5. Ethan
Chapter five
Ethan
The fire drill is conducted in a downtown building twice a year.
It serves as an essential exercise to rehearse evacuation procedures in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
Although it’s a routine for us firefighters, practicing with drills like these helps us stay calm and composed when facing the actual calamity.
While it is tiring, it is nothing beyond my capabilities.
During such events, I discard the notion of it being a mere drill out of my head and let the adrenaline rush to propel me through the task with heightened focus and efficiency.
After we finish the drill, I give a sigh of relief, grateful for my team to be able to accomplish it without any mishaps.
I walk towards the lockers to change into my clothes before I head back home. With only one task on our agenda today, I was looking forward to an early return home and a well-deserved break. As I step out of the building, a familiar voice cuts through the air, jolting me out of my reverie.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?" There stands Ami with a stern expression on her face. Her hair swaying with the cool breeze and her arms crossed defiantly over her chest. Why is she still here?
For a moment, neither of us says anything.
Ami’s expectant gaze hangs in the air, awaiting a response.
I pause, taking a minute to process the situation and gather my thoughts, not sure if I should answer her.
"Home," I say curtly, sidestepping her, and start walking again.
"Wait!" she steps in front of me again, making me stop.
I exhale, running my hands through my hair, feeling frustrated.
“What do you want?” I ask in a low voice, cutting to the chase. “I want to talk about the elections. Why are you running?” Her voice is laced with genuine confusion.
“What do you mean why? I am running because I can.” I shrug, trying to brush her off, but she's persistent.
"But it's against my aunt, Ethan. You know she wants to be elected," she says, and then, in a low voice, she adds: “And besides..." she pauses as she looks around, not meeting my gaze. " You’ve never been interested in such stuff before, so why?"
A scoff escapes me against my better judgment.
Something in the way she speaks puts me off, but I calm myself and tell her that I’m doing it because I believe I can bring change and help with development.
I am aware that I am running opposite her aunt, but it's not like I declared war.
And Aunt Maggie is like my family, I love her, but I do have to think about the future of this town and how I can help make this place better.
“And besides, at the end of the day, it depends on the voters,” I add.
I meet her stern gaze and then a smirk makes it way on my lips as I lean closer.
“Besides …” I pause, “what do you even know about me anymore?” I lock my eyes with hers, awaiting a reaction, and I get it when I see her expression falter for a mere second.
Her eyes, previously filled with disappointment, now momentarily show discomfort and she moves out of my way.
As I continue home, my mind whirls. This encounter has left me with more confusion than anything.
And why did it feel so good to see her reaction when I got close to her?
***
It's late in the evening, and the gentle sound of the air conditioner is the only white noise accompanying me as I replay the fragments of the day. The highlight is undeniably her—none other than Amelia Brooks. Physically exhausted from the day, I stretch out on my sofa and immediately fall asleep.
Waking with a start and now wide awake, I can't seem to shake this woman out of my thoughts. That brief encounter left me feeling torn between regret and defiance. Now, a different unfamiliar confusion takes over me, pitting my mind and heart against each other.
I ponder these thoughts of Ami as I sip my coffee, and when nothing seems to help me feel settled, I decide to step out for some fresh air.
Maybe seeking solace in the cool sea breeze and soothing sunset will help me find clarity.
I head towards the beach with my jacket slung on my right arm, humming a soft tune, my footsteps slow and contemplative.
As the shore comes into view my eyes widen in surprise as I spot Ami standing there … as if fate has orchestrated an encounter. What is this, karma… or just some strange sort of luck?
Her long dark hair drifts sideways in the wind, tugging my attention the way it always has.
She strolls the shoreline like she owns it, lost in thought as she skips stones in the surf.
She’s completely unaware of me… or so I think, so I creep closer, a grin tugging at my lips.
I’m already picturing the startled look I’ll get when I say her name.
But she turns before I can, catching me in the act, her hand still poised mid-throw like she’s deciding whether to let that stone fly at me instead.
“Oh hey! you’re here too!” she exclaims, her eyes mirroring my surprise, but then a gentle smile spreads across her face, and she beckons me over with a wave of her hand.
Feeling a sense of ease, I walk closer. The sound of the waves and the wind fills the space between us.
With each gentle lap of the water against the shore, the sand slips away, and for a moment, it’s as if our earlier tension has slipped away as well.
Ami breaks the peaceful silence as she extends her closed fist towards me.
“Look what I found!” Her eyes sparkle as she unfurls her hand, revealing a delicate white seashell nestled in her palm.
“Remember when we used to race to find these shells?” She gazes up at me, a radiant smile spreading across her face.
I suddenly find myself back in our youth.
“Hey, look at my seashells! They’re so pretty!” eight-year-old Ami exclaims, proudly displaying her treasure to me. I scoff, not bothering to look up at her, and continue decorating my sandcastle, adding another floor to make it taller than Ami's castle.
“They’re not pretty. I’ve seen better ones.” I boast rightfully, finally looking up at her with a smirk.
"You're just jealous, Ethan." Ami shoots back and turns around.
"I am not jealous. I'll show you that I can find more seashells than you." I stand up, trying to argue.
A smile appears on her chubby face. Her gaze darts down the shore, and she points at it excitedly.
“Okay, then, let's race there and find out who collects more and wins.” As soon as she says it, both of us dash towards that side of the shore. Our little legs running as fast as they can. Our shouts and laughter fill the air as we search for the prettiest seashells.
Shaking my head, the memory hangs in the air, a sweet reminder of simpler times, and for a moment, it feels like no time has passed at all.
I smile back softly, reaching for the seashell and holding it up in my hand, caressing it gently and with delicacy as if instead of a shell, it’s that memory itself.
"I remember it," I say softly, my gaze rising to meet hers.
“You loved being competitive,” she says with a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. I admit out loud that I still do, and she laughs as we start walking along the shore.
"See, I still know quite a few things about you,” Ami remarks, her words piercing my conscience, making me feel shameful of our morning encounter.
“Ami, I’m sorry about how I acted earlier." My eyes cast downward, I’m unable to meet her gaze. “I was tired and frustrated and didn’t want to talk …” I trail off, but she interrupts me.
“No, it’s okay, I get it,” she says, looking up at me with a warm smile.
“You were right, it’s not a war, and I had no right to come at you like that. I’m sorry, too.”
Her sheepish grin disarms me, and I’m taken aback by how easily we apologize to each other. Being in her company is a hundred times better when we’re not gnawing at each other’s throats. The thought brings a smile to my face.
“I think we should just focus on our own campaigns and let the voters decide,” I suggest, feeling a sense of relief when Ami nods in agreement.
So we continue walking together, reminiscing past memories and catching up.
The tension between us is replaced by a sense of mutual respect and understanding. It feels good.
****
It’s two days later when Ami shows up again at my door.
I had gotten her text the night before wanting to talk about something related to the town’s problems. I love to just unwind at home on my days off, so I really didn’t want to trek outside.
I asked her to come over to talk, so here she is, sitting in my backyard and talking over some sweet tea.
"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?” I ask finally.
“Remember that day at the beach?” I nod as a gesture for her to continue.
She takes a deep breath before beginning. "After you left, I stayed behind beachcombing and brainstorming campaign ideas when I ran into a family there. They looked upset so I asked about it and I found out they were actually looking for a house.”
"Don't they have plenty of rental houses available around the beach area?” I furrow my eyebrows, unsure of where the conversation is leading.
Ami sets down her tea, her expression serious.
"Exactly what I said, but apparently, they are too expensive for a middle-class family. They said they heard that with the town’s election there’s going to be some redevelopment, and those houses will be taken down anyways.” It finally clicks as to why she’s here and what she wants to talk about.
"Ah well, yeah, I did hear about redevelopment. The fact is, I am in favor of it,” I say nonchalantly as I sip my tea. Upon hearing that, her expression changes to disapproval.
“What do you mean you’re in favor of it, Smoke? That’s precisely why I’m here. I’ve already spoken to my aunt, but I want to make sure you understand the impact it will have on people like that family. You need to know about these problems, especially if you’re elected to town council.”
Her look is certainly accusing. Annoyance is rising in me both at the use of that ‘nickname’ and in the way she talks to me as if I don’t know any better.
“First of all, don’t call me that," I say in a firm but controlled voice.
“And secondly, your problem is that you don't listen, Ami.” I meet her gaze, my eyes narrowing slightly.
“When I said I am in favor of redevelopment, it means that the town will be redeveloped, which ultimately includes the construction of new and affordable housing," I explain, trying to keep my patience.
“But you’ll be taking down the beach houses!” Her frustration is evident, evoking a tinge of it in me as well. “Why is that?”
“Why is that a problem?” I shrug, not wanting to cause any further argument. "I believe the beachside should be a tourist spot and not a residential area."
“Tourists would want to come and live on the beachside! Don’t you get that?” Her expression turns incredulous.
I heave an exasperated sigh. I’m tired of trying to explain my point, but she, I know, won't leave unless I clarify my intentions.
So I try a gentle approach to explain that if redevelopment takes place, it'll be for the betterment of the town.
I try to assure her that no one will suffer because of it.
I can't tell her much about my plans, but if I end up being elected, she’ll see for herself.
I lean back against the chaise, considering this the end of the debate.
However, Ami's stern and disappointed expression stays. "You know what, Smoke?” she purposely uses the nickname again, making me scowl. “I thought we could discuss this as normal adults, but talking to you is like talking to a wall considering how secretive—” she air quotes that word —you actually are.”
Saying that she stands up and grabs her bag to leave, leaving me conflicted about my emotions once again.