Hello dear readers, I bring you the next chapter of this story. I am glad to see that there are still people interested in this tale, and since I noticed you all really like it, I will focus on uploading chapters much more frequently, as you may have noticed by now. Without further ado, I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 7 : A Mother's Advice

Chloe was sitting, watching the sunset on the balcony of her house in Vermillion City. After her inner adventure with the raven-haired boy and her childhood friend, she had decided to understand the feelings she had for the boy from Pallet Town. Although his rebellious and brave attitude clashed so much with her personality, there was something about him that made her feel butterflies in her stomach.

"If I could explain this through science, I might say eating something spoiled has clouded my judgment, but that's really not the case," Chloe exclaimed, frustrated by everything that had been happening to her. This was something she had never experienced before, so she didn't quite know how to handle it.

She remembered how all of this started to happen little by little: the encounter they had when she was doing her research on history, how he had given a demonstration class at her school, how fierce he looked during his battle in the city, and finally how he had rescued her from falling off a cliff just a week ago. Those events began to change Chloe's perception a lot, and even though she didn't want to, she couldn't stop replaying them in her head.

So engrossed in her thoughts, she didn't notice that Yamper and her little brother had entered the room. "Hey Chloe, look at this trick I taught Yamper this morning," Chloe's younger brother, Parker, repeated the trick he had been doing with his Pokémon all day.

However, the girl hadn't paid any attention nor had she seen it; she was so deep in her thoughts that she ignored everything around her. Feeling ignored, her brother got a bit annoyed and decided to confront her directly.

"Hey, you know-it-all, what's got you so distracted?" Parker reproached his sister for her attitude, even tugging on her long braid to get her attention. Now Chloe snapped out of her thought loop and complained upon feeling the pain.

"Parker, what are you doing? How many times have I told you not to pull my hair?" Chloe yelled at him angrily, but her brother replied, "Well, if you didn't ignore me, you'd know I've been trying to show you something for the past five minutes."

Realizing the situation, Chloe apologized to her brother. "I'm sorry, Parker."

"What's got you so distracted? Ever since you came back from your trip, you've been spacing out, even more than usual," Parker said. Chloe tried to ignore her brother's teasing and told him that everything was fine. "It's nothing, grown-up stuff."

"Hey, just because you're 16 doesn't mean you're that much older than me," the nine-year-old exclaimed, trying to appear more mature, although his short stature fooled no one. "God, you can be as annoying as Ash," she said irritably.

"Ash? Isn't that the guy you and Dad work with at the lab?" Parker said aloud. What Chloe didn't know was that mentioning the raven-haired boy gave her brother a powerful tool to continue teasing her.

"Don't tell me he's your boyfriend or you like him or something," Parker said, seeking to irritate his sister, which he quickly succeeded in doing. Feeling somewhat exposed, Chloe began to stammer, "Parker, don't say that, you don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, you're not denying it, sis. Looks like that Pallet Town boy has you all lovestruck. Gross. You better not be doing anything dirty, right?" Parker taunted while making faces of disgust at the thought of his sister with the boy from Pallet Town.

Chloe's face turned red with embarrassment and anger. Many times her younger brother could get on her nerves, but with this topic, she was not only angry, she was genuinely nervous. The last thing she needed was for her little brother to go around telling everyone that she liked Ash.

Chloe took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. She knew she had to handle this situation carefully, as any misstep could lead to even more teasing from Parker.

"Parker, listen," Chloe said, trying to keep her voice steady, "you really need to stop this. It's not funny, and it's none of your business."

Parker smirked, clearly enjoying his sister's discomfort. "If it's not true, then why are you getting so worked up?"

Before Chloe could respond, their mother, Talia entered the room. She had overheard part of the conversation and sensed the tension between her children. "What's going on here?" she asked, looking between Chloe and Parker.

"Nothing, Mom," Chloe quickly said, hoping to defuse the situation. "Parker's just being annoying, as usual."

Parker opened his mouth to retort, but Talia raised a hand to stop him. "Parker, why don't you go play outside with Yamper for a bit? I need to talk to your sister."

Grumbling, Parker obeyed and left the room, leaving Chloe alone with their mother. Talia sat down next to Chloe and looked at her with a mixture of concern and understanding.

"Chloe, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?" Talia said gently.

Chloe sighed, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. "I know, Mom. It's just... complicated.

"Hey, remember that I am your mother. Your father may be the Pokémon professor, an expert in many fields, but you know that I understand a lot of things that he might not be able to explain. Whether it's about school or personal issues," Talia began telling her daughter. "Or maybe about boys," she finished the sentence, emphasizing the last part.

Chloe reacted upon hearing that her mother knew what was going on with her without needing to be told. It was as if she had somehow read her mind and had the answer Chloe might have been looking for but was too embarrassed to discuss. This wasn't something she had ever talked about with her mother before, let alone with her father.

"No, it's not about that, Mom. You're mistaken," she tried to cover up, with very little success. "Sweetheart, at some point, we had to have this conversation. You're growing up; you're a young lady now, not a little girl, and it's important for you to feel comfortable talking to me about any emotions or new experiences you might have," her mother said confidently, aiming to make her feel at ease.

Hearing this, Chloe felt relieved. She could ask her mother about the topic, but she would do it gradually. She needed to figure out if what she felt was really an attraction to the boy, or perhaps even more.

"Of course, sweetheart. You can ask me anything," Talia responded, her tone warm and encouraging.

"How did you know you liked Dad?" Chloe asked, her cheeks flushing a bit with embarrassment.

Talia smiled, recalling her own memories. "Well, it wasn't a single moment. It was a series of little things that made me realize how much he meant to me. The way he cared about me, the way he made me laugh, how he was always there when I needed him. It was a gradual realization that grew stronger over time."

Chloe nodded, thinking about her own experiences with Ash. "What if you feel nervous and excited at the same time when you're around someone? Like, your heart beats faster and you can't stop thinking about them?"

Talia's smile widened. "Those are definitely signs that you have feelings for someone. It sounds like you might have a crush, Chloe. It's perfectly natural to feel that way."

Chloe began to blush as she listened. This was her first crush on a boy. She was already a teenager, and the idea that her crush was a boy two years older than her, and to make matters worse, someone completely opposite to her, made her even more flustered.

"Chloe, tell me more about this boy you like. What's he like?" her mother asked gently.

Chloe hesitated for a moment, then decided to open up. "He's really different from me. He's always so full of energy, brave to the point of being reckless, and sometimes he can be really annoying and very careless. He rushes into things without thinking them through."

Talia listened attentively, nodding. "And how do you feel when you're around him?"

Chloe sighed; her cheeks still flushed. "It's confusing, Mom. He frustrates me sometimes, but he also makes me feel alive. I can't stop thinking about him. Even when he's being annoying, there's something about him that draws me in."

Talia smiled knowingly. "It sounds like this boy brings a lot of excitement and new experiences into your life. Sometimes, people who are different from us can help us see the world in a new way and challenge us to grow."

Chloe nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess so. He definitely pushes me out of my comfort zone. But sometimes I wonder if we're too different to get along."

"Opposites can attract, Chloe. It's those differences that can create a strong connection if both people are willing to understand and appreciate each other," Talia explained.

Chloe listened to her mother, very amazed. It was practically normal to be attracted to someone so different from her.

"Just take things one step at a time, and don't be afraid to be yourself. Relationships, whether they're friendships or something more, are about mutual respect and understanding."

"Thanks, Mom," Chloe said, feeling much better after their talk. "I think I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, sweetheart, always remember a Mother knows best" Talia replied, giving her daughter a hug. "Now, let's go finish dinner. I think we've both earned a break."

Chloe laughed, feeling lighter and more confident. As they headed back to the kitchen, she felt grateful for her mother's support and wisdom. She still had a lot to figure out, but she knew she was on the right path.

It seemed like everything was going well for the green-eyed girl, until the sound of the doorbell echoed throughout the house. Both parents were busy setting the table and finishing cooking dinner, so they asked Chloe to answer the door.

As Chloe opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with the person she least expected and least wanted to see at that moment. It was him.

"Hey," the raven-haired boy greeted her simply, accompanied by his Pikachu. Chloe took a few seconds to process what was happening, how after having a conversation about her feelings just moments ago, he suddenly showed up out of nowhere at her doorstep.

"But what are you doing here?" she asked him, very nervous.

"Well, I was invited for dinner, you know," Ash responded without any shame.

"But what are you talking about? I didn't invite you to my house," she replied, trying to understand what was going on.

Ash shrugged, seemingly unfazed by Chloe's confusion. "Your parents invited me. Said something about wanting to thank me for helping you out the other day," he explained casually.

Chloe's heart sank as she realized that her parents had invited Ash over without consulting her first. She had hoped for some time to process her feelings before facing him again, but now he was standing right in front of her.

She tried to regain her composure, forcing a smile. "Well, I guess you're here now. Come on in," she said, stepping aside to let him and Pikachu enter.

"Hey, Ash! Glad you could make it," her father greeted him warmly, shaking his hand.

"Thanks, Professor Cherise It's nice to see you again," Ash replied with a smile.

Chloe's mother chimed in, "Yes, it's lovely to have you join us for dinner, Ash."

As they made their way to the dining room, Chloe couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort. "Dad, why didn't you tell me you invited Ash?" she whispered, feeling a mixture of frustration and embarrassment.

Her father looked at her, surprised. "I thought it would be a nice gesture to thank him for helping you out the other day. Didn't realize it would be a problem," he replied, unaware of Chloe's discomfort.

Chloe bit her lip, feeling conflicted. She didn't want to cause a scene in front of Ash, but she also wished her parents had considered her feelings before inviting him over.

Parker, Chloe's brother, quickly approached upon seeing Ash had arrived. "Hi Ash, I can't believe you're here. My dad told me you're the current Champion of the Alola region, is that true?" Parker asked with stars in his eyes.

Ash chuckled slightly at the boy's enthusiasm. It reminded him of himself when he was Parker's age and did nothing but watch live battles of the famous trainers of yesteryears. "That's right, Parker. Well, I don't like to brag, besides it was the first time the Manalo Conference was held," Ash responded, trying to remain humble.

Chloe watched as Parker's excitement bubbled over, knowing all too well that her brother was about to seize the opportunity to tease her.

"Wow, Chloe, can you believe it? Our very own home is graced by the presence of a Pokémon Champion!" Parker exclaimed, his grin widening mischievously as he glanced at his sister.

Chloe rolled her eyes, knowing exactly where this was going. "Yeah, it's... something," she replied, trying to downplay her embarrassment.

Parker nudged Ash playfully. "You know, Ash, Chloe's a big fan of yours. She's been following your journey for years!"

Chloe's cheeks flushed crimson as she shot her brother a warning glare, silently pleading for him to stop.

Ash chuckled, giving Chloe a friendly smile. "Really? That's great to hear. It's always nice to meet a fan.

Chloe blushed as she saw both laughing at her expense. To Chloe, Ash was like an older Parker. "Guys, dinner is ready. Come and sit down," Talia told them to come to the table.

Both Ash and Parker went to sit down, leaving Chloe who didn't know how she would survive this dinner.

As dinner progressed, Chloe's parents expressed their interest in getting to know Ash better. They asked him about his travels, his Pokémon journey, and the adventures he had experienced along the way.

"So, Ash, tell us about your most memorable Pokémon battle," Mr. Parker prompted, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity.

Ash's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Oh, there are so many! But one that stands out is when I faced off against a powerful Dragonite in the Orange Islands. It was an intense battle, but Pikachu and I managed to come out on top!"

Chloe found herself captivated by his stories, despite her initial discomfort. She couldn't deny the excitement in Ash's voice as he recounted his adventures.

Talia and Profesor Cherise listened intently, impressed by Ash's passion and determination. They exchanged stories of their own experiences with Pokémon, reminiscing about their own journeys in their youth.

"It sounds like you've had quite the journey, Ash," Talia remarked, a smile playing on her lips. "Do you have any plans for the future?"

Ash nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! I'm always striving to become a Pokémon Master, and there's still so much I want to accomplish. But for now, I'm just enjoying the journey and taking each day as it comes."

By some small coincidence, they both glanced at each other after he said that. It was something Chloe's mother noticed.

"I think it's wonderful what you've achieved at such a young age. I believe my daughter can learn a lot from you," Talia mentioned with a smile. "Well, I think she's on a very good path. Since she caught Eevee, she's been going out a lot and having more adventures," Ash responded.

Chloe was silent; something about this conversation made her feel uncomfortable. "Excuse me, I've finished. I need a bit of fresh air," she said, standing up and leaving the dining room. Everyone noticed her attitude, and her parents apologized for her. But Ash felt that something was bothering her.

Chloe stood on her balcony, staring up at the night sky. The stars twinkled brightly, but her thoughts were clouded with uncertainty. She was deep in thought, contemplating her future and the confusing emotions she felt towards Ash.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" a familiar voice broke her reverie.

Startled, Chloe turned to see Ash standing at the entrance of the balcony. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, come on out."

Ash walked over and leaned on the railing beside her. For a few moments, they stood in silence, gazing at the stars.

"You know, the sky looks amazing tonight," Ash said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, it does," Chloe replied softly, her eyes still fixed on the stars.

Ash glanced at her, sensing her unease. "Is everything okay, Chloe? You seemed a bit off during dinner" Ash nodded.

Chloe sighed, looking back at the stars. "I'm fine. Just... a lot on my mind, I guess."

Ash nodded, giving her the space to speak if she wanted to. After a moment of silence, he spoke up. "You know, I've had my share of confusing times too. When I first started my journey, I had no idea what I was doing half the time. But I learned that talking about it helps."

Chloe glanced at him, appreciating his sincerity. "It's not easy to explain," she admitted. "There's just so much happening, and I'm trying to figure out what I really want. And then there's you, showing up out of nowhere, and it's... complicated."

Ash chuckled softly. "Yeah, I tend to do that," he said, smiling. "But I'm glad I did. I've enjoyed getting to know you and your family tonight."

"Look, I know you sometimes think I'm a know-it-all who just wants to be buried in books and have nothing to do with Pokémon, but that's not true. The adventures I've had with Goh, and you have helped me, but I'm still not sure what I want to do. Everyone expects important things from me since I'm the daughter of a Pokémon professor, but sometimes I feel like I'm disappointing everyone with my indecision," Chloe confessed her worries. Ash just listened.

On one hand, he always found the girl's attitude strange. At first, he thought they were opposites, and that's why she acted that way, but now he saw the truth and it saddened him to see her with so many doubts. Then, an-idea occurred to him to help her.

"Exactly. And remember, you don't have to do it alone. You've got your family, your friends, and your Pokémon. And, well, you've got me too."

Chloe smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Ash. I think I needed to hear that."

They stood together in comfortable silence, looking up at the night sky. For the first time in a while, Chloe felt a sense of peace. She didn't have all the answers, but with Ash by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the future

"I think there's a way to help you. In fact, I know someone who, a long time ago, had doubts very similar to yours. She's a lot like our friend Dawn, whom you met in Sinnoh. I think she could help you," Ash suggested.

Chloe was intrigued by Ash's proposal. Meeting Dawn during her mission with Cresselia and Darkrai had helped her a lot. She learned about Pokémon contests, a topic that caught her attention due to its focus on Pokémon beauty and talent.

"Do you think she could really help me?" Chloe asked, her gaze deep and searching. Some might feel pressured Chloe looked at them, so vulnerable, but Ash didn't hesitate for a moment.

"Hey, everything will be fine, trust me," Ash responded, matching her intensity with his own gaze. They said nothing more, just looked at the sky and appreciated the moment of peace.

Once again, the boy had made Chloe feel so alive, something annoying yet very warm in her heart.

After finishing their conversation, Ash decided to leave with Pikachu. It was getting late, and he needed to return to the lab where he was staying with Goh. "Thank you very much for dinner, and I really appreciate you inviting me," he said.

"No need to thank us, Ash. You know you're always welcome in this home," Talia responded with a warm smile. "See you tomorrow at the lab; I have some tasks for you two."

"Ash, will you show me someday how you defeat a giant Pokémon like you told me?" little Parker asked excitedly. "Of course, little buddy," Ash replied.

Afterward, her parents and brother went back inside to give the young ones a moment of privacy. Chloe noticed this and blushed a little, as if it had been intentional.

"I guess I wasn't the annoying uninvited guest you thought I'd be, huh?" Ash asked in his typical teasing tone with her.

"I think I was wrong. You can at least have manners at the table with adults," she replied, returning to their usual love-hate banter.

"You'd be surprised, kiddo... I'll let you know when my friend is in town. I think she can help with your problem," Ash said. Without saying goodbye, he started walking towards the street.

Before he left, Chloe called out to him, "Hey... Thanks a lot, Ash, for listening to me."

Ash gave her one of his warm smiles and replied, "Remember, I always have your back."

After Ash left, Chloe walked back inside with a smile, feeling happy that he cared about her. She felt a warmth in her heart, knowing she had a friend like Ash who always had her back.

As she was about to head upstairs, her mother stopped her. "Chloe, Ash is a good boy," Talia said with a knowing smile.

Chloe nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, he really is."

Talia continued, "And if you two ever become more than just friends, you have to bring him to dinner at least once a month."

Chloe's face turned bright red with embarrassment. "Mom!" she exclaimed, feeling her cheeks burn.

Well, dear readers, I hope you enjoyed this short chapter. Leave me your comments so I can read your thoughts and ideas.