Forever and Always

Chapter 15 - I Lived

Ed's POV
Today is my last day in New York. This morning Taylor and the kids came to the airport with me to say goodbye. I can't wait to see them again.

"Goodbye Kayla and Owen. It was great to finally meet you. Happy Birthday Kayla." I said as I turned to go through the security check point. They were waving as I was walking away.

"Ed. Wait!" Shouted Taylor as she ran towards me. I turned around. She stopped just a few inches from me.

"Have a safe trip to California. I'll talk to you soon." She said. I went in for a hug.

"Don't forget about our deal." I reminded her.

"I won't."

I stepped through security and then waited to  board my plane. I smiled as I took my seat on the plane. I am constantly travelling, but it is nice to have a week off like the one I just had.

Taylor's POV
After Ed boarded the plane Kayla,Owen and I left the airport.

"I'm going to miss Ed." Said Kayla as we watched him walk through the gate.

"Me too Kayla, me too."

We took a cab back to our apartment. Selena was busy making waffles and eggs for brunch.

"Good morning everyone!" She exclaimed cheerfully as we walked in the door. I set Owen down and he ran off to play. Kayla walked over to the couch and turned on a TV show.

"How did the send off go?" Asked Selena.

"It went well I guess. Kayla said she will miss Ed."

"What about you?"

"Yeah, but I just can't be in a relationship now. It's not the right time."

"Well, the kids really like him so I say give it a go. When your ready of course. Maybe some cinamon chocolate chip waffles will make you feel better." Selena slid a plate across the counter to me.

"Kayla, it's time for brunch. Please go get Owen." I called out.

Once we finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes we hung out in the living room and played with the cats. I didn't have anything really planned for today or tomorrow.

"I have an idea for today." Stated Selena. "How about we go for a drive. Drive until we find something interesting and then we can get out, look at it and keep going."

"Wouldn't that take a lot of gas with the car we have today?"

"Come on. You need to splurge a little bit. Live on the edge."

"Oh alright." I reached for my keys. "Let's find an adventure shall we?"

Driving around the city isn't fun at all. Cabbies honk at you and pedestrians run across the street whenever they feel like it. We left the inner city and drove around the suburbs. Selena played road games such as I spy with the kids. It was calming to drive with music on in the suburbs. We drove to a park and got out to walk around. We stopped to sign autographs for some fans that spotted us. At the end of the trail is a large cliff. All four of us sat on the edge and looked out over the landscape. It was beautiful. The grass and trees were so green. You could see flocks of birds flying in large formations over head. As the sun began to set we headed back to our car.

For dinner we stopped at a small diner on our way back to the apartment. It was cute and old fashioned looking. Both kids got a grilled cheese sandwich and chocolate milk. Selena and I ordered burgers. The hostess was shocked to see us and almost spilled the milk when she brought it over. To be in a place where no one bombards us asking for autographs or pictures is rare. Not that I don't love my fans, but sometimes I just want to be left alone. I love spending quality time with friends and family.

"Earth to Taylor. Are you awake? I can drive home if you need me to. Owen is getting tired." Interrupted Selena.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine. We should go now." I picked up my purse and left the waiter a generous tip. Our table was a mess. Kayla and Owen managed to get crumbs all over the table, seat and floor. Selena buckled the kids into their car seats. I started the car and we drove home in the dark of night. Outside sounds became louder as we approached the city. Kayla and Owen were fast asleep in the back seat.

"Taylor, you are so lucky to have Kayla and Owen. They are truly the cutest and sweetest kids I have ever met. The other day Owen and I were playing together and he gave me his favorite train."

"Wow, you must be someone special." I replied sarcastically. "I don't even get the favorite train."

"I'm serious. You are raising wonderful kids."

"Thanks. I want them to have a great childhood like I had. I miss innocence and I don't want them to lose it. Yet at the same time I want them to be able to make their own informed decisions and have their own opinions. I'm scared because Kayla will be starting school in a few days. I think I'm more afraid than she is."

"Don't worry about it. She will have so much fun."

I pulled into the parking garage and turned off the car. We sat in peaceful silence before walking inside.

I had to carry the kids inside. I got them in their PJs and tucked them in for the night.

"Goodnight my loves. Tomorrow is our last day and we will make it the best day ever."

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