"There is something wrong with her!"

"Don't worry, Ben. She is just in shock, which is completely understandable considering her past experiences."

He sighed. "But it's been two weeks. Shouldn't she be better by now?"

"What she went through as a child was traumatizing. Being near her fear triggered something in her and now she is just recovering. Ben, I promise you, Summer will come back to her senses. Just give it some time." Nothing. I feel nothing. My body feels so numb. I can't eat without throwing up. I can't sleep without having nightmares. That rotten smell of burning wood is stained on my body. "Ben, keep an eye on her for a few minutes. I have to go to the main office."

There was some shuffling and then silence. I lay in under the white sheets, staring blankly at the opened window. I haven't moved an inch all day. I don't even know where Chikorita is. I'm sure she is okay, she is a smart Pokemon. Can't say the same for her owner. Footsteps approached me slowly. The bed moved down sightly as weight was added to the edge near my stomach. "Summer." Ben's voice was quiet. I didn't flinch or even bother to look at him. My eyes stayed glued to the window. "Summer please look at me." Hurt evident in his voice. No response. "Please!" His hand latched onto my lifeless outstretched hand. My body flinched at the sudden contact. "I know you're in there so please, come back to me. I've spent too many years without you. I finally got my best friend back and I don't want to lose her already. Please, look at me." His grip on my hand tightened. Slowly, my eyes wandered to his chest, making their way to his neck then his jaw. They continued up past his lips and nose, finally reaching his eyes. The corner of his lip tugged up. The door opened, yet I kept my eyes trained on Ben's.

The nurse walked over to us. "How are you, Summer?" I didn't respond. "Well, Ben at least you got her to look at you. She hasn't moved an inch all day. I'm going in the back office so feel free to stay with her as long as you want." She smiled, patting him on the shoulder and walking to the back office. We continued to stare at each other, not having to exchange any words.

His free hand made it's way to my cheek, cradling it gently. "I miss talking to you. You understand me, Sums. I want you to come back. That's kinda selfish but.. you need to get better. So please," my fingers twitched, "I need you. I don't want to be alone anymore." He leaned down, his lips resting on my temple. I moved my fingers, trying to regain feeling, wanting to come back to reality. "I'll come back after dinner. Maybe bring you some dessert." He smiled. Ben stood up, walking slowly to the door. No, wait Ben. I hauled my arms under my body, lifting myself up. My arms shook.

"B-ben." I croaked in a hushed voice. He didn't hear. The door opened, making me panic. Don't go yet! My hands fumbled to the nightstand next to the bed and I accidentally knocked over the glass of water. It crashed to the floor, breaking into pieces. I stared at the broken glass, feeling my weak limbs begin to falter.

The door closed. "Oh my gods, Summer!" He didn't leave.. Within seconds, his arms were around my waist. I finally let go and collapsed into him. "How do you feel?" He asked, leaning me against the back board of the bed.

My muscles ached. "Like I haven't moved in two weeks." I croaked. Ben smiled, picking up the shards of glass on the floor.

"I'm going to go tell the nurse you're back. Sit tight."

"Trust me, I couldn't move if I wanted to." Ben laughed, disappearing around the corner. The nurse rushed in.

She took my temperature. "Hmm.. you don't have a fever anymore. I think, if you're up for it, you could make it to dinner in time."

Ben's face brightened up. "Everyone will be happy to see you." He chipped in.

I sighed. "If you can throw in some pain killers, I'm all for it." Both of them laughed.

"Of course." The nurse went to a cabinet and searched through some bottles. She walked to me with an orange prescription bottle. "Take one at breakfast and dinner until they are all gone. They will help your immune system and help with energy since you don't have a lot of nutrients in you right now." I nodded, taking the bottle from her. Ben walked over to me, helping me out of bed. I'm still in my pajamas but, I can't even give a shit right now. He looped his arm around my waist. "Take care of her, Ben. Summer, if you need anything, come straight back." She instructed. I thanked her and we walked out of the room.


"Please eat something." Ben pleaded, holding a small piece of bread out to me.

I grabbed my stomach uneasily. "Do you want me to throw up on you?" I asked quietly. It's been a long time since I've talked so my voice is real raspy. Totally unlady like if you ask me. The cafeteria is a huge mess of just noise which is giving me a splitting headache. I don't remember much of what I did in the nurse's office, but I know it was never this loud.

Kate, Keith and the others sat with us as usual. Except, this time, there wasn't any talking among us. I could feel eyes burning into me from all corners. Why is everyone staring? I shifted in my seat uneasily, getting a bit closer to Ben. I don't think everyone fully understands why I went into shock. Which probably explains why they won't stop staring. Ben cleared his throat, giving all his friends a somewhat dirty look. Sven was the first to break the silence, adverting everyone's attention to him. I gave him a look of gratitude, feeling relieved. Ben placed his hand on the small of back, easing my tension. How does he do that? It's like one touch from him and I'm completely at ease.

The plate in front of me consisted of a green apple and bread with a cup of water. Hesitantly, I reached for the apple, biting into it. I chewed for a few seconds before taking another bite. If it will make Ben happy, then I might as well try. I could see him smile from the corner of my eye. When dinner was over, I had finished the apple and bread. The others had left and Ben was waiting for me outside. I drank the last of my water and went to pile up my tray with the others. "Haven't seen you in a while, Babe." My stomach churned at his voice. "Been hidin' from me?" I turned to face him, feeling my body begin to tremble.

"Go away." I said quietly. I don't think he even heard me. Jack blocked me from the exit, leaning against the door frame of the small enclosed room. He got closer to me, towering over.

He smirked down at me. "You know Babe, I think we should have our own little bonfire. Don't you think? I just love fire. The way it is so easily spread. Just one little accident could cause a disaster, but you already knew that." My mouth fell open. How does he know? Ben is the only one who knows and he wouldn't tell. "It's amazing how terrible the security system is here. They are practically begging for files to be taken." He stole my file and read through it? What the hell did I do to deserve this?

"What do you want from me? Why can't you leave me alone?" I asked, shrinking against the wall. His hand reached towards me but I smacked it away. "Leave me alone!" I yelled hoarsely.'

I felt a sharp sting to my cheek, tasting a metallic substance. "Don't you raise your voice to me again. You'll be sorry if you do." He growled. His fist went back and I shut my eyes, preparing for the pain. Someone pushed me and I heard a grunt. I opened my eyes to Ben gripping his stomach, standing in front of Jack. "Ben! What the hell are you doing?" He asked angrily.

Ben looked at me, standing up straighter. He then looked to Jack, curling his hand into a fist. "I'm protecting my best friend." His fist flung straight to Jack's jaw. I stood their, astonished at what Ben had just done. Jack stumbled back, looking at Ben with hatred.

"Defending a piece of trash like her. Are you crazy? You wait, you are goin' to regret doing that." He turned and walked out of the room. Ben took a deep breath, unclenching his hand slowly. He turned to me and walked over.

Ben took his thumb, and wiped off the dribble of blood coming from my mouth. "Are you okay?" He asked, looking down at me. I nodded my head, slowly wrapping my arms around his torso. He hugged me back, making me feel safe. "Come on, let's get outta here."


We sat side by side in the tall grass, looking at the sun beginning to set. "Do you remember anything from when you were in the nurse's office?" Ben asked, fiddling with a piece of grass.

I looked at the sun, taking in it's beauty. "Not much. To be honest, I didn't even know I was in there for two weeks. I really only remember today. The rest is just.. empty, I guess. The only thing I remember vividly, is that window."

"Well that was the only thing you would look at each time I came to visit you." He stated, turning his head to the sunset.

"How many times did you visit?" I asked quietly. Bird Pokemon sang their evening songs, filling the sky with beautiful melodies.

Ben shifted slightly. "Every day.." He whispered. He came to see me every day for two weeks? Why would he do that? "It wasn't till today that you responded to me. I told you everything, but I guess you don't remember it."

I turned to him. "What did you tell me?" I asked, wanting to remember.

"Just everything about me. I was alone and I hoped that if I talked about something, you would come back. I guess it worked." He said, not looking at me.

I want to remember what he said. He listens to me and I want to do the same. "Ben?" He turned to me. "I'm going to do my best to remember what you told me. I'm sorry for not remembering."

He tilted his head in confusion. "Why?"

"Because you listened to me when I told you everything. You were their when I needed you, especially when we were kids. I want to be able to do the same with you." I said sincerely. Ben smiled, leaning back into the grass.

"Don't strain yourself, Princess." He said with a smile. "Thank you." I will remember what he said to me. It means a lot to him and I want to be a part of that. I don't know what it is about him, but.. I know that as long as I'm with him, I'll be fine.

Alrighty, hopefully everyone enjoyed! -A