The Way We Once Were

two

Taylor's POV

I woke up, stretching as the morning light filtered through the curtains. Joe was already up, most likely off to work already. My parents were non-stop pestering me about getting a job, but I couldn't put my heart into it. I had worked as a bartender for some time, then moved onto becoming a waitress. I dreamed of becoming an English teacher one day, because teaching writing and reading was almost the same as writing songs.

I took a quick shower before changing into some clothes for the day, a pair of short denim shorts and a white blouse. I brushed my hair and tied it up in a loose bun. I applied some mascara and lipstick before heading downstairs, only to find a note waiting for me on the kitchen bench.

I made my way downstairs, to find a note waiting for me on the kitchen bench.

Morning Taylor!

I've already left for work, and I'll be home around 5pm. I'll bring home some dinner for us two.

Love, Joe

Why the fuck is he so formal? I huffed, turning to the fridge to find myself something to cure the hunger raging in my stomach. Suddenly, my phone lit up with a text from Selena.

Selena: you still up for tonight?

Taylor: oh shit i forgot let me tell joe

Taylor: but yeah i can go

I cursed, then called Joe. "Hey, I can't eat dinner with you today cause I'm going out with Selena." I could practically hear him rolling his eyes. "Taylor, you go out with your friends like every night." He groaned. "No, I don't Joe! Just... don't bring home dinner okay?" I pleaded with him. He huffed. "Fine. Have fun." Then he hung up.

I started making breakfast, cracking a few eggs and cooking some toast. I chopped up some avocados and tomatoes before sitting down on the couch, scrolling on my phone. A familiar face popped onto my screen, and I stopped scrolling, transfixed. It was Travis. He had posted a picture of him and another girl, his arm slung over her shoulder. He was smiling as she went up on her toes to his kiss his cheek. He was happy. I knew I should be happy for him but how could I in this relationship? I felt tears gather in my eyes, and I let them pour down my face as I curled into a ball, wishing I had someone to comfort me.

----

It was almost time to leave for this evening, so I washed my face, starting to reapply my makeup. I straightened my hair and swiped on some red lipstick, applying small upwards swipes of blush. I gazed into my closet, contemplating what to wear. I decided on a short black dress, throwing on a gold necklace and grabbed a small black purse. I kissed my cats goodbye and chose some knee high boots before walking out the door, starting up my car.

I parked in front of the restaurant that Selena had told me to go and walked inside. It was quite busy, with a bar in the middle and tables situated around it. "Umm a table for two?" I asked nervously. The waiter nodded, surveying the restaurant. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait, all the tables are take-" He was cut off by Selena, who had ducked in front of him, taking my arm. "It's okay, I've got her!" Selena called back over her shoulder to the confused waiter. I hugged her. "Hi! You should've told me you were already here!" I chided her, giggling. She rolled her eyes. "It's okay, I love seeing you confused." She laughed. I shoved her playfully and sat down in the booth she had reserved for us two.

"Can I please get a chicken and coleslaw burger please." I ordered confidently. The waitress nodded, writing my order down on her paper. "And you?" She asked Selena politely. "Umm can I get the roast veggies and chips please." Selena scanned the menu. "Do we get drinks at the bar?" Selena asked. "Only alcoholic drinks." The waitress confirmed. We both nodded and she walked away.

"Soooo...." Selena leaned forwards. "Any news? Any gossip? Any juicy stories?" Selena was always the one to get all the news out of me, whether exciting or boring, she was always here for it. I groaned. "Sel, my life isn't that interesting." I said dramatically. "That's what you always say." She shoved me, teasing. I laughed, shoving her back. The waitress returned with our food, placing it in front of us. "Thank you!" We chorused like little girls and we both cracked up. The waitress gave us confused looks and walked away, stealing little glances over her shoulder as she went. I giggled. She probably thought we were horribly drunk.

We finished our dinner, and I realised something. "Oh! We haven't gotten drinks yet. Do you want me to get you one?" I offered. Selena twirled her brown hair between her fingers. "Hmm, I'll just get a cosmopolitan." She decided. I nodded, grabbing my wallet before heading off to the bar in the centre of the restaurant.

The bartender peered at me. "Are you underage?" He asked me promptly. What the fuck? "No! I'm 21. Well, I turned 21 a few months ago. It's legal to drink by 21 right?" I said, affronted. He nodded, not taking his eyes off me. I wrinkled my nose. "Can you stop staring at me?" I snapped. He looked away quickly, busying himself with the cash register. "What can I get you tonight ma'am?" "Just a cosmopolitan and a french blonde please." I said, still annoyed about his staring. He put my order into the system and the price flashed up on a small screen. $54. I reached into my wallet to search for my cash and came up empty handed.

"Oh shit." I whispered to myself. Was I really stupid enough to leave all my money at home? I searched through my wallet again, but no luck. I straightened up, smiling awkwardly at the bartender, who was waiting for me expectantly. "Sorry I don't have enough." I mumbled, my cheeks flushing bright red. The bartender rolled his eyes. "Off you go then." He waved his hand.
"Put it on my tab." A male voice said from behind me. I spun around, surprised, and gasped when I saw who it was.

"Travis?"

i'm really sorry these chapters are so short but they'll get longer - love you all <3