yours sincerely, daisy. - taylor swift

22

The next day dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the heaviness that had settled in Daisy's heart over the past few days. She got ready for her birthday celebration, putting on her favorite dress that flowed with each step and made her feel a little more like herself. As she applied her makeup, she caught her reflection in the mirror and offered herself a small smile of encouragement.

After a quick breakfast, she made her way to Dylan's house. It was a cozy place filled with warmth and laughter, the kind of environment that instantly made her feel at ease. When she arrived, the backyard was already buzzing with activity. Colorful balloons floated above, and a banner reading "Happy Birthday, Daisy!" adorned the patio.

Dylan was there to greet her, pulling her into a bear hug. "Happy birthday, Daze! You look amazing!" he exclaimed, stepping back to take her in. "We've got a whole day planned, so get ready for some fun."

As guests trickled in, Daisy felt her spirits lift. She mingled with her castmates, enjoying the laughter, music, and the festive atmosphere. They played games, shared stories, and feasted on an array of delicious food. For the first time in a while, she felt the weight of her troubles lift, if only for a moment.

The hours passed in a blur of joy and celebration, and Daisy found herself surrounded by friends, surrounded by laughter. It felt like a long overdue escape from the pain of her recent heartbreak. As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue over everything, she felt herself relaxing more deeply into the joy of the moment.

But just as she was settling into the happiness of her birthday, Dylan called for everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! I have a special announcement to make!"

Daisy's curiosity piqued, she turned to face the crowd, a smile on her lips. "What's going on?"

Dylan grinned mischievously. "I'm pretty sure you'll love this one. Let's give a warm welcome to our special guest—Taylor Swift!"

Daisy's heart dropped. She felt as though the air had been knocked out of her lungs. Taylor? Here? She glanced toward the entrance just as Taylor stepped into the backyard, looking radiant in a fitted outfit that showcased her style. There was an instant hush before the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

For a moment, Daisy couldn't move. She felt a whirlwind of emotions—surprise, excitement, and an undercurrent of anxiety. The last time they had spoken, things had felt so fragile, so unresolved.

Dylan, clearly excited, rushed over to Taylor and pulled her into a quick hug before introducing her to the crowd. Daisy's friends welcomed Taylor warmly, but Daisy stood frozen, her heart racing as Taylor's gaze scanned the crowd until it found her.

"Hey," Taylor said softly as she approached Daisy, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Hey," Daisy replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The moment felt electric, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and lingering tension.

"I wasn't sure if you'd want to see me," Taylor admitted, her tone cautious. "But Dylan invited me, and I thought... I should come. Happy birthday, by the way."

"Thanks," Daisy said, trying to keep her composure. "I didn't expect you to be here."

"I know," Taylor said, glancing away for a moment. "I almost didn't come. But I really wanted to see you."

Daisy's heart raced at Taylor's admission. Despite the hurt and confusion still lingering in her chest, a part of her wanted to step forward, to bridge the gap that had formed between them. But there were so many things left unsaid, so many questions that still needed answers.

Dylan, sensing the tension, clapped his hands together. "Alright! Let's get this party back in full swing! Daisy, you're the birthday girl! What do you want to do next?"