Chapter 27: The Sleepover

2.4K 52 0
                                    

As I watched Bridget pack for her first sleepover, with her school friends, I couldn't help but be amused by her overzealous preparation. I gave in and decided maybe not everyone was out to get us and she deserved to be a normal kid. She seemed to have gotten along with her new friends she met at the game, but of course, she had her school friends who she's known for years. She was buzzing with excitement, zipping around her room, tossing in everything from an extra pillow to what seemed like half her wardrobe.

"Are you planning to move in with them, Bee?" I asked, leaning against the doorway with a smile.

Bridget paused and looked at her overstuffed bag, then back at me, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "I just want to be prepared for anything," she said, shrugging.

"You've packed enough for a week-long expedition, not one night," I teased, walking over to help her sort through the pile.

She laughed, "I know, I know, but what if we decide to do makeovers, or watch movies all night, or... bake cookies?"

I raised my eyebrows. "Bake cookies? At a sleepover?"

"You never know, Mom!" Bridget exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's going to be epic!"

Seeing her this happy, this carefree, filled my heart with joy. "Well, I'm sure you'll have the best time. And remember, if you need anything, I'm just a phone call away."

"I know, mom," she said, rolling her eyes affectionately. "But don't worry, I'll be fine. It's just a sleepover."

"Just a sleepover," I echoed, smiling. "Have fun, Bee."

As she left, her bag almost as big as she was, I couldn't help but feel a little emotional. My little girl, growing up and stepping into the world, one sleepover at a time.

Feeling the weight of the quiet house, I picked up my phone and dialed Travis' number. He answered almost immediately, his voice a comforting presence in the echoing stillness.

"Hey, it's Taylor. I know it's sudden, but... could you come over?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Of course, Tay. Everything okay?" His tone was laced with concern.

I sighed, looking around the empty space. "It's just... every time Bridget leaves, a part of me goes with her. The house feels so empty without her."

"I understand. Give me 20 minutes, I'll be there," he said, his words warm and reassuring.

True to his word, Travis arrived shortly, bringing a sense of calm and companionship. He didn't need to say much; his presence was enough to fill the void left by Bridget's absence.

As Travis settled onto the couch beside me, the comforting warmth of his presence filled the room.

"So, how's life in the world of Taylor Swift when the mini-Swift isn't around?" he asked with a teasing smile.

I chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Quieter, definitely quieter. It's strange how one teenager can bring so much life into a place."

He nodded, his eyes meeting mine. "I get it. When my team's off-season, my place turns into a ghost town. You miss the noise, the chaos."

"Yeah," I agreed, leaning back against the couch. "It's the little things, you know? Her laughter echoing down the hall, or finding her stuff scattered around."

Travis laughed. "Sounds like she's got your organizational skills."

I playfully nudged him. "Hey, I'm an artist. Creative chaos is part of the package."

"Tell me something about you that the world doesn't know," Travis said, leaning forward with a playful glint in his eyes.

I laughed, thinking for a moment. "Well, contrary to popular belief, I can't cook to save my life. My idea of a gourmet meal is... toast."

"Toast, huh?" he chuckled. "I guess that leaves me in charge of dinner dates."

I nodded, my smile lingering. "Seems fair. But you know, it's not all glamour and spotlights in my life. There are days when it's just me, and Bee, and a whole lot of silence."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I can relate to that. People see the packed stadiums, the cheering fans, but they don't see the quiet hotel rooms, the nights spent away from family."

"Yeah," I agreed softly. "It's a life of contrasts. One minute you're on top of the world, and the next, you're just... alone."

"How about a little 'Two Truths and a Lie' huh? Bee loves these," I suggested, feeling a playful spark. "I'll start."

Travis nodded, his interest piqued. "Alright, I'm ready."

I thought for a moment, then began. "One, I wrote my first song when I was five. Two, I've been skydiving. And three, I can't ride a bicycle."

He looked at me, trying to gauge the truth. "Hmm, I'm going to guess... the lie is that you can't ride a bike."

I shook my head, smiling. "Nope, that's true. I'm a disaster on two wheels though, but I know how to. The lie is skydiving. I'm way too scared to jump out of a plane."

"Okay, my turn," Travis said, leaning forward. "First, I've never tasted sushi. Second, I once accidentally walked into a women's restroom. And third, I can play the piano."

I laughed. "I think the lie is that you've never tasted sushi."

He grinned. "You got me. I love sushi. The restroom thing though? Totally happened at a fancy event."

The moment Travis leaned in, his lips gently meeting mine, the ring of my phone broke the tender spell. It was Bridget. My heart skipped a beat, a mother's instinct instantly on high alert. I picked up the phone, my voice laced with concern.

"Bee? What's wrong, sweetie?" I asked, my eyes meeting Travis's, who now wore a look of concern.

Through sobs, Bridget's voice came, small and shaky. "Mom, can you come get me? I want to come home."

"Of course, honey, I'm on my way," I replied, my voice steady but my heart racing.

"I'm coming with you," Travis said firmly, standing up. His face showed a mixture of worry and determination.

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