Nova [Tayvis Fanfiction]

ESCAPE VELOCITY

16 Weeks Post Accident
Taylor Swift's Point of View
I can't contain my excitement as I sit by Travis's side, gripping his hand with a little laugh. "Huge news to share, babe! The baby kicked!" I say, practically squealing. There's no response, of course. He hasn't improved, but he hasn't worsened either—still the same, silent, steady presence.

But that doesn't stop me. I dive right in, feeling like he's listening somehow. "So, I was eating dill potato chips while watching TV...weird craving, I know, but we'll come back to that. I was watching this movie called Our Idiot Brother—you know, the one with Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, and that guy who just never seems to age...Paul Rudd!" I grin at the thought of Travis chuckling along. "We'll have to watch it sometime. It's really funny."

I pause, letting out a little laugh at myself. "I'm totally going off-topic, sorry. Anyway, I was watching the movie, and there's this scene where one of the characters finds out she's pregnant. Big plot twist, right? And then—get this—the baby kicks! I think it felt my reaction or something, like the baby wanted to be part of the excitement."

I lean forward, my hands resting on my stomach as I continue, my excitement bubbling over. "Right when the baby heard the plot twist, I felt this little flutter, like... like a tiny heartbeat from the inside, or a gentle butterfly, just enough to let me know they're in there. It was so surreal, babe! I mean, I've read about it a hundred times, and they say it feels like butterflies, but it's completely different when it happens. It felt like they were talking to me, you know?"

I glance at Travis, hoping for any sign that he's heard me. Nothing, but I still keep talking, letting my words fill the room. "So, I immediately paused the movie and sat there in shock, hand on my belly. I just couldn't believe it. You would have loved it, Travis... You always say how amazing it would be to feel that first little kick. It's like they're already a part of us, part of everything."

I chuckle, feeling warmth spread through my chest. "I swear, they'll have your sense of humor. I think they were was timing it, just waiting for the right moment to let me know they're there."

I sigh, shifting my hand on top of his, hoping somehow he can feel the warmth there. "I think you'd be really proud of Kylie," I say softly. "She's the only one who's actually looked past everything and tried to see who I am. She doesn't judge me for being...well, for being here, for caring about you. She gets it. Without her, I don't know how I'd make it through...any of this."

I shake my head, a small laugh escaping as I imagine the evening ahead. I'm going to dinner with her and Jason. "She even convinced me to do maternity shopping with her! Apparently, I've reached that point. I think the baby bump has officially outgrown my wardrobe. It's so surreal, Trav. My body's changing faster than I imagined it would."

I pause, looking down at his hand in mine, then back at his peaceful face. "Tonight's going to be a lot. Your parents... Jason... I know they're protective of you, but Kylie thinks we can all learn to understand each other. She thinks it'll help if they really see who I am. And you know what? I'm willing to try, for you, for us."

I squeeze his hand gently, leaning in a little closer. "So...wish me luck, babe. I'm going to need it. And if you can, send me a sign that you're with me tonight, okay? Maybe help me crave something besides dill pickle potato chips and moose track ice cream?"

•                •                  •

Thank goodness it's fall. The chill in the air makes it the perfect time to throw on a cozy sweater, and I've learned that nothing conceals a growing bump better than a loose, oversized piece. It's become my go-to tactic lately, as my pregnancy still isn't public knowledge. I'm doing everything I can to hide it for as long as possible.