Safe & Sound- (A Taylor Swift AU)

~chapter 23~ Fragile Soul

Travis's POV
I just watched the doctors rush Chloe into the hospital. They won't give me any updates, won't even tell me what's going on. They say it's because I have no legal right to Chloe. Which is understandable. But I came here on the ambulance with her, and i'm one of her moms emergency contacts. I know they are doing their job but it still hurts me that I can't know what's going on. She's my daughter, she calls me daddy. I deserve to know what's happening. I'm gonna have to have Taylor make me one of Chloe's emergency contacts.

I have been sitting in this waiting room for about 13 minutes. Taylor and Jayden come running in. "Is she okay? Where is she? What happened? Where's my baby? Are you okay? Travis sh..." I cut her off and wrap my arms around her. "Shh, honey, Taylor, Taylor breathe." I help calm her down and control her breathing. When she is calm I look her in the eyes, "I have no legal rights to Chloe, they can't tell me anything." Taylor nods and goes up to the front desk.

I hear her ask them what's happening and they tell her. She sobs and comes over to me. "She's having brain surgery right now, and she's in a coma." I sit down and pull Taylor on my lap, she sobs into my chest. A nurse comes over to us, "Miss. Swift, we just got a call from the police, they said you weren't answering your phone, you are Joe Alwyns emergency contact when he's in the US. I'm sorry to tell you this, but he died on the scene." I feel Taylor freeze against me.

"H-He's dead?" She questions. The nurse gives her an apologetic smile. Taylor just nods, the rest of her body and face frozen. When shock releases from her she looks at me. "I need Chloe. I need Chloe to wake up. She has to be okay," she sniffles. I stroke her hair trying to do my best to calm her down. I know she's stressed and scared and Chloe is her biggest focus right now, but she's pregnant and her freaking out isn't very good for the babies. "Joes dead," she mumbles. I stroke her hair, not knowing what reaction she needs from me. I am not a fan of Joe, and yes he died, but I don't feel sorry for him at all. He kidnapped my little girl, he's hurt Taylor many times, and has even tried to hurt me. He doesn't need our sympathy.

"H-He.. He's dead. My Joe.. is dead," she whimpers. I breathe out, "Your Joe, was dead the moment he hurt you for the first time. When he made you feel like you weren't enough, when he hit you, when he accused you of things, when he cheated on you right in front of your own eyes, that wasn't the man you fell in love with. That wasn't, your Joe. Your Joe has been gone for a while." Taylor let's out a heartbreaking cry. "The Joe that just died, hurt you, and kidnapped our daughter. That Joe doesn't deserve our remorse," I finish. "I loved him for 6 years Travis," she sighs. "You loved your version of him. Not the true him," I say. My words resonate with Taylor's thoughts and she nods, a solemn, unspoken understanding.

Jayden breaks the silence, "Do you guys need me to go back to Ohio?" Taylor is quick to answer, "Absolutely not Jay, you aren't setting foot in that house until that fucking man is out of there." Jayden nods, "I just didn't know if you guys needed space, or time to process this." Taylor shakes her head and leaves my arms to hug Jayden tight, "You're just as important to us." Jayden gives Taylor a light smile. I'm so happy they get along. It's probably really weird for her, me having a son that I didn't know about. Especially with him already being 18. But she is so respectful towards him. "I just hope Chloe's okay," Jayden sighs, "She's my little buddy." Taylor rubs his back and nods.

***

It's now 13 hours later, like 2 am or something... and Chloe just got out of surgery. She's still in a coma and it's not completely likely that she'll wake up. There's hope and prayer, but it's not promised. If she does wake up recovery will be long and she probably won't remember us for a while.

Taylor and I are sitting in Chloe's room because Taylor signed me as an emergency contact and stuff so now I'm allowed in her recovery room even when it's not visiting hours, just Taylor and I. Taylor's parents and Jayden, are back at my house and should be back sometime this after noon. Taylor is sitting on the couch hugging Moola, scared out of her mind. I'm sitting in this really comfy chair. When Taylor goes into labor next year they better have these comfy chairs. It feels like I'm sitting on a cloud. Not that I know what a cloud feels like, but I'm sure it's like this.

Suddenly, Taylor's angelic voice fills the void in the room.

In this hushed room, the lights so dim
A fragile state, my daughter, lies within
Drifting in a world where dreams are torn apart
I'll hold her hand, keep her close within my heart

Everything around us slowly fading away
I'll stand by her side, come what may
Whispers of hope, prayers are sent above
Believing in miracles, a mother's undying love

Fragile soul, fighting for a new day
Through every tear, I'll find a way
To bring back laughter, chase away the pain
This love will guide us, like a soothing rain

The monitors beeping, filling up the night
I'll sing my songs, chase away the fright
Each breath the machine gives, a symphony in time
I'll keep fighting for her, until the sun will shine

In this room, battles are fought and will be won
Together we'll rise, until this darkness is undone
Words of strength, woven in every lullaby
Mend her broken wings, help her learn to fly

Fragile soul, fighting for a new day
Through every tear, I'll find a way
To bring back laughter, chase away the pain
This love will guide us, like a soothing rain

The stars may seem distant, unreachable tonight
But deep within her heart, a spark will ignite
With every touch, I'll remember her worth
And the magic she holds since her birth

Fragile soul, fighting for a new day
Through every tear, i'll find a way
To bring back laughter, chase away the pain
This love will guide us, like a soothing rain

In this battle, love will conquer all
We'll paint a future where her spirit won't fall
So I won't give up on her, I'll sing along
Her fragile soul will find strength, and bloom like a song
She'll wake up, and this war will be won
This war will be won

As Taylor finishes the song she lets out a terrifying sigh. A sigh of pain, hurt, anger, all mixed together with a hunch of mom guilt. A tear falls from my cheek as I reflect on her words. As moments pass I look up at her, "You recorded that right? Because it was... it was... beautiful Taylor. It spoke from your heart, and captured all your feelings. I think a lot of moms with children in the hospital would resonate deeply with this song. Not saying you have to put it out, but it can at least go in your vault." Taylor nods and wipes tears from her eyes, "I did, and thank you." I give her a small smile. Neither of us have given a happy, positive, bright smile, since before this happened. We're too worried about our daughter to care about ourselves.

If Chloe doesn't wake up, there will be no Taylor. I know that already, and it hurts. Chloe is what keeps Taylor's brittle heart warm.

••
Short chapter! I'll try to make the next one longer! I hope you enjoyed it, although it's sad so probably not too enjoyable. As always, thank you for reading and interacting 🫶🏻