Renegade - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 23: Taylor's Worries

Author's note: This trope is specifically for my own mommy issues, but enjoy haha 

Trigger warning: Next two chapters will be about an eating disorder, please skip if this triggers you <3 

TAYLOR

Lately, I've been growing increasingly worried about Chloe. It's subtle, but there's a change in her that's hard to miss. She's still Chloe – my bright, loving girl – but there's a disassociated air about her, like she's not fully present. It's like she's there, but not quite.

At dinner last night, I noticed she barely touched her food, just pushing it around her plate. And this morning at breakfast, it was the same. It reminded me of when she avoided eating when she first got here, but I wanted to make sure to not jump to any conclusions.

I tried to encourage her gently. "Chloe, you need to eat something. It's important to stay healthy," I said, passing her the bowl of fruit.

Out of nowhere, she lashed out, her voice sharp. "I'm not hungry, okay? Just leave me alone!"

I was taken aback by her reaction. This wasn't like Chloe at all. She's always been open and communicative, even when things were bothering her. To see her so frustrated and closed off was alarming.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my own emotions in check. "Chloe, I'm worried about you. You haven't been eating, and you seem... distant. Is there something going on that you want to talk about?"

Chloe looked away, her expression a mix of anger and something else – was it sadness? Fear? It was hard to tell. "I said I'm fine," she muttered, but her voice was less certain this time.

I reached across the table, my hand hesitating in the air. "Chloe, you know you can talk to me about anything. I'm here for you, no matter what it is."

She didn't respond, just got up from the table and left the room. I sat there for a moment, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me. I knew something was bothering her, something more than just a bad day or a passing mood.

Later that day, I mentioned my concerns to Travis. "I think something's going on with Chloe. She's not herself, and I don't know how to help her if she won't open up."

Travis was thoughtful, his expression serious. "Maybe give her some space, but let's keep a close eye on her. And maybe we can find a gentle way to encourage her to talk. She might be dealing with something she's not ready to share yet."

I nodded, grateful for his support. "You're right. I'll try to give her space, but I'll also let her know I'm here when she's ready to talk."

As the days went on, I watched Chloe closely, giving her space but also making sure she knew I was there for her. It was a delicate balance, trying to respect her independence while also providing the support she might need. All I could do was hope that whatever was troubling her, she would eventually feel safe enough to share it with me. And when that time came, I would be there, ready to listen and help in any way I could.

In my growing concern for Chloe's sudden change in eating habits, I decided to test her in a subtle way. I packed a lunch box for her, but instead of her usual favorites, I included foods I knew she didn't particularly care for. It was a small test, but one that I hoped would give me some insight into what was really going on with her.

Later that day, when Travis and I went to pick Chloe up from school, I could feel the tension in my chest. As she got into the car, I tried to keep my voice casual. "Hey, Chloe, how was school? Did you like the lunch I packed for you?"

Chloe, looking out the window, responded without much thought. "Yeah, it was great. I loved it."

Her response hit me like a ton of bricks. She loved it? I knew for a fact that she didn't like at least half of the things I packed. This wasn't just about her not eating; it was about her not being honest with me. My heart sank with the realization that whatever was going on with Chloe, it was more serious than I had initially thought.

I exchanged a worried glance with Travis. We both knew Chloe well enough to understand that this was a sign of something deeper.

The drive home was quiet. I wanted to confront her about the lunch, but I also didn't want to push her away. It was clear she was struggling with something and wasn't ready to talk about it.

Once home, I sat down with Travis, my mind racing. "She lied about the lunch," I said, feeling a mix of worry and frustration. "She's never done that before. I'm really worried, Travis. Something's not right."

Travis nodded, his face reflecting my concern. "We need to approach this carefully, Taylor. Maybe it's time to consider getting some professional help. A counselor or a therapist might be able to get through to her."

I knew he was right. As much as I wanted to be able to handle this on my own, to be the one to break through to Chloe, I had to admit that we might need outside help. Chloe's well-being was the most important thing, and if that meant seeking professional guidance, then that's what we would do.

That night, after Chloe went to bed, I checked on her, watching her sleep. The weight of the situation felt heavy on my heart. But I resolved then and there that we would do whatever it took to help her, to bring back the vibrant, happy Chloe we knew and loved. No matter what it took, we would be there for her, every step of the way.Start writing your story