blurred lines in a forbidden fairytale

{21} is it cool that I said all that?

Aurora's POV:

"You wanna do something after school today? I really need some new clothes so I thought maybe we could go
shopping together?" Maya suggests, whispering, as the both of us are sat in a boring math class, not really paying attention to whatever the teacher is talking about.

Panic begins to creep up on me because I know I already have plans - plans I can't talk about with anyone.
"Uh...today is not a good time. My Mom insisted I help my sister study for her upcoming history test," I quickly find an excuse, hoping it is enough.

"Are you serious? Ugh...," Maya scoffs a little  dramatic. "I really wanted to go shoooopping."

"I'm sorry...maybe tomorrow?" I offer, giving her a sympathetic smile.

"Aurora! Maya! Mouths shut!" Mr. Miller's voice echoes from the front. "Especially you Aurora...you should pay attention if you wanna have a chance at passing maths this year!"
I roll my eyes, slumping back into my seat, deciding not to push it any further.

"Fine. Tomorrow it is," my best friends mouths, before she shifts in her seat and begins to actually follow the lesson.

-

The afternoon sun casts a warm golden hue over the city, though the temperatures are falling, as I wait at the spot Taylor and I agreed to meet at, my heart fluttering with anticipation.
I'm dressed in a soft, oversized sweater that hangs off one shoulder and a flannel jacket on top to keep me warm. My favorite black jeans hug my legs just right, and I've left my hair down in loose waves, hoping to look effortlessly cute for Taylor.

When I spot her, my breath catches in my throat. Taylor approaches me, her long hair dancing in the gentle breeze. She's wearing a black coat that accentuates her figure, a grey turtleneck below. She pairs it with a  pantyhose and elegant shorts, that show off her perfect legs, and the worn-out boots she wears are somehow charming.

As she comes to a stop in front of me, a smile spreads across her face, brightening her features. "Hey, babe," she says quietly as if she is afraid someone might hear it, her voice warm and inviting. The nickname sends butterflies spiraling in my stomach. "Ready for an adventure?"

"Always," I reply, returning her smile. I can't help but feel excited about where she might take me. There's something mysterious about Taylor, and I'm eager to uncover more of her world.

"Follow me," she says playfully, her eyes sparkling as she leads me away. The streets gradually give way to quieter areas, and soon we find ourselves in front of an old, abandoned factory. The bricks are chipped, and vines creep up the walls, giving it a haunting yet beautiful aesthetic.

"Are you sure it's safe?" I ask, glancing around at the dilapidated structure. It feels a little intimidating but also thrilling.

"Trust me," she grins, tugging me closer. "It's perfectly fine. I come here sometimes to think and write."

As we step inside, the musty smell of aged wood and rust fills the air. The sunlight filters through broken windows, casting beautiful patterns on the ground. It feels like we've entered our own secret world, away from everything else.

I glance at Taylor, who's rummaging through her bag. My heart races as I watch her pull out her guitar, the way she handles it so effortlessly. She positions it against her knee, her fingers gliding over the strings as she plucks a few notes.

"Sit here," she gestures to a spot on the floor, and I settle down cross-legged, my eyes never leaving her. She strums a gentle melody that fills the empty space around us.

"What are you going to play?" I ask, leaning closer, curious about what she's written.

"It's a new song I've been working on," she replies, her voice a mix of nervousness and excitement. "It's kind of... personal."