~Bailey's POV~copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡur6AVTriQB
Ever since Jordan, Demi, and I went shopping at the mall a couple of days ago, the air has always seemed tense and awkward. I'm not too sure why, though. Maybe it's just me and my fucked up mind thinking like that. Today's Saturday, and I'm currently sitting at the dining room table with Jordan and Demi, shoveling around the scrambled eggs on my plate with no appetite whatsoever. I haven't seen Wilmer much since my unexpected arrival, but I have a feeling that it's normal for him to disappear for days at a time.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡguPOvp3te3
"You need to eat, Bailey," Demi quietly commands.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Nf4gSzgk
Although our relationship still is pretty rocky, she's been addressing me by 'Bailey' a lot more often now. I'm glad because I've always hated having the name 'Hailey'; it's just way too girly of a name for my taste.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN7AlrCQwj
"I'm not hungry."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe1rEEyeCs
All goes quiet except for the slight scraping of fork tines against glass plates.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PZgwCinyB
"Um, how would you two like to visit some people today?" Demi wonders, sounding quite nervous.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhUQBmLC5s
"Who?" Jordan inquires.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9CIlw4Use
"Just some old friends of mine," She replies with a grimace.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vn9hT406K
"Doesn't seem like you're too fond of visiting them," I observe.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTgyFW1OAl
"I'm not," She sighs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BuZwvNamF
"Then, why are you even contemplating it?" Jordan questions.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyvHkRHqRs
Demi chews on her bottom lip, but I don't know if it's because she's nervous or if she's thinking, possibly both. My phone suddenly chimes, causing me to jump at the startling loud noise. I remove my phone from my pocket, powering it up. I realize that it's a Twitter notification for my personal account. I frown while tapping the notification. I never get notifications for my personal Twitter account because I have zero friends, and there is no reason for anybody to follow me because I never tweet or anything. I'm very popular on my secret, 'Lovatic' account, however. My eyes widen when I notice that my personal account has gained tons of follows. Curious, I scroll through my mentions and furrow my eyebrows in confusion when I realize that all of my new followers are fellow 'Lovatics'. I click on a link in one of the mentions. It takes me to one of those annoying, paparazzi, blog sites. I skim through the article, emitting a gasp.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5N3UIFO2H
"What's wrong?" Demi and Jordan question in unison.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPRp0DaVJJ
I arch an eyebrow at them before shaking my head.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUl4ispAAk
"Look," I order Demi, thrusting my phone towards her.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiosGr5Jjj
She removes it from my grasp, her jaw dropping moments later.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZECIy2UBJ
"Shit! Shit! Shit! This is not good!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ziX84a2yT
I would laugh at her reaction if it weren't also my own. Handing me back my phone, she starts tapping away on her own. She raises in to her ear with a very pissed off expression.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwA1Zoamiy
"Why the hell is my daughter's face plastered on blog sites?" She yells.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvA7sx2xNG
I wince, pitying whomever is on the other side of the call.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzdZx5fj6J
"Well, fix it!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBdb9T7KUX
Oh how much I wish I could hear the other side of the conversation. Demi runs a distressed hand through her dark, brown hair.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbEvWcRc7F
"Fine! Okay, I'll ask her," she says, her tone softer as she glances at me with worried eyes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NiXPyvoHB
My curiosity is peaking.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMTEGbPXs8
"Bye," She huffs, quickly ending the call.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZUFMKII1X
Then, to my surprise, she picks up her fork and continues eating like nothing happened. I clear my throat. She doesn't look up from her plate.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtNUhSIuyp
"What was that all about?" I question, knowing it involved me.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtNEAkbzBc
"Oh, nothing," Demi reassures in a way too chirper tone.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIsHLUEEpA
I glare at her.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiwtk4X8sF
"It's just that mymanagerwantsmetotelltheworldaboutyou," She says in a rush.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY3mELfmVt
I widen my eyes, surprised that she can even talk that fast.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt6xmHcy6l
"Okay....let's try that again but slower this time," I tell her in a tone that is used on toddlers.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrSdK9mhtd
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfIYTx2FGV
"My manager," She says deliberately too slow. "wants-"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07E4pGGvr5
"Cut the crap, Demi, and just spit it out!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14efvLBClw
"My manager wants me to tell the world about you."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tvbzZpVz7
There's an awkward pause. I honestly don't know what to say or even think. I mean, I knew it was bound to happen sometime, especially since Demi is kind of one of those high profile celebrities. Plus, baby drama is always scandalous.....even though I'm a teenager. Do I want the world to know about me? Do I even care?copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GQwEqDEIb
"See? Now was that so bad?" Jordan sarcastically questions Demi.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgiPXwNCyU
Jordan earns a glare as a response. Again, I would laugh, but I'm too taken aback by Demi's announcement.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8wzntlkp6
"I, personally, don't think it's that big of a deal," I hesitantly inform, nervous of Demi's reaction.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXEB7VBYcN
"Really?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡibGUqUQUin
I nod.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMozQlxyeQV
"But are you okay with how the media and the public is going to react?" I inquire.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡf18NVjnpHZ
She pauses and takes a deep breath before slowly replying.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDYKEjcGpJ
"No matter what I do or say, it's not going to change how and what the media and the public think. As long as my 'Lovatics', friends, and family continue to support me, than I'm good. Will you be okay with the media and the public?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyDz1P0BO7
I nod, even though I'm not too sure of my answer. I'm just nervous about all of the hate I'm going to receive. Will I be able to handle it?copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE85AkQfLP
"Well, in that case, how would you feel about doing a live, video chat or something on Twitter?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn7S35NC60
"I guess," I shrug, not really caring how she informs the world but more worried about the reactions of people.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡc70t1gqFx2
"Thanks for the input," she sarcastically thanks.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLXPdvSSC3
"Why yes, Demi, I would just fancy doing a live, video chat to all of your millions of followers!" I try with a beam, my tone way too perky to be genuine.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHaaPmJ7Be
"I hope you know that your sarcasm isn't appreciated."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4s9YuZpp2
"I hope you know that I don't care."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡx543QPhb4B
I ignore her irritated glare, spearing a sausage link with my fork.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBKcpxbPwX
"If we do a live, video chat, the media will be on it faster than bees on honey."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡm41E5xeZdX
"Ooh, are we going all Hannah Montana up in this shit?" I smirk.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡyACiSOFXWc
She rolls her eyes but doesn't bother scolding me.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsGhncvv7M
"Which means," she continues, "that we're probably going to have to be on some talk show within the next week or so. Are you two okay with that?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡuApPWWNlh3
"I'm used to it," Jordan reassures, finishing the final bites of her food.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡofpk5ZiTnv
"I'm down," I answer.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZq2Bqsc2T
Demi raises a perfect eyebrow, giving me a pointed look.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHHHYi2CAF
"What did I say now?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡyItbJR7nsG
To no surprise, I get no response. I groan in annoyance.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡngvHtaZaEm
"I'm okay with that," I roll my eyes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡezCg83XfgV
"Good because you don't have much of a choice. What about Ellen?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡklLAsgc44Q
"Why her show?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAGJhH4IR2
"She's not rude, and she doesn't judge like a lot of other talk show hosts," Demi explains with a shrug.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡnplFnNTp8X
"Yeah, okay, I'd love to," I answer with a grin.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCtpGDPiy4
"Great," Demi smiles. "Now, as for meeting my friends today-"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0dOdOOrhl
"Who are we seeing?" I interrupt.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Wxg9KOND
Demi clucks her tongue, avoiding my gaze. I raise an eyebrow, wracking my brain for ideas about who we're meeting. I then gasp.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJxkMNJ2RX
"Wait, does it have to do with Kevin Jonas?" I excitedly grin.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCENyipKPV
She stays silent.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo3uJ4ZwFa
"Oh my gosh, it does doesn't it?" I loudly question.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAQFqq8J42
Demi nods, biting her lip to suppress a smile. I can't help but squeal.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpWZqAfvbn
"Somebody's a fan girl," Demi laughs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KNdbXhjz9
"Well, duh! It's Kevin, Joe, and Nick fucking Jonas!" I continue to squeal, ignoring Demi's slight glare for my use of colorful language.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gVnRqKrkh
"Isn't there another one?" Jordan questions.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbyJ16h6fm
"Yeah, Frankie, but nobody gives a shit about him," I answer.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWyBvEaR5a
Jordan's jaw drops, the corners of her mouth turning upwards. Demi clamps a hand over her mouth, but I can tell that she's resisting a laugh.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNYoGJVzVz
"Wait, but, how do you know enough about them to be a fan girl or whatever?" Jordan questions. "They broke up a long time ago,"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWg1bajlcJ
"Yeah, they broke up before I was even born, but with all of the research that I've had to do on the Queen over here,-" I shoot Demi a look, "I learned a lot about the Jo Bros," I explain.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd9cLOgTnG
"The Jo Bros?" Demi snickers.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrK60zRVMA
I swallow a mouthful of eggs while shooting her a glare.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMouXLLEJy
"Shut up."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5jqxpQimh
She jokingly holds her hands up in surrender. I shake my head at her.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4D4W4POwP
"Which one is your favorite?" Jordan wonders, sipping from her glass of orange juice.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt34UooQDD
"Nick."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4BXqVnbtZ
"Why?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡzadoMXoRw1
"I honestly don't know," I respond thoughtfully with a shrug. "No offense Demi, but Joe's kind of a douche."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHikxl94uut
"No offense taken," She assures, her nose crinkled in distaste.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqw8xcAQMt
I chuckle at her expressioncopyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfja5JY8KV
"And Kevin's just......Kevin. I don't know. Nick just seems more genuine than his older brothers. Plus, I totally ship 'Nemi'."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k6N6QNH1u
"What's 'Nemi'?" Jordan wonders. copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bWR9osrPF
I dramatically gasp with a horrified expression.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTQoeOKw7S
"I'm kind of wondering the same thing," Demi pipes up.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXgUG2WVnO
I gasp louder this time, dramatically clutching at my heart. Demi raises her eyebrows in silent questioning.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyaGsmH1Ib
"It's you and Nick's ship name," I smirk in a 'duh' tone.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡww8dZXMqLN
"Why do we have a ship name?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl2CWVi9pt
I tip my head back to face the ceiling.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpFRPWI1Dc
"God, please help these oblivious celebrities in our world," I mutter, resisting a laugh.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLZWNpVypy
Demi smacks my arm.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGujjIX2umE
"I'm serious!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyb30kQqtV
"Well, there may or may not have been rumors."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡeffWs4rstG
"What kind of rumors?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn6eheq3Ew
"Oh, nothing really. Just that you two might have possibly hooked up during the 'Neon Lights Tour' back some, oh I don't know, fourteen or fifteen years ago," I nonchalantly reply.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnVXzNkUn6
"I can assure you that that rumor is false."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡik3l1Q61Gh
"Quick to reply, aren't we?" I tease.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwOGX7C9FI
"Quick to assume that I'm a cheater, aren't we?" Demi mocks.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡatVrF8IK7G
"Cheater?" I repeat in confusion.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAJK2slk5B
"Let me guess, you totally skipped over everything during that time period of my life that didn't include Nick Jonas and me, am I right?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrvpSSxzlu
"No," I scoff. "I skipped over everything during that time period of your life that didn't include Nick Jonas, you, Joe Jonas, and Kevin Jonas. Don't be so egotistical, Demi," I tease with an eye roll.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJgviO7Pci
"Mom was dating my dad at the time," Jordan helpfully supplies before Demi can retort.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTx4R6hs2J
"Damn," I whistle. "You two been together that long?" I joke.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6sOlcs4Nu
"I am not having this discussion with you," Demi deadpans.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXXdI1eivK
I feign a pout.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7p4XEp3Wv
"Hurry up and finish eating, so you can get ready, and we can leave."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGLU4hcldq
"Fine," I grumble, stabbing another sausage link. "But don't say I never tried to talk to you."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZRDxmHwwG
I can hear Demi mumble something along the lines of 'for God's sake', and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNabxPO8KY
"Since I'm finished, I'm going to go get ready," Jordan informs, setting her dishes in the dishwasher and heading upstairs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWCzMa9Ukf
"I'm done, too," I announce, rising to my feet.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WDQiU1H0O
Demi glances at my less than half eaten plate with raised eyebrows.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJnZbg99vt
"What? I wasn't that hungry," I truthfully defend, before scraping my food down the garbage disposal and setting my dishes in the dishwasher.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡVipCxFUPsJ
"You'll be eating a large lunch," Demi chimes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2E11eG3n5
"Whatever," I mutter, walking past her and towards the stairs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYKY8j08h5
To avoid suspicion and being overheard by Jordan, I purge in one of the bathrooms in one of the guest bedrooms before entering my own room. I hear the water turn on in the shower as I'm rummaging through my closet for something to wear. I finally decide on an outfit when I hear Jordan's bathroom door opening and closing, signaling that she's now in her room. I take a quick shower, resisting the pleads of my demons. After drying my body and hair with a towel, I cake makeup onto my scars and cuts that aren't concealed by my undergarments. I'd rather be safe than sorry. After that, I slip my feet and calves into a pair of long, black socks that go up to my kneecaps. I slide into a black, leather skirt and a black and white, striped, long-sleeve shirt. I lace up a pair of black combat boots and finish the outfit off with a red scarf that adds a pop of color. I slightly curl my brown hair and apply light, natural looking makeup. With a shy, satisfied smile towards my reflection, I exit the bathroom. I scour through my closet for my black, leather jacket, shimmying into it as I hear footsteps behind me.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxQ0f5HFTq
"Ready?" Jordan questions.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EK2eArvh8
I gently untuck my hair from the collar of my jacket, whirling around to find Jordan dressed more casually than me.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGlBnqeY7R
"Why are you all dressed up?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUwb1VWhc
"Because I'm meeting the Jonas Brothers, duh!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKJoDQ7flM
She rolls her eyes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yN9pwGV2A
"That's the thing," Demi's voice from the doorway startles me. "You're meeting a couple of guys who share the same DNA and a last name, not the Queen of England."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSUipF4gLD
"The Queen isn't shit compared to those guys."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1n5Zb8W0D
Demi opens her mouth, probably to scold me for my cursing, but I cut her off.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hW6Qw6Ii9
"And do I sense a twinge of hostility or bitterness? Maybe both?" I sing, resisting a laugh as she glares.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHa8FZYkdm
"I'm not bitter."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMRHw2upWz
"Denial!" I smirk.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtPe7mkKfb
She rolls her eyes, turning on her heel. Jordan and I follow her downstairs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1zVxYJ9JG
"You can't say that you're not bitter and expect me to believe that."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Ym735S8P
"Actually, I do," Demi says, grabbing her purse off of the kitchen counter. "Because I have no reason to be bitter," She adds, leading us to the front door.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5lCFV1bp9
"You dated one of them, and he dumped you-"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31uEOUfhbi
"Have you ever heard of something called moving on? That was, like, seventeen or eighteen years ago."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y6W3Q2X33
"There's a song called 'Moving On'? I don't think I've heard it," I say in a sarcastic yet innocent tone.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LHVVAxWy2
I run to the passenger side door of the car before Jordan can even think about protesting. I yank on the handle, only to be rewarded with a loud, screeching alarm and the harsh blinking of the headlights.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡqurVYvGncY
"Demi!" I yell, my heart hammering against my ribs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe3q1sZp2Q
Her loud, infectious laughter makes me want to punch her right now.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFdaQrvAgm
"You can never be too careful!" She chuckles, pressing a button on her keychain to cease the loud sound and blinking light.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUvHkn1QNz
"Your driveway is, like, a mile long. I doubt any car jacker is going to walk it, just to try to steal a car. You know, unless it's one of my fellow 'Lovatics'," I tell her, grumbling the last sentence, before cautiously opening the door and claiming the passenger seat. "So, back to what I was saying before your demon car sprung to life, you also might've possibly slept with Nick Jonas on tour."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZziKTJQ0Y2
"Think about that for one minute, miss thinks she knows it all. Hypothetically speaking, if that did happen, why would I be bitter over it?" Demi inquires, pulling out of the driveway.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG77RcH8oo
I shrug.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r4cKc7BrN
"Hell if I know. Maybe he wasn't that good in bed?" I suggest.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MSo8dqZDA
"I so should've brought my iPod," Jordan groans.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HjJ8pClMo
I weakly chuckle under my breath, pitying her for her innocence that is gradually be corrupted by me, and not in that way, you sick perverted people.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcTle92Cro
"I mean, you can't tell me that you guys shared a tour bus for so many months and never slept together," I state.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5pDETlJf9
I hear a thumping noise from behind me. I crane my neck around to find Jordan gently beating the side of her head against the glass window. I can't help but laugh.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡJynYWh0nOF
"You find this funny, don't you?" She accuses, continuing to beat her head upside the glass.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ146gS5qWkJ
"Very much so," I chuckle.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYfnJlruDq
"I. Hate. You," She mutters, accenting each word with another thump.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5wXdeYKTK
With an annoyed sounding sigh, Demi turns up the volume on the radio. I shake my head, staring out the window while mouthing the lyrics to song after song. After a while, I skim through the radio stations, pausing on each one to see if I know the song currently playing.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEuqbrIjEw
"We're almost there," Demi informs "Why do you choose now to change the station?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk8xby8pt9
I ignore her, continuing to click through the stations. I grin mischievously as a familiar rock bass pounds through the speakers.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJJj5jYfiN
"Oh hell no. You are not listening to this song," Demi sternly states.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sFxsYh6E8
"Chill, princess, I've got this song memorized," I smirk as her jaw drops. "You're beside me on the seat, got your hand-Hey!" I exclaim when Demi presses a button on the radio to mute the audio.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRXzR2xxfr
"It worries me that you've got that song memorized."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnlrNn2Vzm
"And I know it what it means," I wink, knowing that doing so will infuriate her, before reaching and pressing the same button that she pressed.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNVdjvO0Qu
"We were headed south. I guess nobody ever taught her not to-"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfEkf80knF
I groan in annoyance when Demi mutes the radio again.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn8u3XBSFK
"Really?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcEFr4x0eQ
"Yes, really!"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH2HRoPYk4
I roll my eyes, deciding to just finish singing the song a capella style.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡjykSu6Xfay
"We were headed south. I guess nobody ever taught her not to speak with a full mouth."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEr4UImFTm
"Bailey!" Demi scolds.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0AhGo5EYm
"'Cause this was it, like flicking on a switch. It felt so good; I almost ran into the ditch."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBxsoFp3Ae
"We're here," Demi grumbles.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5062NsqbHY
With a grin, I press the button and turn the volume up incredibly loud. I get out of the car while playing the air guitar.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9tC0kmktR
" We were parked out by the tracks, we're sitting in the backcopyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6xRv2spcR
And we just started getting busy when she whispered, 'What was that?'copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu5cCS8tSH
'The wind, I think, cause no one else knows where we are.'copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRuVYJ8Amu
And that was when she started screaming, 'That's my dad outside the car!'copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsBO4RxaK9
Oh please, the keys, they're not in the ignitioncopyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaodEdc8un
Must have wound up on the floor while we were switching our positionscopyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbwvziYimS
I guess they knew that she was missingcopyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFjvGX1bn9
As I tried to tell her dad it was her mouth that I was kissing." copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLTPCNU5m3
The music stops, so I'm assuming Demi turned the car off.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrmJ1y1JZx
"I recorded your solo," Jordan smiles, waving her phone.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmJgaqYpwg
I chuckle, not really caring, as long as it doesn't end up on the internet. I look at the massive house in front of me, just now noticing the small crowd of three men that have gathered on the porch. Was I really that loud?copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Y4v1tKNH
"Great first impression, Bailey," Demi sarcastically says as we walk through the grass.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzLxoh69MW
"At least now they know what they're getting, take it or leave it."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9tVONIOoI
"Demi, I honestly didn't think you'd show," Kevin muses as we reach the porch.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡm75G3K1D6f
"Well, I haven't seen you all in forever, so I figured why not."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUBO6Gl3WF
I guess I know where I get my epic lying skills from. There's am awkward pause. Nobody knows what to say. I hate awkward pauses.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04Q2ufXkoN
"If somebody doesn't start talking, I'm going to bust out into a random, inappropriate song," I warn.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyR3iM5sJq
"Guys, this is Bailey, and I think you all met Jordan when she was a baby," Demi introduces.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlwr3Y2n6I
"You killed my vibe!" I feign a immature, whiny tone.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuLPxbTjAo
"What vibe?" Jordan snickers.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeMOfeOvxY
I elbow her as the guys lead us inside. I raise my eyebrows in awe of the place.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1IovSm7or
"Demi!" A dark haired woman squeals.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMVw85C1uC
"Dani!" Demi grins, engulfing the woman, Kevin's wife, I think, in a hug.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡM38IMIDKQN
"How have you been?" Dani wonders.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡodg9SIsvaW
"Good, you?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3vigbWfqQ
"Busy."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP8siWcu0Q
I softly snort. Demi rolls her eyes.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQLOGXZ3of
"You'll have to excuse Bailey. Her head is always in the gutter."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeRkRDFZQF
"Most moms would be worried," I say.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQOy5ndjUH
"One: I'm not most moms. Two: Should I be worried?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhIsfBemuD
"No."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTjk4YScdJ
"Well, okay, then."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHyFc5HJrn
"Most moms don't trust their kids so easily," I point out, slightly perplexed.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡilumwASBSr
"She's not most moms," Jordan chimes in.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuN2KFnhCd
"And those moms usually have a reason as to why they don't trust their kids so easily," Demi informs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsfuFkLzuU
"And you don't?" I arch an eyebrow.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrY25CkTUi
"Nope," She replies, shaking her head. "Well, at least, not yet."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWPqXoIa8P
I roll my eyes, but, on the inside, I'm feeling happy and loved and just a bunch of other sappy emotions that I've never felt before. She trusts me. Someone actually trusts me. My mom trusts me. We all gather in the living room. Jordan and Demi share a large, plush looking chair. Dani cuddles into Kevin's side on the couch. Nick claims a recliner across from Demi and Jordan. Joe perches himself on the couch arm separate Kevin and Dani, leaving me to stand, shifting my feet uncomfortably as my gaze lowers to the floor.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwa10iVGiL
"Bay," Demi calls.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡd67G8DEg6z
I raise my bowed head to find her patting the arm of the chair. I gratefully take the seat, not wanting to be the center of attention or the oddball left standing. The red colored chair is plush underneath my fingertips. It's relaxing.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrF4O6trsc
"So, Bailey, how did you become a part of Demi's family?" Joe questions.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXtC20MdM5
I sink my teeth into my lower lip, looking at Demi nervously through my peripheral vision. She intertwines her fingers with mine, kneading circles into my skin. Taking that as a sign to proceed with the truth, I take a deep breath and close my eyes, hating eye contact.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT8SA7fItn
"She adopted me after giving me up," I respond.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡK90VxdyWnK
I hate all of the sentimental, life-story bullshit, so I prefer to go with the method that's like ripping a band-aid off: quick, easy, and only slightly painful. There's another pause. I slowly flutter my eyes open. With no explanation, Nick rises to his feet and heads upstairs.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfaXuwMNDB
"Your bathroom's upstairs, right?" Demi questions moments after his departure.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfCkNUUJpG
Dani nods. Demi let's go of my hand, flashes me a small smile, and goes upstairs. When nobody decides to start talking, I shift my gaze around the room, looking for something to help me spark up a conversation. My gaze drifts outside.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPW4d6npv5
"You have a pool?" I idiotically question, staring at huge pool.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWUKCWWOoN
"Yep," Kevin replies, popping the "P". "Wanna go swimming?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DZVhDkFfI
"Really?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sSB1xSQlT
He nods.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkaLyYozL7
"I don't have a swimsuit."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡuACP4PtFnr
"You and Jordan can use some of Alena's."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsWyRU7QN7
"Your daughter?"copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLPLimOssK
He nods again.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmXAq5DTGe
"She's slightly older than the both of you, but I'm sure the suits will still fit. And she's out with some friends, but I'm sure she won't mind."copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡao3MZHILZZ
Dani leads us to her daughter's room upstairs. I still haven't spotted Demi or Nick anywhere. Dani leaves Jordan and I to get ready. Alena's room has dark pink walls with black curtains and stuff accenting them. By all of the photos, I say she has a lot of friends. To my surprise, though, bands such as Black Veil Brides and Blood on the Dance Floor catch my eye. At least the girl has good taste in music. Jordan and I rummage through the drawer that Dani pointed out to us earlier. Jordan finds something and locks herself in the bathroom to change. I continue to rummage through the drawer, not finding anything in a small enough size. And no, I'm not calling the girl fat, quite the opposite actually. From the size of her swimsuits, I'd assume that she's a healthy weight with curves that most girls her age would kill for. I finally decide to just wear the smallest swimsuit I can find. It's a two piece, but it looks like shorts and a tank top. The shorts are brown and the tank top is pink, not exactly my top choice of colors, but it's not like I have much of a choice. I then find white swim shorts that have a drawstring so I can tighten them. Jordan exits the bathroom wearing an orange two piece, but the top piece cascades down her flat stomach in slight ruffles.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjBfB1Gyjg
"You look really pretty," I compliment.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CQkGtVzxW
"Thanks," She shyly smiles, yanking her hair back into a high ponytail.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IdYOR8mGt
I lock Alena's bedroom door after Jordan leaves. I quickly change into the tank top and shorts, my hands drifting across my fat abdomen and thunder thighs. I pinch my fatty flesh, regretting my decision to go swimming and wishing that I looked like Jordan. I toss the white shorts onto the girl's bed and enter her bathroom. My eyes wander around the room, searching for anything that can be used to inflict pain. I don't want to break one of her razors and risk suspicion. I can't find any tweezers or nail clippers either. Damn. My eyes scope out the sink area, zoning on a tube of toothpaste. I scoop the tube up, tossing it back and forth between my palms. I run my fingertip across the bottom edge of the tube. Desperate times cause for desperate measures, right? I lift up the hem of my tank top and place the bottom edge of the tube against my flesh. I then forcibly drag it across my abdomen, relishing in the slight pain and increasing the pressure. I repeat the process several more times before placing the toothpaste back where I found it. I admire the inflamed, scratch like cuts on my skin with a newfound curiosity. Never in my life would I imagine using a toothpaste tube to self-harm. The dull ache sends a wave of tranquility coursing through my veins. Touching the scratches only intensifies the aching feeling. I make several more scratches before exiting the bathroom, double checking to make sure that everything is as it should be. I slide into the white shorts, tugging the drawstring as tight as it'll go, and exit the bedroom. I hear laughter and excited squeals coming from outside. I'm about to head out when a sudden noise stops me. I listen intensely, thinking maybe I'll hear it again. No such luck. It sounded like a piano key being pressed. I slowly walk through the corridor, knowing that I really shouldn't be snooping through a house that isn't my own. I reach the end of the hallway, only to find a closed door. I bite my lower lip, debating on whether or not I should open the door. Deciding that I really don't have much to loose, I cautiously turn the knob, pushing the door open. The light from behind me spills into the room, illuminating the darkness from the closed curtains. An astonished gasp slips past my lips as I take in the sight in front of me, wishing that my own stupid curiosity hadn't gotten the best of me.copyright protection100ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrPdLLIQTA
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