Chapter 4: Evolution

When I opened my eyes I couldn't feel Ash's warmth. I turned over to find I was the only one in the room.

"Is anybody here?" I yelled.

"Just me, Clemont." He walked in to the room and was still in his pajamas.

"Where is Bonnie and Ash?" I yawned and shifted my weight so that my legs hung off the side of the bed. I could tell Clemont was trying to refrain from asking about my night with Ash. He was staring at me with his face all flushed with some stupid grin.

"Ash got a call that a guest arrived to see him, I guess Bonnie went with. Hey, you better get ready though, I know Ash wants to get moving soon." He turned to go where I assume his room, and I got changed back into my normal daytime attire. I placed the shirt and boxers right on top of Ash's bag. I giggled just thinking about the fact these are his boxers and I got to wear them! Wait….is that creepy?

I was really nervous getting into the elevator to meet up with everyone down in the lobby. Not only were thoughts about this woman pestering me, I was afraid that I wouldn't feel like a special girl to Ash. That I was just another traveling companion to him. I'm already really insecure about how he didn't remember who I was from camp when we were kids, but I blamed it on age and-

Ding

As soon as I heard the doors open I became aware that I was in deep thought and had a stupid look on my face. I saw Bonnie and immediately made eye contact, who screamed out my name and made the entire lobby look my way.

Jeez.

Ash was next to her facing someone else, and didn't look to see if I was coming. Bonnie ran up to me and quickly pulled me aside.

"Serena, this is bad, but-"

My eyes were already drooping. I could tell my expression made my emotions clear.

"She's kind of perfect. They've known each other for many years, and the connection they made was so real. But I don't think you should be too concerned because-"

I started to walk away because I honestly did NOT want to hear another word until I met her myself.

"Good morning Ash!" I said in the most normal way possible.

"Serena! Good morning. I hope you were able to sleep well. Ah, this is one of my closest friends, Misty. Her and I go way back."

Time to analyze. The most beautiful red hair, blue eyes, and as thin as a supermodel. Perfect, she's my worst nightmare.

"Hi Serena, it's so nice to finally meet you. Ash has told me so much about you. I think you're an absolutely brilliant performer and have seen all your progress on TV!"

"Thank you so much! I hope Ash says good things".

"Well, you know Ash. Always optimistic."

I am really not sure if that was an insult or not.

Misty wrapped her right arm around Ash's shoulder, "yeah, I was the first person to ever travel with Ash. I'm a gym leader, so I had to leave his side eventually, but I simply had to come and congratulate him on his new eight badges."

Pikachu was nuzzling up against Misty cooing, like it was a long lost mother.

Ash blushed and had a huge smile on his face. I almost forgot Bonnie was here, until she perked up when Clemont came out of the elevator.

"CLEMONT I'VE FOUND HER!" Inner me is absolutely cracking up.

"Misty, you're absolutely stunning! Will you please take care of my brother?"

To my surprise, Clemont didn't freak out. He patted Bonnie on the head and softly apologized. Oh my God, he likes her.

"I heard you're a gym leader too. Nice to meet you, I'm Misty."

They shook hands, and then she turned to Ash.

"I flew in all this way, and I'm really excited to come to the Pokemon League with all of you!" Misty jumped for joy.

Ash looked dumbfounded. "But I thought you needed to keep up with the gym?"

Misty giggled, "that's what my sisters are for. I called in a favor."

"All right! Let's all get going!" Ash said. They all headed to the elevator to grab their things from the room. Misty went as well. I had asked Bonnie to grab my bag, I needed to call my mother.

I sat down and sighed. The computer monitor lit up, and I dialed in her number.

"Serena honey! I got your message last night, are you okay?"

"Yeah mom." I was happy she actually answered for once. "I really miss you." I let a tear slip out.

"Honey, okay. Whatever it is, I have great news! You got a large package in the mail containing information from a producer, former Kalos queen, Palermo! She's offering you a room in her estate to stay if you'll study underneath her! Isn't that wonderful?"

I felt my heart skip a beat. Another chance…so soon?

"Wow mom, that's amazing. I don't want to pass it down."

"I know how you feel about Ash Serena. But please, this is your future here. I'm begging you to follow your dreams instead of watching him achieve his. You've done enough."

"Thanks mom. I gotta go. I'll talk sooner than you think."

I hung up before she could interrupt again.

"Serena! Here's your bag. C'mon, we're almost to the big city, and breakfast will happen soon!" Bonnie looked excited, and I was happy everyone was in such good spirits.

The entire group walked out together, and I rushed up next to Ash.

"Hey, I just wanted to say thank you again-"

"ASH! Come and see these pictures from home!" Misty tugged Ash into the opposite direction, and it seems like Ash completely forgot I had something to say to him.

Clemont was next to me, and he scoffed.

"Ash is so popular with the ladies. If only I wasn't so dorky."

"Clemont, just know there is always someone who is out there and is waiting for you. You are the key to a lock, and one day you'll find the one that truly fits your heart." I said this from the bottom of my heart, and it made Clemont perk up.

"Yeah. I guess it will take some time, but I can just focus on things like work. Maybe if I achieve something great, love will find me then."

I looked at him with a motive in mind. "Why would you need that in order to find someone?"

He smiled like he was proud of something he had in mind. "Because when someone see's how talented and accomplished you are, they think you're special."

As we walked down this path, I realized that I put everything on hold for Ash. I didn't take the chance of a lifetime to study under a former Kalos Queen, because I wanted to be with Ash. But if Ash doesn't wanna be with me, and if he has other special women in his life, what can I do to make everything work out?

I think it might be time. It might be time to finally evolve into what I was meant to be, so that maybe I can be the one Ash follows to see my dreams come true.