| TAYLOR: Thankfully, just then our flight was announced. Jessie looked up at me, then shot a dirty look back at Alex, before letting me guide her to the baording desk and then through the gate. I stowed out stuff in the overhead compartment as Jess took her seat, then I slid in beside her. We buckled up silently, waiting to get airborne before we had the conversation we needed to have. There was more she wasn't telling me and I was deathly afraid that she would voice my worst fears for the little girl she used to be. I took her hand in mine and watched her face as she gazed quietly out the window. Finally we were airborne and the flight attendant had brought around the drink cart. I almost thought about ordering a stiff drink for Jess, if she wasn't pregnant I definately would have. I got a beer, and a water for Jess. I flipped her tray down and set it in front of her, took a swig of my beer, then encouraged her silently to drink her water. She was still pale, and eerily quiet. After about ten more minutes, I couldn't stand it anymore. "Jess? You gonna tell me?" I asked. She slowly turned her head toward me and her eyes instantly filled with tears. "I can't.." she choked and looked back out the window. "Why not Jess? You don't want to?" I asked. "No. I want to, but I can't. I've been tring since we got on this plane, Tay. I never thought I'd see him again. Out of all the members of my family that have died, his death is the one I would have wished for." she said flatly, without looking directly at me. All the visions that flashed through my head made my heart ache. "Jess..." I squeezed her hand, not knowing what to say. "Tay. He was brutal, and evil. No four year old deserves to be punished like that ever. Not ever." she said and that was the last she said about it until we got home. All I could do was hold her, keep her close to me and keep quiet for the rest of the flight, stroking her hair off her face as she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. |
| TAYLOR: Finally, the captain announced that we were getting ready to land. Jessie's eyes slowly fluttered open and she stretched slightly, then turned to me. Her soft brown eyes looked so sad, even as she tried to smile at me. "Hi. I'm sorry, Tay. I tried to stay awake..." "Jess, it's alright. Are you feeling any better?" I asked, tucking her hair behind her ear. She sighed and then laid her hand on my cheek. "I'm pissed." she said flatly. "Why, of all days, did that stupid, evil, lame excuse for a father have to show up today? He was looking for me, Tay. He tracked us down on our honeymoon, and why? For money, that's why." she answered her own question angrily. "Bastard had to go and ruin it.." she muttered. "Only if you let him, Jess." I said, and kissed the back of her hand. "I personally prefer to think about staying in the cabin.." I grinned. She giggled then, and threw her arms around my neck. I let my arms encircle her waist and pulled her to me, breathing in her sweet scent. She hugged me tightly, and then gave me a noisy peck on the cheek. "Have I told you how much I love you today?" she said looking up at me, with the sparkle in her eyes that told me she was completely mine. |
| "I dunno, Jess. I can't hear it enough anyway.." I said, tucking her hair back behind her ears again. "I love you, Taylor." she said and cupped my face in her hands then kissed me. Her warm, soft lips pressed against mine as she closed her eyes. I couldn't help but dig my hands into her hair and pull her mouth more fully onto mine. Her lips parted slightly, and I darted my tongue gently into her mouth, sucking in my breath as it found hers. I let myself be taken away by the sweetness of her mouth and the warmth of her arms around my neck, until we were jerked abruptly back to reality by the flight attendant clearing her throat behind us. "Sorry." she grinned, "Just checking seatbelts, we'll be landing directly." "All buckled up.." Jess grinned back, leaning away from me and looking down to be sure what she was saying was the truth. "Okay." the attendant smiled, "Welcome home. Glad to see you enjoyed your honeymoon." Jess and I looked at each other and then back at the attendant. "Thanks.." I answered as she started to walk away. "Happy to see you are happy that's all. I've been a fan for years. The new record is great by the way..too bad I don't have it with me, I'd go all teenie and ask you to sign it." she laughed. "My daughters would just die.." She said the last in a mock tone and rolled her eyes to the ceiling, putting her hand over her heart. Jessie covered her mouth to stifle the fit of giggles about to overtake her. "Well I'm glad you like it anyway." I finally managed, "Thanks again." "Yes, thank you." Jessie added, then burst into laughter. "How old are your daughters?' she asked. "Fifteen and thirteen." the attendant answered quickly. "Believe it or not, I had to turn 'em on to what was good. Some of the stuff out there.." she shook her head. "Oh don't get me started, " she laughed again, "Welcome home.." she walked back down the aisle as Jess thanked her again. Jessie giggled again and squeezed my hand, then laid her head on my shoulder as the plane descended, then landed smoothly. As I stood to get our things from the overhead compartment, the flight attendant came up behind me and touched my shoulder. "Hello again..." I said, smiling as I turned to see what she wanted. "Oh my goodness, I hate to do this..but would you mind hanging back a second? I found the CD and my girls really would DIE.." she grinned sheepishly. I looked at Jess who just smiled and nodded. "No. I don't mind..go get it." I said and sat down next to my wife as she disappeared back down the aisle. |
| TAYLOR: "I guess I haven't told you how absolutely wonderful you are yet today either.." she said, smiling. She leaned over and kissed my cheek as I took her hand in mine. The attendant was heading back down the aisle toward us when I managed to tear my gaze from Jessie's gorgeous brown eyes. "Thank you so much.." the attendant said again as I flipped open the case and took out the liner. "No problem. What are their names?" I asked. "Ashley and Tori..." she answered. "Pretty names.." Jess commented. "Thanks..." "And your name is?" I asked. "Oh good grief! I'm sorry..I'm Connie.." she said, "I should have introduced myself what? Two hours ago?" "It's okay. Nice to meet you Connie. Here you go.." I put the liner back in and fliiped it shut, then handed her her sharpie back. "Thank you Taylor. They'll be thrilled. And so am I." she smiled, then shook Jessie's hand. "You know, my girls have seen you compete on ESPN..I'm never home to watch, but they look up to you. I'm glad that they have you instead of some beanpole who never eats as an example." "Thank you." Jess smiled. "Yeah..you should see her eat.." I joked. "Pipe down you.." she giggled and smacked me in the arm. "I need my energy to keep up with both our schedules. It was nice meeting you Connie." Jess said again as I rubbed my arm and grinned. "Thanks you guys...take care." Connie said as I slung our bags over my shoulder and we left the plane. "You too.." |