❝ Why do I feel like I'm just a chapter in your book while you're my entire story? ❞
❝ Well, you're obviously wrong, because you're my entire novel, cover to cover. ❞
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
A blank canvas. That's how my life was. Until she took my hand...
29. chapter twenty-nine: Misty's advice... do I follow it?
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Breakfast had been a haughty affair. Serena had to join her friends, and I was left with my group of peculiarities. She did invite me, but I turned her down, considering my presence more of an alien invasion in their gang than a welcome change.
And so, I was playing with my mashed potatoes. I liked being alone; it makes me think clearer, but right now, I wasn’t being alone. I was feeling lonely. Despite Gary sitting beside me, in spite of Misty’s attempts to start a word-building game.
I glanced around to distract myself. Professor Sycamore was dining with Professor Olympe and our drivers. May and Drew had a table for two, chatting and giggling. Dawn was with her homies: Barry, Kenny, Zoey, and, surprisingly, Paul. There was the Alolan gang too, joined by Hau. Clemont was talking excitedly with Sawyer. They were accompanied by the rest of the second section.
And then there was Serena’s group. They seemed to be in the middle of a photo session. I could not help the tinge of jealousy that crept into my veins when I saw her laugh at something Trevor said. They were huddled so close over his selfie stick. So close.
"Ash!" I turned my attention to Misty as she spoke, "Something with 'S'."
"Serena?"
Misty rolled her eyes while Gary started laughing his head off. Eh? "Arceus, give him some temporary forgetfulness potion or something. I’m so done with him."
I cringed when I realized what had happened. "Sorry. Um, stealthy."
"I’m going to pretend that never happened," the girl added. "And you better too, Gary!"
I zoned out again, trying to set a premise for my future confession. I could ask her to dine with me for lunch and admit everything when it’s almost time to leave for the bus. That way, even if she doesn’t like me—oh, that thought hurts—she would not have time to comfort me.
I sighed. This was a lot harder to implement. "Ash, something with 'L' that’s not 'love'."
"Shut up, Misty," I retorted, mulling over my porridge. "Lost."
"Hey, what’s up with this guy?" Gary asked, throwing an arm around my shoulder. I frowned. I hated talking about myself. "Either he’s your local lovesick puppy or your average depressed teenager!"
"Thanks for pointing that out."
Misty leaned over the table, flicking her spoon. "Look, I won’t stop you from talking to her. If you’re so inclined, go ahead. Nobody’s stopping you, but for goodness’ sake, just don’t start brooding over your soup. We’ve only got one opportunity to go out like this!"
I downed the porridge in one go and stood up. "I’m not! I was just planning… something," I began, unsure whether to confide in them or not. They were my best friends, no doubt, but they weren’t Brocko.
