Can we just take a moment to say how perfect and flawless and just amazing DEMI is... I mean all of the songs are so good. People keep asking what your favorite is and I literally can't pick because they are all so good and it changes every time I listen to the songs. They are all just so perfect, this album is just so amazing I can't even think of other words to describe it because it's seriously just so good.

But anyway... new chapter. Sorry for the wait.

Previously:

After what seemed like hours of her jumping and shaking, her breathing finally became even as I looked down at her closed eyes... She was finally asleep. I felt relieved that I was finally able to go to sleep myself, I tried to move slightly to get comfy but Mitchie's arms were still firmly around me making it impossible to move an inch.

''Goodnight Mitchie'' I whispered as I smiled down at her, wiping the hair from in front of her eyes before leaning back and closing my eyes drifting off to sleep almost instantly to the sound of the rain against the window.

'I'm going to hire someone to find her... an investigator. I have the money, I just need to know who she is, what she looks like. How she's doing...'' She said sighing sadly.

Alex's POV:

I woke up the next morning from a beam of light shining through a gap in the curtain. The right side of my body completely numb as I looked down to see Mitchie still asleep clutching onto me tightly like she hadn't move at all throughout the night. She looked so peaceful whilst she was asleep. I didn't want to wake her, it looked like she hadn't had a decent night's sleep in ages so for now I just stayed still with her asleep curled up into my side as I traced patterns on her arm gently, loosing myself in my thoughts.

I found myself thinking about Mitchie, thinking back to the first time I saw her. She was sat in my seat, completely oblivious to the world around her. I remembered clearly every moment with her from then on but she was still a complete mystery to me. One I was intent on solving. I wanted to find out more about her, what was going on in her life. Why she was always acting like this... I wanted to help. I wished that she would trust me enough to open up to me more about everything, trust is hard to gain I know that. I just hoped that she would take a risk in trusting me.

I was brought out of my thoughts when Mitchie whimpered softly in her sleep, her fist automatically gripping my t-shirt as I just stared down at her debating if I should wake her up or not. My mind was made up when she whimpered again, more frequently until she started mumbling words which I couldn't make out.

''Mitchie'' I said shaking her arm gently. ''Mitch'' I tried again, shaking her harder until her body noticeably relaxed slightly as her eyes fluttered open, automatically looking up at me as she released my shirt from her grip staying curled into my side tightly. ''You alright Mitch?'' She just nodded into my chest as I started running my fingers through her hair.

''Thank you Alex'' She whispered. I smiled to myself for a moment until realizing I didn't know what she was thanking me for.

''For what Mitch?''

''Last night, and every other time like this...'' She whispered again her voice becoming less audible with each word as her sentence trailed off.

''You don't need to thank me Mitch'' I said looking down at her and smiling as she tried to return the gesture, it came off weakly but it was better than nothing I suppose.

We stayed sat in a comfortable silence for a while longer, both getting lost in our own thoughts. I had no idea what was going through her mind, I never did. I was generally quite good at reading people, knowing what they were feeling and thinking about but with Mitchie it was like a brick wall. She had been hiding everything for so long it had become a second nature.

''Alex, Mitchie you awake?'' My dad spoke from the opposite side of the door as he knocked.

''Yeah'' I called back lazily as he opened the door slightly peering in before he actually stepped into the room. I felt Mitchie tense up slightly beside me, I rubbed her arm lightly in response trying to relax her.

''How much do you love me?'' He grinned as he stopped half way between my bed and the door. I smirked knowing this would probably have a good outcome.

''I don't know it depends, what did you do?'' He pulled a small envelope from behind his back holding it in front of him.

''Well... I thought I should probably tell you now; give you a few days notice. I got you an early birthday present'' The grin on his face growing even more. I sat up slightly at this, pulling Mitchie with me as I sat up leaning against the headboard.

''What is it?'' I asked not even bothering now to try and mask the excitement in my voice.

''Tickets to a Demi Concert'' He winked at me as he spoke.

''You're kidding!?''

''Nope'' He threw the envelope over at me. I opened it pulling out the bits of paper and reading over them. My jaw completely dropped, I turned to look at him as he just laughed at me raising an eyebrow.

''These are VIP tickets!?'' I literally screamed at him.

''Oh they are? My bad here I'll take them back''

''NOOOO'' I screamed jumping up from the bed, envelope still in my hand as I ran over engulfing him in a hug. ''Thank you thank you thank you thank you'' I repeated over and over not letting go of him.

''Soooo, who are you going to take with you?'' He asked as he tried to remove my grip from around his waist. His eyes flickered to behind me before he looked down again. ''You have today and half of tomorrow to decide oops'' He said before he turned and ran out of the room.

I stood there with my jaw hanging open. Not moving as the information processed in my head... I was going to a concert... with VIP tickets. Not just any concert... a fucking Demi Lovato concert. Once it had actually sunk into my head I turned around to see Mitchie just sat on my bed still, staring out the window, her face blank as usual. I sighed walking over and sitting down next to her on the bed, she didn't even flinch when the bed dipped slightly.

''Mitch'' I said softly touching her arm as she jumped turning around to face me, I smiled weakly at her. She still had bags under her eyes, I felt bad for her never seeming to get enough sleep. ''Do you want to come to the concert with me?'' I asked grinning.

''Me?'' She sounded confused.

''Yes... who else would I ask''

''Taylor'' She stated simply as I tried to stop my smile from faltering.

''Why would I ask her after what happened?'' She just shrugged in response looking down at the bed sheets. ''Mitch'' I said tilting her chin so she was looking at me. Her face stayed blank as I looked into her eyes trying to read her emotions but all I could see what hurt pain, fear. That's all the emotions she ever seemed to show. It was constantly there, tormenting her with every second that passed by. Whatever had happened, drilled into the back of her mind. Not letting her forget, not letting her move on. It was like an anchor on a ship, it would always pull her down no matter how hard she tried.

I wanted to see her smile, not just a quick grin, actually smile. The type of smile where it would meet her eyes. I wanted to see that, I wanted her to feel that happiness that she never seemed to experience. That was just the start; everything starts with a smile, a simple glance out of the corner of your eyes. You can't un see things, once it's been done there's no going back. You can only move forward, getting a smile or a laugh will be the beginning for her I hope, things were going to change for good. I'm sure of it.

''Lex'' I heard her mumble bringing me out of my thoughts as I looked at her for a moment.

''What did you just call me?'' I asked more out of shock as she cowered back slightly.

''L-Lex, I'm S-sorry I d-didn't me- Sorry'' She mumbled quickly as she looked away from me.

''No it's fine Mitch, I like it. I swear'' I tried to convince her but she didn't look back at me. She kept her gaze on anything in the room apart from me. ''Mitch its fine'' I said reaching out to take her hand as she flinched at my touch finally looking up to meet my eyes. ''Come here Mitch'' I said sighing as I pulled her into a tight hug. ''You'll come to the concert with me right?'' I asked again.

''Sure'' She mumbled as I smiled to myself still holding her there in my arms. I leant back against the headboard again pulling her with me so that she was laid between my legs, her face buried into my chest as I kept my grip around her waist.

''You can go back to sleep if you want Mitch'' I said brushing the hair from her face and just looking down admiring her features.

''I don't want too'' She whispered, I couldn't help but hear the fear in her voice.

''Why not?''

''I don't want to see it again'' She said sadly.

''See what Mitch?'' I pressed but she just shook her head as I sighed, starting to run my fingers through her hair.

We stayed in that position for most of the morning. It was a regular thing for us now: Just laying next to each other in silence until we were interrupted by my dad telling us to get up as we were being lazy. I have given Mitchie some clothes and she was currently getting changed in the bathroom whilst I changed into some long basketball shorts and a blue shirt. Mitchie asked for something long as usual, I'm guessing to cover herself up as it was boiling outside so she wouldn't get cold. I didn't question it; I decided I would leave that for later.

After a while she eventually walked out of the bathroom. Once again she stood in the middle of the room unsure of what to do with herself. I took her hand in my own smiling at her before gently pulling her out of my room and down the stairs onto the sofa. It was Sunday, who cares. This was the day to sit back and do nothing. I looked over at Mitchie; she was sat on the sofa, her knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped around herself as I turned the TV on.

''Are you cold?'' I asked as she shook her head, no. ''What's wrong?''

''Nothing'' She mumbled before focusing on the TV.

She never told anyone how she was feeling. That was something else I was determined to work on. It wasn't good storing up all your feelings inside of yourself. I had seen it destroy people, whole families. It gets so out of hand; you can't deal with it and let it out at once. You regret your lash out almost instantly afterwards, but the damage is already done on everyone including yourself. I had witnessed this first hand... I had seen what it was able to do to people. Mitchie wasn't going to be the same as them.

I found my mind instantly wandering, until there was a banging on the door, the sudden noise causing us both to jump. I looked over to the door as the knocking continued before looking out the window seeing my dad's car was gone, he had gone out. Neither of us moved, we stayed sat there just gazing at the door hoping whoever it was would go away, but they didn't.

''OPEN THIS DOOR'' The voice suddenly rang out; I turned shocked to Mitchie who was frozen on the spot, fear evident all over her face. ''OPEN IT MITCHIE''

''It's him'' She whispered. I stood up about to walk to the door. ''NO DON'T'' Mitchie cried out. ''DON'T ALEX PLEASE'' She continued, looking around the room in panic. She got up from the sofa, taking one glance at the window before walking into another room. I took one look at the door; you could see the frame vibrating from the force of each hit. I stayed stood there for a moment longer before walking to find where Mitchie was.

''Mitch?'' I called out quietly into the house as I walked in the direction she had headed. ''Mitchie'' I repeated as I walked into the kitchen, I looked down behind the island in the middle of the room to see her sat against it, her hands covering her ears with her knees brought up to her chest once again. I could hear her heavy breathing from here, as she rocked back and forth slightly. ''Mitchie'' I said once more dropping down on my knees in front of her as I held my hands over hers, trying to remove them from her head.

''No, no, no'' She whispered as I continued to try and pull her hands away. I eventually managed to move them; I grabbed each wrist tightly stopping her from covering her ears again.

''Mitchie'' She continued struggling against my grip. ''Mitchie stop!'' I said raising my voice slightly as she looked at me, her breathing becoming worse as she struggled to draw in air. ''Calm down Mitch c'mon. I didn't answer it okay?'' I stared directly into her eyes not breaking contact. ''Shit Mitch, breath come on''

My head snapped up when there was the sound of the front door slamming shut. I looked down at Mitchie, different emotions flickering in her eyes as the colour from her face drained. She looked back up at me.

''YOU LIED'' She screamed at me trying to get free from the grip that I still had on her arms. She kept thrashing about, as I tried to keep hold of her.

''No Mitch I swear-''

''NO'' She screamed as she carried on struggling, her breathing still jaggered and uneven.

''What's going on?'' My dad's voice rang through the kitchen as his shadow fell over us. We both jumped again, Mitchie slamming her head into the kitchen island with a loud thud. She cried out as I finally released her hands, she instantly brought them up cradling the back of her head whilst trying to get her breathing back on track.

''Was her dad not out there?'' I questioned.

''No...?''

''Mitch, he's gone. Are you okay?'' I asked watching her still holding her head, I watched a lone tear escape from her eye, falling down her cheek as I reached up wiping it with the pad of my thumb. She stayed silent for a moment whilst she tried to get her breathing under control before she just nodded.

''What happened?'' My dad asked cutting in.

''He started knocking on the door, shouting. Mitchie just freaked out'' I explained not taking my eyes off her as she stared directly back at me. It was at that moment the sound of the front door closing sounded again through the house. I looked up at my dad confused before reaching out and taking one of Mitchie's hands in mine.

''What are you doing!?'' My dad demanded. I hadn't moved yet, but I had a good idea who he was talking to.

''Where is she?!'' His voice echoed through the house.

''Who?'' He asked acting dumb.

''Mitchie, I know she's here'' He practically growled. I turned looking at Mitchie, bringing my finger to my lips signalling for her to be quiet even though it wasn't like she was going to speak at a time like this. Her whole body was shaking by this point.

''She's not.''

''Your lying''

''I'm really not'' He started his face blank. ''Get out of my house before I call the police on you for breaking and entering.'' There was silence in the room for a moment before he mumbled something his footsteps becoming distant.

''You better come home tonight Mitchie'' He called out into the house before the front door was heard closing.

''He's gone Mitch'' I whispered sliding next to her on the floor before pulling her into my lap wrapping my arms around her waist resting my hands on her stomach as she leaned back into me. I rested my head on her shoulder. Her breathing had somehow evened out during the time that passed but she was still shaking. ''He's gone'' I repeated, whispering into her ear.

I looked up to my dad who was just stood there awkwardly, he signaled over his shoulder before walking out of the room and just leaving us sat behind the counter. I didn't say anything for a while; I waited for Mitchie to calm down more slightly. She had completely flipped out and it worried me, how easy she could get set off. It made sense when you thought about it, the way she reacted around people she had never met before, when they spoke or tried to touch her; She would always try her best to stay calm and not flip out or just running off away from the source of her fear.

I sighed starting to trace patterns on the fabric of her shirt covering her stomach. She tensed slightly sitting up more as she turned her head so that she was able to face me. I looked at her confused for a moment as to why she had tensed. I always just traced random patterns on her arms and stuff. I felt like a light bulb went off in my head when I processed my last thought. Her arms... not her stomach. An image of the red lines across her torso from that day in the locker room flashed into my head as realization slowly hit me.

''Sorry Mitch'' I said, knowing that it probably made her uncomfortable or in somehow scared her, a memory being brought up again. It wasn't even that long ago...

''Its fine'' She whispered before relaxing back into my arms again as I made a mental note not to do it again in the future.

''Do you want something to eat Mitch?'' I asked upon hearing my own stomach starting to growl at me as she chuckled slightly.

''Yeah, please'' She said as she leant forward before standing up, turning around and offering a hand to me as she helped to pull me up. I looked around the kitchen for a moment trying to decide on what to eat.

''Any requests?'' I asked looking through the cupboards slowly, thinking about how quickly her mood, and everything else seemed to change. She just shook her head in response as she stood there watching me intently as I moved around the kitchen. I couldn't be bothered to really make us anything to eat; it was too late for breakfast by now so I just made us both a sandwich as we sat around the island in the middle of the kitchen eating in a comfortable silence.

I sat there waiting for her to finish, she was lost in her own mind again, as she picked at the crust of the bread slowly, a distant look in her eyes as she gazed off behind me. She was in her own world, un aware of everything. I watched her carefully, waiting for any trace of emotion to creep on her face but she just sighed looking over at me. I felt my cheeks burn slightly as I looked down, embarrassed that she had caught me staring at her like that. She just chuckled in response.

''What were you thinking about Mitch?'' I questioned eventually as she stopped playing with the bread left on her plate.

''Nothing'' She said flashing a oh so fake smile.

''Oh so many secrets'' I mumbled to myself sarcastically.

''Secrets protect us Alex, secrets help keep us safe'' She whispered.

''What the hell is that supposed to mean?''

''Nothing'' She sighed again shaking her head as I groaned, frustrated with how this just seemed to be going around in a loop. You think your starting to get somewhere but you're only seeing that glimmer of hope, it flashes before your eyes before being taken back in an instant. I sat looking down at the pattern from the marble island as I noticed a shadow creep over me. I spun around to see my dad stood behind me as he rested his chin on my head.

''Where's mine?'' He said pointing to the plates on the table.

''In my stomach'' I fired out instantly as he chuckled stepping back as the sound of the fridge opening was heard. I looked back up at Mitchie, this time she was the one being caught staring at me, although she had no general reaction, she just looked away as our eyes met. I stood up grabbing both our plates, putting them by the sink before walking out the room with Mitchie following me as we headed back up stairs into my room.

I instantly flopped onto my bed lying on my back, hanging off the edge so I was able to see Mitchie as she walked into the room slowly. Looking at me expectantly as I patted the bed next to me, she walked over sitting on the edge of the bed as I rolled so I was leaning on my elbows and looking up at her. I tried to start conversation with her, it worked but any time I asked her something personal she would avoid the question.

It was nearly 10pm by now; she had stayed for dinner and was now stood in the hallway by the front door. She looked at me, before wringing her hands together and looking away. She was nervous about something but what?

''Excited for tomorrow?'' I asked as she nodded smiling. ''You want to come here before school or something and drop clothes off so you can get changed quicker afterwards?''

''okay'' She spoke before I pulled her into a tight hug, just holding her there for a while before opening the door. She looked at me one final time, her expression was weird... I don't know. I got this sinking feeling in my gut as she walked out the door shutting it behind her.

I was worried about her going home, he had seemed pretty pissed of earlier but at least he wasn't drunk then, unlike before. She insisted that everything was fine and he was just mad about her not saying where she was, that she would see me tomorrow as normal but I couldn't help but feel like something bad was going to happen. I walked over to the side window of the house looking out just to catch sight of Mitchie as she walked into the house, most of the lights were out, the curtains were all drawn, leaving only a small gap to show the dim light coming from the room.

I tried to brush the feeling off, going upstairs to go to bed. The feeling was soon replaced by excitement as I saw the envelope on the small table next to my bed from where I had left it this morning. I quickly changed and got ready for bed. I took a final look out my window at Mitchie's room opposite but the curtains were once again drawn and the room was dark. I assumed she was asleep as I crawled under the covers of my own bed, the space feeling much bigger without having Mitchie laid with me. You would think I would be used to it after all the years of having my own bed, but I liked it when Mitchie was here. I liked having her in my arms, watching her fall asleep slowly.

I laid there staring at the ceiling for a while, thinking to what Mitchie had said earlier about secrets keeping us safe... I really didn't get what she meant. Surely secrets were only going to make it worse, making things more dangerous. Having someone that knew your secret, it was like a safety net for them to fall back on. With those thoughts lingering in my mind, I felt my body starting to shut down as I shut my eyes waiting for sleep to take over. I was dreading having school tomorrow for different reasons. Having to get through the day knowing what was happening later on... and having to deal with Taylor.

I really didn't get what her problem was with Mitchie. She hadn't ever done anything to her, she just completely turned on her, I told her to back off and she just said I was being stupid. That slut isn't worth your time. She told me. She just seemed jealous... Yeah I had been spending a lot of my time with Mitchie but I didn't get why she was reacting so badly to it. She had never been like that before with anyone else.

Eventually I let sleep take over.

The next thing I knew I was up and dressed ready for school, I don't know how that happened. Especially on a Monday morning... part of me blamed the excitement of wanting to get school over with and the other half blamed the nagging feeling in my gut that had came back when I woke up. I was stood in the kitchen anxiously waiting for Mitchie to arrive as I packed my school bag. My dad had left early for work this morning so he could have later off to drive us there. It was too quiet in the house, normally he would forget to turn the TV or radio off but today it was completely silent.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me when there was a short knock at the front door. I left my bag on the counter walking over to the door. Not bothering to check who it was before opening the door to reveal Mitchie stood there. I stared at her for a moment, something seemed different. I didn't know what but something felt off... weird. I shrugged the feeling off once again when she spoke up.

''So erm, I'm leaving this here right?'' She asked holding up a bag which I assumed had spare clothes in as I just nodded at her still not saying anything, stepping aside and letting her in the house before shutting the door behind her. I took the bag from her, putting it by the bottom of the stairs as she followed me into the kitchen.

''Are you okay Mitch?'' I asked, running my eyes over her. Looking for anything that explained what I was feeling right now.

''Yeah...'' I could have sworn her voice sounded shaky, or maybe I was just hearing things. ''Why wouldn't I be?'' She asked confused.

''No reason... what was your da- I mean, what was he like when you got home yesterday?''

''Not much'' She looked down biting her lip. ''He was just going on about how I didn't tell him where I was the night before'' She shrugged before looking at the clock across the room. ''We should go to school...''

''Yeah...''

I walked into the kitchen grabbing my bag before heading back as we walked out the door and down the path heading towards the school in silence once again... I wish we didn't just walk in silence but it wasn't like it was awkward or anything. I just wished she would speak more about anything that was going through her head, or any stories she had to tell. You could tell I was surprised when she was the one to start up a conversation.

''Excited for tonight?'' She questioned me out of the blue.

''Yeah of course I am'' A grin instantly spread across my face. ''You are too right?''

''Yeah of course I am, who wouldn't be?''

''You would be surprised Mitchie''

''Oh really?''

''Yes reallyyyy'' I said dragging the word out as I smiled to myself watching her trying to hold back a smile. She just shook her head at me as we carried on walking until we reached the school. I instantly spotted Taylor outside the school doors. Although she was far away I knew her gaze had fallen on us as we walking across the lot.

I stepped up my pace, walking ahead of her slightly so I would reach Taylor before Mitchie reached the doors. I jogged up the few steps and stood in front of her. She looked at me for a moment before her gaze flickered to behind me.

''It won't last Mitchie, I already told you that'' Taylor's voice rang out; I was confused for a moment. What had she said to her?

''What?'' I spoke voicing my thoughts.

''Nothing to worry about Alex'' She chuckled lightly before continuing. ''Just wait and see Mitch, just you wait''

I was bored with Taylor's antics by now. I turned around grabbing Mitchie's hand and making her walk in front of me into the school building. I questioned Mitchie about what Taylor had said and she actually told me the truth for once. After what she told me I just wanted to go back outside and 'speak' to Taylor but Mitchie stopped me, telling me there was no point and then forced me to go to class.

The day had been passing far too slow for my liking; I was sat in my last period watching the clock tick the last few seconds before the bell would ring signalling the end of the day. We literally only just about had time to go home and get changed before heading out again. So when the bell rang I shot out of my seat and into the hallway and waited for Mitchie who appeared soon after as we walked home quickly.

Not much conversation was exchanged whilst we were getting ready; she locked herself in my bathroom whilst I changed in my room. Sometime during all the excitement my dad had came in telling us to hurry up that we needed to leave in a few minutes before he handed me some spending money for the concert knowing too well I would have spent all my pocket money already. I just thanked him looking over as Mitchie stepped out of the bathroom.

''Ready to go then?''

'Hell yeah'' I grinned as we all headed downstairs and out into the car. The ride was spent in conversation with my dad, the radio playing in the background with Mitchie sometimes contributing to what was being said. She didn't seem to mind, she was staring out the window most of the time, resting her chin on her arm as she watched the scenery we drove past.

It was amazing how fast the time passed in the car, before we knew it we were getting out of the car and heading into the arena. I looked down at the tickets in my hand, most concerts would hold the VIP bit, the meet and greet and backstage bit before the show but no it was after. So we stood in line waiting to get in with everyone else. I felt Mitchie grab my hand tightly in the mist of the crowd, I looked over at her seeing the terrified look on her face. I knew she wouldn't like being stood in a sea of complete strangers but once we got inside it would be better, she would have more space. So for now I squeezed her hand lightly as she looked up at me before I let go of her hand and put my arm around her waist keeping her close to me as the line slowly moved forward towards the gates.

'You'll be fine Mitch, this is going to be amazing'' I spoke grinning as we finally entered the arena walking to the pit at the front after showing our tickets to one of the security guards dotted around the arena. The atmosphere felt amazing and nothing had even happened yet... You can feel the positive buzz from everyone in the room.

When the lights dimmed before going off and the music started, everyone went crazy as I turned to look Mitchie with wide eyes, grinning like a lunatic.

Normal POV:

''We've might of found something'' The man dressed in a black suit speaks up as he watches her pace her dressing room.

''What!?'' She exclaims turning around to face the man.

''We're not completely sure... but if we're right. I can give you the information by the end of the night'' She couldn't help the grin that started to spread across her face.

''That's great'' She beamed at him.

''We will get back to you later'' He trailed his sentence off before sliding out of the doorway and heading down the hallway, leaving her almost ecstatic with the possibility of her knowing who her daughter was after so many years.

''10 Minutes'' Her managers voice suddenly called out as the door opened yet again as they just shook their head seeing the look on the women's face.

Take me, this is all that I've got
This is all that I'm not, all that I'll ever be
I've got flaws, I've got faults
Keep searching for your perfect heart
It doesn't matter who you are
We all have our scars, we all have our scars

Ahh, I don't know. This chapter took me ages to write because for most of it, I really had no idea what I was doing until I got to the end because I knew how I wanted to end this chapter. But anyway, wanna review? (: