semicolon case chapter 21

Ethan was injured in an explosion and spent a few days in the hospital. He was surprised to see his ex-girlfriend, Annie, who is now engaged. They catch up and apologize for how their relationship ended. Annie encourages Ethan to be happy and reminds him of the importance of friendship. Ethan spends time with his coworkers at Disney and wonders why a coworker named Delaney avoids him. He asks Adele for help, but she doesn't have an answer. Ethan waits for his friends at Animal Kingdom, but they are late. It turned out that Ethan did get a few more scratches than he thought of the explosion and he was bedridden at the hospital for a few days after he healed. Ethan stared up at the white ceiling of the hospital room, listened to the beeping of the machine that was monitoring his heartbeat. His thoughts were everything and nowhere at the same time and he tried to forget that he almost had just blown up. Everything checks out, the nurse says as she entered the room, you just need to stay off your feet for a few days and you'll be up and again, Mr. Death. Oh gosh. Ethan looked up and saw the face of someone he did not expect to see. He brushed back his brown hair, which still had ashes in it and ensured no streaks on his face. Annie, he exclaimed? Annie Axelrod? Ethan's first girlfriend, whom he had broken up with before graduating, and the girl who was with Dr. Virginia, who was now in the same room with him in the same ER, a small ER in Florida. As I live and breathe, she laughed. Barely, she corrected. Is it true that you ran into a burning building? It isn't that surprising if it's true. He heard correctly what he said, taking in her face. She hadn't changed much. She still had her lovely brown hair, which was shorter now, and her light chocolate skin went nicely with her turquoise scrubs. So how long have you been? How long has it been? Three years, she said. As he started taking his blood pressure, she smiled but couldn't manage to make eye contact with him. Doesn't that mean you still have a year left in school, or did you? Your plans change. I do. I'm just entering here for the summer. My parents moved down here a year ago. I have one year left at Liberty, and then I'll be here permanently. That's amazing, Annie. I'm really happy for you. He blinked a few times, and had to force a smile when we gave her hand. An engagement ring, she nodded, finally meeting eyes with him. Yeah, we met in our sophomore year of college, she paused when checking his reflexes. She turned away momentarily to put the equipment away, and then she sighed. She was about then, and sighed, and looked like she had blurted something out, and then, and she did. Ethan, I just want to apologize for how things ended between us. You apologize, he questioned. No, I should be apologizing. You just wanted to support me, and I was an awful boyfriend to you. No you weren't, she sighed. You were just doing what you thought was best for me, and that is why I also have to thank you. Thank me, he scoffed, for being a jerk. No, she laughed. You did, you did do what was best for me. We went, we were a great couple, but I found out later that, um, I found later on that we would probably have broken up eventually. But thanks to you, that year I got to work on myself and my career. Also, I got to learn a lot of relationships, and you proved that a real man should, what a real man should be like. He smirked as he brushed away the smudges on his face. Well, it doesn't seem like you turned, well, it seems like you turned out great. Those fiancés of yours is a fortunate guy, she blushed. Thanks, Ethan. Oh, and congratulations on becoming an officer. Being a baseball injury must have been tough, but at least it guided you to your real potential. He shrugged. Yeah, it wasn't a fun route to go down, but surely it was worth it. So, do you have any girl in your life at the moment? Not really. Honestly, he hasn't gone over Annie yet. He still, he still, he didn't want to be with her, but he didn't want to hurt anyone else. Just you wait, Ethan Davenport, there's a girl out there for you. Maybe you have already found her, but you didn't realize it yet. Perhaps he watched as, perhaps he watched as she went to leave, but he stopped her. Hey, do you still watch The Scavengers? Of course, I'm Explorer, she giggled. And your COVID videos really helped me, helped my friends and me during the coronavirus. You have a lot of people out there, out of their spot. You helped people out of their spots. You are a true hero. He side smiled and shrugged. I don't know about that. I feel a little like that lousy side character who keeps making mistakes. Hey, mistakes are part of life. You don't think you are some side character, Ethan Davenport. You are the daring main character who brings hope into the lives of the hopeless. You bring happiness to the ones who are in the deepest of lows. Even if you put up an act, how will you look for your fans? He shrugged again. It's easier to make others happy than make yourself happy. She came back up to him and put her hand on his shoulder. Ethan Davenport, if there is a will, there is a way. Isn't that one of your life mottos? So? So, she shuffled. If there is one thing I have learned from The Scavengers, it's that to find true happiness is to have your friends close. And that tells me that you are going to find your lifelong best friend and you will be genuinely happy. But don't think just because you haven't found a forever friend yet that you can't be happy now. You have some of the best friends and amazing sister with you. And don't take that for granted. Ethan had a genuine smile. You always knew how to find my day. And you always knew what was best for people. Keep your chin up, Ethan. Your girl is out there for you. Hey, Annie, he said before she left again. It was really good to see you. It was good to see you too. He gave a short wave and then left. At work the next day, Ethan held a bright smile while a fan approached him for an autograph. After the group's reunion team passed, he couldn't help but feel genuine happiness when he got to impact their day by just getting to see them. He ensured fame didn't get to his head, but it was still nice to know that he had made a difference in someone's life. And though he loved each and every one of his fans, he loved the friends he had who were not persisting him with trivia questions about being the scavenger's founder and just wanted his company as a friend. He found us in a few coworkers and even coworkers he hung out with on the weekends. With or any time he didn't have work. He spent 90% of the time in the park, creating more content and making more friends on his close friends list. I lost my place. He did have to reassure Harrison multiple times that no one could replace his role as a best friend whenever he goes to something with his new friends. Harrison trusted him, but he didn't mind the reminder from him every now and then. But it became a habit for Ethan to hang out with the same five coworkers every Friday night at Disney, where they would pick a park and just spend the day doing whatever they wanted. It was a good mix of people that liked the rides, the food, the characters, and the parade. Of the new friends, there was Paul, the one who acted bored all the time, but still hung out with him and paid for everything. Alejandro, a cop that spoke in broken English, but knew every line to every Disney show. Rick, the one who thinks he is super tough, but chickened out on all the rides. And then Adele and Delaney, who both worked on the Jungle Cruise. Adele was born to play the cruise tour ride, with her outgoing spirit, fresh jokes, and happy exterior. Delaney, she was good at acting. Ethan had been on the ride a few times with her as the tour guide, and she did amazing at it. But when he saw her off at jobs, she was very calm and collected and seemed not to want to have anything to do with Ethan. What do you mean she doesn't want anything to do with you? Rick's question as he stood in line for Tower of Terror, minus the girls. Oh, I don't know. Ethan shrugged. Sarcasm entered his tone when he said, Maybe when that one time we rotated ride partners and when she got seed with me, besides sitting down beside me, she ran off through the emergency door. Maybe she has a problem with you. Paul concluded. You think? Ethan exclaimed. Why is this important? It's not, Ethan grumbled. It's fine if people don't want to like me. He folded his arms and frowned. I just want to know why. He looked at Alex and said, What do you think? Alex looked up and gave a double thumbs up. Ride drops, yes? Yes, Rick sighed. Ride goes up and down. Not scary at all. And Rick forgot what he had just said when he had gone watching the ride. He screamed louder than the group of tweens. And he prayed to the Lord to take him. And then, and then, then and there. And always denied he was scared. Oh, afterwards he denied that he was scared. How'd it go? Adele asked. While taking a bite out of the giant donut she had bought at the coffee shop Joffrey. Great, Ethan answered. As he took back the donut he had bought, Adele, bought that Adele was holding for him. Speaking of great times, Adele let me privately tell you a great story. He took her to the side while the others stayed back in awkward silence. Okay, that was not smooth at all. What is wrong with you? I need to know. Is there something wrong with me? You need to be more specific. Why does Delaney never speak, talk, or make eye contact with me? Did I do something to offend her? So, she doesn't understand. What's wrong with it? Um, you get on my nerves all the time. But you are talking to me. She doesn't even do that. She's just timid. So, she doesn't talk to you either? She bit her lip. Well, see, I'll talk to her. No, I'll do it eventually. And he never did. So, Adele had to do something about it. It was nine to five a.m., five minutes past the time they had greeted me at Animal Kingdom entrance. It was May 30th. The temperature was warm, not a cloud in the sky, but no friends in sight. Ethan stood alone, checking his watch every three seconds. He wore his khaki shorts, an all-green t-shirt that said Princess Security, and tennis shoes that were Star Wars themed, and a hat with the Scavengers logo on it. Did I just give him no style sense? Well, he stood out from the crowd of people wearing Mickey ears and family matching shirts. He was looking around for the group, but the one he was least likely to see was the only one who showed up. A girl with long brown hair, a Minnie Mouse shirt, and jeans came up, and a moffy frown on her face. She even got the sour look on her face when she saw Ethan was the only one there. Ethan was an actor, and never faked on a YouTube channel, but he would have acted not to scare off a girl in his group who was, in fact, not his friend. Ethan put a big grin on his face and went, Hey Delaney! She had a smile while rolling her eyes. Hey Ethan. They stood there, him glancing at his watch while she tapped her foot. Ethan got a text in the group chat, and he groaned. You have got to be kidding me. They all bailed. What? she exclaimed. He took off his hat and spinned back his brown hair. How nice of them to let us know that they weren't coming to show up. None of them? None of them, he answered. He awkwardly shifts his weight from one foot to the other. So what should we do? She glanced from him and then down at the text of the group chat and read it. And read, Don't leave because of us. She shrugged. I'm not sure. She glanced around and mumbled. It is a nice good day. He shrugged back. Well, wasn't one of us a beautiful date like this, huh? No, I guess not. But that means, she paused and ducked her head. That's just us two. He scrunched his eyebrows together. Wondering if she wanted to leave or not. That's okay with me if that's okay with you, he suggested. She put her bottom lip while tucking back her brown hair. She then nodded, but she didn't make eye contact. That's okay with me if that's actually okay with you. He then pulled up the Disney app on his phone. So what do you want to do first? He noticed a sparkle in her eye and part of her smile then came back to her lips. Uh, I'm not sure. I did not get outside much besides a jungle cruise, that is. She let out an awkward laugh. That was way cuter than it should have been. You are a master at all those corny jokes, though, he said. He then looked off, wondering if that came off funny or rude. He didn't change his subject before she could say anything. Uh, how about dinosaur? Her eyes widened, but she couldn't quite figure out, but he couldn't quite figure out her mood by her expression. She looked curious, but at the same time, questionable. Okay. Okay? How is he supposed to know if she wanted to do it or not? By that reply. We don't have to if you don't want to, he showed her. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. Her eyes widened again, and she started turning red. No, really, I don't know what to do, but I'm okay with anything. She gave a bleak smile, but she didn't make eye contact. You sure? She nodded. I'm sure. He started walking down the road towards Dinosaur Land, and the awkward silence was game to him. He usually had Skipper by his side, but Zoey was taking care of him, so he did what he always did when things got awkward. Singing. Under his voice, he started to mumble the song by the tune of We Are Off to See the Wizard. He did. We are off to ride Dino. Dino is the best ride of all. Because, because, because, because, because, it's the most wonderful ride of all. He turned his head and saw that the lady was giggling. When they made eye contact, she just pursed her lips and raised her eyebrows, giving the, I didn't see anything, but obviously I did look. He then turned back around and was glad to see something that he could talk about. He pointed to the Finding Nemo sign and said, I haven't seen that show in ages. My mom used to make, used to force me to see it when my older brother went to Everest. It took her a while to answer, probably because she didn't know he was trying to start a conversation. Huh? Oh, I have never seen it. You haven't seen the show ever? He was flabbergasted. She looked a little scared as she peaked at her lip and shook her head. Never. She paused and then asked in a quieter voice, which was almost a whisper, Is it popular? Is Hamilton on Broadway popular? That's your answer. His face turned red, realizing the sense he just did. And the only reason I know this, he started to explain, because my sister used to be in theater. He fixed his hat so that she couldn't see how red his face was getting. We should go to it, you know, if you want to. She then shook her head when she didn't get an immediate response. Actually, never mind. That's a bad idea. No, no, no. We should, he agreed. Look at us making plans. I like it. She smiled and got a twinkle in her eye. Cool. They got to the entrance of the Dinosaur Line, and he was surprised to see how packed it was. They would be there for at least 20 minutes. He knew she did it because many people were in line, but he liked it when she stepped closer again. He wanted to make her feel like she was safe around him. She then started humming the Once Upon a Dream tune while looking at the decorations. Her humming was even cute. He shook his head. What was wrong with you, Ethan? He thought to himself. He then distracted himself by going through the comments in the last video, which was a prank calling Harrison. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Delaney watching him, but he didn't want to look up. It might get awkward. After a long moment of silence, Ethan took a few steps forward. Then the crowd moved, and he cleared his throat. One time, my friend and I did a video where we pretended it was our first time on this ride, and we did it while yelling and got some good reactions from the people with us. I think I remember that one, she said after clearing her throat. She put her hair back into a ponytail. She said, Dang it, you two must be fun. His eyes glimmered and he gave one of his Rogues a smirk. Oh, so you are an explorer, he said, referring to the name of their van. Yeah, she said as her voice cracked. I watch your channel all the time. He tried to remain calm, but his inner fanboy was screaming. How did you find out about the channel? What's your favorite video? She giggled, making him smile even more than his simple should. I was just watching YouTube and a video popped up. I watched it and really liked it, so I subscribed and have been a fan since. Ethan realized to now that his jaw was sagging. He nodded his head and then said, Cool, about 30 times, before saying, You don't think we are too much like Mr. Beast or anyone else, do you? A lot of hater comments say that we are just copying him. She scrunched up her face, smiling. What? No way! Did those other YouTubers build Pillowfort to make up storyline videos that make all ages laugh? Did they rent out an entire theater room just to watch Percy Jackson's The Lightning Feast because it was their best friend's favorite Andrean movie? Do they host their sister's graduation where, besides making a speech, they dub them with a lightsaber? No, I don't think so. Ethan fell in love with her right then and there. Not only was this the longest sentence he had heard her say, but she was a super fan but didn't pester him with questions and go gaga over him. She respected his privacy and hadn't asked for one autograph. He had to laugh while scratching his neck. I guess not. He then went back to being shy and bit on the bottom lip while looking away. Yeah, you are so much cooler than those YouTubers. Her head then shuddered and explained, I mean the Scavengers, not just you. I mean, I know what you meant. He laughed and thanked. That means a lot to the Scavengers. She coughed to cover up her blushing cheeks. Yeah, so I guess I can put off trying to impress you with being some cool cop at Disney now that you know my secret identity. He joked. Her eyes widened and she smiled. What? She laughed. Didn't you come down for it and the Scavengers and all? He explained. Well, bad news, she said in a joking tone. I already knew the goofy side of you. I already have to be extra chill around most people because my bubbly personality can be too much for some people. Too bubbly? I thought you were really quiet. She admitted. Me? Quiet? He snickered. No way, Jose. Really? She smiled. Well, we haven't spent enough time together then. He was glad it was their turn to board the ride so that she couldn't see him smile. Maybe so he did when he sat down. She sat down beside him and buckled in. So this is the intense ride? What? He's got sarcastic? No way. He then gave a sly grin. She narrowed her eyebrows and gulped. Oh, boy. Hey, if it makes you feel better, you can hold on to my arm. He side-eyed her to get her reaction and hoped that she would not freak out. Her eyes widened, but she still didn't make eye contact. Oh, uh, yeah, um, thanks. As the ride started, Delaney couldn't help but feel his eyes on her as if waiting for her reaction. It was pretty calm at first, just seeing the few dinosaurs as the ride bumped around. It was dark. It was an indoor ride, and the flashing lights gave the dramatic effect. But overall, it was a fun ride. That far, that is. The ride then went into a complete darkness as the storyline of the ride reached the climax. Then, they were getting chased by a huge dinosaur, and when they had come out of the darkness, the dinosaur was right in front of them. Without meaning to, Delaney let out a scream. She then calmed down when she felt Ethan's hand on her. Don't worry, he still wasn't sure he smiled. I got you. I got you. Oh, they're so cute. Oh my goodness. I made these. Oh, wow. Okay. She smirked up at him. They got distracted by the ride as another dinosaur went after them. The ride jerked back and forth into darkness, but neither of them were thinking about that. Once the ride ended, they were excited and quiet until they got outside. Delaney took a few deep breaths before saying, That was fun. Kind of thrilling. Right? Totally awesome ride. I heard they planned to tear it down soon, so I'm going to go out on it as much as possible. But don't beat yourself up. You're braver than a lot of friends I bring on. Um. A lot of friends I bring on. She smiled as he called her his friend. She gave Ethan a friendly glare and sang, I thought it looked fun. I almost died. I just love the ride so much. Maybe we can go out on it again today, she suggested. Ethan noticed that she was still holding hands, but he didn't break it up, just in case she noticed. Yeah, I agree. That sounds great. She also noticed that their hands were still together, but she didn't mention it either. Okay. They didn't let go of their hands until they sat down in the theater finding Nino. Okay, I just have to warn you about this show. It is really cheesy, but it's nostalgic, so you just gotta trust me. She nodded. Did you see the episode of the scavengers of us doing the home version of the show during COVID? It got more views than the actual show. Really? I don't remember that one. I mean, yeah, it's totally great. We can watch it afterwards while we're in line at Everest, he called himself saying bro, which was the name he only called his guy friends or girl friends that were on the no dating list. I would like that, she said with a smile. She then turned her head forward as the show began. After the show and on the way out, Delane said, you weren't lying. It was kind of cheesy. He nodded knowingly. Yes. But it's also he didn't give a chef kiss. He gave a chef kiss that caused her to laugh. If you say so. Before they can make it to Everest, a group of teens were obvious that were obviously scavengers came running up asking for pictures and autographs. Is there a kid fight? He said points to fans. She nodded and thought it was sweet for him to ask. Oh, of course. She watched as she as they interacted with it, got pictures with them. Sorry about that. He said when he met up with her, they corner me sometimes. No, no, it's really nice of you. I just want them to feel appreciated. It's nice. A lot of famous people can be rude. She then looked at him for a while, not really just how great a guy he was. Once he got to the line, he showed her the homemade version of the Nemo show, and she couldn't stop laughing. I think the version is better. He flapped back his invisible hair and made a superstar face. Why, thank you. She laughed when nudging him in the side. After they receded and stepped in, Ethan nodded. You know this ride has an eight foot drop, right? She gasped and went to grab her stomach. What? He then laughed as they headed up. Also, he mentioned you can see Hollywood Studios from this height. See? He pointed back to where they can see the Tower of Terror. That's so cool. She explained, forgetting how high they were for a moment. He was impressed about how non-terrified she was. Also, he couldn't help smiling when they reached the drop point, where Delaney sounded like she was about to scream out a lung. When they got off, she was giggling, but she still had a terrified look in her eye. So, he said, trying not to chuckle. How was it? Uh, fun? Okay, how about we get a bite to eat? Then go on safari. She looked like a kid again, about to get an ice cream cone. She clapped her hands together and squealed, Can we? Why is she so darn cute? He thought to himself. The rest of the day was filled with fun activities and good times. They ate at the Rainforest Cafe, went on the safari, met a few characters, and went to one of the shows. One more show. Before either of them knew it, the day was coming to a close, and they started walking back to the parking lot. Can I admit something to you? He said as he twisted off the lid of his water bottle. Sure, she said, her voice crackling again. Whoever we have gone to Disney as a group, whenever we go to Disney as a group, I kind of... He took off his cap and swooped back his brown hair. Well, I kind of thought you didn't like me for some reason. Her eyes widened in concern. Well, I'm not surprised. People think that a lot because I'm so quiet. But, she paused and looked at him. I thought you didn't want to be around me. What? No, I just thought you didn't like me. You didn't like people to approach you. I would have if I thought, but I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable. She smiled. I do seem that way, don't I? But you're really nice. He covered his grin with a sip of water. Thanks, I try. There was this situation that happened where I wasn't the best person, so I've been really working on my character. I think you're doing well. I'm working on mine too. He didn't frown when they arrived to her car. Well, this turned out to be a great day. Sabo didn't get to do everything. She gave a slight frown when turning towards him. She swept her brown hair behind her ear while saying, Maybe, you know, like, if you want to, we could get together on one of our break days and do something. Hey, he explained excitedly. That's a great idea. She smiled and then looked down at her phone. Are you free Friday? He looked at his own calendar and was glad to see that he was free as well. Good. I guess I'll see you then. He looked up from his phone and into her dark eyes that shined in the darkness. It wasn't until now he realized how beautiful she was, and she could have been anywhere but here she was with him. Delaney, he said after a while, I had a really good time today, and I'm glad we're on the same page now. She grinned while nodding. I had a lot of fun too. Somewhat, she laughed. I don't do that much outside of work, so thank you. I'm glad we're on the same page too. Okay, well, I bet you would do. See you Friday, she said, while still smiling brightly towards his way. See you Friday. He then, he said while walking backwards and giving her the finger gun, It's a date. He then turned and ran before he could see her expression. If he had, he would have seen her grinning and doing a small victory dance before getting in her car. He then made it to his car and dialed his mom's number. Hey mom, I met this really sweet girl today. And that is the end of that chapter. Oh my goodness, that was so sweet, I forgot about that. Okay, bye.