Our Name In Lights (An Ed Sheeran Fanfic)

Chapter 6: No More Hiding

Chapter 6: No More Hiding

 ED'S POV WHATTTTTT

    I pulled up Ashley's shirt, to see big bruises on her belly. "Ed, I-", Ashley tried to say, but I interrupted. "Ashley. Who did this to you.", Ed asked, trying to lower my voice. "Nobody! I'm jus-" "Thats bulls**t Ashley! Bruises like that don't just happen! Who was it?!" "Why do you care so much anyway! We're not actually dating Ed!" Ashley got off the sofa, collecting belongings, and walking away from me. I jumped as she slammed the door. I couldn't let her leave. I got off the couch and bolted to catch up with her. "Ashley! Can we talk?! Please.", I begged, smiling to myself as she sighed, giving in and making her way back up to my flat. Ashley strode right into my flat with out a word, while I followed, closing the door behind me. She sat on my sofa, looking straight ahead. I couldn't not just stare. She was beautiful, gorgeous in every way. Her brown hair flowed just below her shoulders, the ends just a tad bit blond. Her skin was a flawless tan, and her eyes. Ashley's eyes were a brown but, if you looked close enough, there were flickers of green and hazel. She was perfect. "What do you keep staring at Ed? Didn't you wanna talk?", Ashley said, interrupting my thought process. I looked down, feeling the heat in my cheeks. "Sorry.", I reply, taking a seat next to Ashely. 

   "Listen Ashley, I honestly really care about you. And you being hurt, is not okay. I know it might be hard to talk about what ever is happening but, I'm here for you. And always will be. I just want you to know that. So with that said, what's happening? Are you okay love?", I asked her softly. Ashley looked up at me, giving me the slightest smile, then asked, "Ed. I like you a lot and all but, it's just.. If I tell you, you'll get all caught up in the middle. And what's happening is no joke. I can't risk it, I can't risk you. And besides, if I tell you, you won't ever want to speak to me again." "Babe. I'm here for you. Please, I want to help. And if that gets me caught up in the middle, then so be it!" "Are you sure." "I'm positive." Ashley took in a deep breathe, closing her eyes. She opened them, looking at me with the saddest eyes, then everything came pouring out. Everything from her parents divorcing in 6th grade, losing a close friend to suicide the same year, to 2 other deaths in 7th grade, being bullied in 8th grade and through out high school. How she never had friends or fit in, how she used to self harm up until about 1 month ago and Stefan. Her abusive ex-boyfriend that wouldn't let her be. "Ashley. If anything, I like you even more now. You're a beautiful and strong girl that survived so much.", I reassured her, while she put her head in her hands starting to cry. "Ed. Don't. Don't give me the sympathy talk. I really don't need that right now.", she sobbed. I sighed, pulling her into my arms, and letting her cry.

BACK INTO ASHLEY'S POV YAY

    I told Ed everything. Everything! I haven't even told Stevie everything! It felt good to let out what I was keeping inside. I loved how Ed didn't judge me like most people would've. He kept me tight in his arms, letting me sob into his chest until I couldn't cry anymore. I pulled away, looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry..", I mumbled. "For..?", Ed questioned. "Your shirt is all wet.." "Aww it's okay love. I'm just glad I can be here for you." I smiled, leaning in, giving him a peck on his cheek. Ed smiled, pulling me in for a hug. "Ohmygosh Ed. What time is it?", I asked frantically. "11:30. Why?", Ed said, looking confused. "Sh**! I promised I would be with my friend, Stevie!!" Ed's face dropped. "Oh. Okay.." I sighed, staring at Ed. I can't leave him. Not tonight. "Ed? Can I spend the night here tonight? It's a little late..", I asked softly. His eyes brightened, "Yeah! Of course! Would you like to call Stevie and tell her you won't be home tonight?!", he asked excitedly. "Yes! Thank you Ed!", I exclaimed, while dialing Stevie's number. Stevie didn't pick up, weird.. She must've been sleeping. Duh. I left her a quick message, then handed Ed back his phone. 

   We popped in another movie, and I curled up against Ed's side. We didn't really watch the movie though. We talked, cuddled and kissed. I really liked this kid. "I don't think you wanna sleep on the couch again. So I'll take it tonight?", Ed offered. "No! You're not sleeping on the couch!", I said, taking his hand. He laughed, and followed me into his bedroom. I changed into one of Ed's baggy shirts since I didn't really want to sleep in jeans, and Ed took off his shirt and pants, leaving only his boxers on. I didn't mind, really. Because, number one: I like this kid like alot. And, number two: It's not like we're going to do something this early in our relationship... Wait. What even are we?! It's never really been discussed. "Ed?", I asked, climbing into the bed. "Yes babe?", he replied, sliding in next to me. "What are we.. Like a couple or.." "Well.. I would like us to be a couple. Is, is that okay?" "More than okay!" "Good." I layed my head on Ed's chest, thinking about him. How this all started from a smile on an airplane. I looked up to see Ed with his eyes closed. He was beautiful even when he slept. His ginger hair was all over the place, it was cute! Don't get me wrong! The smile he had when he slept, and the way his arms were wrapped tight around me was the best feeling. Ever. I grinned, leaning my head back on his chest. I closed my eyes, trying to sleep. Trying to dream happy dreams because, honestly... This is the happiest I have ever been.