Tayvis: Twists of Fate

Chapter-15 : Happy birthday

Travis's birthday was coming up, and Donna approached Taylor with a hopeful smile. "Taylor, I know things are tough between you and Travis, but could you help me plan a surprise for his birthday? I think it might help... even if just a little."

Taylor sighed but nodded. Despite their recent arguments and Travis's ongoing animosity, she felt a sense of duty towards Donna. "Of course, Donna. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Although they had that moment of understanding previously, it hadn't lasted. Travis still couldn't look at her without feeling a surge of anger and betrayal, and Taylor, though outwardly strong, was crumbling inside. Joe's memories haunted her, and the constant tension of running the business, coupled with Travis's harsh behavior, was becoming too much to bear.

Despite everything, Taylor decided to help Donna. She spent days gathering childhood photos of Travis with his family—pictures of him with Donna, his father Ed, and his elder brother Jason. She even arranged for his nieces to record a special "Happy Birthday" song.

When the day arrived, Donna and Taylor set up everything without Travis knowing. They decorated a small room in the office with balloons and streamers. Taylor arranged the photos into a heartfelt slideshow, ending with the video of his nieces.

The evening came, and Donna managed to coax Travis into the room. "Surprise!" Donna and Taylor said in unison, the room filled with warm, colorful light and decorations.

Travis looked around, initially shocked, and then his expression turned stony when he saw Taylor. "What is this?" he asked coldly.

"Just a little surprise for your birthday," Taylor said softly. "Donna thought it might cheer you up."

Donna took his arm. "Come on, Travis. Let's watch the slideshow. Taylor worked really hard on this."

Travis reluctantly followed them to the projector. As the pictures of his childhood played, Taylor watched his face carefully. She saw a flicker of emotion when images of his father and brother appeared. When the video of his nieces singing played, she saw his eyes soften, if only for a moment.

But as the video ended, Travis turned to Taylor, his eyes cold once more. "Thanks, Taylor," he said flatly. "But this doesn't change anything between us."

Taylor's heart sank. She had hoped this might ease some of the tension. "I know, Travis. But I wanted to do this for Donna, and for you."

Travis shook his head, his expression hardening. "You can stop pretending to care. I see right through you."

Donna tried to intervene. "Travis, please—"

"No, Mom," he interrupted. "Let's just get through this night."

The rest of the evening was awkward, with Travis avoiding eye contact with Taylor. When the small party finally ended, Taylor felt more alone than ever. She had tried to make a difference, but it seemed like nothing she did would ever be enough to heal the wounds between them.

As she cleaned up the decorations, tears streamed down her face. She had wanted to make things better, but instead, she felt more haunted by the night's events than ever before.

Tw : suicide

As Taylor arrived home, the emptiness of the house hit her like a wave. Andrea was out of town, leaving Taylor feeling strangely alone. She collapsed onto the couch, the weight of everything crashing down on her.

She thought about how Joe had cheated on her, how Travis treated her with nothing but disdain. It felt like the walls were closing in, suffocating her with despair. She stumbled to the bathroom, the tears already streaming down her face.

Turning on the shower, Taylor collapsed onto the floor, the water masking the sound of her sobs. She cried until she had no tears left, the pain in her chest unbearable.

In the midst of her anguish, memories flooded back—memories of the love she thought she had with Joe, the sacrifices she made for him, only to be betrayed in the end. She remembered how she had given up her music, her dreams, all for him.

But it wasn't just Joe's betrayal that weighed on her. Travis's treatment of her, his constant hostility, despite her efforts to understand his pain, added to her despair.

In a whirlwind of emotions, Taylor stumbled to the kitchen, her mind clouded with pain and desperation. Without thinking, she grabbed a knife, her hands shaking as she pressed the cold blade against her skin.

With a swift motion, she cut into her flesh, the pain momentarily distracting her from the overwhelming sadness that consumed her. Blood welled up from the wound, staining the floor beneath her feet.

But even as the blood flowed, Taylor felt no relief. Instead, she whimpered and cried, the weight of her despair crushing her spirit. In that moment, she felt utterly alone, abandoned by the world and all the promises it had once held.

But somewhere in the depths of her despair, a glimmer of hope flickered—a faint whisper that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for happiness, for healing. And with that fragile hope clinging to her heart, Taylor closed her eyes, letting the darkness of unconsciousness envelop her, if only for a moment, seeking solace in the oblivion it offered.