Melting a Frozen Heart (Pokémon Love Story)

Bella's Business

*Bella's POV*

The house was silent. Dead quiet. I groaned and flopped onto the couch. I was home alone, and I'd just finished another book. I love reading, but these days of staring at words non-stop... ugh. I need a hobby.

Emily was in town selling berries with Chris. He'd taught her how to grow them and she'd started a garden in our backyard. She was out having fun and I'm stuck here. How is this fair?

I rolled off the couch and fell onto the floor. I groaned again. I slowly stood and dragged myself to the door. When I opened it the bright sun fell on my eyes. I might've growled a little. I walked outside and shut the door behind me.

I started meandering towards town. Not in a hurry, just enjoying the stroll. It wasn't a very nice day. The wind was blowing so it was cold despite the sun being out. Not that I minded.

"Hey, Bells!"

I turned around and saw Dash jogging towards me. I stopped and waited for him to catch up. My brow raised when I noticed the bag over his shoulder.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked.

"Bambi forgot her lunch. I'm taking it in now. What about you?"

"I got bored at home."

"Bored huh?"

"Yeah. I'm not used to just sitting around all day. I need something to do."

"Hm," he mused thoughtfully.

We continued walking towards town. Dash seemed to be thinking about something. I just waited for him to talk again. It didn't take long. He seems to really enjoy the sound of his own voice.

"Do you want a job?"

"What kind of job?"

"I used to work as a mailman. I quit to look after Bambi. I could talk to my old boss and probably get you a position there."

"Hm, maybe."

"After I drop Bambi's lunch off, I could take you around there and you can decide."

"Okay."

I smiled to myself. I'd been bored only a few minutes ago, but now I was walking beside him. Just the two of us, it's nice.

It didn't take us long to get to the school. We'd arrived in town and cut through the back streets to reach the small cluster of classrooms.

The courtyard and playground were quiet, it was actually kind of spooky. Dash didn't hesitate; he walked through the school gates. I followed him into one of the larger buildings. He led me down the hallway, past a few classrooms.

Dash stopped outside one of the rooms and knocked on the door. A second later he pushed it open and stepped in.

I peeked in and saw rows of young Pokémon all looking at Dash. A Sylveon stood in front of a blackboard.

"Sorry X, Bambi forgot her lunch."

The Sylveon smiled and nodded. Dash strolled past the desks. He reached into his saddle-pack and pulled out a brown paper bag. He smiled and handed it to Bambi. She smiled and laughed sheepishly, embarrassedly placing the bag beside her desk.

Dash chuckled and tousled the fur atop her head before walking back to the front of the class.

"Thanks pal. Catch you later," Dash said to the Sylveon.

"Actually Dash, can I talk to you a moment?"

"Sure thing," answered Dash.

Sylveon ushered Dash and me from the room. He closed the door behind us, so we were talking privately in the hallway.