right where you left me

three

⎯⎯ ୨ two weeks later ୧ ⎯⎯

IT TOOK NEARLY TWO WEEKS FOR THE LAST OF HER POSSESSIONS TO ARRIVE FROM ENGLAND. It took another five days before Aurelia gained the courage to sort through them. There were five boxes of varying sizes, and the first four were simple to unpack, each item fitting easily within her new room.

The last box, however, proved to be an entirely different story. It had, very simply, and very aptly, been labelled on the side with black marker as "Taylor." It had been the last lot of items she'd packed up, and the last lot of items to unpack on the other end. Taylor and her generosity had gifted Aurelia countless things through the years, but a few items were held extra close to her heart.

Aurelia got to her knees on the floor, finding a somewhat comfortable position, before cutting open the tape with scissors and opening up the box. She took a deep, steadying breath, and reached her hand inside.

The first thing her subtly shaky hand came into contact with was a photo frame. She lifted it out of the box, wiping away the light layer of dust that had settled over it. The frame was brightly coloured, and a little tacky if she was being honest. It had big, bold lettering spelling out "Best Mom Ever!" and the photograph was of her and Taylor on the opening night of the Reputation Tour.

Aurelia looked at the picture, the day still clear in her mind.

Ten-year-old Aurelia stood beside Joe, bouncing on her toes in excitement. She'd just watched Taylor open the Reputation Tour and it was the absolute coolest thing she'd ever seen. She'd witnessed a few rehearsals, but nothing compared to the real deal. And now, she was eagerly awaiting the moment Taylor would leave the stage and she could greet her.

Joe laughed upon seeing his daughter's excitement. Life in Aurelia's world had been dark for a long while after her mother's death, but he was finally, with the help of Taylor, seeing the light come back to her and to him, that was the best feeling.

Equally, for Taylor, he was thrilled, and he knew Aurelia was helping her as much as she was helping Aurelia, even if the little girl didn't understand it at the time. Taylor had been struggling after seemingly the entire internet had turned against her. It warmed his heart to know that all these people had come out to support her, and he knew that she really needed to feel that outpour of love from her fans.

"Calm down, love." He chuckled, putting his hand on her shoulder and give it a gentle, teasing squeeze as he watched her jump up and down excitedly. "She's coming, don't worry. Give her a minute to get off stage."

As if on cue, Taylor appeared in their line of vision. She was out of breath, curls sticking to her face from the sweat, but she was just so happy. She felt like she was on top of the world, a much welcomed change after feeling like the scum of the Earth for over a year.

Aurelia turned to Joe, silently asking for permission. As soon as he nodded, she wasted no time before she burst into a run, sprinting straight into Taylor's outstretched arms. "Taylor!" She squealed, giggling as Taylor lifted her up and spun her around. "You were so good! That's the best thing I've ever seen! I love you!"

Taylor laughed back, squeezing her tightly, her grip unwavering even as the younger girl had wiggled her arms around her like a koala. "I'm so glad you liked it!" She said, happy tears welling in her eyes as she held Aurelia close. "Everyone looked so happy watching it. I'm so happy." She said contentedly.

Joe, who had just reached them, cleared his throat, causing both girls to snap their heads up to look at him. "Um... excuse me!" He said dramatically. "What about me? What am I? Am I nothing?"