Chapter 12

When I arrived at the beach, I quickly changed into my bikini and joined my friends by the shore. They all stared at me.

"What?" I asked, clipping up my hair.

Kyohei blinked. "You look am-"

Mei punched him in the arm. Hilbert laughed. Hilda was the one to speak.

"Um...well. You don't usually wear girly stuff, Leaf. You look really cute."

It was then that I took a good look at myself. The bikini I'd chosen was white with cute bows. The bottom had a small skirt attached to it. It was a bit weird for me to be wearing this.

I blushed at their compliments, but then, I remembered what Gary had said.

'A one piece? You'd look better in a bikini!'

I felt tears prick at my eyes. "Can you excuse me for a moment guys?"

Everyone looked a little confused, but they let me walk off without any protests. What the hell was wrong with me? This isn't how I usually act!

I hadn't been paying attention, so I was startled when I bumped into someone. I fell down in to the sand.

I had walked into an old looking guy. He had grey hair and very kind eyes. His hair was a little spiky. It reminded me of...the one who shall not be named. (And I don't mean Voldemort)

The man must've notice my tears because he gave me a sympathetic look. "Are you alright?"

I snorted. "I don't usually talk about problems with strangers."

He smiled, ignoring my attitude. I don't know why, but I liked him. I'd only known him for a minute, but I liked him.

He sat down and a nearby bench and gestured for me to come over. "What's your name, young lady?"

I tried to smile. "Leaf Green."

The old man laughed.

"What?!" I called out.

He smiled. "Do you know Gary?"

I frowned, tears starting to build up again. "Yes. He's my problem."

The old man sighed. "I'm Samuel Oak and Gary just so happens to be my grandson."

I stared at him in shock. He gave me a questioning look.

"Are you one of his fangirls? They also tear up my lab..."

I laughed. "I'm no fangirl. Actually, his fangirls hate me."

Prof. Oak sighed in relief. "Good. I can't take any more of those girls."

I chuckled along with him. "You don't act like Gary at all."

He smiled lightly, then frowned. "Why is Gary a problem?"

I sighed sadly. "Well...he...kissed me."

Prof. Oak's face drained. "GAAAHHHHHH!"

I fell off the bench as he screamed. "What's wrong?!"

The Prof. then began to cry. "HE'S GROWING UP TOO FAST!"

I got back up and sat down. "The problem is that I don't know how I feel about him."

The Prof. focused on me again. "I have to admit, you seem like a very closed off person. Why is that?"

I shrugged. "I guess a long time ago that I decided I wouldn't hurt anyone if I just scared them off..."

Prof. Oak stared up at the sky. "Running away never solves problems. Pushing people away may only hurt them more."

I clenched my fists. "But if I get close to anyone...and if our bond is severed..."

Prof. nodded, understanding how I felt. "But then again...What if that bond NEVER breaks?"

I stared up at him, surprised at the truth of his words. "You're pretty wise."

The Prof. chuckled. "It comes with old age. Don't tell Gary I said that though. He calls me an old man enough as is."

I smiled. "Maybe I should talk to you more often."

He smiled at me. "You know where my lab is, don't you?"

I nodded. "But don't you stay in that mansion?"

The Prof shrugged. "I prefer my lab. To be honest, I'd like a smaller house. Ours is like a maze."

I smiled and he smiled back. Then, his eyes lit up. He had an idea.

"Would you mind being my assistant at the lab?"

I was confused. "Huh?"

He chuckled. "That way you could talk to me more often and I'd get my work done faster."

I nodded. "Sure! I'd love to help out."

He extended his hand. "So it's a deal?"

I took his hand and shook it. "You bet!"

Prof. Oak looked over my shoulder. "Are those your friends? They look worried."

I turned around. Mei, Hilda, Hilbert, and Kyohei were all staring at me worriedly. It broke my heart to see them looking at me like that.

I stood up and waved good-bye. "I should get going. When do I start my job?"

He smiled and waved. "Tomorrow would be nice. Now go over to your friends!"

I smiled and sprinted over to my quartet of friends who greeted me with open arms.

"You ok, Leaf?" asked Hilbert.

Mei's eyes were tearing up. "Did we do something to hurt you?"

Hilda looked upset. "If something is wrong, you can tell us!"

Kyohei gave me a pop. "Drink this. It looks like you need some sugar."

I smiled, but began to cry. Everyone gathered around me, shouting and panicking.

"What's wrong?!" they screamed simultaneously.

I kept sobbing. "Nothing! It's just that I have the best friends in the world!"

As I cried it out, everyone gathering around me, forming a group hug. I embraced them as well, still crying.

Even though I was still at a crossroad with Gary, I felt better. I had good friends who could always give me advice.

I wanted to smile, but I just kept crying. I wasn'tused to this feeling. I'd made bonds with these people and they hadn't broken. Professor Oak was a wise man...