Lucky Girl

Moving Forward

Taylor's POV

No child should ever have to experience what Jackie did. I love having her as my daughter more than anything, but she still shouldn't be going to her parent's funeral at fourteen.

We are driving to Jackie's house now. The car is silent, only the music playing quietly to keep her sane. The only way we would be able to get her things is to go and stay there at least one night, but I am scared. I don't want her to break completely.

Karlie is driving and Jackie is in the back. I look at Karlie from the passenger side and she automatically knows. She takes my hand and squeezes. I didn't even realize how badly I needed her comfort. I have spent all my energy on Jacquelyn I didn't think about Karlie or myself.

I kiss her hand gently, showing my appreciation. She smiles lightly keeping her eyes on the road.

Jackie's POV

I never thought an hour drive could feel like days, but I guess I was wrong. I am dreading seeing the house, all my parent's things, and having to pack my things. The worst will probably be my Dad's pianos. He left them for me, along with all his sheet music, CD's and records.

We come up to the guard gate of my neighborhood. I tell Momma Karlie to tell them she is taking me home. In no time we are zooming to the house. I joke to my Moms how they would let you in if you said you're stealing Christmas lights. They laugh lightly, but stay serious.

We come up the driveway and I hop out of the car. It is evening, so all the neighbors are playing outside.

"Hey Jackie!" They call. I give them a light wave and turn to the garage.

"Wait here." I tell my moms. They nod.

I go around the side and enter the garage though a side door. We never locked it. I go to the front door of the house and open it for Moms. They enter almost cautiously.

"This is a beautiful home Jacquelyn." Mom says hugging me. "Thank you."

Karlie's POV

After Taylor hugs Jackie, I take my turn and kiss her forehead. I let go letting her go off on her own.

I offer Tay my hand. She takes it gratefully and we walk in together. Immediately we are greeted by a tabby cat. "Pumpkin." Taylor whispers letting the cat sniff her fingers. She then gently pets the creature.

I stand and let my eyes wander. The entrance is almost a circle, a large chandelier hanging close to my six foot high head. Just past a half wall, a grand piano and a marimba lead to a spacious living room with large couches and a TV. I move past them into the kitchen.

"Taylor, it's gorgeous!" I gasp. Taylor finally joins me from her cat daze. "Wow." Is all she manages. The kitchen has a granite counter with dark brown cabinets and a large, silver, two door, one drawer refrigerator.

We wander further. Down a long hall, a master bedroom, a small bathroom, and a small office. Also, a door leading to a garage. The garage is filled with boxes. Tay walks over to one and opens it gently. "CDs." She tells me and I nod. Tay calls her security to come up tomorrow, we will have a lot to take with us.

Jackie's POV
I am sitting in my old room. It's just as I left it. My mom and I redid it just last summer. The walls are a baby pink and light purple with hand painted rainbows I helped paint when I was little.

There are strings of photobooth pictures from my Bat Mitzvah. Posters of random things including the Dallas Cowboys, USC Women's Basketball, random baby animals, Harry Potter, If I Stay, and two TFIOS posters. I decorated it myself, of course.

I lay on my bed and stare at my ceiling. Tears fall slowly. Nothing stopping them.

Suddenly there's a knock on my door.

"Come in!" I call, my voice cracking. The door opens slowly, two blondes peak in with the same worried look.

"Ok Moms, just come in. It's not like my room will attack you." I say chuckling. They walk in taking in my decorative room.

"Jacquelyn, this is the cutest room I've ever seen." Mom says smiling lightly. "I agree! I don't think I've ever been in a room with more pink! I definitely think we should move this design into your room in New York." Momma Karlie says, earning a glare from Mom.

"That sounds like a great idea! I need to customize my room there since it's my new home, right?" I ask.

"Right." Mom says absentmindedly.

"I didn't know you were Jewish. Your bat mitzvah looks like a lot of fun!" Momma says thoughtfully.

"Yeah! I haven't gone to temple in a while, but I think when I get settled in New York I will." I say.

"Wait! Your Jewish? Do you celebrate Christmas? I thought I saw Christmas pictures? Do you keep kosher? What do I need to do? Is -" Mom rambles, nervously.

"Mom. Don't worry. See, my mom was born Christian so we celebrated both Jewish and Christian holidays, just not the religious part of the Christian ones obviously. My mom actually converted so I could have my bat mitzvah." I explain.

"You know what. When we get back I will take you to services and you can teach me about Judaism." Momma says.

"Really? Momma that's awesome!" I smile brightly. Momma smiles even brighter, realizing I'd never called her Momma before out loud.

"Wait are you going to convert?" Mom asks confused by the whole conversation.

"Yes I have been thinking about it, but you have nothing to worry about Swift. Religion isn't going to rip apart our family." Momma says massaging Mom's shoulders and giving her a final kiss.

"Ok ok. Let's keep it R for the readers!" I say causing groans from both blondes.

"You are NOT still writing that anonymous fanfic right?!" Mom asks.

"Hm?" I act oblivious.

"Jacquelyn Alison Holberg Swift you bett-" Momma starts. "Kloss-Swift. It's going to happen." I interrupt shrugging.

"Oh. My. Gosh. You are too much!!!" Mom says smiling and shaking her head.

"Whatever. You need to go to bed. We have a shoot tomorrow." Momma says sternly.

"But-" I try. "No buts!" Momma says making me giggle.

"Well I'm pretty sure there are three butts in here." I smirk.

"Ugh!! Jackie!!!" Mom finally comes into the conversation. "Stop sassing your Momma and listen! I know you are my child and have obviously been picking up on my sass master skills, but now is not the time."

"I'm sorry....," I say putting my head down, "I can't take you seriously when you say "sass master skills"!" I burst out laughing. Karls joins in at this point seeing no end to my jokes. Soon all three of us are in a fit of giggles, ending in a family hug.