A/n: This is the SEQUEL to "Forgetting You". If you have not completely read that story, this will most likely make no sense. Just a warning :). Okay so now the basics for you guys still reading: this is set 14 years into the future. The middle part is emails. Most of the exposition will be known by chapter two. This is going to be very different from the other stories in this sequel. It's actually darker than the others, but in different ways. It IS rated TEEN. Which means there will be teen rated material (obviously). So yea, nothing really more to say here so kick back and (hopefully) enjoy the sequel. Thanks to SVUlover who is going to beta the story and daisy617 who gave me her wonderful opinion on the chapter and plot line :)
Disclaimer: I hate repeating myself. If you have any doubt that I don't own Hannah Montana, see the disclaimer in "Kidnapped Socks".
"Miley?"
I jumped. All around me, the house was completely silent. Except for the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs. Before then, I'd been sitting in the dark, painfully silent attic. It was so silent that I seemed to have a loud, permanent ringing in my ears. I quickly shoved the photo album back into it's box. Once it was in there, I shoved the box underneath the open space in the floor and placed the floorboard back over it.
"Miley? Are you in here?"
The footsteps were climbing up the attic stairs. I stood up and dusted the dirt off my jeans as a dark brown head emerged from the staircase and came into view. I smiled at her.
"Hey." She said as she smiled back. She walked over and hugged me before stepping back and brushing a few dark curls away from her face.
"Hey, Emily. When did you get here?" I asked, pushing some of my hair behind my left ear.
She walked over and sat down on a wooden box. She reached over and picked up another box, different from the one I'd just stashed into the floorboards. This one was cardboard, and happen to hold my son, Cole's, baby pictures inside of it. She fingered the top lightly before opening it and taking the first stack of pictures out. She smiled slightly as she shuffled through them.
I got the feeling she needed to talk about something. Having no mother of her own, she often came to either me or Lilly. I sat down beside her.
"Is he still locked up in his room?" She asked me, meaning Cole. I nodded and rolled my eyes,
"Yes. He's completely overly dramatic. Hasn't come out for two whole days. I'm still not sure why he's locked himself in."
She looked up at me. My blue eyes met her soft, hazel ones.
"Miley," she started, "how did you know when you were in love? Not that I am, I'm just curious."
I smiled at her and moved her curls out of her face. They had a habit of falling back into that spot.
"I just knew, and you will also. Don't worry yourself about all that, you've got plenty of time to figure it all out."
"Emily? Miley?" Heavier footsteps were coming up the stairs. Emily placed the pictured back into the box and shut it gently.
Oliver stepped into the attic, looking completely uncomfortable.
"I can not stand this attic. It's probably full of bats...and...and cancer causing fumes..." He shuddered. Emily giggled and stood up, hugging her ridiculous father. He hugged her back, and his eyes drifted from me to the floorboard. Did he know?
"Hey, Em, why don't you go see if Cole is ready to stop being dramatic and come out of his room?" Oliver suggested to his fourteen year old daughter. She nodded and waved at us before exiting the attic.
"She's getting more beautiful every day," I said, nodding my head in the direction Emily just was. Oliver nodded his head in agreement,
"Well, I am her father, aren't I?" He grinned as he sat down where Emily was formerly.
"Still looking, huh?" He looked pointedly at the loose floorboard. My cheeks flushed, and I stood up. My hands nervously smoothed my shirt out as I said,
"That's none of your business. I'm going to make Cole leave his room."
With that I left the attic, leaving Oliver behind.
To: Cole Ryan
From: Michael Hodgens
CC:
Subject: Where are you?
Where are you man?
Listen, I know that thing with Jessica didn't work but you've been up in that room for two days now. You're going to fail ninth grade, and I'm not going to give you a place to crash when your mom flips out. So get out of that damn room, let the dog out, and go call her!
...this is about Jess right?
To: Cole Ryan
From: Jessica Smites
CC: Jennifer Jones
Subject: YOU!
CODY COLE RYEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CANT BELIEVE U AND WAT U DID WIT DAT GURL AT THE SK8 PARK NAMED JENNY!!!!1!!!1!!!! I SENT A COPY COPY (CC) 2 HER BOUT THIS THING AND I HOPE SHE GETS IT AND CRIES CAUSE WAT SHE IS IS MEAN AND SELFLESSISH! SHE NEW DAT ME AND U WERE TIGT AND SHE WENT AND TOOK U FRM ME ANYWAIZE 1!!!!!! SHE NOT EVEN DAT PRETY!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!! SHE JUST A EMO SKATIN TOMBOY AND I RELE CANT BELEEVE DAT U CHOOSE HER OVA ME!!!!!!!!!
ALSO COLE I HAVE A QUESTION FOR U!!!!! UR MOM IS LIKE BARELY 20 AND SHE MADE A XMAS CD THAT MY MOM KEEPS LISTENIN 2 ON REPEAT MAKING ME WANT TO PULL OUT MY HURR AND KILL MY SELF DOESNT UR MOM NOW DAT ONLY OLD WASHED UP SINGERS MAKE XMAS CDS!!!!???!?!?! SHES STILL YUNG AND FAMUS, SHE SHULD BE MAKIN HER OWN CDS!!!!! CULD U PLEEZE TELL HER DIS OR GIMME HER EMAIL SO I CAN? I DONT THINK SHE NOES MUCH BOUT FAME BUT LUCKY 4 HER I DO SO I CAN TELL HER SO SHE DONT ROIN HER CAREAR. THANKS!!!!1!!!
OH YEA!!!! I H8 U! DONT EVA TALK 2 ME AGAN BUT MAKE SURE 2 WRITE ME BAK CAUSE I NEED 2 TLK 2 U OR ILL CRY :(
LUV U,
JESS!!!!!1!!!!
To: Cole Ryan
From: Jennifer James
CC:
Subject: Pain
I think I just got an email from a blond, mentally disabled crow.
It was painful to read, and I think I have a tumor in my brain now.
Seriously, who gave her my email address?
Because if it was you, Cole, I will kill you.
That's not a threat. It's a promise.
To: Jessica Smites
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: leave me alone
My name is CADEN Cole RYAN.
And how can you not believe it? Jenny can spell my name and the word "you".
And she also doesn't eat her punctuation.
CC means carbon copy, you retard.
I think you mean selfish...?
My mother is 31thankyouverymuch.
And shut the hell up about her.
she doesn't need tips from someone who can't even spell "career".
And if you dare harass my mother, I'll make sure your pretty little face doesn't step into that modeling agency ever again.
Don't ever message me again.
if you do, I'll call the cops and file a restraining order.
To: Jennifer James
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: crows
I didn't give it to her.
I think she hacked into my email and got it.
My browser is a scary shade of pink as we speak.
To: Michael Hodgens
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: where I am
This isn't about Jess. This is about...
Damn it. That annoying Emily Oken is banging on the door. Talk to you later.
To: Cole Ryan
From: Miley Ryan
CC:
Subject: your early death
If you do not open your door right this moment, I swear you'll regret it with every fiber in your being.
To: Cole Ryan
From: Jake Ryan
CC:
Subject: your mother...
is scaring me.
Still locked up in your room, huh? Must be because she just called me at work, screaming about you being ridiculous...
Open your door.
Or I fear for you more than me.
To: Miley Ryan
From: Cole Ryan
CC: Jake Ryan
Subject: stop harassing me
Chill out.
Besides, don't you two have something to do?
To: Cole Ryan
From: Miley Ryan
CC: Jake Ryan
Subject: men-
Caden Cole Ryan, you seriously do not want to get an attitude with me.
And yes, I do have something to do.
I'm doing it as we speak. If you're wondering what that noise is, I'm taking down your bedroom door.
Jake, when are you coming home? I need help carrying this door down the stairs. It's kind of heavy.
To: Jake Ryan
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: your wife...
is insane.
she's freaking hacking away at my door with a crowbar !!
YES!
A CROWBAR!
Oh crap.
I think she's got the door unlocked...
God, can't she back off for one second?
To: Miley Ryan
From: Jake Ryan
CC:
Subject: crowbars
hahahaha!!!
Priceless!!
You're definitely getting a reward for that one when I get home...
To: Jake Ryan
From: Miley Ryan
CC:
Subject: I'm in!
God his room isdisgusting.
And his computer keyboard looks like millions of sodas have spit on it.
And I think there is something breathing in the corner...
Oh, my gosh...I think...I think it just growled!!!!!
I can think of a few major reasons I hate emailing on my cell phone. One being a certain boy is reading over my shoulder.
Did I invite you to read my email, Cole?
Ha. CAUGHT YOU!
Anyway, I'm holding you up on that reward when you get home. (which will be when...?)
Also, what do I do with the remains from Cole's door and the bent crowbar?
To: Jake Ryan
From: Cole Ryan
CC: Miley Ryan
Subject: my parents sexual activity
Dad, can you please not email provocative messages to mom when I'm in the room?
Mom, can you please not reply in a provocative manner to his provocative messages when I can easily read them?
Thanks. I actually like not gouging my eyes out with a spork.
To: Cole Ryan
From: Miley Ryan
CC:
Subject: nosy, fourteen year old brats
Don't read my emails over my shoulder.
It's absolutely none of your business.
To: Miley Ryan
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: I'm sorry mommy...
I won't do it anymore. I'm sorry. You're the best...blah, blah, blah. Whatever.
To: Jake Ryan
From: Miley Ryan
CC:
Subject: you
When you get home I want to rip your shirt off and run my hands all over...
You're a liar, Cole Ryan. I can hear you gagging. STOP READING MY EMAILS!!!!!!!!!!
To: Cole Ryan
From: Michael Hodgens
CC:
Subject: my house
Tough luck, man. Do you want to come over and have a smoke? My old man's at the store getting some liquor and mom skipped town, so the house is empty. I'll invite Gavin and Jason. And maybe some sexy girls...got any in mind?
To: Michael Hodgens
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: your house
I will in a few.
My mother is screaming at me as we speak.
She wants me to stay here and eat dinner with her and dad and the rest of my bitchy family.
I'll sneak out of my bathroom window.
Invite Melanie and Paige.
To: Cole Ryan
From: Michael Hodgens
CC:
Subject: your mother...
Can come ;-)
To: Michael Hodgens
From: Cole Ryan
CC:
Subject: I hate you.
you're disgusting.
I'm on my way.
"Cole?" I screamed loudly up the stairs, "Get out of that bathroom and come down here!!"
My throat hurt from all the screaming. I sighed and sat down at the bottom of the stairs, my head in my hands.
"I think he's sneaked out." Emily voiced what everyone was thinking. Oliver set down Moose's dog bowl, before rolling his eyes,
"He's definitely going to be killed when he gets home."
The last face to face conversation I'd had with him had been...gosh, at least two weeks ago. All we do anymore is email each other...and he disappears to God knows where half the time...it was possibly the most frustrating thing ever. I didn't have any idea who he was.
"He's probably with Connor." Emily said, sitting down on the floor beside Moose. She pet him gently.
I hated that kid. He was one of those kids you just know are up to no good. I didn't like Cole hanging around with him, either. Ever since they became friends, Cole was acting more and more like him each day.
"I think this belongs here," A voice came from the doorway. I looked up to see Jake, holding Cole by the ear and dragging him into the house. I jumped up and glared at Cole fiercely.
"Cole," Jake demanded in a hard voice, "you will go into the kitchen, sit at the table, and wait for us. If you try to make a run for it, I'll call the police."
Was this what our family was reduced to? Calling the cops on each other?
Cole ripped himself out of Jake's grip, and glared harshly at us before stomping off to the kitchen. Jake walked over and took me into his arms, knowing I hated all this. I hugged him tightly and he kissed me before letting go of me.
"We're just going to go," Oliver said as he took Emily's hand, "Good luck."
I waved, "Thanks. Sorry this happened, you'll have to come over tomorrow for dinner."
"'Bye Miley and Jake." Emily said softly, waving at us as her father dragged her out of the house. The front door shut, and I could hear Cole kicking stuff from the kitchen. I closed my eyes for a moment and thought back to when he was a sweet, adorable baby. What had we done wrong?
Jake pulled me to him again. He was wearing a white, button up shirt that looked perfect on him. He kissed me before taking my hand, ready to go face Cole.
I pushed the kitchen door open. It was a swinging door, and I wondered if a good wack in the head with the door would knock some sense into that boy. Cole was kicking the cabinets rather hard, making the kitchen fill with the loud sounds of bone upon wood.
"Stop that." I said sharply. Cole turned to us, stared me in the eyes, and kicked it again. As if daring me to do anything. Jake walked over and took him by the arm, pulling him into a kitchen chair.
I sat down lightly, ready to jump up if I had to. Cole had a habit of running away. Jake sat down in the seat beside Cole's. He looked mad and stressed out, a look I didn't like him sporting.
"You've got to stop this, Cole." Jake said, looking at his difficult son. As I looked between them, I couldn't help but notice how much they looked alike.
"Stop what? You guys are the one who keep bugging me!" Cole shouted.
"We're concerned." I said softly. He jumped up and kicked the chair,
"I don't need your damn concern! Just leave me alone and back off!"
His words stung. I felt as if I'd been shot, and I'd know what that felt like. But at the same time, I was angry. How dare he talk to me like that?! I was his mother! Jackson would have NEVER talked to our mother like that!
"Well you're going to get it anyway! You're our son, whether you like it or not! So sit back down right now and freaking tell us what is wrong!"
Cole shoved the chair over, "No, go to hell. I don't have to tell you any thing. It's my life and I'll do whatever I feel like, and you can't stop me!"
Jake stood up, catching Cole's arm before he stormed away, "You will not talk to her that way. She is your mother, and you will respect her! I'm sick of your attitude, Cole. Apologize to her right this moment."
Jake actually looked scary. I was always surprised every time I saw him get strict with Cole, and I always
wondered how Cole wasn't intimidated.
Cole looked at me. I looked at him, seeing my eyes and nose in his features. His blond hair was shorter than it had been last year, but still just as light. As I looked at him, I wondered how he could treat me like this.
"Just leave me alone." Cole yelled at us, before tearing his arm away and running out of the kitchen.
"Someone call Nanny 911." Jake muttered, sitting down beside me.
A/n: Reviews would actually aid the transition from first to second chapter :)