Kaylor Family One-Shots

Measuring Life

Karlie's P.O.V

I'm rushing through the long and never ending corridors that happen to be a key feature at any hospital I've ever set foot in. Over the past few months Taylor and I have been here more times than we ever thought we possibly could but it was all for our baby.

Our daughter, Penelope Greta Swift-Kloss was born in New York on October 17th 2019. Taylor and I had been married for about two years when she was born. We were originally planning to have her in L.A but several promo's and shoots kept Taylor and I here in New York. It wasn't as bad as you'd think it would have been, even now looking back the paparazzi were always respectful of our privacy and respected space for Taylor so she could see where she was walking. We had agreed that Taylor would carry the first baby and to be honest with the mood swings she went though I was glad I was on the receiving end and not her, god knows she hates it when people get mad at her so I'm pleased she did the first one. I was still shocked when Penelope arrived right on schedule and after a seventeen hour labour I watched Taylor's face turn bright red as Penelope made her entrance into the world. That was four years ago and time has flown by faster than what I would have liked. Looking back it all seemed simple, get pregnant, have a baby, watch the baby grow but as Taylor and I have found, no amount of time you get to spend with your child will ever be enough.

It happened shortly after Penelope's fourth birthday. Our whole family had flown into New York to celebrate with us and Penelope was so excited because it would be the first time she would get to meet her brand new cousin Bede, who was only four months old. Austin and his partner Sophie had welcomed him into the world while we were out touring for Taylor's eight album in Australia so it's taken until now for us to meet him. Penelope had been a jack in the box from the moment she woke up that day, she was really only excited for her cake which Taylor had made and to see Bede, having no concept of a birthday at the age of four. It wasn't until that afternoon when I went to bath her that I noticed the marks. Calling Taylor to me I questioned her about them too but she shook her head having no idea, we questioned Penelope about them but she had no idea and kept playing with her Barbie doll that mama Swift had given her. After exchanging looks Taylor and I decided to go to the hospital but after hours of tests we were sent home with no answers. But now as I round the corner heading to the Childrens Oncology Department I know for a fact that finding out that day would have made no difference. Penelope had Acute Lymphocytic Lukemia (ALL). When the doctors first found it the odds were good but as time went by and we saw her go in and out of the hospital we began to lose hope. Family and friends around us begged us to hold onto our faith and our hope but it was hard, she was only four. She had suffered through so much in the past six months and every milestone was celebrated with cautious optimism from the doctors but I could tell that things weren't progressing how they should.

Slowing my fast pace to a walk I passed the reception area and saw Helen was on duty, "hey Karlie." She called as I walked past her. "Morning Helen, you well?" she nods as I continue towards my daughters room, it was strange to think that my daughter had a room at a hospital when she should have been at home with me but sometimes life isn't fair so we have to make do. Thankfully we donated money to upgrade every childrens oncology room to a private room, with space for beds for parents. We know how hard it can be for parents, especially with children as young as Penelope who only want cuddles and nothing else. Today feels different though, the light seems dimmer as I walk closer to room 13. At first Taylor had seen it as a sign but now she hates the number and a piece of paper is now stuck over it to prevent her seeing the number. Walking into the room I spot Penelope asleep in her bed and as I walk in I see Taylor looking out the window, walking up behind her I press a kiss to her shoulder. "How's our superstar today?" Taylor turns around but to anyone would be unrecognizable. "A little more tired today, Doctor Lucas will be here soon to talk about her test results." I nod and place a few kisses onto Taylor's dull lips. No sooner do I pull away when the clearing of a throat forces me to turn and see the doctor. I hear Taylor take a large breath and then we hold hands and walk towards the corridor, both of us look back at Penelope before we leave.