Renegade - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 27: Riding a Bike

TRAVIS

The next day, with Taylor still away, I thought it might be a good idea to get Chloe out of the house for a bit. "Hey, Chloe, what do you say about going on a bike adventure today?" I asked, hoping to lift her spirits.

She looked up from her book, a bit hesitant. "I... I don't know how to ride a bike," she admitted, her voice small.

Her confession took me by surprise. "Really? I had no idea."

Chloe shrugged, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It's not something you learn as an orphan. There wasn't much time for that kind of thing."

Hearing her say that, a wave of emotions washed over me. I felt honored that she was opening up about her past, even in small ways. It was a reminder of the different worlds we came from and the experiences she had missed out on.

"Well, how about I teach you?" I suggested, the idea suddenly exciting me. "We all start somewhere, right?"

Chloe's eyes lit up a bit at the idea. "You'd do that?"

"Of course! It'll be fun," I said, smiling.

But before we went any further with the plan, I knew I needed to call Taylor. Not just for permission, but because I knew she'd want to be part of this moment, even if just over the phone.

When I called Taylor and explained the idea, she was immediately on board. "Chloe, do you want to learn to ride a bike?" she asked through the phone.

Chloe took the phone from me, a small smile on her face. "Yes, I'd like that," she said.

After the call, I found a couple of bikes for us to use. Chloe watched with a mix of nervousness and excitement as I adjusted one to her height.

I set up my phone on a tripod, FaceTiming Taylor so she could be a part of this important moment. As we started Chloe's bike lesson, I could see Taylor's face on the screen, her expression a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

"Okay, just pedal and I'll hold onto the bike. Don't worry, I won't let you fall," I reassured her, gripping the back of the bike.

Chloe started pedaling, her movements hesitant at first. The bike wobbled dangerously, and despite my hold, it tipped slightly, causing Chloe to let out a small yelp.

"Keep going, baby! You're doing great!" Taylor's voice cheered from the phone, her encouragement ringing clear.

Chloe tried again, her determination growing with each attempt. But then, it happened – she lost her balance and fell to the ground with a thud. For a moment, she lay there, looking like she was on the verge of tears.

I rushed over, kneeling beside her. "Hey, are you okay? That was a pretty good fall."

Chloe nodded, trying to be brave, but I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. "It hurts," she said, her voice quivering.

"You're doing amazing, Chloe! Everyone falls when they're learning," Taylor said, her face full of concern but trying to keep the mood light.

"Exactly," I echoed, helping Chloe to her feet. "Falling is just part of learning. Let's give it another try, what do you say?"

Chloe took a deep breath, wiping away her tears. "Okay, I'll try again."

As we resumed the lesson, Chloe's confidence slowly started to rebuild. With each push of the pedals, she became more stable, more assured.

Then came the moment when she finally pedaled a few feet on her own. Taylor and I burst into cheers. "You did it, Chloe! You're riding a bike!" I shouted, my heart swelling with pride.

Chloe's face lit up with a beaming smile, her earlier fall forgotten. "I'm doing it, mom! Look!"

Taylor clapped her hands, laughing joyously through the phone. "I'm so proud of you! Keep going!"

The rest of the lesson was filled with more laughter, a few more minor falls, and lots of cheering from both me and Taylor through the phone. Watching Chloe finally ride the bike on her own was a sight to behold. Her laughter, mixed with Taylor's delighted cheers, created a memory that was both joyful and triumphant.

As we ended the call with Taylor, I could see the satisfaction and happiness in Chloe's eyes. She had overcome her fear and learned something new, something she thought she couldn't do. And in that moment, I realized the power of encouragement and belief – it could turn apprehension into achievement, and tears into triumph.

Later that evening, as I passed by Taylor's room, I noticed the light was still on. Curious, I peeked inside and found Chloe curled up on Taylor's side of the bed, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest. The room was filled with a soft, melancholic glow from the bedside lamp.

"Hey, Chloe," I said softly, stepping into the room. "Everything okay?"

She looked up, her eyes a little red, as if she had been crying. "I just miss mom," she whispered, her voice small and vulnerable.

I sat down on the edge of the bed, understanding her feelings. "I know. It's hard when she's away. But she'll be back soon. And I'm here whenever you need me."

Chloe nodded, clutching the pillow a little tighter. "Travis, I... I want to thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "For today, for teaching me how to ride a bike, for being here... for everything."

Her words touched me deeply, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "Chloe, it's an honor to be there for you. You're an incredible kid, and you've brought so much joy into our lives."

There was a pause, a moment of silence that hung in the air, filled with unspoken emotions. Then, Chloe looked up at me, her eyes glistening in the soft light.

"Travis, I... I think of you as my dad," she said quietly, almost hesitantly.

Hearing her say that, I felt an indescribable feeling of happiness and responsibility. "Chloe, that means the world to me," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "I may not be your father by blood, but I promise to always be here for you, to support you, and to care for you as my own."

Chloe's eyes filled with tears, but this time, they were tears of happiness. She leaned forward and hugged me, and I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close.

"You're the best dad I could have asked for," she murmured into my shoulder.

I held her for a while, savoring the moment, the bond we had formed. It was moments like these that truly defined family – not just shared blood, but shared love, care, and moments of heartfelt connection.

As Chloe finally drifted off to sleep, still on Taylor's side of the bed, I stood up quietly and turned off the light. Leaving the room, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. I was more than just a guardian or a friend; I was a father to Chloe, and that was a role I cherished deeply.