Breaking the Ice

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

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Pallet Town is pretty small compared to the other cities in the Kanto region, so it didn't take me long to travel from the poké center to my parent's house. I looked behind me and saw Monique running after me, obviously winded. I stopped to wait for her; she was chasing after a girl that just had an extended night's rest and was hyped up on adrenaline from the arguement they had just had. I think she was keeping up pretty well, though she had to stop to regain her breath once she caught up. As she did, I looked over at the house I had lived in for so many years. It still appeared as boring as I always thought it did. "Darn, I was hoping they would have at least changed the windows or something."

Monique looked at me breathlessly like I was crazy. "Really? That's what you're worried about?"

"Yeah, it was always kind of bland," I answered.

Monique was bent over, staring at me from the top of her eyes in disbelief, and muttered a "whatever" as she caught her breath.

Upon looking towards the back of the house, I saw a car: my mom's car. So she was home. That makes everything easier. "Well, here goes nothing," I said under my breath, and started walking towards the front door with Monique following me. I guess having a friend will help make me seem more capable. I just hope Monique doesn't get heated at my parents... I debated whether I should knock, quickly mulling it over and knocking, the door echoing slightly with each hit. I took a step back and waited anxiously, not sure what to expect from the door. They might not answer. Might not want to see me. I think Monique was feeling the same, rolling back and forth on her feet, one step down from the door, and me.

Suddenly, the door opened and revealed my mother inside. She looked down to meet my eyes and took a few seconds to realize exactly who it was and the impact of me being here. Great, she almost didn't recognize me...but once she did, her eyes widened. "Ellie, is that you?" For once, it sounded like she cared, despite the fact that she barely recognized me after such a short time.

I guess I was just anticipating more to change than what did, because she looked just like her old, boring self. Still, she was my mother. "Yes mom, it's me," I answered, leaving a bland tone in the air as she quickly disappeared into the house without any additional reaction, leaving Monique and I behind. A moment later, she reappeared, with my dad.

Oh joy.

"Elloise Thompson, we were worried sick!" he boomed. My dad usually isn't very loud, but he can be whenever he gets mad. I mean, he's not a bad dad -when he's actually here- he's just a little too overprotective...

All the time.

I noticed my mom was looking curiously at Monique, so I thought I needed to introduce them, "Mom, Dad, this is Monique. I met her while I...was out." Monique smiled and waved timidly as my family continued to look her over. I think I should leave out that I met her in the middle of a forest fire...

After my Mom had inspected Monique enough, she looked back at me and asked -or told-, "Come on in, honey. There's a lot to talk about."

I turned and looked at Monique. She was looking down at the steps, so I followed my parents in. The house, much to my surprise, looked just as it had since I left. Arceus, what I'd give for some new carpet... Monique and I sat on the couch in the living room while my parents sat in two chairs across from the couch. They both crossed their legs. Great, going to be here for a while, I see.

"So Ellie,...how's life been?" My Mom asked slowly, like she had no clue where to begin. Figures.

"It's been fun," I answered.