Calming the storm {Kaylor}

Chapter 1: the award show.

Karlie came home to her husband, after a long week of work. They decided to watch the 'Influential Women in Music' awards from the comfort of their own home. After having a busy week setting up new 'Kode with Klossy' summer camps, Karlie finally had a relaxed night in. She wanted to watch some TV, and it just so happened to be that there was this award show happening. She was invited to the show, but was too busy to attend.

Joshua asked her, "Hey, do you want anything to drink? The show is almost starting." After deciding on a bottle of white wine to open, they settled down on the couch. Though there was never lots of sparks or electricity between them, the Kushner-Kloss marriage had become very platonic lately. The heat wasn't there anymore, and all that remained was a friendly companionship.

Handing her the glass, Joshua's hand touched hers. Again, she felt no spark. Mumbling "thanks", they both focused their attention on the TV screen before them, happy there was no need to force a conversation.

Later on, the final award of the night was presented, and when they named the nominees, Karlie was surprised by one of the names. She hadn't heard that name in a long time: Taylor. A quick flash to all the memories they had together flashed before Karlie's eyes, before focusing on the screen again. She had some competition, but they didn't measure up to Taylor. Just like before, she would always be the most amazing woman in the room, in Karlie's eyes at least. She was recognised for using her platform in positive ways, and acting like a role model for young women in this day and age. Accepting the award, she was given a platform to give a short speech. Karlie listened, in awe of the wise words that she spoke.

"Thank you for this great honour. It is wonderful to be standing up here tonight, and get the opportunity to speak out about the injustices that face America today. Using my platform is something I've done more and more, and it is always for a good cause.

In my music, I don't believe in naming names. It simply serves no greater purpose. But this time around, it is very important to name some names. For some much needed accountability.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where real, positive, systemic change has not been realised in the current administration. Though our president has a position of great power and responsibility, he has failed, numerous times, to change this country for the better.

We should strive for an America where everybody is safe, healthy and happy. That means: Realising the weight of the job. Improving healthcare and safety for all Americans. Improving the position of women in the workplace, and in general.

I hope that people close to the president will hold him accountable for the months to come. That means: people in the administration, and family members. Until the next election, we are stuck with this administration. I can only hope they'll make the best of it, because their time is running out.

Thank you."

Joshua fell quiet. Though he never fully agreed with the strong Republican beliefs his family held, this felt like a direct attack. Swift just came at their family, and he could only imagine that this speech would have a big impact in the near future. He started to lose his relaxed mood and became irritated. Unlike his usual kind self, he mumbled, "that bitch..". He was very wrong thinking Karlie hadn't heard his vile words.

"What did you just say?! You know she's a great person, and nothing that she said was factually false." Unable to agree on the matter, Joshua walked out.

Looking at her phone, it was easy to see that Taylor's speech had left a mark. Online, it was the talk of the town. All the trending hashtags featured it in some way, and numerous tweets tagged Swift. The response was polarising, finding some that agreed fully with what the blonde woman had said, where others were naming her names and speaking up in support of the people in power.

Karlie wasn't sure how she felt yet. She couldn't get Taylor out of her head for the rest of the night, even though she tried. She thought back to all the great moments they shared, before Karlie had to cut contact, from pressure originating from the Kushners. 

She thought to herself, "to be honest, she isn't wrong. She spoke up when it mattered. That's powerful." She went to sleep on the couch: Karlie didn't want to get in bed with Joshua. Eventually, the model fell asleep, dreaming of the blonde that she once knew so well, but hadn't spoken to in ages.