In the Blink of an Eye

Chapter Twelve

Continuation—December 21, 2020

After telling Abigail everything, Taylor felt a small weight lift off her chest. For the first time all week, she wasn't carrying the burden alone. Abigail's quiet understanding gave her a sense of ease she hadn't realized she needed.

But even with that comfort, the knot in her stomach remained. Taylor knew, deep down, that everything was already messed up. In the future she had seen, she didn't break up with Joe for another three years.

Did that mean she would never be with Travis? Had she ruined everything by accident, just by waking up in the wrong timeline? It wasn't fair.

Abigail gently wiped away a tear that had slid down Taylor's cheek. "What do you want, Taylor?" she asked softly.

Taylor's voice trembled as she replied, "I want it back. I can't explain it. I know I wasn't there for long, but..." She paused, taking a shaky breath. "Now that I've seen it, everything makes sense. I just want Travis."

Abigail nodded firmly, her expression softening as she squeezed Taylor's hand. "Then you owe it to yourself to fight for it. If this—Travis, that life—means that much to you, you have to try. Even if it doesn't make sense right now."

Taylor sniffled, her lip trembling as a faint glimmer of hope stirred in her chest. "But what if I mess everything up? What if I go looking for him and it's... not the same?"

Abigail's gaze didn't waver. "And what if it is? You're already living with what-ifs, Taylor. You can't let fear stop you from finding out. You've already lost him once. Don't you at least want to try?"

Taylor blinked back tears, her heart pounding. Abigail's words struck something deep inside her. She nodded hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. I have to try."

Abigail smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair out of Taylor's face. "That's my girl. And you're not doing this alone. Whatever you need, I'm here. Always."

Taylor exhaled shakily, a small weight lifting off her chest. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd probably sit here crying on the couch forever," Abigail teased lightly, her tone playful but warm.

Taylor let out a soft laugh, the first real one in days. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

A/N: A short chapter, but I finally know where things are going now! I really hope this isn't confusing—it's meant to be fun.