A/N: I haven't written anything new lately, that's because I've either been much too busy or just procrastinating. -_-' But I finally got the inspiration to write something new: all because of an encounter with this seventeen year old girl while shopping. If you must know, I was in this clothing store. We accidentally bumped into each other, and she dropped the money she had been carrying. Naturally, I just decided to help her gather it all back. And after this, we introduced ourselves and exchanged words. She told me a little about herself: her mom and dad had gotten divorced. And her mom was dating this man whom wasn't really all that trustworthy and was really changing her personality and affecting their lives badly. She had to pretty much live with her best friend and her family for a while.
This story interested me greatly. And it inspired me to write this fanfic with a plot kinda like that. I haven't ever written anything like this before, so I'm not sure if it will be good. And I may never really see that girl again, but I certainly am thankful for that encounter. ^^
So anyway, this story is completely AU of course. There's no pokemon whatsoever involved, just the human characters only. But I'm keeping the original town and cities' names. Also, I'm using the English names for the characters, deal with it. It's...kind of a highschool story in a way.
There's some OCs included in this story. Most don't have a big role, but a few of them are important pieces at times. The main characters are Ash, May, and Delia respectfully. Well, Delia does make many appearances, so there. But other characters appear lot as well: Misty, Brock, Gary, Drew, Max, Dawn, and ect. This is not an AshxMay fic! I'm only portraying a tight brother/sister friendship between them for the most part. Even though I have to admit that I like the pairing a lot. The main pairings should be eventual AshxMisty (personal favorite of mine), DrewxMay (Too adorable, really), GaryxOC, and BrockxOC. Also, Ash and may are sixteen. Other characters are mostly sixteen, excluding the adults and Max.
Yeah, there's probably OOC moments, iffy moments, suggestive themes, language at times, and some bits of violence at times. For now, the rating should remain T. Unless I throw in some sexual situations in future chapters after consideration, then it'll be bumped up to M.
Sorry for the long note. Enjoy the prologue, and any comments and criticism would be appreciated.
Disclaimer: Pokemon and it's characters do not belong to me. I'm merely...a long-time fan.
[.]
When Everything Crashes Down
Chapter 1: The Prologue
"So why are you dressed up, mom?" Sixteen year old May curiously asked, slipping into her mother's bedroom. "Are you going somewhere I don't know about?"
Her mother, who had her back turned to her, jumped almost in surprise but then smiled and turned around to face her daughter. "Oh, yes I am. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it first." Finishing up applying some blush to her white cheeks, the older woman nodded. "It just slipped my mind. . .but me and Turner are going out on a special date tonight. He said that he's got a surprise for me. . .I can't help but ponder what it's going to be! Heehee, it's exciting!"
By the time Caroline had finished talking, May's curious expression quickly shattered and was replaced with a concerned one. Trying to not be so obvious though, she forced a smile onto her face as Caroline walked back over to the dresser to get her scarf that was hanging there over it.
Caroline was, as usual, not aware of her daughter's extreme concern. She was just excited about what would be occurring later at that wonderful new restaurant in Petalburg. She was minutes away from going on another date with a very 'great' man. Since she and Norman had gotten divorced, she was a little unsure about dating again. But after having a chance encounter with Turner at a movie theater, it was love at first sight for her.
May was aware of her mother's feelings about this man. Everyone was, including her little brother Max. And May loved her mom. She really did, and wanted to be happy for her not living in the past and getting over Norman. But. . .Turner wasn't exactly a perfect man in her eyes. There was something about him that just. . .just made her want to punch something in frustration.
But, May sighed inwardly and tried to calm herself, even though it was impossible. She never did like Turner, neither did Max. The man wasn't a good match for Caroline at all. And he was becoming too clingy, almost like he was trying to take her away from the family so she could be with him all day! Well, that's the feeling that May got. Seeing that the two were now inseparable. The young, spirited girl had already decoded things and realized this. Norman and Caroline were more compatible then her and that. . .that weasel. And that was putting things mildly. May honestly has a much worse choice of words she could use for him.
"May, honey, what do you think of my choice of clothing? I want to look very special for him tonight since this marks a year we've been seeing each other openly." These words brought May from her thoughts and she shifted her gaze over to her mother, whom was standing a few feet away from her and gesturing to her clothes. May nodded silently as she scanned her intensely.
Caroline, despite getting older, wasn't too bad looking. Usually, she didn't tend to dress up all that much unless it was for Turner. But at the moment: her brown hair was fixed neatly and touched her shoulders with much volume to it, a nice amount of make-up was worn on her face as well. She wore a long light purple dress that nicely hugged her frame and was frilled somewhat at her feet. It brought out her equally purple eyes very nicely. And she wore sparkly gray flat shoes with straps. May noted that she was very beautiful, but still couldn't bear to think of her going out with that man. . .ugh. . .it made her feel so sick.
May brushed back her own light brown locks of hair and gave an approving smile. "You look great, mom. But uh. . ." Caroline, who had been wrapping her light red scarf around her exposed neck and shoulders, blinked and rose a brow at her daughter's sudden trailing off. ". . .Um. . .I know this is getting kinda off-topic, but what kind of surprise do YOU think. . .ugh. . .Turner has in store for you?"
"I don't know." Caroline confessed. "But it doesn't matter. It's probably some special gift. Turner is very romantic, and he is so devoted to me after all. Good looks to boot."
. . .Romantic? Devoted? Good looks? May wanted to puke at this, her smile had formed into a blank 'what the HELL are you rambling about?' look, but she did manage to compose herself. Turner was not all that great of a man. He didn't seem to romantic to May, not at all. The devoted part was accurate in some point of view; he was extremely clingy with Caroline and it was just irritating. The good looks part was just. . .a lot of bullshit. Turner had a really funny crew cut, a short height, and squinty eyes. The list just went on and on. It would seem that her mom was either exaggerating, or just hopelessly oblivious to this. It wasn't like his personality was all that great either.
The man acted so shady and untrustworthy. He acted caring around Caroline, but he really could care less about what happens to Max. He even told Max upon first meeting that he found him 'unbearable' to be around! He really got under May's skin and made her want to slap the shit out of his 'handsome' face! How could her mom have even fallen for this man?
Caroline was much better off with Norman. Truth be told; the only reason they got divorced, was because the latter had a faraway job and was out of the house a lot. He still would find the time to come back for dinner, weekends, holidays, or special occasions like birthdays and stuff. May's blank expression became a frown as she remembered how her mother became too annoyed with lack of being in contact with him. She even got to the point of paranoia, after Max just had to open his mouth one day when she was nervous about him being late for dinner. He pointed out that it wasn't like he was cheating on her with any of his female business partners. Unquote.
Caroline was worried after that. Totally, no doubt, worried and paranoid. Norman does have a lot of female business partners, but he wasn't the type of man to cheat on a woman. Especially not a woman he loved. But she didn't consider this. When she finally confronted him about her assumptions, he was shocked and angered that she would doubt him like that. Even though he didn't want to, Norman agreed that night that they should get a divorce.
May and Max were very affected by the divorce between their parents. Especially May. But she always got hurt a lot more easier than most girls her age. She tried to cover her sadness up by providing comfort for her little brother, whom she knew didn't really need it heavily this time around and it was her that needed it.
Caroline and Turner met exactly a week later. A frigging week. That was what bothered May the most about all this. It sure was 'love at first sight' for her mother, but she wasn't sure about Turner. Still, it was impossible. Love didn't happen that fast. Caroline and Norman dated for at least two years before realizing they were truly in love. Sparks flew at first, but the real and true love that was undying and strong was finally revealed much later. May and Max as the results to that, of course.
"Oh my! It's getting late!" Caroline breathed, checking the time on her silver watch on her wrist. "I'm going to have to walk a good distance to meet Turner at his home- and it's about to pour rain outside! . . . .Maybe I need to get my umbrella. . ." Caroline quickly fled from the bedroom and to the hall closet nearby. May knitted her eyebrows together and followed after her.
May played with the ends of her long, red tank top kind of nervously. She was standing beside the hall closet entrance, while her mother was digging through the crowded room to find that umbrella. May wasn't dumb. She could piece together and information she was given to come with a conclusion of what Turner's surprise for her would be.
Hint number one: Turner was very determined to have Caroline wound around his finger.
Hint number two: Max mentioned that he had witnessed Turner walk into the local Kay and come out with a shining diamond ring.
Hint number three, the final: guys usually tend to tell their girlfriends that they have a 'surprise' for them, and once the excited girl arrives on the date, he'll get to one knee and propose. She has heard it happen a lot in the books. . .
So this meant that Turner could definitely be planning to propose to her mom! This would not normally be bad, and she would be happy, but not this time. Turner wasn't right for her! May bit her lip, how would she gently be able to finally tell Caroline what she truly thought about the weasel of a man and what his motives may be.
"Um. . .Mom. . .?" May exhaled a breath. "Can we talk about something- before you leave?"
"Of course, sweetie. Just be quick!" Came Caroline's slightly-muffled reply from the closet.
Well, here goes. "Mom, I think that it's about time we had a nice long talk together. About Turner."
This interested Caroline greatly. She found her umbrella, and backed out of the closet whilst twirling it by it's curved handle with her hand. She gave May a curious look. "Turner?"
May nodded somberly. "Turner. I think I have a feeling about. . .what his 'surprise' for you will be. And frankly, I DON'T like where it's going at all. . ."
Caroline kicked the closet door closed with her foot and thought for a minute, registering all that May had just said in a rather serious tone. She was interested, but also not liking what turn this concentration has took unwittingly. But, nevertheless, she nodded and gestured for her to continue by body language.
"I think. . .he's going to try and pop the question tonight." May blurted out, locking her eyes on the floor beneath her feet. She suddenly felt like a big coward for not being able to be honest with her own mother and state of her hatred of her boyfriend. But a sudden wave of courage overcame her when she experienced a mental image of her solid inspiration, her friend Ash Ketchum. "I know that this probably sounds impulsive, but don't accept! Turner isn't the right guy for you, he's terrible! I can't stand him, neither can Max; and Turner in return wants the both of us to crawl into a faraway hole and die!"
When May could finally look at her mother, she was not surprised to see that she looked shocked and offended. But she had to say all of this now. Or face having the bitter regret haunt her later. . .
Caroline shook her head and spoke in an icy tone, "May, you're just jumping to conclusions. It's true, he COULD propose. But I see nothing wrong with that. He-he's a very good man, oh, and don't drag your little brother into this!"
"Mom. . .!"
"Wait." Caroline frowned and held up a hand to silence the now-frantic May. "Let me finish. I understand that you and Max are probably still under a lot of confusion and hurt over me and your father's divorce, but that doesn't mean you should put down Turner! He's a great man, and he's always so nice to you both!"
"He DESPISES us!" May shouted indignantly, grabbing her mothers shoulders firmly and holding her in place. "You're only blinded by him! He even openly admitted one day, while you were in another room out of earshot, that he didn't like either of us! He's trying to blind you by 'love' and keep you wrapped around his finger! He's only after just having a wife he can rant to, and drop like a-"
"May! Stop!"
"I'm telling the truth!"
"Don't stand here and tell lies to my face!"
"Mom, LISTEN, Turner is nothing but a big jackass! He isn't the one for you, and I don't want to see you fall into a bland and uncaring relationship! Or WORSE; an abusive one!"
"Watch your mouth, young lady! Don't talk this way!"
"UGH!"
May wasn't about to stop trying to knock some sense into her totally oblivious mother. She wasn't warning her about this untrustworthy man because of selfish reasons. She wasn't even thinking about herself. She honestly feared for both her mother and Max's safety and sanity. But Caroline. . .obviously was getting the idea that this was because of selfish reasons.
Due to the angry look flaring in her eyes, of course.
"Let's settle this later." Caroline stated firmly, giving her daughter a sharp glare as she gripped her umbrella and brushed past her. But May wasn't about to give up. That wasn't something she liked to do. She grabbed the older woman's shoulder before she could walk away. ". . .May. . ."
"You can't seriously be saying that you've fallen hopelessly into that weasel's trap, right? Mom, I'm saying this because I really do fear for what'll happen to you and Max, you need to RECONSIDER your feelings for Turner. When he pops the question, DON'T accept before thinking. Please, you can't rush into an unlikely relationship like this!"
Caroline turned her head and saw the pleading look in May's eyes. She looked genuinely concerned and fearful. A part of her hated to have made her this upset, but then she noted defensively to herself that it was May's fault for getting the wrong impression of her new boyfriend. "Honey, you need to just stop this. You're sixteen years old; a teenage girl. Stop acting like you're a child."
May could feel her eyes widen in shock at what she just said. "Being concerned of your only family. . .doesn't make you a child! What are you implying? Don't tell me that Turner's brainwashing has really screwed your mind! Please don't. . ."
May and Caroline just stared at each other in uncomfortable silence for several minutes. Neither daring to say something. Fearing that things would be even worse. This was just crazy and strange; the two usually got along very well. They usually tend to maintain a tight mother/daughter bond, always giving each other true support no matter what.
But now, all because of the subject on Turner, it seemed that their relationship was turning rocky. Very rocky.
To make matters worse, Max brushed past his bedroom in the hall and wandered into the scene. May and Caroline looked up at him with grim expressions, scanning the new witness to their argument.
Max was fifteen, just a year younger than May probably. He wasn't too tall for his age, but not too short either. He had dark black hair that concealed his forehead and went a few inches beyond his neck in something of an unkept style. He still wore rounded silver glasses over his dark eyes. His skin was kind of pale-ish, compared to his sister's. And he wore at the moment; a white t-shirt and some dark green lounging pants. He wore no shoes. The reason for this was because he had been trying to relax after a tough day of school, but could hear May and Caroline's loud fighting through the thin walls.
Max mock-innocently asked what was going on. This prompted May to cross her arms over her chest and send their mom a look, while the older, infatuated woman huffed and tossed her head to the side.
"It's NOTHING, Max. Don't get involved this time." Caroline assured. Max didn't buy it. He had keen hearing, and could make out exactly what they had been arguing about.
May walked closer to her brother and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's about Turner, who else? I just know he's going to pop the question to Mom tonight; by a very reoccurring vibe. Max, she doesn't see that Turner's not the man she thinks he is! Do something!"
Now Max completely could understand what was up. His eyes narrowed somewhat as May and Caroline just started arguing senselessly once again. It looked like he would have to once again step up and say something. He noticed things very easy, and was kind of clever at good times.
Everyone knew this, especially Turner. And the man had shamelessly, openly remarked right to his face that he hated that characteristic he had. Saying that if he had ever got married to Caroline, he would try to convince her to give him up for adoption, just so he wouldn't have to have him as a son. And boy did that remark burn Max up to even think about it. . .
That man drew the line when he had said about May at first meeting. What nerve! Having not even known her very long, he sneered at her when Caroline had finished going on and on about her many achievements from school stuff to other stuff, when she left the room with his aforementioned sister to get more drinks for everyone, he had shamelessly remarked that Caroline shouldn't put her own daughter up on a pedestal like that. Adding 'knowingly' that she had to find something else to be obsessive of. That just angered him. The man was certainly not a good match for their mom, and was a big jackass pretty much all the time. Caroline was just oblivious to this, blinded by 'love'.
Max had to be quick to think of a good way to put this. He was on May's side, but he knew that their mother could have anger issues at times. He didn't wanna face her wrath. "Mom, May's right."
"Max. . ." Caroline muttered angrily, crossing her arms over her chest and sending her younger child a glare. "Don't you start with this nonsense now! Please, it's just old. Whether Turner really does propose tonight or not, you can't be so selfish! He's a good man, and he will take care of all of us."
May and Max both groaned out of utter frustration. She was stubborn, and very hard to convince.
"Now, I really need to hurry or I'll be late," Caroline tried her best to put on a calm facade as she turned around on her heels and started making her way to the staircase to the first floor of their home. "We will discuss this LATER, and that's final. While I'm gone, you two really need to think about how selfish and wrong you've come to be. If you don't want me to be happy with Turner, then just pack some bags and run away for all I care at the moment!"
That was it. May and Max couldn't do anything to convince their stubborn mom that she was making a mistake by continuing to court that weasel. And that she would be a fool for ever agreeing to marry the likes of him. Her footsteps could be heard, as she descended farther and farther to the first floor, eventually being muffled.
Max shook his head and turned to look at his sister. "So what do we do now? There's nothing to think about; I know we aren't being selfish like she said."
"We aren't being selfish at all. I'm more worried about you and Mom's safety rather than my own. And you're the same. MOM is the one that's being selfish at the moment, and stubborn! She completely is being brainwashed and getting her personality and views of the world poisoned by that undeserving jackass!" May sighed, trying to calm herself and not go ballistic or anything. "We can't do anything to change her mind. I KNOW that Turner will propose to her, it's so obvious it isn't funny. And now our lives are going to be like a living Hell. . .with him as a stepfather."
"Yeah, he could turn out to be psychotic or abusive. . ."
May nodded, approving what he had just pointed out. She also brought up the fact that Turner, not to Caroline's knowledge, was a big drinker. Knowing him, he could drown himself in alcohol and then go, like what Max mentioned, abusive or psychotic. And that would be terrible.
"Can you even imagine having him as a stepfather, Max? It makes me want to puke when I think about it. Ugh." Max paled at this aforementioned thought and agreed with her point. "I. . .I'm not going to put up with this any longer. I'm sorry."
Putting up with Turner would be horrible. It would ruin her life forever, probably. It's not like the man would change his ways or anything just because of Caroline. No way. And May didn't want to be submissive like this and live with it, even if this met having to run away and find somewhere better to live.
But running away from her own home that she been living in since being brought back from the hospital sixteen years ago after being born. . . .it made May feel very weird. She hadn't ever even considered running away in her entire life because everything was always nice and peaceful and Petalburg Town was a good place to live. But not anymore it looks like. Running away would be the only option she could have to save herself from a miserable life. She honestly felt guilty about that, so she realized that she could always bring Max with her to help him out as well. She was very protective over him.
"May. . .? Where are you going?" May didn't answer Max's questions. Hiding her saddened face from his view, she wordlessly walked back down the hall and took a left to turn to her bedroom. This made Max curious about what was going on. He blinked. "She must really feel terrible about all of this. Maybe she needs come kind of comfort. This could be my chance to repay her for all the comfort she's given me in the past. . ."
Max made no hesitation to quickly follow his sister to her bedroom.
[.]
"You're running away?" The question was tough to ask, and Max was left speechless afterward.
Meanwhile, May didn't even look up from her dark red suitcase she was packing. And she didn't bother to answer the question at first, she knew that he knew the answer.
"I don't have a choice. . ."
"But running away won't solve anything!" Max cried out furiously, hoping to try and make May reconsider this sudden decision. But he knew she wouldn't. She obviously wanted to get away from all this drama. May merely gave him an apologetic look before walking over to her closet and pulling out a few spare outfits to take with her. "Where will you go?"
May managed a broken smile. "Pallet Town's not too far by walking. I can stay with Ash and his mom for a little while, I know they'll give me permission if I explain the circumstances."
It was true. May and Ash had been friends when they were kids. And then by the time they were ten, Ash and his mother moved away to the next town over. They haven't seen each other since, and weren't allowed to travel the distance on the road to visit each other. So they kept in touch via the phone, or e-mail. But Delia was an understanding person and she found May to be really adorable, and Ash had always said that he would be willing to help her out. No matter what.
So maybe there was a chance she could stay with them.
Silence lingered in the air for the next twelve minutes. May had ravaged her room and packed her suitcase with only very necessary items and clothes, and what was left of her allowance. Max had merely watched her because he knew he couldn't change her mind about doing something so daring. If Caroline knew about this. . .she would go crazy and ground her daughter forever. Truth be told, Max understood one hundred percent about how May felt. He wouldn't mind tagging along with her, but he just could not bring himself to or even ask.
With a strong slam, May closed her suitcase and then slipped a nearby magenta coat over her top. "Well, I'm ready." May noticed Max still sitting on the edge of her bed, she forced a smile and reached over to touch his shoulder. "Come with me, Max. There's enough room for you at their house. I don't want you to have to stay here and suffer any more."
"No. . .I can't."
May's eyes widened, huge. "WHAT? You know you have to leave here! You'd be insane to stay!"
"I-I know that. . . .but I just don't think I could do it. There's a part of me that keeps saying I should stay; that leaving would be a bad idea, and mom would ground me till the day I die. I don't want to risk that."
Instantly, May thought she felt tears prick in the back of her eyes. She didn't want to cry over this. Not now, when she's been able to successfully work up the courage to do this. She really loved her little brother, always had, and she was a little protective even know when they're both teenagers. She wanted him to run away with her, she didn't want him to suffer. If their mom and Turner got married. . .it would ruin their lives and screw up the family. If she miraculously didn't, then that would mean her and that weasel would break up. Resulting in Caroline becoming very moody, quick to anger, and depressed about it. So Max would lose either way.
And besides, he shouldn't have to suffer in her place.
"Max. . ."
"I'm sorry. But you should still run away at least."
"Not without you!"
"We can still call each other, e-mail, and try to sneak away to visit! Geez May, you're making this whole thing to melodramatic. . ."
"You don't understand," May sniffled and looked away. "I don't care if I'm being too melodramatic about this. I've seen this happen in novels and movies, but now it's happening to us in the real world. It feels so painful! And I feel bad for you more than me because you-you're important to me, okay?"
"I. . .I still can't leave. But there's still time for you, May. Don't worry about me, because I'll try to settle everything myself." May blinked repeatedly, and looked over at Max to see that he was smiling somewhat sadly and slipped an arm around her shoulder for comfort.
[.]
May's shaky hand reached out and grabbed the doorknob. She was hesitant at first, but didn't try to fight back because she knew she was doing the right thing by running away. If their mom couldn't see she was making a big mistake, and hurting their family, why should she even stay and put up with it? It may seem like the same old teenage rebelling thing, but it wasn't that. She knew it.
And, she was ready to go start a new life welcomed by a good friend she could count on. She zipped up her coat, pulled the hood over her long brown pigtails on the sides of her head, and grasped her suitcase's handle tightly. The door was creaked open a good ways and she could see the thick raining pouring down over Petalburg city.
"This is it." May walked out the door and stood under the porch, protected from the rain by the covering overhead.
"Wait! Wait, sis!" Called a frantic voice.
Max dashed from the stairs and to the doorway, coughing and trying to catch his breath. When he regaining his lost composure he gave May a clipboard that had a blank piece of notebook paper, ripped on the edges, attached to it. May could only stare.
Sensing her confusion, Max explained, "Mom will want to know why you left. I think you should leave a note behind, just to make her open her eyes to reality a little."
"Nice way to top things off, I suppose." May murmured sadly, before she took the pen attached to the clipboard and started writing quickly.
In the note, May didn't hold back her feelings about all of this. But she tried to keep it short and professional. She had said that she was not, and never would, okay with her marrying Turner, being in love with, dating, or even being in contact with the man. That she really was making a huge mistake. That she was running away and wouldn't be back for a while, if ever. And that Max felt the same way as well, but couldn't bring himself to make such a chancing move and leave. After writing, she requested that Max stick the note to her bedroom door and let her discover it on her own. Her little bro agreed to this and took the clipboard back slowly.
No more words were exchanged. There was no need for them at all. Doing so would just add to the extreme tension they shared. May merely gave Max a quick hug and then descended into the night showers.
Max watched her until her silhouette was out of his sight. He wanted to kick himself for not being more bold like her and ditch this place too, but he still couldn't go through with it. He just sighed deeply and turned around and went back inside. Getting ready to brace himself for later when Caroline returns and yells at him.
To be continued
[.]
*Cringes* That was so lame and stupid, wasn't it? -_- Too dramatic, right?
I hope you liked it. If you didn't, oh well. I just wanted to write down the idea because that encounter really inspired me, and I like to take chances with drama stories and see how I can portray a dramatic situation. I admit, I'm not very good with writing drama. I'm not talented with it, so to speak. I can come up with several interesting ideas, but they end up being shitty due to my poor writing skills. ...I know, I may sound very negative about this. But I'm just not all that positive and prideful when it comes to my own work like some people are.
I may not even continue writing this story, we'll just have to see what happens. This was only the prologue, so I'm sure the next chapters will be less melodramatic but still serious. Ash will appear in the next chapter, BTW.
I'm not begging for reviews, but some would make my day. Read and review!