Sidney's POV

"Are you sure you're okay going by yourself?" he asked over the phone. "I already told you. I can just leave work for a day to come with you. My boss wouldn't mind it."

I sighed and rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me. "I told you, too, Ed. I'm fine. I can take care of myself. I'm not a baby anymore, so I can definitely go on a trip without company." I couldn't help but smile at his stubbornness.

I heard him groan but eventually sighed. "Okay then," he said in defeat. But I could hear on his voice that it still wasn't okay for him. He just didn't have any choice. "Call me when you get there, okay? I love you."

I smiled at the words even though I heard it plenty of times already. Sometimes, there are just things that you never get tired of hearing. "I love you too." I said in response and ended the phone call, before he could say anything to try to change my mind, again.

I couldn't believe that it had already been three years since Ed and I got married. It really is funny how time can fly so fast. It felt like days ago, we met on that park. Like days ago, we were best friends. That yesterday, he was my boyfriend. And now? He's my husband, the guy I will spend my life with for the rest of my life.

Within those three years that we were married, things had slowly changed. He may not have noticed it, but we became more mature on how we acted towards each other. Some things weren't the same, but still, I liked it. Change may sound scary, but sometimes, it is for the better.

I was on a drive to another state for a meeting with a company. They wanted me to study a certain product and tell them if it was effective or defective. It may not sound believable, but I was one of the in-demand biochemist in the country, so it was no surprise that even though I was a state away, they still chose me for the study. I'm proud to say that I achieved the things I always wanted in life.

Ed reached his dreams too. He is currently the head engineer of one of the most successful company in the country. He also had already received many awards for his hard work and brilliant mind. I was proud of him as much as he was proud of me.

Everything was perfect, right? Everything was going as it should be.

But everything started going downwards when the brakes on my car stopped working.

. . .

Ed's POV

"Who was that?" Molly, my workmate, asked after Sidney ended the phone call.

I smiled. "My wife," I said. "She's on a trip, and I just can't help but call her."

She smiled too, and it was a smile that said that she was happy for me. "You really love her, don't you?"

I sighed. "With all my life." Not just because she was my wife and because I'll spending the rest of my life with her, but also because of all that we had been through and still, we're together. Time. Time that we spent and cherished was the reason why I loved her, and will love her until my last breath.

Sidney's career was on its way to the top three years ago. But, when we got married, she gave it up. She said that she loved music, but she loved me more. I protested the idea for what felt like a million times, but, she made her choice. Fame wasn't what she wanted. She wanted love.

I excused myself and headed to the office canteen to buy some food. Sidney came to my head again. She would love to eat the food with me. I shook my head and told myself to stop thinking about her. She'll only be gone for three days, so it will only be three days and I will get to see her again.

Just three days, and I will get to see the woman I love again.

After I handed my money to the cashier, my phone started ringing. I placed the pasta and soda on the table so I could get my phone out of my pocket.

I looked at who called, and it was Sidney. I guess she misses me too, already, I thought.

But before I could even say a hello or tease her, she began saying, "Ed, my brakes are broken, and I'm currently on the road, and I don't know what to do. Ed... Ed I need your help. I don't want to die. What do I do, Ed? WHAT DO I DO?!"

I almost dropped my phone in shock. Minutes ago, I was laughing. Suddenly, my heart grew faster than it ever did. "Sidney, I want you to calm down, okay?" I told her, which was ironic because I myself was panicking. "Where are you right now?"

"Prudence road. I'm almost near the market," she said but she was still panicking, and I couldn't blame her.

I took a deep breath. "Okay, here's what you do. You listen to me and don't panic, okay?" I started. I headed for my desk to get my keys and exited the building. I left my food, but honestly, it didn't matter that moment. All that mattered to me was Sidney was in trouble, and she needed me. "Are there grass around?"

She was silent at first. Looking for grass, probably. But I could still hear her breath, afraid. "I see grass about two blocks away! It's like an abandoned playground!"

"Okay, I want you to drive there okay? Just to slow down the car. Don't hit anything, just drive on the grass?"

She was still shivering in fear."Okay."

I nodded. "Okay, good. Now after that, when you're slow enough to be safe, find a bush, or a small tree, okay? Not the big one. Just a small one. And then, hit your car in it to stop it. Find anything that will stop the car, but will not hurt you, okay?"

"Are you sure about this, Ed?" She was crying.

Was I sure? It was what my college teacher told me. What to do when brakes stops working. But was it really the way to survive? "I'm sure, Sid," I said, even though it was a lie. My hands were shaking, my eyes were burning, but she didn't need to know any of it. She had to think that I was strong, so she herself could be strong. "I'll call 911 and we'll track you down. After you hit the car, get out of it immediately, okay? And find somewhere safe, but somewhere we can immediately find you. I..." I stuttered. "I have to drop this phone call so I can call 911. I'm already on my way to you."

She was crying so hard. "Please don't leave me, Ed."

I swallowed. "I'm not leaving you. I'm coming to get you. Do what I said, okay? And wait for me. I'll be there before you know it."

. . .

Sidney's POV

The phone call ended. I was alone again. I wanted him to be with me when I hit the car, but he had to call for help. I understood that.

But I couldn't stop shaking. I couldn't stop the tears from my eyes. Was it my end? Was it my end of the line?

I took a deep breath and told myself, "Do what Ed told you, Sidney. Trust him. You didn't marry him for nothing," but my voice was shaky.

Was what Ed told me true? That slowing down the car on the grass and hitting it on a bush would save my life? "There's only one way to find out."

I was near the playground. No one was around, thankfully, and the grass was wide enough for me not hit any of the broken swing sets. My hands couldn't stop shaking, but I had to calm myself down because panic could only cause more damage. Never in my life have I thought this would happen to me.

I said a small prayer before moving the car to the grass.

It slowed the car down, just like what Ed said, but it wasn't enough. It was still too fast to hit on a bush. And so, I moved the car back on the road, then on the grass again. It got slower. Slow enough.

My heartbeat got better, it got back to normal, like it managed to breathe after years of suffocation. Maybe Ed was right after all.

Then I saw it. The bush. The bush that can save my life. Are you ready? I asked myself. The only answer to it was no, but I had no choice. Ready or not, it was my only hope.

Suddenly, all of my precious memories came flashing to me in an instant. Ed and I meeting on that park. Ed and I singing our song in front of the class. My last prom. My first day in college. My first ever stage play. My family finally whole again. My marriage. It all flashed in a second, which was impossible yet in the same way possible. It was unexplainable, but to me, it was all clear.

I aimed for the bush and closed my eyes. If Ed's advice backfires, at least I won't get to see my death scene.

When the hit came, everything stopped for a moment. I felt nothing, and I heard nothing. For a moment, I was afraid that I got myself killed. Usually, that's what happens in movies when the character dies in an accident. The actor wakes up okay, but ends up seeing his or herself lying on the ground with blood around.

But I opened my eyes, looked around, and found out that I was okay. I was alive.

. . .

Ed's POV

"I'm almost there, Sidney. Just hang on."

Seven blocks. Six blocks. Five blocks. My hands were getting sweaty and everything in me felt like breaking. Please be okay. Please be okay. The words repeated in my head hundreds of times. Two blocks. One block. Then I was on Prudence Street.

I drove faster, wishing time would pity me and transport me to Sidney within a second. I suddenly wished I had a teleportation machine. Or better yet, a time machine, so I could go back in time and stop Sidney from going on the trip.

My head swung from left to right to find the abandoned playground. I couldn't stop the feat that was building inside me.

Then, after a few more seconds of looking, I saw it. The abandoned  playground. It was very old, and the swing sets were rusted and broken. There were even broken tires around, which made me wonder who made the playground a junk yard. Abandoned indeed, I guessed.

I stopped the car on the side and looked for Sidney. There was a car on the far end, that was hit on a bush. She did what I said. I walked out of the car without second guessing and ran for her. I don't think I ever ran that fast in my life.

When I was near enough the car, I was suddenly afraid to see her still inside, unconscious. That she might've hit on the bush too hard and got herself hurt. A million negative outcomes suddenly flashed in my head, but I shook it immediately and opened the car door.

Thankfully, the car was empty. "Sidney!" I shouted with all my voice. "I'm here, Sid. Where are you? Sidney!"

Then there was a sound from the trees, and she came out with her eyes red and with her hands shaking. The moment I saw her, I felt every weight inside me fly off. I was just so happy to see her that I couldn't stop myself from running towards her and hugging her with all my life.

She hugged me too, tighter than she ever did before. "Ed. I... I... I was so scared. I could've died. I... I..."

"Sshh." I let her rest her head on my shoulder and told her, "Everything's finally okay. You're safe. You're alive. It's all okay, Sid. Don't cry."

She sniffed. "Thank you, Ed. I'm scared to find out what would have happened if it weren't for your help."

"I will always be here for you, Sidney. I love you."

She sniffed one more time. "I love you, too."

. . .

Sidney's POV

The ambulance came minutes later and took care of my car. I didn't even care about my car anymore. All that mattered to me that moment was that I was alive, and Ed was there by my side.

They still took me to the hospital, but only to check if I had any injuries. I was perfectly fine.

Ed and I went home after that, and called my boss to let him know what happened. They told me to leave work for a week to rest.

I insisted Ed that he should go back to his work and that I can take care of myself, but lucky me, I married a hard-headed man. "I'm not leaving you, okay? Not after what happened. I'm going to stay by your side, no matter what."

I only managed to smile, but it was as wide as the sky. "Thank you, Ed. For being always there for me."

He chuckled, and oh how I love hearing his chuckles. "It's my job as your husband," he reminded, then paused. "Hey, why don't we go on a road trip?" He suggested.

I stared at him blankly. I wasn't sure if he was joking or messing with me. "What the hell? I just survived a car accident, Ed," I reminded him. I didn't have a trauma, but still, I didn't want to risk my life going on a road trip after I just got myself killed.

He had a quick panic like he offended me. I wasn't. "Wait, I know you just got into an accident, but I just thought that going on a road trip can help you relax," he said. "I know you love traveling, Sid. Remember when we were in college and I took you stargazing?" He asked and I nodded. That night was one of the best nights of my life. The stars, the silence, and us? It was perfect. "It's still daylight so I can't take you stargazing now, but I have something else in mind that can make you smile. Just trust me."

Trust him. Oh if he only knows how much I trust him.

. . .

Ed's POV

I had nothing in mind.

I really did want to take Sidney on a road trip, but I had no destination.

"I'll go change first," she excused herself and I took it as an opportunity to come up with a destination as fast as I could. I asked help from someone who I could really count on.

I took out my phone from my pocket and dialed Cassandra's number. "Mom?" I said once the beeping stopped.

"Dylan!" She greeted happily. It made me realize that I haven't called her for weeks. I did miss her and dad. "I miss you already. How's Sidney?"

Then it occurred to me that we haven't told our parents about the accident.

I gulped. "Mom, something happened." There was a pause, and I knew that she was afraid of the bad news. "Sidney got into an accident just an hour ago."

"WHAT?!" She yelled over the phone that I had to pull it away so my ears wouldn't break. "How is she? Is she okay? Are you guys in the hospital? Text me the address and your dad and I will be there as fast as we can."

She blabbered and I sighed. "She's okay now," I started. "We've been to the hospital, and she's fine. I'm sorry that we didn't tell you right away, and I know that Sidney is too. It slipped out of our minds to call you guys. We're really sorry."

She sighed. "I'm hurt, Dylan. Honestly, I'm very disappointed that you forgot to tell us," she admitted and my conscience was tearing me to pieces. How could Sidney and I have forgotten our parents? "But, I guess you were too worried for each other, so it's okay. As long as you are both safe." I breathed in relief. I was lucky that she was understanding. If I had a cruel woman as a mother, I could only imagine the horror. "So, is that all that you were going to tell me?"

I scratched the back of my head. "Well, I just need a suggestion."

"For what?"

I fiddled my fingers on the hem of my plain black t-shirt and said, "I thought of going on a road trip to make her feel okay, and she said that she would love to go so she can clear her mind from the accident. She's perfectly fine physically, but I know there's a bit of trauma inside her. The problem is," I paused. Sidney still hadn't gone out of the room, which was good because I couldn't ask mom with her around. "I don't know where to take her. I mean, we can't possibly just drive all day with nowhere to go, right?"

She hummed as if thinking. Then, a few seconds later, she said, "I know a place where you two can surely relax, and I'm very sure she'll love it there.

I lightened up when she said it. "Where is it?"

"Well, there's this place that's two hours away if driven by a car." She explained and I was so eager to find out where the place was. "It's like a resort or a rest house, I'm not really sure. It's a bit far from the city so you can really have a peaceful time there. I know the owner, so I can call him right now if you want so you can relax once you get there. No more check ins or any kind of processes."

I grinned, thankful that it was her who I asked help from. It was ironic to think that when I was still in high school, I resented her. I hated her. I loathed her for replacing my biological mother in my life. But now, it's like I can't imagine my life without her.  "That's perfect, Mom. Can you text me the address? Sidney will definitely love it there. I knew that I could always count on you. I love you." I dropped the phone call just as Sidney got out wearing a plain white shirt and jeans.

"Who were you talking to?" She asked. She must've seen me place my phone in my pocket.

"Mom," I said. I didn't need to lie to give her a surprise. Then, I told her our mistake. "Sidney, we forgot to tell our parents about the accident."

Her face looked like it got hit by a ten-wheeler truck. "Excuse me, Ed. I think I have some explaining to do to mom."

. . .

Sidney's POV

Mom was not happy, and dad was worse. Of all the things I could've forgotten after the accident, it had to be calling my parents. They were mad at me at first, but after some reconciliation and explaining, they got better. Before the call ended, Dad's last words were: We can't lose you.

I wanted to say that I couldn't lose them, too, but didn't.

Ed and I were inside the car, and we were on the way to somewhere he wouldn't tell me. He just said, "Just enjoy the ride. You'll love it where we're going."

He played the radio on and we sang to the top of our lungs. Just like the old days. This time, it was I Don't Wanna Live Forever by Taylor Swift and Zayn.

"I love this song!" I said like a kid. I was sitting cross legged on the passenger seat, and unfortunately Ed couldn't do the same unless we wanted to get into another accident.

I looked outside the window, with the afternoon warmth surrounding the area. I suddenly remembered when Ed and I were still in college and he took me out stargazing. How we laid down there on the ground and watched the stars be beautiful as they already were. It was one of the best nights of my life. The stars and him, combined? It was just perfect. I wondered if where Ed was taking me was even better. Surely, it would be. Ed will always think of the most amazing ways to make me happy, and it's one of the reasons why I love him.

"We're almost there," he said, and it was like he pulled me back to reality.

I was so preoccupied with watching the houses we passed by. Like, with just about thirty houses, I saw a story. One house had two little children playing outside. One little girl and one little guy. They were both riding a bicycle. They were smiling like no problem existed in this world. Or should I say, in their world. It sometimes makes me want to go back being a kid, where the only problem you can have is choosing between a candy and a toy. The fifth house seemed like the sequel of the first one. A teenage guy was giving a bouquet to a girl, and the girl's expression was priceless. Happy and loved. It made me remember the feelings I got when Ed gave me gifts. You just can't help but feel happy because you know that a person besides your family loves you and appreciates your existence. The next one was a couple holding a baby. They were just walking outside of their house, and it looked like they were going on a trip based on the luggage beside their car. The dad was holding the baby, and the mom was smiling at her view. How a baby could be the fruit of their love. How the man he chose to marry is still with her, giving love to their young child. I wondered if Ed and I would be that happy once we have our own kids. The last one was the heartwarming of them all. Outside a normal house, there was a bench, and beautiful flowers surrounded it. And sitting on that bench was an old couple. The old man had his arms around his wife, and the wife looked like she was telling him a story, a wonderful story that just made her smile while telling it. They looked beautiful together. A living proof that even though forever doesn't exist, lifetime does, so you can love someone until you die.

"Are you okay?" Ed asked, but his eyes were still on the road, thankfully. The last thing I wanted to see that moment was the hospital, again.

I nodded. "Yeah." Just happy that love still exists in this world.

A few minutes later, he stopped the car. "We're here!" He announced. I turned to look at our right. It was a rest house.

. . .

Ed's POV

When Sidney went to talk to her mom on the phone, I asked mom for the owner of the rest house's number to talk to him about some things I planned for Sidney. I couldn't wait for her to finally see it.

I saw her sigh in relief when she saw the rest house. I knew that she wanted to rest. She was too exhausted from work, and rest was the number one thing that she needed, especially after the accident.

We walked inside, and Mom was right. We didn't need to sign or process anything. It was like the staff knew us because they immediately led us to the veranda where a pool, a garden and a fairytale-like playground could be seen.

The veranda itself was too beautiful.

"Ed. I... I don't know what to say." Her face was priceless. She looked like she just saw a unicorn in front of her, which made me wish I had a camera with me to capture the moment.

Then I realized that I had my phone with me.

I took it out of my pocket and took her photo. She didn't even notice it. She was so mesmerized with the place. At least I knew that a certain picture will be treasured forever.

I slipped my hands into hers and kissed her forehead. "You need this, Sid. You've been too caught up with work lately and I know that this is what's good for you."

She smiled. The smile that always made my heart feel a million fireworks. Cheesy, but it's true. "Thank you, Ed. I just realized that I really do need this." She laughed, and I loved hearing it. "I guess you really do know what's good for me."

"I'd do anything for you, and you know that."

She laughed again. I couldn't get enough of them. "Just... Thank you. You left work just for me, just for us to have this, this on-the-spot vacation. When I called you, you immediately came for me. No second thoughts. You gave me a road trip, and it helped me more than you can ever know. And now, this short vacation. Ed, we've been together since we were little. Since, you were always there for me. Really, Ed. I really do thank God that he gave me you."

I thanked God for having her, too, and she knew it.

I took her to the gazebo of the resort, the one the owner and I had talked and planned about. I grew a little nervous as we walked. Of course I knew that she would love it, but I didn't know why I was still nervous. My hands were sweating a little bit, which made me wonder if Sidney felt my nervousness because we were holding our hands. I wiped the sweat off of my forehead. We were getting closer, and closer, and each step got my heart beat a little bit louder

After what seemed like a million minutes of walking and heart beating, we arrived at the gazebo. My nervousness immediately subsided because happiness was all that I could see on Sidney's face.

The gazebo was filled with flowers, her favorite ones of course, and mini lanterns around that served as the light. Rose petals were scattered on the pathway, and they were blue because they were her favorite as well. We were both musicians, so there was no surprise that I hired violin players. They were playing Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, the one Sid and I sang on stage when were still in college.

Wow, I thought. College felt like ages ago.

Tears were already forming on Sidney's eyes. "I didn't think that you could make this any better. But you did." And the she cried. Not a cry of despair, but a cry of joy, happiness, and thankfulness.

I wrapped my arms around her with love. Smelling her hair felt good, and I suddenly wished I showered five times that day because Sidney's head was on my chest and her nose was near my armpits. But she was still hugging me tight. Maybe I actually smelled good, or she just didn't care.

We had the dinner and it immediately added to the list of the best moments of my life. It was a moment filled with laughter, contentment, and love.

I thought nothing could ever go wrong that night, but, she started feeling sick.

"Are you okay?" I asked. Of course she wasn't. She was feeling dizzy. "Do you want to rest? Do you want me to take you to our room?"

She nodded with a groan. "Yes please."

I took her upstairs, and when we reached our room, she headed for the bathroom. She kept stumbling on the way so I helped her. She went to the toilet bowl and started barfing and barfing and barfing, groaning in between.

"I'll take you to the hospital."

. . .

Outside the doctor's office, I was clutching on the doorknob. Sidney was inside with Dr. Writ. I had to leave the office because I had to sign some papers on the nurse's counter as she checked what made Sidney feel sick.

Was it the food? Or the air and weather which was completely fine? Or maybe it had something to do with the accident that morning?

I opened the door and saw Dr. Writ all alone. "Where's Sidney?" I asked. Just then, she appeared from the bathroom.

"I had to wait for you to tell you both the good news," he said. "Now that the two of you are here, I guess it's the perfect time."

I reached for Sidney's hands. I was nervous, and so was she. "What is it, doc?" I asked.

He smiled. It made both of us confused. "Congratulations," he said with a huge grin.

I raised my eyebrow. "What? What do you mean? My wife's okay, isn't she?"

He nodded. "She's doing very well, Mr. Matthews. And, she's pregnant. You're going to be a father."

The words hung on the air for a moment. And the next thing I knew, I was screaming for joy, and so was my wife.

I was going to be a father.

Who knew that strangers could create a friendship, then a relationship, and then a family?

Well... Married couples I guess.

But I was thankful for everything that happened in my life. From meeting Sidney on that park for the first time, to my visits to her house in high school, the hardships we faced in college, the success we shared as adults, the joy we filled when we got married, and now, the endless love that we will give to our newest family member. Our child.

Things can go wrong from time to time. It may make you feel down and worthless for a while, but all you need is a person or persons who will help you go back up to the top. Mine was Sidney.

I kissed her forehead. "I love you, Sid."

"I love you too," she replied.

Love. What a word. Love, to me, is old, new, happy, sad, whole, broken, easy, challenging, heartwarming, heartbreaking, good, bad, and pain all at the same time. In other words, love is a roller coaster ride. All you have to do is hold on, feel the adrenaline rush, and live the moment.

Sidney Elizabeth Stewart Matthews once thought she was just Forever The Best Friend. But things changed, and said to herself, she will be Forever The Girl Friend. But now, now that we are starting our own family, she will be Forever My One and Only.

And everything was just perfect.

. . .

Please leave a comment or review so you can help me be better in writing. Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who supported this series, especially to the ones who were there for me even from the start. Forever The Girl Friend was the first novel that I have ever completed, and knowing that you guys loved it motivated me to continue writing.

Sidney and Edward would not have been what they were written without your support.

Again, thank you.

All the love,
Z