Blurred lines in a forbidden fairytale [Taylor x OC]

{49} and I could see you up against the wall with me

Taylor's POV:

"It's..." I start, but my throat feels like it's closing.

Blake raises an eyebrow. "Taylor. Who drew this? And why is it on your fridge?"

I glance at the floor, then back at her. "A kid," I say, my voice barely audible.

Her eyes narrow. "What kid? And don't tell me it's one of your students—you've been suspended for months."

I rub the back of my neck, trying to figure out how to explain this. Blake has been my best friend for years, but I've kept so much from her lately. I don't even know where to start.

"It's... complicated," I say finally.

Blake crosses her arms, the drawing still in her hand. "Complicated? Tay, I know when you're dodging. The truth. Now."

I exhale sharply, leaning against the counter. "Her name is Felicia," I say quietly. "She's my daughter."

Blake freezes, her eyes widening. "Your what?"

"My daughter," I repeat, the words heavier this time. "I... I had her when I was younger. I gave her up for adoption when she was a baby. But a few months ago I began searching for her and managed to get her back into my life."

She stares at me, stunned. "Taylor, what the hell? Why didn't you tell me? I didn't know you were ever pregnant..."

"I didn't know how," I admit. "It's all been a mess, Blake. I didn't plan for any of this, and now..." I trail off, swallowing hard. "Now CPS has her. She was living with me for a little while, but they took her back...because my apartment wasn't "suitable"..."

Blake's expression softens, though she still looks bewildered. "Tay...wow...I-I...why didn't you come to me? You know I'd have helped you."

"I didn't want to drag you into it," I say. "And honestly, I was ashamed. I've made so many mistakes, and I didn't know how to explain all of this."

My best friend sighs, running a hand through her shiny hair. "So, let me get this straight. You have a daughter you never told me about. She's in foster care, or a group home, or whatever, and you're trying to get her back?"

I nod.

"And this move, the job, all of it—it's for her?"

"Yes."

She shakes her head, setting the drawing on the counter. "Jesus, Taylor. You've been dealing with all of this on your own?"

"I have Aurora," I say softly. "She's been helping me."

My best friend lets out a short laugh. "Yeah, but she's a kid herself, Tay. You should've come to me."

"I know," I whisper. "I'm sorry."

Blake steps closer, her expression unreadable. "Look, I'm mad you didn't tell me, but I get it. And I'm here now. Whatever you need, okay?"

Tears sting my eyes, and I blink them away quickly. "Thank you."

She picks up the drawing again, studying it with a faint smile. "Felicia, huh? She's got your artistic streak, clearly."

I laugh softly, despite myself. "Yeah. She's amazing."

"Well," Blake says, setting the picture back on the fridge. "Let's get this move done so you can give her a home she deserves. You've got work to do."

I nod, determination hardening in my chest.

——————

The day of the move arrives, and it feels both monumental and exhausting. I wake up early, sunlight barely creeping through the blinds of my soon-to-be-former apartment. My heart pounds in my chest with a mix of excitement and fear. This is it—the first big step toward getting Felicia back. But as much as I try to stay hopeful, doubt clings to me like a shadow.