Chapter 5

~New Characters Introduced~

Truant Officer Jenny, Courtney, and Shelly

Original Date of Post: 08/12/2007

Narrator: Along the high school journey, people find a certain group that they stick with throughout the four years. Hey, some people don’t find their place until they’re sophomores or juniors. So take your time, people.

Ash: I wonder why your sisters wanted me to come to cheer practice today.

Misty: I don’t know. They never let me in on anything. They just told me to get you to come to the gym after school. (Moments later inside the gym)

Ash: You want me to be the school mascot?

Daisy: Uh-huh!

Ash: Hmm…That does sound interesting.

Misty: There you go, Ash. You’ve been telling me for the last few months that you were looking for an activity to be a part of.

Daisy: Excellent! We have someone to play Jack the Donkey!

Ash: Hold up, wait a minute! Did you say "donkey"?

Daisy: You heard me right! I know it seems a little silly to have a donkey as a mascot, but it’s a real fun gig.

Ash: You must think I’m a giant jackass!

Narrator: Um...too easy!

Daisy: Not at all! I just think you’re the only one who can be trusted. It really hasn’t been the same since that terrible incident happened to our last mascot.

Ash: What happened to the last mascot?

Narrator: Let’s freeze for a second. The last mascot was arrested on a drug bust. In a soccer tournament last year, the Pallet High mascot was in the middle of a dance routine when police surrounded the area. He was arrested, and got the worst beat down since Rodney King. He is now rotting in a federal prison and will be out sometime in the year 2018 or when Jennifer Lopez is on her 30th husband. Whichever one comes first! We return to the story already in progress!

Ash: Forget it!

Daisy: Please Ash! (She grabs his hand) We could really use the help. I promise, no one will make fun of you or think less of you if you do this. (She kisses him on the cheek)

Misty: (Blushing) STOP PUTTING PRESSURE ON HIM LIKE THAT!

Daisy: Relax Misty! I didn’t touch your precious boyfriend.

Misty: He’s not my…

Ash: I’ll do it!

Daisy: Hooray! We’ve got our jackass!

Misty: (Sighs) I can’t believe her sometimes. Hmm, that’s odd. Sakura should have been here by now. (Outside)

Sakura: Crap, crap, crap! I’m running late! Oh God, the girls are going to have my head for this! (Bumps into someone) I’m so sorry for bumping into you. I’m in a big hurry you see and…

Courtney: Hmm! (Pushes her on the ground) Next time, watch who you bump into.

Sakura: Huh? (Another girl walks up)

Shelly: Hey Courtney! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?

Courtney: I should have known. I always knew you were too soft if I see that you’re sticking up for this preppy. Not surprising at all.

Shelly: So what if I do? (Courtney leaves)

Sakura: Wow!

Shelly: You alright kid? (She helps Sakura up) Sorry you had to get mixed up in that whole mess. Pay no attention to Courtney. She’s one of those girls who's a bitch 24/7, if you get my meaning.

Sakura: Thank you.

Shelly: It’s no problem. Just try and stay out of Courtney’s way. You never know what she's capable of when she takes her anger out on little freshmen. Now, go on. I take it you were late for something.

Sakura: Oh my God, you’re right! Thanks again! (She runs off) Wait a second! I never caught her name. (In the gym)

Misty: There you are. Where in God’s name were you?

Sakura: Sorry Misty. I stayed late after class to try and finish a test.

Misty: Well, no harm done. Lucky for you, we didn’t even start practice yet. We’ve been a little busy with setting Ash up as our new mascot.

Sakura: We have a mascot?

Misty: We do now. Ash come on out so we can see the costume!

Ash: I’m not coming out!

Misty: I promise you, nobody is going to laugh. (The door opens) See!

Ash: I feel ridiculous! (Girls laugh) That’s it! Where the hell is the zipper on this thing?

Misty: Don’t pay attention to the other girls on the team. They’re just shallow idiots!

Miss Lillian: Ah! There he is! Our new mascot! It's so nice to meet you, young man. I'm Miss Lillian.

Ash: Huh? Oh, nice to meet you ma'am, but I really gotta...

Miss Lillian: Now I know there are a lot of crazy stories flying around about the mascot position, but you have my word that it’s a great job and nothing bad happens to the mascot!

Officer Jenny: I GOT YOU DRUGGIE!!! (Pins Ash to the ground)

Miss Lillian: Stop Truant Officer Jenny! Don’t worry, it’s a new mascot. Remember, the old one is in prison.

Officer Jenny: Oh, I suppose you're right. His face is different from the last guy. Alright Miss Lillian, I’ll take your word on it. But as for you, I’ll be watching you, donkey! One false move and BAM, you’re in Juvie! (After practice near the school entrance)

Misty: I can’t believe Ash is going to be the mascot.

Sakura: You’re just happy because…Oh right, I can’t say it out loud! (Misty blushes)

Misty: Let’s not talk about it anymore.

Shelly: Looks like you made it to your practice okay.

Sakura: You’re the girl who helped me earlier.

Misty: I’m going to head home. I’ll see you tomorrow, Sakura. (Misty leaves)

Shelly: What’s up kid?

Sakura: Again, thanks for…

Shelly: You’ve already thanked me more than enough times.

Sakura: Oh, sorry about that. But anyways, I never got a chance to introduce myself. My name is Sakura.

Shelly: That’s a pretty name, kid. I’m Shelly. (A slow car drives by) Get down! (They hide in the bushes) That was a close one.

Sakura: Why are we in the bushes? Was it that Courtney girl again?

Shelly: No, this wasn’t Courtney. Listen kid, maybe it’s a bad idea for you to hang out with me. I’m surprised you weren’t scared of me when you first saw me.

Sakura: Why would I be scared of you? I think you’re a nice person.

Shelly: That means a lot Sakura. I can’t remember the last time someone said I was a nice person.

Sakura: Hey Shelly, how would you like to join me and my friends for lunch tomorrow? I know they’d be happy to have another person join in.

Shelly: Hmm…I guess it wouldn’t hurt to pop in. (The next day during lunch)

Sakura: (Thinking) I hope that she can come over.

Misty: So what do you think is up with Professor Elm? He’s been missing out on more class sessions than all of the students combined.

Marisa: Word is that Miss Agatha is getting very close to firing him. Though one of my friends thinks he’s being possessed by aliens.

Sakura: SHELLY! (She jumps up) This way!

Marisa: Who’s she?

Misty: I don’t know.

Sakura: I’m so glad you came here. Everybody, this is Shelly. Shelly, this is Misty, Marisa, Ash, and Brock.

Shelly: Hey everyone. (Winona walks up)

Winona: Hello everyone! Shelly, what are you doing here?

Shelly: I don't think that’s any of your concern, Winona.

Sakura: I invited her to sit with us. She’s my new best friend! (Shelly smiles)

Winona: I see. Say Misty, could I have a word with you in private? (Outside the cafeteria)

Misty: What’s the matter?

Winona: Keep an eye on Sakura. I know that you and she are best friends and I just don’t want to see Sakura get hurt.

Misty: Where’s this coming from?

Winona: It’s because of that girl, Shelly. What I'm about to say needs to stay between the two of us. I don’t think Shelly is the right person for Sakura to hang around with. Sakura’s too much of a nice girl to be dragged down by someone like Shelly. You see, Shelly is a gang member and I’m afraid she might get Sakura tangled up in that whole mess.

Misty: I see.

Shelly: I should have known! Listen you little, prissy, Mary Sunshine wannabe! I am not doing anything to Sakura. It is just a harmless, little friendship and nothing more. More to the point, I do not enjoy you bad-mouthing me to anyone.

Winona: I’m just concerned about her.

Shelly: This is none of your concern!

Winona: Fine! But if you harm Sakura or get her in any kind of trouble, I will take the matter up with the police and make sure you never get out of jail. (They both walk away)

Shelly: I knew I should have declined Sakura's offer...but then again...When was the last time someone was that kind to me? (Sakura runs up)

Sakura: There you are! Is everything okay? You left the cafeteria in such a hurry.

Shelly: I’m okay. Listen kid, why is it that you look up to me so much?

Sakura: Hmm…I really can’t explain it. I guess it’s because I see you as a big sister. I saw it yesterday when you stood up to that girl wearing all red. That’s something that an older sister would have done for their younger sibling. You see, I have four older sisters. But now ,all of them are off at college and so I barely get to see them.

Shelly: So you see me as an older sister? You know, when I was younger, I’ve always wanted an older sister. I guess I could have used one so I wouldn’t have ended up like this.

Sakura: Maybe we could hang out some more. There’s a football game on Friday and I’m going to be there to perform.

Shelly: Gee, a football game? I’ll think about it kid. I’ll see you later! (She leaves)

Sakura: Hmm…I hope she can come. (Nearby)

Misty: So Shelly’s in a gang?

Winona: So goes the rumor. I've seen her hang out with a shady group wearing all blue around town. And there are times when I see her fist-fighting with another girl who goes to this school. From what I learned she's in the rival gang. So there's always tension wherever Shelly roams. As for the school record shows, she always ditches class, gets in trouble with the police, and has been caught with drugs on several occasions.

Misty: But Sakura seems positive that Shelly is a nice person.

Winona: You have to trust me on this one Misty. I’ve known Shelly for many years and I’ve seen her go from a good girl to a bad girl. One time is way too many times to see that happen. I don’t want to see Sakura do the same thing.

Misty: Don’t worry; I’ll make sure Sakura is safe.

Winona: I know you will Misty. (Back in the cafeteria)

Ash: Ugh…How did I get caught up in this?

Brock: Oh come on Ash. There’s no shame in being the school mascot.

Marisa: Brock’s right.

Ash: The whole school is going to laugh at me.

Brock: No one is going to laugh. I mean sure, you’ll have to be in a jackass costume…

Marisa: You’re not helping one bit. Ash, think about it! Being the school mascot can have some major perks. This gives you the chance to be creative with your own routines, as long as it’s by school regulations and as long as Miss Lillian allows it.

Ash: If you think it’s so great, why don’t you be the mascot?

Marisa: I prefer to do all my performing on stage and not make a public spectacle at a sporting event.

Ash: Are you guys coming to the football game on Friday?

Brock: Of course!

Marisa: Wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Ash: That’s what I was afraid of. (Later in the girl's locker room)

Misty: So Shelly...she seems...nice?

Sakura: I know you're questionable Misty, but trust me she's sweet.

Misty: I see you've taken a liking to her.

Sakura: Well I wouldn't say that exactly. But I do consider her a friend.

Misty: Even though you've only known her for 24 hours?

Sakura: That's how it began with us.

Misty: You do have a point there. Listen Sakura...

Sakura: Hey, I got an idea! If Shelly decides to come to the game on Friday, how about the three of us go grab a bite to eat afterward? That way we can get to know each other better.

Misty: Wait Sakura, I think you might be taking things too fa...

Miss Lillian: Come on ladies, let's hurry up to the floor.

Misty: Uh...Man, Winona put all her faith in me. This isn't going as smoothly as I thought it would.

Narrator: Friday evening...at the football game. (Banging on the door)

Brock: Come on Ash!

Ash: I’m not coming out!

Marisa: You have to come out of there sooner or later.

Ash: How do I know that there isn’t a swarm of paparazzi outside this door?

Marisa: You have my word that it’s just me and Brock outside this door. Plus, I don’t have my camera with me.

Ash: Screw you guys! I’m not coming out! This is where I put my hoof down! (Miss Lillian walks by)

Miss Lillian: You’ve got five minutes, Mr. Ketchum! (Ash opens the door)

Brock: Now was that so hard?

Ash: No, the hard part will be Monday morning when the whole school points and laughs in my direction.

Marisa: So you’re not nervous about performing?

Ash: The performing part? Not so much! (Gary walks up)

Gary: Let’s all hope that you don’t make a total ass of your self! (He puts his arm around Marisa’s shoulder) Isn’t that right, babe?

Marisa: Get off me before I call the police on you! Pervert! (A little later in the game)

Brock: Half-time stretch! (Brock gets up and Marisa grabs him)

Marisa: Some friend you are! Ash is about to go out there!

Brock: I love Ash like a brother, but for God's sake I gotta take a leak. (He walks away)

Marisa: Fine, just hurry up. (Sighs) Of all the time to forget my camera at home.

Todd: Don't worry, I'll capture all I need of your jackass friend. Speaking of jackasses... (Gary takes off his helmet and blows a kiss to the audience)

Marisa: (Growls) Scum!

Todd: He's infatuated.

Marisa: He's an idiot.

Announcer: And now for the half-time performance, here are the Pallet High cheerleaders. (Cheering)

Marisa: Oh, take a shot of Misty and Sakura down there.

Todd: Get off me. (On the field)

Sakura: I hope she made it. (Looks in the stands) AH! She made it! Shelly came!

Misty: Get in your place Sakura!

Sakura: Right!

Narrator: And now for the moment everyone was waiting for. The return of the Pallet High mascot. Well during the cheer routine, Ash ran out and started to dance on all fours. Instead of laughing like what Ash predicted, the crowd stood up and cheered for Ash. Ash then stood up on two legs and ran over to Misty. As he held out a hoof for her hand in a dance, Misty blushed and started to dance with him. The crowd cheered louder and started chanting for Ash and Misty. After half-time, Ash was the talk of the crowd.

Miss Lillian: You were fantastic out there! I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting a half-time show to go like that. In fact, this was so much better than watching Dancing with the Stars last night. I’m just so relieved it didn’t have any kind of police beat-downs at any point.

Ash: Thanks Miss Lillian!

Miss Lillian: I guess this makes you part of the crew, Mr. Ketchum. (She leaves)

Misty: So did you enjoy yourself?

Ash: Surprisingly enough, I did.

Misty: And the whole school seemed to have loved your act and as far as I could see, nobody laughed at you.

Ash: Alright Misty, I get the message. I guess it won’t kill me to be the school mascot. I just have that feeling that I’m never going to live it down with Gary. (Near the concession stands)

Sakura: I hope Shelly's up for a hot dog. Now I saw her sitting somewhere up here...Hmm...I wonder where she went to. Maybe she went to the bathroom. (Punch blows) Huh?

Shelly: Damn you. (Gets punched)

Courtney: Stupid... (Punch) Little... (Punch) Punk! (Shelly smirks) Had enough? (Shelly spits in Courtney's face) Oh, you asked for it!

Sakura: STOP IT! (She gets punched in the face)

Shelly: (Gasps) Kid! What the hell did you do that for? She's none of your concern! Sakura, are you okay?

Courtney: You’re pathetic, Shelly! I would watch your back if I were you! (Courtney leaves)

Shelly: Sakura, please tell me you're okay!

Sakura: Yeah, I’m okay!

Shelly: What the hell were you thinking stepping in like that? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to step into a fight with Courtney? You’re just lucky that Courtney didn’t have a weapon on hand or else it could have been a lot worse. Listen Sakura, you said that you look up to me as an older sister, well now that’s what I'm going to do. I don’t want you interfering with my life and I’m telling you this for your own good and safety.

Sakura: I’m sorry Shelly. (Tears up) I just got scared when I saw you fighting with Courtney. I just acted on impulse.

Shelly: For your own safety kid, I don’t want you coming anywhere near me ever again.

Sakura: Huh? (Shelly leaves) Wait Shelly, don't leave. Please Shelly...

~*Preview*~

Marisa: Students and teachers, they are two different types of folk. And the relationship should remain professional. So why am I caught in the middle of a student and a teacher and their dirty smut they call romance? Well, it's time to expose this mess. But to pull this off, I'm gonna have to be sneaky and tactful...I'm gonna need some help with this mission. Next time on Romance 101, Chapter 6...See you next time!