Pen Ink

Bailey - Pokémon

"I'm telling you, it was crazy ridiculous." I laughed, Robin staring me straight in the face as I told her the story. Her small figure was bouncing impatiently as she tapped her foot.

"So you're telling me, you two spilled your drinks on each other and then randomly hit it off?"

"Yeah, basically." I shrugged.

"Whatever ya weirdo. So, back to me to like before." She laughed, quickly changing the subject back to what she had been talking about. When Robin had something to say, or a story to tell she made sure she would be heard. She was a very gesticulative person, her arms moving wildly all over the place as she spoke, practically talking using only her hands. A couple times her hands would brush by her long brown hair, constantly having to tuck it behind her ear to keep it out of the way. Even if her efforts were unsuccessful she continued to do it none the less. It at least kept it out of her emerald colored eyes, for the most part. "He wouldn't drop the argument. I'm almost a hundred percent sure that I know what I'm talking about more than anyone when I say that the best Pokémon type is fire. I mean for crying out loud I grew up with the shit." 

Suddenly someone gasped from behind me as a smooth honey like voice rumbled, "Shut your mouth!"

I didn't quite recognize said stranger's voice. It sounded familiar but I was unsure as to who it was. I turned on my heel to face the unknown voice as I connected it with the face I had met earlier today, the same freckled face.

"Simon?" 

"Bailey?" Simon questioned in return, he clearly wasn't as confused as I was but still a little unsure as to how we had met up again in these circumstances. I glanced back at Robin who seemed to be just as confused, if not, probably more about the whole situation. I turn my head to look back at Simon before staring straight past him and towards the approaching figure behind him. "Ms. Wells!" I cheer happily and step around Simon towards the older lady for a hug. "Bailey." She smiles as I give her a light squeeze before pulling away. "I see you've met my grandson." She says simply, gesturing towards Simon as I step back a moment to look between the two of them.

A realization hits me suddenly as I begin to see the resemblance between the two of them. The way the corners of their lips both curl up into wide bright smiles that from dimples near their cheeks. Or the freckles that dot both of their faces. Simon having much more, as it appears Ms. Wells have faded as she's aged. 

"Simon's your grandson?" I question raising my brows. She looks at me with a questioning face. "I guess I was just expecting someone a little..." I sighed trailing off. "Never mind" Simon looks at me confused as if waiting for me to finish. I shrug him off, before his face lights up. As if he had suddenly remembered something 

"Fairy type is better. And even better than that, any Evee evolution! I mean, have you seen them?? They're so cute, but fei-" 

Robin quickly caught on before the rest of us did as she spoke up, interrupting him. "Bull! Shit! Who's favorite Pokémon is Evee??" 

Simon gasped, putting a hand over his chest. "Um mine. If anything I think I have a more valid opinion in this situation. I was practically the Pokémon king in my elementary school. You should see my rare and legendary collection." He huffs crossing his arms over his chest. Robin copies him, removing her hand from her hip to cross it over her chest as well.

I glanced over at Ms. Wells, who seemed to be just observing I decided I would do the same stepping back a few feet to stand next to her and watch. She glanced at me, speaking quietly so her voice couldn't be heard by the two who had started bickering once more trying to figure explain why their Pokémon type was better. "This might never end.." she chuckled smiling warmly at me. "Simon can go on forever, Pokémon has a place close to his heart." 

We both shared a laugh as he shook my head sympathetically. "So can Robin. She loves herself a fiery argument, especially if it's about something she's passionate about." I chuckled smiling. I glanced back at the two as they continued to bicker and argue about which Pokémon type is better. I didn't know too much about the subject matter. I mean I had heard of it of course, and kids were always trading cards during lunch or recess, but I never joined the fandom myself. I was more of a digimon kid myself. The show practically speaks for itself. It was funny yet clever and always brought a smile to my face. Between the goofy little characters and the incredible theme song, it was just all around amazing! What's not to love about it? I sighed happily, recalling the old memories of one of my favorite childhood show. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to rewatch it sometime.

The sound of Simon and Robin's bickering turning into yelling as it got louder snapped me out of my day dream. I looked the two over. Their valid points were slowly just turning into opinions and their reasons weren't any better. Giving explanations of, 'because I said so that's why!'

"Are you seriously going to say your favorite Pokémon is Charmander?" Simon sighed heavily, slumping over slightly as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "For crying out loud that's a starter Pokémon!" He raised his voice, removing his hand from his face and waving the both of them around wildly. "Everybody knows that favorite starter Pokémon are much different than just your favorite Pokémon! Your favorite Pokémon can't be a starter Pokémon!"

Robins face was as bright red as a fire truck. It looked like it might catch on fire if this yelling match got any more intense than it already was. "Says who! If I want Charmander to be my favorite Pokémon then it's going to be my favorite!" She places a hand back on her hip a vicious scowl filling her face. "God it's not like you probably like any of the starter Pokémon anyways!" She scowls her attitude clearly present in her voice. "These starter Pokémon aren't sophisticated enough to beat my dearly beloved Evee." She mocks, speaking dramatically and lowering her voice an octave to imitate Simon's.

"Oh shut up!" His voice went higher in pitch for a moment, as he squeaked at her defensively. "Of course I have a favorite starter Pokémon! It's pikachu of course!" He yelled, getting rather defensive.

Robin scowled in response, her jaw dropping as she interrupted before he could explain himself, "Pikachu?! Fuckin pikachu?!" Her voice was starting to get much louder. She was letting herself speak freely, curse words and other flowing freely through out her words. Ms. Wells raised an eye brow as she glanced at me. I shrugged in response. Simon opened his mouth to argue back before Robin cut him off once more. "Pikachu is only a starter Pokémon for Pokémon Go. Anyone knows that.." she scowls before glancing at me. "Even Bailey."

Simon opened his mouth quickly before Robin could interrupt him again. He spoke quickly, some of his words running together, "That's it! Bailey." He sighs turning to me. "You've been listening to this arguement. Don't fail me when I ask you this, what is the best Pokémon type?" His face was suddenly rather serious. His piercing hazel eyes stared at me with hope. It was as if my answer would dertermine life or death.

The whole world slowed down as I thought for the moment. I never watched Pokémon. I didn't collect the cards. I didn't even play the video games. I've said this already, I watched digimon... I looked up at them, ripping my eyes away from the carpet of the living room floor. "I..uh." I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my neck. "I don't like Pokémon"

Both Robin and Simon gasped and I could hear Ms. Wells chuckle beside me.