Sunsets and Second chances (a short Tayvis Story)

Chapter 7 : The Distance Between Us

The weeks flew by, and winter break finally arrived, giving Taylor and Travis the chance to breathe after what had been an exhausting few months. With the weight of school projects and sports finally behind them, they both had the chance to focus on something more important—each other.

The holiday season brought new opportunities to connect, but also new challenges. While most of their friends were able to relax and hang out during break, Taylor and Travis still had to navigate their busy schedules and the lingering uncertainty of maintaining a relationship in two separate schools. Still, they made it work.

One evening, as Christmas approached, Taylor sat in her living room, scrolling through her phone. Travis had sent her a text earlier saying he was heading to a party at his school. She tried not to feel the familiar twinge of jealousy. Travis was charming, outgoing, and naturally drew people to him. Taylor wasn't always sure how she fit into his social circle. In her quieter moments, she worried if Travis's friendships and school life would eventually pull him away from her.

**Taylor:** *"Have fun tonight. Just don't forget about me."*

She hit send, immediately regretting the words as soon as they left her fingertips. She hated feeling like she was putting pressure on him, especially when everything between them had been going so well lately.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed.

**Travis:** *"Of course I won't forget about you. You're always on my mind."*

Taylor's heart softened as she read the message. She could almost hear his voice in her head, warm and sincere, reassuring her that he still cared despite the distance between them.

**Taylor:** *"You sure about that? There are a lot of people at that party."*

**Travis:** *"I'm sure. You know how much you mean to me, Taylor."*

Taylor smiled, feeling her worries ease, at least for the moment. She had to remind herself that trust was just as important as love in a relationship, maybe even more so when things weren't as easy as they once had been.

She decided to text him back with something light-hearted, hoping to push away the creeping jealousy that had momentarily gotten the best of her.

**Taylor:** *"Okay, okay. I'll let you off the hook. Just make sure you don't get too caught up with your friends and forget you have a girlfriend who misses you."*

**Travis:** *"You'll always come first, I promise. But hey, if you're not busy, maybe I can steal you away tomorrow?"*

Taylor's heart skipped a beat. That was exactly what she needed, some time with him away from the chaos of their daily lives.

**Taylor:** *"I'd like that a lot. Let's make it happen."*

***

The next day, Travis picked Taylor up at her house, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes that instantly made her feel better. They had decided to spend the day at a nearby ski resort, something neither of them had done before, but both were eager to try. The weather was perfect for it, and they both needed a break from the world around them.

They spent the day laughing and joking as they learned how to ski together. The first few attempts were a disaster—Taylor spent more time falling than standing—and Travis, ever the good sport, was right there beside her, making fun of her in the gentlest, most endearing way. By the time they took a break for hot chocolate at the lodge, both of them were exhausted but happy.

"So," Travis said, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. "Do you think we can do this again tomorrow? Or was that enough falling down for you?"

Taylor laughed, her cheeks flushed from the cold air and the physical exertion. "I'm not going to lie, I was starting to think I might break something. But yeah, I'd be down for round two. I think I've earned it."