In Real Life: A Jonas Sister Love Story

In Real Life: Chapter 9

DEMI’S POV

“Go away,” I said sniffling as I heard him walk up. “I want to be alone right now.”

“Like that’s going to happen,” Nick said sitting down next to me in the empty hallway. “You basically just freaked out in the cafeteria and stormed out. Did you honestly think no one was going to come check on you?”

“At least it was you instead of Nicole or Joe,” I said resting my head on his shoulder. “It just hurts so much, Nick. I don’t think you understand how it feels to never be able to confess your feelings.”

“Oh, but I do.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“I’m in love with Nicole.” I lifted my head up in shock and stared over at him. Nick turned and I could see in his eyes that he was telling the truth. “So you see that I totally understand how it feels to not be able to tell someone that you love them. Because I’m in love with my own sister.”

“Except she’s technically not your sister anymore,” I said wiping away another tear. “She’s available to you guys now.” Nick sighed and stood up.

“You shouldn’t let Joe upset you like this,” Nick said. I nodded but the tears wouldn’t stop. I knew I couldn’t be mad at Joe. It wasn’t his fault that he said things to upset me. I had never told him how I felt. He didn’t know he was hurting me when he spoke.

“So it was me?” Joe asked startling both Nick and I. I stood up and wiped my eyes. “Demi, what did I do?”

“Nothing,” I said grabbing my bag and walking past him in the hallway. “Nick is just confused. You didn’t do anything Joe.” I was pulled back by Joe’s hand on my elbow. He pulled me in front of him and looked down at me. His fingers reached over and brushed a tear from my cheek before pushing a lock of my hair from my eyes.

“You suck at lying Demi,” Joe said softly. “Nick, can you please give us a minute alone.” I watched in terror as Nick walked away leaving Joe and me alone in the hallway.

“Why did you come here Joe?” I asked managing to hold back my tears.

“I can’t believe Nicole was right. I hurt you. Tell me how I can fix whatever I did,” Joe said with a sincere smile.  I frowned at the mention of Nicole’s name. He hadn’t come here on his own. Nicole had sent him.

“You didn’t do anything Joe. I’m fine.”

“Dems, you are one of my best friends. I know when you’re not fine. If it’s not me then at least tell me what’s wrong.”

“There’s this guy,” I said and I could see Joe panicking. He hated girl talk. “And I want him to notice me, but he’s stuck on this other girl.”

“Maybe I should get Nicole for you,” Joe said looking around for an escape route. I chuckled and the tears at the edge of my eyes dried up. Joe never could handle girl talk.

“Joe, relax,” I said with another giggle. “I’ll stop with the girl talk. But can I ask you a question?”

“Ask away! I am the man of answers!”

“No matter what happens, I’m still your best friend right?” He immediately pulled me into a hug and kissed the crown of my head. “Joe?”

“You are my best friend,” Joe said holding me tighter. “You wouldn’t believe just how important you are to me Dems.”

“Thanks Joe. I just needed to hear that.” He released me, but kept his arm around my waist. It might not be ideal, but I would take being his friend over nothing.

“And if this guy doesn’t realize how amazing you are then it’s his loss. You deserve a prince Demi and you’ll find him someday.” I smiled as Joe walked me down the hallway with his arm around his waist. I wonder what he would say if he knew the guy I was talking about was him. If he knew he was the prince I had been dreaming about. “Hey Demi?” Joe asked stopping and whirling me around to face him.

“Yeah, Joe?” I asked looking up. He was studying me so closely. He leaned in close and kissed the edge of my ear causing my heart to flutter.

“Don’t ever forget that I love you,” Joe whispered into my ear. When he pulled back I did my best to hide the hot blush that spread across my face. I knew he meant that he loved me as a friend, but it was impossible for my heart to not misinterpret his words. I closed my eyes and for a few seconds I pretended that he meant more than friendship with his words. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I said grabbing his arm and tugging him down the hallway. And for once I was. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but I knew I was important to Joe and that was enough for now.

[AN: Do you think it really is enough for Demi?]