Unexpected // Why Don't We

Chapter 24

Taylor's pov

I practiced my routines and even came up with some ideas to spice it up a little. I heard footsteps just as the music stopped. I turned around and saw Justin walking towards me.

"You're doing a great job," he smiled. "Better than the rest of my backup dancers."

"Nah. I'm definitely not the best one," I shook my head and looked down.

"I think you are," he lifted my chin and pushed a strand of hair behind me ear.

I smiled shyly. I started to get nervous and looked away.

"Uhm... What time do I need to be at the studio on Monday?" I asked.

"We need to leave by six, so about twenty minutes before then. That will give us time to load up your luggage," he replied.

"Okay. That sounds good," I nodded.

"Well, I guess I better head out. I have to go to a fitting," he said.

"See you later," I waved as he walked out.

He shut the door behind him, and I sank to the floor. What just happened? He was so kind and sweet.

*after practice*
I got back to the house, and Hayden wasn't home yet. That was weird since it was almost 10:00 at night. I walked inside and sat in one of the recliners to talk with the guys.

"How was dance?" Corbyn asked.

"It was good," I answered. "I just wish I didn't have to leave you guys here by yourselves while Hayden and I are gone."

"It's fine. We get to see you when you are here," Daniel said.

"Yeah but... We are gonna all day," I sighed.

"Taylor, it's okay," Daniel smiled.

"Where's Hayden?" I asked out of nowhere.

"We don't know. She hasn't contacted us or anything," Eben replied.

"That worries me," I bit my lip. "She always texts me or calls if she's running late."

I could see all the guys start to get worried as well. Daniel stayed calm, though.

"Taylor, stay calm. It's okay," he reassured me.

We waited another hour. Still nothing. I got up and walked to the window by the door and looked outside. Her car wasn't in the driveway still. I stood there for a few minutes and waited. Nothing.

"It's eleven. Where could she be?" I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Go take a shower. It'll get your mind off of things," Daniel put a hand on my shoulder.

I nodded before walking to my room. I pulled out a black t-shirt with leggings that had a cool marble pattern on them. I hopped in the shower and took a good 30 minutes in there. I got out and blow dried my hair. I brushed it out and flipped my part to the other side so it looked kinda messy. I took off all of my makeup except for my mascara, and I tried to avoid my eyebrows. After I finished, I walked into the living room. Hayden still wasn't home, and it was 11:45. I looked out the window again.

"Where is she?!" I somewhat yelled in frustration.

"Just wait a few more minutes. I'm sure she's on her way," Jack tried to say calmly, but I could tell he was worried on the inside.

I waited until midnight.

"That's it," I shook my head.

I stormed into my room and slipped on my black Nike slides with a white check. I went back to the living room, grabbed my phone and my keys, then opened the front door.

"What are you-" Jonah started.

"Going to find Hayden," I said sternly before walking outside and shutting the door behind me.

I backed out of the driveway and started driving. I drove all the way around town. I didn't even see her car. This was stressing me about. I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot and went inside. I ordered an iced coffee and waited for them to make it.

"Taylor?" I heard a familiar voice ask.

I turned around and saw Jace, the guy that I had met at the park with Hayden.

"Hey," I said shyly.

"It's been a while," he half smiled.

"Yeah. I've been at the dance studio 24/7 so it's hard to keep up," I shrugged.

"That's understandable," he nodded.

My coffee was ready, so I grabbed it.

"I have to go, but maybe I'll see you around," I smiled.

"Yeah. If you ever want to hang out just text me. You have my number," he winked.

I nodded before walking out the door. I rushed to my car as I took a sip of my coffee. That should keep me awake until I find Hayden. I drove around some more. I eventually parked in a Walmart parking lot and called her. It went to voicemail. I called her three more times, and it still went to voicemail. I threw my phone onto the dashboard in frustration. I was lucky that it didn't activate the airbags. I ran my fingers through my hair and leaned my head back on the headrest. I grabbed my phone and set it in the cup holder before pulling out onto the road again. Eventually, I gave up. It was 1:30 in the morning. I drove back to the house and saw Hayden walk inside the house. I was so frustrated. I stormed inside and saw her talking to the guys.

"Where have you been?! I've been out since midnight trying to find you!" I yelled.

Hayden looked over and saw me. She ran up and put her hands on my shoulders.

"I can explain. I'm sorry," she sighed.

I calmed down. Thank god my anxiety didn't kick in. That would've been bad. Hayden sort of eyed where the guys were in the living room.

"Can we talk in your room?" she asked quietly.

I nodded, and we walked into my room. She shut the door behind us. I sat on my bed waiting for her to explain.