But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: Unwrapping More Than Gifts

School finally ended for the Christmas holiday, and I couldn't have been more excited. This wasn't just any Christmas - it was my very first one with Demi, and I was pretty sure it was going to be amazing. After everything that had happened, I really needed this chance to just breathe, relax, and feel normal for a little while.

I waved at my friends standing by the school gates, my breath visible in the chilly winter air.
"Bye, Aimee, Lizzy, Lisa, Elise, and Becky!" I called out cheerfully.
"Bye, Sab!" They all responded, smiling.

Just as I was about to step away, someone suddenly stood right in front of me. My heart jumped.
"Jesus!" I gasped, clutching my chest.
Mia giggled, that soft, musical laugh that always made me smile, even when I didn't want to.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
"It's okay," I breathed, my pulse already slowing down.

She smiled shyly and reached into her bag, pulling out a small, long box wrapped in shiny silver Christmas paper.
"I just wanted to give you this," she said softly.

I felt my cheeks heat up. "Aw, Mia, you didn't have to..."

"I really wanted to." Her smile was genuine, brightening the gray winter day.

I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. "I feel bad now... I didn't get you anything."
"It's okay. I don't care about that."
Her words were like a warm blanket. "Thank you so much." I hugged her carefully.

"You can open it now if you want," she said, eyes twinkling.
I hesitated. "Are you sure? Isn't it bad luck to open gifts early?"
"I don't know," she laughed, "but I want to see your reaction. I probably won't get to on Christmas Day."

I tore the silver paper off quickly and tossed it in the nearby bin. Inside was the most beautiful silver necklace I'd ever seen. A delicate chain with my name - Sabrina - engraved on a tiny star charm.

"Oh, Mia, it's beautiful," I breathed, eyes wide.
"Here, let me put it on you." I held it out, and she gently fastened the clasp around my neck.

"Thank you."
"No problem. You deserve it. A special gift for a special girl." She winked.

My cheeks flamed again. "Merry Christmas, Mia."
"Merry Christmas, Sab." She hugged me once more, then walked away, leaving a warm glow behind her.

I sighed deeply, feeling a strange mix of happiness and nervousness swirling in my chest as I stepped out of the school gates and headed toward Demi's car.

"Hey, baby girl, how was your last day of school this year?" Demi greeted me, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

"Fun," I chuckled, still feeling the flutter of Mia's gift against my skin.

"Good, I'm glad." She started the car and we drove home, the Christmas lights twinkling around us like tiny stars.

When we arrived, Demi popped the trunk. "I've got some shopping in here. Can you help me bring it inside?"
"Sure." I grabbed bags and boxes, all piled high.

After putting everything away, I was about to head upstairs when Demi called me back.
"What's that around your neck?" she asked, her voice curious.

I looked down and realized the silver star was catching the light beautifully. "Mia gave me this. It's an early Christmas present. She said I could open it now."

"Wow, it's gorgeous." Demi held it delicately in her hands.
"She's such a sweet girl."
"Yeah," I breathed. "But I feel bad. I didn't get her anything yet."

"It's not too late, Sab. If you want, I could take you shopping, and you could drop something off at hers."
"You'd do that for me?" I smiled wide.

"Of course, kiddo. She deserves it too - she's amazing."

"Thank you, Demi." I hugged her tight.

I ran upstairs and changed into something comfy, still wearing the necklace. I grabbed my pocket money - the little reward Demi gave me every Friday for doing chores and behaving. Over time, I'd saved around $300, which felt like a small fortune.

"I saved at least $300 from the pocket money you give me," I told Demi downstairs.

"That's great! Here's your money for today." She handed me some cash.

I slid my shoes on. "I don't know what to buy Mia. I can't buy her jewelry - that feels weird after her gift. I want something that feels like an extension of this, because she deserves so much more."

Demi shrugged. "It's up to you. I don't know what she's into."

"Well... she loves music. Especially this band - Twenty One Pilots. She never stops talking about them."

Demi laughed. "Has she ever been to one of their concerts?"

"I don't think so. She was so upset when they played here last year but didn't have the money for tickets."

"Okay, let's see if they have anything coming up." Demi handed me her phone.

I searched quickly. "There's a concert on January 26th. That's after Christmas, but she'd still love it."

"Perfect. Want me to order tickets?"

"Yes, please. How many?"

"Two. Think I can trust you to go by yourselves?"

I grinned. "It's not me you have to worry about. I won't be the one fangirling."

Demi smiled. "Alright, two tickets it is."

"Thanks, Demi. She'll love this."

"No problem. Looks like no shopping then."

"Good. I'm in the mood to chill." I flopped onto the couch, tired but happy.

"Mind if I join?" Demi asked.

"Not at all." I leaned into her, feeling safe, warm, and excited for everything the holiday season might bring.

Thoughts lingered in my mind long after the evening faded: Mia's gift, her smile, the way she looked at me with something... softer than friendship. Was I imagining it? Did she feel the same?

I didn't know. But maybe... just maybe... this Christmas would bring more than just presents.