THE LUCKY ONE | Taylor Swift Adoption

TWO

Taylor was halfway through Enchanted, and the girls were having the time of their lives, jumping up and down, singing along to every song.

Diana felt a light tap on her shoulder but dismissed it, assuming it was either Elle or Maya trying to annoy her. When the tapping persisted and grew more insistent, she turned around, expecting to see one of the kids. Instead, she was met with an unfamiliar face-a member of Taylor's team, their expression serious but polite.

"Hi, I'm with Taylor's team. Can the three of you come with us?" The woman said, her voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd.

Diana blinked in surprise, her thoughts racing. She glanced back at the kids, who were oblivious to what was happening. With a firm but gentle nod, she beckoned them to follow. She helped both of them out of their row of seats.

"Where are we going?" Elle whispered, gripping Maya's hand tightly as they followed the woman through the maze of people.

"I'm not sure, Diana replied softly and gave them a reassuring smile. She had no idea what was happening. The woman in front of them remained quiet, guiding them further until they were finally escorted to a VIP tent on the floor. It offered a perfect view of the stage, far closer than their original seats.

Maya's eyes widened as she took in the scene. "Are we really here?"

Elle was speechless. She gripped her rainbow sequin dress tightly in her hands, feeling both overwhelmed and thrilled. Diana, meanwhile, looked around for answers, but none came.

Suddenly, the woman returned and crouched down to Elle's level. "I'm gonna take you to stand right over there," she said gently, gesturing to the very edge of the stage where a few steps led up. "When Taylor's singing 22, she'll come over to you."

Elle blinked up at her, processing the words. "Me?"

The woman smiled and nodded. "Yes, you."

Elle's breath caught in her throat. She barely had time to grasp the reality of it before the opening notes of 22 rang out through the stadium. The lights shifted, and Taylor moved across the stage, her eyes scanning the crowd.

Diana placed a hand on Elle's shoulder, squeezing it for comfort. Maya grabbed Elle's arm, excitement radiating from her.

The woman from Taylor's team placed a hand on Elle's back and gently guided her to the edge of the stage. With hesitant steps, Elle walked towards the stage, her heart pounding. The lights felt blinding from this close, and she suddenly felt very small. Taylor was right there, just a few feet away, glowing with energy as she sang the chorus.

And then, almost as if in slow motion, Taylor turned towards Elle. Her eyes sparkled as she grinned, her gaze locking on the little girl. Elle stood frozen in place, her eyes as big as saucers as she looked up at Taylor, completely starstruck.

Taylor walked down the stage with graceful strides, moving towards the edge where Elle stood, her face a beacon of warmth amid the vibrant chaos of the concert. As she reached the end, she knelt to Elle's level, her eyes radiating kindness despite the booming music and frenetic energy of the stadium.

"Hey there, sweetheart," Taylor said softly, her voice gentle and reassuring amidst the roar of the crowd. She made sure her words cut through the noise, focusing intently on Elle. "You having a good time?"

Elle nodded frantically, her words stuck in her throat.

"Well, I think you look like the perfect person to wear this," Taylor continued, carefully placing the signature black hat she wore during 22 on Elle's head. "How's that? Looks good on you."