unfinished echoes - taylor swift

07

The pounding in Daisy's head was relentless as she stumbled out of bed, her body protesting every movement. She squeezed her temples, trying to piece together the hazy fragments of last night. Flashes of the VMAs, the bright lights, the drinks, and the overwhelming noise flooded her mind. But then, a specific memory froze her mid-step.

Her and Taylor.

In the bathroom.

Daisy groaned, running a hand through her tangled hair, her cheeks heating as the memory played out in vivid detail. What was I thinking? she chastised herself, pacing the room. She couldn't believe she'd let herself get swept up again, making the same mistake she swore she'd never repeat.

Before she could spiral further into her self-reprimanding thoughts, the sharp chime of the hotel room's doorbell broke through her haze. She froze, her irritation mounting. Who's knocking this early? she wondered, stomping toward the door, ready to send whoever it was away.

But the moment she swung it open, her breath caught in her throat.

Taylor.

The blonde stood there, dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, her sneakers scuffing against the carpet. A hat was pulled low over her face, but it didn't do much to hide the familiar blue eyes staring back at Daisy, filled with hesitant determination.

"Can I come in?" Taylor asked softly, her voice careful, almost pleading. Daisy's first instinct was to slam the door in her face, but something in Taylor's expression gave her pause. She sighed and reluctantly stepped aside, nodding silently.

Taylor offered her a small smile as she entered, kicking off her shoes and removing her hat. She paused to take off her coat, only to freeze at Daisy's question.

"What are you doing here?" Daisy asked, her tone sharp, but her voice wavering slightly. She crossed her arms, her guard already shooting up.

Taylor set her coat down on a nearby chair, turning to face Daisy fully. "I thought we could talk," she said, her voice tentative. "You know... about yesterday."

Daisy's lips parted in disbelief. Her arms tightened across her chest as she shook her head. "It was a mistake," she said firmly, cutting through Taylor's words before she could go any further.

Taylor blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "But-"

"No, Taylor," Daisy interrupted, her voice rising. "It was a mistake. We can't do this again. I can't do this again. It's exhausting." She took a step back, creating space between them, but Taylor instinctively moved closer, only for Daisy to retreat further.

Taylor's expression faltered, but she held her ground. "Daisy, I didn't mean for it to happen that way," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I swear, I don't mean anything bad. I just... I still love you."

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Daisy's defenses wavered for a moment, her eyes softening before hardening again.

"You said that last time," she said quietly, her voice tinged with hurt.

Taylor frowned, a flicker of desperation crossing her face. She stepped forward again, this time slower, her hands held out like she was approaching something fragile. "I've changed," she said, her voice steady despite the emotion breaking through. "I've been changing, Daisy. These past six years... everything I've done has been for you."

Daisy's head shook before Taylor could even finish. "You said that last time, too," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. She looked away, her jaw tightening as she tried to keep her emotions in check.