The House of Albums | t.s.

Meeting Lover

Taylor stood by the pastel coloured doorframe. It was the big moment. Everyone would be meeting the newest edition, Lover.

"Everyone, I want you to officially welcome Lover," Taylor gestured at the door that started to sparkle before a door was revealed with the name Lover in glittery letters.

Lover stood at the door inside her room of the magical house known as the House of Albums. Nervously, she glanced in the mirror and smoothed out her pastel-colored shirt, then took a deep breath before pushing open the pastel coloured door.

Inside, the house was alive with music and anticipation, each room filled with the essence of the albums that lived there.

The door opened and out stepped another version of Mother, her hair in a high pony, tips dyed pink, outfit pastel pink and blue with glittery boots.

"Welcome home, Lover," Taylor greeted first.

"Thank you," Lover beamed at her creator.

As she stepped into the hallway, 1989 was the first to greet her, her polished style and confident demeanour instantly putting Lover at ease.

"I like your style," 1989 said, her eyes twinkling. Lover blushed and thanked her.

Just then, RED stepped in, her glossy eyes catching the light. She gave Lover a warm hug. "We're going to get along wonderfully." RED assured.

From behind RED, Speak Now stepped forward gracefully. She admired Lover's ensemble with an approving nod. "I love your bodysuits," she said, her voice melodic.

Fearless finally stepped forward, too, excitement uncontrollable. "Hi, I'm Fearless," Lover was surprised by the tight hug by happily returned it.

"Right, where's my manners?" Taylor laughed, then put a hand on Lover's shoulder and gestured at the introduced albums.

"Lover, meet Debut," Lover saw the girl much younger wave shyly, so she gave a gentle smile and a small wave back. "And you know Fearless," Taylor smiled at the excited girl.

"Then, of course, Speak Now, RED and 1989," Taylor gestured at each one then searched for Reputation who she caught standing in her dark doorway shoulder leaning against the wall as she watched the group.

"And the one hiding over there," Taylor pointed out with a teasing smile. "Her name is Reputation," Lover stood to the side to get a better look at the woman and her when she laid her eyes on the darker pop album her eyes widened slightly in awe.

"I'm Lover," Lover held her hand out, taking a cautious step closer.

"Be nice," Taylor called out, still teasing. Lover wavered, thinking Taylor meant her, and then she saw Reputation's eye roll before she took her hand.

"Reputation," was all she said before she slipped back into her room.

Lover turned back around, looking at Taylor, who had a slight smile on her face. "Looks like this round went much smoother," Taylor laughed, walking to Lover as the others dispersed.

"Don't worry, you'll fit right in," Taylor smiled as she headed down the hall. Her smile was reassuring, and it put the newest addition at ease.

"Debut! Stop that!" 1989's voice was heard from the kitchen. And when the two oldest present entered, they saw the youngest busy roasting her marshmallow on the gas stove.

"So uptight," Debut rolled her eyes then turned to leave only to freeze when she saw Taylor.

"Um..." Debut fumbled for words.

"On you go, young lady," Taylor pointed, and the youngest scurried to get away from the situation.

"She has an obsession with fire," RED offered when she saw Lover's confused look.

"Oh, comforting." Lover mumbled.

Later that night, the mansion was quiet, its usual hum of activity subdued as the albums settled into their rooms. Taylor had gone home after their welcoming dinner.

Lover found herself in the kitchen, the soft light casting a warm glow as she busied herself, making a cup of tea. Her colourful attire stood out against the muted tones of the room, a vibrant splash of life in the stillness.

As she reached for a teacup, the door creaked open. Lover turned to see Reputation standing in the doorway, her presence almost shadow-like. Draped in dark, edgy clothing, Reputation's expression was hard to read, a mix of caution and curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Hi," Lover greeted her, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Would you like some tea?"

Reputation stood silent for a moment, her eyes tracing Lover's every move. She felt a strange pull in her chest, an unfamiliar warmth that she wasn't quite sure how to handle. Usually preferring solitude, she found herself oddly drawn to the colourful woman in front of her.

"I... don't usually drink tea," Reputation finally replied, her voice guarded. "But thank you."

Lover smiled gently, sensing the walls, Reputation had built around herself. "That's okay. You're welcome to join me anyway."

To her own surprise, Reputation moved closer, her curiosity outweighing her hesitation. She leaned against the counter, watching Lover prepare her tea with an ease that seemed foreign to her. The kitchen filled with the gentle clinking of porcelain and the soothing aroma of chamomile.

"Why are you so... bright?" Reputation asked, her tone softer than she intended. "I mean, everyone seems to be drawn to you."

Lover looked up, her eyes meeting Reputation's. "I guess it's because I try to see the good in everything. Even when things are dark, I believe there's always a spark of light somewhere."

Reputation's gaze softened slightly, the pull in her chest growing stronger. She wanted to believe in that light, to feel the warmth Lover seemed to carry effortlessly.

"Taylor has told me a lot about you," Lover said, her voice gentle. "I think you're fascinating. There's so much depth to you."

Reputation raised an eyebrow, surprised by the compliment. "Fascinating, huh? Most people just see the darkness. The snakes..."

"Darkness can be beautiful too," Lover replied, her smile warm and genuine. "It's all about how you look at it."

For the first time in a long while, Reputation felt a small, reluctant smile tug at her lips. "Maybe you're right."

As they stood there, two contrasting figures in the quiet kitchen, an unspoken understanding began to form. In Lover's light, Reputation found a glimmer of hope, and in Reputation's depth, Lover saw a story worth discovering.

That night, over tea and tentative conversation, the walls between them began to crumble, and a new chapter in the House of Albums quietly began.