Everything Changes
Chapter 10
These Foolish Things
The sun shined brightly throughout Pallet that Saturday as Delia planted her vegetable garden. She had intended on tackling the day with great vigor before the reunion and with the sun out, it was the best time for her to get started. She had debated long and hard over attending the party and with a little persuasion from both her friends and her mother, Delia decided to go. Bringing food was optional, but she already made a gigantic butter-cream and vanilla cake and sent Ash earlier that morning to deliver it to Prof. Oak's. And so, Delia felt rather positive about her decision and told herself several times how important it was for her to get out instead of mope around the house.
Still, the assumption of hearing Jay's name throughout the celebration stung her repeatedly, but motivated her even more to attend. She would have to explain the situation no doubt and act as if she was the most secure woman in the world. After a while though, it didn't bother her about what people thought and said; more than anything, she felt her heart bleeding for the senseless loss she could have prevented. The painful memories were haunting her once more and as the hours passed, the arrival of the party drawing near, the memories were beginning to spiral out of control.
Pulling herself together, Delia went about her day with a brave face and was relieved to see her mother strolling down the road with an armful of plants. Finally, something to keep her mind occupied.
"Hi, Mom." She greeted warmly, racing towards her. "Let me help you with that."
As Delia promptly took one of the trays from her mom's grasp, Leah smiled. "Oh, thank you sweetheart."
"So these are the tomato starts?" Delia inquired, leading them over to the spot of freshly turned up soil.
"Yep." Leah replied bending down as they placed the trays on the ground, admiring the little sprouts as they rose back up. "I think five should be enough."
"Oh, it's plenty thank you. I'll be needing Ash out here soon to help me get started."
Delia's mother soon darted her head about. "Where's Ash anyway, honey?"
"Oh, he's inside talking to Dani," the young woman explained, adjusting the brim of her sun hat to block the sun's rays, "she just called a few minutes ago. She said she's in Petalburg City."
"She's already in Petalburg? I heard it's an awfully nice place! The scenery is supposed to be beautiful-"
"Hey Delia!"
Swiveling her head around, Delia spotted Mark coming up the road waving wildly as he ran. Then as he reached the picket fence he stopped in his tracks, wiping away the sweat on his brow. Both women assumed he was going for a morning jog.
"Hi, Mark! You out for a run?"
Watching his muscular chest rise up and down underneath his tight shirt and how his fit sun-kissed arms glistened with sweat droplets made Delia tense up. It had been a long time since she saw a man in such great shape and from the sight, she recalled all of her dad's warnings of Mark's 'supposed intentions'. Feeling foolish for even considering he'd have feelings for her like the old man believed, Delia snapped herself out of the awkward gaze.
"Yeah!" Mark answered, catching his breath. "I was just slowing up a bit when I saw you and your mom. How are you doing by the way Mrs. Parker?"
"Very well thank you."
He nodded in return. "Good to hear. I didn't get the chance to properly apologize to you about the incident at the inn. I already talked to Delia about it, but I wanted to apologize to you personally considering it's your business-"
"Oh, don't worry Mark it's no big deal." She insisted, not wanting to rehash the topic. "I must say though, we never found out who the Rattata belonged to. None of the trainers staying at the time even had a Rattata."
"Well, I'm sure it was just an accident."
"Probably."
Then, silence took over the atmosphere, having each adult stare at one another with no further words. Leah's eyes eventually floated over to Mark, who was staring at her daughter with a dreamy smile, leaving the older woman feeling a strange and unnerving twinge.
"I suppose I better get going." Leah suddenly interjected. "Your father is probably falling asleep in the sun and last time he did that, he got a terrible sun burn all over his face."
"Are you sure you don't want some lemonade Mom?" Delia gestured toward the house.
Scurrying out the garden, Leah waved back. "No thank you dear, I should be heading home! Tell me in a couple of days how the tomato plants are doing and if they aren't doing well, I'll give you some new ones!"
Delia knew her father had a habit of falling asleep in any chair he plopped himself into, but Leah was never the type to come and leave so quickly. And because of this, Delia indubitably assumed it was because of Mark's appearance, making the woman wonder why her mom reacted the way she did. Did she disprove of Mark or was it quite the opposite? In Delia's eyes, Ernest was always easy to figure out but Leah, well, she tended to be more prudent with her emotions.
"All right." She answered, still surprised Leah was leaving so soon. "Thanks Mom!"
As Leah walked away from the house, Mark stood at the fence grinning. "Your mom is such a hard worker."
"Yeah she is. Sometimes I think without her, my Dad might fall apart."
"Well, we all need someone special in our lives. So are you coming to the reunion?"
The remark before his question left Delia stunned, becoming paranoid of her father's words as they rambled on in her head.
"Yes." She finally responded with a weak grin. "I just thought I could get a couple of things done before tonight."
"It's completely understandable with all the things you have to get done in the week." He stated, attempting to comprehend the stress Delia was under.
"Oh, I know. Sometimes I feel like there isn't a moment of peace!"
With the conversation taking a different course, Delia was starting to feel secure again about her old friend and blocked out Ernest's ramblings entirely. After all it was Ernest, and he was never good with first impressions anyway. Especially boys who were his baby girl's friends.
"Yeah. I mean, between work and my apartment I get pretty busy. I don't have kids though, so I could never be as busy as you!" He said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of his sweaty head.
"Children are a handful, but they're wonderful to have!" She said buoyantly.
Mark released another chuckle. "I bet..."
As they continued chattering, Ash resided in the house having his own private conversation.
"Petalburg sounds awesome!" He exclaimed as he held the phone up to his ear. "I can't wait till I get started on my journey! Just talking about all these towns and cities makes me wanna head out right now!"
"It is exciting!" Dani stated joyfully, gazing at her cousin through the phone-screen. "You meet many different Pokémon and trainers. It's really eye-opening."
"How many Pokémon have you caught anyway?" Ash asked intrigued, though his eyes couldn't help but watch the wondering people in the background at the Pokémon Center.
"Well, I have Raichu with me, but I did catch a Surskit and Ralts! Here are their profiles."
Holding up the pokedex to the screen, Ash leaned forward admiring her newly caught teammates.
"They look like cool Pokémon Dani! I'm sure they'll make great partners!"
"I hope so." Dani responded, pulling the pokedex away from the screen for her to look at the pictures again. Then tucking it back in her bag, she asked, "say, how did you do on your exam? You just took that the other day, didn't you?"
Ash's blood pressure rose. His conscious was not eating away at him quite yet, but soon feared Dani was going to pry the truth out of his mouth without even trying. He dared not tell Dani he cheated on the exam for she was not the type to keep such secrets. Ash also couldn't stand the idea of her scolding him till he confessed what he had done for all of Pallet to hear. It would have been excruciating! The boy had worked so hard to get through to his mother about how much he wanted this opportunity, and if she found out cheating was one of his options through his righteous cousin, it wouldn't turn out as wonderful as Ash presumed.
"Uh yeah!" He blurted out, his facing becoming warm. "I think I did pretty well!"
"Awesome! I was worried my notes wouldn't be enough, but I'm glad they helped you!"
"Yeah," he replied, now chuckling nervously, "they sure did."
"I know some of the questions are tough though." Dani commented, her eyebrows lowering.
Ash stopped his uneasy laughter, gazing at her in shock. "You thought so too?"
Dani nodded. "Hmhm. When I took mine, a kid in my group was so desperate to pass he cheated!" The word 'cheated', made Ash's eyes widen, his pulse racing, gulping several times as Dani went on. "He had the answers all over his arms! Nurse Joy was our instructor because we don't have a professor to hand the exam out in Viridian, and she revoked his chance at getting his license immediately! Now he can never be a trainer!" She added dramatically. "It's a shame because as long as you try your best, they'll practically hand it over to you. You just have to get the basic answers right and you'll get your license in no time. I'm sure you'll get yours any day now."
Ash's eye twitched. Revoke his license? Could this happen? Would it happen? Ash felt sweat collecting on his forehead, his breathing becoming shallow. Now he was in deep trouble.
Stay calm... No one will know...
"Uh, yeah!" He stuttered, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sure I'll get it soon too!"
"Great! Listen, I gotta go but tell everyone I said hi, okay?"
"Sure. See ya Dani."
"Bye Ash!" She waved, then gave a thumbs up. "I know you'll do great!"
Once the screen turned black, Ash hung up the phone releasing a heavy sigh. Man, he sure screwed things up. Ash knew he got the basic answers right and with that he would pass. In the midst of it all however, the boy actually caused himself more trouble than less. Now he was obsessed with the foreboding of his dishonest act being let out, becoming consumed by his own conscious.
Never become a trainer? He thought, a shiver running down his spine. This can't be happening!
Despite his melodrama, Ash tried to calm himself down with a distraction. Pouring his mother a glass of lemonade he thought getting some fresh air might do him some good.
I just need to relax. It can't be as bad as what that other kid did... I mean, I didn't write the answers all over my arms... Oh, who am I kidding?! I'm in so much trouble!
Placing the glass on a prepped tray, Ash strolled to the patio door only for him to open it slightly for he was caught off guard by the presence of Mark. Drawing back into the house a little, Ash squealed.
Oh, man! I hope he's not here to tell Mom I cheated! She doesn't look too mad...
Scared to listen, Ash stood strong anyway, wanting to hear the discussion taking place.
"So uh, I guess I'll be seeing you this evening." Mark said casually.
Delia nodded. "Yeah, tonight."
"Great. Bye Delia."
"Bye!"
Once Mark was out of sight, Ash released another heavy sigh. He was thrilled to know Mark didn't come to exploit the boy, though it wouldn't surprise him if he did. He just had a few more days before the exam scores were revealed and then all his pent-up anxiety would come to an end. Just a few more days though in Ash's mind, it felt like forever.
However, something else was bothering him. If Mark didn't come by to break the terrible news to Delia, then why was he there? Why was he clarifying that he'd see her that night? Were they going to do something after the party? Or were they skipping the party to do something like dinner or a movie... Or worse? Ash's heart lurched out of his chest with worry, perplexed by the matter. Delia wasn't the type to fool around, though Mark seemed to be everywhere they went. At least it seemed like everywhere.
Pulling himself together Ash propped open the door, approaching Delia with a drink to quench her thirst.
"I brought you some lemonade."
Ash's voice caught his mom's attention, having her spin around greeting him with a smile. "Oh, thank you sweetie." She said, taking the glass from the tray.
As Delia sipped away the liquid Ash stood with uncertainty, blurting out awkwardly, "so... are you going to spend the night with Mark?"
The words he uttered caught his mother off guard, having her spit out the lemonade in shock reading into his choice of words, coughing slightly as she tried to compose herself.
"Ash," she began befuddled, her cheeks red, "what in the world are you talking about?"
"You just said you'd see him tonight!" Ash responded dramatically.
"I meant at the party silly." She replied, setting the glass back on the tray and wiping her mouth with one of the napkins he brought too. "And what have I told you about eavesdropping?"
The boy lowered his head. "It wasn't eavesdropping. I... overheard."
"Ash," Delia continued, kneeling down to the ground again as she worked her small shovel and gloves into the dirt, "Mark and I are just friends, nothing more."
"Who said I thought you guys were more than friends?" He rebutted.
"Would you please hand me one of the tomato starts?" Delia asked as she dug in the dirt, ignoring his last comment.
The boy quickly nodded in return as he reached for one of the tomato plants. "So you're not more than friends... right?"
Taking the plant from his hands, Delia gave an exasperated sigh. "No! Now will you quit worrying? You know I have only one man in my life."
Her son's eyes widened, surprised she'd even bring up the man. "Dad?"
"Yes. But I meant you." She explained plainly, nestling the plant into its new home.
"Oh."
Delia then twirled her head around to look at her son who was still looming over her.
"Ash, I would never do anything without considering your feelings first." His mom stated earnestly. "You know I'll always put your needs and feelings before anything else."
Ash sighed. "Yeah."
"We're a family." She carried on. "You and me. Okay?"
"Kay." Looking out into the distance, Ash could still see Mark running across the dirt road. "I don't think he'd fit in with all the crazy stuff that goes on anyway." He commented seriously.
Delia couldn't help but giggle at that one. "Me neither..."
"Hey hon, was Delia at work today?"
Leah remained silent for a moment, cutting away at the potato on her plate swiftly. It had been a few days since her husband and daughter exchanged words and she had grown tired of delivering messages to Ernest. She was annoyed by his stubbornness and wished he'd confront Delia himself, apologize about the misunderstanding and move on. Clearly, neither one of them were willing to budge.
After taking her first bite, Leah responded. "I gave her the day off, so she could catch up on some house work and get ready for the party tonight. This isn't about the fight, is it?"
"Leah," He started, adjusting his throat after he finished chewing, "at times I may have overborne our daughter, but this time it was for a good reason-"
"Ernest, I just- I just don't want to get into it tonight okay?" She stated firmly, rankled. "This whole thing with Jay and Ash, and the party, it's... it's just a lot of stress on Delia right now. And this Mark business is being completely blown out of proportion-"
"You too?! You don't believe me either?"
"I believe something is up, but it'll have to be up to Delia to figure it out." She then settled her silverware on the table, collecting her hands below her chin with exasperation.
She too had speculations of Mark's sudden interest in their daughter, but without solid proof, Leah remained watching from the side. Yes she was worried, finding it peculiar that the researcher took such an interest in Delia after so many years, though if she did not reciprocate the same feelings, why did he keep appearing? A part of her believed Delia was seeking the romantic company, though her child never tended to be the type of woman who desperately needed a man by her side.
And what about Jay? Wasn't Delia still married to him, still in love with him? Leah was flabbergasted herself about the situation with Jay, but would feel almost sympathetic for the man if he was cheated on. Leah always liked Jay and found him to be an excellent father and supporter at such a young age. The woman did not doubt her son-in-law's love for his family and prayed Delia felt the same. She couldn't blame her however for being so angry with the man, though all the good Jay had done for the she and Ash outweighed his latest mistake... A big mistake that is...
Sighing, Leah looked back at her husband. "As much as I hate to say this Ernest, we can't always hold our little girl's hand."
And she hated that she had to accept reality for what it was.
After dinner, Ash joined Delia in her preparation for the party, keeping her company as she scurried back and forth from her bedroom to the adjoining bathroom. She even plugged in her dusty forgotten stereo after she looked through many albums running across one she had been dying to listen to again. Listening to Abba the other day, really sparked her interest again. It made her feel young inside, thinking back to her teenage years though the songs were outdated even for her time as a teen. She was also glad Ash didn't complain about her taste in music and that he was very accepting of listening to the background music while she got ready.
"So girls think it's fun to put on sticky stuff that colors their toes?" Ash asked as he watched his mom swish a small brush back and forth across her toenails.
"Most girls do." She answered then paused from painting, looking up at her son with a playful grin. "When you're much older and if you decide to have a girlfriend, she might enjoy nail polish too."
Ash looked repulsed. "I'm not gonna have a girlfriend! They're gross and too much work! I've got battles to think about!"
Delia's eyebrows arched, cocking a witty smile. "At least not for a while."
"I dunno Mom. I'm gonna be a Pokémon Master so I probably won't have time to buy nail polish."
"Well then," she began after finishing the last toe, "promise me you'll try to remember your mother once you become big and famous?"
He nodded. "Defiantly! I'm gonna have to pay you somehow for making me cookies... You will send me cookies right?" He asked sheepishly.
Delia giggled. "Who else would I send them too? Now," she started, rising off the bed carefully so the polish wouldn't smudge, "would you care to partake in helping me pick out a dress?"
Ash shrugged as he sat up, his legs crossed. "I don't know much about clothes, but whatever you pick I'm sure you'll look great!"
"Thank you sweetie. Hmm..."
Delia's eyes darted back and forth at the opened closet, her hand resting on her cheek as she examined the small amount of clothes hung in the space. She originally wanted to buy a new dress, but seeing she had a limited amount of time before the party she could not. Not to mention, her funds weren't exactly in the best state.
Ash skimmed through the wardrobe choices too from afar, his eyes drawn to a particular bright-colored one. "I kind of like..."
"What was that honey?" Delia questioned, breaking her gaze on the closet to her son.
Ash looked back at his mom, realizing he had spoken out loud. "I just um..."
"You can say which one you like."
"Um..." he paused for a moment, squinting his eyes as he looked at all of them again, "I think the yellow would look good on you. Dad always liked you in yellow."
Delia's reaction almost made Ash fall off the bed.
"He did, didn't he? Well, I'll have to try it on."
Pulling the dress out, Ash remained shocked from his mother's response. He could have sworn Delia slipped a small smile as she uttered those words and with such negative talk about his dad flowing out of everyone's mouth, he was somewhat pleased and stupefied all at the same time to hear something positive for once. Especially from his mom. He thought Delia would have thrown that dress out of the selection immediately, maybe even out the window instead of making it her first choice. Nonetheless, he was happy she reacted the way she did.
Lurking out of the bathroom slowly, Ash's eyes grew as he spotted his mother standing before him in the bright, but sophisticated yellow dress. He had never saw his mother so dolled up before, though thought she deserved to feel glamorous every now and again. The lovely dress he had chosen for her glided down her frame perfectly and for a little touch, it had small ruffles clinging at the bottom. Its strapless state also left her showing off her nicely toned arms for all to see, making Delia all the more beautiful.
"What do you think?" She asked grinning timidly.
Ash gave a small smile as he rose from the bed, as they both walked to the full-length mirror staring at their reflections.
"You look really pretty Mom." He complimented. "Do you like it?"
Delia couldn't believe that the garment still fit her after all this time. She felt like a teenager again, getting ready for a big date she had with Jay, excitedly looking out the front window for him to come rolling in his black leather jacket and his luxurious motorcycle only for her dad to ruin the beginning of the date with a thousand questions for Jay on insurance, if he had a license, and how long he had driven the contraption. And just to top it off, Ernest even took an entire half an hour to make sure the ride had no loose parts and that his baby girl had a helmet to wear.
Smiling back at her own reflection, Delia responded blissfully to Ash. "Yes. Yes, I like it very much. Thank you."
While applying on her make-up, Delia did not look cheap. She looked vibrant and youthful, and Ash was placated to know his mom wasn't in the category of a mother who plastered on so much make-up that it made her look older than she really was. He also got a laugh from how many shoes Delia tried on and was exhausted as she was just by watching. However, she eventually settled on a pair of heels with a similar color as her dress which also had little bows near the opening. Her earrings were her only accessory of jewelry; the color of them being a subtle gold with pearly gems scattered throughout the dangling structure.
And through all the preparation it took for Delia to be ready to head out the door, she and Ash truly had a wonderful time. Dancing and giggling to the song Dancing Queen, lit up their faces and finding themselves feeling jubilant. And like the song, Delia did feel 'seventeen' again. Ash could see this change in his mother clear as day, and couldn't find the words to describe how ecstatic he was for Delia and how he hoped she'd have an enjoyable time.
He knew she deserved to get out and even with everything that happened in the past couple months, Ash honestly felt things were starting to take a turn for the better. Delia was moping less, Ash was watching his temper, she was going to the reunion, and he was hopefully going to get his license unscathed. How could they ask for a better outcome?
As they gazed into the mirror one last time before Delia left for her destination, Ash looked up at his mom with a sly grin.
"So are you gonna pay your amazing son back for giving you good fashion advice, even though he clearly had no idea what he was doing?" He questioned, implying he wanted something in return.
And of course, Delia knew exactly what he wanted for his hard work.
"I will thank my amazing son for sticking through a fashion crisis even though he didn't have to, and I will repay him with dessert from the party."
Ash knew he'd get something.
"Thank you Mommy." He cooed, swinging his arms around her waist.
"You're welcome sweetheart."
"You really do look great Mom." Ash added sincerely after a short pause.
Gawking at herself in the mirror, Delia asked a little uncertain, "you think so?"
"Yeah. I do."
After his mom examined herself one last time, she and Ash adventured down to the front door ready for her to make her grand exit.
"Now, I know it's the weekend," she began looking back at Ash as they walked down the stairs, "but I want you in bed by ten and remember to lock the door. And if you have any problems call Grandma and Grandpa. But if it's an emergency call Prof. Oak's. I left his number-"
"On the kitchen counter, I know." He finished for her, trying to clam her down. "I'm gonna be fine Mom."
Reaching the last step Delia smiled up at her son, relieved by his reassurance. "Okay. Goodnight sweetie, I love you."
"I love you too Mom. Have fun."
"Thanks."
Turning away from her son, Delia's hand reached for the door knob.
"Hey Mom," Ash started hesitantly, catching her attention, "how about I head for bed around... ten-thirty?"
Delia usually would have said no, but since he had been a big help to her earlier, she figured Ash deserved to have a little fun too.
"Just this once."
Then uncertainty escaped from Ash's face as he cheered victoriously. "Yes!"
"And not a minute after." She ordered firmly with her index finger in the air.
"I know, I know! G'night Mom."
"Night sweetheart." Opening the door, Delia took her first step out into the warm night air, turning around once more. Her motherly habits were going to spoil her evening. "And don't surf channels you're not supposed to be on-"
"I know!" Ash exclaimed, shooing her out. "Now go have fun! Go!"
Waving the final goodbye, Delia finally adventured out of the house. Once she shut the door, Ash flung himself on the living room couch, reaching for the bowl of chips he had abandoned earlier, relaxing in utter content. He took in the feeling of reassurance as long as he could, for things would not remain so delightful as the Ketchums' anticipated.
Ringing the door bell, Delia waited anxiously yet patiently for the door to open. It appeared there were lights on in the lab and by the sight of several cars parked out in the front, most people had accepted the invitation. Her fingers clenched the sides of her dress till the door swung open, a burst of laughter and chatter originating from inside the lab.
"Delia, glad you could make it!" Prof. Oak said warmly.
"It's nice to see you too professor." She replied, feeling slightly jittery.
"Please, come in!" Shutting the door, he carried on saying, "may I take your uh-"
"Shawl?"
"Yes, that's it!" He exclaimed pointing at the cloth as it draped over her shoulders.
"Oh, yes! Thank you."
Removing the piece of cloth, Prof. Oak was struck with awe by the sight of Delia's desirable figure beneath the extravagant dress. With his jaw hanging open, he felt out of sorts for looking at her with such admiration. Stuttering and blushing all at once, the professor declared, "Delia, you look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you and I um," she said, trying to compliment him as well, "like your lab coat!"
"I thought it'd be proper attire for the evening." The professor agreed, adjusting the collar. "Now would you like a drink?"
She nodded as they walked. "Oh, sure."
"Wonderful. I'll get you one and you can join in with everyone else."
"Okay. Thank you professor."
Gesturing to the rest of the guests, Prof. Oak scurried off towards the kitchen leaving Delia feeling a bit nervous, looking aimlessly for friends. As she entered into the lively group, she heard a voice call her name across the room.
"Delia!"
As Delia looked about, Azurine jumped out among the crowd.
"Oh, Azurine you startled me!" She exclaimed, clutching her chest.
"Sorry," she apologized, "say you look great!"
"Thanks! And your dress is magnificent!" Delia admired, gawking at the defined detail in her friend's cream short dress.
Azurine fluttered her eye lashes, looking down at it herself. "Ryan bought it for me." She bragged. "Do you like it?"
"Oh, yes! Where's Charlotte?" She questioned, looking around.
"Oh, she's catching up over there." Azurine stated, as if Charlotte was caught up in a much more important conversation than theirs. "So tell me, did you make that dress or did you buy it?"
"Actually I-"
"Guess who!"
Suddenly, Delia felt two hands cup her eyes leaving her blind by the unexpected action. The voice of the instigator however, was a dead give away.
"Annie I know it's you." She stated plainly, hearing Azurine give soft chuckle.
Annie sighed, saddened her identity was recognized. "Okay well, the person you're supposed to be guessing for is someone who would never play such a childish game as 'guess who'."
Becoming stiff for a moment, Delia realized as to who Annie was referring to.
Almost becoming breathless, she answered, stunned. "Zelda is here isn't she?"
Releasing her hands away from her sister-in-law's face, Annie looked at Zelda who was standing beside her, impressed. "Boy she's good."
"Delia, hi."
At first, Delia believed her ears were deceiving her, but after spying the woman next to Annie, she knew she was not dreaming.
Delia could see she had not changed much physically. Zelda still had her long desirable black hair and even with getting a little Cerulean sun, she was still awfully pale. She also remained in shape, her body still lengthy and slim as she wore a form-fitting v-neck violet dress.
Remembering her past appearance and seeing her again as a fully grown woman, caused Delia to be stricken with sadness for she had not seen her dear friend since Jayce left. The last memory she shared with her other sister-in-law was when she visited her in Cerulean before Zelda graduated from because of that, she had wished they stayed in contact, though Delia understood it was extremely awkward for them to continue their friendship without Jay around.
As for her character, Zelda was more like Jay than she was Annie in regards to her personality. Annie had always been the party girl, the popular teen among the crowd. Jay and Zelda usually watched from the sidelines, listening continuously to Annie's rants about her bad choice in friends. Not as sarcastic as Jay, she was aloof with strangers and much more intelligent than her peers.
Zelda was also class representative in high school and secluded herself among others, studying every subject known to man and read anything from a t.v. manual to Shakespeare's most excruciating master pieces.
She was truly a gifted child and out of three, she was the most well-behaved and respected towards her parents. She was the only one who actually went college and got an education. And from this experience, Zelda was able to come out of her shell and be more open will strangers. Still, Delia saw the same shy girl from their years in high school.
Smiling shyly at one another, Delia opened her mouth slightly only to be interrupted rudely by Gary's father.
"Are we just gonna stand around or are we gonna party?!" Chad hollered, waving his plastic filled cup in the air.
"He's already drunk isn't he?" Delia scoffed, watching him scurry about the room like a maniac.
Annie sighed, embarrassed. "Yep. Chad, don't break that flower pot- That idiot..."
Jumping off the sofa, Chad managed to kick the flower pot resting by the sliding glass door, sending it shattering on the ground. His eyes soon quivered as he gazed at the mess he made, then set them upon everyone else who were staring at him with mixed looks.
"I can fix that..." He stated weakly.
Charging in the room, Prof. Oak stopped and stood next to Delia and the others, his mouth agape.
"Chad Isiah Oak!" Prof. Oak bellowed angrily. "You just broke the only descent Father's day gift you have ever given me!"
"Don't yell at me Dad!" He ordered, his arms stiffening at his sides as his shoulder encroached on his neck. "Man, I feel like I'm in high school again."
"Yes and he still acts like it." The professor muttered under his breath. He then tossed Delia quick glance, giving her the drink he had promised her earlier. "Excuse me ladies, I have to go clean up two messes."
As Prof. Oak took off towards his tipsy son, Annie decided to lend a hand, accompanying her father-in-law. "I'll help you Sam."
Delia and Zelda's gaze did not break as they stared at the unfolding scene, watching Prof. Oak pull Chad aside, mumbling something in his ear as Annie got a dust pan and broom.
Releasing a small sigh, Zelda decided to start the conversation. "It's been a while hasn't it?" She said softly with a faint smile.
Delia's eyes widened, still in shock that her friend was actually present. "Yes, it has."
Another moment of silence filled the air, their eyes wandering about the room till Zelda spat out, "Delia, how's um- Ash? I haven't seen him in so long."
This brought a smile to Delia's face. She was happy one of Jay's relatives cared enough to ask about their little boy.
"Ash is doing well. He's um- He's going to be a Pokémon trainer."
"Really? I'm sure he'll be a natural."
"I think so... So," Delia started again hesitantly, "who are you staying with?"
"Oh, Annie and Chad. When Annie offered I immediately jumped on it. I love Mom and Dad," Zelda said with a nervous laugh, "but I think living with them for eighteen years was enough for me."
"Yes, I completely understand."
Delia was well aware that Emily and Richard Ketchum were no picnic. Always nitpicking their children, correcting their behavior, wanting them to perfect in every school subject, art form, everything! They wanted their children to triumph and carry on the Ketchum name and traditions with pride and honor. Though their tactics made their so called, 'thought-out plan' unsuccessful in several ways possible.
Finding little to nothing to talk about or only being able to think of sensitive subject to discuss, the women feel silent once more wishing the meeting could have been more than a few exchange of words.
"No way that was us?!"
The sound of Chad's voice was picked up from their ears, discovering him slumped on the couch crowded with Azurine, Charlotte and a few other guests. Prof. Oak must not have been too angry with Chad, that or he was very forgiving of his foolish son. Wondering what all the commotion was about, the girls were drawn to the gathering, peering over the side of the sofa seeing Chad pulled out one of the old photos albums, the year of their class designed on the cover.
Noticing their presence Chad raised his head, coaxing Delia and Zelda closer. "Ya gotta take a look at this Delia, Zelda! Doesn't seem that long ago does it?"
All the photos brought back memories. Delia could remember when those pictures were taken clear as day, especially the one taken of her after she won her first match. The only match she ever beat Jay in.
"No, it doesn't..." Delia answered, her eyes skimming over the pictures continuously.
"Hey look! There's me and my best bud!" Chad suddenly exclaimed, pointing his finger at a picture of he and Jay. His arm was wrapped around Jay's neck, pulling him down towards the camera obnoxiously. "Now I'm thinking about all the crap we used to pull." He chortled to himself.
"You mean you used to pull and dragged us into it?" Annie added wittily.
"Whatever Ann," Chad snorted, "you know you had fun."
"I suppose."
He laughed again. "Those were defiantly some good times..."
Listening to Chad and Annie made Delia realize that she wasn't the only person missing those carefree times they shared. The five of them were a true pack, close friends who stuck it out for each other in the roughest of times. Though they were all different, they still seemed to be the perfect team. Chad the compulsive wreck-loose, Zelda the silent genius, Annie the preppy shopaholic, Delia the kind and ditzy nurturer, and Jay, the witty, observant, talented Pokémon Master to be. He would never believe it, but Jay truly was the leader of the pack. And now here they were, all grown up living their own lives but broken as a whole.
"Say, where is Jay anyway?" One of their old classmates piped up curiously.
"Yeah I haven't seen him yet!" A woman exclaimed.
Delia and Annie shared a quick concerning glance as the conversation continued.
"He probably has some high-end Pokémon career and couldn't make it!" A man stated this time. "Probably touring with Kanto's Elite Four or something."
Annie nervously bit down on her lip, her fingers nervously pulling on her dress hoping no one would ask her about her absent brother.
"I wonder how much he'd get paid for that?" Chad pondered, only for his wife to nudge him sharply in the ribcage.
"Remember how great of a battler he was?" Someone else interjected.
"Yep! He and that Vulpix of his, but Dragonite was so cool too!"
"Let's not forget about his Blastoise-"
"I thought his Rapidash was a well-bred specimen." Charlotte observed.
"But his Vaporeon had such a shiny coat and so cute too!" Azurine said, entering in on the conversation.
"Who cares about cute!" One of the men argued. "His Kangaskhan was out of this world! I remember the one time it battled my Machamp..."
Delia felt a rush of anxiety building up inside. Honestly, Jay's dream of becoming a Pokémon Master is what tore them apart and here everyone was, ranting on and on about how 'great he'd be' and 'how much money he'd make', and wondering if 'he'd remember the little people he once knew back in Pallet'.
Not being able to listen any further, the distraught woman withdrew herself from the conversation silently before anyone dared to ask her if she was still involved with the infamous trainer and all the little details that went along with their broken relationship.
So as it went on spiraling out of control, Annie read the emotion ridden in Delia's face, giving her sister a nod to go after her. Zelda obeyed, chasing after her upset friend with deep concern.
"Delia, Delia!"
Sniffling to herself quietly, the auburn-haired woman faced Zelda.
"Delia, are you all right?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine." She lied, brushing away any lose tears to prevent her make-up from smearing.
Zelda watched her carefully and saw the same emotion Annie sensed earlier. She didn't care for Delia being so distant about the matter and feared she had become too inverted, sheltering her emotions away from reality. As unhealthy as it was for Delia to do so, Zelda did not want to be combative with her friend and cause a bigger scene than need be. Yes, Delia needed to release the tension she had built within herself, but Zelda knew from experience that prying would do no good. She was an expert in that department for her parents did it to her constantly.
"Delia, Zelda!"
Looking ahead, the women saw a woman with red hair and man with sandy-colored hair enter through the door joyfully.
A small grin spread across Delia's face. "Juliet! It's so good to see you!"
"It's good to see you guys too!" The fiery-haired woman answered, her male companion lingering behind. "Oh, and I hope you remember my dashing husband!"
The women then focused their attention on the man, gazing at him from head to toe and once they looked deep into his green eyes, they knew exactly who he was.
"Brandon?!"
"Nice to see you too ladies." He answered, chortling.
Brandon was also a close friend of Jayce's and Chad's throughout their high school years. Not being able to recognize him right away was an indicator on how much the man had matured. His dark tan chest had broadened, his arms had slimmed out, his height had grown and his pure dark blonde hair gained many streaks of brown, becoming a head of shaggy sandy coverage. He was a very patient and calm man, his wonderful appearance matching his wonderful personality. And considering Juliet tended to be a bit hot-headed he was the perfect match when it came to bringing his wife back down to earth.
Delia's eyes flew back to Juliet. "Wow, I should have figured you'd guys get married!"
"I take it you're both in the musical business?" Zelda hypothesized.
Juliet started her own band her junior year in high school and recruited Chad, Jay, and Zelda as drummer, lead guitarist and keyboardist. Calling themselves Day and Night, they were incomplete, missing one last addition to their musical group. The lead singer owed her respects to Jay and Chad for not only finding a bassist for the band, but the love of her life as well.
"Yep." Brandon responded. "Juliet here studies musical abilities of certain Pokémon. Mostly Jigglypuff of course."
"And you Brandon?" Zelda inquired.
"Oh, I prefer to teach music. I work at the junior high school in Pewter."
"Good for you! Do you guys have children?" Delia asked.
"Oh, yes." Juliet answered with a soft chuckle. "Two rambunctious three-year old boys and one aggravated seven-year old girl."
"Isabelle can't stand the boys. But she's a good big sister." Brandon added.
"But uh, what about you Delia? Prof. Oak said you still live in Pallet?"
Now she was going to have explain it all over again. "Uh, yeah. I work at my mother's inn and I have a son... With Jay."
"Called it!" Juliet shouted, getting in her husband's face. "Brandon you owe me fifty! I told you those two would get married! How's he doing anyway? I mean, where is he? Did he not want to come for some reason?"
Zelda's eyes floated over to Delia, then back at other two who stood addled by Delia's silence.
"Jay's gone actually." She finally answered, her smile morphing into a frown.
Delia was very tired of explaining the situation. No matter how many times she said it, she was still uncomfortable discussing it and felt complete torture as she watched the same reaction everyone gave her over and over again.
"Wait, what?"
"Jay went on a Pokémon journey five years ago." She clarified, still frowning.
Juliet and Brandon shared a quick glance, unsure how to respond to Delia's blunt statement.
"Oh. So are you two still married-"
"Yes, we're married."
"Well good." Juliet said, still flummoxed.
"That's good to hear." Brandon added with a weak grin.
Neither one of them knew how to make of the conversation. Evidently, something hapless happened for Delia to react in such a cold manner and they couldn't tell whether to be angry with her, or bare fake grins to make light of the situation.
"I hope he's doing well and next time he calls tell him Brandon and I say hi." Juliet stated, assuming they still poke to one another and then added excitedly, "oh, and tell him I'm waiting to jam with him again. Man, he was such a gifted guitarist! Could have gone really far in the music department!"
Delia didn't want lie, but she could not afford to disappoint anyone with the truth further. Even if that meant she was lying to herself. "Sure, I will."
Taking the discussion in a different course, Brandon then asked steadily, "and how about you Zelda?"
Shaking her head slightly, Zelda was relieved they moved on to a different topic with no drama. "I have a Pokémon photography business in Cerulean..."
As Zelda went on, Delia's eyes gravitated to the movement of the front door swinging open and how the wrinkles on Prof. Oak's face lengthened as he grinned.
"Ah, there's the man of the hour! Good to see you Spencer!"
The guest patted the old man's back in return. "You too, professor."
"Oh my gosh, it's Spence Hale!" Someone declared in the background.
"Spencer's here?!"
The infamous researcher Spencer Hale was apart of their class too, only instead of being a high school student, he was an intern. Delia got to know him through class as well as outside visits when she came to help Prof. Oak around the lab. His demonstrations and lessons on various Pokémon topics in the class made him gain respect from all the students.
Delia thought of Spencer as a respectable and influential man in the Pokémon realm and eventually saw him as a close friend. He had been a mentor to both she and Jay and thought very highly of each of them. Once his career took off back in his home of Greenfield, the man paid occasional visits to his friends back in Pallet, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Though as the years went by, unexplainable and tragic events occurred in Spencer Hale's perfect world, having Delia not being the only person who was suffering from turmoil.
The disappearance of his wife thanks to mysterious Pokémon known as Unown are what caused this unfortunate happening, leaving the man without a wife and their daughter without a mother. Delia obviously could relate to the man's misfortune.
"How have you been doing?" Prof. Oak asked thoughtfully. "I heard your search as made progress."
"Some, but little." Spencer responded with a sigh. "I still have high hopes though."
The professor patted his shoulder. "Of course you do. Come, I'm sure you would like to catch up with everyone."
"Certainly."
Proceeding into the main room, the men went on chattering as the professor handed Spencer a drink. Delia kept peering over at the two unintentionally while Zelda went on explaining the process of developing her photos, and how she got the Pokémon to stand so still for a quick snapshot. Or at least Delia thought that was what she was saying.
Approaching the group gradually, Prof. Oak's old eyes finally spotted Delia, racing over to her in great delight.
"Ah, Delia! Look who decided to drop by!"
Delia gave a nervous gulp. "Hi Spencer."
"Hi Delia."
Placing his hands on each of their shoulders Prof. Oak said, "I'll let you two chat for a moment." Then as he walked away, his attention was diverted over to his misbehaving son. "Chad, get off the furniture..."
"So um," Spencer started, fidgeting, "it's been a while hasn't it?"
"Yes..." she was having difficulty kicking her mind into gear herself. After all, it had been quite sometime since they last met. "It has."
"Prof. Oak told me about Jay."
That was sure forward.
"He did?"
Spencer nodded. "I'm sorry it had to happen that way. I don't mean to pry but um, have you heard from him recently?"
Delia sighed, folding her arms over chest. "No. Last I heard was when he left a message on the answering machine saying he arrived in Viridian. Took him four days apparently. But that a long time ago. How's um, Molly holding up?"
Spencer's eyes immediately softened. "She's doing well since the disappearance, but I know she misses Clair. I just have to stay strong."
"You have always been a brave man Spencer." Delia complimented, struggling to bear a hopeful smile. "I guess we both have to protect our children."
"Yes well, life's not so simple anymore."
"No, it's not."
Beaming at one another, communicating only through their eyes, their silent conversation was cut short due to another interruption.
"Hey, Delia!"
Delia's eyes quickly grew themselves away from her colleague to a figure pushing through the lively crowd.
"Go ahead Delia," Spencer ordered, touching her arm lightly, "I do not wish to ruin the evening with talk of the past."
Starting to walk off promptly, Delia gently tugged on the end of his sleeve, looking back at him. "Spencer," she said sincerely, "if you need anything, I'm here for you."
Finally, a small smile swept across his face again. "Thank you."
"Delia!"
The calling of her name drew Spencer away, having him join in on the conversation with Zelda and the others. Delia then spun around seeing Mark who was dressed nicely, adjusting his tie delicately.
"Hi, Mark." She greeted in return, feeling a little overwhelmed by all the company. "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Uh, yeah!" He answered with an upbeat tone. "It's been going pretty good. But um, Delia you look- wow! You're just uh... Wow..."
His eyes first fixated on the cleavage of her breasts that was peering beneath her dress, then adventured all the way down to her slim legs and feet, back up to her shimmering face. He couldn't help but smile back at her with longing, finding himself more nervous than before now that she was standing right before him. Her beauty was certainly alluring the researcher, though as usual, Delia was unaware that he was starting to unhinge his primitive instincts.
Gazing back at him, Delia became warm and slightly apprehensive as she felt his breath upon her skin and watched his wandering eyes curiously.
"Time for a slow dance!" Annie proclaimed, taking hold of her husband's arm who was busy shoving h'orderves into his mouth like a steam-shovel. "Let's go Chad."
"Aggh, I hate slow dances!" He groaned, stomping as she pulled him along.
Delia and Mark's eyes soon followed the married couple as they lingered on the dance floor, Chad resisting the slow movement like a child while Annie fought back to keep him somewhat stable.
Delia released a small giggle by the sight, but was soon drawn away by Mark once more.
"Would you care to dance?" He questioned, holding his hand out.
Brushing a strand of hair away from her face, she replied softly, "uh, yes."
Taking Mark's hand gradually, Delia was soon gliding across the floor slowly to the beat of the recording on the stereo. The jazz influenced music quieted down everyone in the room and the lights seemed to dim down as well. Mark immediately took the lead, wrapping his arm around her waist and placing his other hand in hers. Delia followed steadily, setting her other hand on his upper arm.
As the song lingered on somberly in the background Delia's imagination was set free due to her bottled emotions becoming entrapped in a haze, an illusion. She hadn't been so close to a man in years and felt an odd sensation rising through her body. It wasn't too long however, for this sensation to take over and for her to conceive a younger version of her on the dance floor, accompanied by a dashing, tall, slim, dark-haired man with pale skin and blue icy eyes. The father of her son to be exact.
The words of the song soon entangled with her emotions and images, remembering a time when her heart had been conquered for the greater good of love and what it felt like to lose such an exhilarating feeling in a blink of an eye. This forgotten love of hers had been reawakened, though the man she wished to share it with was nowhere to be found.
Delia's emotions were imprisoned within the song itself, watching her dreamed up scenario with heartache. That moment of the two of them dancing at their graduation party ten years ago was one of the most enchanting nights. They had such a ravishing and eventful evening; dancing, laughing, with innocent kisses exchanged between the two love birds.
It was only a couple of weeks after the party, that Jay surprised Delia with a lavish and expensive graduation gift. A gift that would change their relationship from boyfriend and girlfriend to man and wife. Uncovering her eyes, Delia discovered a newly furnished house with a sold sign hammered in the front lawn and Jay at her knees with a glistening ring in his hand. Delia still remembered the exhilaration she felt and the many tears of joy she released as she cried yes to the biggest question she had ever been asked. And here she was ten years later at the reunion, alone, hurt, despondent and for what? Jay was supposed to be there.
Jay was supposed to walk to the lab with Delia and greet Prof. Oak at the front door, he was supposed to sit down with Chad and reminisce about the old times, he was supposed to visit with his sisters and share a few laughs, he was supposed to encourage and support Spencer, he was supposed to be dancing with his wife, placing his arm around her waist and not some stranger... stranger...
Delia wanted so desperately to feel Jay's lips caress her skin, for his fingers to run through her hair, for his body to press against hers as they danced in the moonlight. After everything they had been through together as friends and as a couple, was it so much to ask for him to honor his vow and raise Ash with her? As a result, all Delia felt was insecurity and utter confusion. She didn't belong in the comfort of Mark's arms, she wanted Jay's arms. Jay's tone but thin arms not Mark's buff limbs. She wanted to lay her head against Jay's smooth, firm chest and listen to his soothing heartbeat, instead of resting her cheek awkwardly against Mark's hard shoulder.
She wanted to be glided off her feet and taken into the arms of a man who she trusted her life with. Unconsciously, Delia wished to feel him again and see all his features and attributes that made her want more. Jay's charming and contagious grin made her blush and giggle all at once, how his eyes lit up when he looked at Delia made her sigh, how his seductive voice left her feeling powerless yet safe as he whispered in her ear playfully. He was perfect in her eyes even if he was an angst-ridden, perspicacious, reserved, sarcastic teenager who wanted nothing to do with his home life.
However, these emotions of his were rarely displayed when Delia was present. His anti-hero gimmick ceased gradually as they became more comfortable with each other and soon Delia saw the kind, humorous, sweet, sensible boy who needed her more than she needed him. She was his calm in a storm, he was her shoulder to lean on. Jay was the person she wanted to dance with, to hold hands, to forever be with- This feeling however, this feeling of wanting Jay back was deriving from her heart, though her head was telling her otherwise. And because of this, Delia resisted these emotions and fought them off constantly, afraid if she ever let them in her life again her dreams would be shattered once more. Those unforgettable dreams...
Delia's eyes began to water as she watched the image she created fade away, the happy couple still dancing as they turned into dust. Her gaze then traveled up to Mark, who was grinning gently down at her. The woman returned his grin with a faint one, turning her head away again pondering. And then, a realization occurred. It only took her till the end of the song for it to dawned on her, this question Delia should have asked herself before the song started. If she missed Jay so much, then why did she agree to dance with Mark to begin with?
Author's Note:
First off, I just wanted to say this is only part one of the reunion party and don't worry, Ash will be coming in again soon! I would also like to mention, I will be getting deeper into Jay's disappearance in one of the upcoming chapters so please be patient and there might be other relatives of Ash's on the horizon. Oh, the suspense!
There is plenty more to come and I hope you all enjoyed this newest addition. Until next time!
P.S. I am fully aware of the scattered grammatical errors and possible typos throughout the story, so I am promising you all now that I will correct these mistakes after I post the final chapter. I can only stand proof-reading so many times.