Blurred lines in a forbidden fairytale [Taylor x OC]

{46} saying goodbye is death by a thousand cuts

Taylor's POV:

"It means that this isn't an adequate environment for a child. She's sharing your bed, there's limited space, and... well, it's clear that this arrangement isn't sustainable in the long term. Plus, it has come to my ears that you're currently unemployed."

Her words hit me like a physical blow, and I grip the edge of the table to keep myself steady. "Ms. Lopez, please," I say, my voice trembling. "I know this isn't perfect, but I'm doing everything I can. She's happy here. She feels safe. Isn't that what matters most?"

The woman sighs, setting down her clipboard. "It does matter. And I don't doubt your love for Felicia. But love isn't always enough. A child needs structure, stability, and a safe, suitable environment to grow."

Felicia, who's been silently listening from the couch, suddenly speaks. "I don't want to leave," she says, her voice small but firm.

Ms. Lopez's eyes soften, but she shakes her head. "Felicia, I know this is hard, but—"

"No!" Felicia shouts, jumping up from the couch and running to me. She grabs my arm and clings to me desperately, her voice breaking as she sobs. "Don't let them take me, Taylor! Please! I don't want to go! I'll be good, I promise! I'll do anything—just don't let her take me!"

"Felicia," I whisper, dropping to my knees and wrapping my arms around her. "It's okay, baby. It's going to be okay." But my voice cracks because I know it's not.

The woman steps forward, her voice gentle but unyielding. "Ms. Swift, I'm sorry. But Felicia will need to come with me. She'll be placed in a temporary children's home while we evaluate the situation."

"No!" Felicia screams, her tiny fists clutching my shirt. "No! Please, Taylor!"

I feel my own tears streaming down my face as I hold her tighter. "Please" I beg just as much. "She's been through enough already. Don't do this to her. Don't do this to us."

The woman's expression flickers with sympathy, but she doesn't waver. "This isn't forever," she says. "But right now, it's what's best for her."

Felicia is sobbing uncontrollably now, her cries raw and heart-wrenching. I can barely breathe as the woman steps closer, her arms outstretched.

"Felicia," Maria says softly, "it's time to go."

"No!" Felicia shrieks, burying her face in my chest. "I won't go! I won't!"

I clutch her tightly, my whole body shaking as I press a kiss to her forehead. "It's going to be okay, sweetheart," I whisper, my voice trembling. "I'll come for you. I promise. I'll do whatever it takes to bring you home."

Ms. Lopez gently but firmly pulls Felicia away from me, her sobs echoing through the apartment as she thrashes and reaches for me. I quickly pack a bag with some of Felicia's stuff, including a picture of me. At this point I don't realize that I have forgotten to shove Snowflake into the bag, the bunny still sitting on the sofa.

"Taylor!" she screams. "Don't let her take me! Please! Please!"

I follow them to the door, my legs barely holding me up as I hand Ms. Lopez the bag. "I love you, Felicia," I call after her, my voice breaking. "I'll fix this. I swear I'll fix this."

Ms. Lopez stops, glancing back at me with a look of regret. Then she steps through the door, and Felicia's cries fade as they walk down the hall.
When the door closes, the silence is deafening. I stand frozen, my arms wrapped around myself as if I can still hold her.
The promise I made to her echoes in my mind. I don't know how, but I will keep it. I have to.

The silence in the apartment is unbearable. Every corner feels hollow, every sound a cruel reminder that Felicia isn't here anymore. The stuffed bunny she left behind - or I rather forgot to pack- sits on the couch, staring at me like an accusation.