The scene lights up to reveal our authors.

W. R. Winters: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of 'Give your Heart a Break.'

DawnForever101: We told you the next update would be up sooner, and it's a good thing.

W. R. Winters: Yeah it is especially because of that cliff hanger.

DawnForever101: Yeah…*crosses arms*

W. R. Winters: Yeah well the wait is over and we hope you enjoy this.

DawnForever101: We don't own Pokemon, and *looks both ways*…I've got something to tell you.

W.R. Winters: *raises eyebrows* What?

DawnForever101: Later though. At the bottom.

W.R. Winters: *looks at her weirdly* Oookaaay…


Dawn was utterly shocked and strangely looked at Paul, while he just stared at her with an evil grin on his face waiting for a reply. Dawn shut her laptop and looked him in the eye, "Never."

Paul chuckled at first, which caused Dawn to think he was out of his mind. "I thought you'd say that. But I'm gonna ask you again. Are you gonna be my date to the winter dance?" He said, while grabbing her hand.

Dawn immediately retorted and took her hand back. "No way, Paul! Why would I go to the dance with you? You're the last person who I wanna go with."

"Really? Even with a hunk like me?" Paul was really getting on her nerves.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "You're the most disgusting, ridiculous and insane person I have ever met."

"Fine, since you won't take this the easy way, we'll take this the hard way." Paul said as he smirked. Dawn wondered what he was up to and she knew that he could do anything for his benefit.

Paul took out his laptop from his school bag, (which was empty really), and placed it on the computer table. Dawn watched from behind. He proceeded to open a file of an image, and watched Dawn stare at it confusingly. She looked at it more closely and she was appalled to see herself. It was a picture of Dawn, but her hair was stringy and disheveled and her physical features had completely changed to make her look like she was on drugs. Her blue eyes had now been altered to red, were completely bloodshot, and were completely far apart. The nose was completely flat and the lips were grey and dry like a stone.

Dawn looked at Paul with awe and shock. "H-how did you do this? That's not me!"

"Exactly. Now, you listen here. You had better come with me to this dance, or else…" He sneered. Dawn was shocked to hear this. He was threatening her?

"Or else, what?" she tried to sound brave, but it still came out a little small.

Paul smirked seeing her fear, "Or else I'll post this online for everyone to see. Now that would be embarrassing, now wouldn't it?" Paul smirked.

Dawn gulped. Was it really worth it to spend some time with Paul, just to save her image? Then again, people would look at her differently and pass taunts on her. She wouldn't be able to face anybody ever again. The world of technology has made most jobs easier, but why must they use technology to manipulate and blackmail people just for their own greedy purposes? Dawn sighed.

She was now aware of Paul's true colors and intentions. She figured he was just a selfish pervert and a jerk. She wanted to do something about it and expose him. But now with Paul threatening her, what choice did she have really?

"Have you thought about what you wanna do?" Paul asked, escaping a small grin.

"I have." Dawn said.


Clemont and Ash stole glances at each other before looking at Serena, who was a little drenched from the rain. Serena looked at both of them, and was shocked to see both Clemont and Ash together. She brought a light smile, to which Clemont did back, but Ash simply turned the other cheek. Serena bowed her head on seeing this. She still regretted that awful day and wished everything could go back to normal. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Ash's feelings.

"Now, make yourself comfy and I'll get you some coffee." Mrs. Ketchum told her. She smiled. "Thanks, but I'm here to see Ash, so I won't be long."

Ash looked at her when he heard this. He wondered what she wanted from him. He noticed a deep pool of regret in her blue eyes. For the first time ever, she looked pitiful to him. It was as if he could see her crying inside and begging him for forgiveness. Had he just misunderstood Serena all this while?

"Ok, dear, take as much time as you wish." Mrs. Ketchum smiled. She turned to see Ash. She smiled noticing his slight change behavior. She left to the kitchen, hoping Ash would give in.

Serena walked closer to the two boys, after drying off, and looked at the two of them. Surprisingly, Ash never looked away and stared at her. Clemont did the same. Serena looked at Clemont, "Clemont, can you please give us a few minutes? This is important." Clemont didn't hesitate and left.

Serena took a breath of relief and was about to say something when Ash interrupted her, "What are you doing here?" He said rather coldly. He didn't even know where that came from. It was just a reaction that made his blood boil every time he saw her. It was like a prick on his skin. His heart ached once again.

"Ash, I know you're hurting, but I just want you to know that I'm regretting what I did to you. It was wrong of me and I'm truly sorry." Serena started.

"Please. Stop this drama. You have no idea what I'm going through right now. And the fact that you came to my house is just plain ridiculous and stupid. You think by apologizing, everything's gonna be ok? That my heart will be mended? Serena, I'm suffering right now. It's not easy to see your ex with another boy, especially after you cheated on me." Ash said. His vision had become blurry with tears.

"Ash...I never meant to hurt you, I promise." Serena said, in between tears.

"Then why did you?!" Ash screamed. Serena stepped back a little.

"I'm sorry, Ash. But please, let me explain. I assure you that once you let me talk, I'll never bother you again." Serena said.

"Fine." He breathed.

Thunder boomed against the rooftops and lightning struck. Serena began, "Ash, when you and I were dating, I felt like the luckiest girl ever. I thought what we had was so magical and perfect. I thought you and I were made for each other. But then one day, when I had gone shopping for new outfits, I saw a cute blonde guy hanging by the counter. He looked lonely, and I just offered myself as a friend. Then, we became more and more occupied with each other." Ash just looked at her in astonishment.

"Then", Serena continued, "Soon enough, I found myself falling in love with him. I didn't want to, but it just happened. I felt so alive with him, that I even forgot that I already had a boyfriend. I told him about you, and we wanted to tell you as soon as possible, but I just couldn't, because I had a feeling that you'd never forgive me. I honestly am really, really, sorry from the bottom of my heart."

Serena waited for him to utter something to let her know that at least he's considered what she was trying to say. She noticed his eyes. They still looked hurt. Before she could speak, Ash ran up to his room.

"Ash, wait!" She called out. She felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Let him go, he needs to be alone." Mrs. Ketchum said.


"Fine, I'll go to the… winter…dance with..you." Dawn said, making Paul grin.

"Finally, I thought you'd never give in." Paul smirked.

"I just can't believe you're threatening me."

"It was the only way, and if you mention that to anybody, I will post online." Paul threatened again. He had an evil look in his eye. Dawn just tried to ignore him.

"Whatever, let's just continue working on the project. And you will help me." She commanded.

"Oh, I'm happy to, darling." Paul said as he opened his laptop. Dawn flinched when he called her 'darling'.

"Stay within your limits. The deal was I'd go with you to the dance. I'm not your girlfriend." She warned Paul. She was truly disgusted by him. And she definitely wasn't looking forward to go with Paul to the dance. She had a small ounce of hope that Ash would go with her. She blushed at the thought, but it wouldn't be possible, especially after all Ash had been through. Most of all, he promised to never love again.


They worked on the rest of the project until close to midnight, and Paul did help every now and then, according to the deal. At least one good thing came out of it. Dawn shut off the laptop and went outside to only notice that it was still pouring outside. She began to get worried. How was she going to get home?

Thunder and lightning boomed and the lights went out making dawn nervous. She heard a flashlight clink on, and the light illuminated her somewhat.

"Dawn." Somebody put his hand on her shoulder. She gasped and turned around to see Reggie.

"Are you ok? Have you finished with the project? Do you want me to call your mom?" Reggie asked. He was so concerned. How was he related to Paul?

"We finished the project, and I'm fine, just a little startled thanks for asking. But my mom isn't home and won't be until tomorrow. What am I gonna do?" She asked herself.

"Well, I'm not letting you go outside in this rain. You should stay here for the night." Reggie said. Dawn widened her eyes.

"Here? For the whole night? Uhh…"

"Relax, we have an extra room, you can sleep in the guest room." Reggie chuckled.

Dawn sighed. This was gonna be a long night.


After a few minutes, Reggie gave her some pillows and a blanket so she could sleep comfortably. After thanking him, she lied down on the bed and tried to sleep. However, she began thinking on what and how she would face everybody at school the next morning once they heard the news about her and Paul. How would Ash react? He was her best friend.


Due to the unexpected weather, and the blackout. Serena had no choice but to stay back and so did Clemont. Ash was resentful for Serena staying over, but there was no other option. Ash stayed in his room, while Clemont and Serena took separate guest rooms for themselves. Ash was tossing and turning thinking about Serena and what she had told him. He couldn't understand. What she had told him was supposed to ease his pain, but somehow it only made it worse. There were some tears on his pillow after crying a bit and his throat was sore.


He got up to drink water, when he was stopped by Avy. His cousin noticed his mood.

"Dude, what's up?" He asked.

"Nothing, just couldn't sleep." He said, and went up to his room to avoid more conversation. Avy sighed.

"I've been here for at least 2 weeks, and I definitely know when you are lying." But he sighed, shrugged it off and went back to bed.

Ash hoped everything would be better soon. He wanted to get rid of this pain as soon as possible.


Fortunately, Clemont had finished the rest of the project while Ash and Serena were talking. It was the least he could do for him; especially after all he'd been through. He hoped, as well, that he would get over this and move on in life.


The next morning at school brought up a smile on both Dawn's and Ash's faces. They were still trying to get over on what happened last night.

"Wow, Dawn; that must have been awful staying at Paul's house last night." Ash said. But Dawn knew he still hadn't heard of the awful part as yet.

"Yeah, but are you ok? I heard Serena stayed back too." Dawn said. She knew how he felt.

"Yeah, but I don't wanna talk about it. Please."

"I understand." Dawn said. But you're gonna have to talk about it sometime, Ash! I won't let you do this to yourself.


Misty, Gary, May, Leaf and Iris approached them, seeing their faces.

"Dudes, what's with your faces? Did you guys have a bad breakfast this morning?" Gary asked.

"Shut up Gary!" Iris yelled.

"What, I was just asking." Gary said.

"Guys, what's wrong?" May asked.

"Why do you guys look as if you've been beaten up?" Misty asked.

"Guys, please say something." Leaf said.

"It's nothing." Dawn brought up her hands. "Ash and I are just tired after working on our projects late last night."

Gary flinched, "Oh, damn, is that for today?" He flinched. The group sweatdropped.

"Oh, things never change do they? " Misty laughed.

"Oooh, did you guys get a date to the winter dance?" Iris asked.

"No, I'm hoping Avy takes me." Leaf blushed. May noticed this and started teasing her.

"Hmm, quite hopeful, aren't we?" May said.

"Well, we all know you're going with Drew, May. " Misty said. May blushed, mainly because it was true.

"What about you, Dawn? Do you have a date?" May asked.

Dawn gulped. What should I say?


W. R. Winters: And that's a wrap, hoped you enjoyed it.

DawnForever101: I wonder what Dawn's gonna say…

W.R. Winters: Yeah, me too, but what were you gonna tell me?

DawnForever101: Oh! Right I nearly forgot! Ok, think of a number, any number at all. Then double the number. Then add 50 to it. Then divide the number by 2, and minus it to the original number you thought of.

W.R. Winters: Ohh, okay I have my answer, its-

DawnForever101: 25.

W.R. Winters: *widens eyes* How'd you know that?

DawnForever101: I'm a psychic.

W.R. Winters: *rolls eyes and becomes sarcastic* Yeah, and I'm related to Tom Cruise.

DawnForever101: But-

W.R. Winters: Oh, look at that, we're out of time. We hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Remember to review and this W.R. Winters and DawnForever101 signing off. (I'm still trying to figure out how she knows my answer)