Chapter 4
June 1st, 2017
Andrea woke up with more than normal anxiety that morning.
In addition to Taylor's arrival within a few hours, she had received a call from Mr Miles the day before saying that the caseworker's report had been delivered a week in advance, and that even that day the judge could give her temporary custody of Claire.
She quickly changed and went downstairs to make coffee, but didn't drink it. Instead she opted for a glass of water, hoping that could ease her nerves.
Kitty, unlike her owner, was lying serenely on the sofa in the living room, with nothing to worry about. Seeing her, Andrea couldn't help but giggle softly and stroke the soft fur.
– Why all this panic, huh? Everything is going to be alright, isn't it Kitty?
As if she answered, the dog barked and Andrea hugged her.
– Thanks for the advice, Kitty – she joked and turned on the television, just to have something to do.
At nine o'clock sharp, Andrea was startled by the noise of her phone.
Seeing it was the lawyer, the lump in her throat tightened even more, and she could barely whisper a "hello."
– Andrea, you did it. Congratulations, Claire's custody is yours...
The lawyer spent a few more minutes talking, during which she couldn't pay attention to more than two or three words.
So she set the phone down on the table, picked up her bag, and with tears streaming down her face, walked over to Dom.
- Good morning darling.
- Madam, what happened? - the driver looked at her, worried.
“Nothing bad, don't worry.” Andrea said with a smile as Dom opened the door for her. “I got temporary custody of that little one".
Dom was smiling and his eyes were teary. As a father he understood the relief Andrea must be feeling. Sure, it was temporary custody, but it was already a step in the right direction.
Smiling, the man turned around and started driving. They would have to go first to the lawyer's office, which had the document signed by the judge, and then to the orphanage, to pick up the child.
Andrea's mind was racing.The day would be long, and at the end of it her two girls would be under one roof. What more could a mother want?
Her phone flashed, and she saw Taylor's message, advising her that the plane had stopped for gas, and that in three hours at the most she would be home, and asking if she could meet them at the airport.
– Dom, get ready to work hard today. Taylor arrives in about 3 hours and asked me to meet her at the airport.
– It is a pleasure to work for you and Miss Swift.
– You are an exemplary employee. It is a pleasure to have you with us for so many years.
Dom smiled shyly and thanked her.
Andrea pondered for a while, and then replied that she would be there, and that she had a surprise waiting for her at the airport.
The woman laughed and once again looked at the driver.
– It will be the perfect opportunity for Taylor to find out she has a sister, and for Claire to find out whose sister she will be.
– Miss Swift doesn't know you're adopting the girl? – the driver asked, surprised.
– She doesn't even imagine.
– Well, in that case it's hard to know who will be more surprised. - Dom commented, smiling, and Andrea couldn't help but laugh.
– Taylor for sure. She's going to be furious with me for keeping something so important from her, I know that. That's why I'd like to ask you to stay in the car and talk to Claire while I greet Taylor and lead her to you.
The man nodded.
– Certainly ma'am. Did Miss Swift specify how many or which security guards?
– She didn't say anything, but two of them will be enough.
– Correct, Mrs. As soon as we park, I'll call the head of security.
After what felt like centuries, Andrea finally arrived at the orphanage, going straight to Ms. Monssant to thank her for her support in the process so far.
– Oh dear, our little one is so happy. – Lizzy said, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. – I made sure to break the news to her myself.
Andrea could only smile.
– And how did she react?
– She came out screaming in the courtyard that she was going to have a new mom, and with that it completely destroyed my ability to hold back tears. Congratulations, Andrea, you are gaining a beautiful daughter.
The women hugged each other once more, one more emotional than the other.
– Is she still getting ready?
– Yea. And because it was such a special occasion, I got her a new dress. A parting gift from all of us.
– You are all sweethearts. I'm sure Taylor will be enchanted by you when she comes to sing next week.
–We can't wait – the headmistress said, expressing a sincere smile of gratitude.
A cough was heard.
– Ladies, the girl is ready.
– Thanks. Let's go to see your daughter, Andrea.
As soon as she went out into the hallway, Andrea saw a small hurricane wearing a lime green dress dropping her backpack on the floor and running towards her. Bending down, she spread her arms to accommodate her, lifting her into the air and whispering:
– Let's go home, my daughter.
Hearing the words, the child burst into tears and no adult there held back their own tears.
– Sorry, Aunt Andrea, I wet your blouse.
Andrea laughed.
– Shh, don't worry, little one. Are you ready to go home?
– I am. But can I ask you something first?
– Of course my love. Whatever you want.
– Can I call you Mom number two or Mom Andrea or just Mom?
– I'll love to hear you call me whatever you prefer.
– I'll just call you Mom then. It's less work to talk. – She said in a dramatic sigh that caused everyone to laugh out loud.
With that, Claire put her arms around Andrea's neck again to hug her.
The girl quickly said goodbye to the employees and the director, Andrea thanked them all once again, and the two made their way to the car hand in hand, both excited to build a mother-daughter relationship.
...
Almost an hour later they arrived at Andrea's house, and she got out of the car and went around to get the child out of the special seat.
– Claire, we got home. Now, remember I told you I have a giant dog?
– Yes mom.
The woman felt that her heart could go out of her mouth with so much happiness to hear the girl calling her mother so quickly.
– So, dear. She's really giant, she is called Kitty.
Claire giggled.
– What a funny name for a dog.
– Taylor explains to you later. She's the one who named her.
–Did she came back from abroad?–Claire asked, curious.
– She's coming back. We'll pick her up at the airport in a little while, and then we'll all come back here for lunch. But now let's go down to see your new home.
With her mother's help, Claire climbed down and her jaw dropped as she turned around.
– Mom, it's not just the dog that's giant. The house too.
The child didn't even blink in shock, while Andrea and the driver did their best not to burst out laughing.
– You'll get used to it soon, little one. Here, come on.
Andrea took the child's hand, who skipped until the front door.
Claire wished she had eight eyes to see every detail of that place. The kitchen and dining room seemed the size of the orphanage's courtyard, and filled with fancy decor.
It didn't take long for Kitty to come to her. Despite being huge, Claire soon saw that the dog wasn't terrifying at all, and let her give her a few good licks, bursting into laughter.
When Kitty got tired of the child, she went out into the garden and Claire followed Andrea on a mini-tour around the mansion.
Andrea stopped at a door near her bedroom.
– Here is going to be your room, sweet. It's still an adult room, but we'll go shop everything for you tomorrow, ok? But for now you are staying in my bed.
The girl nodded and felt her mouth drop when the blonde woman opened the door and she saw a huge room, filled with a giant bed, a table where the people could use a computer and study.
– Did you liked?
The little girl answered by hugging Andrea's legs, and then looking to her:
– I love you mommy. Thanks for letting me have another mommy.
Andrea bent down and picked the girl up, whispering "i love you too" in her ears.
After this emotional moment, Andrea put her down and they returned to the first floor.
–Would you like something to eat before we go out to get your sister, my love?
– No need, thank you. But I'm thirsty, so a glass of water would be great.
Andrea smiled. She hadn't seen such a polite child in a while.
They chatted a little longer and then it was time to leave the house to get to the airport in time to see Taylor's jet land.
...
–Oh, finally, I thought we'd never make it. – Taylor sighed, tired and hungry.
Joe laughed, and kissed Taylor's forehead.
–But we arrived, and without turmoil, love.
–I know, sorry for the bad mood. I'm just anxious, my mom told me she has a surprise waiting for me at the airport. And she's been away for weeks, always busy. What the hell is she up to?!
Joe raised his eyebrows.
–Well, whatever it is, we're very close to finding out.
Taylor sighed, laying her head on his shoulders.
– Only you to calm me down.
They were allowed to take off their belts, and then they stood up.
Meredith and Olivia were making a racket in the backseat.
– Hey, calm down. Just a few more minutes and I'll let you girls go. Joe, can you go down with Meredith while I go down with Olivia?
– 'Course honey.
– Miss Swift, we are ready for you. Your mother is outside the car, waiting for you, and two of your security guards, who have come to back you up.
–Thanks. Any paparazzi in sight?
– None.
Taylor sighed in relief.
–Thanks. So I'm ready too.
Taylor got off the plane and as soon as she saw her mother put the box with Olivia on the floor and ran to hug her.
–Welcome back sweetheart.– Andrea hugged her tight.
–I miss you mom. –Taylor kissed her mom's cheek and took a step back to look at her favorite person in the world.
–I counted the minutes for your plane to land, honey. – The woman squeezed her hand three times and went to hug Joe (who came with both cats).
– Oh dear. We finally met in person. I'll never have the words to thank you enough for making Taylor happy. – Andrea whispered to her son-in-law.
– There's nothing to be thankful for, Andrea. Taylor is my other half.
Andrea then turned back to Taylor as security helped load the bags into the giant car.
– You know, honey. I have a big surprise for you, and I'd like you to take a deep breath and not yell at me in the middle of the airport.
Taylor took a suspicious step back.
– Mom, what reason would I have to yell at you in the middle of the airport?– she whispered, even more concerned.
– Maybe I may have hidden a little thing or two in the last month.
Taylor looked at Joe with an "I told you so" face. Neither of them even blinked.
–Can I ask to bring your surprise?” Andrea bit her lip to suppress a nervous laugh.
–Only if you tell me what it is first.
Andrea silently asked Joe to come closer, which he did, hugging her sideways.
– Very good. Andrea tapped the car window, the signal already arranged with Dom.
– Taylor, you gained a sister today.
The blonde opened her mouth to ask what breed the dog would be this time, thinking it was a new pet to keep her company, but she felt her knees give out when she saw that the driver was carrying a child with curly brown hair.
She just looked at her mother, both of them with tears in their eyes, absolutely confused, not understanding why her mother had hidden an adoption process, if that's what was happening. Time seemed to pass in slow motion as the child took two steps forward and widened her eyes at how tall Taylor was, her mouth dropping open.
When she recovered from the shock, the little girl finally spoke.
– Hi, my name is Claire, and you must be the girl Mom told me is my sister. –The girl looked to her mom for confirmation, and Andrea nodded.
Taylor swallowed the lump of tears she had stuck in her throat, gave her mother a confused look, and then crouched down.
– Hi, Claire, my name is Taylor. – She extended her hand to the little one, who shook it gently. And then, with a squeak, Claire took a step back.
“You're Taylor Swift!” she said in a barely audible whisper.
Taylor grinned, not really knowing if she was living this moment or if it was a crazy dream.
– Mom, are you the mother of the best singer in the world?
Andrea let a few tears run down her face at that moment and Taylor melted for the little girl.
– Yes, I am, my love. And consequently, as of today you are Taylor Swift's sister.
– I loved you before you were my sister, you know, Taylor? We always sing your songs at the orphanage!– The girl looked for Taylor with the most adorable smirk.
The blonde, also in tears, opened both arms.
– Can I get a hug from my little sister, then?
Claire ran into her older sister's arms, who felt her heart warm.
– Welcome to the family, Claire. – Taylor placed a kiss on the little girl's forehead, still stunned with surprise.
– And who is the giant boy?
Joe laughed and bent down to greet her.
– Hey Claire. My name is Joe. I date Taylor. – He introduced himself in her natural british accent, causing the little girl to burst out laughing.
– Why you talk like this: Joey… it's funny, you know.– Claire said, mocking Joe's accent.
Taylor almost choked, curious to see what Joe was going to answer.
– Well, I'm not from here, I'm from England, so I have an accent, and my accent is my secret charm that made your sister fall in love with me. – Joe blinked at Taylor, in the corner of his eye. – She made fun of my accent when we first met too, you know?
– Still think it's funny, and i'm going to call you Uncle Joey, ok?
– Ok, princess, now this funny and giant uncle Joe can have a hug?
She nodded and Joe smirk, and opened his arms to hug her.
When they let go, Andrea was already calmer and invited everyone to get in the car.
– Taylor, can you put Claire in the special seat?
The blonde nodded.
– Let's see if it's tied... Ready, young lady.
– Thank you very much, Taylor. – the little one said, smiling when her sister let a kiss in her forehead.
Everyone settled down and the car left.
With her head on Joe's shoulder, Taylor gave her mother a look meaning they'd talk about as soon as they had privacy, and sighed, too tired to try to understand how her mother's visit to the orphanage to make a donation had turned into an adoption.
Sure, it was a nice surprise, but no doubt a too big surprise. She had been caught completely off guard.
After ten minutes of silence, Claire became bored and decided to cheer up those silent adults.
– Uncle Dom, did the cat eat all the adults tongues?
Joe almost choked, Andrea and Taylor couldn't hold back their laughter either, and Dom, already used to the child, cleared his throat.
– Don't worry, miss. We are still able to speak.
– You're so quiet... Thoughtful... Adult thinks too much, that's why they almost don't laugh.
Taylor couldn't help but look at the little girl in that moment, surprised at her intelligence.
– Claire, how old are you?
– Six years and two months. And I could ask you how old you are but it would be impolite to ask that of a grown up woman.
Another wave of laughter filled the car.
Taylor looked even more surprised at the child.
– Well, you're right, but as we are sisters now I don't care that you know my age. I was born on December 13, 1989, and I am 27 years old.
The girl's chatter encouraged Taylor, who arrived at her mother's house in a much better mood.
After lunch, Claire ended up falling asleep on the couch after pet Taylor's cats.
When the adults were done with talking and saw Claire still asleep, an awkward silence filled the room.
– Joe, can you take care of her for us to talk? - Taylor asked and pointed at her mother with her eyes.
– No problems, love.
Both women thanked him.
Andrea went to the office with Taylor and closed the door, while the younger blonde sat on the couch with her arms crossed.
– Very well, Mom, so within a month you decided to be a mother again twenty years later and hide it from everyone. You can start explaining. I'm all ears.