Destined for each other

Chapter 22 The party

Vera's P.O.V.

Once I arrived home I couldn't help but get the feeling I was being watched. I risked a glance at Solstice's house and noticed the blinds quickly shut which made me feel very uncomfortable. Before I knew it his front door swung open and he ran towards me. "Vera!" I gave a surprised squeak As he hugged me. We're not even firends...
"Vera, I noticed you didn't come home last night where were you?" He asked. I pulled away and rolled my eyes. "If you must know I was with Nolan." I noticed he looked unhappy at the mention of his name. "Why do you even like him? He's a wild Mon! Remember when he broke into your store?" I nodded. "Well, it was all just a big misunderstanding... he didn't have any bad intentions." He looked annoyed with that response. "But why do you like him? I thought you hated it out there?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I do..."
"So why didn't you come home last night?" He asked again. Now I was losing my patience. "Uhm, Why do you care so much? Arceus Solstice when will you leave me alone?" He just stood there Silently then let out a sigh. "Because I love you Vera, and I care about your safety." I felt awkward and uncomfortable. "How can you love me? We never even hung out."
"Vera, I liked you ever since I liad my eyes on you. It's not my fault you never gave me a chance to at least just be friends." I backed away from him. I once thought about hanging out with him... but there was this bad feeling I kept getting about him that made me think otherwise and I wasn't too impressed with I first met him he did kind of come off as creepy. "Well, I should be getting home I'm sure Shade is probably still missing me," I say turning away. He got in front of me blocking my way. "What's going on with you and that wild Mon?" I got annoyed and clenched my teeth together. "We're dating alright! There that's the answer you wanted to hear! Now leave me alone!" Before he could react I quickly shoved past him bolted for my front door and slammed it shut behind me. "Vera?" I hear Shade's voice as he comes down the stairs to give me a hug and then look me in the eye. "Don't ever scare me like that again, I was out all night searching for you." I frowned. "I'm sorry Shade I wanted to come home but I guess it was too dangerous." He smiled. "I'm just glad you're ok." Then he paused for a moment. "Although I don't much care for your boyfriend's father... So what's this tribe he was talking about?" He asked.
'Of course, Ripple brought that up!
I felt annoyed as I answered. "So I guess there's this tribe in the ocean full of Vaporeons and he just so happens to be the leader." I answered hoping he hadn't said anything to Shade about the right of passage.
'Shade would freak out if he knew!
Shade seemed to be in thought for a moment. "How come you never told me?" I shrugged my shoulders. "I didn't think it would matter Shade." He rolled his eyes. "Ok, but you love spending time there?" I was a bit taken aback. "I mean I only ever go there to see Nolan, that doesn't necessarily mean I love it there." He seemed to relax a little hearing me say that. "Yeah, I know you'd never leave to go live out there. Plus we're on a lease anyway." I smiled as I remembered that.
Of course! How could I forget about the lease?
I find myself smiling as I realize I can use that if Ripple does try to make me stay with the tribe.
Can't argue with that!
Then I remembered the party.
Has anyone even told Shade about it?
"Ah, Shade?" I asked as he was about to go back upstairs. He paused. "Yes?"
"Has anyone said anything to you about the party tonight?" He tilted his head to one side. "Ehh? What party?" I let out a frustrated, sigh feeling annoyed that his friend Zane hadn't said anything to him about it. "Shade there's so much we need to catch up on," I said then he went for the couch and sat down. "I'm all ears." I sat down beside him. "First off there's something important that we'll need to discuss later with the group." He frowned. "What group? Do you mean your friends?" I glared at him. "I mean our Friends Shade, you're the only one whos never around why is that?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Because that's always been your thing, not mine." I gave him a look. "Nolan's not even supposed to see his brothers, and yet he still makes time for them so why can't you?" He gazed at me calmly. "You know I'm not very social with others."
"Don't you want to make new friends?" I asked. "You might like Conan or Hearvy and would it kill you to try to get to know Nolan?" His red gaze suddenly narrowed to slits. "That's what I tried to do! He didn't show up yesterday like we planned!" I gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry I guess we went to his mother's house and lost track of time. It's nothing personnel Shade give him another chance."
"Alright, I guess I'll see him tonight since there's a party." I hesitated for a moment. "So it's gonna be here at our house and Nolan's gonna bring a bunch of Vaporeons from the tribe." Shade was speechless for a moment. "OK, I guess that's fine but I expect some help with cleaning tomorrow." I nodded. "Well, I know Rea and Zane won't mind helping and maybe I could ask Conan and Hearvy."
"What about your boyfriend? If he wants to be with you then I expect a helping paw from him."
I shook my head. "He has to be home before sunrise or Ripple will ground him for a week." Shade grunted and rolled his eyes. "That sounds pathetic isn't Nolan a bit old to be still taking punishments? I mean he's old enough to take care of himself." I nodded. "Well, Ripple is... he's something else.."
"I don't like Nolan's father." He grunted flexing his claws. I tilted my head at him. "But you hardly know him." He shrugged. "I didn't like his attitude I could tell just by talking to him that he thinks he's better just because he lives outside." I nodded. "Yeah, I guess he's not fond of town life. But whatever... anyway I think we should get everything ready don't you?" He nodded. "I can get some snacks prepared if you just wanna focus on the berry punch." I smiled and nodded and we both got to work in the kitchen together.