Steal the Show •On Hold•

Chapter Eleven

Artemis threw on a pair of ripped cutoffs and a loose, long sleeved maroon shirt. She put on her cat earrings. Cam wasn't there, but Jade was. She'd been hired to help backstage, so she wouldn't have to help Lawrence and Cam again. Jade was in an outfit almost exactly like Artemis'. "Girl, you ready?"

"Yep."

"What's the first song?"

"Heart Attack."

"Oh, I love that song. I still can't get over the fact that it's yours."

"Yep. Be proud of me."

"I'll be proud of you when you tell someone about Cam."

"I did. I told you."

"Doesn't count."

Artemis rolled her eyes. Jade walked up to her. She did her little sister's hair and makeup. "You look gorgeous. Now, go rock that crowd."

Forty five minutes later, Artemis was onstage. She looked for Jade backstage, and met eyes with her. The ebony nodded in encouragement.

Song: Heart Attack by Demi Lovato

"I'm putting my defenses up, cuz I don't wanna fall in love. If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.

Never put my love out on the line. Never said yes to the right guy. Never had trouble getting what I want. But when it comes to you, I'm never good enough.

When I don't care, I can play him like a Ken doll. Won't wash my hair, make him bounce like a basketball.

But you make me wanna act like a girl. Paint my nails and wear high heels, yes, you. You make so nervous that I just can't hold your hand!

You make me glow, but I cover up, won't let it show. So I'm putting my defenses up, cuz I don't wanna fall in love. If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.

I think I'd have a heart attack. I think I'd have a heart attack.

Never break a sweat for the other guys. But when you come around, I get paralyzed. And every time I try to be myself, it comes out wrong like a cry for help! It's just not fair. Pain's more trouble than love is worth. I gasp for air. It feels so good, but you know it hurts.

But you, make me wanna act like a girl. Paint my nails and wear perfume, for you. You make me so nervous that I just can't hold your hand!

You make me glow. But I cover up, won't let it show. So I'm putting my defenses up, cuz I don't wanna fall in love. If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.

I think I'd have a heart attack. I think I'd have a heart attack.

Those feelings are lost in my love. They're burning, I'd rather be known. But there's no one else to blame. So scared I'll take off in a run. I'm flying to close to the sun. And I'll burst into flames.

You make me glow, but I cover up, won't let it show. So I'm putting my defenses up, cuz I don't wanna fall in love. If I ever did that, I think I'd have a heart attack.

I think I'd have a heart attack. I think I'd have a heart attack. I think I'd have a heart attack. I think I'd have a heart attack."

There was a mixture of cheers and boos from the crowd, who desperately wanted her to fall for Wally. They also loved the implication that Artemis wasn't in love with Cam. Artemis was grateful that Cam wasn't there; he'd be furious. He hated it when she sang that song. She'd written it two years ago, when Cam was just starting to abuse her. The whole reason the abuse started was because she tried to break up with him.

Jade walked over to her. "You did great, girl!"

"Thanks, Jade."

Jade rubbed her stomach.

"You ok, Jae?"

"Yeah. Baby girl is making her presence now."

Artemis shuddered. "Could you not refer to her as 'baby girl'?"

"Why shouldn't I- oh."

Cam walked up behind them. "Hey, Babe. Jade. Time for Arty and I to leave." He grabbed Artemis' arm, leading her around the streets of Madrid to the hotel. They settled into bed, him groping her. She shoved his hands away and he hit her. "Go to sleep." He started touching her. She continued to struggle until she fell asleep from exhaustion.