Brining Back The Pain
Title : Bringing Back The Pain
Chapter : 12/12
Rating : R
Pairing : Demi/Selena
Summary : After thirteen years, things are still going good for the Lovato-Gomez household, but what happens when a certain event takes the girls down memory lane?
A/N : This is the last chapter of the second story of the trilogy! Don't worry, there's a third story and you guys are going to love it! We will post it when the last chapter of Grief Counsellor is posted, along with the whole new story!
The next morning, Carter woke with a jolt, realization touching her almost instantly as she touched her stomach. Looking to Ashley, the younger sister cried silently, nuzzling into her sister for much needed comfort and warmth.
Ashley stirred as she felt something move in her arms, yet smiled when she held her sister closer. She cupped her sister's cheek with her right hand as she wiped away the tears before running her hand up and down Carter's side. 'Shh,' she soothed, kissing the top of Carter's head before nuzzling her nose in her hair.
It was then that Demi walked back into the room, two cups of coffee in one hand, and two hot chocolates in the other. Looking to the chair besides the bed, the mother cracked a smile at the still sleeping Selena before setting the cups safely on the side table and making her way to her sleeping wife.
Leaning down, Demi pressed a kiss to the girl's lips before kissing her temple and picking her up. Shifting around, the rock star sat down in the chair, pulling Selena ontop of her and running her hands through the sleeping woman's hair soothingly.
It was then that she looked to her kids, smiling as they held each other tightly, yet stayed silent so they could just enjoy each other.
Carter held onto her sister, crying into her neck, and clinging onto her. The youngest girls’ eye and lip had become un-swollen, yet dark brusies were around the areas of attack. ‘A-ashley...’ Carter cried, clinging onto the other girl like she was her life support.
‘Shh, I’m here, baby,’ Ashley whispered, rubbing her sister’s back before noticing Demi had returned. She smiled weakly at her mother before turning back to her sister. ‘How are you feeling?’
Carter nodded at her sister, burying her head in the girl's shoulder and letting out a shaky breath. ‘S-s...s-sad...h-hurt.’ Carter whispered, clinging onto her sister.
‘It’ll get better,’ Ashley smiled, sitting up a little straighter so she could look at her mothers. ‘She must’ve been really tired,’ she said while pointing towards Selena.
Demi looked at Ashley as she spoke before nodding and kissing Selena's temple again. ‘Yeah, she was like up all night watching you guys...she's worried...’ Demi murmured, looking down at the adorable sleeping Selena before nuzzling into her and sighing. ‘Cart? How ya feeling?’ Demi asked quietly.
Carter frowned as she turned to her mother's before shrugging her shoulders and sighing. ‘Horrible...stupid...’
‘Carter, don’t say that,’ Ashley whispered, nuzzling into her sister before sighing. ‘Maybe we should go and find Peyton to find out why she did it. Would that make you feel any better?’
‘Will it bring my baby back?’ Carter asked bitterly, scowling at the ground before she sighed and rubbed her temples. ‘I'm sorry, Ash, I didn't mean that...but just knowing why isn't going to help...’ Carter explained, causing Demi to nod and smile.
‘You sound so much older than thirteen, Cart.’ Demi laughed softly.
Ashley sighed before pulling back so she could look at her sister. ‘It will help you to understand why she did it in the first place. It gives you a reason to why you lost your baby.’
‘I know why I lost her, it's because I was stupid and didn't run away. Because my pride was to big.’ Carter frowned, staring at Ashley before shaking her head and sighing. ‘Whatever, if you think it'll help then fine, go ask her, but I'm pretty sure she hates you too, so I doubt she'll tell you.’
‘You know, when you’re sad you tell people everything because you can’t controle what you’re saying at that moment. Kind of like... You did yesterday... at the eh... parking lot,’ Ashley explained, knowing that she would get the reason out of Peyton.
‘The parking lot? What happened there?’ Carter asked, confused as she stared at her sister, a small frown on her face. ‘I don't remember...’
‘Don’t eh... Don’t worry about it,’ Ashley quickly said, getting up from the bed before tucking her hands in her pockets. ‘I’ll go to the car, I’ll wait for 30 minutes so you can think about coming along or not. It’s up to you.’ She glanced towards her mother, seeing that Selena started to stir before she fled from the room and towards her car.
Carter frowned at her sister, watching her intently before she watched her walking out of the room. Turning to her mother's, she stared at Demi. ‘I don't have any clothes.’
‘You do, I brought you some from home, you never wear them.’ Demi smiled at her daughter, knowing that the girl was going to hate what she brought.
Carter turned to look at the clothes and scowled at the low cut white t-shirt and the purple skinny jeans that Ashley had gotten her for her birthday. ‘You've got to be kidding me!’ She groaned. She didn't like wearing girly clothes, yet she did wonder why Peyton did it, so she grabbed them and sighed before walking to the bathroom to change.
Selena got up from Demi’s lap to go and quickly adjust her hair in the mirror. Then she walked back towards her wife, sitting on her lap once again before pulling her arms around her waist. ‘Ashley already gone?’
Demi watched Selena with an amused smile on her face before her wife came back to her and she nuzzled into the woman. ‘She's waiting in the car, I guess they’re going to go ask Peyton why.’ Demi said, shrugging a little before kissing Selena's neck, nuzzling into the woman once again. ‘You know, you are so adorable when you sleep.’
‘I am not!’ Selena chuckled, turning around so she could capture her wife’s lips in her own as she cupped her cheeks with both her hands.
It was then that Carter walked out of the bathroom, muttering something about 'forget it' as she played with her girlly clothes. Yet when she looked up at her mothers, she groaned loudly. ‘My hospital room has a no kissing rule!’ Carter teased, looking away from the kissy couple as she played with her clothes again. ‘Mom, did you bring me a hat?’
‘Nope, it wouldn't go with your clothes.’ Demi giggled, causing the girl to scowl.
‘This is so un-fair, you know how much I hate these clothes...’ Carter whined.
Selena laughed, yet stayed on her wife’s lap as she leaned against her. ‘Going to Peyton?’
‘Yeah, I am wondering why she did it...that and why she kissed me..but...yeah.’ Carter blushed softly as she rubbed the back of her head embarrassedly, her fingers touching her lips before she shook her head and looked at her mothers. ‘What did I say to Ashley yesterday?’
Selena looked at Demi, before sighing and getting up from her lap to kneel down next to her daughter. ‘You kind of shouted at her. You said you hated her and you never wanted to speak with you again. She knows you didn’t mean it, but I think it still hurts to hear something like that.’
Carter frowned, looking down at her shoes as she listened to her mother. Nodding, she lifted her head to stare into similar brown eyes. ‘Did I say anything to you?’ Carter whispered to Selena.
‘It doesn’t matter baby, you didn’t mean anything of it, you were emotional,’ Selena smiled, pulling her daughter in for a hug.
Carter nodded once again, holding her mother for a moment before pulling back and kissing her lips. ‘I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings yesterday, all I remember is feeling my baby dying inside of me...and I had to go somewhere to help her.’ Carter murmured, touching her stomach for a moment before shaking her head. ‘Mommy? C-can you find out if my baby was a girl or boy?’ Carter whispered almost silently.
‘I’ll see what I can find out,’ Selena smiled before standing up and looking down at her daughter. ‘We know you didn’t realise it, but you really hurt your sister.’
Carter nodded, smiling at her mom. ‘Thanks, and I know...I'll make it up to her, I promise.’ Carter said, nodding before she moved to Demi and hugged her tightly. ‘Can I go?’ Carter asked both of them as she let Demi go.
Selena looked at Demi before crouching down next to the two. ‘Sure, go find out why Peyton did it and let us know, okay?’
Carter nodded, kissing both her mothers again before pulling away and sighing. ‘Thank you.’ She breathed out before running out the door. Demi merely chuckled before leaning forwards and grabbing Selena's collar, pulling her in for a heated kiss. Cutting it short, Demi pulled away and grinned.
‘You are so adorable.’ Demi teased, scrunching up her nose playfully.
‘Ugh, just shut up and kiss me,’ Selena grinned leaning towards Demi and kissing her before climbing back into her lap.
Demi laughed softly, kissing her with a firey passion as her hands moved to the back of Selena's thighs, squeezing them playfully.
In the parking lot, Ashley was tapping the wheel as she waited for her sister. Glancing towards the entrance sometimes, she finally saw the little girl coming out of the hospital.
Carter ran towards the car, getting in and quickly leaning close to her sister, kissing her lips before hugging her tightly. ‘I'd never hate you Ashley, or ever not want to talk to you. I'm so sorry for yelling at you.’
Ashley hugged her sister back before smiling. ‘I know, Carter, it just surprised me. But I know you were emotional. Don’t worry about it.’
Carter nodded happily before sitting back in her seat and pulling on her seat belt. ‘I'm still very sorry though...’ Carter said before sighing softly, looking down at her clothes. ‘Look what mom brough me to wear! And not even a hat!’
‘Oh, really?’ Ashley chuckled before turning her head, looking at her sister’s clothes before leaning in between the two front seats to grab something off the backseat. ‘Then I guess you don’t want to wear this ratty hat...’
Carter nodded at her sister, frowning as she stared down at her low cut shirt, hating the thing. Hearing Ashley move, Carter smiled widely as she stared at her red hat, pulling it on before reaching over to hug her sister. ‘Thanks Ash!’
‘I thought I’d grab it when I left home because you love it so much,’ Ashley grinned before letting go of her sister and starting the car. Driving down the road, she spoke to her sister, yet kept her eyes on the road. ‘Where do you think Peyton is right now?’
‘She's most likely under the bridge.’ Carter murmured, blushing a little since she knew that. ‘It's where she always goes when she beats someone up, or she just wants to hang out by herself.’
Ashley quickly turned a corner, driving straight to the bridge before pulling over. ‘You go, as soon as I see you’re in trouble, I’m there.’
Carter nodded slowly, hesitating before she stepped out of the car and moving to Peyton.
As soon as the girl saw her, Peyton grinned a little, walking towards her. ‘Looks like you got pretty beat up, huh Car.’ She giggled.
‘Don’t call me Car, Peyton, you know how I hate that.’ Carter said calmly, stepping closer to the girl. ‘You took something from me, you took it and I can never get it back.’
‘Oh what? Your stupid pride? Well…I know one way…’ She trailed off, her hand ghosting up and down Carter’s exposed arm. ‘That you can get it all back…’ She murmured, tugging Carter closer and pressing a kiss to her lips again, her tongue moving against Carter’s lower lip.
As soon as she felt it, Carter pushed the girl back, scowling at her. ‘What the hell, Peyton?!’ The girl looked hurt for a moment before she scowled back, jumping on Carter and pinning her hands above her head.
‘You know, I was trying to be nice, but seeing as you still didn’t learn your lesson, and your stupid protector isn’t here, I’ll have to teach you again.’ Peyton snarled, pulling her fist back.
Ashley grabbed Peyton’s wrist firmly, before pulling her off of her sister. ‘Her stupid protector never leaves her alone again,’ she hissed, standing in between the two girls, not letting go of Peyton. She towered over the girl before glancing towards her sister and then looking back at Peyton. ‘You owe her some answers.’
Peyton looked up at Ashley, scowling at the girl before looking down at Carter and grinning. “Oh, you need your protector all the time now? You’re such a pussy, Carter.” Peyton teased, trying to pull out of Ashley’s grip.
Standing up, Carter looked at Ashley then at Peyton before placing her hand on Ashley’s telling her to let the other go. Once she was let go, Peyton stared at Carter for the longest moment, grinning.
“So what kind of answers do you want, Carter?” She asked in a baby voice.
Carter rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and scowling at the girl. “For one, why did you jump me yesterday?”
Ashley crossed her arms and huffed before looking at Peyton. ‘You better answer, girl.’
Carter looked to Ashley, then back to Peyton who sighed. “To get you back, you deserved it!”
The oldest girl huffed once again, walking closer towards Peyton. ‘Why? You’re the one that started teasing her in the first place!’
"She chose to fight back! It's her own damn fault." Peyton growled, not moving from her place as Ashley came closer.
Ashley stood right in front of her as she looked down at the girl. ‘That isn’t the question, the question is, why did you start teasing her?’
Peyton raised an eyebrow, hesitating before looking at Carter, then back at Ashley. "Why do you need to know?!"
‘If you had a sister who was being teased at school.. Wouldn’t you like to know the reason too?’ Ashley questioned, her voice softer than ever.
Peyton hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, looking down at her feet. “I do have a little sister…” She murmured, sighing a little before just blurting it out. “I like her, okay?! And she’s so attached to you she doesn’t….ugh whatever!” Peyton growled looking away from Carter whose eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape.
Ashley gazed at the younger girl before turning to her younger sister, sending her a surprised look. Then she looked back at Peyton, crossing her arms again. ‘She’s so attached to me she doesn’t... what?’
Carter stared at Peyton, waiting for the girl to speak again. "She’s so attached that she doesn't see any one else, so I made her see me." Peyton confessed, staring at Carter for a moment before looking away. Carter could've sworn there were tears.
Ashley closed her eyes before sighing as she crouched next to the girl so she was at her eye level. ‘You could’ve just talked to her instead of teasing her.’
"It doesn't work that way! She has no friends, and not because people don't like her, it’s because she never talks to anyone! I never had a chance!" Peyton growled, causing Carter to look down at her shoes sheepishly.
‘Well, if you say she’s so attached to me, then I guess it’s my fault,’ Ashley nodded before standing up to look at Carter. ‘I’m sorry, Car, I should give you more freedom.’
"It's not your fault, Ash." Carter frowned, turning back to Peyton and shaking her head. "I never talk to anyone, so it's kinda mine, but it didn't give you a reason to jump me...especially since I was...p-pregnant." Carter murmured, causing Peyton's eyes to go wide.
"W-what?!"
‘Carter was pregnant and she lost the baby because you and your gang beat her up,’ Ashley explained, throwing an arm around her sister’s shoulders, holding her close.
"W-why were you pregnant?!" Peyton growled, not liking that someone other than herself got Carter. Carter shrank against her sister, not liking the subject.
‘Look, that doesn’t matter,’ Ashley said, knowing her sister wouldn’t be able to talk about it without bursting out in tears. Heck, she was having trouble with holding her own tears back. ‘The point is, you made her lose her baby because you beat her up and you could’ve easily prevented that.’
"C-Carter..." Peyton mumbled, shaking her head as she tried to wrap it around what she was being told. "Carter I'm so sorry..." She whispered, causing Carter to lift her head and tilt it.
"I-it's ok, Peyton. S-sure I'm angry, hurt, and sad...but...it's ok...I forgive you."
Ashley smiled and finally stepped away from both girls, yet didn’t go far so she could still keep an eye on them.
Carter looked at Ashley as she moved away, yet when she turned back to Peyton, the girl was staring at the ground. "A-a...d-did we hurt you r-really bad?" Peyton asked softly, causing Carter to shake her head no.
"I'm fine, Pey, I'm fine." Carter smiled before stepping forward and pulling the other girl's phone from her pocket. Programming her number in, Carter smiled at the girl before giving it back. "Maybe we can start out a friends..." Peyton nodded at this, grinning widely before Carter gave her a hug, pulling away with a kiss on her cheek. "You should've talked to me...I've always seen you..." Carter smiled before pulling away and running back to her sister. "See ya Peyton."
Ashley got into the car, sending a smile towards Peyton through the window before turning her head towards Carter as she grinned, ‘You so like her too.’
"Shut up, Ash!" Carter said embarrassedly, waving off her accusation as a blush appeared on her cheeks.
‘Come on, admit it,’ Ashley smiled, starting the car before driving towards Peyton, opening her window. ‘Hey, Peyton, you wanna come over for dinner?’
Carter blushed more as she listened to her sister, shaking her head. "I won't admit anything because theres nothing to--hey? What are you doing?" Carter asked as she watched her sister drive towards Peyton. Hearing the question, Carter blushed once again before she saw Peyton nod and get in the back, smiling widely.
‘It’s time for something good to happen for a change,’ Ashley smiled, driving towards their house before texting Demi saying that she and Selena had to meet them at the house. Then she walked inside, holding the door open for the two girls. ‘Let’s go to the living room.’
Carter stepped out of the car as soon as it stopped at the house and moved to Peyton's side, opening the door and smiling at her. "Well this is different." Carter commented, causing Peyton to giggle and step out of the car, following Carter into the living room. "Different is...good?"
Ashley smiled at the two before closing the door and sitting on the one-person couch. ‘We’re gonna have a good -’
‘Well, you’re not Demi or Selena, but I guess it’ll have to do,’ a voice suddenly chimed in, making Ashley jump up and turn towards the kitchen as a tall, tattoed man stepped out of it.
Carter turned towards the voice, scowling before taking Peyton's hand and pulling her protectively behind her. "A-ashley..."
‘Shh, Carter, everything’s going to be okay,’ Ashley firmly said, standing in front of the two girls. ‘Wh-What are you doing here?’
‘You know, Miley tried to keep me at the house. I didn’t remember anything at first, but as soon as I saw your show on the television, everything came back to me,’ Trace said, walking towards the couch before leaning his hands on it.
‘That doesn’t answer my question,’ Ashley hissed as she pulled her phone out and held it behind her back, blindly typing Demi’s number so she would be able to hear what was going on at the house.
Carter grasped onto Ashley's shirt, along with holding onto Peyton's hand, the girl frowning. "What's going on?" She whispered in Carter's ear. Carter turned to her, hugging her tightly before pressing another kiss to her cheek. "You should go...he's trouble."
"I won't leave you guys..." Peyton murmured, causing Carter to smile faintly before looking down at Ashley's hand, moving her fingers to help the girl.
Hearing her favorite ring tone, Demi smiled happily into it. "Ash-y! we're on our way home, baby girl."
Ashley gripped her phone as she kept her gaze on Trace. 'Well, you guys did get me into the hospital, so I'm here to take revenge. Again.'
Demi frowned as she listened and cursed. "Selena, step on it, Trace is with the girls!"
‘Ashley must’ve called you as a call for help, keep listening,’ Selena said, stepping on the gass as they drove through the streets.
Carter held Peyton closer to her, her hands shaking causing the other girl to rub her shoulders soothingly.
‘Carter, run upstairs and take Peyton with you. Now,’ Ashley firmly said, not breaking eye contact with the man in front of her.
Demi nodded intently, frowning as she heard the name Peyton. "Peyton's there...."
Carter looked to Ashley, then to Trace before hesitated. "I-I can't, Ash..." Carter sighed softly before she thought of something and ran up the stairs with Peyton, wanting to use her phone.
Ashley sighed in relief as her sister and Peyton left the room before crossing her arms over her chest, hiding her phone from Trace, who pulled out a gun and held it towards Ashley. ‘That was very noble of you.’
The raven haired girl gulped as he pointed the gun towards her head as tears sprung into her eyes and she prayed to God that he wouldn’t shoot. ‘P-Please, T-Trace, put the gun a-away,’ she choked out, hoping her mother could hear her.
Demi gulped as she listened to her daughter, turning to Selena with wide eyes. "He has a gun!"
‘What?’ Selena yelled as she turned a corner with schreeching tires. ‘We’re almost there.’
Demi nodded as tears came to her eyes, listening intently.
'Mom is on her way over here and Carter probably has already called the police by now, so just drop the gun and give up,' Ashley whispered, taking a few steps back until she felt her body pressed up against the wall.
'Demi's on her way over?' Trace asked, a grin playing on his lips before raising his eyebrows. 'Don't tell me to give up! NEVER tell me to give up!' he yelled, pulling the trigger, causing a loud 'bang' to sound through the house as the bullet ripped though Ashley's upper leg, making her cry out in pain as she fell to the ground, holding on to her leg.
Upstairs, Carter listened to the conversation, jumping up as she listened to the bang. "P-Peyton..c-c-call the police..." she cried, closing her eyes while Peyton moved her shaky fingers to dial the number.
On the other line of the phone, Demi screamed as she heard the gun, yelling in it for Ashley to answer her. "S-Selena! Gu-gun shot! Go!"
‘No, no, no, no, no, no,’ Selena mumbled, repeating the word all over again as she turned the next to last corner to their house.
As Ashley fell to the floor, her phone fell against the armrest of the couch before crashing against the floor, breaking the line instantly.
Trace quickly ran outside, looking at each corner of the street to see if he saw their car approaching.
Carter whimpered as Peyton spoke with the detective, her hand rubbing Carter’s back soothingly.
As soon as Demi saw the man, she growled. "H-hurry!"
‘C-C-Carter, h-help,’ Ashley mumbled under her breath, knowing it wasn’t loud enough for her sister to hear before she shut her eyes tightly, the pain getting too much to handle.
As soon as Trace saw the car pulling up from around the corner he pointed his gun towards the passenger side, having recognized Demi there. Selena noticed this and quickly stepped on the gass, slamming into the man’s legs, causing the bullet to shoot into the air instead of into the car as Trace flew against the windshield, breaking it in an instant before rolling over the ground and staying motionless on the pavement as the car came to a halt.
Holding onto Peyton, Carter looked down the stairs before standing up and walking down them. Seeing her sister still alive, the youngest girl ran towards her, Peyton hot on her heels. "A-Ashley?"
Demi looked at Trace, scowling at him as he pointed the gun at her, yet her mouth became agape as she watched Selena hit the man, shattering the windshield. "S-Selena?"
‘T-Towel,’ Ashley muttered, knowing that she had to tie it above the wound to stop the bleeding.
‘I-I couldn’t let him s-shoot you, Dems,’ Selena whispered, surprised at what she had done before staring out the back window, looking at the man on the pavement. ‘Do you think he’s...’
Carter nodded and ran into the kitchen, only to run back out with a towel, yet she was un-sure what to do with it.
Demi nodded to Selena before looking at Trace, hesitating before nodding again. "Yeah, I do..."
‘T-Tie it above... wound,’ Ashley whispered as she started shivering, yet it wasn’t even cold in the room.
Selena quickly got out of the car to run towards the man, feeling his pulse. ‘Oh my Gosh!’ she suddenly yelled, covering her mouth with both her hands. ‘I-I-I killed h-him!’
Carter nodded, tying the towel before she looked to Peyton worriedly.
Demi got out of the car, ignoring the man and rushing towards the house, running in and dropping to her knees next to the three girls. "Mommy, we called the police...they’re coming." Carter said through her tears, holding onto Peyton tightly as she watched Demi hold onto Ashley with shakey arms and tears rolling down her cheeks.
‘M-Mom?’ Ashley asked, closing her eyes again as she rested her head against Demi’s chest. ‘I-I’m c-cold.’
Selena came running in, dropping behind Carter and Peyton before throwing an arm around her daughter as tears appeared in her eyes. She didn’t know Peyton yet, but still threw an arm around the girl too, before holding them both close.
The two youngest girls held onto Selena tightly, their hands linked together as well. It wasn't long until Demi saw men in uniform running towards the house, some going to Trace and other's rushing into the house.
The men knelt down besides Ashley, yet the oldest daughter didn’t let go of her mother as she only clung on tighter, gripping Demi’s shirt in her hands.
‘Ashley, baby, let them look after you,’ Selena said, kissing the top of Carter’s head as tears ran down her cheeks.
Demi reluctantly pulled Ashley from her and helped the man trying to help Ashley. "Ash, you'll be ok...just let them take you...it's alright.." She murmured. Carter held onto her mother and Peyton tighter, trying to hide the tears in her eyes from Peyton.
‘Okay,’ Ashley whispered before letting go of Demi, but as she did so, she fell backwards as darkness took her over.
‘Ashley!’ Selena yelled, letting go of Carter and Peyton to drop next to her wife.
"Ashley! Baby!" Demi nearly screamed, angry tears rolling down her cheeks. Carter held onto Peyton tightly, crying into her shoulder while the girl rubbed her back, not sure what to do to help.
‘Ashley will be fine,’ dr. McKenzie smiled as he walked into the waiting area of the emergency room.
‘Oh thank God,’ Selena cried as she threw her arms around Demi’s waist.
‘You guys deserve some good news in your life. It seems like nothing but bad stuff has been happening,’ the doctor said, looking to the four girls in the waiting area.
Carter, sitting closly to Peyton and still holding onto her hand, looked up at the doctor, smiling a little before turning to Peyton. "I guess this is more than what you expected when we invited you over, hmm?"
Peyton giggled a little before resting her head against the girl's and shaking her head. "I always knew you were different, Lovato.’
Demi placed a hand on her heart, sighing happily."Thank god..."
‘Come on, normally you’re not allowed to see her yet, but I think I can bend the rules one time,’ dr. McKenzie smiled before leaving the room to walk towards Ashley’s room, halting in front of the door before motioning for the four girls to go inside. ‘She’s still sleeping though.’
Carter stood up quickly, tugging Peyton with her towards the room. Demi looked to Selena, kissing the girl's temple before walking into the room and sitting besides Ashley's bed.
Selena smiled at the doctor, mouthing a ‘thank you’ before following her family inside. ‘It’s time for some good times,’ she said, sitting on Demi’s lap before taking Ashley’s hand in her own. ‘We’ll go on a vacation when she’s healed completely. All of us. No interviews, no movies, no shows, just a vacation to the bahamas. What do you say?’
Demi nuzzled into Selena, holding onto her tightly and nodding. "I love that idea...what do you say, Carter, Peyton?" Demi asked smiling as Carter squealed.
"Peyton can come?" She asked, reciving a nod from her mother and turning to her friend. "Want to?" Peyton looked to the family and smiled at them.
"Yeah, that sounds great!" She giggled, holding onto Carter and resting her chin on the girl's shoulder.
‘C-Count me i-in,’ a weak Ashley smiled from the bed, causing Selena to cry tears with joy.
‘Hey baby girl,’ she said, kissing her daughter’s hand before standing up so Demi could see Ashley better.
Demi looked to her daughter, smiling brightly and nodding. "As soon as you get better, baby girl."
‘Mom?’ Ashley asked, gaining her full voice back. ‘Come lie with me... like old times...’
Selena smiled at the request, stepping towards Carter and Peyton before wrapping an arm around both girls.
Demi smiled before moving to the bed, easing into it and hugging the girl, kissing her temple. Carter stared at the two and smiled softly before nuzzling into Peyton, sighing happily.
‘Mother, Carter, come join me,’ Ashley requested, making more room in the hospital bed, before smiling. ‘You too Peyton.’ She knew the two youngest girls wouldn’t take in too much place so they could easily fit into the bed.
Carter smiled at Peyton who hesitated, looking to Ashley before looking back at Carter and smiling softly. Moving into the bed, Carter pulled the other girl closer to her, holding her tightly and nuzzling into her.
Selena followed her daughter, laying close to Demi as she wrapped an arm around the girl’s waist before motioning Peyton to join them before she smiled, ‘Come on, Peyton.’
Ashley wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist as she rested her head in the crook of Demi’s neck.
Peyton shifted on her feet before moving to the side that Carter was laying on and snuggling up besides her, pressing a hidden kiss to her shoulder before sighing softly. Carter blushed as she felt it, yet hid her face quickly hoping that her mother's didn't see anything.
Selena looked up at the two girls, grinning softly before kissing Demi’s neck. ‘As soon as everyone has healed from their wounds, physically and mentally, we’ll go to the Bahamas and we’re going to have the best time of our lives.’
Chapter : 12/12
Rating : R
Pairing : Demi/Selena
Summary : After thirteen years, things are still going good for the Lovato-Gomez household, but what happens when a certain event takes the girls down memory lane?
A/N : This is the last chapter of the second story of the trilogy! Don't worry, there's a third story and you guys are going to love it! We will post it when the last chapter of Grief Counsellor is posted, along with the whole new story!
The next morning, Carter woke with a jolt, realization touching her almost instantly as she touched her stomach. Looking to Ashley, the younger sister cried silently, nuzzling into her sister for much needed comfort and warmth.
Ashley stirred as she felt something move in her arms, yet smiled when she held her sister closer. She cupped her sister's cheek with her right hand as she wiped away the tears before running her hand up and down Carter's side. 'Shh,' she soothed, kissing the top of Carter's head before nuzzling her nose in her hair.
It was then that Demi walked back into the room, two cups of coffee in one hand, and two hot chocolates in the other. Looking to the chair besides the bed, the mother cracked a smile at the still sleeping Selena before setting the cups safely on the side table and making her way to her sleeping wife.
Leaning down, Demi pressed a kiss to the girl's lips before kissing her temple and picking her up. Shifting around, the rock star sat down in the chair, pulling Selena ontop of her and running her hands through the sleeping woman's hair soothingly.
It was then that she looked to her kids, smiling as they held each other tightly, yet stayed silent so they could just enjoy each other.
Carter held onto her sister, crying into her neck, and clinging onto her. The youngest girls’ eye and lip had become un-swollen, yet dark brusies were around the areas of attack. ‘A-ashley...’ Carter cried, clinging onto the other girl like she was her life support.
‘Shh, I’m here, baby,’ Ashley whispered, rubbing her sister’s back before noticing Demi had returned. She smiled weakly at her mother before turning back to her sister. ‘How are you feeling?’
Carter nodded at her sister, burying her head in the girl's shoulder and letting out a shaky breath. ‘S-s...s-sad...h-hurt.’ Carter whispered, clinging onto her sister.
‘It’ll get better,’ Ashley smiled, sitting up a little straighter so she could look at her mothers. ‘She must’ve been really tired,’ she said while pointing towards Selena.
Demi looked at Ashley as she spoke before nodding and kissing Selena's temple again. ‘Yeah, she was like up all night watching you guys...she's worried...’ Demi murmured, looking down at the adorable sleeping Selena before nuzzling into her and sighing. ‘Cart? How ya feeling?’ Demi asked quietly.
Carter frowned as she turned to her mother's before shrugging her shoulders and sighing. ‘Horrible...stupid...’
‘Carter, don’t say that,’ Ashley whispered, nuzzling into her sister before sighing. ‘Maybe we should go and find Peyton to find out why she did it. Would that make you feel any better?’
‘Will it bring my baby back?’ Carter asked bitterly, scowling at the ground before she sighed and rubbed her temples. ‘I'm sorry, Ash, I didn't mean that...but just knowing why isn't going to help...’ Carter explained, causing Demi to nod and smile.
‘You sound so much older than thirteen, Cart.’ Demi laughed softly.
Ashley sighed before pulling back so she could look at her sister. ‘It will help you to understand why she did it in the first place. It gives you a reason to why you lost your baby.’
‘I know why I lost her, it's because I was stupid and didn't run away. Because my pride was to big.’ Carter frowned, staring at Ashley before shaking her head and sighing. ‘Whatever, if you think it'll help then fine, go ask her, but I'm pretty sure she hates you too, so I doubt she'll tell you.’
‘You know, when you’re sad you tell people everything because you can’t controle what you’re saying at that moment. Kind of like... You did yesterday... at the eh... parking lot,’ Ashley explained, knowing that she would get the reason out of Peyton.
‘The parking lot? What happened there?’ Carter asked, confused as she stared at her sister, a small frown on her face. ‘I don't remember...’
‘Don’t eh... Don’t worry about it,’ Ashley quickly said, getting up from the bed before tucking her hands in her pockets. ‘I’ll go to the car, I’ll wait for 30 minutes so you can think about coming along or not. It’s up to you.’ She glanced towards her mother, seeing that Selena started to stir before she fled from the room and towards her car.
Carter frowned at her sister, watching her intently before she watched her walking out of the room. Turning to her mother's, she stared at Demi. ‘I don't have any clothes.’
‘You do, I brought you some from home, you never wear them.’ Demi smiled at her daughter, knowing that the girl was going to hate what she brought.
Carter turned to look at the clothes and scowled at the low cut white t-shirt and the purple skinny jeans that Ashley had gotten her for her birthday. ‘You've got to be kidding me!’ She groaned. She didn't like wearing girly clothes, yet she did wonder why Peyton did it, so she grabbed them and sighed before walking to the bathroom to change.
Selena got up from Demi’s lap to go and quickly adjust her hair in the mirror. Then she walked back towards her wife, sitting on her lap once again before pulling her arms around her waist. ‘Ashley already gone?’
Demi watched Selena with an amused smile on her face before her wife came back to her and she nuzzled into the woman. ‘She's waiting in the car, I guess they’re going to go ask Peyton why.’ Demi said, shrugging a little before kissing Selena's neck, nuzzling into the woman once again. ‘You know, you are so adorable when you sleep.’
‘I am not!’ Selena chuckled, turning around so she could capture her wife’s lips in her own as she cupped her cheeks with both her hands.
It was then that Carter walked out of the bathroom, muttering something about 'forget it' as she played with her girlly clothes. Yet when she looked up at her mothers, she groaned loudly. ‘My hospital room has a no kissing rule!’ Carter teased, looking away from the kissy couple as she played with her clothes again. ‘Mom, did you bring me a hat?’
‘Nope, it wouldn't go with your clothes.’ Demi giggled, causing the girl to scowl.
‘This is so un-fair, you know how much I hate these clothes...’ Carter whined.
Selena laughed, yet stayed on her wife’s lap as she leaned against her. ‘Going to Peyton?’
‘Yeah, I am wondering why she did it...that and why she kissed me..but...yeah.’ Carter blushed softly as she rubbed the back of her head embarrassedly, her fingers touching her lips before she shook her head and looked at her mothers. ‘What did I say to Ashley yesterday?’
Selena looked at Demi, before sighing and getting up from her lap to kneel down next to her daughter. ‘You kind of shouted at her. You said you hated her and you never wanted to speak with you again. She knows you didn’t mean it, but I think it still hurts to hear something like that.’
Carter frowned, looking down at her shoes as she listened to her mother. Nodding, she lifted her head to stare into similar brown eyes. ‘Did I say anything to you?’ Carter whispered to Selena.
‘It doesn’t matter baby, you didn’t mean anything of it, you were emotional,’ Selena smiled, pulling her daughter in for a hug.
Carter nodded once again, holding her mother for a moment before pulling back and kissing her lips. ‘I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings yesterday, all I remember is feeling my baby dying inside of me...and I had to go somewhere to help her.’ Carter murmured, touching her stomach for a moment before shaking her head. ‘Mommy? C-can you find out if my baby was a girl or boy?’ Carter whispered almost silently.
‘I’ll see what I can find out,’ Selena smiled before standing up and looking down at her daughter. ‘We know you didn’t realise it, but you really hurt your sister.’
Carter nodded, smiling at her mom. ‘Thanks, and I know...I'll make it up to her, I promise.’ Carter said, nodding before she moved to Demi and hugged her tightly. ‘Can I go?’ Carter asked both of them as she let Demi go.
Selena looked at Demi before crouching down next to the two. ‘Sure, go find out why Peyton did it and let us know, okay?’
Carter nodded, kissing both her mothers again before pulling away and sighing. ‘Thank you.’ She breathed out before running out the door. Demi merely chuckled before leaning forwards and grabbing Selena's collar, pulling her in for a heated kiss. Cutting it short, Demi pulled away and grinned.
‘You are so adorable.’ Demi teased, scrunching up her nose playfully.
‘Ugh, just shut up and kiss me,’ Selena grinned leaning towards Demi and kissing her before climbing back into her lap.
Demi laughed softly, kissing her with a firey passion as her hands moved to the back of Selena's thighs, squeezing them playfully.
In the parking lot, Ashley was tapping the wheel as she waited for her sister. Glancing towards the entrance sometimes, she finally saw the little girl coming out of the hospital.
Carter ran towards the car, getting in and quickly leaning close to her sister, kissing her lips before hugging her tightly. ‘I'd never hate you Ashley, or ever not want to talk to you. I'm so sorry for yelling at you.’
Ashley hugged her sister back before smiling. ‘I know, Carter, it just surprised me. But I know you were emotional. Don’t worry about it.’
Carter nodded happily before sitting back in her seat and pulling on her seat belt. ‘I'm still very sorry though...’ Carter said before sighing softly, looking down at her clothes. ‘Look what mom brough me to wear! And not even a hat!’
‘Oh, really?’ Ashley chuckled before turning her head, looking at her sister’s clothes before leaning in between the two front seats to grab something off the backseat. ‘Then I guess you don’t want to wear this ratty hat...’
Carter nodded at her sister, frowning as she stared down at her low cut shirt, hating the thing. Hearing Ashley move, Carter smiled widely as she stared at her red hat, pulling it on before reaching over to hug her sister. ‘Thanks Ash!’
‘I thought I’d grab it when I left home because you love it so much,’ Ashley grinned before letting go of her sister and starting the car. Driving down the road, she spoke to her sister, yet kept her eyes on the road. ‘Where do you think Peyton is right now?’
‘She's most likely under the bridge.’ Carter murmured, blushing a little since she knew that. ‘It's where she always goes when she beats someone up, or she just wants to hang out by herself.’
Ashley quickly turned a corner, driving straight to the bridge before pulling over. ‘You go, as soon as I see you’re in trouble, I’m there.’
Carter nodded slowly, hesitating before she stepped out of the car and moving to Peyton.
As soon as the girl saw her, Peyton grinned a little, walking towards her. ‘Looks like you got pretty beat up, huh Car.’ She giggled.
‘Don’t call me Car, Peyton, you know how I hate that.’ Carter said calmly, stepping closer to the girl. ‘You took something from me, you took it and I can never get it back.’
‘Oh what? Your stupid pride? Well…I know one way…’ She trailed off, her hand ghosting up and down Carter’s exposed arm. ‘That you can get it all back…’ She murmured, tugging Carter closer and pressing a kiss to her lips again, her tongue moving against Carter’s lower lip.
As soon as she felt it, Carter pushed the girl back, scowling at her. ‘What the hell, Peyton?!’ The girl looked hurt for a moment before she scowled back, jumping on Carter and pinning her hands above her head.
‘You know, I was trying to be nice, but seeing as you still didn’t learn your lesson, and your stupid protector isn’t here, I’ll have to teach you again.’ Peyton snarled, pulling her fist back.
Ashley grabbed Peyton’s wrist firmly, before pulling her off of her sister. ‘Her stupid protector never leaves her alone again,’ she hissed, standing in between the two girls, not letting go of Peyton. She towered over the girl before glancing towards her sister and then looking back at Peyton. ‘You owe her some answers.’
Peyton looked up at Ashley, scowling at the girl before looking down at Carter and grinning. “Oh, you need your protector all the time now? You’re such a pussy, Carter.” Peyton teased, trying to pull out of Ashley’s grip.
Standing up, Carter looked at Ashley then at Peyton before placing her hand on Ashley’s telling her to let the other go. Once she was let go, Peyton stared at Carter for the longest moment, grinning.
“So what kind of answers do you want, Carter?” She asked in a baby voice.
Carter rolled her eyes, crossing her arms and scowling at the girl. “For one, why did you jump me yesterday?”
Ashley crossed her arms and huffed before looking at Peyton. ‘You better answer, girl.’
Carter looked to Ashley, then back to Peyton who sighed. “To get you back, you deserved it!”
The oldest girl huffed once again, walking closer towards Peyton. ‘Why? You’re the one that started teasing her in the first place!’
"She chose to fight back! It's her own damn fault." Peyton growled, not moving from her place as Ashley came closer.
Ashley stood right in front of her as she looked down at the girl. ‘That isn’t the question, the question is, why did you start teasing her?’
Peyton raised an eyebrow, hesitating before looking at Carter, then back at Ashley. "Why do you need to know?!"
‘If you had a sister who was being teased at school.. Wouldn’t you like to know the reason too?’ Ashley questioned, her voice softer than ever.
Peyton hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, looking down at her feet. “I do have a little sister…” She murmured, sighing a little before just blurting it out. “I like her, okay?! And she’s so attached to you she doesn’t….ugh whatever!” Peyton growled looking away from Carter whose eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape.
Ashley gazed at the younger girl before turning to her younger sister, sending her a surprised look. Then she looked back at Peyton, crossing her arms again. ‘She’s so attached to me she doesn’t... what?’
Carter stared at Peyton, waiting for the girl to speak again. "She’s so attached that she doesn't see any one else, so I made her see me." Peyton confessed, staring at Carter for a moment before looking away. Carter could've sworn there were tears.
Ashley closed her eyes before sighing as she crouched next to the girl so she was at her eye level. ‘You could’ve just talked to her instead of teasing her.’
"It doesn't work that way! She has no friends, and not because people don't like her, it’s because she never talks to anyone! I never had a chance!" Peyton growled, causing Carter to look down at her shoes sheepishly.
‘Well, if you say she’s so attached to me, then I guess it’s my fault,’ Ashley nodded before standing up to look at Carter. ‘I’m sorry, Car, I should give you more freedom.’
"It's not your fault, Ash." Carter frowned, turning back to Peyton and shaking her head. "I never talk to anyone, so it's kinda mine, but it didn't give you a reason to jump me...especially since I was...p-pregnant." Carter murmured, causing Peyton's eyes to go wide.
"W-what?!"
‘Carter was pregnant and she lost the baby because you and your gang beat her up,’ Ashley explained, throwing an arm around her sister’s shoulders, holding her close.
"W-why were you pregnant?!" Peyton growled, not liking that someone other than herself got Carter. Carter shrank against her sister, not liking the subject.
‘Look, that doesn’t matter,’ Ashley said, knowing her sister wouldn’t be able to talk about it without bursting out in tears. Heck, she was having trouble with holding her own tears back. ‘The point is, you made her lose her baby because you beat her up and you could’ve easily prevented that.’
"C-Carter..." Peyton mumbled, shaking her head as she tried to wrap it around what she was being told. "Carter I'm so sorry..." She whispered, causing Carter to lift her head and tilt it.
"I-it's ok, Peyton. S-sure I'm angry, hurt, and sad...but...it's ok...I forgive you."
Ashley smiled and finally stepped away from both girls, yet didn’t go far so she could still keep an eye on them.
Carter looked at Ashley as she moved away, yet when she turned back to Peyton, the girl was staring at the ground. "A-a...d-did we hurt you r-really bad?" Peyton asked softly, causing Carter to shake her head no.
"I'm fine, Pey, I'm fine." Carter smiled before stepping forward and pulling the other girl's phone from her pocket. Programming her number in, Carter smiled at the girl before giving it back. "Maybe we can start out a friends..." Peyton nodded at this, grinning widely before Carter gave her a hug, pulling away with a kiss on her cheek. "You should've talked to me...I've always seen you..." Carter smiled before pulling away and running back to her sister. "See ya Peyton."
Ashley got into the car, sending a smile towards Peyton through the window before turning her head towards Carter as she grinned, ‘You so like her too.’
"Shut up, Ash!" Carter said embarrassedly, waving off her accusation as a blush appeared on her cheeks.
‘Come on, admit it,’ Ashley smiled, starting the car before driving towards Peyton, opening her window. ‘Hey, Peyton, you wanna come over for dinner?’
Carter blushed more as she listened to her sister, shaking her head. "I won't admit anything because theres nothing to--hey? What are you doing?" Carter asked as she watched her sister drive towards Peyton. Hearing the question, Carter blushed once again before she saw Peyton nod and get in the back, smiling widely.
‘It’s time for something good to happen for a change,’ Ashley smiled, driving towards their house before texting Demi saying that she and Selena had to meet them at the house. Then she walked inside, holding the door open for the two girls. ‘Let’s go to the living room.’
Carter stepped out of the car as soon as it stopped at the house and moved to Peyton's side, opening the door and smiling at her. "Well this is different." Carter commented, causing Peyton to giggle and step out of the car, following Carter into the living room. "Different is...good?"
Ashley smiled at the two before closing the door and sitting on the one-person couch. ‘We’re gonna have a good -’
‘Well, you’re not Demi or Selena, but I guess it’ll have to do,’ a voice suddenly chimed in, making Ashley jump up and turn towards the kitchen as a tall, tattoed man stepped out of it.
Carter turned towards the voice, scowling before taking Peyton's hand and pulling her protectively behind her. "A-ashley..."
‘Shh, Carter, everything’s going to be okay,’ Ashley firmly said, standing in front of the two girls. ‘Wh-What are you doing here?’
‘You know, Miley tried to keep me at the house. I didn’t remember anything at first, but as soon as I saw your show on the television, everything came back to me,’ Trace said, walking towards the couch before leaning his hands on it.
‘That doesn’t answer my question,’ Ashley hissed as she pulled her phone out and held it behind her back, blindly typing Demi’s number so she would be able to hear what was going on at the house.
Carter grasped onto Ashley's shirt, along with holding onto Peyton's hand, the girl frowning. "What's going on?" She whispered in Carter's ear. Carter turned to her, hugging her tightly before pressing another kiss to her cheek. "You should go...he's trouble."
"I won't leave you guys..." Peyton murmured, causing Carter to smile faintly before looking down at Ashley's hand, moving her fingers to help the girl.
Hearing her favorite ring tone, Demi smiled happily into it. "Ash-y! we're on our way home, baby girl."
Ashley gripped her phone as she kept her gaze on Trace. 'Well, you guys did get me into the hospital, so I'm here to take revenge. Again.'
Demi frowned as she listened and cursed. "Selena, step on it, Trace is with the girls!"
‘Ashley must’ve called you as a call for help, keep listening,’ Selena said, stepping on the gass as they drove through the streets.
Carter held Peyton closer to her, her hands shaking causing the other girl to rub her shoulders soothingly.
‘Carter, run upstairs and take Peyton with you. Now,’ Ashley firmly said, not breaking eye contact with the man in front of her.
Demi nodded intently, frowning as she heard the name Peyton. "Peyton's there...."
Carter looked to Ashley, then to Trace before hesitated. "I-I can't, Ash..." Carter sighed softly before she thought of something and ran up the stairs with Peyton, wanting to use her phone.
Ashley sighed in relief as her sister and Peyton left the room before crossing her arms over her chest, hiding her phone from Trace, who pulled out a gun and held it towards Ashley. ‘That was very noble of you.’
The raven haired girl gulped as he pointed the gun towards her head as tears sprung into her eyes and she prayed to God that he wouldn’t shoot. ‘P-Please, T-Trace, put the gun a-away,’ she choked out, hoping her mother could hear her.
Demi gulped as she listened to her daughter, turning to Selena with wide eyes. "He has a gun!"
‘What?’ Selena yelled as she turned a corner with schreeching tires. ‘We’re almost there.’
Demi nodded as tears came to her eyes, listening intently.
'Mom is on her way over here and Carter probably has already called the police by now, so just drop the gun and give up,' Ashley whispered, taking a few steps back until she felt her body pressed up against the wall.
'Demi's on her way over?' Trace asked, a grin playing on his lips before raising his eyebrows. 'Don't tell me to give up! NEVER tell me to give up!' he yelled, pulling the trigger, causing a loud 'bang' to sound through the house as the bullet ripped though Ashley's upper leg, making her cry out in pain as she fell to the ground, holding on to her leg.
Upstairs, Carter listened to the conversation, jumping up as she listened to the bang. "P-Peyton..c-c-call the police..." she cried, closing her eyes while Peyton moved her shaky fingers to dial the number.
On the other line of the phone, Demi screamed as she heard the gun, yelling in it for Ashley to answer her. "S-Selena! Gu-gun shot! Go!"
‘No, no, no, no, no, no,’ Selena mumbled, repeating the word all over again as she turned the next to last corner to their house.
As Ashley fell to the floor, her phone fell against the armrest of the couch before crashing against the floor, breaking the line instantly.
Trace quickly ran outside, looking at each corner of the street to see if he saw their car approaching.
Carter whimpered as Peyton spoke with the detective, her hand rubbing Carter’s back soothingly.
As soon as Demi saw the man, she growled. "H-hurry!"
‘C-C-Carter, h-help,’ Ashley mumbled under her breath, knowing it wasn’t loud enough for her sister to hear before she shut her eyes tightly, the pain getting too much to handle.
As soon as Trace saw the car pulling up from around the corner he pointed his gun towards the passenger side, having recognized Demi there. Selena noticed this and quickly stepped on the gass, slamming into the man’s legs, causing the bullet to shoot into the air instead of into the car as Trace flew against the windshield, breaking it in an instant before rolling over the ground and staying motionless on the pavement as the car came to a halt.
Holding onto Peyton, Carter looked down the stairs before standing up and walking down them. Seeing her sister still alive, the youngest girl ran towards her, Peyton hot on her heels. "A-Ashley?"
Demi looked at Trace, scowling at him as he pointed the gun at her, yet her mouth became agape as she watched Selena hit the man, shattering the windshield. "S-Selena?"
‘T-Towel,’ Ashley muttered, knowing that she had to tie it above the wound to stop the bleeding.
‘I-I couldn’t let him s-shoot you, Dems,’ Selena whispered, surprised at what she had done before staring out the back window, looking at the man on the pavement. ‘Do you think he’s...’
Carter nodded and ran into the kitchen, only to run back out with a towel, yet she was un-sure what to do with it.
Demi nodded to Selena before looking at Trace, hesitating before nodding again. "Yeah, I do..."
‘T-Tie it above... wound,’ Ashley whispered as she started shivering, yet it wasn’t even cold in the room.
Selena quickly got out of the car to run towards the man, feeling his pulse. ‘Oh my Gosh!’ she suddenly yelled, covering her mouth with both her hands. ‘I-I-I killed h-him!’
Carter nodded, tying the towel before she looked to Peyton worriedly.
Demi got out of the car, ignoring the man and rushing towards the house, running in and dropping to her knees next to the three girls. "Mommy, we called the police...they’re coming." Carter said through her tears, holding onto Peyton tightly as she watched Demi hold onto Ashley with shakey arms and tears rolling down her cheeks.
‘M-Mom?’ Ashley asked, closing her eyes again as she rested her head against Demi’s chest. ‘I-I’m c-cold.’
Selena came running in, dropping behind Carter and Peyton before throwing an arm around her daughter as tears appeared in her eyes. She didn’t know Peyton yet, but still threw an arm around the girl too, before holding them both close.
The two youngest girls held onto Selena tightly, their hands linked together as well. It wasn't long until Demi saw men in uniform running towards the house, some going to Trace and other's rushing into the house.
The men knelt down besides Ashley, yet the oldest daughter didn’t let go of her mother as she only clung on tighter, gripping Demi’s shirt in her hands.
‘Ashley, baby, let them look after you,’ Selena said, kissing the top of Carter’s head as tears ran down her cheeks.
Demi reluctantly pulled Ashley from her and helped the man trying to help Ashley. "Ash, you'll be ok...just let them take you...it's alright.." She murmured. Carter held onto her mother and Peyton tighter, trying to hide the tears in her eyes from Peyton.
‘Okay,’ Ashley whispered before letting go of Demi, but as she did so, she fell backwards as darkness took her over.
‘Ashley!’ Selena yelled, letting go of Carter and Peyton to drop next to her wife.
"Ashley! Baby!" Demi nearly screamed, angry tears rolling down her cheeks. Carter held onto Peyton tightly, crying into her shoulder while the girl rubbed her back, not sure what to do to help.
‘Ashley will be fine,’ dr. McKenzie smiled as he walked into the waiting area of the emergency room.
‘Oh thank God,’ Selena cried as she threw her arms around Demi’s waist.
‘You guys deserve some good news in your life. It seems like nothing but bad stuff has been happening,’ the doctor said, looking to the four girls in the waiting area.
Carter, sitting closly to Peyton and still holding onto her hand, looked up at the doctor, smiling a little before turning to Peyton. "I guess this is more than what you expected when we invited you over, hmm?"
Peyton giggled a little before resting her head against the girl's and shaking her head. "I always knew you were different, Lovato.’
Demi placed a hand on her heart, sighing happily."Thank god..."
‘Come on, normally you’re not allowed to see her yet, but I think I can bend the rules one time,’ dr. McKenzie smiled before leaving the room to walk towards Ashley’s room, halting in front of the door before motioning for the four girls to go inside. ‘She’s still sleeping though.’
Carter stood up quickly, tugging Peyton with her towards the room. Demi looked to Selena, kissing the girl's temple before walking into the room and sitting besides Ashley's bed.
Selena smiled at the doctor, mouthing a ‘thank you’ before following her family inside. ‘It’s time for some good times,’ she said, sitting on Demi’s lap before taking Ashley’s hand in her own. ‘We’ll go on a vacation when she’s healed completely. All of us. No interviews, no movies, no shows, just a vacation to the bahamas. What do you say?’
Demi nuzzled into Selena, holding onto her tightly and nodding. "I love that idea...what do you say, Carter, Peyton?" Demi asked smiling as Carter squealed.
"Peyton can come?" She asked, reciving a nod from her mother and turning to her friend. "Want to?" Peyton looked to the family and smiled at them.
"Yeah, that sounds great!" She giggled, holding onto Carter and resting her chin on the girl's shoulder.
‘C-Count me i-in,’ a weak Ashley smiled from the bed, causing Selena to cry tears with joy.
‘Hey baby girl,’ she said, kissing her daughter’s hand before standing up so Demi could see Ashley better.
Demi looked to her daughter, smiling brightly and nodding. "As soon as you get better, baby girl."
‘Mom?’ Ashley asked, gaining her full voice back. ‘Come lie with me... like old times...’
Selena smiled at the request, stepping towards Carter and Peyton before wrapping an arm around both girls.
Demi smiled before moving to the bed, easing into it and hugging the girl, kissing her temple. Carter stared at the two and smiled softly before nuzzling into Peyton, sighing happily.
‘Mother, Carter, come join me,’ Ashley requested, making more room in the hospital bed, before smiling. ‘You too Peyton.’ She knew the two youngest girls wouldn’t take in too much place so they could easily fit into the bed.
Carter smiled at Peyton who hesitated, looking to Ashley before looking back at Carter and smiling softly. Moving into the bed, Carter pulled the other girl closer to her, holding her tightly and nuzzling into her.
Selena followed her daughter, laying close to Demi as she wrapped an arm around the girl’s waist before motioning Peyton to join them before she smiled, ‘Come on, Peyton.’
Ashley wrapped an arm around her sister’s waist as she rested her head in the crook of Demi’s neck.
Peyton shifted on her feet before moving to the side that Carter was laying on and snuggling up besides her, pressing a hidden kiss to her shoulder before sighing softly. Carter blushed as she felt it, yet hid her face quickly hoping that her mother's didn't see anything.
Selena looked up at the two girls, grinning softly before kissing Demi’s neck. ‘As soon as everyone has healed from their wounds, physically and mentally, we’ll go to the Bahamas and we’re going to have the best time of our lives.’