"Not AGAIN!!" Jannie threw the bottle of face cleaner onto the floor. And stared into the mirror, "I can't believe I have another one!!!!"

"JACCCCCCEEEEEEENNNNN!!!! Get in here! I need someone to yell at!!!!!" she played with her long, purple hair.

Jacen scrambled down the hallway and tripped into the bathroom.

"What is it?" he shivered.

"This face cleaner you bought me is USELESS! Look at my perfect face, RUINED!!!" she sobbed and bent her head.

"It's not that bad, Jannie. In fact I think those are-"

"I KNOW WHAT THEY ARE!!" she roared loudly, "Now go get me some different stuff. And this time... GET SOMETHING THAT WORKS YOU NITWIT!"

"But I just went out this morn-"

"I DON'T CARE! Now, Jacen, don't you want me to look my best?" she asked sweetly, batting her eyes.

"Yes, but I-I-"

"Ooooh! You make me so mad! If you don't do what I ask, then I tell Mommy!" she pointed her finger at him.

His whole body turned white. That's all he needed was her to tattle on him... again.

"Alright...you win. I'll be right back," he exited the bathroom and ran his fingers vigorously through his flame red-colored, hair. He wasn't sure what to do. It wasn't the first time, his twin sister had bossed him about like her own personal slave. And it also wasn't the first time she had threatened to tell on him. He knew if she did, his parents would side with her so-sweet-it's-sick attitude. Sure, they loved him, but he couldn't stand another minute in that house! Suddenly his mind drew up a plan. Why not run away? After all, he HAS a Pokémon license, and he's a hard worker! He could find a job and make some money to travel. Anything to get away from Jannie.

Still, he would miss his home and what would he do once he got out? He wasn't really interested in going anyplace, or becoming a 'Pokémon Master'. No, it would be too risky. He would just see if he could last out the tormenting and teasing a little longer. Perhaps next time.

He glumly walked down the stairs and entered in the back of his family's restaurant, "THE ROCKET RESTAURANT- Blast in for a BITE today!" He passed through the kitchen and said hello to all the cooks and waiters, smelling all the delicious delights that passed by. He finally came to a small back room with a gold plate that read:

James & Jessie McScanty
The Managers (and owners!)

He knocked three times. No answer. He knew that they were in there. He opened the door. His parents were on top of the table singing their lungs out:

"...Surrender now or prepare to Fight!-" The music blasted Jacen's ears, and when they saw him enter, they fell off and James quickly turned the music off.

"Jacen, dear, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!" his mother roared.

"Sorry, it's just that. Well, Jannie needs some more face cleaner... and I was wondering..."

"Sure son, we're loaded with money!" James dug in his coat pocket for some spare cash. Jessie smacked him on the head.

"Now son, we're not made of money,"

"So what are we made of?" James chimed in.

"BE QUIET!!-Honey," she gave him a pat on the head. She turned back to Jacen, "But, since it's for a good cause, here's 10 bucks. And bring me back the CHANGE this time!" she said reaching into James' pocket and pulling out a crisp 10 dollar bill.

He took it and stuffed it in his pocket, "Thanks, Mom, Dad."

"Take care dear, and bring the change back soon!" she called as he left. James turned the music back on as he shut the door. After all, what would the staff think if they saw their managers doing such stunts? Luckily for them, Jacen thought, that room is soundproof. He exited through the front door this time and started down the road towards the convenience store.

End of Chapter Two
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