Part of Me

Chapter 48- Sofa

Ed Sheeran- Sofa

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Taylor walked into the kitchen. Her mom making some coffee, with her back turned.

The singer cleared her throat and Andrea turned around.

"Oh hi sweetheart," she said with a little smile. "Would you like a cup?" she asked holding up her mug.

Taylor shook her head, cheeks already blushing.

"Um...I'm..."

"Let's not talk about it," Andrea said stopping Taylor. "I should have knocked."

Taylor's face reddened and she nodded. "Karlie's taking a nap since we came up fairly early and I slept on the way here."

"Oh, ok," Andrea replied.

"Where's Dad and Austin?" Taylor asked realizing she hadn't seen her brother yet.

"Gathering firewood. Austin wanted to have an evening bonfire since it's still fairly warm out."

"Oh yay! Karlie will love that!" Taylor said getting excited.

Andrea smiled at her daughter's happiness. "You really like her don't you?"

Taylor's face had just gone back to normal and not it felt like it was burning red. She reached for Karlie's neckless that hung around her neck and bit her lip nodding.

"And she's good to you?" Andrea asked.

"Mom. I told you. We're in a really good place right now."

"Taylor you know I'm just looking out for you."

"She's changed. Do you know how nervous she was to meet you? All of this means a lot to her which means she cares... a lot. I mean we basically spend all of our free time together and she's my best friend and I... I just... you'll see."

"All of your free time?" Andrea questioned.

Taylor frowned. "What?"
"Nothing just... I don't want her to suffocate you."

Taylor rolled her eyes. "She's not mom."
"Well I know how this works. I was a young woman once. When someone hurts and you take them back they can tend to suffocate you to make up for it. Either situation ends badly."

"Oh my god. We are seriously not about to have this conversation," Taylor groaned.

"Sweetheart. I'm serious. You may love her and I'm sure she wants you to be happy but I'm your mother and I will always want what's best for you."

"Mom!" Taylor raised her voice a little, warning her mother to stop.

"Ok, ok," Andrea said holding up her hands. "I'll be here if you want to talk."
"There is nothing to talk about. Karlie and I are very happy and she's wonderful and you just need to get to know her," Taylor said with a stiff tone.

Just before Andrea was about to respond the door opened and the boys walked in.

"Hey! Happy Birthday!" Austin said walking over to his sister and giving her a big hug.

"Thanks dude! Jeez you're taller than the last time I saw you! Stop growing already!"
Austin chuckled. "Hey where's Karlie. I thought you said she was coming?"
"Oh, she's taking a nap. We left super early and I slept almost the whole way here."

Austin nodded understanding. "Did you hear about our bonfire plan?" He asked excitedly.

Taylor laughed at how adult her brother could look and yet maintain such a sense of boy eagerness. "I did! Sounds really cool!"