XashXdawnX - I own nothing, all rights go to respective owners.

Kinda a shorter chapter, but I hope you all still enjoy. Another chapter should be posted soon.

Leaf woke up the next morning before her alarm had gone off. The whole night she had been tossing and turning. So much for a good night's rest. She glanced at her phone and saw that it was five thirty. Usually she woke up around six or six thirty since school didn't start until eight.

Sighing, she sat up in her bed. She glanced at her laptop which was still where she had left it. She was surprised it hadn't fallen off with her restless sleeping. She still didn't know what to do. What could she do? If she went back to trying to be the old Leaf that wouldn't end well. But if she just kept to herself, that would be boring. She couldn't be by herself constantly. Just being suspended had almost drove her insane. So what did she do?

She ran her hand through her hair, untangling some of the knots. She could feel that her eyes were puffy and swollen from all the crying last night. She had to get moving, because a lazy day wasn't in her favor today. She would need to try with her appearance.

She let the warm water ease some of the tension that filled her body. She took her time in the shower, but knew she couldn't stay there forever. She had to face reality. She needed to decide what to do.

As she walked out of the bathroom, wrapped in the fluffy white towel, she looked at the Eevee music box that sat on top of her dresser. This was the only thing she really kept that was part of her old self. Inside were things from her past. Things she tried to keep hidden and locked away. Out of sight, out of mind.

"If only..." she muttered.

She opened the music box and shifted some of the contents aside and saw what she was looking for. She grabbed the thin chain and pulled the necklace out. She rested the charm in her hand.

It seemed like her mind was made up. She was going to try and go back to her old self. "I just can't go completely back..."

As she fastened the necklace around her neck, she felt comfort and peace. A ghost of a smile came over her face, but she shook her head and walked to her closet.

She pulled out a floral romper and changed into it before she slid her feet into some black, short boots. Now she just needed to do her hair and makeup. She braided her hair in a side braid and then did her makeup naturally with a pink lipstick.

She looked at her appearance and she could see her old self slightly, but still the tough persona was there with her stance.

She grabbed her phone and looked at the time. Seven exactly. She had taken her time getting ready, but still had time to kill. She glanced back down at her phone and without thinking twice sent a message.

Gary had just finished brushing his teeth when his phone went off with a notification. He wiped his mouth and grabbed his phone off of the counter.

Mind giving me a ride this morning? - Leaf

He stared at the message. Yesterday, he didn't think she would even talk to him today. Seems like she had changed her mind. He typed out a reply and walked back into his room to grab his t-shirt.

He wanted to get Leaf her favorite drink so he grabbed his bag and hurried downstairs. As he grabbed his keys, he yelled bye to his grandpa before leaving the house.

As he pulled up to the curb in front of Leaf's house, he stared at the girl on the curb. It was Leaf, but this Leaf screamed her old self. A floral romper, a jean jacket in her hand, black boots, her hair braided, and her makeup light.

She gave a small wave and grabbed her bag from the ground.

"Morning," she greeted as she climbed into his car.

"Morning," he said.

As she buckled up, Gary held her drink out. She smiled, a genuine smile, and took the beverage.

"Thanks,"

"Of course, Leafy."

As Gary went to shift into drive, he noticed a gleam from her neck. He focused his eyes and realized that she was wearing the necklace he had given her for her birthday years ago.

"You...the necklace..." he trailed.

Her hand reached up to touch the charm.

"Yeah...I umm...something just told me to wear it. As soon as I put it on, there was this peace that came over me."

"Really?"

"Don't think too much into it. I'm not going to be the old Leaf again."

"Could have fooled me."

As he pulled away from the curb, Leaf knew his words were right. She could feel that her walls were down. It was almost like things had never changed. Almost.

Gary pulled into the parking lot of the school and turned his car off. Leaf stared ahead. Now she was nervous.

"Hey," he said, placing his hand on hers. "What's wrong?"

"Ash and Dawn...what if they don't want me around?" she asked.

"Leaf, they've missed you. They're going to love having you back."

Leaf shifted in her seat so she faced Gary.

"What about you? Do you love having me back?"

Gary moved his hand to her cheek and ran his thumb along her cheekbone.

"I couldn't be happier."

Leaf could see the sincerity in his eyes. She squeezed his hand and kissed his palm.

"Let's do this."

Leaf opened her door and hopped out. As she met with Gary, she took his hand and he squeezed it reassuringly. The two made their way to the bleachers where Ash and Dawn were already at, sitting and talking to one another. Hearing Gary and Leaf start up the bleachers they looked away from one another.

"Hey guys," Gary greeted as he sat.

Leaf gave a wave in greeting.

"Leaf?" Dawn asked.

Leaf stood awkwardly in front of Ash and Dawn.

"I would like to be friends again..." Leaf said, softly.

Dawn squealed and hopped up, hugging Leaf, nearly causing the older girl to lose her balance.

"I'm so happy!" Dawn cried.

"Looks like I have my challenge buddy back." Ash commented, with a smile.

Leaf looked over at Gary who was smiling. He had been right, they were thrilled that she was back.

For the first time in a while, Leaf felt calm and happy. She felt like her old self again, but she could never and would never fully be that Leaf again. It wasn't possible.

Please R&R