Protecting Taylor

Chapter 20

I collapsed on my new bed for the first time. Well, the first times its been mine. The bed was really comfortable and I had never slept in such luxury before. Meredith was hot on my tail as she jumped up to lay on the bed as well.
The lights looked beautiful in the dark. It was only 9:00, but Taylor insured I get some sleep since I had been on a mission. I was tired though, and laying down felt nice. My eyes grew heavy while fixated on the twinkling ceiling. Then, I was drifting off into a deep slumber.

I woke to my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Another nightmare. The clock on the nightstand read 4:43. Sighing, I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. I got up from the bed and walked over to the bookshelf aluminized by sparkling lights. My green eyes scanned the shelves for a book to read. They landed on one called "Paper Towns." The tile had me curious so I picked up the book and went over to sit in one of the chairs by the window. I began reading the novel and easily became engrossed in the material. My nightmare seemed to fade away as my mind focused on the story. Maybe I could use it as a coping mechanism.
Meredith lay curled in my lap as the sun began to rise. I took a break from reading and watched the sun rise. Before I continued to read I switched off the lamp beside me because I was now able to rely on the natural light flooding through the window.
A creaking of the door snapped me from my focus.
"Good morning, I see you checked out the books." Taylor said.
"Yeah, I like this one."
"Me too. John Green is an amazing author." Taylor agreed.
Taylor sat in the chair opposite mine.
"Did you sleep okay?" She asked.
"Yeah. I was comfortable."
"I'm glad. What time did you get up?"
"Like 4:45."
"I figured you'd probably be passed out long after everything you've been doing these past few days.
"Routine I suppose." I shrugged.
"How about we go out for breakfast this morning?" Taylor asked.
"Sure."
"Okay, go get ready and we'll go." She said leaving the room. I grabbed an outfit out of the large closet and headed into my bathroom to take a shower. Getting ready only takes me 30 mins max. That includes shower, hair, and makeup. I'm used to getting ready quickly.
Taylor wasn't done yet, but I waited for her in the living room. A morning show was on the TV and I busied myself watching it while waiting for Taylor. Olivia crawled onto my lap wanting attention. I stroked the white cat's soft fur. She purred in delight.
I heard Taylor's heals clicking and turned the TV off.
"Ready?" She asked.
"Yes." I stood from the couch and made sure to get out the door ahead of her incase there was a crowd outside. People were passing by as usual, some taking a moment to glance up at Taylor's huge apartment. The car was waiting and I made sure Taylor got in first.
We arrived at a little breakfast place that had patio seating. It looked like a cute little café, but I knew it was probably a very expensive place to eat. Taylor asked if we could sit outside and the hostess happily complied to her request.
"After breakfast I was thinking we could go visit a friend of mine." Taylor said.
"Taylor, you don't have to clear your plans with me." I laughed.
"I know, but I'm excited for you to meet her."
"Who is this friend?"
"Her name is Jamie." Taylor smiled.
"What are you smiling about?" I quirk an eyebrow.
"I just think you'll like her." She said.
"I like all your friends."
"And they all adore you."
"That's nice." I laughed.
"They really do! Gigi wants to take you home with her."
"Gigi's too cool for me."
"You're too cool for me. My cats are too cool for me."
I burst out laughing at the reference to her cats. We both sat laughing in the middle of the patio. It attracted people's attention even more than seeing Taylor Swift did.
Taylor and I both enjoyed lattes with a fancy design draw into the cream. I've never had a latte before. Coffee's not really my thing. Taylor said if it were my first time drinking a latte, here was the place to do it. Taylor had me trying lots of new things.

After breakfast we made our way across the city to visit her friend. This friend lived in a swanky apartment. The doors were not guarded like Taylor's, so I assume "Jamie" wasn't as big of a deal. We reached a wooden door and Taylor smiled at me before knocking.
The door swung open to reveal a blonde lady with a round stomach. She was pregnant I realized as the two girls embraced. When they pulled away Taylor gestured to me.
"Jamie, this is Alex. Alex, this is Jamie."
Jamie smiled kindly at me.
"It's great to meet you." She said to me.
"Nice meeting you too."
"How's the baby doing?"
"Good. I'm so blessed my baby is healthy so far."
"He or she will be beautiful like their mother."
Jamie smiled down at her stomach fondly. She rested her hand over her belly.
"And they'll be as cool as their god mother."
"I wouldn't wish that on anybody." Taylor and Jamie laughed.
"Come sit down!" Jamie said and led us into a living area.
"Where's James?" Taylor asked.
"He and Kyle are out for a guys day."
"What does he think of having a little brother or sister?"
"He says he wants to have a little brother so they can be friends."
"He doesn't want girl cooties?" Taylor laughed.
"No, he doesn't even consider the idea of me having a girl."
"He'll be surprised if it's not a boy."
"I know, but he'd get over it." Jamie laughed.
"I can't wait to hold them!"
"Me either I-" Jamie stops and puts a hand on her stomach.
Taylor stands up alarmed.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
Jamie smiles and nods.
"The baby is kicking. Do you want to feel?"
"Is that even a question?" Taylor asked excitedly.
Taylor kneels down beside Jamie and Jamie directs her on where to feel.
"Oh my god, that's precious!" Taylor said.
I sit on the couch opposite of them unsure what to do.
"Alex, come here." Taylor says.
I stand up and go over to Taylor.
"Feel this." She said.
"Oh I-"
Taylor grabs my hand and presses it over Jamie's belly. I don't feel anything. Jamie grabs my hand and moves is over. Then, I feel the flutter beneath my fingers.
"They're playing with you." Jamie smiles.
The baby kicks my hand again. I can't believed I had something so delicate beneath my finger tips. In this moment of pure innocence I thing of my figures curled around a gun and instantly withdraw.
"Are you alright?" Jamie asked.
I smile weakly and nod. Taylor gives me a small smile and pats my arm. She feels for the baby kicking again.
"I love them already." Taylor said.
"Oh my gosh, sweetie, what happened to your arm?" Jamie asked concerned.
"Oh, I broke my wrist on a mission." I said.
"You poor thing."
"I know, she's a trooper though." Taylor said.
Like a broken wrist is the worst thing that's ever happened to me.
I took a video of Taylor feeling the baby kick on her phone for her.
"Okay, now I want one of you feeling the baby kicking."
My eyes widen, but Taylor smiles encouragingly to me. I knelt down by her belly and Jamie grabs my hand and shows me where to feel. The baby's feet flutter beneath my fingers again.
"They're wild." I said.
"Yes, they are." Jamie laughs.
We all sat around talking for a while before Taylor said we should get going.

"What did you think?" Taylor asked in the car.
"It was cool."
"You aren't going to hurt the baby."
"I don't trust myself."
"Why? You're a sweet girl."
"I've done dangerous things."
"That doesn't mean you can't love a baby."
"Me loving a baby is not hurting it. I can't hurt it."
"I promise you won't. When he or she is born you'll be great with them. I promise." She reassured.
"Okay." I nodded.
Of course I still don't trust myself. Not with the blood on my hands. That little baby's life is too pure. Just like my little sisters was. I can't risk it again.