Chapter 1: The Start of a New Year

It was lunch time, and Alex and Ammy were sitting in the kitchen eating. Mrs. Pyres entered the room holding a stack of mail that she had just received from the mailbox. She set the mail on the counted and began sorting it.

"Oh, look like your class schedules came in the mail today." She said as she scanned through the letters. Once she was done, she handed Ammy an envelope and then handed Alex two. One was his school schedule and the other was a letter from his brother.

At first, Alex's brother was angry with his decision to stay with the Pyres but soon, he became understanding with his reason and stopped pushing the matter. He and Alex had started sending letter back and forth every once in a while to stay in touch.

Since he would be staying, Alex decided that it would be for the best that he furthered his educational standings. So, over the summer, he went to the high school and went through the process of getting himself enrolled for the next year as a junior.

Now, summer was nearing its end and the new school year was right around the corner. Everyone was busy with insuring that they had everything they would need for when school started.

"I think we have some of the same classes this year, Ammy." He said as he looked over his letter from the school.

"Really?" she replied. "What are you taking?"

"Well, for first semester, I have: Culinary Arts, Biology, Algebra, and Gym. Then, for the second semester: Culinary Arts, Digital Media, Ecology, and English."

"Wow…two culinary classes and two sciences. You are really doubling up this year."

"Culinary is a year round class so it takes up both semesters. As for the two sciences, well…it was my favorite subject growing up."

"I guess that makes sense."

"Anyway, what do you have?"

"For first semester, I am taking: Earth Science, Art, Spanish, and Gym. For my second semester, I have: Geometry, Digital Media, English, and World History."

"So, we do have a couple classes together."

"Looks like it."

"I have to go into town here in a little while." Mrs. Pyres said suddenly. "Do you two need a ride so you can pick up some things for school?"

"I guess I could." Ammy stated.

"Yea, sure." Alex agreed.

"Alright then, we'll leave here shortly after lunch."

A few minutes later, they had all piled into Mrs. Pyres car and they all headed to the mall. Ammy's little brother, Ryan, was tagging along with them since he would be going back to school also. The four of them made their way inside.

"Alright, you two…" she said to Ammy and Alex. "Meet up with us near the fountains in two hours."

"Yes Ma'am." Ammy replied before leading Alex off to leave her mother and brother to do their shopping. She enjoyed spending time with Alex. He was a really nice guy. Thought she might not come right out and say it, she had a thing for him. Ever since she thought he was leaving to return to the mainland, Ammy realized that she had grown rather close to Alex and did not want him to go.

As they walked along together, Alex nudged Ammy.

"Is that the girls over there?" he asked as he pointed. Ammy looked to see where he was pointing. She could make out the distinct for of a particular Buizel-morph. Lily was out getting school supplies and it looked like she was with Jackie and Maria also.

"Looks like it." Ammy replied. She snuck up the unsuspecting trio. "Look who it is…" she called as she walked up behind them. The three turned around and smiled. They all gave her a brief hug and a nod to Alex.

"Getting stuff for school, also?" Lily asked.

"Yep." Ammy replied with a nod.

"Mind if we tag along?"

"I don't mind…" she replied looking at Alex.

"Me neither." He replied.

"Okay then." Lily said cheerfully.

Together, the four of them continued with their school shopping. They figured that if they decided to get any new clothes; they would be there for a while so they decided to get the rest of their supplies first. It wasn't long before they were loaded down with all sorts of things they would need. While the girls took a brief reprieve from shopping, Alex did a quick mental run-through of all his supplies to make sure he had everything.

"Let's see: pencils, pens, notebooks, ruler, scissors, glue, pencil colors, folders, binders, plenty of paper, sharpies, highlighters, white-out…"
He continued to run through his list until he made sure he had everything covered. The last thing he actually needed was a new backpack but Ammy had mentioned that she wanted him to get some new clothes so he figured he would look into some.

"Alright…" Ammy said as she walked up behind Alex. "Time for a new look."

"And what's wrong with my look now?" he asked.

"Nothing really, but you always have the same general outfit. "Dark t-shirts and blue jeans…that's pretty much you basic appearance. I though you could possibly change it up a bit."

"And how would I go about doing that?"

"I don't know…maybe some lighter colors, more shorts, maybe even a new hair style."

"Well then," he sighed. "Let's get this over with."

Ammy grabbed Alex by the arm and lead him off towards one of the closer clothing shops. She drug him along occasionally pulling clothes off the racks. She would momentarily hold them up to Alex. If she liked them, she set them aside and if she didn't, she hung them back up.

Alex groaned lightly. It felt so childish to have someone picking out his clothes like this but he wanted Ammy to be happy so he gritted his teeth and bared with it. It wasn't long before Ammy had grabbed a number of clothes before she ushered Alex towards the dressing rooms. After he tried the clothes on, Ammy seemed to be satisfied with what she chose for him.

Once they had paid for everything, they made their way back to meet up with Ammy's mom. They found her waiting with Ryan.

"Hi, girls." Lavender said with a cheery smile.

"Hey, Mrs. Pyres." They replied.

"Get everything you need?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Ammy replied with a nod.

"Well…we got everything Ryan will need. We'll probably head home here soon."

"Okay." Ammy replied.

They hung out for a little longer so the girls could catch up before they all had to leave. Once home, Ammy and Alex retreated to their rooms to put away their things. After Alex had finished, he stretched out on his bed. Just then, Ammy poked her head in the door.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

"Sure." Alex replied. She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Alex was the first to break the silence.

"Is something wrong?" he asked. Ammy didn't respond at first but she didn't take too long to respond.

"I don't know." She admitted. "I guess I am just nervous about how school will be this year."

"What's to be nervous about? This is your third year isn't it?"

"I'm not worried about me…" she confessed and she looked him in the eyes. It took him a moment to catch her meaning.

"Why would you worry about me?"

"You're gonna be the only human going to the high-school. I'm not sure how everyone else will react to that."

"Well you seen how Lily, Jackie, and Maria reacted to me."

"True, but they are my friends. I don't have that many at school. Also, there are a lot of assholes. They may not give you such a warm welcome like the girls did."

"Don't worry, Ammy." He said giving her a reassuring hug. "I'll be fine. I'm use to not having a lot of friends. I'm pretty sure I've been treated worse back where I'm from then what the kids at the high school can be."

Alex always seemed to surprise Ammy in some way or another. He never let anything get him down and if he did, he never showed it. She wrapped her arms around him and snuggled up close to him. He gave her a light kiss on the forehead. They then drifted off into a light sleep.


Next Chapter: Final Preparations