***Author's Note***
Thank you all for 230+ reviews!!! Super happy girl here. It really made my week, especially because I was pretty sick (high fever) for a few days. Also the reason for this update being a bit late. Anyways, this is another slightly short one but necessary for the plot! Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own what I own and don't own what's not mine.
I Do or I Don't
Chapter 10: Photographic Evidence
This was the life. Two-month business trip/vacation in Spain. And now headed home to his beautiful fiancé while sitting comfortably in the roomy, plush leather seats first-class. What could be better?
"Hello."
Ash looked over to see a woman a few years older taking her seat beside him. Ash smiled politely. "Hi."
"You're Ash Ketchum right?"
Oscar's teasing words from last week of 'Mr. Popular' reverberated in his mind. Ash grinned, flattered to be so well-known. "Yes I am. And you are?"
"Free."
"Er…that's a unique name."
The woman now leaned closer to Ash and smiled coyly, batting her eyelashes up at him. "I'm free. To date I mean."
Ash eyebrows went up. He usually never had women hit on him directly, especially since most of the ones who recognized him already knew that he was engaged. He shifted away from the woman, at least as far as he could go seeing as how he was in a plane seat.
"I'm sorry. I'm sort of not free. To date. I'm engaged. Plus, you probably want Gary Oak, not me."
The woman pursed her red lips. "I already tried Gary."
Tried Gary? Ash thought warily, wondering what sort of way that was to describe going out with his best friend. Gary really needed to raise his standards in women.
"Besides," the woman continued, leaning over even more until strands of her dark red hair brushed Ash's shoulder. "I figured you and the dolphin trainer were through."
Ash placed a firm but gentle hand on the woman's shoulder to push her away before saying, "No of course not. Why would you think that?"
"Well, women like her never want to stay with a cheater."
"Look miss, I have no intention of cheating on my fiancé with you," Ash said bluntly.
Now the woman raised an eyebrow. "I'm not talking about me, although I wouldn't mind trying out Ash Ketchum too. You're already a cheater."
"Really. And you know this because?"
The woman rolled her eyes. "As if you don't know. But very well, if you insist on playing innocent, then I'll simply have to show you."
Ash watched as she leaned down to where her purse was on the floor, unzipped it and pulled out her phone. She turned it on, waited a few seconds, then tapped out some things on the screen before turning it to Ash.
"There we go."
Ash took the device and looked down on the flat screen. His mouth dropped open.
"Still acting all innocent I see. Or" - the woman's voice rose - "you didn't know! You didn't know you'd get caught did you? Ah. So young and so inexperienced."
But Ash had stopped paying attention to her. On the website the woman had pulled up on her phone, there were several pictures of Ash and Mayaka. Ash tapped each one to zoom in and with each photo, his eyes grew larger and larger.
First there was a picture of him chatting with Mayaka at the pub in Spain. Another photo was of her staring at Ash. Then Ash holding her at the pub. Then her leaning into Ash. Then Ash half carrying her out of the pub. Then half-carrying her to his hotel. Entering his hotel room. Leaving his hotel room with Mayaka waving at a shirtless, drowsy looking Ash.
But in all the pictures, Mayaka's face couldn't be seen properly. Either it was covered by her hair, covered by Ash, or it was the back of her head. Ash, however, was clearly depicted in each and every damn photo.
What the hell?
"You're pretty built for a businessman," the woman crooned as she plucked her phone out of Ash's immobile hands. "So," the woman said, trailing a finger down Ash's arm. "Want to let me see those muscles? Red and you are pretty much through now, right?"
But Ash remained motionless, the thoughts in his head all getting jumbled up with one another, his heart pounding fiercely against his ribcage. Maybe Misty didn't see. I mean, he was in Spain. She was in Kanto. They were so far away. Anyways, if Misty did see, she'd have no reason to suspect him of anything. He'd just simply explain himself. And she would be fine with it.
Right?
"Ash?" the woman called out.
Ash finally turned his face then yelped when he saw her face right beside his. He moved back until his head hit the window. "Look lady, I'll get straight to the point here. I don't know you. I don't want to know you. So please stop trying to seduce me because it will not work."
The woman frowned but before she could retort, the captain's voice sounded from the overhead speakers asking all passengers to buckle their seat belts and that the flight would begin shortly. Ash sighed in relief. Finally. He'd only have to deal with this crazy woman for a few hours before they reached Kanto. Then he'd have to deal with the mess of these photos.
He just hoped that his last words had given her the hint and that he could rest his eyes in peace.
He felt the plane go into taxi then closed his eyes as they rose up at a steady angle until finally, they were cruising in the air. The captain informed everyone that it was now safe to go to the bathrooms if necessary and that snacks would be served soon.
Perfect.
"You know I'm a model right?"
Ash dropped his head in his hands and groaned.
~*~
Gary rolled his neck over his shoulders then stared down at the piece of paper in his hand. It had been inside the envelope he had received at the end of the Cascade fundraising night with specific instructions from the one who had bought him.
It stated that the meeting date was today and that he was supposed to go to the Pallet Plaza before 5pm. Included with the note was a hotel key card.
The mystery and intrigue surrounding this entire ordeal was rather appealing in a slightly sardonic way. If this woman, whoever she was, really wanted revenge, she certainly had an interesting way of going about it.
But then again, a hotel room? At one of the most expensive places in Pallet that wasn't Oak-owned?
She definitely wanted him for him.
Or at least he hoped Misty wasn't right and he wasn't about to be murdered in revenge because of some "woman scorned."
Gary approached the hotel and pulled his car into the front loop. He got out and handed his key to the young valet driver before entering through the sliding glass doors. He looked down at the note in his hand to double check the room number then headed towards the elevators. Gary stepped in and stood beside an elderly couple and smiled at them. They smiled back.
"Are you here to meet with your lady?"
"Pardon?"
The old man gestured to Gary's crisp white shirt, tie, black slacks and the rose in his hand. "I used to dress up all smart back in the day when I wanted to impress this little lady over here," he said, wrapping an arm around his wife who let out a small laugh.
"Yes. Only he didn't quite pull off the clothes as well as you, young man."
"Oh really?"
"On our first date, he borrowed his father's suit."
"That's not so -"
"His father was a very large man."
Gary chuckled. "Well, at least you tried right?"
"That's certainly right! Women are just too darn hard to impress! They don't even appreciate the effort," the old man said. "Good luck with yours."
"Oh. I'm not – I mean –" Gary stumbled when his phone rang. "Excuse me a second." Gratefully he slid it out of his pocket and grinned.
"Little Maria!" he said into the receiver but did not get the same excited response back.
"Gary," she began. "Have you talked to Ash this past week? I've been trying to get in touch with him."
Gary frowned. "No. Why? What's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"Um. Yes. No. Ugh I don't know Gary!" she wailed. "This is not good but I don't want to tell you over the phone. You have to see it for yourself and I haven't even told Misty yet and it's been a few days but I don't know how to tell her and – "
"Serena! Shut up. And calm down. Now, take a deep breath."
She did.
"Do you want me to come over? If I leave now, I can make it before rush hour hits."
"Yes. No. I mean no. No don't drive all the way here just for this. It's fine. I just needed to know if you had spoken to Ash."
"I haven't. Wait, did something go wrong with the wedding plans?"
Serena paused before saying. "I hope not Gary. I hope not. Anyways, you're probably busy at work so I'll talk to you later okay? Don't say anything to anyone just yet. I have to go. Bye."
"But –"
Click.
Gary's frown deepened. With that sort of last remark, he wanted even more to jump right back in his car and make the drive to Cerulean. Did Ash do something stupid? Did Misty do something crazy because of wedding stress? Why was Little Maria freaking out so badly? He shook his head and noticed the old couple staring at him.
"Don't worry," the old man said.
"Huh?"
The woman came over and patted him on the arm. "If there's something wrong with your wedding plans, your young lady will take care of it. She's probably just stressed so just give her some time."
"Yessir. She'll still marry you if that's what you're worried about! And then you'll live a long and happy life with her."
"But I'm not –"
"Ah ah ah," the woman said holding up a finger and wagging it. "You will. We've been happily married for sixty years now and still going strong. You look like a young man who will love his lady very well and I have faith in you. Go get her!"
The old man winked at him before the doors slid open and they stepped out onto the fifteenth floor. Gary stared after them, even more confused than ever.
The elevator ascended a few more floors before opening once more on the twentieth. Gary decided to put all thoughts about Serena's freaking and the old couple's words behind and focus on the task at hand: meeting his mystery auction date.
He turned a corner and walked all the way down the hall before stopping in front of room 2020. Slipping the keycard out of his pocket, he slid it along the card reader. The red light stopped blinking and the green light started. Gary took a deep breath, grasped the doorknob and turned.
"Hello?" he called out tentatively as he slowly stepped inside. The door closed with a soft click behind him.
As he went in further into the suite, he noticed everything appeared untouched. There was no sign of anyone having been in the living room or kitchenette. He went to the closed bedroom door and after a moment, hesitantly knocked on it.
"Come in," a female voice said.
Gary straightened his back, fixed his tie, then carefully opened the door.
This is it.
The door creaked slightly as it turned on its hinge which slightly shocked Gary since this was a pretty ritzy place. Gary licked his lips then stepped into the dimly lit room. A figure sat on the edge of the bed and after blinking to adjust to the lighting, his jaw dropped.
"Val?"
~*~
Bridesmaid dresses. Ordered. Fittings in June.
Brides' dress. Ordered. Fitting in July.
Florist. Still need to finalize within the next two weeks.
Cake. Next month.
Caterer. Next month.
Dawn sighed and stopped going down her checklist of Misty's wedding preparation. While she wanted to do an excellent job as the coordinator, the fact of the matter was that there was still plenty of time before the big day. People put these things together in a few short weeks while they had months to use at their leisure.
So why not take a quick break? She was tired after traveling around from city to city gathering information about florists and bakers and such and comparing prices and work quality. And did she even get paid for mileage from her boss? No.
Dawn had subtly suggested to Misty that they take it a little easy and she had amiably agreed. But then her company wanted her to steamroll forward. It was a little daunting at times.
The young woman stretched out her arms just as the phone rang. She looked over at her bed where it lay and contemplated just letting it go straight to voice mail. But then, what if it was her boss? He hated leaving voice mails.
Ugh.
Dawn leapt onto her bed and grabbed the phone. Flipping it open she called out a greeting.
The voice on the other end of the line said, "Do not keep me waiting so long."
"I apologize sir."
"Cease your primary work and continue the secondary for the time being."
"Um…"
"We will wait to hear results about the teacher's actions then proceed as I see fit. Understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Good."
Click.
~*~
Misty grinned as she waved out to the audience while standing on Star and Ducky's backs. Without reins.
The dolphin stadium was packed and everyone cheered when the two dolphins simultaneously shot into the air in an arch while Misty jumped off their backs and flipped midair before diving into the water.
Misty swam to the surface then hauled herself up to the platform. She adjusted the waterproof mic headset and said, "Thank you all for coming! I hope you enjoyed the show as much as I enjoyed having you here!"
Again the crowd cheered and after a few more words from Misty, they began to slowly melt away. Some parents had to pry their children away from the tank where they had plastered their faces in hopes of catching a glimpse of the dolphins underwater.
Misty smiled as one of the younger trainees handed her a towel. "Thanks Cam."
"No problem. Um Misty? Listen there's a reporter who wants to talk to you. She's waiting in the lounge. What should I tell her?"
A reporter? That was strange. She hadn't had many reporters come to interview her about the aquarium since they'd included some new shows. Maybe they just wanted an update on how things were going. Misty told Cam to tell the reporter that she would be with her after she dried off.
After a quick shower and change into dry clothing, Misty headed to the small lounge they had behind the dolphin stadium. She found a large woman standing in front of the lounge door.
"Misty Waterflower?" she said. "I'm Susan Porter, with the Cerulean Sun."
Misty waved to the woman. "Hello. Won't you please come inside?"
Susan waved a hand. "No. I'm actually in a rush. I didn't know you were doing a show when I came and had hoped to catch you earlier. But no matter. I just have one quick question."
"Sure."
"What are your plans now that you know of Ash's infidelity?"
Misty blinked, not sure if sure heard right. "I beg your pardon?"
"Ash's infidelity. Do you plan to call off the engagement or are you going to forgive him?"
Misty raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry but I think you are mistaken. Ash is not unfaithful if that is what you are implying. In fact, he's on his way back from Spain today and I'm seeing him this weekend to discuss our wedding plans."
"Hm. I see," Susan said tapping her chin. "Very interesting."
"What exactly is so interesting?"
"I take it you haven't read the last Cerulean Sun?"
"I haven't exactly had the time. I've been busy with shows all this week now that the weather's warming up."
"So in other words, you do not even know about Ash's infidelity."
"Please stop using that word and Ash in the same sentence. Ash is not like that and I think this interview is over."
"But –"
"Please leave before I have you escorted out. It doesn't take a reporter to know who owns this entire place."
Susan pursed her lips then nodded. "Very well. But don't say I didn't warn you."
Misty watched in perplexity as the woman toddled off before frowning to herself. What was going on? All she knew was that she had to get her hands on a copy of the magazine. She didn't doubt Ash. Of course not. But she wanted to know who was going around spreading rumors and she would get to the bottom of it.
~*~
Work was done early for the day so Todd had decided to come home before Duplica and clean up the house a bit as a surprise. He knew that the past few days had been stressful with an increase in her nausea. Along with that, she always slipped out of the house or from work to satisfy her cravings despite the fact that Todd had repeatedly told her he would go anywhere to get anything for her.
Yet the woman was obstinate. Todd let her win for now, knowing that it was only a matter of time before she realized how ridiculous she was being in not letting him, as the husband, help her out more.
Todd walked over to Duplica's desk in the study and straightened up a few papers. The ceiling fan was on and it caused one sheet to detach itself from the others and be blown onto the floor. Todd turned off the fan before picking up the paper.
He was about to replace it when he noticed the letterhead. It was from Viridian Hospital. And it was recently dated. He read further and saw that it was actually an appointment sheet reminding Duplica that she had an ultrasound to find out the sex of their baby next month.
The photographer frowned and resisted the urge to crumple up the paper. He heard the front door open and exited the study to find Duplica in the foyer hanging up her jacket in the closet.
"Duplica."
She turned with a smile on her face. "Hey honey! Looks like we're both home early today. Most of my girls were out sick today. Something's going around so I just canceled class. What's wrong?" she finally asked, noticing the stoic expression on her husband's face.
Todd mutely held up the appointment reminder and Duplica gasped. "You went through my things?"
"Of course not. I was cleaning up and this just happened to fall."
"Right. It just happened to fall just like when a mom says her daughter's diary happened to just fall open on the page where she's talking about her boyfriend."
"Stay on topic please."
"You snooped," Duplica stated, walking past Todd into the kitchen.
He followed. "I told you I did not. But that's not the issue here. Duplica how could you? I thought we had already discussed this!"
"Yeah we discussed it but no decision had been made."
"Fine. But since no decision had been made, looks like you just took the liberty to go ahead and decide for us!"
Duplica's mouth became a thin line and she crossed her arms. "Well not deciding basically means we're deciding to go with your decision to not find out what our child is. I don't understand what the big deal is. Everyone finds out these days!"
"Well I'm not everyone!"
"You're telling me," Duplica said with a roll of her eyes.
Todd frowned. "You were going to go behind my back and find out when I expressly told you I do not want to know!"
"Why not?" Duplica shouted. "What is your problem? I want to find out so that we can prepare!"
"You can prepare just fine without knowing! Your parents did it. Mine did too. All of our friends' parents did!"
"Our parents had no choice! It was cheaper to not know! Since we have the technology, why not use it?"
"Because I just want to experience the surprise."
"Well I don't. I'm already stressed as it is with these stupid crazy cravings and the last thing I need is worrying about what color to paint our baby's nursery because his or her father doesn't want to know what he or she is!"
"I told you repeatedly that if you have a craving, tell me and I will go out for you so that you don't have to."
"And I told you that I can take care of it myself. My cravings, my problem."
"What is with you all of a sudden? It's all about you! You and you alone." He pointed to her abdomen which was now rounded, pushing out against the fabric of her shirt. "You obviously cannot do that alone!"
"No kidding?"
"I mean that the child in there is mine and yours. Not yours alone. So whatever issues come along with having a child is for both of us to figure out. Not just you alone!" Todd finished, his voice rising in anger. "Why do you have to be so damn stubborn?"
"Well it's my stubbornness that got us this far buddy! Yeah that's right. If I wasn't so stubborn you and I wouldn't have even gotten married!"
"So you're taking that all on yourself too? Duplica and herself? No Todd involved whatsoever."
"What are you going on about?"
Todd shook his head. "Bottom line. I didn't want to find out. And you went behind my back. We are supposed to be in this together and if we can't do it now, what's going to happen later huh? Our child is going to want to go out with friends. Dad says 'No; but Mom sneaks behind Dad's back and says 'Yes'?"
Duplica narrowed her eyes. "So basically you're saying it's your way or what? We won't make it as a couple? As parents? Dammit Todd you think it's easy being pregnant?"
Todd threw his hands up in the air. "Again we're back to this? Did you not listen to a word I've said the past few minutes of how if you let me help everything would be easier?"
"Ugh. You are so…I just want to throw something at you!" Duplica yelled, eyes roving around the kitchen.
"How about your stubbornness?" Todd sneered. "You've got more than enough of that."
Duplica suddenly lunged towards him in what might have been an attempt to beat her fists against his chest when she stopped midway. Her fisted hands uncurled and clutched her stomach. She grimaced before raising her eyes to meet Todd's, emitting a low groan and promptly collapsing on the kitchen tiles.
***Author's Note***
Look what you did Todd! Don't ever upset a preggo woman!!! Or so I've heard. Not that I ever plan to try it out. Anyways, hope you all had fun reading the escalating drama! Things are cooking now! (Cheesy line? Yes. But fitting? I think so.)
Preview of Chapter 11:
Just as Serena was about to call, her phone rang.
Misty.
Wow. Talk about ESP with your BFF.
"Hey Misty. I was just about to call you."
"Serena, have you seen the latest issue of the Sun?"
Uh oh.
Review Responses:
StrawberryStoleYourCookie: Yup! That's what was in the magazine! Photos of drunk girl and Ash. Dun dun dun! We always knew Ash was dense when it came to women…this just goes to show HOW dense he is…Haha yeah well I've worked with elementary school kids before. They're not any better when it comes to trying to find out about their teacher's private life! In fact, they ask more straight-out than the big kids! P.S. I ate this AMAZING chocolate chip cookie the other day. I mean…it was just melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
shut up and read or go away: Well we all know Ash isn't a cheater. Especially now that he's told us. But his friends and Misty…totally different matter. And nice prediction about the company. You shall have to wait and see what happens. ^^
Ronmione x3: Yup stuff is totally hitting the fan! Not quite yet but it's so getting there! Glad you liked Duplica's imagination! ^^
Chika Hoshi: Let's just hope that Duplica and baby make it that far so that she can be pampered in the hospital!...Haha yeah Serena will forever think twice before using her famous friends. ^^ And yup you know stuff is bound to happen! It's happening as we speak…slowly but surely!
Athletic nerd: Thank you! Always happy to see that I'm properly managing to keep the mystery and intrigue for my readers. I actually started to read your fic but then I had to leave my computer to go out so I didn't get to finish. But I will be one of your reviewers soon! Promise. I WILL R/R!!!
ShadowMario3: You know the paparazzi gotta get them readers hooked! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! ^_^
Munchlax Jr: Awesome! ^_~ Love me some snickerdoodles. Hm. Maybe I'll make some. Okay and response to your PM: Nooooo Sora and Matt engaged??? Nooooo. She must be with Tai!!! Haha okay done. Right so being serious here, I think it could definitely work given you put in the right amount of details and manage to create the emotions and suspense properly. Clearly the part where Tai saves Sora would be the turning point in Sora's feelings for Tai I'm guessing and then you'd have the whole Tai/Matt friendship on the line. Ah sweet drama I can smell you already. If you plan to write this one, do let me know as I will certainly read it! Also, I'll still work on a Taiora as you requested but not just yet as this fic's got me pretty tied up. But I think I'll do a romance/humor one. Sound good?
hollywoodmiss: Your intrigue is definitely good! ^^ And the girls just keep coming for Ash! Glad you enjoyed last chapter and hope you like this one! Some of the chapters (especially the shorter ones) will be sort of set-up/filler chapters but I need those since this is a long fic with many intertwining storylines. ^^
Guibin: Hmm. I cannot tell you about whether Mayaka is from the series or not just yet. ^_~ You're welcome to see if you can find anything but until then, my lips are sealed as I have plans for her and who she is. ^^
s.a.e.i.a.-e.u.c.a.: You're so right. Changing a little part of Ash means he's not really Ash. Plus, you can't help but love the dumb naïve and kind Ash. ^^ And thank you for not tearing Ash apart yet as we certainly need him whole so Misty can tear him apart herself. Hehe. Your bow is supremely appreciated! –bows in gratitude to you –
licoricejellybean: I loved your review! Why? Because it's just how I want readers to think after reading it and because you were thinking it, it means I did my job right. ^_~ Sorry for the lack of Gary/Serena. There was a little here but don't worry, they'll be back. I'm really happy that you like Serena that much though!!! Also, sorry I couldn't update as fast this time (being sick and all) but I'll try to get the next one out sooner. ^^ Keep your long reviews coming and keep dreaming about Gary/Serena! I promise I have big things planned for them that you will love.
Amazingly awesome person: Aww Baxter's a cute name!!!...Ooh yeah I mean I'm pulling up some really old school stuff so if you were super young when Pokemon started, I don't blame you for not remembering everyone. When the show started, I myself was just 10! However, I do not remember the Eevee girl.
Homo Genus: Haha well this time, it was not a quick update. So hopefully despite all the computer issues and hangovers and such you'll be able to review. ^_~ Okay before I get to responding to the meat of your review AHAHAHHAHA YES I totally meant SDT not STD!!!! LOL. Go figure. My classmates always called it STD on purpose so I always end up typing that. –sigh- Haha. Okay so back to the review part…glad you enjoyed the filler chapter!!! Yaaay if you have all those thoughts it makes me happy even though I should apologize for not having answered any of your questions yet. ^_^ The answers are coming though because I have it all planned out! But first, more things to hit you in the face (like Gary's mystery woman and Duplica's fainting) before we get to answers. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!
CoolAwesomeRandomGirl123: No you can't kill anyone yet as I need everyone well and alive! Hehehe Ash and a Dracula accent would be so ridiculously funny and so appropriately Ash!!! I can so see it and Misty just wondering why she was marrying him.
poka: Oh yes. Things starting to go very wrong. ^_^ Hope you like this chapter!
Epicocity: Ash dress up as fruits? Do refresh my memory (or it could be an episode I never saw). But yes, Ash is just so dumb. At least he's a little smarter in this chapter with the plane lady. Oooh I remember Pikachu and the fruit tree now! I think. Haha. Maybe I just think I remember now that you told me. It has been YEARS since I saw that episode after all. Okay I looked up Barry so maybe I'll try to slip him in somewhere just for you. ^^ He can make a cameo appearance. And okay Penguinshipping = Dawn x Kenny correct? Need to re-look that one up. And I have no clue who Conway is. Another one to research. Lastly, Happy Late Birthday!!!!! Glad I managed to give you a birthday present without knowing it! Hehe. Hope you had a good one!
GGDeimos: Heh I've definitely got plans for Damian. You'll just have to wait and see. And since you like Todd and Duplica, hope you liked their interaction here even though it didn't quite end up well. Also, more Ritchie and Melody to come!
bluejay511: Ash just doesn't get a break with these women and now he's in for some more trouble! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
ziggyricer9615: You may be right about the mass fight…or you may be wrong. Only time will tell! ^^ Although right now I can picture Misty and Serena beating up Ash while Gary laughs on the sidelines. As for Gary and Serena hooking up…that seems to be the popular vote but that's also another one of those…time will tell things! ^_^ Hope you enjoyed this chapter!