Chapter Text
“C’mon, c’mon!” I said as I unlatched my seatbelt before Dad put the car in park. Right on cue, my espeon, Lake, teleported both me and her out of the car and in front of our favorite arcade, the Pewter Rock Arcade.
“TALIA!” Mom shouted out the window. Mama V shouted as well, her sing-song voice doing nothing to hide the scolding in her growls and chimes. “I swear, that child gets more rambunctious by the year. They get this from you. Next time this year, they’re gonna come back home, announce they’re the champion of Kanto, and then run off into the wild.”
“That was one time, Carmen.” Dad sighed. He shook his head and turned off the ignition. Sparks, deciding he could no longer wait, lept through a different car window to join Lake and me. The two pokemon chased one another around my legs while I bounced impatiently on the sidewalk.
“C’mon! Hurry! The line for the dance machine is already really long!” I could see it from the entrance. Six kids waited for their turn already. SIX!
“Your Abuelo and Abuela aren’t here yet. Besides, it’s not going anywhere., Mom said as she and Mama V got out. I swore they walked slowly on purpose. Whining, I ran up and grabbed Mom’s hand to try and make her move faster. She laughed and slowed down even more. I didn’t think it was possible!
“But I am!” I groaned. “My journey starts tomorrow! You two promised I could spend my ENTIRE last day at the arcade. It’s already 9 am! Mom spent ALL morning taking pictures. Abuelo and Abuela can meet us inside, so let’s go already!”
Dad ruffled my hair. I let go of Mom to swat his hand away. “There’s no need to rush, birthday kid. It’s not every day you turn ten. Let your mom and I enjoy our last day with you before you head off into the big wide world.” He put a hand on my shoulder and an arm over Mom’s, pulling us close to kiss us both.
“Lake! Rescue!” I cried, trying to squirm out of my dad’s arms. Lake chimed and teleported us both inside. With Dad’s wallet. “Score!” I heard him shout indignantly outside. Cackling, Lake and I ran to the counter to order a game card and as much pizza as I could get away with. After all, I’d paid for all my trainer equipment myself using the money I’d earned working at Dad’s gym. Today was Dad’s treat!