Torn

Chapter Three

Demi's POV

I didn't know how to answer her question because she was right. We do tell each other everything.. Except this. I never hide anything from her and she never hides anything from me. My own daughter is my best friend and knows more of my deepest and darkest secrets than anyone.

So, as I sit here on the bed, staring into my heartbroken thirteen year olds eyes, I'm trying to figure out one thing; is she more upset that I snuck around her with Wilmer or is she more upset that I didn't tell her? Her eyes are full of heartbreak and sadness. No where near anger right at this moment. And, it kills me more than anyone will ever know that I caused this pain.

I'm the one that's supposed to shield her from all danger and protect her from the monsters under her bed.. And now I feel like I'm the monster.

"We do.. Tell each other everything." I said, choking on my words. Honestly, I didn't realize I was crying and I didn't even care to hold them back.

"Why did you hide it from me? If you would've just told me.." She said. "It's that you lied. I don't care about Wilmer right now, but you lied! And you know how I feel about him, but you don't care! You know what he said about me."

Yeah, I remember clearly what Wilmer said about Annie before treatment. And I'm 110% positive it's one of the reasons for her hatred toward him.

Flashback

Few weeks after adopting Annie

Marissa, Wilmer, Nick, and Selena all sat with me at the dining room table while my mom and Eddie are having a date night.

"I need your opinions now." I said.

"It's your decision," Nick said, "she's not a toy. You can't just put her back when you're done playing with her. You're keeping her. You got her warmed up to you, she loves you. There's no question."

"I know in not giving her back. No, never. I just.. Want to know how you feel about it." I said.

"I agree with Nick." Selena says. "You adopted this child, and you have to give her the love and support she deserves."

"That means cleaning yourself up, Demi." Marissa said. "You have a child. Dianna and I can't play babysitter when you decide you want to go get drunk and smoke. It's time you take responsibility."

I knew what Marissa said was true, I just knew it. That little girl has already became my pride and joy.

"Wilmer?" I asked.

He looked up and at all of us. "What do you expect me to say? Be supportive of this?" He chuckled coldly. "I say give her up to a different family who is actually capable of taking this kind of responsibility. If you're actually wanting an 'us' or for Annie to be part of 'us' you're wrong. You don't love her, Demi. You're on drugs. Give it up."

Anger was boiling through my whole body and I was just about to throw myself over the table and attack him, when a little figure stepped in the door holding onto a blanket, with tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, Annie, what are you doing?" Marissa asked, jumping up from the table and running to her side.

"Mommy didn't tuck me in." She whispered.

That's all it took for my heart to brake. She heard everything Wilmer said and she's never called me mommy before.

I turned to Wilmer and glared at him dead in the eyes. "I hate you."

End of flashback.

"He didn't mean it, Annie. He was drunk himself and confused.. Everyone was confused. Do you honestly think I would bring someone like that into your life?" I asked.