~Demi's POV~copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWgUemeOIy
After the girls leave, an awkward silence falls over us. Nobody knows what to say. I notice that Dallas wears an expression of confusion and contemplation. I hold my breath, anxiously waiting for her to ask something.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVxeV82uEv
"Who was that girl?" She finally decides. "The one that opened the door..."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ460z6Xmkyd
"My daughter," both Nick and I answer in unison, and her eyes widen.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjWJd1jEfM
"Her name's Bailey," I inform in a barely audible tone, my gaze casted downwards.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xf19dMBKE
"I...when?" Dallas stammers.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4oezCEl3Z
"Fourteen years ago, on my Neon Lights Tour."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTVLBrJtwi
"But...but you were with Wilmer! You were happily with Wilmer."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYhdW6znFi
"Happily?" I shake my head. "Yeah, okay, sure, him and I have had some happy moments, but the bad greatly outweighs the good."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1QnDPxcw9
"And your cheek?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡunsXyjZIR2
"Wilmer...he-he, uh, he hit me," I ashamedly admit, my words eventually becoming nothing more than a mumble as I toy with my fingers.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLPCuetpqR
"What? No," My head shoots up as I look at her in astonishment. "He wouldn't do that," Although she sounds like she's trying to reassure herself, her words still hurt.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3aqhKOSZE
"Oh, so I'm lying now?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNxLL00QwW
"That's not what I-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo7fBhWDVD
"No, you're right," I sarcastically continue. "I'm lying because I'm that much of an attention-seeker. And you guys have totally been in my life for the past fourteen years, so you must know what has and hasn't happened. I fell, right? I'm not getting a divorce because my marriage is freaking perfect: my husband doesn't hit me, he doesn't disappear for days at a time and come home drunk, and his daughter isn't terrified of him," Fed up, I rise to my feet and glare at Nick. "You shouldn't have called them."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdnYNnycF9
I hurry upstairs, desperately wanting to get away from my family. This is exactly why I haven't spoken to any of them in fourteen years. I close myself in a random room, not bothering to lock the door. Shifting my gaze around, I realize that I'm in Jordan's room. I sit on her bed and take a deep breath, exhaling heavily. A sob wracks my body before I crumble.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3YfUT0yve
"Dems?" Nick says, followed by the clicking of the door being shut.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv39ZVge1S
"They hate me."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfCmKR9XPH
"No, they don't," he swipes away a few of my tears that managed to fall. "They're just surprised. They haven't seen you in years," he reasons. "I can invite them back another day-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jXcUB4Jod
"No, I want to get this over with," I sigh, rising to my feet and walking towards Jordan's bathroom. "Do you think they'll judge us?" I splash cold water on my face and grab a towel.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jwv32v020
"Why would they judge us?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNNGxGU8hA
"I don't know," I shrug. "Maybe they won't judge you, but they'll definitely judge me," I return the towel to the rack after drying my face.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5EyVfr1th
"They won't judge either of us. They're not like that. You're their daughter and sister, Demi. Just give time for the shock to wear off."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdjYTz5WIs
"I guess," I lower my gaze to the floor.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jU3Qkd2OE
My breathing hitches as my body freezes.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGpAbU0GJi
"Nick, please tell me that my eyes are deceiving me."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ0Ds594rL
With a trembling hand, I remove the only thing from Jordan's trashcan. The metal blade shimmers as the light bounces off of it.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7aTmhMNra
"Maybe her razor broke?" He suggests.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO2xjrI3Qu
"Then where's the rest of the razor?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBRpjdt3Aj
My stomach churns as I think about Jordan harming herself.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡhth8ZQeH98
"How did I not notice?" I think back, wracking my brain for any indication, any signs.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgKEmGCUnk
Nothing.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aKrZ7ZGO0
"There's more than likely a reasonable explanation-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfRv7Tx61t
"Yeah," I snort, cutting him off. "Her life has been turned upside down, and now she's seeking control. I don't blame her. It's my fault. I'm the worst mother ever."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQcKu9jdMO
"No, you're not," he insists. "You know now, that's all that matters. We can help her, Dems."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEO7CqgjgW
I nod, tossing the blade back into her trashcan with a sigh.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YF6FU7Ti3
"She threw it away," he points out. "That must be a good sign."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdvyVBu469
"I hope so," I mumble, returning my eyes to the floor.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHWZzHc0yL
"Hey," he tilts my chin up so that my eyes meet his. "None of this is your fault."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxfCRale3q
"I have a very difficult time believing that," I roll my eyes. "My daughter is fighting internal wars with herself, and I didn't even realize it. Despite everything, she always seems so happy, but I should know better than anyone how much a smile can hide. I failed her, Nick."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQogC2gRlk
"Why don't we just tackle one thing at a time?" He softly asks. "We can talk to Jordan when she gets back, but, for right now, your family is downstairs probably wondering where we've disappeared to."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JUUHTyTmW
"You're right."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcOH8WcYhu
To my surprise, he suddenly places his lips on mine, only to break our embrace just as quickly.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7REB5hfEal
"I'm sorry," he hastily apologizes, his face flushing.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LMMeQzTcv
"Why?copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpk6YLbCFD
"I just-I didn't know if you-," I interrupt his soon to be senseless rambling by wrapping my arms around his neck and bringing his lips to mine.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O9SPsMck2
Upon his silent, hesitant request, I open my mouth, allowing our tongues to entangle themselves as he gently presses me against the sink. When we break apart for air, I rest my forehead against his with my eyes closed.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡwICuvbao3s
"Do you know how long it's been since I've been kissed like that?" I rhetorically question in a soft tone.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡppovFgBrCS
I peck his lips, then return downstairs with him in tow.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhl7xoYMdJ
"So," I address my family, hovering near the stairs, ready to make a break for it, if needed. "I'm assuming that you all have questions, and I'm willing to tell ya'll everything, but, in return, I ask that you do not judge my daughters or look at them any differently. They didn't ask for any of this to happen."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3neQJezYP
My family agrees, and I sigh, knowing that this is going to take a while.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WMOC7WVT2
"So, why were you screaming at Wilmer earlier?" Nick wonders after I'm finished talking, not giving my family time to speak.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Ywhl1zB0
Honestly, I was hoping that he had forgotten about that.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKlJB1XVMF
"Well," I nervously toy with my fingers, stalling for time, knowing that he'll be pissed when he finds out.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡRawsyRqBWu
Suddenly, the front door opens.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rW5os8zW9
"We're back!" Bailey announces in a sing-song tone.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6tVEdaJeC
She groans when the three of them enter the living room.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX6Y79sjkp
"I told ya'll that we'd end up interrupting something if we didn't call first. They look so serious."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡd74gj18Kiy
"Dallas, my mom called," Sara says. "She wants me home."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0uaegWcqE
"Okay," my sister nods, approaching the blonde girl.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpkH0zlUva
"Come back for dinner, Dallas, if you can," Nick invites, which shocks me. "And you guys, too," he includes the rest of my family.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRbDZBfb80
"I'd like that."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡzziocRfY8T
"And for dessert we can watch Nick receive his death wish," I sarcastically chime.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc0Stv9fz4
"Ooh, trouble in paradise," Bailey mutters.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJjDAjjrNK
"Rose garden filled with thorns," Jordan adds.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GBslvhUWe
"Keep you second guessing like oh my god," Bailey recites the familiar throwback lyrics.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXNH6NL51T
"Who is she?" Sara smirks, obviously knowing the older song as well.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRPgq0Pin2
"I get drunk on jealousy," Bailey turns to her.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41PkJgvNY4
"But you'll come back each time you leave."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCewuOVGzB
"Cause , darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream," They finish in unison, giggles escaping their lips.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8IsFBFRay
"I didn't know that you listen to throwbacks," Bailey sounds kind of impressed.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡbETpdeoPHY
"Taylor Swift is perfection," Sara shrugs. "Plus, there's a lot that you don't know about me," she winks before following my sister out the front door.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡIykqwnOXUz
"We'll be upstairs, so you can finish talking," Bailey drags Jordan up the stairs, and a door shuts moments later.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVIc68gOgu
"Nick," my little sister removes her car keys from her purse. "Thanks for the dinner offer, but I'm going to have to pass. Demi," she wraps her arms around me, and I return the gesture. "Please don't be such a stranger now," she whispers in my ear before releasing me, not even waiting for a reply. "Bye," she waves over her shoulder as she leaves.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ehlYoCcZx
"How about Eddie and I go pick up something for dinner?" My mom offers.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHEkwfYE69
"Dianna, you don't-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6jNVUioUq
"I insist," she smiles before her and my stepdad leave.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqWRXwSvty
"Okay," Nick turns to me. "What did he say you?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCi2bozybl
Sighing, I sulk to his bedroom, knowing that he'll follow behind me.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1pMbsVmCv
"Dems?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPvkD8XRk5
I lean against the wall with my arms crossed. I direct my gaze to the floor.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrWxv4FTZ5
"He's fighting for custody," I nearly mumble.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzJXbGePZI
"Of Jordan?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLFHkqwTHd
"And Bailey."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMxGgT2rpt
"What?" I look at him, gauging his reaction. "He can't do that!"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KzLPgUc6b
"I put his name on her adoption papers," He curses and begins to angrily pace. "I had to put someone's name down. I didn't have a choice, Nick."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q8vDPPm6W
"You could've put my name, Demi! I just got her in my life, and now that bastard is going to try to take her away from me," his hands curl into fists at his sides. "I could kill him, Demi. I could honestly kill him and feel no remorse whatsoever."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1kEHNYqte
"Nick, calm down-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡs99YBgLzpB
"Calm down?" He laughs bitterly. "How am I supposed to calm down? Is there anything else that you haven't told me?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK1Y59XTVH
"He alerted the media," I hesitantly respond.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0V9uB5KbJ
"About what?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu2cVtxygb
"I don't know."copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBie6pB8jd
"Just fucking great," he shakes his head. "He could ruin us with one news article," he stalks towards me, clearly pissed as he fumes under his breath.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡcViFjhy07a
I instinctively flinch when he raises his hand, only to feel embarrassed when he simply streaks his fingers through his hair. My reflex doesn't go unnoticed by him.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V7ikhoMNQ
"Demi?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9HxMu9ITI
"You're angry," I mutter. "I just assumed-,"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S8WRf5CUq
"I will never hit you. No matter how pissed I may be, whether at you or not, I don't want you for one second worrying about me harming you, okay?"copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOa4YKxaH2
I mutely nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmLkhpBbRj
"We'll figure this out, Dems," he grips both of my hands, kneading reassuring circles into my skin with the pads of his thumbs. "I'm not going anywhere," he kisses me like he did early, pulling away quickly, and I, also like earlier, hook my arms around his neck and kiss him as if my life depends on it, on him.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6BuybwuRS
In a way, I guess it does.copyright protection134ＰＥＮＡＮＡh71qL53P18
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