So…we've made it past the first chorus…and we're also over the halfway point for this story. Hard to believe, but songs aren't that long nowadays. Not much to say, so…on with the Pokémon contest!

Chapter 6: Flawless

Day two of the contest dawned bright and early. Despite my sleep troubles last night, I arrived ready to go. Nothing was going to throw me off today...not even Drew…or so I thought…

I stood in front of the television in the backstage preparation room. By watching the other matches, I planned out the pokémon I would use and which of their attacks I could use that would be both effective and appealing. Can't say that I was ever all that good at playing out scenarios in my head…Ash was a lot better at that than me, but I tried anyway; I needed something to focus on or else my mind would drift right back to Drew again. That had happened more times than I could count lately.

As I tried to plan, I felt a rush of air. Looking up, I caught as glimpse of him as the back of his hand brushed mine. It was Drew's turn to take the stage against an opponent. He had walked past me. Well…I guess he would've had to have done that anyway because he had been standing by the wall further in the room than me.

My breath clutched in my throat. It felt again like I had lost the ability to breathe. Could he tell? God, I hoped not; I felt like one of his many fan girls, but I'm not one of them…am I? Of course not, I try to convince myself. This was nothing but nerves. I knew that, since it was Drew's turn, it meant that it was one round closer to my turn. No matter how much I tried to convince myself, though, that this was the answer, it was always an obvious lie; I was not nervous for this competition. I already knew that I would do fine.

Knowing that I would not be able to concentrate on my planning as long as these thoughts had resurfaced, I allowed myself to slyly glance behind me to Drew as he made his way to the stage. His gait was perfect. Any competitor could easily tell from his posture that he was confidant and he knew himself how prepared he was for this contest.

I had often wished that I could be as flawless as Drew, but, in reality, there was no way. Anyone could tell that I made way too many mistakes. Drew, on the other hand…I did not know how much more experience he had in this, but he always portrayed himself as someone that could be looked up to…admired…someone to be jealous of. So many times I had told myself that the reason I always got so mad at him was that I was jealous…and maybe I was…at one time. No longer was I jealous of his abilities, though. Drew was an amazing coordinator and I am glad that we at least were friends. His teasing and taunting, hurtful as it was, was also helpful in pushing me to strive for better. If I had never met Drew, I may have given up this journey and returned home.

I know what you're thinking and it's not true. I do not owe my journey's continuation to Drew. That was still by my own choosing. Never know…if I hadn't met Drew, I may have given up, but I may not have. It's hard to even guess now.

My thoughts had consumed me and I never even saw Drew take the stage. However, I did see the result of his round.

"Time runs out and the winner is Drew!"

The crowd roared with cheers and Drew simply raised a fist in victory. He's not even surprised, I observe, he knew that he would win that round easily.

He exited the stage and the next contestants entered for their match. My match was still a ways off, but not far enough away to slack off. When I felt confidant with the plans I had tried to set, I walked to the backstage. Most days, I would feel nervous at this point, but not today. I felt ready, but not too ready. It's never good to be cocky…even if it does work for Drew. It sure as heck doesn't work for me.

My name is called and I run out into the lights to take the stage. I know that I'm not flawless and I'm not perfect like Drew. I never will be, but, just for now, please guide me and my Pokémon in this round.

Again, I knew how I wanted to end this chapter, but I just couldn't put it into words. That doesn't happen very often. This whole chapter was hard to write actually. Probably because it's all thoughts and little action.

Next chapter looks more promising, though, so hopefully you don't judge this story on this chapter. Well, I believe that's all I have to say, so…until next chapter!

Published July 22, 2012