yes.

"Wrong answer." Nick responded frowning at me.

"I didn't even say-"

"I can see the doubt in your eyes." He murmured giving me a sad smile, "Miley trust me, please. Today is going to be a bitch, but you can't just keep putting it off. Plus you're not going to face it alone, I'm going to be with you one hundred percent and so will your overbearing Uncle."

A part of me knew he was right, the other part wanted the day off.

Nick wanted me to be brave though, I had to be brave.

"Do you want toast? Because we're going to be late if you don't decided."

He looked up giving me a smile as I stared at him entranced. I nodded more confidently as he leaned over kissing my lips again, "I love you gorgeous, and I promise tonight we can go anywhere you want."

"I just want to come home," I murmured seriously biting my lip, "But I want you to come with me, and stay over again."

"So you did like our cuddle session?" He asked smirking.

I laughed nodding, "I like you being close to me."

"Good," He responded putting a plate in front of me, "That makes two of us."

Honestly I don't know how Nick did it, but an hour later I was unwillingly walking up the steps to work. He'd entranced the hell out of me, distracted my train of thoughts the entire trip here so I couldn't back out. But now as the familiar work place building consumed my eyes the hesitation started to build making my legs heavy and mind doubtful.

"Keep walking." Nick instructed obviously noting my eased pace.

I turned giving him a look as he leaned forward pressing his lips against mine while placing his hand on my back. "Keep going, you can do this, nothing is going to change okay?" He continually repeated.

"But-"

"Miley stop with the talk, more with the walk- we're already five minutes late."

Nick opened the door for me, not releasing the small amount of pressure he had on my back as he gently forced me through. I stopped the second I was inside my eyes gazing around, expecting someone, anyone, to be staring at me. I was welcomed with absolutely nothing. No one even glimpsed in our direction.

"Told ya," Nick murmured smugly, "Now walk into the office."

So I continued feeling the confidence returning a little as we walked through the foyer. We scanned our cards and Nick once again opened the door for me as I took two steps in only for my personal bubble to be violently invaded by a familiar pissed off looking face.

"Why the hell didn't you tell me?" Demi yelled into my face.

I stumbled back against Nick in shock looking at her opened mouthed because that wasn't the reaction I expected. "I mean hell…everything makes so much more sense now!" Demi announced dramatically throwing her arms in the air, "I just don't understand why you didn't tell me, or any of us! You told him clearly-"

"Actually she didn't, I worked it-"

"Shut up Nick I don't care about you right now." Demi snapped waving him away.

Nick went to move as I reached out attempting to clutch onto his arm only for Demi to snatch it away, digging her nails in. "Oh no you don't, no way! You aren't speaking to Nick until you give Selena and me the complete run down on how the hell we missed the fact that you are the devil's niece…" Demi instantly looked regretful and fearful at the same time, "Oh my god have you been snitching to him about us? Oh my god what if-"

"Demi breath, she's not a criminal. No interrogation, remember? We talked about how we were going to handle this and you are doing everything we agreed not to do!" Selena's voice announced as I noted she was awkwardly standing behind Demi her hand pulling her friend back from being so close to me.

Demi's lip pinched shut as she let my arm go looking like almost disappointed? With me? What the-

"I just can't believe you didn't tell us." She whispered shaking her head, her eyebrows cast down. "I thought we were friends and-"

"We are," I murmured looking towards Nick only to note he was gone. Fuck, that traitor. "I just…" I stopped trying to think of what I wanted to say to them. "I didn't want anyone to know because I thought you'd treat me differently."

"Like hell I would have, I wouldn't have gone bitching to you about our boss for a starters!" Demi roared taking two steps towards me again as I backed up against the door. "I mean we told you all of our feelings towards him, and you….you he treated you like shit and you took it? What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Actually when you think about it, she didn't Demi. She never did." Sel murmured.

Demi looked contemplative as my mind and heart raced unable to comprehend what was going on because this was unbelievable. I'd expected them to feel sorry, to hug and tell me everything was going to get better. Instead I was facing Demi acting like she was about to kill me and I was honestly a little bit scared she was, not to mention Selena's quite approach her eyes judging me from behind.

"So what do you have to say for yourself?" Demi finally spat at me.

I opened my mouth and instead of words I felt a laugh rip from my throat. I instantly covered my mouth feeling sick at my bodies' reaction, but the panic in me was finding this hilarious. I'd prepared myself for a whole different scenario and this I didn't know what to do but laugh at my own stupidity.

They hadn't changed at all. I'd just pissed them off. Big time.

Demi just stared at me disgusted, "You think this is funny, I'll show you- "

I didn't let her finish and instead wrapped my arms around her pulling my closest friend in a huge hug. I was terrified of her right now, but at the same time I was so damn relieved this was the only way I could truly show my feelings. Nick was right they didn't changed, well they had, just not in the way I could see. I'd always been blinded by my parent's death, that I never saw much outside it. Yet here I had both of them completely pissed at me for lying about who my Uncle was, not for whose daughter I was. It was an utter and complete relief,

"What the hell Miley?" Demi hissed trying to push me off but I didn't budge.

"Thank you, thank you so much." I stated letting her go.

Demi and Selena both stared at me like I was crazy but there was nothing I could say to make them understand "You have no idea how much you two mean to me," I stated shaking my head "And I'm sorry I lied, I should have told you. I've never repeated anything you've said about my Uncle, I swear on my life I have never, and will never do that. You're my friends, I wouldn't do that to you guys."

They both just stared at me now the ones left speechless as I looked at them.

"I thought…" I trailed off closing my eyes staring down, "Actually I just assumed you'd look at me differently, that you'd feel sorry for me constantly because all my life that's all anyone has ever done. Everyone feels sorry for me. That's why I didn't want you guys to know, I just…I hate being viewed as the poor little girl who lost her parents in 9/11 and I didn't want that here. I wanted to be me and I thought that if you knew you'd change."

"We do feel sorry for you." Selena announced honestly.

I looked at her as they both just stared at me, "But we're not going to change because of that Miley." She continued confused, "And I can't imagine what it's been like for you and I understand that everyday must be hard, but I still wish you'd told us the truth. We're your friends, we are with you the good time and the bad no matter what those are or when they occurred."

I nodded in agreement, "I should have, I guess I was scared."

Demi's face looked calm now, "You shouldn't be scared Miley, you can tell us anything you should know that." She whispered her eyes still hurting.

"And we'll always be here for you okay?" Selena stated putting her arm on mine.

I nodded sighing, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I'm sorry I yelled it's just…I was mad." Demi responded.

"You had every right to be,"

Demi looked up and smiled at me, "I'm not going to lie and tell you I'm not going to look at you differently now, because I am, just not because of your parents but rather I think you have some serious courage taking on this job considering. And because now I know you're the Commissioners niece I do completely feel sorry for you, how could you possibly have grown up with him? He's like the definition of a strict dictator."

I rolled my eyes shaking my head feeling almost normal again,

"You have no idea what Jason is like out of the office…"

They instantly looked at me curiously, "Do tell…" Demi stated grinning.

"Well, where do I begin?"

I looked at the both feeling overwhelmed but good because finally something had changed and I was beginning to understand Nick's words were not just right but incredibly wise and understanding. He comprehended and repaired situations where I only saw dilemmas. If I didn't make a big deal out of it, maybe no one else would either and if I didn't look for the sympathy then there would be no reason for anyone to give me it.

Nick.

"He dressed up as Santa for me when I was eight."

I snorted covering my mouth as Miley sat the centre of attention perched on my desk looking a little overwhelmed by her sudden popularity. Miley's stories had started with two eager listeners, Selena and Demi, but twenty minutes later half the office had eagerly gathered around to hear the overly embarrassing and confronting stories about our boss.

"My Aunt even made him climb down the laundry shoot to make it more realistic and he was forced to eat these disgusting cookies I made that I put like currents and fish sauce in- he threw up all Christmas day." Miley explained as smiles consumed everyone's faces with a few hidden and vocal laughs.

"I cannot even imagine the Commissioner in a Santa suit."

Miley gleamed, "I have photos, many photos. I'll bring some in."

"I can't believe he has a soft side though," Joe stated shaking his head in disbelief, "I mean I'm starting to feel like he might actually have a heart?" There was a few nods in agreement as I watched on.

Miley shrugged, "He does sometimes, like tucking me in every night when I was a kid but at the same time he was always pretty hardcore with me. He didn't tolerate much shit when it came to me being disobedient-"

"And I assume you were quite rebellious?" Selena questioned.

Miley's smile fell a little, "I was more misguided than rebellious..." My girlfriend trailed off and I knew she wanted to continue she just didn't know whether or not it was a good idea. Her eyes turned to mine as I gave her a weak reassuring nod, "I mean after my parents died everything in my world kind of collapsed, no pun intended, I was kind of a sucker to be infiltrated by peer pressure."

"Yet here you are, completely independant, lying your way into the force-"

"I did not! Not my fault you guys never bothered to ask me what my real name was!" Miley's smile quickly grew again as she punched Demi lightly in the arm. I gazed around and noted that some of the guys were staring at her with a sympathy shadowing their faces, but also one of curiosity. That's what had drawn me in, she had this whole identity that had shaped her into a character I still couldn't quite describe because when I finally thought I knew her they'd just be another surprise around the corner.

"You wouldn't have told us!" Selena jeered,

Miley laughed and nodded, "No I probably wouldn't have,"

"Destiny Hope what a name, were you parents drunk-"

"Hey! Shut up! Now you know why I wanted to go by my nickname!" Miley stated shoving Joe this time who just laughed shaking his head.

"I want another story about the Commissioner!" Joe demanded as everyone nodded. Miley looked a little reluctant but like me she knew this was a lot better than questions about her parents, and why not please the crowed? It wasn't often we had much good news around here and this was seemingly entertaining everyone.

"Okay well, this isn't so much a story about him but a secret I'm keeping from him…" Miley began as I watched her gazing around excited. I was happy we came in today it was definitely the right decision. "Jason had just got this brand new car, it was a really expensive Lexus and I was learning to drive at that point. One night my friends convinced me to take it out for spin, I knew he'd never let me borrow it so I kind of just took it…"

"Oh God…" Demi stated moving closer grinning.

Miley looked down embarrassed, "And let's just say I'd had a little bit to drink, and smoke…" Audible groans filled the air and a few short laughs all of us knowing where this was leading, "And I kind of rammed the side of it into a power pole…" I laughed shaking my head as I noticed a few guys at the back suddenly looking pained and serious. "I freaked out I mean I'd like damaged about three panels along the side-"

More eyes were shifting to my left looking uneasy, as suddenly people began to disappear. I twisted my head confused spotting a way too familiar figure feeling everything in me drop as I reached out to Miley to stop her saying anything else.

"Anyway I drove it home and-" I shoved her in the back as she spun around confused looking at me, "What Nick?" Her eyes stared at me completely confused as I nodded to my left.

Miley slowly turned bewildered as I looked back to see my boss leaning on the corner of my cubicle watching his niece, his head tilted with a small delicate smile on his face. It looked evil. "Don't stop Miley, I would love to hear the end to this story because somehow I don't think I've heard this version."

I watched the colour drain from Miley's face as everyone just sat frozen. The smile dropped from the Commissioners face as he pointed at her,

"My office, now Miley." He stated simply.

The hairs of my neck stood up as he turned and walked away. He reached his door and stopped turning back to all of us remaining who were just frozen in our positions hoping like hell that if we kept still the wild animal wouldn't target us next.

"And all you, I suggest you get back to work before I reassess all of your positions on the force." He stated with a snarl opening his door, "Miley NOW!"

Miley jumped to her feet shell shocked moving towards her Uncle like it was the last thing she'd ever do. He held the door open for her his eyebrows raised, while Jason's lips were pinched together. He looked murderous. The second she walked in the door slammed and we all let out bodies collapse the tension draining from all of us,

"She's in serious shit isn't she?" Demi whispered,

I smiled shaking my head, "Miles will be fine, she's just as stubborn as him don't worry." The crowded dispersed quickly as everyone resumed work unwilling to get caught out by the Commissioner again, with the exception of Demi who was still lingering.

"I still can't believe it Nick." Demi stated shaking her head.

Her attention turned to me, "She's nothing like him really." Demi murmured.

"Actually she is," I noted gazing down at the paperwork. "A lot when you really think about it Demi. They have very strong and dominating personalities hence why they continually clash. Miley hides her true emotions behind a confidant front that she continually struggles to hold onto, which I believe is much like Jason we just haven't seen any cracks in him yet. Not to mention they both tried to isolate themselves and keep people out of their lives so they don't get hurt again."

"Last night at the restaurant…" Demi trailed off, "Her face, it was-"

"Terrified?" I offered looking up.

Demi nodded gravely, "I mean I was so mad at her I didn't really start thinking about all the other things"

"Other things?"

Demi leaned closer, "Her parents Nick," She whispered her face embarrassed. "I didn't really click until well…she hugged me. I mean how did she possibly get through that? Miley didn't just lose one but both of her parents, how can you ever deal with that?"

"You don't," I responded simply, "And she hasn't Demi."

Demi just looked at me confused, "But she seems so happy, and okay-"

"Seems that doesn't mean she is," I responded making sure no one was listening around us, "Miley hasn't dealt with her parents death, and I doubt she ever will. I'm trying so hard to help her and I think I am making progress. I'm the first person's she's ever opened up to about them but I don't think Miley will ever tell anyone everything same goes for Jason."

Demi shook her head, "I just, I still can't believe it."

"Neither could I, it took me the whole night to wrap my head around it when I found out. But Demi please don't change with her, that out of everything is her biggest fear in life and it's something she can't fix or change so just stay the same." I pleaded and she nodded,

"I won't, well I'll try not too it's kind of involuntary."

"That's what makes it so hard."

I heard the door open as I turned to see Miley now holding a large take away coffee, that was clearly a gift from Jason which he'd purchased before the news of his car spilled from Miley's lips. However by the look on her face that was the only thing he'd be giving her for a long time. Miley walked over her face red and pissed off as Demi gave her a look,

"Was it bad?" She asked.

Miley groaned sitting on my table, "You could say that, he's such a dick."

"What did he say?" I asked as she looked at me pained.

"He gave me two options, I have to pay for the repairs to the car, which is ridiculous it was like five years ago…" She murmured looking frustrated yet I could tell that wasn't why she was pissed off.

"Or?" Demi questioned beating me to it.

She slumped back sighing keeping her gaze distant from both of us, "I go to the World Trade Centre memorial on September 11."

Demi opened her mouth to respond, and I could literally see what she wanted to say but I gave her a look shaking my head. To us it was obvious what we'd choose, a few hours of standing around at the memorial was no way as painful as handing over most of our earnings for the last two months. We weren't Miley though, we didn't have the connection to the memorial she did.

"I hate him sometimes, he knows I don't want to go, he knows." She whispered.

"Well maybe you should go?"

Miley gave me a dirty look and stood up, "We're on patrol, I'll be in the car. Bye Demi." She responded still in a bit of a daze walking away.

Demi looked at me as I stood up, "Like I said, she seems okay but when you really look and hear what Miley's saying-"

"She's not." Dem finished gravely as I nodded following my girlfriend.

A/N: Hey guys sorry for the delay (this basically seems to be all I'm doing in these lately apologising but I'm serious I wish I could update more) Anyway next chapter is especially sad- like probably the saddest in the whole story :( sorry this chapter was dodgy but I decided to add it in because the next chapter didn't really flow well with out it. :)