Chapter 2 part 2

“Taylor. Taylor. You’re cell phone is going straight to voicemail. I don’t know if you have work today. I just saw the article online. Call me as soon as you can.” Taylor listened as her brother left the message. She couldn’t talk to him right now. She knew Henry would insist that she tell the truth about where she had been. And there was no way she could do that. Maybe in the future, but not now. Determined, she got up to finish getting ready for work. Taylor knew there was no way this reporter could verify that she had been at any of the locations mentioned, because she hadn’t been. Only two other people knew where she had been, Jake and Henry, and neither of those people would tell anyone.

On her way to work two hours later, Taylor finally returned her brother’s call.

“What up?” Taylor smiled at the greeting.

“Hey PJ. Why aren’t you at school?” Taylor asked her four year old nephew.

“I don’t have school today. It’s Thursday.” Taylor almost laughed at his incredulous tone. He couldn’t believe that she thought he should be at school.

“Sorry honey. I forgot what day it was. What are you guys doing today? Anything fun planned?” Taylor tried not to let him know she was amused.

“No big plans. Daddy is tired. So we are watching movies and ordering pizza for lunch.” PJ said with enthusiasm. He thought a full day with his dad, movies, and pizza was a party. Taylor knew better.

“That sounds super fun! Can I talk to him for a minute?”

“Totally! Talk to you later.”

Taylor smiled, only PJ could make her smile today, “Definitely. Love you.”

“Love you too.” She heard the phone transferring to her brother and she held her breath, preparing for his voice.

“Hey baby girl.” Taylor teared up at when she heard the endearment.

“Hey big brother. How are you feeling today?”

“I’m okay. Just tired. I promise. Do not worry about me…that is an order.” Henry said firmly.

“You and PJ are my only family. I am going to worry. At least a little bit.”

Henry laughed.

“Hey, at least I’m honest.” Taylor teased back, easing the tension. She couldn’t cry while she was driving.

“I’m honest too. Remember, I taught you that trait. I really am okay. I called to see how you were. I saw the article online this morning.”

“I saw it too. I was shocked at first and angry.” Taylor sighed. “I moved past that already. I accepted it. I knew eventually something bad would have to circulate about me. They can substantiate anything. All they have is rumors. I can live with that.”

Henry took a breath and shook his head in an attempt to clear it. “You can tell them where you were. Tell them you were at home.”

“No. That will only raise the question of why I had to leave so suddenly. I am not bringing you and PJ into this. I promised myself I wouldn’t let my fame affect you guys. And I keep my promises.” Taylor stood firm.

Henry heard the tone his baby sister used. He knew she wasn’t going to budge on the subject. Not now. Maybe not ever.

“Okay. You do what you think is best. But promise to call me if you need anything.”

“I promise. And just so you know Jake promised to call me every day to check in. So you don’t have to worry so much.”

Henry smiled, “I know what he promised. We are backing each other up on this one. It is definitely a project that needs both of our attentions.”

Taylor pulled into her spot and put her car in park. “I should have known you two would tag team me…at least I know I’m loved.”

“Yes. You are by us and millions of people.” Henry wanted to end the conversation on a light note.

Taylor rolled her eyes, “Whatever. I just got to work. I will talk to you soon.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Taylor Chapter 2 part 1

CHAPTER 2

Taylor woke up with a headache. No surprise since she went to bed with one.

She got up, put her robe on, and went to get some more medicine. As she passed her computer she turned it one so she could check her email.

As she sat down at the computer she swallowed the two blue pills and half the glass of water. Nothing important in her email, so she decided to get ready for work. Today was the review of the episode. Making sure everything had turned out.

As she signed out of her account and swiveled her chair to get up something on the screen caught her eye. It was a picture of her. With a caption that read “Taylor Robertson disappeared to drug rehab: sources report.” Eyes wide, she clicked on the story.

“Sources report a change in TV’s ‘Girl Next Door’ Taylor Robertson. Reports from an inside source say that Robertson has lost weight, is irritable, and that she has uncharacteristic circles under her eyes. Considering that Robertson has a reputation of getting along with everyone and is known for her flawless complexion and skin tone, this reporter is looking into the allegations of drug use, eating disorders, and pregnancy. Any of these would ruin the reputations that Robertson has earned as a good girl and possibly reduce the number of parents who allow their pre-teens to watch her shows and movies.

With these rumors are allegations of how they relate to Robertson’s sudden two week vacation, taken in the middle of filming the season finale. It has been reported that no one knows where the actress went or why her departure was so sudden. Sightings of the actress have been called in by several different sources. Locations include a drug rehab center, an eating disorder counselor, and possibly near an abortion clinic. The last sighting would be the worst for the young actress’ career.

Look for updates on this story as more information is being gathered and reported by the hour.”

Taylor couldn’t believe it.  She had never had rumors circulate about her, at least not vicious rumors, rumors that had the potential to destroy her reputation and affect her jobs. She sat motionless, jumping slightly when her home phone started ringing. She didn’t attempt to answer. Only a dozen people had her home number and only two used it. She knew it would be her brother.

Taylor - rest of chapter 1

Hailey nodded and as she stood up to leave, her phone started ringing. Assuming it was Jessie asking when they would be back on set, she answered without looking at the caller ID. “Hey.”

“Hello. Is this Hailey?” The voice on the phone was not her husband. “Who is this?” Hailey demanded. “How did you get this number?”

“I need to speak with Taylor and her phone goes straight to voicemail.” The voice was very confident. Hailey had no idea who it was or how he had gotten her number. “Who is this?” She demanded once again.

“Look. I need to speak with Taylor. Tell her it’s Jake. Please.” The voice was becoming desperate.

Hailey looked at the phone and then at Taylor. Taylor was oblivious to the conversation occurring. She had her eyes closed, her head leaned back, and was in her own world.

“Taylor.”

Taylor looked up and opened her eyes. “What? Has it been five minutes?”

“No. I never left. Some guy called my phone looking for you. He won’t tell me how he got the number, but he is very insistent.”

“Did he give a name?” Taylor was also confused.

“All he said was tell her it’s Jake.”

Taylor smiled. Hailey was confused by her reaction because they had no friends or co-workers named Jake. She handed the phone to Taylor.

“Will you tell everyone I will be there in a minute? I need to take this call and then I promise we can film the last scene with no interruptions.” Taylor’s eyes pleaded with her best friend not to ask questions right now.

Hailey left, very confused, to do as she was asked.

“Jake.”

“Taylor I just got your message. Do you need me to come?”

“No.” Taylor answered immediately. She knew that Jake couldn’t just leave his work and come to her. No matter how much she wanted her oldest friend with her. “I am fine. I just needed to hear you tell me I can make it through.”

Jake ran his hands through is hair. He needed to be there. But it was impossible. “You are going to make it, I promise. I will come home as soon as possible. And I will call you every day.”

Taylor almost broke down at his promise. She knew he would stand by his word, as they had talked everyday while she was on vacation. Jake was the only person Taylor had called during that time. He was the only one she had wanted to talk to. “I know you will. Finish your job. And don’t worry. I know I am strong enough to handle this, I just needed you to tell me again.” She heard a voice yell in the background and knew that Jake needed to get back to work. “I have to go…have to get back to work. Last scene of the episode.” She told him. She didn’t want him to feel guilty for needing to get off the phone.

“Okay. Call me if you need anything. I will keep my phone close and call you back as soon as I can.” Jake emphasized the part about calling him whenever. He knew Taylor. He knew she was once again being the ‘strong one’ and it broke his heart not to be there for her.

Taylor closed the phone. She could do it. She knew she could. With a deep breath she went to the set for the last scene.

update/Taylor

I love Matthew. But I am blocked on his story. I don't know where it is going.

I have another story in my head. A story that has mapped itself out and I know exactly where it is going. I thought I would share some of this story with you. Enjoy!

Taylor Robertson

CHAPTER 1

She closed her eyes against the tears and hit the wall. Her co-stars stared. Taylor Robertson never got angry. Taylor took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She saw the shock. She saw the confusion. She walked out of the room without a word to anyone.

Hailey Lewis looked to her husband Jessie. He nodded slightly. She followed her best friend out of the room.

Taylor slammed the door to her trailer. She couldn’t believe she broke down like that. She had to get control of herself. People were beginning to talk. Taylor picked up her lucky charm and sat down on the couch.

Hailey knocked lightly on Taylor’s trailer. No answer. She knew Taylor wouldn’t want to talk to anyone, but she had to try. She opened the door and let herself in. What she saw was surprising; Taylor was not in tears, she did not seem angry, in Hailey’s eyes her best friend appeared to be in complete control. But something was missing. Taylor seemed too subdued, but Hailey couldn’t quite put her finger on just what was different.

Taylor heard the knock on the door. She chose not to answer, knowing that if it was Hailey, as she suspected, her best friend would know to just come in. She watched as the door opened as Hailey stepped in quietly and sat beside Taylor. Taylor almost smiled, almost. Hailey knew her. She knew when not to push.

Taylor took a deep breath. “I can’t do this right now. I can’t deal with her.”

Hailey frowned. Taylor never talked like this. She got along with everyone. “What happened?”

“Nothing. I just can’t deal today. I need a break.”

Now Hailey knew something was wrong. Taylor had just returned from a two week vacation. A sudden two week vacation to an undisclosed location.  Not even Hailey knew where she went, and they were best friends. “We are almost done for today. You only have one scene left. Can you do that?”

Taylor closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I don’t have any other choice. This episode is due tomorrow and I am in the last scene. Please tell everyone I will be there in five minutes.”

Matthew 3

CJ studied Matthew for minute, until Tyler got her attention. “Mom, Raissa is trying to get your attention!” CJ looked over and the girl did some kind of signal. CJ did the same back while Tyler jumped up, said “YESSSS!” and pumped his fist. Matthew looked very confused when CJ turned back around. She smiled, “We are going to eat our lunch here. You are welcome to join us.” She looked at Matthew like she could see all of his secrets, he felt drawn to this woman for reasons he did not know. “Sure, if you have enough.” Matthew answered.

“Sweet!” Tyler exclaimed and started pulling Matthew’s hand, “You can sit by me. We’re going to eat at the picnic tables.” He was very excited. Matthew smiled, he liked this family, even if he still did not understand how they were related, maybe he would find the courage to ask CJ about it during lunch.

The girl and the little boy had everything ready when Matthew, CJ, and Tyler walked up. The dog was tied to one of the table’s legs; it was even bigger up close. CJ looked at the girl and the little boy, “This is Matthew; he is going to eat with us.” Then she looked at Matthew, “This is Raissa and Jayce Luke, Tyler’s aunt and brother.” Raissa said, “Hello, nice to meet you.” Matthew had never seen a family like this. Who were these people?

Matthew got over his shock and managed to respond, “You too.” CJ smiled at him like she knew exactly what he was thinking. Then it hit him, her smile. That was what reminded him of his mom. The way CJ smiled, it looked nothing like his mom’s smile, but it was genuine, sincere, and put him at ease, the way he used to feel when his mom would smile at him.

Matthew snapped out of his daydream when Tyler took his hand, “Time for the blessing.” Everyone was bowing their heads, so Matthew followed suit. “Thank you Lord for this food. And for the beautiful day at the park. And for new friends. Amen.” Raissa looked up after praying and smiled at Matthew, “The squirt found you again, huh? You must have really bad luck.” She laughed as Tyler threw a grape at her. Matthew looked to CJ to break up the fight, but she was just smiling at them. As Tyler rose to sit next to Raissa so she could help him open a bag of chips Matthew saw it. They teased each other, but there was love. Love that he hadn’t seen since his mom died.

Matthew had a good time at lunch, but it made him ache for his mom, the only family he ever had. CJ had not said much during lunch, interjecting only when necessary. It was clear she was comfortable with him being there even though she had just met him. Matthew still felt like she could see through him somehow. But lunch was ending and he had no more time to speculate, Raissa was packing up the leftovers and CJ was cleaning Jayce Luc’s face and hands. Tyler was the only one not busy, and when Matthew looked down, Tyler was ready, as always, with a question, “Will you teach me to draw?”

Matthew part 2

Ten years earlier

It had been four months and she was fading fast. Danielle continued writing her daily letters to Matthew. She wanted him to have something of her when she was gone. He didn’t know. She wrote the letters while she was at school. Three thirty, he would be home soon. Time to gather her strength to be strong for him.

Matthew knew. His mom was trying to be strong for him. And he was trying to be strong for her. A big burden for a six year old. As he walked home from school, he thought about how long his mom had left. He never knew how to ask. When he walked in the house, she was there, with a smile on her face, like always.

Present day

“Excuse me?” The woman said.

Matthew realized he had been standing there daydreaming. “Sorry.” He replied. “It’s no problem; I remember not being able to walk too.” Matthew smiled at the six year old.

The woman looked at him for a second, as if trying to figure him out. “Thanks. Not everyone is so understanding. Have a great day.” And she walked past him.

The six year old looked at Matthew as the woman passed him. Then he realized he was being left behind. “Momma, wait up! I want M&M’s!” Tyler said as he ran past Matthew to catch up with his mom.

What an odd looking family Matthew thought as he walked around later that day. He knew Tyler called the woman momma, but he couldn’t be her son. She was white, Tyler was black. The girl was white, but too old to be the woman’s daughter. The other boy looked Asian. And the woman didn’t have a wedding ring on. How strange. Matthew thought about this peculiar family off and on whenever he saw kids running around, trying to figure them out.

Matthew sat down on the park bench and watched the kids playing. He got his back and reached for his sketch pad. The one thing his father gave him. Talent. Matthew only knew three things about the man that was his father, he was an artist, he left his mom when he found out she was pregnant, and he died when Matthew was 4 by a drug overdose. Matthew did not think of his father often, but it would have been nice to know more about him.

For three hours Matthew drew. He drew the kids. He drew the trees. He drew the moms sitting and talking on the bench across from him. Art was his solace. Even in the horrible foster homes and group placements, art was the one thing they could not take from him. It was his, and only his.

This became the routine. Matthew would sit at parks and draw the scenes and wash his clothes once a week at different gas stations. Not much of a routine, but he liked being left alone. He had been on the streets for five weeks. And he knew no one cared enough to look for him.

This Saturday found Matthew on one of “his” benches at his favorite park. His mom used to bring him here. He did what he always did; he got his sketch pad and began to draw. No one ever bothered him. However, this day was different. Matthew was drawing the swings today. He was trying to get the little girl’s hair just right it flew behind her. Then he felt someone sit next to him. He looked over and saw Tyler, the little boy from the gas station. Matthew didn’t know how to respond, but Tyler had no such problem, “Hey! That’s cool! I wanna learn to draw like that.”

Matthew smiled, but still didn’t know what to say. Then the woman appeared. “Tyler! We did not come to the park for you to bother this young man. Leave him alone.” She took Tyler’s hand and started to walk away when she finally placed Matthew. “Oh, right. Sorry honey, Tyler remembers everyone he meets, or even just runs into. He is a people person.” She let go of Tyler and let him sit back down. The younger boy and teenage girl were not with her this time. Matthew looked around and spotted them walking around the park with a dog, a very big dog.

Matthew finally found his voice, “No problem. I was just surprised.” He looked at Tyler, “My name is Matthew.” And he stuck his hand out. Tyler looked proud to be considered grown up enough to shake hands. He took Matthew’s hand and said, “Nice to meet you. I’m Tyler and I am six years old.” His mom laughed. Tyler looked up and pointed, “That’s my mom. Her name is CJ.” The woman looked at Matthew and smiled and she held her hand out. Matthew shook her hand while he thought about how she still reminded him of his mom. 

Matthew part 1

Hey guys, I am writing a story. It is called Matthew. Here is the first part. Let me know what you think...

He would never go back. He had been on his own since he was six; nothing was going to make him go back now. Matthew Grayson was on his own, and he knew how to stay under the radar.

Ten years earlier

Danielle Grayson could not believe it. She had no idea what would happen to her little boy. A six year old. No one wants a six year old. He was her only family. What would happen to him?

Danielle looked at Matthew as she picked him up from school and tried to act as normally as possible. She didn’t know how to tell him that she wasn’t going to be around forever. She was supposed to take care of him for at least twelve more years. How could this happen to her?

As Matthew sat at the kitchen table, Danielle prepared dinner and gathered courage to say what had to be said. How could she word this so he would understand?

“I went to see someone today.” She said, trying to figure out the right words.

“Who momma?” Matthew said as he looked up innocently.

Holding back the tears Danielle turned away to answer, “The doctor.”

“Ewww. I don’t like the doctor. They give shots.”

“Yes, they do. But they also tell people what is making them feel bad.”

Matthew contemplated, “Like why you are tired and sleep all the time?”

“Yes, exactly.” Danielle was surprised that she hadn’t hidden this as well as she thought.

“So is he gonna fix you?”

“Not exactly. I have something bad in me. It isn’t going to get better.” Matthew was beginning to understand that this was going to be bad.

She couldn’t tell him what it was. She just had to make sure he understood that she was going to be gone soon. Cancer was going to take her away from her son. The only warning sign was the tiredness. How was she supposed to know it was so serious? Treatments would make the tiredness worse and add other symptoms. Was she really going to make Matthew go through that, or watch her go through it?

“Momma? It’s going to be okay, right?” Matthew looked frightened now. His six year old sense was telling him something was very wrong.

“Honey, I am going get sick. And I might not be around for very much longer.” Danielle wiped the tear from his little face. “It will be okay. We will have so much fun together, and then, you can tell everyone stories about me. You won’t forget me; I will always be with you in here.” She said as she tapped his chest.

Present day

Matthew slept in the park. He was glad it was August, no need to worry about frost bite yet. When he woke up, he looked in his bag for the letters. He read one every morning. He refused to forget the most important person in his life.  

It was mid-morning. After 2 weeks on the street, Matthew knew he had to find somewhere to wash his clothes. Three shirts, two pairs of jeans, and a sweatshirt don’t last very long on the street. He looked in his pockets; no money. That meant looking for somewhere that would overlook a dirty teenager in the bathroom. Gas station. They never cared. Matthew walked to the gas station on the corner and went to the bathroom.

“Washin your clothes in the sink is not a good start dude.” Matthew said to himself. “We gotta find work or somethin.”

As he walked out of the gas station, Matthew ran into a kid. He never even saw him, the kid walked straight into his legs. Matthew smiled, he remembered being in such a hurry that he couldn’t stop to see who was in front of him. The kid was cute, about six years old, with a curly fro.

“Sorry.” The kid said sheepishly.

“Tyler! I told you to walk. No more running.” A woman said as she walked up with two more kids, one about four, the other in her teens. “I am very sorry. Tyler here doesn’t know what the word ‘walk’ means.” She said smiling.

Something about that smile took Matthew back to his mom.