Life with Demi Lovato

Chapter 36

Unknown caller

2 days have gone by since our last update.
I was obviously loosing my mind and I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take. How much longer I could go on. Nick said the kids missed me and wanted me to join the activities again, but I couldn't. Not while my daughter was out there and I didn't know if she was alive or safe.

Today was the same as any other day. I heard the cheerful voice of all the kids as they headed down for their breakfast to have a good start to their day that they knew would be packed with fun and joy. I wished I could be them right now. I wished it was contagious, but even if I went out there I feel my morbid energy would suck the happiness out of anyone who saw me. I groaned and rolled over in bed and waited till it was quiet. That's when I knew I could get up to make my coffee.

I sluggishly rolled out of bed and dragged my feet into the kitchen to make my coffee, I heard footsteps running down the hall.
"Oh Demi, I haven't seen you for a few days" Kirra smiled warmly at me. I gave her a fake smile back. Even though I was angry at her, I'd never be rude to a child "yeah.. well. Just with everything going on I've been a little sick" I tried to keep smiling. Kirra rolled her eyes. I gave her a surprised look as I put my coffee cup down "what was that?" I asked a little stern "she's not here. You have nothing to worry about for once. Just enjoy yourself" she kind of snapped "you can't be serious" I said annoyed. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at me "your different ever since she came. Camp isn't the same for anyone" she said. I knew that wasn't true. I was one person, Matt and the other camp leaders were doing a great job and no one else was complaining "Kirra. Sit down" I said gesturing to the couch as I also walked over to it.

When we were both seated I started the conversation "I don't believe Hayley has ever done anything to hurt you, or anyone here. Your the only one that has a problem with her, what is going on?" I said sternly but gently. She took a big sigh and a minute to respond "I just feel like you don't like me so much anymore" she pouted "that's not true. I love all the kids here the same" "except for Hayley" she snapped. Now I understand. I didn't know much about Kirra's home life but I knew her dad passed away when she was young and her Mother was absent for work a lot. A lot of the kids here don't have good family relationships and it's normal that a lot of them form parental bonds with the camp leaders here. Kirra was jealous of Hayley. I nodded in understanding as I thought about what I should say "Kirra, you have a Mum that loves you" I started "no. She doesn't" she scoffed. It made me sad to hear that "I'm really sorry you feel that way.. it must be difficult" I said sympathetically. It was quiet for a minute "what does your Mum do?" I asked curiously "I don't wanna say.." she said turning away from me. I thought that was weird, was she ashamed of what her Mum did for work? Why would that be? "Oh, that's okay. You don't have to" I said kindly "I'm sorry about Hayley, I'm sure she'll be okay... I'm sorry I guess I was just a little.. jealous" she choked "well, maybe if she comes back you guys can be friends" I smiled. She looked at me a little concerned "what do you mean 'if' your not giving up are you?" She asked. I sighed and shifted uncomfortably in my seat "no, not till the day I die. But, I don't think she'll be coming back here with me after this year" I explained as a tear fell down my cheek. Kirra looked down upset "okay.. I need to go make a call" Kirra said getting up "oh okay. Head down to breakfast afterwards" I smiled and watched her walk away. I quickly jumped up and checked my phone hoping that in the 5 minutes I was away from it there would be some kind of miracle update. Nothing. I sighed.

I sat on the couch and sipped my coffee while I waited for the kids to come back after their morning activity. I just wanted to say hi and see everyone.

"Oh Hey Nick" I said a little confused as he walked through the lobby door "don't you still have another half an hour left of rock climbing?" I said checking my watch "yes, but I need the first aid kit" he chuckled "ah" I said understanding. The kids always got scraped knees and elbows during rock climbing "I was thinking we should invest in knee and elbow pads for-" Nick started but was interrupted by my phone that I had sitting on the bench away from me so I'd stop obsessing over it.
I got up and practically pounced on it "Who messaged you?" Nick asked anxiously. I checked my phone and furrowed my eyebrows "it's a voice message.. I don't recognise this number" I trailed off confused
"Play it!"  I hit play and a robotic disguised voice started talking.