Renegade - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 26: Separation Anxiety

Author's note: this storyline was requested, do let me know if you have any suggestions :) 

CHLOE

Taylor was packing her bags, getting ready for a radio tour that would take her away for a couple of days. I watched her, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. I knew these trips were part of her job, but the thought of her leaving filled me with a sense of dread I couldn't shake.

"Do you have to go?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, but the tremble in it betrayed my anxiety.

Taylor stopped packing and turned to me, her eyes full of understanding. "I know it's hard, but it's just for a few days. I have to do this for work."

I swallowed hard, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill. "But I don't want you to go. I feel like... like something bad will happen if you're not here." The words tumbled out, revealing the depth of my fear.

Taylor came over and pulled me into a hug. "Oh, baby," she said softly, "I wish I could take you with me. But I promise, everything will be okay. You're going to be fine here with Travis."

I clung to her, the familiar scent of her perfume somehow both comforting and heartbreaking. "But what if I need you? What if I can't handle it?"

Taylor held me at arm's length, looking into my eyes. "Chloe, you are stronger than you know. And remember, you can always call me, anytime, no matter what. I'll be just a phone call away."

I nodded, trying to absorb her words, but the fear of being apart from her was overwhelming. It felt like a part of me was leaving with her.

"And Travis will take good care of you," Taylor continued. "He's got some fun activities planned. You won't even notice how fast the time will pass."

I tried to smile, to show her I was okay, but it was forced. As she went back to packing, I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a sense of loneliness creeping in.

The morning Taylor left, I felt a lump in my throat as I watched her carry her bags to the car. "Be safe, okay?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I will, sweetheart. And I'll be back before you know it," she replied, giving me one last hug.

As the car pulled away, I felt like a part of me was leaving with her. The house felt empty, despite Travis's presence. I knew I had to be brave, to face my fear of being separated from Taylor. But in that moment, all I wanted was for her to come back home.

TRAVIS

It was the first night with Taylor being away, and the house felt different – quieter, less lively. I stayed up a bit later than usual, checking my phone periodically for any updates from Taylor, and to make sure Chloe was okay. Understandably she wasn't her usual self today, so we spent the day watching movies.

In the dead of night, a sudden scream jolted me awake. It took me a second to orient myself, then I realized the sound came from Chloe's room. My heart raced as I jumped out of bed and hurried to her.

Bursting into her room, I found Chloe thrashing in her bed, caught in the grip of a nightmare. "Chloe!" I called out, rushing to her side.

She woke up with a start, her eyes wide with terror. For a moment, she looked disoriented, not sure where she was. Then, as the reality of where she was settled in, she burst into tears, her body shaking with sobs.

"Something happened to mom! I saw it in my dream!" she cried hysterically, her voice filled with fear and despair.

I quickly wrapped my arms around her, trying to offer comfort and reassurance. "Chloe, it's okay. It was just a nightmare. Taylor is fine. She's safe," I said soothingly, holding her close.

"But it felt so real," she sobbed, her tears soaking my shirt. 

"I know, nightmares can feel very real. But it was just a dream. Taylor is okay, and she'll be back soon."

Seeing that Chloe was still shaken, I had an idea. "Do you want me to call her? Just so you can hear that she's okay?" I suggested, hoping it would help ease her anxiety.

Chloe nodded, her eyes hopeful. "Yes, please."

I quickly dialed Taylor's number, hoping she wasn't asleep yet due to the time difference. When she answered, I explained the situation briefly and then put her on speakerphone for Chloe.

"Chloe, are you okay?" Taylor's voice came through, filled with concern.

Chloe sniffled, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I... I dreamt that something bad happened to you. It scared me."

Taylor's voice was soothing, a balm to Chloe's frayed nerves. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry you had a bad dream. But I promise you, I'm perfectly fine. Nothing bad has happened. These trips are very routine and safe."

There was a pause, and then Taylor did something that never failed to comfort Chloe. She began to sing softly, her voice a gentle melody that always seemed to have a calming effect on Chloe.

I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you

I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you

I've been sleeping so long in a 20-year dark night

And now I see daylight, I only see daylight

As Taylor sang, I watched Chloe's expression soften, the tension easing from her face. Her eyes fluttered closed, slowly succumbing to the lullaby. It was a beautiful, caring moment, reminding me of the deep bond they shared.

After the song ended, Taylor spoke again, her voice a soft whisper. "Sleep well, sweet baby. I'll be home before you know it. I love you."

"I love you, mom," Chloe murmured, already half asleep.

I quietly ended the call and watched Chloe for a few more moments, ensuring she had drifted back to sleep. Taylor's song had worked its magic, soothing Chloe into a peaceful slumber.

As I left her room, turning off the light and leaving the door slightly ajar, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the family we had become. Despite the physical distance, our connection remained strong.

Heading back to my own room, I sent a quick text to Taylor, letting her know Chloe was okay now, peacefully asleep. It was these small moments, these acts of love and care, that truly defined us as a family.