Page 55 of Take Care, Taylor

“It isn’t every day that the tyrant apologizes to the victim.”

“That wasn’t an apology, and you weren’t a victim,” he said. “I recall you fucking with me too.”

“No, I?—”

“I’ll own up to my part in your story,” he said, meeting my eyes. “But you need to admit to the pages you wrote as well.”

“Taylor…”

“Let’s not do this right now,” he said quietly. “Let’s just stay civil for once. Can we do that?”

“Yeah.” My voice came out softer than I meant it to. “We’re both too tired to re-write the same argument anyway.”

“Exactly.”

I exhaled, tension draining with the breath. “Then I’ll take that nap.”

“Good,” he said. “You’ve earned it.”

He gave me one last look, his gaze lingering just long enough to make my pulse trip, before he shut my door.

BULLY YEARS: ELEVENTH GRADE (SECOND SEMESTER)

TAYLOR

Audrey

Fuck you for lying on me, you bitch-ass SNITCH.

Can you say that in English?

I assume it was you who told my dad that you saw me sneaking out my window last weekend. (Nice touch sending photos )

Okay, so no. You’re ASSuming things as usual. How the hell could I have done that when I had an away game?

Just admit it was you, Taylor. (Was it?)

Itwas, but she didn’t ever need to know that…

I left her message unanswered and grabbed my tennis shoes. As I was walking downstairs, I spotted my mother sitting on the couch.

“I thought you were working late today,” I said. “Want to drive me to the field?”

“I’m too drunk to do much of anything, Taylor.” She knocked back a shot.

I moved closer, confused. The air reeked of alcohol and lemon cleaner.

Two vodka bottles stood guard on the coffee table. I’d never seen my mom drink anything other than a glass of wine.

“How long have you been sitting here like this?” I asked.

“That’s not important.” She shook her head. “I have some really bad news. You want it now or later?”

“Now.”

“Good.” She leaned forward and poured another shot, but I took it away from her.

“Your father and I have made the tough decision to go our separate ways,” she said. “We still love you very much, but… we won’t be living with him anymore. You and I have to move out; he’ll keep the house.”