Looking back to my personal life - the kids in my classes had long since changed their ways, and my grades were surprisingly pretty good! I even started to improve in my math classes: mostly B's, but a couple of A's abd C's mixed in. After every day, I'd meet Cree in the court yard and we'd wait for our rides together. During the time being, we got two new additions to the Wilson family - a twin baby brother and sister who we've named "Elizabeth" and "Andrew".
Then one day, I discovered something that would change my life forever.. one day in September of 1998, I came out of my bed room to find Javier and 7-year-old Nathan sitting on the sofa and watching something on the TV. Being the curious child I was, I sat next to them. On-screen was a kid wearing a red and white cap, dressed in a jacket, shirt, gloves and jeans. On his shoulder was a yellow mouse-like creature with a tail in the shape of a lightning bolt. They appeared to be in a stadium, about to battle someone else. I was intrigued as I looked on, seeing the boy and his electric mouse battling other strange creatures, and I needed to know more. "psst! Javi, what is this show? I-It's nothing like I've seen before," I whispered audibly, leaning towards my older brother. "It's called Pokemon: Indigo League, and it's about a boy named Ash Ketchum who strives to be the world's greatest Pokemon master. Pikachu is his friend, along with Misty and Brock as well, but you'll see them later. Their main enemies are known as Team Rocket: Jessie, James, and Meowth, who plan to capture Pikachu." I let out a soft grunt of interest before turning my gaze back to the TV. "This episode is called "Electric Shock Showdown", where Ash seeks out the Vermillion Gym to fight its leader, Lt. Surge and hopefully wins the thunder badge!" I nodded again, except I was paying more attention to the TV this time. Watching the battle between Pikachu and Raichu felt pretty good, and it sorta reminded me of animals battling for dominance but with pokemon.
As time passed, I watched more Pokemon, even recording a few episodes on my OWN TV set. I began to memorize all of the Pokemon and their names, and of course, Javier and I drew pictures of them and hung them on the refrigerator. One time when mama and I went shopping, I saw plush dolls of each starter, and I begged her to buy them for me - to which she gave in without hesitation. I named the Bulbasaur "Sprout", the Charmander "Blaze", and the Squirtle "Riptide".
The next weekend night came, and Cree decided to come over for a sleep-over, so I just HAD to tell her all about my new interest in Pokemon! I showed her my growing plush collection of the creatures, and donned a hooded night gown with Eevee ears and a tail, which Cree found adorable. "S-so.. you've been watching it too?? That's great!" I nodded with a smile.
That night, we relaxed on my bed and watched recorded episodes on my TV set, conversing softly to each other. One example being-
"so what's your favorite Pokemon so far? Mine is Psyduck, he's silly-"
"hmmmm.. I think Nidorina is one of my personal favorites.. oh, and Vulpix!"
"let's not forget Pikachu! And Charizard too!"
After some time of watching episode after episode, we both passed out in each other's arms, secured by a big, fluffy blanket, all while dreaming of the Pokemon world..