So High School - Tayvis highschool AU

Chapter 6 - Cause I'm a real tough kid I can handle my shit

Taylor's POV

"I'm sorry, I can't come," I said quietly into the phone, my heart sinking as I heard Abigail's disappointed sigh on the other end of the line.

"He's just a guy, Taylor," she said, and hearing her refer to Travis as "just a guy" broke my heart. He was so much more to me. He cared about me.

"He isn't just a guy," I insisted, but to be fair to Abigail, I hadn't told her about last night. All I had said was that we left the party early.

"You're seriously not going to come out for food with me because of a guy? Tay, I thought you were better than that," Abigail's disappointment was evident in her voice, and it tempted me to reconsider, but after last night, I needed to see Travis again.

"A lot happened yesterday, and I really need to see him. I promise I'll tell you all about it later," I said, before hanging up the phone before she could respond.

I walked down the stairs, the familiar scent of breakfast cooking greeting me in the kitchen where I found my mom bustling around.

"Morning, Mom," I said, rubbing my eyes.

"Morning, sweetheart. I'm taking Austin to soccer at 10. We'll be back around 4 because I have some errands to run, and we have a meeting with your manager at 5 about the album. Have we 100% finalized it?" she asked, her attention divided between breakfast and her schedule.

"Yep, it's all been emailed over, and it's on the USB that I put in your purse the other day," I reassured her, reaching for a plate as she placed it in front of me.

"Would it be okay if I had a friend over?" I asked, feeling a knot of nerves form in my stomach.

"Of course, sweetie. Abi has a key to the house. I don't care if she comes over," my mom said casually, setting two more plates on the table.

"A different friend," I clarified, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Who?" My mom's curiosity was piqued.

"Travis," I said, holding my breath as I watched her reaction.

"Travis? You're friends now?" she asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yeah, he's really nice. He took me to that party yesterday," I explained, trying to sound nonchalant as I poured myself a glass of orange juice.

"As long as you don't end up pregnant," my mom whispered into my ear from behind me, making me jump.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, turning around to face her, feeling my cheeks flush.

"Just saying," she said with a mischievous grin, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Thanks, Mom," I said, squeezing her back, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me.

I spent all morning immersed in "The Great Gatsby," the sun streaming through my bedroom window as I turned page after page. By the time I finished, the clock on my bedside table showed nearly 2 pm, and there was still no sign of Travis.

Feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves, I walked over to the side of my bed where my phone lay. Opening his contact, I sent him a text:

Taylor S - Are you still coming over?

As I hit send, a wave of anxiety washed over me. What if he didn't want to see me again? What if he had gotten what he wanted from me?

I stared at my phone, the minutes stretching on like hours, until finally, his reply came:

Travis Kelce - Was waiting for you to text. On my way now.

Relief flooded through me, and I let out a shaky breath.