But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: Behind The Screen

Demi's P.O.V

I turned the TV off with a sharp click. The screen went black, but the weight of the words still lingered like a fog in my chest.

International pop star, Demi Lovato, has been seen around town with a young girl. The paparazzi spotted them at Forever 21 yesterday at 3:35 PM...

It wasn't surprising. I knew this would happen eventually - the cameras, the assumptions, the questions. I just didn't expect it this soon. Not even a full week had passed and the headlines were already painting their stories. "Mystery girl." "New friend?" "Secret daughter?"

I leaned against the kitchen counter, cold water in my hand but warmth nowhere in my body. I felt uneasy. Because how do you explain this kind of love to people who see it as a headline? How do I protect her when the world wants to pull her apart?

The shrill ring of my phone jolted me out of my thoughts. I glanced down. Phil.

"Hello?" My voice was tight, already guessing the reason for his call.

"Demi, have you seen the news?" His voice was calm, like it always was when he knew I wasn't.

"Yeah. What am I supposed to say, Phil?"

He paused, like he wanted to choose his words carefully. "We'll think of something. Maybe start with a Twitcam? Talk directly to the fans. Let them see it from you before the tabloids twist anything."

A tight exhale left me. "Yeah... yeah, that makes sense. Then we'll do Ellen after. Get ahead of it."

"I'll set that up. Just be careful, Demi."

"I will." I hung up. But my fingers gripped the phone like the conversation wasn't over - like I was holding onto something fragile.

I called out, "Sabrina?"

Her voice floated down from upstairs. "Yeah?"

"I'm doing a Twitcam, alright? People are already asking questions, and I think it's better if we're honest now. Then I'll go on Ellen and talk more there."

There was a pause. Then: "Okay..." Her voice was quiet. Nervous.

"It'll be quick, baby. I'll call you in when it's time. You don't have to say anything. Just sit beside me."

I heard her soft footsteps upstairs. She was scared. And honestly? So was I.

I set up the laptop, took a deep breath, and hit 'Go Live.'

"Hey, my beautiful Lovatics." I smiled through the nerves, watching the chat explode with excitement. "I wanted to do this live because there's something important I need to share. Some of you have seen the photos... yeah, that young girl with me? Her name is Sabrina."

I paused, watching the curiosity grow in the comments.

"I know this might come as a surprise, but I made the decision to adopt her recently. I've been wanting to do something that felt right - something that meant something. I'm going on tour again soon and I didn't want to be alone... I wanted a real connection. And I found it. With her."

I gestured behind the camera. "Come on in, sweetheart."

Sabrina walked in, shoulders hunched a little, hands fidgeting. She sat beside me, close but tense, and gave a small wave to the camera.

The chat went wild.

@BrownvatoLovato: Omg she's so cute!!

@CamrenVatoAsss: THAT'S SO BEAUTIFUL DEMI

@Lovatic4life: our queen has a daughter? i'm crying

She smiled shyly, the warmth of the support slowly melting some of her anxiety. I glanced at her. Her little ocean eyes were still wary, but she was trying.