ONE
AVA
The smell of baking cookies wafted through the air of my new kitchen as I hummed along to the radio. I was starting to enjoy my new life here. I sat down on the sofa, sighing, happy to finally be off my feet.
Moving from the city wasn’t easy. After living there for seven years, I was fresh out of college. Having to pack up my whole life into my small car was a fucking nightmare.
I had to leave.
~~~
2 weeks ago
I walked down the street in a rush to get home. Car horns honked, and the noise of irritated people swept through the streets. I moved quickly, slipping through crowds of people. I had been living with my partner, Noah, for around four years. We met at work—a classic office romance. I saw my apartment block in the distance, and a sense of relief washed over me. There was nothing worse than rush hour in this city.
I hoisted my slipping bag back onto my shoulder and fumbled around with the keys in my pocket. I pushed the key into the lock and twisted it, pushing the front door open.
I slipped the heels off my tired feet and dropped my bag to the floor. I noticed them.
Shoes.
Not my shoes.
A wave of anxiety washed over me, like a rocky day at sea. I stood still for a moment and closed my eyes, sa if this would make them disappear. I opened my eyes again. Nope. Still there.
I wanted this to be a bad dream.
I mean, it could be his sister?
I reassured myself and quickly regained my composure. I walked deeper into the flat.
A coat.
Not my coat. Draped over the sofa, my sofa.
I couldn’t hold back any longer. I walked towards the bedroom door and swung it open.
My heart dropped. My knees almost gave out.
“You fucker.” I said, my voice sturdy, my eyes threatening to leak.
“Ava? I didn’t think...” He trailed off, looking at the girl beside him; she couldn’t meet my eyes.
“You didn’t think what? That your girlfriend would come home to our flat? You have got to be taking the piss.” My body started to shake. I ignored the scene in front of me, grabbing one of the suitcases from under the bed.
I filled that suitcase. It was like my life depended on it.
“You stay. I’ll be out of your hair,” I said, and it left my mouth like a whisper.
Noah watched my every move.
I dragged the now-full suitcase back to the door. I slipped my shoes on and hoisted my bag back onto my shoulder.
I left the flat and put the keys through the letterbox.
I had to leave.
~~~~
Today
The sound of the fire alarm shook me from my thoughts. I got up, swiftly moving towards the kitchen.
Fuck.
When I arrived, a wave of shock washed over me. I stood there, staring at the oven. The inferno was raging inside of it. Flames danced wildly, threatening to devour everything in their path. My feet were rooted to the ground. My eyes were glued to the sight of the inferno blazing before me.
My adrenaline kicked in and took over as I ran towards the living room, grabbing my phone and dialling 999. My hand trembled as I relayed everything to the operator on the end of the phone. My panic grew with each word I uttered.
I heard distant sirens, and my eyes darted to the front door. Relief washed over me. I heard the sirens stop and commotion from outside. I was still firmly rooted to the spot. I was unable to tear away from the sight before me.
I heard my door burst open and fully kitted firefighters rushing in. One of the firemen gripped my arm. “You have to get out!” He yelled with urgency as the rest of the firefighters ran towards the flames. I nodded as he pulled me outside of my front door, sitting me on the steps of the fire engine, before running back in.
I sat, staring in through my open front door, unable to process what was happening. Reality is not quite settling in.
Eventually, a few of the firefighters exited my home.
“Are you okay?” The same fireman who dragged me from my house asked, concern laced in his voice. I nodded, still shaken, and my words were not making it out of my mouth. He went to the side of the fire engine, taking off his mask and helmet. His brown hair, damp with sweat, fell over his face. He turned towards me, oxygen tank in hand, and placed the mask over my face. “Just to make sure you haven’t inhaled any smoke,” he reassured me. I nodded once again, looking at him. His eyes were an amazing green, like freshly cut summer grass. His jaw was chiseled and his lips plump, stubble running over the top, like he hadn’t shaved in a few days.
He spoke, knocking me from my thoughts.
“Fires out, but you’ll probably need to get that oven replaced, maybe a counter or two.” I nodded. “Thank you,” I whispered. My voice trembled. The adrenaline was finally wearing off. He nodded “Anytime,” his voice rough.
“I don’t know what I would have done if you and your team hadn’t shown up. I’m Ava, by the way,” I offered, showing my gratitude for his quick response and caring attitude.
“Caleb.” He nodded and smiled softly. “New here?” he queried, waiting for the rest of his crew to exit my house. I assume they were making sure the fire wouldn’t restart.
I nodded. “Yesterday I arrived; as you can see, I’m off to a great start,” I joked, trying to make light of the situation.
He chuckled. “Catching your oven on fire on your second day in town? It might be a new record.”
I smiled. “I was in a world of my own.”
“Maybe next time, turn your oven off first?” He suggested.
I laughed and said, “Thank you for the advice.” I lifted my hand and saluted him.
“Anytime.” He smirked.
Talking to him felt easy.
“Well, the next time you’re in town, pop into the new coffee shop; I can give you one on me. The rest of your team too,” I offered, trying to find a way to show my appreciation.
He nodded. “I might just take you up on that offer; I’m sure the rest of the team will too.”
I nodded, studying him as he turned and watched the rest of his team leave my house. I got myself up from the steps of the engine.
He offered me a smile. Then he walked back to his fire engine and climbed into it. He nodded at me one last time before I watched the engine pull away. I was left to deal with whatever mess was left inside.
