when we collided [e.s.]

Ten

Audrey's POV

Just as I'm walking poor Ed carefully out to the parking lot, I look at my watch. Oh my god, this is Andrew's car. I'm such crap. It's 2:30 AM.

Ed has to use a walker for the next few days, and not that I'm not upset he's hurt, but it's really funny. When we reach his flat, we sit out in the car for a few minutes. "So, you know you don't have to come in for work tommorow, right?" I say, taking the keys out of the car. Ed smiles. "You know me too well to think that I'm not coming in tommorow," he says, but when he laughs he has to stop because it's too painful. "Come inside. I want to show you something," he says with a side smile. "Wait there, I have to readjust your walker," I say, holding in giggles. I unravel his walker and set it down in front of him. "Can you stand by yourself?" I ask him, all sign of giggling gone. "I think," he says, bracing himself with a hand cleched tightly around my own. "This flat has an elevator right?" I sigh, walking in front of him to first prop the door open with my foot and then lead him in. It's dark, I can barely see five feet ahead of me, and poor Ed falls over when my head is turned. "Oh my god! Are you okay?" I ask, nervously searching through the dark to find him. Whoever wanted to turn the lobby lights off is an idiot. I comb my hair back with my fingers in an attempt to clear my face. "I'm fine," I hear Ed groan. I dig through my purse and quickly turn on my phone for light. I manage to get Ed back on his feet and up the elevator.

Ed's flat is on the 17th floor. The first thing I smell when I walk in is fresh lavender and fresh cut grass. I don't think I've ever smelled a scent so perfect in my life. "Oh my god, what smells amazing?" I say the second I walk in. "What smell?" He asks, hobbling over to the couch. I take a good whiff of his sweater and realize that he must be used to this glorious smell. "Okay, what is it you wanted to show me?" I ask, sleep in my voice. Ed reaches over and puts on a pair of square, black rimmed glasses. "It's time you hear me sing," he says, picking up the guitar leaning on the side of the green velvety couch.

The first note brings a tear to my eye, because I know this song like the back of my hand. Skinny Love by Birdy. Well, not originally by Birdy, but that's a different story. Ed's voice is flawless. Everything about it makes my heart flutter and my stomach is clenched as I hold my breath, just to make sure I get every single perfect slice of this song. I've never been more in love with any other sound in the world than Ed's voice, especially this song. I don't want it to end, I want him to sing to me until I fall asleep and when I wake up I want him to be strumming leisurely on the guitar and singing more songs. As I sense the song wrapping up, a few tears roll down my cheeks. Ed's last note is the one I hold on to the hardest. When he finishes, he looks up at me and smiles. "Why are you crying?" He asks, setting his guitar down beside him again. "Because that was amazing," I say, starting to sob happily. I walk over to Ed and sit next to him on the couch. "Thank you," I smile, after wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. "So is it official? Are we best friends?" I ask with a giggle. "Best friends," he echoes, although answering the question as well. Ed wipes the tears from my cheeks and I nuzzle my face into his shoulder. "You have to sing me more," I plead, going to back to my place, criss cross applesauce on the coffee table in front of him. "I think you've heard enough," he smiles, picking up his guitar again and placing it in its holder near the window. Ed has this one wall in the living room, which we're in now, that's got a full wall window on each wall. It doesn't quite touch the ground and it doesnt quite touch the ceiling, but they're big enough for the term. "Ed, I honestly feel really bad leaving you here alone," I tell him. "I'll be fine. I'll call you if I have trouble," he tells me. "Okay. I'll see you tommorow," I say, exiting the house.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

After two long, hectic weeks of Ed hobbling around the shop and streets, his stomach has almost fully healed. His lip is better, but cuts take longer to heal, so naturally the cut is still there. At least it's faint. The rest of his bruises are all better, which is good. Our lives are basically on track now.

This whole thing has just brought me and Ed closer, and that makes me happy. I know we're not a couple but sometimes I'm really close to just kissing him right on the spot. The truth is I guess I love Ed, but as my best friend. As any best friends would, right?