band-aids don't fix bullet holes

{26} out of the woods?

TW: mentions of ED

Taylor's POV:

The waiting is killing me. It's way past 10pm and I still haven't heard a word on my daughter. I really don't know whether this is a good or a bad sign, all I know is that it's shattering my heart, in a way it has never been shattered before, not even by Joe. By now I have played every scenario in my head, the hope for the best possible outcome fading with every passing minute. Lost in my thoughts I don't immediately notice the figure approaching me. Only at the sound of a voice my head snaps up.

"Miss Swift?"

Instantly the tiredness leaves my body and a rush of adrenaline forces me to rise from my chair, too quickly, as a wave of dizziness hits my entire body and I stumble back a few steps. Now I glare at the familiar doctor, waiting impatiently for him to open his mouth again and spilling the news to me.

"We were able to remove the mass from Hailey's heart. It turned out to be way more complicated than originally expected, but she pulled through. She's still recovering from the long anesthesia but if you want you can go see her. She's stable for now and we're monitoring her closely. You got yourself one hell
of a warrior, that's for sure!" He explains, his voice not sounding too excited but I don't care as tears of joy and relief drip down my pale face. Soon enough I'm not able to hold myself together anymore and I find myself on the floor. I rock back and forth while sobbing uncontrollably. I had no idea what it feels like when such a weight is being lifted off your shoulders and what it does to your emotions. Once I managed to calm myself down, I get up and envelop the elderly doctor in a hug, not really caring about the fact that it could be absolutely awkward.

"Thank you so much. Thank you for saving her life. Thank you for saying these positive words." I mumble gratefully, before letting him go and starting my way to the NICU. I don't walk but run as fast as my feet can carry me.

—

Just like planned I spent the Christmas days at the hospital, instead of Blake's house or with Mom, who decided to stay in LA in a hotel for a while, for my sake.
I always left early in the morning and came back rather late. However they both were kind enough to keep me some company for a few hourse during every day. They even brought some presents and left over christmas meals. Even if I didn't touch the food I was still thankful for the effort.

My plans for New Years Eve, which is tomorrow , are the same: Spending time here with Hailey and making sure she is okay, but the constant trying to convince me to take a break, mainly from my best friend, really has me considering .

"Tay, you have been here every day for the past two weeks. I'm glad you're at least coming home to sleep but I'd really appreciate it, if you celebrated tomorrow with Ryan and me. We have a huge party planned in the evening and I really want you there. Apart from that, you really deserve a day off. The doctors have it handled and I'm sure they'll call immediately if anything changes." The blonde literally begs, as we are both sat next to Hailey's incubator. "And don't you think I didn't notice that you still haven't been eating properly...I'm worried..."

I look up to meet her eyes and let out a quiet sigh. "I'm scared to leave her here on her own..."
I ignore her last words, fully aware that I have not really been eating, a feeling of pride filling my body.

"I know, but it's gonna be okay."

"How do you know?" I furrow my brows at her.

"Oh come on, Taylor. Just trust me on this. I'm sure she would want you to enjoy a day with friends. I mean look at her, she is way too cute to ever be mad." The blonde jokes and I indeed need to bite back a small chuckle.