T W E N T Y - T H R E E


~The Night of the Fall Dance~

~No One's P.O.V~

Déjà vu Mitchie thought to herself watching her best friends buzz around the room in a wild hunt to look perfect. But this time, Mitchie wasn't going to get forced to dress up like a princess, unfortunately that was for Prom coming up in less than a month.

Mitchie contently stayed in one of Shane's baggy, white T-shirts with a band paste on the front, black sweatpants and barefoot, lying on her bed. Shane would arrive in about 30 minutes for their night of "surprises" for Mitchie seeing whatever Mr. Gray had planned for the evening.

Miley finished off the can of hairspray after spraying the entire bottle on her head and tossed it in the trash, examining her tube top styled pink dress with a black crop jacket that hung to her waist, and black chunky heels. Her hair was twisted into a perfect side ponytail with a white flower over her ear and make-up complete.

Nate hadn't officially asked her, but she was hoping to run into him tonight anyway, maybe getting her fairytale moment with him in a dance. Miley was disappointed one of her best friends wasn't coming, but at least satisfied she would spend the night with Shane probably having more fun anyway. The 16-year-old was silently wishing Smitchie would just kiss already!

Alex gaped at her black, one shoulder bubble dress with the popping red colored, thick belt and black strappy heels and of course a black jacket considering the frigid weather. She left her hair naturally pin straight and finished her mascara before turning to Miley with a smile.

Alex was the type of girl that never would admit when she was scared. She choked down the frightened feelings of what the night held that churned and burned inside her, because she hated whining and just liked to keep herself looking strong. Uncharacteristic butterflies were attacking her whole body at just the thought of Justin, but she ignored them stubbornly.

"Have fun with Shane tonight." Miley giggled winking at the now blushing brunette on the bed. Mitchie rolled her eyes but a smile played over her lips when his name was brought up. Though she denied it over and over again, even to herself, Mitchie was crushing bad on Shane, which without notice was falling into something deeper and more special.

"Oh I will. Dance with Nate for me, 'k?"

Miley scowled as the other girls laughed and pink highlighted her tan cheeks. Alex got their purses and dragged Miley out the door, who was beginning to hyperventilate.

"Have fun!" Mitchie waved from the doorway as the girls climbed into Alex's car and drove off. Barely a minute later, had Shane's black car slid in front of her house.

She watched not even noticing she was smiling, as Shane got out of the car with a secret grin that hid what he had planned for tonight. His heart was thundering, stomach in circles, and felt faint, but Shane felt this adrenaline every time he saw her beautiful face and adored it.

Mitchie smirked as he strode across the grass in the chilly air in his black and green, plaid button down shirt left unbuttoned over his white tank top, regular dark wash jeans and solid black converse. "Early," She commented. "Just couldn't wait to see me, huh?"

It was a joke that held nothing but the truth. Shane didn't want to wait another 20 something minutes. He leaped into his car and sped right over. Shane chuckled drinking in her casual look as if she was just sleeping in pajamas but to him she looked gorgeous.

"Not another second." He smiled easily, second nature around Mitchie, and slid his hands to their rightful position on her curvy hips. She could have moaned at the sensation of his warm hands over her flesh, especially with the freezing air.

Shane leaned in letting his breath swim over her cool cheeks and neck. "Let's go inside so you can change."

Mitchie flushed realizing as he was so close, her eyes had shut. She quickly opened them with a nod and they both scurried inside.


"Here we are!" Miley giggled feeling excitement and anxiety pulsing through her veins. The school's parking lot was flooded with cars and the loud music could be heard from outside.

Alex took a deep breath and plastered an equally excited grin before they both dove out of her car, linking arms and practically skipped to the cafeteria where the dance was held. Both of their hearts skipped a beat as they got closer and the music gained volume.

Miley let another giggle pop from her lips before she opened the doors and both girls stepped inside greeted by the Black Eyed Peas' Let's Get It Started and the thousands of teenagers swelled in the large building.

Instantly Justin was spotted at the dance floor grinding with Stella and seem to be having a great time, though on the inside he was going crazy waiting for Alex to get here. When she saw them, Alex looked the other way, positive he didn't see her and followed Miley through the crowd.

The light haired brunette's eyes prowled the building for that adorable head of chocolate curls but couldn't seem to find him. Miley pouted but shrugged it off. I'll find him later she thought and tugged Alex to the drinks table getting some punch.

The cafeteria was decorated for the fall dance by vivid orange, red, and brown autumn leaves stapled in chucks against the white walls and some hanging from the ceiling. Right above the imported stage was a red banner and written in loopy, bright orange letters was "Silver Palm's Fall Dance". All tables were set with a brown cloth over it and red flowers in yellow vases in the center with more leaves plastered on the back of the chairs. In the center of the room on the ceiling was a rainbow disco ball the rotated flashing the room with various neon colors that glowed on the students' skin.

Sitting at a table blocked by the dancing bodies was Nate in his black long sleeve, button down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, with a red tie decorated by golden stripes, black dress pants, and red converse. He made sure to shower his body in Miley's favorite Abercrombie cologne on him.

He watched her walk in with Alex, his heart dropping at how stunning she looked and he watched with empty eyes as she looked for him. It was time to stop this. She needed to stop wasting her life on him. Miley would only get her heart shattered and Nate was not going to let that happen. Even if he had to lie to her face, Nate was making sure tonight he would end this and save her the pain.

Alex looked over and found Nate as if by instinct seeing him staring off in deep thought. She decided to not tell Miley, letting him do this thinking before he treated her wrong as he always did and sat down with her at a safe distanced table.

Having enough, Justin wiggled his way out of the crowd of dancing teens and began searching the room for Alex or even Mitchie, desperate to find her. He screwed things up and even if he was too late for a relationship, he wanted a friendship with the woman he surely loved.

Justin turned around and sighed seeing her sitting down with Miley, never looking as amazing as she had now. He only dreamed she would go to prom with him. Sucking in a deep breath, he began walking toward their table.


Shane laid upside-down on Mitchie's bed waiting with plenty of patience as she picked out something to wear, only in her jeans. He tried his hardest to not stare at her exposed upper body thankfully a bit shielded by a red lace bra, but he was still drooling.

Mitchie did her best to pretend Shane's eyes were glued to her chest as she looked for the right top for tonight that was pretty but still comfortable and would keep her warm. She decided on a hot pink, long sleeve shirt with white music notes and hearts splattered on the front and her white, heelless boots. She slid the top on, mentally sighing in relief that she was covered but Shane still stared.

Blushing, she turned to her vanity and hastily combed her hair leaving it in perfect waves with a pink headband and brushed on some make-up before smiling and facing Shane again. Thank God! I can't wait for tonight! Shane thought rolling over and off the bed and giving a silly grin, feeling his heart twist, but in a good way, as she giggled and laced his fingers with hers.

"Took you long enough." He joked smirking and pulled them both down the stairs at an easy pace.

Mitchie rolled her eyes, bumping his hip playfully. "Shut up! Let's not forget last Saturday when I wanted to go to the mall, but you had to spend 40 minutes straightening your hair!"

Shane chuckled to himself, loving how she said nothing that he was exacting her to. Once outside, he opened the car door for her with a teasing smile and jiggled his eyebrows, feeling proud when she burst into laughter and closed the door.

He climbed back into the car and drove, watching her from his peripheral vision with a half-smile as she toyed with the radio stations until one of Evanescence's song blew up through the car and she began singing loudly not caring what she sounded like or how silly she looked.

That was the huge difference from the girls he always dated that Shane loved so much. Mitchie was so unique and beautiful to him. Taylor would never sing along and be herself around him. She never joked around with him or had a freaking personality and Shane couldn't stand that. He loved how Mitchie always had an opinion of her own on something, how she wasn't afraid of what people thought as she danced in the passenger's seat, and always teased him right back when he did to her.

Finally after 11 minutes, she asked the question he was expecting. "Ok Romeo, where are we going?"

He chuckled glancing at her and shook his head. "Sorry my little Juliet, that's for me to know and for you to find out."

"Or we cannot be totally cliché and you can tell where we're going?" Mitchie offered shaking her head in agreement to her own plan earning laughter from the 18-year-old beside her.

"Temping, Torres but I don't think so."

Mitchie pursed her lips but then grinned. "Tell me this secret place and I'll tell you a secret!"

Shane smiled at her childishness. He loved that about her. In fact when Shane thought about it, there wasn't one thing he didn't love about her. Even Mitchie's flaws made her the most attractive person on the planet, to him.

"Maybe, but you go first." He smirked watching her pout then her features lit up when she thought about her secret.

"Ok ready?"

"Yep."

"No, I don't think you're ready."

Shane rolled his eyes. "Just tell me, Mitch."

"Ok . . . I . . . hate peas."

The car was silent until Shane groaned in realization of the movie line and Mitchie started laughing. The ride continued with their usual conversation of lame jokes and pick up lines from Shane, until they began discussing "Niley" for a little while both of them agreeing they needed to hook up already.

"You still didn't tell me where were going, Shanie-kins."

Shane smirked at his nickname. "Well first, you gave me a crappy secret and second, we're here."

He unhooked the keys, running to open the door for her and help her out. Shane watched in pleasure as her beautiful, deep brown eyes widened in realization where they were.

"Shane! Oh my gosh . . . "


Alex took another long sip of the fruity punch but when she set her drink down her heart did a back flip seeing Justin standing right in front of her.

"Justin, you scared me!" She yelled sighing and looked to see Miley had excused herself from the conversation.

He chuckled a bit uncomfortably. "Sorry, so um hi."

Alex twirled her bracelet. "Hi."

"Do you . . . wanna dance?" Justin asked hopefully but he was preparing himself for the rejection. Alex was way too good for an ass like him and he couldn't believe she actually accepted his invitation to the dance.

Alex nearly gasped at the hopefulness and fear shooting through his deep blue eyes that she had missed more than anything. How could she reject him? Alex peeked over at Nate surprisingly finding him watching them. He gave her a shocking, reassuring smile and tipped his head towards Justin indicating she should be nice.

"Um yeah I will, but later ok?"

Justin nodded with a huge smile. "Ok! Do you anything to eat or something?"

Alex smiled sweetly at the happiness that obviously overcame him. "No it's ok, you go have fun and dance and I'll find you later when a slow song comes on ok?"

Justin nodded again and practically skipped off to the dance floor. Alex watched him unknowingly smiling then turned to see Nate chuckling at her.

She gave him a look that he could easily read from across the room, indicating to go find Miley. Even after all this time, they were still best friends. He nodded a little distractedly and mouthed "I'm sorry"

Once those words fell from his lips, Alex swore she was dreaming. She smiled back so bright, her cheeks ached. Alex watched somewhat proudly as Nate stood up and ventured towards Miley that was chatting with Caitlyn Gellar.

If only she knew was he was planning to do that night, she wouldn't have let him stand up.


"I'm guessing you remember." Shane whispered with his eyes locked on the stunned girl beside him.

Mitchie was indeed stunned Shane had drove her to the beach their families went to together every summer when they were kids for 2 weeks vacation. She was about to cry thinking about all the memories buried here. It had been about 7 long years since her and Shane stood here only 9 and 11 years old building sand castles.

"I can't believe you brought me here, Shane. I—thank you so much." Mitchie laughed in disbelief and jumped up into his open arms for a giant, warm hug. He held her hand once again, walking them down the beach and to the tips of the sand where the water kissed their toes.

Mitchie pulled off her boots and Shane did with his sneakers and they sat together on the beach for the first time in so long. The sun was just falling into the vivid hot pink clouds with strokes of purple, the golden sunlight shining down on Mitchie. Shane looked at her in awe, the light making her porcelain skin glow, hair turning red, and her eyes sparkling amber. She never looked so breathtaking.

Mitchie was watching him the same way. The light wind on the beach ruffled his black waves the perfect way, falling sexily over his now liquid gold eyes that shimmered with silver and deep brown in the sunlight, his skin lightened appearing flawlessly vanilla and his smile so bright. He looked absolutely gorgeous to her, a true heartbreaker.

Finally Mitchie stood up."Come on let's build like the awesomest sand castle ever!"

Shane snapped out of his gaze of mesmerization and laughed leaping up as well and raced her to the dry sand up ahead. The duo built a huge castle complete with a molt and decorated by beautiful and rare designed shells.

Once done, Shane got out his camera and snapped a few photos even pushing Mitch in a few while she embarrassedly laughed. "Ok it's time for a swim!" Shane smirked and once again her eyes widened, but in fear.

Mitchie shrieked as Shane scooped her up, easily throwing her petite body over his shoulder like a doll. She pounded on his back, flinging her legs in the air, but regardless Shane just laughed and rolled up his jeans, running into the waves with Mitchie still on his shoulder.

"If I get sick again you're gonna pay, Gray!" She warned rolling up her jeans as well and shrieked with laughter as Shane finally hoisted her up in the air before throwing her like she was a book into the cold water about 10 feet away.

Mitchie giggled under the water splashing around and resurfaced panting. Shane paddled towards her, encircling his arms around her teeny tiny waist. "That's ok, we can get sick together."

Together. Quickly it had become Mitchie's favorite word.


Miley gave her naturally loud laugh at Caitlyn's jibes about Tess Tyler, one of Taylor's best friends. Nate sighed seeing the beautiful smile over her lips and already hated himself for what he was doing.

She glanced over and her striking blue eyes that made Nate breathless landed on him. Caitlyn smirked and walked off to talk to Alex. Miley felt her heart flying inside of her as she scanned his well dressed body and lovingly inhaled her favorite cologne on him.

"Hi Miley, you look amazing." Nate genuinely admitted admiring her beauty up close now.

Miley looked away, blushing horribly. "Thank you, I love your tie."

Nate chuckled and decided it was time. But, he decided he wanted selfishly to share a sweet moment for him to remember. "Um, Miley can we go outside?"

She tilted her head a bit confused. "Sure." All worry burned away as Nate delicately braided their hands together with a smile and began guiding her to the doors. Once out of the cafeteria he silently took them to the field behind it where the night sky full of twinkling stars could be seen, it was perfect.

Miley was positive the smile on her face would never leave. Nate gently placed his hands over her hips, holding her tenderly and as close as he could. "Beware of the clichéness." Nate warned playfully and began swaying them even when it was silent.

Miley shook her head with a giggle. "Nate there's no music playing."

He looked at her like she was insane."I'm listing to our hearts, what about you?"

And that's when Miley felt her whole body melt starting with her heart. Nate swayed them sighing as she rested her head on his chest, snuggling closer to him and he fully wrapped his arms around her waist. This would probably be the last time he ever held her . . .

Miley was in completely bliss, still not believing she had gotten her fairytale moment with Nate as her prince charming. She looked at him, in pure love.

Fuck, Nate thought as he glanced down finding Miley gazing at him in adoration. She was so happy and she was making it so damn hard to break her heart! You have to do this Nate. Save her from getting completely shattered by you.

She wasn't sure what came over her, but as Nate was just staring, Miley leaned up just a little and pressed her lips against his in a feather light kiss. Though he could barely feel her, Nate froze cursing uncontrollably in his mind. Miley closed her eyes sliding her hand up to cup his left cheek and pushed her lips on a little harder, screaming with joy on the inside.

Nate felt himself melting into the kiss, but pinched his arm to keep control. He didn't move; just let her kiss him with open eyes. After a few more seconds Miley pulled away.

Her heart smashed into a thousand pieces at the anger in his eyes.


Mitchie shrieked so loud she was sure Mexico heard her as Shane pulled her by her legs under the water, holding her captive. She laughed filling the water with bubbles as Shane just amusedly watched her struggle to break free.

Finally she gave up with a punch at his stomach and he laughed, pulling them both up above the water, just floating. "I hate you." She mumbled sticking her tongue out. Shane shrugged her comment off and glanced up at the night sky, deciding he was ready.

"Hey it's getting dark; let's just lay on the shore for now." Shane suggested and she nodded, paddling with him until they reached the moist sand and both laid on their drenched backs, gazing at the blanket of shining yellow stars and the full, glowing moon. It reminded him of Mitchie's smile.

She looked over him, hair dripping wet and darker than black itself, face smeared with ocean water and only wearing his white tank top that was killing her as it was soaked and revealing his stone hard abs, and muscular torso. But her favorite was the adorable freckles along his neck and chest.

Mitchie couldn't believe how cliché it was she liked her best friend, after all this time. It wasn't just how gorgeous he was, but it was the person she changed him into. She loved the big dork he was, stupid jokes and tripping over things, then how much of a genius he was, actually smarter than her in school, and on the inside had a heart as big as the ocean in front of them.

Shane felt almost giddy knowing Mitchie was staring at him. Finally he snapped, bored of staring at the ocean while really thinking about her and craving badly to just look at her. He finally turned over on his side, smiling to himself as she gaped right into his eyes.

I can't believe it . . . I'm falling for Mitchie Torres. Shane thought staring at her and absorbing her wet, chocolate locks dangled and knotted around her shoulders but he thought it looked hot, then ugh, her wet clothes seeing right through to her bra and he quickly had to look away as heat built up in his cheeks. But he quickly looked back, their eyes connecting in an unbreakable gaze. Shane absentmindedly scooted closer and wove one arm around her waist, cuddling her against his chest and hip.

Mitchie blushed at how he was holding her and how tight. The atmosphere was thickening and intensifying and both could feel it every second.

Their eyes linked again and as his hot fingers traced over her cheeks, Mitchie felt her breathing shorten and become difficult. Oh my . . . he is not going to kiss me, is he?!

That's when Mitchie finally saw what everyone else had been seeing, the look of undeniable lust that clouded his eyes and she shivered. Shane leaned closer but not enough for either of their liking. He smirked slightly as she tugged on his shirt a little, wiggling herself closer so their cool breaths mingled as their hot flesh rubbed and touched.

The air was hot with desire as breathing became a challenge. Shane held his hand on the small of her back; tilting her up higher so his lips were almost on hers. Never in his life had he wanted to kiss someone so badly, his body aching for her touch.

Mitchie was about to scream. She couldn't take it and pushed herself out of his hold, gasping for breath as she jumped up and ran her fingers through her hair in frustration.

For the first time, rejection pierced Shane's fragile heart. He wasn't use to the pain, so like his old habits, he responded by anger and jumped up as well, fist curling into tight balls, as he too felt breathless for many reasons.

"What the hell Mitchie?!" Shane roared and she cringed, fearing his reaction. She closed her eyes just wishing they could go back to playing in the car with jokes like usual or splashing and fighting underwater. This was too fast, like a rollercoaster she was dying to escape from.

"I'm sorry Shane, I—I'm not ready for that." Mitchie whispered feeling tears formulate painfully behind her sealed lids. She didn't want to lose him, not yet, not ever.

Shane shook his head, not knowing his heart was breaking. "What do mean you're not ready?!" He couldn't take this. It hurt so bad and he didn't understand. Shane felt like his chest was being yanked apart and crazy thoughts were racing in his head. He just wasn't thinking clearly.

"Ugh please don't get mad, Shane!" Mitchie begged opening her eyes and letting the tears sneak down her face. Her fingers were reaching towards him, wanting to grip on and never let go in fear he would leave and never come back. It was so hard. She promised Nate she wouldn't do this! Just one wrong move and she was fucking breaking him!

He laughed in the most bitter and humorless way, it somehow made Mitchie feel worse and the water gush more from her eyes. "Too late!"

"Please," Mitchie whispered finally running back to him, and clutching onto his hands. Shane was breaking, she could see it and there was nothing she could do.

"I don't know why I even bother with you! Oh that's right, because I had to!" Shane screamed and Mitchie squeezed his hands tighter, tears never stopping but confusion broke through. What does he mean he had to?

"Yeah like it ever meant anything!"

Mitchie looked up at him, frazzled. "What are you talking about Shane?"

"I'M TALKING ABOUT THE BET!"

Mitchie's eyes fell then shut closed again, completely not understanding. Shane laughed. "You don't get it do you?!"

Mitchie looked back at him gasping at his broken eyes. "The only reason I started talking to you is because of a bet! Jake, Oliver, Justin, we had a bet to see if I could get you to sleep with me!!"

Her hands slithered through his. She was speechless. Mitchie snapped back to him with wide, unbelieving eyes. "N-no you're lying Shane!" Her voice cracked feeling pain overcome her heart, but it was nothing compared to what he was feeling.

Shane couldn't even think about what he was telling her. He felt in a dark, agonizing haze. "No it's the truth Mitchie! Why else would I want to sleep with you?!"

A new batch of tears broke from her eyes. "Because you wanted to be my first." She mouthed, unable to even speak anymore. He's lying, He's lying, He's lying! Mitchie recited in her head, but she felt betrayed and used anyway.

Shane snorted. "Please, I only sleep with beautiful girls and definitely not virgins!"

"SHANE!" Mitchie screeched in completely shock and disbelief at every word.

"The bet was: If I don't get you so sleep with me, I have to sleep with Chad Cooper."

Mitchie was shaking her head, rubbing her temples and trying to block his voice that only screamed in her thoughts. "NO! S-s-top lying to me Shane! I changed you! That's not who you are I—"

Shane laughed bitterly again. "How stupid are you, Mitchie?! You did nothing to me! I—I don't care about you!" He spat but even in the haze the lies burned in his ears. What the hell am I saying?!!

"STOP!" Mitchie cried nearly collapsing on her knees, arms tightly clutched over her chest. The tears were uncontrollable now. Mitchie refused to listen, but like before, the truth was hanging in the air.

She looked back at him, begging for anything that would make the pain of betrayal knowing it was all a lie go away. Shane mercilessly shook his head with that smirk. "I never cared about you."

Mitchie couldn't take it. She was in shock, pain, and so damn confused. She just did what she could think of, raising her hand and unexpectedly slapped him hard across the face and ran as fast as her legs could move her.


Nate groaned and gulped in a deep breath. "Why would you do that, Miley?"

The scared and confused brunette just stared at him. "Because I thought—"

"No! You don't think!" The lies dropped from his lips like venom. He couldn't wait to get home and slice the razor across his flesh until it burned for what he's doing. "Miley I . . . I'm sorry."

She looked out at the lake behind them and all around biting her lip and completely unsure of what to do or say. Anger suddenly boiled her blood. "Then why did you even take me out here?! Why the hell did you kiss me back in your bedroom?! I'm not an idiot Nate!"

"Look, I hate to say this Miley but . . . I don't feel that way about you."

Infuriated tears pooled her blue eyes. "No Nate why are you lying to me?!" She yelled, not understanding where all of this was coming from, but through the pain she too couldn't think. "Oh this is about Alex isn't it?!"

Nate stayed silent. He let the pain in her eyes cut through him, taking it welcomely as punishment. Miley shook her head. "God Nate why are you so afraid to show fucking emotions?!! I'm sick of this! Fine! You and Alex can go not care about everything together!!"

By then, Miley was forcing down her sobs to not break down in front of him. Nate kept his face without a single emotion just staring at her. Even with her mascara smudged around her eyes, hair a bit ruffled by the wind and tears stained on her cheeks, she looked liked the most perfect and beautiful thing to him.

Miley felt like Nate might has well as taken a match and slammed in into her chest letting the fire burn her heart, because that's sure what if felt like. She couldn't take it and ran past the cafeteria and school.

Nate remained silent and emotionless sliding against the shed and tucked his knees into his chest letting the pain in her eyes replay and eat him alive.


Shane's hand flew to his cheek seconds after she took off. Without another thought he spun around and went after her, not thinking about anything but that she could get hurt running alone in California at night.

He finally caught sight of her darting as fast as she could away from him, away from everything. They ran, only about 10 feet between them that Shane let her have so she could calm down until they were nearly back home just a few blocks from her house by the grocery store.

Shane finally stopped and Mitchie kept running. Everything he said flashed to his mind and unbelievable anger flamed his blood. Shane once again couldn't think. He lifted his hand and angrily punched the wall beside him, panting as the blood dripped off his fingers.

What have I done?!

TO BE CONTINUED. . .


How was that for drama? Gosh I hated/loved writing those intense scenes. I know it's like really sad and crappy, but I promise things are going to lighten up, but not so soon.

Did anyone catch the title thing I did with chapter 21, and this one?

Just Keep Running . . .

Until You Fall . . .

Then, for another chapter, it will have the last addition to that. I thought it was pretty cool =P Anyway, I think the rest of this story might be in No One's P.O.V cause it's easier to write like that, getting in everyone's head and writing stuff, but we'll see.

Gosh, I bet you guys weren't expecting this to happen, because when I started writing this story, neither was I. This plot line was completely different from my original one, but I like this one way better and I'm so happy you do too.

Thank you for my reviews, always!

Questions:

Do you agree with Nate's decision?

Should Alex and Justin get together?

What will happen with Smitchie?

Should Mitchie have kissed Shane?