Sing Your Heart Out – Chapter 8
For loveiscoming as i promised her an update on this when she updated hers - so here you go. Sorry if it dissapoints :(
AN: continued straight off from the last chapter (Y)
Nate's P.O.V:
I decided to be brave and face my fear of Miley confirming that she hates my guts. God I sound so formal, guess that's what nerves do to you. I swivelled round in my chair to grab her attention but met unusually cold eyes as she sighed and banged her head down on the table to release her obvious frustration. I forced my eyes to look in another direction and tried to ignore the heart-wrenching regret.
Have you ever finally discovered that somebody is important to you and then realised that it's too late to turn back time and change things? Yeah, it's not a nice feeling. In fact it makes you a nervous wreck and you can feel your body rapidly transforming into jelly but you're too busy to fight it. But maybe that's just me.
Mitchie and Taylor immediately broke away from their happy dances with Shane and Jake, clearly feeling incredibly guilty to get to work with people their friends and have fun on the project while Miley is stuck in her own little nightmare. Just one more thing to add to the "Nate's fault" list.
I know that I can't blame anybody else for the situation because I've just made things a whole lot worse than they ever needed to be: I tried to swap partners to save us both any hassle and I just offended Miley, then tried to talk it out with her but it just ended up in an argument and now I want to try and make amends but Miley's response isn't exactly the most reassuring sign a girl could give. Plus another wave of disappointment falls upon me as after each failed attempt at comforting Miley, Mitchie and Taylor fiercely glare at the source of the problem - me. I know I don't deserve to indulge myself in self-pity but I can't help but feel gutted.
Shane must have noticed my distressed expression because he quickly glanced from a visibly upset Miley to me, slouching in my chair miserably. After choosing the best thing to do in his head he walked over to my desk with a determined face and knelt down next to me.
"Nate did you really imagine her jumping for joy and screaming with excitement at the news of spending the afternoon with you? Because if you did then you're more deluded than I once thought. I haven't got a clue exactly what went down at lunch because she wasn't willing to go into specific details but whatever happened really upset her." Shane said quietly.
"I know Shane and I feel like rubbish over it all. I've not been able to think straight – Miley's just been running through my mind all lunch and it's impossible to get her out of my thoughts. I'd even decided to try and make it up to her. But I'm not so sure that's possible anymore." I whisper shouted, becoming slightly irritated at him completely siding with Miley without giving me a second thought.
He looked behind his back anxiously at the girls and whispered, "Calm down, okay? Making another scene isn't going to win you any favours. And I haven't even done anything wrong – you've done that all by yourself."
"Well why don't you just go and run off to your best mates then and just ignore your brother like you usually do. You can't even talk to me now without looking to them for approval even though we're related." I exclaimed.
"Shh!" Shane whispered uneasily, "Yes maybe I haven't been fair on you but in my defence you haven't exactly given me a chance to be supportive of you. But I do want to help you and if you are serious about apologising to Miley then I'm with you."
"Of course I'm serious about sorting things. I've been beating myself up about the way I've handled things all day. All I can see is Miley's face when I asked Miss Hudgens to swap and when she shouted at me. And it's killing me. I just don't know what to do for the best." I groaned, tugging on my curls with exasperation.
"Nate I'm here to help you. I'm one of Miley's best friends so I know her inside out. I can help you to convince her that you're genuinely regretting being such a conceited jerk."
"Whoa dude there's no need to go as far as insulting me. Even if it is true." I laughed and punched him softly on the arm.
"Shut up and listen fro bro," Shane laughed with me and ruffled my hair, "I'll go talk to Miley and convince her to go with you. Then afterwards we'll all meet up for ice cream, I promised the girls some anyway. Hanging out in a group might help – you got on well last night, I saw everything." He winked and shot me a look to tell me that I cannot hide anything from him.
"Okay then. And thanks man, for helping me even though I've been a pain over the past few months. I've missed you." I smiled thankfully at him as he walked away to talk to Miley. He pulled a funny face and gave me a thumbs up in return. Typical Shane I thought, glad to finally be back on good terms with him. Even if he is going to quiz me later on.
Shane's P.O.V:
I walked away feeling shocked but incredibly happy at having a real conversation with Nate for the first time in months.
I was starting to lose faith in Nate ever seeing what an idiot he was playing. Because that's what he's been doing since we arrived at Hartbridge – acting. He was never shallow and horrible; he used to be thoughtful and sensitive. It's undeniable that he's extremely talented at football but it was never a problem because he was never cocky or obsessed - he was crazier about music. And more importantly he was never concerned with popularity and he never mistreated or disrespected girls.
Then he got his heart torn out and stamped on until it snapped into tiny pieces, almost beyond repair.
He wanted to forget everything and move on but he did it the wrong way and completely changed. But I'm not going to even think about the past – bringing everything up wouldn't be worth Nate turning into the scary mess he was in the summer before boarding school. The look in his eyes haunted me every time I saw him. I was so thankful when he started interacting with people again even if he wasn't a very nice person.
Nobody knows about Nate's history. Mitchie, Taylor and Miley might be more understanding if they did but I'm not going to betray Nate's trust like that – if he ever wants them to know he will choose the tell them.
Me? I'm just glad that there is a glimmer of a chance that I could be getting my fun-loving and kind brother back. I owe Miley a huge thank you because something tells me that she's responsible for his sudden change of heart.
As I walked up to Miley I held my breath in anticipation. Truthfully, I think it's going to be incredibly tricky to get the result that I'm hoping for. But after witnessing the desperation in Nate's face I need to at least try.
"Shane what the hell was all that about? Acting friendly with Nate as if nothing is wrong when Miley is in this state!" Mitchie glared.
"Mitchie he's my brother and he's in just as much of a mess. Don't tell me that I can't talk to him because he's my family and he's important to me no matter what he does." I shot back.
"Guys please don't argue. It's up to Miley what she does not you two." Taylor concluded calmly.
"Ugh!" Mitchie cried and turned her back on me with her arms folded.
"Well I don't really appreciate somebody commanding me to do something unreasonable!" I exclaimed.
"Come on you two – Taylor's completely right. You two are letting something that doesn't even concern you come between you're friendship. And that's not okay with me. I'll go with Nate today because I have to anyway and because I'm willing to hear what he has to say. Please don't try and persuade me that I'm doing the wrong thing Mitchie because it may not be the easiest answer but that doesn't mean that it isn't the right thing to do." Miley explained.
Mitchie sighed with defeat. "I won't argue with you about it because you're right and even if you weren't I can see that you've made your mind up. Just be careful Miles, I will be there to pick up the pieces because I love you but I don't want to see you hurt that much."
"You're such a worrier Mitchie. It's just 2 hours on a school project." Taylor giggled and pulled us all into a group hug. Mitchie looked at me harshly to suggest that she still wasn't thrilled with me but I just shrugged it off and turned to Miley.
"Well we best get going with our partners. Miles, I'm glad you're giving Nate a chance. I honestly believe that he wants to stop being the person he's been recently." I said.
"S'okay Shane. But please don't blame me if he comes back with a black eye or something." Miley grinned.
"Ooh before I forget we're meeting up afterwards for ice cream like I promised. See you then!" I called to her as she walked off with an extremely happy Nate.
I looked behind me at Taylor and smiled to myself. I'm really looking forward to working with her for this project. We get on like a house on fire and she's a great girl that can always put a smile on my face or make me crack up in hysterics with just a few words. We just automatically clicked when we first met and now we're best friends. Miley and Mitchie are determined that we have secret feelings for each other and I always used to laugh them off and argue back that Taylor and me should be allowed to be friends in peace. But lately I'm just starting to feel like maybe they're right. Over the summer everything I did I always thought that Taylor should be there to do it with me and as soon as the beginning of the term approached I became jittery at the thought of seeing Taylor again. And then when Nate was a jerk about the three of them I felt protective and outraged that he could say that about such beautiful and unique girls – especially Taylor. Last night at the group meal she looked so effortlessly beautiful and we had an amazing time. I couldn't help myself from wish that we got a chance to do it again just the two of us.
Other people might not see her as perfect – but I do. She's perfect for me. I'm just scared to admit it to her incase she doesn't feel the same. She's always denied having feelings for me to Miley and Mitchie – what are the chances of her just being embarrassed like me? Not likely.
"So, you ready to go hot shot?" Taylor teased as she used all her strength to push me out of the classroom
"Sure. I'll even let you choose where we go to prove my true gentleman ways." I winked.
"To the grass!" Taylor squealed and began to run in that direction, grabbing my hand to pull me along.
"You're such a dork." I laughed at her and broke away from her, sprinting to a sunny spot and collapsing down in a heap.
"And you're a big meanie." Taylor pouted as she plonked herself down beside me and stuck her tongue out at me, pretending to be angry.
"Aww come on Taylor don't be like that. Mitchie's already irritated with me because I encouraged Miley to give Nate a chance this afternoon. You're my best bud! Pweeease Tay!" I begged, sitting up and turning to her with my puppy eyes.
"You had to use the puppy eyes! Fine, you're forgiven. Anyways, let's get on with the project. It's going to be so amazing if we work hard on it. What do you want to do first?" Taylor babbled, immediately being swept away in the excitement.
"Well we don't really need to bond, so how about we think of some ideas to write a song about? Get a head start and all that." I suggested.
"Great idea! Well there's always friendship, our future or life in general. I would say love but that might be awkward for two friends. We could always write it on one of our past experiences?" Taylor suggested.
"Yeah, that would be good. Then we would be able to relate to the song. Maybe we should just chill out and think and then when we meet up next just write what pops into our minds."
"Yeah, that'd be cool. What do our voices suit more? A ballad style song or a more up tempo song?" Taylor asked.
"Umm I'll do either, just see where the song takes us. You thinking of anything in particular?"
"I don't know – my minds gone blank!" Taylor whined, "This is so unfair. Whenever I'm sat bored I always think of great ideas but now I've got nothing."
Her face crumpled up in deep concentration and I could see her chewing on her lip thoughtfully.
"You got any paper?" she asked and got a pencil out of her bag.
I wordlessly handed her my notepad and lay down on the grass. I know that seems a bit weird to just let her do the work but I know Taylor likes peace and quiet when she's in the process of writing a song and I know she'll be happy with the silence as she records all her brilliant ideas.
I closed my eyes and listened to her scribbling furiously on the paper with the occasional sigh of irritation or a happy squeal when she found some inspiration. After awhile she put the notepad, filled with her messy handwriting, to one side and turned to me.
"Shane? You haven't fallen asleep on me have you? I've brainstormed some ideas. They're all love songs but you know me – a hopeless romantic." She said happily as I opened my eyes and picked the notepad up off the grass.
"Well then fate has spoken – we're writing a love song. Do you mind if I take this with me and read it later and maybe add a few of my own ideas?" I asked.
"Sure, I'm guessing you're planning on having a night in with just your mind and your guitar?" Taylor giggled as she guessed correctly straight away.
"You know me too well." I laughed and pulled her to her feet.
"Where are we going now? We've got ages to go until the school day ends haven't we?" Taylor asked, a small frown forming on her face.
"Umm no actually the school day officially ends in about… five minutes." I told her as I glanced at my watch.
"Oh. Well let's go get a table at the ice cream shop and wait for the others. I can't believe the times gone by so quickly." She said as she tugged on my arm to follow her.
Miley's P.O.V:
I shyly sat down on the wooden decking by the lake, letting my feet hang down into the cool water and looked up to Nate with a hopeful smile to try and break the tension. He seemed incredibly nervous as he sat down next to me in exactly the same position.
"Soooo." I said to break the awkward silence.
"Umm Miley I just want to say I'm so sorry for acting like a jerk ever since I met you and especially today. I shouldn't have been an idiot with you because I was scared of what other people might think. You seem like an amazing girl and last night I had a great time and for once I let loose and acted on impulse, one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know I screwed up my second chance as soon as I was given it but I really hope you'll consider giving me a third chance, even though I don't deserve it." Nate said as he turned to face me and took hold of my hands.
"Wow." I breathed, unable to say anything more straight away.
Nate must have taken this as a bad response as he swiftly let go of me and jumped to his feet and anxiously ran his hand through his hair before sighing loudly.
Him letting go of my hands disappointed me more than it should, our hands fit together perfectly and I felt butterflies when he touched me. I pushed the jittery feeling to one side as he began to speak again.
"I understand if you don't want to. We can just take certain parts of the song to write separately I guess and then just practise together and smooth anything out. You wouldn't have to put up with me much and we'd go with whatever you want." He babbled, looking even more nervous if that was possible.
I'd never ever seen this side of Nate. I'd seen him as cocky, mean, angry and even upset but never nervous and slightly vulnerable. Everything about his apology screamed that he was truly sorry. Seeing him beside me desperately wanting my forgiveness I knew that even though people might consider me silly for giving him a chance to make it up to me, I could never refuse him. Because I'm falling for him and that's why my heart breaks every time he hurts me. But here I am giving him an opportunity to crush me once again. Only this time I believe him when he says he won't.
"Nate of course I forgive you." I whispered gently, standing up next to him with a soft smile.
"Really? Thank you so much! I promise I won't make you regret this." Nate smiled widely and captured me in a friendly hug.
"I'll hold you to that." I grinned and pulled him back down to sit on the decking.
"That's good then, and you have my permission to tell me as soon as I'm showing any signs of becoming that monster again." He replied
I laughed loudly at him and stared down at my lap to form a comfortable and happy silence, the complete opposite to when we first arrived at the lake.
When I looked back up at him he was staring intently at me. I could my cheeks blushing a deep read.
"What?" I muttered awkwardly.
"I was just looking at you. I've never really noticed how naturally pretty you are. And I love you're laugh – you're so easy to be around." He admitted and looked down, clearly embarrassed at his honesty.
"Thank you – you're not so bad yourself! And you're surprisingly very fun to hang out with too." I answered, causing him to blush.
Wow, I thought to myself. I never thought I'd see the day that me and Nate were enjoying spending time just the two of us and I definitely never imagined I'd have the confidence to joke around with him and even make him blush.
"Well that's a good thing because it looks like we're going to be spending a lot more time together for the project. Do you like to sing or play instruments? And I know this might be private and personal but do you write any songs?" Nate asked, getting on with what we were supposed to be doing.
"Umm yeah I play the guitar and the piano but mostly when I'm back at home. I don't sing much, I'm not really a girl that enjoys being centre of attention, but people say I have a nice voice. I do write songs but I've never really shown anybody but my Dad and Mitchie because she came round in the summer and found it. Unfortunately she also insisted that I sing one for her. How about you?" I laughed, remembering the week she came to stay.
"Well this may be a surprise for you but I love music – I play the piano, drums and guitar and I love to sing. And yeah, I write my songs. Maybe sometime I'll show you some. I'd really like to see yours."
"I might just do that if you stay as nice as this." I promised.
For some strange reason Nate and me just seemed to get on without any effort and there was no problem finding things to talk about. Miss Hudgens wanted us to bond with our partners and we had succeeded at that. We talked about everything possible and time seemed to fly by as we laughed together and discovered more about each other.
"Seriously? Shane really dressed up as a girl for the day just for you to forgive him for getting drunk and dancing with a girl you liked?" I giggled as I imagined Shane in a dress and make-up.
"Yes! I really liked that girl. She was my crush for over a year." Nate defended himself, trying not to laugh. "But don't tell him I told you – I don't really want to hide in my room all my life."
"I promise I won't tell him. But I can't promise that I won't enjoy revealing this secret to Taylor and Mitchie." I smiled mischievously.
Suddenly my phone started playing One Time by Justin Bieber and I saw Mitchie's photo flashing on my screen.
"Umm one second, Mitchie's calling." I smiled apologetically and quickly stood up and walked away to the trees nearby. Something told me Nate wouldn't want to hear Mitchie's opinion on our truce.
However I did still hear him mutter "Probably checking that we haven't killed one another yet."
I turned around before pressing accept and joked, "Oh I've just managed to resist. Wouldn't want Shane to have no brother to make him suffer."
"Miley!! Thank god you've answered. We've been worried sick. It's like 5pm. We've been waiting for over half an hour for you two! Do you realise that we've all been thinking what if they've got into a huge argument or there's been an accident? Where are you?!" Mitchie screeched down the phone.
"Ouch!! My ears are delicate you know Mitch! We're just at the lake and we're both fine – no accidents and no fights. Sorry we just forgot that we were meeting you and we didn't even think to look at the time. We'll come back now." I said calmly.
"Miley are you being serious? You and Nate have spent 2 hours together with no arguments? Wow." Mitchie laughed.
"Yes Mitchie shocker of the year, Nate Grey and Miley Stewart are getting along." I said, sarcasm clearly showing in the tone of my voice.
Nate snickered.
"Tell Nate I heard that! Now get yourselves to the ice cream store like, NOW!" Mitchie shouted down the phone and hung up straight after.
"She says she heard you laughing. And she was just calling to remind us that we're meeting at the ice cream parlour at 4.10pm. What's the time now?" I asked casually, watching him amused and waiting for him to react.
"Crap it's ten minutes to five. Did she not tell you we're INCREDIBLY LATE?" Nate cried and I burst into a fit of laughter.
"Of course she did. I just wanted to see you panic." I managed to gasp as I held my sides from laughing too much.
"That's so not funny Mi!" he pouted and began to walk ahead.
I got butterflies in my stomach at his nickname and a huge smile formed on my face.
"Nate! Aw don't be mad, I'm sorry. I'll buy your ice cream to make it up to you." I pleaded as I caught up with him and stood in front of him to stop him from moving.
"Money can't buy people Miley." Nick stated trying to keep a straight face. I knew he'd soon give in though.
"Maybe not. But it can buy an incredibly nice ice cream. It would be an awful shame for it to be wasted." I sighed.
"Fine, you're forgiven. But only because I don't want an angry Mitchie on the phone again. And I'll have strawberry ice cream in a cone with chocolate sauce." He grinned and grabbed my hand to walk with me.
Once again, I couldn't escape the sparks that I felt at the contact.
To my surprise Nate didn't let go of my hand when we got to where everybody else was happily digging into their ice creams. Instead he gripped onto my hand even tighter and smiled at me encouragingly, letting me know that he wasn't going to be ashamed of being my friend and that he wouldn't hide it from his friends.
I pulled him up to the counter instead of heading over to them and I ordered a strawberry ice cream cone with chocolate sauce for him and a vanilla ice cream cone with strawberry sauce for me.
"You're boring." Nate teased.
"Pfft. Vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce is delicious! But you're not cool enough for it." I retorted.
"Is that so?" Nate smirked, "Then I'll have to do this."
I squealed loudly as he grabbed me so I couldn't run away, leant down and licked my ice cream with a victorious smile.
"Well that's unfair. Now I get to choose what we write our song about!"
"Deal. I'm not much of a decision maker anyway." Nate agreed as we headed over to the table.
Taylor's P.O.V:
I watched Miley and Nate silently as they entered the parlour holding hands and laughing about something. I nudged Shane gently and whispered "Hey, look at your brother and Miley."
His eyes widened with surprise at the sight of them talking and being friendly and I saw his jaw drop when he saw them joking around and Nate stealing Miley's ice cream. They were acting like… boyfriend and girlfriend.
"Hey guys. Sorry we're late, we kind of just forgot about everything." Nate apologised and sat down next to Shane while Miley chose to sit with Mitchie as a silent apology for making her worried.
"It's fine. It's not like Taylor and me got here early to save us all a table or anything." Shane joked and soon him and Nate were absorbed in a conversation.
I smiled to myself at them and their light-hearted joking. Shane had always missed not being close to Nate. I always noticed his sad smile every time Nate was mean to Mitchie, Miley and Me. Then afterwards when Mitchie would moan about him I could always see the same look in Shane's eyes. He wanted to defend his brother and be there for him but he knew he couldn't.
Shane laughed loudly at something Nate had said. I can't help but be happy whenever I see he is happy. I've fallen for my best friend and there's nothing I can do about it. What makes it worse is he has no clue and somebody like him would never love me. When we were sat there thinking about love songs to write all I wanted to do was blurt out that I could relate to being in love with your best friend. At least then the secret would be out and I would never be wondering what if.
"Tay you're daydreaming." Miley giggled and waved her hand in front of my face, "Come and sit with us. Mitchie's still not forgiven me for forgetting to be here."
"Miley I don't think you realise how worried I actually was! You were so desperate to get out of going with Nate that it didn't even cross my mind that you'd be with him! And then you two walk in here like best friends!" Mitchie whisper shouted.
"Mitchie come on don't be like that. He apologised and he really meant it, if you were there to see the look on his face you wouldn't have any doubts right now. I told him I'd give him another chance and it turns out that we get on really well. I want you to be happy for me. This is great – now I can work on this project without being miserable and have some fun!" Miley explained.
"I'm gonna forgive you – you're my best friend. But I would have liked a text or anything to let me know you were okay." Mitchie gave in with a small smile.
"That was a pathetic smile! Miles, you know what to do." I winked and both Miley and me pounced on Mitchie and started tickling her.
"Guys!"
"Stop!"
"Please!"
Mitchie gasped between her hysterics until we finally gave in and stopped.
"You two are INCREDIBLY mean. So it's a good job that I love you so much and I'm willing to overlook this and forgive my best friends." Mitchie laughed.
"Awww, we love you too Mitch!" Miley and me chorused and pulled her into a group hug. Sure enough Shane, Nate and Jake soon joined in and we were getting some very weird looks from people sitting on the other tables.
"As much as we'd love to stay in this hug, us guys are off. We've got a football meeting at seven so we've got to get tea early." Shane groaned and pulled the other two boys away.
Nate suddenly turned around and shouted "Bye Miles. I'll text you later."
Mitchie and me turned to Miley who was blushing like crazy with the biggest smile possible covering her face.
"To our room. Miley has some gossip to spill." Mitchie grinned evilly and I laughed at Miley's groans, "And you Taylor – your smile at the ice cream parlour clearly shows that you have something you hiding."
"Well that's not fair! You can talk to us about your crush on Chad then." Miley decided and stuck her tongue out at Mitchie, running up to our room with Mitchie and me right behind her.
My best friends, I wouldn't change them for the world I thought as I slammed the bedroom door behind me and flopped down on my bed ready for a very interesting talk with Mitchie and Miley.
AN: I'm so sorry for the crappy ending but i'm getting super tired after a lack of sleep over the past few days and i'm not very well. And i'm so bummed that i'm not feeling Christmassy (n)
I know i've said it before but i'd really appreciate it if you go and read terzo's stories and REVIEW them for me. She's not getting reviews and i would really like it if people support her. Think of it as a Fanfiction Christmas present to me. If she tells me shes been getting hits, favourites or most importantly REVIEWS i may even update because i'll be that pleased!
Also if you're looking for a great and entertaining story to read check out loveiscoming. i really liked her story :D
Lastly before i do some review replies I want you guys to have a say in the songs they sing for the talent show and i need to be thinking of that now because obviously very soon i'm going to have them 'writing' the songs :L
So tell me what you'd like Miley and Nate, Shane and Taylor, Jake and Mitchie and Lucas and Alex to sing :) I am most likely going to be using their songs and not others unless there is an amazingly suitable one that anyone thinks of!
Everybody have an amazing Winter Holidays :D
And don't forget to review or alert me as a little Christmas gift ;)
Review replies:
finding my wonderland - thank you so much and the way you see it was exactly how i want you to see it :P
loveiscoming - thank youuu. and i did read your story and it's very good! i thought it was really freaky how both our updates show Nate becoming less of a jerk. i wrote that part last night and then this morning i read yours and was like whoaa snap :D
Pinkberryx3 - and they might just join that club ;) hope you liked this chapter!
Only me! :) - the next one is now :D and i'm not quitting - i couldn't quit on such great reviewers! and thank you x
JazzyxNileyxFizzle - thank you for your review - i love seeing your name on a review email every time i update and i always look forward to what you have to say so thanks a lot :D
terzo - thank youu :)
Niley23 Alex - thank you for this review and every other review it means a lot. & you may just get the club that you want next chapter :D
WeAreLoveStory - haha i loved your idea so watch out for it in an upcoming chapter!
kiisuke379 - thank you and i will always try to update soon :)
niley16 - i'm glad you're feeling better and thanks for the great review!
NikkyJonas - thank you for your hyper review! it made me feel better after getting an incredibly bad cold. hope this chapter didn't dissapoint though as i'm sure it isn't as good as my other chapters :(
