Heartbeat

Christmas time

Heartbeat chapter 20- Christmas time.

December 24

Taylor's POV

- Are you excited, Benji? We are going to your grandma's house! Yes, we are- I play with him in my lap while waiting for Joe.

My suitcase is ready to go just like my backpack. Benji isn't going to be happy to be in the carrier for the next 6 hours but we don't have a choice. Thank God his car is more comfortable than mine.

His brother obviously is coming with us. Josh so far seems to be a nice guy just like Joe and I hope he adapts to his new life soon. Next week he's gonna send a lawyer to take his personal items from her parents house and advise his father that if he does any threat ever again they will fight against each other on the tribunals.

How painful this feels for him and also for Joe I can only imagine. I'm still terrified to death about my own father's threats and I've been sleeping with Joe since I was discharged from the hospital. I'm going to relax only when we get the restraining order against him for me and mom, which most likely will happen right after Christmas.

All I know is between being sick, getting better, working, and waking up with terrible nightmares, these last days have been difficult and I'm exhausted. I honestly can't wait to hug my mom and seek her comfort. Even though I have Joe I'm missing her so much it hurts.

I hear a knock in the door and open a smile even before unlocking the door.

- Hey, Love. Are you ready?- he pecks my lips and asks me.

- Yes, I just need you to help me put Benji in his cat carrier. He's a little bit traumatized because of the vet.

- Okay, little guy, come with me. Yes, buddy, we are going out.- he takes Benji in his arms and gently places him on the box. He meows but before he can understand he's already locked inside and looks at me and Joe with disappointed eyes before giving us a sad meow.

We can't help but chuckle.

- Good boy, mom is going to cuddle you when we get there. Let 's go. - I take the carrier and the backpack, and Joe takes my suitcase.

Once we get in the car, I see Josh in the backseat but I insist that Josh occupy the place at Joe's side while I'm traveling in the backseat, not only to take care of Benji in my lap but because I'm probably going to sleep for most of the trip, since I just took a tablet of ondansetron to keep me from nauseousness and sleepness is one of the side effects.

We chat for a few minutes, and my eyes start to close. When I'm about to sleep, however, my cell phone beeps and I take a look at the notification in our internship group:

Greatest 5
6 new messages

Sel: Hey Guys, just find out we all are free from 31/12 to 02/01, returning 03/01, which means we could do something cool for New Year's Eve/Day.
Sel: How about try to get tickets for Times Square?

Jack: That would be great. Dad is one of the owners of a hotel, so I'm sure I can get us great bedrooms.
Jack: I'm obviously in.
Jack: Joe, if you say yes make sure to bring your brother too, it's a great opportunity to get him closer to us.

Blake: Sorry, guys, I have other plans, but have fun!

I smile and tap:

Hey guys! We are on the road, but I'm saying yes for the 3 of us. I deal with the boys later, they can't miss it.
Sel: Yes bestie! I'll make some calls and see if I can get the tickets for Times Square ball drop.

Jack: Okay, I'll book the hotel and let you guys know.

- What, love?- Joe asks me, observing me from the rearview mirror.