R E P U T A T I O N

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Toni's POV

March 11th, 2020

"So we're going to New York?" Enzo questioned.

"Yep.. I'm taking Matteo out of school." I answered.

"This covid stuff is getting scary." Taylor replied with the worry resonating off of her. Taylor had already announced Lover Fest. We had decided I was just gonna perform a few songs with her for two nights of the fest but all those plans looked like they were gonna be canceled.

"If this thing turns out to get any more serious, Tree said we'll have to cancel or reschedule for another year or something." Taylor sighed.

"And I don't want to let down the fans.. I was looking forward to this." Taylor added.

"Don't worry babe it'll all work out." I smiled trying to comfort her.

***********

March 13th 2020

"Hundreds of school districts have already close in wake to the spread of the coronavirus." The news reporter announced on the television screen, her expression somber and serious. I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and uncertainty rise up within me as the situation seemed to be escalating faster than anyone anticipated.

Enzo furrowed his brows, visibly worried. "It's a good thing you're taking Matteo out of school, Toni. Better safe than sorry."

I nodded in agreement, trying to stay positive. "We'll just have to make the best of the situation. Maybe we can use this time to bond as a family and focus on our health."

Taylor, who had been sitting quietly on the couch, finally spoke up. "What about the tour? I can't even imagine how many people will be disappointed if we have to cancel."

I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Right now, the most important thing is to stay safe and make sure our loved ones are okay."

March 16th 2020

As the days went by, the pandemic only worsened. New York City had become a hotspot for COVID-19, and a state of emergency was declared. Panic buying and hoarding were rampant, making it difficult for us to find essential supplies so we went back to Los Angeles and stayed at Taylor's home there.

Taylor, Enzo, and I spent hours trying to find groceries and sanitizing products, often coming home exhausted and empty-handed. I was grateful that we had each other for support during these trying times.

In the midst of it all, we received an email from Tree. The subject line read: "Lover Fest: Important Update." My heart sank as I opened the email and read the inevitable news.

"Hey guys, I hope you're all staying safe and healthy. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the risks it poses to public health, we've made the tough decision to cancel Lover Fest. We're working on rescheduling the event for a later date, but for now, it's important that we prioritize everyone's safety. Please stay tuned for updates."

Taylor stared at the screen, her eyes filled with sadness. "I knew it was coming, but it's still heartbreaking."

I hugged her tightly, trying to offer some consolation. "We'll get through this together. The fans will understand, and when the time is right, you'll be back on stage, better than ever."

April 10th 2020

The following weeks were a blur of news updates, quarantines, and growing concerns. Schools across the nation had closed their doors, and remote learning became the new normal. Matteo, like millions of other children, was struggling to adjust to this change.