A talent show

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Aria's life was gradually piecing itself back together. Her friends, Zara and Celeste, brought a sense of normalcy and joy. She was finally beginning to feel at home in Nashville, and Taylor's unwavering support made her feel safe. The bond they shared was growing stronger every day, especially after that night when Aria asked if she could call Taylor "Mom."

Encouraged by Taylor and her friends, Aria signed up for another talent show at school. She chose to sing "Long Live," a song that had always resonated deeply with her. The days leading up to the show were filled with rehearsals and anticipation. Aria poured her heart into perfecting every note, every inflection. Singing was not just a hobby for her—it was a lifeline, a way to connect with her late mother and express emotions she couldn't put into words.

The night of the talent show, the auditorium buzzed with excitement. Students and parents filled the seats, their chatter creating a symphony of anticipation. Taylor, who had a rare evening off, was in the audience, her smile lighting up the room. She had secured a seat near the front, eager to support Aria.

Backstage, Aria felt a mix of nerves and excitement. She smoothed out her dress and took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. Zara and Celeste were there, offering last-minute words of encouragement.

"You've got this, Aria!" Zara said, giving her a tight hug.

"Just remember, we're all here for you," Celeste added, squeezing her hand.

Aria smiled, their support bolstering her confidence. She peeked through the curtain and saw Taylor sitting in the front row, beaming with pride. Taylor gave her a thumbs-up, mouthing the words, "You're amazing."

The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed. It was time. Aria took one final deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The spotlight shone brightly, momentarily blinding her, but as the opening chords of "Long Live" began to play, she felt a surge of calm wash over her.

She started singing, her voice clear and strong. The lyrics resonated deeply, each word carrying a piece of her heart. As she sang, she could see the faces of the audience, enraptured by her performance. She sang not just for herself, but for her mother who had passed, and for Taylor, who had given her a new chance at life.

The song flowed effortlessly from her lips, and with each verse, her confidence grew. The memories of her mother, the struggles she had faced, and the love she now felt all intertwined, creating a powerful and emotional performance. Aria's voice soared, filling the auditorium with raw emotion.

When she reached the final chorus, she glanced at Taylor. Tears glistened in Taylor's eyes, a proud smile on her face. The sight filled Aria with warmth, and she put everything she had into the last few lines.

The final note hung in the air, and for a moment, there was complete silence. Then, the applause erupted, a thunderous wave of appreciation that washed over Aria. She took a bow, tears of joy streaming down her face, and waved to Taylor, who was clapping enthusiastically.

But as Aria walked off the stage, something felt off. The backstage area was darker than usual, and the familiar faces of her friends and teachers were nowhere to be seen. The bustling energy from earlier had faded into an eerie stillness. She scanned the area, looking for Zara or Celeste, but they were nowhere in sight.

Before she could react, a rough hand clamped over her mouth, and she was dragged into the shadows. The world tilted, and her heart pounded in her chest. Panic surged through her as she struggled against her captor. The grip was too strong, and her screams were muffled by the hand over her mouth.

She was forced into a dark van, the door slamming shut behind her. The vehicle sped away, leaving the school and the echoes of applause far behind. Inside the van, Aria's heart raced. She could barely see in the dim light, but she could make out the silhouettes of two men. One of them, the one who had grabbed her, was tall and burly, with a menacing look. The other was thinner, with a sinister smile that made Aria's blood run cold.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Aria managed to choke out, her voice trembling.

The thinner man chuckled. "Don't worry, sweetheart. We just need you for a little while. Someone's willing to pay a lot of money to have you."

Terror gripped Aria. She thought of Taylor, how she would be worried sick by now. She had to stay strong, had to find a way out of this. The van continued to speed through the night, the city lights fading into the distance.

Back at the school, the applause had died down, and people were beginning to wonder where Aria was. Taylor, sensing something was wrong, made her way backstage. Her heart pounded as she searched for Aria, but there was no sign of her.

"Have you seen Aria?" Taylor asked frantically, grabbing the arm of one of the teachers.

"I saw her walk off stage, but I haven't seen her since," the teacher replied, looking concerned.

Taylor's mind raced. She pulled out her phone and called the police, explaining the situation as best she could through her panic. Within minutes, the police arrived, and an official search began. Taylor couldn't shake the fear gripping her heart. She knew Aria wouldn't just disappear like this. Something terrible had happened.

Hours turned into what felt like an eternity. Taylor was beside herself with worry, pacing back and forth outside the school. Friends and colleagues tried to comfort her, but nothing could ease the dread she felt. The police combed through the school and surrounding areas, but there was no sign of Aria. It was as if she had vanished into thin air. Taylor's heart ached with every passing moment, her mind filled with worst-case scenarios.

Meanwhile, in the dark, moving van, Aria was trying to stay calm. She replayed everything Taylor had taught her about staying strong and thinking clearly in difficult situations. She looked around for anything she could use to her advantage, but the van was bare, and the doors were locked tight. The thinner man glanced back at her and sneered.

"You might want to get comfortable, kid. This is going to be a long ride."

Aria swallowed hard, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. She had to get back to Taylor, had to get back to her new life. She refused to let fear take over.

The van drove on for what felt like hours. Aria's mind kept circling back to Taylor, imagining her frantically searching, calling her name. The thought gave her strength. She had to stay strong, had to find a way out of this. Her hands were tied, but not tightly. She began to work on the knots, her fingers moving slowly and deliberately to avoid drawing attention.

Taylor Swift daughterWhere stories live. Discover now