Baby, Don't Cry

Chapter 25

"Please, eat. Baby, eat as much as you can for me?" I pleaded.

"I can't. I really can't." Mariana whined.

I reached my hand out onto hers, and looked her into her fragile eyes, "I know it's hard. I know you're struggling. But, I wouldn't force you to do anything unless it's important that you do. I know you have a lot on your mind right now, but I need you. And if you don't eat, I'm not sure that I'll have you anymore. Eat for me baby, please?" I begged.

After Mariana shed a few tears, she finished half of the fruit that I gave her before she gave up.

"Baby steps. I'm proud of you." I said, kissing her forehead before taking the food and cleaning everything up. She smiled, and for once I feel like she believes in herself.

"So, I have a mandatory meeting with the record label today. You're going to come along, and then after I have something I want to show you. Sounds good?" I asked, and she nodded in agreement.

I grabbed my car keys, as she followed me out to the car and sat next to me in the front.

"Everyone at the meeting's a bit bossy, crazy, and demanding, but if they ever speak to you in a way that you don't like or feel bad about yourself, you tell me Mariana. Okay?" I laughed, and she nodded.

"What's wrong? You're quiet today." I asked. Mariana hasn't said anything besides the little she said at breakfast.

"Nothing, it's just that it's my mom's birthday today. I used to always wake up, make her breakfast while she's sober, and talk to her. I rarely got those sober moments, but on her birthday, it was a tradition." Mariana said, sinking into her seat.

I reached my hand over to hers and just held it.

After we arrived at the meeting, Mariana stared down at her hands, as we sat and listened to the tour rates, prices, and venues. I hate to see her like this, I wish I could change everything and give her the joy in life she deserves.

"Demi, I need you to stick with us here." My manager asked, I nodded in response. They're all boring, how am I supposed to be interested?

I grabbed my phone and began texting Mariana, who was playing games on her phone.

Me: What's going on in that head of yours?

Mariana: Nothing, this is just so boring. I'm sorry.

Me: Don't be sorry, I brought you along so that I wouldn't have to gauge my eyes out.

Mariana released a laugh, louder than I expected which caused me to laugh also.

"Demi, is there something that you'd like to share? You haven't been focusing, and you're being disruptive-" they began, but I stood up, "Yes. I'm bored out of my mind! What happened to our old meetings? Everything's changed!" I stated.

"No, Demi. You've changed." They all said, in different ways.

Mariana grabbed my hand and held it. I looked down and smiled at her, but I also picked up my things and told her we're leaving. "Meeting over." I said, as I walked out of the door with Mariana.

I banged my head on the top of the car, trying to get inside. All I got was a ton of paparazzi laughing and taking pictures. Ha. Glad they can laugh at my pain.

I heard soft giggles coming from Mariana as I shut the car door. I looked at her, "Oh, so you think this is funny?" I asked before tickling her as her laughs grew louder.

This. This is what I live for.

After the paparazzi ruined such a fine moment, I began driving. I didn't tell Mariana exactly where we were going, because I couldn't exactly describe it, but I always knew how to find it.

"You know, I always came here as a kid. I couldn't help but make this my place." I spoke as Mariana and I laid down, looking out towards the sunset.

"It's beautiful. What made you come here?" She asked.

"Well, earlier you mentioned how when your mom was sober you'd have the best times together, and I couldn't help but think of my dad and I in the same position. We're a lot more alike than you think." I said.

I moved closer to her and wrapped my arms around her.

"Tell me about your dad." She said, snuggling into my chest.

"Well, I never really had a relationship with him like I would have wanted to. He let me down time after time and I grew tired of being let down, so I had to cut off all connections. You know, I was going through hard times dealing with my troubles through rehab. If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing. What about your dad? I never hear about him." I asked.

"My dad was my hero. He made sure that I had everything I needed." She sighed, "But, I don't wish that he were still alive. Because, if he were then I wouldn't have met you. I wouldn't be the person I am today. You're the strongest person I know." She began to cry into my arms.

"Baby girl, you've gone through so much. I hate to see you suffer silently. I'm here for you. I always will be. I love you." I had to let her know how much I love her. I know what no love can do to a child.

"I love you too, Mom." She said as I kissed her forehead.

"Do you ever wonder if the Sun talks to the other planets?" I asked.

"No, just you." She said, laughing.