Sing Your Heart Out – Chapter 13.
Nate's P.O.V:
"Okay, that's great. Thanks a lot man." I spoke into the phone as I opened the door to my room and flung my jacket onto the bed, kicking the door shut behind me.
There was no sign of Lucas and lying on the desk in the corner was a note filled with his messy handwriting explaining that he was in the gym with some of the lads but he'd be back at about 6.
I glanced at my alarm clock to see that it was already 5.30pm. I'd gone straight from lessons out of school to arrange everything for asking Miley to be my girlfriend and I'd only just got back. Hopefully it's going to be perfect – exactly how I've imagined it.
Just as I was about to walk into the bathroom to have a shower, I heard a loud knock on the door and Shane impatiently shouted, "Nate! Open up already!"
"Give me chance!" I groaned as I opened the door for him and he rushed into the room.
"Are you all sorted now?" he asked excitedly.
"Yes Shane, just like I told you an hour ago when you rung me to see how it was going. If you're hoping that by constantly bugging me you'll discover what I've got planned then think again."
"Ugh! I'm your brother and you're keeping secrets from me. It's so unfair." Shane whined and attempted to give me puppy dog eyes.
"Yeah, they never did work on me. You just look like even more of a freak than usual. Now please will you leave me alone! I've got to get ready." I replied and opened the door for him hopefully.
"Nate, don't be such a meanie."
"Aww poor Shanie." I laughed, speaking as if he were a five year old then turning back to my normal voice. "Suck it up."
"I hope Miley says no now." Shane retorted sulkily.
"No you don't. In fact you're finding it very hard not to burst with the anticipation that she might say yes. And if she says no you'll probably refuse to talk for days with disappointment."
"So take pity on me and just tell me what you've got up your sleeve."
"Wait a few more hours and you'll find out."
Shane went quiet, thinking about what he could say, before finally asking, "Is it going to be special?"
"I hope so." I replied quietly and smiled widely.
"Then I think I can manage to wait. I best go and get ready or Taylor will actually murder me. See you later." Shane decided and waved goodbye as he walked out of the door.
I grabbed my clothes for tonight and walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I let the shower run for a few minutes and warm up before stepping in and letting the water relax my muscles and wash any dirt away. I quickly shampooed my hair and washed it out before wrapping the towel around me to dry off.
I heard Lucas bounce into the room and set his gym bag down while I got changed into my clothes and brushed my teeth.
I walked out of the bathroom ruffling my hair with the towel to dry it.
"Hey man, the gym any good?" I asked him as I took in the sweat drenching his t-shirt and dripping from his forehead.
"Yeah, pretty tough session. But it's working." Lucas boasted as he tensed his muscles.
"Whatever you say, but they're nothing compared to my babies. You should get a shower – you stink." I laughed.
"You love it really." Lucas joked and came closer to me and opened his arms, "Want a hug?"
"Don't you even dare." I threatened and pushed him into the bathroom.
"Okay, I get the hint. I'm going." He laughed as he closed the door behind him.
Taylor's P.O.V:
I looked in the mirror at Miley and smiled happily. I had nagged and nagged at Miley to let me and Mitchie dress her, do her hair and apply her make-up tonight and she had finally relented. I know Shane told me not to interfere or anything but after all, how can this hurt? I just want to make sure Miley looks her best for such a special moment.
"All finished." I announced and added a last spray of hairspray to her locks. I took in each of our appearances and smiled, finally satisfied after an intense four hours of preparing for the party.
I'm wearing the new outfit that I bought from the shops the other day – a short red strapless prom dress and black wedges with my hair straightened for once and minimal make-up with scarlet red lips. I love the outfit and I feel great, even standing with such two beautiful girls.
Mitchie has also dressed to impress in dark blue lace dress with a black satin ribbon around the waist paired with silver stilettos. Her hairs in messy loose curls with a lot of volume and she spent absolutely ages in the mirror perfecting her smouldering, smoky eyes. Chad would be crazy to resist her.
Lastly there's Miley and I can safely say that she completely outshines us two. She's dressed in a gorgeous strapless back dress that took us ages to lace up at the back with a sparkly butterfly on the hip matched with dark purple suede heels. I've formed her long hair into relaxed waves and Mitchie has done her make-up perfectly – her skins glowing and her eyes look amazing with thick coats of mascara and a thin line of eyeliner. Mitchie quickly applied a coat of light pink lip-gloss to Miley's lips before standing up and admiring the beauty in front of us.
Mitchie grinned at her, "You look unbelievable Miles. Ready for a night to remember?"
"Only if it's good things to remember." She giggled and I bit my lip nervously.
"Guys I think we need to keep an eye on the lads. I'm all for making Liam feel uncomfortable and warning him to back off but I can't help but feel that trouble might follow and Shane will definitely get involved if it's anything to do with Nate." I explained to them what I was thinking.
"I completely agree. Horrible possibilities have been running through my mind all day. I don't want Nate to get in any more trouble – their coach still hasn't decided whether he's going to let Nate off and Shane getting in trouble would only make things worse." Miley agreed.
"Aww look at you two, wanting to protect your men from any trouble." Mitchie gushed and received a glare from Miley, "Okay maybe he's not your boyfriend but you're definitely best friends Miles. And I'm in the same boat as you anyway. I'm worried that Chad's team mates will find out that Chad had something to do with this and they'll make his life hell."
"So we've all got our doubts. How about the three of us just try and keep the three of them away from trouble at all costs?" I suggested.
Miley and Mitchie nodded their heads in fierce agreement and I smiled with relief. I know I can count on them to help me.
Miley looked down at her watch and her eyes were bright with excitement as she looked up at us.
"It's time to meet the boys."
We all linked arms and walked down to the school gates where the boys were waiting for us.
"Are you girls ever going to be early?" Shane teased and grabbed my hand.
I saw Nate approach Miley and smile at her brightly but as we start walking to the address Chad has given Mitchie I can see a hint of impatience in his eyes and Shane keeps glancing at the pair like a little kid who's just won a load of sweets and chocolate.
"It's tonight, isn't it?" I whispered in Shane's ear and nodded subtly towards Miley and Nate who are now engrossed in their conversation and blissfully unaware of the stares in their direction from other footballers.
Shane nodded his head excitedly and put a finger towards his lips to remind me of my promise to keep silent about everything.
Eventually we made it to the doorstep of the house Chad had told us. It was pretty huge with loud music blasting from inside and the curtains open to reveal rooms packed full with teenagers. This is definitely the place.
Lucas chuckled loudly and opened the door. "Let the fun begin."
As we walked into the house I looked around nervously for Liam and his friends. Luckily there was no sign of him or anybody with any clue of who we were.
"Ooh there's Chad." Mitchie squealed as she spotted him over with a group of guys and as if he had heard her voice he turned around and waved her over to him, "Do you mind if I go?"
"Nope, get over there already." Miley giggled and pushed her gently in Chad's direction.
"Me and Tay are going to go see if there's any seats anywhere. If we stay in little groups we'll attract less attention. You alright with Miles?" Shane turned to Nate and asked him.
Nate's P.O.V:
Wow, it's so obvious that Shane is trying to get Miley and me alone so that I can ask her out. He's such a dork sometimes.
I nodded in reply and Shane and Taylor quickly disappeared into the throng of people.
"We're going to go get a drink or something dude." Lucas called before dispersing into the crowd with the rest of the group.
"And then there were two." I laughed and turned towards Miley, slipping my hand into hers before adding, "We don't want to lose each other."
"Where do you want to head to?" Miley asked.
I looked down at her and realised that she was wearing the outfit from the dressing rooms. Only this time with her make-up and hair done she looks even more gorgeous, if that's possible.
"How about we go outside onto the beach? It'll be much more peaceful out there." I suggested as I winced at the deafening music blasting out of the stereo in the corner of the room.
"Sounds like bliss. Lead the way." Miley giggled and I pulled her through the room, trying to avoid big groups where possible. The last thing I need is for somebody to notice the dude that punched one of the football stars at their school.
The fresh wind hit my face as we walked out onto the sand and Miley bent down to take off her shoes and she went to sit down.
"No don't sit down, let's go for a walk." I insisted and pulled her back up to her feet.
"Aren't we supposed to be at a party? Not taking a stroll down the beach." Miley laughed and looked back at the house.
"Well we can go back in there if you want. I'm sure we're both very keen to drink the inevitable but disgusting vodka and fruit juice cocktail and suffer the loud music combined with bad, drunk dancing." I replied sarcastically.
"When you put it that way – let's walk. But if Mitchie and Taylor are mad at me for abandoning them then you're getting the whole blame."
"Of course. That is the gentleman thing to do, after all."
I led her down to the part of the beach I had been on earlier arranging this exact moment. We were now a pretty good distance away from the house. Miley stopped and looked at me confused.
"Why've we come all the way down here?"
"There's something I really want to show you." I replied and walked over to the sea, where the small sailing boat was waiting for me. Miley quickly followed me.
"Nate! We can't just randomly use somebody's boat. We'll just get into trouble. It's being used as well look – it's covered in candles." Miley hissed at me and tugged my arm.
"Miley chill out. I've hired the boat. Like I said, there's something I really want to show you. And to do that we need this boat." I explained, desperately hoping that she wouldn't protest anymore.
So far the plan is not going well. I really didn't consider the fact that Miley would be really suspicious as to why we were doing this.
"Okay, I'll trust you. But only because I'm really intrigued as to what can be so special for you to go to all this trouble."
"It's worth it, I promise." I assured her as I helped her up into the boat and jumped in as well, quickly leading the boat in the direction of the destination.
"So you'd already planned this before we got here?" Miley asked. I groaned silently – now is not the time to ask questions Miley!
"Yeah, there's a really great view that I want you to see. I knew that neither of us were going to be interested in the party so I figured we may as well make the most of it." I replied tactfully.
I can't lie to Miley – she always catches on straight away. So I'm keeping it simple. Technically there is something that I want her to see.
"What's the purpose of the picnic basket?"
"Well I figured that we might miss the food at the party. So to solve that problem I brought some food to us."
"That's sweet – if I like the food of course. How long until we get to this place?"
"Nearly there now. We can get off the boat and eat when we're there." I replied as I steered the boat around the corner of a cliff and into an alcove.
I breathed in nervously and wiped away the balls of sweat threatening to drip from my forehead. Stay calm, I muttered quietly to myself.
I focused my eyes on Miley's face to study her reaction. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the water glistening in the moonlight and a soft smile crept onto her face as she took in the cliff face behind the soft sand.
As her eyes flickered down to the sand I clenched my hands together tightly. Three words ran threw my mind continuously – this is it.
Miley's P.O.V:
I gasped at the beautiful sight before me that Nate had brought me to. Much better than the party back there. But I'm still confused as to why he's brought me here.
As I looked towards the tiny, secluded stretch of beach I noticed lanterns were surrounding a circle of sand.
"Oh my god! Nate it's beautiful. Did you set all of this up just so we could come and eat here?"
"Not entirely. Look closer." Nate admitted.
I squinted towards the light and my eyes widened with shock as I saw the sentence written in the sand – Miley, will you be my girlfriend?"
It dawned on me exactly why Nate had brought me here as I softly read the words out loud, absorbing the fact that the favourite dream of mine had escaped into reality.
"Miles please say something." Nate whispered, standing there frozen and absolutely terrified to hear my response.
But I don't know what to say. And even if I knew what to say I don't think it would be possible for me to talk.
He stepped towards me and stretched my arm up from by my side before uncurling my palm and placing a deep pink gift box into my hand.
"Open it. But just remember that whatever your answer is it belongs to you. These past few days I've been the happiest I've ever been and that's all because of you. So whether you feel the same way or not, this is a little thank you – for making me a much better person."
I took the lid off the box to reveal a delicate silver charm bracelet. I touched the beautiful charms one by one and finally put the box down.
"Nate, you didn't have to buy me this."
"Maybe not, but I wanted to. I know you're going to need time to think so maybe we should just head back to the party now." Nate spoke, looking slightly broken at the prospect of being rejected.
"No." I managed to croak out causing Nate's face to turn from slightly upset to completely and utterly devastated.
"Oh!" I gasped as I realised that he had taken them as a rejection, "Nate I didn't mean that my answer was no – I meant that I don't need time to think."
I walked closer to him so that I was just centimetres away from his face.
"What you've done tonight is so amazing Nate – the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. You've made me feel so special and beautiful. Not just tonight but whenever I'm with you. I really like you too Nate. So in answer to your question in the sand – yes I would love to be your girlfriend."
"Really?" Nate smiled happily.
"Absolutely." I giggled as I leaned towards him and softly connected our lips.
Immediately I knew that I was right to say yes as I felt the fireworks erupt and explode in my stomach as Nate kissed me back. Just from this moment I can tell that this spark between Nate and me is something so deep and so special that it could be impossible to break. I feel connected to him in a way I've never felt with anybody else.
As I reluctantly pulled away from the embrace I asked the question that's burning in my mind, "Why me?"
"What do you mean?" Nate asked, his forehead creased with confusion.
"I mean there's so many pretty girls out there and you could have any one of them. So why have you picked me?"
"Because there's no other girl like you. You're so incredibly beautiful that whenever I see you it makes me speechless. And you're completely unaware of the spell you have over me. You're on my mind constantly and there's nothing I'd rather do that be with you. And you make me see things in ways I'd never imagine – but it's great. You've made me become the real Nate Gray – a person that people can like and my parents can be proud of. Most importantly – you're the only girl that's ever going to have the power to hold my heart. Which reminds me, there's a final charm for your bracelet. I got it for if your answer was yes." Nate said as he took a small sparkly silver heart out of his pocket and attached it to the bracelet. "It's to show that I've given you my heart."
I blushed deeply at everything that Nate had said to me as I held out my wrist for Nate to put the bracelet on.
"Do all of the charms have a significance to us two?" I asked him curiously as I hugged him tightly.
"Of course. Let me just get the picnic basket and we can go sit in the sand and I'll tell you while we eat." Nate suggested as he picked up the basket and a blanket and jumped out of the boat onto the sand before holding out his hand to help me down.
"Thanks. Didn't know you were a secret gentleman." I grinned.
"Only for you."
"Glad to hear it." I giggled as I sat down on the blanket that Nate had lay down and watched him take out the food he'd prepared: cheese and bacon pasta, salad, cookie dough ice-cream and a half and half smoothie.
"Now this looks like a feast. What are the smoothie flavours?"
"Our personal favourites: strawberry and kiwi with orange and lime. The pastas not hot though – I kind of overloaded the basket with ice packs to keep the ice cream edible."
"You worry too much." I laughed and dug into the food. "Come on then, talk me through the meanings of the charms. Start with the smoothie cup."
I looked at my wrist and examined the detail of the smoothie cup – he had even got the cup with half red crystals and half orange crystals to be our favourite flavours.
"It's just a memory from a really fun day – the day I realised I'd fallen for you. When I left to get drinks I wasn't even thirsty, I just wanted to talk to Shane about what I was feeling. So that's why that's on there."
I moved onto the next charm along – a silver metal music note.
"What about this one?"
"It's a memory of us singing together for the talent show – so long after we performed you'll look at the bracelet and remember it."
"Aww that's really sweet. What about the sailing boat? Is that to remind me of tonight?" I asked as I looked down at the blue and silver crystal sailing boat, identical to the very one Nate had hired.
"Exactly. I want us to remember every single detail about tonight. Especially as I have a feeling our friends are going to make us tell them it all." Nate laughed.
"Probably. What's the message behind the star?"
I twirled the gold metal star in my fingers thoughtfully; this is the only one that I can't guess at as to why he's included it.
"Oh! It's to symbolise us as the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, in the English play. Plus you're my star. And I think you're destined to become a star when you're older with your voice." Nate explained.
The blush crept into my cheeks again and I looked down at my lap shyly. Even though he's officially my boyfriend it still feels awkward to receive compliments from him.
"Moving on from that one, should I take offence at the first aid sign?" I laughed loudly as I admired the beautiful red jewels in the first aid sign, knowing exactly why he'd included it.
"It depends if you mind a daily reminder of the fact that you're clumsy. I had to include it, after all the first time we actually spoke was when you collided with me and nearly fell over." He replied cheekily and I punched his arm lightly.
"It's not always my fault!" I protested and looked at the next charm – a sterling silver iphone charm with pink and blue jewels and glitter on it, "Why'd you include a mobile phone?"
"It represents that night at the Indian restaurant when we were texting each other across the dinner table. That's a very important night to us – it's the first chance we had to get to know one another."
"I'm glad you put it on then. That's the first time I saw the nice side of Nate Gray. What's the clock about?"
"It's because you, Taylor and Mitchie seem to be incapable of ever being on time."
"It's a gorgeous charm." I replied as I glanced down at the mixed gold and silver clock with diamonds where the times should be.
"I'm glad you like it. You want to know about the smiley face next?"
"I more than like it – I love it. They're all so amazing and thoughtful."
"This one's not exactly deep. It's just because you've got the most amazing smile and whenever I'm with you, you never stop smiling. Actually I think your new nickname's going to be Smiley Miley."
"Smiley Miley it is." I laughed as I looked at the yellow metal charm with a vivid red smile and aqua blue eyes, almost exactly the same shade as my eyes, "What does the butterfly resemble?"
"Your beauty obviously." Nate smirked, "But then there's the soppy reason that you cause butterflies in my stomach."
"Nate I think that is the sweetest thing ever." I smiled and traced the gold butterfly with different coloured jewels in it.
"You're going to make me really embarrassed in a minute." He groaned.
"Then it's a good job it's just the two of us." I giggled, "I'm guessing the letter M is just because it's the first letter of my name. So what about the horseshoe?
I skipped over the silver diamond letter M and traced the delicate pattern of the metal horseshoe.
"Horseshoes are a symbol of good luck. So in a way this is your personal lucky charm."
"Then I'll never take it off – I need all the luck I can get." I giggled and moved closer to Nate as the fierce wind caused a wave of shivers down my arms.
"Are you getting cold?" Nate asked as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Not anymore." I smiled as I buried my head into his chest.
"Maybe we should get back to the party now. I bet Taylor and Shane are going mental right now if they've realised that we've been gone for over an hour."
"We've really been out here for over an hour?"
"Yeah, time flies so quickly when I'm with you." Nate grinned as he pulled me up and wrapped the picnic blanket around me to stop me from getting cold. I really should have brought a cardigan. But then again I wasn't warned that this was party of the night's plan. I'm glad it happened though.
Nate bundled the empty tubs and cups into the picnic basket and picked it up before grabbing my hand and leading me towards the boat.
"I've just got to blow out the lanterns and bring them back to the boat. Can you pass me the torch please? It's on the bench." Nate asked as I handed him the torch and he quickly ran back to the lanterns.
As he one by one blew them out and pulled them out of the sand I sighed happily. Nate's now my boyfriend. The boy that I haven't been able to shake from my thoughts is finally mine. And the thought and effort he must have put into making the moment special is incredible. How many girls can say that their boyfriend hired a sailing boat with a picnic and then gave them a charm bracelet? Never mind the stunning alcove and writing in the sand.
Nate finally got back to the boat and he immediately started steering us back to the beach we had first been on.
"Nate?" I whispered as I walked over to him.
"Yes?"
"Thank you." I smiled as I slipped my hand into his and leaned my head on his shoulder.
"What for?"
"For making tonight the most special night of my life."
"That's okay. But you made it much more special." Nate insisted.
"How's that?"
"You said yes." He grinned and kissed my forehead before wrapping his arm around my waist.
"I could never have considered saying anything else." I admitted.
"Then I'm officially the luckiest guy on this earth. We're back now. There's Taylor and Shane sitting on the shore." Nate smirked at the sight of the two lovebirds cuddled up together with their feet in the water.
"They're so sickly sweet you just want to go over there and splash them with water or something." I laughed.
"I wouldn't be calling them anything right now Miles because they're going to be saying exactly the same to us. But you do have a genius plan there." Nate grinned wickedly.
"How about we just shock them or something? I know if I was Taylor I'd be really upset if my dress and make-up got wet." I suggested.
"Okay then, they might not react so badly then either."
I grabbed Nate's hand and we quietly snuck up behind them, careful not to make any sound to give us away. As soon as we were behind them I stuck my thumb up at Nate to signal that I was ready.
"Boo!"
Surprisingly it wasn't Taylor but Shane that let out a girlie, ear-splitting scream and it was Taylor that simply jumped a little and turned around to see who it was.
"Oh my gosh! Shane, you're face was priceless." I managed to say before exploding into hysterical laughter. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Taylor heroically trying to keep a straight face before finally giving in and joining Nate and me.
"Oh you two better run because I am ready to kill you." Shane hissed as he quickly stood up from the sand and brushed himself off.
"Wait! Shane just hang on for a second and look at Miley's and Nate's hands." Taylor interrupted, pointing at our intertwined hands and smiling knowingly at me.
"Huh?" Shane asked and looked confusedly at where Taylor was pointing, "Ohhhh."
"So you're together now then?" Taylor asked bluntly.
"Umm... yeah." Nate replied shyly and squeezed my hand nervously.
"About time." Shane laughed and ruffled Nate's curls.
"Oh, now you're the one that better run." Nate threatened as Shane laughed and walked backwards while pulling faces at Nate.
"Do you mind if I just go knock some sense into my idiot brother?" Nate whispered in my ear.
I nodded yes and straight away Nate ran at Shane causing Shane to let out a high pitch squeal and run away as fast as he could.
"Will they ever change?" I giggled and linked arms with Taylor as we walked back up to the party.
"I'm starting to have my doubts." Taylor laughed, "But that's not what I want to talk to you about. I want to know exactly what just happened."
"Taylor it was so much more than you could ever imagine. He was so romantic. He'd hired a sailing boat and he'd got a picnic and he took me out to this little alcove. When we got there he'd written in the sand Miley, will you be my girlfriend? surrounded by lanterns. I was literally speechless. Then he gave me this charm bracelet and it's so thoughtful – all the charms resemble something important to do with us." I gushed as I held out my wrist for Taylor to look at.
"Wow! I always knew Nate would do something special but that's just... wow!" Taylor replied and admired the delicate charms on the silver chain.
"You don't think I was wrong to say yes, do you? I mean I know we've not really been close for long and there's going to be a few people that try to ruin it. But I really like him and tonight he proved that his feelings are completely genuine. After I'd said yes he even gave me a heart charm to add to the bracelet to show that he's given his heart to me." I babbled.
"Miles, you'd have been crazy to say no." Taylor reassured me and hugged me excitedly.
"I'm glad you think so. No matter how crazy I am about him I don't think I could be with him if you disapproved. It just feels so perfect now, you know?"
"I'm really glad Miles – you totally deserve happiness. And if he even dares to hurt you in the slightest he'll have Mitchie and me to answer to." Taylor laughed.
"Speaking of Mitchie, should we go inside and find her? I haven't spoken to her since we first got here."
"Yeah, she'll want to know that you're with Nate straight away. We should make sure nothings cracking off with Liam as well."
"Good idea, I think Nate and Shane went inside anyway." I replied as we walked in through the doors to the worst scene possible – Lucas and the others in a heated discussion with Liam and his friends with Mitchie frozen in a corner. A big crowd was starting to form around the two rival groups. I quickly looked around for Nate and Shane, feeling a wave of relief as I saw them standing safely to the side in the crowd. For the moment at least.
"What's going on?!" I whisper-shouted to Taylor.
"I've got no idea. Do you think it's possible for us to get to Mitchie?" Taylor replied.
"Umm we can try. Stay holding on to my hand." I said as I grabbed her hand and pulled her through the maze of people towards Mitchie, earning ourselves dirty glares and annoyed grumbles.
"Mitchie? What's happened?" Taylor asked her as we stood on either side of her.
"I don't know, it all happened really quick. Lucas and Jake came over to talk to Chad and then all of a sudden Liam was there and he recognised them. They started throwing digs at each other and soon enough all the players of both football teams were there except Nate and Shane." Mitchie explained regretfully, as if she were blaming herself.
"Mitch it was an accident. I doubt we would have got out of her without it happening. I mean after all if they didn't come here to warn Liam then why did they?" Taylor reasoned with her.
"Hang on a second, where's Chad now?" I asked.
"He's with Liam in their crowd I think. I don't think they've got any idea that he invited them." Mitchie muttered quietly to us and I could see the hurt in her eyes that he hadn't quickly got out of there.
"I'm sure he'll be fine." I assured her.
"What if it comes to a fight? What if he actually sides with Liam?" Mitchie panicked, voicing the worry that both Taylor and me were thinking but didn't dare to speak out loud.
"I honestly don't know the answer to that Mitchie. Let's just hope it doesn't get to that. I'll go over to Nate and see if they can do anything."
"We'll go with you. It's best to stick together." Taylor decided and once again we pushed ourselves forcefully through the crowd.
Once we were with Nate and Shane we could clearly hear what was being said.
"I said what the hell are you idiots doing here at my party?" Liam hissed.
"Just dropping by. Wanted to let you know that if you pull a stunt like the one the other day you'll get more than a nose bleed. You got off lightly." Lucas smirked.
"I notice Nate's not with you. Didn't want to show his face after he got kicked off the team?" Liam laughed.
"Actually I'm right here. And I'm still in the team, unluckily for you." Nate interrupted as he walked towards Liam angrily.
"Shane! Stop him please." I begged him.
Shane looked at Taylor anxiously, asking her with his eyes if it was okay to get involved.
"Shane it's okay. Go help your brother." Taylor smiled and I grabbed her hand tightly.
"Where's the slut then? Is she here with you?" Liam mocked.
"Dude, shut up now." Shane threatened him and subtly pulled Nate away from Liam.
"Why don't you make me?"
"Gladly." Lucas muttered under his breath.
Chad stepped forward and put his hand on Liam's shoulder. "Dude, calm down. You don't want trouble here."
"Why are you so keen for there to be no trouble? You'd think these were your friends or something." Liam laughed.
"Yeah right." Chad replied coldly causing Mitchie to gasp slightly, "I just think we should fight this battle fair and square on the football pitch."
"Mitch I'm sorry you had to hear that." I whispered gently.
"It's fine. He's just got to hide it, that's all." Mitchie said, forcing a smile to more convince herself than us that this was the truth.
Liam looked around as if he knew somebody in the crowd would give him a clue. His eyes rested on Taylor, Mitchie and me and he grinned spitefully.
"You sure about that Chad? Because the girl you seemed very friendly with earlier is standing with a cheerleader from Hartbridge."
"What are you saying?" Chad asked confidently.
"I'm saying somebody had to have tipped them off about this party. And it's very convenient that you know a girl from Hartbridge. A girl that's here now with our rivals.
"Dude you know as well as I do that you meet random girls at parties that you know nothing about." Chad replied shakily, showing his nerves for the first time.
I looked at Mitchie concerned. I've got a really bad feeling that Chad is going to hurt Mitchie in the process of saving himself.
Chad sighed and glanced at Mitchie apologetically. I gasped, horrified that he was actually going to go through with this. Both Taylor and me gave Mitchie our hands to cling to as she bit her lip, waiting for the words that were going to stab her in the heart like a dagger.
"She's just some chick that I was harmlessly flirting with. I've never met her before and if she's from Hartbridge I want nothing to do with her again."
Mitchie's P.O.V:
I finally let the tears roll down my cheeks as the lies escaped Chad's mouth like they meant nothing to him. As if they didn't even pain him to say. I've never felt so naïve or betrayed as I do right now. To think that I trusted him, that I believed in him and that I fell for him.
Miley squeezed my hand comfortingly. "I'm so so sorry you had to hear that."
I wiped the tears away and breathed in deeply, looking Chad straight in the eyes. I hope he sees the disappointment and the anger in my face. I hope he knows that even if he did just lie to cover his back that he can never take back the heartless attitude that hurt me the most.
"I want to leave." I said to the girls and quickly turned my back on everybody and ran through the back door onto the beach before any more tears could fall.
I sat down on the sand and curled my legs up to my body, winding my arms tightly around me as if they could keep me from falling apart.
Miley's P.O.V:
"Should we go after her?" Taylor asked me, unsure of how to handle the situation.
"You should go outside and see how she's doing. I just need to do something." I replied.
I could see Taylor about to protest but I quickly stopped her, "Somebody's got to get the boys out of here. I can do that. I'll be okay."
"Fine. But the only reason I'm letting you do this is because Mitchie really needs a shoulder to cry on right now." Taylor gave in and walked off in the direction Mitchie ran in.
I took a deep breath and walked forward to where Nate and Shane were standing, ignoring the interested glances at me from everybody, especially Liam.
"We're leaving. Now." I said to Nate, Shane, Lucas and Jake and tugged on Nate's arm to pull him away, hoping that all the others would follow their lead.
"Hey, you don't have to go. Me and you could have some fun." Liam protested.
"Leave her alone. She's not available." Nate snapped at him and wrapped his arm around my waist protectively.
"That doesn't mean anything."
"Nate he's not worth it." I warned him, "You know I'd never go anywhere near him. So just drop it."
Nate smiled slightly and intertwined his hand with mine as we walked out of the door, ignoring the evil glares from Liam and his loyal, brainwashed followers – including Chad.
As we approached Mitchie I let go of Nate's hand and whispered, "I don't want to rub it in and make Mitchie more upset. You guys should just go home now. I think Mitchie's going to need some time with just Taylor and me."
"Okay then. I'll text you tomorrow and we can meet up." Nate replied and hugged me goodbye.
I smiled and waved at the rest of the boys before walking over to Taylor and Mitchie who were now sitting on a wooden sun bed.
"Hey. I told the guys to just head back to school, that we might stay on the beach for a bit longer." I told them as I sat down on the other side of Mitchie.
"Miles you know you didn't have to let go of Nate's hand just for my sake. Taylor's already excitedly told me that you're together. She's even stolen the honour of telling me what happened. It sounds great Miles. I'm happy for you." Mitchie smiled brightly at me.
"I just didn't want to make you upset that I've had a good time and yours has been pretty rubbish thanks to that jerk." I explained.
"To be honest Miley it's cheered me up that my friends had an amazing night. It makes me think that tonight hasn't just been a complete disaster and a waste of time."
"I'm really sorry you had to go through that."
"I'll get over it with a little help off my amazing friends. I've just got to think positive, like at least we'd only been on one date." Mitchie pointed out.
"Do you fancy walking back to school now? I'm getting pretty chilly." Taylor giggled.
"You sure know how to ruin a moment don't you?" I groaned and got up off the sun bed.
Taylor grinned as three of us linked arms and started the long walk back to our beds.
I smiled happily as I gazed up at the stars. I've got the two best friends you could ever wish for, Nate asked me to be his girlfriend tonight and I'm starting to believe that I truly belong here.
A.N: Okay so here's my update. It's not my best writing in fact i think it get's worse and worse as it goes on. So i'm sorry about that, i really wanted to finish this today but seeing as i only went to be at 5.30am my brains not right. But the good point is - it's a longer chapter than last time AGAIN :P
IMPORTANT: I don't know where Mitchie's heading romantically anymore as i don't know who to put her with. The options at the moment are Lucas, Jake and forgiving Chad. Although i've got to say i wouldn't enjoy writing the third one so much so it might not be so good :/ So tell me in your review whether you think one of those three of you've got a better suitor :P
What's everyone been doing lately? I arranged a surprise meal for my friends 16th last night - it was actually amazing :D
There was something i saw the other day that made me really want to get this chapter out for you. I was reading somebodys story and they said they'd been nominated for an NJK award. And i was like ooh whats an NJK award so i googled it and found the website. and i found this story on the nominations for Best Crossover. I dunno how you get on that so maybe someone could explain to me? But if anyone had anything to do with that - wow, thank you :L
Thanks for the amazing reviews as always, 18+ reviews for the next one (Y)
Review Replies:
NikkyJonas - Ohh unlucky about the no two weeks off :( Miley didn't say no, is that a good thing? haha you didn't go too far :P
ItSaLoVeStOrY - I couldn't get it up right then - i was in Wales and my computer was back in England :L i hope i told you what you wanted to know in this chapter!
NileyxMoexLOVEx - haha even though i said it's kind of soon i couldn't bring myself to say no :D i'd feel like i was depriving little kids of candy. OMG! i so wish i was from New York :O Jealous much! Yupp we get 2 weeks for Easter - but i've got to go in for 2 days for coursework catch-up :(
Niley23 Alex - i dance too! what type of dancing do you do? :D i hope Nate was sweet and romantic enough for youu :)
teammiley4ever - aww thanks that's dead sweet of you :)
Mz Fizzle - i'm glad you liked it, hopefully there's enough Niley in this chapter too :P
Melissa - i'm glad the chapter made you smile, i'm usually sat there smiling at the screen while i'm writing happy moments :L
Alice e e e e e - lol, that's okay - i always reply :P it was quite good ganster talk but yeah you did spell it wrong (n)
Yvonne (ivvy) - it was a really good idea, i'm sorry i didn't use it - i just got what i wrote in my head & it wouldn't go away :P you have to go to school in the hols because you had snow days? :O shocking!!
Izzy (aka Lizzy) - hmm he could always buy her a dog tag later as a special event (y)
because7eight9 - it wasnt rude - everybody was thinking it, even me! you're right, homework officially sucks :L
Rachel - he did buy her jewellery! i love your name too :P
£RîÇÄ - thank you for the symbols - they might come in handy :D
nileyfan#1 - miley did say yes & i hope it was cute-romantic :D ohh i'll just get people to vote on reviews then :P and i really want to see the last song but it's not out in the Uk yet (n)
niley16 - i'm glad you like the chapter, this ones not as good so sorry :(
helloimmac - oooh where abouts do you live in Wales? :D
kiisuke379 - you were kind of right - they had a meal (picnic) :P hope you liked the chapter x
farrah fawset (haha jk) - here's the update :D
Melissa - i'm glad you liked it :) he did buy jewellery!
mileyluver4life - im glad you like it!
Ellie Belli - he did buy her something with lots of diamonds :P thanks for the review.
Okay i said if you guessed correctly how Nate will ask Miley to be his girlfriend then you could get a prize. So if that's you i can either send you an early preview of some of the chapter, you can have an appearance in the next chapter or next time i want the reviewers to make a decision i'll ask you. Tell me which one you choose. And i will check that you did guess right :P x
