Do You Remember?

Part 2

hey guys! if you're enjoying this story, I'd love more than anything a comment or even just a vote on the chapter. my brain tends to move from one thing to the next rather quickly, but I've found that if I know people are enjoying my work, I tend to focus on it more and want to continue working on it. tysm for reading, I appreciate it so much!!!

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The black Suburban that fetched Taylor from the airport is moving far too slowly for Taylor's liking. She glances out the window, the city blurring past her, but it feels like the car is crawling. Every red light, every turn, every pause in traffic feels like an eternity. Her anxiety is palpable, her fingers tapping restlessly against her knee.

"Can we go any faster?" Taylor's voice is tense as she leans forward, her eyes fixed on the driver.

"We're going as fast as we can, Ms. Swift," the driver replies calmly, though he steps on the gas a bit more in response to her urgency.

Taylor slumps back in her seat, biting her lip to keep from crying. The minutes stretch on, each one feeling like a cruel taunt, reminding her of how far away Karlie still is. She checks her phone, willing time to move faster, urging for some kind of miracle that will get her to Karlie sooner.

As the hospital finally comes into view, her heart races. "Ms. Swift," the driver begins, "There are paparazzi at the front door. Would you like to use a back entrance?"

How the photographers were tipped off about Taylor's arrival is unclear, but the soon-to-come articles are the least of her concerns at the moment.

"No," Taylor responds instantly, her voice firm. "I don't have time to hide."

The urgency in her tone leaves no room for argument. As the car comes to a stop at the entrance, Taylor catches sight of the photographers already gathered, their cameras poised and ready. She takes a deep breath, bracing herself for the onslaught, but none of it matters right now. All she cares about is getting to Karlie.

The moment the door opens, the flash of cameras and the barrage of shouted questions hit her like a wave. She ignores them all, her focus entirely on the hospital doors ahead. She walks quickly, almost running, her head down, sunglasses hiding the tears threatening to spill over.

As she pushes through the doors and into the cool, sterile air of the hospital, the noise from outside fades away. Her chest tightens as she approaches the reception desk, the reality of where she is and why crashing down on her.

"Can you please tell me what room Karlie Kloss is in?" she says quickly, her voice trembling.

Without looking up from her computer screen, the receptionist sighs and simply states "ID."

Taylor's heart drops at the receptionist's detached tone, her anxiety spiking. She fumbles in her bag, pulling out her passport with shaking hands. "Here," she says, her voice strained.

The receptionist takes the ID, and once reading the name on the identification, looks up at Taylor for the first time. Her eyes are wide with recognition and shock as the biggest pop star in the world is standing in front of her.

"Oh!" she exclaims, "Oh, I'm so sorry, Taylor. I – I didn't realize that was you. I'm such a huge fan. Is there any way we can take a picture?"

Taylor's eyes widen at the receptionist's unexpected request, her heart sinking further as she tries to hold back her tears. "I – I really don't have time right now," she says, her voice barely steady. "I need to see Karlie Kloss. Can you please tell me where to go?"

The receptionist's face falls as she quickly realizes the gravity of the situation. "Of course, of course. I'm so sorry. I'll get you the information right away."