"Hi everyone, how are you guys?"
Jesse knew that it was a little weird to be watching this livestream on a fan's Instagram page using a fake account so that no one knew that it was him, but he knew that Demi was performing at iHeart Radio to get everyone ready for her new single and a new album, and he hadn't physically seen her in so long that he couldn't resist. So, there he was. Sitting in his car that was parked in his garage because he didn't feel like going inside of the house, not until he saw Demi. He had been texting her nonstop yet she wasn't responding. He knew why, but it was still a little annoying and he personally couldn't take it anymore. He knew she was only doing it because she wanted him to hear her message loud and clear. Well, message received.
"I know you guys probably want to hear Still Have Me but I'm actually not like...really in the mood to sing that song so I thought I would do a cover instead, and then answer some of your questions that you may have."
She had been recording a lot lately. He could tell because her voice was raspier than usual and it was cracking in odd places. Why was Scooter having her perform then? Jesse was always weary of managers who managed artists, especially in Demi's case. When was enough enough? But at the same time, Demi was grown and outspoken. If it was too much for her, she would've said something by now.
"Is that okay with you guys?"
The crowd cheered, and that caused Demi to giggle as she adjusted the microphone, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. There was a stool that she could sit on behind the microphone, so he watched as she adjusted her clothes before sitting down. She was in a two piece outfit, something simple that kept her covered but was still her style. It was in a color that looked good with her skin and her hair, but she seemed to be uncomfortable as she fixed her clothes again before bringing the mic down.
"You guys ready?"
The crowd roared again, and then she looked back to let her band and backup singers know that she was ready. He didn't know why, considering the fact that she started the song off acapella, all by herself.
I can't keep breaking up with you
You messed with my heart babe
Now it's black and blue
But love isn't fair
So I swear
That this time
This is the end
He loved how she got so lost in the music every time she sang. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and somehow made him want to listen to her sing all of the time.
And I can't keep lying
Lying to myself
Oh I'm thinking you'll love me right
But you never will
It's too much to bear (too much to bear)
So I swear (this time I swear)
That this time
This is the end (I mean it baby)
No wonder she chose to sing this song. Jesse felt like he had been punched in the gut as she moved onto another verse.
Oh
Said I'm gonna leave
But I'm never leavin'
Now I know that I really don't need to
Had your fun
Now the party's done
And you beg on the floor
As I walk out the door
Boy we're through
Oh
All the tears I've cried
All the lonely nights
Boy I lost my mind
But now I'm sure (now I'm sure now I'm sure)
You can say what you want but love isn't here anymore
Her eyes were shining as she opened them before moving back into the chorus, sucking in a deep breath as she let go of all of that emotion that was stirring in the depths of her soul.
And I won't be missing
Missing you
And no one can love you
The way I used to do
But love isn't fair
She choked out the word "fair" and then she stopped and pulled the mic away from her mouth as she released a broken sob. The crowd didn't know how to react. First they awed and then they started to cheer her on. When she brought her head back up, tears were streaming down her cheeks. She combed her fingers through her short bob, taking a deep breath and sticking the microphone back onto the stand before finishing the song. No matter what happened, Demi couldn't leave a song unfinished.
And I swear
That this time
This is the end
Oh
I promise baby
This is the end
You know it's the end
Oh, hey, yeah
This is the end
Once she finished, Jesse exited out of the instagram app and started his car back up. She was in New York, and he didn't even know when she would be home, but all he knew was that he had to go see her.
