Call It What You Want - a Taylor Swift Story

Part 4

Taylor's POV: 
As I settled into my spot in the corner of the studio, I felt a familiar rush of excitement. The room was alive with energy—laughter, music, and the rhythmic sound of little feet hitting the floor. I scanned the group, taking in the dancers who moved with confidence and poise. But my attention was drawn to a small girl at the back, Lila. She was about seven years old, with big, expressive blue eyes and a wild mass of light curls. She looked shy, clutching her worn ballet bag as if it were a shield against her world.

As the rehearsal began, I watched Lila closely. When it was her turn to join the others, she hesitated at first. I could see the nerves in her tiny frame. But then she took a deep breath, stepped forward, and launched into the routine. Watching her, I felt a lump form in my throat. There was a spark in her dancing—a rawness and vulnerability that made it beautiful.

But as the music faded and applause filled the room, Lila stepped aside, her face flushed and eyes downcast. It broke my heart to see her retreat, as if she were trying to disappear.After the rehearsal ended, I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to talk to her. I made my way over to where she sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at her hands.

"Hey there," I said softly, kneeling down to her level. "You were amazing out there. I really loved how you danced."Lila looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "You... you really liked it?""Absolutely," I said, smiling at her. "You brought so much energy! What do you love most about dancing?"She hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on the floor. "I like pretending to be someone else... like a princess or a fairy. It feels... magical.""That's beautiful," I replied, sensing a flicker of hope in her voice. "But you know, it's important to feel safe while you're dancing, too, right?"Her smile faded a bit. "Sometimes... it's not safe."My heart sank at her words. "Do you want to talk about it?" Lila shook her head vigorously, a small tear escaping down her cheek. "No... I can't. It's... it's not good.""Okay," I said gently. "You don't have to share if you're not ready. But just know that you're not alone. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. You can tell me anything."She glanced up at me, her expression a mix of fear and hope. "You promise?""I promise," I said, my voice steady. "You're so brave, Lila". A small smile appeared on her face, and my heart lifted a little. "Thank you.""Let's make a deal," I suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "Next rehearsal, you can show me a dance move! I could use some lessons from a talented dancer like you!"Her eyes sparkled for a moment. "Okay! I'll teach you the twirl. It's my favorite!"As we laughed together, I felt a flicker of hope. This connection, however small, could change everything for Lila. I could see that she might be shy and fearful, but there was a light in her that just needed to be nurtured.As I prepared to leave the studio, I felt warmth in my heart.  I made a silent promise to be a beacon for Lila, to make sure she was seen. 

Lila's POV: 

After dance rehearsal, I walk home, and each step feels like I'm moving away from the joy I just felt. I love dancing—it's my escape. But then reality hits, and I think about what awaits me at home, and my heart sinks.As I open the door, that familiar tightness creeps in. The silence is heavy, and I can almost feel the tension in the air. I brace myself for my mom's mood. I never know what to expect—sometimes it's just a glance, other times it's her words cutting through me like a knife.I can't help but wish I could talk to Taylor about everything. It would feel so good to share what I'm going through, to let someone in. But I know I can't. If my mom ever found out, I'd be in so much trouble. That thought alone makes my stomach churn.Still, I try to hold on to the memories from rehearsal. I think about dancing with Taylor, watching the way we laughed with the other dancers carefree.  Those moments give me a flicker of hope, a reminder that not all relationships are like the one with my mom.I wish I could escape back to the studio, where I feel free and accepted. But here I am, trying to find the strength to face whatever's coming. It's hard.
"Where have you been?" mom snaps, not even looking up from the couch."I was at rehearsal," I say quietly, my heart racing."Rehearsal again? You think this is going to get you anywhere?" Her words cut through me, sharper than usual. I swallow hard, fighting the urge to argue. I just want to disappear into my room, away from the tension."I'm trying to get better," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "Better? You think you're special? You'll never make it," she says, her tone dripping with disdain. I feel my cheeks flush, and the familiar knot tightens in my stomach. I want to tell her about Taylor, about how she makes me feel valued and supported, but I know better. If my mom found out, it would only make things worse.Instead, I stare at the floor, imagining Taylor's encouraging words, the way we laughed. Those memories feel like a lifeline, pulling me away from the darkness."Get to your room," my mom commands, and I obey, retreating to the safety of my space. As I close the door, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Taylor's POV: 

It was getting late when I got home from rehearsal and Selena was coming over for dinner to chat about rehearsal, life and our less than ideal love lives.  I felt a knot in my stomach since my encounter with Lila earlier and like I just had to find out what was on her mind.

Just then, Selena walks in, instantly sensing my tension.

"Hey, everything okay?" she asked, plopping down on my bed."I don't know," I replied, running a hand through my hair. "I've been really worried about that girl from rehearsal. She seems so off at rehearsal today, so quiet and withdrawn... so not seven years old."

Selena raised an eyebrow. "What do you think is going on?"I sighed, trying to find the right words. "I think it's her home life. She's mentioned feeling anxious at home, but she brushed it off. I just hate not knowing how to help her." Selena nodded understanding my frustration. "Have you tried talking to her? Maybe she just needs someone to listen.""I want to," I said, frustration creeping in. "But what if I push her away? I don't want her to feel like she can't trust me."Selena put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. 

"You're a good friend, Tay. Just being there for her might make a difference. If she needs to talk, she'll come to you."I bit my lip and glanced at my phone again. "I hope so. I feel so helpless. I want to take her away from all that... she is special" 

"Maybe we could invite her over? Just a casual hangout, something to help her take her mind off things. We could invite all the dancers so that she doen't feel singled out" Selena suggested."That could work!" I said, my heart lifting a bit. "I'll text Tree"As I sent the message, a flicker of optimism sparked inside me. Maybe a little time away from home would help Lila feel safe enough to open up. Whatever was going on, I was determined to be there for her.