I find my mom packing a large box into her car.

"Mom?"

"Oh, Serena! Welcome home! We are leaving and heading to the mansion in 10 minutes."

"What? Why? The party is not until tommorow." I raise my eyebrow.

"I know, but that huge mansion will take at least a day to decorate the entire thing. And I am sure your grandparents will be glad to see you a day early!"

Speaking of my grandparents. I wonder how they are doing, I haven't seen them in months. You see, when my mom was given the mansion, she didn't like the feeling of living in it for the rest of her life. She said it didn't feel right. She didn't want to leave the comfort of her home in Vaniville, so she let my grandparents live there.

"Okay...let me go pick out my dress for tommorow first." I reply as I open the door to my house.

"No, you don't need to. Before we head to the mansion, we will buy you a brand new dress."

"Really? Well in that case." I get into the car.

If it's something to do with shopping, count me in.

We drive to Lumiose City. Once we get there, my mom takes a left to Vernal Avenue. She parks her car right in front of one of the best shops in Kalos, Boutique Couture. This place has been one of my favourites. Even though I rarely buy anything due to the insanely high prices, I love spending time with my friends trying out all the clothing.

I quickly hop of the car, full of excitement. I love shopping, I couldn't imagine my life without it. I barge through the doors of the boutique, leaving my mom behind.

"Serena! Wait for me!"

I ignore my mom as I take the first step into the boutique.

"Ah! Welcome, Serena!" A girl approaches me.

"Hey Lucy!" I smile at her.

Lucy is the owner of this luxary boutique. I have come here so many times that I am recognized by all the staff that work here.

"Here to try on our dresses again? We have just recieved our shipping of the brand new dresses I have ordered!"

"Yes, but this time, I am not here to only try them on. I am here to buy one this time. " I give her a friendly wink.

"Well, I will be more than happy to assist you!" She replies.

I turn my head around when I hear a the sound of the doors opening. My mom enters through the doors.

"Grace! It's been awhile! I am guessing you are here with Serena?" Lucy walks up to her.

"Why yes. I am here to buy a dress for my daughter for her big party tommorow."

"Oh, is that so? Then how about a special discount for the birthday girl? How about...50% off the dress? It will be my treat." Lucy turns to me.

"Really? Oh my arceus, thank you!" I jump.

"You're welcome, just think of it as my birthday gift to you."

"You are the best!" I give her a friendly hug.

I reach into my pocket and grab Fennekin and Pancham's pokeballs. I toss them into the air, releasing the two pokemon.

"Fenn!"

"Cham!"

"Fennekin, Pancham, would you like to help me pick out my dress?"

"Kenn!"

"Panch!"

I run to the many dresses I see on display. Fennekin and Pancham happily follow me while my mom walks into another area of the boutique.

I examine each and every dress thoroughly. An hour has gone by. I tried on various dresses, each with different designs and colours. I have gone through almost the entire boutique, yet I still haven't found one. There is so much to choose from.

"Serena!" My mom calls.

I turn around to see my mom carrying two dresses in her hands. My eyes lit up once I see the dress in her right hand. It was perfect.

The dress was pink, with a big, adorbale bow attached to the back.

"I found these two lovely dresses, and thought I'd show you!" She says.

"Wow, mom! This one is so cute!" I squeal as I take the dress from her right hand.

"So you prefer this one? I would've picked the other one if I were you."

"Mom...this one is a lot cuter! The other one is nice as well, but it's a litte too...I don't know...not my style." I reply.

"I see. Well, in that case. We will get this one." My mom says as she takes back the dress from me and walks over to the cashier.

Lucy takes place in front of the cash register, and inputs the 50% off discount. While she pays, I turn to my pokemon, who were already looking at me with big grins on their faces.

"What do you guys think of the dress?"

"Fenn!" Fennekin jumps, showing that she loves it.

"Cham!" Pancham nods in agreement.

"Alright, let's get going." My mom says as she walks out the door.

"Bye Lucy!" I wave.

"Goodbye! Happy early birthday!" She replies.

"Thank you!"

I follow my mom outside. I take my seat in her car as she takes my dress and loads it into the back. Fennekin and Pancham climb on and take a seat on my lap.

Not long has passed. Sooner or later, I find myself arriving at the mansion. I get off the car, and look up at the amazing sight of my mom's mansion. It feels great to be back here, I haven't been here ever since I was about 8 years old. I have always loved how it looked.

A Milotic water fountain greets you as you enter through the gates. Many Oran and Pecha berry trees surround the front yard. Lastly, the mansion and it's white colour stands out most of all.

I approach the double doors. I ring the doorbell. It plays a familiar tune I remember from the last time I was here. I wait, and shortly after, a butler opens the door.

"Oh! Serena? Is that you?" The man says in a thick, french accent.

"Yup! It's been awhile, Eugene." I smile at him.

"Ah! Bonjour! Where is Madame Yvonne?" He looks around.

"I am right here, Eugene." Grace replies from behind me as she places the boxes she has carried from her car on the ground.

"Madame! Welcome back!" He bows down.

"Get up, Eugene. No need for that." Grace puts her hands on her hips.

"Yes, Madame." He gets up from his bow. "You are here for the party, correct? Then please, come in!" He moves to the side to make space for us.

Fennekin and Pancham are the first to get inside. They run to the middle of the large room they have just entered. They look around, admiring the layout. I follow them in, with my mom close behind.

I spot my grandparents approaching me. My grandma is the first one to walk up to me. She opens her arms and hugs me.

"Serena! Oh my...I am so glad to see you again! I missed you!" She joyfully says.

"Hey Grammy! I missed you too!" I hug her back.

"It makes me so happy to have you here for your birthday!" She tightens the hug.

My grandma lets go of me, and smiles. She then walks over to greet my mom, or should I say, her daughter. My grandpa then makes his way towards me, hugging me as well.

"Good to see you again, Serena." He chuckles.

"Good to see you too, Gramps." I reply with a smile.

"Now that everyone is here, let's get decorating right away!" My grandma says.

"Right!" I happily reply.

* * * * *

It is the next day. The party starts in an hour. I slipped my dress on not too long ago. I decided to add pearl earrings, a bracelet and a necklace. I finish up my hair, and look at myself in the mirror. As I look at my reflection, I see my mom approaching me from behind. I turn around and look at her.

"Here." She says as she takes out a pink flower pin from her back pocket.

She clips it to the right side of my head and adjusts it into the right postition. She examines me, then gives a big smile. I turn back to the mirror, and take a look.

"You are turning 16 today. Time has gone by so fast...it still feels like yesterday when I first held you in my arms. It makes me so happy to see my daughter growing up. Happy birthday, Serena." She pulls me in for a hug.

"Thanks mom..." I smile.

I let go of the hug, and turn to Pancham and Fennekin.

"You guys need to dress formally too."

I reach for a pink ribbon on the table. I place it to the right of Fennekin's head, just below her ear.

"Fenn!" Fennekin says with stars in her eyes.

I then reach for the table again, this time grabbing a bow tie and a top hat. I place the bow tie on Pancham's chest area, and afterwards place the top hat on his head.

"Panch?" Pancham turns around to look at himself in the mirror. "Pan, pancham!" He jumps.

I giggle as my two pokemon pose and admire how they look like.

I look at the clock, which reads 4:17pm. The party starts at 5, it won't be long until everyone gets here.

* * * * *

Ash's P.O.V.

I go through my closet. I reach all the way into the back, and pull out my tuxedo.

"Haven't worn this thing in awhile."

"Pika?" Pikachu tilts its head as it looks at the tux.

It takes me only about 5 minutes to slip on the tuxedo. I walk to my mirror and adjust my tie.

"Pi pi pika!" Pikachu laughs at me.

"No, Pikachu. I don't look funny, you just haven't seem me in one of these before." I roll my eyes.

"Pika!" Pikachu continues laughing.

"Serena did say it is a formal party. Well then..." I take out a bow tie from my back pocket and walk over to Pikachu.

"Pi?!" Pikachu's eyes widen.

I lift Pikachu and place him on my bed. Pikachu struggles to get away, but I manage to keep him still. I place the bow tie right below his chin.

"There."

"Pika..." Pikachu sweat drops.

"Now come on. Gary and the others are waiting outside."

I run downstairs. I open the door and see Gary, Clemont, Bonnie and May waiting just outside my gate.

"I'm here." I say as I walk up to them.

"Took you long enough." Gary smirks.

"Wow! You look so kawaii!" Bonnie looks at me.

"Hehe. Thanks, I guess." I rub the back of my head.

We start walking to Lumiose City. We get there in 10 minutes. Sooner or later, we find ourselves standing in front of the large mansion.

"Woah..." I look around.

"So pretty!" Bonnie jumps.

Many people are already entering through the doors of the mansion, each looking all flawless in their formal attire.

We walk to the doors. Just as we are about to enter, a tall man stops us.

"Excuse moi! Invitations please!" He says in a think french accent.

Gary, Clemont, Bonnie and May take out their invitations from their pockets and show it to the man.

"Very good. You may enter."

"Wha?! We had to bring our invitations?!" I shout.

"Yeah...you need proof that you were invited to this party. Didn't you read the bottom of the invitation? It says right here!" May points to it.

"Oh...I guess I didn't see." I sweatdrop.

"Monsieur, you cannot enter without an invitation." The man turns to me.

"B-but I was invited here! I just forgot mines!"

"I'm sorry, but you can't-"

"Eugene. Don't worry. He is invited." A familiar voice says from behind him.

"Serena!" May runs up and hugs her.

"Oh? Is he? Then forgive me, monsieur. You may enter." Eugene moves to the side.

We enter the mansion. As we get inside, my eyes widen. Many people filled the halls. The mansion was decorated with pink and purple balloons and streamers.

I spot Dawn, Iris, Misty, Paul, Drew, Kenny, and Barry chatting off in the middle of the room. Looks like they got here before us. Gary, Clemont, Bonnie and May make their way towards them, while I stay behind with Serena.

"You look great tonight." I rub my nose as I smile at her.

"Thanks..." A light shade of pink appears on her cheeks.

"Oh, um, thanks for bailing me out earlier. I would've got kicked out if it weren't for you." I chuckle.

"Hehe. It was nothing." She winks.

"Pika!" Pikachu adds.

Serena and I join the rest of our friends. Serena then shows us around the mansion for the next 30 minutes. It looks amazing here. We decide to eat dinner at around 6:30. There is so much food, I literally put one of everything onto my plate. Pikachu on the other hand, filled his bowl with just ketchup. I don't understand him sometimes, like how can you just eat ketchup? Doesn't it taste a little weird?

"Okay! Time to get this party going!" The dj announces as he turns up the music.

Many people make their way to the dance floor and start moving and grooving. I watch them as I munch on my fried chicken.

"I would hit the dance floor, but this food is just too good!" Dawn squeals.

"I know! Who made all this food, Serena?" Kenny asks as he takes a sip of his soup.

"My mom hired a chef. Looks like he did a great job." Serena replies.

"He sure did! I could eat this all day!" I say as I swallow my food.

"Pika!" Pikachu says and licks his bowl clean.

All of a sudden, the upbeat music stops, and a slow tune replaces it. A few people leave the dance floor, while the others stay and find a partner to dance with.

"A slow dance?" Dawn turns her head to look at the dance floor. Instead of getting the sight of the dance floor, she finds Kenny in front of her.

"May I have this dance?" Kenny lends Dawn his hand.

"Uhh, s-sure..." Dawn's face immiediately turns pink.

I turn to Serena, who was already looking at me. She gives me a small smile, indicating that we should go dance too.

"I-I can't dance." I nervously scratch my head.

"Come on, it will be fun!" She grabs my hand a drags me to the dance floor.

"W-wait!" I try to stop her.

Pikachu watches as I am pulled away by Serena. He shrugs and decides to eat the leftover food.

"Serena! I can't dance! Can we just sit down and watch?" I looks at her.

"Are you sure? You wouldn't want to be left out!" She replies.

I look back to our table. I see that it was now empty. Maybe everyone has most likely found someone to dance with.

"I umm, okay...but just to warn you-" I start.

"Here, I'll help you." She interupts me.

She gently takes both my hands and brings it up to her waist. I can see her blushing a deep shade of red once my hands touch her hips. She then puts both of her hands on my shouders. Now this causes me to start blushing.

"Now...just follow me. Try tapping and taking small steps with the beat. It's that simple."

I simply nod, and do what she says. I soon get the hang of it. At first, I was struggling to keep my balance, but now, it's a lot easier. Maybe slow dancing isn't as bad as I thought.

"There you go! You got it!" She smiles.

"Yeah, I guess so." I chuckle.

The song soon ends, meaning the dance has ended as well. That is when I remember something important that I have to do.

"Serena? Can we go outside? I have something to give you."

"Oh, sure Ash." She replies.

I lead her outside. I bring her to the Milotic Fountain. The sun is already setting, the sky is a beautiful orange colour.

Serena's P.O.V.

As I follow Ash, I start feeling nervous. Why is he bringing me here? Maybe I should ask him.

"Why did you bring me here?" I blush at the thought of us being alone.

"Cause, I wanted to give your gift in private." He takes out a rectangular white box from his pocket. He opens it up, revealing a diamond necklace.

"This is for you." He scratches the bottom of his nose with his left finger.

"Ash...it's so pretty." I say as I look at the necklace.

"Here." He takes it out of the box and walks behind me.

I figured what he is going to do, so I moved my hair out of the way. He gently places the necklace around my neck. As he is doing this, I couldn't help but feel my cheeks burn up. He walks back in front of me and examines me.

"How do I look?" I nervously look at him.

"You look beautiful."

"Really? I mean...t-thank you, Ash."

"You're welcome, happy birthday." He smiles.

This is the perfect moment. I should tell him how I feel, before it's too late. It may ruin our relationship if he doesn't feel the same, but I can't hold my feelings back any longer.

"Ash?"

"Yeah?"

"Here we go..." I think to myself in my head.

"Ash...I want to tell you something that I have been wanting to say for awhile now."

"What is it?"

"I umm..."

I put my head down and decide to just go for it and get it over with.

"Ash, I like you." I slowly look up at him.

He doesn't say anything, but just looks at me, not a word coming from his mouth.

"I have had these feelings for you ever since I met you...and once I found out you were my childhood friend, they only have gotten stronger."

"Y-you do?" He finally says.

I give a small nod as I look back to the ground.

"You don't have to return the feelings if you don't feel the same-"

I am interuted by Ash putting his hand on my cheek. What he is about to do next takes me by surprise. He closes his eyes and leans in. I jump once his lips finally make contact with mines. It takes me time to adjust to what is happening right now. Ash is kissing me. I don't know what to do at first, but I find myself returning the kiss.

My cheeks start burning up. It feels as if time and everything around me has stopped. The feeling runs through me like an electrical current and is making me feel all tingly on the inside.

Ash withdraws. He keeps his forehead pressed against mines and looks straight into my eyes.

"Serena Yvonne...I feel the exact same. Ever since I met you, I knew you were the one. I love you..."

I couldn't help but smile once I hear the three words I have always wanted to hear escape his mouth. I take a deep breath and smile back at him.

"Ash Ketchum, I love you too."