Reluctant Love

Chapter 1: Sam

The sun hung low over the Newtown Fire Academy, casting a warm glow over the campus. The air was buzzing with excitement as recruits were arriving to start their new journey as firefighters. Among them were childhood best friends, Sam Jones and Elvis Cridlington. 

Sam adjusted the strap of his duffle bag as they approached the dormitory. "Can you believe we're here?" he asked, glancing at Elvis. Who had his headphones on, while listening to the legend who he was named after humming a tune and barely paying attention to his friend.

"Yeah, yeah, Sam," Elvis said with a grin. "But let's be real. I'm just hoping there's a guitar club here. You know, to keep our creativity flowing."

Sam rolled his eyes and appeared to have a straight face. "This is a fire academy, Elvis. Not a music school. Remember, we'll be firefighters. Not as rock stars."

Elvis smirked, "A man can't dream, can't he?"

As they walked around the building, they noticed a young man with brown hair standing awkwardly near the check-in desk. He clutched a sack of papers and a bag that looked heavy enough to carry textbooks and a laptop.

"Hey", Sam said, asking the man, "You new here too?"

The young man looked up, startled. "Uh, yeah. Arnold McKinley," he said, hurryingly. "This is my first day. I... uh... I didn't realize how many people there would be."

Elvis stepped forward with his usual charisma, clapping Arnold on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it, mate. Sam and I just got here too. Name's Elvis Cridlington, a future firefighting legend. And this guy's Sam Jones—he's the serious one."

Sam chuckled. "I'm not that serious. Don't listen to him. It's nice to meet you, Arnold."

Arnold shifted awkwardly but smiled. "Nice to meet you too. I'm, uh, not great with... crowds."

"Well, you've got us now," Elvis said cheerfully. "Stick with us, and we'll make sure you survive."

Arnold gave a small laugh. "Thanks. I'll probably need it. This place is... overwhelming."

As the three of them headed toward their assigned rooms, they chatted about their reasons for joining the academy.

"So, why firefighting?" Sam asked Arnold.

Arnold hesitated before answering. "I've always been good with systems and logistics. I figured if I could use that to help people, maybe it'd be worth something."

Sam nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good reason. Elvis here just wants to drive a fire engine and show off."

Elvis pretended to be offended. "Hey, I have other reasons too! Like... uh... saving cats from trees and becoming a hero."

Arnold smiled, starting to feel more comfortable. "What about you, Sam?"

"Me?" Sam shrugged. "I've wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid. Something about the teamwork, the challenge—it just feels right."

As they settled into their dorm rooms and began unpacking, Sam couldn't help but feel optimistic. He had Elvis by his side, and now Arnold too. This was going to be an adventure—a tough one, sure, but one they'd tackle together.

What they don't know, the next person they would meet will change everything.