Wildest Dreams - A Taylor Swift Adoption Fanfiction

Chapter 20: So Fuckin Proud

Author's note: Disclaimerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr This is for the story only I obvs don't think Joe would be like this in real life, this is all fictional. 

Don't question the logistics of how he came in either haha

And also, this is it, this is the part where the pre-written fanfic ends and I'm currently writing new chapteres. It'll take me longer to upload, sorryyy <3 

Trigger warning for domestic violence talk

I'm heading up to Tree's office to complain about another ridiculous outfit she's ordered when I see him. Joe. Stumbling through the hallway from the elevator to Taylor's apartment like he owns the place, eyes glazed and movements jerky. My whole body goes cold.

I should run upstairs. Or back in. Or yell. I should get Tree or security or anyone. Instead, I find myself stepping forward.

"She doesn't want to see you," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "And you're not allowed to be here."

"Well," he slurs, taking an unsteady step forward. "If it isn't the little orphan girl. So you're the one that ruined my relationship."

I press myself against the door, one hand already fumbling for my phone. My fingers shake too much to unlock it.

"She's not here," I manage, hating how small my voice sounds. "You need to leave."

He laughs, the sound sharp and wrong. "Pretty sure I don't take orders from street rats."

Another step closer. My heart pounds so hard I can barely hear. All I can think about is Taylor's bruised wrists, the way she flinches at loud noises.

"Stay back." I try to make my voice strong like Taylor's, or like Tree's. "I mean it."

"Or what?" Another step. "You'll call mommy Tay Tay? Tell her how mean I was?" His voice turns mocking. "She's not your mother, you know. Just playing house until she gets bored."

Something hot and fierce cuts through the fear. "Shut up."

"Truth hurts, doesn't it?" He's close enough now that I can smell the alcohol. "She'll throw you away just like everyone does..."

I move without thinking, decades of survival instincts kicking in. My knee connects with his crotch just as my elbow catches his nose. He stumbles back, cursing.

My phone finally unlocks and I hit Taylor's number with trembling fingers, but he recovers faster than I expected.

He lunges at me but I'm ready. Sister Katherine taught me well - never let them see you scared, never let them back you into corners. I dodge, putting space between us.

"Security's already coming," I tell him, hearing footsteps approaching. "Tree's probably called half the police force by now. But I wanted you to know something first."

"What?" he spits, still trying to look intimidating despite swaying slightly.

"You didn't break her." The words come out fierce and certain. "You tried. But she's stronger than you'll ever be. And now she has people who'll protect her. Real people. Not whatever the fuck you pretended to be."

"You little..." He moves to grab me but suddenly the voice behind me booms out.

"DON'T TOUCH HER." Taylor's voice rings out - when did she get here? She sounds terrified but furious. The elevator dings and in walks in security with Tree behind them, already on her phone probably ruining what's left of Joe's life.

"Get him out," Tree barks, and security starts moving him toward the door. "And call the police. Now."

"This isn't over," Joe tries to snarl, but he looks pathetic now, restrained by two huge security guards.