Chapter 1: The Calm Before

“David? David!?” Hearing her call his name, David quickly comes to, turning his head to look in the direction of his wife. Amy was already in the passenger side of the car, eyebrows raised in question.

   David shook away the lingering thoughts and proceeded to the car, opening the door and getting in.

   “What were you staring at hon?” Amy asked, hand reaching out to grab his. He took it with a smile and placed a small kiss to the palm of her hand.

   “My mind was just wandering, lovely day isn’t it?” she smiled back, lingering concern still visible on her face, but didn’t question it more.

   “Well, let’s get going. I don’t want to be out all day.” Amy playfully winked at David and he smiled back before starting the car, her hand still in his as he started driving down the road.

   One of their neighbours, Jim Anderson, was cutting the hedges when he saw them drive by. A smile immediately overtook his face as he lifted his hands and waved, causing Amy to laugh.

   “Always a cheerful one that Jim.” She commented just as David stopped the car in front of Jim’s house. He rolled down the window and gave Jim a polite greeting.

   “Top of the morning to you David, and how is my fine Amy doing this morning?” Jim asked, putting the cutter down and leaning slightly on the wall in front of him. He winked at Amy and David gave a playful glare.

   “Careful there Jim, don’t want the misses to find you flirting with my wife.”

   Jim gave a goodhearted laugh.

   “That’s right. Speaking of, how’s Mary? When I saw her yesterday she wasn’t looking to good.” Amy asked, slightly leaning over David.

   “Oh, Mary must be coming down with the flu. She’s always been a stubborn mule, so getting her to take medicine will be absolutely impossible.”

   David chuckled and lifted his hand in a small wave.

   “It was nice talking to you Jim, we hope Mary gets better.”

    Amy nodded along, small smile still on her face.

   “I’ll let her know. You two have a lovely day now. Bye.”

   Amy waved as David started to move and then they were heading in the direction of town.

   They sat in silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company and listening to the radio. As they neared the city a big green sign was seen on the side of the road, “West Lake City” written in big white letters. The town was named after the large lake that surrounded the southern side of the city. The lake had a narrowed bank that spread along the mountains and lead to an even bigger lake. It was a big tourist attraction and there wasn’t a time in the whole year that there weren’t thousands of tourist flocking to West Lake City.

   “We should go somewhere.” Amy said out of nowhere, breaking the silence.

   David turned his head to look at her for a split second before his eyes were back on the road. “Like a vacation?” he asked curiously.

   Amy pursed her lips as she thought before shaking her head. “No, just like a week away. Nothing too hectic.”

   David nodded and reached for her hand again, giving it a squeeze.

   “Okay, you have someplace in mind?”

    “What about the resort? This is the quietest it’s been all year and you’ve been working so hard, I think it’s time you take a break.”

   David nodded, opening his mouth to say something when a phone ringing interrupted him.

   “Not mine.” Amy said raising her hands. David sighed before taking one hand off the wheel and fishing his phone out of his pocket.

   Without taking a look he answered the phone.

   “Hello?”

   “Hey little brother.” A familiar voice was heard on the other line and David’s mouth fell open.

   “Jason? Hey! I wasn’t expecting a call from you.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Amy’s eyes widen before she started mouthing words to him. David completely ignored her, instead focusing on the road and his older brother.

   “Well, aren’t you glad that I’m calling?” Jason asked, the fake disappointment clear in his voice.

   David shook his head, but then remembered that his brother couldn’t see him. “No, I just… It’s been seven months since we last spoke and I wasn’t expecting a call this soon.” Amy huffed in her seat, sitting back and crossing her arms. David saw it out of the corner and rolled his eyes before focusing on his brother’s voice.

   Damn, it’s been so long. Sure David got news every month that his brother was still alive, it’s all that kept him from calling every week. He knew his brother’s job was important to him and he didn’t want to distract Jason since the job was also just as dangerous.

   “I know, but I’ve got great news.” Jason sounded so genuinely happy that David couldn’t help the smile that over took his face.

   Silence was heard on the other end.

   “Jason? Come on now, what’s the good news?”

   More silence.

   “Jason come one man, don’t keep me hanging.”

   “Okay fine, I’m home!” David could hear the smile in Jason’s voice and he let out a laugh himself.

   “Wow, really? That’s, that’s great!” David felt pressure on his arm and when he looked down he noticed Amy’s hand on his arm. He gave her a fleeting glance before mouthing ‘later’. She nodded and sat back, confusingly staring at her husband.

   “Yeah, it’s amazing. I’m actually about to get off my train at the station, I was maybe wondering if it was possible for you to come get me?”

   David was nodding before Jason’s sentence was even finished.

   “Yeah, yeah. Amy and I were heading into town anyway. I can come get you.” Amy’s brows furrowed and she pouted, wanting to know what was happening.

   “Thanks, the train should be stopping in about five.”

   “I’ll see you in ten then.” David replied back, hand slightly tightening on the steering wheel. He’ll be seeing his brother. He’ll be seeing his brother.

   Wow.

   “Okay bye little brother!” then the line went dead.

   “David?” Amy took the phone out of her husband’s hand, placing it in the storage compartment between their seats.

   “Jason’s back.”

   Silence filled the car.

   “What?” Amy sounded shocked.

   “Yeah, he just called. Wants me to pick him up at the station.” David’s tone had no emotion. Truthfully he didn’t know how he felt about this. Of course he was excited, it was just…he hadn’t seen his brother in so long. He didn’t want to know how much he changed. He still wanted him to be the same lame joke making brother that spent all his time reading comics and taking long walks to the fridge.

   “That’s great. Wow! David! Aren’t you excited? Jason is back! Oh my God. Amazing.” Amy sat back, eyes wide in bewilderment.

   “Yeah of course. I’m happy.” David said, finally smiling when he heard the excitement in his wife’s voice. Amy had always had a soft spot for Jason, as long before she and David were a couple the three where inseparable.

   David took the turn when he saw the market coming up and found a spot to stop.

   “With Jason here the yard work won’t be a problem between the two of you.” Amy commented as she reached into the backseat for her handbag.

   David playfully gasped as he grinned at her. “You just said I deserved sometime off.”

   Amy rolled her eyes and smiled back, she leaned over and placed a small peck on his cheek.

   “Maybe in a week or so.” She winked as she opened the car door and got out.

   David didn’t let the smile fall and nodded giving a small wave to his wife. “Bye darling, love you.”

   “Love you too.” She said back before shutting the door and going on her way.

   David looked at her back for a while as she walked away before remembering he had things to do.

   He quickly took off in the direction of the train station, excitement bubbling in his stomach.

   Wow, he still couldn’t process the information. He was going to see his brother.

   After five years of not seeing each other and barely hearing from one another David couldn’t wait. He didn’t care if his brother had changed anymore. As long as he saw his brother again.

   A lot had happened in the five years, David and Amy had gotten married and their parents had moved to Coral shores that was located just outside of the city. Jason had gotten word, of course, he knew exactly what had been happening while he was gone. But he couldn’t attend the wedding or the house warming party for their parents. He couldn’t give a speech and be David’s best man like he had planned for many years, but that was okay. Jason was following his dreams and David would always just wish happiness for his brother.

   David reached the station within minutes and rushed to look for a parking. As soon as he found one he was out the car and almost running to the platform, a huge smile on his face.

   He stood, anxiously looking around for a familiar face.

   “Well if it isn’t my baby brother.”

   David whipped in the direction of the voice and his face broke out in a smile as he saw his brother, clad in a camouflage jump suit and combat boots.

   “That buzz cut is going to take some time getting used to.” David commented and laughed along with his brother.

   With the duffle bag over his shoulder Jason approached the younger man and let it fall at his feet before taking him into his arms and patting his back, squeezing once.

   “God how I’ve missed you.” Jason breathed before pulling back and giving David a good look. He smiled and patted his shoulder a few times.

   “Good to be back.” Jason grabbed his bag and then the two men was off in the direction of the car.

   “Good to have you back. Missed you just as much and I’m pretty sure Amy almost had a heart attack when she heard you were back.” David commented, looking at his brother out of the corner of his eye.

   He still couldn’t believe this.

   “Well, she’ll be glad to know I’ll be back for a few months. All operations has been put on hold until further notice.”

   They reached the car and the older of the two threw his bag in the back before getting into the passenger seat, a relieved sigh escaping his mouth.

   David started the car and bit his lip as he contemplated whether to head straight home or go and see how Amy’s doing.

   “How’s mom and dad?” Jason asked after David finally decided on heading to the market. Amy didn’t have much she needed and should be done in a little while.

   “It’s going great, went for Sunday lunch last week and a late stroll down the beach.” Jason nodded, letting his eyes roam over the scenery as they road past.

   “It sounds like moving back to the old house did them good.” He supplied, fingers tapping on the car door.

   “Yeah, it’s way more peaceful and with dad’s leg I think it’s easier for him to move around.” David stopped at a light, unknowingly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel just like his brother.

   Jason’s head shot to the side, gaze landing on David and looking thoroughly confused.

   “Dad’s leg? They didn’t mention anything about his leg. What’s wrong? What happened?” This had always been one of Jason’s fears when he decided to join the military. He never wanted to miss anything happening in his family’s lives.

   “Stop stressing, nothing major happened. Dad just fell down the apartment stairs when he stepped on a loose board. He didn’t break it or anything, just sprained his ankle and got some nasty bruises. The doctor said to take it easy and he’ll be good as new in a few weeks.” David saw the market and quickly took the turn, parking a few spaces down from where he stopped when he had dropped Amy off.

   Jason audibly breathed in relief before he punched his brother in the shoulder, not enough to actually hurt. “You little shit, don’t scare me like that.”

   David chuckled as he shut the car of and turned slightly to the older man. “Well, you can punch him tomorrow when you see him for scaring mom. She was in hysterics, screaming to the heavens how she was going to kill him for not fixing the board and being careful when he knew it was like that.” Jason shook his head and couldn’t help but laugh, because yeah that sounded like his mother alright.

   “What’s happening tomorrow?” Jason questioned. He kicked off his boots and smiled as he flexed his toes.

   “I was planning on heading over there next week cause I needed to pick up some parts for the car, but I thought now that you’re back we could maybe head up there tomorrow and spend the weekend. Make it a trip and catch up. I’m pretty sure mom’s going to cry when she sees you.” David picked at a loose thread on his jeans and looked up at his brother, who was pursing his lips as he thought.

   “Sounds like a plan. I haven’t told them I’m back yet, maybe we could surprise them?” David nodded and smiled at the idea. He could already picture his mom, tears streaming down her face and smiling at seeing her oldest back home and safe.

   “Hey, how’s Pete doing? Still has that garage?” Jason suddenly brought up after a few comfortable seconds of silence.

   “Oh Pete? Yeah, the garage is still up and running, he’s the one who’s holding the parts for me. He had a break in a couple a months ago. Some teenagers who thought they could have some fun. Nothing stolen though.” David looked up, scanning the crowds of people for his wife and then quickly looking back at his brother when he didn’t see her.

   “Teenagers being a nuisance as always. Danny and Trish? How are they?”

   David bit his lip as he thought. “I think they moved to Marilla a few months ago.” David furrowed his brows before nodding when he remembered the number Trish had left for Amy, a Marilla number.

   “Lucky bastard, he’s been wanting to move their ever since he could use the toilet on his own.”

   “Yeah, the view isn’t bad either.”

   “Just imagine waking up to that every morning.” Jason stared into the distance like he could actually see it and David just rolled his eyes and smiled at his brother.

   “I think I’m more of a suburban man myself, but I can see myself maybe enjoying that for a week or so.” David spoke, stretching his arms slightly and cracking his fingers.

   “Now quite asking questions, tell me about your time? What did you do?” David wondered, turning to his brother.

   Jason just shrugged and stared idly out of the window. “I don’t want to bore you little brother.”

   David shook his head and gave the older man a playful push. “You won’t. Now come on, tell me about it. I’m really curious.”

   Jason finally sighed and gave in, turning to look at David as well.

   “Well, uhm…first few months after boot camp we were patrolling rough terrain, you know, like dense jungles and mountains. Let me tell you, my feet were bitching at me the entire time. And don’t let me get you started on boot camp. Remember how harsh our football coach was?”

   David nodded, remembering the hell that was football practice with Coach Williams. If you got out of training with lungs and breath left you were considered lucky.

   “Now imagine that, just a hundred times worse.” David sucked in his breath before whistling and giving a slight laugh.

   “How are you still alive then?” David enquired.

   Jason gave a laugh of his own. “Good question. I don’t know myself. Anyways we were scheduled to go on a desert recon mission but that’s when all operations were halted.”

   David furrowed his brows. “Why’s that you reckon?”

   Jason shrugged. “I’ve been wondering that myself little brother. Major squads were dispatched to the Northern side of the country and all us others were sent home. That’s all I know.”

   “What’s happening on the Northern side? Did they find something?” David glanced out the window again and when he didn’t catch sight of Amy he gave all his attention back to Jason.

   “That wouldn’t explain why all the other units were dismissed, but at least that’s not our problem. Whatever’s happening is giving us 4 months early leave and as far as I know no one’s complaining.” Jason smiled and his smile has always been contagious, causing a grin to spread on his brother’s face.

   “Yeah, I can imagine. But what if it’s something serious? Like really serious?”

   Jason shook his head and rubbed his shoulder. “I doubt it. If it was I wouldn’t be here, in an event that anything major should happen all squads are to be sent to assist and resolve any issues or problems. So I really doubt it’s that serious.”

   A knock on the car window had both brothers turning their heads and they were greeted by a smiling Amy.

   Jason’s face lit up as he quickly got out the car and hurried to Amy. “There’s my little sister in law.” He engulfed her in a hug, holding her tight. The bags she had been carrying were dropped to the ground at her feet and forgotten

   “It’s been too long. How’ve you been Jason?” she pushed him back a little and held him by the shoulder. “Wait, let me get a good look of you. Make sure you still have all your limbs.” She looked him up and down and smiled when she realised he still had all his body parts.

   Jason laughed and pulled her back in. “Still have everything I need to function Amy and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. And you? How’s life been treating ya?”

   David honked the car horn, making Amy and Jason jump and turn to the other man.

   “Do you guys want me to leave and come back at five or something? Leave you to catch up?” The sarcasm was evident in his voice and Jason smiled.

   “Oh wow Mom, I didn’t even see you there. When did you get here? Last time I saw you, you had less facial hair.” Amy laughed at Jason’s joking tone and hit him in the shoulder before she bent down for the bags. She popped open the trunk and deposited the bags before slamming it shut and getting into the passenger side.

   Jason got into the back seat and shifted until he deemed himself comfortable enough for the ride back.

   “Heads up soldier.” Jason lifted his head and absolutely did not expect the boot that hit him right on his forehead.

   “Fuck.” He swore as he lifted his hands up to cradle his face and all he heard was Amy’s giggles from the front seat.

   “Man down, requesting back up. I repeat man down, requesting back up. Soldier identifies 5’7” blonde woman as the attacker.” David stated as he turned into traffic, pretending to talk into his wrist like it was a walkie talkie.

   Jason glared as he slipped on his left boot. “I joined the Military little brother, not the West Lake Police Department.” He corrected and pulled on his right boot.

   “Are you sure? I expected a military soldier would be able to dodge a poorly thrown shoe, but I guess not.” Amy laughed over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Jason when he flipped her the bird.

   “So, where did you end up moving to?” Jason questioned as he looked out the window at the passing trees, noticing them heading in the direction of the suburbs.

   “Oh, we found a nice house just on the outskirts of town. It’s a quiet little place near the lake and its close enough that’s it’s not an hour ride every time we want to go into city.” David replied as he stopped at the corner of the street, looking left and right before taking the right turn and getting on the road leading towards their home.

   Jason nodded from the back seat and smiled. “Nice, sounds great. And the yard? Does it have a big yard?”

   “Yeah, it’s decent sized.” Amy supplied. Looking at Jason through the rear view mirror.

    Jason smiled and sent her a wink when he saw her looking at him. “Amazing. You know, got to have a big yard for kids. Kids loves big yard.”

    David rolled his eyes and all Amy could do was smile as she watched the road in front of her. The rest of the ride was spent with Jason singing obnoxiously along to every song that came onto the radio. David just smiled through it because his brother was back and he couldn’t be happier.

   As soon as the car stopped in their drive way Amy was pulling the keys out and sighing in relief when the radio cut of, that didn’t stop Jason from finishing the high note he was on.

   Amy groaned and Jason smirked in her direction. “What’s wrong Amy? Don’t you just love my singing?” he teased. David shook his head at the two before getting the bags from the trunk and heading for the door.

   “I don’t know, don’t you just love me hitting you?” Amy shot back and walked after her husband.

Once inside Jason stood in the living room, admiring the décor. Amy had disappeared into the kitchen and the clanking of pots and pans could be heard, as well as the opening and closing of cupboards. “You’ve got an amazing little home, don’t you brother?” Jason chuckled, eyeing all the paintings and different furniture.

“Yeah, its home. The neighbourhood is quiet and the neighbours are good people. I’ll introduce you to them some other time.” David watched his brother walking towards a portrait of him and Amy, taken on their wedding day. He studied the photo thoroughly, once again sad that he could not attend one of the most important events in his brother’s life. David cleared his throat and waved Jason over when he got his attention, heading down the hall.

 “Why don’t I show you your room for tonight?” David looked over his shoulder at his brother as they passed the bathroom and study. He opened one of the identical looking wooden doors and stepped inside, Jason following behind.

“This big brother, will be your room. Don’t make a mess or Amy will kill you in your sleep. She doesn’t like a messy house.” Jason chuckled and turned on his heel, looking at the room before grinning. He threw his bag on a couch against the wall, not bothering to unpack and threw himself on the bed. He sighed, and kicked of his shoes as he buried his face in a pillow and then proceeded to roll into different positions until he was comfortable enough.

David laughed from his place against the wall. “No need to unpack, we’ll be leaving tomorrow early and it will just be useless.”

Jason idly nodded and barely registered it as he stretched out his limbs so that his body covered the whole bed, a look of pure bliss on his face. “It has been ages since I’ve seen a proper bed, let alone touch one.”

David felt sympathetic for his brother who had to go through such hard times, but it was what he had wanted to so his whole life. “And food?” David enquired, crossing his legs at the ankle as he watched his brother roll around again.

“Been living off of rations and MRE’s for the past few months, haven’t had a real meal in forever.” His voice was muffled seeing as he had his whole face buried in the pillow, but David could make out just fine what his brother had said.

“Well Amy’s already started with dinner so you’ll get that proper meal tonight.” Jason cheered and David laughed at his brother, eyeing over the room. When his eyes landed on the window that had a loose screw. He furrowed his brows and sighed as he remembered he had lost his screw driver a few months back.

This is why you had neighbours, David thought.

“Hey, I’m just going round to Jim to borrow some tools, wanna come?” Jason was jumping off the bed before the sentence was even finished.

“Course.” He pulled on his left boot and David laughed, turning and walking out the room. He could hear his brother jumping behind him, trying to get on his remaining shoe as well as follow.

As they passed the kitchen, David popped his head in and smiled as his wife who was bustling around in the kitchen. “Hey Honey we’re just going to Jim’s for a while.”

Amy turned from where she was busy over the stove and smiled. “That’s fine dear, while you’re there why don’t you ask if they mind joining is for dinner. If Mary’s up to it, that is.”

She quickly turned back to the food in front of her to prevent it from burning. “Okay, will do.”

Amy hummed and David turned and walked through the front door. Jason was short on his heels as they cut across the yard and stepped onto the Andersons’ porch. David knocked softly, not wanting to disturb Mary in case she was trying to sleep off the flu.

Not even a minute later the door was opening and Jim was standing there, smiling once he realised it was his neighbour.

“Evening Jim.” David gave a smile as he folded his hands behind his back.

“Good evening David,” Jim nodded towards him before turning to his brother and raising an eyebrow. “and…?”

David elbowed Jason in the rib when he didn’t answer Jim’s unasked question.

“Oh, Jason sir.” He held out his hand and Jim let out a loud belly laugh. Jason, thinking he did something wrong, stared confusedly between his brother and his neighbour.

“Boy, does that make me feel old. Sir?” he chuckled one last time and took Jason’s hand, giving it a firm shake. “Jim Anderson, no need to call me sir.”

Jason nodded and smiled.

“Jim, this is Jason, my older brother. He just got relieved from his duties at the military this morning.”

Jim raised an impressed eyebrow as he eyed the older of the two up and down. “Military aye?

“Yes sir… uh I mean Mr Anderson” Jason said confused.

“Please just Jim will do fine” Jim replied with a friendly smile.

“Okay now that the meet and greet is over, Jim I was wondering if I could borrow your screwdriver, the flat head.”

“Well of course come on in.” Jim waved his hand walking down the hall indicating the brothers to follow him. The house was silent as they walked down the hall, which was strange. Usually when David came over Mary was running around doing something or the other. That women was never seen sitting around, which makes her being sick and having to stay in bed hard for her.

The trio entered the kitchen and followed the older man out the back door, being met with a neat and clean yard. Mary spent a lot of time outside, gardening and the like. A tool shed took of a quarter of the yard. Actually it was just a normal 2 car garage that Jim converted into a makeshift workshop. For as long as David could remember Jim spent a lot of time in there. More than a few nights David would wake up to the sound of Jim working in here, light on until late hours in the night. People called Jim the neighbourhood’s personal mechanic.

Jim groaned as he tried to pull up the metal door, heaving a sigh when it wouldn’t budge. “Damn things stuck again.” He mumbled softly to himself, tugging at the door uselessly.

“Need any help?” David offered with a smile, already getting on his knees. Jason quickly followed after his brother, both looking for a firm spot to grab onto.

“Ready?” He asked his brother, staring at him through the corner of his eyes.

“Just waiting on you little brother.” Both nodded before lifting the door with little effort.

“Just needs a little bit of oil.” Jason commented as he observed the rusted chains on the inside.

“Jesus Jim, when was the last time you oiled this thing?” David asked in bewilderment, turning to Jim with wide eyes.

The man only shrugged a little as he went deeper into the shed. “I’ve been meaning to get to that this week, but with Mary in the condition she’s been in I’ve just not had the time.”

Suddenly light filled the dark shed, revealing most of Jim’s tools, his table, some couches and other necessities.

“Maybe I could do it for you, just need to hold out to the weekend because we’re leaving early in the morning for Coral Shores. When we get back we’ll definitely help out.” David offered, hearing a small agreement from Jason.

Jim smiled thankfully and then turned to his toolbox, rummaging inside for the screwdriver.

Jason observed the place while the other went on talking, placing himself on the couch and picking up a magazine. Fishing. He shrugged and paged through the book, kicking his feet up on the table.

 “You fish, Jim?” Jason asked, interrupting the small talk the two were having.

“Not in years,” Jim replied, shaking his head. “My father and I usually went every year to this one spot at the lake. It was a gold mine. But when he passed away 4 years ago I just stopped doing it.”

Silence enveloped the shed as Jason threw the magazine back on the table and sat up, staring at the roof intently.

“How about you two?” Jim asked, a loud ‘clank’ sound echoing through the room.

“Our old man is crazy about the outdoors. Every vacation was either spent hunting or fishing.” Jason reminisced, smiling as memories flitted across his mind.

Jim smiled as well when his hand finally made contact with the tool.

“Ah, gotcha.” he turned to David, holding out the flat head and laughed.

“Little fella was trying to hide.” David gave a thank you as he took the screwdriver, turning with Jim to head for the door. Jason was already outside, looking at the rapidly darkening sky.

“Thanks for lending me the screwdriver Jim and oh, before I forget. If Mary’s up to it, you’re welcome to join us for dinner.” David suggested, watching Jim easily close the shed door.

Jim nodded, smiling at his neighbour. “Yeah, she’s just waiting for an excuse to get out of bed.” He laughed, David quickly joining in.

Jim walked the brothers to the door and waved them goodbye, before closing the door.

They returned home and as soon as they stepped inside, their noses were assaulted with the scent of something delicious.

“Hasn’t lost her touch yet, has she?” Jason chuckled heading for the kitchen. He jumped on the counter, but quickly slid of and settled on a high chair when he saw the looks Amy was sending him.

“Nah, she’s still an amazing cook. Better than we could ever dream of being.” Amy chuckled from her place in front of the stove as she remembered and incident a few years ago.

“Remember that time at your parents’ house?” by the end of the sentence she was laughing hysterically, the two men frowning at her.

“We’re never gonna live that down, are we?” David asked as he went up to the fridge and quickly pulled out two beers. One was passed to Jason and the other one he kept for himself.

“Never.” Amy replied, wiping fake tears out of her eyes.

“So we caused one little fire, it could happen to anyone.” Jason opened his beer taking one sip and gripping the bottle in a strong hand.

“Yes, it could have happened to anyone. But you were making popcorn with a microwave. The damn thing even had instructions and yet you two geniuses managed to mess it up.” She chopped up some onions as she said this, small giggles slipping out of her mouth.

“I was thinking of you to be fair, can’t blame me if I got distracted.” David shrugged, sending a smile his wife’s way.  Amy just rolled her eyes, smile still on her face.

“So now it’s my fault is it?” Amy questioned, eyebrow raised. David chuckled and shook his head.

“And Jason, you thought about me too?” Jason’s eyebrows shot up before David and Amy burst out laughing.

“No, he was thinking about Miranda. Am I right?” David turned to his brother who immediately shook his head.

“God no, that women never sat a foot in our house. To be honest I just wasn’t paying attention.” Jason replied

Laughter rang through the kitchen as the trio remembered the old times. The days before Jason was in the military.

The doorbell interrupted their laughter and before Amy could even blink that way David was already on his feet and heading for the door. With his beer in hand he popped open the door and smiled when it revealed their neighbours dressed casually.

Mary immediately went in for a hug, handing the wine she had brought along, to her husband. “Hi Mary how are you feeling?” David asked as he returned the hug, taking the wine once Mary let go of him.

“I’m always chipper David. Just been feeling a little down the weather the last few days.” Mary replied with a smile as she disappeared down the hall.

“We’re in th- and she’s gone.” David chuckled and turned to Jim who was already shaking his head and laughing.

“She’s always been a busy body.” David nodded in agreement as he welcomed Jim inside, closing the door behind him. The pair made their way down the hall before entering the kitchen where Mary was pushed up against Amy to look over the food together.

David just placed the wine on the counter before grabbing another beer from the fridge and leading the men out of the kitchen and towards the back door.

“Why don’t we chat outside, leave those two to do what they do best.” David chuckled, sliding open the door and letting the two exit first.

“So, Jim, what do you do?” Jason questioned as he settled into one of the lounge chairs, once again kicking off his boots. David only shook his head at his brother and handed Jim the third beer.

“Accounting for the bank, though in my spare time I like to think I’m a mechanic. A dream I was never able to reach.” Jim replied wistfully, taking a sip and settling into the chair.

David settled into the last chair watching over the brim of his beer at the two chatting.

“And you? I mean now that you’re back from the military. What are you planning to do?” Birds squawked as they flew overhead the trio. The sun was slowly starting to set, dousing the sky in an array of reds and oranges.

“No sure yet. We still had 4 months left of training before we would be sent out, but almost all of the squads got leave early. I wasn’t exactly expecting to be here.” Jason shrugged and Jim nodded in understanding.

“Well, catching up with family is a good start.”

“Yeah, definitely starting with that. I’m seeing the folks tomorrow and I can’t wait to see them again.” Jason was smiling at the thought of seeing his family again. They were a really close-knit family with not many relatives, actually almost none at all. All they had was each other.

“Yeah David mentioned something like that.” Jim nodded before turning to the younger brother who was deep in thought. “So, David, how’s work treating ya?”

David turned wide-eyed to Jim when he heard his name and seeing Jim smiling at him.

“Oh uh, the last few weeks have been rough. A lot of the electrical equipment got busted and we’ve been working later hours trying to get the factory back on track. We still have 2 or 3 more days before everything’s finished.”

Jason listened intently. David didn’t talk a lot about work with him, probably because he thought Jason already had enough on his plate and didn’t need his complaining.

“Could the storm last week be the cause?” Jim wondered, swirling the last few sips of his beer in the bottle.

“I’m pretty sure that was the cause. The electrical grid for 3 machines and the back half of the factory was damaged.” David sighed and downed the last of the beer.

“What storm are you talking about?” Jason interrupted the two’s conversation, his beer long gone. He was playing with the bottle in his hands, turning it this way and that. David spared a glance at his brother and sighed once more. The storm had been something they hadn’t experienced before. It was rare that they experienced anything besides sun and a few drops of rain. It was peaceful in this area, weather-wise.

“For 3 days straight last week we had a huge storm happening. It flooded most of the industrial district, including the factory I work at. A few houses near the mountains had their walls knocked down from falling rocks and such. It was terrible.”

“Was anyone injured?” At the question David let his head fall, closing his eyes and trying to get the images he had seen on the news out of his head. It was a tragedy. Just thinking about it had him wishing that it never happened to anyone ever again.

“Yeah, uhm. A lot of houses were flooded and this one family. The parents woke up because of the lightning and they ran to the nursery, but it was too late. It was a little baby girl and the story was all over the news the next morning. It was just horrible.” Jim answered, drinking the last few drops and setting the bottle on the floor.

Jason let his head lower for a few seconds before lifting once again when David continued speaking.

“The house closest to the industrial district got hit the hardest, the hospital down town is overflowing with patents from the disaster. Only a few lost their lives to the storm, but hundreds were injured.”

“Jesus.” Jason breathed out, shaking his head.

“The financial areas and the suburbs are relatively untouched, but it was still a big tragedy to all of us.” Jim supplied.

“And the towns close to the coast?” Jason inquired.

David shrugged. “There were a few properties damaged, but not nearly as bad as we had it.”

“Odd, you would think that the towns closest to the coast would have it worse than those inland.” Jason’s brow was furrowed as he thought about this, a slight frown tugging at his lips.

David nodded his head, opening his mouth to speak but got interrupted by his wife opening the sliding door.

“Come on, at the rate you’re going dinner’s going to be cold.” Was all she said, before disappearing back inside. The men glanced at each other before smiling, completely forgetting about the conversation.

They threw away the empty beer bottles, David grabbing them each a new one from the fridge before settling at the table. The woman each having a glass of wine in their hands and gossiping away about god know what.

The dinner flew by without a hitch, Jason fell right into the conversation like he had known the couple for years. The food was delicious and Jason thanked the women one to many times for the meal.

They moved into the lounge for desert and by then night had already arrived. The five spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing, David and Amy catching up with Jason and the Anderson’s getting to know him.

By the time the couple left, Mary had taken quite the liking to Jason and scheduled a gardening session with the man. The other three could only laugh because he had no idea what Mary had instore for him.

Finally, when the house was dark and quiet, except for Jason’s snoring, David and Amy had finally settled into bed. Amy was already half asleep, but David’s thoughts were keeping him away. For some reason, he remembered his brother’s words this afternoon and couldn’t help but agree.

Jason had a point, why wouldn’t the coast have it worse than the places inland. Didn’t make sense.

“Honey, go to sleep already. I can hear the gears turning in your head. Whatever you’re thinking about, just stop.” David jumped a little when he heard Amy’s voice in the dark room. He settled a little as she scooted closer and threw and arm over him.

“We leave early tomorrow, go to sleep.” She whispered sleepily, placing a sloppy kiss on his cheek before settling into him.

David held her in his arms as he slowly closed his eyes, the ceiling being the last thing he saw before he fell asleep.