Call It What You Want - a Taylor Swift Story

Part 13

Taylor's POV:

The park buzzed with laughter and music, the sun casting a warm glow over everything. I watched Lila dance with a group of kids, her joy radiating like sunshine. She had transformed during our short time together, and I felt so proud of her.

But as much as I wanted to savor this moment, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach. I knew that soon, she would have to return home, and I couldn't shake the worry of what that meant for her.

After our performance, I called Lila over to a quieter spot under a big oak tree. "Hey, superstar," I said, kneeling down to her level. "How are you feeling?"

"Awesome! I can't believe I actually danced on stage!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

"I'm so proud of you! You were amazing out there," I said, giving her a high five. But then I took a deep breath. "Can we talk about what happens next?"

Lila's smile faded slightly. "You mean I have to go home?" she asked, her voice quiet.

I nodded, my heart heavy. "Yeah, but remember, this doesn't mean we're saying goodbye forever. You're coming back tomorrow, right?"

"Right!" Lila replied, a flicker of excitement returning. "But... what if it's not safe at home?

I pulled her into a hug, feeling the weight of her worries.

Lila looked up at me, her eyes filled with hope. "You promise I will see you tomorrow?"

"I promise," I said, my heart swelling with affection. "We'll keep this going. I want to help you feel safe, both here and at home."

After a moment, she nodded, a smile breaking through. "Okay! I'll practice my dance moves tonight so I'm ready for tomorrow!"

As the sun began to set, casting golden rays across the park, I took Lila's hand and led her back to the festivities. I knew I had to have a conversation with Tree about creating a plan that would provide ongoing support for Lila, but for now, I wanted to focus on this moment.

When the event came to a close, I found Tree standing off to the side. "We need to talk about Lila's next steps," I said, urgency in my voice.

"Absolutely. What's on your mind?" she replied, her expression serious.

"I want to set up regular dance sessions for her. Something that will give her a safe space to keep expressing herself," I explained. "And we need to check in with her mom again. I think we can help both of them."

Tree nodded, thoughtful. "That sounds good. We can partner with the youth organization to create something sustainable. But we'll have to approach Lila's mom carefully, making sure she feels included in this."

"Right. It's about giving Lila the tools to thrive while also supporting her mom," I said, feeling a sense of determination. "I want her to know she's not alone."

As I returned to Lila, who was still buzzing with energy, I felt a sense of hope rising within me. I wouldn't let her slip back into a situation where she felt unsafe or unheard. I was in this for the long haul.

Later, as the evening wore on, I knelt down to Lila, who was hugging her favorite stuffed animal tightly. "Remember, we're not saying goodbye forever. You'll see me again tomorrow, and we'll keep dancing."

"Promise?" she asked, her eyes wide and earnest.

"I promise," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "You're a part of my life now, and I'll always be here for you."

Lila beamed, and we shared a hug that felt like it would last a lifetime. "I can't wait for tomorrow!"

As I drove home after dropping Lila off, I felt a mix of relief and anticipation. This was just the beginning of a journey that would require patience and effort. I was determined to help Lila find her way, and knowing I would see her again so soon filled me with hope.