Wildest Dreams - A Taylor Swift Adoption Fanfiction

Chapter 12: Runaway

Author's note: This is my fave chapter ever, I was dying of laughter trying to come up with Tree's texts lol I made so many versions of this haha

My alarm clock goes off at 3AM. I quickly turn it off before anyone else hears. I get up to test my knee. It's surprisingly... not hurting. Those antibiotics really did wonders and I guess doctors know a thing or two. Who would've known?

I've packed light - just the basics Taylor bought me, the phone, the credit card, and a stupid fancy watch Tree gave me that replaces my stolen Rolex and connects to my phone.

Taylor's soft snores drift from her room as I pass. Something tight squeezes in my chest, but I push it down.I can't stay and get comfortable. Can't risk actually starting to believe in... whatever this is. Because I know that I'm starting to. And I'm never going to get hurt again.

The elevator seems too loud, so I take the stairs. My knee protests but holds. Made it down worse with worse injuries before.

I almost make it to the lobby when my phone buzzes. My heart stops until I see the message.

Tree: If you're really doing what i think you're doing, you're doing something dumb. At 3AM.

I freeze, waiting for the next message, for the alarms, for security to grab me. Instead I get this.

Tree: also SUV is at front and John will take you anywhere you want to go. I suggest Four Seasons. Booked you a room.

Tree: Did I mention it's 3AM? Because it is. And you should be sleeping. On a real bed. With your elevated knee.

My hands shake as I try to type.

Me: why do you even care

Tree: Because I'm unfortunately attached to your dramatic ass. And so is Taylor.

Tree: Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation.

I take a deep breath.

Me: tell her im sorry

Tree: Tell her yourself.

Tree: When you come back.

Me: not coming back

Tree: Sure.

Tree: The Four Seasons reservation is under 'tiny punk with authority issues'

Tree: Room 512

Tree: In case you get tired of being noble and ridiculous.

Me: i hate you

Sure enough, outside, John's waiting with the SUV. He doesn't say anything, just opens the door.

"Four Seasons?" he asks, no judgment in his voice.

I think about it - about luxury and room service and everything Tree thinks I deserve.

"No," I say quietly. "The Comfort Inn please."

He raises an eyebrow but says nothing. I get in the car and exhale when the door closes. Of course, my phone buzzes.

Tree: No you don't.

Tree: You're just scared.

I roll my eyes and don't reply. The car starts moving. I can feel John's eyes occasionally darting towards me in the rear view mirror. I don't say anything.

The Comfort Inn looks anything but comfortable on the outside. Perfect. I scan the street until I my victim - maybe thirty, clothes that scream 'I make bad decisions,' scrolling on her phone outside a corner shop. I know I could ask John - but that would be too easy.