Melting a Frozen Heart (Pokémon Love Story)

Not the Beach

*Bella's POV*

I lay comfortably on the couch, reading a book. Emily walked past in a hurry. She frantically packed her saddle bags. There was bounce in her step and a song on her lips. She hummed quietly as she ran back and forth. She was excited because we're going to the beach for the weekend. Dash and his family are going with us, but...

"Em," I said quietly.

She stopped humming and looked at me expectantly. "Hm?"

"I... I'm not coming to the beach."

Emily frowned. "Why not? Are you sick?"

"No, I'm fine. I just... I don't really like the beach. You go have fun though."

"But..."

"I'm really sorry Em."

"Oh... Okay... Will you be alright by yourself?"

"I'll be fine."

"Okay then."

"Don't worry about me. Go have fun."

"Well... bye then."

"Bye."

Emily tossed her bags over her back, tightened the waist straps and smiled at me one last time before walking from the house. I watched her go with a sad smile and a sigh.

******

*Dash's POV*

"Everyone ready?"

"Yip!" Said Bambi.

"Uh-huh," answered Chris.

"YES! Give me the beach! Woohoo!" Shouted Sophie.

I chuckled and shook my head. "We're just waiting on Bella and Emily. They'll be here soon."

"Actually... Bella isn't coming."

I turned around and saw Emily smiling sadly.

I frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"No, she just doesn't much like the beach."

"Oh. Oh well, that's too bad."

I grunted as Sophie jumped on my back. She leaned over my head and I couldn't see her winking at Emily.

"Dashy! Bellie's going to be SOOO bored! You should stay and keep her company."

"Huh? Why me?"

"Because!"

Emily smiled gently. "Don't worry about it. I'll stay here with her. We can do something else another time."

I sighed. I couldn't let Emily stay here while we were out having fun... and besides, this might earn me a few brownie points.

I smiled at her. "Don't worry. I'll stay here with Bella."

Emily's eyes lit up. "Would you?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, no problem."

"Thank you!"

She hugged me tightly and I blushed furiously. Huh, who knew she wanted to go to the beach that badly? Emily broke the hug and looked at me with a huge smile.

"No mummy or daddy?" Said a small voice.

I turned and saw Bambi looking at me with big sad eyes. I laughed and hugged her.

"Don't worry. You're going to have lots of fun with Sophie, Chris and Emily. Alright?"

Bambi looked at the ground and didn't say anything. I chuckled and tilted her head until she was looking at me.