The Impossible Promise *Chapter 28*

*** Everything was blurry and Demi shook her head, trying to get rid of the spinning sensation. All in vain. Her throat felt funny and her neck seemed swollen and warm. Nevertheless, she could see the brothers finishing up their number. The duet would be next. Demi ran a hand through her tousled hair and stepped firmly on stage, mic in hand. "Only three more shows to go," she whispered to herself as she made her way toward the boys. "Three more." She counted off the music beats and prepared to sing the first line. "I've always been the type of girl—" Demi paused, wondering. Nick was looking at her, concern written on his face. The song was moving along, but it was leaving her behind. She tried again, but the words stuck to her throat. She belted them over and over in her mind, but they never made it to her lungs. She glanced about in desperation. "I can't speak!" she mouthed. Her face and neck suddenly felt so warm. She took a step toward Joe, who was at her side in an instant to break her fall. *** "How is she? Will she live?" Joe sounded concerned. Nick rolled his eyes cynically. "Look bro, she's just got a bad cold. And maybe strep throat. So she can't talk. BUT SHE'S NOT GOING TO DIE." "Eventually," Joe muttered as he sank down into a seat beside Kevin. "She's going to be fine," Kevin patted his shoulder reassuringly, with his other hand texting Danielle. Nick also sat down, and wearily glanced around the small waiting room. "The doctor said she should be well enough ...