When Worlds Collide

An Unexpected Ride

Tory's POV: (Student)

We split into groups and read through some of the poems. Ours mainly focused on the theme of hate, while the other groups had different topics. I found it fascinating how much tension could be packed into such a small text and how many feelings the poems evoked in me.

"Okay, I hope you've read the texts thoroughly and gathered some ideas. Since you know the song needs to be finished by the Grammys, you also know we have four months to work on it. That's definitely enough time to write a song," Miss Swift announced to the class. "I just wanted to let you know because we still need to record it and rehearse for our performance. I'd say we can start brainstorming ideas today and think about what we want to write a song about."

We stayed together in our groups and had ten minutes to gather some ideas.

The school bell rang, signaling the start of our break. It was rainy outside, so we were allowed to stay indoors. I sat down with my friends, and we chatted a bit about what we did over the weekend. At some point during the break, my gaze landed on Miss Swift and Mr. Kelce. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I'm a thousand percent sure there's something going on between them. After all, I run a fan page dedicated to the two of them!

I would think it's so sweet if they were together because Coach Kelce is one of the nicest teachers at our school, and he always looks at her in such a cute way, as if she's a mystery he wants to solve. They keep exchanging smiles, but for the most part, they're talking with Tree. When Travis stood up from his chair and placed his hand on Taylor's shoulder, I kicked Marie under the table to get her attention. It was just a small touch, but between them, it felt like so much more. We locked eyes and couldn't help but smile slightly, knowing we were both thinking the same thing.

The lesson continued, and we shared the ideas we had gathered for the song. Suggestions included overcoming challenges, growth and change, political themes and protests, injustice and social issues, the environment and nature, friendship and community, and much more. Some even suggested writing about our school, which I couldn't understand at all. Why should we write a song about our school when there are so many more important topics to address?

At the end of the lesson, we took a vote, and the overarching theme for our song would be pursuing goals and political issues. Our whole class agreed, and we happily went into the break. Today is Monday, which means Mr. Kelce is on duty during the break, and wouldn't you know it, Miss Swift is less than two meters away from him. Tree is standing next to her, and they're talking about something again.

About three weeks ago, we received a note informing our parents about the trip we're going on, which is actually happening in two weeks. We're going to a tennis event, and our class hasn't talked about anything else for the past few weeks, including today during the break. "I'm so excited for the trip," said some of our friends. "Do you think Miss Swift will come too?"

I nodded. "Of course! As long as Mr. Kelce is there, she won't be far away. Besides, what else would she do? She's leading the project exclusively in our class." I added, "But she might have to stay home for security reasons."

You know what I find impressive? How it's possible that she doesn't have ten bodyguards by her side every day. I mean, in the last few days she's been here, I've only seen two guys who could be bodyguards. Isn't it really dangerous for a megastar to walk around without security all the time?" I asked the group, and some started to think about it as the conversation continued.

The rest of the school day went by pretty relaxing, just like every day. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. school has been so much fun lately, and I enjoy sitting in class. I said goodbye to my friends and made my way home at the end of the day. My way isn't long. I'm really lucky because if I had to take the bus, I think I would hate it. I put my headphones in, and my music started playing loudly—"Maroon" by Taylor Swift.

You didn't know I'm the biggest Swiftie on this planet? Well, now you do! Maybe I hide it a little from my biggest idol, but I don't really keep it a secret. You should have seen me when I saw Taylor walk through the door. I almost freaked out and screamed! Maybe it's because I'm so interested in her life.

A black car stopped next to me, and for a moment, I thought I was no longer a student in a romance story but the main character in a horror movie. until the window rolled down, and a familiar woman with blonde hair leaned out. "Hey, Tory! Should we give you a ride? It's pouring, and I don't want you walking in this rain!" Taylor called to me. I hadn't even realized how wet I had gotten from the rain. I was too lost in my thoughts.

I opened the back left door of the car and climbed in, greeted by a warm and friendly smile. "Could you tell my driver your address so he knows where to take you?" I nodded and shared my address with him.

"Now tell me, what beautiful music have you been listening to?" Taylor asked me at some point. I felt myself blush slightly and shyly replied, "Yours." I think that caught her off guard, but her smile suddenly grew .

"Oh, how nice! What's your favorite song?"

"Um, I would say 'Dear Reader.' I love that song so much. it captivates me every time I hear it."

"That makes me so happy," she said. "I'm really glad I've managed to have such an impact with my music." I smiled at Miss Swift. I'm genuinely proud of her and everything she has achieved. You might not have known it until now, but I'm her biggest fan.

" I think we've arrived. Next time, just come to me. I don't want you walking outside alone in the wind and rain. We'll see each other tomorrow at school," she said, and I waved back at her, saying goodbye as I got out of the car.

Heyy, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! I'd really love to hear your feedback. Also, just a heads-up. I'm going on vacation today, and I probably won't have time to write, so please be patient for a few days. I'll be back soon. Love you all! ❤️