You drew stars around my scars

Mum...

Taylor had been working hard to create a plan to launch her next single. Her entire team had planned a scavenger hunt across the city for fans and then they would get the opportunity to meet her. It had taken months and months of planning to ensure it went smoothly and everyone was safe. Taylor was super excited for it, reminding herself that this was the first time in years she had had the opportunity to do something like this.

Jessica was happy to see how excited she was, it wasn't often she got to see this side of Taylor – she was often serious but with this, she was like a child on Christmas Eve.

Tree was co-ordinating it all and was slightly stressed but was overwhelmingly positive.

A few days before the event, her security team met with the local police force to put a plan in place. There was bad news though as the police informed them they had been alerted to some information regarding potential attacks. Security had a long meeting with the police then returned to have a meeting with Tree, Taylor and her management team.

All of them were very stressed – unsure what to do. Taylor wanted to go ahead with it if there was a way to keep everyone safe, she didn't want to upset the fans. Tree was more unsure – feeling that if there was any risk then it would be better to postpone, she didn't want to risk it for the fans or for Taylor.

Eventually, Security had the final say and they decided that as the risk was real – they would have to cancel the event in order to keep everyone safe.

After the meeting, everyone left until there was only Tree, Taylor and Jessica in the house.

Taylor was understandably upset, feeling like she had let everyone down.

Jessica cuddled up to her on the sofa, trying to offer her some comfort "Mum, I know you're upset but you're safe and all your fans are safe. That's what matters..."

Tree smiled at the interaction, looking directly at Taylor, mouthing 'mum...'

Taylor looked down at the teen, smiling softly "yeah you're right baby..."

A little while later as Tree and Taylor headed to the kitchen, Tree turned around to face Taylor "so...Mum?"

Taylor smiled, nodding "I know..."

Tree grinned "has she said that before?"

Taylor shrugged, trying to play it off as no big deal "we have kind of touched on it. It's slipped out once or twice..."

Tree shook her playfully "I'm freaking out! How are you NOT freaking out?!"

Taylor laughed gently "It just makes me feel gooey but calm. I'm happy Tree, REALLY happy"

Tree smiled at her, hugging her gently "This looks so good on you Tay"

Over the following weeks, Jessica began to call Taylor Mum a few more times. It wasn't constant. It was almost as though the teen was trying it out.

Friday night, Tree was there for dinner like usual.

As they were about to sit down at the table, Taylor handed Jessica a glass of juice. The teen hesitated "Mum, can I have water instead?"

Taylor hesitated then smiled at her "of course!", she quickly swapped the drink for the teen.

Tree narrowed her eyes at the teen, wondering whether she said Mum in order to try and manipulate Taylor into giving her what she wants.

The teen ate the rest of her dinner without any complaints though so Tree ignored it, deciding it was clearly a genuine slip.

On Saturday, Tree was round helping Taylor to set up an internet puzzle instead of the in person event so the fans didn't totally miss out. They had been working hard for hours and when lunchtime rolled around, Taylor quickly prepped food for Jessica. When the teen came downstairs, Taylor glanced up at her "can you eat your lunch in here today baby?"

Jessica nodded, a soft smile on her face "yeah, sure!"

As Taylor and Tree continued to work, they glanced up occasionally to keep an eye on the teen, watching her progress. Jessica managed to eat most of it, but decided to try and push her luck, to see what she could get away with. When she had a few bites left, she held up her plate gently "erm, mum – can I leave this..."

Taylor looked up, glancing between the plate and the teen. Just as she was about to shake her head, Jessica smiled at her and the word 'mum' echoed round Taylor's head. She smiled gently "yeah, sure baby – just take it out for me?"

Tree realised the teen had done it again and sighed loudly.

Jessica jumped up, clearly elated to have got away with it.

As the teen took her plate out, Tree turned to Taylor "you know, that's the second time I've seen you change her meal plan just because she has used the word Mum..."

Taylor looked at her, biting her lip guiltily. Tree carried on "you cannot let her manipulate you. You have to keep those firm boundaries Tay – don't give in to this – it's her eating disorder talking!"

Taylor looked up "I know...but I can't help it! She calls me Mum other times too, not just with food. It's usually when she's tired or wants comfort and it's happening more and more but she knows it is my weak point. It just makes my heart swell and I would do anything for her when she uses it..."

Tree's eyes softened but she pushed again "Tay, you cannot let her do this..."

Taylor shrugged "I know...but what if she stops. What if she doesn't call me Mum anymore?"

Tree shook her head, squeezing Taylor's hand "she won't stop. She loves you – like you said, it's not just about food. But come on – you can't let yourself be manipulated like this..."

Later that afternoon, Taylor called Jessica down "it's snack time baby..."

Jessica kept a sweet smile on her face "Mum, you're working – I'll just grab something"

Tree smiled sweetly too "I'll come and watch you..."

Jessica frowned slightly "oh no, there's no need – you can keep going. I'm fine!"

Tree shook her head "Oh no, I insist..."

As they headed into the kitchen, Tree turned to Jessica – her voice calm but firm "I know what you're doing..."

Jessica frowned, confusion on her face "what?"

Tree smirked "You call her Mum, watch her melt then you manipulate her into giving you what you want"

Jessica's face fell slightly, her voice laced with mock confusion "I don't know what you mean..."

Tree rolled her eyes at the teen "I'm not stupid and neither is she. She knows what you're doing. Stop it."

After she had finished eating her snack, Jessica went into the living room – sitting on the sofa next to Taylor, she cuddled up to her – squeezing her tight "I love you Mum..."

Taylor melted instantly, her eyes welling up with tears "I love you too. Always..."