Love and Flames

FOUR

CALEB

The smell of burning toast filled the air as I glided swiftly towards the toaster.

"Every time," I muttered, prying out a blackened piece of toast. It left black dust all over my kitchen as I tried to put it in the bin, failing miserably. The bitter smell lingered in the air for a moment. With a frustrated sigh, I looked around my kitchen. I began scooping up the dust that littered my counters, a bittersweet reminder of my failed breakfast.

Looking at the tilted clock that was lazily hung on my wall, I decided I should probably start getting ready for my day.

I flung open my bedroom door and looked at the chaos before me. Clothes were sprawled out all over the floor and draped over furniture. I shrugged and opened my wardrobe, picking out some clean clothes. I threw on my worn jeans and charcoal grey t-shirt. Then, I put on socks and my signature leather boots. I ran my hand lazily through my messy hair, which was probably in need of a haircut.

Shrugging I decided to get a head start on meeting Ava. I grabbed my keys to my 2010 Land Rover Discovery and slipped my wallet into the back pocket of my jeans. I walked out of my chaotic house, shutting the door and locking it. I walked over to my car, unlocking it and jumping in.

~~~~

My heart rate picked up as I parked down the road from the cafe. I shook my body, as if that would stop the quickening pace in my chest. I pulled myself from the car, locking it behind me, and walked towards the cafe. Every noise around me became heightened as my anxiety built. My feet thudded along the cobbled streets, and the birds chirped like a scene from a Disney film. I was lost in thought and didn't notice the small frame I had bumped into. I heard a thud on the floor and the sound of liquid splashing over the street.

"Shit, sorry," I said, in a bit of shock. Looking down, I saw Ava sitting on the ground. "Ava? Shit, what a good way to start, huh?" Trying to make light of the situation, I extended my hand, which she took gratefully.

"Knocking me off my feet already, firefighter?" She said, a small smile plastered across her face, "I'm okay," she assured me, brushing herself off.

"I can't say the same for our coffees, though." She trailed off, looking down at the spilled coffee that was trickling through the cracks in the street.

"I'll get us some more." I looked at her; she nodded, smiling, and I walked into the coffee shop.

~~~~

After I'd replaced the coffee, I turned to her and said, "Let me take you to my favourite spot. You said you wanted to see more of the town," I suggested.

She nodded "Sounds lovely," she said with a bubbly tone.

We walked side by side towards the park I used to visit. The trees were bright green, and the smell of grass and flowers mixed in the air, creating a fresh and calming scent. The river trickled through the middle; it was much like the spilt coffee, glistening under the shine of the sun.

"This is beautiful, Caleb," Ava said, taking in her surroundings. "Much better than the concrete city," she added with a soft smile.

I sat down on the grass by the riverbank. Ava followed, sitting beside me and sighing, closing her eyes. I smiled and took in her features. Her lips were a soft pink, her blonde hair was messy, cascading down her shoulders, and stray pieces framed her soft jawline.

I felt my cheeks heating up and looked towards the river, mentally cursing myself for staring at her for so long.

"Have you been here all your life?" Ava asked, making conversation with me; not that the silence was awkward, it felt comfortable with her.

I nodded. "Yeah, pretty much. Sometimes we end up in towns or cities if a major incident happens, but that's rare." I looked at her. Her eyes were a beautiful blue, like the ocean. "What about you? Why'd you move here?"

I watched her features drop slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "I wanted a change. The city wasn't for me anymore."

I nodded, moving off of the topic, not wanting to pry anymore. "Parents? What are they like?" She asked me.

I smiled. "My mom visits all the time. She only lives a few roads down, still babies me, forgets I'm twenty-eight sometimes," I chuckled. "My dad was a firefighter too; he died in action when I was young." I said, smiling sadly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, furrowing her eyebrows.

"You're all good; I was young. I don't remember much," I reassured her. "What about you?' I asked her.

"My parents live abroad, in Spain; I see them every now and again, on important occasions," she explained.

The sun was warm on our faces. We chatted about anything and everything, sharing stories that made us giggle. I loved my colleagues at work, but this moment with her felt special, like a breath of fresh air. As we sat side by side, she gazed off into the horizon, lost in thought. I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Her hair was fluttering in the gentle breeze. My hand rested just inches away from hers, and the proximity sent a thrill of anticipation through me. I edged my hand closer to hers until they were touching; my stomach doubled over, and I felt heat rising from my neck to my cheeks.

She pulled her hand away. I coughed to try and cause a distraction, scratching my neck awkwardly.

She looked towards me and smiled. "Today has been nice."

I nodded in agreement. "The town hall is holding a gathering for the community tomorrow. They do it every year before summer starts," I said, looking at her. "You should come.""

"Will you be there?" She asked, looking at me carefully. "I could bring Olivia and Ivy from the cafe too," she suggested.

I nodded. "Yeah, I will be there; we bring the engine every year from the station for the kids." I smiled.

She nodded. "Sounds good!" she said happily.

"Would you like a lift home?" I asked her.

"Uhm, yeah, actually, that would be good," she beamed.

I nodded and stood up, offering my hand out to help her up from the grass. She took my hand, and my stomach doubled over again. I hadn't had this feeling before.

I smiled at her, and we began walking to my car. The silence was soothing.

When we arrived at my car, I opened the door for her.

"Gentleman, thank you," she said, giggling.

Her giggle was intoxicating, like a soft melody playing from a beautiful violin. It matched her bubbly personality.

I hopped into my car and started the engine. As we drove, she adjusted the radio until she settled on a station playing 'Stick Season.' The catchy tune filled the car, and she softly hummed along, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. Wanting her to experience more of the town, I took a different route, guiding us through unfamiliar streets.

I couldn't help but smile as I stole quick glances at her. Her hair danced in the wind, and the open window let in a fresh breeze.

We eventually arrived at her house. I parked up, and the familiarity hit me, reminding me of the first week she moved in and her kitchen had gone up in flames. It had only been a few weeks.

She opened the door and hopped out of the car. She leaned on the ledge of the window and grinned at me. "Thank you," she said.

"Anytime," I replied, the corner of my mouth curving into a small grin.

She spun around on her heel, and I watched as she walked back towards her house.

As she disappeared behind the door, my cheeks burned crimson, my heart racing in confusion at this new feeling.

Authors Note:

I like this chapter, their first moments alone! As always, please feel free to leave feedback, I hope you enjoyed!

- Serenjtyx