when we collided [e.s.]

Sixteen

As my classes progress, things start to finally get easier. I'm no longer up to my ears in assignments, which is good. My journalism class seems to be looking up as well. But today, I'll admit, I was jumpy. I don't blame myself for being terrified everytime someone taps me on the back or brushes against me. Last night's big phone call of what was supposed to be rebellion didn't really go as planned. And he could find me at any moment. That's what scares me the most.

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I rush in to work this afternoon completely disheveled. Ed isn't here yet, which is surprising since I'm ten minutes late. I hope he can come to work today, I need company. Someone with an earlier shift clearly didn't feel like sticking around to wait for me or Ed because it's completely barren. And they left a nice spill of coffee grounds on the floor, lovely. I grunt to myself and grab the the dust pan as I lean down to clean the mess. I guess I get pretty in to it too because I don't hear Ed come in. Next thing I know there's a tap on my shoulder and I'm screaming bloody murder. Coffee grounds fly everywhere and the dustpan clatters to the floor, previously being held in front of my face as a defense mechanism. "What the hell!" I scream. "Audrey, relax it's me," Ed chuckles. I put my hand on my forhead in shame and embarassment. "Who did you think I was?" Ed asks, pulling me to my feet. I pause for a moment to regain stablility and lie. "No one. I don't know, I didn't know who you were," I answer, brushing coffee off my front. "I'll get the broom," Ed smiles, dissapearing into the storage room. I rest my hands in front of me on the counter and lean my head down to relax myself. Nice one, Audrey. "Audrey, please tell me if something's wrong," I hear Ed say. When I look up he's leaning on the doorframe with a broom in one hand. I stand up normally now with my hands in my jean pockets, trying to look natural. "Nothing's wrong," I fake smile, taking a deep breath and tying my apron on. Ed walks closer. "Was it the song? Was it too forward?" Ed asks quietly. I look up immediately. "Oh god, no way Ed the song was beautiful and perfect and one of the most beautiful things I've ever read in my entire life!" I ramble. "Then tell me why you're so jumpy," Ed asks. "I'm just, a little tired. That's all," I say. This hurts me so much. I love Ed and lying to him is like punching a kitten in the face. He puts both his hands around my face and in the process pushes my hair behind my ears. His thumbs are just in front of my ears and his eyes are peircing into mine. "I just want you to feel comfortable, okay?" Ed half smiles. "I am comfortable. With you," I half smile back. That isn't a lie. He kisses me once, and it's quick. "Just say the word, and I'll do whatever I can," he whispers. My small hands curl around his wrists, and then slide down to his elbows. "Mulligan was a fool not to take you for who you are, you know that right?" I smile. Ed kisses me again, but for longer. "We have work to do."

"So, have you found anyone else who wants to sign you?" I begin, proping my feet up on the table and picking another maraschino cherry from the jar. "You know Emma's going to walk now that you've just done that," Ed smirks, putting his hands on my new-ish running shoes. They were the only ones I could slip on in a rush, and it's not like I ever run. And they're cute, dark purple with pink accents. I wouldn't say I'm a pink and purple kind of girl but they kind of suit me. "And you think she cares," I smile. "Whatever," Ed says, plucking a cherry too. "So answer my question," I chuckle, putting my feet back on the floor. "I don't know. I've kind of put that on hold for the moment, seeing as I didn't really get along very well with-" "Don't even say that idiot's name," I finish for him. "He's not Voldemort," Ed laughs. "He's close enough," I add. My phone buzzes before Ed can continue. "Cass, I'm working," I groan as I answer the phone. "Working?" Ed whispers with a smile. "It's about to start pouring down rain and I'm stuck at campus for a few more hours, carless, might I add," She whines. "Our apartment is like 2 blocks down. You'll be fine," I tell her impatiently. "Yes, but I lost my key and you aren't home until 9," She continues. "Call Andrew," I suggest. "He's on a family trip to Guam right now," she quickly replies. "Fine. Come by the shop after and I'll give you the keys," I give in. "Yay. See you then," she squeaks.

About an hour later, a cab rolls up. Oh Cassie, of course she took a cab. I mean, I'll give her that it is pouring outside but the campus is literally less than 2 blocks away. I rummage through my purse until I find my keys and pull them out. I'm about to run outside when I see the cab door open. But it's not Cassie, it's a man. The rain blocks my vision of his face, but slowly things start to become clearer. The door opens, and there stands Ian.