I Hate You, Don't Leave Me (D.L)

A Special Day

3 months soon passed, with Demi spending most of her time with Lindsey and the rest of Fleetwood Mac. She and Lindsey got on famously, and her presence around the band brought back some of the harmony they had lost with the break down of the relationships in the band. But even after three months, Lindsey and Demi still didn’t give their relationship a title, though Mick had gifted them with the official label ‘friends with benefits’. And they still hadn’t sealed the deal, with Demi still playing hard to get.

Demi sighed, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Today was her 21st birthday but she felt 30 years older. All the work she had to do these days was taking its toile. But she kept telling herself that it was worth it; she got to spend her days with Lindsey after all. Ah, Lindsey. Just the thought of him gave Demi butterflies. But she was thankful he hadn’t seemed to remember her birthday. This would be her first birthday without her grandfather and she certainly wasn’t ready to celebrate without him. She began to get dressed, but heard a knock at her door. Sighing, she pulled her dressing gown over her underwear and rushed to the door. “Oh. Hi Agnes.” Demi said, greeting her assistant. Agnes beamed, walking past Demi into the penthouse. “Good morning, Demetria. And happy 21st birthday.” She held a small gift out for Demi to take. The gift was wrapped in pale blue paper with a white ribbon tied around it. Demi smiled weakly. “Thank you.” She unwrapped it and gasped when she saw what was inside. “This was your mother’s. Your grandfather had it put away and said it was intended for your 21st birthday.” Agnes explained. Tears rolled down Demi’s cheeks as she looked at her gift; inside the box was a silver wrist cuff with a beautiful onyx stone set in the middle. “As you know, your mother’s birthday fell in the month of August, just like yours. The stone - the onyx - is your birthstone. Your father bought this for your mother for her own 21st birthday.” Demi smiled at Agnes and threw her arms around her. “Thank you Agnes. You have no idea what this means to me.” Agnes smiled and rubbed Demi’s back comfortingly. “You’re welcome.” She replied. Sniffing and trying not to cry herself, Agnes held Demi back. “Now, stop crying. Or you’ll go red and blotchy. Let’s get you ready for work.” “Do I have to go in?” Demi asked, letting Agnes lead her back to her bedroom. “Yes. You don’t have much work to do today so you’ll be fine! Now off you pop. Get dressed and I’ll ride with you to work.”

Demi walked into the main building of the studio lot, a frown plastered on her face. There was no one there to greet her as there usually was: no receptionists, no Richard, no Ken, no member of Fleetwood Mac: no one at all. Agnes pushed her along. “Come along. Give me your jacket and your bag.” Demi did as she was told, giving her belongings to Agnes, who rushed into Demi’s office and back out again. “Agnes, what’s going on?” Demi asked, confused by Agnes’ attitude. “Just walk.” Agnes instructed. They walked down the hall and into the control room of the studio. “Why is the studio light off? Where is everyone? Agnes, what’s –“ Demi was cut off by the sudden applause that came from the dark studio. The lights went on as a small crowd of people shouted, “Surprise! Happy Birthday, Demi!” Demi looked into the studio and saw all five members of Fleetwood Mac with their producers, their inner circle and the people who worked for Demi at the studio. Demi walked forward and switched the overhead microphone on. “Guys… You’re fired!” Demi shouted. As everyone looked at her in stunned silence, she smirked, letting her friends and employees know she was joking. They laughed and applauded her sense of humour. “Thank you guys.” Demi said, before switching the overhead microphone off. She turned and gave Agnes a hug. “Thank you.” She whispered. “It wasn’t my idea.” Agnes replied, pulling away from Demi. “Then who…?” Agnes smiled past Demi, who turned around. Lindsey stood nearby, smiling shyly at Demi. “Well, I’m going to get some cake. I’ll leave you two alone…” Agnes said, patting Lindsey’s shoulder as she passed him. “Good job.” She whispered, smiling up at Lindsey, who nodded in response. When Agnes had left Demi rushed towards Lindsey, and embraced him. Lindsey kissed her passionately. They didn’t care about the whoops or the wolf whistles coming from the other room. They just cared about being with each other. “Thank you, Lindsey.” Demi said, kissing the tip of his nose. Lindsey shrugged. “Eh, it was nothing. I knew it was your first birthday without your grandpa and I wanted to make the day as good as possible.” Demi smiled and kissed him softly. “Is it okay if I say ‘thank you’ again?” Lindsey chuckled. “If you want.” “Thank you!” They laughed and ended their embrace. Lindsey took Demi’s hand and led her through into the studio.

Stevie ran over to Demi and threw her arms around her. “Happy Birthday, Demi!” She exclaimed. “I’ll go get you a drink.” Lindsey said, squeezing Demi’s hand and wandering off to the drinks table nearby. Stevie grinned at Demi. “So, how does it feel to be legal at last?” Demi smiled. “It’s no different from being 20, to be honest. I drank anyway; my age didn’t stop me. Bartenders usually just saw my boobs and kept the drinks coming.” Demi and Stevie giggled. Christine quickly joined them. “C’mon, birthday girl. We’ve got presents, drink and drugs a plenty!” Christine said, linking her right arm through Demi’s left, with Stevie doing the same on the opposite side.

The party wound down slowly, and by midnight, there was only Lindsey and Demi left at the studio. They stood outside the studio, waiting to be picked up. “Are you sure Agnes knows I’m staying with you?” Demi asked, shivering in the suddenly cold night air. Lindsey took his jacket off and put it round Demi’s shoulders. “Thank you.” Demi said. “You’re welcome. And don’t worry; Agnes knows.” Lindsey replied. He took Demi’s hand and intertwined his fingers with hers just as their car pulled into the studio parking lot.