The Accident

Part 4: New Beginnings

One month after the accident, both Peter and Edgar have fully recovered from the injuries they suffered from. Officers Powell and Butler have already taken statements from the people involved, and both parties have decided not to file charges against each other. Both vehicles were brought to Carlito's car shop for repairing, at John's expense. Dolores was persuaded by Emily to adopt Peter, and only the approval of the court is needed. And underneath it all, a new friendship was born.

"Hey, Edgar. How are you?"

"Oh, hi, Emily. I'm okay now. So, how's Peter?"

"He's doing fine now. You know what, Peter's gonna be my brother anytime soon."

"Really? Well, I'm very happy for you, Emily.... Oh, and ah, I might just become your brother, too, you know."

"What made you say that?"

"Haven't you noticed the sweetness between your mother and my father?"

"Sweetness? Nah! They're ex-lovers, remember?"

"But, Emily, there is a saying that love is sweeter the second time around, right?"

"Well, yeah. Might be. Are you a fan of their love story?"

"I think so. You?"

"I'm getting there, Edgar. But you know what, I think you're right. I think it would be nice if old-time lovers would be lovers for the second time."

"And if that happens, we'll be siblings. Isn't that great?"

"I think that'd be great. So, does that mean I can call you Jimmy, too?"

"Oh, he-he. Yeah. Why not?"

There was laughter between Emily and Edgar. It was obvious with the way they laughed together that a new friendship was beginning to bloom. As for John and Dolores—

"Meeting you again feels great. It's been 30 years, John. 30 years."

"There must be a reason why fate brought us together again after all these years."

"Yeah, perhaps.... If I invite you for a date this Valentine's, what would your answer be?"

"Oh, let me think, John. It's such a huge question, you know."

"Really now, Dolores?"

"He-he, I'm kidding.... Of course it's a yes, John. Yes!"

"Oh, Dolores! You just made me the happiest 48-year-old man in the world!"

"Let's start again, John, shall we?"

"Yes. We will. We will, Dolores."

***

The sun was shining brightly on Hemingway 55 Street one Saturday morning. In front of Danielle's bakeshop, Peter was seated on a stool, waiting for her sister, Emily.

"A dozen of eggs, please, Rebecca. My mom's baking a special kind of cake tonight. Edgar and John are coming over. It's gonna be a good evening."

"I'm sure it would be. Have fun, Emily! Say hi to Peter for me."

When Emily went out of the bakeshop, Peter hugged her really tight.

"Are we all set now, big sister?"

"Not yet, Peter. Oh, by the way, Rebecca said hi to you.... Would you like a vanilla cone with strawberry syrup on top?"

"I'd love to, big sister! Let's go to Sweet Tooth!"

With so much happiness in Emily's heart, all she could was smile. The accident that happened a month ago brought so much happiness in her life. It gave birth to new beginnings and second chances. While Peter was enjoying his vanilla cone with strawberry syrup on top, Emily thought to herself, "I think I found myself something to write poetry about when I get home. And I think, the title would be... The Accident." With this, she enjoyed her vanilla cone with Peter, and smiled together while the sun was shining brightly on Hemingway 55 Street.