-part 5-
Later, after we and our Pokemon pitched in to help clean up the mess caused by Team Rocket, I offered to walk Nurse Joy back to the Pokemon Center, which also housed her apartment. "We're both going there anyway," I joked, "so you might as well accept." She did, laughing.
Ash and Misty decided to walk through a nearby park together for a while and talk. So they set off from the hotel entrance, holding hands and talking quietly. Ash told me later that he really enjoyed their walk, and he knew Misty did too. They strolled through the park together, occasionally pointing out a nice-looking flower, or watching a wild Pokemon run by, but mainly just enjoying each other's company. They sat down on a bench for a while, staring up at the stars and talking some more. In Ash's words, "it got late early out there," so then they headed back to the Pokemon Center. As for what they talked about exactly, I still don't know. When I asked Ash, he just smiled and said, "I've gotta keep SOME secrets, right?"
Joy and I set off in the other direction, slowly walking back to the Pokemon Center, not in the least bit of a hurry. As we talked, I learned that "Nurse Joy" was just the title given to Pokemon Nurses, that their real names weren't necessarily Joy, and that they all looked alike because it was basically a dress code for their job. The Pokemon League wanted to give new trainers a sense of security and familiarity when they reached the next town, and knowing that a Nurse Joy would always be there at the Pokemon Center helped, according to their research.
I smiled. "Ah, so that explains it all. But you still haven't told me one thing."
She looked at me quizzically. "Oh, what's that?"
"What's YOUR real name?"
Joy instantly turned beet red, then started to laugh nervously. "Oh, I'm sorry! I guess I'm just so used to being known as Nurse Joy, and called that on the job...I don't have very many friends because of my work, but when I do make a new friend, sometimes I forget to tell them my real name. And with you, I was so nervous about meeting you, hoping I wouldn't mess up...that I forgot something as fundamental as that. After all that's happened tonight, it must seem pretty ridiculous that you still don't know my real name."
"No, it's ok, I understand," I assured her.
"Well, it's Stacey Bradley," she explained.
"Nice to finally meet you, Stacey," I joked. "But I really do understand, especially the part about being nervous. I really was too. I kept thinking I was going to step on your feet or something when we were dancing. Worse, it took all of my self-control several times not to make a fool of myself around you. But I didn't, and it worked. I think you're a very special person, and I'd really like to see you again."
"I'd like that too, Brock," she admitted, moving a little closer to me as we walked.
"I do have a problem though," I started to say.
"Yeah, you're a traveller..." she interrupted, looking a little downcast.
"Yes, but there are ways to deal with that. I really want this to work." I looked her straight in the eyes. "You're the first girl who has ever had this effect on me. Seriously. I have never felt as calm around a girl my age as I do with you."
"And you're the first guy who's really taken an interest in me. Most of the local guys think I'm too caught up in my work to do mundane things like date. You really make me feel special."
We had been drawing closer all this time. Now all talking ceased as we stared at each other and our faces drew still closer. 'Here it comes,' I thought. 'My first real kiss, and I'm not freaking out! Where exactly has the old me been hiding all this time?' But I knew exactly what had happened to the old part of me that went crazy with love at the mere mention of a Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny's name. Jo...I mean, Stacey had shelved that old part of me for good, and had opened up a part of me I always secretly hoped existed, but had never shown itself until now. She had shown me that I DID have the capacity to be mature around girls, that I COULD handle a relationship in a mature way, and that there WAS someone out there who could reciprocate those feelings. And right now, she was doing exactly that, as our lips touched for the first time. If you're wondering how deep the kiss went, I honestly couldn't tell you. All I remember is thinking about what I just described, and how the kiss just felt...right. It was peaceful, exciting, blissful, and passionate all at the same time. To say that we both enjoyed it would be the understatement of the year. My search was over, and I had found the girl I had been longing for.
As we finally pulled apart, there was a long silence. I was thinking about how I felt about her, and Stacey seemed to be thinking the same way. I finally said, "Wow...after that, I REALLY want to see you again."
She giggled at my reaction, then said seriously, "Yes, I feel the same way. So I guess we need to talk."
"No, not here. This involves Ash and Misty too, so let's get back to the Pokemon Center and we'll meet up with them there."
When we got back, Stacey thanked Officer Jenny for covering for her, then the officer went home. For the first time, I didn't even feel the least bit of urge to use some sort of pick-up line on her, I just watched her leave. I had found Stacey, and she had put the girl-crazy part of me to rest permanently. We decided to wait for Ash and Misty in the lobby, since they might ask some embarrassing questions if they found us in the room that Ash and I were sharing.
When they arrived, I introduced Nurse Joy by her real name, then explained that we wanted to talk to them. Pikachu and Togepi were still in Misty's room, so we made sure they went to sleep, then we all went up to Ash's and my room. We sat down on the two single beds; Ash and I on one, Misty and Stacey on the other. The seating arrangement was kind of automatic. I guess we all felt awkward about sitting with a member of the opposite sex on a bed, since we had only just started dating.
We had a long conversation that night, lasting until the early hours of the morning. Stacey had to leave twice briefly to check on the Pokemon in the recovery room and tend to them if needed, but there were no major problems. With his newly realized relationship with Misty, Ash said that he was more determined than ever to do his best to become a Pokemon Master. Misty's goal of learning all there was to know about Water Pokemon remained the same, except now she could safely say that she would do it while at Ash's side.
"I'm really happy for you guys." I said. "Now that you know each other's true feelings, having that new level of support will prove to be a big help to you in many ways. So I guess now that you have each other, you'll be wanting time alone and won't really want me around. But I have Stacey with me now, so it's ok."
"That's not true at all, Brock!" said Ash, looking shocked. "We would never want you to leave the group, unless that's what you truly wanted to do. Don't leave just on our account. Misty and I talked about it while we were in the park, and we'd be happy to have you still travel with us, as long as you understand that we'll sometimes want time alone."
"Yeah, you've been like a big brother to us for our whole journey, Brock," Misty added. "I told you already that you mean a lot to me, and I meant it. We want you to stay, if that's what YOU really want."
Stacey and I had talked a little bit about that on the rest of the walk back, and while waiting for Misty and Ash. I relayed our discussion to them now. She had her duties at the Pokemon Center, and loved her job. I highly respected her for it, since the Nurse Joys provide a tireless, valuable service to all trainers. I really enjoyed being with her, but I wasn't done with my own goal yet, and I'd also come to really enjoy being with Misty and Ash. Stacey said that it was obvious to her that the three of us were the closest of friends.
"So if it's ok with you guys," I finished, looking at Stacey, Ash, and Misty, "I'd like to continue to travel, as before, and work towards my dream. But Stacey, you have my solemn promise that I will email and call you as often as I possibly can."
"He means it too, Stacey," said Misty. "It seems like you've taken all of his girl-craziness and directed it all towards you...but in a more mature way. You two really have something going." Misty was a hopeless romantic, and I knew she really meant what she said. She liked to judge the chances of couples getting together, and was usually right, in our experience. She considered herself a good judge of character, and it looked like Stacey met with her approval.
"OK," said Stacey, "as I said, I've still got my work here, and Brock still has his dream to go after. I think this will work out just fine. Look after him, will you?" she asked, looking at Ash and Misty.
"Don't worry, we will," said Ash.
"At least now I know I won't have to drag him away from every new girl he meets who thinks he's a weirdo...right, Brock?" said Misty, teasingly.
"Don't worry, Misty, those days are over now," I responded seriously.
Not long after that, we all said good night to each other, and split up to our respective rooms and beds, reflecting on the past two days that we knew had changed our lives forever.
-THE END-
Later, after we and our Pokemon pitched in to help clean up the mess caused by Team Rocket, I offered to walk Nurse Joy back to the Pokemon Center, which also housed her apartment. "We're both going there anyway," I joked, "so you might as well accept." She did, laughing.
Ash and Misty decided to walk through a nearby park together for a while and talk. So they set off from the hotel entrance, holding hands and talking quietly. Ash told me later that he really enjoyed their walk, and he knew Misty did too. They strolled through the park together, occasionally pointing out a nice-looking flower, or watching a wild Pokemon run by, but mainly just enjoying each other's company. They sat down on a bench for a while, staring up at the stars and talking some more. In Ash's words, "it got late early out there," so then they headed back to the Pokemon Center. As for what they talked about exactly, I still don't know. When I asked Ash, he just smiled and said, "I've gotta keep SOME secrets, right?"
Joy and I set off in the other direction, slowly walking back to the Pokemon Center, not in the least bit of a hurry. As we talked, I learned that "Nurse Joy" was just the title given to Pokemon Nurses, that their real names weren't necessarily Joy, and that they all looked alike because it was basically a dress code for their job. The Pokemon League wanted to give new trainers a sense of security and familiarity when they reached the next town, and knowing that a Nurse Joy would always be there at the Pokemon Center helped, according to their research.
I smiled. "Ah, so that explains it all. But you still haven't told me one thing."
She looked at me quizzically. "Oh, what's that?"
"What's YOUR real name?"
Joy instantly turned beet red, then started to laugh nervously. "Oh, I'm sorry! I guess I'm just so used to being known as Nurse Joy, and called that on the job...I don't have very many friends because of my work, but when I do make a new friend, sometimes I forget to tell them my real name. And with you, I was so nervous about meeting you, hoping I wouldn't mess up...that I forgot something as fundamental as that. After all that's happened tonight, it must seem pretty ridiculous that you still don't know my real name."
"No, it's ok, I understand," I assured her.
"Well, it's Stacey Bradley," she explained.
"Nice to finally meet you, Stacey," I joked. "But I really do understand, especially the part about being nervous. I really was too. I kept thinking I was going to step on your feet or something when we were dancing. Worse, it took all of my self-control several times not to make a fool of myself around you. But I didn't, and it worked. I think you're a very special person, and I'd really like to see you again."
"I'd like that too, Brock," she admitted, moving a little closer to me as we walked.
"I do have a problem though," I started to say.
"Yeah, you're a traveller..." she interrupted, looking a little downcast.
"Yes, but there are ways to deal with that. I really want this to work." I looked her straight in the eyes. "You're the first girl who has ever had this effect on me. Seriously. I have never felt as calm around a girl my age as I do with you."
"And you're the first guy who's really taken an interest in me. Most of the local guys think I'm too caught up in my work to do mundane things like date. You really make me feel special."
We had been drawing closer all this time. Now all talking ceased as we stared at each other and our faces drew still closer. 'Here it comes,' I thought. 'My first real kiss, and I'm not freaking out! Where exactly has the old me been hiding all this time?' But I knew exactly what had happened to the old part of me that went crazy with love at the mere mention of a Nurse Joy or Officer Jenny's name. Jo...I mean, Stacey had shelved that old part of me for good, and had opened up a part of me I always secretly hoped existed, but had never shown itself until now. She had shown me that I DID have the capacity to be mature around girls, that I COULD handle a relationship in a mature way, and that there WAS someone out there who could reciprocate those feelings. And right now, she was doing exactly that, as our lips touched for the first time. If you're wondering how deep the kiss went, I honestly couldn't tell you. All I remember is thinking about what I just described, and how the kiss just felt...right. It was peaceful, exciting, blissful, and passionate all at the same time. To say that we both enjoyed it would be the understatement of the year. My search was over, and I had found the girl I had been longing for.
As we finally pulled apart, there was a long silence. I was thinking about how I felt about her, and Stacey seemed to be thinking the same way. I finally said, "Wow...after that, I REALLY want to see you again."
She giggled at my reaction, then said seriously, "Yes, I feel the same way. So I guess we need to talk."
"No, not here. This involves Ash and Misty too, so let's get back to the Pokemon Center and we'll meet up with them there."
When we got back, Stacey thanked Officer Jenny for covering for her, then the officer went home. For the first time, I didn't even feel the least bit of urge to use some sort of pick-up line on her, I just watched her leave. I had found Stacey, and she had put the girl-crazy part of me to rest permanently. We decided to wait for Ash and Misty in the lobby, since they might ask some embarrassing questions if they found us in the room that Ash and I were sharing.
When they arrived, I introduced Nurse Joy by her real name, then explained that we wanted to talk to them. Pikachu and Togepi were still in Misty's room, so we made sure they went to sleep, then we all went up to Ash's and my room. We sat down on the two single beds; Ash and I on one, Misty and Stacey on the other. The seating arrangement was kind of automatic. I guess we all felt awkward about sitting with a member of the opposite sex on a bed, since we had only just started dating.
We had a long conversation that night, lasting until the early hours of the morning. Stacey had to leave twice briefly to check on the Pokemon in the recovery room and tend to them if needed, but there were no major problems. With his newly realized relationship with Misty, Ash said that he was more determined than ever to do his best to become a Pokemon Master. Misty's goal of learning all there was to know about Water Pokemon remained the same, except now she could safely say that she would do it while at Ash's side.
"I'm really happy for you guys." I said. "Now that you know each other's true feelings, having that new level of support will prove to be a big help to you in many ways. So I guess now that you have each other, you'll be wanting time alone and won't really want me around. But I have Stacey with me now, so it's ok."
"That's not true at all, Brock!" said Ash, looking shocked. "We would never want you to leave the group, unless that's what you truly wanted to do. Don't leave just on our account. Misty and I talked about it while we were in the park, and we'd be happy to have you still travel with us, as long as you understand that we'll sometimes want time alone."
"Yeah, you've been like a big brother to us for our whole journey, Brock," Misty added. "I told you already that you mean a lot to me, and I meant it. We want you to stay, if that's what YOU really want."
Stacey and I had talked a little bit about that on the rest of the walk back, and while waiting for Misty and Ash. I relayed our discussion to them now. She had her duties at the Pokemon Center, and loved her job. I highly respected her for it, since the Nurse Joys provide a tireless, valuable service to all trainers. I really enjoyed being with her, but I wasn't done with my own goal yet, and I'd also come to really enjoy being with Misty and Ash. Stacey said that it was obvious to her that the three of us were the closest of friends.
"So if it's ok with you guys," I finished, looking at Stacey, Ash, and Misty, "I'd like to continue to travel, as before, and work towards my dream. But Stacey, you have my solemn promise that I will email and call you as often as I possibly can."
"He means it too, Stacey," said Misty. "It seems like you've taken all of his girl-craziness and directed it all towards you...but in a more mature way. You two really have something going." Misty was a hopeless romantic, and I knew she really meant what she said. She liked to judge the chances of couples getting together, and was usually right, in our experience. She considered herself a good judge of character, and it looked like Stacey met with her approval.
"OK," said Stacey, "as I said, I've still got my work here, and Brock still has his dream to go after. I think this will work out just fine. Look after him, will you?" she asked, looking at Ash and Misty.
"Don't worry, we will," said Ash.
"At least now I know I won't have to drag him away from every new girl he meets who thinks he's a weirdo...right, Brock?" said Misty, teasingly.
"Don't worry, Misty, those days are over now," I responded seriously.
Not long after that, we all said good night to each other, and split up to our respective rooms and beds, reflecting on the past two days that we knew had changed our lives forever.
-THE END-