the alchemy | Taylor Swift x OC

11

Bailee's chest tightened, her pulse racing as Joes voice echoed through the apartment. She let go of Taylor's hand, stepping back, the sting of betrayal coursing through her veins.

"Taylor... who is that?" she demanded, her voice sharper than intended.

She couldn't believe she didn't recognize him when he answered the door.

Taylor's face paled, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Bailee, please... it's complicated."

"Complicated?" Bailee's voice rose, her anger cracking like electricity through the air. "You're here with him, and you want to call this complicated? I flew across the country to find you, thinking we had a chance. Was I just... nothing?"

"Bailee, no! I just... needed a release," Taylor stammered, her voice flattering. "With the tour, the headlines, everything with us... I felt trapped. I didn't know how to cope."

"So you ran back to him?" Bailee's voice shook with disbelief, her fists clenched as she tried to steady herself. "You couldn't come to me, the person who's been fighting for you through everything? You'd rather run to someone who's supposed to be in your past?"

Taylor's eyes filled with regret, but she held her ground, her voice barely above a whisper. "Bailee, I... didn't think you'd understand."

Bailee's hearts pounded, furry bubbling to the surface. "You didn't think I'd understand? You're right—I don't understand how you could just leave in the middle of the night then show up with him! Did you even mean the kiss, Taylor? Or was I just some... distraction?"

Taylor flinched, the impact of Bailee's words clear. "It wasn't like that."

Bailee's voice softened, though the edge of hurt was still there. "Then tell me what it was like, Taylor. Help me understand why you ran back to him instead of coming to me."

Before Taylor could answer, Joe strolled into the living room, his face a mix of amusement and irritation. "Oh, so you're the famous Bailee." His gaze swept over her dismissive and mocking. "I'm not sure what you expected, kid. Me and Taylor have a history that goes back way before you."

Bailee's jaw clenched, her patience snapping. "Why don't you just leave, Joe? This has nothing to do with you anymore."

He laughed, a dark, dismissive sound. "Leave? Because you told me to? I think Taylor's the one who needs to decide what she wants." He turned to Taylor, his gaze steely. "Well? Who's it gonna be?"

Taylor looked from Joe to Bailee, her eyes brimming with confusion and guilt. "Joe, maybe you should go," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Joes face twisted, his anger rising. "Are you serious? You're actually choosing her over me?"

Bailee interjected, her voice low and forceful. "Yes, Joe. She is. Because this isn't about you anymore. It's about us."

Joe scoffed, shaking his head. "Unbelievable." He looked at Taylor, his eyes cold. "You'll regret this. Just remember, when she breaks your heart, I was the one who was there from the beginning."

Taylor's gaze hardened, her voice finally steady. "I don't want to see you again, Joe. It's over."

Joes masks of confidence shattered as he grabbed his things, muttering, "Screw both of you," before storming out and slamming the door behind him.

As the door shut, silence filled the room, thick and tense. Bailee turned to Taylor, her anger simmering but softened by the vulnerability she saw in Taylor's eyes.

"I want you to be with me, Taylor. No more running, no more hiding. I want you. Only you."

Taylor nodded, her voice breaking as she whispered, "Yes. I want that too. I want you."

Bailee pulled her into a fierce embrace, holding her as if she'd never let go again.

-

A/N: Hey guys! Here's a little short one, I missed them together so I put them back together 😋

I can't believe the eras tour is almost over. I went to the houston show and i miss it so much. Did any of yall get to attend? If so what nights? I was houston night 2😊

Anyways, I felt bad for going MIA for a bit so i'm trying to upload as much as possible.

Hope yall enjoyed!