let me love you - jaylor AU

engagement photos

- taylors pov - 

I'm not in the mood to go to school today after yesterday's trainwreck. Not only do I have a big rock on my finger but my whole body is aching after what happened when I got home last night. Somehow I knew from the looks my dad was giving me during the event that I disappointed him, and that always lead to misery for me. Just as I had gotten changed into pajamas he came barging into my room and did what he knows best, he beat me. It wasn't the worst beating he has given me, but it wasn't light either. I have bruises on my arms so I'm wearing a long-sleeved shirt, that should cover it fine. It's not like it's something new for me, it's always been like that, at least for as long as I can remember. 

My driver takes me to school, and I head inside and meet up with my best friends. «What's that on your finger?» Blake asks as her eyes widen. «I got engaged» I say quietly because don't plan on announcing it to the whole school. People will obviously see the ring, but I don't need to give them a show of it either. It's bad enough that its being announced to the world next week, I deserve a little time to let the whole thing sink in. It's not like I can do something about it to, I'm trapped. 

«To who? Since when do you have a boyfriend?» Blair says and furrow her eyebrows. «You know I didn't have a boyfriend. Its arranged» I whisper in their ears so people can't hear «but don't tell anyone that. I'm not supposed to tell a lot of people, only the people I truly trust» 

Not telling my friends isn't an option because I need someone in my corner that has my back. My parents sure as hell won't back me or accept that they are in fact forcing me into it. As far as their speech yesterday is concerned this is what has always been expected of me and I should shut my mouth and do as I'm told. 

«But that leaves the question, who?» Blake continues and I tell them that it's the guy I danced with yesterday. «His name is Joseph Hamilton, but he goes by Joe. The president's son to be more specific» 

Not only am I getting married in a tradition I wish was left behind in the 19th century, but I'm getting married to the president's son. That means that once it's announced I'm pushed into the spotlight just by association. My parents have kept me in the shadows all my life, and only occasionally bringing me out like their little trophy they could use as a doll, but now its flipped upside down. 

«There the whore is. Slipped away from the party to have a quicky with the president's son Jefferson?» Lisas annoying voice with the slight Spanish tone comes towards me, and sadly I know it's me she is referring too. She was shooting dangers at me last night and I was concerned she would make a scene with how pissed she looked. 

«Not everyone opens their legs for every guy she gets close to Lisa. Some of us have standards» Blake defends me. I'm not good at that stuff, the backtalk when people insult me. 

«Well, he fucked me in the bathroom after he fucked you, and he told me that I'm the best he has ever had. So.... Guess that makes you sloppy seconds Taylor. I'm sure I can even get him to date me. He is known for only fucking around, but I'm sure I can make him change that» she goes on and I don't think she even realize that she is setting herself up. Because she is lying about it, I didn't sleep with him, so I'm sure she didn't either. It smells fishy that's for sure. 

«He doesn't date you say? Well, what is this huge diamond on my finger then» I say and hold up my hand with the engagement ring. «Her fiancé has standards Lisa» Blake adds. 

We don't have time to talk longer because the bell rings and I'm off to class. I had to get up really early to get the homework due today ready so I'm pretty wiped at this point even though the day has barely started.