Nothing in Between

30

On school nights, Clyde usually prefers to be relaxing at home. She prefers to stay in her room, probably doing her homework or writing something in her personal notebooks. And when Clyde does go to Taylor's house, she normally returns quite early.

But tonight is obviously different.

Today is a Tuesday, and Taylor's birthday is tomorrow. So obviously, despite not usually leaving her house this late on a school night, Clyde still walks to Taylor's house. She has asked Taylor's parents for permission, and has even told them to not let Taylor know.

And, from the conversations they have had today, it absolutely seems like Taylor doesn't know about her plan. Clyde hasn't heard Taylor mention anything related to her, sleeping over, so she is completely sure that Taylor does not expect this surprise.

On Clyde's back is her non-school backpack, filled with everything she deems important for this sleepover. Well, it is actually just necessities and personal things, but Taylor's gift is hidden inside, as well as some gadgets they can use to easily pass the time.

Clyde has stopped at a small flower shop earlier, where she has bought a single flower to add to her gift. She has been holding it in her hand since she left the store, and she really does think that she is probably destroying the flower's delicate beauty.

But even if the stem does look a little ruined, Clyde is certain that Taylor will still like it.

A few more minutes of walking, and Clyde is finally on the walkway to Taylor's house. Her heart starts pounding as she gets nearer and nearer with each rapid step, but she quickly reminds herself that there is absolutely nothing she needs to worry about.

Once Clyde is at the door, she takes a deep, steadying breath before knocking nervously. Her hand shakes as she repeats her actions, almost grimacing at the faint noise that fills her ears. It almost sounds too loud, simply because it is already nighttime.

When the door opens, Clyde pulls her hand back. She instantly straightens her body and puts a wide smile on her face, waiting to see who she is going to be greeting. Clyde holds her breath as Taylor's father emerges from behind the door, looking at her.

"Good evening, Mr. Swift."

She keeps the smile on her face as a sign of respect, and she watches him eye the flower in her hand. Clyde doesn't visibly react, but she feels herself gradually become more and more nervous with each moment that passes, and with each silent beat that sounds.

"Come in. Taylor's in her room."

Clyde courteously smiles at the older man, nodding politely before running up to Taylor's bedroom. She soundlessly cheers and practically starts skipping from happiness, feeling her excitement grow to levels that are a little too much for this time of night.

She stops outside Taylor's bedroom door, and she carefully knocks to make her presence known. Clyde doesn't actually wait for Taylor to respond before opening the door, literally being too excited to stay in a single spot for anything longer than a minute.

"I got you a flower!" she exclaims, running inside.

The click of the door sounds behind her, but Clyde obviously doesn't give it any attention. Instead, Clyde runs to the side of Taylor's bed and extends her arm, handing the flower to Taylor. She beams as Taylor takes it from her hand, before she sits down.

"Thank you," Taylor says, looking at the flower.

"I also brought movies. You can pick since it's your birthday."

"My birthday's tomorrow."

"I know," Clyde replies, "I'm sleeping over."

Taylor stops spinning the flower in her hand and looks at Clyde, seemingly quite shocked at the revelation. Clyde softly shakes her head and shrugs her backpack off, immediately opening the zipper and taking a peek at her things and valuables inside.