Pokémon XYZ: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos (book 2 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 9: Meeting the Professor

"Thanks a lot Nurse Joy," Alex thanked the pink haired nurse and made her way over to us, clutching two pokeballs.

"Well?" I asked, petting Froakie's head.

"They'll make a full recovery," she said. "It'll be a couple hours however."

"Time to kill," Robert stood from his chair and stretched. "What should we do?"

I shrugged. "We need to meet with the Professor still, then ask him where the closest gym is."

Alex nodded. "First though, I'm famished. I need some Kalos cuisine."

"There's a cafe down on Vernal Avenue," I said. "But I'm sure there are places closer to here."

"You two go on ahead," Robert nodded towards the store in the back of the Pokemon Center. "I'm going to stock up on supplies then try to contact Professor Juniper, tell her how things are going."

He waved us goodbye and went to speak to the guy at the counter. 

I turned to Alex, Froakie jumping onto my shoulder. "Well, shall we?"

She smiled. "Why not."

...

We ended up going to a cafe next to the PMC so Robert could find us easily. We sat at a round table, an umbrella blocking the sun. As we waited for our food, I decided to ask Alex something.

"So," I said. "Despite getting away from your family, how were you these last six months."

Alex shrugged, leaning back against her chair, gazing sideways. "Well, fine, I guess. When I first got back home, things were mostly fine. My parents weren't as bad as they used to be. They still drink a lot, but it was more contained. But..."

She trailed off, lost in thought.

"But?" I prompted. 

She flicked her gaze back to me. "My brother was the one I didn't see often. He and I were more close when we were younger, having each other's back. But, I guess he hated me for leaving him and going to Alola. Now, I'm afraid I've just made it worse when I came here."

"Why did you leave him?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound accusing.

"I-," she said. "I thought he'd be better off without me. I was always the one to get in trouble with our parents, so without me, I hoped he would be fine."

She sighed. "Turns out, he only became more like them and more distant. He's more of the reason I left this time, my parents on top of that."

I reached my hand over the table and grasped hers. "It's okay Alex. Sometimes, sometimes our families are unstable. But, maybe one day, that can still change."

She looked at me. "Are you still hoping for that?"

I shrugged. "I'm not going to go looking for it anytime soon. If he reaches out to me, maybe."

Alex smiled. "Maybe I'll do the same as well."

Three plates of sandwiches were delivered and we began to eat in silence. Froakie was given a bowl of pokefood and he jumped on the ground to eat it. Soon enough, Robert joined us and practically wolfed down his sandwich. He patted his stomach afterwords. "Ahh, delicious. Compliments to the chef."

Froakie finished up as well and leaped onto the table. I tickled his chin and said, "How 'bout we go see the Professor now?"

"Sounds like a plan," Alex said, standing up. "How about I pay for the meal."

"No no," I said. "I can-"

I started rummaging through my pockets and groaned. "Umm, never mind. I think I didn't take any when I left home."