Chapter 10

Miley.

It didn't feel like anything had happened...

To me it just felt like a really terrible dream because I didn't remember even the smallest inkling of what had happened to me. I'd been told, numerous times, my sister's, my dad, the police officer, yet I still couldn't fully grasp everything. Liam was my best friend, so why would he intentionally decide to do that to me? It just didn't seem to make sense.

"Do you want me to get you anything? Tea, Coffee, Food?"

I looked at dad hovering by my side pointlessly.

I'd been sent home yesterday and he was yet to leave my side. We'd already had a fight this morning when I declared I was going to work. Much to my annoyance I hadn't won that battle, instead I remained bedridden under doctor's orders. I was still weak and even standing up was an effort but I felt better at least. I needed a distraction though because all I kept thinking about was Liam and the obvious question...

Why?

Why had he done this to me? And had he actually done it? Because honestly I still wasn't convinced.

"I'm fine,"

"I could cook you scrambled eggs, you used to love them."

I grabbed dad's worried hand holding it, "I'm okay dad," I whispered looking up at him. "I'm fine, I'm annoyed but I feel okay. Well not okay, I feel like I am recovering from an overdose-"

"But you didn't overdose!" Brandi announced pushing the door open,

I sighed, they kept saying that but whenever someone asked how I felt that was the honest truth. I felt like I'd overdosed, again…

"No I didn't- What is that?"

Brandi walked in carrying a tray with what appeared to be my breakfast, but it wasn't her that I was surprised by. My eyes were focused on Emily holding the biggest bunch of Singapore orchids I'd ever seen, a gleaming smile across her over dramatic face.

"What? I made you cereal?" Brandi asked confused, "You said you wanted-"

"No that!" I pointed at the flowers, "You should be at work Em!"

"I am,"

"This is not work-"

Emily smiled and placed them on the bed beside me, "They were delivered, well I'm delivering them to you from the florist so it is work. Most people only get to the door service, so feel special I walked all the way to your bed."

I stared at Emily as I heard a bang outside the room, "For God's sake, I can't hold all of this shit Emily!"

"Language Noah," Dad snapped sighing.

"Well she is being a bitch dad, she left me to carry all the junk,"

"You're just jealous it's not all for you," Emily noted,

Noah appeared at the door and stumbled as my eyes widened,

"Why are you holding that huge teddy bear we haven't been able to sell?" Brandi asked our younger sister,

Noah dumped it onto the floor kicking the bear in frustration as it toppled over, even then it was up to her waist in height. We'd bought it expecting someone would buy it for Valentines day last year, no one had, and the big bear had become a feature of the back corner sitting there with all the other stuffed toys. Lucy adored it and when ever she came over, she always made another cup of tea for it to drink with her, like a tea party...I

"Delivery to you," Emily smiled.

"And the chocolates!" Noah snapped throwing them at my head,

I thankfully caught the box dropping them to my lap. "Noah be careful!" Dad hissed,

"She's fine!"

"And of course the card,"

Emily whipped out the envelope and handed it to me bowing slightly. I just looked at her huge smile and Noah's pissy little attitude-ridden face staring at the bear. "Okay thanks? Can you leave now?" I asked hopeful, wishing to read the letter in peace.

"I want to see what it says!" Em announced,

"Emily you wrote it!" Noah spat, "He read you what he wanted to say on the phone-"

"Noah shut up!" Brandi hissed,

"Brandi don't yell at your sister,"

"Dad she's being a bitch,"

"You're a bitch!"

"Good come back Noah," Brandi retorted sarcastically.

I swung my head around the room watching the argument as suddenly it clicked, a little slower then it should have. He read it out to Emily on the phone? Someone had rung up and ordered this for me. I looked at the card and huffed dropping it.

"This is from Nick isn't it? All of this is from Nick?" I asked,

"Maybe," Em whispered meekly,

"Take it back,"

I stared at Emily whose face dropped, "Take everything back, I don't want this."

"Miley-"

"No, just take it away."

"Now who's being a bitch?" Noah mumbled,

I spun annoyed, "Piss off Noah! You don't understand what this is like for me-"

"What?" She hissed giving a mocking laugh, "I think it's rather easy to understand Miley! Your ex fiancé cares a hell of a lot about you, more than normal men should! Yet you continue to be mad at him? What's with that? We all know you love him and I'm pretty sure you're over the whole he got arrested on the wedding day thing. So can you just suck it up and accept his apology so we can all move on and not have to deal with this drama? I don't want to be in a fucking soap opera anymore."

I just stared at her wide eyed as Emily nodded, "Well said,"

"Thank you," Noah muttered, "Now I'm leaving for school, bye."

I watched my little sister waltz out ending her departure by slamming the door. I opened my mouth to speak but decided against it, after that anything I said would be judged or criticized.

"Okay then, how about we let you get some rest?" Dad asked,

I nodded slowly gazing at the envelope on my lap,

"I need you to sign something for work first,"

Emily thrust a sheet in front of me as I looked up waiting for an explanation. She handed me a pen and smiled, "It's for that stupid charity thing, remember we volunteered to help out with the flowers? They sent out a letter saying they want to send some volunteers over because of the fact we're giving them free flowers." I just nodded not really caring as I signed my name,

"Okay and-"

Emily leaned over picking up the bear and put it beside me,

"I'll come see you tonight kay? Keep the bear, Nick even named it for you."

"He what?"

"Just read the letter, better get going flowers to deliver."

She smiled and got up walking out as I stared at the two remaining faces. Dad rubbed my back as I leaned into the pillows while Brandi opened her mouth to say something as I shook my head.

"I just want to be alone for a while,"

"Okay, sure thing. Eat your breakfast."

"I will,"

Brandi smiled as dad got up, "Are you sure you-"

"Dad," I stated staring him down,

He nodded and moved away with my sister. I watched them as dad kept staring at me until the door was firmly closed leaving me alone finally. I sighed in relief relaxing a little knowing their eyes were no longer focused on mine.

I instantly looked back to the envelope and without a second of hesitation opened it,

I pulled out the card and opened it seeing my sister's writing. God he'd written a god damn essay…

Dear Miley,

You know how many times you've told me to leave now? It has to be at least ten and yet I'm still not giving up. Even if you decide to burn all of these presents I won't give up. Ever. Why you ask Because I love you Miley, I LOVE YOU.

I frowned imagining Emily writing this while Nick emphasized that it needed to be in capitals, a small smile coming to my face.

So these three gifts all represent something to us, and I want you to focus on those good memories instead of the ones you now are continually holding against me. The flowers, because they were the real reason we got together. Remember how I asked you out with them? You thought they were for another girl? I can still vividly picture your disappointed face. I bought every Singapore flower the store had, because I know how much you love them so maybe you'll love me for buying them?

No? Okay then how about the teddy bear…

The bear, well it's name is Frankie. Okay I had to get it because I stupidly asked Lucy what I should buy you and she demanded the teddy bear. Supposedly you guys used to have tea parties with it? But for me Whenever I see the teddy bear I always see how lonely it looks, kind of like Frankie in hospital. However when you came into Frankie's life you changed it for sure, just like you changed mine for the better. It'll keep you company when I can't and help you remember how much Frank and Lucy love you...

Oh and if you do accept this apology I have good news,

I quit my job.

Not for you, okay completely for you. Now I can spend every minute with you, the time you deserve with me. And the chocolates? Yeah they aren't significant at all, I know you like chocolate and they are sweet like you. Corny line quota complete.

I laughed and then stopped, why was I laughing, that wasn't funny? Was it? I sighed looking at all the gifts, he'd made effort, he'd put thought into everything I suppose I had to give him credit for all of this. I moved down reading the last line,

I don't expect us to be together, look even friends would be a good start.

Just think about it okay? I miss you...

I am sorry. I love you Miley.

Nick.

I looked at the bear beside me and sighed pushing the card away and turned to Frankie. I rolled away from it and grabbed my phone letting my heart react before my brain could, I got up a message and typed the words.

Fine I forgive you Nick

I didn't let myself hesitate as I hit send.

Nick.

"So next Wednesday will be fun right?"

Demi smirked evilly as I just looked at her unresponsive, "Oh yeah our court hearing will be oh so much fun! I love picking up trash on the side of the freeway!" I announced over enthusiastically as she laughed.

"You'll look good in that sexy orange outfit,"

"We have to wear orange overalls?" Joe yelled from the kitchen groaning.

"Sure do, wouldn't want a car to hit you babe,"

"I might," Joe responded, "I might die from embarrassment first though..."

Demi laughed as she stretched her legs out along the couch, putting her feet onto my lap. I gave her an annoyed look as she just patted her stomach, "Don't complain, your niece needs her mommy happy and relaxed which means I need to spread out." Demi announced cherfully,

"Fine, but only this once."

"Right breakfast is served," Joe proclaimed.

He walked out with three take away Chinese boxes as Demi frowned,

"You said you were making pancakes!" She snapped at him,

"I did," Joe noted pointing at the boxes as he handed us each one,

"Pancakes don't come in boxes Joe."

"No but Chinese does," He announced smiling,

Demi frowned peeling the sticker stuck on the side of her box pushing it onto Joe's chest, "These are from the take away Chinese place down the road Joe! Why are we eating Chinese for breakfast?" She yelled opening the box regardless,

"Yeah well," Joe shrugged. "I burnt the pancakes, shit happens, accept it. Plus it's basically lunch…"

I laughed and grabbed the pair of chopsticks, I was happy with this.

"But you said you'd practice for when the baby comes,"

"I doubt it'll be eating pancakes for the first few years at least," I added,

Demi sent me a deathly glare as I stuck the chopsticks in, "I know that Nick, thank you. I'm trying to get Joe used to the kitchen, because I'm not going to be up every night at four because the baby wants a bottle. I'm teaching Joe how to use the microwave at the moment."

"Oh wow," I stated looking at my brother. "Good luck man, those are complicated,"

"I know right," Joe stated seriously,

I couldn't help but laugh that my older brother hadn't caught onto my sarcasm in the comment. Demi just rolled her eyes and kissed the side of his head as Joe sat perched on the floor below the sofa. I pushed the noodles into my mouth looking at my brother and best friend smiling at one another, I loved seeing them this happy it made me thankful that everything had worked out okay. Demi was healthy, the baby was fine, and even though they'd lost one Joe and Dems were holding it together the best they could.

"So I called the florist," Demi announced a bunch of noodles in her mouth,

"Why?" Joe asked

"Miley's florist, because she hasn't been answering my calls."

My eyes widened as I looked straight down into the Chinese picking my way through the shrimp and noodles. "I talked to Brandi, she was really vague about everything. She said Miley's back with them though and I asked about Liam but Brandi changed topic."

"Hmmm strange," Joe muttered as I hesitantly looked up,

Joe glared at me giving dangerous look which said 'tell her'. I didn't want to upset Dem right now, sure Miley was fine now but still Dems would freak out when she found out how close it had actually been. I wanted to let Demi mourn the loss of her baby without having to think about the added stress of Miley's situation.

"So anyway, I'm going to see Miley tomorrow." Demi continued.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Joe muttered,

Demi turned confused, "Why not?"

"Because…" I started stopping,

"Because?"

Demi looked at me for an explanation as I shrugged, "She's…you know. Still really mad at me and seeing you I just don't think-"

"That's why I'm going to apologies! For your bad behavior!" Demi stated seriously looking to JOE, "And ask her to be godmother, which reminds me you'll be god father yes?" Her eyes turned to me and I shook my head

"Wait? What? No!"

Demi's face fell as she glared at me, "What do you mean no? You told me in the restaurant you wanted to be-"

"No I didn't, you told me that I'd never be that child's godfather."

"So you don't want to be?"

I opened my mouth seeing how angry Demi was, oh shit I was digging a hole for myself here. "I don't think it's the baby he's worried about D," Joe murmured, "It's more the fact that if Miley accepts then he's going to have to spend a lot of time with her, and honestly I don't want our baby to be in the middle of one of their fights."

"Selena is going to be godmother too and Luce when she's old enough..."

Joe looked at Demi as I clenched my lips, "Yeah I doubt that is making things better,"

"You're being godfather," Demi hissed looking at me, "Okay?"

"Dem-"

She threw her chopsticks into the box looking at me, "Nicholas don't you dare bail, your niece wants you to be her godfather! This is an honor accept it okay? It's not like you'll have to even speak to Miley."

"Except at the christening," Joe muttered,

"And birthday's,"

"Let's not forget school events," Joe added as Demi nodded,

"Ballet concerts..."

"Maybe football games? It might be a boy still."

"Okay you're both not helping." I announced.

"Hopefully you'll be back with Miley soon," Demi stated smiling at me.

Joe snorted, "Not after what she said to him at the hospital,"

Demi instantly looked at Joe completely confused and turned to me,

"The hospital? She came to see me?"

I glared at Joe as he shrugged, "You couldn't lie forever bro, might as well tell her the truth about where Miley's at." He stated seriously while Demi's eyes were widening by the second,

"Where Miley's at?"

"Miley didn't come to see you Dem."

"What? But you just said she came to the hospital?"

Demi stared at me and I screwed my face up, how was I supposed to say this?

"Because she…got drugged." I stated slowly,

Demi's mouth dropped as she looked at me, "SHE WHAT?"

"Liam dosed her drink with drugs."

"HE DID WHAT-"

"She had an allergic reaction, definitely not as overdose, it's a long story. Regardless Miles was in a really critical condition when you were in hospital too, that's where Nick was, that's why he wasn't with you." Joe stated moving his hand up to Demi's cheek, "Demi she almost died."

Demi blinked a few times and I could see she was about to explode,

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?" She screamed at Joe.

"Nick didn't want to upset you!" He hissed panicked,

Demi's head spun as she pulled her legs back and sat up pushing the box towards Joe who took it.

"Thanks man," I spat glaring at Joe who shrugged.

"HOW COULD YOU?" She yelled at me raising her hand and slapping my shoulder, "She was in a critical condition? And you thought because I lost one of my babies it was okay not to tell me I might have almost lost Miley too? What if she had died? Would you have told me then?"

"Demi of course I would-"

"You came and saw me, yet you didn't tell me! You lied to me, you-"

"You just lost your son, I didn't want to-"

"NICK!" Demi hissed looking at me, "Miley's practically my best friend now."

"I know that, I just-" I turned away shaking my head, "She's okay, so it doesn't matter!"

"YES IT DOES! She most likely thinks I'm a complete bitch!"

"She would never think that," Joe whispered,

Demi spun and glared at him, "Don't even speak to me Joe, how could you not tell me? How could you not say anything?" She spat furiously staring at her husband, "I can't believe no one told me! Please tell me that bastard is-"

"In jail, Miley's home, she's okay."

"Have you seen her?" Demi asked still fuming, her voice easing a little,

I nodded not wanting to think about it, "At the hospital, she told me to leave."

"And of course you left, you haven't seen her since?"

"No, I sent her flowers and stuff today." I muttered meekly,

Demi huffed moving to stand up, "Demi," Joe grabbed both her arms, "Miley's recovering too, she's on bed rest at the moment and I don't think it's a great idea to be calling or seeing her. A lot happened to her…"

"You're not telling me something are you?" She whispered looking at Joe,

"Liam almost raped her," I murmured,

Demi's face fell, "Miley doesn't remember anything." I continued shrugging, "Which I suppose is good, but I talked to Emily and Miley's refusing to think it was Liam's fault when clearly it was. Right now I think she just needs to realise and let what happened to her sink in, because clearly it hasn't yet."

"Oh my god," Demi muttered turning to me, "Why aren't you with her Nick?"

"She told me to leave!" I responded,

"So? Go and see her Nick!" She spat, "Make her understand what happened!"

"What good will I be? She hates me..."

"She will listen if it's from you,"

"I doubt it-"

My phone started vibrating along the table as I reached over grabbing it quickly letting out a sigh,

"Whose it from?" Demi asked annoyed.

I smiled seeing the name as I looked at the message,

"Miley," I whispered beyond surprised,

"What does it say?"

"I think she just forgave me," I whispered looking at them feeling happy for the first time in what felt like months,

A/N- Hey people, sorry this chapter was so disjointed :\ And someone sent me a review going where's Lucy? and I was like oh crap I actually kind of forgot about her! Don't worry she'll be back soon haha Thanks for the reviews xx