A/N: Thank you for the reviews and follows. Hopefully you all enjoy this chapter.

I awoke to the sound of knocking at my door. I had every intention of ignoring it, however it wouldn't stop.

"I'm coming! Hold on!" I shouted.

I pulled the door open without even checking to see who it was. Luckily for me it was my mother. Even luckier she was holding two cups of coffee. I moved to allow her to step inside. She stepped through the doorway and proceeded to the kitchen. She took a seat at the breakfast bar and gestured for me to join her. I made my way over and sat down next to her. She gave me the cup of coffee which I gladly accepted.

"That's quite a shiner you got Demi." She said as she examined my face. Her expression was neutral.

"Yeah..."

"When was the last time you spoke with or saw Stella?"

"Mom, can we please not do this."

"Ok Demi, when? When can we do this? When you decide to stop with the drinking? When you decide to stop getting arrested? When you decide to accept responsibility for your actions? When? Please tell me because from where I'm standing all I see is a girl that can't keep her shit together because she chooses to blame everyone else for the mistakes that destroyed her marriage."

My mouth felt try. I had no idea how to respond. I probably couldn't even if I wanted to.

"I'm your mother. I love you more than anything but there are some things that I can't protect you from. I'm letting you know that tomorrow the label and management team are going to release you. Nothing you say or do will change it. The band is done. They have already found a singer to replace you..."

"I know." I interrupted. "That's why I'm not going to go to the meeting. I have some other things that I need to do."

She reached over and took my hand in hers. I immediately felt the tears fall.

"Sweetheart, you're going to be ok. You're not this person. You've just lost your way a little bit. If anyone can get through this it's you." She pulled me into a hug and she held me while I cried.

"Are you sure you're not going to go to the meeting? It might look better if you do."

"I'm sure mom. I really need to focus on me right now. I could care less about saving face for the sake of my career. I'm gonna be fine as far as all that goes. I think..."

"Ok. I trust you know what's best for you. I really do Demi. I trust you. Do you understand that?"

"Yes mom I do. I love you."

"I love you too."

After my mom left I took one look around my apartment and sighed. It looked empty and dull. It was depressing. I decided to go and pick up some of my stuff from storage. Pictures, books,guitars, and clothes. I also arranged to have my piano delivered. It was still at the house Selena an I Used to share. Her assistant was very helpful as far as making the arrangements.

I was exhausted by the time I finished getting everything done. This place felt like my own now. It was comforting. It was the most at home I've felt in almost two years. I walked over to the fridge to grab some food. When I opened it I realized it was empty. I couldn't help but smile. Of course it's empty. I guess I gotta go grocery shopping. Awesome.

I left and went to grocery store. It's been a while since I've had to buy my own groceries. It took me a while, but once I finished I felt accomplished. It was amazing how therapeutic the most simple of tasks could be. Once I got home, I was too tired to cook but still starving. I opted to eat ice cream. It's awesome being an adult. You can eat whatever the fuck you want for dinner.

As I headed toward my bedroom I heard my phone off. I grabbed it and saw I had a text from Selena. I opened it.

You took the piano.

I sent her a response.

Yeah. I figured it was about time I accepted I don't live there anymore.

She didn't respond and I didn't expect her to. I climbed into bed completely exhausted. I thought about how fucked up I've been these past couple of years. My mom was right. I'm to blame. I hope it's not too late to make amends. I've burned so many bridges. I closed my eyes and for the first time in while, I slept peacefully.

The next morning I awoke to the smell of breakfast cooking. What the hell? I probably should of been more alarmed but I realized that if I was danger whoever it was probably wouldn't have cooked me breakfast before killing me. I got out of bed and made my way towards the kitchen. Miley. It was fucking Miley. Dear Jesus I am not ready for this.

"Mornin'!" She said. A little loudly I might add.

"How the Hell did you get in here?"

"Umm, with a key obviously." She said rolling her eyes. I'm not even sure how I put up with her.

"You know most people call and ask to be invited over."

"Girl please, I ain't seen you in a long ass time. I decided that you needed a little company. Besides when was the last time you actually answered a phone call from me?"

"Good point." I replied.

"You look like fuckin shit." She said as he stared at the black eye.

I immediately started laughing. We both sat down at the table and caught up over breakfast. In all honesty, it was nice to see her. I haven't really spent time with any of my friends since the divorce. I've missed them.

"Have you talked to Selena lately?" She asked nonchalantly.

"Not really. I texted her last night. She asked me about the piano."

"That caught her off guard just so you know. She damn near had a panic attack when she noticed it missing."

"She told you about it?" I asked kind of surprised. Selena and Miley have never really been close.

"Naw, she told Taylor. Taylor told me." She drawled.
"Anyway, it's been nice chatting Dem, but I got shit to do! Ill catch ya later."

I walked her to the door and after we said our goodbyes I walked over the piano. Why would that upset Selena so much? She knew I'd take it eventually. I decided to take a shower and get dressed. I had a few things to take care of. Once I finished getting ready I noticed that Selena had texted me again. I opened the text and saw it was a picture of Stella. Her smile was beautiful. She looked so much like Selena. I really missed her. I decided to give it a try. I sent Selena a text.

Do you think I could see her? I miss her Sel.

Are you sober?

Yes.

Is your face messed up still?

A little.

Not yet. I don't want Stella to see you like that. Let me know when it's healed.

Ok. Fair enough. Thanks.

That's the most we've said to each other in months. It felt good. Granted it was very brief and almost impersonal but at least we were communicating. For the first time in long time I felt like I might be ok.