January 1st, a new year, a new beginning. That's what everyone believes and it is what a young male by the name of Nick believed. He is turning 15 this year. He will finally be able to own his first Pokemon. It's the day that everyone dreams of growing up. His bright, blue eyes showed hope. His messy, dark, brown hair was a result of not being brushed today, but then again it never is brushed. Even though he wasn't tall, he still let off an air of a daunting figure.

"Mum, I know we didn't have money for Christmas presents since we just moved but I don't want you to worry about it". Nick said to his Mother after unpacking his last box. "This is going to be a great year".

"I agree, Nick". His Mother replied. "After visiting this city a couple of times a year, I'm glad we can finally call it home".

"I don't know what to do first". Nick replied excitedly. "Maybe I should see where the lab is located around here".

"Nick, there will be plenty of time for that. I'm sure you want to visit Aston first". His mother said with a smirk on her face.

"Mum!". Nick said as his cheeks started to turn red. "We're just friends".

"I'm sure you two are. Anyway, they'll be coming over for dinner tonight. So I want this house looking somewhat decent". Nick's mother replied.

While Nick's Mother started dinner and preparing for Aston and her parents, Nick finished unpacking and clearing up the mess that had been created.

As Nick was opening the last box in his room, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!". Nick called out to his Mother.

Nick ran to the front door and opened it. As he opened the door he heard…

"NIIICCCCKKKK!". Aston screamed as she saw Nick.

Nick fell back from the shock and then was knocked into the wall as Aston hugged him. Her blonde hair covering his face. Even though he couldn't see through her hair, her beauty radiates through her. She turned and looked at him. Her green eyes tearing up, levelled with his.

"It's been so long". Aston said to him.

"It's only been a couple of months". He replied.

"But this is different. Now we can see each other whenever we want". Aston said with a smile as wide as her face. The smile quickly disappeared though. "You'll be safe here with me". Nick looked to say something before Aston's parents interrupted.

"Let the boy breath, Aston". Aston's Father said.

"How was the move?". Aston's Mother asked.

"Everything thing is here and everything is intact. So, great". Replied Nick's Mother. "Nick, why don't you show Aston your room while I talk to her parents".

Nick and Aston went to his room while their parents spoke in the dining room.

Nick sat on his bed while Aston checked out the arrangement of the room.

"Not sure I like this layout". Aston said while walking around the room.

"Well, I do". Nick replied.

"It's bad Juju". Aston said barely able to contain herself.

Nick started laughing as well. "I missed being able to say our inside jokes face to face". Said Nick.

"You don't have to miss it anymore". Aston said with joy in her voice.

Nick smiled and turned away. "Well, I guess I should finish unpacking".

"Let me help". Aston replied. As she walked to the last box she was startled by Nick.

"No! I can do it". He said standing up from the bed.

"Why? What are you hiding?". She said as she looked into the box and picked up a photo frame. "So, what's this?".

Nick turned away as for the second time today his cheeks turned a bright red.

Aston held in her hand a double-sided frame. On one side was a photo of Aston and Nick as kids and the other side was a recent photo of Aston. Knowing Nick would be too uncomfortable to talk about what she found, she tried to deflect the attention away.

"We are so young here! We must be, what, 6?". She asked.

"5". Nick said. "It was at my fifth birthday. My Mum found the photo a couple of months ago. She wanted us to go through all the stuff she had of me as a child. Don't you hate when parents want to relive the past?. The other photo is from the last time we saw each other.

"I look good, don't I?". Aston said while grinning.

"I've seen worse". He laughed.

"This is a good idea. I know I have photos of us as kids somewhere. Maybe I'll do the same". She put the photo frame on his bedside table.

"Let's go check on dinner, I'm starved". Said Nick as he opened the door for Aston. They both walked out of the room, through the hallway and into the dining room.

"I just wanted to prepare you two now that we know more and to make sure that if the worse happens, you will look after him". Nick's Mother said in a hushed tone.

"Of course we will". Aston's Mother replied.

"What are you guys talking about?". Nick asked as Aston and he entered the room.

Nick's Mother stood up. "Oh, nothing. We were discussing how much time you'll be spending at their house now and leaving me here alone. You might as well just live there". She laughed along with everyone else.

"I'll never leave you, Mum". Nick replied.

Nick and Aston walked into the lounge room. "What was that about?". He asked Aston.

"Nothing. You know parents. They're weird". She brushed off his questioning.

January went by quickly as everyone enjoyed their holidays. Nick and Aston spent most of their time together. Aston showed him around the city. She showed him everything there was to see which included, of course, the Pokemon Lab. She introduced him to Professor Santos. Santos has been the Professor in this town for as long as Aston has lived here. He was getting quite old now, but his love and knowledge for Pokemon was truly remarkable.

Nick was barely home that he didn't notice what was going on at home. Anytime he was home, he just went on about how many days were left until he could get his Pokemon and reminding his Mother that he wanted to be up nice and early on his birthday to get it.

School started up in February and Nick was glad he was in Aston's class. He tried to make friends but being new is always hard. The one thing that he had that people were interested in was the fact that he'd be getting a Pokemon soon. It was all most people his age spoke about.

There was a week left until Nicks birthday. He came bursting through the door after a day at school. "Mum! One week left. One week, one week". He said as he started dancing around.

"Nick, sit down please. We need to talk". His Mum said with a seriousness that Nick associated with bad times.

"What's wrong, Mum?". He asked.

"I have to go into hospital". Grimly replied his Mother.

"Why? What's wrong with you? Is it serious?". He said as he stood up looking worried.

"It's nothing, dear. It's just a bug. You'll be staying with Aston for a few nights". Said his Mother trying to calm his nerves.

"Will you be out for my birthday so we can get my Pokemon?". Nick asked.

"Of course. I want be in that long". She replied with a smile.

"Great…Are you sure everything is fine though?". He asked again.

"Of course. Now pack a bag. Aston's parents will be coming to pick you up". She told him.

"Right now?". He seemed alarmed.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but you've been out so much lately having fun and I didn't want to worry you". She said assuringly.

"Okay. Let me pack". He said.

Aston's parents arrived with Aston not there. Nick found this strange but didn't take too much notice.

"Goodbye, sweetie. I love you. Have fun". Nick's Mum said as she grabbed him and held him for what must have been a minute".

"Mum, Mum! I'll see you in a few days. I love you too". Nick said as he grabbed his bag and left the house.