Chapter 13

This is the last chapter of the flashbacks! Well, the next chapter will be where from we left off, Alex will be back! That is Dawn trying to catch some sleep.

So, one more chapter and taaada! The story picks up pace!

...

If someone would have asked me what was the most happiest moment of my life, I would have said giving birth to my kid. It was the most tough, lovely and painful yet soothing thing I had ever gone through. When the doctor held him in her arms, I could hardly believe I had become a mother. I had given birth to a son, the mere thought still sends me goosebumps.

I wish my father would have been near me when it was happening but that was not possible. He was there in Kalos, for some business. But came back to Cerulean as soon as he could. He was not alone, Mom was with him. I can't deny, seeing them made me a little happy and relaxed. Those nine months of pregnancy had made me vulnerable and extremely emotional.

Mani was there with me in my final days of pregnancy. She used to take care of everything, my diet, chores and also mood swings. She was patient as well as understanding. I don't think I will be able to repay her back. She took the role of my mother, a person I needed the most at that time. She was my mother, she will stay as my mother, I won't change it, no matter what. Misty was coming for a visit too. Kenny had just lost in the Grand Festival, he was too close to win it. But that didn't stop him. He was going to try harder next time.

They chose to visit me after the final rush of visitors were gone. They believed, that way, they can give me company and we will be able to chat better. That is the best thing about friendship, we can start off from where we left.

As I was lying on my bed, playing with the tiny fingers of my kid, my father entered, soon followed by my Mom. It had been just a week since he came in my life. Mani, she didn't have to be said anything. Picking up Alex, she went outside, waiting for our talk to be finished. She really understood me.

Once Mani was out, Mom said,"We have made all the preparations. The kid will be put in that orphanage home."

I was stunned. She had still not given up. I glanced at my father and saw the pain in his eyes. He was not at all in agreement with Mom. My Mom had still not changed. Sometimes I can't help but compare Mani and Mom. Mani supported my decision with open mind and sweet heart, my mother, well. No comments.

"Leave the room Mom, before I insult you beyond limits," I harshly said. I guess I had become like a Lion, trying to protect its kid from anything dangerous. I had to be so, I can't let anyone harm or separate Alex from me. That would not only kill me, but also leave all my efforts destroyed.

She left without any further words. My father sat beside me and ran his hands on my hair, which was sticking out of the place. I could hardly care. I have something else to take care about. Father, having him beside me was soothing, he was trying to catch up with all the years we were separated. At least I knew what it felt to have a father.

He sweetly said,"I have made a bank account in your name. I know you. You will not come back home. Stay in Cerulean, in that house. It is your house now. And don't say no. You have to stay there. For the bank account, I will keep depositing money even if you don't withdraw it."

I just nodded. He knew I will never accept the money. But he wanted to help. He helped me enough by giving me that home. In my final months of pregnancy, when Mani came, she brought Piplup and Buneary with her, they were excited to see me.

She had also brought an attendant with her, Brock. Brock was once a well known gym leader but now, after his brother took over, used to stay with Mani to help her manage the different Pokémon. I was surprised by his skill. He was an awesome cook as well as took well care of the Pokémon.

"I want to see my grandson," my Dad asked.

As if on clue, Mani entered and handed the baby in my Father's arm. I could see the pride in his eyes.

I had decided I would name the baby Alex if it were a boy and Hinata if it were a girl. So when my Father asked his name, I proudly said,"Alex."

Dad was shedding tears of joy, happiness. I was so proud. Alex's hands were so small yet used to hold my hands firmly. His small face and baby skin made me so grateful to God for giving me someone who would call me Mom.

Mani decided to stay with me for the first year. I didn't want to trouble her but she was persistent. Kenny used to pay occasional visits and once Alex was one year old, Kenny and Misty visited me together.

We caught up on many things. Kenny said how he was aiming for the Kanto Grand Festival again. Misty had been appointed as a manager of the pokeballs company and enjoyed working there. She had a blush on her face when she said that she had developed a crush on one of her colleagues, Paul Shinji.

We teased each other , they played with Alex who was just a toddler, even though he was just an year old. Alex used to smile whenever we laughed or made fun of each other. His cute smile was all we needed to believe whatever was happening was not a wrong decision.

It was also then when Kenny proposed me for marriage.

"Sorry Kenny, but I never saw you more than a Friend. It will just not work out."

I had to break his heart. If I would have kept him hanging, he would have been hurt more badly. I didn't want to destroy whatever was left between us. He would move on, have a family and will forget about me soon.

So, when after two years, I came to know he had married a girl named Leona, I was not surprised. I knew it would never work out.

When Alex was three years old, I started the Day Care Shine, with Brock's help. He was like my older brother, ever since we met. He never judged me, never asked about Alex Father's whereabouts. I was glad he didn't.

Earlier, I had thought I will get a job after Alex would be some months old. But, when the time actually came, I understood how naive I was. I would not leave him in hands of a baby sitter, even if I have to starve. Brock still stayed with me to help, but I can not make that poor guy take full responsibility of a kid.

So when Brock came up with an idea to start a Day Care Centre, I easily agreed.

Misty had married Paul, a guy she met in her office. Paul was a little older than her but they were happy together. Paul was even understanding when he came to know Misty couldn't deliver a child. He really loved her. Seeing them made me believe happy endings existed.

When Alex was six, he had crammed the entry exams of the boy's academy. My current financial status would have never allowed me to afford something that high but since he was a brilliant kid, the school cut the fees to half. I didn't want him to be deprived of high education due to my incapability.

With the money I was making from Day Care Shine, I was able to make both ends meet. Hardly. But I was living life according to my own free will.

However, soon, I got the news that my mother was dead due to some cardiac arrest. She was fine in the morning but had not woken up after afternoon nap.

I didn't take Alex with me to the burial. She had not accepted Alex so there was no point in doing that.

I felt void and empty. I was alone but that didn't mean I had forgiven my Mother. Johanna Berlitz was not forgiven, even after her death. So deep was my pain.

To take my mind off that, Misty made me join the gym as a gym instructor. Her gym instructor was not at all a friendly person, she used to say and was jealous I had maintained such a good figure although I was mother of a kid.

She said,"How come you're so fit after delivering a baby? Look at me. Am without a kid and still gaining weight."

I barely contained my chuckle,"You should eat less."

"And you should talk less," she used to say.

I was going to do the job. Extra incomes were not going to hurt. Moreover, my fashion money were deposited at the bank. I wanted to save something for Alex's future.

..

I twisted and turned in my bed, trying to catch some sleep. When I think about it, a lot has changed since Alex arrived in my life.

He became my first priority, my everything. I lost my mother, but that never troubled me as much as it should have, Kenny and Leona were having a happy life, Misty and Paul were enjoying each other's company. Dad has become someone very important and Brock, he is the best thing I can ever ask for.

Day Care Shine was the second best thing after Alex. It gave me money, but more than that, made me happy. I enjoyed playing with different Pokémon. What amused me more was the love and attraction the little lovely creatures ha developed for Alex, Brock and myself.

But, I will have to face the angry civilians tomorrow. Death of Quilladin and Beautifly were not forgotten. The tragic incident will not die so soon.