Page 28 of Kissing the Beach Town Fire Chief
I end up liking the reading, but not as much as I enjoyed Ami’s company. Even though I didn’t lie about the fact that I have been invited to these readings often, it’s true that I only went today because I wanted to find an excuse to spend time with her.
I feel anticipation and apprehension at the same time thinking about what I have to do tomorrow. But with her I feel a bit calmer. It’s funny really. As kids, Ami and I spent all our time competing, and even now when we first met we were supposed to compete with each other in a way considering I am going against her aunt. And everyone knows how much Ami loves her aunt.
It was obvious that she was going to side with her and help her defeat me, which meant the rivalry between us wasn’t coming to an end this easily. But just one night when we ended up getting stuck in the library seems to have changed everything.
And honestly? I’m not complaining.
There is so much I owe her and credit her for. When we first discovered the true history of this town, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I mean, everything that I believed and stood for suddenly felt wrong and incomplete. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I feel is right this easily.
Who knows what I would have done with the truth? But with Ami by my side, directing me and advising me, I can say that I made the right decision by changing my campaign. I know that this town still needs some level of redevelopment. Now I realize that redevelopment being more practical, while also bringing this town back to its prime days.
I understand the need for better pay and more opportunities but if I rid this town of its uncovered culture and heritage, it will be heartless. I can’t bring myself to do it. Ami helped me for days to be able to develop a new campaign. She is the one who motivates me and helps me even when my followers turned against me. And if it hadn’t been for her, I would never have been able to pull through as quickly as I have. So, there is a lot that I am grateful for. And the new feelings that I have been starting to develop for her only add to this.
We spend an hour or two at the reading and once it finishes Ami goes around socializing with others while I stand near the small bar, sipping on my drink even as my eyes follow her around. She is easily one of the prettiest girls I have ever met. And her personality and morals are incredible. I still can’t come to terms with the fact that I managed to find the nerve to confess my feelings to her and to kiss her.
The kiss that has been burning inside my memory ever since it happened. Every time I look at her, I remember the magical and surreal moment when our lips were pressed together. As the night goes on. Ami finally finds her way back to my side and we linger for some time more before we walk home together. We walk in comfortable silence, side by side enjoying the peaceand quiet as the stars wink down upon us making this moment special in a way that words won’t be able to describe.
When we finally reach my house, I open the door and lead her to the study where everything I’ve has prepared for the campaign awaits. As soon as we enter, Ami looks around. She seems so impressed and it shows on her face.
“Ethan… wow. This is amazing. I can’t believe you’ve come up with so many ideas and speeches in such a short time. All of this is just amazing. You should be so proud of yourself.” Her voice is filled with awe and I can’t help but feel proud.
“Thanks, but none of this could have happened without you. You're equally responsible for everything that I have been able to do.” I tell her, meaning every word.
“That’s not true, Ethan. Even though I helped you it is still your ideas that are the real deal. I was just there to motivate you and help you structure out a new campaign. Accept your win and embrace the positivity that it brings with it,” she adds, looking at me.
“What matters is if I can win the people over tomorrow. So many who supported me did so because they wanted to change everything about this town and make it more city-like. At first, I wanted that too because we need to think about our youth and their future. But ever since we found all the secrets hidden in the library I just can’t bring myself to give them what I promised earlier.” I tell her, sharing my concerns with her.
“I get it, Ethan. I do. But think about it, you're only doing what’s right but at the same time you're trying to keep your promise to these people by creating more opportunities and building a platform for people to start small businesses. If they want to make more money, they can through your approach. I think it’s a very smart idea and a win-win situation. Don’t worry. I know that it will work and that the people will come around once they understand your campaign and the true history of thistown.” Ami truly encourages me, and I feel better hearing her words.
“Will you be there at the campaign tomorrow?” I ask a little hesitantly.
Even though Ami has been helping me, I know better than to think that she will choose me over her aunt so easily. Their relationship is strong, and I know just how much they care about each other. I feel bad even asking her, but I just can’t stop myself from asking.
She takes a minute to respond, struggling to decide before she sighs. “I think so,” she says, and my heart soars. I was so sure that she wouldn’t come that right now I can’t help but feel like this was the best news ever.
“Will your aunt be okay with that?” I ask her and she gives me a sad smile.
“I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.” she says sadly before changing the topic. “I should head home and let you sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.” I nod. Even though I wish for us to spend more time together, I know she is right. “Of course. Good night.” I tell her as she turns around to leave.
“’Night, Ethan. I’ll see you in the morning,” she says softly before pressing a gentle kiss on my cheek and leaving. I can feel her kiss on my cheeks even after she is gone, and when I get into bed she is the last thought I have before I drift off to sleep hoping for a good day tomorrow.
***
The next morning, I wake up in good spirits. I know how hard Ami and I have worked on this campaign and I really, really hope that people might be able to understand why this is important. So, I quickly assemble my things and grab a cup of coffee before making my way over to where everyone is assembled, waiting for the campaign speech.
When I reach, I notice Aunt Maggie sitting in the seats and I wonder how she will take this. I am about to disclose what I discovered in the library. Even though I think it will help me win the election, I’m torn about mentioning that it was her ancestors who had been the ones who ended the true culture of this town.
But I am not the kind of person who will stoop this low just to win an election, not to mention that I care too much about Ami to do something like this. As I reach the podium, and everyone in the crowd silences I take a deep breath. My eyes search for Ami and when I find her, the smile she gives me is enough motivation for me to start.
“Hello, people of Seabrook, first, thank you so much for being here and giving me a chance to talk with you, it means a lot to me. Secondly, I think there are several people here who I owe an apology to. Some supported me because of my old campaign, the people who put their hopes in me to bring forth a new version of this town that is more advanced and developed. I know that all of you may feel betrayed and I am sorry for that.” I start with an apology, wanting people to hear me out without their grievances clouding their judgments.
“I swear, that is exactly what I planned to do, and I will also follow some of those plans. But things changed when my friend Ami and I discovered the history of this town. After finding old journals, it no longer feels right to strictly limit myself to previous plans. We discovered that this town was made for artists, writers, and poets. It was a safe haven for people who were brimming with creativity and wanted a space where they could celebrate it.” As I reveal what I know, the expressions of people in the crowd change at the revelation.
I continue. “These people built a whole culture and tradition around their art, having festivals and events to celebrate their talents. This town was becoming known for its cultural centers, spurring increased tourist trade. Until …
New people moved to town and no longer agreed with the way things were. So, some of our ancestors formed groups of people who opposed the whole cultural concept and ended up erasing it to make it the town it is.” I finish, my eyes falling on Maggie and seeing the betrayed expression on her face. Don’t get me wrong. I love Seabrook and plan for this to me my home forever.
“Now, I know that you want me to do what I promised but how can I after learning this?” I ask. I can see some people nodding along, and some shaking their heads, conflicted about which way to go. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t have ideas to bring this town back to its true glory and at the same time make it a suitable place to earn money too,” I say and continue to explain all the ideas in my mind.
