Chapter Three

I know that Neji is going to say if he saw me walking down in this fancy dress and glittery boots. You're a disgrace, Hinata. These clothes are disgusting. The words are burning in my mind as I walk alongside these strangers. I will have to tell them the truth at some point; they deserve to know the truth. It's tempting to tell the truth now.

I yawned, it was so hard to concentrate on things. Ash was waffling on about how awesome he was, whilst Brock was bragging about women. I bet he wouldn't fancy me if he saw what I look like. We're stopping at this place called Hearthrome City, it's meant to be a grand, yet pleasant place.

Piplup was holding an electric mouse's hand. I think it's name is Pikachu. I didn't ask because it might have seemed like an obvious question. I didn't see it in the dex, the data might have been in the national dex though. I didn't read all of the dex because the gadget made my eyes feel dry. We're not used to electricity and technology at home you see.

All this walking around reminded me of all the missions I faced with Kiba and Shino.

This is kinda like my own set mission. Something good will come out of this, I swear. As long as I work hard and make a good effort I can pass. If I come out, much more confident, than I have passed. If I still remain timid, I would have failed. The chances of me succeeding are 50/50, but I have to give it a shot. I have to set my own targets and achieve my own goals before I can do anything generated for me.

"You still look tired," Ash told me. "Did you get any sleep last night?"

"Not really," I said. "Just been reflecting on things and got a little homesick."

"We'll stop as soon as we get to the nearest telephone booth," announced Brock. "You can call your mom."

"Are you sure?" I asked. "Maybe we should wait until we reach Hearthrome City?"

"We don't mind waiting for you," Ash said.

"Thank you guys," I said.

Task One
Call Dawn's mom without any suspicion.

As soon as the picture of the woman came onto the screen. I knew she was Dawn's mom. They looked very much alike apart from the age and hairstyle. If I could convince her mother, I should be able to convince anybody? Right?

"Good morning Dawn," she said.

"Hi Mother," I said with excitement. "I've missed you so much, and I can't believe we're talking face to face on this magical phone. Wow how technoligy has changed."

"Dawn... we've had video phones before you were born," I was told. Oh no, I think I've blown it. I've gotta keep my cool and remain relaxed. I laughed and Dawn's mother tutted. "Typical Dawn," her mother said, "you little madame. You're not going to be the world's great coordinator by being a ditz."

"I know mother," I said with a smile on my face. Looks like I thought too soon. "But I can't give up. I've got to make you proud of me."

"You already do make me proud."

Dawn is so lucky. She has so many caring friends and family around her supporting her every step of the way. Even though they are so far away, in her heart she kept them close. I could only dream of having so much affection like this from my family. So loving, unconditional and kind. If I had something like this, I wouldn't have spent my time as a child crying alone.

I enjoyed having the conversation with her mom. We had a great time talking about what Dawn's life. I couldn't believe she used to be like me too. Shy, timid and hiding in the corner. Dawn is lucky to have such an inspirational mother and it felt like she was my mother.

"It's time for me to go now," Dawn's mum said. "You take care of yourself Dawn. I love you."

"I love you too."

"You better now?" Ash asked.

"I feel much better now," I replied. "I needed that."

It was the first time someone had said 'I love you', in a long time. It wasn't directed at me, I know it was meant for Dawn but it made me feel loved and fuzzy. It was almost uplifting.

Task One: Calling Dawn's Mom without slipping up - PASSED