Help Me Push Aside All the Things I've Left Behind (Tayley)

17:All of Our Favorite Parts

Chapter 17:

Taylor’s POV:

I could hear laughter coming from the kitchen. And it put a smile on my face. A genuine one.

For the past few weeks, Hayley and I have really gotten to know each other more. She has opened up to me about her life experiences and I opened up about past relationships. In a way, those bumps in the road only made us closer than ever.

And the connection that we shared only seemed to grow stronger.

And musically, we decided that in order to make an album that we truly believe in, we had to let go of grudges.

We we’re angry anymore. We weren’t bitter about the band’s past. We had about a three hour long conversation just the three of us in which we talked about the past and future of the band. We learned that we couldn’t make music the way we used to. We couldn’t continue to close ourselves up. We had to open up our minds to new ideas. Throw away anything we didn’t love, and finally begin to write music that came from a genuine place inside of us.

“Snap out of it!” I heard Justin yell, followed by a pillow to the face.

I gasped looking at my brother who was in a fit of laughter.

“Why’d you do that?” I asked a little annoyed.

“You weren’t paying attention to the game man. It’s almost half time.” He gestured to the football game that was playing on my parents 70inch TV.

“Oh.” I sighed.

“I know that look.” He said in a whisper. “You were thinking about the music?”

I shook my head. “Actually, I was thinking about the band. More like all the shit we’ve been through, you know?” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Language.” My father said to me followed by a subtle chuckle.

“Sorry Pops.” I lifted myself off the couch and walked into the kitchen.

I saw Hayley with her hair in a messy bun. Red lipstick smeared onto a wine glass. An apron protecting her beautiful black with lace dress. Her hands cutting up apples for the apple pies.

She looked happy. Her laughs and smiles she was sharing with my mother made me excited that the two were bonding. Well my mother said that we would end up together. She always teased about how I had the biggest crush on Hayley. And I just denied any such feelings.

Well she wasn’t farfetched from the truth.

I smiled like a little kid who snuck into the kitchen to steal a cookie from the cookie jar before dinner. I walked behind Hayley and wrapped my arms around her waist. Pulling her closer to me as I leaned to plant a kiss on her cheek.

I could feel her grin at my simply actions.

“Hey beautiful.” I whispered close to her ear as I slightly swayed her body in my arms.

“Hey handsome.” She turned her body to face mine. My arms still tightly around her waist.

“How’s it going?” I asked looking down at her emerald eyes.

“Everything is fine sweetie. Don’t worry. I’m not going to bombard Hayley.” My mother butted in. I rolled my eyes as I smiled.

“Good.” I looked over Hayley’s head to see my mother smiling sweetly at us.

“Besides honey.” She lifted her hand towards us. “I actually like this one.”

Hayley giggled as she buried her head into my chest.

“Thanks Mama York.” Hayley got out with another giggle.

“You’re welcome sweetie.”

“Oh you have to try this.” Hayley reached behind her and scooped some mashed potatoes with her finger.

“Alright.” I smiled as I took her finger into my mouth. My taste buds doing the rest. “This is actually really good.”

She smiled sweetly at me. And I couldn’t help it. I bent down and kissed her lips softly. Her hands wrapping themselves around my neck.

My mother cleared her throat. And we pulled away blushing.

“I hate to break up the love fest.” She smiled. “But dinner is ready.”

“I’ll get everyone to the table.” I smiled at Hayley before I pulled away.

“Guys dinner.” I announced to my brother and father.

They nodded. The TV went off and we all walked into the dining room.

“Jeremy just called.” Hayley said to me. “They’re almost here.” I nodded.

“Okay, I’ll let my parents know.”

I kissed the side of her head as I walked back into the kitchen. My mom and dad talking as they took out the turkey from the over. Every other dish already on the table.

“Hey.” They turned to me and smiled. “Is it okay if we hold up on dinner for like five more minutes?” I awkwardly scratched the back of my neck.

“Why?” My father asked.

“Because Jeremy is running a little late and …” *doorbell rings* “Never mind. They’re here.” I turned on my feet and walked to open the door.

Like suspected Jeremy and Kat arriving with apologetic smiles.

“Sorry we’re late Taylor.” Kat walked in handing me some pumpkin pie as she kissed my cheek. “You know how hairy face is.”

I nodded. “That I do know.” Jeremy walked in behind her patting my back.

“In my defense I brought wine.” He waved a bottle.

“All is forgiven then.” MY mother said as she walked out of the kitchen.

“Hi Mama York.” Kat said as she walked to embrace my mother and father.

“Hello sweet heart.”

“How’s marriage life?” My father asked as she hugged him.

“It’s an adventure. But I wouldn’t do it with anyone else.” She smiled up at Jeremy.

“I know the feeling.” My mom smiled up to my dad.

“OH honey you are so grown up.” MY mother hugged Jeremy. “But you’re still young at heart.”

Jeremy chuckled. “Thanks Mama York.”

“Papa York.” Jeremy hugged my father as well.

After all the greetings and hellos, we all finally sat at the table. Turkey on the table ready to be eaten.

But before any eating is done, we said grace.

My family has carried on a tradition in which before anyone eats we all have to say something that we are grateful for.

Everyone had a turn and of course I being the youngest, was left to be last.

“I—“I nervously cleared my throat. “I, umm, well, this year as always I am grateful for my family. And the support they provide. I am thankful for my friends that are more of my brothers and sisters. I am thankful for music. I am thankful for the chance to live out my dream. I am thankful for the band and the fans that are still sticking with us after x many years. And to add on to the list.” I squeezed Hayley’s hand a bit. “I am thankful for Hayley. Who early on this year went from being my best friend, to the love of my life.” She smiled as she looked down at her lap. Her face turning a bright pink.

“Get a room!” Justin yelled breaking the silence.

We all broke out in laughter.

Hayley leaned in closer, “I am especially thankful for you.” She kissed my cheek. Now leaving my face to turn a new shade of pink.

 

** Okie so this is short and sweet. But next chapter, next chapter will be good… Just you wait!!!**