In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter Six

Continuation—December 12, 2024

Taylor spent most of the morning lost in her thoughts, wondering if she'd ever find her way back to her own time, back home.

She was sprawled out on the bed, staring at the ceiling when she heard the door creak open. She didn't budge, keeping her gaze fixed above her.

Out of nowhere, she felt a weight on her, and there was Travis, plopping down on top of her with a silly grin plastered on his face.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" he asked, planting a kiss on her cheek and then on her lips. She froze at the contact.

Her mind raced with a million thoughts. She was kissing someone else. Tomorrow? What was happening tomorrow? Oh right—her birthday.

"Yeah," she finally managed to say, her mind slowly catching up. She started to worry about how she'd handle all the socializing.

"It's going to be a busy day," Travis said, trailing kisses along her jaw and down her neck. "I can't wait for you to see your surprise," he added.

She felt a rush of warmth, her cheeks flushing. It wasn't that she knew him well—she didn't. It was just the way he was making her feel. She couldn't think straight as he lifted his head to meet her gaze.

"Surprise," she echoed, breathless, and he flashed her a smile.

Taylor stayed still and quiet as Travis studied her, his brows knitting in concern. She could see the confusion etched on his face, as if he knew something was off. Maybe she was just overthinking it—or maybe she wasn't.

Her heart raced. "I love you," Travis said, gently holding her face, and she felt a lump in her throat. Love?

"I love you too," she replied, her voice shaky and uncertain. "Something's wrong," he said, his brow furrowing. It wasn't a question anymore—it was a statement. It was obvious now.

"It's not about the tour, is it?" he asked, trying to figure out what was going on in her head.

She didn't respond. How could she? How was she supposed to explain that she had woken up yesterday morning, four years into the future, living a life she didn't recognize?

Travis held her face in his hands, but he could feel his patience wearing thin. The silence between them felt heavy and suffocating. He leaned in closer, his voice low but filled with urgency. "Taylor, you're really scaring me. What's going on? You don't have to keep it all inside."

She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. How could she even begin to explain something that felt so beyond explanation? Even if she tried, she feared she'd sound insane. She looked at him, desperate to communicate something, anything, but all that escaped her was a shaky breath.

Noticing her struggle, Travis pulled back a bit, his eyes searching hers for answers. "If you can't talk about it right now, that's okay," he said softly, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. "Just please don't shut me out."

Taylor felt a pang in her heart. How was he so patient, so willing to give her space when she felt so far from herself? She wanted to spill everything right then and there, but the words just wouldn't come.

Instead, she nodded slowly, her lips trembling as she whispered, "I don't know." The weight of her unsaid truth pressed down on her, suffocating her in a way words never could.

Travis's expression softened, his concern not fading but taking on a gentler edge. Without saying another word, he shifted to lie beside her, pulling her close. His arms wrapped around her, warm and solid, and she melted into him, her breath steadying in his embrace. She let go of the tightness in her chest, allowing herself to simply exist in the moment. The world outside felt distant, her tangled thoughts fading as she focused on the unfamiliar comfort of his hold. For a fleeting moment, she felt like she could breathe again.

A/N: Hope you're not bored yet! I'd love to hear what you think so far!