~Bailey's POV~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3bhV1RTKw
I'm awoken by a flash of bright light and a clicking shutter noise.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8S8wemqba
"Shoot!" Jordan hisses.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiovFi7XnS
I almost burst out laughing. Who says 'shoot' anymore? Cracking my eyes open, I find myself in between two bodies.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZt4zq7jqD
"Why the hell am I in a human sandwich?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYwxei72XJ
"Shut up, Bailey, and go back to sleep!" Demi groans, smacking my face with a pillow.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ952e1Xal3y
I blindly swat at her.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4drwVmxn5q
"Jordan, what the hell are you doing?" I wonder, sitting up and rubbing sleep dust from my eyes. copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5bWPLa8nb
"Taking a picture."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBgWrhq6R9
"Why?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5WMuixVCx
"You three just look so adorable!" She coos, causing me to roll my eyes. "I mean, you, Bailey, resemble both of them. There's no denying it."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡez51f8KTKZ
I shoot her a 'you've been playing the real-life version of Flappy Bird for far too long' expression. I turn my head to look at the sleeping log that is Nick before turning back to her.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpp3HQTsLM
"I understand how I resemble Demi, but how the fuck do I resemble Nick?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wfAhhuI6E
"Language, Bailey," Demi scolds, causing me to roll my eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡExCl9I10No
Damn. Does her bitchy, strict mode come complete with an 'off' switch? Maybe I should read the manual.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0ws4yj4qK
Jordan opens her mouth to, I'm assuming, answer me but is cut off.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgBrbptkNt
"Why are girls so fucking loud in the morning?" Nick grumbles.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR4XOwZcHE
Demi clamps her hand over my mouth.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sa2lbS43S
"However your perverted little mind translated that question, keep it to yourself."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6V3Nyee9o
I smirk as she removes her hand from my mouth.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xUPutsPXX
"I must have inherited my perverted mind from somebody, right?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ibkHLChS
"It sure as hell wasn't from me," she snorts.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPNT3SydeX
"Who are you trying to fool, Demetria?" Nick teases.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnZvrLWMGe
"I don't recall anybody asking you, Nicholas."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYAqOGGjbe
"Woah! Who decided we were suddenly using our legit first names?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gftDHh3a9
"It was spontaneous," Jordan dryly explains with an eye-roll.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡL26oVrwUs1
"No fair!" I whine. "Demi, why couldn't you have named Jordan something else?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRU4ErcZiE
"Thanks, Bailey," Jordan sarcastically thanks.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOWUusVnm9
"I think my sarcasm is rubbing off on you," I grin.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3DdJ2E8Og
"One sarcastic daughter is enough, thank you very much," Demi pipes up.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡskKaiblO88
"Which brings us back to my original point: you're the common denominator in this equation, Demi," I shrug, then pause "Did I use that term correctly?" I cock my head to the side.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSmkPLR5z2
"Demi and I were homeschooled," Nick immediately deflects my question. "But I think it has something to do with fractions."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQuFhNNeYq
I place my gaze on Jordan, awaiting an answer.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPCQPr6b3i
"I'm on vacation from school; therefore, math is the least of my worries," she shrugs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwaAEge9Dm
"It's always the least of my worries. Now, why are you two in my bed?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwKYieOpHA
"Technically speaking, it's my bed," Nick points out.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83AEBXFou6
"Technically speaking, you didn't answer my question," I roll my eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hvJ4TJOGI
"Is it a crime to sleep in the same bed as my daughter?" Demi inquires.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNxNre5b4R
"Yes," I nod. "It's called maternal smothering."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxY1qoYSWH
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBetKmBXa5
"Regardless, that still doesn't explain Nick," I continue.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡN677oUhuNq
"Paternal smothering?" Jordan suggests.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFydpelQggt
"He's not my dad."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmA7aSFQod
"He sure looks like he is," she mutters under her breath, as if not wanting anyone else to hear.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCwNB68e56
I ignore her, yet silently wonder what she means by that.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdemATmfg6F
"Nick, if you do not move, I won't hesitate to climb over you," I warn.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP9zyjVdUg
He doesn't move. Grumbling curse words under my breath, I proceed to climb over him.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ak2cuLAGF
"Bailey, get your bony knee out of my ribcage!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrSu2SvuQR
I roll my eyes at his obvious exaggeration. I'm not bony, quite the opposite in fact. Although my bones do sometimes jutt out, I'm not bony. Bony is used to classify the under-weight and the ill, not walking hippos, like myself. Suddenly, he shifts from umderneath me. With a yelp, I tumble off of him and onto the floor. Jordan's loud peals of laughter follow seconds later. Using my elbows to prop my head up, I glare at her, but she's too busy laughing her ass off at my expense to notice. Eyeing a pair of Nick's boots near the bed, I pick one of the shoes up and chuck it at her hunched over form.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lEtMQG1vm
"Ow!" She squeaks before dramatically collapsing onto the floor.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAop0gIIZD
I roll my eyes. Like mother, like daughter.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5exTvYZNvr
"I have another shoe," I taunt.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGvteW9ZGS
"I'm up!" She exclaims with hands up in surrender.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXhe47orNx
I smirk deviously, motioning for her to come towards me. She warily obeys, soon joining my side. I glance upwards and point as she watches. I then grip the edge of the un-tucked comforter and gently tug it towards my stomach. Her mouth forms an 'O' shape as she nods. She grips a piece of the comforter, too.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeogGgad8X
"One," I silently mouth to her. "Two. Three."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGQ9yIO58k
We forcibly pull the comforter with all of our strength, yanking it in the opposite direction of the bed. With startled exclaimations and hissed curse words, both Demi and Nick tumble to the floor. A loud burst of laughter escapes my lips as they land in a compromising position with her on top of him. I snatch Demi's phone off of the nightstand and take a picture of the two. I lock the photo with a four digit code so that Demi can't delete it.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhITmW9OWzC
"Hailey Ariana Lovato," she growls.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bzqncLZTH
"She used my legit first name," I sober up my laughter, turning towards Jordan. "Run!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRdqwRkgtg
We only make it, like, two steps before we crash into each other within the doorway.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iTdl29siL
"Shit! Jordan, move, and let me out first. You be the fucking bait!" I push her behind me and haul ass down the hallway, towards the stairs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRsthgR2a5
"She's gaining on us!" Jordan yells from behind. "And he's right behind her!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SE5YtTwB2
I somehow find myself in the backyard. Shifting my gaze wildly around the yard, I discover nothing useful except a water hose and a large, in-ground pool. Hearing the pounding of many foot-steps approaching, I dash for the water hose. I quickly turn the knob and un-wind the hose, spreading it out to remove all of the kinks. Water gushes out, spilling across the patio and spreading out like veins in a hand. Jordan soon runs out of the house.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuwQmsmzCO
"Get over here!" I call out. "And hand me that," I add, referring to an adjustable nozzle for the hose that I didn't notice setting on the table before.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNCDMe9mUJ
Her bare feet slap against the cement as she hurries towards me. Tossing me the nozzle, I catch it and hastily screw it onto the water hose, ignoring the frigid water spraying me. I turn the nozzle to a setting that shoots out the water in one continous, slightly painful beam, much like one that a firefighter uses.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbohfhFBlb5
"Ready?" I smirk, aiming the nozzle where Demi and Nick will exit the house.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H0eoWy2Y7
"Ready."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g7GBJIY72
As soon as the two step onto the patio, I squeeze the nozzle trigger, causing the water to shoot towards them. Demi squeals when the cold water blasts her. Handing the hose to Jordan, I lower myself to the damp cement in a laughing fit.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6odj8FGfH
"Bailey, I'd get up if I were you," Jordan warns.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgm0Ey5pKl
Through eyes that are blurry from tears of laughter, I see Demi making her way towards me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ102TyHFMiK
"Oh, shit," I mumble.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsXyjgJkcc
I crawl in the opposite direction from her. Just as I'm about to push myself to my feet, someone grabs my ankle.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkUubOtSzS
"Let me go, Demi!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7WGBrQyPO
"Nope."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWca9rvUNY
With that, she scoops me up into her arms as I squirm in her grasp. She walks to the edge of the pool.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyLaBTTAA0
"Any last words?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpWjR51EkN
"Can I have my phone back before I plunge to my death?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbkgw64Vc8
She rolls her eyes before throwing me into the air. I plug my nose with my thumb and index finger on my left hand and flip her off with my middle finger on my right hand. I land on my back as the cold water engulfs me. The chemicals in the water cause my healing cuts to burn and sting, as if a thousand wasps are attacking my skin. To my dismay, I emit a pathetic, muffled whimper. As I'm scrambling to the surface, I hear a splash.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLDUkvGP9g
"Jordan Taylor Lovato!" Demi gasps as my head breaks through the surface of the water.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaYh2LycDP
Jordan laughs at Demi, who is now with me in the pool. Now, I'm no rocket scientist or anything, but I'm inferring that Jordan somehow managed to push Demi into the pool. Just a guess.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTaj6dxuok
"Out of all of the days to wear a white shirt," I chuckle at Demi, ignoring how the pain from my cuts is now becoming a numb sensation.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOHpvpZiPA
She narrows her eyes at me. Nick tosses a now screaming Jordan into the pool, much like Demi did to me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1k8BIgt4Z
"Nick, help me out of the pool," I command in a sickly sweet tone.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvqMi77qPs
"Why? So you can drag me in with you? I don't think so."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhcNGGaFJn
I frown, mentally cursing him.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKUzG5eiNs
"Can you at least help me out?" Demi inquires.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb7ZWnLuoi
He shuffles closer to the edge of the pool and outstretches a hand for her to grab onto. So, he's willing to help her out of the pool with no questions asked but not me? What the actual fuck? Demi takes his hand and yanks him towards her. Backing up, she laughs as he flops into the water. My jaw drops as I laugh silently, too stunned that she just did that to make any sound.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqR8SzKUpe
"Demetria Devonne Lovato!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WdvlmXoWD
She justs sticks her tongue out at him before scrambling onto the patio. She grabs her phone from the table and fiddles with it for a couple of moments. I'm assuming, by the lack of pissed of yells, she doesn't notice the photo that I added to her gallery. A familiar beat begins to play, but she stops it as soon as it begins. Then, the chorus of the same song plays.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTKWIM3ghZ
"So, baby, whenever you're ready-eh-eh-eh-eh," Demi mouths. " When you're ready come and get it-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhzHpeQVyU
When you're ready come and get it-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HyThiZeJX
I paddle my way over to Nick as Demi begins to dance to the song. Stopping beside him, I glance between him and Demi and back again.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdJrR86dIl
"You're drooling," I tease.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Tk2MIqgW
He glares at me. I hold my hands up in surrender.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBW8BZXQb3
"Just stating the obvious," I mumble, resisting a chuckle. "But I don't blame you for staring."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtFpeQiFTw
He stares at me with raised eyebrows and a 'WTF?' expression.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZxRQS9F3J
"The small 'Lovatic' part of me is thinking," I pause, glancing at him. "Well, you probably don't want to know what the small 'Lovatic' part of me is thinking. The daughter part of me, however, is screaming at her, saying-,"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAhYbb6iI1
"Mom, you're not seventeen, so quit dancing like you are!" Jordan yells.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BsxIQHJ5H
"Well, saying something along the lines of that," I conclude before swimming towards the edge of the pool and climbing out.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLN7TY4hRq
"Can we all go inside now?" I whine. "It's fucking cold."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV2ZDEcq0y
"Go take a hot shower and change into some warm clothes," Demi tells me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyLOcaX2tO
"I don't obey orders."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN19A2DAnk
"Then, I guess you'll be obtaining frost-bite," she shrugs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXy8VirLAV
"That's child neglect."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnPYnpBYSq
"I call it tough love."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBum9viLf4m
"I'll be in one of the showers" Jordan announces, breezing by us.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAMWpt0gu4
I shower in the bathroom attached to the guest bedroom that I slept in last night. As I lather shampoo into my hair, I cringe as I recall everything that happened last night.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9MLBOn6kH
"Mommy?" I whimpered. "Mommy, please don't let him hurt me," I begged.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vJOpDaTBc
I clench my hair, cursing myself for being so stupid, so pathetic, so vulnerable, so weak. How could I have let my sarcastic walls drop so fast and so low? Thank God she didn't comment on it this morning or else I would've denied everything.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWfEVSixcM
She ran her fingers through my hair.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMDJOS68JA
"I promise I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again," she whispered into my ear, before kissing my cheek.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bs6ap1WUE
Although I hate to admit, I got that whole warm and fuzzy feeling inside when she said that. If you tell her I admitted that, not only will I deny it, but I will bite you. My track record with promises have always been broken, though, so I don't expect her to keep hers, especially when she's technically the indirect cause of most of my pain.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfq866AQw0
"We won't let anyone hurt her or Jordan," Nick stated, sounding quite serious.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2kB4rMXGM
I was shocked to hear him say that, especially because he sounded so sincere. I know that him and Demi are good friends, but it's not his obligation to protect neither Jordan nor me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiubKk4d5tJ
"Bailey, could you hurry up?" Jordan pounds on the bathroom door. "I'm bored!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZKjwS7bWz
With a chuckle, I hurriedly finish my shower. After slipping into a pair of undergarments, I slip my legs into black leggings followed by jean shorts. Out of respect for Nick's home, I ditch shoes and only wear socks on my feet. After tossing a baggy, white tee-shirt over my head, I finish my outfit off with a long-chained, cross necklace and a light amount of makeup. Tossing my towel into the hamper and scooping up my dirty clothes, I unlock the bathroom door.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD5Odb8UV1
"Took you long enough," Jordan chimes from the bed.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwyFmEg8bl
I shake my head with a small smile, shoving my dirty clothes into the purse that Demi is letting me use.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc9ELkT862
"Mom and Nick are downstairs cooking a late breakfast."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PHTytQvsT
"Demi? Cooking?" I snort.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbu1spDuZ0
"Mom can cook!" Jordan defends, causing me to arch an eyebrow. "Some things," she mutters.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJc44Ohl5z
I smirk, joining her on the bed and sitting criss-crossed across from her.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCHapzk6SS
"So..." Jordan trails off.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡI40UuWCsEO
"So..." I mock.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZtKdIGASZ
"Do you..." she shakes her head.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgunULfwNX
"Do I what?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡv27nfoq14f
"Do you, I don't know, notice anything odd between mom and Nick?" She hesitantly inquires.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5MmQm1rYn
"Define odd."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcMa4T6j9k
"Like, do they seem too close to you?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgjbDd87RR
I ponder over this. In all honesty, they do, but I sure as hell am not going to tell Jordan that.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc1bVxmLWU
"I don't think so," I lie. "I mean, they're really good friends, like siblings even."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HfDf0z142
"Do you honestly believe that they slept together during that tour?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9LnWvzKZd
"No way!" I truthfully exclaim. "I just like teasing them. It's funny to watch Demi squirm."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBG6dKeE0k
"You're so mean," she grins.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JyV73QQlb
"I don't recall anyone ever calling me nice," I shrug.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF6L48e3RB
"Do you want to play 'screw, marry, or kill'?" She randomly asks.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdftnA3IVO
"Sure."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ISKIRFcNc
"Okay, um, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Joe Jonas."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wuoMR17ls
"You don't honestly expect me to be able to choose, right? I mean, they're the Jo Bros!" I state in a 'duh' tone, causing her to roll her eyes. "Fine," I sigh. "Um, Nick Jonas to marry, definitely, because he's so sweet, and he just seems like the kindest out of the three. Kevin Jonas to screw and Joe Jonas to kill. Okay, you're next. So, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and, um, Leonardo Di Caprio?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfUWlnVcO6
"For someone who is the opposite of romantic, you sure do pick a good set of hearthrobs," she observes, allowing it my turn to roll my eyes. "Um, don't tell mom, but I would screw Leonardo Di Caprio, marry Ryan Gosling because what girl doesn't like The Notebook, and I guess that leaves me with killing Justin Timberlake, as much as I hate to say it."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfga5PyyHQ
I gasp dramatically.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy3D6i8NES
"There is no way we're sisters! You do not simply kill Justin Timberlake! Well, at least, not without doing him first."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡonnfT6eOdY
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW7gsUP8bZ
"Well, excuse me for not having as perverted a mind as you do," she pauses. "I could see you being one of the women on mom's crime shows who screws the guy, stabs him to death, and ditches his body in the ocean or something!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwICgyO4S2
"Good to see you have such faith in me," I laugh."Well, at least you're getting to know the real me now. I've known many many women in my time who do just that, ya know?" I smirk and wiggle my eyebrows.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeu2W5vhsf
She feigns a disgusted gag.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc5va2PQNs
"How am I supposed to have good faith in you when you say and do stuff like that? Gosh, your head is always in the gutter, isn't it?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85jOyQVnpx
"Nope. Sometimes it's glugging down shots of tequila while everyone around me shouts 'Chug, chug, chug, chug!' And sometimes it's thinking up some quite advanced sarcastic responses that leave people wondering if the fuck-up fairy just visited, and sometimes it's tainting innocent little minds like yours. Although perversion is the first place it goes, so I suppose, in a way, you're quite right."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBER33vMBuA
She gapes at me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y7Boy2aNi
"I-I, um," she pauses. "My mind isn't innocent! I'm not a five year old, Bailey!" She splutters.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR1dFPR0Es
"Hey, I'm not judging," I shrug. "It's better you're like you than like me. I mean, Heaven won't take me because of the long list of sins I've managed to complete in my fourteen years on this planet, and Hell won't let me in because they're afraid I'll take over."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9g7KRN5MH
She just blinks at me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlx4nuhPq5
"Amd this is why I worry about you sometimes."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRzjjSeY0a
I gawp at her in shock.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡErXqMvFXoq
"Worry? You? You worry about me?" I idiotically question.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYxuBeOG4p
"I'm your sister, Bailey! Why wouldn't I worry about you?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E4P8xqKH8
"Because I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, having survived fourteen years alone to fend for myself. Not to mention that I'm the older sister here!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYcY3grdKd
"You may be perfectly capable of doing so, but you shouldn't have to do so. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through, but now you have mom and myself. We won't allow you to fend for yourself," she pauses. "Plus, you may be older, but sometimes I question your age," she smirks, easing the sudden serious mood.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdNU5GSQ6n
"First of all," I place hand on her shoulder and lightly shake her. "Where's my sister, you alien that majors in philosophy? What did you do with her? Let her go! I never got to tell her to-to....wear her tin foil hat! Second of all, you question my age? Since when have I ever showed a lower standard of my age? And, just for the record, I've done a pretty good job of looking after myself, and I don't need anybody's help. Besides, when has 'you shouldn't have to' ever stopped anything or anyone?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4PHUUWevo
"Aw, I love you, too, Bailey," she coos sarcastically, adding an eye-roll. "Since when have you ever showed a lower standard of your age? Well, you did just call me an alien, and you told me I should wear a tin foil hat. Add in the fact that you basically scream from the rooftops everyday that our mom slept with Nick Jonas, which is based off of nothing but the wild thoughts that run a muck within your head, I can infer that your age is much lower than that of which we think. Or at least your mental age is," she grins innocently. "And, also just for the record, you may have done a pretty good job of looking after yourself, but it's always okay to ask for help. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak, Bailey, if that's what you think."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcFeLjLltX
"She's lying," my demons sneer. "Only pathetic excuses for human beings ask for help. You're stronger than that. You're better than that."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYubtm6dsp
"I thought we were playing a game here!" I exclaim, yearning to change the subject. "Since when did we get onto the track of philosophy?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv2WTCZreD
She raises an eyebrow. I plaster my poker face on as a shiver of fear shoots up my spine. I hope that she doesn't suspect anything.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUThcO3gHE
"Touché, Bailey. Game on then."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCJe116lmz
I almost let out a sigh of relief. That was way too close for my liking.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BZKcHai1u
"Last time I checked, it was your turn," I remind.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgIe8Rt3I8
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOkfMSSXr0
"Zac Efron, Harry Styles, and Demi Lovato," she smirks.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUwqUzBAy8
"Oh, God! That's just cruel, Jordan! Oh, man! Ew! Um....screw Zac Efron, marry Demi, and kill Harry Styles. If you EVER tell Demi I said that, you will never see the light of day. I'm already visualising the duct-tape over your mouth. And I only picked Demi to marry so that we don't have to," I scrunch my face up in disgust, "you know, rock the bed."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡamcit2sju0
She throws her head back and laughs loudly.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLspJohNKk
"You could've chosen to kill her and marry Harry."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl8oTh64py
Hey, that rhymes! Marry and Harry rhyme! I wonder what all of those Directioners think about that...copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFjQBRdRbE
"It feels sort of wrong killing your own mother, though. I mean, I have a heart, much to your surprise! I know she made some really stupid mistakes, many of them deciding the future of my life, but she doesn't deserve to be killed for that! Anyway, now it's my turn, and I choose Wilmer Valderrama, Demi Lovato, and Nick Jonas."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoP0lin0wjy
"You have a heart?" She snorts. "Maybe one like The Grinch!" She pauses. "I would," she sighs, "I would screw Nick, marry mom, and kill my dad."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80w43w0XkK
"I'm going to ignore that first comment for your own safety, and is there any particular reason as to why you would work in that order?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY3JpQLl4h
"You mean, why would I kill my own dad?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQZ7QgW25R
"Well, yeah. I mean, I would've done that, too, but he's not my dad."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGactpKWKN
"Nick makes mom so happy, Bailey. You'd have to be blind to not see that. And my dad he-he hurt you, and he hurt mom, and I-I haven't felt safe around him for a while now. I shouldn't feel scared around my own dad, right?" Her eyes are glassy from tears that have yet to fall.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqak1YvIgVS
"No," I firmly reply. "Nobody should feel scared around their own father, and nobody should feel scared around their own husband, and that's a burden you've had to bare, even though you did not bring it upon yourself. I'm sorry that I'm terrible with words and that I can never find the right words to say to comfort somebody and to make them feel better instead of worse, but what I do know is that you're strong. You're strong for fighting through the challenges you've faced, even when people believe that life is just all rainbows, sunshine, and mermaid sex. You're strong for not breaking down in front of Demi and your dad, even though you have every right to, and I wouldn't blame you if you did so. You're strong for smiling every day. You're just the eptiome of strong!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡppp0jTXOyZ
That sounded so cheesy that I honestly want to go involuntarily puke in the toilet....and then drown myself in it.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOLJoXhkLX
"I'm not strong, Bailey! I'm just some spoiled, rich, brat who's the daughter of two celebrities. You, however, are the strongest person I know, and I admire you because of that; I look up to you because of that."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7nO4JHFi1
"I don't know which Jordan you've been hanging out with, but the Jordan I know happens to be very resourceful, smart, funny, and strong. Note that, S-T-R-O-N-G. You got that? Good."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRvXF2fEVn
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbSqFcZwpy
"You haven't even known me for a month," she points out.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDKYT5eZeu
"Call it sisterly instinct! It's kind of like twin telepathy powers, except we can't do any of that epic shit; we just kind of know more about each other without talking."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkzag0DQ9c
She raises her eyebrows while wearing a smirk.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hn14tauEC
"What's my favorite color?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxKPGoN9sq
That hideous purse automatically pops into my mind.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JOiBSscqz
"Judging by your room, your accessories, and your clothing, I can make the assumption that your favorite color, Jordan Taylor Lovato, is pink. But do you want to see real magic?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj3iTX04a0
"You not using sarcasm for more than five minutes is not magic."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtJGLMj9Vw
I laugh dryly.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU8cdmxLcY
"Seriously! Do you want to see a magic trick?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6weq7uJ1un
"Maybe I am funny!" She grins cheekily. "Sure, Bailey. Enlighten me on this supposed magic trick."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FgRH2kJXR
"Okay, now, choose a number between one and ten. Multiply that number by six, then divide it by two, then subtract the original number you chose. Now, close your eyes. It's dark, isn't it? Poof! Magic!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKKUp3GfmV
She opens her eyes, then blinks at me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsewRdY1YYY
"I feel like shoving you off of this bed right now. Here's a tip: never get a job as a magician."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MQ5R5os0Z
"What about a job as a magician's assistant? Like, I hate the outfits, but magicians always have these suspicious, mysterious assistants that drift away after a while and form their own acts. I mean, have you ever seen that old 2013 movie called 'Now You See Me'? I loved the assistant that drifted off from her boss' act. Henley Reeves, I think her name was. At the start of the movie, she jumped into a tank of water and had these guys lock her in, then, when the timer went off, all these piranhas were dropped into the tank with her because she hadn't pulled a Houdini and managed to get out of the cuffs fast enough. So, then everyone started trying to get her out, but the tank filled with her blood, and everyone was, like, freaking out. Then, she reappeared behind them, laughing and saying "Whoever thought up this trick was sick!" I want to be that kind of magician's assistant!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡE69JTZtsmy
"So, just to clarify, you want to be the kind of magician's assistant that scares the living daylights out of the public and gives nightmares to children?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlVzbmP2nD
"Now you got it!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe2bQFh3lN
She just shakes her head, becoming silent for a moment.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YAZfpwAx0
"Okay, I have to ask, where do you get your sarcasm?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxB2LobHjX
"Hell if I know" I snort. "I don't know who my dad is, and Demi isn't this sarcastic, not even when I annoy her," I shrug. "Anyways, I don't have a sarcasm problem, if that's what you're implying. You just have a perception problem!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98byNhqyCs
"We can just say that you get your sarcasm from me, even though you're older," she mutters. "But you're so tiny that people could easily mistake you as being younger," I deliberately ignore her 'tiny' comment because I don't fancy raising suspicion by correcting her. "Go have a conversation with a group of strangers, and then ask them if you don't have a sarcasm problem. I'm no mind reader or anything, but I think they'll agree with me in saying that you do have a sarcasm problem."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhYyjWfjXa
"Why not just send to an AA meeting right now? Hello, my name is Bailey, and I suffer from ESD also known as Extreme Sarcasm Disorder. As of today, I've been zero days clean."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQC9ahrKk5
"Well, for starters, you're not an alcoholic, and the meetings would just be money down the drain because as of tomorrow you'd be zero days clean, as of next week you'd be zero days clean, as of next month you'd be zero days clean...do you get my point?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfZXgiQhlT
"Yeah, you're right! Me without sarcasm is like Homer without beer!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFhI2ijMhH
"The Simpsons, really?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9JCbT0LVB
"What? Bart is the shit, Lisa's kind of nerdy, though, and Maggie, well, nobody really gives a damn about her."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFRA1HUg1X
"So, in other words, Bart's me, Lisa's you, and I now know what your opinion is on babies; it's not a good opinion!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWyCj8bocz
"Excuse me? You did not just say that you are Bart! Last time I checked, you were a girly-girl. I, however, ride a skate-board like an expert! Besides, Bart's older. Demi can be Maggie, which I feel that the reason behind is obvious."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy4Wubbcv6
She scoffs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFFqxGIOls
"I know how to ride a skateboard; I just don't choose to, thank you very much!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBi6QLbnt5
I don't believe her for one second.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBecQpEBHR
"As for mom, you two need counseling, and I'm talking about Dr. Phil type counseling."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5B6Fsoc3L
I snort.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWvJ9ZRGQT
"Oh, yes, because out of everyone in this family, I'm the one who needs counseling with Demi," I sarcastically agree. "I'm the only one in this fam-...whatever we are that actually puts the 'fun' back in 'dysfunctional'."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7r635hyiR
"If by 'fun' you mean a sarcastic, devious, cursing, prankster, then yes, yes you do put the 'fun' back in 'dysfunctional," she rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKqof6ArEM
Taking her words as a compliment, to my dismay, I blush modestly.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw8FQ5nm6z
"Thanks. I do try."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Ir8UbYxe
She slaps the palm of her hand against her forehead.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTJHBT5QJA
"Not a compliment, Bailey! Well, at least it's not in my book."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnSsYpReZi
I frown. I honestly thought that was a compliment!copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT3Uf1sydn
"Oh, well, I'm still taking it as a compliment because it's the closest I've ever gotten."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09CcDu1klR
"Way to be depressing, Bailey! Jeez! That's just sad! In that case, you're beautiful, you're funny, you're-,"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzB8rfEOIb
"Shh, Jordan, shh! You're not allowed to compliment me because I'm the oldest."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiP04rbJh3
And because I don't believe you.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmKk8T6QWy
And because I don't deserve compliments.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7y3AIZpWS
And because all compliments that I receive are lies.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNvwnSOwHX
"I'm supposed to compliment you! As for being depressing, did you honestly expect me to not ruin the moment?" I sigh. "Oh, my dear girl, poor, poor, naive Jordan. It will forever be my goal to ruin any moment, and I have achieved that goal in this conversation! I didn't mean it, silly," I lie.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeOW9laKv6
Of course I'm lying. Who would ever have been dumb enough to compliment me?copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡchFOPXPupw
"I was just trying to ruin the moment. It's what I was born to do, but don't tell Demi I said that."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡICUIxxqSSM
All goes quiet. It is times like now when I wish that I could read minds.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaL9ZtsM5G
"I've realized something," she suddenly mumbles.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FypbGs2Au
"What's that, dearest sister? Enlighten me on your colossal revelation!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXKqoJzbG3
"What I've realized is that the closer we're becoming, the more the phrases 'don't tell mom' and 'don't tell Demi' are popping up in our conversations. It's weird for me, being raised up to tell her everything that happens in my life."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAYAsDJ0tW
"Stick around, Jordan. It won't be long until I've convinced you not to tell anyone anything."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOnNfmmOUI
Yes, I am realizing how awful that sounded. Why can't I just be a good big sister?copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoJPrcftcP
"Personally, I've learned that most of us kids are all in it together. Being bounced around from group home to group home, I soon learned that all of the kids, like myself, came from relatively similar backgrounds. We all tried to stick up for each other, for the most part. It was always kids fighting for survival against the adults. I suppose I've just grown accustomed to it now, and it feels strange to even think about confessing anything to an adult. So, it's natural for me to go to you, though you, having Demi as the most major influential factor in your life, draw more naturally towards her because, really, you're all each other has. I'm just tagging along for the adventure until I fall off of the back of this recklessly driven motorbike. But, I suppose, you could've already guessed it was wrecklessly driven with Demi's driving and all."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJtZccLG2a
She peers at me curiously.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfLNgX9jnc
"Bailey, are you-are you scared that mom's going to leave you again?" She hesitantly inquires.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRRH0xMFq2
I shift in place, uncomfortable with the topic. I chew on my bottom lip as I stare at my lap, debating about how I should answer her inquiry. Although it may not seem like it to your average person, the question she just asked me is a huge question.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCVjRf9zRD
"I'm not saying that I'm scared," I slowly begin. "Because I'm way too badass to be scared, but it's always better to prepare for the worst, which includes never expecting somebody to stay. Even your own shadow leaves you when you're in the darkness, Jordan."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkgxj9K4Vj
Suddenly, she flings herself at me, engulfing me in a bone-crushing hug.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZAPUQdF9B
"Everybody gets scared, Bailey," she whispers into my ear. "She won't leave you again, Bailey, because I won't allow her to. I won't leave you ever. You're stuck with us now whether you like it or not."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Pl7Fcz0Y
After getting over the shock of being hugged, I hesitantly return the embrace. Having not being accustomed to hugs on a weekly bas-...well, really, not ever, I awkwardly pat her back, grimacing slightly at how foreign this is for me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lo29GYMRZ
"I'm not scared, Jordan. Really, I'm not," I insist. "But I do hope that I don't lose you," I truthfully inform. "And, I guess I can tolerate Demi," I grumble.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuRcwzpmr9
She chuckles and releases me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw9IqwXxhg
"As long as I'm still breathing and my heart's still beating, you'll never lose me. Even after then, we can roam the globe as ghosts, haunting and frightening people. As for mom, you'll warm up to her eventually. Yeah, she can be annoying at times...a lot of times...but she means well."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcafg7K7g3
"You're starting to sound like one of the people off of those paranormal shows Demi likes to watch," I joke. "I know she means well..."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7DI3zr56N
"Do you, honestly? I mean, from my perspective, it seems as if you kind of loathe her for giving you up."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk2HTnsJ5P
"Nah, that's just my personality. Don't tell anybody I ever told you this, okay? But I adopted these tactics, so I could survive on my own. Sarcasm is one of those tactics."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4etYd8VIRA
"You need to let your walls down, Bailey, and drop the facade. You and mom both have walls built so high around ya'll that hardly anybody can even attempt to break them down. You need to quit trying to push people away, and let them in instead."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡciPv7ayC0V
I know she's right, but I won't be doing any of that until Hell freezes over.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk8dI3tdUp
"Since when did you become Dr. Phil? I wouldn't be surprised if you started drawling in a heavier Texan accent 'Let's start puttin' verbs in our sentences, ya'll!'"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡggpPijOvt8
She arches an eyebrow.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ66ZUdChEy
"What? My adoptive mom watched a lot of those types of shows, so I learned his catchphrases," I shrug.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡytYHod6PoB
She laughs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8El31M0vs
"In my defense, I'm Demi Lovato's daughter; therefore, I've learned quite a bit of her inspirational talk. You're next, though. We'll both be the next Dr. Phil."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc31JTCzJs
"The day I learn from your mother is the day that I become a sell-out. Don't get me wrong, it's inspirational and all, but it's just not for me," I shrug.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XA3fL2HYo
Yes, I am a Lovatic. No, I do not hang onto every syllable that Demi has ever uttered. I'm not a crazed fan-girl (especially since living with her is almost intolerable), and she's not God. Get it? Got it? Good.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZuQA09ZKF
Jordan rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡq51lbkirQj
"Our mother, Bailey, our mother," she corrects. "Get used to saying it."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCq43dVocV
"Your mother, Jordan, your mother," I mock. "It's not changing."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bSJB2XsSE
"What's not changing?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJU3GrOdsS
Speak of the devil and the devil will appear.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡsACqJueydy
"Just our answers for 'screw, marry, or kill," I easily lie.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡidtdDZGUFD
She shakes her head.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOgok2ZiE1
"Food's ready," she announces.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡiumw7bum6D
Jordan scrambles off of the bed, but I hold her back. Demi arches an eyebrow as I mischieviously smirk.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfPcSLwE44
"We'll only go downstairs if you play a round of 'screw, marry, or kill'."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWmCgHiwxm
"I hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but it doesn't work like that."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡatMsAIpS6G
"It can."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlVQcqnft6
"No it can't. Let's go."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhnizZAgzG
"Why can't it?copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06hytpppJz
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSVFrTVNWo
"Because I'm your mother, and what I say goes."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcby5Rm496
"Plus, she's already married," Jordan chimes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY935A4v4o
"You're right," I rise to my feet. "Let's go eat," I approach a triumphant looking Demi and quickly grab her left hand, removing her wedding ring and shoving it into my pocket.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bXadmPdMi
"Give me my ring back, Bailey!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHQhvT3iwF
"Not until you play."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iplb2pVWm
"This is ridiculous," she huffs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYgfeoi7LX
"I don't know about you, but Jordan and I are kind of starving."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhTJY4XZm
"Then, give me my ring back, and we can all go downstairs."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jNorj0TQQ
"Nope," I deny, popping the "p".copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6g442UKJB
"Fine," she caves through gritted teeth.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYPYYjNo8u
"Fine as in you'll play?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ2aa5nEVJ
With another eye roll, she sighs and leans against the doorframe.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbocXxeNkm7
"It's not like I really have much of a legal choice," she grumbles.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡocngQ7dnYv
"'Screw, marry, or kill' Wilmer Valderrama, Nick Jonas, and Joe Jonas."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSeFPuMckq
"Seriously?" She wonders with raised eyebrows.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr5ORx7Z1T
I nod.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CsQbxTDY3
"I think I would kill Joe," she slowly states.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzik5kJBRuM
I knew it. I widen my smirk, knowing that she has placed herself into a slight predicament. As if just realizing it herself, her eyes narrow on me.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T2Bwm3mqr
"You did this on purpose."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjZYwLAMp1
"What did I do?" I innocently bat my eyelashes.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNsHtUUaqy
"Answer honestly, mom," Jordan pipes up with a giggle.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI6PtCb3Op
"Marry Wilmer and screw Nick," she grumbles with another eye roll.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡro33HiFU6J
"What was that?" I taunt, cupping my ear.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dCPObYGyL
"Give me my ring back."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U4SMf9BiR
I drop her ring into her outstretched hand.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoStd3Wf88e
"Nick!" I scream, darting past her. "Demi wants to fu-," She clamps her hand over my mouth as we reach the bottom of the staircase.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1TWgpkkv8
"What?" Nick arches an eyebrow at us.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBYZS5ZCZj
"Nothing," Demi chirps.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡghVvw9vxov
I lick her hand.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgrNyTV6uK
"Ew! Did you just lick my hand?" She releases me, hastily wiping her hand on her jeans.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgbe9htTm0
"Demi wants to fuck you," I rush out.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z3wGSQ64t
"I never said those exact words," Demi defends, her face tinting red.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpU3InzU2N
"I'm confused," Nick glances between the two of uscopyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuG1YNTZAL
"'Screw, marry, or kill'," Jordan explains, walking down the staircase.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQcLxSFw2S
"Wilmer, you, and your brother, Joe," I add.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLsstfmMV7
"Marry Wilmer, screw me, and kill Joe?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEAQTUUxJV
Demi nods. He snorts.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwbo3lVA62
"In my opinion, you should've killed Wilmer because he hurt you, Bailey, and Jordan, screw Joe because it would've been factual, and...oh, shit."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7NAX8i8r7
"You people make this way too easy!" I laugh.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZELDUajOz
"I-I mean, uh, maybe you should've switched Joe and me. At least then it would have been somewhat factual," he changes answers as I sober up my loud laugh.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy1Fk11MhH
"Well, technically..."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnPBLXTdeW
"Save it, Bailey," Demi orders.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdHKf84blm
"Can you three continue your weird-fest another time?" Jordan questions. "I'm starving."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE2xYRfL6W
"When am I getting my phone back?" I ask Demi, slicing the french toast that is on my plate.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxurJOzkj9
"When I feel like giving it back to you."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdZn4YFrNE
"So, never?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgdySSyKPN
"Never say never."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE3gkvr1Ee
"Don't quote Bieber!" I groan.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbpecltTXK
"Good thing I didn't," she smirks.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡeahjCeom3R
Biting my tongue, I drown my now sliced french toast in syrup. I've barely managed to shove a forkfull into my mouth when a loud, shrill sound startles everyone.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUfncaTjUx
"Sorry!" Jordan apologizes, her face a bright red shade that reminds me of Rudolph's nose. "Hello?" She answers her phone, seeming to not check the caller I.D.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SGotWNM5N
I never realized that we have the same phone case.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRH8KMXiuC
"Oh, hi, daddy."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGU9RcM5pZ
As if there wasn't already enough tension. Demi's fork is gripped so tightly in her hand that her knuckles are the color of snow.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhRkidt86T
"Yeah, she's here. Okay. Bye, dad. Love you, too."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡA050y5nhu4
Covering the mouth piece, she thrusts the phone towards Demi. With a clenched jaw, she takes the phone.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zF4rxQjBs
"I'll be outside," she informs, leaving the table.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡshihCViaJl
Jordan winces when the front door slams.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡdag7VwbpEa
"Are you okay?" I softly wonder.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3cxWeFM21
She nods in response, gaze locked on her plate even though her hands are at her sides.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYqjLhAwYg
"I think I just lost my appetite," she sighs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXL522pvnO
"Want me to dump your plate? I'm done, too."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyzgWvx7Rd
"If you don't mind."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jwq4PKpJG
I scrape the remainder of our food down the garbage disposal and flip the switch.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuT7DOOggm
After purging up the very little food that I did eat, I return downstairs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAJE3O76dc
"I'm going to go check on Demi," Nick mumbles.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAafDfE3Ol
And then there were two....copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU0cVcY3KQ
~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnpPhKdOJ0
~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiqpTRnDiI
~Nick's POV~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYyNVnWkXF
~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡS50kdH2JxB
~copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9j2jLIaee
I find Demi sitting on the ground with her back pressed against the house. Her knees are bent, legs brought inward in an attempt at self-comfort. Her arms are wrapped tightly around her legs, just below her knees. Her face is shoved into her legs, her arms acting as a bit of a wall, preventing me from seeing her face.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrKbPZFPW9
"Dems?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4bZAx5cue
She doesn't move.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXGrnaX5cN
"Talk to me, Demi."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2V2CrhHDX
She shakes her head.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk9cEr5CqE
"Please?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2phOIMD7XF
She slowly lifts her head, allowing me to see her red, tear-stained face and slightly bloodshot eyes. I instinctively sit beside her, wrapping my arms around her. She clings to me as if her life depends on it, burring her face into my tee-shirt and releasing sobs that cause me to feel as if somebody has embedded a knife into my heart and is now twisting and turning the blade. I whisper sweet nothings to her, trying to calm her down. When her sobs finally manage to cease, she leans away from me with a sniffle, dragging her hands over her moist cheeks in an effort to wipe the tears away. I gently push her hands away from her face and wipe her tears myself. When done, I sit quietly, waiting for her to tell me what happened. She sighs heavily, sounding exhausted.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX5NAZOWCd
"He, uh, he told me to sign the papers."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u77kVrDE3
"What papers?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKulW5eUnK
"The divorce papers."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGah5LX4Zm9
Not knowing what to say, I say nothing. I honestly want to kill Wilmer. He has no right to treat neither Demi nor Jordan the way that he does, and he sure as hell has no right to treat my daughter the way that he does.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kAby6HlNX
"The whole time that he was ranting and raving about me and as to why we should get a divorce, he never mentioned Jordan once. Not once, Nick! It was as if she didn't even exist!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwunKVhUJUz
I remain silent, debating on whether or not I should ask the question that is practically burning a hole through my tongue.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaeeJSEkBt
"What-what did he say about you and about the idea of a divorce?" I hesitantly inquire.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxtNxkqCyv
To my surprise, she laughs, but it's not her usual infectious, bubbly, perky, smile-inducing laugh, though. This foreign laugh is bitter, spiteful, disgusted, and hateful.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFC5LAf3d8
"What didn't he say? Apparently I'm a worthless, pathetic, coward of a slut that no man will ever love."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡbieWtuGFaW
"You can't possibly believe him, right?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKpKnziaLG
She stays silent, her gaze flickering out across the front yard.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡayBLybpAp7
"Right? Demi, please tell me you don't believe him."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKvwlHX3AQ
"I-," she rolls her eyes upwards. "I don't want to believe him, but-,"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zf9v5an7s
"No buts, Demi. I want a straight answer. Do you believe him?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt2iIRAzOZ
"Yeah," she quietly admits.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡluNIQnWVfI
Shaking my head, I passionately mold my lips to hers in a long, slow kiss.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqZo16lQeR
"Don't believe what he says because none of it's true."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡza94J6kuUr
"But no-,"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuJXZpLyhk
"I love you, okay? I've loved you since our Disney days, and I can promise you that that love has never faded. I get that you're married, and my cliché, sappy confession is the last thing you probably want to hear right now, but-,"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZQWtRgGr3
To my surprise, she cuts me off with a kiss, much like the one I gave her. With a small, almost shy looking smile, she tucks a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, rises to her feet, and enters the house.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaLz73RiCv
To say I'm confused would be an understatement.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxosR2Gtce
When inside, I find Bailey and Jordan still in their same seats from earlier, but Demi is standing, hovering over an open manila folder and a pen. I'm about to ask what's going on when Demi speaks.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6lQeimj5M
"Jordan, how do you feel about your dad?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2WhiqrOTx
"Honestly?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsTtQbvHP5
Demi nods.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDxWL7mcKn
"I'll always love him, but I'm-I'm scared of him, mom. I honestly am petrified of living under the same roof as him."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡueO0iS3OCB
My eyes widen as my eyebrows raise. No child should be scared of a parent, ever.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaqYUubOhw
"Are those divorce papers?" Jordan inquires, referring to the papers in the folder.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsEm8Kera3
Demi nods.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2Vj41OM9Y
"Sign them."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuuFWXLBP0
"What?" Demi shrills.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡybDGT8PUjM
"Sign them, mom, please. He hurt you, and he hurt Bailey. I just want you to be happy."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiRgtxXe6e
"What about your happiness, Jordan?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTxeWOmSIo
"How can I be happy living in fear of your next argument with him? Just sign the papers."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu0Qm2Z6gU
I walk over to Demi and place what I hope is a comforting hand on the small of her back. With a shaking hand, she signs, initials, and dates all of the forms, then closes the folder.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpM1aq0bSv
"Now all we have left is court," I murmur before kissing her cheek.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXOKAkhHwV
The girls stare with wide eyes and beaming grins.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDSOunbyEe
"What was that?" Bailey continues to grin.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ym8puAt9H
"A kiss on the cheek?" I confusedly reply.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNHvtbaYxt
She shakes her head.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1rstd0qRT
"It was a Nemi kiss on the cheek!"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgrTilGhid
"Nemi's our ship name," Demi helpfully supplies.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX0On6GG9b
"You ship us?" I ask Bailey.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFQzsucaF8
She keenly nodscopyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡosu2QnNQYT
"What about you, Jordan?"copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jgWpJF1QC
"You seem like a decent guy, and you make mom really happy, so I guess you can say that I ship you two."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCpHHiglm0
"In that case.."copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsLS6TVaGB
I twirl Demi around so that she's facing me and kiss her. Bailey loudly squeals before running towards us and wrapping her arms around us.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuE2E3TMYR
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She chants before running back to Jordan.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOCG96oYNc
"Nemi kissed, Jordan! Nemi fucking kissed!" She exclaims before dramatically flopping onto her back. "My life is complete," she sighs.copyright protection103ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ9DW13G0v
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