band-aids don't fix bullet holes

{6} wholesome interaction

Taylor's POV:

After 10 minutes I get off the floor, wiping my mouth before washing my hands and flushing the toilet.

When I get back everybody is still sat at the table eating their food.
"This is amazing but honestly I'm about to explode." I point at my stomach after having taken my seat again. I don't dare to look Blake into the eyes because I know there's a frown upon her face. Instead I keep my eyes down, not ready for any lectures from my long time friend.

"Are you sure?" Ryan asks and feeds Betty another spoon. I nod and smile.
I take my half-eaten plate and bring it to the kitchen, the children following, doing the same.
"Well done, James and Inez." Blake's voice chimes from behind us.

I stay another two hours before I decide it's time to go home.
"You watching the Grammy's?" I want to know from the blonde as we're standing in the doorway, about to say goodbye to each other. The kids have gone to bed already.
"Duhhh, of course." She squeals excitedly.
"You're nominated.! You bet I'll be sitting in front of the TV!"
I laugh gratefully before hugging her.

"It was so good seeing you, B." I sigh into her shoulder, enjoying the warm embrace, probably more than one should before we pull apart and I get into the car that's already standing in the front yard ready to take me home.

—-

At home I change into some comfortable clothes and feed my cats.
They travel with me most of the time because I really don't want to be without them. Luckily they're used to all the traveling, so it's not a big deal.
The three finish their food and get settled on the sofa, purring in a choir.
After cleaning their bowls I join them, switching on the TV just trying to relax,
even if that seems to be an impossible task.
I play with the thought of calling Joe, but I fear that this would only make things worse than they already are.
I just wish he would understand how I can't just hide from the world the way he can. I'm not some famous actor like he is, I'm a world star, everybody knows my name and believe me, I wish they didn't.

I roll up my shirt, only now realizing the huge bruise that is covering the center of my belly. I shiver at the flashbacks that follow.
Everybody would call me stupid for staying with him after what he did, but I love him, I do and I can't just leave. He's all I know, the only consistency in my life.

—-

The following day, Tree finally arrives in LA. She's staying at a hotel but of course she doesn't need to pay for that.
When it's time to leave the house, I get picked up for the interview I'm supposed to partake in. The redhead is already in the car waiting when I join in.

"Hi." I let out quietly, buckling my seatbelt.

"Hey, are you ready? Did
you sleep well?" she asks tucking a strand of lose hair behind her ear.

"Sure." In fact I didn't sleep well and my stomach is growling from the lack of food.

We arrive at the studio. I'm spotting the tons of paparazzi waiting for me to exit the vehicle. I know I have no choice so I take a deep breath and put on my best smile before my door is being opened by security.
I wave politely while my security people try to shield me as good as possible, when my eyes suddenly catch a little girl. She's holding up a sign which says: "Taylor I'm your biggest fan. I just want a hug"
As soon as she recognizes me directly looking at her, her eyes widen and I'm pretty sure I can see tears of joy building up in the corners of her eyes.

"Miss Swift, we need to get going." One of my security men reminds me.

"Just one minute." I reply and kneel down in front of the little kid. I assume she's about five. "Hi." I whisper. "What's your name?"
I love interacting with fans, it's just the media that I hate.

It takes a few seconds for her to answer. Her voice is shaky and almost inaudible.
"Lucy."

"It's so nice to meet you, Lucy." I shake her little hand "So you want a hug? I think we can manage that." I open my arms and with no hesitation she almost jumps into the embrace. I can't help but beam at her excitement, because these moments are exactly why I'm grateful for my job, even if it's hard sometimes.

I'm able to hide the pain the girl is causing, pressing exactly against my huge bruise due to the hug.
When we pull apart I ask her whether she wants a photo as well. She nods and we take a quick shot before I tell her that I need to get going now or else my security will be mad.
"Take care, Lucy." I wave her goodbye.

The disadvantage of this interaction is the fact that the paparazzi probably were able to take a thousand pictures of me, presumably in the worst of positions but at that moment I didn't care because I wanted to acknowledge the girl and fulfill the little wish she had. That's just how I am.

Finally inside, the make- up artists are getting me ready for the interview with a dude I've never heard the name of.

Luckily it's the same questions as always and two hours later I'm on my way home.

A/N: Basically just a fill in chapter :)