…
May paced up and down her hallway, glancing through the window every time she got close enough. Her stiletto heels clacking each time she moved, a style of shoe she hadn't worn for a while. And if she were being honest her ankles still weren't approving of.
"Your mothers never late, bright and early with the irritating 'cooee, only me' but today she's late." May muttered as Drew joined her with a well-practised, bouncing hip.
"It's not even 9 yet and she said just after." He said, grimacing as once his son managed to ruin another shirt.
"This is why I told you not to get dressed until after you'd fed George." She moaned, slipping into the kitchen to grab a wet cloth.
"I put a muslin there." Drew tried to defend, but George had the amazing ability to miss any form of protection with his spit-up.
May chose not to comment, instead coming round Drew to wipe the back of his shirt. She got a gummy smile in return and her heart twinged. It would be the first time they'd be separated for more than a couple of hours, she felt awful for leaving him for the night.
She knew the invite had said been extended to George as well but a six-month-old was hardly an ideal wedding guest. He would probably pick the wrong time to start balling, and nobody wanted to fight with a baby to be heard during their 'I do's.
But May was his constant, she was always round. Drew came and went with work, but May would be there whenever he woke up, whenever he was hungry, whenever he was sad, whenever he was happy. And now she was going to vanish without any warning or explanation.
"It's just for one night." Drew assured, sensing his wife's discomfort.
"I know, but it's my first night." She sighed, granted Drew had spent a few nights away for the stag do but the hen do had been a very sophisticated affair. Afternoon tea and cocktails, she was home by 11 even if the others had gone to club. She may have missed George's bedtime but she'd been there when he woke up, and if hers was the first face he saw every morning she'd be happy.
But tomorrow it would be Drew's mother's face he saw, not the usual shower of kisses that he was used to. Would he cry, would he prefer someone else's routine, would he be disappointed when May returned because he'd enjoyed having his Grandma around.
"You can call as often as you want." Drew offered. "But we are not missing this wedding!"
"I know." She sighed, she was in the bridal party after all. Most of the other bridesmaids were probably already with the bride but she was going to take every moment she could with her son.
"Yes, you are late." He laughed as he watched May glance down at her watch.
"Ugh, I know." She groaned, Drew was nothing more than an observer during this wedding so he could relax until midday when the ceremony began – which was good considered George was chewing the collar of the already ruined shirt.
"Just go, Mum won't be offended if she doesn't get to say hello." Drew said, but in truth she'd been using that as an excuse. She wasn't ready to say goodbye, she wasn't ready to abandon her son – even if it was just for the one day.
"Cooee! Only me!" Drew's mum, Sara, said letting herself into their home.
"Hello." May fake smiled, it wasn't that she didn't like Sara. In terms of in-laws she'd lucked out but her arrival meant May's departure. She'd been using Sara as an excuse not to leave and now she had nothing, she had to go.
"One day." Drew reminded her as she got ready to say goodbye. He was right, it was one day. She could handle it.
…
Misty felt sick, she knew she was supposed to be getting ready for this wedding but currently she was curled over the toilet bowl for the second time this morning and it wasn't even ten yet. This sickness was a pain.
"Your phone is ringing off the hook." Gary called helpfully from the living room, finishing off the greasy fry up Misty had insisted she wanted only to not be able to stomach it after two bites.
"Thanks." She muttered.
"Should I answer it or…?" He trailed off.
"Yes!" She snapped, it was his fault she was face down in the toilet right now the least he could do is answer her phone.
"Right, right. Hi Dawn." He greeted, Misty rolling her eyes. Of course, it was bridezilla. "Yeah, she'll be on her way soon… No I don't think she's done her makeup."
Misty laughed when Gary winced, only imagining the pitch and volume she was currently screaming at him in.
"Look, I'm sorry but… Alright yes I'll… Okay bye D… Bye Dawn!" Gary shouted, Misty assuming he'd just hung up on her, that would not go down well.
Misty winced as the door was thrown open, she understood they were a couple but she still liked her privacy when she was in the bathroom. But after the first few times it happened and her reprimand was ignored, she gave up trying.
"Dawn's waiting." Gary announced with fake cheer.
"Well she can wait, I'm a little busy." Misty told the toilet bowl.
"Want some ginger tea?" He offered, giving her back a rub.
"Don't touch me, you caused this. I hate you, I hate that I'm sick because of you." She moaned, Gary no doubt rolling his eyes at the dramatics.
"I think you were just a part of it as I was." He laughed.
"Regardless, it helps with the sickness if I can blame you."
"Of course, all my fault." He nodded solemnly. "And as it's my fault I'll make you that tea."
"Thank you." Misty moaned, feeling a fresh wave of nausea wash over her.
"It's just turned half past by the way." Gary said casually as he left the room.
To anybody else, this would seem like a strange piece of information to share while someone was feeling ill. But to Misty it marked the countdown, she could time it almost perfectly. Sickness feeling starting around nine, physically being sick by twenty past, able to stand again by twenty to and right as rain by ten. Same routine every morning, and some evenings when she was really unlucky, but she was getting used to it now.
How many more weeks to go? She sighed to herself.
…
Just as predicted, Misty was fine by ten and in Gary's car before quarter past. Granted her hair and makeup wasn't done, but who was she kidding? She would have done it wrong anyway and Dawn would have forced her to change it. Although she wouldn't admit it, Dawn would be relieved Misty turned up as a blank canvas.
"Thanks for the lift." Misty said as they pulled up outside Dawn's house.
"It's fine, you sure you're okay?" He asked, casting a nervous glance down before returning to her eyes.
"I'm fine, promise." She reassured with a kiss. "Next time you see me I will be looking stunning."
"You're always stunning." He winked as she got out the car.
Misty took a deep sigh as she stood on the pavement, she could almost feel the energy radiating off the house. Dawn was enough to deal with on an average day, her wedding day was going to be hell. Just as she was about to go in, she felt a car pull up behind her. She spun on her heel to see a taxi pull up with a frazzled May in the back practically throwing money at the poor driver.
"You're late." Misty said as May jumped out the taxi.
"So are you." She retorted. "I have a baby, what's your excuse?"
"Hmm." She shrugged, choosing not to mention she had a pretty good excuse herself but it was still too early for confessions.
"Right, let's get this over with." May said, frog marching Misty towards the door.
"Where the hell have you been?" Dawn screeched as she opened the door, blue hair wrapped tightly around curlers.
"Baby." May said, helping herself to a glass of champagne off the table.
"And you?" Dawn turned on Misty, if the girl wasn't getting married Misty would walk out simply for the attitude.
"Lost track of time?" She offered lamely.
"Fine, it's fine." Dawn took a calming breath. "Just get your drink then put your ass in that makeup chair."
Misty decided it wasn't worth the battle, she did exactly as she was told and offered May her glass as the other girl had already downed her first.
An hour later, Misty's hair and makeup was finally done. Who knew there was so much you could do with the top of your body? But Misty experienced it all, she was tweezed, bronzed, blushed and curled. And she had to admit it, the stylist had done a good job. But know she faced a whole new problem.
"I know it's usually the bride who loses weight for the wedding but I thought you would at least maintain your weight." Dawn complained from behind Misty, struggling desperately with the zipper of her dress.
If Misty was being honest it was a miracle it made it up this far, she thought it would have snagged at her hips but it seemed her breasts were causing the problem.
"Sorry, I've put on the new couple stone." Misty offered lamely.
"You've been together over a year." Dawn disagreed, letting out a cry of pure delight when the dress did up. Luckily Dawn opted for a floaty number for her bridesmaids or else the dress would be highlighting all her lumps and bumps.
"Well, what can I say? Gary likes to cook." She laughed.
"Whatever, you're in the dress now." She smiled, flitting over to the next person who had displeased her – apparently a lock of hair was in the wrong place.
"Misty, a word." May hissed, gesturing to the kitchen with her head.
Misty frowned but followed May either way, wondering why she was being so cryptic and why they had to have this conversation alone.
"So, what's up?" Misty asked, as May shut the door and turned on her.
"Me? What's up with you?" She gestured.
"Nothing." She shook her head, ignoring the fact that she was one deep breath away from spilling out the top of her dress.
"Please, last time we went out you were conveniently driving, now you've been nursing that champagne all morning and I've yet to see you actually take a sip. The dress doesn't fit, food you used to love now turns your stomach, your boobs are looking amazing…" May listed before Misty interrupted, she was sure this could go on forever.
"Your point, sherlock?" She sighed.
"You're knocked up." May smiled triumphantly.
Misty bit her lip, her and Gary had both agreed to keep it to themselves until they were at least at three months. When they were sure nothing could go wrong. Then decided to keep it under wraps just a little longer lest they steal focus on Dawn's big day. But May was her best friend and she couldn't lie to her. It's not like Misty told her, she worked it out herself.
"Alright, yes I am." She said, acting as if it were a defeat but if anything she was excited May finally found out.
"I knew it!" She clapped. "Nothing gets past me."
"You can't tell anyone, I mean it. Not even Drew." She warned.
"Course not, your secret is safe with me." She promised. "You're lucky you found out early, last wedding I was at I was knocking back drinks when I really shouldn't have been."
May winced at the memory, a month after Brock's wedding she'd finally noticed her period – or lack of in this case – and took herself to the doctor only to find she was twelve weeks pregnant. Throughout the whole pregnancy she'd be terrified she'd done some sort of irreversible damage with her long boozy weekend. But when George was born, perfect bouncing baby boy she had never felt so relieved in all her life.
"May, Misty. Come get your flowers." Dawn shouted from the other room. Misty rolled her eyes at the demand, but she supposed Dawn had the right. It was her wedding day.
"Wait." May said, swapping their champagne glasses so that May's was now full and Misty's only had a swallow left. "I've got you covered, so no one will get suspicious."
"Thanks." Misty rolled her eyes, not sure if May was just being helpful or was using this as an excuse to get completely drunk when she knew she didn't have a baby to go home to.
…
"How's my hair?" Dawn fussed as Misty straightened her veil.
"Fine, like the last five times you asked." May rolled her eyes.
"And my dress?"
"Besides the huge stain on the back it's perfect." May teased.
"What?" Dawn panicked.
"May." Misty warned, the last thing they needed was Dawn to have a meltdown, there was only so much waterproof mascara could handle.
"Right, this is it." Dawn took a big sigh. "I'm about to become Mrs Dawn Ketchum."
"I'm so happy for you." Misty whispered, pressing a kiss to Dawn's cheek. It amazed her how freely these words came out now, before she would have choked on the words, eyes stinging as she even had to utter them. But now she wanted to say the, because she truly meant them.
With one last smile towards Dawn, Misty started her descent down the aisle. She grinned widely when she saw Ash for the first time, despite everything that unruly hair could not be tamed. How many times had she pictured this in her mind's eyes? Friends and family gathered, a long dress – albeit white in her fantasies – and Ash waiting for her.
And yet, it didn't hurt her, it didn't cause her heartbreak. All she felt was a rush of warm, friendly love towards Ash, overflowing with excitement as he waited for Dawn.
She turned slightly as she reached the end of the aisle, catching Gary's eye amongst the other wedding goers. She offered him a quick wink, knowing he was the real reason she found today so easy. She'd found herself a new leading man.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Ashton Ketchum and DawnBerlitz."
Misty smiled as she watched the ceremony, granted her ankles hurt, she felt too hot in her dress and god did she need a sit down. But she was so happy watching her best friend get married.
She couldn't help but think about the last wedding she had been to, what had started out as a lie in a moment of panic had blossomed into something real. Now they were ready to start a new adventure together. Her hands unconsciously moved to stroke her own stomach, the action barely noticeable but Gary saw and gave her a soft smile.
…
Misty stood by the bar, teasing Ash for fumbling through his speech at the reception. The toasts had been difficult, bringing her champagne flute up to her mouth over and over without letting the liquid pass her lips. Surreptitiously putting it down closer to Gary so they could swap glasses periodically so nobody twigged her drink remained full the whole time.
Then it was just a case of drinking lemonade all evening and claiming it had vodka in it, everyone was steadily getting drunker so they'd soon not notice Misty still had her wits about her.
"Look at us." Ash smiled, his eyes slightly glazed over. "Who'd have thought we'd end up here. Me married to Dawn and you dating Gary. How long has it been now? Over a year? Must be some kind of record for Oak."
"I think you're right." She laughed, hoping the conversation of Gary would distract Ash from suggesting shots again.
"If anyone was going to tame him it would be you, you're too feisty to put up with his shit." He said, proudly imagining Misty putting Gary in his place after an argument.
"I think that's compliment." She frowned.
"Of course it is!" He scoffed. "But seriously Misty I am happy for you."
"Thanks." She smiled softly. "I'm happy for you too."
Ash was right, who would have thought that after all this time they'd make it to this simple place. Two people who had once loved, feeling genuine happiness to see the other move on with their life and get the love they deserve.
"Got you another." Gary said, appearing at Misty's side with a glass full of lemonade.
"Thanks." Misty pressed a kiss into his cheek, sighing happily as she felt his fingers curl around her stomach. His hand always seems to come to rest their now and she adored it, they were going to be a family.
"Here's where everyone is hiding." Dawn stumbled up to the group. "Hi husband."
"Hi wife." He giggled joyfully.
"And what about you two?" Dawn teased. "Wedding bells in the near future."
"Dawn." Misty scolded.
"What? It's a long time to still be waiting for a ring."
"No ring." Gary shook his head. "But we've got our hands full at the moment."
"What?" She frowned then looked down at Gary's hand and her eyes widened.
"Surprise." Misty offered lamely.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Dawn screeched.
"Didn't want to steal focus." She shrugged.
"What? I don't get it." Ash piped up, feeling very left out of the conversation.
"Don't worry about it." Dawn said, patting him on the head. "We will be having a conversation tomorrow morning."
"Okay." Misty nodded at the warning.
"Come on you, we're having a dance." She declared, grabbing Ash's tie.
"But I don't understand. What aren't you telling me?" He moaned, following her all the same.
Misty smiled as she watched them go, resting her head on Gary's shoulder trying and failing to suppress a yawn.
"Want to head to bed?" Gary asked, kissing her forehead.
"We're at a wedding." She rolled her eyes.
"So? Nobody will notice if we sneak out." He shrugged, finishing off his drink decisively.
"This is probably one of the last times we'll be able to stay out like this, let's make the most of it." She sighed, thinking about how their lives were about to change in the most beautiful way.
"We're having a baby, not going to jail." He scoffed.
"Half Oak, half Waterflower. I'm not sure which sentence is worse." She teased.
Gary gave her playful shove but didn't dignify her comment with a response. He gently plucked the glass from her hands and placed it on the bar, Misty knew it was time to admit defeat. Her feet hurt, her back ached and she could feel nausea bubbling at the back of her throat. She let Gary lead her away, glancing back at the dancefloor one last time to see the happy couple.
It wasn't the ended she would have expected for her and Ash mere months ago but it was the ending they deserved.
…
Wow, it's all over. Thank you for all of you who have stuck it out with me from the very beginning all the way to bitter end! I'm sorry for my irregular updates and my disappearances but we finally made it.