Chapter 3: New Reality

4.7K 91 7
                                    

My hands tremble as I grasp the phone yet again, the screen illuminating the dim room. Beside me, Bee lies peacefully in slumber, a stark contrast to the storm that's been brewing since morning. I can still see the tear marks on her face - it hasn't been easy.The blinds are drawn tight, shielding us from the harsh glare of unwanted attention that now surrounds us. This safe house, a discreet purchase made with foresight for such a perilous day, has turned from a hypothetical refuge to our real sanctuary. I hoped we'd never have to use it and yet, the evacuation plan has always been there just in case. And here we are, cloaked in shadows while the world buzzes with revelations about my hidden treasure.

The house security has been tripled. The stillness of the room is underscored by the knowledge that a guard stands vigilant outside our door while two more are positioned beneath the bedroom window. Their presence is both a comfort and a reminder of the threat that now looms.

Tonight, for the first time since she was a toddler, Bee was too scared to sleep alone. I can't blame her. The room breathes in the rhythm of her gentle snores, a small glimpse of innocence amidst the panic of the day.

The phone feels cold and lifeless, yet it's the conduit to the outside chaos. Each vibration, every ring pulls me further from the cocoon of safety we've wrapped around ourselves for the night. The dread tightens around my chest as I navigate through the endless strings of messages and calls, the world demanding answers, demanding a piece of the truth I'm not ready to unveil.

We are safe. All will be okay.

I press send. Despite the whirlwind of events, Joe hasn't sent a text or a message, so I decide to inform him myself of the storm that hit us. He deserves that much. Tree has voiced her plans to come over in the morning, to strategize on the steps we should take moving forward. Her message carried a warmth and concern for Bee that touched my heart, a side of her I hadn't seen before.

I've also reached out to Selena and Blake, inviting them over for tomorrow. Their journey alongside me through the realms of motherhood has been a beacon of light. Right now, more than ever, I need their wisdom to navigate through the murky waters that threaten to engulf us.

I make the ill-fated decision to venture into the world of social media, only to be greeted by a wave of fury that crashes over me. The paparazzi had captured Bee in a series of photos, one as she raced into the living room, another while we were locked in conversation, and yet another of our embrace. The narrative in the accompanying article claims they heard Bee address me as 'mom'. I draw a deep, shaky breath. This is far from the news I needed.

With a hesitant tap, I venture through the Twitter fan pages. A majority beam with support, offering understanding amidst the storm. Yet, amidst the waves of empathy, there are jabs of criticism, some branding me selfish for keeping Bee a secret from the fandom. The thirst for more information, more insight into the life I had sheltered from public view was obvious.

Amongst the torrent of opinions, the hashtag LeaveTaylorAlone emerges as a beacon, trending with a trail of celebrities championing my choice to shield my child from the unforgiving spotlight. Yet, despite these glimpses of positivity, one thing was apparent - they know. They put the two and two together. Which means all eyes are now on Bee.

The screen blurs as my eyes well up, the enormity of the exposure I've sent Bee's way sending shivers down my spine. I dread the thought of my child waking up to a world where her every move will be observed, dissected, and discussed under a harsh, unyielding spotlight. I know first-hand how that feels. The phone slips from my grasp, clattering onto the table, echoing the shattering peace that once cradled our little world. The silence that follows is deafening, a cruel reminder of the harsh glare that now threatens to engulf the innocence of my only child.

Yet, amidst the tumult, Bee's serene breathing anchors me to the reality that as long as she's safe, as long as she's by my side, we can face the barrage awaiting us at dawn. I gently stroke her hair, tracing the outlines of her peaceful face, finding a sliver of courage in her tranquility. The world outside can wait. For now, in the stillness of the night, we find a momentary escape, a fleeting pause before facing the unfolding chapter of our intertwined lives.

Uncovered Secret: Taylor Swift Has A Daughter - FanfictionWhere stories live. Discover now