Stand by You part 2 of 4

Chapter 42: Progression

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AN: Before I continued the story I just wanted to thank everyone for their very kind reviews. This story has been in my mind for a while and I am happy that people are enjoying it. I look forward to each review and I love getting the feedback because it is good motivation. Let me know if you have a fic you want me to read and/or review and I will do it. I always read comments and check daily so don't hesitate.

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Another week passed and the Cherryrose contest was only a day away. Everyone had their routines planned out. Everyone except for Jessie and James, who were still at the hospital with their baby, Annastasia.

"Doesn't she just look adorable!" Jessie exclaimed.

Jessie dressed the infant up in a blue and green Meowth costume. It had a large turquoise bow in the ear.

"I like this because it will match her eyes. We know they are either going to be blue or green", she added. "Maybe even both".

Annastasia still hadn't opened her eyes, and she was still confined to the incubator. The doctors estimated that it would be another few weeks until she could leave. Jessie and James spent almost all their time with her, unless they were shopping for her, sleeping, reading, or eating.

"I still can't believe we found an outfit that small", James commented.

"Thrift stores can have some real gems", she commented. "And the tie dye we added gives it a homemade flair".

Jessie's cell phone rang. "You should go answer it. I got the baby", said James as he took the little girl in his arms.

Jessie looked down at her called i.d. It was Mondo.

"I'm going to answer this", she said as she walked out of the room.

"Hey Jessie", said Mondo.

Jessie and James had contacted Mondo the week after Annastasia was born. He had come to visit her, but had to leave almost immediately in order to go back to work. These days Giovanni had every Rocket working overtime.

"What's up?" she asked.

"I was just calling to see how you were doing", he replied.

"We are doing good. Annastasia hasn't changed much since you last saw her", said Jessie.

"That's what I thought, I was just checking in. I was talking to Meowth earlier. I guess he is competing in the Pokémon Contest with Lucy", said Mondo.

"You mean Lucy is going to participate?" Jessie asked incredulously.

"That's what is sounded like", Mondo replied.

"I didn't know that she would be willing to do such a thing", Jessie remarked. " I assumed he was using his own Pokémon. Lucy said that Pokémon Contests were stupid".

"She must have changed her mind", said Mondo.

"Did he mention what their routine was going to be?" she asked.

"Nope. He says that it is going to be a surprise, but he is going to have it recorded to that we can see it", he explained.

"Good" says Jessie. "I wouldn't want to miss that performance. With me and James out of the competition, he might have a shot at winning".

Mondo smiled. "I am glad you are doing well, sempai. Is there anything you need me to get you? I can send you whatever you might need".

"Mondo, you are no longer our assistant. You don't have to supply us anymore", she said to him.