Author's Note:
Now onto part three! :)
Wow, it's been a while since I posted a new chapter, hasn't it? Like a month! ^^; I apologize for the long wait guys. Between writing Silently Broken and my personal life, things have been a bit hectic. But I can promise you that this fic will wrap up soon. There's only one or two more chapters left, and then Silently Broken will be my main priority again, and hopefully finished sometime in June or July. However, I can't guarantee that 100%. It's just a rough estimate, people!
And of course, I hope my beta reader in particular enjoys this new addition! ;)
P.S. With the help of my sister, I combed through this five times. It should be free of errors! *keeps fingers crossed*
Foolish Invincibility
Chapter 3
Fess up
Gary's fingers were beginning to cramp up.
He had been staring into his lap, eyebrows lowered, face scrunched in worry, while his fingers dug into the clothing of his pant legs. He hadn't budged a single muscle since the moment his grandfather's phone rang hysterically throughout the lab, and then the painstaking wait- the fear of who was on the other line and the answer of what happened startled the boy. Though he knew exactly who was speaking to his grandpa. Gary couldn't hear much of the conversation, only picking up bits and pieces as he sat in the lab's living room, waiting for Prof. Oak to emerge behind the closed door nearby. Still, he couldn't tell whether the news was bad or good. Well, clearly there wasn't going to be a total happy ending, at least not yet; and Gary honestly did feel responsible for some of it- or more like all of it whether he cared to admit it or not.
Not to mention, Sam hadn't been extremely warm and fuzzy the minute Delia fetched Ash from the lab, and sent Peter and Tate home. The man's face expression was so indecipherable, his voice silenced as he went about his business, making tea and checking his emails. Which left Gary to contemplate. He didn't dare try attempting to strike up a conversation with the professor, out of fear of him being on his grandpa's bad side. As if his conscious wasn't already horrified enough. To imagine the trouble he could get into would get into... Gary was so still, so quiet, one could hear the sound of a pen dropping that entire time as they waited. Anxiously waiting for the phone to start ringing like there was no tomorrow. And the answer that was about to be revealed...
Gary perked up immediately once Sam finally strolled into the living room, hanging the cordless receiver up in its place on his personal desk. Gary flinched and gulped as he heard the receiver click into place; his unsteady eyes watching his grandfather take a seat across from him.
Gary felt his voice crack as he dared to speak with shaky eyes. "W-where's Ash, Grandpa? Is he okay?-"
"Ash is at the hospital," Sam answered plainly, sitting down fully. "His mother said he has a broken arm."
"Oh no..." Gary choked, then another gulp slid down his throat as he imagined Ash's disastrous fall over again. The guilt was beginning to grow stronger. "His left one, r-right?"
The tightness in the professor's ceased at last, allowing himself to sigh in despondency. "'Fraid so. From what I understand however, the doctor says he'll heal up just fine. Thankfully, it's nothing too serious," he added, stating the upside to the accident as he reached for his abandoned tea cup. The call with Delia was long enough that it caused his hot drink to become lukewarm.
Gary sprouted a half-grin of relief. "Well uh- that's good."
At least he wasn't liable for the accident, and knowing that Ash was indeed all right made Gary's tense muscles lighten. He was already feeling awful as it was, even if Ash wasn't his favorite person in the world. Seeing the boy become physically hurt was not his goal that day, nor did Gary wish it upon the already prone reckless kid.
Gary's moment of solace quickly vanished however at the sound of Prof. Oak adjusting his voice. He wasn't finished. "Gary," Sam started, holding his grandson's attention instantly. The boy's meek grin dissipated as well, causing his eyelids to droop in disgrace. He knew what was coming. "I think it's best if you fill me in on this little accident. Now, what exactly happened?"
The brunette narrowed his eyebrows. Gary had briefly explained the happenings to him with Tate and Peter at his defense while Delia was on her way, though it wasn't enough to suffice Prof. Oak's curiosity. But he stated it again anyway, huffing as he did so. "Like I told you Gramps, we were climbing trees-"
"Yes, but why?"
"Well um... " Another gulp was lodged in his throat. Damn, how was he going to get around this one? Who was Gary kidding, there was no way. "Tate started talkin' about the tree great-great grandpa Milton planted and how old it was, and then one thing led to another and... And Ash decided to climb the tree."
Samuel looked stumped. "Just like that?"
Though Gary didn't nod in return. Clearly there were some important details left in between his grandson's short and sweet statement, and Sam was beginning to worry what exactly went down to make Gary so… nervous. Gary was never nervous, that was a fact in itself and out of everyone he knew he had always been honest with grandpa. No beating around the bush, no nothing. There was a silently implied respect shared mutually between Gary and his grandfather, and to bring such shame and disappointment to the man he looked up to for many reasons… There was a lot riding on Gary's shoulders, and he wished he didn't ask for it.
With a sigh, Prof. Oak settled his teacup back down. He was no fool, and could blatantly see the guilt that was clouding his grandson. Sam remembered seeing his own son in a similar fix, sitting on the sofa with a look of: 'I'm sorry, but I'll probably just end up doing it again anyway'. But Gary looked – a tad different this time around.
"Gary, I'm having a hard time believing Ash boldly climbed the tree because he felt like it," the professor started up again with an arched brow.
The brunette grew defensive. "Yeah, but you know how impulsive he is-"
"Impulsive or not, something came about. And I need you to start talking." Usually Sam didn't come across so stern with the boy for whatever problems aroused the man could get it resolved rather speedily. But Gary was being difficult, giving him the snide remarks he tended to throw at his parents. And Prof. Oak wouldn't tolerate it. "Don't make this difficult, Gary," he persisted sharply, yet with ease. "If you want to stay out of less trouble, you should come clean. You could be making it a bigger deal than it is."
Yeah, right.
Sure Ash broke only an arm and it would heal up in no time, but what came about the injured limb was really where the majority of the fault and shame befell on Gary. And to have to confess the bitter truth to the one person he preferred not to know about it…
But maybe Gary could redirect the conversation away from himself with his own questions. "How come you think I had somethin' to do with it, Grandpa?"
Was Gary really trying to throw out that question? His track record with Ash wasn't exactly squeaky-clean, nor did the boys have a strong friendship in which one would believe that they wouldn't be rude or shoot jabs at one another. They were both guilty in that department. And as much as Sam loved and adored Gary, he was well aware of the boy's nasty habit of picking on and provoking Ash, who already struggled enough to keep up with his faster and wittier rival. Not to mention, Ash wrestled with managing his own heedless behavior too. And if that was the case again, which Prof. Oak was certain of, he wasn't going to be too pleased. Unless Gary appeared to be genuinely sorry, and took ownership of his behavior.
"You're withholding details. It's a little obvious, my boy," Sam explained nonchalantly as he sipped on his tea again. "Your behavior reminds me of a stubborn Wigglytuff I have here at the lab, who refused to confess it started a squabble with a Wartortle the other day, even though I saw the fight with my very own eyes."
There Prof. Oak went again, relating Pokémon to happenings and lessons in life; though the comparison of Gary and Ash's argument to a pair of confrontational Pokémon wasn't too overreaching or unrealistic. Especially when being compared to the brash and strong-willed personalities of a Wigglytuff and Wartortle.
"Pokémon don't talk, Grandpa," Gary snorted back with a subtle laugh. The thought of his grandpa trying to talk and work out a problem with creatures who couldn't even speak English, made him smirk. "Do you really know stuff about Pokémon behavior?" However, the nine-year old had forgotten that his grandfather might not have found it as humorous as he did.
Sam didn't find it amusing. "You want to try that again?"
The boy's smile became a sheepish one, as his grandpa's eyes remained stern and silent. No one questioned Sam Oak about his knowledge and beliefs on Pokémon, or at least someone who only had the education of a fourth grader. And Gary knew he had gone too far once again.
"Uh... sure?"
It wasn't long before Sam's serious expression ceased having his eyes weaken at his grandson's hesitant response. What was it going to take to get through to the kid? "Gary, one of these days you're going to get yourself in more trouble than you bargained for," the man stated firmly, bringing back the seriousness to the situation. "One way or another, it'll all come out in the wash. And I'd rather hear it from you, than Ash, his mother, or anyone else. Now, what happened?"
It almost seemed like Sam was pleading for another answer, wishing for both Ash and Gary to make amends and just put it behind them.
It was just- hard for Gary; having to sit there and admit things he wished he didn't do and yet, he continued to commit because of his own personal problems. And the pattern was something he wanted so badly to hide from Prof. Oak, but in this instance, his grandpa was his best ally. The one who could help him set things straight. Even if Gary was afraid and a bit unwilling to do so.
The silence that filled the room faded as Gary's voice cracked, his hand caressing the back of his head as his eyes darted away from Sam's. Finally, he was going to talk. "When we were lookin' at the tree, I kind of started bragging about how good of a climber Dad was-"
"I think you're mistaken, Gary," Prof. Oak cut him short. "Your father is a terrible climber-"
"Well yeah, I know," he huffed back. Gary didn't need to be reminded of that. "Anyway, Tate said somethin' like he'd break his neck on the way up if he tried it, and I made fun of him for that."
"Hmhm," Sam nodded. He figured as much. "Go on."
"Then, Tate got really mad and dared me to climb the tree 'cause I bragged about how great was Dad and-"
"And you were too afraid to climb it?"
Gary's grandfather's question made him scoff. "Well, duh! Climbin' that thing could have cost me a broken arm!-" A broken arm. Gary felt his forehead become warm and just by the hot summer air flooding into the lab. He tried to collect his bearings again, becoming jittery as he grew closer and closer to admitting his wrongdoings. And the reaction he was going to get.
"And then Ash..." The brunette paused, trying not to picture the accident again and again while he carried on. Acknowledging all of this may not have troubled an older individual so much, but for Gary… who was only a child, who truly did feel partly responsible for what happened, and who did not want to dissatisfy Sam by his past actions. Of course he didn't force Ash to climb the tree, no one did. But that he did give Ash a reason to soar the tree was equally as bad enough. And it pained Gary to recognize that.
"He- he said he wasn't afraid and could do it," the boy continued, struggling for his voice not to fall weak, "so I... I kinda egged him on."
Gary squinted his eyes after releasing the truth, peaking one open just enough to gleam at his grandpa. There Prof. Oak still sat, straight up in his seat with arms crossed over his chest and another unreadable gaze shooting at the boy's.
"Dare I ask?" was all he said.
This is where discussing the matter became very difficult for Gary. He did not want his grandfather to be led to believe that he intended on harming Ash. He would never go as far nor dream about committing such a horrible act, and even though he was envious of Ash over a certain something, a certain someone who was the reason for all of this…
Gary knew it wasn't right.
"You'd be really mad if I told you what I did," he said pathetically with lowered brows.
Prof. Oak didn't want to Gary to hide back in the shadows, away from his problems. Not when they were this close to solving them. And that's what frustrated him the most about it, because he knew his grandson could do it.
"Gary, owning up to your mistakes and learning from them makes you grow and become a better person. And I know you are capable of doing such," the man stated, a hint of compassion and understanding implanted in his vocal cords.
"If you're worried I'll be mad, well…" He could see Gary's expression wilt as his chin dived lower and lower to his neck. Sam didn't want to make his grandson feel so low about himself. That wasn't his goal at all. All the professor was asking was for the boy to take hold of what happened, accept it, and do what he could to make up for it. Even if all he could was apologize.
"…Disappointment and anger are two different things," Sam finished at last. His voice then morphed into a more reassuring one, calling for his grandson's attention slowly between every word. "I could never be angry with you Gary, but I will always hold you accountable because I know you are capable of doing what's right. If you don't want to let me down then, prove to me you can take responsibility."
Prof. Oak's lowered lips turned into a soft smile, the power of it finally capturing Gary's eyes. "I know you can."
Those words… They stirred endlessly in Gary's mind. Sam believed him, had faith that he would do the right thing and come clean. And that was something Gary wasn't going ruin.
Not this time.
"Grandpa, I..." Here went nothing. "I teased Ash about his dad."
"So which one did you like more? The apricot or chocolate muffins? Or did you prefer the raspberry sorbet-"
"It was all really good, Michelle," chuckled Ash. There was enough evidence to support the boy's claim for his small plate and bowl that was seated on the coffee table had been licked clean, not leaving a single crumb. And his stomach could testify for that. "I can't pick a favorite. But I think if I eat any more I'm gonna be sick!" he added, gripping his stomach.
He had scarfed down the food from the cafeteria his mom and grandpa brought back for him, and then came home to find Michelle and Leah busily cooking up a dinner in the kitchen. Ash's gut couldn't pass on the great meal. A great meal that certainly surpassed the hospital cuisine. Plus, how could he not dive head first into the many leftover desserts they had saved for him that were from the inn? There was an abundance of different kinds that it would have been rude of Ash not to at least sample some, seeing all the trouble his grandmother and family friend went to. However because of that, Ash could see his overindulgence was probably not the wisest decision, like the many others he made that exact day, now feeling the after affects in his gurgling stomach.
And Delia reminded him of that.
It wasn't long before she wandered into the living room, overhearing their conversation as she picked up the last remaining dishes from her son's dining on the couch. "Yes, I do think you've had enough sweets for tonight, young man," Delia threw in with a raised brow and mild smile, earning a sheepish grin from her son in return.
"I won't have anymore, Mom," Ash replied as she walked away. "At least not for a couple of hours..."
The boy's mumbling made Michelle produce a faint laugh and shake her head as she sat on a chair near him, and she wasn't the only one who picked up on his deceitful grumble.
"Uh-huh," Delia answered as she scooted along, just enough to make Ash's hair stand up on the back of his neck. And for him to sweat-drop with another silly grin, noting her good hearing silently to himself.
Typical Ash. The mother was glad more than ever though to see him behave and eat like his usual self, and that he was doing his best to keep his chin up through the sore muscles and uncomfortable cast. That day certainly had been a real whirlwind for the both of them, and to finally come home, kick off their shoes, have a good meal with family and friends around... Delia was just thankful the day was wrapping up on a positive note.
Or so she thought.
Pressing forward into the kitchen, Delia stopped in her tracks, staring curiously at a scene taking place. Right before the woman, stood her parents mumbling to each other in faint whispers as they went about cleaning up the dishes. Delia at first didn't think anything of it, playfully catching their attention with remark as she crept up behind them.
"Hey, what are you two doing?" she asked, jokingly. "Having a secret conversation without me?"
And then, they fell silent.
Leah was the first to look to her daughter, smiling softly with an answer. She didn't appeared to be spooked. "Oh, no sweetie. Your father is just busy being a detective again," she added, eying him.
Ernest however, didn't seem to pick up on the funny note of his wife's remark. He stood by the sink, starting the now full dishwasher and fidgeting with the buttons in a huff. "No I ain't, Leah," he clarified, finally operating the appliance properly. "I don't need to snoop, 'cause I already know the truth."
Delia immediately sighed. She had a feeling in regards to what this 'detective business' was about. And she still wasn't in the mood for it. "Dad, if this is about Gary again, can we just drop it?" the woman asked, no, more like ordered as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Delia's primary concern was Ash feeling better, not integrating a possible nine-year-old perpetrator about the whole accident and controlling the situation. While she was present, Ash didn't seem to act like he had a problem with any of the boys, and if there was, he was doing a very good job at concealing it. Plus, she wasn't in the mood to go looking for trouble that might even be there. Though it was slim to imagine so.
"No, we can't, Delia," her father answered, lowering his voice so Ash wouldn't hear the commotion. Ernest then peaked past his daughter's shoulder enough to catch a decent glimpse of Michelle still chatting away with the boy, giving him assurance that Ash was indeed unaware of their discussion. "That little punk has done too much as of late for us not to suspect some foul play," he continued to persuade, catching his wife and daughter's attention again. "And we can't go on ignorin' it."
Delia could feel the muscles in her neck and shoulders beginning to cramp just by the mere mention of this extreme talk. "Listen, I'll talk to Ash, okay?" she said, staying as calm as possible. "Just give him some space right now. He's sore and tired, and is probably not up for all of this. Ash will talk when he's ready, Dad. I know he will."
Delia was certain of that and there was no denying it.
Ash had tended to be very open with sharing things about his friends and school with his mom, seeing she was the only parent he could turn to. She had installed in him at a young age that he could always come to her if he needed advice or just to talk, and that it would stay just between them. And Ash had done just that, for a while that is. As of late, Delia had taken notice that her son was starting to be a little more independent, a little more reserved in his thoughts and talks about how his day went. Not so eagerly open to share everything with her like when he was in kindergarten or first grade, or even second grade... which appeared to be very natural for a boy his age, yet now with this little mishap and Ernest's heightened speculation, Delia quietly worried Ash may not come forward.
Then again, who's to say something was bothering him? The mother couldn't tell, and she certainly wasn't going to read into and drive herself crazy either.
"Delia's right, dear," agreed Leah, laying a gentle hand in front of her husband. "Besides, it's not your place. Let her handle it."
The pair braced themselves for a mild Ernest rebuttal or insistence of some sort, but on this occasion, he waved his white flag much sooner than they imagined. "Fine," he huffed, like a child. "But I just don't like what I see-"
"I hear you, I hear you." Delia just knew there would be an add-on to his begrudging agreement to stay silent. "Believe me if there's a problem, I'll take care of it."
The farmer seemed sufficed with his daughter's reassurance. "All right," he nodded firmly. Not a moment later however, did Ernest feel tempted to shoot his mouth open again, rising his index finger in the air like a preacher, speaking of the holy gospel for all to hear. Though Delia and Leah weren't exactly ready to hear a 'Bible lesson' from Ernest, any time soon. "But the next time somethin' happens between those two, let me give Ash a lesson on being the bigger person," he went on seriously. "Being a real man."
Leah chortled outwardly. "Since when?" she scoffed, cocking another mischievous grin. Sometimes she couldn't resist the urge to giggle at the dramatic things her husband said. Even if he meant well. "You always try to avoid giving the grandkids lessons."
"This time is different, hon. This ain't about no chemical change in the body or proper etiquette." He almost appeared to squirm uncomfortably when he threw out his interesting examples, making the ladies only shake their heads further. "Nobody is gonna kick my grandboy 'round. He needs to stick up for himself, and tell that Oak kid to take a hike. Ain't right what he's doin'."
"Yes, and what will that lead too?" his wife rebutted. "A fist fight?"
"I never said violence was an option!" he shouted in frustration, then quieted his voice instantly after recognizing it had increased so dramatically. Though just because the farmer took control over the volume of his vocal cords, that didn't mean the sternness of it faded away. He quickly flashed his eyes at Delia again, catching her releasing some facial expression to his comeback, as if he wasn't saying anything important. "And don't you roll your eyes at me, lil' missy!" Ernest suddenly whispered firmly as he waved his finger at her. "I'm just tryin' to give the kid a fightin' chance. He needs a- a father like figure to look up to-"
Delia didn't take his outburst to heart, and only sighed again out of slight exasperation. "I know you're trying to help, Dad."
In his own unique and strange way, Ernest was. He was extremely rough around the edges, and gruff and sometimes impossible to deal with. But he was a good man at heart, always looking out for his family and inspiring his daughters to be the best they could be, to be strong independent women like they were. And now, he was simply attempting to give his only grandson a little piece of advice on school bullies, and squaring one's shoulder when the going gets tough. Though his words of knowledge weren't always very informed nor on a deep level as one would like.
"But I think it would be best for us to save this conversation for later," the young mother continued persuasively. Her eyes had fallen to the microwave, observing it was growing late in the evening, and that the sun's rays were beginning to darken through the clean glass windows. It was time to hit the sack. "You both have done enough for us today, and I want you to get some rest."
Leah grinned warmly back, and waved her hand in the air. "Oh Delia, we're fine. You know your father and I would do anything for Ash. Michelle was on a baking spree anyway this morning," she went on, justifying their reasoning for wanting to lend a hand. Then as she started to wander out of the kitchen, the older woman threw another playful glance at her husband, egging him on. "And your father likes playing detective whenever he can get the chance-"
Ernest furrowed his eyebrows and stomped at her, not lightening up at all. "Leah, this is some serious business I'm talkin' about-"
"Whatever you say, dear," she cut him short, casually, not taking her husband serious for a second. Leah knew he'd move on from his little rant any minute now, and naturally changed the conversation over to another topic as they made way for the front exit of the house. "Sorry about dirtying the kitchen, Delia," said Leah, feeling bad for inviting she and Michelle in like this.
But she didn't seem to mind. "No, no it's fine. You guys helped me pick it up anyway."
Back inside the corridors of the living room however, Michelle was still in the middle of questioning Ash about the tons of desserts she had baked for the day, excitedly giddy and anxious over the feedback of her creations and well, her usual overly boisterous passion for the culinary field. But to her dismay, Ash wasn't really much help in giving constructive criticism, nor was he that quick-witted in the occupation. He liked food in general, and found most things tasty and eatable. Which left his opinions to be very one-noted and repetitive.
"What about the lemon meringue pie?" the chef asked enthusiastically. "What did you think of that one? Was it too tart?"
Ash just shrugged. "I dunno. I'm not really into lemon, Michelle-"
"Oh Michelle, quit quizin' the boy like he's some culinary expert."
Michelle's eyes immediately gravitated up, finding Ernest standing before them, looming between the couch and chair. She simply ignored his remark and made way to the door for her shoes. She did however, feel a little embarrassed for letting her excitable emotions drag on.
From there, Ernest gave Ash a gentle pat on his shoulder, with a final goodbye for the evening. "Ya take care of yourself tonight, all right Ash? Rest up and feel better."
The boy nodded in return. "Thanks, Grandpa."
"I'm sorry if I got a little too excited, sweetheart," Michelle abruptly apologized, slipping on her sandals. "I just wanted an opinion from my taste-tester-"
Ash couldn't resist his laughter. "It's okay!" He wondered how long Michelle planned on calling him by that pet-name he rightfully earned at age three. "Night, Michelle."
She smiled meekly back, thankful for his patient and sweet demeanor to both her and her bake-crazed nuttiness. "'Night, Ash."
Then the three rounded up their belongings, marching out the door with a few more goodbyes as they began to waltz out of Delia's front yard.
"Thanks for letting us cook for you, Delia," Michelle stated with another wave.
Delia remained standing in the door, giving a couple more waves in return. "No need to thank me," she winked. "You and Mom can cook anytime you feel like it!"
She could hear Leah and Michelle find the humor out of her harmless reply, watching them step out onto the dirt road safely, and going separate ways to their homes for the evening.
"Have a good night, Delia, Ash!" Leah called again, walking hand in hand with Ernest.
"Thanks, Mom. Bye!"
And with that, their little shindig ended.
Sighing out of tiredness, Delia ventured back into the house and closed the door, turning on her heels to face her son again. Finally, peace at last. "It's been one crazy day, hasn't it?" she said with a weak smile, strolling through the entryway and towards the couch.
Ash watched her as she moved along, twisting his mouth in discomfort. "Yeah."
A long day was an understatement.
Delia's nonchalant, overall calm behavior in regards to the casualty seemed to irk Ash rather than relax him. In most instances where he'd simply get a scratch on the knee due to loss of control on his bike, or ended up burning his fingers when warned the cookies were still too hot to snatch she'd usually smother him (which was merely an exaggeration thanks to Ash's perception) with motherly scolds and worries; yet this time, his mother was very composed about the whole thing. A little too composed. Did she know what happen, but remained silent on it to her son's knowledge? Was Delia well aware of how Ash's little misadventure up the tree came about? And was it thanks to Prof. Oak? Ash couldn't read his mother's casual grin as she strolled over to him, a rush of anxiety building up inside his already tense body. If Delia did know what came about the incident, why wasn't she bringing it up? Was it because of the reasoning behind the dare? And was she even alerted of that too? Those painstaking questions flooded Ash's mind has he sat silently, making his cheeks warm as he nervously contemplated on what was about to take place next.
If she was going to say anything.
As Delia pranced over she stopped at the coffee table, raising Ash's empty glass in the air. "You want any more juice?"
The boy shook his head, trying to stay cool as possible. "Nah, I'm good."
The woman then placed the glass back on the table without speculation and journeyed for a seat. From there, Delia soon plopped onto the couch, sitting across from Ash with her legs tucked underneath her and a pillow comfortably resting in her grasp. "So," she started, still adjusting herself, "you feeling okay?"
"Hmhm." Ash's eyes fell to his wrapped arm again. "I'm still really sore though."
"The doctor says you'll be feeling it for just a little while." However Delia preferred to take the complete pain away now than later. Even though she was positive that her son was going to heal just fine, and that the doctor's word was honest and reputable, Delia still couldn't resist the natural feeling of remorse. She felt terrible that this all happened that she hadn't prevented it. Still, it was a life lesson to Ash about safety. Delia just wished he didn't have to have such a severe result of his recklessness. Taking a deep breath, the woman allowed her eyebrows to seep, letting her gentle hand caress Ash's messy knots of hair with a sadden frown. She just couldn't help herself. "Oh, I'm so sorry this happened, baby."
She wasn't the only one.
"Me too."
Once Delia's hand untangled itself out of Ash's tresses, she leaned back and smiled weakly, a moment of silence passing.
Ash wasn't sure what to say. He could have just been reading into Delia's motions and such, fretting himself to death over things his mom was most likely ignorant of. But if that was the case, was it right not to inform her on the situation anyway? If she was in the dark about the entire circumstance, Ash supposed no trouble would rupture over the matter. Then again, with Gary's big mouth he'd probably twist the story around completely... He couldn't make up his mind.
The boy's eyes darted away from his mom once more, focusing on his cast as he compulsively reiterated the same question he asked in the hospital. Ash had to make sure. He had to know for certain. "I um…" He slipped a loud gulp as his brown eyes slowly beamed up like a Growlithe, caught for eating freshly baked goodies off the counter. "You're still not mad, right?"
Delia gave a puzzled look. "Ash, I already told you, I'm not mad. I am gonna wonder though why you keep needing to ask me that." She watched him carefully as he remained quiet, avoiding eye-contact as she spoke.
Now Delia was becoming suspicious. What was Ash getting at? She started to assume her son was feeling guilty, or worried he was going to wind up in some kind of trouble over the mess. But as to what it may have been, the mother was clueless. Or more like tried to overlook the likely assumptions implanted in her mind.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" she persisted after another brief moment of silence. Ash didn't respond. His eyes stayed cast down as Delia continued to peer at him. "As long as you didn't commit a felony I'm not going to get upset," she added, trying to be lighthearted.
Even at that, the accident might as well have been one.
Ash could feel himself beginning to cave in, the anxiety and concern munching on him vigorously. How could he put this delicately without setting her off? "It's just…" He found himself struggling as he huffed heavily. "This whole thing with the tree and… and Gary."
Ash examined his mother's expression change. "Gary?" She appeared perplexed, lowering her eyebrows with a slight frown. It was clear when she went to pick up Ash Gary was indeed one of the witnesses to the untimely accident. However, Delia didn't really consider that he was a part of the disaster after seeing how concerned he looked. Then again, it didn't surprise her. After all Ernest had brought that possibility up while they were still at the hospital and then again in the kitchen, which severely agitated her both times. She didn't like jump to conclusions and think the worst in people, even if it seemed foolish and naïve. And Delia knew if Ernest was still at the house right then and there, he'd be rubbing that little fact into his daughter's face.
"What do you mean Gary?" she asked, again. "Ash, did you two get into an argument-"
"I didn't start it, Mom!"
His sudden reaction took Delia aback, her patience wearing a tad as if he was presuming she was calling fault to him. The mother was merely asking, and figuring what the most probable problem arose earlier that morning. It had become a ritual for the boys to find something to debate about, and naturally she presumed it. It wasn't like either one of them had set a good track record for themselves when interacting. "Ash, there's no need to be defensive!" she said, sternly. "I wasn't accusing you, I was simply asking. Now just calm down and take a deep breath." At the lowering of her voice, Ash let a noticeable huff fly through his nostrils, falling silent again as he stared off to the side. How was Delia going to get through this?
"Were…" She paused, holding her temple momentarily as she collected her wits. "Were you boys having a race up the tree or something-"
"No!" Ash caught himself blurting abruptly again, softening his vocal cords as well as his expression. He didn't intend to come off so defensively, but he just didn't want his mom to get the wrong picture. He wanted to be clear and honest with her. Even if it hurt. "No, we…" He was trying to start again, with more maturity and calmness to his demeanor. "We were just playing hide and seek for a while past Prof. Oak's lab. And when we were finished, we were planning on going to Greta's for some sodas. But then Tate and Gary stopped and Gary started talkin' about the oak tree that his really old grandpa planted. You know, the founding tree or whatever?"
Delia was following along. "Yes, Prof. Oak told me."
So that much she knew. All right, so the pair was caught up on the general information of the first part of the day. However, the second half, the more challenging and awkward side to explain was still left unclear to Delia. And Ash would have to delicately elucidate it all.
"But for some reason, Gary kept going on about how good of a climber his dad was and how he used to climb that tree all the time. So Tate suggested he should climb the tree to prove it but…"
"But what, honey?"
The boy knew his mother wasn't going to be pleased with the next couple unveiled details; nor could he blame her, for he wasn't too pleased with his choices himself. Or how it all came about for that matter.
Ash sighed once more as his shoulders became limp in regret. "I opened my big mouth and said I was pretty good at climbing. Wish I hadn't said that now…"
Delia paused, then gave a sudden shake of her head in befuddlement. "I still don't understand, Ash. Did you just feel like climbing the tree-"
"No." This time, his voice rang with a plentiful amount of shame. Ash wished he could honestly give her that answer, make her believe he simply did some spineless stunt for kicks. But that wasn't the truth. With one more deep breath, Ash braced himself for the worst. "Gary ended up daring me to," he finally muttered, a bitter taste residing in his mouth. "I don't know why he didn't just show off himself. It's never stopped him before."
Delia couldn't believe her ears. Her mouth fell open almost immediately. An expression of disappointment and shock mingled together forcing Ash to look away. She comprehended he was only a child, for it to be natural for him not to use his head as often as an adult would but still- A dare? Delia knew her boy was naturally brave and bold at heart, but to seriously think he could climb that tree without fail? And do what Gary of all people said? Where was his head?!
"Dared you? Ash, you know better than to agree to a dare!" the mother swiftly reminded. "I don't care what Gary said, you shouldn't have done it! It was beyond dangerous-"
The boy was afraid his mom would react this way. And rightfully so, Delia was privileged to be upset like any caring devoted mother would. Though, would it have killed her just to give Ash a chance to explain himself fully?
"But Mom, you don't understand!" Like Delia hadn't heard that one before. But she sat and listened anyway, biting back her tongue as she endured his case and reasoning. "I couldn't just not climb the tree! He wouldn't let me live it down-"
"So if Gary dared you to jump off a cliff, you'd do it?"
Clearly, it wasn't convincing enough.
Ash blinked and diverted his gaze again. "Well, no-"
"Then what makes this acceptable? Why Ash?"
It was beginning to seem impossible to get her words of advice through her son's thick skull when it came to the notorious neighborhood bully, Gary Oak. Ash didn't deserve this kind of treatment, and Delia wasn't sure how many times she would have to remind him not to accept a challenge and let the boy bother him. It takes two to argue, and the woman could only do so much to help him. Ash had to get a hold of his own emotions and not allow Gary to make him feel so- inadequate. A "loser", quoted by Gary Oak himself.
"I've told you a hundred times, it doesn't matter what Gary says!" she carried on, passionately. "He's just being a bully-"
"Yes it does!" Ash's voice had grown extremely louder and defiant, determined to make his mom really listen to why he felt his way, why he couldn't shrug off Gary's hurtful remarks and jabs. Really tell her the truth about it all, really make her understand. Tell her things that had been truly bothering him.
Delia froze with a stunned gaze, her chest rising up and down at a quicker rate, examining her son's intense expression morph into a weaker one. Like he was holding back tears. "He tells everyone at school lies about me, Mom!" Ash elucidated at last, unleashing the hurt and anger that had been long overdue to be expressed. It was more than being publicly humiliated in front of his so called 'friends', from the snapping of the branch. It was more than just wanting to one-up Gary again and boast. It was much deeper. "He takes all my friends away, he won't let me play baseball out in the field anymore, or go to the lab or anything! And right when I thought he finally wanted to hang out with me for real he just…"
His cries finally seeped from his mouth, and the tears were starting to trickle down afterwards. This had been an ongoing problem, and Delia was very much aware of the overall distance and mutual disrespect between the boys. But to see her boy finally lose his confidence, to breakdown like this... it saddened her deeply. That Gary had been so deliberately hurtful and led Ash to believe he might, just might want to try to get along, to respect one another- to be friends. Even if it was just for the day.
But not all those harsh words and remarks were all geared to Ash as Delia thought. And those words and remarks stung a much rawer cord inside the boy.
Taking another breath to get a hold of himself, Ash forcefully fought his way through the water-droplets tempted to roll down his cheeks. He wasn't going to halfway finish his explanation, or leave out the details his mother may not care to hear. He couldn't take it. Ash couldn't take being told things about his hero that weren't true. Ruining any precious thoughts or memories he had left about the man. Even if this little spat was very mild compared to other confrontations, it still was inexcusable. It couldn't be overlooked.
Ash's eye lids closed shut, his eyebrows narrowing as he continued fervently, every word strong and definite with meaning. He had it. "Gary pushed me so far today Mom that I… I couldn't let him just stand there and mock him again! I had to defend him! I had to prove him wrong!"
"Mock him?" Delia was growing extremely concerned, leaning forward as she took her son's grasp tenderly into hers. She was baffled to see him so distraught it left her lost for words and twice as addled as before. Defend him? What did he mean? "Ash," she started again calmly, looking directly at him with soft eyes, "who are you talking about?"
Ash sucked in another breath, gazing right at her with a cloudy vision. He couldn't believe he was about to say it.
"Dad."
TO BE CONTINUED…
