You drew stars around my scars

How did it end? (part 2)

As soon as Taylor was out the house, the teen jumped out of bed and gathered her supplies.

She pulled out all the tablets she had hoarded over the last couple of weeks. She had taken them slowly, a few at a time– to make sure Taylor wasn't aware and she had built up quite a collection.

She had about 20 of her own antidepressants, 20 of Taylor's antidepressants, some painkillers, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants. A concoction that she knew would be enough. She pulled out the letters she had written to everyone, leaving them close by before laying out the tablets in a few lines – needing them to be easy to take incase her stomach started protesting.

She went and grabbed a few cold bottles of water out of the fridge, knowing she would need plenty of fluids to swallow them all.

Taylor pulled up to her offices, climbing out and heading upstairs. As usual Tree was early and Taylor popped her head in "Good Morning!"

Tree looked up, smiling "Morning – ooh you look tired!"

Taylor laughed slightly "it was a rough night! Jessica is not well" Tree grimaced slightly and Taylor continued "she bullied me into leaving her at home."

Tree smiled softly "and it worked? That's a big move Swift!"

Taylor nodded "I know – I'm regretting it already. I just have a bad feeling"

Tree laughed "yeah – parenting gives you that feeling of doom!"

Taylor laughed lightly "I've told her to text me every 30 minutes, I should hear any second!"

Tree checked the time "it's not too late to go back and get her?"

Taylor bit her lip "I'm trying to show her that I do trust her..."

Tree nodded "got it. Well shall we go through a few things before everyone else arrives? Keep your mind off her?"

Taylor nodded "yeah that would be great!"

They sat chatting for about 15 minutes, Taylor checking her phone every minute or so. When she hadn't heard Tree laughed lightly "just text her first!"

Taylor nodded, shooting off a quick text to the teen just checking in, how are you doing baby?

She stared at her screen, a response coming quickly I'm going to go to sleep. I love you Tay

The blonde bit her lip as she read the message, looking up slightly "I need you to tell me I'm being crazy right now – or don't but I've just got this bad feeling. Would it be insane to drive back and get her? I don't want to break her trust but my gut is just telling me something is wrong"

Tree looked at her, serious for a few seconds "Usually if your gut is telling you something is off, then something is off. Let's go and get her – we can blame it on me bugging you not to leave her alone. She can sleep in your office during the meeting. No big deal"

Taylor's body instantly relaxed "thanks Tree. You can stay here though..."

Tree shook her head "if she isn't well she might want to sleep against you in the back – besides we can catch up on the way" Tree didn't want to admit it, but Jessica had become like a surrogate daughter for her too and she hated the thought of her sick and alone. She wanted to help.

The two women quickly delayed the meeting, promising everyone they would be back soon before heading out to Tree's car.

Taylor became frustrated as they were stuck in traffic "She hasn't responded to my text – it hasn't even delivered...What if something has happened?"