Chapter 175: Long Live!

Chapter 175: Chapter 165 – Long Live!

3rd POV

The Cooper family only stayed in Tennessee for a few days. Once the recording was wrapped, they headed back to Texas the very next morning.

After filming with the Hee Haw cast, the adults—George Sr., Connie, and Mary—were invited out by some of the cast members to visit a few bars and enjoy a little nightlife.

As for Missy and Sheldon? They tagged along with Georgie and his band for one more adventure. Sheldon wore a brand-new jacket Georgie had bought for him, the warmth putting a rare smile on his face.

“You sure you want to do this?” Georgie asked Missy, Kayla and James trailing just behind them.

“It’s alright, Georgie. They won’t get hurt too badly if they fall,” Ranjit chimed in, walking alongside them with a grin. Georgie had asked him to come along for the fun and take them to have some fun.

Missy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked around, her steps a little awkward in the special skates strapped to her feet.

“Brother! Let’s go!” she called, and Georgie gently guided her toward the rink. He turned back to Sheldon, who was still sitting stubbornly at the edge.

“Shelly! Come on! This is really fun, you know!”

Sheldon already had his skates on, along with a helmet that made him look absolutely ridiculous. Not that he cared because he didn’t want to die. He only shot Georgie a glare. “I’d rather stay right here,” he muttered from the sidelines.

James and Kayla exchanged shrugs before sliding onto the ice, their movements stiff but determined.

Yes, they were at the Centennial Sportsplex ice rink.

Of course, Texas had skating rinks too, but in Medford? No. The closest one was all the way in Houston, so this was a brand-new experience for them.

Georgie guided Missy slowly, keeping a firm grip so she wouldn’t fall. “Try to stand tall. I’ve got you, princess…” he said, steadying her as they slid carefully forward.

“Wow… you’re really good at this, Brother!” Missy beamed once she realized she was safe in his hands. She tried gliding with him, confidence building—though every wobble and stumble was caught by Georgie’s steady arms before she could hit the ice.

“Missy…” Georgie’s voice dropped low, almost guilty. “I’m sorry, but I think I’m going to be more busier soon…” His tone carried worry, afraid she’d be angry with him.

Missy wobbled again on her skates but kept her eyes on him. “That’s okay, Brother. I already know. Besides, I’ll get more popular at school if you get more famous!” she said brightly, fixing her gaze on the ice as she tried to slide with more control.

“Ahh—!” she squealed, nearly falling as she attempted to act like a pro, wobbling again and again.

Georgie chuckled, not sure if it was at her words or her clumsy skating. Either way, he was glad to hear it.

“Alright, try sliding a little on your own now…” Georgie said, slowly letting go.

He knew Missy would understand, but he also knew he never wanted to become someone who drifted too far from his family.

“I get it…” Missy murmured, letting go of his hand. She tried to skate on her own, confidence slowly building—then overtaking her.

“I got it!” she shouted, gliding faster and faster, dangerously so.

Georgie skated alongside her, keeping a careful eye. “Nice… keep your balance, slide slow!”

Kayla and James attempted the same nearby, though they spent most of their time either falling over or crashing into the boards just to stop.

“Good job!” Georgie called, finally slowing Missy down before she got carried away. “Alright, now it’s your twin’s turn.”

Missy pouted, clearly wanting to skate more, but one look at Sheldon waiting stiffly by the edge convinced her to give up her spot. She knew he’d quit quickly anyway.

“Shelly…” Georgie said with a warm smile, skating over with Missy beside him who smirked at Sheldon.

That smile alone was enough to make Sheldon panic. He scrambled to escape, but with the skates on, his “run” was more of a wobble.

“Whoa—careful, young man,” Ranjit warned as he instinctively steadied Sheldon, not realizing the boy was trying to bolt.

“…Why are you running, Shelly?” Georgie asked, still smiling at his side.

“…No…” Sheldon muttered, before finally surrendering to his brother.

———–

3rd POV

The studio erupted in cheers as Taylor finished singing ‘Love Story’. She looked stunning in a sleek black dress, topped with a loose white men’s shirt and a tie hanging casually from her collar, effortless and striking all at once.

Taylor’s eyes curved as she smiled at Georgie standing across from her, that signature squint of hers that proved it was genuine, not just another polite stage smile.

Georgie clapped along, giving her a thumbs-up. Leaning toward Missy, he whispered, “She’s gonna be the Pop Queen one day. We’ll make a fortune with her.”

Missy, grinning warmly at Taylor like an older sister, waved and echoed, “Yes, brother.”

Ellen swept back into frame, holding up a T-shirt. “Taylor S., everybody! The talented and adorable Taylor!” She pulled Taylor into a quick hug before flashing the shirt at the camera. “Don’t forget, you can hop on our website to purchase a copy of her Fearless CD album and this Taylor T-shirt!”

The applause went on until a stagehand raised a cue card, signaling the audience to settle down.

“There’s a little surprise tonight,” Ellen said with a playful grin, standing beside Taylor. “She’s about to sing something brand new!”

The crowd erupted again, louder this time, buzzing with anticipation.

“Alright!” Ellen clapped her hands. “Let’s give it up for Taylor!”

Taylor picked up her guitar, her eyes flicking toward Georgie with a smile before she blew him a quick kiss from the stage.

The sound of a new melody filled the studio—something the audience had never heard before. Taylor’s grin widened as she gave another playful wave to the crowd, then her fingers began to trace the rhythm across the strings.

She took a few steps forward, wrapped her hand around the mic, and her whole expression shifted—serious now, focused and eyes locked on the camera.

(Taylor Swift – Long Live – Changed the lyric a little bit)

🎶 I said remember this moment

In the back of my mind 🎶

Taylor’s voice dropped low, rich and steady—like she was sharing a secret story of her own. Her gaze flicked toward Georgie, a soft smile tugging at her lips before she pulled back into the song.

🎶The time we stood with my shaking hands

The crowds in stands went wild 🎶

This time, her eyes lingered on him longer, filled with quiet affection, as though the verse itself pulled her back to that night in Houston—when they had stood side by side before thousands, the roar of the Astrodome shaking the ground.

🎶 We were the kings and the queens

And they shout off our names 🎶

Her attention snapped back to the camera, her expression shifting into a daring smirk. Every note and words was a challenge, as if she was defying the world to argue with her truth, daring anyone to change her mind.

🎶 The night you danced like you knew

Our lives would never be the same 🎶

The longing in her face said the rest—an unspoken story, years of struggle and triumph woven into a single look, telling the audience how far she’d come to stand here now.

🎶 You held your head like a hero

On a history book page 🎶

Beside him, Missy leaned closer, whispering into Georgie’s ear, “…She really loves you, Brother.”

🎶 It was the end of a decade

But the start of an age 🎶

Georgie’s mouth twitched at her words. “I love her too,” he murmured. Then, almost defensively, he added, “…But like you—like a little sister. And that’s how you should see her as well.”

🎶Long live! the walls we crashed through

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you 🎶

Taylor raised her hand high, her voice breaking through the studio, shattering every expectation with sheer power of her words.

🎶 I was screaming long live! all the magic we made

And bring on all the pretenders…🎶

It was more than a chorus—it was a declaration. As if she were opening a new page in her life, a new era with her name and his woven into it.

🎶 One day, we will be remembered…🎶

The words rang like a promise. A vision of their names echoing on bigger stages, in different states, across different countries.

The music carried on, swelling around her. Taylor drew in a deep breath, her smile finding Georgie once more, before she leaned into the microphone, ready to dive into the second verse.

🎶 I said remember this feeling…

I pass the pictures around 🎶

Taylor’s eyes flicked to Georgie again, her hand lifting in a playful wave. A giggle slipped from her lips, and the audience cheered, thinking it was for them.

🎶 Of all the years that we stood there

On the side-lines wishing for right now…🎶

From her seat, Ellen glanced between Taylor and Georgie more than once, a quiet sigh escaping her. Viewers at home would never notice—the cameras made it look like Taylor was waving to the studio crowd. But those who were there and know the story, could see where her gaze truly landed.

🎶 We are the kings and the queens

You traded your Cowboy hat for a crown 🎶

Taylor winked at Georgie. Missy leaned closer, her voice low but pointed. “…You still see her as a sister?”

Georgie ignored her, choosing instead to smile back at Taylor. Missy only sighed, reminded once again of her brother’s quirkiness—something she’d known all her life.

🎶When they gave us our trophies

And we held them up for our town…🎶

Georgie finally looked at Missy, his smile soft but guarded. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Princess.” His voice was gentle, though Missy’s mind drifted back to a memory from years ago—one she could never forget.

🎶 And the cynics were outraged

Screaming, “This is absurd!!!” 🎶

A spotlight cut through the darkness, setting Taylor aglow against the shadowed studio, her features radiant and unyielding.

🎶 ‘Cause for a moment, a band of thieves

In ripped up jeans got to rule…the world!!!🎶

The cameras caught her shift—a girl once frustrated, now transformed into a strong, independent figure commanding the stage with strong will in her voice.

🎶 Long live! the walls we crashed through

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you…

I was screaming, Long live! all the magic we made!

And bring on all the pretenders, I’m not afraid!!!!🎶

Missy’s mind drifted. She remembered the night after Georgie’s performance on Hee Haw, when Kayla had followed him back to her room—the same Kayla who Georgie always insisted was like a sister, treated like a sister. Missy couldn’t forget it even though she was still a little girl.

🎶 Long live all the mountains we moved

I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you 🎶

Taylor’s gaze returned to Georgie. Even now, his eyes softened as he listened because this was what he loved most. Seeing his family and loved ones rise alongside him. Even Sheldon, distant as he often was, still received Georgie’s steady hand of support.

🎶 I was screaming, “Long live! that look on your face”

And bring on all the pretenders!!!

One day, we will be remembered! 🎶

Taylor sang with her whole heart, her voice rising under the blaze of lights. With every chord, she spun gracefully with her guitar, radiating the spirit of a teenage rebel—ready to tear down every wall that had ever held her back.

🎶 Hold on….to spinning around.

Confetti….falls to the ground.

May these memories break our fall…..🎶

Taylor gripped the mic with both hands, her voice rising as if she were calling out to everyone at once—her fans, her family, but above all, to the one she loved. The promise in her tone was clear that she would stand her ground, she would never fall, not as long as they stood with her.

🎶 Will you take a moment…

Promise me this.

That you’ll stand by me forever…

But if God forbid, fate should step in…🎶

Her eyes found Georgie again. A sad smile flickered across her face, cracked at the edges, betraying the truth of she didn’t want the words of this verse to ever come true.

🎶 And force us into a goodbye…

If you have children some day.

When they point to the pictures…

Please tell them my name!🎶

She said to Georgie, what she wanted in this song, what type of melody she wanted, and he gave her a smile and played it like he always does.

She always smiles at that moment. Always the moment like that the love always grows.

A melody of confession, a sad grief of a person who she can’t have. The only end is a bitter separation.

🎶 Tell them how the crowds went wild! 🎶

Her voice turned fierce, almost like a scream—rage tangled with sorrow, as if she were daring fate not to take this away from them.

🎶 Tell them how I hope they shine!!!!!🎶

She poured everything into the note, her cry shaking the studio. All eyes turned to her, transfixed, but her gaze never left him.

And then, with just the faintest curve of her lips, she gave him a little smile.

🎶….Long live the walls we crashed through

I had the time of my life…with you!!!🎶

Her hand shot forward, pointing toward Georgie at the very back of the crew. The cameras didn’t catch it—operators assumed she was gesturing at the lens. But Georgie knew.

🎶 Long, long live the walls we crashed through

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you!

And I was screaming long live all the magic we made

And bring on all the pretenders

I’m not afraid!!!🎶

Sweat streaked down her face, but it couldn’t touch the brilliance of her smile. She kept pouring her heart into every note, like the way he always did.

🎶 Singing, long live all the mountains we moved

I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you

And long, long live that look on your face

And bring on all the pretenders

One day…..🎶

Her voice trembled with power and longing, the lyric like a vow whispered straight to him. For Georgie—because he had been there, even when it was hard, even when all she could do was wish all the problems would be over soon, he was still there with her, beside her.

That’s what keeps her smile.

🎶… We will be remembered 🎶

The final line soared through the studio, ringing like a promise.

Taylor’s eyes found him one last time. She smiled, and the proud look on his face—that was all she needed. Now, and always.

—————–

“_”) for advance chapter.

Disclaimer, i own nothing but my own idea.