taylor swift + joe alwyn: story of us

Lies

Tom took a deep breath, "I don't know how to say this..."

"But I need you to stop being friends with Joe," Tom said, his face grim.

Taylor was confused, "What? Why?"

"Because... just because." Tom bit his lip, "It's hard to explain."

Of course Tom knew it was simple to explain. He didn't want Joe and Taylor to be friends anymore since it was obvious to everybody, except for Taylor and Joe, that they had chemistry. Tom didn't want it to turn into anything more.

"If you aren't going to give me a valid explanation, I'm not just going to drop him. He's one of my only close friends!" Taylor whisper-shouted, hoping Joe  didn't hear them from the room.

Tom fumbled for an explanation, "I- He's a bad person."

"He's a bad person?" Taylor raised a skeptical eyebrow, "How?"

At this point, Tom just decided to lie his way out of the situation. "I heard that he cheated on his last girlfriend back in England. And he had a reputation for being the school bully."

"Joe?! Joe wouldn't do that." Taylor said, sure of herself.

"Would I lie to you?" Tom said, knowing full well he was lying to right then.

Taylor paused, torn between believing her boyfriend, or trusting her friend. "No... but I just don't think Joe would do that," Taylor replied, looking Tom in the eye.

Tom kissed the top of her head, trying to make her believe him "I'm sorry, but he did. I don't want you to be around a bad influence, since you are such a sweet person."

Taylor nodded slowly, conflicted, "Alright..."

They walked back into the room together after Taylor told Tom that after this Christmas break, she would try to avoid Joe. Joe offered them a smile as they walked in, and Taylor's cat Meredith was sitting in his lap.

"She voluntarily sat in your lap?" Taylor asked, surprised.

Joe shrugged, "Yup."

Taylor fake pouted, "Why does she like you more then me."

"She just senses my kind soul," Joe joked. Taylor forced a smile, but was reminded of her and Tom's conversation in the hallway.
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"It was so nice of you guys to have me over, thank you so much," Joe smiled, hugging Andrea and shaking hands with Scott.

"Of course! I hope we see you again soon," Andrea said, "Here are some of the leftover cookies that we made."

Joe grinned, "Yum! These will be gone in a matter of seconds, trust me."

Andrea laughed, "Well, you have a good day, stop by again sometime."

Joe nodded, "I will." He went to hug Taylor, "See you at school."

Taylor smiled weakly, "See you at school."

That Monday, Taylor was at her locker, stuffing her backpack inside. "Hey Taylor!" Joe called, waving to her.

Taylor panicked, slamming the locker door shut and heading towards the gym. Joe furrowed his eyebrows, but passed it off as her being in a rush. Walking into gym he noticed Tom sitting next to Taylor, and decided not to interrupt.

Throughout the day Joe didn't get a chance to talk to Taylor, until it was lunch period. Taylor was sitting with Selena and Abigail, there heads huddled together. Taylor was explaining exactly why she was avoiding Joe.