Out Of The Woods - A Taylor Swift Adoption Story

Chapter 38: Taylor and Madison Have a Fight

Author's note: This was rough to write, but I went too long without writing for my standards :) Don't judge the last sentence, I'll make it more poetic when my writing mojo is back.

Madison watched as Taylor got ready for her event. Everyone got invited to some high fashion gala, but Taylor decided Madison was too young to go.

Madison's frustration for not going reached its peak. "Why do you get to decide everything? I want to go with you!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Taylor tried to maintain her composure, her voice firm yet caring. "Madison, it's an event for adults. It's not appropriate for kids. Travis will be here with you, and you'll have a good time."

Madison crossed her arms, her frustration growing. Taylor only called her by her full name when she was annoyed. But Madison was equally as annoyed at Taylor. "Taylor Alison,I don't need a babysitter! I'm not a little kid anymore. You're treating me like a baby!"

Taylor mused at Madison using her first and middle name. She sighed, trying to reason with her. "Baby, it's not about that. It's about what's appropriate and safe. As the grown-up in this situation, it's my responsibility to make these decisions."

Madison, feeling cornered and misunderstood, blurted out before she could stop herself, "Whatever, you're not even my real mom, I can decide on my own."

The words hung heavily in the air, both of their eyes widening as the weight of Madison's statement settled in. Madison's face crumpled with regret, but the damage was done. Without another word, she turned and stormed off to her room, tears streaming down her face.

Taylor stood in the vanity room, stunned and heartbroken. The silence was deafening as she processed Madison's words. She knew Madison didn't mean them, that they were spoken in a moment of anger, but they stung deeply nonetheless. Madison was right - she wasn't her real mom.

She listened to Madison's cries from her room and wanted to reach out and comfort her. But she wasn't sure if Madison was even ready to see her yet. So, she stayed in the living room and let her own tears consume her, hoping for a sign that Madison has calmed down.

Travis walked in, still in his practice gear, and was immediately struck by the sight of Taylor, her face stained with tears.

"Tay, what happened? You ok?" Travis asked, his voice filled with worry as he sat down beside her.

Taylor, trying to compose herself, looked up at Travis, her voice breaking. "Maddie and I... we had a fight. She said something... something that really hurt."

Travis gently took her hand, encouraging her to continue. "What did she say?"

Taylor took a deep breath, her tears flowing more freely. "She said I'm not her real mom. I know she didn't mean it, but it just... it hit me hard."

Travis wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Hey, listen to me. You've been incredible with Mads. You've shown her love, care, and patience. Like any parent would, whether they're biological or adoptive. What she said, she said in anger. She doesn't mean it."

Taylor leaned into Travis, seeking comfort in his embrace. "I just want what's best for her. This stupid event... people will be drunk, I don't want her there."

Travis nodded, his voice soothing. "I know, I know. But you're doing an amazing job. And Maddie, she's lucky to have you. We both are."

Taylor looked up at him, a small smile amidst her tears. "Thank you, Trav. I just hope Madison understands why I said no."

"She will," Travis reassured her. "Give her some time. She'll come around. And I'll talk to her too."

Taylor rested her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for being here, for both of us."