Chapter 21:

Chapter 21

Since Harry is gone and all his important work is with him in Africa, I'm left not only lonely and longing for him but I'm also without anything to do. Granted this, I've told Ed that i'd help out at the shop while mom spends a few days at their old family house and catch up with her old friends. And here I am now, striding down the familiar sidewalk leading towards the shop, excitement bubbling in my stomach.

As I enter I see Ed standing behind the counter, smiling widely in front of a girl, their faces so close they almost touch. He leans forward and softly catches her lips in his momentarily but suddenly part after the door chime rings. The girl is blonde, extremely gorgeous, sporting a overcoat that covers her shirt with jeans.

"Taylor!" Ed shouts warmly, walking over to me as I stand awkwardly with my cheeks tinted. I had no idea Ed had a girlfriend, had I really not talked to him enough to not even know my best friend was dating.

"-hey Ed!" I stumble in reply, accepting his friendly hug. The girl stands rubbing her arm shyly next to the counter, gliding her tongue across her lips then biting on her bottom lip. Her eyes still trained on Ed.

"Ellie, this is Taylor, the one I was telling you about." Ed motions towards the girl. She shakes out of her daze to smile widely, extending a hand.

"Sorry about that, I'm Ellie. Ed's told me so much about you. It's great to finally meet you," She says as we shake hands. Ed observes both of us with a smile on his face, trying to decide which one to stare at and deciding on Ellie. His gaze is loving, intimate, and something I haven't seen Ed like before.

"Nice to meet you too and y'all are fine, I actually didn't get any relay that Eddie here had a girlfriend." I playfully nudge his shoulder. Ed and I still haven't talked after Harry and I's fight though we had promised.

"Well you didn't tell me you forgave that idiot.." He says retaliantly yet without wiping the smile off his face. I feel defensive that he would call Harry that after he himself said I loved him. Ellie slaps his arm, scowling at him. "what? You expect me to just like him again just because you do?"

"No but I expect you to at least respect that I love him." I state, placing my hands parent-like on my hips. Ed rolls his eyes.

"Love him! Love him? Taylor! Are you thinking straight? He's a player, he lied, he cheated, remember?"

"That didn't happen, Ed. It was old. And he's changed. Trust me, I know him now-"

"No, you think you do, but you dont. I know Harry and he's not a great guy."

"But he is!"

"No, Tay. He isnt!" He shouts loudly, slamming his forehand on the nearest table, making a glass clatter off the table. The room goes silent, Ellie and I glaring from Ed to the glass.

Ed sighs and pushes the door open forcefully, avoiding eye contact and exiting the shop. As soon as he's gone, Ellie is bent over the glass shards next to the table.

"I'm sorry about him, he's just been in a tizzy the past few days over you and Harry." She apologizes, her voice smooth like silk. She doesn't need to apologize on behalf of him, but she does so anyway? How long have they been dating for her to know all this about him?

"No need to apologize, but how did y'all find out about us getting back together, I forgot to tell Ed?" I ask, helping her.

"It was mostly word of mouth, a little news publicity and rumors because Harry had skipped a premiere for a different movie due to what he had said was a 'stomach bug'," She pauses, glancing up at my expression then lays a hand on my shoulder. "Taylor, I know I just met you but I don't think Ed understands your position. He's never felt what you're feeling or what Harrys feeling because he's never felt love. I guess that's why I'm dating him, because I want to teach him how to love."

I gaze at her, trying to study her words through. She's the right girl for Ed, I can just tell. And she's right, Ed hasn't loved anyone fully before, and neither have I until Harry. It's pretty oblivious to me when I'm with Harry, I don't exactly acknowledge anything but the butterflies.

"Thank you, Ellie, for everything. Ed deserves to be happy and I'm glad it's you. He would never admit it but he has a very fragile heart, he wouldn't just give it out to anyone.." I smile back at her, tossing away the glass though still squatting.

"Would you like to grab some coffee? I feel like we have a lot to catch up on since we'll be seeing eachother a lot between Ed and Harry." She offers.

"Sure, how do you know Harry, by the way?"

"I was his sisters' best friend in highschool." She trails, gathering her purse.

"Really? I never knew Harry had a sister?"

"Yeah, Gemma. She's Harrys pride, he keeps her away yet well cared for. She moved a few years ago, seperating me and her, and went to live with her father. Harrys orders."

"Why does he keep her away if he wants her safe?" I ask as we walk down the street. My hands stuff inside my jacket pockets tightly, hugging my warmth.

"Probably to protect her from his lifestyle is my guess. Before you, that is." She explains. I nod slowly, trying to comprehend the situation. If he's so protective of her, why keep her a secret from me even when we promised to keep no secrets bound. That rule I've broken as well too though, I haven't told Harry a lot about myself.

•I pull the blinds down, shuddering at the downpour of snow blanketing in a sheet outside the window. Mom was staying overnight at the family home, saying it was too much of a storm for her to face which I quickly agreed. There's no way she could get over here without accident. Noting she's not the best driver as it is.

Ellie and I had talked about basically everything, from Ed to Harry to the newfounded Gemma. She had promised to get back to me about Ed and to talk him out of his anger with me. I've never truly had a friend that's like me before besides of course Ed, but never a girl best friend. It'd be nice to have a friend in that area. I can't just openly talk to Ed about girl problems.

I wrap my shaw closer around my body, suddenly startled to hear the doorbell ring. Please tell me mom didn't try to drive in this..

I unlock the door and creak the door open halfways so the snow wouldn't track in. John stands there, snow drenched hair to boots, forcing a frozen smile at me. Without the common sense to push him out the door, I do the opposite, motioning him inside quickly. Unable to cough out a insult, I glare at him until he enters.

"What do you want?" I spit out in a blurt, my teeth clenched as well as my fists.

"Relax, I was running when the storm came and the only place near here that I knew was here." He smirks, shaking the snow off his greasy hair. I almost gag.

"Can't you go somewhere else?"

"Why? Do I make you nervous?" His voice taunting. His breath reaks of desperation.

"No, you make me sick. Now if you will, please get out of here." I retort quickly, spinning him around but careful not to touch him long except for pushing him toward the door. Every second I'm near him makes me want to just throw up. From all he's done to me, I definitely don't want to let alone look at him for longer than nessesary.

"So you're just going to kick me out into the cold? That's low, Tay." He splutters while trying to turn around.

"Yes, I am. You should be use to the cold by now, with your heart and all, I'm surprised. Have fun with that, John. Oh, and try not to ever talk to me ever again or you'll hear from my lawyer." I fakely smile after opening the door with my heel and pushing him out into the doorstep. And with that, I bat my eyelashes and wave. "Bye now!" The door is slammed feverantly in his face.

Victory washes over me, a joyous yet giddy smile spreading across my face. Good one, Taylor. And by lawyer I guess I mean Harrys lawyer because Lord knows I don't have a lawyer. With the emotions washing through me combined with the hatred for John, I immediately bust it towards the music room.

I've never been anywhere cold as you..

••A/N••Sorry about not updating guys! I had a really tough basketball game on Friday then had stayed up almost all night last night doing a science project so I never got a chance to finish this chapter. Sorry!!! 😚💕