For the next two weeks leading up to the fall recess, Calem and I spent a lot of time together.
We developed a routine that balanced practice with leisure, holding each other accountable for the progress we were making. After sparring, we'd head to The Spheal Appeal to unwind. Sometimes we'd sit in comfortable silence, sipping our drinks, not needing to say anything at all. Other times, we'd talk about the Academy or the friendly matches we had.
When we first showed up at The Spheal Appeal together, Anton had seemed surprised to see me with someone else. But he didn't ask questions or tease. He just treated Calem like any other customer, which I was grateful for. I had a strong suspicion that Anton was the one who'd taken that picture of us sitting together in his café all those years ago, so if he had mentioned it, I don't think I could've mended the reopened wounds in Calem's heart.
Still, I was amazed at how easy it was for him and I to just be together. I found myself not wanting to be apart from him, and I noticed things about him that I hadn't seen before when I kept my distance.
No matter how tough his day had been, he always asked about my day, and offered his support whenever I needed it. When he was feeling stressed, he'd open up about his frustrations and struggles, and I would always listen, in the same way he had done for me. I couldn't solve all of his problems, of course, but if I could make his day just a little bit better… that was enough for me.
Sometimes, when we worked together in the library, I'd catch him glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, like he was waiting for me to say something. Maybe it was just my imagination, but it felt... different from how he usually looked at me. I didn't know if it was the closeness between us or something more, but in those moments, when we'd share a glance or a smile, I could feel that he trusted me more than anyone else.
I wasn't exactly sure how to interpret my feelings for him, though. He was everything I'd hoped he'd be... perhaps even more. I was starting to see him as a person in his own right, not just as someone connected to my past, and that made everything feel… genuine.
I wanted to hold onto this time we were spending together, to fully cherish it before whatever came next. I wanted to preserve the pieces we were rebuilding.
Even though I wasn't worried about the future, I couldn't help but wonder... what was next for us?
As if the universe had given me its answer, it was now the last day before our fall recess, and the crisp autumn air made the afternoon feel unusually fresh as the campus quieted down. Students were preparing for the break ahead, scrambling about and chattering about their plans. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting tall shadows across the courtyard as the leaves swirled on the ground. I found Calem sitting on a bench by the fountain, his duffel bag resting by his side as he absentmindedly tossed a pebble into the water.
"May I join you?" I asked, walking toward him with a small smile, despite the slight unease in my chest. The thought of the next few days without him around seemed like an odd thought, as we hadn't spent a significant amount of time apart, lately.
He looked up at me with his usual calm expression. "Of course." He shifted slightly to make room, and I sat beside him, our shoulders brushing lightly. He tossed another pebble into the fountain, aiming for the pillar of water, but missing altogether.
"So," I started, not sure exactly what I wanted to say, but needing to fill the silence. "What are you doing for the break?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head as he leaned back against the bench. "Nothing special, really. I'll probably just… rest. Maybe do some studying."
"Yeah, I figured." I fidgeted with the cuff of my sleeve. "I'll be in Vaniville Town with my parents. It'll be nice to get out of here for a bit."
"Vaniville Town, huh? I'll be heading back there, too, but it'll be a little different for me. My parents don't live there anymore." He stilled. "Spending time with your family... it sounds like it'll be nice."
"Yeah," I replied quietly. "I've been looking forward to seeing them again. They're usually tending to their matters in other regions, so I don't get to see them as much as I'd like."
We watched the last few students scatter as they headed to their dorms or off to the train station.
Calem broke the silence, facing me. "Serena, I know that we've only been hanging out for a few weeks, but… I'm going to miss you. A lot."
"That makes me happy to hear." I said, looking up from my lap. "I feel the same way."
The sound of the water filled the quiet space between us. I couldn't help but wonder if this was the calm before something bigger. Maybe after the break, things would feel different, and I didn't know if I was ready for that shift, or if he was either.
"Well," he said eventually, stretching his arms above his head, "I guess I should get going. There's some things I want to grab in town before I return home."
I nodded, standing up alongside him. "Yeah, me too. I should probably get back to my dorm and pack. Don't want to miss the train tomorrow!"
We stood there, suspended in time, like neither of us wanted to leave just yet.
Before I turned away from him, I gave him a soft smile, "Hey, if you ever get bored or just want to stop by, my house is on the West side of town, past the park. I wouldn't mind the company."
He looked at me for a moment, as if the invitation stirred something within him before he nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Take care, okay?"
"I will," I promised him. "See you soon."
And with that, we parted ways. I watched him walk off toward the gates of the Academy, a quiet ache starting to settle in my chest.
I slowly moved away from the bench, and started walking towards my dorm. The campus felt emptier without him, as I had grown so accustomed to the sound of his footsteps alongside my own.
I finally arrived at my dorm, feeling the weight of my solitude more than ever before. I closed the door behind me and leaned on the doorway, staring at the room that suddenly felt far too big, and far too quiet. I dropped my bag onto the floor with a dull thud, not even bothering to hang it up like I usually would. My body moved automatically, trudging towards my bed as if it were the only place I could go. I collapsed onto it, and stretched out, sinking into the sheets, but it didn't ease the tightness in my chest. I stared up at the ceiling, as if it could offer me some kind of answer to what I was feeling.
The silence in the room filled every gap and crevice, reminding me of the comfort it used to offer me. After all, I had spent the past two fall recesses on my own, travelling to the neighboring cities, doing whatever I could to pass the time. My parents were both busy, but they would each send me their love through a care package and check in with me from time to time.
The thought of being alone for the next few days didn't feel like it used to. Not when I didn't want to be by myself now. Not when I had someone who understood me in a different way to how my parents did.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. I jolted up, answering without looking at the contact.
"Bonsoir, ma petite fille!" My dad said, his voice bubbling with excitement. "We've finally arrived in Kalos! How's everything going over there? Are you on your way back home?"
"Bonsoir, papa!" I chuckled, feeling a mix of relief and affection. "You nearly gave me a heart attack just now! I'm still in Shalour. I'll be boarding the train tomorrow to head home."
"Ah, my apologies! I've just been so eager to hear from you." He said, his laughter warm. "Your mother and I are just starting to recover from the jet lag of leaving Sunyshore."
I let out a contented sigh and sank back into my bed. "Oh, so you two are already in Vaniville? Is Mom there? Could I speak with her?"
"I would pass you the phone, but... well, she's fast asleep on the sofa right now." He said, chuckling quietly. "She's such a sleepyhead! She's been catching up on some much-needed rest since we got back."
"Sounds just like her! I've been looking forward to seeing you two since I got that email from Mom a couple of weeks ago. It feels like it's been forever."
"I know, it's been too long. But I'm glad to hear you're doing well. I can't wait to see how much stronger you've gotten, Serena! You've always been dedicated, but I bet the Academy has pushed you even further."
"I'd be happy to show you, Dad. I've even made a friend who's been helping me a lot lately. His name is Calem."
"That's great! Sparring with friends can teach you so much about teamwork. Where's he from?"
"He's originally from Lumiose, but he lives in Vaniville, believe it or not," I said, a fond smile forming on my lips as I thought of him. "We've been training, studying, and just spending time together outside of the Academy."
"Sounds like you've got a good thing going on there." Dad mused.
"For sure." I agreed, feeling a little proud. "Calem's a really good strategist. He's got this ability to think on his feet in the middle of a battle, and I've learned a lot from him. Before, I was only focused on battle theory, but Calem showed me how important it is to read the situation in real-time and adapt."
"He's teaching you well." Dad said. "Being able to adjust to your opponent can really make a difference in a battle."
"Oh, absolutely." I laughed softly. "Calem's not quite the academic type, though, so I've been helping him stay on top of his assignments."
"I think it's good to have someone who challenges you. From what I'm hearing, you're both learning from each other."
"Yeah, it's been a really great experience," I said, feeling content with how things had been going. "I even invited him to visit us when he has time. I think you and Mom would like him."
"I look forward to it," Dad chuckled warmly. "You're growing up so quickly, Serena. But remember, your mother and I are always here for you, no matter what."
"I know, papa. Thank you." His words settled into my chest, comforting me with their steady assurance.
"I love you, Serena. I'll be counting the minutes until you come back."
"I love you too, Dad."
After hanging up, I leaned back against my bed, feeling a little better than before. Dad and I didn't talk as often as Mom and I did, but every time we did, it felt like he was silently telling me how proud he was.
The thought made me smile as I closed my eyes, letting the feeling wash over me and put my mind at ease. For a moment, I was at peace.
But as the minutes stretched on, I noticed a restlessness building up again. Maybe it was the anticipation of heading home. Of leaving the Academy behind for a while. Or maybe it was that weird feeling of transition, that strange space between what was and what would be.
I began shuffling through my drawers to pack for Vaniville Town. I didn't need much, since I had several clothes in my closet back at home, but I wanted to feel like I was really going somewhere. I kept my mind focused on the practical task of folding clothes, grabbing toiletries, and putting some reference books in my suitcase.
The quiet rhythm of it helped me maintain my focus, but it wasn't until I found myself staring at the train ticket on my desk, that my restlessness crept back in.
Shaking the thought away, I grabbed my jacket and left the dorm, hoping that some fresh air would clear my mind.
The paved, cobblestone streets of Shalour were bustling as usual, a colorful blend of tourists and locals going about their day. I found myself wandering aimlessly, my thoughts still going over my dad's words and everything that had changed recently. It wasn't until I walked past a small, quaint shop that something caught my eye.
The shop's window was lined with various trinkets: small figures and keychains that were simply too cute for me to ignore. Impulsively, I made my way inside, the bell above the door chiming lightly as I walked through. The shopkeeper didn't even look up, as she was too focused on the novel she was reading to pay me any mind. I kept walking, though, mesmerized by the bright, colorful wares lining the shelves.
As I wandered through the aisles, my hand brushed over a row of keychains, each one more colorful than the last. But one, in particular, stood out. It was a Munchlax keychain, a little smiling figure with a gluttonous expression, holding a Sitrus Berry.
I paused, my fingers wrapping around the keychain as I stared at it, lost in thought. The more I looked at it, the more I realized how perfect it was for Calem.
Wait… Calem?
As I stood there holding the keychain, a match was struck inside of me.
I hadn't meant to let myself get caught up in thinking about Calem, especially now, after what we had talked about earlier. But there I was, standing in a tiny shop in Shalour City, my thoughts entirely preoccupied by him.
I gently put the keychain back on the display, my hand lingering for a moment before I pulled it away. For a second, I could have sworn that the Munchlax had a sad look on his face, like he didn't want to part ways with me… like he was waiting for me to return.
Waiting so patiently.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I reached for it again. My fingers closed around it firmly, and this time, I didn't dare hesitate.
I walked over to the counter, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. The shopkeeper looked up from her novel, smiling as she took the keychain from me and scanned it.
"Good choice," She said, ringing it up. " You didn't even have to wait in front of a Honey Tree for hours."
"Oh, you have no idea." I mumbled, a bit embarrassed. I fumbled with my wallet, trying to get the coins out. I paid for the keychain, wondering if the Munchlax was happy now that he was going home with me.
The shopkeeper placed my –er, Calem's keychain into a small, striped paper bag, thanking me for my purchase.
I couldn't help but smile as I held the keychain. It was silly, I knew, but I couldn't deny the feeling that it would mean something to him. I curled my fingers over the edges of the paper bag, the weight of it in my pocket a small, tangible reminder of him. It wasn't much, but it was enough to feel like I was giving him a small piece of myself.
The first thing I did when I returned to my dorm was sit down at the kitchen table, with the Munchlax keychain cradled in my palm. I turned it over slowly, the little figure's smiling face meeting my gaze.
I gently placed the Munchlax back into its bag, taking a moment to admire it one last time before I got ready for bed. As I changed into my pajamas and brushed through my hair, I imagined the happiness that the keychain would bring Calem, and that was more than enough to justify the impulse purchase. It was strange how something so small could fill me with such a calm sense of anticipation.
I sat down on my bed, glancing at the keychain on the table once more before pulling the covers up. My room was quiet, and the soft hum of the night outside felt far away, like nothing could disturb this moment. Even the restlessness I'd been carrying seemed to have disappeared, replaced by something more peaceful. Something more certain.
I realized then that I wasn't afraid to think about him, to feel the way I felt about him now. I didn't have to ignore my growing feelings for him anymore. I could just let it be. It was enough to simply know that I cared about him, and that I wanted to be closer to him.
I smiled softly to myself, letting the thought settle. Whenever I saw him again, I would give it to him. Even if Calem doesn't return my feelings right away, I would wait for him, the same way he had been patiently waiting for me.
I turned off the light on my nightstand, and shuffled onto my side, so that the Munchlax keychain on the table was the last thing I saw before I fell asleep.
…
The morning light fluttered in through the curtains, casting soft, golden streaks across my room. The gentle glow stirred me from my sleep, and I blinked up at the ceiling, still tangled in yesterday's thoughts. But then the ringing of my alarm sliced through the quiet, shaking me awake.
I groaned softly, blinking against the morning haze. With a quick stretch, I tossed the covers off and slid out of bed, the cool floor against my feet pulling me into the new day. I glanced at the spot on the kitchen table where the Munchlax keychain rested safely in its little bag and smiled, already thinking of Calem.
Quickly, I moved through the motions of my daily routine, brushing my teeth, and slipping into something comfortable for the train ride, all while a newfound energy surged beneath my skin.
As I gathered my things, I picked up the keychain and slipped it carefully into my bag. It was small, but it felt so much bigger now that I had filled it with all the things I hadn't quite been able to put into words yet.
I glanced over my shoulder to take one last look around my dorm, almost like I was saying goodbye for a little while. There was something about today, something about this trip… that felt different. This wasn't just a break; it was a step forward.
With my heart beating just a little faster, I grabbed my bag and skipped out the door. The sound of the train station got louder as I approached it, the clatter of wheels on tracks mixing in with the morning clamour and announcements echoing overhead. I approached the platform, catching sight of the train pulling into the station, its wheels screeching softly as it came to a halt.
Once aboard, I found a seat by the window, and tucked my bag between my arms and my lap. The rhythmic sound of the train as it started moving was oddly soothing, and I leaned back against the seat, watching the world go by outside the window across from me. The landscape outside became a swirl of orange, red, and brown as the train gathered speed, its gentle rocking soothing its passengers, a stark difference to the bustle of the station. I rested my hands on my lap, my fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the Munchlax keychain in the pocket of my bag.
The train ride felt shorter than usual, and soon the signs for Santalune appeared in the distance. I gathered my belongings and made my way to the exit, my face meeting a brisk breeze as the doors opened up for me.
I stepped off the train at Santalune Station, adjusting the strap of my bag as I looked around at the familiar cityscape. The streets were already alive with the usual commotion, people hurrying to their destinations, each wrapped in their own world. My mind was still a little clouded from the early start, but I felt a strange pull in my chest as I navigated through the crowd.
I was doing my best to dodge elbows and avoid getting knocked into, feeling like I was swimming through a sea of people. The noise was overwhelming, too; the chatter of busy pedestrians, the distant honking of horns, and the occasional shout from street vendors trying to sell their goods.
I made it through a particularly thick part of the crowd and spotted a bench off to the side, like an oasis from all of the rush. I quickly made my way toward it, hoping for just a moment of peace. I sank down onto the bench, finally able to breathe again as I pulled out my phone to check the time.
Just as I was settling in, I felt a soft bump against my elbow. Surprised, I turned my head, "Forgive me, I didn't mean to—"
The other person spoke at the same time. "My apologies, I wasn't—"
We both immediately stopped, and we each did a double take when we realized who we were talking to.
Calem and I both burst out laughing at the sheer coincidence of it all. Of all the places in the crowded city, we had somehow ended up on the same bench, bumping elbows as if we had planned it.
"I didn't even see you!" I said, still laughing. "How did we both end up here?"
Calem shrugged with a playful grin, "I'm not sure. Maybe we're both carrying a magnet?"
"We must be!"
We both sat there, still chuckling, realizing that out of the entire downtown area, we had found the one spot where the world felt a little smaller, and a lot more familiar.
"In all seriousness, Serena," He said, his voice warm and inviting. "I didn't expect to see you here."
I laughed lightly, a little embarrassed at our coincidental meeting. "Neither did I. I thought you were already in Vaniville," I responded. "It hasn't even been a full day since we last saw each other."
"Oh, that's because I stayed overnight in Lumiose. I didn't want to be out too late after I left Shalour last night."
"Ah, gotcha." I could tell that there was something on his mind, but I didn't press. Instead, I smiled back, "Well, if you'd like, we can continue to head back to Vaniville together."
"I'd love to." He beamed, standing up from the bench. Turning around to face me, he offered his hand, "Shall we go?"
I nodded, placing my hand in his palm. With a slight shift of his stance, he helped support me as I pushed myself off the bench. Once I was standing on both feet, we began walking side by side, the crowded sidewalk opening up as we found a quieter path ahead.
"Hey, what do you say we stop for a coffee before we head to Vaniville?" Calem suggested. "It's still early, and I'm sure we both could use a little pick-me-up."
I nudged his shoulder. "I wouldn't mind, but I thought you'd already be caffeinated by now."
"Well, I can never resist a good cup of iced coffee. But it always seems to taste better whenever you're with me."
I couldn't help but notice how much his words sounded like he wanted to enjoy the moment with me. It wasn't just about getting to Vaniville; it was about us, spending a little extra time together, even if it was something as simple as grabbing coffee.
I decided to tease him, unable to resist the joy that his flustered face brought me, "That's because I always stop you from dumping a metric ton of sugar into your drink! You'd probably give yourself a heart attack if it weren't for me!"
Calem's grin widened. "You know me too well. But it's delicious, and I'm sticking with it. It's my go-to."
I smirked. "What happened to trying out other drinks and expanding your horizons?"
"I'm in the mood for the classics, today."
"In that case, I think it's safe to say I'll be sticking to something with a bit more elegance."
Calem shot me a playful look, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth. "Elegance is what you call it? Are you referring to your milk tea? You drink that stuff more than water."
I rolled my eyes, playing along. "Milk tea is a masterpiece! I don't even have to add sugar to it to make it sweet."
He laughed at that, giving me a sidelong glance. "Even so, I'm sure your 'masterpiece' is just as sweet as my iced coffee."
"Not even close." I shot back. "In fact, you tried it for yourself, didn't you?"
"It was very good, I will admit. But it will never replace my beloved iced coffee."
"Hmm, well… your iced coffee does have its merit, I'll give you that. However, you won't see me giving up my milk tea, either."
We both laughed, and for a brief moment, it felt like we were back in that easy rhythm we always had, like we hadn't been apart at all.
We found a small, cozy café tucked on one of Santalune's quieter streets, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee inviting us in. The barista greeted us with a warm smile as we ordered our drinks, and in the blink of an eye, they were ready for us to pick up off the other side of the counter.
Calem and I chose to make ourselves comfortable at a corner table, removing our jackets and hanging them off of the backs of our chairs. We stacked our bags on top of each other, leaning them up against the wall before we started drinking our preferred beverages, letting ourselves settle down.
I took a long sip of my tea while Calem stirred his coffee, his movements slow and deliberate. I couldn't help but giggle, knowing exactly how much sugar he had added. When his gaze shifted toward me, I quickly looked away, hiding my smile behind my cup.
After setting his spoon down, his usual playful grin softened into something more sincere. He met my gaze, his tone shifting. "You know, Serena," he began, "about what you said yesterday… about me visiting your house..."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden change in his demeanor. "Yeah?"
He leaned back a little, crossing his arms comfortably. "Well, I've been thinking about it. I'd like to take you up on that offer."
I hadn't expected him to be so direct. "Ah, so you'd like to join us for lunch?" I said, a bit flustered. "I think you'd like my parents' cooking. When we lived in Unova, my mom picked up on some really good recipes, and my dad helped her perfect them."
His eyebrows furrowed. "You lived in Unova?"
The question caught me off guard. I hesitated, unsure why it stung a little. Did I seriously never tell him? Why was he so surprised? Wasn't that something we would've talked about in the past?
The realization dug into me sharply. Maybe I had assumed too much. Maybe we weren't as close in the past as I had believed.
I quickly smiled, trying to mask my uncertainty. "That's right. I was born in Castelia City. We moved to Vaniville Town because my dad wanted to be in touch with his Kalosian roots."
Thankfully, he didn't dwell on my hesitation, "What was it like? Growing up in Castelia City?"
"Where do I even begin?" I tried my best to summarize. "I loved everything about Castelia. Always full of life; full of different cultures and people. Dad would take me to the huge library– the largest in the region, in fact– and Mom would drag me to the market on weekends. We'd always stop by this bakery with the longest line... but the pastries were so worth it! I spent hours getting lost in the streets and alleyways, and there was always something to see or do, whether it was watching street performers in the square or just gazing out at the ships in the harbor."
"That sounds… completely different from growing up in Lumiose… I'm almost jealous, honestly." He leaned his head on his hand, smiling. "Do you think you could show me someday?"
"Of course! It would be my pleasure." I nodded. "How about you? What was it like to grow up in Lumiose?"
He glanced down for a moment, clearly lost in thought. His expression turned a little more serious, the words coming out slower. "I had my fair share of adventures, playing in the street, battling the kids at the playground. My parents weren't really around much, though. My dad, he was an Ace Trainer for a while, but once we moved to Vaniville, he quit and went back to Lumiose. I'm sure you know who he is. Everyone at the Academy talks about him all the time."
I frowned. I had heard all about Professor Sycamore's legendary career and achievements. It wasn't a secret, but hearing Calem talk about him in an almost detached way made me realize how complicated their relationship must be.
He continued, "As for my mom... she wasn't really into the small-town life. Once I started attending Trainer School, she started travelling the world. Haven't seen much of her since."
A quiet pause settled between us. I could see how hard it was for him to talk about, and I wished I could say something to make him feel better. This was probably the first time he'd been able to open up about it.
He rubbed his forehead with both hands, looking almost apologetic. "I'm sorry, I ruined the mood, didn't I?"
"No, not at all." I reached over the table, gently moving one of his hands away from his face. "I know it's not easy to talk about. You don't have to apologize for telling me how you feel."
He lowered his other hand away from his face. "Really?"
"Really." I brushed my thumb across his cheek. "You're not ruining anything by being honest with me."
He sat up straighter, and his smile slowly returned to his face. "Thank you, Serena."
I pulled my hand away from him, "I'm always here for you, no matter what."
The tension in the air had lifted when he nodded, glancing out the window for a moment before turning back to me. "Well, we've still got a ways to go, don't we? We should probably get moving if we're going to make it to Vaniville for lunch."
I understood the shift in his mood, and it felt like the right time to keep going. "Agreed. We should finish our drinks." I stood up, gathering my bag and slipping my jacket back on. I took the last sips of my milk tea, feeling refreshed.
Calem followed my lead, standing up and stretching. "Aquacorde Town's not far. Once we get there, home shouldn't be too far away."
I smiled at the thought of the journey ahead. "l wonder what my mom's made for lunch…"
"Only one way to find out."
With that, we left the café, stepping back into the bright sunlight, holding hands like we were before.
We left Santalune City, and were now entering its forest. Leaves in every shade of red swirled around our feet as we made our way through, and before we knew it, we were walking down the lively streets of Aquacorde Town. The town had that cozy, mid-fall feel, with pumpkins and seasonal decorations popping up in windows, the scent of woodsmoke wafting through the air.
"Mmmm… is that bread I smell?" Calem mumbled, closing his eyes to take in the aroma. His stomach started growling, and it made us both chuckle.
"Sounds like we need to hurry. Your appetite's on the line, now!" I said to him.
We picked up our pace, and the familiar sights of Vaniville Town came into view, as picturesque as ever with all the trees lining the streets. It felt like it was welcoming me, eagerly awaiting my return.
As we reached the last stretch of road, Calem let go of my hand to comb his fingers through his hair.
"You look fine." I reassured him. "Don't worry about it."
We walked up to the front door, finally taking our first steps into my house, and the familiar warmth of home wrapped around me as I sighed. Calem followed me in, still looking a little out of place, but clearly doing his best to make himself comfortable. The smell of lunch filled the air, and I could hear the faint clatter of dishes coming from the kitchen. My parents must be done preparing the meal.
I looked back at Calem and said, "Mom and Dad will be out in a second. They're just finishing up in the kitchen."
Calem nodded, a bit awkwardly, remaining behind me. I could tell he was a little unsure of what to do, so I gave him some space while I went to go find my parents.
As I was about to turn around, I heard footsteps coming from the kitchen, followed by the soft sound of someone humming. I knew it was Mom.
She entered the room, carrying a steaming dish of lasagna, Calem looked up and, without missing a beat, said, "Hello, Caitlin. That lasagna looks really good!"
Mom's warm smile lit up her face. "Hi, you must be Calem! It's so nice to finally meet you!" She placed the dish on the table, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "I've heard quite a bit about you!"
Just as Mom was dusting flour off of herself, Dad walked in, holding a pitcher of lemonade, his glasses gleaming under the soft light of the room. He adjusted them and gave Calem a polite smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Calem."
"Likewise, Lucian!" He shook their hands before glancing over at me. "So, when are your parents going to join us for lunch?"
I froze. I knew what was coming.
There was a slight pause. Mom raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Oh," she said, her voice light and playful, "You haven't figured it out yet?"
Calem blinked, clearly confused. "Figured what out?"
Dad chuckled, adjusting his glasses again, his smile wide but gentle. "Well, dear, we are Serena's parents."
The realization hit Calem, and his eyes went wide. His face turned bright red as he tried to process what had just happened. "Wait. You're…? You're her parents?"
I couldn't help it. I burst into laughter, not able to hold it back. It was too perfect. I tried to stifle my giggles, but they came out in a snort, which only made the situation funnier.
Calem's face turned even redder as he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly mortified. "Great. I just made an idiot of myself. In front of Elite Four members, no less!"
Mom stepped forward with a soft laugh, her hand resting gently on Calem's shoulder. "Don't worry, Calem," she said warmly. "Most people don't make the connection right away. We don't go around parading Serena as our daughter, you know?"
Dad smirked slightly, "We've done well, I think, keeping a low profile."
Calem glanced at me, still looking embarrassed. "I should've figured it out sooner."
I wiped away a tear of laughter. "It's alright. You're the only one from school who knows, now!"
Mom's smile softened as she gestured for Calem to sit at the table. "Well, now that the mystery's solved, let's eat!"
We all gathered around the table, and Calem began to relax as we passed the plates and filled our glasses. The initial awkwardness had faded, and before long, he was joining in on our conversation, laughing along with the banter.
I noticed his nervousness slipping away as my parents continued to shower him with warmth and attention. It felt so natural to have him here with us, and I realized, with a surprising amount of happiness, how much I enjoyed sharing this part of my life with him.
As the conversation went on, I was reminded of how much I'd missed this; being surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. My parents were so doting, always making sure I felt safe and supported, and I couldn't help but think how much Calem must appreciate that kind of love, especially after hearing about his upbringing.
Just then, Mom leaned forward. "Alright," she said, taking a sip of her lemonade, her eyes twinkling as she glanced at Dad. "I think it's time to tell Calem how we first met. It's quite a story, isn't it, Lucian?"
Dad raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a slight smirk. "Oh, please, no," he muttered, but I could tell he was secretly enjoying this. "Are you really going to tell him that story?"
"Oh, absolutely," Mom said with a dramatic nod, leaning back in her chair. "Calem deserves to hear it. It's the most romantic tale in the world." She shot him a wink.
Calem shifted nervously in his seat, glancing at me. "What exactly are we talking about?"
I sighed, trying not to laugh. "Oh, you're in for it now." I put my fork down, giving my mother my undivided attention. "Mom, go ahead. Let's hear it!"
Mom took a deep breath, clearly relishing the moment. "Well, it all started in Sinnoh. Lucian and I first met because of Cynthia."
"Ugh, Cynthia…" Dad muttered under his breath, adjusting his glasses like he was trying to block out a painful memory. "To this day, I still don't know what she was thinking. Why did she automatically think I would be able to handle Caitlin?"
"She's a good friend!" Mom protested, shooting Dad an amused look. "And you're a psychic, too! Who else would she turn to? So, Cynthia introduced us. She heard I was having trouble keeping my powers in check. They were, uh… well, a bit out of control."
Calem's eyebrows shot up. "Out of control?"
Mom leaned forward, her eyes lighting up. "Let's just say I had a few... accidental explosions. The kind that were strong enough to destroy entire buildings." She smiled brightly at Calem's stunned expression. "It wasn't my fault, though! The vending machine was keeping me away from my precious Rage Candy Bar!"
Dad sighed deeply, clearly no stranger to this story. "And yet, you're still obsessed with those Rage Candy Bars. Caitlin, have you ever considered going to a store instead of destroying vending machines?"
"Are you suggesting I walk to a store?" Mom said, raising an eyebrow. "Please, I don't have the time for that." She grinned. "Anyways, back to the story! After being introduced to each other, I could instantly tell that Lucian was scared."
Dad, clearly remembering that first meeting, gave a short laugh. "Scared? I was terrified! I'm standing there, shaking like a leaf, trying my best to keep it all together!"
"Oh, come on," Mom was rolling her eyes, now. "If anything, I should have been afraid of you! Your psyche was clashing against mine."
Dad let out a resigned sigh, leaning back in his chair. "Her psyche is much stronger than mine, but she acted like I was a total nuisance the first time we met."
Calem was trying not to laugh, clearly struggling to keep a straight face. "So, what happened next?"
Mom smiled sweetly, "It was quite the challenge to keep my powers in check. Even though Lucian is a psychic as well, he didn't really know what he was doing. I remember one time he nearly tripped over his own feet, and I had to catch him."
"Because you nearly crushed me with a building!" Dad protested, holding his hands up as if to defend himself. "I thought I was going to die that day!"
"It wasn't a building, it was one of my smaller villas." Mom said, chuckling softly. "But yes, we had a lot of trouble figuring things out."
"And then," Dad's eyes were glinting with mischief, "there was the moment I realized I was never going to escape from her."
"Yeah, because Lucian couldn't bring himself to leave my side!" Mom teased, shooting a playful look at Dad. "Any time I was training with Cynthia, there he was, standing behind me, shuddering whenever I lost a battle. It was like he was afraid I was going to blast him into the next region."
"How could I not be?" Dad said, shaking his head. "You're telling me you don't remember how you tore up the training field after you lost to Cynthia for the first time? That wasn't exactly a peaceful day!"
Mom shot him a look. "I already told you it wasn't my fault! Besides, you didn't have to stay at my side. You weren't obligated to."
"Ah… but how could I ever leave you?" He turned to look at her, his expression softening. "Even though I was afraid of her, I knew that she didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Mom's eyes softened at his words. "And that's when I started realizing how much I needed him. He never once ran away. He was scared, yes, but he stayed at my side. The day that we had our first date at the library cemented that sentiment, for me."
"The library date was my idea." My dad chimed in. "I figured that we should go somewhere where she could unwind. Though, I must admit, I... I fell for Caitlin first."
Calem looked at him, wide-eyed. "Really? You?"
Dad smiled, his eyes full of love. "Indeed. You see, the thing was, when we were at the library, Caitlin had this way of pretending that everything was fine, but I could tell she was running on empty. I was reading every book on psychic powers that I could find, trying to figure out how I could help, when she just... fell asleep. Right there. No warning. And I thought I was about to trigger one of those explosions. But no, she was just asleep. It hit me then: She was trying so hard to hold it together, carrying everything on her own, that all she really needed was a moment of peace. And that's when I realized... I wasn't just trying to help her. I was in love with her."
Mom's smile deepened, her gaze softening. "Before I fell asleep, I was pretending to read, but my exhaustion caught up with me. And then... I just nodded off. Lucian was so careful, tiptoeing around me like I was going to explode if he made a sound. When I woke up, I found his coat draped over my shoulders. He was sitting right next to me, lost in his books."
My father gazed at my mother lovingly, squeezing her shoulder lightly, "I discovered that the key to managing Caitlin's powers was to keep her calm. So, from that day on, I would help her go about her day while keeping her from feeling overwhelmed by her emotions."
Mom held her hand up to meet his. "Ever since that day, I knew I'd fallen in love with him. Because he didn't run away. That's when I realized that he must've truly cared about me. I knew I had found the one. It certainly wasn't easy, but with Lucian's help, the destruction stopped. Thanks to him, I now have complete control of my powers. "
"So Lucian was your emotional support psychic?" Calem concluded.
"You could say that!" Dad laughed, and we all joined him.
After lunch, the conversation slowed down, and we all pitched in to pick up the table. With so many sets of hands helping out, we finished in no time. After we had put away the last dish, Mom yawned, clearly worn out from the day's events.
"I think I'll lie down for a bit," she said, rubbing her eyes. "Lucian, would you mind helping me to my room?"
Dad nodded. "Of course, dear." He then turned to me and said, "Serena, after I help your mother get to bed, I'll be in my study if you need me."
"D'accord, papa." I replied. "I'll just be hanging out with Calem for a while."
As they headed upstairs, I turned to Calem, who seemed a little unsure of what to do next.
"You're welcome to hang out here for a bit," I gave him a smile. "Or if you want, I can walk you home. I've got some leftovers, and I figured you could eat them for dinner after everything."
Calem looked thoughtful for a moment. "You're sure you don't mind?"
"It's no big deal." I replied, grabbing the container of leftovers. "If I remember correctly, you live here in town, right?"
"Yes, I'm… I'm just across the street." He glanced up at me. "But I just want to drop off the leftovers on my own and come back here. I would rather spend more time here with you."
"Alright. I'll be waiting right here." I affirmed. I handed Calem the container and opened the door for him. He thanked me, and as the door clicked behind him, I stood there, letting out a sigh I hadn't realized I was holding in.
It wasn't that I didn't want him to go… it was the way he'd said he wanted to stay that felt so personal, almost like he was trying to make up for the time we'd spent apart. It was sweet of him, just like his favorite beverage.
The thought gave me a nice idea, so I turned to the kitchen, opening the fridge to grab the ingredients for an iced coffee. I thought it would be a nice surprise for when Calem came back.
But just as I reached for the pot of decaffeinated brew, I heard the sudden rattle of something hitting the floor. I glanced down and saw my flip phone lying there, having fallen from the pocket of my jacket.
"Zut," I muttered under my breath, bending down to pick it up. As I flipped it open to check for damage, my thumb accidentally pressed a few buttons. The small screen flickered to life, and before I could close it, the photo gallery popped up.
I wasn't expecting anything, but what I saw made my breath hitch. It was a picture of Calem sitting on the floor of my bedroom, a video game controller in hand, laughing at a victory screen. The game on the TV was an old one now, but at the time, it had been brand new.
I could see Calem's face clearly, his eyes sparkling with childish joy. I wasn't in the shot the way I expected. My left hand was visible, resting against my knee, the other controller in my grip, and part of my sleeve was caught in the corner of the frame. I recognized the sleeve immediately, as it was one of my favorite shirts that I'd outgrown years ago, now buried in a box in the attic with all sorts of childhood belongings.
Frustration rose like a tide. Why now? Why the hell am I finding this now?
It was as if the universe had chosen the worst possible moment to remind me of something I couldn't remember. I had no memory of that moment, no recollection of how we'd ended up there, and absolutely no sense of what it had felt like. I couldn't even explain why I'd taken the picture.
And the worst part? It should have been a comforting memory, a nostalgic moment from my past. But instead, it felt like just another piece of someone else's life that slipped further away every time I reached for it.
I snapped the phone shut, the motion sharp. I didn't need to see any more. I shoved the flip phone back into my pocket, and took a steadying breath. I wasn't ready for this. Not now.
Calem would be back soon. I had to focus on making his iced coffee, not on some stupid photo from a past I couldn't even remember.
But as I turned back to the counter, my hand trembled slightly as I poured the coffee into a glass. I couldn't shake the questions that persisted in my mind. Exactly how close were we? Why did I always seem to get conflicting answers to my questions?
The glass was halfway filled up now, so I dissolved exactly three cubes of sugar in Calem's drink, giving the ice plenty of space to settle in. As soon as the last cube had slid down into the glass, there was a knock at the door.
I set the iced coffee down on the kitchen table, and opened the door to find Calem standing at the threshold.
"Welcome back." I greeted him, stepping aside to let him in.
"Took me long enough, huh?" He stepped past me, allowing me to shut the door behind him.
"Oh, that reminds me! I made you something." I said, leading him back into the kitchen. I picked up the glass off the counter and presented it to him. "Here you go."
There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he smiled. "You made me an iced coffee? You didn't have to do that."
I shrugged, "It's fine! You're a guest here, remember?"
He picked up the glass, taking a long sip. I watched him, a little anxious for his reaction. "Thank you, Serena," he said. "This is really good!"
"I'm glad you like it."
He took another sip, "Wait a second…" He looked at the glass in his hand, a slight furrow between his brows. "This tastes... different."
I tilted my head, explaining, "I used decaf coffee. I didn't want to disturb your sleep schedule, considering that it's going to get dark in a couple of hours."
He looked at me for a long moment, like he couldn't thank me enough. "It's still really good. That's really thoughtful of you."
I felt warmth spread across my face at his words, and I fidgeted a little, unsure of how to respond. "It's no big deal, really," I mumbled, shrugging.
He took another sip, then set the glass down on the counter and looked at me, his gaze steady. "The sugar level is perfect. Just the way I like it. I really do appreciate it, Serena."
I hadn't really thought much of it when I made the coffee. It was just a small gesture, something I could do to make him feel comfortable. But hearing him say it like that…
I opened my mouth to respond, but for a moment, I couldn't find the right words. "I guess I… I just…" I took a deep breath. "You do a lot for me, and… I want to be there for you too."
He reached out to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. "You always know how to make me feel better, Serena." he said quietly, "Would it be alright if I asked for a hug?"
"You don't have to ask." I replied, closing the distance between us.
Calem embraced me, flooding my entire body with his warmth. He sighed softly into my hair, and the quiet sound of his breath reminded me that I wasn't dreaming. As I shifted slightly in his arms, I felt the Munchlax keychain in my pocket roll around. I remembered that I had told myself that I would give it to him. "Umm…"
He pulled back just enough to look at me, his eyes full of concern. "Are you okay?"
I smiled, reassuring him, though a nervous flutter struck my chest. "I'm fine, it's just… I have one more thing to give you."
"You've been full of surprises today, haven't you?" His eyes were twinkling with curiosity. "What is it?"
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Munchlax keychain, holding it out toward him. "It's not much, but… I thought you'd like it."
Calem blinked at the keychain in my hand, then burst out laughing. "No way," he said, still chuckling. "You're… you're kidding, right?"
I was confused. "What do you mean?"
He shook his head, still laughing, and reached into his own pocket. "I was gonna give you the exact same thing!" He pulled out his own Munchlax keychain and held it up for me to see.
My jaw dropped as I stared at the two keychains for a moment, but then noticed something. "Wait…" I said, pointing to his Munchlax. "Yours is a shiny!"
"Really?!" He inspected the Munchlax, still dangling in his hand. "Huh! You really can't tell unless you see them side-by-side. I guess that means that you're extra special."
We swapped keychains, still holding each other, giggling at our exchange.
"What are the odds…" I murmured, burying myself in his shoulder.
He let out a content sigh, to ease the elation. "Yeah..."
After our exchange in the kitchen, Calem and I moved upstairs to my room to play some games before he went back to his house. The soft light of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting everything in a warm, golden hue.
My room was cozy and colorful, with little personal touches strewn all about. There were countless books, games, movies, and knick-knacks that were reminders of who I was, of where I'd come from.
Calem looked around, his gaze soft but intent, taking in the details of my space. When his eyes landed on the picture of my graduation from Trainer School, he stopped. His gaze lingered for a moment, almost uncertain, as if it had a weight to it he wasn't quite ready to touch.
He didn't move toward it, but there was something in the way his fingers twitched, as if testing whether or not he could handle the memory it represented. I noticed the shift in him immediately. His defensiveness was subtle, like he was trying to protect himself.
I said nothing. There was no need to bring it up. The room had its history. I knew that. And whatever he was thinking, he didn't have to share it with me right now.
His eyes drifted again, this time, towards my shelf filled with video games. Some of the ones I'd grown up with, the ones I spent hours playing on rainy days or lazy afternoons, had their spines worn from years of sliding it on and off the shelf.
I watched as his eyes moved from one game to the next. Then, almost impulsively, as though the thought had just struck him, he said aloud, "These games… I loved playing these as a kid. Would you like to play one with me?"
He didn't say anything else, as if he wasn't quite sure why he'd said it in the first place.
"Sure thing! Though, I must warn you, I'm pretty good at these!"
"Bring it on!" He quipped, returning my smile as he selected a game called "Versus Pinball".
We sat together on the floor, making ourselves comfortable as we booted up my "FunTastique" gaming system. He removed the CD from its case, being very careful not to scratch it, before placing it into the disc tray of the pyramid-like console. The LED lights around the edges of the console lit up, indicating that it was reading the disc.
On the TV screen, there was a pyramid-stacking animation that played before the game was launched, and once the game started, Calem didn't stand a chance.
He had started button-mashing, struggling to get either of his flippers to hit his pinball at a good angle. Meanwhile, I was racking up points with ease, knowing exactly where to aim with my set of flippers.
I'd known him for a while now, but I'd never really seen this side of him, the one who could just enjoy something, no pressure at all.
"Ha! Looks like you're stuck in that cage for a while," I teased as I flicked my golden pinball up the ramp, narrowly avoiding a dangerous pit.
Calem groaned, but there was a spark of competitiveness in his eyes. "This game is rigged, I swear," he muttered. "You're getting all the good power-ups."
"I warned you!"
Calem narrowed his eyes in mock guardedness. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, then! You've got a suspiciously good streak of luck on your side tonight."
We both laughed, and for several minutes, the conversation drifted away entirely. It was just the game, the sound of buttons clicking, and the whirring of the "FunTastique" cooling fans between us. No past, no memories of anything that might have weighed us down before. Just a simple video game.
"Looks like I'm about to win!" I said, my voice giddy with excitement. The time limit was down to twenty seconds, but I couldn't help but notice, out of the corner of my eye, that Calem wasn't really looking at the screen anymore. Instead, he was watching me, his expression unreadable.
There was something in the way he looked at me that made my chest tighten, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Was he... admiring me? Or was he lost in thought, remembering things I didn't know?
I was just about to make my final move when I caught him staring, and I felt my heart beat awkwardly. "What's up? Did I say something wrong?" I asked, self-conscious.
He blinked, his focus snapping back to the game, and he let out a quiet chuckle. "No, not at all. You just seem so... into it."
I tried to resist the blush rising in my cheeks. "Hey, I'm just really good at this game."
Calem laughed softly and aimed his pinball at a 3 zone, clearly trying to catch up. But by the time his pinball hit the target, the time limit had already expired. I grinned, satisfied with my win.
"Well," I said with a triumphant smile, "I guess I'm still the reigning champion of 'Versus Pinball' now."
He shook his head, his grin never faltering. "You were lucky. I'll beat you next time."
"Why don't you show me, then?" I teased, shaking my controller. "Want to go for another round?"
"Yeah! You better watch out!" he replied, punching my shoulder playfully. "The title of champion belongs to me!"
We spent the next few hours playing that game, completely engrossed in our friendly competition. It was too easy to forget how fast time was passing us by. When I had glanced at the window again, the streetlamps had turned on, and the moon was peeking out at us from behind a cloud.
Calem had set his controller down on the rug, and stretched his arms over his head, yawning. "It's getting late. I should head back home."
"You're right." I stood up from the rug, putting "Versus Pinball" back on the shelf. "It's almost time for bed."
We went back to the living room and stopped right in front of the door, just like we had yesterday, standing by the fountain. He rested his hand on top of the doorknob, and I could see in his eyes that he was about to say goodbye.
"Don't go." I said before I could stop myself. He turned around, surprised but waiting patiently. Like he always did. "Don't leave me just yet, please."
He let go of the doorknob, his eyes searching mine to understand what I was really asking of him. "Alright. I won't."
I stretched my hand out to intertwine my fingers with his. I inhaled slowly, trying to organize my thoughts, "I… I don't know exactly when it happened, but you've become important to me." My grip tightened. "Before, I was just content with being on my own. Because I've never had to rely on anyone else. But now? I don't want to be. You're my best friend, and I don't want to spend my time with anyone else but you."
Even though it was incredibly difficult for me to gather the courage to be so open with him, I meant every single word I said. I knew he would understand.
He took a step towards me, squeezing my hand, "We truly are in tune, aren't we?" He whispered. "You might find this hard to believe, but you've become my best friend, too, Serena. You're the only person who really gets me, and I find myself thinking about you constantly, wanting to share everything with you. It's impossible for me to imagine a life without you in it."
"Then… will you come back tomorrow? There's still three days left of the break, and I… I don't want them to go to waste."
He held my hand close to his heart. "I'll be here. I promise,"
"It's a promise, then," I affirmed, my voice barely audible but steady now. "Bonne nuit."
He opened the door, loosening his grip on my hand to give me a short wave, "À demain."
The door separated us now, and I locked it, feeling more certain than ever about where we stood in each other's lives. I ran my thumb across the shiny Munchlax keychain that Calem had picked out for me, like a part of him was still here with me.