Chapter Six: Lover
Mary was sitting at the front desk in the library. She let out a sigh while closing her book. Her Jigglypuff Pinky was sitting beside her, staring at a picture book. I can't get over the fact that Gray and Claire are together. It has been two weeks now.
Two weeks ago, I was doing what I would usually do. I was reading another book and waiting for someone to come in. Then the door bell rang and when I look up, I found Gray and Blaze walking in the library. I knew I was blushing in front of them because I can feel the heat coming from the cheeks. Gray was after all my crush. "Hello Gray."
"Hey Mary, do you have books about romance?" Gray asked. I was shocked. He always comes to the library and borrowed adventure books or horror books. But this was new.
"We have plenty. Why?" I asked.
"I am trying to get Claire into books. She is always so busy with her farm and all that she doesn't have time to relax." Gray answered. "So I thought of bringing her a book and reading it to her."
"That's sweet of you." I said. "You are such a gentleman."
"It is what you do when you love someone." Gray said, letting out a small chuckle. Gray is chuckling? What is going on here? And wait… Did he say he is doing this because he loves someone? He loves Claire. "Mary, are you okay?"
"Oh sorry, I was just thinking what book to give you." I lied. "The second shelf on your left has all the fantasy books and romance books. I think Claire is more of a romance and humor kind a girl."
"Great, I would look for a book then." Gray said, walking towards the self. Blaze started speaking to him. "I know, we have to meet the girls soon. After this then we can leave." Blaze smiled and jumped for joy. I know that Blaze and Amber are lovers but I would never think that Gray would fall for Claire. My heart was aching because I wasn't able to break down his walls but Claire did. "Hmmm… Johnny Lingo. It is an old Polynesian story from Kanto. My mom use to read this to me when I was a kid. I think this book is perfect." He walked to the counter and placed the book on the desk with his library card.
"Johnny Lingo, nice choice." I said, stamping the book. "Here you go Gray."
"Thanks Mary…" Gray said, smiling. He hardly smiles but here he is, smiling in front of him. "Come on Blaze, I would race you to Claire's place." He raced out the door while Blaze followed behind him. I was shocked of how much Gray has change and it is all because of her. It is all because of Claire.
Mary let out another sigh. "I guess they do look good together." Mary said, letting out a smiling. "I think Claire is good for Gray." Jigglypuff agreed. Maybe, my knight and shiny armor would appear and love me just like those two. Who knows, he might come through that door right now. Then the door bell rang and when she turned to the door, she found a handsome young man with spiky blonde hair and shimmering blue sapphire eyes that sparkle like stars. He was wearing a red uniform and a tall blue frog like Pok'emon was beside him. Mary blushed as he walked towards her. It is just a coincidence that a cute and handsome man walks through the door. I wonder who he is. "Hello, may I help you?"
"Well, I just got here and I am completely lost. I was wondering if you can give me directions to Nakama Farm." He said, scratching his head.
"Oh, just take a right from here and head straight down. There you would find that farm." Mary said, smiling. "So you are new here. No wonder why you don't look familiar."
"Where are my manners? My name is Claude Maple and I am a Pok'emon Ranger." He said, offering his hand to her. "And this is my partner Frobble. He is a Greninja. We live up at the mountains. I think you guys call it Mother's Hill."
"My name is Mary and this is Pinky." Mary said, grabbing his hand and shaking it. She was still blushing in front of him. "So you must be related to Claire."
"Yup, she is my little sister and I can't wait to see her." Claude said, smiling.
Karen was walking through the streets of Mineral Town with Eva on her head. She was going to visit Claire but then, she found a Torchic racing towards her. "PLEASE CATCH THAT TORCHIC!" A voice screamed. She turned and found Rick, racing towards her. Karen caught the little fire pok'emon and cuddled it to calm it.
"It is okay, little guy. You are a feisty one are you?" Karen said. The Torchic rubbed his cheeks on hers. "I know that you want to explore but you might get hurt running around." She didn't realize that Rick was in front of her, staring at her. "You are such a cutie."
Wow… She is very good and kind to Pok'emon. I wish she can cuddle me like that… Rick thought. He then mentally slapped himself. Rick, you are way over your ledge. Karen doesn't think of you like that even when you have a crush on her ever since you were kids.
When she caught him staring at her, she couldn't help but blush. He is just staring at me. Do I have something on my face? I hope I don't. I don't want to look like an idiot around him. "Oh, hi Rick…" Karen finally said. She then gave the Torchic to him. "Here you go…" Damn, I am too nervous to have a conversation with him. I should leave before I make a fool of myself. She started to walk away from him until he grabbed her hand.
"Why do you always do that?" Rick asked. She stopped and turned to him.
"Do what?"
"Every time you are close to me, you walk away. Why?" Rick explained. "Do you hate me that much?"
I can't believe this. He thinks I hate his guts. I like him a lot but his bitchy sister is always in the way. It is not going to work but I can't help but like him. "I don't hate you." Karen said.
"Then tell me. Why do you run away from me?" Rick asked. If she doesn't hate me, why is she still avoiding me? Can she not see that I like her?
"It is none of your business Rick." Karen snapped. Then Eva spoke something to her and she let out a sigh. "Sorry Rick. It is complicated. I don't hate you. Please believe it. I just…" She blushed and turned away from him. "Forget it… I am happy that Torchic is okay."
"Thanks to you…" Rick said, smiling and blushing at the same time. "Karen, I am happy that you don't hate me."
"I really don't." Karen said, smiling. "Well, see you later." She moved away from him but he then grabbed her hand once more. "Rick, why do you keep grabbing my hand?"
"Well, there is something I want to ask you." Rick said, looking away and blushing at the same time. You know what, I am going to do it… Don't be a wimp Rick. You have to do it…
"Okay, what is it?" Karen asked. He looks very nervous. I wonder what is going on. He took a deep breath and turned to her.
"Karen, do you want to join me for dinner at the Inn tonight?" Rick asked, blushing.
"What?" Karen said, blushing even more. "Are you asking me on a date?"
"Of course I am." Rick said, blushing. "I just…"
"Come on Rick, you are not seriously asking trash on a date." A voice said. They turned and found Popuri walking towards them.
"At least I am not into fucking playboys." Rick said. Great, here comes my annoying sister. She always scares away any girl that comes new me. "Stop butting in my life Popuri. I can date who ever I want.."
"At least someone descent…" Popuri snapped. "I don't want you to date Karen."
"It is not your place to say that." Rick snapped back. "I am going on a date with Karen even when you don't like it. I am in love with her."
He loves me… He really loves me… Karen thought, blushing. She then gripped her chest. She can feel her heart pumping wildly. I can't believe it… He loves me. I am so happy. "Hey Rick…" Karen said. They stopped arguing and turned to her. They found her smiling. "I would love to go on a date with you."
"Really? You would go on a date with me?" Rick asked, giving Torchic to Popuri and grabbing her hands. Did she really agree to go on a date with me? "You are not joking with me right. I mean… I don't want you to agree to this date because you feel sorry for me."
"I would love to go on a date with you Rick. I was waiting for you to ask me and I am happy you did." Karen said. "And don't worry about your sister. If Popuri interferes, I know a certain blonde farmer that would love to chat with her."
"OH NO, NOT THAT DEMON!" Popuri screamed, hiding behind her brother. "SHE IS NOT SWEET AT ALL. SHE IS A DEMON FROM HELL!"
"Then it is settled." Karen said, kissing Rick on the cheek and running away from them. "See you later Rick." I got to tell Claire… Rick blushed and cupped his face.
"Bye Karen…" Rick said, smiling. She kissed me… I finally got a kiss from her. Rick cheered as he walked away from her sister. "I can't wait for tonight."
"RICK! WAIT FOR ME!" Popuri screamed, racing towards him.
Gray was fixing Claire's broken axe while Saibara watched his grandson. Blaze was napping near the fireplace. He is doing a fine job these passed weeks. I am so proud of him. Saibara thought, staring at Gray. His eyes were so focused and spark with determination and passion. He used to hate doing this. He would always do his job just to get it over with. I am always on his case because I don't like blacksmiths that does half-ass jobs. Now, he works with his heart.
"Hey old man, I finally know what I was missing." Gray said.
"Really?" Saibara said, snapping out of thought. "So tell me kid, what is it?"
"I was thinking about mom and how she was great of being a Blacksmith but it wasn't her skills that made her great, it was her love and passion in her work." Gray said. "I didn't have that love and passion. I would always take any job like it was a burden and did it just to get it over with. You always say that our steel would never be great without fire. I think that means that our creations would never be great without passion and love. Since Claire moved here, she taught me that and showed me what I was missing." Gray then let out a small grin. "She is my fire." Saibara stared at him for a brief moment. "Did I get it wrong?" To his surprised, Saibara patted him on the head.
"Well done…" Saibara said, smiling. "You remind me so much of your mother."
"Really?"
"She was always so cheerful in her work. She had to learn the same lesson that you did when she was your age." He explained. "Every time I see you and Ann, I see her. I really miss your mother. Oh Gracia, may you rest in peace."
"I miss her too." Gray said.
"I know that she is proud of your two. Ann's business at the Inn is doing great and you would be an official blacksmith in no time if you keep this up." Saibara said. "Gracia is blessed to have you both as her children and I am blessed to have you both as my grandchildren."
"Thanks old man that really means a lot." Gray said.
"Remember to take care of Claire for me." Saibara said, letting out a chuckle.
"I know…" Gray said, letting out a smile. The old man is in a very good mood. "Hey old man, why are you so concern about her?"
"I am just am. She is going to be part of my family soon." He said. Gray blushed as he heard that. "I hope you marry that girl. She would be a wonderful addition to the Steel Family."
"We just started dating and it has been two weeks now." Gray said, letting out a sigh. "Plus I only knew her for a season. I think it is too soon to talk about marriage."
"Well, I know it will happen." He said, chuckling some more. "She agreed to be a girlfriend to a grumpy man. She is really brave to agree to such terms."
"I am not the only grumpy one here." Gray said, joining in and laughing with his grandfather. He then looked at his clock and it was about four. "Well, I guess it is almost time for me to punch out."
"Alright, see you tomorrow and tell Claire I said hi." Saibara said.
"Alright old man…" Gray said, walking to the fireplace. He carried Blaze into his arms while he was sleeping. "See you later…" He walked out the door and made his way to the farm. Blaze was cuddling him as he was walking. Things are starting to get good around here. When he made it to the farm, he heard giggling. He followed it and found her and another man in her garden. Who is that? "Hey Claire…"
"Oh hi Gray…" She said, smiling. "I see you are done with work. I hope you had a good day."
"I did…" Gray said.
"So you must be Gray. I heard a lot about you." The man said, offering his hand to him. "My sister sends me letters and your name always in her letters."
"Oh, I see…" Gray said, blushing and shaking his hand. He made sure that Blaze did fall while he was shaking his hand. She writes about me. I wonder what she writes about.
"My name is Claude Maple, I am Claire's twin older brother." Claude said, smiling.
"Oh right, she told me all about you." Gray said. "It is an honor to meet you. My name is Gray Steel, I am a blacksmith apprentice here in Mineral Town." Now that I think about it, they really look alike especially with those eyes.
"He is going to stay in Mineral Town. He lives up at Mother's Hill." Claire said, smiling. "Isn't that great?"
"Yeah, it is." Gray said.
"I may be living here but I am actually here because of my sister." Claude said. "She told me that you saved her twice from Team Rocket. I am quite impressed."
"Thanks I guess." Gray said. "But I still don't know why they are after her."
"Wait, Claire didn't tell you."
"Tell me what?" Gray said, turning his gaze at Claire. "What is he talking about?"
"How about we head in the house and have some lunch? I would explain everything." Claire said.
"Sure…" They both said, heading in the house. Blaze finally woke up from his nap and found Amber, sleeping on the sofa. He sluggishly walked towards her and slept next to her. Claire pulled out a pitcher of lemonade and some cornflake with honey and chocolate bars for her guests.
"Alright, let's start from the beginning." Claire said, sitting beside Gray and Claude sat on the opposite side of them. "Gray, you told me that my eyes were like glimmering stars."
"Yeah, I mean… It sounds cheesy but it is true." Gray said, scratching his head and letting out a smile. Okay, what is all this have to do with her eyes?
"Well, it is called Starlight." Claire said. "My brother and I both have it."
"Starlight? Is it important?" Gray asked.
"During the times when Pok'emon and Humans were at war, a man with Starlight eyes created peace between the two races and ended the war. He was able to calm and befriend the most vicious Pok'emon even the legendary Pok'emon." Claude answered. "It is said the reason how he was able to do it, it is because his eyes made him see their souls."
"So you mean to tell me that you can see the souls of Pok'emon?" Gray asked. This is kind a unreal. It is hard to take in. "Like see how they feel and stuff…"
"Yes but I hardly use my powers." Claire said.
"Did you use it on Blaze and Garchomp?" Gray asked.
"No, that was all me." Claire said, smiling. She grabbed his hand and smoothed it with her thumb. "The last time I used my powers was well when I met an unusual Pok'emon. His name was Mewtwo. Giovanni was using him as a weapon and wanted me to use my gift to tame him. My powers are not meant to control pok'emon. They are meant to erase their pain in their souls and hearts. Mewtwo and I were alike. We were both trapped and being used."
"So what happened to Mewtwo?" Gray asked. "I mean, you left, so is he okay?"
"Recently, I was undercover as a Team Rocket grunt and gained information that Giovanni is losing control over Mewtwo." Claude said. "So my sister became their target along with me. They came for me at the Ranger Headquarters in Kanto and destroyed everything. I decided to come here and look after my sister while my team focused on rebuilding the headquarters and giving me leads on Giovanni's next move."
"I tried to take him with me but he stayed in order for me to escape with Amber." Claire said, letting out a frown. "So I retired from being a Contest Coordinator and moved here. I didn't want Mewtwo's sacrifice to be in vain."
"I am happy that my sister found friends and a lover." Claude said, smiling. "Please watch over her when I am not around. She is very important to me."
"She means so much to me as well." Gray said. "I would protect her with my life."
"I know you will." Claude said. You did it before… I would never thought, I would see you again Gray Steel. "I know that my sister is in good hands." Life is full of surprises. "Well, I would leave you two lovebirds alone." He stood up from his seat. "Oh, I almost forgot. Hey sis, I have a present for you." He pulled out a violet Pok'emon egg from his bag. "I got this from the Kalos Region as a gift. I don't have time to take care of it so I figure you can."
"Oh Claude, I love it." Claire said, hugging the egg. "It is such a beautiful egg. I can't wait for it to hatch."
"Well, you won't wait long. I traveled a lot with it so it would hatch soon." Claude said, smiling. He then tossed a pok'eball to Gray. "I got you something too."
"Wow, you didn't need too." Gray said.
"It is a Pok'emon you would only find in the Kalos Region. I got it from a professor. Pok'emon Rangers can only have two pok'emon. So I thought of giving you this little guy as a token of my blessing."
"Blessing?" Gray asked.
"Don't worry Gray. You have my permission to marry my sister." Claude said, giving him a wink. Gray blush every shade of red while Claire let out a giggle. Gray summoned the pok'emon from its pok'eball and it was a little baby blue frog. "It is a Frookie. It is one of the starter pok'emon in the Kalos Region."
"Wow, he is so cute. He reminds me of Frobble." Claire said. "But I think this Frookie is a girl."
"Hey Frookie, do you want to join my team?" Gray asked. Frookie jumped into his arms and cuddle him. "I think that is a yes. I think I should call you Kairi, it means Sea." Frookie cheered happily. "I guess you like the name too."
"Kairi that is a very cute name." Claire said, smiling. The Frobble appeared beside Claude and gave him a piece of paper.
"I have to go now. I just got a message from my team in Kanto. I would come and check up on you later." Claude said. "See you later little sister."
"Goodbye big brother…" She said, watching him walk towards the door.
"Oh and it is nice to meet you Gray." Claude said.
"You too…" Gray said. "And thanks again…" They were left alone. Claire stood up from her seat and placed the egg on the sofa. Kairi looked tired as well so she hopped her way to the sofa and slept next to the egg. So Claire has a gift. She has powers. He turned to Claire and found her with a frown. I wonder what's wrong with her. She was just happy a minute ago. He stood up from his seat and walked towards her. "Claire, is there something wrong?"
"Are you okay with it?" Claire said. "I mean… With my powers and all… It must be very freaky." Gray pulled her into his embrace and hugged her tightly. "Gray?"
"If you are worried that I would love you less, then don't. You are still Claire to me." Gray said. "And I would always love you."
"I am glad." Claire said, hugging back. Gray, I am happy you are back in my life. Then there was a knock on the door. They pulled back when it opened and it was Karen. "Hey Karen…"
"I hope I am not interrupting." Karen teased. They were having a lovey dovey moment. I should secretly videotape them.
"You can be very annoying." Gray said, letting out a sigh. She killed the moment. Claire just giggled as Karen walked towards them. "So what are you doing here? Can't you see I am spending time with Claire?"
"You hog her too much. Don't be stingy." Karen teased.
"So Karen, you look very cheerful today." Claire said. "Did something happen with you and Rick today?"
"How did you know?" Karen said.
"It was just a guess." Claire said. "So did he ask you on a date yet?"
"Again Claire, I think you can read minds." Karen said, letting out a sigh. "Yup, I am going on a date with Rick and he really loves me. Also, Popuri won't get in the way because I know her weakness."
"What is her weakness?" Claire asked.
"You silly… Your outburst during the race scared the living daylights out of her. She calls you a demon." Karen said, giggling. "You should see her face. It was priceless."
"Your outburst?" Gray asked, staring at Claire. "What is she talking about?"
"Well, I might have cussed at Popuri when she insulted you and Karen." Claire said, fiddling with her fingers. "I didn't mean to but she asked for it."
"I wish I was there." Gray said, blushing. She burst again… damn it… She was wearing a maid outfit at that time and with her hot and sexy temper. Damn it, I miss it. "I wanted to see the look on your… I mean her face."
"And I bumped into a hot blonde. Who was that?" Karen asked.
"Oh, you must mean my twin brother Claude." Claire said. "He is a Pok'emon Ranger from Kanto. He moved here and is living up at Mother's Hill."
"Wow, I didn't know you have a hot brother." Karen said. "He looks very charming in that uniform."
"Karen, focus on Rick." Gray said, rolling his eyes.
"Well, I just wanted to tell you about my news." Karen said. "I am so excited."
"I know you are. I hope you have fun." Claire said, smiling. "Also, stay away from the wine. The last thing we need is you being a drunk in front of poor Rick."
"Thanks for the advice." Karen said sarcastically. "Well, I have to get ready. See you later." Karen walked out the door.
"She is in a good mood. I think she is so much in love." Claire said, giggling. "I am so happy for her."
"I don't know how you are friends with her. She is so annoying." Gray said.
"You are just grumpy because you can't get some time alone with me." Claire teased.
"So, I deserve some time with my girlfriend." Gray said. She giggled some more. "I deserve to be alone with her." He then lifted her up bridal style. She blushed as she was close to his chest. "I am going to have you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and let him carried her into her room. He placed her on the place gently and lay on top of her. "I love you Claire."
"I love you too Gray…" She said, smiling. "You can have me now." He moved to her lips and devoured her as if his life depended on it. She mourned as he kissed her neck and run his hands through her overall. They pulled back, grasping for air before sealing their lips once more. "Gray…"
"Yes Claire…" He replied.
"I am not ready for it but I know one day I will." Claire said shyly, blushing in front of him. "And you would be the one I would make love to. I guess I kind a ruin the moment didn't I?" Gray just hugged her tightly. "Gray?"
"This is new to me too. I would only want to make love to you too. I am not those types of guys that would force a woman to have sex. I would do anything to make you happy." Gray said, kissing her on the forehead and standing up from her and sitting on the bed. "I would wait for you to be ready babe." She blushed when she heard that and pulled him back on the bed but this time, she was on top of him. He blushed when she moved closer to his ear. "Claire?"
"I would do anything to make you happy too, love." Claire said, capturing his lips and enjoying her time with her grumpy and obsessive boyfriend. Then the phone started ringing. "I have to get that." She pulled back and raced to her video phone. I wonder who it is. She answered it and it was a woman with light brown hair and blue eyes. "Oh Aunty Caroline, how are you?"
"Oh hi Claire, you look so beautiful. It has been a long time that I haven't seen you. You are 25 right now. You grew up so lovely my dear." She said, smiling. "Grandpa Cyrus gave me your number. There is something I want to talk to you about."
"What is it?" Claire asked.
"Well, you know that May has become a top coordinator." Caroline said. "She had won several ribbons and trophies however she lose to her rival in the Grand Festival and is very gloomy about it. I was wondering if she can spend time with you to recuperate."
"I see… Well, I would love to have her here." Claire said. "It has been a long time I have seen my little cousin." Gray was behind her as she was on the phone.
"Oh dear, who is that handsome young man behind you?" Caroline asked.
"Oh, this is Gray my lover." Claire said, smiling. "Gray, this is my Aunty Caroline from the Hoenn Region. She is the wife of Petalburg's gym leader."
"It is nice to meet you ma'am." Gray said, tipping his hat. Lover? I like the sound of that.
"Nice to meet you as well… Oh Claire, he is such handsome man. He is also very hot and attractive. You do know how to pick them." Caroline teased. Claire blushed the minute she heard that. "Gray, please take care of my niece."
"I will ma'am." Gray said, hugging her from behind. "She is my lover and I would love her always."
"I am so proud of you Claire. You finally have a man." Caroline squeaked. Claire had a sweat drop as she watched her Aunt celebrate her accomplishment. "May is at Lilycove with her friends. Please call her now and invite her to Mineral Town."
"I will Aunty Caroline."
"And Gray, take it easy on my niece. When you make love to her, be gentle." She teased. "Also, use protection my dear."
"AUNTY!" Claire screamed.
"I will keep that in mind." Gray said, blushing.
"Well goodbye my dear and take care." She said. The video call was cut off and Claire let out a sigh.
"I guess I should call my cousin." Claire said. "I hope she is okay. Losing can be very hard to handle."
"I know the feeling." Gray said. "I would go make us something for dinner. You make that call and we would continue where we left of." He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. "I would be gentle babe."
"I love you too." She said, kissing his cheek. He left her and she dialed a number to the Pok'emon Center in Lilycove. Nurse Joy appeared with a smile on her face.
"Hello, my name is Nurse Joy and this is the Lilycove Pok'emon Center. How may I help you?" She said.
"I was wondering if there is a trainer name May Maple. I wish to talk to her." Claire said.
"Of course we have the Princess of Hoenn here, I would retrieve her to take this call." She replied.
"Thank you so much." Claire said.
"Excuse me, you look awfully familiar." Nurse Joy said. "Have we met before?"
"Nope but I get that a lot." Claire said, letting out a giggle.
In the Pok'emon Center, May was sitting near the window. She had long brown hair and sapphire eyes. She was 18 and grew beautifully throughout the years. "I guess I have to train some more." She wasn't so pleased that she lost to Drew Hayden, her rival. I won a lot of ribbons and trophies but when Drew comes in, I can't seem to win. What's wrong with me? Why am I so distracted? She then found a beautiful woman with long pale red hair walking towards her. "Oh hi Solidad, did you need something?"
"No, I just came here to check up on you." Solidad said. "You were pretty great in the Grand Festival. You improved so much that you beat me."
"I know but I couldn't beat Drew." May said, letting out a sigh. "I don't know why. I feel distracted when I am around him."
"Maybe you like him…" Solidad pointed out.
"NO I DON'T!" May screamed. "I just… I don't know…"
"You have known him for eight years now and you even travel with him for a year." Solidad said. "It is understandable if you develop feelings for him."
"Well, even if I do have feelings for him it would never be return. He only sees me as a rival and nothing more." May said, letting out another sigh. "You know what Solidad, I am going to be honest with you. I like him a lot and I am tired of denying it. I would love to tell him but he always finds a way to get me mad."
"May, you have matured so much, mentally and physically." Solidad said, smiling. "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks…" May said. "I am happy I told someone."
"I am happy you were open to me." Solidad said, smiling.
"Hello my gingerbread cookie, how are you?" A voice said. They turned and found a man with long purple hair and in a Cacturne outfit. "Congratulations even though you didn't win but it was an intensive match. I was rooting for you.
"Thanks Harley." May said. "I thought you left."
"No, I was going to ask you, Solidad, and Drewy if we can all travel together." Harley said, smiling. "It would be fun."
"Not in a million years…" Drew said, walking towards them. He had spiky green hair and violet eyes. He did his signature flick his bang move in front of her which she always fine it annoying. "It is bad enough I have a klutz traveling with me."
"Shut it grasshead." May snapped. Why does he always do that? Why do I have to fall in love with an arrogant grasshead. "You were the idiot that asked me to travel with you." Drew lost his composure and hid his blush. Wait, is he blushing? He is blushing? I am probably imagining it. "If you don't want to travel with me then I would…" She stopped screaming when she found a rose in front of her.
"I rather travel with you than Harley." He said. "I mean, someone needs to keep an eye on you April."
"The name is May." She snapped. Then Nurse Joy appeared in front of them.
"Excuse me May Maple, there is someone on the video phone for you." Nurse Joy said, smiling. "She really needs to talk to you."
"Oh, okay…" May said, standing up from her seat. It is probably mom… She followed Nurse Joy to the phone.
"You know Drewy, you should tell her how you really feel before she gets snatched." Harley teased, putting his arm around his shoulders. "You have to admit she grew up to be quite a looker. Not to mention her swarm of lovey dovey fan boys."
"For once I agree with Harley. Do you think it is time to stop teasing her? You two are 18 now and it has been 8 years." Solidad added.
"Leave me alone…" Drew said. "There is nothing going on between me and May."
"But I feel there is." Solidad said.
"I said there is nothing." Drew said.
"Are you sure Drewy?" Harley said. "If there is nothing going on between you two, what is with the roses? You know very well roses are a sign of love and don't lie to me that it is for her Beautifly."
"It is none of your business." Drew snapped. "It is not like that dense girl would know. I have given her roses for eight years now and she still didn't figure it out yet." I tried so many times to tell her but every time I do, I chicken out and start teasing her. Solidad and Harley were shocked to hear this. "Look, I know what you two are saying. If you want to know, I like her a lot okay so stop pestering me about it." He then let out a sigh. "I would deal with it."
"Alright Drew but you better do something quick before someone steals her heart away from you." Solidad said.
"Well, I want to go check on my gingerbread cookie." Harley said, prancing towards the video phone. "I want to meet my future mother in law."
"STAY AWAY FROM HER!" Drew screamed, following him. No way is he taking May from me.
"I guess it can't be helped." Solidad said, following them. They both like each other but don't want to admit it to each other. What a funny notion?
"Oh hey mom…" May said. Not even looking at the screen. "I guess you watch the Grand Festival on TV."
"I think I am a little bit too young to be your mom, May." May opened her eyes and was shocked to see a beautiful woman with long blonde hair and sapphire and starlight eyes. "Hi May, it has been a long time hasn't it."
"OH MY GOSH, CLAIRE!" May screamed. "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!"
"It's me…" Claire said, giggling. "How is my little cousin doing?"
"I am doing good but well sort of. I lost today in the Grand Festival. I was in the finals and well, I didn't win." May said, letting out a frown.
"Well, I have an idea to put a smile on your face. I live in Mineral Town and there is a festival coming up, I would like for you to come and visit me." Claire said. "It would mean a lot to me to see you again."
"I don't know, I have a couple of friends here with me and I don't know if they would agree to have a break." May said.
"Your friends are welcome to come as well and I would make all your favorite dishes even fried noodles." Claire said. May's eyes glimmer as she heard that. Food is always the key to persuade her. I am happy that she didn't change too much. "So, are you still uncertain?"
"No, I would love to come." May cheered. "I would love to see you again and try your cooking. It has been so long that I haven't eaten your fried noodles."
"My gingerbread cookie, who are you talking to?" Harley said, hugging her from behind and staring at the screen. "Oh my, I thought your mother would be on the phone but I didn't expect a beautiful woman."
"Harley, get your hands off of her." Drew said, pulling him away.
"Please don't be so violent." Solidad said. When she turned to the screen, she let out a blush. She pushed May away and let out a sigh. "Claire, is that you?"
"Solidad, it has been a long time. The last time I saw you when you were 10. You grew up to be a beautiful woman. I heard you are quite a coordinator. I am happy for you." Claire said, smiling. "I didn't expect you to be a friend to my cousin."
"Wait, your cousin is May?" Solidad said.
"Of course I am, is it hard to believe?" Claire asked. "I was telling my cousin that you are all invited to come to Mineral Town. You all would be my special guests."
"OF COURSE WE WOULD COME!" Solidad squeaked. Drew, Harley, and May were shocked to see this side of Solidad. She was always so calm, cool, and collective but seeing her act like a fan girl was new and weird to them. "I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND TIME WITH THE GODDESS OF HOENN!"
"Goddess of Hoenn?" Drew and Harley said, looking baffled.
"CLAIRE, DINNER IS READY!"
"I would love to chat more but I have a dinner to attend to. My lover is not a patient man." Claire said, smiling. "See you all in three days. Goodbye May and please keep that smile on your face."
"Thanks Claire…" May said. She hung up and everyone was staring at her. "What?"
"May, I can't believe you are related to the Goddess of Hoenn. She was the reason why I became a coordinator in the first place." Solidad said. "She won a lot of Grand Festivals in her time. I can't believe I am going to meet her again."
"Oh honey, calm down." Harley said. "You remind me of Drewy's fan girls."
"I guess we are going to Mineral Town." Drew said, letting out a sigh.
"If you don't want to come, you don't have to. I can go with Solidad and Harley." May protested, crossing her arms.
"I didn't say I didn't want to come. We all need a break so I think this trip would be great for all of us especially for you." Drew said. "Or maybe for Solidad…"
"I can't believe I am going to meet her." Solidad said, sighing with awe.
"For once, I agree with you." May said, giggling. Drew smiled as she saw her anger disappeared.
And without any worries, I can finally tell her. Drew thought.
"OH NO!" Claire screamed, cupping her face.
"CLAIRE, WHAT IS IT?!" Gray screamed, racing towards her. He grabbed her hands and found her shocked. "Claire, is there something wrong?"
"I need to upgrade my house. I am going to have four guests coming and I didn't upgrade my house yet." Claire said. Gray let out a sigh of relief.
"You scared me half to death." Gray said. "I thought someone died."
"This is a serious problem. I have to head to Gotz right away to upgrade my house. I have three days." Claire said. She was about to leave until Gray stopped her. "Gray?"
"It is getting late and Gotz is probably at the Inn." Gray explained. "We can go tomorrow to do your upgrades but for now, let's eat some dinner."
"Okay…" Claire said, kissing him.
"Oh Claire, I think you gave me a title." Gray said.
"What, I did?" She asked.
"I am your lover not your boyfriend. Lover is in another level so there for." Gray said, cupping her face. "I would give you all my love for you." He kissed her one more and spent the rest of the night, giving her more of his love.