But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: Quiet Strength

"Fuck."

I jerked awake, heart pounding and sweat soaking my skin. The nightmare clung to me, suffocating and real. I wiped my forehead with trembling hands, thankful that Demi hadn't burst in to check on me - maybe I hadn't made a sound. I sat up slowly, glancing at my phone. 4:37 a.m. Way too early to be awake. I tried to lie back down, willing myself to fall asleep again, but the images from the nightmare danced behind my eyelids like ghosts. I knew I wouldn't get rest alone in my room, so I quietly slipped out of bed and padded to Demi's room. The door was slightly open, so I peeked in. She was out cold, peaceful as ever.

Without hesitation, I crawled in beside her, feeling the warmth of her body, the steady rise and fall of her breathing. I curled up close and gently wrapped her arm over me like a shield. I felt safer, somehow, and the weight of the nightmare slowly began to lift. Before long, sleep took me.

"Sab?"

The soft voice pulled me out of sleep again, but this time gentler, kinder. Demi was sitting beside me, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

"Morning," I murmured, still groggy.

"When did you get into my bed?"

"Last night. I had a nightmare... couldn't sleep."

She smiled softly, rubbing my back. "You could've woken me. I wouldn't have minded."

I shook my head, embarrassed. "I thought you'd be mad."

She laughed quietly. "Mad? No way. I want you to come to me. Always."

Her warmth soothed me, and for the first time in a while, I felt a little less alone.

"Get up. We're going to see my family today."

Reluctantly, I got out of bed, the cold air biting at my skin. I headed to my room to get ready. Showering helped dull all the aches.

Downstairs, Demi was already preparing breakfast. Her voice floated from the kitchen. "Sab, breakfast is ready!"

I joined her at the table, thankful for the comforting routine.

The drive to Demi's family's place wasn't far-just a short trip to their new home in L.A. I wasn't nervous about seeing them again. I'd met them before, and honestly, I loved them. They were warm, open, and genuine. Especially Madison. She was funny and kind, and we always clicked instantly, like sisters.

Pulling up, I jumped out and practically ran to the door.

"Dianna!" I called, throwing my arms around Demi's mom.

"Hey, sweetheart. Hey, Demi," Dianna smiled, hugging us both.

Inside, I greeted the rest of the family with a smile and felt that familiar comfort settling around me.

Then I headed straight to Maddie's room. The door was half open, and I spotted her sitting cross-legged on the bed, gluing bits of paper to a science project.

"Hey, Mads," I said, hopping onto her bed.

She looked up and smiled softly. "Hey, Sab."

"What are you working on?"

"Science project. I hate science, though."

We both laughed, and I felt that easy connection again, the one that helped quiet the chaos inside me.

For a while, we just sat together in companionable silence. I watched her work and thought about how different my life felt here-less fear, more warmth. It was a relief, but I couldn't shake the nagging worry that I was just pretending. That somehow, everything could fall apart again.

Time flew by, and soon it was dinner. Maddie had finished her project, so the awkward silence was gone, replaced by laughter as we played board games around the table.

"That was delicious, Dianna," I said, licking my lips after finishing my plate.

After cleaning up, Demi announced it was time to head home. I hugged everyone goodbye, my heart feeling full but heavy with everything I'd been trying to hold in.

In the car, Demi glanced over at me. "Did you have fun with Maddie?"

"It was good. At first, it was kinda awkward since she was busy, but then we played games and talked. She's really sweet."

"That's great, Sab. I'm glad you get along."

Back home, I changed into my pajamas and curled up on the couch. Demi wrapped her arms around me, and I rested my head on her neck. The ache in my ribs still pulsed, but her presence made it bearable.

I thought about Maddie, about how easy it was to be around her. And then my mind drifted to Mia-her smile, the way she looked at me sometimes. It scared me and confused me all at once. Was this just going to be a friendship, or will there be something more? I didn't know yet, but the thought filled me with a strange hope... and an equally strong fear.

Tonight, wrapped in Demi's arms, I wished for answers. Tomorrow, maybe I'd find it.