This is my third time rewriting this author's note. Halloween was fun. Finding out everything about Demi depressed me a bit, and now I'm hoping my stories (new ones that is) don't turn all depressing. I had a lot to say. But now my mind goes blank. Hope this chapter comes out well. Sorry about not posting this past weekend. Hopefully I can still post everyday. I'll do my hardest to do so.

PS. I can't wait to write responses to all the amazing reviews I've received.

The cake was cut and served at least twenty minutes ago, when Alex decided to surprise me with my favorite ice-cream of all time. I was completely full until that moment. We were getting ready to open my gifts but I couldn't find Alex anywhere. Matter of fact, I didn't see her since the cutting of the cake a while ago. Harper and I were sitting with Jerry as he ate all the cake he wanted. Teresa didn't mind, she explained that he'd be running a mile for the next three days or so. Roger was sleeping in his puppy carrier, while Coco continued to gaze and sniff at it.

"Where's Alex?" I asked Harper, noticing it'd be time to leave soon.

"Not too sure. She told me she was going to do something but I haven't seen her. Your dad has been gone a while as well."

I let my eyes wander around the room noticing that not only was Alex missing, but my mom and dad as well. I sighed, dipping my spoon into the cone in my hand, before running my tongue across the treat. Max was doing the DJ-ing now and Justin was talking to his mom at the back stage.

"Harper. Would you care for a dance?" I asked the girl as she poked her second piece of cake with a fork.

"Sure." She stood, reaching for my hand as I took it, walking out into the middle of the floor before I saw Justin running over to me. His face was blank, which scared me slightly.

"Mitchie, have you seen Alex?" He asked as I shook my head 'no.' "Great, so now Mackenzie and Alex are gone."

"Wait, Mackenzie is gone?" I froze where I was. The color draining from my face before I spotted my dad and Alex walking into the room laughing. They were carrying something, as my dad twirled a object around his finger.

"So does that mean we'll have to take a rain check on that dance?" Harper asked, really wanting to return to her cake.

"Yeah." She rushed back to the table as I made it over to my dad. Alex sat something down, before I rose my eyebrow at her. My dad blocked my view, smiling at me before grabbing my hand. I watched as he sat something cool between my palm, as I gazed down at the silver object.

"What's this for?" I asked, noticing the odd car shaped key.

"Well. You know how you've wanted a car since you turned sixteen?" He asked as I squealed.

"No way."

"Well…"

"Dad you didn't," I smiled brightly, holding onto his suit jacket as he nodded. My voice echoed off the walls as Alex shook her head.

"I test drove it." She told me, smiling as I hit her arm.

"And you kept this from me?"

"I didn't know. Your dad just told me." She ran her fingers against her smooth arm, letting the light play off of her skin perfectly. I leaned into her, kissing the spot I hit before sighing.

"I'm sorry."

"So do you want to see it?" My dad asked as I faced him.

"Well duh! But we only have a little time left in here. I'll open everything and take it home." I said, as my dad nodded before calling into the crowd. I was ready to open my gifts, with Alex, Mackenzie and Harper's help of course. As we made it over to the last table that was actually filled with things, I pulled Alex's hand into mine as she faced me.

"Where did Mackenzie go?"

"She's here."

"I meant with you," I said matter of factly.

"Oh. She was talking with Claire. Mitch, I'm not sure if you'd believe me or not but…"

I ran my fingers down Alex's cheek, cupping her chin between my index and thumb.

"I'll always believe you." I gave her the best smile I could before Justin yelled over to us.

"Girls, gifts, now!" He demanded as I sighed. Whatever Alex had to tell me, ask me, whatever, would have to wait. It took no time to open everything, revealing glass objects, even more jewelry, stuff for a car, guess it was from my mom, and a few gifts cards here and there.

"Okay guys, be safe." I heard Teresa tell the guests as everyone slowly left. My mom and dad made sure I had all my gifts before they walked me outside, and I finally spotted Mackenzie talking to Claire. Justin was smiling hard just before he revealed my silver four-door truck. I squealed as Teresa shook her head, patting my shoulder.

"You Torres's and these trucks. There so manly," she joked as I giggled, sliding my fingers across the front. The sun was making it a bit too bright to continue staring at the thing, so I opened it, taking in the new car smell as my dad tossed things into the back. Max was carrying Roger, and Coco was hopping back and forth without a leash behind Alex.

"I'm kind of scared to drive this thing." I truthfully stated as Alex slid her hand in front of me.

"I'm not." I faced her, smiling, raising my eyebrow before she shrugged. I only studied her eyes, searching them for something before she leaned in to kiss my nose. I giggled in her grip, handing her the key before Justin ran over, catching his breath.

"Wait, I have to give them my gift. So Mitchie's dad can drive to…," Justin whispered in my dad's ear as I watched him. Mackenzie was finally walking my way, with a worried expression printed exclusively on her face.

"What gift Justin?" Alex and I asked as he rose blindfolds.

"Ride with either me or your dad, but I want you two to keep these on." He placed the blindfolds in my hand as I focused on Alex. She was staring blankly at her brother.

"This better be worth it." After Alex sat in my car, I ran the blindfold across her face, she was whining but I didn't mind much. I sat Coco in her lap, and joined Justin in his car with Roger and Harper. Everyone else would be going home, except my dad of course, and Teresa, who was following us to wherever Alex was going.

"So Justin, where are we going?" I asked, not blindfolded as he drove.

"It's a secret, but my mom and dad, and your parents, and me, myself, worked extremely hard on this." Justin was tapping his fingers against the steering wheel as I nodded. We were making it close to the destination I guess, because he told me to place the blindfold on. Roger was still asleep, snoring sort of in his carrier, as I giggled, running my fingers through his fur.

"Mine is the best gift ever," Justin chanted out as I shook my head. I didn't quite like being blindfolded, it wasn't my thing, but I guess I trusted Justin. But if Alex wanted to do this, that would be a totally different story. I felt the car halt to a stop as Justin climbed out. He opened my door and helped me onto the ground before, grabbing Roger from me.

"Now, be careful." He said, as I nodded, holding onto his arm for dear life. "Chris this way. Help Alex!" Justin said as I traced the steps in my mind. I stepped up once, then again, and as I went up, I counted the steps. My heart was beating fast, what else could there be to show me? I was grateful for everything I received in one day, I couldn't ask for anything else. I knew we were inside a place when the wind stopped touching my face. I took a deep breath as Justin placed me in one spot.

"Stay here. Okay hand me Alex." I suppose he was talking to my dad. I heard footsteps crash against hardwood and I was too excited to keep my mask on any longer. I felt Alex next to me, it's a feeling I knew too well. I quickly placed my hand blindly into hers as she squeezed my fingers. I smiled, waiting until I heard Teresa with Mackenzie and Conrad. They had to leave the hotel of course, so they choose to come with Alex's mom.

"Alright guys." Justin spoke above the oo's and ah's getting tossed around. I began bouncing on my feet as he plucked at the loop behind my head. And soon my exciting feeling dropped as fast as it could, causing my heart to pound faster and faster as I focused on Alex's face. She had the same expression as I had.

"Okay, you guys look crazy, but I didn't tell you the big surprise yet."

We were back in the same apartment that we were in just a night ago. I could feel my hand shaking as everyone smiled at us. It was an awkward feeling because I knew what Alex and I did, and I didn't want everyone just staring at us, as if they, too, knew.

"With a lot of help from my salary that dad actually started to pay me over the past two summers," Justin began, "I decided that I wanted Alex out of the house so she could stop with all the bonding stuff she was doing with me," he laughed as I focused on him confused, "so I brought a lot of stuff to bring into this place. But long story short, mom and dad brought the furniture, well most of it. I bought the apartment and a lot of the random things you guys like, and it took a while to get enough money for the music room upstairs, but I wanted to give you guys this place. My alien language league stopped using it when we graduated and we only had it for two months, so…welcome home." Justin said as my heart stopped. I was really on the verge of fainting now.

… ….. … … ….

Alex's P.O.V

I faced Mitchie, as her eyes burned into mine. I had to make a reaction besides shocked, or someone would know what was up, and that we'd been here before. I let Mitchie's hand go, moving into Justin to hug him, as I focused on Mitchie. She seemed still in shock almost.

"Wait, so you're telling me Mitchie doesn't have to live at home?" Chris asked just as my mom hugged Justin and I.

"Mitch." I finally was loose from the bear hug I was thrown in, and I grabbed Mitchie's fingers as she shook out of her daze.

"Well. Go look around." Justin said, as I thanked him, as Mitchie whispered the same words behind me. I was in a daze myself, but I wasn't going to let that stop me from acting as if I didn't see the place before. But oddly enough, I didn't notice my stuff in the space earlier. Everything on the first floor was the same, but on the second floor the music room was decorated with a few extra things, another guitar, a work desk, and a computer placed against the window. I didn't notice the other room down the hall, actually I doubt Mitchie had either. Inside was decorated in a bright orange color, must have been my mom's idea. Below was a lot of dog toys and beds in the corner for them. Then a few feeding bowls and just random stuff galore.

"If I would of saw this the first time," I whispered to Mitchie as Harper ran up behind us.

"I actually helped as well. I knew your setup so I kind of helped everyone decorate." Harper announced as I released Mitchie's hand, hugging my friend. Mackenzie had walked up the stairs with Harper, her face still unchanged from the hotel.

"Mitchie, maybe you should see the other stuff while I talk to Harper and Mackenzie."

"Wait." I heard her begin, "Please, no more surprises today. I'm too dizzy." She said, walking away as I nodded. Mackenzie stepped into Harper and I, leaning against the wall.

"So I spoke to Claire." She said, her eyes gazing at the floor.

"And?" I encouraged her as she faced me.

"She said she's doesn't want Mitchie."

"So why are you so down?"

"Uh. I don't want to talk about it."

I focused on the girl just as Harper ran to stop Mitchie from coming back to us.

"Spill it," I told her as she nodded.

"She told me she likes Conrad. I was going to hit her but then I didn't, so she also told me that she likes me, I'm totally confused." I watched as Mackenzie shook her head. "But the crazy thing is, she even admitted to liking you at one point or another, not sure if that still mean she does, but…Alex, the girl is bat shit crazy if you hadn't noticed by now."

"Oh I've noticed." I announced, not really taking a big deal out of it.

"I'm not sure if I should freak out or not." Mackenzie stood as Conrad ran over to us.

"Alex, I have something for you," he handed me a envelope. "This is my gift to you and Mitchie. You know I never really had friends outside of the business, and then I met you and Justin, and Max, and…you guys live life the way you want to. And I'm glad I didn't miss this weekend."

"O-kay." I told him, hugging him with one arm before lifting the envelope. Inside were papers that I barley had any interest to read over, but Conrad pointed to one line in particular. "Free artist. What does that mean?" I asked him as he smiled.

"I know you hate CR, but…they're a really good company, and they really want Mitchie to be under their contract, but beyond that. The studio we went to was actually a CR studio, and they wanted to offer both you and Mitchie a free artist contract. You can record one song a year for all they care, they just…they wanted to invest in you guys. And you know, they heard your song."

"You tricked me?" I jokingly asked him, as he continued to shake his head in disagreement. "I'll kill you." I hugged him tighter, this time with two hands before hitting his head with the papers. "A free artists sounds good for Mitchie but, I only perform for her. So thanks anyway, its not for me." I handed the boy my papers as he nodded, still holding onto Mitchie's. "But singing is something she loves, and I'm not going to force her to quit, nor hold back what she wants to do."

"Oh and I also wanted you to know, that the studio we were in is going to be a start in CR moving a building in town."

"No." I whined, really not wanting those psychos moving to Waverly.

"But there's something else, I get to record my music here every few months, so we can hang out again. And Mackenzie can get transferred whenever I come so she can be with me," he sounded so excited as Harper and Mitchie came over into the small corner we were all pushed in.

"I don't want to work with CR anymore though," Mackenzie announced. "I want to sing. That's what I want to do."

….. …. …. ….. ….. …. …..

Mitchie's P.O.V

Max handed me Roger, so I was holding him in my arms as everyone spoke back and forth between one another in the far corner. Harper and I joined them, just before Conrad handed me a paper and explained it to me. I faced Alex, as she nodded. I didn't want to sing if she didn't want me to, and that was the honest truth. I didn't want anything or anyone coming between us, but with me being able to sing from wherever I was, I could be within CR and still be with Alex. I nodded as Conrad did a small dance before we all separated. Alex, Roger, and I were in the music room now. We sat against the piano, as I let the puppy roam the floor. I pressed my fingers against a few key as Alex ran her hand over mine a few times. I would grin, moving my hand, before going onto another key.

"Everything is happening so fast. We have our own house, and I finally have my car that I wanted forever." Alex tapped my fingers, I had totally forgot I was hitting the same key. "This feels weird."

"What?"

"Everything. Why does everything seem to be working for the better now?" I was curious.

"Lets not mess with fate. I like that its working for us now."

"That's not it. CR has strict rules but they choose to break it for me. We have our own place, that must remain in Justin's name for another year but…doesn't this feel surreal?" I asked, leaning against Alex's shoulder as she nodded.

"But that's the good part about life. Hopefully if you try hard enough, everything works out."

"Hopefully." I nodded, moving back, before standing up. My dad had left to bring my new guitar here. So the only people left in the house was Justin, Harper, Mackenzie, Conrad, Max and the puppies, plus us of course. We joined everyone in the living room, as Justin placed a movie into the blu-ray.

"So this is how I'm spending the rest of my birthday huh? Hanging around people who care about me the most, watching movies and eating candy and popcorn?" I asked, as Alex and I sat next to each other. Max was on the floor with the dogs and Harper sat cuddled up with Justin.

"I have something else to give you, but since you said no more surprises today. I'll wait." Alex informed me as I nodded into her shoulder.

"How are we suppose to pay for this place?" I asked as Conrad quickly spoke up.

"Your money for all the songs you recorded will be sent in, plus since you're a free artist, rather you make music or not, you'll be getting paid. It's a win-win on your end." The boy said, as Alex nodded.

"Guess I'll need to find me a job. Since you're the stay at home wife." She poked at me as I gasped, hitting her arm.

"Good thing our only two kids are puppies. Oh. What's Roger's last name?" I asked as Alex smiled at the question.

"It's Torres-Russo, since you stuck Coco with Russo-Torres."

"It sounds better." I told her as everyone shushed us.

"We're going to marry as Torres-Russo," Alex told me.

"Over my dead body."

"Fine, we'll marry as Russo."

"Mitchie Russo?" I asked, balling up my face into knots. "How about you take the name Torres?"

"Oh yeah, Alex Marie Torres? My name will sound even girl-ier then it is now." Alex complained as everyone shushed us once more.

"But I'll love it if you take my name."

"Oh no, don't try those puppy eyes with me."

"But Alex," I pouted as all eyes in the room came to us. "Sorry," I whispered as they refaced the screen. "Can't we compromise?" I asked as Alex studied me.

"Compromise? On what? Me being names Torres or you being called Russo?"

"I think Russo-Torres is an amazing last name."

"Only because your name would go first," I stated, remembering the time when Alex and I were younger, or just last year. She'd always claim that I'd marry her, or that we were married and that either I'd take her last name, or mine would go first on marriage papers. To me Torres-Russo didn't sound as pretty as Russo-Torres, and I admit that it could confuse people at times but…

"Alex," I faced the girl. "How about, we just put the names on the paper however we want it. It's a free country." I watched her shake her head in disagreement.

"You're going to be a Russo and you're going to like it. So you can tell people, my name is Mitchie Russo."

"You're delusional." I joked as Harper reached over and pinched Alex's arm.

"Guys, the movie is on." She informed the both of us, as everyone else agreed with her.

"Fine. We'll finish this later." I pointed out to Alex, just before facing the television screen.

Alex's P.O.V

In the end, Mitchie and I were in the big room upstairs. Justin and Max went home, and Harper, Mackenzie and Conrad, crashed on the couch, and on the human sized bed in the puppies room. I couldn't believe that our parents, mainly mine, brought almost all of our clothes over without us noticing. But then again, Mitchie's dad didn't seem to thrilled that we had a house to run away to now. Roger was laying in Mitchie's lap on the bed, as Coco trailed the floor, sniffing back and forth. The door was closed, and I was brushing my hair in the bathroom, still a bit shocked. I was watching Mitchie playfully wrestle with the puppy as Coco barked randomly at them.

"Okay. Come join us." I made it onto the bed as Coco hesitated to move. She placed her paws onto the bed to stare at Roger before whining. "Come on." I tapped the sheets next to me but the puppy still didn't budge.

"Do you think she's jealous?" Mitchie asked, lifting Roger over her shoulder as if he was a baby.

"Maybe a little. She feels like her space is invaded," I leaned into Coco's eyesight. "Don't worry, I'm only setting myself up to have less of Mitchie's time. You two are gonna' keep her busy."

"There's still plenty of room for you."

"Sure there is." I rolled my eyes, lifting Coco onto the bed as she created a piercing bark into the air. "Hey, now be nice."

"I guess I'll have to sleep facing the window, and you can put Coco in the middle." Mitchie moved Roger to the edge of the bed, wrapping her arms around him as Coco licked her elbow.

"Its okay Coco, just imagine in like seven years, none of us are going to stand a chance for Mitchie's attention." I ruffled up the fur between the puppy's ear before laying down, noticing that the light was still on.

"Who's going to have my attention then?" Mitchie asked as I snickered. She wasn't facing me so she couldn't read my expression. Coco nuzzled into my side, before laying her head across my legs.

"I'm serious. Who's going to have my attention?"

"I don't know Mitchie. We'll be what? Twenty-five, if all goes well your attention will be sucked up by something pink with feet." I sighed loudly as she sat up, sitting Roger on her lap before shaking her head.

"What are you talking about?"

"Something pink, with feet."

"I don't get it."

I wanted to seriously laugh at her cluelessness.

"What do you want in seven years Mitchie?"

"How should I know, it hasn't come yet. Besides," she brushed my hair with her fingers, "I'm content just like this."

"Okay, I claim it. You said it, and not me."

"Claim what?" She was getting worked up about not knowing my reference. I only smiled, closing my eyes as I saw her shadow cast over me.

"Mitch," I mumbled, "I'd like to sleep sometime in the very near future."

"Not until you tell me what you're talking about." She was seriously shaking me back and forth as Coco growled slightly. I opened my eyes giggling as Roger imitated the bigger puppy. I sighed, sitting up before shushing the dogs.

"In seven years, when we're like, near thirty," I made a face that can't be explained, "we'll…well I will make sure that you're a well off, motherless wife of mine, with two dogs." Mitchie glared at me. I wanted to giggle before she thought about something because she looked off into the distance. "hey, I claimed no kids, you said you were content." I laid back down, as I felt Roger rubbing his nose against my cheek. Coco began to whimper as she focused on me.

"OOOO," she gasped, "I didn't know what you were talking about."

"Well you let me claim content."

"Alex!" Mitchie hit me, for the hundredth time in my life. "You're just joking right?"

"About what?" I asked, before I tapped Coco's head with my fingers, trying to ignore Roger's nose tickling my skin.

"About the kid thing."

"I don't know." I shrugged, "its too early to tell." I sat back up, placing Roger back in Mitchie's lap as Coco curled up in mine. "All I know is, they'll be me fighting against a kid and some dogs for your love…worst case scenario." I joked as Mitchie shook her head, leaning into me. I quickly squished my lips together so Mitchie couldn't kiss me. She focused on my face before I leaned back.

"You're not going to bite me are you?" I asked, because truthfully my lip and back throbbing from the other day caught up with me. You'd expect something like that to be over already.

"That's the best case scenario. Besides, you're always my number one, I promise."

"Even if the kid is so freaking adorable, with big eyes, and curly pigtails?"

"Yes," Mitchie nodded, giggling.

"Even if the kid doesn't speak clearly, and the words come out extra adorable?"

"Yes." She shook her head once more, as both dogs finally crawled on the foot end, actually laying next to each other.

"Even if…"

"Alex," Mitchie quickly kissed me, as I took in how smooth her lips were. I guess I could feel myself getting calm as she pulled back. "You're my everything, forever and ever and ever."

"Even if…"

"Yes," she stroked my chin, kissing it before pulling back. I narrowed my eyes on her as she clapped really loud. The lights flicked off. "Justin told me he installed that."

"Aw," I frowned, which couldn't be seen. "I like arguing over who'll turn off the light."

"Most likely you." Mitchie mumbled as I gasped, reaching for her as she giggled. I made sure not to move as much, just incase Roger wasn't use to a high bed. "Stop it Alex, we don't know how thick these walls are." Mitchie claimed, as I noticed a light from the hall creep under the door.

"Not thick enough!" Harper shouted, as I covered my mouth, smiling hard.

Okay, I'm trying to make myself all happy and hyper and stuff, freaking Demi, (I was about to say Mitchie) got me all down. GOD I LOVE HER. Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed your weekend.