You Can't Choose Your Family ➸ Demi Lovato

{Chapter 10}

After Marissa left, Demi decided that Maddie, her and I were going out to do 'something fun'. I knew it was just an excuse to get me out of the house. Mom, I mean Amber hasn't returned to the house yet and I think everyone's expecting another shitstorm when she does. To be honest I don't have anything else to say to her. She'll probably just want to rub in how messed up I am again. So yeh, it's probably better if I avoid her.

We had been driving for about half an hour now. I had no clue where we were going or where we were. I'd only driven through LA in the dark - the night we arrived here. I've never been here otherwise.

Demi and Maddie were singing along to some awful 'top 20' song on the radio when I felt my phone buzz.

From: The awesomest human on the planet😏

Okay...?! I literally had no clue who this was. I unlocked my 4th generation iPhone (yes I know, it's dated and it's as slow as a snail but it's a phone) and opened my messaging app.

hey Saskia! Just texting to see how u are. Don't let what your mom get to u. U are not a fuck up. Love ya kiddo. Text me whenever yeh? Mar x💘💘

I should've guessed Marissa would've put some random contact name in for herself. I quickly changed her contact to 'Mar' so I'd actually recognise who I was talking to before replying.

Thank you. Have a gd time at ur parents ☺️

I'm not very good with words, as you can see with my reply. I also have a tendency of avoiding awkward conversation topics. Here, for example, I really didn't want to go into how I felt after mom's remarks so I simply ignored it. I didn't want to come across as if I didn't care about her caring though so I made sure to thank her. I couldn't lose the only person in this world who helped me and cared for me.

Mar didn't reply and since I only have one friend, Kaitlin who actually I hadn't spoken to since I got here, my phone didn't vibrate again. I leant back on the leather seats of the SUV Demi was driving and tried to block out Maddie's horrendous singing.

"Hey, Saskia?" Demi turned down the radio. Thank the Lord! I couldn't stand Selena Gomez or whoever crappy artist was singing any longer.

"Mm?" I mumbled back. I'm still not completely comfortable around Demi and Maddie so I'm still trying to keep myself to myself.

"We're going to Santa Monica pier!" She clapped her hands, grinning stupidly at me in the mirror.

"DEMI! DRIVE!" Maddie hollered,

"Shit!" Demi clasped the wheel again and swerved a cyclist. "Yeh well because you're in LA for your first time," she continued, completely ignoring the fact she almost crushed a cyclist. Geez, this woman bemuses me. I would not be chilled if I'd almost ran someone over! "I thought we'd go to Santa Monica pier as it's like touristy."

Great. Tourists. People. Crowds. Absolutely fan-fucking-tastic. My anxiety levels started to rise immediately. I could feel my palms starting to sweat and my breathing rate quicken.

"You okay?" Demi asked, looking concerned in the mirror. I plastered on a fake smile.

"Yeh sounds great! Thank you!" I tried to sound as cheery and grateful as possible. I should be grateful seeing as Demi planned a day revolving around me. I think I successfully covered my actual emotions as Demi didn't ask if I was okay again.

"Since its like freezing," Demi continued. Maddie snorted and looked at her with a 'no shit Sherlock!' kind of expression. "I don't think it should be too busy," phew! I sighed in relief, a little too loudly. Demi looked at me oddly but didn't question it. "But since I am Demi Lovato." She flicked her hair dramatically, laughing her contagious laugh. Thankfully, at least one hand stayed on the wheel this time. "There may be some paps around. I doubt it as they don't know we're going there but  if they catch wind of our location then there is bound to be a few." She made the paparazzi sound like feckin' agents. Aren't they just stupid, paedo men with cameras?! "Ignore what they're saying and try your best to block them out. If you feel uncomfortable in anyway just say, and you and Maddie can leave me for a bit."

I nodded in response.

"Can I ask a question?" I asked sheepishly.

"Sure, I'm an open book," Demi smiled sweetly back at me.

"Why are we going to the beach in November?!" I immediately regretted opening my mouth. She's going to think I'm an disrespectful, ungrateful bitch.

Demi and Maddie both surprised me when their contagious laughter filled the car. I let out a giggle too. When Demi laughs, you can't help yourself but joining in.

"Why fucking not?!" Demi laughed.

Suddenly I was hit by a icy gush of air.

"WE DO WHATEVER THE FUCK WE WANT!" Demi bellowed, sticking her head out of the open car window.

I couldn't help myself but laugh, properly this time. Demi was outgoing and crazy. I was looking forward to spending the day with her and Maddie even considering the weather.