Swept Away: The First Bloodline

“Taylor tonight you and I sister are so going out. Won’t take no for an answer anymore. Ms. Rosa said she’d babysit and we’re going. You have to get out of this house. No excuses, I’ve got everything covered.”

Liz tapped her foot half expecting Taylor to argue the point with her but when she didn’t Liz was thrown back with a simple “Ok.” Taylor could see the shock all over Liz’s face and chuckled..

“Are you actually gonna go out with me without any arguing or excuses on why you can’t?” Sarcasm noted in her voice.

“You told me no excuses. Besides I wouldn’t mind it. I could use a drink or two maybe twenty.” They both laughed. “There is one problem. What the hell am I going to wear? I can’t exactly wear scrubs. It’s not like I have kept up with the latest fashion and accessories. And if you wanna go out tonight, we don’t have time for one of your runway extravaganzas. As much as you know I’ll miss that.”

“Easy. I like my runway extravaganzas thank you very much. You still have that outfit you wore to Kevin’s birthday party don’t ya?”

“You know I do, but I don’t know about that. It’s freezing outside tonight. Haven’t you noticed that?”

“It’s perfect. Do it. See ya in an hour. Be ready. Don’t worry about the kids; I can take them over to Ms. Rosa’s. GET. READY. NOW!” Taylor laughed when she picked up the bossy tone Liz had used with her.

By the time Taylor had finished showering and doing her hair she had already easily talked herself out of going. She didn’t want to go out and party. Well, maybe a little bit, but her party days were long over. Going out and having a few drinks was one thing, but truth be known, she didn’t want twenty drinks, just a couple to relax.

Taylor walked out of her room dead set on not going. This was a stupid idea. She would just stay at home and watch some TV. She didn’t need to go out to relax. Just needed some quiet time. With the twins at Ms. Rosa’s and Liz going out there was no reason Taylor couldn’t get it right there in the comfort of her home.

“Oh no you don’t! You march your ass right back in there and get ready. This is no joke, I’m not playing nor am I gonna let you back out this time. Do it now. Go on now. I’m serious.”

“I don’t think I can. Just the thought of it is, is, well, I can’t ok. I mean, I don’t wanna go and spend the entire night out. I just wanna go and have a few then come home and go to sleep. And besides I don’t feel right about this. I feel like going out and moving on is like I am… hell I don’t know.” Taylor shrugged her shoulders dropping her head to prevent Liz from seeing the tears forming.

“Like your forgetting him, like you’re moving on, that’s what you are supposed to do Tay. You are supposed to move on. I swear if you don’t go in there and get ready so help me God I will drag you out of this house with your jammies on and I won’t stop at the mall on the way! Tears won’t get you out of this one! You told me you wanted to live again. Feel whole, complete. How in the hell are you supposed to do that when you have been living like you’re the one that died?” Liz said it as if Taylor had used it as an excuse before.

Taylor stared at Liz. “Fine! Ok. Give me a few minutes. But I’m telling you right now, I’m not staying out all night. Do I need to just take my own car? Because I don’t have a problem with that you know?”

“Nice try. Take your own vehicle and you won’t show up. I know what you’re trying to pull. Give it up Tay, you’re going!” Liz’s brows moved together.

Twenty minutes later, Taylor stepped out wearing a blue turtle neck, black straight mini skirt, dark hose, and black boot heels that came up just below her knee.

“I don’t know about this. Are you sure this is ok? You don’t think I’m too slutty wearing this skirt? I don’t wanna seem easy and appear as if I am looking but I don’t want to be the laugh of the crowd ether.”

“Are you kidding, you’re hot. That’s great.” Liz smiled at Taylor briefly before turning and walking out the door. Taylor took a deep breath attempting to soothe the bundle of nerves that were building in the pit of her stomach.

*****

The minute Liz parked the car she looked over at Taylor. She was spinning her wedding band. Staring at it. Lost in it as if it were hypnotizing her. Secretly questioning, if it were ok for a widow to go out clubbing with her sister. She turned to Liz.

“I don’t wanna talk about it ok. Let’s just have a good time tonight.” Taylor smiled at Liz.

“You got it.” Liz smiled back.

When the door opened to the club the music was blaring and the cloud of cigarette smoke slapped her in the face. She immediately turned looking at Liz. Before Taylor could run, Liz grabbed her hand squeezing to the point circulation was cut off.

"Do this for me please. We both need this. I need my sister back Tay. I miss you. I miss all the fun that we used to have together. You know you weren't the only one who lost. We all did. It's time Taylor. It's time to let go." When the tears were visible in Liz's eyes Taylor squeezed her hand back and with butterflies doing Flip-flops in her stomach and with the not so pleasant aroma of smoke engulfing her she went in.

The last time she had been here it had been with Chase. Taylor stood there looking around remembering getting irritated because the bouncer carded her at the door and it had been raining. He wouldn't even let her step in while she dug out her ID from her purse.

Fighting the tears back and knowing that if Liz seen the tears it would only cause her more grief. Taylor quickly shook away her thoughts.

The blasting music in the air retched through her eardrums again shocking her and reminding her why she didn't come to places like this anymore. It wasn't that she did enjoy the music that was being played, but she didn't like it extremely loud.

The place was totally crowded. People dancing and having a good time. Taylor looked around quickly finding a table. Thank God as the majority of the tables had already been taken.

"Come on Tay, let's go." Liz was full of excitement when she pointed to the dance for. Taylor looked around at all the other women. Bumping and grinding on the men. Not her thing anymore she thought.

“I'll set this one out. Give me a chance to get a drink and in me first. I'll catch the next one with you. You know loosen up a little." Taylor waited for her to go on and she was glad that Liz did.

"Grab me a Morgan and Dew please." Were the only words that Liz spoke before she was gone on the dance floor dancing and enjoying herself for the first time Taylor had seen in a long time.