Patience

Chapter Twenty Three - Falling Apart At The Seams

A/N The girl above in the picture is Taylor's other best friend (besides Stevie!), Eleanor. She has a few nicknames throughout the book like Elle, and Ellie, but it's all the same person!

After hours of pondering Taylor to open the door, she finally caved in...only for Steven though.

"Taylor, come on! I didn't want to do this but you know how Axl is!" Duff pleaded

"Look here's Steven! Now will you please open the door?" He asked for the millionth time

"Fine." Taylor voice was weak and quiet from crying "But I only want to see Steven."

Duff grumbled but agreed "Fine!"

Taylor slowly opened the door and shrunk away behind it as Steven entered and lightly closed the door behind him. He looked down at Taylor who had red eyes and a red face.

"Aw Taylor." Steven cooed and sat down next to her, hugging her tightly

"You can't go, Stevie." Tear's pricked Taylor's eyes again

"I know, I wish I didn't have to go...but this was my fault, I guess." Steven's voice was quiet

"Please don't leave." Taylor's voice was small as she tried to hold back her tears

"I have to Tay. If I don't Axl will kick my ass." Steven sighed

"But I can't live without you." Taylor cried, letting the tears spill from her eyes onto Steven's shoulder.

"Shhh. You'll be okay, you've still got Iz, and good ol' Duffy, oh and theres Slash. You'll get a cool new drummer too." Steven said, trying to keep positive

"I don't want a new drummer. I want you Stevie!" Taylor whined

"I know...but it's not my decision Taylor. I'm sorry." Steven pulled back, still holding Taylor but now he could see her face.

Taylor was quiet as silent tears fell down her cheeks and stared at the floorboards.

"Hey, I won't abandon you Tay. I don't leave for a couple more days, and when I do, I'll call you whenever I can. I'll even visit." Steven assured her

Taylor nodded and pressed a kiss to Steven's cheek, and rested her chin on his shoulder.

"I love you Taylor, don't you forget that. We'll always be best buddies." Steven grinned

"I love you too Stevie." Taylor smiled

"Now, will you please go say something to Duffy? He always turns into a wreck without you...he loves you very much."Steven said

A smile crept across Taylor's face."Okay, I'll talk to him."

"Okay good, lets go back downstairs then." Steven took Taylor's hands in his own and pull her up.

He opened up the door and followed Taylor down the stairwell. Taylor wiped her red eyes, in an effort to make it look like she hadn't been crying. They approached the living room. Duff and the guys were scattered around the room, smoking and watching the TV. Duff looked up from the TV and his face lit up when he saw Taylor.

Taylor plopped down next to Duff and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.

"I'm sorry." She squeaked, muffled through Duff's chest

"For what?" Duff asked softly

"For not talking to you, and getting angry." Taylor lifted her head up so she was face to face with him.