13. Ami
Chapter thirteen
Ami
I stare at my laptop screen; the pages filled with words that I have been struggling to write for a while.
Having writer's block is what brought me back to town in the first place. In the beginning I really didn’t expect it to work, but now seeing the dozen pages I have written in just one night proves how wrong I have been.
Apparently, all I needed was the inspiration to write and a story to tell.
What I didn’t expect was to find that Seabrook had just that.
Not only have I found a story rich in nature and full of culture and traditions, but also the inspiration to write.
I want every person in this town and outside of it to know what the true history of Seabrook is.
I still struggle to come to terms with how unreal it is that Ethan and I ended up discovering something so interesting and unique, just because of a coincidence. That night when we got stuck in the library with no company other than Dusty, I really didn’t expect to discover such astounding history.
Honestly, what are the odds of something of this sort happening?
And yet, it did, and I can’t wait to show Aunt Maggie my work. She has been the one to constantly push me and motivate me to get back to writing. She dragged me down here, telling me this place does wonders for people who want a peaceful life and a fresh mind.
I can’t say she is wrong.
Coming back here has opened up lots of new possibilities for me.
The town is so full of surprises and happiness that I can’t help but feel like a new person.
I don’t know why I haven’t felt this way on other summers I came back.
Maybe it has something to do with a certain neighbor, and I don’t mean Aunt Maggie.
Although the history we’ve discovered is kind of saddening.
To know that once this town was full of creative expression.
It used to be a haven for people with an artist’s heart and all of it had been destroyed.
It’s heartbreaking to see that the town built from so many people’s dreams and talents came to an end just because new people decided to fight against everything this town originally stood for.
I wish I could talk about this more openly with Aunt Maggie, but the last time I tried, it ended in some hurt feelings.
She refuses to face the truth, and I know why—because it was her own family who bent this town to their will.
They bled the color from its walls, silenced the songs in its streets, and left behind nothing but the ghost of a heartbeat where art and music once lived.
Just because she isn’t giving this idea much thought right now isn’t because she doesn’t want good things for the town or that she believes that what her ancestors did was right.
Rather, it’s because she loves this town for what it is right now.
And I can’t blame her. It is a lovely and friendly place to live. But now I know it can be more.
Her whole campaign is based on making sure nothing in this town changes.
That makes sense to people who have spent years in this town, growing up and seeing their children grow and leave.
They can’t bear to accept new changes. Aunt Maggie has talked about this several times, about how difficult it is to adapt to new things and sudden changes at her age.
And so, considering the higher population of older people in this town, I’m sure many would not appreciate the idea of changing the town so much. I get it.
It makes sense but at the same time it puts me in a difficult situation.
I have no idea what to do anymore. At first, I was willing to support her against Ethan because what he wanted was to change this place and make it more modern.
He wanted to bring in technology and city-level revolution to a town that was nothing more than a home for people who wanted to spend the rest of their lives in peace and calm.
But now, that is no longer the case. Ethan no longer wants to run a campaign that promises just redevelopment but rather he wants to stay true to the true history of this town.
Despite the backlash and loss of some followers, he has also spent a great amount of time coming up with a new campaign, one that maintains the cultural heritage and keeps it alive while also trying to increase profit and business exposure.
He envisions a place that enjoys and celebrates art and where people can also make good money and live well.
He wants to open new gates and give people the opportunity to explore options and potentials to expand their businesses in a culturally diverse small town. The best of both worlds, so to speak.
And I can’t help but think that that is how it should be.
Even though I understand Aunt Maggie’s notions and thoughts.
I even understand why her “maintain” cause is important for her, but I have to admit that it only targets the elderly in this town rather than everyone.
These people are the ones who have enough savings or get their retirement money with which to survive.
But who is going to think about helping the youth.
… the youngsters who are soon turning eighteen and need to figure out a way to start earning and saving to move out and build their own personal lives.
Or the young families trying to feed and educate their children.
Not every person has the same skills, and jobs here don’t pay that well.
I have to agree with Ethan when he says that we need to widen our horizons and accept that the world is changing in ways that only help others.
But going with Ethan’s campaign and supporting him means going against Aunt Maggie, especially since I had promised to help her win this campaign. Even if I try to talk to her about this, I know this conversation won’t go very well.
So, I have no other option but to be creative with my approach.
Instead of trying to persuade her with arguments, I am going to persuade her with my writing.
I know how much she loves what I write, and I know that if she gives a read to the little I have written about the true heritage and culture of this town she will understand exactly why I am so persistent that this town returns to it.
It’s only fair.
This town can again belong to the poets, painters, and artists who create not because they must, but because their souls demand it.
They deserve a sanctuary where art can flourish, where inspiration is honored, and where their passion is safe from being lost to those who cannot understand its true worth.
So I grab the USB in which I saved the few chapters of the book I just started and head out.
I’m determined to change my aunt’s mind because no matter our differences, it is important for me to know that my aunt and I are on the same page. I want her approval and happiness more than anything.
I get a print-out of the book and staple the draft together before making my way over to her bookstore. As soon as I step inside the shop, I feel something brush against my leg only to find Dusty sitting near my feet. I smile as I bend down to pet her, and she meows at me as she enjoys the moment.
“Ami?” My aunt’s voice interrupts my moments with her cat and I look up to find her stand with another woman who looks about her age.
“Hey. I hope you're not busy I don’t want to disturb you.” I say standing up straight.
“Oh, no. I am not. Hilda was just here to tell me something that happened with one of our friends lately.” she says brightly, and I smile as I walk toward them.
My aunt turns back to the lady she was talking to and introduces me.
“Hilda, this is my niece Ami who I’m always talking about. And Ami, this is my dear friend Hilda.” she introduces us and I smile at her politely as she smiles back.
“Oh, so you're Ami. I have heard so much about you.” Hilda says warmly and I can’t help but like her. “I hope good things.” I make a light-hearted joke, and she chuckles before agreeing.
“So, Ami what brings you here? Do you need anything?” Aunt Maggie asks as she turns her attention toward me.
“Oh, yes. I was just here to inform you that I am finally starting to get the writer inside me to come alive. I started a new book last night and wrote a few chapters. I want you to give them a read from me.” I tell her and a big smile covers her mouth.
“Oh! That is fantastic! See? I told you that you can do it. I’m sure being here also helped you. Seabrook is a magical place I swear!” She exclaims and I agree with a smile.
“Ami, you're a writer? That is amazing!?” Hilda, who I had forgotten is still here, says and I look at her to see an excited expression on her face.
“Yes, I love to write or read” I respond, and she only gets more excited.
“Oh, that’s great, sweetie. I can’t imagine why you haven’t joined our local writer’s group,” she wonders aloud, sparking my interest. “A writer’s group?” I repeat, never having heard of it before.
“Yes! It has people from all over town who love to read and write. We get together once a week to sit with each other, sharing stories, inspiration, ideas, and motivation for fellow writers. It’s a wholesome group; you should definitely join us.
” The more she talks the more interested I am.
“That sounds perfect,” I tell her and she grins.
“Brilliant. We have a meeting today actually. Around 7? Why don’t you join us, and I’ll introduce you to people there?” she offers and I instantly nod.
“Sounds good to me. Where should I meet you?” I ask.
“Just two streets from here. I’ll wait for you by the bakery,” she suggests and I nod. “Great. We have a reading taking place today and I can’t wait for you to see it. I’ll see you at 7 then. Bye!” she says waving goodbye to me and Aunt.
Aunt Maggie who stayed silent the entire time turns to me now with a proud expression on her face. “What?” I ask, a little subconsciously about what she is smiling at.
“I am just thinking about how proud you make me, sweetheart. You're such a talented girl. I haven’t read what you’ve written yet, but I am already sure that whatever it is, it’s going to be wonderful and win hearts.” she says encouragingly.
This is the reason why I love my aunt so much.
She is constantly there for me, rooting me on.
“I really hope so,” I tell her softly, knowing that I want her to like this more than anything.
I need her to see what I see and tell me that it’s the right vision.
I stand there and talk with her for a few more minutes as she promises to read the draft today.
I take my leave and head back home to prepare for the group meeting that Hilda invited me to.
Ever since I came back this summer my company has mostly been Ethan and my aunt. So, tonight is the perfect opportunity for me to meet new people.
But as I am to reach the house, I see Ethan running up to me. I pause, wondering what he is running about as he finally comes to a stop in front of me. “Ami, hi,” he says a little breathlessly. I ask if everything is okay, a bit concerned at the way he ran toward me.
“Oh, yes. Everything is fine, great actually. I was just waiting for you to come back so I could tell you that I’m finally launching the new campaign tomorrow.
” His news brings me happiness on his behalf.
“That’s great, Ethan,” I tell him with a smile.
I am truly happy that he is doing this campaign, and trying to work toward what is right rather than what others want him to do.
“I know and since you helped me so much with the whole thing, I want to show it to you first before I actually make it public.” I wish I could go but it’s almost 6 and I need to get ready for the meeting.
“Oh, Ethan I would love that, but I’m actually heading to a local writer’s group at 7 today.
Is it okay if I stop by once I get free? ” I offer.
“Oh, the local writer’s group? That’s actually a great group. I’ve often been invited for a reading there but never gotten the chance to attend.” he shares thoughtfully.
“I heard of it just now, and maybe you should visit one day too. So, after that, I’ll come over, okay?” I ask and he nods.
“See you later then.” I say before walking toward my house.
I hurry to get ready, knowing that with the amount of time I’ve spent trying to choose an outfit will make me late.
But still, I want to look good today and make good contacts and friends.
I chose a baby blue top and paired it with white pants and some accessories.
Dabbing on some makeup and fixing my hair I’m finally ready.
I realize it’s 6:45 already and if I don’t hurry, I’ll end up making Hilda wait.
So, with one final glance in the mirror, I rush out of the house.
Thankfully, I am only a few minutes late and Hilda arrives a few minutes after I do.
“Oh, Ami you look beautiful,” Hilda says sweetly.
“Thank you,” I reply as we walk toward the meeting place.
As we walk, Hilda fills me in on the details and history of the group and how girls at a young age created this group to discuss and fangirl about the books they read . And somehow it became this group.
The idea of it is appealing, and I can’t wait to get there. When we reach, the reading has already started, so Hilda and I quickly find a seat. We sit together, listening to the reading of a book that a woman about my age wrote. I can’t deny that it is incredible.
I get so lost in the book and the reading that I don’t even realize when Ethan slides into the chair next to me until he taps my shoulder.
“Ethan? What are you doing here?” I whisper, unable to hide my surprise.
“Well, like I said I have been invited to these readings for a while, and considering you helped me and supported me so much with something I was passionate about, I just wanted to be here to do the same for you.” I can’t help but feel my heart warming to his words and the touch of his hand as he takes mine.
It’s ironic how we went from rivals to this. It still makes me a little dizzy thinking about how things change and although this thing between me and Ethan is very new and we have no idea where it will go, at this moment I just want to enjoy it.
And that’s exactly what I do.