“I lied to Daddy,” a voice whispered in the dark.

“Yeah? What about?” A curious voice replied.

“About my homework and that test we had,” the first voice answered. “I flunked it, and forced his signature on it. And my homework’s not quite done yet. I tried my hardest, but I just don’t get it.”

“So why didn’t you ask someone for help?” The second voice asked.

“You and Daddy were gone, and Jackson’s no help at all,” the first voice sighed. “How he’s made it this far in school, I’ve no idea.”

“Me neither,” the second voice giggled. “I wonder if he manages to bribe the teachers?”

The first voice giggled now too. “If so, Daddy’d be mad.”

“Daddy will be mad, if two young ladies don’t get to sleep,” a third voice piped up. “Especially since they have school in the morning.”

“Sorry, Daddy!” The first voiced squeaked.

“We’re going to sleep now, Daddy, don’t worry!” The second voice assured him.

“You had better be Miley Rae, and Riley Mae,” their father stated. “If I have to come up here again, there will be trouble.”

“Night, Daddy!” The two girls immediately chorused.

“Goodnight,” he replied, as he closed their door once more and headed on back downstairs.

“Phew! That was a close one!” Miley exclaimed quietly.

“Yeah, too close!” Riley whispered in return.

“Well, night Riles,” Miley yawned, snuggling into her pillow.

“Night Miles,” Riley giggled, as she too yawned.

The two of them shared a room, as they were not only sisters, but twins as well. They were fraternal twins, but only because of a few slight differences. Their faces, eyes, hair, and smiles were all the same; even their voices were similar. The only differences were their eyes – Miley’s were hazel, while Riley’s were bright green; and the fact Miley was a half inch taller than her sister. The thing was no one knew they were twins, or that they were even sisters. Their father had forced them to make everyone believe they were cousins – so when at school, Riley had to wear a bright red wig to hide her normally medium brown hair, and blue contacts. Even when she was home she had to wear the wig, in case Lily Truscott – Miley’s best friend – was coming over. Why Lily couldn’t know they were sisters was beyond them, since Lily and Oliver both knew the other big secret their family had. But, this was their life – one twin allowed to be herself, and the other forced to hide her true identity – though, they actually both had two identities, so really, they were both hiding something. Only thing was, Miley’s secret let her live out her dreams and live her life, while Riley’s made her practically obsolete. You see, Miley is Hannah Montana – teen pop sensation. And though Riley loves her sister and her music dearly, sometimes she absolutely despises Hannah Montana – because being Hannah Montana’s secret sister isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“So you got away with it?” Oliver Oaken repeated, sounding and looking surprised. “Wow!”

“Yeah, I did,” Riley grinned, as she walked with one of her sister’s friends. “I still can’t believe it myself.”

“That’s so cool, Kylie!” Oliver exclaimed, as they reached their lockers which happened to be near one another. “I wish I could get away with something like that, but I always seem to get caught.”

“You need brains to pull off what Kylie did,” Miley piped up, as her and Lily joined them.

Riley tried not to sigh as she heard her sister call her by the name chosen to keep her true identity hidden. She was starting to hate the name Kylie, because it was what had been chosen for her, since it was easily remembered as it rhymed with Riley – and Miley. Kylie Cyrus was her name, when in public or around anyone that wasn’t family. She also had to wear a short, bright red wig when in public, so she wouldn’t resemble her twin so much. The wig was her favourite shade of red, which was nice, but it sure itched like crazy sometimes!

“Who needs brains, when you’re Smokin’ Oaken?” Oliver replied, nodding his head at girls who passed by them just then. “I’ll see you ladies later.”

The girls giggled, and scurried off, as they thought he was a doofus – most the girls in the high school thought that of him, so he was most definitely still single. Besides, his pick-up lines were the lamest of the lame!

“Nice, just keep scaring them off Oliver,” Miley laughed, shaking her head at him.

“They’ll be back – you’ll see,” Oliver stated confidently.

“Yeah, just keep telling yourself that and maybe it’ll work,” Lily paused a moment, then spoke again. “In your dreams! Haha!”

“Oh, you are all so cruel to me!” Oliver exclaimed overdramatically, causing the three girls to roll their eyes.

“You wouldn’t stay friends with us if you didn’t like it,” Riley pointed out. “So quit the melodramatic act, you ham.”

“Ham?!?! Where’s there ham?” Oliver demanded, looking around hungrily.

“She meant you’re the ham!” Miley stressed, shaking her head. “How this boy makes it through school, I’ll never know.”

“Same with Jackson,” Riley snickered. “We’ll never know how any of these boys make it through school.”

“Hey! I resent that!” Oliver cried. “We’re not as dumb as you make us out to be!”

“I think he means, resemble,” Lily laughed.

Oliver scowled. “Excuse me ladies, I have a class I need to get too.”

“Hey! Wait for me!” Riley called after him. “I’ve the same class as you!”

“You know what would be funny?” Miley began, as she watched her sister run after their friend. “If Kylie has a crush on Oliver.”

“Haha, yeah, like that would happen!” Lily giggled.

Miley thought a moment. “You don’t think she does, do you?”

“What? Miley, are you listening to yourself?” Lily asked. “Kylie like Oliver? Hello! It’s Oliver, for crying out loud! What girl in their right mind would be crushing on him?”

“You know, you have a point,” Miley stated. “It’s just Oliver. Kylie would never crush on him. I mean, Eew!”

The two laughed as they headed on off to the class they had next.

“So, did you do the homework for this class?” Oliver asked his friend. “I mean, English is your favourite class after all here!”

“Yes, I did my homework for this class,” Riley replied, grinning at him. “And I might’ve done the homework for drama class too.”

Oliver laughed. “Only doing the homework for the fave classes now, Kyles?”

“You better believe it!” Riley chirped happily, glad the teacher wasn’t there yet to hear their conversation.

Oliver shook his head at his friend. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

“Darn tootin’!” Riley smirked, as they took their seats.

Oliver raised his eyebrows at her. “Darn tootin’?”

“Yup,” Riley nodded. “It’s what we country folks say back home.”

“I’ve been around you country folk for years now, and I still don’t quite understand you,” Oliver commented.

“Maybe you’re just not meant to?” Riley remarked, wriggling her eyebrows slightly to make him laugh – which it did.

“Okay class, settle down,” the teacher stated, as she entered the classroom just as the last bell rang, signaling class was now in session. “Today, we are going to be learning more about punctuation.”

Riley groaned. “I thought we learned all about that stuff back in, like, grade one.”

“I guess not enough?” Oliver shrugged.

“What more is there to know about punctuation, than when to stick periods and commas and the other stuff in its proper places?” Riley whispered. “I mean, c’mon! Could this class get anymore boring? Punctuation is just too easy!”

“Well, though punctuation should be easy Kylie, someone of your classmates are still getting it wrong,” the teacher remarked, as she came to stand between their desks. “And if there’s anymore whispering from either of you, I’m moving you up front Kylie, so I can keep an eye on you.”

“Me? Why me?” Kylie demanded. “We’re not the only ones talking, Ms. Hersh!”

“Because I said so,” Ms. Hersh answered. “And if you keep it up, you can go stand out in the hall.”

“For what? I only asked you a valid question!” Riley exclaimed.

“Kyles,” Oliver warned. “Don’t.”

“Don’t do what?” Riley said, exasperated. “Is it a crime to ask questions now?”

“When they’re interrupting my classroom, yes,” Ms. Hersh answered.

“How can they be interrupting the class, when you haven’t even started the class, other than to announce a punctuation lesson?” Riley spat slightly. “You’re the one interrupting the class, by coming back here to harass me!”

“Okay, I’ve had enough, you can go straight to the Principal’s office, Kylie,” Ms. Hersh stated. “Just let me write him a note, which you had best deliver to him.”

“I didn’t even do anything but ask valid questions!” Riley protested.

“Questions that had nothing to do with today’s lesson,” Ms. Hersh responded. “And I will not tolerate insubordination!”

“Insubordination my…..” Riley trailed off, grumbling under her breath as she stood up with her things and made her way to the teacher’s desk to fetch the note that was currently being written.

“Here, now get going,” Ms. Hersh ordered, handing her the note.

Riley took the note from the teacher, then turned to the class. “Enjoy learning something we already know,” she told them. “It seems some people think we’re all too stupid to remember previous lessons on punctuations, just because some of us get mixed up sometimes and have off days.”

“OUT! GET OUT OF MY CLASSROOM!” Ms. Hersh yelled angrily. “And don’t you come back, until you can show me some respect!”

Riley rolled her eyes, winked at Oliver, then left the classroom. Well, so much for English being one of her favourite subjects. She’d done nothing wrong until the very end, and she only did wrong, because she figured she might as well since she was going to be in trouble anyway. As she walked along the deserted hallways, she eyed the note in her hand curiously.

“I wonder what she wrote,” she pondered aloud. She glanced around, then ducked into the girl’s washroom and opened the note to read.

Mr. Diprofio,

Riley has been very disrespectful by interrupting the class. Seems she feels she’s too good to learn about punctuation, though hers needs the most improving. I do not want her back in my classroom until she can learn to respect me and my lessons. She has wasted precious learning time for her fellow classmates, and I don’t think that to be right. Please deal with this trouble-maker accordingly. Thank-you.

Ms. Hersh

“My punctuation is horrible?” Riley spat angrily. “How can mine be needing so much improvement, when I aced that lesson in my Creative Writing class? God, what a witch!”

Riley shook her head in disgust, as she began to rip the note to shreds, tossing it into the one garbage can.

“You know what? I’ve had enough of this for today,” she spoke aloud, to no one but herself. “I’m out of here!”

With that being said, she turned to the one bathroom window and managed to pry it open just enough for her to squeeze out. Once standing on the ground outside, she ran until she was a good enough distance away. She then turned and glared at the high school angrily.

“Later suckers!” She shouted at the building that seemed to cause her nothing but grief lately. And it wasn’t all her fault it caused her so much grief either. She did the best she could, but no one ever seemed to be satisfied with her best – so why should she even bother trying in the first place? She shook her head, then ran off for the beach her, her sister, and their friends liked to hang out at. Soon as she arrived, she tugged at her wig, groaning when she realized she’d need her sister’s help in getting all the stupid pins holding it on, out.

“Dagnabit!” Riley exclaimed, kicking the sand angrily. “I can’t even be myself when I’m alone!”

Meanwhile, back at the school, lunch hour had arrived and Miley, Lily, and Oliver had met up at their usual lunch table.

“Hey, where’s Kylie?” Miley asked, surprised to see that her sister wasn’t with Oliver like she usually was. “Did she get detention again or something?”

Oliver shrugged as he took his seat. “Her and Ms. Hersh got into it earlier, and I haven’t seen her since,” he replied. “Ms. Hersh sent her to the Principal’s office, but from the sounds of it, she never showed up.”

“How do you know she didn’t show?” Lily asked curiously, taking a bite out of her sandwich.

“Mr. Diprofio came into the class just to see how everything was going, and was mighty confused when Ms. Hersh asked him about Kylie,” Oliver answered, as he started in on his sandwich as well. “And, well, she wasn’t at my locker waiting for me like usual, so I’m assuming she left.”

“Daddy’s going to kill her!” Miley groaned. “This is the fifth time this month, that she’s gotten into trouble at school, then taken off – though, he doesn’t know that – yet.”

“You really think they’re going to call your Dad, Miley?” Lily queried.

“Wouldn’t you if a student kept running off like this?” Miley countered. “I mean, c’mon Lils. Get real here.”

“You mean, they haven’t called him before?” Lily questioned.

“Of course they have!” Miley exclaimed. “We were just home in time and quick enough to erase the message before he even had a chance of getting it.”

Oliver chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds like Kyles.”

“Besides, do you really think she’d be hanging out with us as much as she is, if my Dad knew about all the trouble she’s been getting into?” Miley stated. “You know how he’s a stickler for rules and respect.”

“Then can’t you just erase the message again tonight?” Lily asked.

“No, because he probably got it,” Miley sighed heavily. “He was staying home all today, because he was waiting for an important parcel. I just hope he doesn’t get mad at me for knowing, and being the one to erase the messages.”

“Living on the edge, eh, Miles?” Jackson commented as he came up behind her one sister. “Where’s Ri-Kyles at?”

Miley gave him a pointed look as he had almost majorly slipped and called Kylie by her real name. Which would’ve been bad, since neither of her friends knew that Kylie’s real name was Riley.

“Oh, I’ve no idea where our cousin, Kylie, is,” Miley laughed. “Prolly ran off somewhere again. Ahaha.”

“Yanno, you’re sure acting strange today, Miley,” Lily said, shaking her head. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to hide something from us. But, like there’s anything for you to really hide, right? Well, other than you being, you-know-who.”

“Lily!” Miley hissed. “Don’t talk about that here! You never know who could be listening!”

“So you don’t know where Kylie went?” Jackson questioned once more. “Because I just got off the phone with Dad and he seemed pretty furious about something she did.”

Miley groaned. “Great, now he’s gonna know one of us deleted all those messages the Principal’s left on our answering machine these past couple months.”

“Well, you didn’t expect to be able to get away with it forever, did you?” Jackson laughed.

“I’d be lying if I said no,” Miley replied. “We had it all worked out, but then today of all days, she just had to go and get into trouble. The one day that Daddy’s home this month. Yeesh!”

“Well, there’s not much you can do about it now, except suck it up and be ready to face the consequences when you get home,” Jackson told her, shrugging his shoulders. “I’d call Kylie and warn her, but it seems she’s turned her cell phone off.”

“No she hasn’t,” Miley replied, holding up a cell phone she’d found in her bag. “She must’ve tossed it in here this morning, instead of tossing it in her own bag.”

~~~~~

Meanwhile, at the beach, Riley sat on a rock near a cave her and her sister used as their secret hide-out. They’d found the cave years ago, and never once had they ever seen anyone else go in it, other than that one time they’d shown their mother where they were playing. And they’d only shown her because she insisted upon it, or she was going to forbid them from going there. But, once she’d seen it was safe and knew where it was, she was fine with the girls playing there, so long as it wasn’t high tide – she made them promise to never play there during high tide, just in case. Of course, the two of them had promised her immediately, just wanting a secret place to play.

Now, all these years later, both girls still came to their secret spot to sit and think, and get away from it all. They still loved the fact it was a secret only the two of them shared, and they loved that it was still secret after all of these years. And though their father always insisted they tell him where they were headed, they never once had told him exactly where they were going when headed to their secret spot.

“Mom knows,” Riley muttered to herself softly, as she was thinking of all the times their father actually demanded to know where she was going on her own. “So long as Mom knows, I’m okay.”

She blinked back the tears that were suddenly threatening to fall. She wasn’t sure why, but she’d been missing their mother more and more lately – more so than ever before. Maybe it was because she’d reached the all important teenage years? Or maybe it was because, she knew if their mother was there, she’d have never been forced to hide her true identity from the world. And why she had to keep her true identity hidden was still a mystery to her. Every time she tried to ask their father about it, he’d brush her off and start focusing on Miley and Hannah Montana once more, or he’d pester Jackson instead.

“Why am I always tossed to the side?” Riley wondered aloud. “Am I not as important? Just because I’m the middle child doesn’t mean he’s the right to ignore me! I’m so sick of only getting his attention when I do wrong!”

She gave a low angry growl, kicking some sand up somewhat, though not bothering to get up off the rock she currently sat upon.

“I am not something he can just toss aside like yesterday’s trash!” Riley ranted to the waves. “I’m his daughter! I deserve some respect! I deserve his love too! Why does he hate me so much? What did I do wrong?!?”

She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I bet he prolly got that phone call today too,” Riley grumbled. “I’ma be toast when I get home.”

She shook her head. “Why can’t I do anything right?” She shouted up to the Heavens, narrowing her, once again, tear-filled eyes.

~~~~~

Back at the Stewart house, Robbie Ray paced the living room angrily. He’d gotten a phone call from the school principal earlier. He’d answered it, thinking one of his children had been hurt or something, only to find out the one had been causing trouble and skipping school repeatedly for the past couple months.

“That girl,” he muttered, running his one hand through his hair as he paced. “What in the world is she thinking? Does she not realize that if she keeps this up, she’ll be going to summer school or repeating the ninth grade?”

“And if she ends up in summer school, how is Hannah Montana supposed to tour? I’m not leaving a fifteen-year-old girl home alone all summer! That’s just plain stupid!” Robbie ranted. “If I end up hiring a tutor, that girl’s bottom is going to sting like the dickens when I’m through with her!”

~~~~~

The day continued on for everyone, dragging on endlessly for some, and not ending fast enough for others. Soon everyone was home a the Stewart house, except for one.

“Where is she?” Robbie demanded of his two children, currently sitting at the kitchen table doing homework. Lily and Oliver had gone home when he’d begun to yell at Miley for helping her sister keep her school troubles a secret.

“Dad, for the last time, we don’t know,” Jackson answered him. “Now, would you quit asking us and just sit down and wait patiently? Some of us are trying to do our homework here.”

Robbie narrowed his eyes at his son, giving him a stern look. “Don’t you go ordering me around, Jackson! I can ground you just as easily as I grounded Miley!”

“Ground me for doing what? Telling you to let us concentrate on our school work?” Jackson replied. “If that’s the case, then I think Riles had the right idea, of not coming home straight away.”

“Don’t -” Robbie began, only to trail off as he spotted Riley trying to sneak in the patio doors. “Just where have you been young lady?”

“Out,” Riley replied shortly, eyeing him warily. Her eyes were a little red, signaling she’d been crying over something, but as to what no one but her knew.

“I know that! But where?” Robbie demanded.

“What do you care?” Riley snapped slightly. “I’m not Miley, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“There is everything for me to worry about!” Robbie roared. “I’m your father! I’ve a right to know where you’re at every minute of the day! Especially when you’ve decided to skip school to go off somewhere you’ve deemed more important!”

“Yeah, well, whatever,” Riley shrugged, then glanced over at her sister. “Can you help me get this stupid wig off, Miles? I’ve been trying to all afternoon, but there’s too many bobby pins.”

“Sure,” Miley replied, knowing just how much her sister despised that wig.

“We’re not through her, young lady!” Robbie exclaimed. “Don’t you dare walk away from me, young lady!”

“Why not? You walk away from me all the time!” Riley retorted.

“Do you’ve any idea just how much trouble you’re in, Riley Mae?” Robbie demanded. “Just what were you thinking, cutting school and all? And what is with you giving all your teachers a hard time? Is the work too hard for you or something?”

“More like too easy,” Riley muttered bitterly.

“If you keep this up, you’re going to be going to summer school,” Robbie told her. “And then how is Hannah Montana supposed to tour? I can’t very well leave you home alone for two months!”

Riley’s eyes blazed angrily, as she narrowed them at her father. “There’s more to life than Hannah Montana!” She shouted at him angrily. “So what if Hannah Montana can’t tour! If you want her to tour that bad, then hire me a tutor already!”

“Riley Mae Stewart, I’ve half a mind to take you over my lap and give you a good old fashioned spanking!” Robbie stated, his eyes narrowing at her in return.

“Well, then pretend I’m Hannah Montana, and maybe that half a mind will go away!” Riley snapped turning to glare at him, as she stood on the bottom step of the staircase.

“You get up to your room and you stay there!” Robbie ordered. “You’re grounded for two months Riley Mae! Keep it up and it’ll be three!”

“Fine!” Riley yelled, turning and running up the stairs. Figures he wouldn’t even ask her what was wrong when she walked in the door. No, instead he had to yell at her for all she’d done wrong that day. Well, what about what she’d done right? What about her already hurt feelings? What about the fact she was desperately aching for their mother and no one knew nor seemed to care? When would she matter? When?

“Jackson!” Riley called out, as she ran after her brother. “Jackson! Wait up!”

Jackson turned when he heard his name being called. Upon seeing that it was his sister, he told his friends he’d catch them later. They nodded and continued on their way, as he stood there waiting for one of his little sisters.

“Hey Riles,” Jackson smiled, knowing it was safe to use her actual name since no one was currently around. “What’s up?”

Riley sighed heavily. “If only I knew where to start.”

“Well, the beginning usually helps,” Jackson pointed out. “Why don’t you start there, and keep going until you finish?”

“You better walk real slow then,” Riley told him. “This may take a while.”

“Then why don’t we sidetrack to Rico’s and grab some fries on the way home,” Jackson suggested. “Dad won’t be home for a while yet, and if he beats us there, well, I’ll take the blame.”

“Thanks,” Riley said gratefully, latching onto his one arm and resting her head upon his shoulder.

“Riles, if anyone starts thinking I’m dating my cousin, you’d better run,” Jackson threatened quietly. “Payback’s not all that much fun.”

“C’n we find somewhere private then?” Riley pleaded. “I just – I need a shoulder to lean on right now. And yours is the one I want it to be.”

“Yeah, c’mon. Rico’s, then some private spot to hide away from the world for a short while,” Jackson nodded. “I think I know just the place too.”

Riley flashed him a grateful smile, and remained silent for the rest of their walk, as she tried to sort all her thoughts out.

Jackson let his sister be, knowing she needed to work out all that she was going to say in her head, before finally telling him all that was currently bothering her. He didn’t mind being her soul confident, as he knew how she felt when it came to the whole Hannah Montana thing. As much as they loved Miley and were happy for her, and how much they liked Hannah Montana, it still hurt to be pushed to the back burner at times.

Soon enough, they were sitting in a private spot on the beach, each munching on their own box of French fries. They were currently watching the tide come in, as it was about that time of day.

“So…..” Jackson trailed off, trying to encourage his sister to talk.

“So….I wish I could take this stupid wig off,” Riley sighed heavily. “I’m sick of being Kylie. I don’t want to be her anymore. I want to be Riley Mae Stewart, not Kylie Kay Cyrus.”

Jackson gave her a grim smile. “I can only imagine how hard it is to have to be someone other than yourself,” he told her. “Some days, I don’t know how you cope. I mean, I’m surprised we all haven’t forgotten that you’re really Riley Mae, and not Kylie Kay.”

“Sometimes, I think Daddy forgets who I really am, until I’m in trouble for something,” Riley sighed once more. “That’s the only time he ever seems to call me Riley anymore.”

“So what’re you saying? You get in trouble just so Dad’ll say your name?” Jackson queried, raising his eyebrows playfully.

“Of course not!” Riley exclaimed. “I’m not that desperate!”

“Are you sure?” Jackson asked seriously. “Because, if you’re acting out just to get his attention and force him to use your real names Riles, it’s not healthy. People see shrinks for that sort of thing.”

“Pfft. Like Daddy’d even hire me one,” Riley muttered bitterly. “And I don’t know anymore, Jackson. I haven’t known anything for a long time now. All I know is that Daddy seemed to stop caring. He decided his attention was better focused on Hannah Montana than me. The world evolves around Miley and Hannah, Hannah and Miley. I love them both dearly, but when is he going to love me?! You know?”

“Yeah, I know,” Jackson nodded. “I’ve noticed he brushes you aside when Miley or I are in the room at the same moment.”

“But why Jackson?” Riley whined slightly. “Why does he do that all the time? Am I not important to him anymore or something? What did I ever do so wrong, other than love him and want his attention?”

“I don’t know Riles,” Jackson sighed heavily, wrapping his arm about her shoulders. “Maybe you remind him too much of Mom…”

“But wouldn’t that make him want to keep me closer?” Riley questioned, her eyes pleading with her brother for an answer. One she’d hopefully want to hear.

“You’d think that, yeah,” Jackson agreed. “But…he was mighty hurt when Mom died, Riles. You and Miley were still a little too small to take notice of everything, but he was pretty bad off. Mawmaw had to come and stay for a bit, because Dad just couldn’t take care of us right then. He tried, but it got to be too much for him. What, with Mom’s death, and Miley and you asking him endless questions about why she wasn’t coming back. Things just seemed to get worse after that gradually. Oh, sure, he’d take you and Miles to the park when you all asked, and I’d usually tag along. But slowly, he started to pull away from you, and at the same time, you slowly started to believe you were Kylie Cyrus, the character you’d made up and used in all the plays we used to put on for Mom and Dad. And, well, as they say. The rest is history.”

“So he ignores me because I remind him of Mom?” Riley checked, wanting to be sure. “And because I was a stupid kid, who wanted to be Kylie Cyrus for a while, that’s who he made me become?”

“It was just easier that way, Riles,” Jackson told her apologetically.

“On who?” Riley demanded angrily. “Did he not realize I’d eventually not want to be Kylie anymore? That maybe, just maybe I’d want to be myself again some day?”

“I don’t know,” Jackson replied. “Do I look like Dad to you?”

“And why is it harder for him to look at me, and not Miley? We look the exact same!” Riley exclaimed. “She may be a tad taller, but we still look the same otherwise!”

“But your personalities are different,” Jackson reminded her. “You like to point that out all the time. You may have the same dream, that currently only one of you gets to live out, but you’re still different in many other ways.”

“Like, how I like broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower and she don’t?”

“Exactly!” Jackson nodded. “You’ve similarities, but differences as well. You’re not exactly alike – if you were, I’d have been bored to tears with you long ago. And since when do you ever see Miles coming to me for advice, huh? She usually saves that department for you or Lily.”

“I’m going to be famous some day,” Riley declared, suddenly changing the subject just slightly. “I’ll still wear a wig, because it’s smart to keep your true identity hidden, but it won’t be this blasted red one.”

Jackson smirked as he watched his sister tug at the short red wig upon her head still. “Oh, yeah? What colour would it be then?”

“Well, it can’t be blond ‘cause then everyone would think I was Hannah Montana,” Riley said, shaking her head some. “So, maybe it’ll be the same length as Hannah’s, but red with blond streaks. And of course, by this time, the world will know that Hannah Montana has a twin sister. Or least a sister anyway. I don’t care if they know we’re twins or not, just so long as they know Hannah ain’t the only famous Montana here.”

“And what would your name be?” Jackson questioned curiously.

“Savannah Montana,” Riley smirked. “Gotta keep the rhyming scheme going, after all.”

Jackson laughed. “Of course. That’s what you two are all about.”

“Dang tootin’!” Riley smiled some. “It’s a dream I haven’t even shared with Miley yet. I don’t wanna seem like I’m copying her, but it was my dream long before it was hers! I told Mom about it when she was still here, and Miley just wanted to be an actress. I wanted to sing – more than anything. I still do.”

“Well, I’m glad you shared it with me, Riles,” Jackson told her, hugging her close affectionately – something he didn’t normally do – least, not in public anyway. “I enjoy knowing things no one else knows. I like to be kept in the loop, not out of it.”

Riley leaned against her brother, happily hugging him back. “I’m glad you’re here to for me to share my dreams with. Miley listens to them, but she don’t seem to understand the way you do.”

“That’s because Miles already gets all the attention and her dreams have come true,” Jackson pointed out. “She doesn’t know what it’s like to come in second, or third. She doesn’t have to sit back and watch someone they love live out the dream they want to live out too. If she had to watch you live out her dream, I’m sure she’d be running to me all the time too. I still think Dad should’ve let you both just go out and sing – though, I know when you tried to tell him, he accused you of things that just weren’t true.”

“Daddy doesn’t know me anymore,” Riley pouted, her eyes downcast, her head still on her brother’s shoulder. “He used to know me better than anyone else…..Do you think I’ll ever get that back, Jackson?”

“I sure hope you do, Riles,” Jackson told her honestly, as he rest his head against hers, their French fries long gone by now. “I sure hope you do.”

After having had sat on the beach for a little longer than they should’ve, having their little heart-to-heart, Jackson and Riley finally headed home. Neither were too surprised to discover their father was already home and awaiting their arrival. No sooner had they walked in the front door, than had he turned on them angrily.

“Just where have you two been?” Robbie demanded, eyeing them both warily. “You should’ve been home an hour ago!”

“It’s my fault, Dad,” Jackson piped up immediately. “I needed someone to talk to about something, so I made Riles come with me. She tried to come home earlier, but I wouldn’t let her.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” Robbie ordered Jackson. “Or you just may end up grounded yourself, young man.”

“Yes, Sir,” Jackson replied obediently. “It won’t happen again. Promise.”

“As for you, young lady,” Robbie continued, turning his gaze upon Riley. “Aren’t you supposed to be grounded to your room?”

“Yeah….” Riley trailed off.

“Well, don’t you think you’d best get on up there and start that homework of yours? We’ve places to be in two hours!” Robbie stated. “Hannah Montana has appearances to make, and I’m not leaving you here alone!”

“No, I’ll just end up in the car alone instead,” Riley muttered as she headed for the stairs.

“What was that, young lady?” Robbie cast her a glare.

“Nothing Daddy,” Riley replied sweetly, giving him her most angelic, though fake, smile. “I’ll be upstairs in my room if you need me, Daddy.”

“That’s more like it,” Robbie stated, before picking up his guitar again and going over things for Hannah Montana with Miley once more.

Riley shook her head sadly, after casting her brother a hurt look, and hurried on upstairs to her shared room. She was fifteen, yet her father wouldn’t even leave her home alone for a few hours. What did he think she’d do? Throw a party, that contained her and Oliver alone, or what? One could only wish for that.

She sighed heavily, as she dropped her knapsack to the floor and fell onto her bed in a heap, after closing the bedroom door. She had thought the day would never end, and at the rate it was currently going, it never would!

“Hannah Montana wins again,” she muttered bitterly. “Meanwhile, I get to do glorious homework that is so freakin’ easy, it’s ridiculous!”

Riley lie there for a few minutes more, before finally getting up and deciding she’d best start on her homework, if only to keep her father out of her hair for one night at least. As she sat there trying to do her math, her eyes kept sliding over to glance at her blue acoustic guitar that sat on its stand, looking as abandoned as she currently felt. After casting it one more longing glance, she resumed finishing up her math homework. As badly as she wanted to play her guitar, she knew her father would come storming up the moment he heard it, and scream at her about it. Apparently, she wasn’t allowed to play it anymore, unless he wasn’t around to hear.

Soon enough, it was time to go, and Riley piled into the awaiting limo with Hannah Montana and Robbie Ray. She sat as far away from them as possible, and opened up the notebook she had brought with her. She’d made it look like she’d actually brought homework with her, though she really hadn’t. She’d finished it up an hour ago, but knew her father would never believe her, so she did her best to make it look like she was still working.

“Now, you make sure you’re not seen at all while in this car, do you hear me, young lady?” Robbie demanded, as he eyed his middle child, who appeared to be studying. “Because if you’re seen, everyone will think Miley was out with Hannah Montana, and that just wouldn’t go over well at all.”

Riley rolled her eyes behind her text book. “Should’ve made me wear a wig then, shouldn’t have you…” She muttered just under her breath.

“Cool it Riley Mae,” Robbie ordered briskly, as the car finally came to a stop outside a television station, where Hannah Montana was making an appearance that evening. “Now, stay low!”

Riley sighed in annoyance, as she expertly dropped to the floor, so she was lying on it, and not visible from the outside. “Happy, Daddy?” She asked with a tight smile.

“As a clam,” Robbie remarked, as him and Hannah climbed on out, smiles upon their faces.

Riley shook her head, as the car door slammed shut and the limo drove off, with her still inside of it. This was routine now for her. Lie on the floor and get a free ride, while making sure to stay hidden from the rest of the world. Though, this was one of the rare times where she actually got to be herself – Riley Mae.

“One of these days, the world is going to know me,” Riley declared softly. “And they won’t give a rat’s behind about Hannah Montana!”

She closed her eyes, willing back her tears. “What is wrong with me? I love Miles, and I’m happy for her. And I’m Hannah’s biggest fan, yet I can’t show it. Why do I have to be such a jealous freak? Why?”

She lie her head down upon her arms, which were crossed over in front of her. She stayed like that for a few minutes, humming softly to herself, before picking her head back up, grabbing a pen, and beginning to write in her notebook.

I'll leave my window open
Cause I'm too tired tonight
To call your name
Just know I'm right here hoping
You'll come in with the rain

Riley paused long enough to stare up at the ceiling and think briefly, as she chewed on her pen cap. She hadn’t written anything in a long while, for fear of it being found, and Hannah Montana stealing her work and getting credit for it. As it was, that’d already happened once, despite her angry protests.

I'll leave my window open
Cause I'm too tired tonight
To call your name
Just know I'm right here hoping
You'll come in with the rain

She sang the words softly, as she wrote them down. She wanted it to sound good and not cheesy or something horrible like that.

But I'll leave my window open
Cause I'm too tired tonight
For all these games
Just know I'm right here hoping
You'll come in with the rain

I could go back to every laugh
But I don't want to go there
Anymore...

She closed her eyes, forcing her unwanted tears back, silently cursing herself for being so weak. Why, oh, why did she have to be the overly sensitive one? Why? She swallowed the lump that was now in her throat, before stuffing her notebook inside of her text book and shoving it underneath her for protection. The last thing she needed was for her father to find the song she’d just written.

An hour later, Hannah and Robbie climbed back into the limo, only to find Riley sound asleep on its floor, snoring softly.

“That girl,” Robbie began, shaking his head. “She’s never going to get through school if this is how she studies.”

“Daddy, just let her be,” Hannah stated. “She’s had a long day, and she’d a rough night.”

“Rough night,” Robbie scoffed. “I bet the girl was sneaking around with some boy.”

“Daddy!” Hannah exclaimed softly. “She was not sneaking around with some boy!”

“And just how do you know this?” Robbie demanded.

“Because she was in bed with me,” Hannah stated matter-of-factly, as she lovingly dropped the blanket she always brought with her, over her sister.

“You girls are getting just a little too old for that,” Robbie commented.

Hannah rolled her eyes, as she leaned back in her seat again. “Daddy, we’re girls. It’s what girls do.”

“Well, Hannah better watch her eye rolling,” Robbie told her. “Otherwise, the world is going to find out that Hannah Montana gets grounded too.”

Hannah rolled her eyes once more, as she turned away from her father to look out the window at all the street lights and such. Some days, her father grated on her nerves, and others he was the greatest person in the world. Right now, he was grating ever so slightly.

Two weeks later, Riley was home alone by herself. Her father had decided, for once, she could stay home while him and Miley went off to do more Hannah Montana promotion. It was nearing the end of the school year after all, which meant Hannah’s world tour was getting closer and closer to becoming a reality. It’d been announced last week, and tickets were to go on sale within the next week or so. Rumor had it; it was going to be the hottest ticket of the whole summer.

She’d waited until she was absolutely sure that no one was home, before running over to her guitar and grabbing it up into her anxious arms. She caressed it lovingly, then went out onto the little balcony that was attached to the bedroom. She sat in the one white chair, and began to strum her guitar softly, easing herself into it. She wanted to savor every moment of playing, as it didn’t get to happen as often as she’d like. She’d give just about anything to be able to play her guitar whenever she felt like – but, her father would never approve. So, she settled for what she could get, when she could get it.

As she strummed quietly, she thought back to the past couple of weeks, and just how rough they’d been. And about how many times she’d been ready to give up, and had berated herself in private for breaking down and crying. It was never a good thing for her to be near a mirror when her tears began to descend – it was just cause for her already bruised esteem to fall even further downhill. Sure, she was confident enough to sing, when given the opportunity, and she wanted to do so for the world – but, when alone, she couldn’t help the thoughts that invaded her mind; especially not after having had to put up with her father’s verbal abuse and such.

Without realizing it, she began to sing, her voice soft at first, but stronger as she went on.

Seems the only one who doesn’t see your beauty
Is the face in the mirror looking back at you
You walk around here thinking you're not pretty, but that’s not true,
Because I know you

She swallowed slightly, and continued on.

Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go, and no one knows that
You cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone

She didn’t know it, but she now had an audience of one, who stood watching her silently from behind – a pleased smile upon his face. He hadn’t heard her voice since forever ago, and it was wonderful to hear it again.

I guess it's true that love was all you wanted
'Cause you're giving it away like its extra change
Hoping it will end up in his pocket
But he leaves you out like a penny in the rain
Oh, 'cause it's not his price to pay
Not his price to pay...

Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go, and no one knows that
You cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone

He knew no one would believe it, but Riley could sing better than Miley – though, they harmonized quite nicely together when given the opportunity to do so. Oh, if the world only knew Riley existed, then she’d be able to shine as brightly as her twin.

Hold on, baby, you're losing it
The water's high, you're jumping into it
And letting go, and no one knows that
You cry, but you don't tell anyone
That you might not be the golden one
And you're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone

You're tied together with a smile
But you're coming undone

Goodbye, baby
With a smile, baby, baby
Oh

He waited until he was sure she was finished singing, before applauding, startling her out of her daze. He chuckled at the look now upon her face – the poor girl looked absolutely scandalized.

“Jackson!” Riley exclaimed, her eyes going wide in surprise, though inside she could feel her terror searing through her. No one was supposed to hear her sing! No one!

“When did you write that?” Jackson queried curiously, as he leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest. “It sounds real nice, Riles.”

“It don’t matter when I wrote it, ‘cause no one else is ever going to hear it!” Riley snapped slightly, as she still sat in her chair, guitar in her lap.

“Well, they ought to,” Jackson commented. “Then maybe they’d see things through your eyes and take a hint.”

“Ha. Like Daddy’s even gonna let me anywhere near a stage!” Riley scoffed. “You know how he is Jackson. There can only be one Hannah Montana in this family, because the rest of us are just wannabes.”

Jackson rolled his eyes at her response. “If this is what you truly want Riles, then I say go for it no matter what Dad or anyone else says. Get in there and fight for it tooth and nail, until you’ve finally won. Don’t you ever give up Riley Mae, because I know just what you’re capable of, and you are capable of this! Forget what everyone else you know says! What do they know anyway? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Heck, they don’t even know who you are!”

“Which isn’t my fault, Jackson,” Riley growled somewhat. “You try letting people know who you truly are with Miley around!”

“Quit using Miley and Dad as your excuse to not go out there and do what you love!” Jackson countered. “You seem to do what you want anyway, so why not do this? Why not let the world know you can sing better than Hannah Montana? Don’t be so afraid to go out there and try – so what if you fail? At least you tried!”

“Oh, so you think I’ll fail now, do you?”

“Riley! Quit being so difficult!”

“I’m a girl. It’s my job to be difficult Jackson. It’s what I was born knowing how to do,” Riley stated firmly. “It may be the only thing I’m truly good at.”

“No, it’s not,” Jackson shook his head, as he made his way over to his sister.

Riley watched him curiously.

“This Riles,” Jackson started, placing his hand on her guitar, crouching down before her. “This right here is what you’re good at. You sing from the heart; you sing with passion. You sing because it’s what you love more than anything. And no matter how hard they may try, no one can take that from you. Not Daddy, not Miley, not the world, or even Hannah Montana. They can’t, not unless you let them. And you shouldn’t let them.”

Riley blinked back tears of gratefulness then, as she stared at her brother – the one person who truly understood her better than anybody, even better than her own twin.

“Thanks Jackson,” Riley choked out, as a lone tear slipped out.

“Anytime Riles, anytime,” Jackson smiled up at her. “Now, did you pen that song you just sang down yet?”

Riley shook her head, as she hadn’t. She’d made it up as she’d gone along – somehow, the melody just flowed through her fingertips and her guitar played it beautifully. She truly was gifted in the musicality department.

“Well, get to writin’ in then!” Jackson exclaimed. “And don’t you forget that melody or the chords either! It was perfect just the way it was!”

Riley giggled softly, glad her brother always seemed to know how to cheer her up. “Yes, Sir! Jackson, Sir!”

“You’re perfect just the way you are too, kid,” Jackson winked at her, as he stood up. He placed a kiss to her forehead, then headed for the door. “And if I were you, I’d put that guitar back where it belongs before Dad gets home. The faster you get that song penned down on paper, the better, if you catch my drift.”

Riley laughed. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“I already did,” Jackson smirked, referring to their previous conversation. “Now, hop to it.”

Riley flashed her brother a grin, as she stood from her chair, her guitar now slung over her shoulder courtesy its strap. “I’ll have it penned down and on your desk by morning,” she teased.

“Works for me,” Jackson nodded. “I’ll see you in the a.m. Riles.”

“Thank God tomorrow’s Saturday,” Riley commented, as she followed her brother back into the bedroom, only to see his back as he left the room entirely. “No school. Yay!”

“And you’ve only 10 weeks of grounding left to go!” Jackson called out from the hallway.

“Stuff it!” Riley groaned, though she was smiling, as she placed her guitar back on its perch. Once her guitar was back where it belonged, she grabbed up a pen and the notebook she kept all her songs hidden in. She sat upon her bed then, and began to do as her brother had instructed.

School was finally out, and summer vacation had begun! Miley and Jackson had passed all their classes, and Riley – well, she’d passed a couple, but the others weren’t as great thus making her father furious with her even more so than before. Though she protested to it, he’d hired a tutor for her for the duration of the Hannah Montana tour, seeing as she was being forced to tag along.

At the current moment, Riley was secretly watching her sister perform live, from the sidelines backstage. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near the stage during the concerts, but she needed to be. This may be as close as she ever got to living out her dreams – despite what Jackson may’ve told her before. She knew she shouldn’t let anyone come between her and her dream – not even her father or her sister, but still. Part of her was afraid if she went out and actually did it, they’d hate her for it – especially if she ended up better liked than Hannah Montana.

“Hey, Kiddo,” Jackson smiled, as he approached her. He’d seen her sneakily head for the stage, glad for once their father hadn’t caught her in doing so. “Enjoying the show?”

“Yeah,” Riley sighed.

“But you’d enjoy it even more if you were out there with her, wouldn’t you?”

“Why ask me questions you already know the answers to, Jackson? You know I wish more than anything, that, that was me out there.”

“I know,” Jackson replied, draping an arm over her shoulders. “And one day, it will be Riles. And when it is, know that I’ll be first in line to see it.”

“Thanks,” Riley smiled, hugging her brother tight. At times, she didn’t know what she’d do without Jackson. He was her voice of reason, especially as of late.

“So how’s them classes of yours going with that tutor?”

“I aced everything she gave me, yet Daddy insists I do schoolwork all summer anyway. He says it’s to make up for my poor grades on my report card.”

Jackson chuckled as she rolled her eyes. “That’d be Dad for you. Though, if you aced everything, then shouldn’t that mean you don’t need her anymore?”

“One would think that, yeah,” Riley nodded. “But what Daddy says goes – no matter how much I hate him for it.”

“Well, at least you don’t hafta be Kylie around here,” Jackson pointed out.

“No,” Riley spoke bitterly. “Now, I have to be Carly, Lola’s sister and Hannah’s other best friend. And even then, still nobody is allowed to know I exist more than necessary.”

“Now, now, don’t you go sounding so bitter,” Jackson smirked. “I think our little Hannah has a surprise in the works for you anyway, so just chill, and wait it out.”

“Why? What’s she up to now?” Riley demanded, eyeing her brother warily.

“Nothing, nothing,” Jackson winked.

“Oh, c’mon Jackson! You can’t give me the popcorn without the butter!”

“Sure I can, and I have,” Jackson laughed, as he turned to walk away once more. “And if I were you, I’d best scat before Dad comes and finds me here.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Riley waved him off. “After this song.”

“Fine, but I can only keep Dad away for so long.”

“I know, and I appreciate it,” Riley replied. “I’ll head back to the dressing room right after this song. Promise.”

“Only looking out for you, Riles.”

“Jackson!” Riley hissed.

“Oh, relax. There’s nobody around right now,” Jackson stated. “Nobody can hear us over the music anyway. Now, enjoy that song and skedaddle.”

“Aye, Captain,” Riley smirked, shaking her head at him.

Jackson nodded, then headed off to distract their father a little while longer.

Later that night, the girls were both in the hotel room that they were sharing, as it’s what they were used to doing anyway.

“So, did you enjoy the show?” Miley wanted to know.

“What do you mean? I wasn’t anywhere near the stage,” Riley lied. “It isn’t allowed.”

“That isn’t what I heard,” Miley smirked. “Besides, I saw you.”

Riley gave a sheepish grin. “Okay, so I peeked for awhile,” she admitted. “But it’s kinda hard not to, when the stage is right there!”

“So, what did you think?” Miley asked again. “What set did you think was best?”

“It was great!” Riley exclaimed. “As for which set, well, I kinda like it best when you just sit there and play your guitar. I know you need to dance and interact with the fans too, but I still think the best song is one where you can just sit and strum your guitar.”

“Really?” Miley said, looking surprised. “I always thought you’d like the flashy stuff like everyone else.”

“Well, I’m not like everyone else, now am I?” Riley countered. “Nobody else can say they’re Hannah Montana’s twin sister.”

Miley laughed. “Speaking of which, did Jackson tell you I’ve an idea?”

“He said so, in a, I’m not really saying so, sort of way,” Riley replied, rolling her eyes slightly. “So, are you going to clue me in?”

“I was thinking, if you learned my dances, you and I could switch places for a night,” Miley informed her, a sly smile on her face. “I mean, you already know all the songs by heart, and we’ve already got the look taken care of easily. All you’d have to do is know where to be at and when on stage, and for one night, you could be Hannah Montana, and I could just sit back and enjoy the show from behind the scenes.”

Riley’s jaw just about hit the floor. “Really? You’d let me be Hannah for a night? And you’d put up with Daddy yelling at you all the time?”

“Sure,” Miley nodded. “I mean, I know how much you’ve wanted to get out on that stage. I know you Riles – even if you always confide in Jackson, I can sense just how much you want to be out there with me. I am your twin, after all. So, do you wanna switch places for a night?”

“Do I wanna switch? Of course I wanna switch!” Riley cried. “I’ll finally get to sing that song I wrote, that Hannah stole.”

“And I told you, I’m sorry about that, a zillion times now,” Miley sighed. “It’s not my fault Daddy found it, and decided it was to be mine.”

“I know, I know,” Riley shook her head. “But still. For one night, it’s truly mine.”

“Well, c’mon then,” Miley said, standing up. “Let’s turn some Hannah music on, and I’ll show you the moves. Some though, well, you’re just gonna hafta trust the other dancers on it. And maybe we’ll sneak you into a couple rehearsals, so you can get used to them. No one will know the difference anyway.”

“This is gonna be fu-un!” Riley squealed excitedly. “I can’t believe I’m gonna get to be Hannah Montana!”

“Which isn’t something anyone else, other than me, will ever get to say,” Miley pointed out. “So enjoy it, because this opportunity may only knock once.”

Riley laughed, hugging her twin tightly. “Have I told you how much I love you recently?”

“Recently? No,” Miley laughed as well. “But I’ll take what I can get.”

Over the next little while, Miley secretly snuck her sister into Hannah rehearsals, by letting her be Hannah for them. She knew her sister needed to have the moves down pat, otherwise their plan was never going to work. And it needed to work! She wanted for the night to be perfect for her sister.

Riley was having the time of her life, posing as Hannah Montana. And so far, so long as she and Miley never stood next to one another, all was going well. Their father was completely clueless to their little scheme and by the looks out if, she’d finally be able to live out her dream – if only for one night.

“How’s my hair look?” Riley asked nervously, as tonight was the big night. Tonight, she’d get to be Hannah Montana. “Is it on right? It won’t fall off if I happen to tug at it slightly, will it?”

Miley laughed, easily amused with her sister’s nerves. “Relax. You can tug a little bit, if you do it lightly – it’s not gonna fall off. Pablo made sure it was stuck on there tight, just like he always does. Besides, if it won’t fall off when I move my head as much as I do, don’t you think it could at least withstand some tugging?”

“Ha. I forgot just how much Hannah moves her head when performing,” Riley admitted. “I’m nervous, so sue me.”

“You’ll be fine,” Miley assured her. “You’ve been doing my rehearsals for two weeks now, and no one has caught on. You’re going to be amazing tonight, so just go out there and have some fun with it while you can. And remember, Hannah doesn’t own a blue guitar.”

Riley gave her sister a sheepish grin. “So make sure I grab yours and not mine, right?”

“If you think of it at the time, yeah,” Miley nodded. “Otherwise Daddy just might get a clue, and figure us out and blow the whole thing.”

“Who’s blowin’ what?” Robbie asked, as he stepped into the room, closing the door on the press. “Wow, Hannah. You’re looking as lovely as ever.”

“Thanks Daddy,” Riley smiled, as Hannah, momentarily forgetting he figured her to be her sister. “Carly here was just helping me go over something, but I’m good to go now.”

“Speaking of going now, Carly, don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Robbie stated, eyeing the other girl in the room warily.

Miley gave him a confused look. “Somewhere else to be….? Oh! Yeah, I guess I do,” she scowled, trying to remember to play her sister well. She could not blow this for her!

“See yah later Carly,” Riley grinned.

“Yeah, later Hannah,” Miley replied with a half wave, though inside she was extremely excited for her sister.

“Dad, the crowd’s getting restless,” Jackson said, as he entered the room, just as Miley was leaving. “Miss Johnson is waiting for you, Carly.”

“Whatever,” Miley answered, giving Jackson a secret wink.

“Well, I’ll go let them know Hannah will be there in a moment,” Robbie rejoined. “Hurry it up Hannah.”

Riley waited until their father had left the room, then gave Jackson the biggest grin he’d ever seen her give. “So, how do I look? Am I totally Hannah, or what?”

“Well, you sure fooled Dad real well,” Jackson smiled. “So, for now we’ve passed test number one. It’s the crowd you really gotta fool.”

“Oh, puh-lease Jackson,” Riley rolled her eyes. “All I have to do is sing and flip my hair about, and they’ll be perfectly happy and never know a thing.”

“Well, then don’t you think you’d best get out there and do just that then, Hannah?” Jackson questioned. “I mean, if you’re ready and all.”

“I was born ready,” Riley grinned. “Now, c’mon! I’ve a show to do... God, I never thought I’d hear myself say those words….”

“I’m as happy about it as you are, now get!” Jackson ordered, laughing as his sister hurried on out fast as she could. “Let the party begin….”

The crowd went wild as Hannah Montana took the stage, though little did everyone know that the true Hannah actually stood hidden in the wings secretly watching.

“Are you all ready to party?” Hannah exclaimed, as she began to sing. “C'mon guys tell me what we're doin'; we’re hanging round, when we could be all over the place…”

Miley smiled as she watched her sister from where she was hidden. She knew she’d shine like a bright star. It was in her blood – it was her passion, her dream... If only their father could see just how much this meant to Riley… If only he knew just how much he was hurting her by alienating her, and treating her like crap… If only he knew things, that a father should know about their children…

She shook her head, deciding she wouldn’t dwell on the problems surrounding her twin’s relationship with their father. She was going to enjoy this show, for once getting to watch it all from behind the scenes. She wished she’d thought of this long ago, as this could’ve been a fun thing to do when she was sick, thus meaning Hannah couldn’t perform. If they’d switched for those times, no one would know that Hannah too got sick every once in awhile. Oh, what fun that would’ve been! Hannah would’ve totally outdone Mikayla by one hundred percent then!

Meanwhile, Hannah kept on rocking the stage like an old pro, never having been happier before in her life! She’d never had so much fun before either! This life totally rocked!

“Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock,” Riley sang, bobbing her head, as well as her Hannah wig, along to the beat. “Life's what you make it, so come on, come on, (everybody now)!”

Riley began to jump about and dance, as she continued on with the song, getting chills as she heard the audience sing along with her. Oh, this was so much fun!

After a few more songs, she finally was able to do what she loved best – sit on a stool and strum her guitar. Though, without knowing it, she’d made the mistake Miley had warned her not to make – she’d grabbed her blue guitar, instead of Miley’s red one.

She sat upon the stool that had been set out for her, and began to strum the guitar beautifully, as she began to sing. She sang with everything she had in her, as this one was special to her – this one she’d written, only to have it stolen from her. But now, at this very moment, it was once more hers and hers alone.

“Wonderful, ain’t she?” Jackson stated, startling Miley, causing her to jump. “If only Dad would give her a chance, then she’d get to shine like this too all the time.”

“Yeah, she’s great,” Miley replied, sounding a tad bitter.

“Hey, this was your idea,” Jackson reminded her. “And she’s our sister, Miles. She deserves a chance to be happy too. And even if you think she’s doing a better job, let it go. You’re both real good, and there’s no reason for you to be jealous of her. You’re the one with all the fans, anyway, remember?”

“Yeah, I know,” Miley replied, looking a bit sheepish now. “It’s just – I forgot just how wonderful she was at this. I haven’t heard her sing in so long, that when I see her do it now, I can’t help but wish I sounded just as good. I mean, it should be her up there, not me. And yet, I’m the one living out our dream, while she gets lost in the shadows. It’s just not right, Jackson.”

“You both deserve it,” Jackson insisted, giving her a pointed look. “And one of these days, I guarantee Riles will be right up there alongside you singing her heart out, as you share a microphone. Just like when we were kids.”

“I sure hope so,” Miley sighed. “It’d sure be a blast.”

Unknown to his children, Robbie Ray had almost immediately picked up on the guitar mistake. He eyed the blond girl currently onstage curiously, wondering why in the world she’d use her sister’s guitar – which, for some reason was still in tune. As he watched Hannah, he noticed slight movement on the other side of the stage, and realized his other two children were currently standing there watching Hannah perform.

He narrowed his eyes at the thought of Riley secretly watching – what was that girl thinking? Was she trying to blow the cover they had created for her? But, if Riley was watching, then why was Hannah using the forbidden blue guitar?

He listened closely then, and realized that Hannah’s voice was really a voice he hadn’t heard in a very long time. His eyes narrowed dangerously, as he felt his blood boil. So, they thought they could pull one over on him, did they? Well, he’d be sure to let them know he’d caught on to their little scheme – that he wasn’t as oblivious as they figured him to be.

He quietly stepped back from where he’d been standing, and silently walked over to where Jackson stood with one of the girls – one that he knew to be Miley, upon eaves dropping on their little private conversation.

“So, thought you all could pull one over on me, did you?” Robbie began, startling the two watching the show. “Did you really think I wouldn’t realize that you let her up there? Do you think I’m that stupid or something?”

“Daddy, what’re you talking about?” Miley asked, giving him her best confused look. “That’s Hannah up there, and not anybody else.”

“Can it Miles, I know it’s your sister up there!” Robbie snapped. “You all know, that no one is allowed to use that blue guitar, she insists upon bringing everywhere we go! And lookie what Hannah’s playing – the forbidden guitar.”

“So what if they did switch, Dad,” Jackson snapped suddenly. “Can you blame them? You give all your attention to Miles and Hannah Montana that you’ve pretty much forgotten that Riley even exists!”

“Don’t you use that name around me boy!” Robbie roared. “You tryin’ to blow our cover or somethin’, here?”

“Daddy,” Miley tried, only to be cut off.

“Save it Miles. You three are in a whole lot of trouble right now.”

“What’re you going to do, Dad? Yank Hannah off the stage, and postpone the rest of the show just to make them switch back? You know people won’t be happy about that,” Jackson remarked.

“Just you wait – soon as Hannah’s finished her little show, you three and I are going to have a little talk,” Robbie replied, his tone of voice giving away just how angry he truly is.

“Well, least she gets one night,” Miley whispered to Jackson softly, as their father moved back to talk to someone on the crew.

“You’ve all been wonderful tonight!” Hannah shouted out to the crowd. “Now, we’ve got time for one more. You all know this one, so sing along!”

“You get the limo out front, hottest styles, every shoe, every color. Yeah when you're famous it can be kinda fun, it’s really you but no one ever discovers. In some ways you're just like all your friends, but on stage you're a star.”

“Sing it!” Riley exclaimed into her microphone as she began to dance along to the music, happy to hear the crowd join in.

“You get the best of both worlds. Chill it out; take it slow, then you rock out the show. You get the best of both worlds. Mix it all together, and you know that it's the best of both worlds!”

Soon as the show was over, encore and all, Riley ran over to where her brother and twin stood, her face glowing with excitement.

“Oh my God! That was awesome!” She whooped, pumping her one fist in the air happily. “I can’t believe I just did that!”

“Neither can I,” a voice spoke then, causing Riley’s eyes to go wide. “How dare you go out there as Hannah!”

Miley and Jackson sighed quietly, as they saw the elated look on their sister’s face immediately deflate. They’d wanted to warn her, that their cover had been blown, but they’d no time to do so. Especially not with their father standing so close.”

“Daddy, hi!” Riley forced a smile upon her face.

“Save it!” Robbie snapped. “You three get into Hannah’s dressing room this instant!”

Riley gulped, and cast a fearful look at her siblings, as she was roughly shoved in the direction on Hannah’s dressing room. This was it – this was when crap was going to hit the ceiling, and hit it, it would.

Once inside closed doors, and Robbie was sure no one would hear what was bound to be a shouting match, he turned on his children angrily.

“Just what were you three thinking!?” He demanded. “You could’ve just blown the whole Hannah secret tonight by pulling that ridiculous stunt!”

“Daddy, nobody could tell the difference,” Miley piped up, as she noticed Riley instinctively shrinking away from their father. “For all they know, Hannah has two guitars – like most pop stars should.”

Robbie’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You know what I think of her singing! It’s been forbidden!”

“But why, Dad?” Jackson wanted to know. “You can’t expect us to just automatically understand this. Not when she sings like an Angel!”

“Look, as long as you three live under my roof, you’ll do as I say!” Robbie snapped. “From here on out, you’re all grounded until further notice! You’re real lucky I don’t up and cancel the rest of Hannah’s tour, Miley Rae!”

Miley’s jaw just about hit the floor. “Daddy, Hannah can’t be grounded! She’s appearances to make!”

“Well, then, guess Hannah just might have to miss a few,” Robbie stated firmly.

“And let Mikayla win? Daddy, no!” Miley cried. “Hannah has to make all her appearances! She has too!”

“Just leave Hannah be!” Riley growled suddenly. “It’s me you’re really mad at, so leave them alone! So they let me sing, big deal. It’s not like I’m ever going to get to do it again – not if you have anything to do with it.”

“You watch your mouth, girl,” Robbie ordered. “Because you’re next on my punishment list.”

“So what else is new?” Riley retorted angrily. “Why is it, nothing I do is ever good enough for you? No matter how hard I try, I’m just not good enough! I’m never going to please you! Never!”

“You want to please me?” Robbie challenged. “Then keep that trap of yours shut, and refrain from ever singing again! That is what will please me!”

“I’ve already been doing that!” Riley yelled. “And I know that’s not good enough for you, because you still scream at me constantly for every stupid little thing!”

“Well, maybe if you quit being so stupid girl, I’d ease up a bit!” Robbie snapped. “All you do lately is act stupid and whine about it when you get caught!”

“Dad,” Jackson tried to cut in, only to be given a sharp look from their father, causing him to go silent once more.

“I didn’t think I’d raised stupid children – least, not after Jackson here,” Robbie continued, jerking a thumb in his son’s direction.

“Hey now,” Jackson cut in again. “I resent that remark! You’re not only trying to destroy Riley’s spirit and crush her dreams, but now you’re verbally abusing me too! And what for? Just to try and make Riles feel worse than she already does? We all know you miss Mom, but that’s no reason to take it out on us – and especially no reason for you to treat Riles so horribly.”

“Don’t you go telling me how to treat y’all!” Robbie retorted. “I am the father here! Now, Carly, get out of that get up and get your butt to the bus, so we can go!”

“My name is not Carly!” Riley shouted angrily, her eyes blazing. “It’s Riley Mae! Just because Mom picked out my name, is not reason enough for you to only use it when you actually feel the need to do so!”

Robbie stepped towards his middle child dangerously. “You will do as you’re told, Young Lady or else.”

“Or else what? Are you going to spank her, Dad?” Jackson demanded. “Hmm? You gonna give her Hell for using her real name for once?”

“Don’t tempt me, Jackson!” Robbie barked. “Now, all of you, git to doing what you’ve been told!”

He turned on Riley once more then, “And you, young lady, are to never sing again! Come morning, that guitar of yours is firewood! You hear me?”

Riley’s eyes burned with unwanted, frustrated, angry tears then. She choked back the sob that was desperately trying to escape her, and turned, storming into the bathroom to change back into her ‘Carly’ outfit. It’d be a cold day in Hell before she let her father burn the guitar her mother had given her. A very cold day!

“Daddy, I can’t say that I even know you anymore,” Miley commented, as her sister closed the bathroom door. “I can’t believe what you’ve become.”

“I’ll see you on the bus – y’all have ten minutes to be on it too,” Robbie replied, ignoring his youngest daughter’s comment. He then turned and walked out of the room, leaving them to wait on Riley.

A few minutes after he’d left, Riley emerged from the bathroom, her eyes slightly red from crying. Her father was right – she was stupid. She’d been stupid enough to grab her own guitar, instead of Miley’s, while pretending to be Hannah, thus ruining her night. She did this to herself, and not anyone else.

“Hey Riles,” Jackson forced a smile upon his face for her. “How you feelin’, Kiddo?”

“Daddy was right,” Riley stated softly. “I’m an idiot.”

“Riley,” Jackson sighed heavily. “We’ve been through this.”

“No, for once, he’s right Jackson,” Riley insisted. “If I had’ve listened to Miley, and remembered to grab her guitar instead of mine, none of us would be in any trouble right now. All I do is cause trouble, and then whine about it when caught – Daddy was right about that too. It’s time I grew up and faced the facts. Facts are, I’m too stupid and whiney for Daddy to love, not that I can blame him. Why should he love me, when all I’ve done is cause him trouble? I’m a bad seed, end of story.”

“Riley,” Miley tried. “You’re not…”

“I’m a bad seed!” Riley exclaimed, giving them both an annoyed Look. “Now, let’s go before I manage to get you guys into anymore trouble.”

Miley sighed as Jackson groaned, each of them giving the other an exasperated look as they followed their sister out of the dressing room and out to the awaiting tour bus.

Later that night, while everyone lie asleep, one person was awake and quietly moving about the bus like an old pro. She was pretty good at stealthily moving about in the dark, as she was used to sneaking out. Only, this time she wasn’t just sneaking out and coming back later. This time, she was sneaking out and never coming back.

“I’ll miss you,” the voice whispered, as she stared at her brother tearfully. The two of them were like peas in a pod at times, especially since her twin was always so busy. She choked back her sob, grabbed up her guitar, and snuck off the bus after making sure the letter she’d left was set on the kitchen table.

“Of all nights for them to park the bus, so the driver can get some rest,” she sighed, eyeing the bus one last time, before turning and heading into the darkness – refusing to look back anymore. She was going to start a new life – a life where she wouldn’t constantly be ragged on, and told to keep it quiet. A life where she could freely express herself, and share it with the world. A life, that didn’t break her heart more than it’d already been broken.

Early the next morning, Miley awoke and headed out to the kitchen to get a drink. She got herself a glass of milk, before going and sitting at the table, not noticing the note upon it until then. She recognized her sister’s handwriting immediately, and skimmed through it briefly. Realizing just what the note was, she dropped her glass to the floor.

“JACKSON!!!!!!” Miley screamed.

Jackson came stumbling out of his bunk, his hair askew. “Miles, what is it?”

“She’s gone Jackson! She’s gone!”

“What’re you talking about? Who’s gone?”

“Riley!”

“Riles?” Jackson frowned. “Where’d she go?”

“I don’t know!” Miley cried. “She just left us a note.”

Jackson went over to his baby sister and took the note from her, reading it over for himself.

Dear Miles & Jackson,

I’m sorry it’s come to this, I really am. But I see no other way for it to be. In order for us all to be happy, I have to leave and move on. I love you guys, and I always will, but this is just something I have to do. I want to be happy, and I can’t be that, when Daddy’s there bringing me down all the time. I need to be where I can breathe, and smile, and play my guitar, without my heart being broken any more than it’s already been. I wish I could’ve brought you both with me, but I can’t ask for you to give up being Hannah, Miles. I just can’t. Not when I know just how much it means to you, and how happy it makes you. And Jackson, well, someone has to be there to keep all those creepazoids away from Miles!

And please, don’t be too mad at Daddy. I know none of us understand him anymore, or really know who he has become; but I do know that he loved Momma very much, and it’s because of him missing her, that he is this way. Least, from what I gathered last night, losing Momma has something to do with it. But, hey, what do I know? I’m not the brightest crayon in the box here – I’m the one who does as she pleases, no matter what the consequences.

And I am truly sorry I got y’all grounded, for letting me be Hannah for a night. I can never thank you both enough for that. For one night, my dreams came true. And if that is the only night I get, well, I’m glad I got to share it with you.

Again, I love you both and will miss you dearly!

Love always,Riley Mae

P.S. Tell Oliver I love him, & will call him when I get a chance!

Jackson grit his teeth together, as their father came out of the bathroom. “Why you-you-you!” He stuttered angrily. “This is all your fault!”

“What is all my fault now, son?” Robbie asked, rolling his eyes slightly.

“She left because of you!” Jackson snarled. “Because you couldn’t stand to look at her or hear her sing! Because you broke her heart, by not loving her the way a father should!”

“What in the world are you talking about, boy?” Robbie wanted to know, looking confused beyond belief.

“She’s gone!” Miley exclaimed, tears in her eyes, and her voice on the verge of cracking. “Riles is gone because of you!”

“What do you mean gone?” Robbie demanded, his eyes narrowing. “Where is she?”

“How should we know?” Jackson snapped. “All we got was a note!”

Robbie frowned, as he took the note from Jackson, ignoring Miley as she brushed past him to go cry in private. He read the note, and slammed it down on the table when he was finished. “That girl!” He growled. “She’s really outdone herself this time!”

“So this is her fault?!?” Jackson said, in disbelief. “You continually break her heart, and when she finally has had enough and leaves, you blame her for it?!?”

“If she doesn’t want to be here with us, then so be it,” Robbie stated. “Right now, Hannah has a tour to do. We’ve no time to be gallivanting around trying to find her.”

“Dagnabit, Dad!” Jackson yelled. “She is your daughter, or have you forgotten that!? You used to love her, just as much as you love Miley! What happened?”

“Your mother died, that is what happened!” Robbie exclaimed. “Your mother died, because she went to get her from an audition! Your mother took her to an audition, ran across the street to the store, and on the way back was killed by a drunk driver! That is what happened, Jackson!”

“So, you blame Riley, for something that wasn’t even her fault,” Jackson stated softly. “Dad, she was six years-old at the time! She didn’t know Mom was going to get hurt; Mom always ran errands while her or Miley were at auditions. It wasn’t anybody’s fault, except for that driver.”

“And to top it off, she didn’t even get a part in the thing she tried out for!” Robbie ranted. “I’d told them I didn’t think they ought to go to that one! I knew nothing good could come of it! But because she cried, and pulled her little pitiful whiney card, your mother went ahead and took her, and ended up dead because of it!”

“You can’t keep blaming her, Dad,” Jackson told him. “It’s just not right.”

“I can do whatever I please,” Robbie replied. “And I can blame whoever I’d like as well.”

“Whatever,” Jackson shrugged. “But I’m going to go find her and bring her back.”

“No, you are not,” Robbie stated. “If she doesn’t want to be here and follow my rules, then she can stay out there and quit bringing disaster to our lives.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear you say that,” Jackson responded. “Because I know somewhere deep down, you still love Riley and want her here. And I will look for her all that I please, because she is my sister and I love her very much.”

Robbie scowled, as he watched his oldest child turn his back on him and walk away. He was furious that his children were now all turning their backs on him, when he’d been sure to provide them with food, clothes, and a home – and for some, love.

Jackson found Miley hidden in her bunk, crying. He knew how she felt, as he wanted to cry too, but somebody had to stay strong and sane in this family – and if it had to be him, then so be it.

“Hey, don’t cry,” he said softly, sitting next to her and pulling her into a hug. “She’ll be back.”

“You don’t know that, Jackson!” Miley snapped slightly. “For all we know, she could go out and do something stupid, and all because Daddy refuses to quit blaming her for something that wasn’t her fault!”

“So, you heard everything,” Jackson sighed.

“Yeah, I did,” Miley replied. “It’s kind of hard not to, when on a tour bus.”

“I’ll find her Miles,” Jackson assured her. “Don’t you worry none, alright? You just go on being Hannah, and doing what you love. Don’t go letting all those young girls down because of this, alright? I’ll take care of it. I promise.”

“You know, Riley was right about you,” Miley managed to smile. “You are a pretty good brother when you want to be.”

Jackson gave a small laugh. “Yeah, and you can be a pretty good sister too – when you want to be, of course.”

Miley giggled softly, and gave him another hug, glad to have at least him there during their family crisis. “And you know, I just knew she liked Oliver! It’s about time she admit it!”

Jackson shook his head. “Girls,” was all he said.

A few months later, Riley could still not be found. It was as though, she had up and disappeared off the face of the planet. Jackson had kept his word to Miley, and had gone looking for their sister every chance he got – but, he’d yet to succeed in finding her. It was something that disheartened not only him, but Miley as well – which wasn’t helping Hannah Montana out too much.

“I don’t think I can do this much longer, Jackson,” Miley confessed, as they sat in Hannah’s dressing room for an Awards show. “It’s hard to fake a smile and pretend everything’s okay, when everything’s not okay. Riley’s gone and can’t be found; Daddy’s indifferent and angry all the time. Nothing’s like it used to be. What happened to us?”

“Grief is what happened,” Jackson sighed. “Grief, resentment, bitterness, anger, sadness, disrespect, the blame game… You name it Miles and it’s probably happened in the past few months.”

“Well, it’s not right,” Miley pouted, her Hannah wig cascading around her face.

“No, it’s not,” Jackson agreed. “But it still happened.”

“Well, I wish it hadn’t,” Miley grumbled. “I miss my sister.”

“As do I Miles,” Jackson whispered, as they heard the door click open.

“Showtime,” Robbie stated, eyeing them both accusingly. He’d a feeling they were up to something, but as to what he didn’t know.

“Let’s do this,” Miley said, trying to sound pumped up when on the inside she truly felt miserable.

Jackson gave her a re-assuring smile as she left with their father, before pulling out his cell phone and calling Oliver.

“Hey, any word yet?” He asked.

“No, not since last week,” Oliver sighed heavily. “She only called to let me know she was okay. She said she’d visit when she felt it safe enough to do so, and when she felt it right. So far, no such luck.”

Jackson sighed now. “That girl, I wish she’d just call me and let me know she was okay herself.”

“She probably knows you’d try and talk her into coming home,” Oliver pointed out. “And we all know you can talk her into just about anything, better than anyone. Even Miley has a hard time trying to get Kylie to do what she wants.”

“Yeah, you make a good point,” Jackson replied, wishing they could just come out and tell Lily and Oliver that Kylie wasn’t who they thought she was. “Well, keep me posted, alright?”

“Sure thing,” Oliver answered. “You know I want her back just as much as you guys do.”

“Thanks man,” Jackson said, then hung up before Oliver could say anymore. “If there’s one thing I’m sure of, I will find you Riles! I will if it’s the last thing I ever do!”

~~~~~

Trixie Dixon stood outside the Oprah Winfrey show in Chicago, Illinois. She was playing her guitar contently, in hopes of earning a few more dollars for lunch. She didn’t dare use any money in her bank account, and played her guitar to earn a few bucks for her meals. There was nothing like working for your meals.

“After twelve, not so well; won’t pretend it's too soon to tell, what’s 'round this bend,” Trixie sang. “No disgrace... about face... Anything not to have to chase, You down again.”

She smiled some as she saw a crowd gather to watch her perform.

“You know, nothing hurts like losing, when you know it's really gone. Except for the pain of choosing, to hold too long,” she continued. “I tried it your way, but I got nothing to show. It's been the same, same, and the story's getting old. So I guess the driveway will be the end of the road; for us it's too late, let the credits start to roll…”

She continued on singing, until she was finished, receiving applause – as well as the surprise of a lifetime.

“Excuse me, excuse me,” a voice spoke, and suddenly Oprah Winfrey appeared. “Hello. May I ask what your name is?”

Trixie’s jaw just about hit the ground in surprise. “Oh my God!”

Oprah smiled. “Well?”

“Trixie. Trixie Dixon, Ma’am,” Trixie managed to reply. “I’m sorry if I’m too close to your studio – it just seemed like a good, safe place to play.”

“It’s quite alright,” Oprah smiled. “How old are you Trixie?"

“Fifteen,” Trixie answered, almost shyly.

“Well, Trixie, how would you like to be on my show the day after tomorrow?” Oprah asked. “There’s really not much going on that day, and I’m sure we can squeeze you in. provided your folks are okay with it.”

Trixie looked a little nervous then. “Do they have to approve my appearance? Can I go on anyway?”

“Well, usually we get parental approval first, if the guest is under eighteen,” Oprah replied, eyeing her for a moment. “Is there some reason they wouldn’t approve?”

Trixie looked around awkwardly; glad security had moved the crowd back some, because of Oprah’s arrival. “Um…well, you see… They don’t exactly know I’m here, Ma’am.”

“Why don’t they…. Are you a runaway?” Oprah asked, making sure no one else overheard.

“If I were to say yes, you wouldn’t go and alert the authorities, would you?” Trixie wanted to know. “Because I can go home whenever I feel like. I just thought I’d surprise them all, by coming here though. It’s not a surprise if they know about it.”

“We’ll make an exception just this once,” Oprah stated. “So long as we can advertise your appearance tomorrow, so your family will know to watch.”

“Sure thing,” Trixie grinned, packing up her guitar and case. “I’m all for it.”

“Alright, let’s go take some footage of you then,” Oprah smiled. “This way we can advertise.”

“Thank-you,” Trixie said, following the Oprah inside. “I really appreciate this. This just may be my big break.”

“I’m glad I can help,” Oprah told her. “Now, c’mon. Let’s grab a muffin first, so we won’t be starving later on.”

Trixie shifted her guitar case, glad she’d thought to pocket the money she’d earned first. It’d be bad if she were to open her case and lose all her money.

~~~~~

The next day, Jackson sat watching television while Hannah rehearsed for her show that night. He was channel surfing profusely, but stopped on Oprah upon finding it.

“Well, let’s see who she has on today,” he commented to himself. “Maybe it’ll be someone Hannah knows.”

“On today’s show, we have my friend and yours, John Travolta,” Oprah announced. “He’s here to discuss the unexpected death of his son. And later, Dr. Oz will be here to answer some of your questions.”

Jackson shrugged. “Well, no one Hannah knows.”

“And tomorrow, we will have a newcomer to the music world,” Oprah continued. “This young girl was found right outside my studio last night, playing her guitar for everyone – so check back tomorrow for Trixie Dixon!”

“Trixie Dixon?” Jackson repeated, looking a bit confused. “I’ve never heard of her before.”

He watched as a photo of the girl suddenly flashed across the screen, causing him to almost leap off the couch in surprise. What caught his attention though, wasn’t her long black hair or green eyes – no, what had caught his attention was the blue guitar she was holding in the photo. Riley’s guitar!

“Oh my God!” Jackson exclaimed, still in shock. “I don’t believe this!”

He stood then, and immediately began grabbing things to pack. He had to get to the Oprah show – immediately! Though, how he was going to convince them he was a family member was another story. Maybe knowing her birthday and favourite colours would help.

Before leaving the tour bus, he wrote Miley a quick note, so she wouldn’t worry.

Miles,

I’ve found her! I’m going to go get her and work on bringing her home. You need to stay here and work on Dad, so maybe they’ll be able to resolve this when she comes home. You and I are a team now, and it’s up to us to pull this family back together!

Good luck!

Jackson

P.S. No going out with any boys while I’m gone!

He placed the note on her pillow, knowing their father never looked in their bunks unless he was waking them up. He didn’t bother leaving him a note either, as he figured their father would probably care less that another child of his had run of. So long as he had his precious Hannah all would be well in his little world.

He pulled his cell phone out, as he hailed a cab and told him where to go, hoping he’d arrive with plenty of time to spare.

“Hello, I need a flight to Chicago, Illinois immediately.”

The next day, Trixie Dixon was preparing to go on Oprah’s show for the very first time. At the moment, she was reminding herself to breathe, as she was getting a bit more than a tad nervous.  

“Relax girl,” she muttered to herself. “You’ve gone out as Hannah, so why is this any different?” 

She shook herself off, as an inner voice spoke. Because this time it’s your stuff that’s going to be heard – not Hannah’s! 

She groaned, as she went over to her guitar and began to tune it out of habit. “I’m never going to get through this,” she fretted. “God, how am I to sing for the world, when I can’t even perform on the Oprah Winfrey show? Yeesh! Get a grip!” 

“Two minutes!” A voice called out, signaling her that it was time to move closer to the stage. 

“Up next is an up and coming star, Trixie Dixon!” Oprah informed the audience. 

Trixie gulped, as she made her way out onto the stage with her trusty blue guitar, she hugged Oprah, then waved to the crowd before taking a seat – failing to notice a certain someone amongst the crowd. 

“It’s nice to see you again, Trixie,” Oprah smiled.  

“It’s nice to see you again too,” Trixie grinned in return. She wore a pair of faded old blue jeans, and an old school Backstreet Boys baby doll tee.  

“A Backstreet Boys fan, I see,” Oprah acknowledged. 

Trixie laughed softly. “Yeah, I’m a huge fan. I’m all for Nick Carter.” 

The audience laughed some, though some of them had no idea just as to who Nick Carter was. 

“So, how long have you been performing?” Oprah wanted to know, changing the subject. 

“Since as far back as I can remember,” Trixie told her. “I swear all my memories have to do with music and acting in at least some small way.” 

“So music is very significant in your life?” Oprah asked.  

“Very much so,” Trixie nodded. “My whole family can sing – well, except my brother. It seems the musical gene skipped him, and graced my sister and me instead.” 

Oprah gave a small laugh. “So who taught you to play?” 

“My Daddy,” Trixie replied, after a moment’s pause. “My Mom helped me with my singing though. She was great at being super supportive. I think she may’ve even been my number one fan.” 

“You say may’ve been, did something happen to her?” Oprah interrogated, watching Trixie closely. 

“Um…she died when I was six,” Trixie admitted softly. “She’d gone to run an errand while I was at an audition, and was hit by a drunk driver on her way back.” 

The audience could be heard gasping them, at the thought of such a tragedy happening. 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Oprah said, blinking back the tears in her own eyes. “You don’t blame yourself, do you?” 

“No,” Trixie spoke quietly. “Though, I’m slowly starting to think some might. But thanks to my brother, I know it wasn’t my fault. There was nothing I could’ve done, and it was just a bad twist of fate.” 

“It seems you and your brother, are very close,” Oprah observed. “Is he younger or older than you?” 

“Older,” Trixie smiled. “And we are very close. I tell him everything. He might as well be my walking, talking diary.” 

“Well, that’s wonderful,” Oprah commented. “It’s not often you hear a girl say she tells her brother everything.” 

Trixie laughed. “Yeah, well, sometimes I tell him too much, and he gets all grossed out by it. But, he’s still a great listener when I need him to be.” 

“Are you close to your sister? You did say you had one, right?” 

“Yeah, her and I are close,” Trixie nodded. “We’re closer than one might think.” 

“I think it’s great that you’re so close to your siblings. Is she younger or older?” 

“Younger,” Trixie answered. “But sometimes, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was the older one. She sure likes to act like it.” 

Everyone laughed, as they cut to a commercial break. Upon returning, Oprah continued her questioning. 

“So do you write your own music?” 

“Yes, I do,” Trixie rejoined. “I’ve written quite a few over the years, and have been dying to be able to play them for the world.” 

“Well, now is your chance,” Oprah said. “Which song are you going to sing for us today?” 

“Um… It’s one I just recently wrote, called Just A Girl,” Trixie responded. “It might not be perfect, but at the moment, it’s the one I truly want to sing.” 

Oprah nodded, and backed off stage as Trixie took a seat on the stool that’d been placed onstage for her – all the other furniture now gone. 

Trixie got settled, then began to strum her guitar a bit, before letting her voice ring out. 

“Finally, I've been waitin' for this moment, for you to see, the real me,” she began.  “It's been an illusion, I never meant to fool you; I got caught up in a fantasy…” 

She glanced out at the crowd, as she continued on. 

“I’m just a girl, with a dream that got the best of me. In a world, that believes fame is everything. Got outta touch, with the ones who gave me my wings to fly, to fly,” she sang, emotion ringing true in her voice. “People say, that the world is like a stage. They’re so confused, the rules I play. I been away from home for so long; that I, I almost forgot where I belong. Ye-eah…” 

She kept singing, unaware that one person in particular was listening very carefully to the words she sang, from his seat in the crowd. 

“I’m just a girl, with a dream that got the best of me. In a world that believes fame is everything. Got outta touch, with the ones who gave me my wings to fly, to fly.” She closed her eyes, trying to hide the tears that were now threatening to fall.  “It’s so easy to forget what really matters in this life. It’s so hard to live with regrets but a promise I will try, to be a better me from now on. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do you wrong…” 

She opened her eyes once more, as she finished up her song. 

“I’m just a girl, with a dream that got the best of me. In a world that believes fame is everything. Got outta touch, with the ones who gave me my wings to fly, to fly; to fly, to fly.” She wiped away the few tears that had managed to fall, then continued playing her guitar. You gave me my wings so I can fly, I can fly. Yeah, Yeah… I’m just a girl…”   

The audience gave her a standing ovation, as Oprah handed her a Kleenex.  

Trixie wiped her eyes, before giving a slight bow. “Thank-you,” she told them.  

“That was beautiful,” Oprah complimented. “Does it hold any true meaning to you?” 

“It might,” Trixie answered casually.  

“Well, that was our show folks!” Oprah announced a moment later. “I’d like to thank our guests today, Will Smith and Trixie Dixon!” 

Trixie gave everyone an awkward little wave, still not quite believing she’d just performed on the Oprah Winfrey show – or that she’d met Will Smith earlier on that day.  

Once the taping of the show was over, and it was just the live audience viewing, Oprah turned to Trixie. 

“I’ve a little surprise for you, before you disappear on me again,” Oprah told her. “It seems someone you hold near and dear is here today – only he asked to not be shown on national television. He said he’d prefer to keep a low profile.” 

“Someone’s here for me?” Trixie repeated in disbelief. “But no one knows I’m…” 

“I know,” a voice spoke then, causing Trixie to whirl about in surprise. 

“Jackson?!?!” Trixie exclaimed, her eyes wide in surprise. 

“Surprise,” Jackson grinned. “I told you I’d be the first in line.” 

“Oh my God!” Trixie squealed, tackling him in a hug. “It’s really you!” 

“Well, of course it’s really me,” Jackson laughed, hugging her back. “Who else would catch a flight out here so quick?” 

“So, I’m guessing this is the brother you spoke of?” Oprah queried curiously. 

“The one and only!” Trixie grinned excitedly. “Oh my God! I can’t believe you’re actually here!” 

“Yeah, well, if I hadn’t caught the end of the show while channel surfing yesterday, I wouldn’t have been,” Jackson admitted. “You’re just lucky I happened to take note of something blue.” 

Trixie looked a little sheepish then. “Well, I didn’t want to risk anyone else coming…” 

“I don’t know if I quite believe that excuse, but it’ll do,” Jackson replied, hugging her close once more. “Now, what do you say we get on out of here and get some lunch?” 

“Thank-you so much, Oprah!” Trixie said, as she grabbed up her guitar. “I really appreciated this. You’ve no idea.” 

“I’m sure I do,” Oprah nodded. “Go on and have fun. And be sure to come on back, you hear?” 

“Oh, we will! Trust me!” Trixie nodded. “Soon as I cut my first single, we’ll be here faster than you can say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” 

Oprah laughed. “See you then Trixie.” 

Trixie waved as her and Jackson headed on out of the building. Once outside, they disappeared into someplace private, where Trixie could remove her wig and stash it in her guitar case. 

“Imagine my surprise when I saw your face on television yesterday,” Jackson commented, once she was herself again. “Though, like I said, if it weren’t for your guitar, I probably wouldn’t have even recognized you.” 

“Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Riley asked. “I mean, if I were easily recognizable, we’d run into some problems then, wouldn’t we?” 

“Yeah, we would,” Jackson agreed. “But still.” 

“I’m sorry I never called you,” Riley apologized. “I was just – I don’t know. I was scared you’d talk me into coming back before I was ready.” 

“And are you ready now?” Jackson wanted to know. 

“Did you hear the lyrics of my song?” Riley countered.  

“So, is that a yes then?” 

“Sort of,” Riley sighed. “I mean, I’m ready, but then I’m not, you know?” 

“Still some soul searching to do?” 

“Yeah,” Riley nodded. “I finally realized just why Daddy hates me so much. Least, I think I finally thought of the right reason.” 

“Well, it’s a wrong reason, no matter how right you may be,” Jackson replied curtly. “I made sure to give him an earful too. And if Miles has her way, she’ll be giving him an earful about it as well.” 

“How is Miles?” 

“Miserable without you there by her side,” Jackson answered. “She misses you, Riles. At least call her sometime, so she doesn’t feel totally unloved here, alright?” 

“I wanted to call her, but was scared Daddy’d pick up her phone,” Riley admitted. “If he did, I’d prolly have gone into panic mode or something then.” 

“Well, no worries sis,” Jackson smiled. “I’m sure Miles is gonna keep her phone at close range from now on – prolly even when she’s performing as Hannah as well.” 

Riley smirked. “Daddy’s gonna love that.” 

“Well, it’s his own fault for pushing you away,” Jackson replied. “If he hadn’t pushed you away and caused you to run, then Hannah wouldn’t need her cell phone on her during a show, in hopes of hearing from you.” 

“You make a valid point,” Riley agreed. “How is Hannah doing?” 

“Hannah’s a great actress when she wants to be,” Jackson sighed. “This is sort of a good thing, as the world doesn’t have a clue about how upset she is right now. She seems to have mastered the ‘fake a smile and go on with life’ look.”  

“You’re making me feel bad,” Riley frowned. “I didn’t want to upset her, but I had to get away for awhile, Jackson. If I’d stayed any longer, I would’ve done things I’d regret.” 

“I know that, and she knows that too, Riles,” Jackson assured her. “But it still doesn’t make it hurt any less.” 

Riley sighed heavily, resting her head upon her brother’s shoulder as they walked along the streets of Chicago. “I’m sorry.” 

“Hey, enough of that right now,” Jackson told her. “You and I are going to go have some lunch, then find something fun to do in this here city. We might as well make the best of it, right?” 

“You get the best of both worlds,” Riley sang jokingly. “Chill it out, take it slow, then you rock out the show.” 

Jackson rolled his eyes. “Some days, I don’t know about you. I swear you had to have been born funny.” 

“Some days, I could say the same about you,” Riley laughed, lifting her head off his shoulder and grabbing his hand instead. 

Jackson said nothing, allowing it for once. There would be no harm in letting her hold his hand, in a city where no one even knew either of them existed. So long as she was happy right then, then he was more than willing to make the brotherly sacrifice.

Meanwhile, back on the Hannah tour, Miley was trying to think of how to confront her father. This situation with her sister needed to end, and it needed to end now. She was sick of walking on eggshells and worrying about things she shouldn’t be having to worry about. She was fifteen for crying aloud, not forty! Though, at this rate, she was already amazed she hadn’t aged ten years with all the worrying she’d been doing lately. 

“Miles, you back here?” Robbie called out; wanting to be sure he hadn’t lost yet another child. Seemed every time he turned around lately, they were running off on him. The lack of appreciation was highly frustrating.  

“I’m here, Daddy!” Miley called back, stuffing the note her brother had left her, back under her pillow for the time being. The last thing she needed was for their father to know that Jackson had found Riley, and had gone to fetch her and being her home – hopefully.  

Robbie appeared moments later, looking almost relieved to find her actually there in the flesh. “That was a good rehearsal today,” he praised. “Keep it up, and Hannah just might be able to get some extra shows into her tour.” 

“Really? You think so?” Miley asked, feeling excited at just the mere prospect of it. 

“I know so,” Robbie nodded. “The world is in love with Hannah Montana.” 

“That’s great!” Miley smiled. “I can’t wait for the show tonight!” 

“Neither can the fans,” Robbie stated. “They’re already lined up around the block!” 

“Wow, I can’t believe they like me enough to do that,” Miley said, looking and sounding surprised. 

“Believe it, Baby! We’ve made it to the big time!” Robbie cheered. 

“Yeah, the big time,” Miley replied, forcing a smile upon her face. She was suddenly thinking of her sister, and how it’d really be the big time if they were both allowed to sing. 

“Hey, don’t you go moping around over that sister of yours now,” Robbie told her, knowing just what she was thinking. “She ain’t worth your tears. If she doesn’t care enough to stick around and tough things out, then she ain’t worth a thought at all.” 

“Daddy, how can you say!?” Miley demanded. “She’s my sister! And she only left me behind, because she didn’t want the world to lose your precious Hannah Montana!” 

“Either way, she still left you behind, now didn’t she?” 

“So what if she did? Do you not realize just how many times we’ve left her behind?” Miley exclaimed. “All she’s ever wanted was to be out on that stage, and yet you force her to stay hidden in the shadows. And why? Because you blame her for something that wasn’t her fault!” 

“I’m not getting into this with you again, Miley Rae, so just drop it,” Robbie retorted, starting to become angry. “That sister of yours has done enough damage already.” 

“Daddy, you’re the one causing all the damage to this family!” Miley argued. “You can’t keep blaming Riley for something that wasn’t her fault! She didn’t know Mom was gonna get killed if they went to that audition!” 

“I told them not to go!” Robbie snapped. “Now, leave it be, Miley!” 

“You told us no so often, Mom usually just went ahead and took us anyway,” Miley reminded him. “You said no about the one I wanted to go to the week before, and yet we still went.” 

“That is not the point!” Robbie growled. “You didn’t whine over that one anyway!” 

“I did so!” Miley stated flatly. “And if you must know, it wasn’t Riley who went to that audition that day. It was me! I went instead of Riley!” 

“You did not!” Robbie roared. “You went with Lily to see Sharon and Bram!” 

“No, Daddy, I didn’t,” Miley shook her head. “I went to Riley’s audition for her, because I knew how badly she wanted to go and see Sharon and Bram. She’d been talking about the show for months, and the audition for two weeks. She didn’t know they were on the same day, so she asked me if I wanted to audition instead.” 

“You’re lying,” Robbie declared, staring at her in disbelief. “I saw her walk out that door with your mother.” 

Miley shook her head once more. “It wasn’t her, Daddy. It was me. I wanted her to be happy, and knew how badly she wanted both, so I went for her. Mom didn’t know she had the wrong twin – she was sure I was Riles. She didn’t know Riles was hidden upstairs, waiting for us to leave, so she could pretend to be me and go with Lily.” 

“No,” Robbie denied. “It wasn’t you there that day. You didn’t even want to go to that audition.” 

“You’re right, I didn’t want to go,” Miley nodded. “But I did – because my sister wanted to do two things at once, and I wanted for her to be happy. I could’ve told Mom the truth, and told her I didn’t want to go. But I knew how badly Riley wanted to try-out for that part.” 

“Then she should’ve sucked it up and went herself! Robbie fumed. “She was a selfish Brat even then! I’d told her it could only be one or the other! I told her I didn’t think it was a good idea for them to go, because I’d a bad feeling. But your mother – your mother just laughed it off and told me not to worry about a thing. That they’d be fine, just like always.” 

“So, now that you know who really went that day, are you going to hate me and forbid me to sing now?” Miley remarked, her eyes narrowing as she watched his each reaction closely. 

“No, because it’s still all her fault!” Robbie said angrily. “It was her who convinced your mother to go! It was her who decided to be selfish and make you go for her, instead of just saying she wanted to go to the show instead! So it’s still all her fault that your mother is dead! 

“Daddy, I don’t think it’s Riley you’re really mad at,” Miley stated softly, remembering what he’d said just previously. “I think who you’re really mad at is Mom.” 

“Why in the world would I be mad at your mother?” Robbie queried. “Hmm?” 

“Because,” Miley began quietly, her eyes filled with tears, “she didn’t believe you about your bad feeling. She laughed it off instead, and went on ahead and did what you were against. She thought you were just mad about the fact you’d have to miss some of your recording session to watch Jackson, since he was the only one home. She thought that was why you were trying to deprive Riley of that audition. She didn’t know you really had an honestly bad feeling about them going. She thought that you were being the selfish one, not Riley.” 

Robbie eyed his youngest warily for a few moments, before finally managing to get any words out. “End of discussion. I do not want to ever discuss this with any of you again, Miley Rae!” 

Miley shook her head sadly, as she watched her father storm off the tour bus. She knew she’d triggered something inside of him, for him to even mention the fact that their mother had just laughed off his bad feeling. It wasn’t every day he mentioned her, and when he did, it usually had a very profound meaning behind it. And right now, she could sense that it wasn’t Riley – or even her – whom he was really mad at, it was their mother. He just chose to blame Riley, because he couldn’t full-out blame their mother for not listening to him. He needed to yell at someone, and sadly, Riley just happened to be the not-so-lucky candidate. 

“Please God,” Miley pleaded, as she crawled into her bunk. “Please let things go back to the way they used to be soon. I don’t know how much more of this, any of us can take.” 

She curled up in the corner of her bunk, and clutched Beary tightly to her chest, as she let her unwanted tears fall. She wished more than anything right then, that she had told their mother it was really her she had with her that day, and not Riley. Maybe – maybe if she had told her the truth, then maybe she’d still be here, because they would’ve turned around and went home. If only she hadn’t promised to help her sister out. If only she had told the truth. If only… 

“It’s not my fault!” Miley shouted to the roof of her bunk. “It’s not! I was six! I didn’t know our deception would cause her to die! I didn’t know! God, I didn’t know…” 

She buried her face into Beary as she began to sob. If only she had known how that day would end way back when, she never would’ve agreed to help her sister out. Heck, she never would’ve even gotten out of bed. She would’ve made their mother stay home, and play games and tell stories – just like they always did.

“Hey, Jackson?” 

“Yeah, Riles?” Jackson answered, glancing over at his sister, whom sat upon a couch in the hotel he had rented with the money he’d brought with him. 

“Where’s Hannah at right now?” 

“Kentucky, why?” 

“Just wondering,” Riley smiled, as she pulled out her cell phone. 

“Ah, finally giving her a call I see,” Jackson noted. 

“Well, it’s about time, don’t you think?” 

“High time,” he agreed. “But, she’s in the middle of a show right now, if my guess is right.” 

“I know,” Riley smirked devilishly.  

“Ooh, you little devil you!” Jackson commented. “You’re trying to get Hannah into trouble!” 

Riley giggled. “I really don’t think Hannah will mind.” 

“Oh, boy,” Jackson shook his head. “I’d love to be there to see the look on Dad’s face when Hannah answers her phone.” 

“I’m sure we’ll hear all about it on the news or something later,” Riley replied, as she pushed the talk button after punching in her sister’s Hannah cell number.  

Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Hannah was in the middle of singing Nobody’s Perfect, when she suddenly felt her phone go off. She’d stuck it on vibrate, knowing she’d never hear it ring over her own music and the screaming crowd viewing the show from the audience. 

Hannah kept singing, as she secretly pulled her phone out to check the number, her eyes going wide when she realized it was her sister’s number scrawled across the screen. She was so surprised, she didn’t even realize she’d stopped singing, until one of her dancers nudged her. 

“Hannah! What’s wrong?” He asked, as everyone else continued on with what they were doing. 

“I’ve got to take this call!” Hannah told him, turning her phone on, knowing her sister would wait a moment once hearing the music. 

“We’re in the middle of a show!” 

“It’s urgent!” Hannah insisted, then spoke quickly to the crowd. “Be right back, y’all!” 

With that said she turned and ran off the stage quick as she could, going and locking herself in the bathroom in her dressing room. Once there she brought her phone up to her hear. 

Riles?” She whispered, as she heard their father come storming into the main room. “That you?” 

“Who else would it be calling you during a show, Hannah?” A voice she hadn’t heard in awhile replied. “I mean, c’mon!” 

“Riles! Oh my God! Did Jackson find you? Are you okay? Where are you?” Hannah demanded all at once, as she heard her father pound on the door. 

“Hannah! What’s wrong with you girl? Get on out of there and back out on that stage! You’ve a show to do!” 

“Busy at the moment, Daddy!” Hannah called out, then resumed whispering to her sister. “Well?” 

“Yes, he found me,” Riley replied. “Yes, I’m okay. And I’m not telling you, because you are not hopping on a plane and coming to get me. That’ll just be cause for Daddy to come, when I am not ready to see him just yet.” 

“Well, he’s not exactly ready to see you either,” Hannah remarked. “Him and I got into it earlier, and it wasn’t pretty. I told him the truth about that audition, and how I’d gone for you, and how you’d gone with Lily to see Sharon and Bram.” 

“Oh, how’d he take it?” Riley questioned. “He’s not blaming you now, is he?” 

“No,” Hannah sighed. “He’s still blaming you.” 

“Well, that burns it!” Riley exclaimed, anger etched in her voice. “Even when the truth comes out, I’m still not good enough for him!” 

“If you’d let me finish,” Hannah cut in. “He also blames Mom.” 

“Mom? Why’s he blame her?” 

“Because she didn’t listen to him when he told her about his bad feeling,” Hannah sighed. “She’d thought him to be selfish, and figured he was saying no, because he was supposed to go to the studio that day. But, because you wanted to audition, and they’d no one to watch Jackson, he had to stay home.” 

“So shouldn’t he be blaming Jackson for not having friends to go hang out with?” 

“Hey!” Jackson protested in the background.  

Hannah gave a small laugh. “No. It’s not Jackson’s fault either. Like Jackson told him awhile ago, it was nobody’s fault but that driver’s. Mom just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time – sadly, it was fate, and none of us could do a thing about it.” 

“Well, I wish he’d stop blaming everyone else,” Riley snapped. “If he were that worried, then why didn’t he come and get you guys then, huh? Any other time he would’ve! So obviously, if he didn’t go after y’all, his bad feeling wasn’t as strong as he originally thought, now was it?” 

“Hannah, you open up this door, right now, Young Lady!” Robbie roared through the door. 

“I don’t know,” Hannah said softly. “Look Riles, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you later, when I can talk more.” 

“Daddy’s mad, huh?” 

“Madder than three alley cats fightin’ over the last can of tuna,” Hannah replied. “Love you.” 

“Love you more,” Riley giggled. “Have fun, Hannah!” 

“Gee, thanks,” Hannah rejoined, rolling her eyes.  

She waited until she heard her sister’s phone click off, then closed hers as well. Once that was done, she stood and flushed the toilet, then ran the tap water to make it sound as though she’d actually used the bathroom.  

“Sorry, Daddy, but when a girl’s gotta go, a girl’s gotta go,” Hannah stated, as she walked past him and hurried back out onstage. She’d made sure to fasten her phone back to her pants securely first though. There was no way she was letting her father find her phone, only to discover what she’d really done in the bathroom.  

“That girl,” Robbie muttered, turning to follow her back out. “She’s lucky the fans are so understanding.” 

Back in Chicago, Riley hung up her phone, shaking her head sadly. 

“Well, what she say?” Jackson wanted to know. “She have a confrontation with Dad?” 

“Yeah,” Riley sighed. “She even told him how it was really her who’d gone to my audition that day instead.” 

“And?” Jackson pressed. 

“And,” Riley continued. “He still blames me.” 

“What?!” Jackson exclaimed. “How come?” 

“I’m selfish,” Riley said softly, her eyes downcast. “If I had’ve just let that audition pass, instead of insisting I go, then skipping out on it, and making Miles go, none of this would’ve happened. Mom never would’ve been killed that day – because of me.” 

“Riles,” Jackson spoke warily.  

“No, Jackson,” Riley cut him off. “Daddy’s right. It was my fault. If it weren’t for me wanting to do two things at once, Mom would still be here!” 

“Riley Mae, we’ve been over this!” Jackson stated firmly, his eyes narrowing. “You can’t keep blaming yourself for something that wasn’t your fault! Yes, you should’ve told them the truth back then. Yes, you probably shouldn’t have had Miley go. But there was no way any of us could know just what was going to happen that day. You were six years old, Riley! Six!” 

“A very stupid six-year-old, who got their mother killed,” Riley muttered bitterly. “I killed her, Jackson!” 

“No, you did not,” Jackson insisted sternly. “That drunk driver did. Not anybody else, you hear me Riley Mae? You never were and still aren’t stupid!” 

“Tell it to someone who cares,” Riley replied, turning and walking away from him. 

“Riley Mae Stewart!” Jackson shouted. “You get back over here right now! We are going to talk about this, until I get it through your thick skull once more, that none of this is your fault!” 

“And if I don’t want to Jackson?” Riley challenged. “What’re you going to do? Spank me?” 

“Don’t tempt me,” Jackson told her, his eyes narrowed. “Now, get back here!” 

“I’m not six-years-old anymore, Jackson,” Riley reminded him, as she did as told. “You haven’t the right to order me around anymore.” 

“Well, it works, doesn’t it?” Jackson retorted. “Now, listen and listen good, because I don’t want to ever have to tell you this again, Riley Mae. Mom’s death was not – I repeat not – your fault.” 

“I know, I know,” Riley sighed. 

“Then why must we keep having these moments where you blame yourself?” Jackson demanded. “If you know this already, then why must I keep reminding you?” 

“Because I like driving you crazy?” Riley asked innocently. 

“Riles,” Jackson pushed. “Tell me.” 

“Because deep down, some small part of me still says it’s my fault, okay?!?” Riley snapped somewhat. “No matter how many times I keep telling myself that it wasn’t, that evil little part of me keeps on insisting that it was! And the only way I can get it to shut-up for awhile, is if you go all angry big brother on me, alright?” 

“That’s not healthy, Riles,” Jackson sighed heavily, draping an arm over her shoulders. “I shouldn’t have to go all angry big brother on you, for you to believe the truth.” 

“I know,” Riley sighed as well, wrapping an arm around him for a much needed hug. “Just – sometimes, when I know that Daddy still blames me, I can’t help but blame me too. It’s like, the more he blames me, the more I blame me.” 

Jackson shook his head. “Both of you need to get past this, if we’re ever going to bring our family back to the way it once was.” 

“It-” Riley began, only to be interrupted. 

“I know it can never be how it was when Mom was here,” Jackson cut in. “But I know we can get it back to being as close as possible to how it was. And this is not anywhere near how it once was.” 

“No, it’s not,” Riley agreed sadly, resting her head on his shoulder, as they stood with one arm around the other. “I’m just glad I still have you for a brother. Without you, I don’t know what I’d do.” 

“Well, you don’t even have to worry about me not being here right now,” Jackson replied. “For right now, let’s just focus on the present time. It’s the only way we can stay sane, at this rate.” 

Riley giggled softly. “Yeah, we can be a pretty crazy bunch.” 

“If only the world knew just how much of a crazy life Hannah Montana really lives,” Jackson smirked. “Then I think they all just might run for cover.” 

Riley laughed. “They wouldn’t run for cover, they’d prolly just pick some other artist to look up too. Though, Hannah is stronger than anyone knows. She’s put up with being caught in the middle for the past nine years. Anyone who can do that is definitely worth looking up to.” 

“Yeah,” Jackson nodded. “But once the world gets to know you, Ms. Trixie, they will find you worthy of looking up to too. Trust me on that one.” 

“I trust you with my life,” Riley assured him. “I always have.” 

“Even though I shoved you into the pond when we were small,” Jackson chuckled. “Just because you were my sister.” 

“Yeah, even after the pond incident,” Riley grinned. “But only because you’re my brother.”

A few more weeks later, Robbie and Miley were back home once more, Hannah’s tour having been pretty much wrapped up. The last two shows were being held not that far from home, and it was a nice break from Hannah’s tour bus. 

Robbie sat out on the back porch, playing his guitar, as he stared at a photo of the family from when his wife had still been alive. In it, the girls were six, and Jackson almost eight. They were all hugging and posing for the camera, their grins all a mile wide. 

He sighed heavily, as he picked the photo up. “We were so happy then,” he mused. “And now, look at what we’ve become.” 

He shook his head in disappointment. “Lord, if you could give me some sort of sign, as to what I’m supposed to do, it’d be very much appreciated.”  

He waited for a few moments for a response, and when he didn’t get one he stood angrily, tossing the photo down upon the chair he’d been sitting in previously. “Dagnabit! Will anyone ever listen to me around here?!” 

He stormed inside, slamming the door shut behind him, leaving the photo out on the deck. For once, he was actually glad that no one else was home. Riley and Jackson were God knows only where, and Miley was spending the night over at Lily’s.  

He made his way upstairs to his bedroom, where he got ready for bed and soon crawled in under the covers. He grumbled to himself, as he got settled, then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. 

“Robbie….” A voice called out softly. “Robbie….” 

Robbie sat up and looked around the room confused. That voice. He could’ve sworn…. but there was just no way….was there?  

“Robbie Ray! Why are you lying here in this bed when you have children out there who need you?!” The voice demanded, sounding rather angry with him.  

“Susan?” He whispered softly, finally spotting the source of the voice. She was sitting in the chair by the closet, watching him carefully. “Is that you?” 

“Of course it’s me, Robbie,” she replied. “Who else would care that our children are out there, who knows where, doing who knows what?!” 

“Well, wouldn’t you know what they were up too? Haven’t you been watching them at all?” Robbie countered. 

“That is not the point!” she argued. “Yes, I’ve been watching them – but I’ve also been watching you Robbie Ray! And the way you treat Riley and Jackson, and even Miley at times is just horrible! It’s totally uncalled for, and you know it! The Robbie Ray I knew, would never dream of blaming his children for something he knows isn’t their fault. The Robbie Ray I knew, would never have let Riley run off, without going to search for her himself!” 

“Yeah, well, the Robbie Ray you knew is long gone,” Robbie snapped irritably. “He died right along with you, and I doubt he’s ever coming back.” 

“I never thought you’d turn against our children,” she spoke softly. “I never thought you’d become a cold-hearted monster. I thought you loved them just as much as I did – as much as I still do.” 

“I do love our children!” Robbie argued. “I just don’t love when they refuse to listen.” 

“Maybe they aren’t listening, because you’re being unreasonable, and blaming one for something she had absolutely no control over,” she countered.  

“If she hadn’t have lied to us, then no one would’ve been at that stupid audition!” Robbie growled. “She’d no right trying to do both things at once!” 

“And yet, you’re not at all mad at Miley for going along with it – for helping her sister out, when asked to do so. Robbie, they were six-years-old. There was no way they could’ve known that pulling a switcheroo on us would end so badly. They used to switch places on us all the time, just for the fun of it. To them it was a great game they got to play, and no one else could join in, because they weren’t a twin.” 

“Well, it was a stupid thing to have done,” Robbie retorted. 

“Just like you making Riley hide the truth from her friends,” she pointed out. “Robbie, there’s no reason to make her be Kylie anymore. It’s not fair to her or anyone else for her to have to keep living a life she hates to live.” 

“Miley handles the secret life thing just fine.” 

“But Miley also gets to sing for the world, and then come home and be herself. Riley doesn’t get to be herself at all. You refuse to let her shine, and focus all of your attention on Hannah Montana. I’m sorry Robbie, but Hannah Montana isn’t important at all, if one of our children is unhappy.” 

“She’s an ungrateful little Brat!” Robbie snapped. 

Her eyes blazed with fury, and she was suddenly on her feet, her long white dress billowing in the wind that suddenly seemed to have appeared. “And just what is it that she has to be grateful for?” 

“Everything.” 

“Name one thing.” 

“The roof over her head, the food on her plate, the clothes on her back, the teachers who’re willing to put up with her!” 

She shook her disappointedly. “And not once did you mention, a father who loves her. You do still love her, don’t you?” 

Robbie paused a moment. “Of course I do.” 

“Then why don’t you show her that? Why don’t you make it be known, that she has that to be grateful for as well.” 

“If you seem to know what she’s so grateful for, then why don’t you just tell me?” 

“Her brother, her sister, her guitar, her music, her friends, and Simon.” 

“And just why am I not included in that there list?” Robbie demanded. 

“Have you done anything to make her include you in that list at all, since I passed, Robbie Ray? Because all I’ve seen you do, is put her down, and accuse her of things that are untrue. I’ve seen you be the cause of the majority on her unhappiness, and it sickens me to no end.” 

Robbie scowled. “And what do you want me to do? Be all peachy keen about the fact you were killed, because she wanted to go to an audition?” 

“No, I want you to forgive and forget. Don’t forget me, but let go of the fact that I died taking, who we thought was Riley, to an audition. They were just children Robbie; innocent little children, who looked up to you and adored you. Little children who wanted to be just like you when they grew up.” 

“Yeah, well, things change.” 

“No, you changed. They still have those dreams – Miley actually living her outs. Even Jackson has dreams that you just seemed to brush aside. And as much as I love Miley, what makes her so much more important than our other two children? Why do you always insist on casting them aside Robbie Ray? Why?” 

“Because they were the last ones to see you, before you left the house!!” 

She sighed heavily, shaking her head sadly. “I know you’re mad at me for not staying home that day like you’d asked Robbie. But everything happens for a reason, Sweetheart. Not everything turns out the way we’ve planned. It was just my time to go. I’m sorry for brushing you off that morning, but you usually didn’t like the girls going to all these auditions, and I’d decided to finally put my foot down. It was important to them to go to these auditions, and you never seemed supportive of them half the time.” 

“Because I wanted them to be regular children! I wanted them to have a childhood, and for them to not grow up so fast! I wanted them to be at home, so I could spend time with them, before having to go back on tour again.” 

“So you’re admitting that part of you was just being selfish?” 

Robbie paused a moment, to think about it. “Yeah, I guess I am,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I never was really mad at Riles for it all. She was just there, and it was easier to place the blame….” 

“On someone who was there,” she finished for him. “I know. But, it was wrong to do Robbie. And I know you know that deep down in your heart, if you look deep enough. I know you want to make amends, and get your other little girl back.” 

“I was just so—so angry, that day,” he continued. “And she wouldn’t stop asking me all those questions. And then—then when she asked if it’d been her fault, I just snapped. I snapped and told her it was, and it wasn’t. I knew it then, and I know it now, but it hurt so bad, I just had to hurt someone else in return.” 

“And it just happened to be our one six-year-old child.” 

“Do you think it’s too late to apologize?” 

“It’s never too late to try,” she encouraged. “But I wouldn’t wait for too long to do so. She’s incredibly hurt, and upset, and feeling neglected. You’ve made things so bad that even Miley is starting to think being Hannah isn’t worth it anymore – not when her sister is so unhappy. She’s starting to blame her sister’s unhappiness on her being Hannah Montana. And we can’t have them blaming their dreams for each other’s unhappiness…” 

“When really it was me, who was making everyone so unhappy,” Robbie finished. “Come morning, I’m going to find those kids of ours, and bring them home! Well, soon as I’ve figured out where it is they’re at.” 

She nodded, relief washing over her. “Oprah.” 

“What?” 

“Oprah,” she repeated, as she began to fade away. 

“What about Oprah?” 

“You’ll figure it out,” she whispered, now only a voice in thin air. “But remember, Oprah…” 

Robbie bolted awake suddenly, sweat trickling down his face. He wiped it off with the sheet clutched in his one hand, as he looked around hopefully. Not finding his beloved anywhere in the room at all, he sighed heavily.  

“She’s right. I need to fix things, before it’s too late. And starting tomorrow, I’m going to do just that!” 

He made his way to the bathroom then, to wipe his face off with some cold water and a washcloth. He then headed on back to bed, pondering things over in his head, as he lie there trying to think of a way to make things right again.

"So what all have you been up to while you've been gone, Riles?" Jackson asked her, as they sat in one of the many parks in Chicago on a windy day. They'd decided to go for a picnic, and had a blanket spread out and some sandwiches and chocolate bars.

"Not much," Riley shrugged. "Just traveling here and there."

"And how exactly did you travel without breaking into your bank account?"

"You don't want to know, Jackson," Riley admitted softly, looking down at the blue guitar currently in her lap. "Please, just let it go. I already know you're disappointed in me for doing it, and I feel bad enough about doing it as it is."

"So you either stowed away or hitch-hiked, am I correct?"

Riley nodded silently, still staring down at her guitar.

"Okay, other than doing things I wouldn't approve of because they're dangerous, what have you been up to all this time?"

"Writing and playing my guitar mostly," Riley replied, daring to glance up at him once more. She relaxed some when she saw him flash her a small, but genuine smile.

"Well, am I ever going to get to hear any of it?"

Riley smiled at him. "You're my biggest fan, so of course you're going to get to hear some of it."

"Well, then play something for me," Jackson encouraged. "I haven't had any private concerts in forever."

Riley gave a soft laugh, as she flipped open the notebook that was lying before her and began to go through it. "What do you want to hear?"

"Whatever one you think fits the most," he told her, taking a bite out of his ham and cheese sandwich. "You know I'll enjoy it, no matter what though."

Riley finally found one she thought would fit nicely, and began to strum her guitar after tuning it once more.

"I don't know what I want, so don't ask me, 'Cause I'm still trying to figure it out," she began to sing as she played. "Don't know what's down this road, I'm just walking, Trying to see through the rain coming down. Even though I'm not the only one, Who feels the way I do…"

She paused briefly, then continued on. "I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know. I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh, but life goes on. I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world."

Jackson clapped his hand to the beat on his leg, as he sat there listening to his kid sister sing.

"Got the radio on, my old blue jeans; And I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve. Feeling lucky today, got the sunshine. Could you tell me what more do I need? And tomorrow's just a mystery, oh, yeah, but that's okay…."

She paused again, then sang the chorus once more. "I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know. I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh, but life goes on. I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world."

Jackson kept her gaze as she looked up at him for the next part.

"Maybe I'm just a girl on a mission, But I'm ready to fly…."

They didn't notice the few people stopping to watch them, as she continued on to finish her song.

"I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know. Oh, I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh, but life goes on. Oh, I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know. Oh, I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in this world… Oh, I'm just a girl. Oh, I'm just a girl. Oh, oh. Oh, I'm just a girl…"

She was met with the sound of people whistling and applauding as she finished. She blushed some, ducking her head so no one could see her face.

Jackson smirked as he watched people throw decent tips into her guitar case, before walking off to mind their own business once more.

"So much for that being a private concert," Riley spoke softly. "I forgot I tend to draw attention, when I sing out in public."

"Hey, it was pretty neat, if you ask me," Jackson grinned at her proudly. "It shows I'm not the only one in this world anymore who knows my kid sister can sing."

"Correction, kid sisters," Riley stressed, raising her eyebrows slightly.

"Well, yeah, but you know what I meant," Jackson chuckled. "Everyone knows Miley can sing, though they don't exactly know it's Miley singing."

Riley shrugged, as she set her guitar aside and grabbed up her own ham and cheese sandwich, "Least now we got money for dinner," she commented.

"We had money for dinner to begin with," Jackson reminded her. "I was smart and brought a ton with me."

"Yeah, well, I'm used to singing for my supper on street corners," Riley shrugged. "Then, once I've some money, I pack up and hurry off far away to some other street a few blocks away to get food. I can't have people realizing that I'm you-know-who."

"You keep singing on street corners like that and they might," Jackson pointed out. "You have to be careful about that now, if you don't want your cover to be blown."

"Which is why, I'm not giving anymore private concerts unless it's a dire emergency," Riley replied, as she chewed a bite of her sandwich. "I can't risk it anymore. Not since I was on Oprah."

Jackson nodded his agreement, as the two of them sat there shooting the breeze and enjoying their lunch together. If her running away did anything, it ended up bringing them even closer together than before – and they'd already been pretty tight to begin with.

Meanwhile, back home, Miley sat at the breakfast nook eating an omelet she'd made for herself, when her father came down the stairs whistling.

"Well, what's got you so chipper this morning?" She asked, eying him warily, as he'd been pretty moody the past few days – so this was definitely a change of pace.

"Had a good dream, is all," Robbie replied, as he danced over to the refrigerator and took a couple eggs out for himself. "Finally realized your sister's been right about how I've been treating her all these years. I've decided I'm going to find her and bring her back home where she belongs; her and that crazy brother of yours."

Miley paused in mid bite of her omelet, some of it falling off her fork, and the rest of it falling from her mouth back onto her plate. She stared at him in shock for a moment, her jaw practically literally on the floor.

"Daddy-who's-been-blaming-my-twin-sister-for-stuff-since-forever say what?" She demanded, raising her eyebrows at him in surprise.

"You heard me, Miles," Robbie answered, as he cracked the two eggs he'd gotten from the fridge open. "It's high time this family pulled together and did things together like we used to. What fun is it in having a family, if you can't all be crazy together?"

"Daddy, are you sure you're feeling okay?" Miley wanted to know, still giving him a skeptical look. What in the world had brought upon this sudden change of heart? Since when did he care where her brother and sister were? They'd been gone for quite some time now, and this was the first time he'd ever mentioned going to find them.

"I'm fine, Miley," Robbie stated, as he scrambled the eggs. "I just had an epiphany, is all."

"Did you have loco hot cocoa before bed again?" Miley questioned, figuring that to be why he was suddenly talking crazy.

"Miley Rae, I am perfectly fine and did not drink any loco hot cocoa before bed last night," Robbie stated firmly, giving her a serious look. "I said we're going to find your brother and sister, and that is what we're going to do."

"What about Hannah Montana?" Miley asked curiously, knowing Hannah had some upcoming appearances.

"I'm afraid Hannah's just going to have to wait, Darlin'," Robbie said apologetically.

Miley's eyes went wide, as she jumped up, knocking her stool over, in her process to eagerly go over and hug her Daddy tightly. "That's the greatest thing you've ever said to me!"

"Miles, careful now girl!" Robbie exclaimed, as he used his one arm to pull her back from the stove. "You're going to burn yourself and get egg all over you."

"I don't care," Miley replied, still clinging to him, her head rested upon his chest. "You finally said what I've been waiting to hear all these months."

Robbie carefully turned the stove off once his eggs were done, and hugged his daughter tightly in return. "I'm sure your sister's been waiting years to hear me say that she was more important than Hannah."

"The fact you've finally said it will be enough for her," Miley assured him. "Well, that and some other things I think you really need to say. But her being more important than Hannah most of all."

"Let me eat my breakfast, then we'll pack some bags and go hunting for your sister, alright?"

"Consider me already packed!" Miley exclaimed, starting to run off. She paused though, turning to look at him once more. "You're sure we have to bring Jackson back though? I mean, he is rather stinky at times."

"Yes, now go!" Robbie stated, pointing towards the stairs. He shook his head watching her run off, as he placed his scrambled eggs on a plate. "That girl is going to be driving me even crazier now, I can just see it."

“Trixie! You’re going to come to my hotel room, right?” Hannah asked. “So we can, uh, you know, discuss the tour and stuff.”

Trixie eyed Hannah momentarily. “Sure…just let me go back to mine and…freshen up….”

“I’m sure you’re fresh enough already,” Connor commented dryly, then looked over at his other sister. “We’ll be meeting you there, Hannah.”

“But what if….” Hannah trailed off, looking worried, as she cast a glance at Trixie.

“Hannah, you’re going to have to learn to trust me,” Connor replied. “We’ll be right behind you. I promise.”

“Okay,” Hannah nodded, as her and Robbie left the green room with their things.

“We’re at the Hilton, in room 858,” Robbie told them, poking his head back into the room. “Feel free to just come on up.”

Connor nodded, then turned to Trixie. “Before you say anything, you’re going.”

“But Jack-Connor!” Trixie cried. “How do we know this isn’t all just an act?”

“Why else would he finally decide to come after you? We know it wasn’t all Miles doing. She’s been trying for months now, and he wouldn’t budge,” Connor argued. “There’s no other logical explanation for him coming out here to find us at last.”

“But I’m not ready!” Trixie exclaimed. “I - ”

“You are ready,” Connor argued. “I’ve seen you writing, and I’ve heard you singing. I actually listen to the meaning behind your lyrics Trix. I know you. You are ready to go home and face the music.”

“But what about Oliver and Lily?” Trixie protested. “What if they hate me for not telling them the truth?”

“If they hate you for something that wasn’t entirely your fault, then they were never truly your friends to begin with,” Connor concluded. “Now, c’mon. I promised Hannah we’d be right behind them, and I don’t want her to worry anymore than she already has all this time. It’s been pretty hard on her too, you know.”

“I know,” Trixie sighed, as she allowed her brother to take hold of her hand and squeeze it.

“And remember,” Connor began, “no matter what happens, I’m always going to be right beside you.”

Trixie let go of his hand and hugged him tightly, feeling a little emotional. She knew this day would come sometime, and she was just glad to still have her brother on her side. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Kid,” Connor chuckled. “Now, let’s go grab some ice cream and catch up to them.”

Trixie’s eyes shone brightly. “I really love you!”

Connor laughed. “I bet you just love me because I mentioned ice cream.”

Trixie gave him an innocent smile, as they headed on out of the green room.

~~~~~

“Daddy, what if they aren’t coming?” Miley fretted, as she paced her hotel room. “I mean, what if that bonehead brother of mine was just blowing hot air, and they’re really catching the next flight out of here?”

“Miles, you’re just going to have to trust your brother,” Robbie replied, pausing a moment. “There’s something I never thought I’d hear myself say.”

“Don’t worry Daddy, that’s been happening to the best of us lately,” Miley stated, as she resumed her pacing. “I just – I can’t believe all this time she was here, and she wouldn’t even tell me.”

“I’ll take full blame for that Darlin’,” Robbie admitted. “She probably wouldn’t tell you, for fear of me finding out.”

“True, but still. I’m her sister! Does that not count for anything anymore?” Miley countered. “She’s always going on and on and on about how great Jackson is. Well, what about me, huh?”

“Miles, just relax will you,” Robbie answered. “Give them a chance to explain their side of it all.”

“Sure, now you take their side,” Miley remarked, throwing her hands up in the air just as someone knocked on the door. “That’d better be them!”

Robbie shook his head, as he opened the door, only to reveal Connor and Trixie Dixon. He smiled as he ushered them on inside. He sure hoped this all went well – otherwise, he’d never be able to forgive himself. Though, he wasn’t so sure he could even begin to forgive himself for what he’d done now.

“Well, I guess Jackson can be counted on,” Miley commented, soon as the door was closed behind them. “Who knew that he could keep a promise?”

“Yes, he can be,” Riley commented dryly. “And I knew.”

“Of course you knew,” Miley commented. “You’re all the boy even cares about.”

Riley rolled her eyes. “If we’re getting into this crap right off, then give me a moment to get this blasted wig off. I’m going to discuss things as me, Riley. And not as anyone else.”

Jackson smirked as he helped Riley get her long black wig off her head. “There you go Riles. God, it feels so good to be ourselves again.”

“Well, to be honest, I’m surprised Oprah didn’t remember your name being Jackson the first time she met you,” Riley laughed. “I was sure she was going to call us out on the fact your name suddenly changed to Connor.”

“Oprah’s a cool lady,” Jackson smiled. “Now, let’s get on with this, shall we?”

Both girls gave a collective sigh, as they each took a seat on opposite ends of the couch. They usually sat close to one another, but right now they both knew Miley was still a little peeved about being left behind.

“So how’re we going to do this?” Jackson asked, not sure who was supposed to start trying to fix things first. “I mean, whose side is going to be shared first?”

Riley looked a little nervous as she spoke. “If no one minds, I’d like to sing something before we start. So maybe people can hopefully understand me a little better.”

Robbie nodded silently, deciding he’d give the girl a chance to speak her mind through her music. He knew she wasn’t always good at speaking her thoughts, but she could sing them nicely – she always had; he’d just forced her to stop, as he wasn’t ready to listen back then. But he was ready now.

“Um…I need a guitar,” Riley said sheepishly. “I left mine back at the Motel.”

Miley wordlessly got up and fetched her red guitar, which she handed over to her sister. The last time she’d heard her sister sing in person, had been when she’d let her be Hannah for a night. The night that had ended in mayhem and caused her twin to run away. To say she was a little nervous about this now was an understatement. She just hoped this ended a whole letter better than their Hannah fiasco.

Riley cleared her throat, as she began to play, her hands strumming the right chords effortlessly.

Maybe it’s the things I say,
Maybe I should think before I speak
But I thought that I knew enough
To know myself, and do what’s right for me
And these walls I’m building now
You used to bring them down
The tears I’m crying out
You used to wipe away

She looked up and glanced at her sister for the chorus of her song. She hadn’t looked at anyone to start, as she was more nervous than she’d ever been.

I thought you said it was easy
Listening to your heart
I thought you said I’d be okay
So why am I breaking apart?
Don’t wanna be torn…
Don’t wanna be torn…
Don’t wanna be torn…
Don’t wanna be torn…

She gulped slightly, as she moved her eyes to land on her father. She’d written this song with him in mind, but parts of it could be for any of them really. She put her heart and soul into the next few lines. She needed him to not only see how she felt, but to feel it too.

Don’t make me have to choose between
What I want and what you think I need
‘Cause I’ll always be your little girl
But even little girls still got to dream
Now it all feels like a fight
You were always on my side
But lonely I’ve been now
You used to make it go away

She could tell by the look on her father’s face that he truly felt the emotion with the lyrics she’d just sung. Now, hopefully she could get through the rest of the song without crying or appearing too bitter.

I thought you said it was easy
Listening to your heart
I thought you said I’d be okay
So why am I breaking apart?
Don’t wanna be torn…

She dared to glance at her brother briefly, giving him a small smile. She didn’t know what she’d do if she didn’t have him. He was extremely important to her – her sister was too; mostly because of the twin thing – but her and Jackson just understood one another a little better at times. She trained her eyes back on her father once more, as she continued on with her song.

Why is this all so confusing, complicating, and consuming?
Why did all this make me angry?
I wanna go back to being happy
These tears I’m crying out
You used to wipe away

I thought you said it was easy
Listening to your heart
I thought you said I’d be okay
So why am I falling apart?
Don’t wanna be torn

Soon as she was done singing the chorus for the last time, she sat Miley’s guitar gently next to the couch. She coughed nervously, as she eyed her family warily; unsure of what they were currently thinking, and not entirely sure she wanted to know either.

“I guess I’ll start,” Robbie said finally, after an awkward silence had hung between them all. “Riles, I’m extremely sorry for how I’ve been treating you all these years. There aren’t enough words in the world for me to begin to describe just how sorry I am. I always knew it wasn’t your fault, Darlin’. I just needed someone to blame, and you just seemed like the most obvious choice.”

“And why the sudden change of heart?” Riley demanded, as she sat with her arms crossed over her chest. “I mean, after all these years. Suddenly out of nowhere you decide to love me again.”

“I can’t really explain it, though I wish I could,” Robbie began. “But I had some sense knocked into me recently, and realized just how bad I’ve been making you feel. I know it was out of your control; and I know no one here is to blame for what happened that day. Sometimes, people lose their way after a tragedy, and it takes them a long time to get back on track again.”

“You made me feel like I was a good-for-nothing, worthless piece of crap,” Riley spoke softly, hurt evident in her eyes. “You made me feel like I’d never amount to anything, and that I’d never be as good as Hannah Montana.”

Miley crossed her arms over her chest then, and eyed her sister warily. “Well, you made me feel like I didn’t even matter anymore! You ran off, and then Jackson ran off after you, and I was left here to deal with all the aftermath! Why am I not as important to you as Jackson!?”

“Miles, you are important to me,” Riley insisted. “More than you could ever know. But I couldn’t ever ask you to stop being Hannah Montana. I wouldn’t be a good sister if I asked that of you. And Jackson…well, Jackson knew how I felt; Hannah overshadowed him too, you know. And then I of all people overshadowed him, because I was constantly getting into trouble. So he really didn’t seem to matter to anyone.”

“To anyone but Riles,” Jackson cut in. “Riles has always made sure that I got some attention. Even if she was just coming to me to complain about things, or to express how she felt – she was still coming to me. I was important to someone. And in a sense, I knew how she felt. I knew how it felt to be left behind, and to watch someone else get all the attention.”

“I never meant for any of you to get left behind,” Robbie commented. “I wanted to love all of you, but my anger and pain overshadowed that.”

“Why didn’t it overshadow your love for Hannah?” Riley demanded. “Why was she allowed to be loved and everything? I mean, you loved Hannah more than anyone – even if it is Miley who is Hannah, you still love Hannah more.”

“Hannah was like an escape from the real world,” Robbie said after a long moment. “She was a way to get my mind off things I didn’t want to think about. I didn’t want to think about how much I miss your mother. Or how bad I knew I was hurting y’all by acting the way I was. I was sort of still in denial, and Hannah made it a little easier to keep on denying what I already knew.”

“Gee, thanks Daddy,” Miley grumbled, a frowned etched plainly on her face. “I thought it was just because you were happy I was getting to live out my dream.”

“I assure you, that also played a huge part in it, Darlin’,” Robbie placated. “But Hannah was also a way for me to distract myself in another world, so to speak.”

“And letting Hannah steal my song happened because….” Riley pressed.

“Jeez! What is with you and that song!?” Miley exclaimed. “You don’t seem to mind so much that we both wrote Best of Both Worlds, yet only Hannah’s named appeared in the credits.”

“That is different,” Riley stated. “And the other is supper important to me! I wrote it for Mom!”

“Well, it’s not my fault you left it out somewhere it shouldn’t’ve been!” Miley argued. “If you didn’t want for it to be used, you should’ve hidden it better.”

Riley eyed her twin sister exasperatedly. “Miles, how would you like it if you wrote a song, and showed it to me and then Trixie went and used it and never even gave you credit for it.”

“I didn’t think you’d mind so much,” Miley admitted quietly. “It was beautiful, and I wished I had written it for Mom. But I hadn’t, and I was jealous, okay? That is why I stole it, and let Daddy and everyone else believe it was mine.”

Riley looked surprised. “You were jealous of me? Really?”

“Yeah,” Miley sighed heavily. “I know it’s usually the other way around… But lyrics just seem to come so easy to you. You can pour your heart and soul into the lyrics and everything, and I always end up stumped.”

“But you write pretty neat stuff too,” Riley insisted. “I love the songs you write, and the way you play piano and make it look easy. You’ve mastered it and the guitar. I’ve only managed to get the guitar down pat.”

“Riles, you play the drums too,” Miley countered. “Don’t think I haven’t heard you banging away to Nick Carter songs.”

Riley snorted. “You’ve heard that?”

Miley nodded. “Oh, I have. I’d say he best watch out, because you’d give him a run for his money.”

Riley started to laugh. “God, I wish!”

“Can we get back to the situation at hand here, please,” Robbie interrupted. “I think I’ve had enough Nick Carter talk today, to last me a lifetime.”

Riley gave him an innocent grin, as she leaned over to tackle Miley in a bear hug. “I love you Miles. I’m so sorry I left you behind. I promise I won’t do it again.”

Miley hugged her twin in return. “I promise I won’t leave you behind anymore either. And I swear I won’t steal anymore of your songs without your permission.”

“I just got a brilliant idea for a song we could co-write!” Riley whispered to her excitedly. “Maybe we could even sing it together sometimes…if Daddy’ll let me sing.”

The two of them glanced over at their father then; both sporty puppy-dog look on their faces.

“Oh, not the twin puppy-dog looks!” Robbie groaned. “You know I can never resist those.”

Jackson laughed. “I haven’t seen those looks used on you in a long time, Dad. They usually only seem to be reserved for me.”

“Can I keep singing, Daddy? Please?” Riley pleaded softly, after an extremely long moment; her puppy-dog look gone. “I promise I won’t run away anymore.”

“Well, it’d seem a shame to make Miss Trixie disappear so quickly, after her break-out performance on Oprah,” Robbie concluded. “And Hannah did offer her a spot as the opening act for her tour…”

Riley’s eyes went wide. “You were serious about that!?”

“Well, of course Darlin’,” Robbie said. “We wouldn’t have asked you on Oprah if I wasn’t.”

Riley squealed and jumped up to tackle him – something she hadn’t done in forever.

“Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you!” She cried, hugging him tightly.

Robbie hugged his middle child – something he hadn’t done in years, and horribly regretted. He squeezed her a little closer to him, not wanting to let her go. Sure, they hadn’t resolved everything today; but these things did take time, and he’d all the time in the world.

“I love you Riley Mae,” he whispered softly in her ear, speaking her full name, for the first time in a long time, affectionately.

“I love you, Daddy,” Riley managed to choke out, as she held back a sob that wanted to escape. “I love you so much!”

It’s been four months since Hannah Montana had surprised Trixie Dixon live on Oprah. Since then, Riley and Jackson had returned home and gone back to their normal lives. Well, mostly normal lives. Some things did change – the family had secretly gone to therapy to help resolve their issues, and so far, so good. And the fact Riley had never been allowed to sing had changed as well. Since coming home, she’d been allowed in the studio and had recorded her first album pretty quick. Not that it was hard to do, seeing as she’d been writing her own material for years, and even had music to go with the lyrics.

“Are you nervous?” Connor asked Trixie, who stood backstage watching Hannah.

“I feel like I’m going to hurl,” Trixie replied honestly. “I wasn’t even this nervous when I went on Oprah for the first time. But this – this is just – wow!”

“You’ll be fine Trix,” Oliver, who was dressed as his alter ego, Mike, assured her. “You sing better than Hannah any day.”

“You’re just biased,” Lily, who was dressed as Lola, piped up. “Since you’re dating her and all.”

Trixie gave a small laugh. She was glad their friends hadn’t turned on her when she’d finally told them the truth about her identity. She was greatly surprised though, when Oliver had finally asked her out. It seemed he’d liked her as much as she liked him, and he’d been going absolutely crazy when she disappeared on everyone. He’d even made her promise that if she ever went anywhere without him, to at least call him, so he wasn’t so deprived of her beautiful voice.

“Are y’all ready to meet someone very special to me?” Hannah could be heard asking the excited audience. “Now, y’all know her as Trixie Dixon….”

The crowd could be heard screaming and glow sticks were seen being waved like crazy.

“But,” Hannah continued on, after her short pause. “I know her as my sister!”

The audience could be heard gasping then. They knew Hannah had a brother, but they’d no idea she’d a sister.

Trixie glanced over at their father then, wondering if he’d known Hannah was going to tell the world that she was her sister. She was surprised to see him standing there smiling at her in approval.

“Go on out Darlin’,” Robbie encouraged. “The crowd’s awaitin’.”

Trixie smiled, as she moved to hug him tight. She’d never felt so happy in her life!

Robbie returned the hug, kissing her head. “Do me proud, Sweetheart.”

“Trixie, are you coming out here or what?” Hannah demanded a moment later. “Everybody’s waiting.”

Trixie laughed, as she grabbed her microphone and headed on out. “Hold your horses, Hannah.”

Hannah hugged Trixie tightly. “Can you tell we’re sisters?”

“I bet y’all are wondering why we’ve different last names,” Trixie smirked. “Well, it’s because I wanted to be a little more unique. I wanted to be able to stand out on my own, since my music is a little different than Hannah’s. I’m really hoping y’all like my album, which will be out in stores tomorrow!”

“Now, who wants to hear us sing?” Hannah shouted into her microphone. “Are y’all ready to party?”

The crowd cheered, as the two pop stars smiled at one another, before starting in on the song they had recently co-written.

Gonna stay in bed today
‘Cause I can’t face the light
Don’t know why I get so down

Trixie and Hannah walked by one another as they sang to the excited young crowd before them. They’d written this on the flight back home four months earlier, and were hoping the fans would enjoy it.

I won’t be much fun tonight
And I can’t believe
You still wanna hang around me

Trixie waved to the crowd, as Hannah reached down to grab some hands that were reaching up for them. They then turned and sang to the other, smiles on their faces.

It’s not so pretty all the time
You don’t mind
To you it’s all right

Trixie and Hannah sang the song until it was finished, then Hannah waved to the crowd and ran off the stage. Trixie took a nervous gulp as she looked out at the crowd before her. She’d gone onstage as Hannah before, but never as herself in front of an audience so large.

“Hey y’all,” she squeaked slightly into her microphone. “I hope y’all don’t mind if I sing some of my stuff for you. But please know I’m a little nervous. I’ve never sung in front of some many people before.”

She glanced backstage and spotted Hannah watching her excitedly. She smiled, and launched into her first single, A Place In This World. Afterward, she sang Just A Girl, Tied Together With A Smile, and Clear.

“Okay y’all, now I’m actually going to sing something that Hannah borrowed from me, and took credit for,” Trixie explained, as she retrieved her blue guitar, and sat upon the stool that’d been brought out for her. “Let’s just say, sibling rivalry happens to the best of us.”

She gave a contented sigh, then launched into the song that had always truly been hers and not her sister’s.

You used to call me your angel
Said I was sent straight down from Heaven
You’d hold me close in your arms
I love the way you felt so strong
I never wanted you to leave
I wanted you to stay here holding me

She swallowed hard; as she felt her eyes fill with tears, knowing pictures of her mother were being flashed across the screen behind her. She was very young in some of them, so hopefully nobody would recognize her – especially since even then, she was always wearing wigs.

I miss you,
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in awhile
And even though it’s different now
You’re still here somehow
My heart won’t let you go
And I need you to know
I miss you
Sha la la la la
I miss you

She continued on, putting her heart and soul into this performance, more so than all the others she’d done previously.

You used to call me your dreamer
And now I’m living out my dream
Oh, how I wish you could see
Everything that’s happening for me
I’m thinking back on the past
It’s true that time is flying by too fast

She looked skyward, as she launched into the chorus for the second time.

I miss you,
I miss your smile
And I still shed a tear
Every once in awhile
And even though it’s different now
You’re still here somehow
My heart won’t let you go
And I need you to know
I miss you
Sha la la la la
I miss you

She continued on and finished the song to extremely loud applause, and she could hear her brother whistling from the side of the stage where he stood. She set her guitar back on its stand, and spoke into her microphone once more.

“Thank-you,” she said softly, wiping her eyes a little. “I wrote that for my Mom, since I miss her so much. I hope it’s helped anyone who has lost someone dear to them.”

She listened to the cheers she received, and smiled. “Now, whose ready for Hannah Montana!?”

The crowd roared in response, the sound almost deafening. She laughed, as she gave a final wave and ran off the stage, and into her brother’s awaiting arms.

“You were fantastic, Kiddo!” Jackson praised. “The crowd absolutely loved you!”

“Thanks,” Trixie grinned. “But I think they still love Hannah more. Hehe.”

Hannah laughed. “Well, I’m sure they’ll love you quite a bit soon enough. They just need to get to know you a little better.”

“Your fans are chanting,” Trixie giggled, as she moved to hug her sister next. “Go get ‘em!”

“Will do!” Hannah smiled, as she ran back out onstage. “Whose ready to par-tay!?”

Trixie laughed some more, as she moved to hug Mike. She loved how the world figured out quickly that Mike and Trixie were dating and were cool with it; yet back at home, everyone was shocked to learn Oliver was dating Riley. Though, they were even more shocked to learn that Kylie Cyrus had really been Riley Stewart – Miley’s twin!

“Thank-you for letting me do this, Daddy,” Trixie smiled, hugging her father at last. “Tonight’s the greatest night of my life thus far!”

“And I’m sure it’ll only get better from here on out.” Robbie replied, hugging her tightly. “They loved you out there Darlin’.”

Trixie beamed happily, as she ran over to the buffet table backstage and grabbed up a cheese sandwich. She’d been too nervous to eat earlier, but now she was starved! She stood eating, as she watched her sister perform for the world. Yes, the world. Part of why she’d been so nervous, was because this particular concert was being broadcasted live all over the world!

A short while later, Hannah called her sister back out onstage to share the spotlight.

“Oh, Trixie,” she called sweetly. “I need you out here with me. I’m feeling a little lonely.”

Trixie came out laughing, as she ran over and tackled her twin in a bear hug. “I was feeling a little lonely backstage myself.”

“Sing something with me!” Hannah insisted. “Anything you want!”

Trixie smirked. “Ever a Nick Carter song?”

“Even a Nick Carter song,” Hannah nodded enthusiastically. “Or a Backstreet Boys song, or the Chipmunks – anything!”

Trixie giggled. “I don’t think they wanna hear the Chipmunks.”

Hannah shrugged. “I don’t think they’d mind too much. Not if we’re the ones singing.”

“Well, what do you wanna sing?” Trixie challenged her sister. “Why do I have to choose?”

“To be honest, I want to sing a Nick Carter song,” Hannah smiled. “Besides, I know you secretly do as well.”

“I don’t think it’s any secret that I love Nick Carter,” Trixie smirked. “But, sure! Let’s sing one now for everybody!”

The music for Who Needs The World began to play then, and Trixie immediately began to sing, unaware of what was about to happen.

Yeah, oh
I stare at your face,
Into your eyes
Outside there’s so much passing us by
All of the sounds,
All of the sights
Over the earth, and under the sky
Too much cold and too much rain
Too much heartache to explain

She eyed her sister in confusion, wondering why Hannah hadn’t joined in on the singing. She went to sing the chorus, but then heard a voice she’d never in a million years expected to hear, and froze.

Who needs the world when I’ve got you?
Switch off the sun, the stars, and the moon
I’ve all I need inside of this room
Who needs the world when I’ve got you?

She turned slowly, her eyes extremely wide, as her mind blanked; causing her to not hear the excited screams from the audience. She felt her jaw hit the floor as a high-pitched shriek escaped her, and she stood there staring in absolute shock.

The music paused a moment then, and the man who’d suddenly appeared onstage, spoke into his microphone.

“Hi Trixie.”

“Nick!” Trixie screeched, her hands instantly clamping over her mouth. She felt her eyes fill with tears, and she desperately tried to blink them back as he made his way over to her.

“In the flesh,” Nick Carter smirked, as he wiped the tears that had escaped, from her face.

“Don’t go fainting on me now,” Hannah spoke, quickly moving to stand behind Trixie. “I need you in order to finish the rest of the show.”

“It’s Nick Carter!” Trixie exclaimed in a whisper, though everyone heard her because of her microphone. “Hannah, there’s a Backstreet Boy right in front of me!”

“I know,” Hannah laughed. “Now, why don’t you sing the rest of the song with him, while I go do a quick costume change?”

Trixie gave a small squeal of excitement, her eyes still bugging out of her head and a wide grin spreading across her face.

“Music please,” Nick cued, though a moment later Trixie spoke.

“Oh my God! I don’t remember the words!”

Nick laughed. “Oh, I’m sure you will. Just picture me as a poster you’re singing to, and you’ll be fine.”

Trixie blushed slightly, as she gave him a sheepish grin. The music started up once more, and she began to sing with one of her Idols.

Oh, no, no
I walk on the street
Talk in the dark
I see people’s dreams just falling apart
I open my arms
Tried to be true
Seems like my only truth was you
Am I wrong?
Or am I right?
All I want is you tonight

Trixie glanced backstage just as her and Nick were about to sing the chorus for a second time. She spotted her family and friends, and knew she truly did have all that she needed in the room right then – with the added plus of Nick Carter! She flashed them all a warm smile, as she continued on with the song, her gaze never once leaving theirs.

Who needs the world when I’ve got you?
Switch off the sun, the stars, and the moon
I’ve all I need inside of this room
Who needs the world when I’ve got you?

Who needs the stars so bright, and the grass so green, and the morning light?
Who needs the wind to blow, and the tide to rise?
Who needs it…I don’t know
I don’t know
Yeah…