Make You Smile

Baby Boom.

December 5th

Mark's P.O.V

I smiled as I saw Taylor's beat up Converse behind the door. She was home. She hadn't even said she'd be home today. My heart began to race. I frowned as only Xavier came to greet me enthusiastically but not Taylor. Where was my usual hugs and kisses?

The house was so quiet. I didn't like this. Something felt weird.

"Taylor?"

"Uh yeah- I'm in the bathroom. Just a sec."

I frowned her voice sounded shaky. Or like she was upset maybe. I bit my lip.

I waited a few minutes and when she didn't come down I went up to get her. Worry settled into the pit of my stomach.

"Taylor...are you ok?" I asked as I knocked the door.

Taylor opened the door with her toothbrush in her mouth. She looked pale.

She rinsed her mouth out and wiped the back of her hand across her mouth.

"I don't feel very good."

I swept her hair back and pressed the back of my hand against her forehead.

"You don't have a fever." I said gently.

Taylor's cheeks went pink and she shook her head.

"No."

"C'mere. I'll take care of you. You're probably just jet lagged. This was a nice surprise you didn't even tell me you were at the airport. I would have picked you up. Did your mom and dad get moved out on time?" I asked as I pulled her against me gently.

Taylor nodded but didn't say anything. She wasn't really hugging me back either. Her body felt tense against mine. She must really be sick. I didn't like it when she got sick or upset. But I did like making her feel better.

Taylor refused to go to bed. But we came to a compromise. Taylor was currently sipping water and lying on the couch. I was holding her because I knew that made her feel better.

"Better? You don't look so pale." I said gently as I brushed my fingertip against her cheek.

Taylor nodded.

"Yeah. Thanks babe."

I frowned. I knew Taylor wasn't feeling well but she was just acting really weird. Something was definitely up.

"Talk to me." I said.

Taylor turned to face me.

"What?" She asked quietly.

I smiled at her.

"I can tell when something's going on with you. Tell me." I said gently.

Taylor was blushing so adorably. My smile widened.

She exhaled shakily. She looked nervous. Ok now I was really worried.

"What do you think about kids?" She asked.

My eyes widened. Ok. I hadn't been expecting that question.

"Uh...What about them?" I asked.

Taylor's expression was completely unreadable.

"Never mind." She said quietly.

"Taylor...what's going on? You're scaring me."

She shook her head.

"It's nothing." She said as she attempted to turn from me.

I didn't let her. I held her where she was forcing her to look me in the eye.