Illegal

Twenty Three

Demi

"My baby sister's graduating" I rolled my eyes at Dallas' tears as she tightly wrapped her arms around my neck. "I'm so fucking proud of you, Dem" my lips twitched at the corners, tears burning the backs of my eyes as I pulled away.

"Thanks Dal" she quickly pressed a kiss to my cheek. She wiped her lipstick off my cheek with the pad of her thumb and flashed me a wide smile.

"Demi?" I jumped at the voice, my cheeks beginning to burn at the person standing beside me. He had a light smile on his handsome face as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets.

College finished after finals so I haven't seen Jesse in a month. For a very brief moment, I thought I'd got over him but the moment my eyes met his, those feelings came rushing back. Every memory we shared ran through my mind. I'm still very much in love with Jesse and I don't think that'll ever change.

"Jesse, hi" I could feel Dallas' eyes burning into the side of my face as I refrained from nibbling on my lip. I never gave her a name of the professor I admitted to being in love with but I think it was obvious to her in this moment.

"I-I've just come over to say congratulations" I nodded. "I'm proud of you" my lips twitched at the corners as he whispered his sentence. He gave me a nod before he turned and disappeared. I watched him walk away, my cheeks burning as I eventually turned to meet Dallas' gaze.

"Is that him?" I rolled my eyes as I glanced away. "He's hot and he's totally still in love with you" I nudged her gently in the side as she lightly laughed, my cheeks just continuing to burn. She followed behind me as I walked into the theatre. "I'll meet you back outside" I nodded, giving her a hug and then watching as she walked along the aisle towards her seat.

The graduation ceremony at first was a little slow until they started to reel off peoples names. I kept taking glances at Jesse who was sat just off to the side of the stage. He kept stealing glances at me and my cheeks would burn every time our eyes locked. I really do still love him.

"Demetria Lovato" I could hear Dallas' screams behind me as the crowd cheered. I shook my head as my cheeks burnt. I took the steps up onto the stage, shaking Mr Peters' hand with a wide smile. "Congratulations" I took the scroll from him and then shook the line of teachers hands. I met Jesse's gaze as I slowly stepped off the stage, his smile was enormous. I took my seat, my stomach now full of butterflies.

-

Dallas squealed as she once again locked her arms around me.

"I'm so, so fucking proud of you" I lightly laughed as she pulled away. I briefly glanced over her shoulder, having to take a second glance as my smile slowly dropped. My heart began to pound against my chest as my eyes locked on them. "Demi, you okay?" my mouth opened but nothing came out. I could feel myself beginning to panic as they began towards us. Dallas slowly turned, keeping herself in front of me. "What are they doing here?" she took the words straight out of my mouth. What the hell are they doing here?

"Demetria" I suddenly felt like the little girl who couldn't do anything right. I've just graduated from college, this should be one of the happiest days of my life. I'm not about to let them ruin it.

"Dianna" I watched as her jaw clenched.

"I am your mother, you address me as such" I shook my head as Dallas glanced back at me.

"No, you aren't" Dallas slid her hand into mine and gave it a squeeze. "You've never been my mother. You're just a woman who tried to raise us and failed" we seemed to be gaining some attention. "Now, I've just graduated from college and I'd like to celebrate. I don't even know how you knew about today but I'd like you both to leave" I jumped as Patrick took a step forward, Dallas moved herself to stand in front of me.