But I'm Different (A Demi Lovato Fanfiction)

Chapter: The Best Surprise

Christmas Morning.

"C'mon, Demi! Wake up! It's Christmas!" I bounced on her bed, barely able to keep still.

From beneath the blanket came a chorus of groans and muffled complaints, but Demi didn't move.

"I swear to God, Demetria, if you don't get up in the next five minutes, I'm seriously pouring water all over you."

Mia and Liam was sitting beside me, giggling quietly, clearly enjoying my antics.

Demi's eyes cracked open just a little, and I knew she thought I was bluffing. That's when I smirked and slipped quietly out of the room.

"Alright, suit yourself," I whispered to Mia, grabbing the bucket from Demi's bathroom cabinet and filling it with ice-cold water.

I tiptoed back and gave Liam the 'shh' signal before climbing back on the bed.

"3... 2... 1..."

I poured the freezing water all over Demi, and the bed instantly turned into a mini swimming pool.

"SABRINA JAY MONTEZ!" she yelled, water dripping down her face as she sat up fast, glaring at me with a mix of shock and fury.

Using my old last name? Yeah, I was definitely in trouble.

"I said, I would do it if you didn't wake up," I said with a grin, jumping off the bed just before she lunged at me.

Demi growled, her face still full of mock-anger, but Mia and Liam was laughing so hard she was clutching her stomach.

"Okay, okay, it's Christmas," I said, holding up my hands in surrender.

Demi threw a pillow at me and then stormed off to get changed, shaking her head but smiling just a little.

Downstairs, Mia and I sank onto the couch, catching our breath and trying to calm down.

"Demi is scary as hell when she's mad," Mia said, still laughing.

"I hope she's not actually mad," I said, biting my lip.

Before Mia could answer, we heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

Demi appeared in the doorway, dressed in a cozy sweater and jeans, but the fierce look was gone, replaced by a soft smile.

"Alright, you two troublemakers," she said, shaking her head but clearly amused.

She went straight to the kitchen, pulling out the turkey and starting to prepare it for the oven.

Mia and I exchanged glances and grinned. The scary part was over.

Later that afternoon, Demi's mom, Dianna, arrived with her warm smile and open arms. Mia, Liam and I both felt instantly at ease around her.

"Demi! It's so good to see you," Dianna said, hugging her daughter tightly.

She turned to Mia and Liam, welcoming them like they'd been part of the family forever.

Liam's shy smile lit up the room. I could see right away how much Mia cared for him.

"Hey, Liam!" I said, crouching down so I was eye level. He gave a small nod but his eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement.

After dinner preparations were underway, I asked Mia, Liam and Maddie if they wanted to play with the Nerf guns I got for Christmas.

They eagerly agreed, and soon we were running around the living room, dodging imaginary bullets and laughing until our sides hurt.

Mia was a total pro, sneaking behind the couch and scoring hit after hit. Liam watched from the sidelines, shy but smiling, and eventually joined us, laughing as he dodged shots like a little ninja.

When it was time to eat, Dianna suggested we hold hands and say a prayer.

"Dear Lord, love brought Jesus to this earth, and love brings us to this Christmas table. Today, as we share this holiday feast, may we share joyful hearts and warm smiles. May this meal fill us with kindness and may the memories we make today stay with us forever. Amen."

"Amen."

We all smiled, holding hands tightly.

Demi wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close.

"Merry first Christmas with me, baby girl," she whispered, her breath warm against my ear.

Her lips gently brushed my forehead, and I felt a rush of happiness that was so full it almost hurt.

I looked around the room - Mia chatting with Liam, Demi's mom smiling warmly, Maddie giggling in the corner - and my heart swelled.

For the first time, I felt like I truly belonged. Like I had a family who loved me, no matter what.

The food tasted better, the laughs felt louder, and the love was so real it made me want to cry.

Later, Mia and I sat outside in the chilly night air, the sky above us glittering with stars. Liam was beside us, bundled up but wide-eyed, pointing out constellations as Mia explained their stories softly.

I glanced at Mia, feeling the familiar flutter in my chest.

She caught my gaze and smiled gently, her hand brushing mine.

No words were needed.

This Christmas wasn't just about gifts or food or decorations - it was about this moment. About us.

And I knew, somehow, that this was just the beginning.