When Worlds Collide

Every Word, Every Note

The weekend went by as usual. I flew to New York to work on my new album with Jack. We'd been deep in creative flow when he suddenly looked up at me, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You've been on your phone all day. Who are you texting?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Travis," I replied, trying to keep it casual, but my heart skipped a beat just saying his name.

Jack's mouth fell open, and I watched as the realization dawned on his face. "So... the rumors, the speculation... they're true?"

I couldn't help the wide grin that spread across my face. "Yeah, they are."

Jack gave me a mock-offended look, crossing his arms. "And why am I just hearing about this now? You usually tell me everything."

I laughed, a little sheepishly. "Sorry, Jack. The only person who knew was Selena. I kind of blocked everyone else out. I was so worried he'd get in trouble because of me... you know, being a teacher and all."

Jack's eyes went wide, and he practically shouted, "Wait. You're dating a teacher from the school?!"

I couldn't help but giggle. "Yep," I replied, feeling a shy blush creeping up my cheeks.

Jack extended his hand with a huge grin, and I high-fived him, laughing. "Taylor Swift capturing the hearts of everyone she meets... even a high school teacher!" he said, shaking his head in mock disbelief.

I laughed along with him, but suddenly, a melody drifted into my mind, unexpected and unfamiliar. It was haunting, with a soft, yearning quality that I couldn't ignore. Instinctively, I began humming, letting the notes guide me. Jack stared at me, intrigued, but I barely noticed as words began to form in my mind. Lyrics took shape, spilling over each other as I grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen.

Jack watched, fascinated, as I wrote.

I feel so high school every time I look at you
I wanna find you in a crowd just to hide from you

..........

I might have only had a fragment of a full song, but we had something new to work with. It felt like a spark reigniting. Jack watched me with a teasing grin. "Taylor, promise me I'll get to meet him someday," he said, crossing his arms in mock seriousness. "I mean, I have to meet the man who's inspired you to start writing love songs again!"

I felt myself blush, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips. I nodded, laughing a little. "I promise, Jack. You'll meet him soon enough." But for the rest of the day, I couldn't think of anything.or anyone.other than Travis.

Sunday evening rolled around, and after a quick flight home, I walked in to find Selena waiting for me, practically vibrating with excitement. She was dressed in a sleek red dress that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with her favorite heels and her signature perfume. She looked radiant, positively glowing.

"Wow, who's the lucky one tonight?" I asked, raising my eyebrows with a smile.

Her face lit up with a grin, and she did a little twirl. "Benny. I met him the other day. More details next time. I've got to keep you a little curious," she winked, teasing.

"Oh, really?" I laughed, pretending to be offended. "Not even a tiny bit of insider information for your best friend? I'll remember that!"

She giggled, leaning in to give me a quick hug. "You'll hear all about it, I promise. Wish me luck!" she said, already halfway to the door. I wished her well as she slipped out, watching her leave with that unmistakable glow of excitement.