Neverending Peace

Enchanted

"I might die soon."

Joe looked up from his reading at Taylor's sudden words.

"What?"

"I said I might die soon," She repeated calmly.

The blonde girl, who was lying on her back on the bed, rolled over onto her side and looked down at where Joe was sitting on the floor. She set down her book beside him. Taylor gave him a small smile. Joe frowned.

"Don't say that."

"Why not? Because it's true?" When Joe didn't reply, Taylor reached out and tousled his hair. "I'm sorry. I know it's hard for you to hear me say things like that. But it helps me come to terms with it. Do you understand?"

Joe closed his eyes and sighed. "I do." But that doesn't mean I've come to terms with it yet.

Taylor was, oddly enough, smiling.

"You know what's funny about being so close to death?" She asked suddenly.

Joe was still frowning. "Absolutely nothing."

Taylor ignored him, sitting up a bit. "It's that I've been a lot less scared to try new things. Because there's not much for me to lose. So I'm going to do something absolutely terrifying. Something I wouldn't dare do unless I had nothing left to lose."

Joe turned towards her. "What do you mea--mmph?!"

Taylor grabbed Joe by the front of the shirt and pulled him up for a kiss. Joe was too shocked to move. He sat, frozen in shock, as she bent down, her lips against his, brushing it lightly—and still that light touch sent shivers through her nerves, shivers that made her whole body tremble. It took him a few seconds to pull away.

"I think I like you, Joe."

"You think?" Joe asked, slightly breathless.

The two stared at each other.

"Taylor. I don't think I like you like that."

"Oh. I see." Taylor grinned sheepishly and looked him in the eye. "Was I a bad kisser?"

Joe wasn't really what compelled him to reply by taking Taylor's hand in both of his hands and kissing her again, but he didn't exactly regret the action. And judging by the smile on Taylor's lips as they kissed, she didn't either.

Four days had passed since the kiss, and Joe had avoided the topic with all  his might.

Everyone seemed to notice something was off with their main singer and manager. Joe was more civil with her, keeping her at arm's length. Taylor, meanwhile, seemed sadder. The team figured it was because She wasn't allowed to practice with them anymore, but it became more and more obvious the cause was a certain someone.

Joe had tried to talk to Lauryn but she just brushed him off and continued to tell him all about the party he'd missed making sure to be clear that he was a bore for not going.

Finally, near the end of the day it was the most unlikely of people who finally confronted him.

"Selena?" Joe smiled. "What's up?"

"You. Well, not up. But something's bothering you."

"Is it that obvious?"

Selena's little wince was all the answer he needed. Joe sighed and leaned back. Silence. Selena finally pushed a bit.

"Is it something to do with Taylor."

"Maybe." He paused. "I don't want to talk about it. At least, not here."

Selena nodded. "Um... I'm home alone this afternoon, if you want to come over."

"Thanks."

. . . . . . . . . .

"She kissed you?!"

"Not so loud!" Joe groaned.

"Sorry, sorry." Selena lowered her voice, though she wanted to remind Joe there wasn't anyone else in the house. "Um, so how was it?"

"Selena, I think you're missing the point. Taylor. My boss. My friend. She kissed me."

Selena nodded slowly. "And...?"

Joe flopped onto his back. "Never mind."

"No, tell me what's wrong."

Joe hesitated.

"Selena, I'm not...dating Taylor swift."

"You don't have to say it like that. Likes she's some horrible thing"

Joe turned away. Selena's perpetual frown deepened.

"Oh, don't tell me you're one of those people. You're really going to let the media tell you who she is. You're her manger for god's sake. "

"What do you mean one of those people? Of course I don't believe it, but there's so much. I'd just be more clutter in her life. Just another one of her discarded lovers"

Dead silence.

It took Joe several long moments to compute what was happening. He gasped.

"No... Selena, I didn't mean like...I just... shit"

Selena looked away.

"You know I didn't mean it like the media?" Joe asked.

Dead silence.

" I need to make sure you know I didn't mean it like that. I would never insinuate that she's a slut or a whore, or whatever else they're saying now.'

" I was afraid something like this would happen."

Joe felt absolutely ashamed of himself. How could he had made one of her closest friends feel like he was feeding into her public image? What kind of friend was he?

Selena picked up on Joe's distress almost immediately.

"It's okay! I know.  You just can't say things like that. Someone might actually think you're telling the truth for once."

"Gee, thanks," Joe deadpanned.

"Look, Joe. We're in the public eye, no matter what you have cameras on you. Who cares if there's a few more"

"Oh, it's not that."

"Hm?"

Joe laughed. "I was just thinking how ironic it is that you'd be more mature about it than me!" His laughter trailed off as he though. "I care about Taylor. Truly, I do. But I don't think I can lie to her like that. I don't know if I can love her like that."

"I get it."

The two sat in silence again, both mulling over their own thoughts.

"I don't want to date her because it's the dying wish of my best friend, you know?" said Joe. "I want to date her because I care about her."

Selena hummed in understanding. "Well, um... Did you enjoy the kiss?"

Joe didn't reply right away. Selena was immediately worried. "Joe?"

"What if I did?"

"That isn't bad?"

"I know."

Selena shrugged. "What do either of you have to lose?"

Joe laughed at the irony. "Y'know, Taylor said the exact same thing before she kissed me."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

Joe shrugged. "Well, I'll have to talk her soon, won't I?"

---------------------------------------

What do you guy's think will happen when they talk ?!?💀💀

I kinda want it happy, but then again I live for the drama😩😩