Call It What You Want - a Taylor Swift Story

Part 5

Taylor's POV:

I paced around my kitchen, excitement buzzing in my veins. I needed to do something to support Lila and help her feel more comfortable. It would be a great way to bring everyone together, especially Lila. "Hey, Tree!" I called out as I spoke into my phone. "What do you think about throwing a dinner party for the dance crew?"Tree was intrigued. 

"That sounds fun! What's the plan?" "I want to invite everyone, but I'm really hoping it'll give Lila a chance to relax and open up," I said, scrolling through my contacts. "I think being around all of us in a casual setting might help her feel less isolated."Tree agreed, clearly on board. "Great idea! We can make it cozy—maybe a potluck? Everyone can bring something. That way it won't all fall on you.""Exactly! I'll text the group and see what everyone can bring. And I'll make sure to whip up something special for Lila, I suggested, feeling a surge of determination."Perfect! And we should set up some fun activities to break the ice. Maybe games or a dance-off?" Tree added, her enthusiasm matching mine.I nodded, already picturing the laughter and joy filling my home. "Yeah! I want it to feel light and fun. Lila deserves that. Plus, I think it'll help her connect with everyone else, too."Once I sent out the invitations, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I just hoped Lila would feel comfortable enough to join. I knew she needed to know that she wasn't alone, and this dinner party could be the perfect start."Let's make this a night to remember," I said to Tree, my heart full of hope. "For Lila."

Tree was always on board with my crazy ideas but she also had a funny way of bringing me back to reality, she was just looking out for me like a second mother. 

"Tay, this dinner sounds awesome, but can I just remind you of something?" she said, her tone shifting slightly.

"Sure, what's up?" I asked, feeling a bit of nervous energy buzzing inside me."I know you want to help Lila, and that's great, but just be careful not to get too involved," Tree advised. "You can't fix everything for her, you know?"I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I get it. I just want her to feel supported. I hate seeing her struggle alone.""I know, and it's really sweet of you," she said. "But remember, Lila has her own journey. You can be there for her without taking on all her burdens. It's important to give her space, too. She has a family". "Yeah, you're right," I admitted, feeling a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I just want her to know she can lean on me if she needs to."I sensed Tree smile through the phone. "And she will, especially if you create a safe space for her. Just let her open up in her own time. You're a good friend, Tay. Just don't forget to take care of yourself, too.""Thanks, Tree," I said, feeling a little more grounded. "I'll keep that in mind. I want to be there for Lila without losing myself in it.""Exactly! Just focus on making the dinner fun and welcoming. That's what will help her the most," Tree encouraged.I felt a wave of gratitude for having a publicist like Tree and a friend like Selena. "Okay, I'll do my best. For Lila, and for me."

The dinner party was in full swing. The aroma of pasta filled the air as laughter echoed through the cozy living room. I watched as everyone mingled, the energy light and carefree. When Lila walked in, her eyes widened at the sight of the decorations and the lively atmosphere.

"Wow, this is amazing!" she exclaimed, a hint of surprise in her voice.I couldn't help but smile. "I'm so glad you came! We wanted to make it special."As the evening progressed, I noticed Lila laughing more easily, her tension gradually melting away. I caught her at the snack table, trying to juggle a plate of cookies and a soda can. Suddenly, she dropped the soda, and it fizzed over, making her giggle like a kid. "Oh no!" she laughed, trying to clean up the mess with a napkin, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment."Here, let me help!" I said, rushing over and grabbing some paper towels. "This just means we need to get you more cookies!"Lila grinned, the laughter sparkling in her eyes. "I think I could definitely go for that."As we cleaned up, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my heart. She looked so free, so alive. For the first time in ages, Lila seemed to be letting go of her worries, if only for a moment. Later, as we all settled on the floor for some games, I watched Lila join in, her laughter mixing with the others. It was a sound I hadn't heard from her before. She even jumped in during a silly dance-off, twirling with a carefree spirit that reminded me of childhood.I leaned over to Selena, who was sitting next to me. "Look at her! She's like a different person," I whispered, my heart swelling with happiness."I know! She looks so happy," Selena replied, her eyes sparkling with delight.As the night continued, Lila's laughter filled the room, and I felt grateful to be part of this moment. It was like watching a flower bloom,When the evening wound down and everyone began to leave, Lila turned to me, her smile genuine. "Thanks for tonight, Taylor.I smiled back, feeling a sense of fulfillment. "Anytime, Lila. You're always welcome here."
I noticed Lila looking at her phone, her expression shifting slightly. "I think my mommy is here," she said, her voice tinged with unease.
I glanced toward the door, and sure enough, I saw her mom standing outside, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. My heart sank a little; I could already tell this wasn't going to be a warm goodbye.Lila took a deep breath, her earlier joy fading as she walked toward the door. "Thanks for everything, Taylor," she said softly, giving me a quick hug. "I had a really great time."I could already see the tension creeping back into her shoulders.

"Get in the car," her mom said coldly, her tone leaving no room for warmth or affection. Lila hesitated, glancing back at me as if searching for reassurance.

Bye Taylor, bye everyone!" Lila called over her shoulder, forcing a smile, but I could see the worry in her eyes."Don't take too long," her mom snapped, clearly irritated by the delay. Lila climbed into the back seat, and I caught a glimpse of her mother's icy glare through the window as she drove off.I watched them disappear down the street, my heart heavy.

 Lila had finally begun to let her guard down, and now she was heading back to an environment that felt so unwelcoming. It was a stark reminder of the struggles she faced, and I couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness.

"Hey, she'll be okay," Selena said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You did your best to give her a safe space tonight.""I know, but it just doesn't seem fair," I replied, my heart aching for Lila. "I wish she didn't have to go back to that." Selena nodded, understanding my frustration. "Just keep being there for her. She needs you, clearly."

Lila's POV:

As I stepped into the house, I felt a knowing chill wash over me. The warmth and laughter from the party faded away, leaving me with a tight knot in my stomach. I hesitated for a moment at the door before finally walking inside.My mom was waiting for me in the living room, arms crossed and an unmistakable tension radiating from her. "You think you can just waltz in here after ignoring my texts? Do you have any idea what time it is?" she snapped, her voice sharp."I—I was just having fun, Mom," I stammered, trying to explain. "You knew I was at a dinner party."Her expression darkened, and I felt my heart race. "Fun? Fun doesn't mean you can disrespect me like this!" she shouted, her voice rising in anger."I didn't mean to—" I started, but before I could finish, she stepped forward. In an instant, her hand swung out, and I barely had time to react before the sting of her slap connected with my cheek knocking me over into the table and hurting my ribs.

"Maybe that will teach you to listen!" she yelled.I stood  up slowly, frozen, disbelief and hurt washing over me. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I fought them back. I couldn't let her see me cry. I looked down at the floor, trying to steady my breathing, my heart pounding in my chest."Go to your room," she commanded, her tone cold and detached.I nodded, feeling the fight drain out of me. I turned and walked away, the warmth and joy of the night crushed under the weight of her anger. Climbing the stairs, the tears I had held back finally spilled over. I felt so small and lost, wishing I could go back to the laughter at Taylor's house, back to feeling safe.In my room, I curled up on my bed, wrapping my arms around myself. I wanted to scream, to let out all the hurt and confusion, but instead, I just lay there, feeling more alone than ever. 

As I sat on my bed, curled up in a ball, my cheek throbbed where my mom had hit me. I had never experienced anything like this before. Sure, there were horrible words and cold glares, but I always thought physical pain was something my mom would never get too. I wiped away my tears, a chilling thought settled in my mind: this would only get worse from here. The slap felt like a line crossed, and deep down, I knew it wasn't just a one-time thing. The anger in her voice had been different tonight, sharper, more dangerous. I could still hear her words echoing in my head. "Maybe that will teach you to listen!" What did she think I was, some disobedient child? I felt the familiar weight of fear settling on my chest. What if this became the norm?I thought about Taylor and the laughter from the party. I had felt so free there, so alive. But now, back in my room, that light felt so far away. Would I ever feel that way again? Or would I be trapped in this cycle of fear and pain?I wrapped my arms around my knees, wishing I could disappear. I wanted to reach out to Taylor, to tell her everything, but I knew I couldn't. If my mom found out, I couldn't even imagine what would happen next.

I clutched my stuffed unicorn tightly and tried to ignore the pain as I tucked myself into bed and tried to fall asleep, eager to get too dance practise again tomorrow. 

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- S :)