Well I was in the mood to write this evening and so here's the next chapter! I made some things happen...bad things, as I promised, and now Lilly is going to have some grieving to do. And may or may not need her best friend, Miley, there to help her cope with whatever happened. I don't know what happened, so you need to read the chapter and find out. Let me know in the reviews what happened, please! Thanks :) Read, review, and eventually a new chapter will come out...and maybe Liley will appear! But only if you review this (:
Chapter Three
Sunday evening Lilly was dressed in a beautiful ocean-blue sundress, her haired tied back into a long and neat pony-tail, and her face done lightly in make-up. Oliver would be coming by to take her on their date, at around six o'clock, which gave her an hour to anxiously wait around. She looked in the mirror for the millionth time before heading downstairs to sit with Miley until her boyfriend came. Six o'clock couldn't come soon enough, the blonde thought to herself.
Miley smiled when she saw her best friend come downstairs. "Well don't you look lovely, Lilly? Oliver will be stunned! That sundress looks amazing on you and suits you perfectly," she gushed happily for the other. Although Lilly could be in sweats and still look absolutely perfect, Miley said in her mind. She shook the thought away as the shorter girl took a seat beside her on the couch.
Smiling ecstatically, Lilly squeezed the brunette in a friendly embrace. It meant a lot to her that Miley had been so happy about she and Oliver's relationship. "Thank you, Miley; This dress is my favorite and Ollie loves blue!" She exclaimed, her voice squeaky and full of cheerfulness. Life had become such a pleasure to her these days, as she got to spend it with the man of her dreams and a best friend that couldn't be any better. When she heard the doorbell ring, she jumped up immediately and nearly ran to it to open it.
"Hey Ollie," She beamed, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "Mmm, you smell good...What kind of cologne are you wearing? And you look absolutely handsome tonight!" Lilly's smile grew as she seen the tuxedo he had on; she'd hardly ever saw him wear one so it surprised her quite a bit.
Oliver smiled back, wrapping his own arms around her waist and pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. He couldn't wait for her to see the restaurant that he reserved for them to go to, and ask her the important question he planned. "It's your favorite, Lils. And you look gorgeous, yourself. I love that dress on you, it makes you glow even more!" He spoke, before grabbing her hand and leading her to his car. "I think you're going to love where we're going!"
After making it to the restaurant and being seated at a booth that was near a water-fountain in the shape of a heart, Lilly grinned happily over at her boyfriend. "This is really beautiful and nice, Ollie," she reached across the table to grab his hand and squeezed it in her own. It made heart melt that he had planned to take her to such a stunning place, "And I adore the fountain we're near!" Her smile grew larger as she stroked his knuckles with her thumb.
Oliver took the hand that was holding his and brought to his lips, kissing it lovingly. "After dinner, I'd like to take you on a walk. They have a beautiful garden surrounding the outside of this, and I want you to see it." He said, smiling at her. He couldn't wait to see the garden with her and propose to her afterwards. Lilly meant everything to him and he knew that were destined to be together. They were created for each other, he knew that since the day he met her.
Dinner came and went, leaving both Lilly and Oliver completely stuffed. A walk around the garden sounded perfect them right then; it would help them to digest the lovely meal hey just enjoyed. They held hands as they walked slowly around the garden, taking in the beautiful surroundings and the delight of being together. Lilly lifted her head to peer up at the dark haired teen and smiled, "I love you so much, Ollie, and this has been such a beautiful evening."
Hearing that only made Oliver more excited to ask her the question. "I love you too, Lils." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder while they continued to walk around. Once they got back to the beginning, he stopped and let go of her hand. She gave him a look of confusion but he just smiled back at her. He then, slowly, kneeled on one knee and took out a tiny box from his coat pocket. "Will you marry me, Lilly?" He asked, watching as tears started to form in her eyes.
"Yes, yes, yes," Lilly cried out, throwing her arms around him and squeezing tightly. "I will definitely marry you, Oliver!" Tears of joy started streaming down her cheeks as she watched him place the ring on her finger. She couldn't believe that he had just proposed to her; that he had loved her so much that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Her heart swelled with warmth and love at the thought of marrying her childhood best friend.
Eighteen years old, the age of adulthood and the legal age that one can vote for office. Also the age of Lilly Truscott who had just graduated from high school with her best friend and her fiancee. She couldn't believe she finally made it to adulthood and that she got through school with nearly straight A's. An accomplishment that she knew would make her parents very proud. She was very happy with herself for doing so well and excited to be going to college with Miley in just a few weeks. But she was not happy that Oliver had decided to join the army for the next three years. In fact she'd been furious that he had made such a decision, a decision that will most certainly put his life in danger.
"Why are you doing this Oliver?!" Lilly questioned in anger, placing her hands on both hips, "Why are you doing something that could possibly get you hurt or even killed? The army is dangerous, Oliver, and I really cannot lose you! There's no way I can wake up, one night, and hear that my fiancee is dead! Please Ollie...I already lost my parents, I do not want to lose you; the man I plan to marry after college!" Her anger turned into fear at the thought of losing another person she loved so deeply.
Oliver sighed as he wrapped his arms gently around his fiancee. He kissed the top of her head lovingly, stroking her hair softly. "Lilly, I'm not going to die! I promise! But you are not talking me out of this; it's my calling. I need to be in the army! And you need to go to college with your best friend. And when I come back, in three years, we will have our wedding. On the beach, where you've always wanted it!" He spoke softly against her ear, cupping her face in his hands and pressing a tender kiss to her lips. "I love you so much, Lil!"
The day before Lilly and Miley were to be moving into their dorm, they spent at the airport with Oliver as he waited for his flight to Iraq. Lilly hated that he was leaving for the army and hoped to God that nothing bad would happen to him. There was no way she could go through the death of another loved one. Miley felt bad for both of her friends, but especially for Lilly. She knew how hard it would be for her to be away from the love of her life for so long.
When Lilly walked away to use the bathroom, Oliver looked at Miley. He gave her a sad, friendly smile. "You're a great friend, to Lilly and to me. I'm glad you two are going to college together. Please look out for Lils for me. And just in case anything does happen to me...will you promise to take care of her for me?" He asked, his voice almost desperate for her to say yes. He really hoped nothing would happen, but if something did he needed someone to be there for Lilly.
"Of course I will, Oliver," Miley said, giving him a friendly hug, "Lilly's like a sister to me, of course I'll look after her while you're away. And I know nothing will happen to you, but if something does, I promise I will take care of her for you. I doubt you'll have much time to call her while you're down there, but if you do, you should because she's going to want to hear your voice once in a while. Or even if you're able to write a letter to her, she would love that."
Once the boarding number for Oliver's flight was called, Lilly felt tears well up in her eyes as she held onto him tightly. She refused to let him go; she didn't want him to be in the army and risk his life. "Ollie, please...please don't go! I can't live without you..." She cried, holding onto his shirt fiercly. "Don't leave...please don't leave me!"
Oliver felt his heart aching for her as he held her in a loving embrace. "Lilly, I'm going to be fine. I won't get hurt or die, please don't think like that." He kissed her forehead gently, trying to release the embrace. "You have to let go, Lil...I have to get on the plane. And you have to go home with Miley; you have a busy day tomorrow." He looked over at Miley pleadingly, hoping she would come get his fiancee from him.
The brunette walked closer to them, gently placing her hand on Lilly's back. She hated that she had to pull her away from the man she loved. But she had to or else he would miss his flight. "Lil, you have to let him go...Come on, it'll be okay. You'll see him again soon," she spoke softly, carefully taking her from Oliver and holding her close as she cry out for him. They sadly watched as he walked away to board his plane. He gave them one last glance, waving, and then left. Lilly's sobs only grew louder and heavier as Miley held her tight, stroking her hair comfortingly. "It's gonna be okay, Lils. Let's go home and rest. Tomorrow's gonna be a busy day, sweetie..."
Finally carrying the last box into their dorm, the two young adults exhaustedly fell onto their beds. It took nearly all morning for them to lug their boxes and suitcases into the building. And they were happy to finally be finished; all they had to do now was put everything away. Which they planned to do after getting some lunch, in the cafeteria that was just down the hall from their room. Lilly groaned, looking up at the ceiling.
Miley sighed, staring over at Lilly. "Should we go get lunch, Lil?" She asked softly, waiting for her friend to respond. She knew the other had still felt upset about Oliver's leaving for the army. Not like she could blame her; people were killed every day in the army and Lilly had already lost her parents, losing her fiancee would cause her so much grief and pain.
Shrugging her shoulders, Lilly stood up and looked out the window. She watched as happy college students moved their things into their dorms. Happy couples enjoying the start of a new chapter together. Angry at Oliver for leaving, she punched the window fiercly. She hated that he chose to leave for the army, and that they had to spend the next few years apart from each other. "Oliver never told me about wanting to join the army! Never! We've been best friends all our lives and fiancees for two years, but did he ever say that he wanted to be in the army to me? No, he didn't! He wonders why I'm upset about this? Because he didn't even feel the need to share this damn dream of his with me...He waited until a month before to tell me. A month, ONE MONTH! Do you think one month is enough time for me to accept his plan to leave for the army? For three years, three long YEARS. Not just one year, or two years, but THREE. If he would have told me this when he first thought about it, maybe it wouldn't have hurt so bad when he left! At least then I would have had more than one lousy, shitty month to prepare for it!" Angry tears fell down her face as she curl onto her bed, turned away from Miley. She was furious with Oliver, for leaving and for making this happy occasion into a dreadful one.
The amount of pain Miley heard in her best friend's voice about broke her heart. She gently went over to her and lay beside her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. She soothingly ran her hand through the long blonde hair that lay amongst Lilly's back. "I'm so sorry, Lil...I'm sorry he didn't tell you sooner." The brunette whispered softly, hoping to comfort her somehow. She absolutely hated to see her friend so upset, "Why don't we just lay here and rest for a little. And then we'll get our things put away, how's that sound sweetie?" Gently, she gave a motherly kiss to the top of her head. She continued stroking Lilly's hair, until she finally fell asleep.
Classes began that Monday, and Lilly almost had to force herself to get up and go. She never stopped worrying that something would happen to Oliver. She clutched her phone in her hands all night long. Once she was showered and dressed, she slowly made her way out of the dorm she shared with her best friend. She walked down the hall, nearing the exit, when Miley came over to her and looked at her worriedly. "Lilly...you need to eat before you go to class..." She spoke softly, pulling her near the cafeteria, the opposite direction of where she was headed.
Sighing, Lilly reluctantly followed her. Though, honestly, she couldn't find it in her to eat any food. That was the last thing on her mind; all she could think of was how much danger her fiancee was in. And how angry she was at him for choosing the army. "Miley, I'm just going to get a coffee... I don't have much time for food, and really, I'm not even hungry."
Miley gave her a stern look, "You need to eat something, Lilly. It's the first day of classes and you need to be able to focus. Skipping breakfast will not help you focus! So you are going to get in line and get some food, real food. And I will not let you leave this cafeteria until you eat every bit of your meal." Her feautures softened quickly though as she gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. "It's gonna be okay, Lilly; I promise. Oliver will call you whenever he has the time, or even write you a letter."
After Lilly reluctantly finished her breakfast, which consisted of a banana and slice of toast, the two headed outside to get to their classes. When Miley arrived at the fine arts building, she stopped and pulled the other into a strong embrace. "I'll see you later, Lils. We'll meet for lunch around one, since neither of us have any classes then. Try not to worry too much about Oliver, okay sweetie? He doesn't want you to, he wants you to focus on your courses and enjoy college." She soothed, stroking her hair softly, "And if you're getting upset, please text me." She gave her one last squeeze, smiling softly at her, and then walked in the building for her class.
Sighing, Lilly slowly walked down along the sidewalk to her own class. She looked down at the ground, hoping so badly that Oliver would be fine in the army and that nothing would go wrong. She could not afford to go through another death; her heart and emotions couldn't withstand another downward spiral.
A year and a half passed since Oliver's leave for the army and Lilly still feared for his life. Though college seemed to be going very well for she and Miley, their friendship grew stronger everyday and they were nearly inseparable. Miley religiously kept her promise to Oliver, and looked out for Lilly all the time. Making sure she ate three meals a day, focused on her courses, and didn't mope around too much. She even got her to join the bowling club that took place every Saturday.
Saturday morning had both the girls' awaken and head down for their usual breakfast in the cafeteria. Lilly got her usual Mocha Latte and banana with toast, while Miley got her usual Vanilla Cappuccino and Cinnamon Oatmeal. They sat down at their favorite table near the huge window, and chatted as they always done. "Ready for our bowling game today, Lil?" Miley asked, smiling at her as she took a sip of her coffee.
Lilly nodded as she took a bite of her banana. Bowling turned out to be her favorite sport, even though she was horrible at it. She didn't care though, she enjoyed doing it for fun. Even if her team suffered because of her. "I sure am. What about you, Miley?" She smiled, wiping her face and then taking a sip of the latte. It was fun to be able to be a part of a club with her best friend.
"I'm always ready for it," The brunette laughed lightly, glad to see how much Lilly enjoyed bowling. She enjoyed it as well, and turned out to be the best player on their team. Not that that mattered to her, she just did it because she knew how much her best friend wanted to do it. "I bet we'll win, because you're so good," she said, even though she knew Lilly was terrible. But she wanted to make her feel good about playing, and not everyone on their team felt the same way about her. They tried to have her removed, but Miley threatened to leave the team with her...and they didn't want that.
Laughing and shaking her head, Lilly looked at her friend happily. "We will win...but not because of me, because of you. You're the best bowler on the team, Miley! I know I'm bad, you don't need to lie about that. It doesn't bother me, I just enjoy bowling and being part of a club. But thanks for making me feel good about sucking at it!" She smiled, taking another sip of her coffee.
Miley smiled back, happy to see her smiling so much. She loved how cheerful and bubbly Lilly could be; it reminded her of their high school days. "You may suck to everyone else, but I still think you're a great bowler, Lils. And you're a great friend; I'm so happy we're best friends, Lilly, you mean so much to me."
Oliver saw a bullet come flying at him, in slow motion almost, and even though he tried to dodge it, it still came at him and went right into his chest. The minute it made contact with him, he screamed out in infuriating pain. The pain was so bad that he wished he could pass out and not feel it. He had a very high pain tolerance, but this was a whole different level of pain. It felt as if his heart was being ripped out of his chest, one piece at a time. Blood poured out of him as if he had waterfall inside of him; within minutes his body had been surrounded by a pool of blood. He felt numb at this point, and thought of Lilly. God, how much he hated that she would be left without him. That made him hate himself for not listening to her; she knew this would happen and he ignored it. Taking one last breath, he quietly whispered, "I love you Lilly, and I'm so sorry for leaving you..." His body became limp as the blood kept getting thicker around it.
Hours after the bowling tournament, Lilly's phone began to ring. She felt her heart flutter happily when she saw Oliver's name show up. "Hey Ollie! How is it down there? I really miss you," Lilly's voice was very chirpy; it had been almost six month since she'd last heard from her fiancee. She anxiously waited for his voice to speak up, she had so much to tell him and wanted to know everything that was going on down in Iraq.
"This is not Oliver," a deep voice spoke, belonging to Oliver's army friend, Seargent Owen Kent. "I'm a friend of his down here...and well, something tragic has happened to him. You're his fiancee, Lilly, right?"
Lilly felt her heart nearly drop out of place when she heard another man's voice on the other line. Gulping, she realized that her biggest fear was coming true. "Y-yes, I am his f-fiancee... What-What's wrong with him?! He said he would be fine down there and that he wouldn't get hurt! Why-Why are you using Oliver's phone?!" She began breathing harder, pacing the room frantically as she nervously wait for his response.
Just then Miley came in the room and stopped erruptly when she saw how distraught Lilly was. Immediately she pulled her into her arms, holding her tight as they waited for a response from the Seargent. "I hate to tell you this, Lilly...but your fiancee is... he's dead. I found him a little bit ago; he was lying on the floor covered in a pool of blood and he had no pulse. I'm so, so sorry!" The man answered, which only caused Lilly to become more upset. She hung up her phone and threw it across the room.
Miley tightened her arms around her, rubbing her back comfortingly. She felt terrible for her best friend and couldn't even think of she could comfort her. The woman just lost the love of her life; her soulmate and now she was left without him. "Oh Lilly...I am so, so sorry sweetie! I'm so sorry, Lilly!" She softly soothed, holding her tight to try and stop her shaking. "Shhh, shhh. Let it out, sweetie; let it out. It hurts you so deeply, I know honey! He was your soulmate and the love of your life! I'm so sorry this happened!" She rocked her softly, wrapping the blanket around them. Trying to comfort Lilly, she rubbed her back and pressed a kiss to her head, "Sleep, Lilly. You need to sleep, baby. Tomorrow, we're going back home and we'll figure what to do next. Just sleep now; I'll be right here with you, all night." She whispered softly into her ear, eventually lulling her to sleep by continuously stroking her back.