In The Clear - Out Of The Woods Sequel - A Taylor Swift Fanfiction

Chapter 15: Confrontation

Author's note: I wanted to add some drama and make you all like Olivia, don't hate me haha

In the quiet sanctuary of her room, Madison was lost in a book when the murmur of raised voices from the living room filled the air. The tones were tense, the words muffled but urgent. She set her book aside, curiosity piqued, and tiptoed to her door, opening it slightly to listen.

Taylor's voice was stern and confrontational - Madison couldn't remember last time she heard her like this. "Trav, this gossip account is saying you've been seeing someone else. They're citing your frequent trips. Tell me this is just some ridiculous rumor."

There was a pause, and then Travis's voice, firm and incredulous. "Tay, you know that's not true. My trips are for coaching, nothing more. I can't believe you'd even think..."

Madison's heart began to race. The rumor they were discussing — it was one she had fabricated and posted on her secret online account. It was an old rumor, posted around the time Travis was away a lot. It was meant to be a harmless outlet for her frustrations, a way to create stories with perhaps a tinge of revenge for Taylor, who Madison felt had abandoned her at the time. But now, hearing the distress in her parents' voices, the line between her anonymous posts and reality blurred - she was scared.

The argument downstairs continued, with Taylor's voice growing softer, more hurt. "I want to believe you, I really do, but this post... it mentions details that seem too specific, things that only someone close to us would know. It knows what you told me on the phone, how you'd take the girls to the zoo trip when you're back. If... if that part is real, everything else must be, too."

Madison felt a cold wave of guilt wash over her. She had let her imagination run wild, not thinking about the real-world consequences of her actions. Her hands trembled as she realized the extent of the damage her rumors could cause.

As she listened to her parents' argument, fear and regret settled in her stomach. She had started this fire, and now she watched, hidden and helpless, as it threatened to burn everything down.

As the conversation between Taylor and Travis in the living room grew more into a debate, Taylor's expression turned from being upset to suspicion. "This doesn't feel like a random rumor," she mused, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "The details are too specific, too intimate. It's almost as if... someone close to us is involved. Who else could've known about the zoo, I didn't mention it to anyone, other than..."

Before Taylor could say anything else, she paused, a sudden realization crossing her face. "Hang on." She turned and made her way to Madison's room, her steps determined.

Upstairs in her room, Madison's heart raced as she heard her mom's footsteps approaching. The sense of dread that had been building suddenly became overwhelming. She realized the severity of what she had done, the impact her actions could have on her family.

Before she could process further, her door swung open, and Taylor stood there, her face a mix of anger and disbelief. "Madison, we need to talk, now," Taylor said, her voice raised.

Madison sat up straight, fear evident in her eyes. "Mom, I—"

"Did you start this rumor about Travis?" Taylor interrupted, her voice sharp.

Madison's mouth went dry, her usual composure faltering. She knew there was no point denying it. "I... Yes, I did, but I didn't think—"

"You didn't think?" Taylor's voice rose in volume, her anger palpable. "Of course you didn't think! You spread a malicious lie about your own father? Do you have any idea how serious this is?"

Madison shrunk back, tears starting to form. "I'm sorry, I just—"

"Sorry doesn't cut it, Madison!" Taylor exclaimed. "This isn't just a childish prank; you've accused your father of infidelity. This could ruin his reputation, our family!"