Hi, guys! I hope you are all doing very well. Here is the next chapter of this story. Now, we will show another side of Chloe's school life: the relationships with the girls and the social status at school, and we will see how Ash gets involved in all of this. I hope you like it.

Chapter Ten. - A pretty little lie

It was a very normal morning for Chloe. She was feeling much better and was focused on her classes again. She was once more the top student with the best grades. During her childhood, Chloe loved school; however, she had a lot of trouble socializing because most of the boys felt intimidated by her intellect. Nevertheless, as she grew older, Chloe realized the importance of interpersonal relationships, so she met her group of friends, and they became inseparable.

Mika and Violet were Chloe's two best friends. Mika was a hyperactive and cheerful girl, always full of energy and enthusiasm. She loved participating in all extracurricular activities and had a contagious laugh that brightened everyone around her. Mika always knew how to make Chloe feel good, even on the toughest days.

Violet, on the other hand, was shy but very romantic. Although it was hard for her to open up to others, she felt safe with Chloe and Mika and could be herself. Violet was a hopeless romantic, always dreaming of love stories and being the first to notice when someone had a special interest in another person. Her sweet and sensitive nature made her very beloved among her friends.

The three of them had formed a great friendship from the very first day they met. Chloe remembered perfectly how it happened. It was the first day of school, and feeling nervous, she had tripped and bumped into Mika in the hallway. Mika, with her usual enthusiasm, helped her up and started talking to her as if they had known each other forever. Violet, who had been watching the scene from the classroom door, joined the conversation with a shy smile. From that moment on, the three became inseparable, sharing lunches, group projects, and lots of laughter.

However, the boys in their class turned out to be immature, conceited, or very boring. Many were intimidated by Chloe's intelligence, and others simply didn't share her interests. For these reasons, Chloe didn't have any male friends at school. Although this didn't bother her too much, she sometimes wished she could have a male friend with whom she could share her thoughts and experiences without feeling judged.

Not everyone in their class was kind. There was one girl in particular who stood out for her conceited attitude. Her name was Sabrina. She was popular and wealthy, and she believed everyone was at her feet. Sabrina enjoyed being rude to others and looked down on them with disdain. She reveled in her social status and never missed a chance to show it off, always making sarcastic comments and belittling those she considered inferior.

Sabrina had two inseparable friends, Jessica and Amanda, who followed her everywhere and idolized her. These two girls laughed at all of Sabrina's cruel jokes and often mimicked her behavior, spreading her negative influence throughout the class. For Chloe, Mika, and Violet, Sabrina and her group were a constant source of tension, as they never knew when they would become the next target of her taunts.

Chloe was in the cafeteria, jotting down what she had learned from May about contests in her notebook. She had discovered a new interest in these competitions and was excited to learn as much as she could. Her concentration was so intense that she didn't notice Mika and Violet approaching.

"Hi, Chloe!" exclaimed Mika, sitting down across from her with a tray full of food. "What are you writing this time?"

Violet sat next to her with a shy smile. "Is it about the contests you told us about?"

Chloe looked up and smiled at her friends. "Yes, May explained a lot about how they work, and I want to be prepared if I ever decide to participate. They're more complex than I thought."

Mika, full of curiosity, asked Chloe, "What are the contests like? Can you show us a bit more?"

Chloe smiled and took out her phone. "Sure, I have a video of one of May's performances. It's really impressive." She navigated through her files until she found the video and played it, placing the phone in the center of the table so they could all watch.

The video showed May on stage, performing a flawless routine with her Pokémon. The movements were elegant and precise, combining grace and power in a choreography that left the audience in awe. The lights, the music, and the perfect coordination between May and her Pokémon created an unforgettable spectacle.

Mika and Violet watched the video with wide eyes, fascinated by what they saw. "Wow! That's amazing," exclaimed Mika.

Violet nodded, still absorbed in the video. "Yes, it's really something special. Chloe, when will you participate in one of these contests?"

Chloe blushed a little and looked away, fiddling with her notebook. "I don't know yet," she admitted. "I still have a lot to learn and practice before I feel ready to compete. Plus, I need to make sure my Pokémon and I are completely in sync."

Mika patted her on the shoulder with an encouraging smile. "I'm sure you'll do great when the time comes. And we'll be there to cheer you on."

Violet added softly, "Yes, Chloe. You have all our support. When you decide the time is right, you'll be wonderful."

Chloe smiled, feeling grateful to have such understanding and supportive friends. "Thank you, girls. It means a lot to me to know I can count on you."

Just as Chloe was about to thank her friends again, they were interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sabrina and her inseparable friends, Jessica and Amanda. The three approached the table with a haughty attitude, making Chloe, Mika, and Violet feel a wave of tension.

Sabrina, with a mocking smile on her face, addressed Chloe directly. "Is it true what they're saying, Chloe? That you, the class know-it-all, are thinking of becoming a coordinator?"

Jessica and Amanda giggled maliciously, as if they were already anticipating the answer. Mika frowned, clearly annoyed by the interruption, while Violet looked down, uncomfortable with the confrontation.

Chloe stood her ground, though she felt a knot in her stomach. "Yes, I'm thinking about participating in contests someday," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Sabrina raised an eyebrow and pretended to be impressed. "Wow, how ambitious of you! But do you really think you have what it takes? Contests are for people with style and grace, not just for brainiacs."

Mika, unable to contain herself, jumped in. "Chloe has everything it takes to be a great coordinator. She's been learning and practicing a lot. So, if you don't have anything useful to say, why don't you just leave us alone?"

Sabrina rolled her eyes and let out a derisive laugh. "Well, we'll see how long your enthusiasm lasts. Just don't be too disappointed when you realize not everyone is meant to shine on stage."

With that, Sabrina gestured to Jessica and Amanda, and the three walked away, still laughing among themselves. Chloe sighed in relief, though Sabrina's words still echoed in her mind.

Violet put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't listen to them, Chloe. They're just jealous because they can't do what you can."

Mika nodded vigorously. "Exactly. Don't let them get you down. We believe in you."

Chloe smiled, comforted by her friends' support. "Thanks, girls. I'm not going to let them affect me. "

Chloe walked through the school hallways, now free from worries after her encounter with Sabrina and her friends. Mika and Violet had cheered her up, and she now felt more confident in her abilities and goals. As she took a few steps, she noticed activity near the school gymnasium.

Approaching closer, she saw Ash with the principal and several large Pokémon, carrying construction materials. They were busy preparing something in the gym, and Chloe wondered what they were planning.

She decided to approach to find out more. "Hi, Ash," she greeted when she was close enough to be heard.

Ash looked up and smiled upon seeing Chloe. "Hey, Chloe! How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you," Chloe replied. "What are you all doing here? It looks like you're preparing something important."

The principal stepped forward to explain. "We're renovating the gym for the upcoming school talent festival. We want it to be a space where all students can showcase their skills and Pokémon."

Chloe, surprised by the news of the talent show at her school, exclaimed with a soft laugh, "I had no idea there would be a talent show here!"

Ash, chuckling, replied playfully, "I thought I was the absent-minded one! Seems like I'm not the only one."

Chloe looked at him with an amused expression and said teasingly, "Oh, don't worry, Ash. Sometimes you even forget what you had for breakfast this morning."

Ash laughed openly and nodded, acknowledging his own absent-mindedness. "You're right about that. I guess both of us could use some improvement in paying more attention to what's going on around us."

Chloe and Ash continued walking through the school, chatting amiably. As they strolled through the well-maintained hallways, Ash couldn't help but comment on their surroundings.

"Your school is really modern," Ash said, glancing around at the sleek design and advanced equipment. "You can tell they have some pretty expensive stuff here."

Chloe raised an eyebrow playfully. "Have you ever been to a school before, Ash?"

Ash chuckled and nodded. "Actually, I have. I spent almost a year in a school in Alola. It was a different experience for sure, but I learned a lot."

Chloe's interest was piqued. "Really? What was it like?"

Ash's eyes lit up as he recalled his time in Alola. "It was great! The Pokémon School in Alola was so much fun. I made a lot of friends and learned a ton about different Pokémon and their habitats. The classes were hands-on, and we got to go on field trips to different islands. It was an amazing way to learn."

Chloe listened in amazement, learning that there was a place of learning for people who loved adventure and Pokémon. She had to admit that school days could get very boring. It was a daily routine where she learned about various topics, with only a few related to Pokémon in comparison.

Just as Chloe and Ash were engrossed in their conversation about Alola, Mika and Violet suddenly appeared, rushing towards them with excited expressions.

"Chloe! Guess what?" Mika exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.

Violet, slightly out of breath, added, "In one month, we're having the school festival, and Mika and I have been chosen to organize it!"

Chloe's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. "That's amazing! Congratulations, you two!"

Mika grinned and said, "Thanks! We have so many ideas, and we want to make it the best festival ever. But we could really use your help, Chloe."

Violet nodded in agreement. "Yes, you're so good at organizing and planning. We need someone with your skills to make sure everything goes smoothly."

Violet nodded enthusiastically. "It's a lot of work, but it's going to be so much fun. We're thinking of including a variety of events to showcase everyone's talents, especially those related to Pokémon."

Chloe hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure... I've never done anything like this before."

Ash, who had been listening to the conversation, stepped in with an encouraging smile. "You should totally go for it, Chloe. You're organized, creative, and talented. Plus, you have Mika and Violet to support you. It'll be a great experience!"

Chloe looked at her friends and then back at Ash, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "Well, if you all think I can do it... then I'm in!"

Mika and Violet exchanged glances and smiled. "We were hoping you'd say that," Mika said. "We could use all the help we can get, especially from someone as capable as you."

Chloe, feeling a bit more confident after Ash's encouragement, looked at him with a playful smile. "Alright, Ash, I'll help with the festival on one condition: you have to help me with the theme."

Ash looked surprised. "Me? Help with the theme?"

Mika and Violet quickly chimed in. "Yes, Ash! You'd be a huge help," Mika said excitedly. "You're a famous trainer, after all. You'd attract a lot of attention and make the festival even more special."

Violet nodded in agreement. "Plus, your experiences and ideas could add a unique touch to the event. It'll be great having you on board."

Ash scratched the back of his head, still a bit taken aback but clearly flattered. "Well, I guess I can't say no to that. Alright, count me in!"

Mikas eyes sparkled with excitement. "Great! With Ash's help, we can come up with an amazing theme that everyone will love."

Mika clapped her hands together. "This is going to be so much fun! We have a month to plan, and with all of us working together, it'll be a fantastic festival."

Violet added, "And don't forget, we can incorporate Pokémon-related activities and showcases. That will definitely draw in a crowd."

While the girls proposed crazy ideas, Ash and Chloe exchanged nervous smiles, realizing the significant task they had taken on. However, their excitement was soon interrupted by the arrival of Sabrina and her friends.

Sabrina, with her characteristic air of superiority, approached with a look of disdain. Her two friends followed closely behind, as usual.

"So, you're the ones chosen to organize the festival?" Sabrina said, crossing her arms. "I can't believe they left something so important in your hands."

Mika lifted her head with determination. "Yes, we were chosen, and we're going to do a great job. Got a problem with that, Sabrina?"

Sabrina let out a sarcastic laugh. "Of course I have a problem. This should be handled by people with real style and class, not by... you." Her friends nodded fervently behind her.

Violet, trying to stay calm, intervened. "Everyone deserves the chance to contribute. We're going to do everything we can to make this festival a success."

Sabrina frowned. "I just hope you don't ruin the festival. It would be a shame to see such an important event handled so... amateurishly."

Before the argument could intensify, Ash stepped in, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Hey, hey, let's not fight. I'm sure we can figure this out.

Just then, Sabrina, who had been watching with curiosity, stepped closer and eyed Ash with newfound interest. "Who are you, anyway?" she asked, her tone less hostile and more intrigued.

Ash turned to face Sabrina, offering a friendly smile. "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. I'm a Pokémon Trainer."

Sabrina's demeanor shifted slightly; her curiosity piqued. "Ash Ketchum... I think I've heard that name before," Sabrina mumbled. "Oh, I remember you. You came the other day to Mr. Suki's class to teach how to handle Pokémon. You were a Pokémon Champion League or something," Amanda explained, remembering the time when Ash had taught Chloe's class.

"Oh wow, so you're a famous trainer, how interesting," Sabrina said in a flirtatious tone, moving closer to him. Ash felt uncomfortable seeing where the conversation was heading.

"I don't know what you're doing with these losers. A handsome guy like you should have higher standards, don't you think?" Sabrina said unabashedly. Chloe was so angry with Sabrina that steam could practically come out of her ears, but before she could react or Ash could say anything, Mika jumped in.

"Hey Sabrina, Ash is Chloe's boyfriend, so go flirt somewhere else. He's off-limits," Mika exclaimed boldly, regardless of whether it was true or not.

Upon hearing that declaration, both Ash and Chloe were left speechless. "Boyfriend?" They both exclaimed, embarrassed, though Chloe much more so than Ash.

"Boyfriend?" Sabrina exclaimed, very surprised but still doubtful. "I highly doubt it. Chloe is a brainy girl without class or beauty. I really doubt a guy like him would be interested in her," Sabrina said in her condescending and arrogant tone.

Upon hearing her, Chloe had reached her limit with Sabrina. Since they first met, she had insulted and underestimated her several times, believing herself better than everyone just because of her wealthy family and popularity. But Chloe had had enough. It was time to fight back.

So, without pausing to think about what she was doing, Chloe took Ash's arm without asking and exclaimed, "That's right, Sabrina. He is my boyfriend. So, you better stop giving him your dirty looks, got it."

Everyone was astonished by what they had witnessed, not only by Chloe's attitude but also by what was unfolding.

Sabrina, momentarily taken aback by Chloe's assertiveness, narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "You expect me to believe that?" she scoffed, her tone dripping with skepticism.

Chloe, fueled by a mix of frustration and determination, tightened her grip on Ash's arm and looked him straight in the eye. "Tell her, Ash," she urged, her voice unwavering despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Ash, caught off guard by Chloe's sudden assertion and the attention now focused on him, hesitated for a moment. He glanced at Chloe, then back at Sabrina, before finally nodding slowly. "Yeah, it's true," he confirmed, his voice steady. "Chloe and I are together."

Mika and Violet, who had been watching the scene unfold with wide eyes, exchanged surprised glances. Mika's bold move to claim Ash as Chloe's boyfriend had escalated the situation.

"I must say, that was quite a waste. Anyway, I hope the festival is as pathetic as expected, but with you in charge, I have no doubt," Sabrina scoffed before leaving, followed by her entourage.

Watching them depart, Chloe finally let her guard down, but now she had to deal with the consequences of her actions.

"Wow, I just said it without any proof, but turns out you two are actually dating! Congratulations, girl!" Mika exclaimed happily, hugging Chloe.

"No, Mika, it's not true, we're not dating. I just said it to get Sabrina off Ash's back," Chloe explained, pulling away from her embrace.

"I didn't expect you to do something like that, Chloe, but I must say, it was a pretty romantic gesture," Violet blushed, recalling the romance novels she always read.

Meanwhile, Ash observed the situation, remaining silent as he glanced at Pikachu, seeking an answer. Chloe regretted embarrassing both Ash and she, realizing she should avoid acting on impulse to prevent such consequences.

"Ash... I'm sorry if I dragged you into this. I didn't even ask if you were okay with us saying that lie," Chloe began to apologize to the raven-haired boy. Ash just sighed.

"Wow, I didn't think coming to your school today would make you force me into being your boyfriend," Ash teased her.

"So, you're not upset then?" Chloe asked, surprised yet relieved.

Ash paused for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips as he looked at Chloe. "Well, I have to admit, it was definitely unexpected," he replied, his tone light-hearted. "But hey, it's okay. I understand why you did it."

Chloe felt a wave of relief wash over her. "I'm really sorry, Ash. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that," she apologized sincerely, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

As Ash chuckled at Chloe's expense, he continued with a grin, "Well, I should probably head back to the gym to sign those papers. See you later girls and you girlfriend." With a playful wink at Chloe, he turned and walked away, Pikachu perched happily on his shoulder.

Chloe watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and lingering embarrassment. Mika and Violet exchanged knowing looks, clearly enjoying the playful banter between Ash and Chloe.

"He's such a good sport," Mika commented with a grin.

"Yeah, and you two do make a cute couple, even if it's just pretended for now," Violet added, nudging Chloe gently.

"Shut up, remember this isn't true, I just said it so Sabrina wouldn't win every round," Chloe justified herself, still blushing from earlier.

"Sure, whatever you say, Chloe," Mika replied sarcastically, while Violet laughed along.

As Chloe made her way back home, her thoughts swirled around the events that had unfolded earlier. The memory of impulsively declaring Ash as her boyfriend to counter Sabrina's taunts lingered in her mind, causing her cheeks to flush pink with embarrassment whenever she replayed the scene.

"I can't believe I did that," she muttered to herself, shaking her head in disbelief. "What was I thinking?"

Despite feeling mortified by her spontaneous declaration, Chloe couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at how Ash had responded to the situation. His easygoing demeanor and good-natured humor had diffused the tension without a hint of resentment towards her.

"He's really understanding," she reflected, a small, grateful smile playing on her lips. "I'm fortunate to have him as a friend."

Walking down the familiar path towards home, Chloe's mind wandered through a range of emotions. She felt a mixture of relief that Ash wasn't upset with her, coupled with a tinge of regret for potentially complicating their friendship with her impulsive actions. Yet, she also appreciated how Ash had taken it in stride, which deepened her admiration for him.

"I should talk to him tomorrow," Chloe resolved quietly to herself. "Clear things up and make sure we're on the same page."

Upon arriving at her front yard, Chloe noticed that Yamper hadn't picked up the newspaper for the day. The little Electric-type Pokémon was distracted, playing with a ball in the garden.

Chloe sighed and bent down to retrieve the newspaper, noticing the highlighted date on the front page. Unfolding it, her eyes landed on an article announcing an upcoming Pokémon contest in Vermilion City. The news immediately caught her attention, as Chloe had always been curious about Pokémon contests and dreamed of participating in one.

"Wow, a Pokémon contest in Vermilion City!" she murmured excitedly to herself while reading the article.

"Here it says it's for beginners' class, which means anyone can participate," Chloe thought aloud. It was her chance to experience the spectacle alongside Eevee, to step onto the stage and be as free as Dawn and May.

"Here it says it's in two weeks," Chloe exclaimed, now feeling concerned since she only had two weeks to prepare. Despite having practical and theoretical knowledge of contests, she still needed to choreograph a contest routine with Eevee and choose an outfit.

Thinking about all this made her a bit anxious, but she remembered the words of encouragement she had received from May and Dawn when she met them. Both could be crazy in their own way, but she admired them for their attitude and bravery. She believed she could do it too.

Chloe made up her mind that she would participate and began preparing everything for the day of the contest. She carefully planned out her training sessions with Eevee, focusing on developing a captivating contest routine that would showcase their bond and skills.

As she organized her thoughts and made lists of what needed to be done, Chloe couldn't help but consider if Ash could help her. She knew he was experienced as a Pokémon trainer and had a good understanding of contests from his own adventures. Perhaps his insights and advice could be valuable in refining their performance.

For the first time in her life, she would take the initiative and aim to win the contest. These were strange days for Chloe Cerise, but then again, anything seemed possible lately.

Well guys, that's all for now. The plot is slowly advancing along with the relationship between both characters. Please keep commenting; it helps me come up with ideas for the next chapters. Stay tuned, the next one will be coming soon.