Unexpected

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The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air as Taylor Swift blinked her eyes open, the bright lights above her bed blinding after what felt like an eternity in darkness. The pain in her head was a dull throb, and as she tried to move, a sharp ache spread through her ribs. She grimaced, slowly piecing together the events that led her here.

A concert. A misstep. A sudden fall.

Taylor sighed, her breath hitching as the pain intensified. Her eyes flicked around the hospital room, settling on the concerned faces of her parents and her best friend, Abigail, hovering nearby. Her mother, Andrea, was holding her hand, her eyes filled with worry, while her father, Scott, stood by the door, his arms crossed, a protective stance that was all too familiar.

"Hey, sweetheart," Andrea said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Taylor's forehead. "How are you feeling?"

Taylor attempted a weak smile. "Like I got hit by a truck," she joked, though it fell flat. The worry etched on her mother's face was mirrored in her father's.

"You took quite a tumble," Scott added, his voice gruff but softening at the edges. "The doctors said you have a concussion and a couple of bruised ribs."

Taylor nodded, her eyes drifting to the door as it opened. A nurse stepped in, carrying a clipboard. "Ms. Swift, we're just here to check your vitals," she said, giving the family a polite smile.

As the nurse worked, Taylor's thoughts wandered. She felt a pang of worry, not for herself, but for someone who wasn't there. She hadn't had the chance to tell her family about him. It was still new, still delicate. The whirlwind of her life had made it hard to find the right moment, and now, here she was, in a hospital bed, with her secret hanging in the balance.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the room. The door burst open, and in walked Travis Kelce, the NFL star with a reputation as fierce as his play on the field. His usually composed expression was replaced with one of pure concern. He locked eyes with Taylor, and for a moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them.

"Taylor," Travis breathed, rushing to her side. His eyes scanned her face, taking in the bandage on her forehead and the bruises peeking from under the hospital gown. He reached out, gently taking her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

Andrea and Scott exchanged confused glances. Abigail's eyes widened, understanding dawning on her face.

"Travis?" Scott finally asked, breaking the stunned silence. "What are you doing here?"

Travis glanced at them, momentarily at a loss for words. He wasn't used to being caught off guard, but the situation was far from ordinary. "I... I came as soon as I heard," he stammered, looking back at Taylor. His expression softened, revealing a depth of emotion that was hard to miss. "I needed to make sure she was okay."

Andrea's eyebrows shot up. "You... two know each other?"

Taylor swallowed, squeezing Travis's hand for support. This wasn't how she had planned for her family to find out. But as she looked into Travis's eyes, she felt a reassuring warmth. He was here. He cared. And that was what mattered.

"Mom, Dad," Taylor began, her voice steadying despite the situation. "Travis and I... we're together. We've been seeing each other for a little while now."

There was a beat of silence, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Andrea looked between her daughter and the football player, processing the revelation. Scott's frown deepened, but he didn't say anything, just nodded slowly.

Abigail grinned, breaking the tension. "Well, that explains a lot," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Taylor smiled weakly, relief washing over her. It wasn't the ideal way to introduce Travis to her family, but seeing him there, the concern in his eyes and the gentleness of his touch, she knew they'd get through this. Her family might be surprised, but they would come to understand.

Travis squeezed her hand, leaning down to kiss her forehead gently. "I'm just glad you're okay," he murmured.

Taylor felt a swell of emotion, her heart full. Despite the unexpected turn of events, she knew they would face whatever came next together. And for now, that was enough.

Chapter 2: New Beginnings

The rest of the day passed in a blur of medical checks and concerned conversations. Taylor's family, though initially surprised, quickly warmed up to Travis, especially as he stayed by Taylor's side, proving his dedication and care.

As the evening drew to a close and visiting hours neared their end, Andrea pulled Travis aside while Scott spoke quietly with Taylor.

"Travis," Andrea began, her voice gentle but firm, "we didn't know about you two, and I hope you understand our concern. But I can see you care about Taylor. That's what matters most to us."

Travis nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Mrs. Swift. I care about her a lot. I promise, I'll always be there for her."

Andrea smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "That's all we can ask for."

When Taylor was finally left alone with Travis, she looked up at him, her expression a mix of exhaustion and affection. "I didn't expect today to go like this," she admitted with a wry smile.

Travis chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair. "Me neither. But maybe it's a good thing they know now. No more secrets."

Taylor nodded, reaching out to take his hand. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot."

Travis leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "I wouldn't be anywhere else," he whispered.

As the night settled in, Taylor felt a sense of calm wash over her. She knew there would be challenges ahead—balancing their busy lives, navigating the public eye, and blending their worlds. But with Travis by her side, she felt ready to face them all.

Outside the hospital, the city buzzed with life, but in that small, quiet room, Taylor and Travis found a moment of peace, their bond stronger than ever. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one they would write together, one day at a time.

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