Chapter 2

Demi was rattled, stunned. This is not at all how she had imagined the night going. She'd been planning this for some time. Ever since she found out her management had set up a few intimate performances here she started figuring out how to meet up with Naya. Demi doubted Naya realised this but she'd become the girl she wanted to talk to about anything and everything. Her sense of humour drew Demi to her through their messages but seeing her in person was another thing entirely.

As she walked, or should she say stormed, down the alley Demi couldn't help but notice just how stunning the girl was. She wore a hip hugging, cobalt blue dress that came up mid thigh, matched with some black heels that only accentuated her tall, slender, and expertly tanned figure. Naya's back was to her now but Demi could remember just how beautiful her face was, striking, if not slightly annoyed in the moment.

A group of fans approached Demi just as she started calling out after her, typical, never takes them long to find her. She normally loved the appreciation and kind words but now was not the time, she had to go and make amends before this turned into any more of a disaster. "NAYA!" Demi called out again. She guessed her voice had an air of desperation to it because Naya did turn around. A pause in her quick pace was all Demi needed to catch up with her. She had her eyebrow raised, willing Demi to speak, but Demi was lost in her eyes. Naya spoke instead.

"I'm not sure how you thought this was going to go down when you decided to fly over here. Maybe I was just meant to fall at your celebrity feet, but let me tell you that is not how I do things. You lied to me. I thought you were the one person I could trust and you lied to me! Now why don't you go back to your little fan club over there so they can have time with their beloved D, or Demi, or argh I just don't know who you are right now!"

Demi waited patiently for Naya to finish. She could understand that this was all a bit too much at once for the Latina. She'd been kept in the dark and that really wasn't fair. A few moments had passed now since she stopped her tirade and her chest was beginning to return to normal breathing. Demi reached out her hand and placed it on Naya's arm, hoping to both calm her and silently ask her to stay.

"You're right. It was stupid of me to lie to you. I wanted to just be another girl that day I went into that chat room. I wanted to talk about things that wouldn't end up being leaked to the tabloids. I thought it was a once off, that I wouldn't talk to the same person again, but I really liked talking to you. I still do. As for who I am, I'm the same person I was to you ten minutes ago. Yes to some people I'm Demi. But to you I'm D, that's the real me. D is the one with the feelings and insecurities and everyday worries. Demi is an illusion, she's a stage presence, a front that other people get. I never want to be just her around you Naya". Demi wasn't aware when that took such an emotional turn but she found herself wiping at a stray tear trying to escape. She hoped she hadn't screwed this up entirely.

Naya seemed to be considering something. Demi scanned her face, looking for any signs of forgiveness or understanding. Naya opened her mouth, but shut it again. Gosh she was making her work hard for this. She opened her mouth to speak again.

"I can't say I entirely understand what that's like which is why I'm willing to hear you out, discuss this whole catastrophe further". Demi smiled hopefully. "But not here. Not with a crowd. Where are you staying?"

Demi fidgeted with the zipper on her jacket as she mumbled nervously, "I…uh…didn't quite get that far yet. I have a few gigs to play over the next week but my first thought was just coming to find you."

Naya's eyes softened for the first time since they met. "Well good. You'll have plenty of time to explain yourself when you're staying with me," she half joked as she pulled her arm for the girl to follow.