When We Were Young.

Fifteen.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

'Demi? What are you doing here?' Marissa asks as her best friend stands outside her front door.

'I-I think I fucked up.' Demi replies as she blinks back tears.

'Why? What's happened? Come in.' Marissa says ushering the blonde through the door.

'I've been seeing Joe.' Demi almost whispers as she drops her bag by her side.

'Joe? Okay, maybe that's not a bad thing. Does he make you happy?' Marissa asks leading her through to the living room.

'He does but I ended things.' Demi replies throwing herself down onto the sofa as tears stream down her cheeks.

'What? I need you to explain this to me from the beginning, Demi. I have no idea what's happened.' Marissa says and Demi takes a deep breath.

'It started weeks ago, before Italy actually... We slept together and I was determined it was only going to be one night but it wasn't enough. So we agreed to take things slow.' Demi explains and Marissa nods her head and gestures for her to continue.

'He took me away for the weekend when things got bad and it was amazing but everyone hates us being together. I told my parents and they said they won't accept him which I understand but he made me really happy.' Demi says.

'I don't understand why you've split up with him? Did he do something wrong?' Marissa asks and Demi shakes her head.

'No. I just- People keep saying that he's just going to hurt me and that I'm stupid to give him another go...' Demi replies.

'We'll prove them wrong, Demi. You two obviously want to give this another go and you're both older now.' Marissa says and Demi sighs.

'I wanted him to prove I was what he wanted.' Demi replies.

'He was willing to put up with the fact that none of your family want you to be with him. He was obviously there for you when things got tough... What more do you want him to do to prove that he is obviously head over heels in love with you.' Marissa says and Demi bites her bottom lip.

'I wanted him to fight for me, to try and stop me leaving but he just let me walk out that door.' Demi admits.

'Do you want to be with him?' Marissa asks and Demi nods her head.

'Of course I do.' Demi replies.

'Then maybe it's time for you to fight for your man? Seeing you go through the breakup was one of the hardest things ever but I can see by your face that you love him, Demi.' Marissa says.

'What if it's too late?' Demi asks and Marissa shakes her head.

'It won't be. Let's book you flights back to LA and think of a way for you to surprise him.' Marissa replies.

'New York; he's in New York.' Demi says.

_____

'What do you mean she walked out?' Jack asks and Joe shrugs his shoulders.

'She said it was never going to work, she would never fully trust me and she left.' Joe replies.

'Maybe she's just freaking out.' Cole says and Joe shakes his head.

'Nah, I really fucked up. I don't blame her for not trusting me. I left her last time when she needed me the most and I knew she loved me back then. I knew and I still rubbed herself in it by bringing Ashley on tour. I was a dick and I don't deserve another chance.' Joe replies.

'That's not true. What you done was wrong but you've changed; you've grown up and Demi will realise that.' Jack says.

'I really thought we would make it this time.' Joe says quietly.

'Do you love her?' Cole asks.

'I think deep down I've always loved her and I think I always will.' Joe admits.

'Then don't give up on her.' Cole says.

_____

'Do you want me to come with you?' Marissa asks glancing down at the laptop.

'No. I think this is something I need to do on my own.' Demi replies and Marissa nods her head.

'Okay. Do you want me to talk to your parents? Maybe I can make them realise that you are truly happy with Joe?' Marissa says.

'You won't. I don't think they'll ever properly accept him but I want him in my life so they just need to deal with it.' Demi replies.

'You know what you're doing when you get there, don't you?' Marissa says and Demi nods her head.

'Yep. I know exactly what I'm doing.' She replies smiling down at the bundle of pictures sitting on her knee.

I know this is short but I wanted what happens in New York to be a separate chapter; I do plan on posting something else tonight so you get to decide whether it's another chapter of this or the next chapter of Privacy, let me know.