tayvis ~ invisible string

nervous?

taylors pov:
As we drove toward Jason and Kylie's house, I couldn't shake the swarm of nerves buzzing inside me. My leg wouldn't stop bouncing,nerves bubbling in my chest as we drove and the closer we got, the more I felt a lump forming in my throat. It wasn't just jitters; it was genuine, uncomfortable anxiety. Meeting the family of someone I cared about so deeply was intimidating enough, but with the world constantly dissecting every decision I made... I was terrified they'd only see what the headlines made me out to be. Headlines twisted every choice I made, my relationships, even my friendships. And I couldn't help but worry that Travis's family, this warm, tight-knit group, might believe the worst of me. And what if they thought I wasn't good enough for their son, their brother? That fear weighed on me. The ride to Jason and Kylie's house felt longer than it actually was.

"Babe, they're going to love you," he reassured softly. "I promise. Just be yourself."

Travis noticed my knee bouncing, his eyes softening as he watched me reach into my bag for an anxiety pill. I tried to hide it, but he caught my hand, his voice quiet and gentle. "Is it that bad, Tay?" he murmured, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was stressing you out this much princess, do you want me to call them and say we cant make it?"

"no don't that that trav, I'll be fine." I gave him a small, reassuring smile, slipping the tablet into my mouth and swallowing it. "I just... I want to make a good impression," I admitted, unable to hide my nerves. "I've never wanted to fit in somewhere so badly." I whispered, fidgeting with the edge of my dress.

His hand slipped from mine, resting on my thigh, where he gave a gentle squeeze. "They're gonna love you, babe. Just trust me, okay? Be yourself-that's all you need to do."

I nodded, taking a deep breath, the warmth of his hand grounding me. The silence in the car felt heavy but comforting as we drove through the last few blocks. With every mile, my heart pounded a little faster, and by the time we pulled into Jason and Kylie's driveway, I could feel the tablet finally starting to kick in, easing some of my anxiety but not all of it.

Travis squeezed my hand one last time before leading me up the front walk. I started holding Travis's hand a little tighter. But before I could even knock, the door opened, and Donna was there with open arms and a radiant smile. "Oh, Taylor! It's so wonderful to finally meet you sweetheart!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug that immediately soothed some of my fears.

"Thank you so much for having me," I replied, a genuine warmth blooming in my chest as I hugged her back.

Ed, Travis's dad, stepped forward next, extending a hand with a smile that reached his eyes. "Welcome, Taylor. It's great to meet you."

"What am I, chopped liver?" Travis joked making everyone laugh. He always knew how to brighten up any situation.

Kylie greeted me with a hug and a warm smile, and I noticed two little faces peeking out from behind her, both watching me with shy but curious eyes. I knelt down and waved at them, and soon Wyatt and Ellie were giggling, each shyly running off to give their uncle travvy a hug. It was a relief to see the family I'd heard so much about and feel the warmth they radiated.

As we all gathered around the dinner table, I couldn't help but let my eyes drift to the room, feeling the energy and closeness of this family. Wyatt and Ellie were giggling, passing things across the table, and little Bennett was already tucked in her high chair, happily babbling as Jason made some goofy faces at her. Travis was right; they were as open and welcoming as I could have hoped.

"So, Taylor," Jason started with a grin, leaning over the table. "I guess you're now dealing with 'All Too Well' about my little brother, huh?"

I couldn't help but laugh, and everyone else joined in. "Yeah, well, let's just hope I don't end up writing any breakup songs about him," I joked back, which seemed to please him.