Everything Changes

Chapter 4

A Courting Act?

Saturday's arrival was a welcoming one for the Ketchum and Parker households'. Dani and Ophelia would drop in that early afternoon, making the day worthwhile and enjoyable. The night Ash had come back home from the store however, was quite the opposite. The sight of her son's flushed face, trembling voice, and rubbing of the eyes left Delia flabbergasted. It was hard to believe for her to believe him when he said he was okay, even with his constant reassurance. The story of him just being sleepy and exhausted, sparked a twinge of mistrust for Delia. She couldn't prove anything about his trip to the store, but Ash's expression made her want to comfort him and get to the bottom of the problem.

Something for sure set Ash off again and she couldn't put her finger on it. Did he run into Gary at the store? Maybe he was accompanied by a couple of his friends, having them tease and pick on him? She couldn't say for certain. The best thing Delia could do for the time being, was to give Ash space. He'd come around when he was ready. Eventually, she hoped.

"Ash dear, would you like to start eating? Ophelia and Dani won't be here for a few more minutes, so you could snag a muffin if you wish."

Ash's eyes drifted up to his grandmother, as he remained slumped against a tree out in his grandparent's field.

"Thanks grandma, but I'm not that hungry." He muttered, turning to look away. The sunny day did no good in brightening Ash's mood.

Leah's eyebrows rose astounded, as she began taking food out from the picnic basket, placing it on a big red plaid blanket.

"Well that's a new one," the older woman commented, unwrapping some sandwiches on a paper plate. "He's always diving head first into his plate."

"He's been in that state since he came home from picking up a magazine at the store, Mom." Her daughter informed, readjusting herself on the blanket. "I feel like I'm starting from square one again... just when I thought after he apologized to Gary that he had cheered up a bit."

Leah knew for a fact that this game between the two had to end somehow, and she knew of a solution that would make their problems dissipate a fair amount. Ash's foul state and Delia's constant look of utter enervation was enough to make Leah intervene. She was perfectly aware that the two had their own share of issues, a lot of them being the same whether they saw it or not. Delia wanted ever so desperately to put forth the best effort a mother could give. Being a more experienced one herself with two adult children, Leah couldn't resist but to give a little friendly advice to her determined younger daughter.

"Delia," Ash's grandma started in a soft whisper, "if Ash still isn't acting like himself in a few days, I'd consider arranging an appointment with Dr. Strayer. He helped you two out once, he should be able to do it again."

Delia's eyes widened taken back by the suggestion, giving another glance over at her son. "Go back to Mr. Strayer?" She said, a little hesitant. "Oh, I don't know Mom. It might be some bad association or something."

Dr. Michael Strayer was once the local high school counselor in Pallet, before the academy was torn down a year after Delia had graduated. Delia had grown to know Mr. Strayer after several waits for her boyfriend who had appointments with the man. Jayce constantly visited Strayer's office his senior year to vent off steam about his parents and such. And in the process, the two grew quite found of the man; Jay (whether he'd admit it or not) looked up to Strayer as a father figure, while Delia simply had a harmless crush on him in her high school years.

They both appreciated the help he gave them through Delia's pregnancy as well, and he too kept Ash stable after Jayce had run off, helping the boy cope at such a young age. Delia only wished there was a way she could repay the man for all he had done for her baby. Going back to Mr. Strayer however, might send Ash spiraling back down into a depressed state about his father. Then again, making an appointment might do the complete opposite.

"Oh, nonsense dear!" Leah exclaimed, shutting the picnic basket after unloading it. "Ash has always liked Dr. Strayer! And besides, he might share what's been bothering him. At least Dr. Strayer would know and if it's serious, he'll tell you. If you can't get it out of him, then let someone who you can trust do it."

The young woman bit her lip, looking over at her son who was still leaning against the tree, but was now throwing rocks in the small pond down below the grassy plane.

"I suppose you have a point."

"Hey, the visitors have arrived!" The announcement from Ernest in the distance, caught everyone's attention and to their surprise, Ash rose to his feet.

"Dani's here?" He said, a small smile finally stretching across his face. "Mom, Dani's here!"

As the women watched Ash race up the hill in bliss, they too got up from the ground to journey over.

Gazing at her lively son, Delia hollered motherly, "Ash slow down, you'll trip yourself from landing in one of those holes!" She sighed as he ignored her warning. "Now he's all excited."

"Well," Leah began rubbing her daughter's back tenderly, "Dani's arrival might do him so good."

Back up at the house, a lavender haired twelve-year-old tore open the car door gleefully after catching sight of her grandpa. Dani had always been her grandpa's little girl, spoiling her to death in more ways than Ash.

Ernest began to lower his knees, his arms wide open, ready to collect the little bundle of joy coming his way. "Hey, there's my little Mankey!" He said enthusiastically, bearing a full grin.

"Grandpa!" Dani responded sweetly, swinging her bag over her shoulder, as she shut the car door.

"Come here you!" Taking the girl into his arms, Ernest spun her around a couple of times having her release pleasant giggles, while Ophelia remained leaning against the car, smiling at the affectionate display.

Finally placing Dani back onto the ground, Ernest bent down to her eye level, giving a quick glance over at his older child. "You've been good to your mother?" He questioned, still smiling.

"Yeah." She answered, chuckling.

"Did ya get your Mareep to evolve yet?" He asked, excitedly.

Before heading off on her Pokémon journey, Dani had acquired a Mareep from her grandparent's flock as her first Pokémon. A sort of good luck gift, to start her journey off right.

"I will be presenting Flaaffy to you after lunch." Dani responded proudly.

The old man let out another laugh, patting her shoulder. "Aw, that's great pumpkin!" Now rising to his feet, he opened his arms up again, approaching their other guest. "And my eldest angel!"

Ophelia had a motherly disposition like Delia, but tended to be more brash and forward like her father. Kind and nurturing she was, Ophelia was no pushover. After all, Delia had always admired her big sister for her attitude and accomplishments. Not just anyone got to be an assistant to Nurse Joy.

"Hi, Dad." Ophelia replied, chortling as well.

Now taking her by the hands, her dad said sincerely, "Ya look great dear."

The excitement rose again however, as Dani heard a familiar voice shout her name in joy. "Dani!"

Spinning around, the girl found her cousin standing before her cheerfully, making her visit all the more worthwhile. "Ash!"

As she approached him, Ash couldn't help, but ask her the question he had been dying to say. "Did you bring your Pokémon?"

"Sure did!"

"Awesome!" He said thrilled, carrying on. "There's so much I wanted to talk to you about..."

While they continued having their conversation, Ophelia had just finished explaining to her dad the great news she had eagerly wanted to share.

"That's great honey, really. I'm happy Nurse Joy has given you a raise." He said humbling, shoving his hands into his overalls pockets.

Their attention to the topic was soon cut short though, when the woman heard her mom call out to her. "Ophelia!"

"Mom, sis!" She said delighted, finally spotting the two.

Once they were standing all together, Ernest began chattering once more. "Hey, this beautiful woman here just got herself a promotion!"

Their eyes widened with bright smiles as Leah said with zeal, "you did? Congratulations sweetheart! Did it increase your salary much?"

"Sure did. Now I don't feel so bad about not giving Dani enough money, before she leaves on her journey again." Ophelia explained, graciously. "But enough about me, I want to hear how things have been going for you guys."

"Well than," Leah said energetically, leading the way to their delicious meal, "let's go eat!"

"And then, I had Marreep finish that Starmie off with a thunder attack! You should have seen the way Marreep glowed when she started to evolve! I was so stunned, I about fainted!"

The whole time they devoured their lunch, Dani had given them the scoop on her most memorable battles throughout the Jhoto cup, all the way up to her defeat. Mareep evolving into a Flaaffy however, was the icing on the cake. And Ash about fainted once Dani released Flaaffy from her Pokémon. Her shiny coat, bright eyes, and skilled electrical attacks, made Ash all the more ambitious in asking his mom to earn his own Pokémon license. Flaaffy was truly a prime specimen of a well taken care of and trained Pokémon.

"Well I'm glad to here that the Mareep Grandma and I gave ya, sure turned out to be a real partner for ya Dani." Ernest said with sincerity.

"Thanks Grandpa." She responded, returning the Pokémon back to her poke ball. "You did fantastic Flaaffy." She said to the poke ball, followed by gazing back at her relatives. "I wish you guys were there when it happened though."

"Dani dear," Leah started, as she gathered up the used paper plates, "you showing us a battle or two is enough for us. Besides, from what I've heard, Ash really wants to see you in a match."

Turning her attention towards the eager boy, Dani felt like she was the superstar in the family. "Sure, I'd love to show you."

Ash grew a huge grin, pumping his arms in the air freely. "Awesome, I can't wait!"

Ophelia gave a small laugh towards Ash's enthusiasm and Dani's excitement, having her grow a sly smile, nudging her sister. "Maybe you'll get as good as Delia, honey."

Delia's eyes widened as she batted her off, noticing both Dani and Ash were taking an interest in her sister's words. "Ophelia, stop." She said plainly. "I was never that gifted."

"Don't you remember who has a Venusaur out in the pasture?" Ophelia responded, not letting her little sister slip away with no credit. "That took a lot of work getting that tiny Bulbasaur to be so enormous!"

"Well thank you," she replied modestly, "but I couldn't compete in a league like Dani."

Delia's words conjured up something Dani had wished to inform her family of, her eyes growing as she said, "Say, that reminds me of something! Did you guys hear the good news?"

Ophelia looked at her daughter strangely. "Good news? What are you talking about dear?"

"Didn't you guys watch me when I competed in the Jhoto Cup?"

"Well Dani," her mom began, "you know I only came to stadium to watch your battles, and after you lost we went home."

"Did you guys finish it?"

Her question was directed to her grandparents, having Ernest scratch his head, confessing, "Nah, we sort of lost track of time. We mainly watched it for you pumpkin."

Dani's eyes traveled over to her cousin, who had turned white as sheet, afraid that she was implying the 'good news' he had read in that magazine article.

"Oh well," she started, nervous over Ash's reaction, "uh- forget about it. It's no big deal."

"No Dani, tell us." Leah importuned. "What's the good news?"

"Really it's nothing." Dani repeated awkwardly, rubbing the back of her head. "It's just that uh-," looking at Ash again, she figured she better say something that wouldn't cause suspicions to arise. Apparently, Ash wasn't as delighted by the news as she was. "The guy who won also won the Indigo League once too. Just thought that was kinda neat, that's all."

They all exchanged positive glances, while Ash squirmed uncomfortably in his coat, having Dani feel an ache of guilt.

"Well, good for him." Leah replied, gladly. "Now," she started again, placing the various items in the picnic basket, "I better get started on washing up this silverware if we want to have dinner and dessert on time. Ash, Dani, while your mother's and I work in the kitchen, you guys can go help Grandpa finish up some chores. How does that sound?"

Ash tried to compose himself. "Fine."

"Sure."

"Well than," their grandma replied, rising from the ground, "let's get to it shall we?"

"You know about it don't you?"

Dani's serious tone caught Ash's attention as he shined the hooves of the Ponyta. "Huh?"

Dani was a very spirited and positive child, so seeing that she put her cousin down in the dumps made her conscience pick at her viciously. Mostly because while they were in the barn doing tedious chores, Ash didn't care to spark a conversation. That was very abnormal.

"It was the way you looked at me." She explained, brushing the coat of another one. "I don't really blame you though for not wanting to tell everyone. It's a touchy subject."

"Yeah. I mean," he admitted softly looking out into the pasture, the light shining in between the open barn doors, "I really don't know what to think of it. I don't know if I should be happy or not. I'm just hurt more than anything."

Dani had only faint memories of Ash's dad as well, and had always loved his company nevertheless. Jay had been very kind to Dani from what she could recall, so it was only natural for her to feel like he was an appropriate substitute to fill in for her disunited father.

"It's understandable." She responded, candidly. "Even with how great my Dad is, I still don't like him."

Being the Viridian Gym Leader's only daughter would seem like an honor in most eyes, yet the man's lust for power and greed took over his heart. That much Ophelia was willing to share with her daughter about her dad. And from this claim, it made Dani think how she and her mom could ever love a man such as that? In many ways, her relationship with her father was far worse than Ash's.

"But Dani, that's different." Ash replied, contradicting her statement. "You really didn't get close to your dad and you don't like him for different reasons. I thought my Dad and I were close."

His cousin gave a sigh, placing the now full brush to the side. She understood it was hard for him to accept his father's achievements, but it was hard for her to believe Ash had turned so cold against Jay's actions. "As angry as you are about the whole thing, I don't think Uncle Jayce meant to do what he did."

Ash froze, stunned by Dani's words. Silently, he lowered the hoof of the Ponyta, gazing up at the lavender haired girl.

"You really think he still cares?" He asked, a hint of hope ridden in his voice.

Dani gave a small shrug. "In his own way."

Ash lowered his head again, his bangs dangling over his face, his eyes darkening once more. "I don't wanna talk about it anymore." He stated cheerlessly, "let's just get back to work."

As he went on lifting the next hoof to clean, Dani couldn't help but not fulfill her cousin's request. "Ash?"

He looked back up at her, his eyes still lacking warmth. "Yeah?"

"You should be proud." She said honestly, her eyes glowing with guilelessness. "Not everyone has a father who becomes a champion of two Pokémon Leagues."

His face hardened. He thought out of all people, it would be Dani who would comprehend how he felt. He supposed her nature of always finding the best in people though, was clouding her judgement.

"And not everyone has a father who up and leaves them."

The rest of the day was a pleasant one for Delia and her family. After coming in for dinner, Ash perked up once more as well as the fact that Dani showed him her Flaaffy earlier, having it battle with one of Ernest's Tauros. As for the meal, dinner was absolutely scrumptious, having each plate licked clean. Then after letting everyone digest their filling meal, they all took part in a traditional game of scrabble while they waited for dessert, only to have a problem arise.

"Shoot!"

Leah's sharp exclaim as she rummaged through the freezer caught Delia's attention, having her enter into the kitchen.

"What's wrong Mom?" She questioned, watching her mother slam the freezer door shut.

"Oh, I just forgot to get some ice cream when I was at the store." She elucidated, balked over how forgetful she had been. "And it was supposed to go with the cobbler too!"

"I can run down and get it Mom," Delia offered, reaching for her purse which was resting on one of the chairs at the table, " it's no big deal."

Leah gazed at her daughter, gratified. "Really? Would you mind honey?"

"No, it's fine."

"Well," the older woman began, reaching for her purse, starting to dig through it, "here's some money for it-"

"Mom," Delia said holding her hand up, "I can pay for it-"

"No Delia," Leah insisted, handing the money to her, "you going to go get it is enough for me. Here."

Denying her mother's offer was only going to delay Delia's trip to the store. Leah had always been such a giving and appreciative woman, so not taking the money would be more on the lines of an insult. Letting out a sigh, she finally caved into her mother's request, placing the wrinkled dollar bills into her wallet.

"Can I come with ya Mom?"

Ash's question to come along startled Delia, especially when she heard the upbeat tone that had left his voice for the longest time.

"Sure sweetie," she replied pleasantly, "just go get your coat. It's getting awfully chilly out there."

"Kay."

As Ash strutted his way over to the coat rack by the door, Delia turned back to face her mom who had an amazed, yet a pleased look on her face.

"He seems to have made a turn around." Leah said, folding her arms.

Delia glanced back at Ash who was busy slipping on his warm fuzzy coat, laughing with cousin, while Ernest and Ophelia picked up the game board and pieces.

"Yeah." She responded, still feeling uncertain. "I just hope it stays that way for a while. At least till I can schedule him an appointment."

"Mom, I'm ready!" Ash soon yelled from the door, leaning against it impatiently. "Can we go now?"

At least he was anxious to go. Lately she had to drag him off the sofa or front porch on a nice day, for them to just make a trip to go get food or rent some videos.

"All be there in a minute!" His mother replied, now placing her purse's strap on her shoulder.

"We'll talk more later dear."

The young woman then nodded back to her mother before exiting the kitchen. Delia was ecstatic to see that Dani's arrival had brighten Ash's mood, and brought his spunky personality back to life. She just dreaded that once Dani left, Ash would fall back into the same dull state he was in before. She soon realized though, that now was the time for her to figure out what exactly was eating at his core. This becoming a Pokémon trainer business was only the half of it.

The grocery store was quieting down for the night, and Delia was able to pick up the last vanilla ice cream in time. Considering it was Saturday, it was only normal for the business to be selling out of items, seeing this was the only real day anyone could go pick up all their essentials.

Shutting the freezer door, Delia asked Ash kindly before heading to the check out, "you need anything, honey?"

"Nah, I'm good."

"You sure?"

Ash returned her response with another nod. "Hmhm."

Walking up to the cash register, Delia was relieved not to see a big line in front of her; but instead found a half asleep Greta leaning on the counter, a magazine open in front of her. As for her faithful Meowth, it remained in its usual spot sleeping like a baby. Delia then hesitantly gave the old woman a slight nudge, having her eyes flutter open quickly gazing about her surroundings, trying to collect her bearings. Ash gave a small gulp, recalling the stolen magazine incident. He could only pray Greta was too zonked out to remember a single thing.

"Oh, uh- Sorry Delia." Greta apologized, letting out a long yawn as she adjusted her bandana on her head. "Nobody has been here since four and I guess I lost track of time-"

"Don't worry." She reassured, handing over the ice cream.

As Greta took the item, Delia was now rummaging through her purse for her peach wallet, till her ears picked up the sound of her name.

"Oh my gosh, Delia?" The dazzled voice exclaimed. "Delia Parker, is that you?"

Rising her head, Delia saw a blonde tan fit man standing before her, a smile growing from his lips.

"Uh- yes." She started, caught off guard.

"It's me, Mark Sullivan!" The man said buoyantly. "I was in Prof. Oak's class with you."

Now she remembered. Mark Sullivan was one of the chosen few kids taken in as a student of Prof. Oak's. Delia had only remembered sharing a few conversations with the man from time to time, but nothing excessive. She was actually shocked to see that he remembered her, for she barely recognized him considering he had aged so well.

"Oh, Mark!" She answered, feeling a little dumb for not recalling him. "Hi! I'm sorry, I didn't recognize you. You've certainly changed a lot. In a good way though." Delia continued, stuttering, trying not to sound like a complete fool. "You've- matured."

He had certainly changed for sure. His green eyes peered down at her with kindness, his tan skin glowing perfectly as it hit the light, and his pearly teeth shining ever so brightly. This was surely not the teenage boy Delia remembered at all.

"Well, thank you." Mark replied, followed by a compliment, his tone on the border line of dalliance, "but you Delia, you don't look a day over twenty."

"Really?" She said a little surprised, blushing. "Oh, I don't know about that-"

"No, I mean it. Really."

His tone and gestures only left Ash feeling sick to his stomach, as he stuck out his tongue in repulsion. It didn't shock him though to see a man throwing out such compliments to his mother while he was present, for the boy could recall plenty of times of when a man had outwardly confessed their 'undying love' to her. And even a few marriage proposals on rare occasions.

Delia though never sought interest in any of them, which helped calm Ash's nerves. But this of course only happened after Jay was long gone. No one dared to say such things to his wife while he was present, which only made Ash wish all the more for his father to have stuck around. No one had better thought that they'd be his daddy so easily.

"So what brings you here?" Delia asked, intrigued. "Last I heard you were studying in Hoenn."

"I have been," the blonde man responded, boasting, "but I came back here just a couple of days ago to do some research with Prof. Oak. We're looking deeper into the legendary Pokémon of Hoenn."

"Oh, wow."

"And as you know," he carried on, his bangs flipping slightly in the air, "the ten-year reunion for our graduating class is coming up in May, so I figured I'd stick around till then. It makes sense for me to take advantage of the extra time I have with the professor."

Delia gave a nod. "That's great! I'm happy you're doing so well."

While she was still distracted, Ash took advantage of the situation by slipping Greta the payment he owed her, which he got after sneaking some cash out of the cookie jar where his mom kept extra dollar bills and lose change.

Sliding the money across the counter swiftly making sure Delia didn't catch sight of the exchange, the old woman swiped it up on one swoop, counting the dollar bills.

"And just for doing that," she whispered, "you're lucky I won't tell your mother about what happened. Hey, you even slipped in an extra dollar bill!"

The delight in her voice brought a sense of relief to Ash, having him finally release a grin. "Thanks Greta."

"But what about you?" Mark continued, after they finished discussing his career and such. "How have you been doing? I heard you got married soon after we graduated."

"I did." She confessed uncomfortably, putting a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

This also wasn't the first time someone asked Delia about her life, after years of separation from an acquaintance. It was only instinctive for her to put on a brave face for Ash's sake, when anyone mentioned her marriage.

"So you did marry Jay?" He pursued, making an assumption.

She gave another nod, closing her eyes for a moment. "Um, yes I- I did."

Mark gave a small laugh in return, still smiling. "I knew you'd guys get hitched one day! Practically inseparable you two were!" His smile quickly faded though, once he finally caught sight of Ash who hid ever so well behind his mother's pant leg. "Hey wait minute," he began bending down slightly, "this wouldn't happen to be your son would it?"

"Uh, yes." She replied, stepping aside to present her child. "This is Ash. Ash honey," Delia went on glancing between the two, "this is Mark, an old friend of your dad's and mine."

Ash's lips formed a deep frown having him only utter one word. "Hi."

"Wow, he's like a spinning image of Jay isn't he?" Mark said astounded, gazing at the boy up and down. "That's just amazing. But uh, he has your eyes Delia." He stated, now looking up at her. "Jay's were always so cold, you know cause they're blue. But you have such warm eyes..."

Ash rolled his eyes followed by a small scoff. Delia however, couldn't help but give another grin. The overly obvious display of coquetry made Greta interrupt before Ash or even she, attempted to kick the guy in the shins. Delia could be quite oblivious herself at times, so she was lucky to have people who had her back. Even Ash, was able to catch on to this one and most of the time, anything involving romance went through one ear and out the other!

"Is this all you'll be wanting?" She asked in a flat tone, finally catching Delia's attention.

"Oh, uh- yes Greta," she responded, now opening up her wallet, "sorry about that."

"Your total is three dollars and fifty cents." The old woman said, her voice still lacking warmth.

"Thank you."

"No problem." Turning her head, Greta raised her eyebrows suspiciously, tapping her foot on the floor. "Hello Mark."

"Hi, Greta."

Bending over the counter, the old woman cuffed her hand around her mouth, giving a soft warning to Ash. "Tell your mom to be careful around that one, will ya?" She asked, seriously.

"What do you mean Greta?" He questioned, confused.

"Well, we better get going before this starts to melt." Delia stated, receiving her receipt from Greta.

"Uh right," Mark said, still gazing at her, "so I'll see you around?"

"Yeah."

"Where do you work?" The blonde man persisted, as they made their way over to the exit.

"At my Mom's inn."

"Oh, then I'll defiantly be stopping by." His voice rising with assurance. "See ya, Delia."

"Bye." She replied, giving a small wave. "Good seeing you."

Departing from the store, Ash couldn't help but detest the man more after his last comment. He was baffled that Delia didn't catch on, considering this wasn't the first act of courting. Then again, it was Delia had she always tried to find the good in people, even if that meant she was clueless to the rest.

"What was that?" Ash questioned, slightly perturbed.

His mom rose her eyebrows, staring at him oddly. "What?"

"That!" He continued, pointing back in the direction of the store. "He was flirting with you!" He bellowed, outraged.

"He was not flirting with me," Delia responded sharply, "and since when do you know about flirting young man?"

"Gary does it with some of the girl's at school." Ash explained, scrunching up his face in disgust. "I don't know why though, cause they all have cooties. But Mom, he was all over you."

Delia stopped in her tracks looking firmly at her son. It wasn't normal for him to catch on to anything about love, yet Ash watched like Spearow when any man tried to make a move on his mother. She was all he had and if she was taken away, their relationship would never be the same. Plus, Delia was still married and Ash would always favor is biological father over anyone; no matter what the circumstances were.

"Ash, do not say such vile things!" Delia ordered, her grip tightening on the grocery bag handle. "Mark was making polite conversation! We haven't seen each other in ages anyway."

"Do you think he knows you're still married?"

The words Ash uttered caused a pain to creep up Delia's spine. The constant gossip around town regarding their separation drove Delia insane, especially when people dared to ask Ash about it. That inappropriate action really sent her over the edge.

Her gaze hardened as she went along strolling. "I didn't get the indication that he didn't think I was."

"Well probably from what he's heard around town," the dark-haired boy hypothesized, "I think he thinks that you and Dad, are the 'D' word."

She simply gave a soft sigh in return, her voice still strong. "Well, we aren't. And if Mark was smart, he'd figure that out sooner or later."

"I don't think that matters to him Mom." Ash went on, bundling up in his coat. "As long as Dad's not in the picture, he thinks your free game."

Her son's newly developed terminology and vocabulary caused Delia's jaw to drop open, gazing at him bewildered.

"Ashton Jayce Ketchum," she began sternly, "where have you learned to talk this way?"

A sheepish grin took over his face as he shoved his hands into his coat pockets. "T.V. and Grandpa." He answered, shyly.

Delia gave another sigh before wrapping her around his shoulder, playing with his messy hair roughly. Ash released a few giggles here and there as they strutted back to their destination. Delia knew Ash was innocent at heart, but the idea of Mark really coming onto her was now bothering her.

What if he really did like her? What if he was trying to get on her good side? What if all this time, the whole time they knew each other, Mark Sullivan had an eye out for Delia? But why take notice of her now after all these years? Was she finally deemed as attractive in his eyes or was it because Jay was no where to be found? She couldn't jump to any conclusions. After all, caring for Ash and helping him through his dilemma was her primary task. Mark's intentions were the last thing on her mind.

"Oh, thank you both for bringing it!" Leah said gratefully, taking the bag from her daughter's grasp. "So how did it go at the store?" She continued, opening the carton. "Was it pretty busy?"

The walk back to the Parker's residence was certainly energizing, but both Delia and Ash were pleased to have escaped the cold night air. Once they arrived, Delia took charge in helping her mom, while Ash belly-flopped onto the sofa, staring at his bustling mother and grandma.

He grew a cheeky smile. "Mom's got herself a boyfriend."

Delia spun around placing her hands on her hips, giving him a firm look in return. "I do not."

Dani and Ophelia's eyes grew immensely as the remind seated at the table, disconcerted by Ash's remark.

"What?" Ernest said aroused, throwing his newspaper to the side, sitting up in his chair. "Boyfriend?! Is Jayce back in town? Because if he is I'm gonna kick him where no man wants to be kicked-"

"No Dad," Delia interrupted clearing the air, "it was an old classmate. You know, Mark Sullivan?"

Her dad paused for a moment to recall the name, only for have him answer, "don't remember him."

"He was from Viridian." She continued patiently, yet agitated.

He gave another pause, having him shake his head once more. "Nah, still don't know him. But Ash," he went on turning to his grandson, "tell me the next time he comes near your mother, and I'll remind him she still has a wedding band."

"I don't wear it Dad." She argued, before Ash could respond.

"It don't matter. I will say this in your husband's defense," he stated, his face stiffening, "no man should hit on a married woman. It ain't right. Shows no class."

"He wasn't hitting on me Dad-"

The tense discussion between the two was about to spiral out of control. Ophelia being the more assertive one, intervened for her mother's sake as well as the children. Ash's harmless comment riled up his grandpa, which was something no one cared to see. When he got on a tangent, no one could stop him.

"All right," Ophelia began happily as she walked over, picking up some of the dished out servings of the food, "why don't we indulged in this wonderful dessert Mom made?"

Ernest simply dismissed his eldest daughter's comment, which of course didn't surprise any of them.

"Well he best be watching." The old man carried on."I've got an extra set of eyes on, uh- what's his name again?"

"Mark Sullivan." Ash answered.

Delia then shot a stern glare in her son's direction for encouraging Ernest.

"Uh right, thank ya Ash." Now leaning forward in his seat Ernest went on, his voice becoming stronger. "As I was saying-"

"Ernest that is enough!" Leah hollered, cutting him off, followed by shoving the dessert in his lap storming back over to where she originally stood. "You men are always guarding women like were property or meat!"

"Well someone's gotta watch out for her!" Ernest rebutted, waving his arms in the air. "Ash is only a kid-"

"Dad-" Delia growled.

"Well, he did act like he wanted to spend time with you Mom. He said you had 'warm eyes'!" Ash said dramatically.

Ernest's forehead developed deep creases as he looked back and forth between his grandson and his youngest daughter. "Warm eyes?" He repeated, baffled. "Who the hell does this guy think he is?! Even Jayce was wittier than that! Next time he comes around Delia, you tell him that he ain't getting lucky tonight or any other night."

Leah's jaw dropped opened, appalled that her husband used such a term in front of the grandchildren. Then again, his cursing wasn't much better.

"What do you mean by getting lucky?" Ash dared to ask, flummoxed. "Is he going to meet a leprechaun at the end of a rainbow or something?"

The fact that he questioned the meaning of the phrase as well as his childish answer, left them all feeling awkward about how to answer.

Dani however, rested her cheek on her hand letting out a deep sigh, grumbling, "I wish it meant that..."

"Okay," Delia declared, after collecting her wits by the last couple of comments, "let's just have dessert and I promise you all, if anything reawakens in my deceased love life you'll be the first ones to find out."

Now seating themselves all at the table, Ash scooted himself up closer to his dessert taking his fork in his hand, mumbling, "love's gross."

"Attraction isn't exactly love Ash," Ernest persisted, placing his napkin in his lap, "it's more on the lines of primal instincts-"

"Dad," Delia said firmly again, her eyebrows narrowing. "I appreciate you wanting to step in and give Ash the talk about the Pidgey and Beedrill, but just not now."

"I remember that talk," Dani stated under breath, shaking her head, "such blurry images..."

The accusation Delia made, got her father all fired up again, stabbing his cobbler with his fork. "I ain't given him that talk! I thought he already knew! Besides, given it to you and your sister was enough for me."

"Pidgey and Beedrill?" Ash peeped up again, a mouthful of cobbler and dessert resting inside his cheeks. "What's that got to do with love and mushy stuff? Hey I know, it's because they like make nests and stuff! You know cause, like with Beedrill they live in this big thingy and use their spit to make glue, to keep the hive thing together to keep their babies and stuff. And then with the Pidgey's, they like make nests in trees with twigs and they go all like..." Ash projected his hands, suggesting the fast movement of how the Pokemon would put the twigs in place and then continued, "...and then they like have their babies there right? Oh! I get it! This is all about babies!"

Looking for approval, Ash turned yearningly in the direction of his grandfather. He had a big grin on his face and his eyes twinkled with hope.

Grimacing at him with a befuddled look, Ernest slapped his forehead shouting, "what have you been filling in his head?! Does he think a Pidgeot dropped him off at the door when he was born too?!"

Ash's eye twinkling dissipated and his expression illustrated confusion. "They don't?"

His grandpa lowered his head, his face drained of exhaustion. "Someone's gotta teach that boy the truth. And ain't gonna be pretty, I'm telling ya that..."

Enjoying their delicious meal now seemed out of the question. This visit was sure going to be an interesting one at that. The sudden news of a man supposedly after Delia was nothing new to the family, yet they weren't ready for it to be the primary focus at the dinner table. And Ash's understanding on the concept of sex was the cherry on top for the night.

"I've lost my appetite." Dani muttered, watching her ice cream melt into the cobbler.