Adopted by Taylor Swift

Chapter 31: Christmas Day 2018

12/25/2018
Taylor's Perspective

I get woken up by Elijah and Astrid who are very excited because it's Christmas Day. Harry awakens a few seconds later and we sleepily get out of bed.
"Did you guys really have to get us up? It's only 8 am!" I said clearly still a little sleepy. "You're lucky we weren't up earlier or we would've woken you up sooner Taylor... and you too Harry." Elijah replied, which caused Harry to roll his eyes.

Astrid and Elijah led the way to the living room, and under the Christmas tree laid at least two dozen gifts. Not all were from me and Harry, some were from Treé, Abigail and Blake, they and Timothée are spending Christmas with us.
"Are they all for us?" Elijah asked while looking at the piles of gifts under the tree.
"Most are for you guys, but there's some for my family, and me and Harry." I confirmed with him.

My family arrived at the front door and Harry let them in.
"Merry Christmas Tay!" Austin said before wrapping me into a hug. We both embraced each other and enjoyed the moment.
I also hugged my parents, before leading them to the living room. I had made sure to get them some gifts, I mean I am a pretty good gift giver.

I'm still not used to being twenty-nine, I remember being 21 like it was yesterday.

Everyone gathers in the living room and we started grabbing some presents from the pile of gifts. We each took a gift with our names on them. The first gift I opened was a studio style microphone, perfect for setting up a home studio.
"Thanks Blake!" I said, wrapping my friend in a tight hug.
"You're welcome Taylor." Blake replied whilst hugging me.
My mom, Andrea, opened a gift that Astrid and Elijah helped me pick out. The gift was a beautiful dress, and some jewelry.
"Thank you Taylor." Andrea said, hugging me and thanking me.
"You're welcome mom." I said to her.

We continued opening gifts for the next two hours, and we'd thank the person who sent the gift. Once we finished opening the extensive amount of presents, me and my mom started making breakfast for everyone. After fifteen minutes, I say to everyone that breakfast is ready. Shortly after, people grabbed some pancakes and bacon, before sitting at the kitchen island.

We all started eating and conversing at the kitchen island.
"I'm so happy that you all are here." I said to my family and friends.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world." My mom and dad said, while Austin nodded in agreement.
To say I was grateful would be an understatement. I looked over at Astrid and Elijah, whose eyes were sparkling with joy.

"Hey guys," I said getting their attention, "if any of you haven't heard my upcoming album, I'm going to play it for you." I added, before starting the album.

The opening of 'I Forgot That You Existed' played, and everyone was invested. As the song ended, it faded out before 'Cruel Summer' played over the speaker. This process continued throughout the remaining tracks on the album.

By the end, everyone seemed to really like the album, as they were all trying to figure out the lyrics and I was having a good laugh at them. Throughout the rest of the day, we had many conversations and played a few board games. We all joyfully laughed at everyone's jokes and enjoyed the company of all of my closest friends and family.

Treé managed to secure a table at The Modern on 53rd St, for dinner.
"How the hell do you always do it?" I asked Treé in surprise.
"I have my ways Taylor, I have my ways." Treé replied, not giving any insight.
"Well, thank you Treé." I appreciatively said.
"You're welcome Taylor." Treé replied.

Most of us were talking about how things had been and what we were looking forward to.
"Hey mom, can me, Astrid, and Emily and Ryan hang out with Timothée?" Elijah asked.
"Of course you guys can, just don't get into too much trouble." I replied, before letting them go and hang out with Timothée.

Timothée definitely is someone that everyone here enjoys as company, despite him only being a teenager. Elijah, Astrid, Emily, and Ryan love hanging out with him whether they're playing video games or just having conversations about their opinions on many different topics.

I overheard giggling and laughter coming from the living room, I glanced over and saw Timothée dancing foolishly, which caused me to crack a smile.
"What cha doing?" I asked, pretending to have just noticed.
"Just dancing." Timothée replied.
"Have fun with your dancing." I said before walking away, leaving them to do whatever they were planning to do.

"What are they doing?" Treé curiously asked.
"They're just dancing and acting silly," I replied informing Treé.
"I managed to get a video of them." I added before showing everyone the comedic video.

We all shared a good laugh at Timothée's funny dancing. Our upcoming reservation started to get closer and closer.
"Hey guys." I said walking over to Timothée and the others.
"Hi Taylor." Timotheé replied.
"I just wanted to let you guys know that we're going to get ready to go to the restaurant soon." I said, informing them.
"Ok, thanks mom." Astrid said, before hugging me.

*Time Skip - The Modern*

We all arrived at the restaurant and entered the building.
"I booked a reservation under the name Swift." Treé said to the waitress, who led us to an area with two tables and booths.
"Do you know what you would like to drink?" The waitress asked us politely.
"Can I have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc please?" I politely asked the waitress, who nodded and wrote it down.

After everyone had ordered their drinks, the waitress gave us time to look at the menu. Me and a few others decided to order wagyu beef striploin, creamy chanterelles and fresh chèvre.

Everyone had gotten their orders and we started eating the food, and it was really good. We all enjoyed the delicious food and each other's company. I was so grateful that Treé reserved this for us.

After an hour and a half, we started getting ready to return to my house in Tribeca. But when it came time for someone to pay the bill, it was kinda funny.
"Treé, let me pay for this, as a thanks for reserving dinner." I said to the redhead.
"Taylor, this was my idea, therefore I'm going to pay for it." Treé stubbornly replied.

Before Treé could stop me, I had tapped my debit card to the machine, which beeped momentarily.
"Damn it." Treé cursed, annoyed that I beat her to the punch.

After paying for the bill, we all got in the vehicles and started the drive back to my Tribeca home.

*Back at the Tribeca House*

We returned home, and I changed out of my fancy dress into some cat pajamas. What can I say, I like cats...ok? I went back downstairs to the main floor and started talking with Abigail just like old times.

As the sky got darker, I went to the terrace and did some star gazing. Everyone else joined me and we all enjoyed the beautiful views.

Time went by, and before I knew it, it was almost 10:30.
"Astrid and Elijah," I said getting their attention. "Maybe consider going to bed soon, ok? I know you don't have school for a while, but still, maybe consider it." I added.

An hour later, everyone started going to bed, including my parents, Blake and Ryan, and Abigail. Elijah, Astrid, Ryan and Emily all started to get tired and they went to their room. Timothée did the same shortly after, saying thanks to me and Harry for inviting him before going to his room.

By midnight the house was pretty quiet and I started to drift off, with Harry beside me. I closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep. The last thing I heard was Harry whispering good night softly in my ear.

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Chapter 31 is complete, and I hope you all enjoyed it.

Number of words: 1367