A/N ok this has taken me a while to get out because i was struggling to get it right. This is the very last chapter and i wanted it to be perfect! it stil isnt but im sick of it and want to give it to you guys hahaha its only barely edited so i apoligise if it doesnt make sense or has mistakes:)
So please enjoy and i ould luv to hear your thoughts so please review!
Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot:) xx
Like every other year many of Nick's family and friends had arrived to help celebrate his birthday. In the past few years it hat seemed to get bigger and bigger and Miki got older and older. The presents were more extravagant and the set up got more elaborate. This year Denise had gone with a musical theme. Everything was decorated with musical notes and symbols and a band had set up a stage in the large courtyard out the back of the house.
Looking around the many familiar faces that filled his childhood backyard, Nick couldn't help but sigh. There was only one set of eyes he longed to see and no matter how hard he looked, they weren't there. Denise has informed Nick that Miley was invited, and at first Nick was horrified at his mother, but then became excited at the thought of seeing her once again. He wanted so badly to sort everything out with her and his heart kept telling him now was the time. This was his time and he wasn't gong to let her slip through his fingers, again.
"Are you even listening to me Nick?" Joe nudged Nick's shoulder to gain is attention.
Looking away from the side gate, Nick looked into his older brother's face; "Yeh sorry man, I was just thinking…" he trailed off not wanting to say too much.
"I know what you were thinking about and don't worry she will be here! Remember what Mom said…don't give up hope." Joe left his brother to continue his thinking peacefully.
Nick recalled the last conversation he had with his mother. She had assured him that Miley was coming and that she was positive it would all work out; he just had to have hope. Walking silently towards the porch, Nick sat gently down on the soft swinging chair he had always loved as a child. This house held so many memories for him and his brothers. However it also held many memories of Lauren and his short time spent with her. Miki's mother had ripped Nick's heart in two and he had been trying to glue it back together ever since.
When he first met Miley she instantly warmed his heart. Her simple smile and vibrant personality made his heart feel whole again. For the first time in a long time Nick finally felt a connection with someone. What was most important however was the way his daughter also fell in love with Miley. She was always so kind to Miki even when she had no idea Nick was her father. Miki was so much happier when Miley was around. Everything now rested on his shoulders, he had to fix it.
Just as he was about to storm out the front gate and go find her he heard his mother calling his name. Letting his shoulders sink and the small burst of enthusiasm he had just built up waver, Nick turned towards his mother. She was motioning for him to join her on stage.
Letting out a defeated sigh, Nick turned away from the side gate and made his way towards his mother. She had taken over the stage, and asked everyone to gather round. Looking around for Miki Nick figured she should be with him. Unable to see his small daughter he figured she would make her way to the stage once she saw him up there. She would never let Nick have all the lime light!
"As you all know we are here to celebrate two very special birthdays," Denise started to speak into the microphone, "I would like to start by thank…" she was interrupted by a loud noise originating from the back of the group of friends.
"YAY" Miki yelled in excitement.
Everyone's eyes shot to the little girl to see what she was cheering about. Following the little girl's line of site it quickly became clear what she was cheering about.
Taking off in a fast sprint Miki ran into the arms of a petite brunette that had just walked through the side gate. Struggling with the large gift in her arms Miley caught Miki as best she could.
"I thought you weren't going to come," Miki said through a strained breath from running. Hugging tightly around her neck it was clear that she felt so strongly towards Miley and Miley couldn't help but smile.
"I'm sorry I'm so late, I got a little side tracked trying to find the perfect gift for someone's birthday! Have you seen the birthday girl around here somewhere?" Miley pretended to look around the crowed, and for the first time noticed all eyes on her.
Becoming extremely self conscious she turned her attention back to Miki, "That's me silly, I'm 4!" she said eyes bulging and holding up 5 fingers to show Miley how old she was. Miley snickered at her antics.
"Oh silly me, Happy Birthday Princess," she said in an affectionate voice, placing Miki down on the ground. Smiling down at the cute little girl, Miley braved a glance up at the group again. As her eyes raised they instantly locked with familiar brown eyes consistent with a particular curly haired boy she had come to see.
As they stared at each other it quickly became awkward. Miley fumbled with the large box in her arms, hastily shoving it into Nick's arms, "Happy Birthday, it's nothing special but I wasn't sure what to get you. I hope you like it, it's for the both of you, you know how it is both of your birthdays and so I figured I would kill two birds with one stone. Metaphorically of course because I wouldn't want to actually kill a bird but you know…" the words came faster then she expected and once they started they wouldn't stop.
Nick let out a slight chuckle, "Miley…Miley!" he repeated twice to get her to stop talking.
Looking back into his face after looking everywhere but at him while she spoke; she quickly apologized and tried to work out what to do from here. Nick spoke first this time.
"Thank you! I'm really glad you came…look I know things aren't…" but once again he was interrupted.
"Nick…it's time for cake can this wait?" Denise asked as politely as possible, "It's really good to see you Miley but this really can't wait I'm sorry" she apologized with complete sincerity.
Miley just smiled at Nick's mother and nodded her understanding, "I'll talk to you later Nick, you go" she gave him her permission, not sure if it was necessary but felt the need to say it.
Turning towards Miki, Nick picked up his daughter and made a beeline towards the stage, eager to get this over and done with.
Miley stayed standing at the back, feeling slightly uncomfortable like everyone was judging her and watching her out of the back of their heads. She put on a brave smile and hoped everything would work out as she wanted it to. Watching Nick interact with his family gave her a fluttering feeling within her stomach, she wanted so bad for him to be like that with her and found herself wishing she was apart of this wonderful family. It didn't matter to her anymore about everything that had happened all she wanted was to be with Nick.
-xox-
Much to Nick's frustration after the cake came the presents, after the presents came the speeches after the speeches came the party games. He felt like every time something ended and he would finally get the chance to speak to Miley something else came up. He often locked eye contact with her, but every time all he could do was give her a reassuring smile, accept her comforting smile in return and continue with whatever it was expected of him to do.
The day continued into the night, and the party goers kept on socializing. Miley tried to mingle abit, but found herself spending all her time playing with Miki. Miki took hold of her hand and showed her all of her presents. They jumped on the trampoline, Miley pushed her on the swings, they even played skip rope with a few of the other young kids there. The entire time Miley felt she was being watched by Nick's friends, and welcomed it when his family, especially his mother, took the time to say hi to her and make sure she was having a good time. Every time she just smiled and informed them she was fine. She hated the sympathetic looks they continued to give her so was determined to show them she was ok.
After diner it was clear that Michaela was worn out. Miley was currently throwing her new pink basketball with her. They were giggling and singing rhymes along with their throwing game. Of course Miley was doing most of the singing but she was happy to get to know Miki on a new level and understand how truly amazing Nick was as a father. He had done wonders with Miki; she was growing up to be a perfect little girl.
After the third big yawn escaped Miki's mouth Miley knew it was time for her to go to bed. Calling out for Denise, Miley picked up Miki and made her way towards the house. Half way there she spotted Denise.
"I think its time for Miki to go to bed, do you mind pointing me in the direction of where she can sleep?" Miley asked politely.
Denise turned her attention to Miley and took in the scene before her. Miki was practically asleep in Miley's arms but still held the largest smile Denise had seen in a long time, this warmed her heart. All afternoon Miley had been entertaining her granddaughter while waiting patiently for Nick to come and speak to her. She was sure Miley would have left hours ago but it was a real testament to Miley tht she had stuck around. Walking towards her, Denise opened her arms as if to take Miki, "I can put her down Miley you have done way to much for her today."
Shying away from her arms Miley refused to hand her over, "It's fine really, she is comfortable and I would really like to be able to put her to bed." Miley felt this sudden attachment to Michaela, it as like Miki had been her comforter all day so that she was not alone.
"He is just helping the band pack up," Denise threw in before showing Miley which way to go, "He is really glad you came, and I am thankful for everything you have done," she added before leaving back to the kitchen.
-xox-
"And the prince and the princess lived happily ever after," Miley finished the book she had been reading. Miki was curled up in her arms as they both lay in the bed enjoying a few books. Miki refused to go to sleep and insisted since she was a big girl now that she was allowed extra books before she went to sleep.
Looking down at the small figure squirming in her arms Miley was surprised she was still awake, "Ok no more stories it's time for sleep!"
Shifting so that she could place Miki in bed properly, Miley began to tuck her in, "Are you going to be my new mummy?" Miley felt her heart jump at the whispered question that had escaped Michaela's lips.
Not knowing what to say Miley sat back down next to Miki, giving herself a few moments to compose herself, "No one can replace your mother Miki, but I do hope I am around a bit more so that I can be your friend."
"But I don't have a mummy," was Miki's reply.
"I'm not the one who should be talking to you about this, goodness knows I don't even know the story myself, but I do know that you have a father that loves you very much. He will do anything for you, well not anything according the everything he has said to me, he didnt even tell me you were his...and what am I saying? you're a 3 year old little girl…"
"No I'm 4 now!" Miki hastily interrupted.
Chuckling slightly Miley continued, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're a special little girl who has a lot of family who loves you, and I would love to one day claim that I am apart of it to." The last few words were barely a whisper but the figure standing in the door way heard them loud and clear.
"I love you Miley," was the last thing Miki said before her eyes drifted shut.
Smiling down at her new friend Miley kissed her gently on the forehead, tucked her in and whispered in reply, "I love you too Michaela, sweet dreams."
Standing up to exit the room, her mind running a million miles a minute, she didn't even look up before she ran directly into the muscular chest of a man standing in the door way, "Woah," she screeched before grabbing into him to stop her self from falling.
Nick chuckled as he grabbed her by the shoulders to help steady her. It was the closest they had been all day, all week, since Miley found out about Michaela. A blush quickly rose in both of their cheeks as they hastily stepped away from each other.
"I'm so sorry," Miley whispered, "Did…did…how long have you been standing there?" she asked, stuttering along the way.
Nick put his finger to his lips to indicate that here was not the place to talk. Jerking his head in the direction of the hallway he gestured for them to go someplace else to talk. Miley understanding and they both made their way to the back yard.
This was it, she finally had his attention, and now that she had it she was way too scared to be alone with him. This was what she had waited patiently all day for and now that it was here she was so confused and had no idea what to say to him.
-xox-
Taking a seat on the swing set planted in the far corner of the backyard, Miley wondered where to start. To her surprise she didn't feel as awkward as she had felt all day, finally being in his presence seemed to settle any uncomfortable feelings she had as they walked outside.
Nick made his way to behind Miley and absentmindedly started to push her swing. They stayed this way for what felt like hours, Miley sitting on the swing with Nick pushing her gently. The wind rushed through her hair and sent a chill down her back. She was unsure whether it was the wind or Nick's delicate touch that sent the chill, either way it didn't compare to the jerk her heart made at the sound of Nick's voice.
"Look, I'm really sorry about today I have been trying to speak to you all day," Nick finally broke the silence.
Miley stopped her swing and turned her body towards him, "You don't need to apologize, it's your birthday, oh by the way Happy Birthday…again…" she tried not to sound nervous.
Nick smiled, "Thank you…again!" he smirked his ever so cute smile in her direction.
Miley started to swing again, hoping they could avoid that conversation all together. Of course Nick spoke again before Miley could entertain any thoughts of escaping the conversation that was bound to occur, "I also want to apologize for the whole Michaela thing. It's just I was so scared you wouldn't speak to me if you knew about her," it all came out in one breath as if he had been holding it in for so long that it escaped without his knowledge.
"Way to get straight to the point," Miley chuckled, "I know why you did it, and though I don't exactly agree, I accept your apology," she gave him one of her own gorgeous smiles.
Nick stopped pushing her swing and used the chains to swing her around so they were now facing one another, "That's it? You accept my apology just like that? Come on Miley at least yell at me and tell me how shit I am for lying to you, dammit at least tell me you're angry at me" he was in complete disbelief, "I have been beating myself up for days now for what I did…"
"Hey, I know you have! That's why I forgive you. I'm no going to yell and scream, that's not who I am. I came here today to let you know that I understand," getting off of her swing, Miley stood in front of him trying to equal his height so that she could look into his eyes, "Tell me about her?"
"About who?" Nick was confused.
"About Michaela's mother," Miley offered, her curiosity escaping her.
Nick swallowed; he was unsure how to explain to Miley the worst moment of his life that also equaled his best. Without Lauren he would not have Miki, and for that he could never hate his ex wife. "We were high school sweethearts, I always thought he were perfect for each other." He started off so confidently, but the memories always hurt just the same.
"Being a member of my family it just felt right that we would get married straight away. I just knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her so I didn't see why we should wait. We didn't even get much of a chance to be a married couple before Michaela came along. You have to understand that I was the happiest man alive when she came into my world, still am because of her. But Lauren didn't cope so well. I always thought it was just a phase and that she was struggling to adjust to our new life."
Miley sat quietly, captivated by his heartbreaking story, "the night she left is a night I will never forget. When I realized she was gone I just went to Miki's room and sat next to her bed. I held onto my daughters hand all night knowing that as long as I had her everything would work out. I waited for months for Lauren to walk back through the door, Miki missed her I could tell. But that day never came…she never came back and I still to this day don't know how I could have done anything differently. Miki still asks for her often, and I hate the fact that she knows nothing about her, but I can't tell her things I don't even k now myself. I thought I knew her better then I knew myself but I was wrong, I was proven wrong in the greatest degree," taking a deep breath Nick chanced a look into Miley's face, the tears were evident.
"I was never honest with you either," Miley blurted out. Nick had just poured his heart out to her and she felt so bad for everything she had done to him in the past.
Her sudden confession made Nick flash her a look telling her he did not quite understand. Miley placed a hand softly on his cheek, drinking in ever inch of his face. If she was going to do this, risk everything, she wanted to at least remember what she could of him, just incase she lost him.
Taking deep breath Miley continued, "David and I dated for quite a while. We were still together when I met you…" her voice trailed off, trying to keep herself composed and telling the truth at the same tie was harder then she thought.
Nick gave her a reassuring smile, so she continued, "I had been so unhappy for so long, that when u came into my life I just wanted to forget about everything and have fun. I cared about you a lot, I do care about you a lot, and so I broke up with him."
They both walked away from the swing set and sat on a patch of grass before she continued her story, "When you came to my house the other day…it was all a mess. He was trying to get me to think about it…but then you turned up and I didn't know what to say. The look in your eyes broke my heart and Nick I'm so sorry for not being honest with you," she felt the tears run slowly down her cheeks.
Nick quickly wiped her tears away, "Thank you," was all he said.
Miley tore here eyes away from the grass she has been picking at while talking. Looking up into the face of the guy she had finally been honest with, she couldn't help but be confused by his statement.
Nick chuckled slightly at her confused face, "Thank you for being honest with me, thank you for coming to my birthday, thank you for everything you said to Michaela as you put her to bed, thank you for forgiving me," he basically wanted to thank her for giving him a chance.
"You don't have the thank me Nick, all I want is the chance to start over…start again…redo it…not stuff it up…and…and…I just want to be able to at least call you my friend," her words came smoothly and for once, confidently. Miley knew what she wanted and for once in her life she was doing something for herself. Not for her mother, not for David, not for anyone…just for herself.
Nick smiled down at Miley, he wanted so much to kiss her but knew better of it, for once in his life things were actually working out. It was so rare that things went as he had planned or wanted them to, and in this case he was glad they didn't, they were working out even better then he had planned.
"Hi, I'm Nick, I am 23 years old and I have a 4 year old daughter. Her mother left just after she was born and ever since then she has been my life. I love to play music and I hate my job. I have 3 brothers and loving, and a little crazy, mother and a strong father. I like to spend my weekends at the park with Michaela or watching the little mermaid on the couch with her. My favourite colour is blue and I hate yellow lollies," Nick stuck out his hand as he introduced himself.
Miley laughed but took his hand anyway, "It's nice to meet you Nick, I'm Miley…"
THE ENDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me throughout this story, even with my crappy updates and slow posting. I realy appreciate every single of of my readers and even more my reviewers! without you I would have given up along time ago.
A very special thankyou to Michelle...you helped me more then anyone with this story...without your creative ideas and support this never would have been finished!
To Bri - just for being Bri Bri...i luv ya to bits!
and Tiff, for your constent reviews and support:) thannx girlies for everything:)
AS much as i hate to say it i have another story in the works that me and katy started writing together, she isnt into writing niley anymore but wehave written about 50 pages on word so far, so keep your eyes out for that! sighhhhh why do i start another story when i'm such a shitty updater lol! anyways...
goodbye for now and thank you:) xoxoox