As Long As You Love Me

14 ~ Freedom, Slut Dresses, & Cuddles

☼mitchie sky☼

ONE WEEK LATER (JULY)

"Babe, I can't even explain how proud I am of you," Demetria's shouting over the speakers in Luci's tiny MINI Cooper as we drive to my last day at studio. I feel powerful and energized in my massive Gucci shades (which are almost identical to a pair that I sketched a few weeks ago, and I couldn't be happier) and Hermes scarf over a cute black romper and TOMS. As much as I love this outfit, I'd much rather be in a hoodie. 

"Thanks, love," I sing, mimicking her breezy voice. Luci giggles. 

"Literally, you are absolutely brilliant. I can't believe I found you. I've been having so much fun - I went to the spa and just bloody relaxed. It was absolutely perfect. Just what I needed." 

"You deserve it," I say honestly. 

"I know. So, how are the lads?" 

I raise my eyebrows. "I thought I was prohibited from associating with them." 

"That's the answer I was looking for. God, I LOVE you." 

I roll my eyes, suddenly feeling uneasy. "Now that studio's over, can I talk to them? I...I miss them." 

"As do I, love, and you don't see me complaining. No risks, Mitch." 

"Risks? What risks?" I snap. "And don't call me that."

"Don't you think they're going to notice when Europe's queen b*tch turns into Miss Happy Smiles? And lets not forget that what you're doing isn't exactly legal. If we get caught, you're in the slammer for impersonation and I'm going to have to join you for bribery. Plus, it's only going to hurt you more when you leave."

When you leave. A lump forms in my throat, and I can't speak. 

Luci's eyes flash to me. "Dems, we'll call you back." 

"Ta!" Click. 

"I don't want to leave," I whisper, tears welling in my eyes at the very thought of it. "I can't. Not like this." 

"You have an entire month, babe. You can fix things." 

"But Demetria..." 

"Do what your heart tells you to. Do what you're afraid to do, because in the end, it's probably the right thing." 

I've never been more confused. I slump down into my chair as we pull up at the studio. 

***

"And live while we're young," I finish, squeezing my eyes shut as I belt out the last note. 

The music cuts off, and Pablo shoots to his feet. "YES!" he yells.