Misty's Decision
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon!
Over the next few days Misty, along with Mrs. Ketchum and Mimey, worked constantly to get the house in tip-top shape. They all wanted it to be flawless for when Ash, Brock and Pikachu arrived. Everything needs to be perfect. As Misty was wiping down the dining room table her thoughts shifted to Ash. The way the sun hit his hair just right, the glint in his eye when he was faced with a challenge, the feel of his hand on hers whenever he accidentally brushed against it. She sighed and her stomach fluttered like crazy.
A voice from outside pulled Misty out of her girlish thoughts. "Hey Mom, were back!" it was him. Before Misty could think of anything to do Mrs. Ketchum had already opened the door.
Their eyes met across the room and everything seemed to melt away around them. His dark eyes connected with hers as if magnetized. Everything seemed to grow hotter by the second. She tried to say something instead of stare, but her mouth was frozen, betraying her. It was him who broke the silence, "Misty, it's been a while." His slightly surprised face turned quickly into a smile. Her heart beat in her throat, forcing her to keep silent. He's so oblivious to what he does to me.
Misty was saved when Brock walked into the room. "Misty, I didn't expect to see you here. How have things been at the Gym?" She smiled and walked toward Brock, disconnecting their gazes. With her love-filled thoughts Misty would have a much easier time talking to Brock than to Ash.
"To be honest we've kind of hit a losing streak," Misty said, truthfully. Maybe Brock would help her figure out what she was doing wrong. Or at least he could recommend a better diet for her Pokemon. At the mention of food both Ash and Pikachu's stomachs growled.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu said from Ash's shoulder. It was obvious he demanded food.
Mrs. Ketchum clapped her hands and got everyone's attention. "Let's eat outside since everyone's hungry. Looks like a nice day for a picnic. The Pokemon will enjoy it too." The trio nodded and let out there Pokemon. Before they knew it everyone was having a good time, eating and laughing. Pikachu was even having fun with all the other Pokemon. Misty let out a contented sigh. It was just like the good old days. She wished it could stay this way forever.
"Is this seat taken?" a voice asked. Misty looked up and her heart lodged in her throat. It was Ash. Without speaking, she nodded and he sat down beside her on the red-checkered blanket. "So, Misty, are you going to give me the silent treatment the whole time I'm here or are we going to have an actual conversation?" The arrogance in his voice made her snap and she felt like she was twelve again. Not the disciplined and mellow young woman she'd molded herself to be. Something about him made her feel like that tomboyish, fiery-headed, preteen girl she once was.
They started bickering like they had done years ago. For some reason it felt like something that had been missing had found it's way back into their lives. It was more like a game than an actual argument. At least on her side of things. It was like finding out who she truly was again. Misty hadn't noticed until now, but she had lost some of herself when she was away from Ash and Brock. It was as if those years they had spent apart had slowly started to turn her into a different person. Misty wasn't sure if this scared her or not.
Brock walked over to them shaking his head in disapproval, but he was smiling. He was having fun too. "You guys, it's been less than an hour and you're already bickering like an old married couple," he chuckled. At the word "marriage" Misty turned so red she had to turn away from them so they wouldn't see. I really need to snap out of it! When she turned back to them she noticed their confused expressions. The feeling of happiness now turned to one of awkwardness.
Misty couldn't stand it any longer, so she stood up and walked up to a isolated spot where she could think by herself. If she had known that her feelings for Ash would have resurfaced so strongly then she wouldn't have even come. This was too embarrassing. Misty heard footsteps behind her and turned around slowly. It was Brock and he knew something was up.
"What's up, Misty? You seem...different now. I don't know how to explain it," he said, frowning. Little did he know how right he was.
Misty smiled and tried to act like she didn't know what he was talking about. "Brock, it's been years since I've last seen you guys, of course I'm going to change. People need to change to mature. I wasn't going to stay twelve forever," she said.
Brock frowned even deeper. "Misty, it's as if you're a totally different person. You're cold, reserved, distant. It's like you don't want to get close to people. Like you don't want to show your feelings, especially for Ash." Misty gasped audibly. How did he know? Brock chuckled softly, but kept going, "Misty, you're one of my best friends. I can read you like a book. As for Ash, he's basically like a brother to me."
"Do you know what he feels for me?" Misty asked, her voice trembling. Deep in her heart she had always wanted to know, but she couldn't bring herself to ask until now. Having her heart broken scared Misty most of all. Rejection scared her even more than bugs.
Brock just shrugged and said, "I really can't say. Just talk to him." Brock could be stubborn at times and Misty knew she wouldn't get any more out of him this time. But there's no way I'm telling Ash how I feel anytime soon.
Misty tried hiding her fear of rejection by teasing Brock. "This is all coming from the guy who will try flirting with basically any attractive girl he sees. You always kept me busy when the three of us were traveling together," she laughed. It was surprising that his ear wasn't permanently red from all the times she had pulled on it.
Brock laughed along with her and gave her small hug. "Come on, let's grab something before Ash eats it all. That boy still has an appetite." This made Misty laugh even harder. Some things never changed.