Friday, August 12, 2011

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.”