Everything Changes

Chapter 14

A Glimmer of Sunlight

"Okay, do you have all your library books turned in?"

"Yep."

"You got your locker cleaned out?"

"Already done."

"Have you turned in all your assignments?"

"Mom, I did all of that days ago. Are you okay?"

Delia had been biting her nails all morning as she anxiously awaited to take Ash on his last day of school. Which meant his last days at home were winding down. As for Ash, he appeared to be at ease, ready to finish school and accept the next phase in his life; unlike his mother, who was still having a hard time grasping the reality of it all.

It was a big deal after all. The time for his departure was drawing near and Delia still wasn't mentally prepared for it all like she promised herself to be. Yet, she had no choice but to fall through with the decision she made a month ago and let this new journey take its course.

Not to mention, Leah offered to take Ash herself since Delia would barely have enough time to drive there and then come back for Emily to pick her up. But, Delia refused the request and was able to convince Emily to let her drive herself to the mall. Though if push come to shove, she was willing to speed all the way home as long as she had the opportunity to take her baby on his last day of school. Though they least made an agreement that her mother would fetch Ash after school. Delia settled with that.

"Yeah," She eventually answered, staring at some kids scurrying to the school, then back at her concerned son. "Yeah honey, I'm fine. I guess I'm just a little sad that this is the last time I'll be taking you to school."

"It's okay, Mom." He reassured, shrugging. "It's just school. I promise when I come to visit, you can drive me all sorts of places."

His comment forced Delia to smile as she silently sat there.

He could tell she was still struggling with the acceptance, continuing to persuade her. "Mom, really it's all right. It's just school-"

"I know, but it's more than that, Ash." Delia looked down at her lap, pausing. This feeling of sadness she had manifested was hard for him to fully understand. "This is the last day I'm ever going to drive you here. Here." She emphasized, gesturing towards the building. "I won't be stopping by the elementary five times a week anymore."

"But, you'll save on gas."

That made Delia chuckle. She could always count on Ash to look at the glass half-full. Even with such troubling times. "Oh sweetie," she said with a sigh as she stroked his bangs away from his forehead, "I'm gonna miss you."

Her ray of sunshine was going to travel from her sight, shining other parts of the world with his warm smiles and can-do attitude. Delia felt she was being a little selfish for wanting him to stay with her as long as he could, though she wanted him to become brighter not darken. And holding him back with make that dreadful transformation.

"I'll be home this afternoon," he reminded her, undoing his seat-belt.

Ash didn't seem to comprehend what Delia meant, but she went along with it anyway. At least he was lightening the situation with his childish remarks.

Delia let her fingers fly away from his ruffled bangs, gently settling her arm down. She then closed her eyes briefly and soon beamed them back at Ash with a weak smile. "Right. Well, I- I guess this is it."

He released a tiny grin. "Bye, Mom."

"Bye, honey." She replied sweetly as he stepped out of the vehicle. "Have a good day."

This was it. The very last time she'd utter those memorable words. And the very last time he'd step out of the car.

Ash gripped the car door tightly. "You too." Looking up at his mother, he was finally able to decipher the sadden expression she tried to hide away, conjuring another response to help brighten her day. "You'll need it with Grandma."

Delia's weak smile grew dramatically. That was for sure.

Slamming the door shut, Ash gave one last wave before rushing up the stairs and into the school. His mom waved back, finally letting tears trickle down her cheeks. But, Delia's smile stayed. She kept on smiling because she wanted to salvage every minute of what fondful memories she had left. And she would keep on smiling till her muscles could no longer handle the bitter, yet sweet pain.

Turning the corner, Ash surprisingly found Gary leaning against the shoe lockers with his arms folded and his eyes closed. He was never in the mood to deal with his annoying cousin, but started the conversation up anyway. After all he was resting right in front of his locker.

Ash clung to his backpack as he gazed at him with confusion. "Gary?"

He opened his eyes gradually at the sound of his rival's voice, a smirk taking over his face. "Guess this is our last day as rivals here at school. But soon it'll be our first out on the road as trainers, that is, if you can find your way out of Pallet!"

Even on the last day of their education, Gary was still picking a fight.

Ash's eyebrows seeped together as he gritted his teeth. "Just you watch Gary, I'll show ya what it takes to be a real Pokémon trainer!"

Ash's rival tossed his bangs away from his face. "Humph! I'm sure it'll be a treat to see you try!"

Before making a come back, their petty squabble was interrupted by another student who appeared to be in good spirits.

"Hey Gary," a boy started happily, "thanks for inviting me to your birthday party! Is there really gonna be a swimming pool?"

Gary's muscles relaxed, as he lowered his arms, a soft smile growing from his lips. "Hmhm. And a slip and slide too."

"All right!" The boy exclaimed, waving a little as he strolled away. "Can't wait to be there!"

Ash was missing something. Blinking a couple times, he turned back to Gary, his frown replaced with a confused look. "You're throwing a birthday party?"

Delia mentioned Gary's folks were having a party with family members only, but Ash was left in the dark about a party with friends.

He snorted. "Of course!"

"When is it?"

"Huh?" Gary crinkled his nose, dumbfounded as to why his enemy would even bother asking such a heinous question. "Don't tell me you think you're invited Ashy Boy!"

Ash simply peaked behind Gary, seeing all their peers holding invites in their hands, jumping up and down with excitement. Ash looked back at him meekly still addled. "But you invited the whole class."

"Yeah, everyone who isn't a loser!" Gary rebutted, shoving his finger on Ash's chest. "You wouldn't be able to come anyway cause it's on your birthday!"

A gasp leaped from Ash's throat. "What?!"

He was completely blown out of the water. Someone else dared to throw a party on his birthday and that someone just had to be Gary? How could things get any worse?! Now he really wasn't going to have the celebration he had looked forward too for so long. It was another event that could not aid Ash's jumbled mind. It only added more trouble to the brewing pot of misfortunes.

"It'll just be you and your mommy all alone with one crummy cake to share! So, have fun with your mommy on your birthday Ashy boy!" Gary went on cruelly, smirking. "I wouldn't want to spoil your precious time with her before you head off! After all, you are her little boy-"

"Shut up!" The dark-haired boy suddenly bellowed. "Just cause you're throwing a party on my birthday, doesn't mean people won't come to my party too!"

Ash had passed out his invitations the week before and hoped to God no one would 'accidentally' forget about his party. Sadly though by the looks on his classmates expressions, it seemed he was going to be forgotten.

Gary snorted as he rested his hands on his hips. "Oh, like who? Everyone in class is coming to my party," he carried on, lifting hid hands in the air as well as his nose. "They already told me!"

Ash's neck and head seeped below his shoulders falling into a deep shrug. "Uh..."

"I guess that leaves you with your mom, your mom, and oh wait, your mom!"

"Arrgh, at least my mom's taking the time to make me a cake!"

Gary snickered. "Is that the best you've got? My Dad's gonna provide pizza from his work place," he bragged proudly, placing his hand on his chest like won an award. "Can your dad do that? Oh that's right, he's too busy trying to become a Pokémon Master!" He added harshly, laughing again. "Like that will ever happen! He's so wrapped up in his pathetic dreams, he won't even stop by and see you get your first Pokémon! Not like you'd get that far anyway. He's probably too ashamed that you'd never live up to him!" With a mocking wave, Gary went on chuckling, leaving Ash beside himself. "Have fun at your lame-o party loser, ahhha!"

Ash didn't hear Gary's last insult as he stomped off, for he was too stunned by the first part. He had forgotten about Jay's absence presence on the big day, making the pain all the more insufferable to endure. Ash clearly had done a good job at blocking out the horrifying truth though now he wished he had confronted it months before.

He was going to have to stand there, stand with his starter Pokémon and Pokedex and watch his other three rivals bid goodbye to their fathers, their loyal and devoted fathers... He wasn't sure if he could stomach that.

Dad... He really won't be there will he? Not for the party or for me getting my first Pokémon... My first Pokémon...

Delia arrived at the Viridian mall with a few minutes to spare before Emily and Annie showed up. She was relieved she did not have to ride nearly two long painstaking hours with her mother-in-law and could enjoy a small cup of coffee she bought on her way over to their destination.

The treat seemed to put her mind at ease as she waited patiently, though she was startled by Emily approaching her car window, then she had no choice but to listen to the older woman carry on about how her truck needed repairs. They had hardly been together for five minutes and she was already getting on Delia's nerves. At least she had Annie there.

The trio first entered into a large department store, one Delia would never set foot in even in her wildest dreams. Though barely taking a few steps, the women were encountered with a salesperson prompt and cheery.

"Mrs. Ketchum were we expecting you today?"

Delia quickly gave Annie a glance of confusion, and she only returned her question with a gentle shake of the head.

They were clearing referring to the older Mrs. Ketchum.

Apparently, Emily was well-known throughout the mall, especially in the high-end stores. Her continuous purchasing of various items was the reason behind getting such undivided attention, considering the owners made their employees worship her name.

She soon glanced over, eying the woman with a name-tag strapped to her jacket. "You should have been." She snapped, looking straight ahead again with her nose high in the air. "This is my daughter Annie and my daughter-in-law Delia." She informed.

The woman immediately looked behind her, seeing Annie and Delia fast-walking as they tried to keep up with them. She bared a small grin out of courtesy. "Nice to meet you."

Annie looked back at her oddly. "Uh, hi."

"Hello." Delia replied, scuffling along.

"What's in stock?" Emily continued, moving about.

"We have a hand-painted tea set that screams Emily Ketchum." She explained brilliantly. "Would you like to take a look?"

"Yes that will be fine, thank you." Stopping in her tracks, Delia and Annie stepped on the brakes before accidentally slamming into Emily. That would not be good. "I'll be right back girls," she stated then walking off with the employee, "I need to take a look at this china in case they're trying to rip me off."

Annie's head quickly swiveled around, beaming at the entrance to another store then she looked back at her mother. "We're just gonna head over to that store Mom!"

"Very well!" She hollered across the floor, walking away.

Both women sighed as they watched Emily's mouth moving and stopping to look at various luxuries. Still shaking her head, Annie led Delia over to a more age appropriate store for the boys, making small talk as they journeyed over there.

"Haven't done this in a while." Annie finally spoke up with a small meek grin.

Delia nodded back, equally as awkward. "Yeah."

"Wasn't the last time you went shopping with Mom and I, was when we visited Zelda in Cerulean?"

"Uh, huh. I remember we had a good time."

A good time they did have. Shopping, fine dining, and even a spa treatment. Delia felt like she was pampered like she had never been before and was beyond grateful she was able to spend time with the girls. Though when she returned home from her mini vacation, so did Ash and Jay, and that's when things started to change.

Her sister-in-law's smile grew as she continued to reminisce. "Unlike the time before that when Mom took us shopping for maturnity clothes." Annie chortled. "God, that was awful!"

Her friend chuckled back softly. "Yeah, but it all worked out."

"Hmhm!"

The two became quiet again as they arrived at their destination, standing in the front of the bustling store. Immediately they started to explore the corridors of the establishment, gawking at the shelf covered toys and the fast moving costumers. There silence however, was only active till Annie conjured the nerve to speak up again.

"Say Delia," she started slowly, her blue eyes preying on Delia's face with concern, "how have you been doing? You know, since the party-"

"I'm okay." She replied with a faint smile.

Annie intended checking on her friend sooner or later, but felt is was best to giver her some space till she was ready to talk. Unlike everyone else who couldn't wait to hear all the juicy details. She had to admit, she might of said a few a words to some people in passing that helped coax them over to Delia's house, but she never wanted to flood her friend's front lawn with busybody neighbors.

"I was really shaken up at first," Delia continued, clinging to her purse tightly, "but I'm fine for the most part. I was taken by surprise... that's all."

Annie nodded earnestly. "Me too. It's all a blur to me now..." Delia could see the uneasiness ridden in Annie's expression and by the way she started to fidget with a stuffed Pysduck she picked up off one of the nearby stands. "To tell you the truth Del, I don't know what came over me the other night." She confessed lowly, frazzled. "I don't know if it was the alcohol talking or me.

"I was just so angry at Mark for what he did to you in front of all our friends that I just snapped. Man," she continued, rubbing her head gently in shock, "I haven't freaked out like that since Zeke Crawford asked me if I could show him my boobs junior year. At least he never talked to me again." She commented with a subtle laugh. "I guess it doesn't matter, Mark's gone anyway."

"What?"

Annie's eyebrows rose. "Didn't you hear?" She asked, placing the toy back down. "Sam said when he woke up, Mark just packed up and left without a warning. He left a vague message on the counter saying he was needed back in Hoenn for some emergency."

So Mark did leave town? This was news to Delia for no one breathed a single word about the man's disappearance. She was however, relieved to know he was officially out of the region, a part of her felt his sudden act to be rather strange than comforting. Mark was never the type of man to not settle things and Delia was only anticipating on his arrival at her doorstep, yet he never came. He must of really had an important matter to take care of, or else he would have been at her front door, persisting her all the more to run away with him.

"It seemed fishy, 'cause Sam could have sworn he heard Mark talking to someone late that night. Whoever it was, must have needed back at the lab immediately, that or he made up some lame excuse cause someone told the jerk off. Wouldn't surprise me if it was Zelda," she continued with a huff, "the sneaky type she is."

Before Delia could get a word in, Emily appeared on the scene again, joining in on the conversation with no hesitation.

"So what are we talking about?" The older woman asked, panting slightly from all the walking she had done.

"Mark left town." Annie stated bluntly.

Emily's eyes widened dramatically, her stance stiffening. "No!"

"Yes!"

"Well thank God!" She proclaimed loudly. "If he wasn't leaving soon, I was going to approach him myself!"

"You totally should have Mom!" Annie encouraged. "Though I must say, it was pretty funny to see the look on his face when Delia turned him down! He couldn't believe she didn't want him!" Her chuckling soon ended abruptly however, by the sight of Delia's frown. She grinned back at her sheepishly, composing herself once more. "But you know, at the time and place it wasn't that funny."

"Of course not!" Emily agreed. "Poor Delia was caught in a predicament-"

"Can we not relive that night?" Delia asked, exhibiting the subject was still a touchy one too touch so intimately. "Please?"

Not only was it a topic Delia did not want to relive through her in-laws, she also couldn't help but feel uncomfortable by the sudden stares they were receiving. She didn't need a bunch of strangers eves dropping on their conversation just because they didn't think to lower their voices.

Annie however, could sense the dire request through her friend's tone. "Sure Del. We didn't mean to upset you."

"Heavens no! Who would blame you for still being rattled about the whole thing?!" Emily stated, defending her case. "It was utterly inappropriate! Damn fool-"

"Mom!" Annie intervened, giving her desperate look.

"Excuse me," said Emily, bringing her rant to a halt, "that man's not worth my time. Now," she began, composing herself once more, "I suppose we should find something for the boys?"

Her daughter returned her question with a nod. "That would be nice."

Standing awkwardly in silence, looking about the array of toys scattered around them Emily's nose crinkled, finally noticing what store she walked into. And what she clearly didn't like.

"What on Earth are we doing in here?" She outwardly asked, continuing to look about.

"I knew she'd noticed eventually." Her daughter mumbled.

Delia could no longer stand and watch Emily's sincere befuddlement. "Getting presents, Emily." Delia reminded warmly.

Emily twirled around glaring softly at her daughter-in-law, perceiving her words as if she was treating her like some invalid. "I understand why we are here at the mall shopping, Delia," she hissed in return, "but what does that have to do with standing in this horrific display of child entertainment? You two weren't seriously considering buying something from here, were you?"

"And what would be so wrong if we did?" Annie rebutted, arching an eyebrow.

Emily rolled her eyes, scoffing in disbelief. "Annie have I taught you nothing? This place is vile! Look," she went on, pointing at a couple of small children running about, playing with their newly bought goodies, "they have guns that make noises and shoot off lasers effecting the development of children's eye sight!"

"Mom you're being dramatic."

"I am not being dramatic, those things they call toys are a liability!" Annie's mother insisted seriously. "What if you got Gary one and he poked a child's eye out or blinded them?! Then you'd have a real lawsuit to deal with-"

"Mom relax, I'm not buying that for him." She answered in exasperation.

"You swear?"

"I swear!" She exclaimed, putting her hands up in defense.

Emily gave her a confirmed nod then turned to Delia, striking a stern gaze. "You better not be either young lady! Ash is already a very sweet boy, I don't need his disposition altered-"

"No Emily, I would never buy that for him." Delia reassured, staying calm. "Even if he begged."

This seemed to simmer down Emily, giving them all a chance to move about again and find other options that wouldn't lead to an early stage of violence or stunt their mental development.

"Hey Mom, look at this!" Annie suddenly exclaimed, adventuring over to a small secluded display case. "This would be great for the boys!" She continued enthusiastically, lifting up the item.

Both women shortly followed Annie to see the intriguing toy, only for Emily to lower her eyebrows. "What is it?" She spat.

"Well, you make little critters." She explained, bringing the box closer for the women to see. "See, you take melted down plastic and mold them into bug Pokemon. They could make a Caterpie, a Weedle, a Ladyba-"

"This isn't something I would have bought Jayce when he was ten." She stated, taking it from her daughter's grasp.

"Yes Mom, but Jay wasn't your average ten year-old." The blonde woman implied. "You gave him a box set of the greatest novels known to man kind and an atlas when he turned ten, and by the end of the month he read them all and had nothing to do again."

"And you gave him a make-up kit for Christmas." Emily stated, slightly perturbed.

"Hey it was Secret Santa and I knew if I 'bought' it for him, Jay wouldn't want it and I'd get it! And Dad took me shopping so of course he didn't pay attention to who it was for!" Her daughter carried on, clarifying the past. "Probably thought he was buying it for me! Ha, I still remember the look on his face when he opened that present! He was so stunned, didn't know what to say!"

Here we go again..., Delia thought with a sigh.

Annie used to be quite the instigator as a child, eventually growing out of her childish ways once she went to college and got married. She remembered on several occasions where she and Jay weren't on good terms, and because of that, she didn't blame her boyfriend for being fed up with his sister's shenanigans. Always wanting him to cover for her when she would sneak out of the house through her bedroom window with a some delinquent boy, or when she purchased a not so flattering dress she didn't want Emily to uncover.

Oh, and Delia couldn't forget the time Annie and Chad tried throwing a party while Emily and Richard were away at a function. Jay was beyond mad when he and Delia went up to his room and discovered two unknown teenagers smacking lips on his bed. Delia could still remember how his eyes became blood shot in flash, his nostrils flaring, his mouth agape, and horrifying fear of his bed being tainted in more ways than one. That was the last big incident he had to cover up for her and thankfully, she matured fast after that point.

"That wasn't funny, Annie." Emily disagreed. "He got one less gift than you and your sister-"

"And he still had millions other presents to open and passed all his tests with A's and B's, and could hold a job. I don't think getting one less present damaged him Mom." She rebutted, folding her arms.

Emily squared her shoulders, settling the toy back down. She was growing tired of Annie's remarks and was starting to feel rather insulted. "Marianne Margret Oak, are you telling me I am incapable of shopping for my own grandchildren? Because you just said yourself what I bought for Jayce didn't damage him. So why can't I have a say?"

How did they get on this tangent?

Delia's eyes traveled back and forth between the bickering family members. Getting into random arguments was in norm for their family, though Delia never partook in them, she tended to watch from the sidelines without a choice.

"Mom, you're being ridiculous." Annie responded, diving head first into the dispute. "It's just I have different opinions on what I should buy for my child. You may think one thing is great for a kid, and I may think of another."

"Speaking of going about different ways," Emily replied with a small smirk. "I would never let my children come to the point where they cannot get along with their own cousins."

"God help me..." She grumbled softly, looking up.

"Annie, I don't understand why the boys can't get along."

It was only a matter of time before this conversation would be brought up, not surprising Delia nor Annie. However, Delia was curious to see how her friend would react to her intruding mother. She tried confronting Annie about the problem herself, and in the process she simply shrugged it off, trying to bid it off as an adolescent thing- something they'd eventually grow out of. But both Delia and Emily, still had their worries.

"Mom, they just don't wanna be around each other." She reiterated like she had many times before.

Usually Emily would attempt to have the conversation in private, but seeing they never got anywhere, she was willing to push her limits and confront Annie with her very own audience.

Her mother scoffed. "Annie that is preposterous! I have never heard of such a thing where a family can't properly mingle without an eruption occurring. The problem is you two are letting them off the hook too easily. Since your husbands seem to either be elsewhere physically or in some cases, mentally," she added, first eying Delia then Annie, "it is up to the two of you to make this work. And if one is not willing to give then-"

"Mom, I am not having this discussion with you in the middle of a department store!" Her daughter responded sternly, trying not to lose her patience. "What Delia and I decide to do with our children is our business. Please, trust me, you wouldn't want Gary and Ash together if you knew what kind of... damage they could do."

The classic incident that led both boys to the principal's office was never mentioned to their grandmother. And everyone preferred to keep it that way.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake you make it sound like they're completely out of control! Pull your boot straps up Annie and take charge! You out of all people should be able to do that!

"Mom, how many times do I have to tell you? Gary and Ash-"

"I know what the main source of the problem is." Emily interrupted swiftly.

"Huh?"

"The problem is Gary." She said without a single stutter. "He has a horrifying ego for his age."

The wealthy woman loved her grandsons as much as she was capable of, but Gary's constant banter and the sly remarks he not only gave to Ash, but to she and Richard, were completely uncalled for. She couldn't believe after everything they gave him he had the nerve to be disrespectful towards them. He acted as if he didn't need their help or advice, nor their money when they offered to pay for some of his expenses once he hit the road. He almost gave off the impression that he was simply too good for his successful grandparents. And Emily found herself struggling with handling such an unruly child.

However, Gary never behaved so rudely to Prof. Oak, so it only made them wonder: why did he treat them so unfavorably? Was he not attached to them? Was he not... Ash? He didn't bare unkempt midnight strands of hair, no birthmarks that had been passed down in their family for generations, nor the same enchanting grin. He was different. He didn't look the part of a Ketchum. He looked like an Oak- earning the brains of Samuel not Richard, but gave anything to have the talent of Ketchum. The talent of being a successful and intimidating trainer.

After all, every time Gary and his folks swung by, Emily and Richard always managed to squeeze in one inquiry about their other grandson, appearing that they took a greater interest in him over Gary. This of course allowed the boy to have another reason in regards to loathing Ash, and why he affronted him with harsh comments about his father. Apparently, their son's child was more worthwhile than their daughter's, which made Gary despise his estranged uncle all the more. He was blaming him for not being able to connect well with his other grandparents, but since he wasn't present, attacking Ash was the next best source.

Annie soon rubbed her temple, ready to call quits. "Not this again-"

"I am sorry to say this, but you young lady, spoil him rotten. He think he's privileged to misbehave without any consequences-"

"Mom, Sam is trying to help me with him-"

"Prof. Oak?!" Emily said, raising her eyebrows. "Gary is not his child and he is far too busy to be saddled with his grandson constantly! He belongs to Chad!"

"I am aware of that Mother-"

"That man has always gone crawling back to his father when he is in need of help!" Delia gave a short glance at Annie who appeared to be in a great deal of pain, yet she couldn't help but not agree with Emily to a point. Then again, she didn't need to degrade her daughter in public. That much Delia found inappropriate.

"If he couldn't study without a punishment held over his head or remember to feed the Pokémon at his father's lab without a greasy pizza dangling in his vision, than it is no wonder he is an incompetent father. I'm telling you right now Annie," Emily said coming closer in a low, but firm tone, "some of it is irreversible because of what you've allowed to happen. Now, Jayce would never let Ash behave in such a intolerable fashion-"

"Jay and Chad are two completely different people, Mom." Annie reminded, a little galled. "Of course they aren't gonna do things the same way. And quit comparing Chad to Jay, Mom!" She sputtered, her anger finally being released out of its cage. "He's not even here so stop vouching for him!"

Being compared to her brother regarding parenting styles always left Annie feeling disheartened. She had worked her hardest to both balance work and her child, but Chad wasn't exactly helpful in the discipline part. Yet coming to grips with reality was something Annie wasn't ready to do. Pretending everything was fine and dandy seemed safe and she wouldn't dare release her only source of sanity so soon. Especially at the hand of her mother.

Emily closed her mouth promptly, breaking her gaze from her daughter. She must have hit a sore enough spot to stop the rambling, giving Annie a chance to cool down.

Huffing softly, Annie broke the abrupt silence as she said, "now, I'm going to go look over there. You can join me if you want, Delia."

Storming off, Delia produced a heavy sigh turning her attention to her dazed mother-in-law.

Still even after that out burst, Emily had the strength to carry on, hardly moved by her daughter's irritation. "Gary is out of line-"

"I agree." Delia said, hushing the woman quickly.

Ultimately Delia was aware it wasn't up to she and Emily to correct Gary's behavior nor their place. However, the women couldn't resist the disturbance ridden in their gut. Gary clearly had some problems to sort out, and it was a shame his parents were trying to avoid the issue and create excuses. They were certainly doing a disservice to their son by not taking the proper actions.

"Well," she replied with a small defeated shrug, "at least that makes two of us."

Emily quietly withdrew herself from speaking any further, looking about the array of items with a frown. Delia too did the same, only she occasionally eyed her mother-in-law with concern. The situation was starting to turn more awkward than before, leaving Delia feel a little unsettled wondering if she should join Annie instead.

Meeting the older woman's eyes due to the glancing forced Delia to stay.

Delia could feel her heart beat rapidly as she watching Emily's lips open gradually. "Have you heard from-"

"No." Her quick answer appeared to make Emily flinch, causing Delia to soften her tone, a weak smile taking over her face. "Sorry."

There was no need to clarify the air about who Emily was referring too. The answer could be read through their sadden yet unnerving expressions.

Ending with another pause, it took a moment before anyone spoke. The atmosphere was starting to grow thick and cloudy- like they were emerging in a dark and dreary haze.

"I didn't get the chance to ask," the brunette woman started again, clearing her throat, "how has everything been going for you?"

Delia's eyes fluttered up at Emily's sincere expression."Oh... Well... Fine, I guess." She muttered, still smiling shyly. "A few hurdles here and there."

Her mother-in-law nodded, carrying on plainly. "How's your mother's business? I've been meaning to start buying flower arrangements from her again, but it keeps slipping my mind." She explained, picking up and placing the various toys back on the shelves to keep her distracted from Delia's gaze.

"She's doing very well. Business has been great," she added with slight enthusiasm. "Thank you... for asking."

"Richard and I have switched over to your father's Miltank milk." She carried on nonchalantly. "It's healthier, being organic and all. We really have enjoyed his product."

"I will let him know." Delia answered, appreciative of the rare compliment." Thank you."

"Delia," she started up again, finally gracing the young woman with her eyes, "I... I've meant to tell you that... you have raised Ash better than I thought."

Her eyebrows rose. "Oh."

"He's very polite you know," she acknowledged. "Aside his dreadful table manners, he is a very kind and considerate boy."

Those words were some of the kindest Delia received from the uptight woman for as long as she was present in her life.

"Well, I think he was born with that disposition." The auburn-haired woman responded, still smiling gently.

"Yes... He must get it from you..."

It was nice for a change of pace- a much more pleasant and enduring conversation than their last phone call. But because it was so quaint and tolerable, Delia knew something was wrong with Emily. She was admittedly inquisitive to know about Delia's life and appeared to truly think well of Ash aside from her critics, but apart of her was still yearning to ask a much more important question. And Delia braced herself.

After another long pause, Emily finally met her daughter-in-law's worried eyes, taking one final gulp. "I never gave you a clear explanation why Richard and I stopped visiting-"

"It's all right, I understand-"

"I don't." She stated, not beating around the bush any longer. "I honestly don't know what we were running from... After thinking about it, I believe... we... we didn't want to accept the fact that Jayce was no longer there... Huh, funny how things work." she said gravely, grinning. "He was never there to begin with."

Delia's breathing became shallow, her voice trembling. "Emily..." This was more than about Ash.

"I don't know who my son is." She admitted somberly, her eyes gleaming down at the products displayed in front of them. "I've never known him and because of that, I hardly know Ash."

Delia bit down hard on her lip. Heart to heart moments with Emily Ketchum were unheard of to most folks, not to mention awkward. And apparently, Emily wanted to discuss the forbidden topic with her. Delia. She out of all people, who shuddered every time her husband was mentioned was forced to listen to what his mother had to say. What had been gnawing at her core.

Though Delia wasn't sure if she was strong enough- no, brave enough to hear all that needed to be said. After all, she could hardly come to terms with her own feelings.

"But Emily," she swallowed hard, hope residing in her vocal cords, "you still have a chance to get to know Ash-"

"He's leaving soon Delia," Emily stated, her dampened spirits glistening through her dark brown eyes, "I've run out of time... It took me too long to realize what I had done wrong with Jayce that I didn't with the girls. And now I am paying for it."

"There was nothing more you could do, Emily-"

"I never gave him any freedom." She continued to confess bitterly, dismissing Delia's reply. "I never asked him what he wanted or what he liked. I just did what I thought was best for him and he rebelled. I didn't realize my words affected him in a manner where he felt... out of place."

Encouraging him to be the best at everything damaged Jay's self worth more than strengthened it. She made him learn how to play the piano and practically all the string instruments, then there were the singing lessons too and the good grades and study habits, and attending gatherings of she and Richard's co-workers; all things he could simply care less about.

All those hours she made him twiddle away on the piano, his fingers growing tired and limp and in the end, Jay believed it was all for nothing. And how many days of summer were wasted with continuous study time and hardly any play? Time he could have spent laughing, training, being a kid. Something she was not capable of offering to her son.

Emily didn't allow Jay to have what he wanted- to be himself, and she discovered how silently rebellious her child was through investigating. Uncovering various rock CD's and metal posters beneath his floor boards, his confession of caring less about college, throwing his academic gifts down the drain, and finding his arm tucked around the waist of some farmer's daughter... Where had Emily gone wrong?

"I never intentionally wanted to push him so hard to the point where he felt like a stranger to Richard and I."

She demanded too much of the child, causing him to fade further and further away from his parent's understanding. He was stressed, tired, and fed up, wanting to seek life in new corridors. A new start in his life. He wasn't meant to fit into their rich, aristocratic world.

Beneath contemplating silently out side the classroom window, Jay was an untamed soul. He wanted to know what it felt like to have soft dewy grass rest between his toes, what if felt like to run endlessly without anyone or anything holding him back, and to feel the summer night air grace his cheeks. And he found all of that in Delia, and more.

"And now here you are with Ash, and he's gone...This is all hard for me to admit, you know?" Her powerful words could not blend with her dry tone and dry eyes.

It was conspicuous that everything was concealed underneath more than Jay's floor boards. The issue was on a larger scale than anyone could fathom and Emily was digging deeper and deeper to find the courage to admit it all.

"I can imagine."

Admitting she was in the wrong was something Emily would never acknowledge. She tended to be the type of person who felt secure with every word she breathed. Yet here she was, confiding her deepest afflictions to her alienated daughter-in-law, something neither one of them would ever think to happen.

Emily looked at the young woman for a split second. "Drake still calls once in a while, but it is nothing to significant." She sighed heavily. "I love him as much as a stepmother can love, but h-he is still not Jayce. My, Jayce... I'm ashamed of myself," Emily declared, restraining herself from letting her head fall in her hands. "I've lost my son and there's no way I can get him back..."

Her faltering was lingering on for too long, leaving Delia searching for a semi-descent response that would lighten Emily's dull expression.

"Emily you- you still have Ash." She managed to say.

If attempting to find the optimism in their darkest days was hardly working for herself, Delia didn't bother comprehending how it would help her deplored mother-in-law.

"Yes well," she laughed faintly to herself, "I suppose that's better than nothing..." Glancing away from Delia's gaze the older woman pondered silently once more, making her daughter-in-law all the more concerned. "There is something however, that I suppose I know about Jayce... You know as well as I do, that Jayce never did anything without a reason. A good reason, and committing reckless acts were not his forte, but if he had too, he would. That's how I know. That's why," she continued, finally raising her head with some dignity, "I still have a little faith in him. You out of all people should know that better than anyone, Delia."

Immediately, Delia disgracefully held her head low, avoiding Emily's eyes.

For once, the older woman's expression became sympathetic, almost motherly to her feeble daughter-in-law. "I- I can tell you are still struggling with letting the past go." She muttered, hoping to gain Delia's gaze back. "Believing in him, even though no matter how hard you try always seems pointless in the end. I know the same exact feeling. It twists and punctures your gut and makes you feel weak... hopeless. But don't." She ordered firmly, her voice rejuvenating with power.

"Do not give up on everything you two had. I lost faith and trust with Richard, and it only made matters worse. Yes, we patched things up eventually, but we never tackled the problem when it first occurred. Do not put Ash through the same misery as I did to my children."

Delia's chin tucked towards her neck and her eyebrows hung low. Emily was starting to infiltrate her deepest emotions.

"Jayce loves you Delia." She passionately burst between her lips. "He always has and no one has the power to force you to retract those feelings, but you. Do not let people who hardly know the truth, influence you or else you'll always be lost."

Lost. Looking for an answer. Always plunging her arm in the murky contaminated water and never scrounging the key to unlock the sunlight and pulverize the darkness that had been invading the sky for years.

"After all, he chose you over everything he ever knew and wanted. Jayce could have been a traveling trainer, you know." The wealthy woman reminded. "After graduating from high school, he could have packed up his bags and left Pallet. But he didn't. Instead he left our world and gave up everything to be in yours. Now, if that's not love I do not know what is. Foolish and naïve love, yes," she had to throw in, "nevertheless he truly cared about you."

The chilling words that cascaded poetically from Emily's mouth, left Delia too stunned to cry. She was able to capture every feeling Emily conveyed, desperately trying to process it all at once. It was indeed a whirlwind of emotions.

"There's something else I need to tell you."

Delia turned to face Emily, giving her an intrigued look, almost hesitant to know. Was it something else about Jay?

"The bushes in your front lawn look absolutely dreadful. You really need to do some work on them before winter comes."

Like she was some expert.

Delia's mouth became agape as Emily's expression turned hard and sour once more, unmoved by her sudden speech or accusation. At that point, Delia had about a million comebacks in mind after the woman practically unveiled everything she ever regretted and made her feel so dumbfounded.

Before she could throw out a comeback, Delia's victim was saved by Annie. "Mom, I think I found something for the boys!"

Emily spun around on her heels, spotting her daughter ways-away in the store. "What is it? Is it something that actually won't encourage mass slaughter?"

With her mother-in-law strutting off all high and mighty, Delia was left alone facing loss of breath as she stood paralyzed.

Initially, she was taken aback by Emily's criticism, but was still too absorbed by her earlier penitence. Never did she think that out of all people, Emily Ketchum would give her not only one realization, but three, that would change her view on everything.

Seeing the results of the damage between a child and parents, Delia started to seriously fear for her own relationships. She was beginning to truly question what she and Ernest shared. Were they starting to turn into Emily and Jay? Was the trust vanishing and the need for controlling one another setting in? She couldn't afford for it to all go down the drain due to their stubbornness. Pride wasn't worth the cost of family.

All the pressure Emily put on her eldest son was now staring to be put on her shoulders, having Emily feel the burn and anxiety her child had felt all those lonely and misunderstood years. Delia could vividly see that and didn't want to cause her father the same agony, even if he brought some of it upon himself.

So whether Ernest was ready or not, someone had to speak up and Delia wasn't going to wait ideally by her father to make the first move like Jay did with his mother. She already saw the terrifying result, depressed that the mother and son ruined whatever relationship they had. And now they had to live with the regrets. They were regrets Delia and Ernest didn't need. They still had a chance.

And what about Ash? Hearing Emily accuse herself of all her faults that led to Jay's downfall terrified Delia all the more about her child.

Dear God, she thought as she laid her eyes upon a stray Vulpix stuffed toy on one of the shelves. The last one in stock. It was all becoming clear.

Isn't that what Delia had done to Ash? Intentionally or not, he formed the unappealing habit of lying and holding in his emotions because of the fear of Delia's reaction. Never did she intend for her child to be so scared and hesitant about coming to her when in need. Just thinking about the unintentional discomfort she put on Ash, made the mother sick to the stomach. Hating herself for refusing to respond like a grown adult and deny those big brown eyes of Ash's... her precious angel...

She was literally in shock for what she had done to her baby. Her baby, who looked to her for everything, and all he wanted was a couple of answers. Answers she was too timid to provide. To weak, to hurt... and to think, she was keeping Ash from something he wanted most of all. Something she would never in her wildest dreams do to him.

Delia might not have pressured Ash so harshly about things like Emily did to Jay, but shrugging off his constant questions about his father because she was being too big of a coward was clearly inevitable.

She was starting to expose the source of the agony that lay within herself. Thinking the phase of mourning Jay's departure would eventually fade away was foolish. Delia discerned she was in denial, for she never got over the loss of her other half. But she was going to this time. The struggling mother decided she wasn't going to let this disease of falling apart let it be her demise.

Not again.

Drowning out Ash's curiosity and running away like a startled Mareep was in the past. It was time to moved forward and give Ash the missing half he yearned to know and hold on to. She needed to listen to him.

It didn't matter anymore if what Jay did was deliberate or not. Denying what they shared, who her son's dad was not healing Ash's wounds. It was time to forgive, and embrace her dormant affections for Jay, ending the aimless fight... The fight that was never worth contending with...

So with as much strength as she could muster, Delia was going to have to follow Emily's word of advice. She was going to have to block out everyone's hateful words and rely on her heart. Something she hadn't done in years.

The guidance of faith was all she needed and Delia couldn't stand to stay another agonizing night in not only the night, but in the day. This nightmare she and Ash were caught up in was going to end at her hand. If Jay couldn't take away the misery that had been involuntarily crept into their house, than Delia would shoo it straight out. Light was going to shine again.

Softly stroking the stuffed Vulpix toy, Delia thoughtfully came to the conclusion that she didn't need it drawn out for her. It had been what her heart was trying to tell her all along.

Once the bell rang, Ash waited to feel a rush of excitement consume his body, but all he felt was dolefulness. Gary's harsh yet real words cut deep wounds in Ash's already scabbing skin, unable to fully enjoy his last day with his schoolmates. It had slipped his mind that Jay was not going to be there when he got his starter Pokémon, making the pain all the more unbearable. It was a huge step in his life and the one person he admired above all was not going to be there to cheer him on, and wish him good luck. He could hardly contain himself since the big day was about to arrive, though now he was somewhat dreading the occasion.

Ash could feel himself falling apart gradually as he walked down the hall, his head hanging low, unlike his peers who were smiling brilliantly and chattering away. So to escape the madness, Ash rushed out of the school as fast as he could, giving one last glance behind his shoulder before looking for his Grandparent's truck.

But then, as he examined the surrounding area Ash's eyes fell upon the scene of a boy about his age, looking both ways before crossing the road and then ran to be embraced in what appeared to be his father's arms.

Ash could hear the young stranger giggle as he was picked up by his dad, being swung around playfully. He soon felt a lump resided in his throat, his eyes becoming watery as he continued to watch. God, he'd give anything then and there to be that kid. To have a father who cared, who loved him, who was present...

He eventually tore his gaze away from the unbearable display of affection, after hearing the familiar sound of his grandparents truck rumble, with Leah strapped in the driver's seat, waiting. Before dashing across the street, the boys fists tightened and he squeezed his eyes shut and wishing that once he opened them, Jay would appear.

Alas, it was another dream that would never come true.