So High School - Tayvis highschool AU

Chapter 3 - Who are we to fight the Alchemy

Taylor's POV

Tay-Tay - This is a bad idea

Abi - no it isn't

Tay-Tay - pick me up at 5

Abigail had somehow managed to convince me to go to the Friday night game. She knew I had work early Saturday morning, but when I say "convince," it wasn't really that hard to get me to go. The idea of seeing Travis outside of our tutoring sessions sent butterflies swirling in my stomach.

I didn't normally wear makeup, but today was different. As I carefully applied mascara, I grabbed my phone to send a quick text.

Taylor S - Coming to the game tonight. Good luck!

Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a reply.

Travis Kelce - Have fun! Stay safe. See you after?

I felt a smile spread across my face as I read his message. It was just a simple text, but it made me feel warm inside.

As I read Travis's message, I felt my face heat up. He wanted to see me after the game. I couldn't help but smile at myself in the mirror before picking my phone back up to reply.

Taylor S - Sure, want to meet me outside school after?

Travis Kelce - I'll be there. Might be a bit though because I'll have to get changed.

I quickly checked the time and slipped my phone into my bag. Just as I did, I heard Abigail honking her horn outside the house, signaling that she was waiting for me. With a quick glance in the mirror to make sure I looked presentable, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach at the thought of seeing Travis later.

Travis's POV

The game went well; we won 26-7. As great as that win was and as much as I would have loved to go to Pat's house to celebrate, I had more important plans.

"What's the rush, Kelce?" Daniel asked as I rushed out of the locker room.

"Meeting someone," I replied, grabbing my bag out of my locker.

"Who?" he asked, stepping in front of me and blocking the door.

"None of your business," I said, trying to brush past him as my phone chimed, and Taylor's contact appeared on the screen.

I clicked on the message and began to read it, unaware that Daniel was leaning over my shoulder, reading it as well.

Taylor S - I have to be home by 11. Are you nearly out?

"Bro, are you dating that weirdo? I thought she was just your tutor?" Daniel shouted, asking the incendiary question.

I felt a surge of anger rise up in me at his words, but I quickly pushed it down, reminding myself that Daniel didn't know Taylor like I did. She wasn't just my tutor; she was my friend. And maybe, just maybe, she could be something more.

Ignoring Daniel's taunts, I typed out a quick reply to Taylor.

Travis Kelce - Yeah, I'm on my way out now. See you soon.

No, but even if I was, would there be an issue?" I asked, standing up straight and looking down at him. He was tall, about 6 feet, but I towered over him when I stood up properly.

"Don't try me, Burton," I said, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

Daniel hesitated for a moment, then continued, "She is just so... strange. You know she sits in the music room or English room at lunch if she isn't with you because she has no friends. I mean, rightfully so."

As he spoke, I could feel the anger building up in my chest. I shoved him out of my way and walked straight down the hall to where I had agreed to meet Taylor.

I needed to get out of there before I said something I regretted. And besides, I had more important things to focus on—like spending time with Taylor.

"I am so sorry," I said, pulling her into my arms. Taylor looked up at me, confusion written all over her face. She was completely oblivious to the conversation that had just taken place, but hell, I had never realized how hard it was for her. She never showed that it upset her, and I doubted it did, but I had never stopped them from saying that crap about her.

"For what?" she questioned, pulling herself out of my arms.

"They are assholes," I said, looking into her blue eyes. The anger from the conversation with Daniel still lingered, but it was quickly replaced by a rush of protectiveness and affection for Taylor. She didn't deserve to be treated like that, not by anyone, especially not by my teammates.

"You didn't know?" Taylor asked, a hint of laughter in her voice.

"I knew it wasn't good, but I never realized they would say whatever the hell they want even though they don't know you," I said, feeling like complete crap over the whole situation.

"It's not your fault," Taylor reassured me, her laughter easing some of the tension between us as we started to walk out of the school.

As we stepped into the cool night air, I couldn't help but feel a weight lift off my shoulders. It was good to know that Taylor didn't hold it against me. But I made a mental note to myself: from now on, I would do everything in my power to make sure no one ever talked about her like that again.

"So Abi went home because I was taking too long waiting for you," Taylor said, looking at me with soft eyes while biting her lip.

"Come on, get in," I said, unlocking my truck and holding the door open for her.

"Thank you," she said, giving me a grateful smile as she climbed into the truck.

As I pulled up to her house, I couldn't shake the guilt I felt over what Daniel had said earlier. "I promise you that they won't come near you anymore," I said, determination clear in my voice.

Taylor nodded, her expression softening. "Just don't get kicked off the team," she said, grabbing her purse off the floor of the truck.

"I'll try not to," I laughed, feeling a rush of warmth at the sound of her laughter.

"See you later, Trav," she said, and I felt my face flush as she shortened my name.

"See you later, Tay," I replied, my voice laced with laughter.

I watched as she disappeared into the house, still before her curfew. Sitting there for a moment, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her. With a sigh, I started the truck and headed for my own house, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.