Chapter 19
It's been a week since the interview, and I've spent most of it relaxing and catching up with my siblings. Mark, Golly, Minami, Insey, Trenor, and I have been bonding over Pokémon games, something that's become a bit of a tradition for us. Sometimes we invite Alice and her sisters, Eve and Flora, to join in, turning our casual game sessions into lively competitions full of laughter and playful banter. It's been a nice distraction, helping to keep my mind off the wait for the university's decision.
This particular morning starts off like any other. The seven of us are gathered around the breakfast table, the smell of freshly made pancakes and eggs filling the air. My dad is sitting at the head of the table, sipping his coffee and listening to the usual chatter with a content smile. Conversation flows easily, mostly about the games we've been playing and the latest strategies we're planning to try.
Just as I'm about to dig into my plate, Mom walks into the room holding an envelope. The sight of it makes my heart skip a beat—this could be it. The room falls silent as everyone turns to look at her.
"Ash, this just came in," Mom says, her voice soft but tinged with excitement. She hands me the envelope, her eyes shining with pride.
My hands tremble slightly as I take it, feeling the weight of all the anticipation from the past week. I tear it open carefully, pulling out the letter inside. As my eyes scan the words, relief and joy wash over me all at once.
"I did it," I say, looking up at my family, my voice filled with disbelief. "I passed the interview. I'm in!"
For a moment, the room is silent as the news sinks in. Then, like a burst of fireworks, everyone erupts in cheers. Mark claps me on the back, grinning from ear to ear. Golly lets out a whoop of excitement, while Minami and Insey exchange high fives. Trenor gives me a proud nod, and even Alice and her sisters, who had joined us for breakfast, look thrilled.
Dad stands up, walking over to give me a firm pat on the shoulder, his smile wide and full of pride. "I knew you could do it, son," he says, his voice steady and warm.
Mom wipes a tear from the corner of her eye, her smile as bright as I've ever seen it. "We need to celebrate this properly," she declares, and everyone quickly agrees.
As the excitement settles down a bit, Mark, always the practical one, looks around the table with a big grin. "So, how do we celebrate?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Before anyone else can chime in, Golly raises her hand as if she's in class. "How about we invite Alice's family out for a meal at that nice restaurant downtown? It's thanks to Alice's mom that Ash was able to enroll in the university, after all."
There's a collective nod of agreement around the table. It's a great idea—Emma's support was instrumental in getting me this far, and it would be nice to show our appreciation.
With the plan decided, I reach for my phone, my heart still pounding from the excitement. I quickly find Alice's number and hit the call button. It only takes a couple of rings before she picks up.
"Ash? Hey! What's up?" Alice's voice is bright and cheerful on the other end, and I can't help but smile.
"I've got some great news," I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling inside. "I passed the interview! I'm officially in at Lumiose University."
There's a brief pause, and then Alice's voice bursts through the phone, filled with joy. "Ash, that's amazing! I knew you could do it! We're going to be classmates now—this is so awesome!"
Her happiness is infectious, and I feel a warmth in my chest knowing how much this means to her, too. "Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it," I reply. "Actually, we were thinking of celebrating tonight. My family and I want to invite you, your parents, and your sisters out for a meal at that nice restaurant downtown. It's also our way of thanking your mom for all the help she gave me."
Alice's excitement only grows. "That sounds perfect! I'll tell my mom and sisters—they'll be thrilled! And honestly, you totally deserve this celebration, Ash."
"Thanks, Alice," I say, feeling the last remnants of nervousness fade away. "I'm really glad we'll be doing this together. I'll see you all tonight, then?"
"Definitely! And Ash… I'm really proud of you," Alice adds softly before we hang up.
As I put the phone down, I can't help but grin. Not only did I make it into the university, but I'll also get to celebrate this milestone with Alice and her family.
The evening arrives quickly, and the house is filled with excitement as we prepare to head out to the restaurant. My siblings are buzzing with energy, and I can feel the anticipation building in the air. We're all eager to celebrate, not just because of my news, but also because it's a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company in a special way.
The doorbell rings, and I jump up to answer it. When I open the door, Alice and her family are standing there, smiles on their faces. Alice is beaming, and her sisters, Eve and Flora, are right behind her, looking just as excited. Emma and Ray, her parents, greet us warmly.
"Come on in," I say, stepping aside to let them in. "We're so glad you could make it."
As everyone steps into the entryway, there's a flurry of greetings and hugs. The adults quickly fall into conversation, their voices mingling with the laughter of my siblings and Alice's sisters.
"Emma, Ray, it's wonderful to see you," my mom says, offering them both a warm smile. "Thank you so much for everything you've done for Ash. We're really grateful."
Emma smiles back, shaking her head modestly. "It was my pleasure. Ash has worked hard, and he's earned this. We're just glad to be here to celebrate with you all."
Ray nods in agreement, turning to my dad. "It's been too long since we've had a chance to catch up. I'm looking forward to a good meal and some great conversation."
My dad chuckles, clapping Ray on the shoulder. "Absolutely. Let's make sure we don't let so much time pass between get-togethers from now on."
With everyone ready, we head out the door and pile into a couple of cars. The drive to the restaurant is filled with lively chatter and the kind of easygoing humor that only comes with close friends and family. By the time we arrive, the mood is already set for a night of celebration and fun.
The restaurant we're heading to is one of the nicest in Lumiose City—a place with a reputation for elegance and fine dining. Knowing this, we've all dressed the part. My siblings and I are in formal attire, something we don't usually do, but it feels right for the occasion. I'm wearing a tailored suit that my mom insisted I put on, and for once, I don't mind the extra effort. The crisp white shirt and black tie feel a bit stiff, but the excitement of the evening makes up for it.
As we gather at the door, waiting to leave, I catch sight of Alice as she steps into the room. She's wearing a stunning dark blue dress that flows elegantly to the floor, accentuating her graceful figure. The dress has a subtle shimmer, catching the light as she moves, and she's paired it with a delicate necklace that adds just the right touch of sophistication. Her hair is styled simply, letting her natural beauty shine through.
I can't help but be captivated. She looks absolutely stunning, and for a moment, I'm at a loss for words.
"You look nice, Alice," I manage to say, my voice a bit softer than usual, still trying to absorb how beautiful she looks.
Alice smiles, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She looks me over, and her smile widens. "You look amazing as well, Ash," she replies, her eyes shining with genuine warmth.
The restaurant is even more impressive inside than it is from the outside. Soft, ambient lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, with elegant chandeliers casting a golden glow over the polished wooden tables. The walls are adorned with tasteful artwork, and the gentle murmur of conversation from other diners adds to the sophisticated ambiance.
We're seated at a large, round table near a window that offers a stunning view of the city lights. The waitstaff is attentive, gliding around us with practiced ease as they bring out the first course—a delicate arrangement of appetizers that looks almost too beautiful to eat. The food is presented like art on the plates, each dish meticulously arranged with bright, vibrant colors and garnished with fresh herbs.
Everyone is in high spirits, chatting and laughing as we enjoy the meal. My siblings are clearly enjoying themselves, marveling at the fancy dishes and savoring each bite. Golly and Trenor are debating the merits of the different appetizers, while Mark and Minami are engrossed in a conversation about the best dessert options on the menu. Eve and Flora are equally animated, discussing their favorite foods with Insey, who seems to be trying everything.
My parents are deep in conversation with Emma and Ray, reminiscing about old times and discussing plans for the future. There's a sense of warmth and connection at the table, the kind that comes from sharing a special moment with people who care about each other.
As the main course arrives—a selection of perfectly cooked meats, delicate seafood, and fresh vegetables—all served with rich, flavorful sauces—the conversation continues, but I find my attention drifting toward Alice. She seems to notice, catching my eye with a smile.
The food is incredible, but right now, I'm more focused on her. After a few moments, I decide to start a conversation of our own.
"This place is amazing," I say, glancing around at the elegant surroundings before looking back at her. "But honestly, I'm glad we're here together. It makes it even better."
Alice's smile softens, and she nods. "I was just thinking the same thing. It's nice to be here with everyone, but… it's also nice just being with you." She pauses, her eyes meeting mine. "How are you feeling after all that's happened? I know it's been a whirlwind."
Alice's question brings me back to the reality of everything that's happened over the past few weeks. I take a moment to reflect before answering.
"It really has been a whirlwind," I admit, glancing down at the plate in front of me. "There were times when I wasn't sure if things would work out, but having you and everyone else supporting me made all the difference. I couldn't have done it alone."
Alice's smile is warm, and there's a soft understanding in her eyes. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Ash. But I'm glad we could be there for you. It means a lot to me, too."
I look up at her, feeling a surge of gratitude. "You know, we're going to be classmates now," I say, my voice carrying a mix of excitement and anticipation. "I'm really looking forward to spending more time with you, not just in class, but outside of it too."
For a moment, Alice seems taken aback by my words, and I notice a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. She looks away briefly, almost shyly, before turning back to me with a soft smile. "I'm looking forward to that too, Ash. It's going to be nice having you around, more than just as a friend."
Her words hang in the air between us, filled with unspoken possibilities. The restaurant, the laughter, and the conversation around us seem to fade into the background, leaving just the two of us in this quiet, shared moment.
I can't help but smile back at her, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the food or the elegant surroundings. "Yeah, it really is," I say softly, knowing that this is just the beginning of something new and exciting.
As the evening continues, the conversation shifts back to the group, but the connection between us lingers, a quiet understanding that we'll explore together in the days to come.
Here is a new chapter, and we have a small celebration chapter and I hope you like it.