Hey guys... Please don't kill me *cowers behind computer screen* Don't worry, plan on finishing this story... I just haven't had the time to dedicate myself to it... Until now. Hooray for summer! Right? If no real life events screw up my life as badly as school then I'll be updating A LOT more. So yay right? :D
Hopefully you guys are still interested (?) in this story. I doubt it, I mean I kept you guys waiting for a loooong time... So yeah... My fault... Sigh... Okay, here's the next chapter
"You're not still thinking about joining Chemistry Club again this year, are you?"
Jason and Eason followed the crowd of bustling students toward the main entrance of the Academy. However, rather than enter the Main Entrance, they stepped into a small secluded corridor to head to the South Wing.
"Well I kind of have to," Jason responded. "I'm president this year."
"Of course you are," Eason said in a somewhat disappointed tone. "I'm just saying, Chem Club was dry last year. I'm surprised they haven't gotten rid of yet."
"I'll make it better then," Jason said. "Are you going to join?"
Eason sighed. They turned another corner into the main hall that led to the South Wing. Other than rows of shelves filled with different kinds of shoes, some paintings, and one shiny suit of armor, there wasn't much in the main hall. A security guard sitting in front of a booth was staring at a computer screen while a Growlithe slept by his feet.
"I will, but just so you have more than five people this year." Eason grinned as his brother shoved him.
"Shaddup," he murmured as the security guard motioned for them to stop.
"Hey Bradley, what's up man?" Eason said as he slid his shoes off his feet and shoved them into his book bag.
"Good to see you again," Bradley said with a small smile. His face crinkled as he grinned in amusement. "It's dull standing out here every day, but someone's gotta do it. How are you Jason?"
"Hello Bradley," Jason said as he followed his brother's example. But instead, he placed his black shoes on an empty space on the shelf. "Watch my shoes?"
"Of course," Bradley said with a nod. "No food or drinks right? I can trust you boys and don't need to wake up Cara?"
"C'mon," Eason said with a grin. "We've been here for years and not once have we ever brought in one speck of food."
"Fine," Bradley said with a chuckle. "You boys can go in."
The special automated door slid open for them and the two boys entered. Compared to its counterparts, the South Wing was undoubtedly bigger. The laminated hardwood flooring was an unusual color of whitish-brown. The wood came from exotic trees from Hoenn, although the trees had long been extinct. The Academy took a number of different precautions to protecting the priceless floor work. In addition to installing a special humidifier and attaching cloth furniture protectors under what furniture and tables were in the South Wing, anyone entering had to remove their shoes to prevent scratches and scuffs. Most Pokemon were not allowed inside and food and drinks were banned.
The Activities Expo had just begun a couple of minutes ago. As such, there were only some kids signing up for clubs and Bradley would only admit in a certain number at a time. All the club stands, ranging from Battling Club to Pokemon Habitats Club, lined the walls of the South Wing. There was a large empty space in center of the wing as usual. It was mostly due to the number of people sock sliding in the middle.
Almost immediately, Eason and Jason watched two boys take a running start and slide along the slick flooring. One fell over with a loud boom and the other laughed.
"Funny how they don't allow students to wear shoes when we could just as easily damage the floors by falling hard on top of them..." Jason said.
"Hey Jae, wanna sock skate with me?" Eason's eyes shone with excitement as he slid off his book bag and let it fall to the floor.
"Not now," Jason responded. But Eason didn't hear him and bound forward. He yelled as he slid ten feet forward before crashing into the wall. He crumpled to the floor. Some people laughed and helped him to stand. Jason snorted and grabbed Eason's book bag and brought it over to the Chem Club booth. The other members had already set up the station complete with a colorful display board with details about Chem Club and heat sensitive paper with the first meeting info on it. Now they were preoccupied with sock sliding and tripping over the slippery floors.
Ten minutes later, Eason rejoined his brother. Sweat dampened his brow and he was breathing heavily. "I keep telling you," Jason said with an amused smile. "Sock sliding in a humidified arena isn't all that fun."
Eason shook his head stubbornly as his breaths came out as wheezes. Jason made a face as sweat flew everywhere from his twin's hair.
"Alright, I'm gonna go sign up for tryouts for Battling Club," Eason said once he finally caught his breath. "When I get back, I'll look after everything and you can go sign up for the stuff you want."
Jason scribbled down his email address on the sign-up sheet and waved 'bye' to Ashley, the president of Robotics Club. This would be his third year joining.
"See you at the first meeting Jason!"
Jason made his way back to the Chem Club booth. He was careful to avoid the students who were still sock sliding.
"Hey, get out of the way!"
Jason yelped as a huge bulky kid nearly crashed into him. He exhaled in relief as the fumbling and flailing student zoomed past the spot he was standing a second ago. He looked up and nearly jumped in surprise when he saw who was at the Chem Club booth.
Eason had his arms crossed across his chest. He smiled as he said something to the girl. The girl in his Physical Education class... He still didn't know her name. He never had plucked up the courage to ask her. Eason looked up, noticing his twin's presence, and he grinned. He nudged his head in Jason's direction as he said something to the girl. The girl turned around and her face lit up in surprise then excitement. Jason's heart lurched. He never realized she had such beautiful blue eyes. Such a rich color, like the deep ocean water. What kind of mysteries... what kind of secrets... what kind of person lurked behind those beautiful eyes? Behind the girl, Eason raised an eyebrow.
'What are you doing?' He mouthed. 'Get over here.'
Jason never realized how thick the air was now. Stupid humidifier, it was making him sweat. His feet dragged him forward and the girl grinned brightly. She had such a dazzling smile. He would do anything to see that smile. Jason couldn't help himself, and he flashed her a quick awkward smile. His legs felt heavy, and he worried that he would slip and make a fool of himself. Arceus, she made his heart feel weak but... in a strange sense, it felt good. He felt terrible, a little sick even, but... it felt right.
"Why didn't you tell me you had a twin?" She asked eagerly. She bounced a little in place. She always was a little hyper. He loved her energetic spirit. "That's so cool! You guys look exactly alike! Well, except your brother's a little taller."
"You should see Jason's test scores," Eason said, winking slyly at Jason. "Always top of the class. Smart as hell."
"Oh really?" The girl asked. She was clearly impressed. Apparently, she didn't have such high standards. "It's only the first day and I swear that I'm going to fail. Had no idea what my teachers were blabbering about."
Behind the girl, Eason's eyes widened and he made strange peculiar hand motions to Jason. He raised an eyebrow in confusion and Eason shook his head slowly and sighed.
"Uhh, well maybe... if you want... I could... tu-tor... you?" He choked a little on the last word. Jason glanced to Eason for approval. The older twin shrugged and cocked his head. He kind of had that "are-you-kidding-me" look on his face that Jason hated seeing. He sometimes wondered if he pulled that same expression on when he came across incredulous things.
The girl smiled. "If it ever gets to that point, I might need that. By the way, I signed up for your Chemistry Club. There's a lot of kids on that list, hopefully you won't kick me out. I'll see you later then Jason?"
Chills ran down Jason's spine. He grinned stupidly to himself. He loved how his name sounded when she said it.
Jason...
She walked past him to exit the South Wing. A faint scent of Oran Berries followed her. She walked straight through the path of the boys sock sliding. One yelled and thrashed about as he came to a sudden halt. The others grunted and cried out as they crashed into him, inadvertently piling on top of each other. Jason didn't seem to notice as he watched the girl's retreating figure until the metal automatic door slid past her.
"Damn, you fell hard Jae." Eason propped an elbow on his twin's shoulder. He was careful not to lean all of his weight on him.
Jason was silent for a while. He still stood there, fixated in that spot and slightly dazed. "What? Did you say something Eason?"
His twin snickered in response. "Nothing. By the way, I'm just asking, but... do you not know her name?"
"Nope," Jason responded.
Eason snorted. "You're pathetic."
"I didn't need you to tell me that. How badly did I do?"
"You might quite possibly... may have a small chance."
There was another slight pause as Jason collected his thoughts. "She knows?"
"She knows."
Jason snorted. "Great. Anyways, what did she mean when she said there was a lot of kids on the sign-up sheet?"
"Exactly that," Eason said with a grin. "Look for yourself." He snatched the sheet of paper and held it up for Jason to look up. Jason's eyes widened in surprise and his glasses slid a little off his nose.
"What the-? What did you do Eason?" The entire front page and half of the back was filled with names, email-addresses, and all the works.
"I didn't do anything," he said, raising his arms innocently. "People just started lining and signing up. I hope you won't mind that about ninety-five percent of your club members are girls who have probably never had interest in chemistry before."
"... Ouch. That says a lot."
"Don't take it so personally," Eason said with a wink. "You probably made a lasting impression on... you know who."
"What! You won't tell me her name?" Jason asked, his voice rising an octave. Eason shook his head. "You gotta find these things out on your own baby bro."
"C'mon," Jason grumbled. He plopped into the chair besides his booth. "Not even a hint? That's no fair..." Disappointment crashed into him. Images flashed in his mind... her stunning smile, her warm blur eyes glittering in the light... Jason suddenly felt so tired. Was he that upset? Just for not knowing her name? Of course he was. He wanted to know more. Even the tiniest detail, the most insignificant things... he had to know. He had to learn everything about her...
Eason clapped him on the shoulder, snapping him back to reality. "Just looking out for you Jae."
Jason ignored him for a while. He then turned to his twin brother. "Eason, can I tell you something?"
"What's up?"
"... You know you're freaking terrible at charades right?"
At Apartment 7C in the Totodile Building, May sighed heavily as she stared at her Calculus textbook. The funny squiggly symbols didn't make any sense, especially when coupled with letters and funny numbers. Math never was her strongest subject.
"Need help? You've been staring at the same page for the last twenty minutes."
"A little," May said as she sat up on the couch. With some difficulty, she held up her textbook for Leaf to see the chapter."I think I got divergence down."
Leaf grimaced. "Is that calculus? Math and I do not get along. You're better off asking someone else."
Leaf's Pokenav vibrated on the coffee table. She picked it up and smiled. "Good timing. You can ask Misty. She's outside right now but someone has to let her in."
"I'll do it," May said as she pushed herself off the couch. She slammed her textbook shut. "Not being productive anyways."
Leaf's Pokenav buzzed again as she received another message. "Dawn's on her way over too. She says she has something to tell us."
"Alright," May replied. Her hand rummaged through her book bag to find her wallet and she pulled out her ID card.
"Hi Misty," May greeted as she pushed open the door leading inside the building. "Dawn's coming too so we might as well stay here."
"No problem," Misty said slowly as she stared at the blue reflective building before her. She suddenly smiled. "I'm jealous actually. I would love to live in a building based off of the ocean. Instead I got stuck in the Charmander Building."
"You don't like it?" May tried to picture the interior of such a building. She couldn't make anything past lava lamps and nacho cheese volcanoes.
"It's pretty neat actually. Really innovative and creative. But it doesn't suit my style," she responded somewhat sadly.
"Hey guys," Dawn exhaled as she approached the two. "Where's... where's Leaf?"
"Inside," May responded.
"Why are you all out of breath?" Misty asked. She raised an eyebrow in question. "Did you run here?"
"Explain... later." Dawn gasped although she seemed to be regaining some of her energy back. "Let's just get... inside..."
"Spill it," Leaf said. Her curiosity was piqued. "What could have been so exciting you had to run here?"
"So you know Ashley Simmons?" Dawn asked.
May and Misty shook their heads but Leaf raised an eyebrow in interest.
"Simmons? Yeah, she's the chairman of the Student Council. She's also head of Robotics Club this year."
Dawn brushed that small fact aside with a wave of her hand. "First part: true. Second part: unneeded but also true. She and I go way back since she used to live in Twinleaf. We went to the same school and were in the same class and everything. Anyways this year, it turns out the new kid admitted into the Council had to drop out of school. He was originally on a scholarship but the school denied it to him this year. Ashley says it's because they gave it to someone else but that's beside the point."
"So you ran all the way here to tell us that you ran into Ashley Simmons?" Leaf asked in confusion.
"I'm getting there! So I saw Ashley at the Activites Expo today. She and I chatted for a while and then she offered me a spot on the Council!"
Dawn squealed in joy and excitement while Leaf fell out of her chair and onto the floor.
"You're kidding!" She exclaimed as her head popped up from behind the coffee table. Her eyes were wide in shock and surprise. "But this is your first year here! What! How! Why?!"
"What's so good about being on the student council?" Misty asked. It was her turn to be confused now.
"Well, nothing really," Leaf said. "It just came as a big surprise. Positions are rarely open and when they are, they're given to someone who's a veteran of the school. You know, because they know what issues the school has and ideas as to how to make it better. And it is a coveted position. Sometimes you get to skip classes and you plan out school events, fundraisers, dances... stuff like that. It's a ton of fun but it's a huge responsibility. You gotta live up to everyone's expectations, and the standards people have at this school are pretty darn high."
"But-" Dawn interjected. "There's hardly any limit. People at this school pretty much have money to burn. If I wanted, I could appeal to have a diamond encrusted toilets flown in all the way from southern Sinnoh and for no reason at all. Almost nothing is impossible. I can be as creative as I want."
"But don't the other opinions of the council members matter too?" Misty asked.
"Of course," Dawn replied. "And staff and principal approval. I was just trying to make a point. Good thing I'm not treasurer."
"But how did you get Ashley to give you a position?" Leaf nearly demanded. "Especially since this is your first year here! It's nearly impossible!"
"I knew Ashley in Twinleaf. She remembers how the school we used to attend always displayed my art projects in the annual Twinleaf Art Festival. She's relying that my skills improved and advanced over the years. She says that most of the council members are geniuses but they haven't a creative bone in their body."
Leaf shook her head as she leaned against her chair.
"Wow."
"... Dawn didn't you want some battling tips?" Misty suddenly asked. May pressed her lips together to avoid smiling. Misty couldn't care less of Dawn's exciting news.
"Oh yeah! If it's not too much trouble."
"It's fine," Misty grunted as she rose and stretched. She walked towards the door. "I finished most of my homework at lunch."
"So that's why you weren't in the cafeteria," Leaf said, staring out the window, as Dawn followed Misty.
"Well yeah, where did you think I was?"
"How should I know? School's enormous: you could have been anywhere."
"Just not in the library, you know, the only place students are allowed to be if not the cafeteria" Misty said with a smirk. "After all, why would I waste my free time in there?"
"Precisely," Leaf said, nodding her head. "Hey, where are you going?"
"Park," Misty replied. She opened the door before looking back. "We're gonna battle."
"Oh, okay. You're not coming back right?"
"Probably not. Who knows how long it'll take."
"Alright," Leaf said. "See you guys later."
Misty and Dawn left and the door clicked shut. Leaf redirected her attention to her Pokenav, playing a game of Berry Bash. Absorbed in the game, it wasn't until she lost all her lives that she noticed May staring intensely at her calculus textbook.
"Hey, weren't you going to ask Misty for help?" She asked.
"Huh?" May looked up from the book. "Oh yeah, it's fine... I think I got it."
"Your homework says otherwise," Leaf said, smirking at May's partially completed packet. She straightened in her seat and threw her Pokenav on the couch. "... My calculus is rusty but I think I remember some of this useless crap..."
Once in a while, friends show us the essence of the word "care" and make life worth living by the effort they take and the time they spare~ Anonymous