When We Were Younger. |Gladion X Moon|Pokemon Romance Novel|

-17-

It's nightfall by the time Hau and I arrive back at the motel.

He reluctantly parts with two pieces of left over malasada to thank the Charizards for the late-night ride. They eagerly snap them up before taking off into the night sky.

Hau groans and rubs his forehead.

I close my eyes tight and take a few deep breaths. The stress is overwhelming, I keep having flash backs of the events that happened earlier at Aether Paradise.

"Are we telling Lillie?" I ask, quietly.

"No way! If they found out we spoke of it...they would probably toss us in one of those worm holes to be eaten by...by one of those...THINGS! NO WAY!" he stammers, looking over his shoulder.

"Yeah, no kidding!" I say, looking around the parking lot, "I'm so paranoid now, I can't get my mind off of that thing!"

"I'm pretty sure I'm never sleeping again...and Lusamine." he continues.

"There is something seriously wrong with that woman!" I blurt out.

"No shit! Did you see the way she..." he stutters.

"Yeah...I did."

A disturbing, crackling, crunch breaks the silence behind me. I grab for my Pokeballs and swiftly turn around.

Sparks float in the air towards me. A few of the logs from Gordon's fire had settled and the flames were crackling violently. I feel stupid for being so startled by the noise, the blood pulsates in my temples.

Hau clutches his chest and groans, "How long am I going to be like this??"

Through the window of the motel lobby, I see Lillie, Gordon and the motel owner sitting around the table chit chatting. I nudge Hau and point towards them.

"Well, should we go see what they are up to?"

"Yes! Let's get out of this creepy parking lot!" he whispers, "I think I'm afraid of the dark now."

I'd laugh if it wasn't so true.

The bells jingle as Hau and I enter the motel lobby, the trio stops their conversation and looks up at us.

"Children! Is everything okay?" asks the motel owner.

Hau and I exchange nervous looks.

"Why! You look like you seen a ghost!" continues the sweet old woman.

"We're fine, just tired!" I insist, "Just a long day."

"When I was your age, I could go all night!" chuckles Gordon, "You know what the best cure for a long face is? he asks.

"Malasada!?" answers Hau.

"Rock and Roll!" Gordon laughs as he busts a dance move.

He walks over to the radio and turns up the volume, the sounds of vintage surf rock fill the lobby.

He waltzes over to the old woman and takes her by the hand. Her vibrant smile lights up the room as she resists Gordon's offer, shaking her head and laughing. Gordon clears his throat and shoots the woman a smoldering look. She blushes and reluctantly takes his hand for a dance.
Lillie giggles, watching wide-eyed as the old couple bop and shake around the room. Hau snickers and decides to join them. The old woman shrieks as Gordon passes her to Hau. The two dance for a few moments before bursting out into laughter.

"Thanks for the dance mam," Hau laughs.

"Please! Call me Rosie!" the woman exclaims.

"Thanks for the dance...Rosie," Hau says in his best Elvis impression.