CHAPTER 3: LEARNING TO SHARE
The next day was a Saturday, so Sophocles and Molayne didn't have to go to the observatory. They decided to meet up at the Pua's Pizza Palace in Malie City to have lunch. Olivia had to work, so she didn't join them.
Sophocles and Molayne were sitting at the table, eating a penne alla vodka pizza and drinking strawberry soda.
"Thanks for taking me here, Big Mo," said Sophocles.
"You're most welcome, Soffy," said Molayne. "I like this place."
"I'm glad it's just the two of us," said Sophocles. "No distractions or anything. It's so good to have you with me."
"Now, Soffy," said Molayne, "don't say that. Are you still upset about yesterday?"
"Oh, no!" said Sophocles. "Not at all. I'm happy for you."
Sophocles looked around and saw Mallow. He decided to talk to her.
"Excuse me, Big Mo," he said, "but I'm going to talk to Mallow. I need to ask her about something."
"Okay," said Molayne. "See you in a sec!"
Sophocles got up and walked towards Mallow.
"Hi, Sophocles!" said Mallow.
"Hi, Mallow," said Sophocles. "I need your advice."
"Sure," said Mallow.
"I'm having trouble with Big Mo," said Sophocles. "He's got a girlfriend."
"I know," said Mallow. "He and Olivia have been going out for a few months now. Aren't you happy for them?"
"I am," said Sophocles, "but I'm beginning to get worried. He's not spending as much time with me. I'm sure you can relate. Doesn't your dad have a girlfriend too?"
"Well yes," said Mallow, "he does, and I was kinda worried at first. But I learned to be happy for my dad and to let him do what he wants. Besides, I get along with her well. It's the first time Dad's been in a steady relationship since he was with Mom."
"Doesn't your mom get jealous?" asked Sophocles.
"Sophocles," said Mallow, "my parents have been divorced for years. Mom doesn't care. And I honestly think that you should be happy for Molayne. Keep in mind that things don't revolve around you. You need to learn to share and be happy for other people. I mean, if you can share Molayne with Professor Kukui, then you can share him with Olivia too."
Sophocles sighed.
"You're right," he said. "Big Mo's probably eating up the pizza. I better go."
Sophocles left and went back to the table. Mallow rolled her eyes. When Sophocles got back to the table, he asked if he missed anything.
"No," said Molayne. "I saved you your slices. That way each of us get half of pizza."
Later that day, Molayne and Sophocles decided to go to the skate park. There was a small skate park near the outer cape of Malie City, and Molayne loved going there. Molayne's skateboard was sky blue with a pineapple pattern, while Sophocles' skateboard was yellow with a Pikachu pattern. Molayne's helmet looked like a Sharpedo while Sophocles' helmet had a Zebstrika print. The two of them had fun skating.
"Watch me get maximum airation!" said Molayne.
Molayne skated up one of the ramps.
"Don't talk like that, Big Mo!" said Sophocles. Sophocles thought Molayne using slang that nobody actually uses was kinda embarrassing, especially since Molayne had a stereotypical nasally nerd voice. And surely enough, Molayne ended up wiping out.
"I totally beefed it," said Molayne.
"That's what you get for learning all your skating lingo from Rocket Power," said Sophocles. "You're such a 90s kid."
Molayne laughed.
"I guess so," said Molayne. "I'm just glad nobody was there to see me."
Molayne saw a group of preteen skaters (three boys and two girls) walking by laughing.
"Hey guys," said one of the girls.
"What is it, Keira?" said one of the boys.
"Get a load of the old man over there!" said the girl. "All those stupid shows on TV think kids our age talk like him."
The kids laughed again and walked away.
"I don't like being called old," said Molayne. "I'm only 27. I don't have a single gray hair,"
"I know," said Sophocles. "When I heard Plumeria calling you an old dude, I told her that she'll eat those words someday."
Molayne laughed again.
"So," said Molayne, "what do you want to do tonight?"
"You're asking me?" said Sophocles.
"I'm free tonight," said Molayne.
"Want to play video games?" asked Sophocles.
"Sure!" said Molayne.
And that night, Sophocles went over to Molayne's house to play video games. They decided to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Molayne's Nintendo Switch. Molayne played as Marth (his favorite character) while Sophocles played as Link (his favorite character).
"I always love playing video games with you," said Sophocles. "I love that you never get mad, even when you lose."
"There's no point in getting mad," said Molayne. "At the end of the day, it's not about winning; it's about having fun."
"And both of us are having fun!" said Sophocles. "Say, does Olivia play video games?"
"Yes," said Molayne. "but I always have more fun with you."
"So are you going to be seeing her this week?" asked Sophocles.
"Of course!" said Molayne. "Maybe I'll try to think of an activity that all three of us can do."