Chapter Seven:

This is driving me nuts. I am in a limo with my best friend, her dad, and my boyfriend who just happens to be related to them on the way to a press conference that I am just so looking forward to. No one had broken the silence in ten minutes and you could have cut the tension with a knife.

I'd been chewing at my lower lip for more than five minutes and the statement Mr. Stewart had helped me with was shredded in my lap. That should be helpful. I couldn't stop thinking about what I was going to say.

The thing is, I've never been great at public speaking. I usually get sick, go through whatever I have to say so fast no one understands it, then smile, run away, and get sick again.

And now of course I was about to give a statement to the likes of People, Us Weekly, and Star.

La-Dee-Fricken-Da

I looked over at Jackson and he looked almost as nervous as I did. He looked over at me and saw how nervous I was. He reached for my hand and enveloped my hand in his. My nerves were instantly calmed. I don't know how. I guess it just felt like he thought I could do it so I did too.

He rubbed his thumb along mine and I think he was trying to be covert, but he was obviously doing a bad job because I heard Miley and her dad both groan. I saw a smile tug at his lips and I could feel one on mine. I held it in because I still felt like I was going to be sick.

We made the limo switch off for the last few miles of the journey. I felt myself tensing up again so I did all I could do. I fixed my wig, reapplied my lipstick, took a few deep breaths, and reached down for Jackson's hand again.

I felt the vehicle come to a slow stop and I heard the paparazzi outside. Sometimes you could hear them before you could see them. I felt my stomach tumbling and I looked at Jackson for comfort again. He was already looking at me and I felt his hand tighten on mine.

The door opened and it got even louder. Customarily, Hannah got out first. I could hear them calling her name as she stepped out. Mr. Stewart tapped Jackson on the shoulder and whisper good luck. Jackson dropped my hand and got out then stuck his hand toward me to help me out.

The first thing I noticed was the lights, but I was used to that being an official member of Hannah's entourage. What I wasn't used to were the chants of 'Jacksola'. As soon as I had both feet on the ground Jackson wrapped his arm around my waist protectively.

I saw Hannah standing at a podium about twenty feet away from where we were standing and I slowly moved toward her, pasting a smile on my face. Just aiming for my target. Jackson and I stood behind her and Mr. Stewart came up behind us and stood next to Miley, sorry, Hannah.

I was so glad she decided to do most of the talking, she's awesome.

"So as most of you have read, or in a lot of cases, seen", she said looking at the two of us trying to look innocent. "Two of my closest friends: Jackson Stewart and Lola Luftnagle are in the beginning stages of a relationship that I am totally for, and I have nothing but brotherly feelings for Jackson. As for the rumors about me and Nick Jonas, those rumors are completely false; for now. The Jonas Brothers are touring right now, but if Nick is listening…well…thank you everyone and good night!"

Good old Miley, making it about her. Then again, this time I'm glad she did.

Jackson stepped up to the podium and made a short statement, "Thank you everybody. I'd just like to thank the people supporting us and I'd like to ask that we have some privacy while we're trying to make this work. Thank you!"

He pushed me toward the microphones and I fumbled out a thank you. He pecked me on the side of my mouth and pulled me toward a stage door. Hannah and Mr. Stewart headed for the stage and Jackson and I headed for the dressing room.

He closed the door behind us and we didn't even make it a foot inside the door before my arms were around his neck and my lips were on his. I don't know who initiated it but I could feel that we both needed it.

We pulled apart and he whispered to me, "That was hard…"

"What, the press or not kissing me?" I said teasingly.

"Both", he smiled, then kissed me again.

So guys, I'm back from Band Camp, and this is the first story I've updated. I've kinda been busy reading Eclipse and listening to JB (I love "Just Friends"). Just to let you know, I'm posting a new Loliver called, haha, Just friends, and its based on the song by the JB. And BTW, that is the best HM episode ever! Look it up on YouTube!