Forbidden Fruit (Travis Kelce)

Time Flies

Arianna

Three months had passed since I left Kansas City. It felt like a lifetime ago, yet the memories were still fresh and vivid. Therapy had been a lifeline, helping me navigate the chaos of my emotions and find a sense of peace. Writing music had also been a crucial part of my healing process.

Sitting in my sunlit living room, I reflected on how much had changed. I had thrown myself into my music, channeling my emotions into songs that often revolved around Travis and the complexities of my life. Despite not talking to him since I left, he remained a constant presence in my thoughts. He had texted me over a hundred times, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. It felt wrong, especially since he was still with Kayla, according to social media.

One song, in particular, "Ocean Eyes," had been too personal to release. It was something just between me and Travis. Instead, I had released "Beautiful" as a single, and it had resonated with many people. "Feather" had become the song of the summer, and everyone assumed it was about Zach. I hadn't confirmed or denied it—if the shoe fits, as they say.

Album track list

1. Break Free by Ariana Grande
2. Feather by Sabrina Carpenter
3. Read Your Mind by Sabrina Carpenter
4. Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande featuring The Weeknd
5. Just a Little Bit of Your Heart by Ariana grande
6. Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
7. Good for You by Selena Gomez featuring asap rocky
8. Heart Less by Madison Beer
9. Fools by Madison Beer
10. Hands to Myself by Selena Gomez
11. My Everything by Ariana Grande
12. One Last Time by Ariana Grande

The album was nearly done, and I hadn't realized just how much I cared about Travis until I no longer had him in my life. Most of the songs had been about him or exes. It was surprising how someone I had spent only a few weeks with could impact my life so profoundly. I hadn't dated or hooked up with anyone since Travis, despite the media's constant speculation. Every time I was seen with a guy friend, rumors flew, but none of it was true.

Flashback: Two Months Ago

I remember the day I wrote "My Everything" like it was yesterday. The emotions were so raw, and the words seemed to flow effortlessly from my heart. It was a rainy afternoon, and the pitter-patter of the rain against my window set the perfect backdrop for the feelings I needed to express.

I sat down at my piano, the familiar keys under my fingers, and let the music guide me. The lyrics came to me almost like a whisper, a gentle reminder of everything I had lost and everything I still held onto.

I cried enough tears to see my own reflection in them
And then it was clear
I can't deny, I really miss it

To think that I was wrong
I guess you don't know what you got 'til it's gone
Pain is just a consequence of love
I'm saying "Sorry" for the sake of us

He wasn't my everything 'til we were nothing
And it's taking me a lot to say
But now that he's gone, my heart is missing something
So it's time I push my pride away
'Cause you are
You are
You are my everything
You are
You are
You are my everything

I know you're not far but I still can't handle all the distance
You're travelling with my heart
I hope this is a temporary feeling
'Cause it's too much to bear
Without you and I know "Sorry" ain't the cure
If I cross your mind just know I'm yours
'Cause what we got is worth fighting for
'Cause you are...

You weren't my everything 'til we were nothing
And it's taking me a lot to say
Now that you're gone, my heart is missing something
So it's time I push my pride away

You are, you are, you are my everything
You are, you are, you are my everything

You are, you are, you are
You are, you are, you are my everything

My everything by Ariana grande

Finishing the song was a way to release all the pent-up emotions I had been carrying. The song became the title track for my album, encapsulating everything I had felt and everything I had learned.

As I sat at my piano, lost in thought, my phone rang. It was Brittany. I answered, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Hey, Britt. What's up?"

"Hey, Ari. It's my birthday next weekend, and we're having a big party. I've missed you so much, and it would mean the world to me if you could come."

I hesitated, the thought of returning to Kansas City bringing back a flood of memories. "I don't know, Britt. It's... complicated."

"Please, Arianna. It's my birthday! We haven't seen each other in forever, and it won't be the same without you. And, um, I was wondering if you could maybe ask The Weeknd if he could perform for my birthday? I know it's a long shot, but..."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Of course, I'll ask him, but he might be busy."

Brittany's voice was filled with excitement. "Thank you so much, Ari! You're the best. I'll see you soon."

After hanging up, I dialed Abel's number. He picked up after the second ring. "Hey, Jade. What's up?"

"Hey, Abel. How are you? I have a favor to ask."

"Anything for you, Jade. What do you need?"

"Brittany's birthday is next weekend, and she would love it if you could perform. I know it's short notice, but it would mean a lot to her."

"Of course, I'll be there. Just send me the info."

"Thanks, Abel. You're the best."

He chuckled. "Anything for you. We make a great team, don't we?"

"Yeah, we do. See you next weekend."

Abel had always been a good friend to me. We had hooked up a few times over the years—the sex was really good—but we were better off as friends. He couldn't ever stay with one woman, and I needed stability.

Returning to Kansas City for Brittany's birthday would be a challenge, but I knew it was something I had to do. Facing the past was never easy, but it was a necessary step toward embracing the future.

I sat down with my notebook, the need to write overwhelming. The words flowed easily, capturing everything I was feeling but couldn't say aloud.

Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one if you want me to
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I... am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
And I... will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl

Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I... will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye

Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere I would've followed you (Oh-Ooh)
Say something, I'm giving up on you

Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something...

Say something by Christina Aguilera

As I wrote the final lines, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Whatever the future held, I knew I was stronger now, ready to face whatever came next. And maybe, just maybe, this trip to Kansas City would bring the closure I needed.

Author's note
I rewrote this chapter. How do you think Kansas City will go?