Chapter 2

Misty stood at the counter pouring chips into a bowl. She could hear her friends talking and laughing from the living room.

"Alright, so 2 beers and a diet Coke?" Ash's voice grew louder as he walked into the kitchen.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hey, need any help?" he asked walking up behind her.

"No, I think I got it," she turned to face him.

Ash pushed her back against the counter smiling as he kissed her.

"What?" Ash asked.

Misty blinked a few times staring at Ash. He was standing in front of the open refrigerator, unopened bottles in his hands; "Huh?" she asked clearing her throat.

"You said my name," he raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"Did I?" she turned quickly back to her junk food; feeling her face turn red.

"Well…kinda. It only sort of sounded like my name. It was like you sighed my name," he thought setting the drinks on the counter then leaning against it, watching her.

"Why would I sigh your name?"

"That's what I was wondering."

They both stood on opposite sides of the kitchen, neither sure of what to say next.

"Hey!" Ash and Misty were interrupted as Jordan walked into the kitchen. He was dressed more casually than usual, in a blue dress shirt and khakis, "Sorry I'm late."

Ash gripped the edge of the counter tighter as Jordan leaned down and kissed Misty.

"Don't be ridiculous, we haven't even started the movie yet," she smiled, "Will you help me carry the food out there?"

"Sure," he reached over and grabbed two of the bowls.

"Oh, let Ash know what you want to drink," she called over her shoulder.

"I'll just have whatever you're having," Jordan grinned.

"As usual," Ash grumbled as he grabbed another beer from the fridge.

Brock reclined slightly in the overstuffed leather chair. Although the movie was one that he had been looking forward to seeing, he couldn't help but be interested in the other people in the room. Drew and May played the part of an old couple, sitting in the same chair but not interacting, instead paying close attention to the movie.

On the couch though, were Ash, Misty and Jordan, with Misty sitting between the two men.

Poor Ash was subjected to listening to Misty and Jordan's giggles and whispers. He was leaning away from them, drumming his fingers on the armrest. Every so often, he would look down sadly. Brock could tell that Ash didn't want to be there, but stomping upstairs would cause unwanted attention.

He couldn't begin to imagine how Ash was feeling, especially as the wedding drew closer. From what Brock had been told, Jordan was over all the time. Ash thought that Misty hoped by forcing them to spend time together Ash would love Jordan again. For reasons unknown to Misty, it wasn't going to work.

Ash looked up, catching Brock's eye and giving him a questioning look.

'Tell her,' Brock mouthed nodding slightly at Misty.

Ash shook his head violently then turned back to the movie, avoiding further conversation. Brock however, wasn't done.

He could see why Ash hadn't told Misty about their love affair. Not only would it be confusing for her, but Ash himself wouldn't be able to handle the rejection. The thought that Misty might tell him no and marry Jordan anyway was enough to terrify Ash into keeping his secret. Still, he wished that Ash would tell Misty, he was sure that if he did things would be different and maybe they wouldn't have to pretend to be happy about Misty's fiancé.

It was strange to think that the boy Brock knew to be fearless was afraid. Not only that, he was afraid of a girl, the same girl he had gone toe to toe with when he was a child. It was amazing how things could change.

The movie ended and everyone sat around talking, of course, it wasn't long before the topic turned to Misty and Jordan's upcoming nuptials.

"Can you believe you two are getting married in just a couple weeks?" May squealed.

"I know! It's almost unreal!" Misty sat back and sighed happily, "and it's such a relief to know that everything is done and ready."

"We can just sit back and relax until the big day," Jordan smiled wrapping his arm around Misty's waist.

"Speaking of, since you don't have a maid of honor…who's planning your bachlorette party?" May asked.

"Well. I am. And I already know what I want to do." Misty announced glancing at Ash.

"What is it? A male stripper? Lingerie shopping for the honeymoon? I really need to go lingerie shopping…"

"May!" Drew exclaimed his face coloring slightly.

"What? Lingerie means underwear, maybe it has nothing to do with you!" she rolled her eyes as everyone else laughed.

"Anyway," Misty said as their giggles died down, "I was thinking that Ash and I could spend the night watching movies and stuff."

"You want to spend your last night as a single woman with Ash?" May made a face, "No offense…"

"None taken," Ash had an odd expression on his face, "Why do you want to hang out with me?"

"Because you're my best friend and it will also be our last night as roomies. I think it's only right that we spend it together." She frowned slightly, "are you saying that you don't want to?"

"No, I can't deny the bride what she wants, it's just weird." he shrugged.

"It's not weird, it's fitting!" she protested.

"Whatever, if that's what you want to do I'll be there."

May watched with interest as Misty's lips turned into a slight pout. Her ocean blue eyes darkened a little and her posture drooped. Has Ash always had this affect on Misty? Now that she thought about it, has Ash always been that mean and indifferent? No one liked Jordan, that much was clear, but Misty's friends and family had taken it upon themselves to be civil for her sake. Ash however had not, and the more May thought about it the more she realized that he was meaner to Misty too. Was he punishing her for being engaged to Jordan? Why would he do that?

The more time May spent thinking the more she realized that she needed to talk to one of them about it, and Misty seemed like she'd be more willing to answer May's questions.

"Hey, Misty, what are you doing tomorrow?" she asked suddenly, interrupting the conversation her friends had previously been having.

Misty gave May an odd look and brushed a strand of pumpkin colored hair out of her face, "Nothing really…why?"

"I want to go to the mall, you should come with me!" May exclaimed.

"Uh, sure…why not?" Misty smiled as May clasped her hands together in excitement.

*****

Misty took her time perusing the racks at Victoria's Secret, May hadn't been kidding when she said that she needed lingerie. Although, it was just underwear that she needed, nothing particularly sexy. It was odd, she and May had chatted about shallow things, the weather, contests May was thinking about entering, the Cerulean Gym, and while Misty could tell that there was something else on the younger woman's mind; she hadn't said anything yet.

"You know what?" Misty was startled by the brunette's sudden appearance in front of her, "I never would have pegged Jordan to be the kind of guy that would like this sort of stuff" May held up a transparent hot pink teddy as she raised an eyebrow at Misty, "I guess he always seemed a little more conservative than that."

Misty's face colored a little, "He is…I don't buy a lot of lingerie for him."

"Then why are you looking at this stuff? If your husband-to-be doesn't like it?"

"I don't know, I'm just looking." Misty began twirling a finger through her hair not sure why she was so uncomfortable.

"Is it for someone else?" May's eyes gleamed with the thought of good gossip, "You can tell me if it is. I'm really good at keeping a secret."

"Why would I buy someone else lingerie? That's a little weird…" Misty set the hanger back on the rack and moved to another, one full of basic white, black, and beige.

"You misunderstood me. Not for someone else…but for you and someone else." May followed not letting up.

"What?" Her cheeks were now a bright red as May continued.

"Is there something going on between you and Ash?"

"What? Why would you ask me that? Of course, there's nothing going on! I wouldn't have an affair, especially not so close to my wedding!" she exclaimed moving swiftly out of the store at May struggled with her bag to follow her.

"Okay, so maybe you're not sleeping together, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing," May said catching up to Misty's long strides, "Maybe it's a lack of sex…"

"Are you encouraging me to cheat on Jordan?" Misty stopped suddenly and turned to face May.

"Why not? He did it to you…" May mumbled. Misty rolled her eyes and started to walk away again.

"Wait! Misty!" May grabbed her arm and pulled Misty around to face her, "I'm sorry, but there's something going on, with you and Ash. And I just thought that maybe…"

"Maybe we were having a sordid affair? Well we're not!" Misty snapped. Her expression softened, "But…" she sighed and sank down onto a bench, "there is something. He's been moody with me lately; I don't know what I did to him."

May sat down next to her, a little disappointed that it wasn't something as juicy as an affair, "Do you think it has to do with the wedding?"

"I guess it has to, I know he doesn't like Jordan-"

"None of us do," May cut off.

"Regardless, it doesn't give him the right to act like such a jerk all the time. Doesn't he realize that these are the last few weeks we'll have to be together? I mean, I know that it's not as if we won't see each other, but once I'm married and out of the house, it won't be the same. I'm trying so hard to make the most of it and he's just pushing me away. It's like he's trying to get rid of me!" Misty's voice cracked as a few tears slid down her cheeks.

May's heart went out to her red-headed friend, she wasn't nearly as close to Ash but it was still hard to leave when they went their separate ways all those years ago, "Maybe…" she started not sure how to phrase her next sentence, "maybe he's pushing you away because he's just as upset about you leaving. Or maybe he's trying to make you mad at him so that you aren't as upset when you have to leave."

Misty forced out a laugh, "That's stupid."

May joined her by giggling, "I know, but that's Ash. All he ever thinks about is keeping his friends happy…but he doesn't always have the best way of going about it."

The older woman sighed and stood, "Well let's not think about Ash anymore and have some fun shopping."

"Hear hear!" May exclaimed jumping to her feet as well and rushing towards Bath & Body Works, "Oh! They're even having a sale!"

"They're always having a sale!" Misty laughed.

"I know! That's why I love them!" May immediately began opening every tester bottle smelling the perfume within.

Misty however marched right to the middle of the store, straight to the wall display filled with bottles and bottles of yellow tinted lotions and liquids. On the label of the bottle Misty picked was a pretty yellow flower. She flipped open the cap shutting her eyes as she breathed in the heavenly scent.

"Which one is that?" May asked walking over to her.

"Wild Honeysuckle. It's my absolute favorite." she smiled rubbing the lotion on her arms.

May leaned forward smelling the perfume, "Mmm that's really pretty."

"It's my favorite smell and my favorite flower." Misty nodded.

"Really? I never realized that you had a favorite flower."

"Mmhmm, my mother used to plant honeysuckle all around the outside of the gym. Now whenever I see or smell them, I think of her."

May smiled sadly, "I can't imagine losing my mom like you did. But I bet there's going to be a lot of honeysuckle at your wedding, to remind you that she's watching you."

Misty shook her head slightly, "No, Jordan wanted a very elegant wedding and the honeysuckle just didn't fit in. We're having lilies."

"Oh…well I guess you have to compromise on something like that."

"Yeah," Misty smiled but her tone was sad, "I think I'm hungry, what do you say to lunch?"

"Sounds great!" May grinned as she and Misty walked to the food court.

Once the women reached their destination, their expressions grew more and more dismayed as they glanced at the menus of all the different places to eat.

"None of this sounds good…" Misty sighed.

"You're telling me…I really want something fancier…like a good restaurant." May announced.

"Hmm…Olive Garden? It's just up the road."

May's bright blue eyes lit up, "That sounds delicious!" she exclaimed turning on her heels and walking towards the doors.

Thankfully, Misty and May just beat the lunchtime crowd and they were able to get a table right away. May's seat was facing the door so she was the first to notice Ash walk in with a pretty brunette.

"Hey, look who's here." She said pointing.

Misty turned and saw her friend and the girl. Her stomach tightened in an unfamiliar way but she smiled and waved at him.

"Hey!" Ash exclaimed turning to say something to the girl then walking towards his friends, "I didn't know you guys were eating here."

"The mall food sounded gross, so we decided to have pasta." Misty smiled.

"And breadsticks!" May added.

"Mmhmm, why don't you guys join us? That way you won't have to wait for a table." Misty asked.

"That would be great if you don't mind." Ash said as Misty stood to move to the seat next to May.

"I'm Misty by the way," She smiled extending her hand to Ash's date, "Ash's absolute best friend in the whole world."

"And I'm May…I don't come with a title, but Ash seems to like me," May laughed introducing herself.

"I'm Becca, and I'm not really anything related to Ash." she giggled.

May and Misty took a moment to study Becca. She was pretty in a way that they could never hope to be. She had coffee colored hair that fell in curls down to the middle of her back and bright green eyes. Her skin was perfectly tanned, as if she had just come back from a tropical vacation.

As they all sat down around the table, Misty felt something strange. Becca was nice and funny, and they were all having a really good lunch but something wasn't sitting well with Misty. She chalked it up to something she ate that morning but in the back of her mind, she knew that it wasn't a physical ailment.

***

Ash and Misty didn't see a lot of each other in the coming weeks, Misty was spending her time and Jordan's rather than he coming to her place and Ash seemed to go on more and more dates. May joked that he was trying to find someone to bring to the wedding. Brock knew that he was just keeping busy to stay away from Misty and not think about her upcoming marriage.

Tonight, though, was the night before the wedding and Misty's last night in their house. Ash had been dreading it for days, but he wasn't quite sure if it was the fact that she was leaving that upset him or that he had to spend the night with her alone.

After he and Becca ran into Misty and May for lunch May had pulled him aside and let him know that Misty was upset about leaving the house they had lived in together for years. She made him promise that he would be nice these last few weeks so that Misty had one less thing to worry about. He was making an effort; he went to the video store to pick out two movies they both agreed they wanted to see, though it took almost 2 hours for them to finally agree. Now he was changing into his pajamas as Misty popped the popcorn downstairs.

"Is that what you're wearing?" he heard her ask from his doorway.

He turned to face her and couldn't help but smile. Her orange hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail and she was wearing flannel pink pjs with cartoon Horsea and Starmie on them. In her hand was a large bowl of popcorn and she had a package of M&Ms under her arm.

"Yes this is what I'm wearing, you told me I had to put on pajamas." he stated.

She scrunched up her nose at his sweatpants and t-shirt, "That's what you wear to bed?"

"No," he smiled walking past her to the hallway; "I don't generally wear much of anything to bed." he called up to her.

"That's for sparing me!" She yelled after him, "Oh, I made the margaritas but I couldn't carry the pitcher and cups up, will you bring it?"

"Up?" he asked turning to look at her, "I thought we were watching movies."

"We are, in your room." he gave her a questioning look so she went on, "I figure that I always fall asleep halfway through the second movie and I don't want to sleep on the couch the night before my wedding. Besides, we used to always watch movies in your room."

That's because then I wasn't thinking about you like I am now. He thought but sighed, "Alright, I'll bring it up, anything else while I'm down here?"

"Nope, I think I'm good."

A movie and a half later, Ash had to admit that he was having fun. Sure, alcohol was probably a large factor as the two of them had split 3 pitchers of margaritas, but he knew that he was genuinely having a good time. Like they used to, way before they dated.

Now, Misty was laying on the left side of his bed her eyelids drooping slowly as she watched the movie. They had been quiet for a long time, just watching the movie but now she felt the need to speak up.

"Ash?" she asked softly.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for spending the night with me, it means a lot."

"No problem, I had a lot of fun." he smiled.

They fell into silence again as the movie continued to show a wedding scene. The bride walked happily down the aisle to her groom, friends and family smiling from the sides. Misty couldn't help herself from smiling along with it, and then she frowned.

"Ash?" this time she didn't wait for him to answer before continuing, "Do you think I'm making a mistake?"

If he had had one more margarita or perhaps had been a little more tired, he would have told her the truth. He would have said that of course she was making a mistake because no matter how much Jordan had changed, he would never make her as happy as Ash could. But Ash was sober and awake enough that he could think of the best thing to say.

"Do you think you're making a mistake?" he asked.

"That didn't answer my question."

"I know," he sighed and turned on his side to face her, "but the reality is that it's up to you. It isn't anyone else's life but your own. So if you think you're making a mistake maybe you are…"

She thought about what he said, "I don't know what I think…I think it just might be cold feet. I'm realizing lately that there are a lot of things I'll miss once I'm married, like doing things like this. Should I be more excited about what's to come than worried about what I'm giving up?"

"I don't know…I've never been…engaged." he said choosing his words carefully. He waited to hear her response only to see that she had fallen asleep.

Ash rolled over onto his back and shut his eyes to stop them from tearing up before falling into a troubled sleep.