CLOUDED (KAYLOR)

Chapter 14

Taylor's

Standing at the front of her door, taking a minute before I knock to clear up my head. I could feel my anxiety attack coming. But I can't I have to do this.

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A few moments later Taylor shuts her eyes, took a deep breath and knocked slowly but loud enough for her to hear.

***

Karlie turned and fell off the bed when she heard the knock. She groaned loudly and got up. "Coming!" She called out while walking towards the door and tying her hair.

She opened the door slowly "Who is...." Her words were caught up in her throat when she saw the girl she loves standing nervously at the door. "We need to talk" she said.
Karlie silently nodded and led her to the couch. She was feeling a thousand things at once. She loved her being here but at the same time she's hurt. She's broken. She hates what Taylor did to her and she's confused...

When they were properly seated, Karlie coldly asked "What'd you want to talk about?".

Taylor couldn't look into the models eyes, her voice was trembling. She hasnt prepared an apology speech. She didn't know what and how she's going to explain.

She stared hardly at the floor and said "I'm sorry." She paused and continued confidently "People assumed I'm a lesbian when we hang out. Its bad for my reputation. I don't want to become a bad role model. You have to understand that what I did was to protect not just me but you too.
They were going to break you.... Along the way of 'protecting' you, I got lost...and I'm sorry" Every word and every point she highlighted made tears flow out of her's and Karlie's eyes. "Do you know how much it hurts ?" While tears streamed down her cheeks and stared directly into Karlie's eyes.

Her words cuts Karlie deep even though she might not intend it to hurt Karlie and sound the way it did.

"Being with me is complicated. I have to know this...Do you love me?" Taylor asked with an expression filled with hope.

Karlie understood and the things she said made Karlie's heart bitter at the moment. She was mad at her for not wanting to be seen together,calling herself a lesbian and saying this is bad for people to see. Caring more about her image than herself and saying that being gay is wrong... She assumes I'm weak and incapable of handling this.

Her tears finally stopped,"Why does it matter? Because I know you don't. I'm nothing more than just your friend. Isn't that right Tay?" She spat at Taylor her voice filled with anger.

Taylor decided this was the best time to say whatever she feels. The damage was done. "More than anything Karlie, I love you. Since the day I met you and I was only 100% sure when he left. "

Tears that once left her eyes came back and suddenly Karlie's curled on her couch bawling in tears. Those three words she's been wanting to hear since that day in Taylor's kitchen.
"If you had said that during the day we were in the kitchen, things could've been better. You might worry about being shamed when seen in public and all but we could've figured things out and wouldn't have been in this mess. I wouldn't be hurt and we could still be alright because I love you too..." Karlie spoke in a muffled voice with a hint of excitement.

Her insides were partly jumping with joy but it didn't last long. "We can stay friends but I need time to recover from the last one I had. You understand don't you?" Tay asked with a sparkle of hope hinting her eyes.
Karlie smiled and nodded. They fell silent for awhile as they took in what had just occurred.

***********

Roadtrip.

At every pit stop, Karlie would show how Tay meant to her by doing little things. She wrote down a simple 'Karlie ❤ Taylor' on the sand that brought tears to Taylor's eyes. Karlie was trying to show her love for the blue eyed girl. She was gentle and comforting to Taylor.
Karlie forgave everything Taylor did because she heard the words she wanted most. That was everything she needed.

The little things Karlie did made Taylor regret waiting so long and hurting her along the way. She regrets holding back and wishes she could turn back time.

While they walked around the beach Taylor saw small yellow flowers that reminded her of the tall girl. She picked it and placed it between Karlie's ears when she wasn't looking. Karlie jumped a little at the sudden move but quickly relaxed.

Karlie smiled so big at the gesture and kissed Tay's cheeks. Taylor blushed soo hard, she can feel the heat rising. This was heartwarming to Taylor. Taylor took out her Polaroid and took some pictures of her and the younger girl. They went in sync as soon as the trip started and it surprised both of them. After heartbreaks and fallouts they still fall back together perfectly.

The trip felt like they're in wonderland. They're lost in it and it feels wonderful.

"Its getting dark. We should get moving." Taylor stated. She intertwined their fingers and stood silently for a moment and walked back to the car.

When they arrived at Big Sur, they went straight to check in a hotel. There wasn't much and they had to share a bed because the biggest room wasn't that big... Both of them were excited about it but kept it to themselves. They couldn't wait to go to sleep.

***

After Karlie freshened up, she cuddled next to a sleeping Taylor. She smelled the singer's scent and closed her eyes to sleep.