Hi all! I probably sound like a broken record when I say this, but I am so sorry for anyone who is still reading this story...because I haven't been a really good writer at all! I have been so busy this year! Well lemme just say this nice and short: Did my last Nutcracker; definitely bittersweet, met the love of my life; we have been together for almost eight months since December 31st:), I auditioned my butt off early January and February; got into 6 out of the 7 places I auditioned for! I was definitely beyond shocked but absolutely honored! Drove to Las Vegas with my dad during spring break, that was pretty fun;) the last dance competiton we did in April, I competed my solo and I got a platinum and 1st Overall! I have never gotten either of those ever in my life...I almost cried! And my best guy friend, who is also my boyfriends best friend, presented them to me:) It was one of those moments where you know that your hard work is being paid off and people are finally noticing it..wow, this really isn't short! But anyways, I ended up doing two summer intensives this year...both in San Francisco, and I luckily survived!;) I learned so so so much though, I thought I was completely crazy for doing both but it ended up being the greatest summer ever. Once that was over, my family and I took our usual trip to Santa Fe and I got to relax and sleep in everyday;) during that time, I sent in an audition video for the year round program at Alonzo Kings Lines Ballet School (I had done their summer program) and a week later, I got notice that I had GOTTEN IN! So I will be training with 35 other kids, 17-24 year olds, everyday starting Septemeber 4th! It has definitely been a great, amazing year so far and I am so looking forward to my new adventure that I have in front of me! Living in the city with my brother will be interesting but fun, hahaha:)
Anywho, I won't ramble on any longer! It's 1:15 in the morning too, so I ought to go to bed...Read and review, pretty please. xo
Chapter Thirty Five:
Claire's POV
The following week.
Spooning a small banana slice, I served it into Andy's open mouth as he was sat in his high chair next to the kitchen table. He munched on it happily, finally getting the hang of this chewing thing. I then fed Dani some, ending with the same result.
Getting through the teething stage was the most grateful thing I've ever completed! I mean, dealing with them crying and screaming was enough pain for me (emotionally) to handle, but the pain inflicted on my body? Now that was a nightmare.
For six weeks. Pure. Chaos.
Taylor felt so sorry for me he treated me with back massages whenever he could, and in return, I'd give him the thing he loved most. Sweaty, hot sex.
Taylor sat in the chair across from myself, studying his iPhone while absently stirring the floating Apple Jacks within the pool of milk. I turned my attention towards him, then to outside through the window looking onto the overcast beach. The sun hid behind the deep gray clouds, peeking out from time to time; the stormy blue waves cruising up and down the shoreline caused sudden splashes to come out of nowhere.
I suddenly thought. Something completely random and really pointless, but I said it anyway.
I whipped my head over to Taylor, whom was in the middle of taking a bite of his cereal when:
"I want to buy a house." I stated, setting the baby spoon down a little too harshly than planned. His eyes rose from the screen of the phone, puzzled and sort of shocked. The mechanics in his jaw slowly began working again before he spoke to my unusual plea.
"What for..."
I swallowed. "Because.. I don't know-well I think we should get a secondary home. You know, for when you have to travel a lot and stuff. "
"So New York?" His eyebrow arched.
"Well..." I trailed off.
He seemed to wait for my answer but it didn't end up coming out. I instead, babbled a bit. "I think that it's a good idea though. Doesn't Brad Pitt have maybe four different homes all across the country? And in Europe?"
He chuckled under his breath, pushing his bowl aside. "Brad Pitt has a million kids though."
Andy let out a tiny laugh, clapping his hands together. I barely blushed, crossing my ankles. "Well, yeah...I know Ashley has one here and also her and Kellan share a apartment in New York."
"It was inevitable." Taylor spoke while leaning back in his chair, criss-crossing his arms over his built chest.
I laughed, "So?What are your thoughts?"
He paused for quite a while. Which had me thinking that he didn't like the idea very much.
"I guess...we could." my eyes widened at his response. "I mean, where did you want to look?" He stared intently at me. A small tint of a smile playing over his moist lips.
I couldn't keep still. I jostled in my seat with an overwhelming excitement, causing Dani to squeal happily from beside. Taylor watched, looking rather amused. "You know I'd love to get a place in Manhattan, since it's also where you'd be a lot.. Though, I was thinking, maybe Santa Fe?" I cringed, waiting for his answer.
Immediately, his eyes lit up. I internally exhaled in relief that he might be agreeing with me.
"That would be nice, yeah..." He pondered. "Maybe... a vacation home instead? It'd make a little more sense, but I get where you're coming from." A wide grin shone brightly afterwards.
"So it's settled?" I announced eagerly, standing and walking around the oak table to be behind his chair. I draped my arms over his frame, laying my chin atop his shoulder.
"It is," His voice came out smoothly. It tickled my insides, slithering in and out of my ears. His hands met mine, molding together tightly. He then twisted his neck towards me, I kissed him instantly, crushing our mouths as one once again.
He knew how special Santa Fe was to me. It's where we first met; how we fell in love in such a way I'd never know to understand- what we did and where we explored together; memories flashed through our time stopping kiss, my heart racing up and over the cliff and never coming back.
A present high pitched giggle was heard. I popped apart from my source of indefinite pleasure, gazing over at our toothless kids.
Both sat in matching high chairs, they sported footed pajamas that Debbie had gotten them for Christmas last year. Andy's, dark blue with red airplanes zooming every which way on it. Dani's was a light violet with pink roses scattered all across.
Taylor had then tugged me into his lap, his sudden hardness pressing up against my backside with such a force, it got me in the mood like no other. I chuckled, shuffling on top of him until his arms securely wrapped around my waist. He poked his head over my shoulder to also stare at the pile of cuteness ahead.
Dani stared at us with her hands wound together, a shy but sly smile was hiding between her precious lips. Andy, being the total opposite, was squirming about within his seat, clapping, laughing and showing us that he could also touch his toes.
"I wonder where he got that awesome flexibility.." Taylor muttered deeply, still managing some humor to flow through his voice.
"Oh, you know, I pass on my dancing genes like a boss." I said proudly just before Taylor burst out in a fit. Without turning around, my fingers found his stomach and I began pinching what skin I could through his cotton shirt. He wiggled underneath my body, laughing even more. The sound was delightful and almost beautiful.
I adore this guy, I thought softly.
And right then, I knew that he was happy.
Happy with how his life turned out, how everything fell into place, even through all the struggle and pain.
I loved him. I loved our children. I loved my family, my friends and my livelihood. And I couldn't be any more thankful.
Flashback - Santa Fe, 2010
"You, me and the palm trees we could lay outside on the beach all night," The words slipped off my tongue as I bounced around my room, simply putting away some clothes. "We can swim with the dolphins, go golfing, baby girl you can be my wife." With Zach Porter's playful voice filling my ears, I was not as aware of what was going on around me. Although, I kept dancing, lost in the song.
I stopped in front of the dresser, folding a pair of jeans and shaking my hips like a little girl. "Now don't go falling in love with Mr. Wonderful, and I won't go running around with any other girl."
"Ahem,"
The loud but almost subtle sound of someone's voice practically scared the crap out of me. "Wha- AHHohmygosh, geez," Especially of who had said it. I, being frightened out of my mind, tumbled over my feet back into the wall with a hand over my erratically beating heart.
"Jesus... Taylor, uh, hi?" I questioned breathless.
He stared at me with those eyes, deep and mysterious waiting to be figured out by the right person. Slowly, a small smirk inched its way up along his lips. I didn't know what he was going to do next.. I mean, he never has looked at me like that. But I wasn't one to complain.
"Sorry I caught you off guard." He responded quietly.
I just shook my head, opening my mouth-
He took a step forward from his resting spot against the doorway, "You were right though," I'm guessing he saw the About?in my eyes and decided to go on. "Your dancing is surely flawless."
I blushed, "Shut up. Don't tell me you've never danced in your room like this.." He didn't reply, which led me to thinking he was agreeing with my statement. "Oh really..." My eyebrow raised as a smile came up too.
I took a step towards him, feeling a bit of confidence rise inside myself. "Well, looks like I have to invite you over here for a little sing-and-dance-like-no-one's-watching lesson."
His hazel eyes brightened at my choice of words (mostly at the 'no one's watching' part) and he let his foot take another light step in my direction. I huffed under my breath, watching the way his limbs adjusted to our enclosing bodies. We had never showed the slightest of affection towards each other before, so this was all new to the both of us. New but also exciting.
"That sounds like it'll be a good time," his voice seemed lower now that we were closer. I stared up into the pits of his eyes, not at all feeling uncomfortable with doing so. "but, seeming that the mood for that has dimmed," he paused, having my heart stop along with it. One last time, he stepped forward, practically almost touching the length of my stomach with his. I felt the angst of hyperventilation starting to climb up my throat at our vicinities, but I tried to stay calm, knowing that would only drive him further away.
"I have something I want to show you instead." He finished, the ridge of his nose barely grazing my cheek. I shivered intensely before nodding. A large grin suddenly grew, showing his brilliantly white teeth straight in my face.
God, if only I could...
He then gestured for me to follow him, screwing my thoughts up, but I did, like a little puppy. He led me all the way outside and across the lawn to his house where he revealed a rustic motorbike. Resting on its kickstand in all its glory, I stared wondrously at it.
He was going to take me for a ride?
"I rented this sucker yesterday for the next few days and I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to Taos (Ta-Ow-S) for the day." He put it all out there like it was nothing at all. I couldn't speak. He was uncertain with my reaction I'm sure, so he spoke about the trip some more.
We were going to take a very scenic route, for my sake of a photographers eye, it would be longer but the views would be outstanding. He then explained that he found out that there was this restaurant somewhere up there as well, so that would be our lunch/early dinner.
During all his talking, I couldn't help but notice the slight nervous habit that produced throughout. Scratching the back of his neck with a cute shy grin.
When everything was fully explained, I didn't hesitant to accept, giving him a quick solid hug before running back to the house to grab my camera, phone and of course tell my parents where I was going. I changed into some skinny jeans and a loose fitting top and skipped down the stairs and back out to where Taylor was waiting.
He greeted me again with a wide smile, handing over a sleek looking helmet.
"Oh gosh, I've never had helmet hair." I cringed, though part of it was sarcasm.
"I have to wear one too, don't worry." He joked, slipping his over his head just as his foot slammed down on the jump starter. The bike roared and spat, rumbling underneath his stance. I took no time at all to buckle on my helmet and swing a leg over the vicious animal.
I found it surprising that I fit so snugly behind him. I was then unsure about wrapping my arms around his waist, (yeah I know, I would fall off immediately if I didn't do so) which he could sense. He chuckled, looking over his shoulder as he waited. I absently got lost in his on looking eyes as they pierced into the distance.
Geez, cheesy.
I shook my head clean and went for it. Snaking my arms along his strong torso, I hooked my fingers together as tightly as I could. I felt every movement of his muscles, and it warmed my cheeks from the inside out. I leaned the side of my face upon his back, feeling the insane pins and needles prickle all over the lower half of my body.
"You ready?" Taylor's voice bellowed above the snarl of the engine.
I nodded and gave him a sure thumbs up, which I quickly regretted doing because not only did he take off, we took off like a rocket. Leaving my stomach at the edge of the driveway. Using all of my will power to stay in my seat, I hugged myself so hard against Taylor's back I felt like nothing could tear us apart. Besides the whipping wind around us.
I had never been on a motorcycle before. This was so cool!My eyes darted from left to right, watching in awe as the scenery flew past us at amazing speeds. I would switch the direction of my head from time to time, just to see both sides. The bottoms of my feet were tingling immensely from the sensation of the bikes power driving into the road. I could not wipe the smile off my face at this moment.
And I'm sure Taylor was enjoying all this way too much.
Once during the middle of our journey, I changed my gaze to the front and sat my chin upon Taylor's shoulder. It startled him at first but his muscles relaxed immediately. I curved my limbs further, past my fingers and ended up grasping onto my own skin.
Gliding and drifting down the long winding roads we smelled the dust and dirt that lay all over. I spotted a jack rabbit and a few cattle among the brush, pointing them out for Taylor as we sped in and out of a couple cars that were along the same road as well.
Taylor handled the machine that carried us fairly well. Swiftly making large turns across banks of open land where only a lone strip of road lay. I clung onto him, fearing I would topple over onto the pavement with force, with the bike probably on top of my body. As the bike tilted more and more as we kept turning, I felt myself drawn to the rushing concrete. It was absolutely surreal. We soon came to a straight away, and Taylor stepped on it, having the cooling wind blow straight through my hair.
We later parted from the road, swerving slowly along the dirt bank, sputtering to a halt. Taylor kicked the stand down and the bike leaned, resting on the skinny stand. I turned my attention out onto the view that we had, stepping off of the seat while removing my helmet.
The landscape seemed to go on for years as the deep green forest of trees spread across every inch of the hilltops. Had we only been on the road for an hour and a half, we were already beginning to head into the more grassier part of New Mexico. Before I could do anything else, I scrambled around inside my shoulder bag for my camera. Pulling out the prized jewel I flipped the switch and the view finder was glued to my eye socket in an instant. I snapped away, adjusting the lighting and focus often. How the pure white clouds contrasted with the rich blue of the sky and dark green of the foliage below, it was beautiful. Plus with the sun shining down on us made it more...bright.
"Out of all things, Captain Obvious."
After snide commenting myself, I suddenly realized that I had just said that out loud.
Shit.
"What was that?" Taylor wondered from behind me.
"Uhh," I froze with the black machine still in front of my face. My eye flitted around before settling on focusing into the camera for one more picture, before having to face Taylor.
"Nothing," I said quickly, turning around casually, reviewing the recent shots. Glancing up I saw the small smirk that was upon his face. I blushed and sank back, clutching my camera close.
"Can I see?" He stepped forward with a gesture of his hand. Taylor wasn't pushy at all, especially with this offer; he was quite gentle about it.
"Sure." I swallowed, backtracking on the little buttons to the start of the seven pictures I took. I then looked up and handed it over, in which he grasped carefully. Probably sensing how much I loved the thing.
I watched the way his expression changed with each click of the stiff button; it made me uneasy in a way. And I didn't know why.
"These are-"
"Horrible, right? I know, I couldn't find the right balance of white and it just looks messy with the trees and angles-" I rambled nonsense until a light nudge shook me out of it. Taylor had appeared right in front of me, a sincere smile gracing his lips. I was dazed at this very moment.
"Claire," his hand still planted on my shoulder. "There is nothing wrong with these pictures. I know I'm no expert on photography like you are, but these are nice!" I melted at his words. Feeling an incredible heat wave rush through me, swishing in my stomach and over the length of my arms and cheeks.
"Thank you, Taylor. Coming from you, that means...a lot." I stumbled, taking my camera back and roping the strap around my neck.
"You're very welcome. You've got a talent, my dear." He winked, shoving a hand into his jean pocket. "Now all I've got is to watch you dance. I bet you're amazing. At least, that's what your Mom says." His pearly whites shone magnificently in the light.
My throat was going dry at this point, "Should we get going again?"
His face shifted, eyebrows lifting. "Yeah, sure, only if you're done."
"Yes, I'm finished here, thanks." I grinned, sliding past his tall body and back over to the bike to grab my helmet. Taylor had taken larger strides and we ended up meeting at the same time.
And that's when I saw it in slow motion.
Our hands extended out, both reaching for the same thing. My heart was racing even before we touched. His fingers grazed mine as we had pinpointed for the same helmet. From the corner of my eye I saw a tint of red to his tan cheek, it made my insides churn with a sudden delight. A low chuckle was heard and we pulled away.
I got that helmet in the end and we sped off down the mountainside road with me clinging onto Taylor like no other.