Aftershock (Sequel to Yes I Am- A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter 10

I pulled into the street I’d become so familiar with over the last two years. The lights in the tea shop were on, and I spotted Marissa and Alexis’ cars parked outside. I parked beside them and made my way in, the door squeaked now, but it was still accompanied by the jangling bells. I grinned, spotting Alexis and Marissa in our normal booth. They were deep in conversation, and I tried to get close without them noticing so I could hear what they were talking about.

“Demi!” Alexis said, getting up, I was still halfway across the shop. Nowhere near close enough to eavesdrop.

“Hey!” I smiled, pulling her into a hug. Marissa stood behind Alexis, waiting for her hug. After hugging her, we went and sat down, soon falling into our regular gossip session. I joined in, hoping beyond hope that the concealer would be enough to escape the other two noticing the bruise that had started to form.

“Do you want something to eat Dem?” Alexis asked, getting up with her purse, presumably on her way to the counter.

“I’m fine thanks, big breakfast.” I smiled, hoping Marissa wouldn’t see through it. I hadn’t eaten breakfast. I had to lose weight for Wilmer. I wasn’t anorexic again though, I just wasn’t eating as much.

“So, how’s Wilmer?” Marissa asked, her face was unreadable. I couldn’t tell whether she was probing for answers, or genuinely interested.

“He’s great.” I smiled, the fake smile I’d used too many times.

“I know, Dem.” She said quietly, before Alexis came back and sat down at the table with a donut. She sat a savory muffin  in front of me.

“Oh, I don’t want anything.” I smiled, pushing the plate away slowly.

“Live a little Demi, you have to try one. They’re absolutely amazing!” She smiled, biting into her donut. I looked up to see Marissa glaring at me, willing me to eat the muffin. I looked down at it and caught a glimpse of my stomach as I did. I couldn’t afford a whole muffin! I’d just have to purge it later. Marissa would probably kill me if I didn’t eat it. I looked at the plate, blinking back a few tears as I picked up the muffin. It seemed to double in size as I held it to my lips, biting into the calories that would make me fat, and unwanted.

“Well, this has been lovely ladies, but I have to go. I’ll see you later at mine Dems, when you pick up Elli.” She smiled at us both and left.

“I think I’ll go too, I’ve got a studio-”

“Not so fast.” Marissa cut me off, scooting around and gripping my blazer, anchoring me to the spot. She sighed, putting her arms around my waist. I flinched instinctively, but she rested my head against her shoulder and I bit my lip, trying to stop myself from crying. Why couldn’t Wilmer hold me like this? He used to, when he charmed his way back into my life. Back into my house, and into a marriage.

“Why did you marry him?” She asked, her thumb rubbing  my shoulder, comforting me. “You don’t love him. You’re never as happy as you were with Amelie. You’re not even as happy as when you fake-dated Naya for like two weeks, and that wasn’t even real. You don’t love him Demi. Why do you stay with someone you don’t love? Someone who obviously doesn’t love you.” The tears that fell down my face were desperate, they were tears that I’d been holding in for too long. My eyes burned, but they kept falling. My makeup was running, and I froze as I realized the concealer I’d caked my cheek with would be running too.

“No-one else will love me.” I said quietly, trying to get up so I could drive away without her seeing my face. Rissa grabbed my arm, pulling me toward her so she could see my face. I watched her eyes well up.

“Did he do that?” She whispered, holding her hand against my cheek. I didn’t move, I didn’t say anything. “Demi.” She insisted, carefully wiping her hand against my cheek, revealing more of the bruise. “He hit you.” She said slowly, trying to make sense of her own words. “You can’t stay with him babe. You can’t let Elli grow up in an environment like that. Come stay with me, please.” I watched her plead, but I shook my head. I wouldn’t be loved by anyone else. Wilmer was my lot, he just had a temper, and I wasn’t good enough. “I’m not letting you stay with him! You don’t deserve to be treated like shit! You’re coming to mine, Demi, and there’s no negotiation.” She finished, picking up my handbag, along with hers. She had my car keys.

“Please Rissa, he doesn’t mean it. He just has a short temper, I should be able to give him his dinner on time. It’s my fault.” I said, reaching for my bag.

“Nu-uh honey. Your coming to my house, right now.” She wiped the tears off of my face and handed me the key to my car, but kept my house keys so I had to go with her.