GETAWAY CAR

1. Never Grow Up

December 3rd 2016

Taylor's POV

"Karlie, she's too early! I don't know what to do. I want my mom!" I scream through the pain, tears streaming down my face and Karlie holding my hand.

"I know sweetie, I know- you'll see her soon but you need to do this first, okay? And really really soon you'll have your baby in your arms." My knuckles are white from gripping the bed rail so hard, my body tensed in pain as contractions ripple through me and there's an uncomfortable feeling of sweat on my forehead, lower back and the nape of my neck.

"I just want this to be over, can it please just be over!" I scream again as another contraction takes over my body. I swear I'll have broken Karlie's hand by the time this is over. "One last push, just one more and then she's here." The doctor smiles as she looks at me and I throw myself back, panting heavily as I nod, waiting for the next pain so that I can meet my baby.

"You've done so well, Tay- all of these months were all leading up to this moment, just a few more minutes and it'll all be over." Karlie uses a flannel to wipe the sweat from my forehead and I nod as I close my eyes, I'm so tired. I've been in labour for nearly twelve hours and I just want it to end, I just want to hold my baby girl.

I feel a contraction and muster every little bit of energy I have left to push. With encouragement from the midwife and my best friend, I yell through the pain- cursing Adam for doing this to me and praying to god that I make it out alive, an overreaction I know, but with this level of pain it's appropriate.

I hear her cries fill the room and immediately a huge grin makes it's way onto my face and tears of pure joy flow from my eyes.

The doctor places her on my chest and I sob as I look at the tiny little thing, she's so small and delicate. From her little fingers to her little toes, she's perfect and in this moment I know that I made the right choice. Everything I've done over the last few months has been for her and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat to make sure she has a good life.

Karlie doesn't let go of my hand and when I look up she's crying but she's wearing a smile large enough to mirror my own.

They take the baby to weigh her and clean her up before bringing her back to me, wrapped tightly in a pale yellow blanket. I take her in my arms, wiping tears from my face as I stare down at the innocent little life in my arms. Shes only five and a half pounds, she's so tiny.

"You were so worth it." I smile a watery smile as I look down, my finger stroking the soft skin of her cheek gently. "I'd move mountains to keep you safe. You're my entire world." I whisper softly as Karlie hovers beside me.

"What's her name?" The woman asks in a hushed tone as I stare down at my daughter. "Maisie." I smile, still crying since I just can't seem to stop the tears. "Don't you think she looks like a Maisie?" I ask, breaking my eyes away from the tiny infant to look at my best friend as she nods, smiling.

"What about her middle name?" She asks now, barely able to take her eyes off of the baby. "Well, I was thinking Andrea, after my mom, and Elizabeth, after you."

I look up again and she has tears in her eyes. "Maisie Andrea Elizabeth Swift, I love it." She smiles.

•••

The last few months have been hell, hiding out in London, away from him, but also away from everyone I love.

I couldn't bring her into this world knowing that something could happen, so I took the only option I had left, I ran. I didn't want her knowing all of the things people would say if they found out, she shouldn't have to suffer through a life that she didn't choose, and this way he couldn't get anywhere near her.