Brooklyn - Taylor Swift

Part 18

My phone buzzed on the coffee table, shattering the tranquillity of the moment. Without bothering to check the screen, I swiftly tapped the accept button, assuming it was Lanie on the other end.

She had made it a habit to call me at random times throughout the day, tirelessly checking in to ensure I hadn't slipped back into the depths of my depression, or at least that is what she claims. Personally, I think that is a little dramatic; I don't think I was that bad. But I have lost one too many arguments on that point to care what she calls it anymore.

Though her concern was endearing, I had been determined to show her that I was doing alright—no more mopping in my lair. I go out at least once a day and make sure I eat at least two meals daily. Not to mention I'm back to working out and dancing. And while I would like to say I have been the reason for my own improvement, the truth is Taylor has been a big reason for all of this. We meet almost daily to go on our little missions, and knowing that I have that to look forward to is a big boost for me to treat myself right.

Yes, the pain of losing Cora would forever be a part of me, but I had made a conscious effort not to wallow in it.

Besides, just last week, I spent three full days with the twins, immersing ourselves in filming the Not About Angles (Birdy) music video, which came out a few days ago. We had created magic right here in my apartment, capturing the breathtaking view of the Brooklyn Bridge through my window as my living room was transformed into our set.

Being in their company reminded me that even though our paths had diverged recently, we were still bound by the unbreakable bonds of siblinghood. Plus, I got a lecture from each that I needed to treat myself better or they were going to drop everything and look after me. Since then, my spirits have genuinely lifted, and I have been feeling a renewed sense of hope.

Not to mention we have plans to meet up a few weeks from now, back at the lake house, to film the music video for Glitter (Patrick Droney) anyway. Which I have to admit I am kind of excited to do. Typically Teddy is the creative mind behind our videos since he has a knack for directing. Still, I am actually the one in charge of this video, and I can't wait to execute what I have in mind.

"Lanie, I promise I'll be wrapping up this song for Ella soon, and then I won't step foot in the studio for the rest of the day. Well, unless some profound inspiration strikes, that is. Got to start work on the album sooner or later. Did you reach out to that guy about if he could do what I have in mind for Glitter? Because if he can't, I want you to find someone who can, please," I blurted out as soon as the call connected, my fingers still dancing across the piano keys, lingering on the chords I had been meticulously working on for this new song. 

Lorde, otherwise known as Ella, reached out, and I agreed to write a few songs for her new album. Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on the last one I owe her, Liability.

"Not Lanie, but now I'm tempted to pretend I am, just to hear more of what you're working on. By the sounds of it, you have a lot going on. Anytime for me in that busy schedule?" A familiar voice chuckled through the speaker, causing my hands to stumble on the piano keys, abruptly halting the melody I had been playing.

"For you, Always. Hey, Tay," I laughed, attempting to shake off my embarrassment. "If you could kindly forget everything you just heard, that would be fantastic. Lanie will kill me if I leak more work, I am still in trouble for the last time, and that wasn't even my fault. It was Teddy's. Imagine what she will do if I'm the actual leak. She may just muzzle me," I pleaded, only half joking as I cringed at the thought of accidentally leaking a work-in-progress song, especially one that wasn't even meant for me.

"Consider it forgotten, A. But you really should be more careful. Loose lips sink ships, you know," Taylor teased, triggering a groan from deep within me. I knew all too well that this playful banter was merely the beginning of a long torment from the mischievous American singer.