But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: A Whole New Scene

"Are you sure about this, Demi?" I asked for maybe the hundredth time... this morning.

She gave me that look-the tired-but-still-gonna-love-you-anyway one-and sighed. "Yes, Sab. You're gonna have fun, make new friends, get a great education..."

I groaned, leaning back in my seat and squinting up at the massive, overly perfect private school building in front of us. "School isn't fun, Demi. You of all people should know that."

She parked the car and turned toward me with her mom-mode face on. "Listen, I do know what school's like. And I know it's scary, especially for someone like you... with what you deal with. But that doesn't mean it's going to be horrible. You've never even been to a real school, Sab. Not properly. You never know-you might actually like it."

"Doubt it," I muttered under my breath.

Demi didn't flinch. "You have to go. That's final. I love you. Now go kick school's ass, alright?"

She leaned in to kiss my forehead before I could protest again. I sighed like the world was ending, then opened the car door and stepped out into unfamiliar territory.

As I walked toward the building, I heard her call after me: "Be good! Love you!"

I shook my head and mumbled, "Love you too," knowing she'd probably grin hearing that.

The school was... well, it was a lot. Massive. Clean. Fancy. It gave 'celebrity kids and rich weirdos' energy immediately. I followed the signs to reception, my hands getting clammy already. A woman in her twenties with straight blonde hair and perfect skin sat at the desk, tapping away on a keyboard. She looked like she should be on a Netflix show or something.

I tapped the counter gently. She looked up and smiled. "Ah! You must be Sabrina Lovato."

I gave a little nod, hugging my bag tightly.

"Welcome to Hartwell Academy. Here's your schedule, ID, locker key, planner-basically everything. Your first class is English. Room 283."

"Thanks," I said, already overwhelmed.

I found the classroom after hiking through what felt like ten thousand corridors. I walked in to find a few early students already there. My stomach clenched. Everyone looked well-dressed, cool, expensive. Some had designer bags and the kind of confidence that comes from knowing your last name gets you out of detention.

I hovered awkwardly near the desks, debating whether to just stand in a corner until the teacher came in.

"Hey," a girl with blonde curls looked up from her phone. "You're Sabrina, right? You're sitting next to Jessica, fourth row."

"Thanks," I said, managing a small smile.

"You're Demi Lovato's daughter?" another girl with red hair asked, her eyes lighting up.

I felt the wave of anxiety crash before I even answered. "Yeah... I guess I am."

"I'm Aimee," she said, like this was normal. "This is Lizzy-" (the blonde one) "-and that's Lisa." (brunette, glasses, quiet smile.)

I gave a shy wave, and they all smiled back. Not fake smiles either. That was... new.

The bell rang, and kids started filling in. The teacher walked in-a young woman with long dark hair and a very intense walk. Definitely didn't wanna mess with her.

"Good morning, class," she said sharply.

"Good morning, Ms. Porter," everyone replied like robots.

I sat quietly, fidgeting with my fingers. Please don't make me introduce myself. Please don't make me stand up and talk about my favorite color or my dreams or some crap like that.

"Sabrina Lovato?" she asked, looking right at me.

All eyes turned.

I nodded, eyes low, heart hammering. I could already hear whispers.
"Is that Demi's kid?"
"I follow her on Insta."
"Bet she's rich as hell."

Ms. Porter gave me a short smile. "Welcome. Hope you settle in okay."

No "stand up and say your favorite quote." Thank God.

I spent most of the class doodling instead of working. I was too busy watching everyone else, wondering who was fake and who might actually like me for me.

After class, I shoved my stuff in my bag and headed for the next one. Before I got far, I heard, "Sabrina!"

Aimee, Lizzy, and Lisa caught up to me.

"What've you got next?" Aimee asked, pulling out her phone.

"Uh..." I squinted at my schedule. "Science. Room 374?"

"Ooo, you've got it with me!" Lisa grinned.

We walked together, and honestly? It felt... okay.

By the time lunch rolled around, I wasn't as panicked. Still nervous, but not drowning in it. I used the cash Demi gave me to grab something from the vending machine-no way was I battling through the hot lunch line like a savage.

I scanned the lunchroom for an empty table, but everything was packed. Of course. I turned to leave, feeling awkward and rejected already.

"Sabrina! Over here!" Aimee's voice rang out.

I turned and saw her waving. There were a few new faces at the table too.

She gestured me over. "Guys, this is Sabrina. Sabrina, meet Elise, Becky, and Mia."

Mia.

Mia looked like she stepped straight out of a soft indie movie. Her blue eyes were huge and sparkled like actual ocean water. Her hair was dark brown and wavy, her style casual but somehow perfect-black jeans, white tee, beanie. And a nose ring.

I froze slightly as I sat down.

"Hi," I mumbled, trying not to stare.

We all chatted while I nibbled on my food. They asked the usual stuff-what do you like to do, where are you from, what's your favorite movie. It was basic but felt real.

Mia didn't talk much. She mostly watched. But every time I glanced over, she gave a soft smile.

Lunch ended too soon, and I dragged myself across the school to P.E.

I hated P.E.

I changed into the school kit Demi had forced me to buy yesterday-black shorts, school t-shirt, and trainers. I waited by the benches while everyone finished changing.

The coach came in, whistle around her neck like some sports movie cliché. "Alright, pair up!"

Instant dread.

Everyone immediately paired off. I stood awkwardly, scanning for anyone else leftover.

That's when I noticed Mia, standing alone near the back, rubbing her arm and looking like she really didn't want to be here.

Without thinking, I walked over.

"You okay?" I asked.

She nodded. "No partner. Wanna pair up?"

My heart did a little flip. "Yeah. Sure."

We ended up tossing a ball back and forth, accidentally hitting each other way too many times and laughing about it. It felt easy. Natural. Fun, even.

What the hell?

By the time school ended, I was buzzing.

I survived. I talked to people. I had fun. Weird.

I spotted Demi's car across the parking lot and practically skipped over to it. She spotted me, her eyes immediately lighting up.

I slid in, closed the door, and before she could even ask-

"I made friends. It was... good."

Her smirk was instant. "Told you so."

She wiggled in her seat, clearly ready to gloat. I laughed and leaned my head back.

"Okay, okay. You win," I said.

The car pulled off, and I stared out the window, smiling like an idiot.