Emma-Lou // Taylor Swift Adoption Fic

June 20th, 2026

My knee has been hurting since I got up this morning, but it's Saturday. All we have to do is go to the movies later. At least that gives me time to rest my knee and let it heal (if that's even how it works).

I made my way downstairs at about half passed eight to see Taylor already down there and making breakfast. I didn't want to startle her, but just as I went to say good morning to her, it's like the words got stuck in my throat. I sighed and sat down at the island, but the sigh seemed to unintentionally do the trick.

"Hey, Em! How did you sleep, honey?" Taylor asked, glancing over her shoulder to send me a smile.

I sat still on the seat, looking down at my hands in my lap as I really thought about how to answer her. Maybe she didn't realize she had asked a question I couldn't nod or shake my head to. Maybe she was trying to get me to speak more, though.

"Um... okay," I whispered, neglecting to think much of it before doing so.

"I'm glad. Give me two seconds and I'll come sit with you while we eat," she said.

So, I waited and watched her plate some food before placing it down before us and taking a seat across from me.

"Thank you," I said quietly, sending her a smile.

"You're welcome, darling." She smiled back.

Then we continued to eat in silence. I enjoyed it, but at the same time, I wanted to say more. I wanted to have an actual conversation with her.

When she was done her food and I was still nibbling on mine, she started to ask a few questions which made me happy to answer with a nod or shake of my head. They were just little questions, mostly about how school is going and if I want to decorate my room more. It was nice until she decided to ask one particular question.

Her demeanor changed and she seemed to think hard about her words before saying them.

"Emma, was everything okay yesterday? It seemed like something was bothering you."

I internally panicked, unsure of how to respond.

She continued, "I understand that you might not want to confide in me for everything... or maybe anything right now, but I guess what I'm trying to say is... I was concerned and I still am. So, is everything okay?"

In that few seconds that it took me to answer, I went through everything that wasn't okay about yesterday and realized that I've never gone against so many of my thoughts before that are screaming for Taylor's help. But no, this is my stuff to deal with. It was all caused by my decisions anyways. Why should I bother her with it?

I nodded my head. Everything's just fine.

For the rest of the day, I kept quiet (but don't I always?). I steered clear of anything that would hint towards what the end of my week looked like. That meant staying out of conversations and doing things by myself out of the way. I still managed to stay downstairs in the living room for majority of the day because I didn't want to be on my own.

Truth is, I really wanted to feel like I was a part of a family for once.

I did some sketching in my notepad and messaged Javia on and off and then played some games with Michael when Joe and Taylor were preparing lunch.

I took Michael out to the backyard to play in the sun since the weather was nice, but when we got out there, I realized I never knew they had a pool.

How cool is that??

I love pools and I love swimming, but not when I'm trying to hide an injury, and that's exactly what led to a disaster.

"Do you like swimming?" Michael asked me as I stared out at the pool.

"I do."

He got all giggly and jumped up and down. "Let's go swimming!"

My heart beat faster as I realized why that would be a bad idea.

"Well..." I tried to think of an excuse. "Lunch is almost ready."

"After lunch!" He said. "I'll go ask mommy and daddy!"

And off he ran before I could say anymore.

Unfortunately, we did go swimming after lunch because being five years old gets you exactly what you want. I didn't bother changing into my bathing suit because I had decided I wasn't going in. My knee was hurting worse and I was afraid the water would hurt it too.

"Are you okay, honey?" Taylor had asked me, but I just nodded.

She didn't stay in the pool long anyways. She sat beside me on one of the chairs on the patio. I knew questions were coming.

"Emma, are you sure everything's okay?"

She's really catching on. I don't know how, but she is.

I nodded my head again, trying to make it look convincing. She sighed lightly, but let it go. For the rest of that afternoon, she kept a close eye on me. She's still doing it and she has to leave soon to meet up with friends. I hope she doesn't worry about me the whole night. She deserves to have fun with a clear head and not me on her mind.