Higher Stakes [Strings: Part 1]

Chapter 31: Three Months Later...

It laid out perfectly in his mind now. There he will stand, right before her, gently holding her hand in his; looking at her beautiful brown eyes and let her know how much he really likes her. Should be right. Right?

Alright. Breathe. Breathe.

Outside, the sun shines so much that summer. It was the perfect weather for a confession. On the Brit’s behalf, that is. Don’t know about the girl’s side. Eyes wandered around the garden for that flowery dressed girl, as described by the nurse. White cardigan. White cardigan… where is she? There were other patients in the area; all were accompanied by either family or friends. Bradley’s family visited him yesterday during breakfast. It was lively. The twins ended up entertaining with some Kpop girls’ band he haven’t heard of. It was really nice. At least now, it got him a bit occupied by youtubing the girls’ band, T-ara, while he got the chance. He got addicted on the first music video they showed him. But enough about that. Now it’s time for him and Demi.

“You look well today.” A soft voice was heard behind. He turned and smiled widely. Demi Lovato, in what the nurse had described, held herself comfortably before him, with a sweet smile on her face. She then pushed strand of her dark shade of brown hair off his face and smiled sweeter.

“I miss you.” Bradley let out. She just smiled.

“Me too. It’s been ages.” She replied. “Should we sit down? I don’t want to tire you out.” Demi moved closer and seized his unbound forearm. Before the Brit could reply, she pulled him over to the nearest bench just underneath a large tree, shading them from the sun. They sat down. “The studio was different without you. Felt so weird. It’s like, there’s no that accent of yours around the lot.” Bradley had to laugh on the last statement. “I really mean it. David had gone nuts trying to talk with that accent. It’s so wrong on so many level. Cute? Yes. Annoying? Heck yeah.” He laughed again.

“Perhaps he misses me lots too. I had such a huge impact on the lad.” Bradley replied, playing along. “We are like two peas in a pod. We go well together. Like a boxer to a punching bag or uh, cake with cherry on top. Something like that.”

Demi smiled. “I can see that.” He scoffed, turned his head to the right to look at her. She was smiling all the way. It was nice. But something was strange. Her eyes. They were avoiding his gaze. Yeah, he did caught few glimpse of them but now, he realized she was avoiding him. It worries him. “Is there something worries you?” he had to ask.

She put on a smile, one that is rare and – mysterious. Her eyes – now linked with his – seemed forceful. It really worries him. “No.” she replied, with a fake smile.

“You sure?” Bradley asked again. “It doesn’t look you doing well. You’re shaking.’ He looked down at her hands. “If you have something important to say, its best to let it out now.” She shook her head. “Demi. Could you please look at me?” She shook again. “Hey, what is it? Just let it out. I can handle it. Whatever it is, I’m sure we both can handle it.” She dropped her head, her shoulder vibrated a little. Bradley had gone concerned now. He then reached out for her arm but what surprised him was, she pulled away, away from his touch. “Demi?”

“I know I can handle it cuz I’ve been thinking about it for a long time now.” She started quickly. “Don’t know about you though… you’ve been in here, recovering and I’m out there, trying to think.” She shifted in her seat and faced him, still with her head down low. “What you and Trace said back there. About how you two bets on me. You trying to protect me. It was sweet. But I don’t want something sweet like that to turn into something that cost your life. I don’t deserve such sacrifice. I really shouldn’t.”

“That’s before I really like you.” Bradley interjected.

“I know.” She interrupted. “I like you too. But… the thing is, I don’t think this will work out. Us. Its not.”

“Wh—what?”

“Bradley, I think we should see other people from now on.” She still keep her head low. Judging by her voice, how it somehow gotten huskier than before, Bradley knew she was crying. “I don’t want you to get hurt and I believe you deserve someone better than me. Someone who can take care of you and not give you any drama at all. That person is not me. Even since we met, the only thing happened was madness here and there. All of them happened on you alone. All because of me. So… its better we stop whatever we had here. Alright?”

The Brit shook his head. “Don’t say that. Demi, I like you. Doesn’t that count? Who cares about the drama? If we have each other, it’s gonna be alright.”

“No, it’s not alright.” Demi snapped. Finally, she held her head high staring at him with her misty brown eyes, with furiousness in her voice. “Your life is much more valuable than this. If youreally care about me, you should let me go, cuz now, I don’t have the same feelings I had back then. The only reason why I liked you was I see you as a knight. Someone who saved me from Trace. I don’t even know you that much. I was a fool. Falling for someone I barely know…” She sniffed. “I hate you for making me feel like that. It’s stupid. So better stop it now.” She stood up, trying to leave but Bradley held her back and kissed her. She pushed him away. Agitated, she slapped him right across the face and said, “Forget me Bradley, like how I’m starting to now.” She cried again. “Goodbye.”

He was speechless. How could this happen? This is just… unacceptable.

Author's Note:

This is the final chapter to Strings: Higher Stakes [Part 1]. I really hope y'all enjoy the story as much as I wrote them. Be prepare for Part 2 of 'Strings' which is called, 'Navy Blue'. So, I'll just give you the synopsis for that one right here right now :D

Strings: Navy Blue [Part 2]

A year had passed, it was summer time and the stars are signed to be on a summer cruise for the company's promotion. When Demi thought that this cruise could be a way to forget him, trouble ensues when Bradley was also aboard the cruise as a part of the 'Wizards' cast. Cold shoulders were given here and there. Bradley try his best to win her back but the problem is, Demi had set up an Anti-Bradley clan to make sure that will never happen. Meanwhile, Selena had seen someone in a different which leads to eventually fall for him. Who is this lucky guy? What will happen between Bradley and Demi?

Find out soon.