Lost - Taylor and Travis Adoption Story

Three

Bad Habit

Taylor's POV

The next day at rehearsals I kept a close eye on Riley. She seemed defeated and in some way in pain. She also looked pale so I presumed she probably still wasn't feeling too well. She was also talking quite a lot of bathroom breaks which I found a bit random.

During a long break I had started to notice the heat of the building so decided to step outside and cool down. I took a bottle of cold water and headed to a bench. Someone beat me to it and suddenly the smell of smoke reached me. It was strong but I couldn't just ignore it. I noticed a cloud of smoke from around the person on the bench so I headed over.

"Hey, you looked a bit upset." I said as I sat beside them. I turned to notice Riley blowing out some smoke from her mouth before putting the cigarette back between her lips and taking a drag. My eyes widened and I held out my hand.

"No you'll just put it out." She told me. I sighed.

"I want a go." I told her. She frowned a little bit and handed it over. I took it gratefully but knew I couldn't just put it out there and then, I needed her to think she was getting it back and then put it out as a shock. I quickly took a drag of the cigarette before feeling the horrible taste in my mouth. I began to cough violently and quickly threw it on the floor, putting it out with my foot.

"No more smoking. I mean it. Sweetheart you look drained and I know that this is a coping mechanism but if you just tell me what's going on there might be a chance that I can help you." I told her. I could have sworn I saw a fear in her eye but she shook her head and turned away. She pulled a vape out of her pocket which caused me to huff. There's no way that I can stop her from using those but at least it's not an actual cigarette.

I pulled her into a hug and gently rubbed her back and it's like she completely crumbled. I felt her entire body shake as she sobbed, crying into my shoulder. I felt helpless because there was no way that I could help her, the poor girl was too scared to open up at all or tell me anything so it was so difficult. "It's okay, I'm here you've got me. You're going to be okay." I whispered. She nodded and I felt her hug me tightly.

We headed back inside eventually and I sent her to wash off her face and get some lunch. I sat down beside Travis and sighed. He must have sensed I was stressed because he leaned in for a kiss which I very quickly returned. Soon enough he pulled away. "Taylor, you taste and smell like cigarettes. Have you been smoking?" He asked me.

I shook my head and explained the whole situation with Riley to him. He seemed to get protective and wanted to speak to him but I had to coax him out of it. I didn't want her to be overwhelmed and I am almost sure that she didn't want me to tell anyone about it, especially with how closed off she is, she definitely isn't the type of person to want everyone to know about her smoking and vaping at such a young age.

I kept a close eye on her through the rest of rehearsals and when we finally could go I headed to the bathroom before the drive home. I didn't really expect to hear coughing and gagging from the stall next to me but I was also concerned for whoever it was. I waited patiently once I was done and soon enough the stall door opened.

Riley came out looking almost green and she could barely keep herself up. She seemed scared and her eyes were pouring with tears. Being the softie that I am, I opened my arms and watched her throw herself into my arms. I gently walked her toward her things and picked them up for her before signaling for Travis to follow us out. He nodded and jogged over with my bag.

As soon as we got outside Riley started throwing up on some grass so I quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail and gently rubbed her back. She apologies between each gag but I have no idea why, it's not like she can help it. I reached out and placed the back of my hand against her forehead and she was burning up to a point where I was concerned for her.

"You're sick honey, stop apologising, you can't help it. Let it all out." When she was done Travis came over as well.

"Are you going to be okay going home? You said no one is at home tonight. Will you be okay alone?" He asked, he must have been chatting to her this morning when we first all came in. She shrugged and looked down at her feet, she slowly rocked back and forth on her heels.

Travis held out a bottle of water for her which she took gratefully and I found some medicine in my bag for her. "I'm scared to be alone. I get a bit more anxious when I'm sick." She mumbled, it's completely understandable, I would feel that way too if I was alone and sick.

"Okay, if your parents are okay with it I think you could stay at our place tonight. We have a spare room but you have to like cats because they're running around the house." Travis told her. I nudged him when he talked about the cats running around, they don't do any harm, they're just adorable little walking talking fluff balls.

She nodded and handed her phone to me so I called the contact that said "mom" then waited for an answer. Thankfully a woman picked up. I explained the situation and how I don't feel comfortable leaving her alone while so weak and sick and they agreed that she could stay with us for the night. She also told us how she isn't around for the rest of the week and how if Riley isn't better after a day I don't have to ask for permission to keep her for a few more nights.

It's great that her parents are so understanding and want her safe and looked after. It's also great that they trust me and Travis as Riley is technically under my care on tour. She is allowed a hotel room alone but it's my responsibility to make sure she gets food and water and other necessities.

My main hope was to get through to her while she's at mine and try to figure out what's making her so tense and uneasy.

A/N

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