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

Chalter 24: 2 Years Later

Author's note: I'm aging them up cause I can hehe Madison is 18, Olivia is 6. This dynamic will be better for future chapters and more Olivia interaction, just roll with it :)

18-year-old Madison found herself in the sanctuary of her room, surrounded by her college textbooks. Unlike her peers, Madison decided to homeschool instead of having the classic college experience.
This decision was born out of a deep-seated need to remain anchored to her family.

It allowed her the flexibility to delve into her studies while being enveloped in the comfort and familiarity of home. The balance was delicate; it was a dance between pushing herself academically and allowing space for her mental health needs as her depression continued to take hold of her despite moments of clarity.

At the same time, Madison felt that having spent only 7 years with her mom since getting adopted wasn't enough. She wanted more time, and neither Taylor and Travis objected. In fact, they encouraged her decision to be homeschooled and Madison suspected it was so they can keep an eye on her lingering depression.

In the midst of a tranquil afternoon, the calm in Madison's room was suddenly shattered by a rush of panic. Olivia, her eyes brimming with tears and her small body trembling with fear, burst into the room. She was a storm of distress, her sobs filling the space between them. "Maddie!" she cried, her voice choked by her tears. "I... I broke mom's bracelet. The really expensive one!"

Madison's heart tightened at the sight of her little sister so consumed by fear. Setting aside her studies, she immediately shifted into the role of the comforting big sister.

"Livvy, you need to take deep breaths like these, look," Madison said gently, demonstrating slow, deliberate breaths. She reached out, pulling Olivia into a calming embrace. She could feel Olivia's intense heartbeat against her own body.

"But mom will yell at me," Olivia managed between her sobs, her fear escalating at the thought.

Madison held Olivia at arm's length, looking into her eyes with a steadiness that belied her own concern. "Liv, has she ever yelled at you before for something you broke in the past 6 years?" she challenged softly, her voice a soothing balm to Olivia's frayed nerves.

"No, but..." Olivia's protest was weak, her belief in her own fear waning under Madison's calm scrutiny.

"Mom doesn't yell, Livvy. She just teaches a life lesson," Madison reassured, knowing very well she expected Taylor to disown her for some of her own actions. It was a testament to their upbringing, to the environment of understanding and growth fostered by their mother.

As Madison's reassurance took hold, Olivia's sobs began to subside, replaced by a sniffle and a hesitant look of hope. Madison, seizing the moment to lighten the mood, added with a playful grin, "Plus, you know I'm the expert in getting out of trouble with mom. We're a team, right?"

Olivia managed a small, watery giggle, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, team," she echoed, a sliver of her usual spirited self peeking through the tear-streaked face.

Madison, encouraged by the response, continued, "I mom does start to get stern, we'll just use the puppy eyes technique. Works every time." She demonstrated, her eyes wide and innocent, causing Olivia to laugh more genuinely this time.

"Like this?" Olivia attempted her own version of the 'puppy eyes', albeit a bit exaggerated, making Madison laugh.

"Exactly like that. She won't stand a chance," Madison agreed, her heart swelling with love for her little sister.

As they stayed embraced for a little while longer, the gentle call from Taylor echoed up the stairs, "Olivia, can you come here please?" The tone was calm, but it sent a wave of fear through Olivia, who instinctively snuggled closer to Madison for comfort. Madison knew that whenever Taylor used their full names, she was in mom mode.

"We're in my room, mom," Madison called out, her voice steady. She understood the importance of facing consequences, yet her heart ached for Olivia's fear.

Taylor appeared in the doorway moments later, her presence immediately filling the room. She crouched, with outstretched arms, a silent invitation for her youngest daughter. With a hesitant glance back at Madison, Olivia slowly made her way over to be scooped up into her mother's arms. Taylor offered Madison a soft, grateful look that spoke volumes, mouthing "Thank you" as she turned to leave with Olivia, who buried her face in her mother's neck.

Just before stepping out, Taylor paused, looking back at Madison with a slight tilt of her head. "Are we expecting your lover to come for dinner?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Madison nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, might be late though!" she responded, her mind already racing with the anticipation of the evening.

Taylor's nod was understanding, her smile reassuring as she left the room, Olivia in her arms.