GETAWAY CAR

11. I Knew You Were Trouble

⚠️WARNING- violence⚠️

January 5th 2017

Taylor's POV

Much to my own dismay, the meeting with my label had been about procedure and how to handle things over the coming months if I'm going to remain in hiding like I am now. But one thing they did tell me was that I had to be spotted in public soon, because the insane theories that I'm dead just so happen to be swirling the internet again and we need to put them to rest.

They had someone from the label tip off a local news outlet that I'm in Nashville visiting my parents, so when I go there today there is more than likely going to be paparazzi hanging around somewhere nearby.

"Are you almost ready to go?" Karlie pops her head into the bedroom as I finish getting ready. "Almost," I sigh as I turn to face her. "Are you sure you'll be okay?" I ask again for the millionth time today but I can't help the anxiety overriding my mind. "Yes. We'll be fine for one night without you. Is she still sleeping?" She changes the subject, knowing that I'll talk myself out of this if we don't. "Yea, she's out cold." I smile as I glance over to my sleeping baby beside the bed.

I pick up the remaining few things I'll need and then leave the room quietly so I don't disturb her. "Her schedules on the fridge but if you have any questions then text me." I look at Karlie seriously, a frown starting to replace my previously neutral expression as she laughs. "You're talking as if I've never done this before. I've been with you since she was born, Taylor, I know what I'm doing." Karlie crosses her arms and I roll my eyes, "I know that but I've never spent a night without her so it puts my mind at rest a little." I explain and she's sympathetic. "I know, but it'll be fine. I'll give you updates and you just try and enjoy some time with your parents, you've been dying to see them since they left last month."

She smiles as she rubs my arm gently and I nod. I'm not completely comfortable with this, I know Karlie can handle Maisie but I don't know if I can handle it. But, I know that if I take her with me the paparazzi will get a sighting and I'm not ready for that, even if I don't have to hide her from Adam any more.

"It's not even a full twelve hours, we'll see you on the plane tomorrow morning." The tall blonde tries to reassure me and I nod again. "Okay, I'll see you guys tomorrow." I hug her and grab my stuff as we walk to the door. "I'll let you know when she wakes up." Karlie says as I walk out of the front door and we exchange quick goodbyes and then I leave, throwing my stuff into the trunk of the car and then getting into the back of the black SVU.

I watch out of the window as we drive through the centre of Nashville towards my parents home. My phone pings in my hand and I look down to see a text from Karlie. I open it to find a picture of Maisie still sleeping peacefully in the dock-a-tot inside the crib beside my bed. Her arms are sprawled above her head and her stuffed monkey nestled in beside her under the plush pink blanket. Underneath she wrote:
'I love you, Mommy! ❤️'

I smile at that and for the first time today I feel a little relaxed. Everything seems to be going okay for once.

•••
Karlie's POV

Taylor left a couple of hours ago now, and so far Maisie's been an angel. She slept for about thirty minutes after her mom left and then woke up looking for a bottle. Ever since then she's been lying pretty contently on the play mat on the floor beside me as I try to get some work done, every now and then alternating between the bouncer and play mat.