Hey so here's the second and final chapter for today. The sweatshirt at the top is basically what Ben changed into, for visual people.

Taco Bell, again
DC
2:30 PM
Friday
June 24th

Erica's POV:
They finally let him come out. He was fine besides needing crutches and a wheelchair. That may sound strange, but let me explain. He broke his leg and ribs so the crutches can only be used for a short time to help strengthen his muscles and get him moving. But he couldn't only use those until his ribs were mostly healed. He was allowed to when I was with him and could help him up because he'd have a very hard time getting up if he fell. 

Hehe help, I've fallen and I can't get up!

Anyways... he was pretty much stuck in the wheelchair unless I allowed him out, which meant I could literally force him to rest.

He had spent the last week in PT trying to get back into it but suggested against letting him walk free, so I listened.

I took him home and helped him get in and out of the car. I was going to help him change since he had broken ones but he just stood up and went in to himself and figured I shouldn't over-rest him.

He came out with some pretty ripped up jeans and an orange t-shirt hoodie with white stripes on the sides. He had on his Vans. Or a Vans I guess. The other foot had a boot. I noticed he was wearing earrings. The right one was a thick, small loop and the one on his left was a little cross. 

My jaw dropped and I froze. He looked so hot in those clothes with the earrings. He noticed me gaping at him and laughed.

"Wow. Do I really look that good? I mean you never look at me like that. Like you're shocked? How? What is it this time?" He said limping to his crutches and then to me. 

"Your ears are pierced?"

"Yeah I got them not long after you left on a dare from Chip but I haven't worn these ones since a little before I graduated so that's why you didn't notice I bet. The other ones are super small black studs."

"Nice. But still I'd usually have seen them. Oh well I guess. You ready?"

"Yep." 

I jokingly pointed to the wheelchair. He slumped sadly on the crutches. He looked up at me with puppy eyes.

"Can I at least use the crutches? As it is I'm going have to do a ton of work to get back to as strong as I was." He whined.

"Baby, it's just broken bones. It shouldn't take too long."

"Pleeease?"

"Alright fine."

"Yesss! Thank you!"

He came over and hugged me awkwardly.

"But we seriously have to go. Come on."

"Okay."

We went out to the car and I tried to help him in, and was met by more whining.

"Erica I'm fine. I can get into a car on my own."

"Maybe. But the doctors said I'm in charge. So deal with it." I shrugged.

"Fine." He pouted. 

I took his crutches and tossed them in the back. I got in and started to drive. 

When we got there I unlocked my door only so I would have time to get to his side and be able to help him. 

Theoretically. 

Unfortunately, he just unlocked it manually and set off the car alarms. As I fumbled to turn it off, he hopped out and started to casually limp inside. He didn't get far because I turned them off, grabbed the crutches and ran after him. I took the crutch and got his hood on the end of it. He stopped to get it off and I grabbed him from behind. He turned his head to look at me and let his head fall.

He slumped over in my arms and for a second I thought he passed out. I started to panic until he lifted his head back up and took the crutches, grumbling.

"Thank you." I said, matching his tone.

We went in, 5 minutes late, to see everyone waiting.

"Hey guys. Sorry we're late. Someone was a little uncooperative getting in the car and then getting out of it. Kept trying to ditch the crutches." I said with a laugh.

"No worries, we are all well aware of how stubborn he is." Mike laughed.

"I'd have been more surprised if he didn't argue about them." Zoe added.

"Me too." Mom said with a smile.

She walked and hugged me, then him.

"Is Ben gonna say anything?" Chip asked with a laugh.

"Uh, hey guys." He said awkwardly. 

"Hey guys? Is that all we get? No I'm sorry for ignoring all of you and getting myself into a 3 week coma?" Jawa joked.

"Listen, I'm sorry guys. I really am. But you all are my number one priority, so it was worth it."

"Hate to interrupt but you being in a 3 week coma hurt us all. So you hurt us anyways, even though it wasn't intentional." Jessica noted.

"Well maybe but I love you all so much and wanted to make sure you were okay. I'm sorry. Truly."

"Eh we forgive you ya big idiot." Griff said with a light punch to his chest.

"Ow? I got shot 4 times, remember?"

"Oh yeah, my bad."

"Anyways, let's eat?" He asked.

We all agreed and sat down. 

While we may not have done anything extra special, Ben was gonna be okay, and that was enough to make it everyone's happiest meal of their life.

Okay so sorry it was a lil late, but I was kinda stuck for a little bit and wasn't sure what to say and end it with.