That weekend Joe began therapy. Currently he was sitting on a couch, the therapist Dr. Reynolds, sitting across from him. "So, I'm Dr. Reynolds, but you can call me Ryan. Today I just want to get to know you. Is there anything in specific you'd like me to know about you?"
"No, I'm pretty average," Joe chuckled.
Ryan nodded, "Are you popular in school?"
"No, not really," Joe said after thinking about it for a moment.
"And are you in any relationship? Do you have any interest in anybody?" Ryan asked.
Joe bit his lip, "I'm not in a relationship. But, um, I am kind of interested in someone."
Ryan took notes as Joe spoke, "Okay! So let's get started. Why don't you start by just telling me the basics of your life."
Joe stayed in therapy for about an hour, until his session was over. He walked out the doors, thanking Ryan. Taylor was picking him up, and he got in her car. "How'd it go?" Taylor asked.
Joe shrugged, "Fine."
"That's good," Taylor said, trying to stay positive. "Do you want to go anywhere? Or do you want me to just drop you off at home?"
"Could you just drop me off at home?" Joe asked, his voice tired.
"Sure," Taylor replied, trying to be as accommodating as possible.
Once they got back to Joe's house, Joe stepped out of the car, "My mom's cooking again if you want to come in for dinner."
Taylor smiled, happy Elizabeth was slowly getting back to normal. She knew Tom's death had really affected her, and Taylor still hated herself everyday for not realizing something was wrong with the family. "I'd love to have dinner, what's she making?" Taylor said, walking inside the house with Joe.
"Steak and mashed potatoes," Joe replied, leading Taylor over to the kitchen.
Elizabeth turned as she heard them approaching, "Oh hi Taylor! How's everything going?"
"Good! Joe invited me over for dinner if that's okay," Taylor said, slightly unsure.
"Oh yes, we'd love to have you over. We have plenty of food," Elizabeth motioned to the counters.
Taylor looked over, and they did have a lot of food. Like a lot of food. Pots and pans filled the dishwasher, and bowls of mashed potatoes laid on the counter. There were also plates of various vegetables, salads, and steak. Taylor bit her lip, "You've been doing lot's of cooking."
"Yeah, it really takes my mind off... things," Elizabeth looked down.
Taylor frowned, "I'm so sorry."
Elizabeth waved her off, "It's alright dear. Now, Joe why don't you go call your dad and brother down for dinner."
Joe walked away to get his dad and Patrick, while Taylor helped set the table. Dinner went by smoothly, though no one talked that much, each mourning silently. After, Joe and Taylor went for a walk, neither one saying anything as they walked on the sidewalk.
Joe stopped walking for a moment, turning to her, "Oh, before I forget... um, could you go to the-" Joe closed his eyes for a moment, biting his lip, "...funeral with me? Only if you want too, I don't want to pressure you. Like really you can say no and I won't mind at all, I'll completely understand."
Taylor stood there, watching Joe ramble on, before we placing a hand on his shoulder, "It's okay Joe, I'll go."
Joe looked surprised, "Really? Thank you."

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taylor swift + joe alwyn: story of us
Teen FictionTaylor Swift's a senior in high school, and ready for college to start. That's until a certain British boy moves to America, and ends up in her class. Will they slowly fall together, or will both of them fall apart?