I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) - A Tayvis Story

God Smiles On My Little Brother

The next day, Taylor sat in the backyard of her parents' house, curled up on the swinging chair, a book in her lap. Though her eyes scanned the pages, her mind was elsewhere, lost in thoughts rather than the words. The warm breeze ruffled the leaves, and for a moment, the world felt still.

Suddenly, Austin crept up behind her, mischief gleaming in his eyes. He stood there for a second, relishing the moment before he pounced.

"Teffy!!" he yelled, jumping out in front of her like a child on a sugar rush.

Taylor shrieked, startled out of her daze, the book flying from her hands. "What the f—Austin!" She slapped his shoulder twice, her heart racing from the scare.

Austin grinned, rubbing his shoulder dramatically. "Ow! Chill, sis! I was just having a little fun."

Taylor wasn't having it. She stood up, swatting him again with the book. "Don't 'chill' me, you idiot! Do you want me to have a heart attack?"

Austin, still laughing, danced just out of her reach, mocking her in a singsong voice. "Alright, alright. Sorry, Dr. Swift. I forgot you're too sophisticated for fun now."

Taylor narrowed her eyes, her voice loud enough to echo across the yard. "Mom! Come get your son before I send him to my hospital in a cast!"

Andrea, hearing the commotion from inside, sighed and stepped out onto the porch. "What now, Austin?" she asked, arms crossed, but a knowing smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She'd seen this scene play out many times before.

Before Austin could respond, Taylor grinned and quipped, "Told you I found you in a garbage can."

Austin dramatically clutched his chest, pretending to stagger. "Is that why she's your favorite, Mom?"

Andrea rolled her eyes, turning to Taylor with a mock stern voice. "Taylor Alison Swift, you're too old for this. You're both grown adults now. Can you please act like it for once?"

Taylor gasped theatrically, her arm thrown around Austin's shoulder in exaggerated solidarity. "Did you hear that, Austin? We're not kids anymore. We're 'grown-ups.'"

Austin and Taylor exchanged solemn looks, then sighed simultaneously, as if the weight of their supposed 'adulthood' was too much to bear.

Andrea shook her head, laughing under her breath as she headed back into the house. "Scott! Come deal with your two children before they drive me to an early grave," she called out, disappearing into the kitchen. She mumbled, barely audible, "They'll be the end of me."

Taylor and Austin shared a chuckle before turning to each other, their usual sibling antics settling into something softer.

Taylor wrapped him in a quick hug, resting her chin on his shoulder for a brief moment. "Hey, baby bro. What brings you here?"

Austin shrugged, but there was warmth in his voice. "Mom said you were coming, and it's been a while, so I thought I'd swing by. Figured I should see my sister before she forgets I exist."

Taylor winced a little, guilt slipping into her features. "Yeah, I know... I've been busy. Work's been... a lot." She gave him a sincere smile. "But I'll make more time. Promise."

Austin smiled, nudging her playfully. "Good. I'm holding you to that."

With that, he slung an arm around her shoulder, and they started strolling through the backyard, the late morning sun casting long shadows on the grass.

"So," he asked, glancing sideways at her, "how's everything going?"

Taylor's gaze lingered on the garden, her expression softening. "The hospital's doing really well. Busy as always, but... good."

Austin's brow furrowed slightly as he shifted his weight. "And what about you?" he asked more pointedly, his voice dropping in tone. "How are you doing?"

Taylor hesitated, a subtle tension filling the space between them. She could always count on Austin to see past her usual walls. "Did Mom say something to you?" she asked, trying to deflect, though she knew it wouldn't work.

Austin looked genuinely puzzled. "No, why? Should she have?"

Taylor sighed, glancing down at her feet. "No... I'm fine. Just... you know. Work."

Austin eyed her for a moment, not pressing any further. He knew when to give her space. "Alright, if you say so. But you know you don't have to be 'fine' all the time, right?" He offered her a small smile, the corners of his mouth lifting. "It's okay to admit when you're not."

Taylor felt a warmth in her chest, grateful for his understanding. She quickly changed the subject. "So, what about you? How's work treating you?"

Austin grinned. "Good. Really good, actually. I'm finally starting to feel settled in." He paused, then gave her a mischievous nudge. "And... there might be a little more than just work going on."

Taylor's eyes lit up, a knowing smirk spreading across her face. "Oooh, do tell. Who's the lucky girl?"

Austin's cheeks flushed a little, making Taylor laugh. "Her name's Sydney," he muttered. "We met at a bar a few months ago."

Taylor gasped dramatically. "Three months? And I'm only hearing about this now? When do I get to meet her?"

Austin held up his hands defensively. "Slow down, Teffy. You'll meet her soon, I promise."

Taylor beamed, clearly pleased. "I'm holding you to that, little brother."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Austin turned the question back on her. "And you? Any special someone in your life?"

Taylor immediately shook her head, a laugh escaping her. "Nope. No one."

But Austin caught the slight stretch of her voice, the way she held that 'nope' just a little too long. He raised an eyebrow but chose not to press. He knew her well enough to know when there was more to the story, but he also knew better than to push her.

Taylor was grateful for his silence, but also aware he'd probably bring it up again later. He always did.

A little while later, Austin excused himself to go inside, leaving Taylor to continue her walk around the garden alone. She inhaled deeply, feeling the fresh air fill her lungs. There was something calming about being back home—something she hadn't realized she'd missed until now.

Not long after, her dad, Scott, came out onto the porch, waving to get her attention. "Your mom's calling for lunch. She says it's ready."

Taylor gave him a small wave. "I'll be there in a minute, Dad."

She stayed for a moment longer, closing her eyes and tilting her head up to feel the warmth of the sun on her face. It was peaceful here—like a small oasis from everything she'd been carrying.

With one last glance at the sky, she sighed softly and made her way back inside, ready to join her family for lunch.

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