To say I'm stunned when I see Demi's house would be an understatement. The house is huge! It's not quite a mansion, but I'm sure some could beg to differ. Jordan helps me with my few bags as Demi talks with the bus driver.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQoMEvID8W
"Do you like shopping?" Jordan randomly asks.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡD12EcNwRL5
I shrug.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2RF20Cr9K
"I mean, I don't hate it, but it's definitely not one of my most favorite activities. Why?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP3mAYIifJ
"It's just you don't have a whole lot, and I'm sure mom wouldn't mind taking you..." She trails off when she catches me looking at her.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqD6U00561
"Demi hates me."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7br3ZHDWNW
Jordan rolls her eyes.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWL3g9M3eI
"She doesn't hate you."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPbTlJwL0n
"So, she's always like that?" I sarcastically question with a snort.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD2APAIyGF
"Yep," Jordan replies popping the "p".copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNzeRvrRUJ
"You mean she's always a bitch?" I wonder, both intrigued and surprised. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ2IHBamgS
"If that's the term you want to use, then yes."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxQfFimghw
"Why is she like that?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oOYxvD3j7
"You know about her depression, right?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxhB3EPKMo
I nod.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡIesFc5kkpz
"Well, sometimes it gets really bad, and she'll take her anti-depressants. The problem is that she pops them like they're Tic Tacs or something. The pills worsen her mood swings when she takes them in great quantities during a short period of time," Jordan explains in a nonchalant tone.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡkipf4Lwkks
I can feel my eyes widening in surprise.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVBl7CmxcM
"What do you and your dad do about it?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0xBIMofnW
"Ignore the problem, pretend it's not there. It's like the elephant in the room that everybody tries to avoid," She solemnly replies.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA2SCfiQgh
The silence that follows in tense and slightly awkward. I want to say something, but I have no idea what to say. Carrying my bags on our shoulders, we exit the bus and shut the door as Demi waves at the bus driver. We silently follow Demi to the front door. She opens it, holding it agape as we enter. I stare in awe of the place, desperately trying to absorb the sight of everything before it all vanishes.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuvUolP9kJ
"Welcome to your new home, Bailey," Jordan chirps.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbV7BOoSRq
"Thanks," I mumble, still practically drooling over the house.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCPRqa43pw
This all just feels so surreal. Jordan giggles at my expression.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwBY0O1R84
"Welcome back," A masculine voice greets. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mThnst7UX
"Dad!" Jordan squeals, running into her father's outstretched arms. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡRStp0ismgo
He picks her up and twirls her around. I push aside the jealous feeling that threatens to consume me. With his attention on Jordan, I take the time to study him. I know his name is Wilmer Valderrama, and he's Venezuelan, I think. His eyes are a dark brown, just like Jordan's. My eyes are also brown, but mine have been described as being more clear than most brown eyes. I'm not sure what people mean by that, but I think it's a compliment. In Jordan, it is immediately clear that she is Hispanic. With me, I only know I'm Hispanic because of Demi. I honestly don't think Jordan and I have the same father. I thought that I'd be more disappointed or upset, but I'm strangely numb, as if I don't care. I'm also confused. I mean, if Wilmer's not my father, who is?copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaSx6r474C
"Who's this?" He wonders, placing Jordan back on her feet.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgy7rKoI8L
Jordan returns to my side, intertwining my hand with hers and giving mine a reassuring squeeze. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqAWHiYfVU
"Dad, this is Bailey," Jordan introduces. "Mom adopted her."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtZTXV4s2j
He arches an eyebrow with a toothless smile that I just know is forced.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JGUOeN3UW
"Really? Well, in that case, welcome to the family, Bailey," He greets in a tone that sounds somewhat strained, as if he doesn't mean what he's saying.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOBveGE7QT
"Thanks," I mumble, my gaze lowering to the floor as I resist the urge to shift my feet.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡELcMS5dHQK
"I'm going to show Bailey her room," Jordan says, tightening her grip on my hand. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlAVkqRBqS
Her father nods. Jordan practically drags me upstairs. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiItwSdoxX
"There are many bedrooms in this house, so if you don't like it, you can just choose a different one," Jordan explains as we reach a door.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvWQjcEcO6
She turns the knob and pushes the door open. My jaw drops as I take in the sight of the huge room. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡest6nK9pM1
"Do you like it?" Jordan questions, shifting nervously on her feet like I wanted to do downstairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU0rqUxs63
Although the walls are a neutral white color, the hardwood floors gleam as if they were just polished or waxed. There's a bed, a dresser, a desk, and a small flat screen. I bet their guests love staying with them.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT91S5Oizt
"I love it!" I exclaim.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6kr3yWPMc
She emits a relieved chuckle. I notice a door near my closet. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43GHO3tgLB
"Oh, that's our bathroom," Jordan helpfully supplies.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoadMMVNY9
"Our bathroom?" I echo. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNPLSzvuV0
"Um, yeah. To get to my room, all you have to do is go through the bathroom," She explains. "If that's a problem for you, we can always get you settled in another room. I mean, it gets pretty lonely here, but it's your decision, and don't let me influence it or sway or whatever," She hurriedly rambles with a blush. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡm45T327kM5
I can't help but laugh. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCNkljRMmg
"It's perfect," I reassure, even though I'm already plotting ways to prevent her from finding out about my issues.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vUtk1C61k
Her expression is half relieved, half sheepish. Noticing that we have yet to place down my bags, we toss them onto the floor in unison and giggle as we realize that we both did it at the same time. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIYV9WABvi
"When we go shopping for your clothes, we can pick out some furniture and stuff," Jordan says. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0fEOZEzba
"I'd like that," I nod with a smile. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdqqDIZzRU
She beams at me. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7atA7yqgC
"You're not the boss of me!" I hear Demi yell from downstairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRwTVdRHkJ
Jordan frowns.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡech1Fobmaq
"Here we go again," She mutters under her breath. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgPLhIGogD
"So, how did you get here under my skin? I swore that I'd never let you back in, should've known better than trying to let you go 'cause here we go go go again. Hard as I try, I know I can't quit. Something about you is so addictive. We're falling together, you'd think that by now I'd know 'cause here we go go go again," I softly sing to myself. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcX8ETZo5S
"Do you always randomly burst out in song?" Jordan jokes.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwrTEVAzXD
I flash her a small smile. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO4DuhIXea
"I consider it my coping mechanism. Whenever something seems to be going bad, I just sing whatever comes to mind," I explain.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwVFAizRPX
She raises her eyebrows. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EcnnVmpWg
"That's smart," She compliments.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYmTuTVfVv
I shrug.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkF38Jg55I
"It doesn't really do anything to block out the situation, but it helps me not think about the situation," I explain, realizing with a blush how idiotic I soundcopyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPOChhgsrd
To my surprise, she doesn't laugh at me or tease me; instead, she thoughtfully nods. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsOQDZV5F8
"How long do their disputes usually last?" I question.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIU3jQuAlW
"It depends on a lot of things," She vaguely responds.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTuZCQpvJg
"Do you wanna go back down there?" copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7pcQkntZl
She runs her tongue over her front teeth. I can tell that she isn't too fond with the idea of going back down there right now.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Se1hmbywQ
"We can," She slowly, almost reluctantly, replies.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu8V1KC8rc
"Help me unpack my stuff first?" I feign a hopeful question, just stalling for time until she feels comfortable going back downstairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJfshCNGxX
"Sure," She chirps a little to enthusiastically with a slightly relieved tone. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡdarf3QCqfW
My heart screams out for her. Nobody should be nervous about approaching their own parents. Then again, I'm kind of being a hypocrite with that sentence. We take our time removing all of my clothes and placing them in the closet and drawers of the dresser. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iZwFyODcd
"You have a lot of clothes," She chuckles, placing a tee-shirt on a hanger.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs17OKw8c4
I laugh.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9iPME56N3
"You probably have a hell of a lot more clothes than me," I jokingly accuse.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUpw3p8QIK
She doesn't say anything about my comment, but I see a smile lighting up her face. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1klabhJbS
"You should smile more," I tell her. "It suits you." copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwtPhNDvTr
She blushes, shifting her gaze to the ground. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n6OZOlew5
"Thanks," She mumbles almost inaudibly. "You should, too."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vN3hTqKGi
I smile at her. I retrieve my tote bag that has all of my personal items in it, removing my technology, my makeup bag, and my toiletries bag. I spill all of my technology onto my bed.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHpNdbdP41
"I'm going to set my toiletries and makeup in our bathroom," I inform Jordan.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJBOGKOzDp
She nods, not removing her gaze from my closet as she diligently hangs my clothes. I enter the large bathroom and lock the door behind me. I remove my blade from my makeup bag and tuck the bag in a cabinet along with my toiletries bag. With my blade in hand, I scan the room top to bottom in search of a hiding place.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsZNlOGiEb
"Shit," I hiss upon realization that I'm probably going to have to hide my blade in my room. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgE2Xz8RCo
I shove my blade into my back pocket before exiting the bathroom, flipping the light switch off behind me. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK6imGiz68
"You work fast," I observe, joining Jordan at my closet, noticing how much of my clothing is already hanging.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi49zvRoq8
"That's what she said." copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLmsoZezFK
"Gross, Jordan!" I exclaim. "You're so perverted," I laugh, jokingly shoving her. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU697sLciy
"And proud of it," She sticks her tongue out at me. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iLKPwbivN
I playfully roll my eyes, my chuckle dying. I find myself slowly drifting away from Jordan. I can feel my anxiety level rising steadily, my blade feeling as if it weighs one hundred pounds. I anxiously lick my lips, trying to calm myself before I have a panic attack; that's the last thing I want to happen.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaljvnBikw
"I'm going to place this under my bed," I inform, tugging at one of my now empty suitcases.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSfeHE3krn
"Are you sure you don't want to put it in your closet?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU2zeIBL27
I nod. She shrugs, turning back to my closet. I grab the suitcase and walk over to my bed. Stealing a glance behind me to make sure that Jordan isn't watching, I hastily snatch my blade from my pocket. I drop down on my stomach and army crawl until half of my body is underneath my bed. I cram my blade into the ripped lining of my suitcase, making a mental note to hide it better later. I scoot from underneath the bed and rise to my feet.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLB1FonWGC
"Are you ready to go back downstairs?" I hesitantly question after tucking my last suitcase underneath my bed.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDlwhmh3rQ
Jordan tightly bobs her head.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96UCeMGVV2
"Guess it's time to face the music," She sighs, trying-and failing- to lighten the mood.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyX0o63GkK
I flash her a quick, sympathetic smile before taking her hand and leading her downstairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQR99K929d
"Mom?" She calls out.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBubNzulQ9
"Living room."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡl17NudMnzz
Jordan takes the lead upon both of us realizing that I have yet to explore the rest of the house. The living room is nice to say the least. There's a couch, love seat, and sofa chair, all cream color and seemingly very plush. There's a large flat screen, but it's not on. Demi was just sitting in the utter silence all alone? I finally take a look at Demi herself. A startled gasp almost slips past my lips. Her eyes are red and irritated where they should be white while tear tracks line her cheeks.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwt6QUz99U
"A-Are you okay?" I nervously stutter, resisting the urge to fiddle with my fingers.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxYAvlMeHl
She nods with a fake smile that I yearn to make real. I don't know what's worse, her yelling at me, her ignoring me, or her faking a smile towards me. Jordan opens her mouth, but her eyes zone in on a manilla folder laying on the glass coffee table.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0tqXZH6St
"What's that?" She wonders, her jaw jutting towards the folder.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfLIIiM3UW
"Nothing," Demi quickly-almost nervously-replies, sliding the folder off of the coffee table and hugging it against her chest.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ghRstScV
Jordan gazes at our mother with a peculiar expression before shaking her head, obviously letting the subject drop.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTomVXPt6S
"Where's dad?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTtMdx9FrN
"He's out," Demi slowly and vaguely responds.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUABH9nZKh
Jordan releases a low, cynical chuckle from deep within her throat.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6s27i1Rdm
"You mean he's getting wasted and screwing some whore, right?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNWLxPTCWB
"Jordan Taylor-,"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWlepdMJjF
"No," Jordan almost screams, interrupting Demi's scolding with a fierce, rapid shake of her head. "You can't keep pretending that our lives are so freaking perfect, mom! Why can't you just admit that dad cheats on you and that you have another daughter that you kept in secret and that your past is coming back to haunt you?" She questions, her voice elevating. "Why can't you just admit that we're not the strong, unbroken family that we fool everyone into believing that we are?" She whispers, her eyelids brimming with tears. "Sometimes,"-she pauses, her tone suddenly dark-"Sometimes I'd rather die than tell people who my parents are."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRHBd7AatY
I inhale a sharp breath at Jordan's choice of words. Death is such a tender subject. For all I know, Jordan could be talking about suicide. For all I know, she may want to die. As my thoughts are turning morbid, I don't register what is happening until a loud crack echoes throughout the otherwise silent room. My eyes widen in shock and horror as Demi's eyes do the same. My gaze shifts back and forth between a seemingly calm Jordan and a stunned Demi. Jordan wears a small smirk on her face whereas Demi has one hand covering her agape mouth.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh56Y5B16f
"Baby, I-," Demi begins to, I'm assuming, apologize, but Jordan cuts her off with an incredulous snort.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrnns5l5mj
"You just love pushing people away, don't you?" She, even though it's a question, states before turning around and speed walking towards the stairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u3RMtIhwB
I swallow the bile that threatens to rise.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqHMFH3KaI
"I can't believe you slapped her," I manage to choke out in a strangled tone.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoMCNjtnR8
"You think I meant to?" Demi sobs. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYkH3dtgIz
"Well, you sure as hell didn't hesitate!" I snap loudly.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg8nmKc0La
Demi's eyes are nothing but pools of guilt. I feel no sympathy. Nobody should put their hands on a child, especially their own. I've both seen it and been a victim of it. It scars you for life.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZYzjVbeO6
"Now, if you'll excuse me, mother," I spat, letting my disgust and sarcasm drip from my tongue.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUuzlyW9j7
She flinches from my harsh tone, but I can't even feel satisfied about that at the moment.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ294M1LVvHt
"I'm going to go see if your daughter is alright," I mutter.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmopWz9hBa
I hurry up the stairs, not looking back at Demi's fragile state in fear of becoming putty in her hands. I keep reminding myself that her-my own mother-slapped Jordan, her daughter, my sister. It could've been me. It should've been me. I enter my bedroom to find no Jordan. I see the bathroom door is closed, but the light is on. Dread and fear washes over me. What if she's harming herself? I quickly banish the thought. Just because I escape to the bathroom to cut doesn't mean that everybody does. Not everybody is a self-harming freak like myself, especially not Jordan. I rap my knuckles lightly against the door.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡANZPqOR6fU
"Jordan?" I softly call out. "Can you let me in?" I hopefully question.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡErw241bZlw
She opens the door moments later. I wrap my arms around her, lightly pushing her further into the room and kicking the door shut with my foot.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6qZRRrgfz
"Are you okay?" I wonder.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEFNI4Shvr
She flashes me a fake smile, one that much resembles Demi's. I wonder if mine does, too.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuG5mZCe4L
"I'll be fine," she reassures, her voice sounding as if she's been crying.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsvVYAVgdc
I offer her a small yet genuine smile in which she weakly returns. I place my fingertips gently underneath her chin, tilting her head so I can clearly see her injured cheek.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqZUizGa5G
"I don't think it'll bruise, but, if you want to, just ice your cheek on and off for 24 to 48 hours, but only apply the ice for 15 minutes at a time, and make sure that there is a towel or washcloth between your skin and the ice. Also, obviously, you should rest your cheek and elevate it, if possible," I inform, mentally cringing as I realize that I sound like an article from WebMD or something.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0racyg1x4y
"How do you know all of that?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ110FIuF7vW
I shrug.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW8EOMlmp3
"I've gotten a few bruises myself," I vaguely reply, playing it off with a slight laugh.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgZwiuuCyc
One side of her mouth quirks up, her dimple winking at me.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLuXcsxVrb
"Do you wanna go get that ice now?" I warily inquire.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LfWFJpqdw
She shakes her head.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66AbGtVD9S
"You know that Demi didn't mean it, right?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6yji0Cm4k
She sighs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLmxUrKRUm
"I know," She assures after a long pause. "But that doesn't erase the fact that she did slap me," She reminds.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LsqNu8bx8
I roll my bottom lip in my mouth, knowing that I'm kind of walking on eggshells right now. I don't want Jordan to be angry with me.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TAbxOaSJg
"She looked really guilty."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡw64RrUBcLd
"As she should. She's never hit me before."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡThByWiQyna
"That doesn't surprise me. Overall, Demi doesn't seem like a bad mom," I surprise myself by saying.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SNK3tD4xA
Jordan raises her eyebrows.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk6RQzE7uz
"What?" I laugh. "I mean, despite the fact that she gave me up-which she probably had a good reason to or thought it was for the best at the time-she's a great mother. Everybody makes mistakes, Jordan," I tell her, playfully bumping my hip with hers.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMB3v9iuY8
She giggles.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGrpBD0Hz
"The fact that you're right is highly annoying."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTYTVnuqg1
"Girl, I'm always right," I cheekily joke, dramatically flipping my hair. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡr175Ir3oa5
She rolls her eyes with a light chuckle.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYqICaNDtj
"Come on, drama queen," She takes my hand and opens the bathroom door.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jIispPBcs
"Where are we going?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm8pYqu8lc
"As much as I'd love to give mom the silent treatment, I think it'd be best if I lift some of the guilt off of her shoulders by letting her know that I forgive her," She informs, dragging me through my bedroom.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFPcQbhcoX
"And why must I be present when you forgive her?"copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUhf0AnS1T
"Because mom's an emotional and an impulsive shopper. She'll spoil us like crazy with the hopes and intentions of us forgiving her." copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡauwb8FOQAJ
"You're so evil, Jordan," I smirk.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eML1BjD1M
"Oh, I know," She winks.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡahmILNStNU
I laugh as she continues to drag me behind her.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhX36WTuwn
"Mom?" Jordan calls out with a frown as we discover that Demi is no longer in the living room.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwtXkKzgLD
Jordan leads us to a slightly ajar door and gently pushes it open to find Demi sitting on, I'm assuming, her bed. Demi's head is bowed, her face in her hands as her shoulders violently convulse with silent bawling. Jordan releases my hand, leaving me to stand awkwardly by the door as she climbs onto her mother's bed. Jordan wraps her arms around Demi and whispers something in her ear that I'm not able to catch. Demi then returns her daughter's hug, mumbling 'I'm sorry' over and over again. To my surprise, I find myself rapidly blinking back tears.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡKscXk7TgQU
"Bailey, how about we all go shopping, and you can get whatever you want for your room and wardrobe?" Demi suggests, wiping tears from her face as their mother/daughter embrace ends.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwjQJMnotW
I open and close my mouth several times, taken aback by her use of the name that I gave myself.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSEalsdUJV
"Yeah," I breath out in an astonished tone. "I'd love that. Thank you so much."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2Cf9TiNTe
"You don't have to thank me," She chuckles. "You're my daughter. You and Jordan both deserve all of the happiness that life has to offer."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHAf83Ml6S
I grin at her.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsKZ5eKtai
"Now, let's all try to get ready within the next hour," She laughs, crawling off of her huge bed and walking towards her closet.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡg438FQ9VL2
Jordan scrambles off of Demi's bed, grabs my hand, and runs upstairs.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrqFCY6BPi
"I told you mom doesn't hate you," She teases once my bedroom door is closed and locked.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3gQktLgyE
"Whatever," I mumble, unable to wipe the smile from my face.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoHDLbqLCD
Jordan smiles before entering her bedroom through our bathroom. I search through my closet for something to wear, grab my clothes, and enter the bathroom.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aYMQLGbD3
"Jordan!" I call, knocking on her door. "I'm going to take a shower."copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTygAq42KK
"Alright," is her muffled reply.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6QkH6rsu6
I take a quick shower, ignoring my demons. I change into a red and black striped tank top, grey skinny jeans, and black and white checkered slip on shoes. I apply light foundation, light mascara, and a light coat of black lipstick. I straighten my hair and give my lips a final smack before exiting my bathroom and returning to my bedroom. I stack both of my wrists with various bracelets. I can hear the water running in the bathroom. I guess Jordan decided to take a shower, too. I shove my blade and wallet bursting with money into a simple, black, cross body purse.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOmnXUc23H
"You take really quick showers," I observe while sitting on my bed as Jordan exits my bathroom already dressed.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M5pbHdlvW
I envy how she's able to wear not a single drop of makeup (minus the slight foundation on her injured cheek) and still look flawless. She didn't even have to straighten her hair! She giggles at my observation.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOqbAXQzym
"Are you two finally ready?" Demi teases as we enter the living room. copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡcysVUyBZut
"You're the one to talk," Jordan retorts causing Demi to laugh her loud, infectious laugh.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUBoV7l1m9
I grin, relishing in the happy moment, knowing better than to get my hopes up by believing that it'll last. It's only a matter of time before Demi goes back to hating me.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSr83pXL10
"Let's go shop till we drop, girls," Demi chirps, hooking her arm through the straps of her purse that sits on the coffee table.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GpTL2FU0t
"I can not believe you just said that," Jordan groans as we all head out the front door.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAGlhP2mco
But, until that time gets here, I'm going to allow myself the happiness-with a family to call my own-that I've wanted my entire life.copyright protection86ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPnkor3Z6q
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