Hold a Smile (Demi Lovato) COMPLETE

Twenty-Eight: "Momma?"

Demi's POV

"You promised!" Avery shouted at me, catching me by surprised. Her eyes were filled with both fear and anger, a look that I had never seen from her.

"Avery, what do you mean?"

"You promised you'd never leave me."

"But honey, I came right back," I explained.

"I didn't know where you were," she said in a softer tone as new tears sprung to her eyes. "I was scared."

"Come here," I said as I pulled her close. Her arms wrapped around my neck as she cried. "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't want to wake you up again. You seemed so tired. I thought you'd be okay with Marissa."

"She wasn't you, and I got scared. I didn't know who she was." Her face was still nuzzled into me, so her words came out muffled.

"I know, I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I didn't think it would scare you that much," I explained. "But you haven't eaten all day? And you haven't taken your medicine?" I pulled away, and Avery kept her head down. "Listen, Marissa is a really nice person, and you yelled at her and didn't do what she asked you to do, correct?" Avery nodded her head, avoiding eye contact with me. "Do you think she deserves an apology?" Avery nodded again. I took her hand an led her back to Marissa, who was awkwardly waiting by my door.

"Hey Dems, I really need to leave," she said, gestering to the door.

"One more thing," I said before nudging Avery slightly. She looked up at me, and I gestured to Marissa.

"I'm s-sorry," Avery said quietly. Her voice was full of nervousness.

"That's okay, sweetie. But next time you'll talk to me, right?" Marissa asked. Avery nodded her head. "Promise?" Avery nodded again. "Pinky promise?" Marissa asked, holding out her pinky. Avery slowly brought her hand up and hooked pinkies with her, a small smile appearing.

"I can't thank you enough, Mar," I said, giving my friend a hug.

"Anything for you. I'll talk to you later."

"Alright, bye."

Marissa left, and I turned back to Avery. "You need to eat." I made a quick sandwich, but waited until after dinner to give her the medicine.

I sat on the couch next to her as cartoons played. She didn't seem very interested in the TV. She definitely has something on her mind. As we snuggled together on the couch, I could tell Avery was dying to ask me something, and she finally did.

"Demi?" She asked sweetly.

"Yes?" I answered.

"Remember in school last week, when you asked kids to explain what makes a mom and dad?"

"Yes, I remember."

"And someone said that they are someone who takes care of them, like feeds them and stuff. Didn't you say that was right?"

"Yes, I did."

"So," she seemed hesitant to ask. "Does that mean you're my momma?"

Sorry for such a long wait. I've been super busy. School, dance, theatre, emergency rooms...