Invisible String

89

Natalie's POV

Lizzie jumps on top of me as the whistle blows.

"Our girls." I whisper to Lizzie.

"Go, go down there." Lizzie says with a smile. "Say hi to my girl for me."

"Won't that raise suspicion?" I ask and look at the girls.

"Hey, if anything goes wrong I got it." Taylor says and I nod my head. "Now go. Go congratulate your good dear friend Alex."

"AND hide this." Selena says as she reaches for the necklace around my neck then helps me put it under my shirt. "Better. Tell her we say congratulations for the big win."

I make my way down towards the family section, escorted by security but also my bodyguards. I reach the family section and I'm met with Christen's family.

"Hi, nice to meet you." I say with a smile as I greet Cody and hug him.

"We pretending now?" Cody whispers and I laugh.

"Sorry."

"No worries. Nice to see you again. She here?" He whispers and I nod. "Good to know."

"What a game."

"Sure was."

The medal ceremony begins then all the girls are running towards their families.

Alex and I make eye contact and I smile. I wave at her then she quickly comes running towards me.

"World cup champion baby!" Alex shouts and I laugh.

"Woo! Let's go!" I shout.

Alex laughs as she grabs a chair to reach where I'm at. Once she's able to reach me I'm able to hug her.

"I'm so proud of you." I whisper against her neck. "So fucking proud."

"I didn't think you'd come down, but I'm very glad you did." Alex says with a smile.

If it weren't for the thousands of people in the stadium and the fact that it's on television then I'd kiss her right here.

"The girls say congratulations on winning, very proud of you."

"Aww I wish I could see them right now."

"Soon."

"Hi Natalie."

"Christen." I say smiling. "Lizzie says congrats and she hopes to see you soon."

"Isn't that just adorable." Christen whispers. "Tell her I'll see her tonight."

"Wow should I also tell her to be prepared for a night she will never forget?" I whisper and she laughs.

"Stop being so mean just deliver my message to my girlfriend."

"Yes ma'am." I say then turn back to Alex. "Go, have fun. I'll see you back in New York."

"I'll see you then."

I hug Alex once more before I reach into my pocket to grab my phone.

"Hey wait. You guys should come to the party later, families are going."

"You want us to go?" I ask.

"Well you are my family." Alex says while covering her mouth. "The families of the rest of the girls are going as well, you won't be alone."

"We'll be there." I say with a smile. "Plus I haven't seen you drunk in a while."

"Funny."

Taylor's POV

"Have you seen everyone's story?" I ask Nat.

"No why?"

"Because it seems like she's drunk and I just want to know how much she's been drinking to be this drunk."

"You get drunk off of TWO drinks. You can't handle anything Tay. My wife on the other hand can handle a little more than you."

"I feel attacked." I say which makes Nat chuckle. "What's funny?"

"You are a different type of drunk. I'm serious you can't handle absolutely anything."

"That's not true."

"Oh but it is." Nat retaliates so I throw her my shoe. "Hey! Watch it! I still have concerts to do."

"You two are how old? And still bicker? Come on let's go, I don't want to miss it." Selena says.

I turn around to face Natalie and see her looking at me. I shrug my shoulders as I put on my sunglasses.

"I'd hurry if I were you." I say grabbing my purse. "Let's go or I'll leave you here."

"No I'll leave you here."

"You two let's go or else I'll leave you both here." Selena says.

"Damn."

"Harsh." Nat says as we walk out.

- - - -

"And you're sure she won't fall?" I ask Nat.

"Well I sure hope not because then we'd have a problem." Natalie says as we take a sip of our drinks. "Damn there's way too many people here."

"Well what did you expect?"

"Not this that's for sure Alison." Natalie says and I laugh. "Thought it was just families here."

"Seems so not safe. One bad step and she's down."

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you. How's Joe? I haven't seen him around lately."

"Joe? Yeah he's good." I say nodding my head.

"You both are doing okay?"

"Absolutely. We're splendid."

"You'd tell me if something isn't okay though, right?" Nat asks and I smile.

"You're not supposed to worry about me and my life. I'm the one who's supposed to worry about you, not the other way around."

"You protect me, I protect you that's how it works. I'm going to find Cody and Christen if I can. I have to deliver another message.

"We'll be here, making sure she doesn't fall." I say as I watch Alex dance on top of a table. "And let's hope she doesn't."

"Okay, thanks. I'll be right back."

Nat walks away as she goes to find Christen and her family. Meanwhile Selena and I stay back to well essentially make sure my sister in law doesn't fall from the table.

"What are you going to do when the album drops?" Selena asks. "Questions will rise."

"When the time comes I'll handle it."

"It's beginning to look like it's getting closer and closer. Plus with us being here and them both being spotted together more often, I think it's just around the corner." Selena says.

"I'll handle it if it comes to that."

"Then you better be fucking prepared Taylor. It can happen at any moment."

"Don't jinx it."

"I'm just saying that there's phones everywhere. Word gets out fast and you'll have to act quick." Selena whispers.

"And I will. I will, she's my sister."

"I worry about you both a lot more than either of you understand."

"We're here to celebrate, not worry. Celebrate."

"You're right. You're completely right. Let's celebrate."

"Yeah celebrate. Woo! Yeah Alex! And team! And team."