Always will.
Slowly, I walked from the school to my house, trying to take everything in. My mom died and I missed her, more than anything. She hadn't even been dead a day but I was finding it hard to cope. Now I had to move to Florida with my dad and play happy families with his wife and kids. I didn't want to. Even though he was still my dad, I would always be second to be second best in the family, or third considering it was twins his wife was having. I didn't want to leave Malibu. Sure I had recently been fighting with Miley but I didn't want to leave her. And then there was Oliver. I loved him. We had been through so much. Him moving then coming, my accident and then him going with Miley but we found each other in the end. I couldn't leave all that behind. I kept wishing my mom was there to tell me what to do, like she used to. I then tried to imagine what she would say. 'Just keep on going'. That's what she'd say. 'Just keep going and fate will find you'. As much as I hated it, I would have to move to Florida with my dad.
I picked out my cell from my pocket. I opened my contacts and scrolled down to 'Dad'. I took a breath in. I had to do this, for my mom. I presses dial.
"Hello," he answered "Dad, I'm sorry."
"Sweetheart, it's fine. I understand you're angry," he paused,"Are you ready to leave?"
"I think so."
"I'll meet you at your house."
"Ok..." I hung up.
I reached my house and my dad was standing outside the house. He smiled at me.
"It will be ok." he said and I hoped he was right.
I was allowed back into my house to receive some clothes from the next couple of days but that was it. I had to leave everything else behind. Looking around my room for the last time was hard. I picked up various objects, each having so much meaning behind them. On my shelf sat a picture from my 13th birthday. I had took everyone out to a restaurant. I looked at everyone in the picture. My mom, My dad, my grandma, Miley, me and Oliver. Everyone who mattered to me. I remembered back to them. I remember the waiter asking if we wanted him to take the picture. Everyone was so happy. My mom was alive and still with my Dad, my grandma was alive and me, Miley and Oliver were best friends forever. I didn't know what life was capable of. Hurt, for me was failing a pop quiz or getting shouted at for not tidying my room, it wasn't real hurt. The feeling I was feeling, standing in my room for the last time, holding that picture, that was real hurt.
"They loved each other, can't you see that" I heard a voice downstairs. I crept out onto the landing. Mrs Oken was downstairs talking to my Dad. I sat on the top step and listened.
"I can't just leave her," my dad said.
"She'll be in safe hands," Mrs Oken insisted, "I have a spare bedroom upstairs"
"I know she will but-"
"I know Lilly's mom would agree with me when I say, Lilly is happiest when she's with Oliver. And I have to say the same for Oliver. Watching his face light up when he sees your daughter, its heart melting. And if you saw Lilly with him, I know you'd let her stay."
How could I stay? What was she suggesting to my Dad?
"Ok then," my dad replied.
"I know you won't regret this and I promise I will guard her with life."
I peered down to where they were standing. "Lilly!!," My dad shouted I stood up.
"You hear all of that?" he asked and I nodded. I ran down the stairs and hugged him "Thanks," I whispered, "And thankyou Mrs Oken"
She smiled, "You're welcome"
I looked to my dad. A tear was forming in his eye.
"Dad?" I asked At that moment, Mrs Oken left giving me and my dad some time together.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly. He shook his head.
"Sweetheart, it's fine," he told me, "Just remember, I love you."
I smiled, " I know dad. I love you too."
"And behave Misses," he laughed.
"I promise."
"Well, I'll see you at the funeral."
I smiled and hugged him. He kissed me on the forehead. Before my mom died I hardly saw him but I knew I'd miss him never the less.
I moved some of my items into the Okens' spare bedroom. As it was time for my dad to leave, it was also time for Oliver to come home. I sat in the living room as he walked through the front door.
"Mom!?!," he yelled, " tell me that wasn't Lilly's car leaving?"
His Mom rushed into the hall to see him. I peeked out. Oliver couldn't see me.
"Yeah Honey.." his mom replied.
"No!," he cried, "I've missed her."
"I'm sorry..."
"Mom, I love her. I don't think I can live without her. We've been through so much together and things were finally working out for us. I told her it would all be ok but I'm starting to doubt it myself Mom," he paused, " I love her.."
His mom lead him into the living room and he saw me. His face beamed with happiness as I ran towards him. Even though his mom was standing there, we kissed.
"Lilly staying in our spare room, I sorted it all out with her dad," Mrs Oken explained before leaving the room.
"I love you too," I whispered in his ear, "and Oliver, everything will be ok, I know it."
He smiled " I love you Lilly Truscott and I always will."