It has been six months since I last updated. Wow. But I couldn't do better with a writers block.
Anyways! I finally completed this chapter, though it doesn't give a lot of progress to the plot, some people may call it a filler, but it was a really emotional chapter for me. I don't know how much I can thank Ash Jason and IceCreamAndPizza for helping me with the chapter! They're the best!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Enjoy!
I'm a mess, I'm a loser, I'm a hater, I'm a user. I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new. I'm obsessed, I'm embarrassed, I don't trust no one around us, I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new.
The song was playing in her head since last night. After saying goodbye to Ian Blaise, she went straight to that shallow pool on the top of the building. This time alone. No one to mess with her thoughts, no one to disturb her solitude.
But, after spending some time by herself, she realized she needed some company. Too nervous to return to the nightclub, she decided to head to bed. She rushed to her room as fast as she could, but being the hopeless dreamer she was, failed to fall asleep. She tried to listen to some music hoping it would change her mind, but ended up listening to the song she had been humming all night.
I'm a mess, I'm a loser, I'm a hater, I'm a user. I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new. I'm obsessed, I'm embarrassed, I don't trust no one around us, I'm a mess for your love, it ain't new.
It was four in the morning, the sky was still dark, and at this point, it was too late for her to sleep, but too early for socializing.
So here she was, walking along the beach, with the sun peeking out of the horizon, bringing the golden dawn with it. The soft waves that crashed on the sandy beach and the early chirping pidgeys gave her the company she longed for.
Her bare feet were covered with sand and salt water, and it tickled everytime a new wave touched. Her smooth, brushed hair was now all frizzy & messed up and her black, glittery crop top was wrinkled. Her denim skirt had been swapped out for pajama shorts and her ankle wrapped heels were nowhere to be found, instead the furry slippers she was supposedly wearing were now lying in the sand, left to bite the dust.
Small dark circles formed under her eyes. I look like a feebas.
I'm a mess, I'm a loser…Lyrics of the song looped in her head. She tried to shift her mind towards the beauty of the beach.
The wedding ceremony won't start until six in the evening, but May will be busy with the stylists for almost all day for her bridal makeover. Kenny will be here today, so Dawn will be spending time with him. Leaf, Gary and Brock will be busy having fun. What should I do?
This place had so much to offer. Aside from fine white sandy beaches, Porta Vista was also home to serene backwaters, bustling villages and ancient sea forts. Travelers could enjoy the quiet life or take advantage of water activities like scuba diving, parasailing and snorkeling on the beach. And how could she forget about the local market?
She nodded to herself. I can explore the local market. Or visit the ancient fort? But I will have to get done with it before four in the evening. After all, I will need some time to get ready for the ceremony. She chewed her lower lip, exhaling a soft breath. C'mon Misty. Stop acting like a heartbroken lover! It's no big deal, it's not even an actual heartbreak. As if you haven't broken anyone's heart before waiting for a certain someone. You deserve this. Now, cool your mind and move your butt! There's so much to do today!.
The sun was now out in the open, ready to conquer the sky. She checked the time on her pokegear, it was almost seven.
"Time to head back."
After dusting the sand off, she put her slippers back on, put on a fake smile and walked back to the resort.
By the time Misty reached the resort everyone was up, even the bedheads like May or Gary were up and fresh. It seemed that all the wildness from last night hadn't sucked up anyone's energy, an unusual occurrence. Everyone was sitting on the lawn, enjoying the free yoga sessions arranged by May's parents.
She wanted to hide. She wanted to turn invisible. She wanted to teleport as far away from everyone as she can. No! They can't see her like this, she is looking like a cavewoman! But luck... well, it hasn't been on her side lately.
"Misty!" Someone called her name. May jogged towards her and gave her a tight hug. Exactly what she needed.
"Morning May," she smiled as practiced. With fake enthusiasm which almost looked natural, Misty replied, "Tell me everything!"
"Dreamy, should I call it, or a royal romance? I'm flattered, that's for sure!" she sighed dreamily, continuing to speak in poetic way. "He was looking at me like I was a legendary, and he held my hand as if will never let me go!" Her eyes sparkled.
"That was so cheesy, girl. But that sounds so romantic! I'm so happy for you!" She wanted to tell May about her night, but not now, at least not until the wedding was over.
May giggled and opened her mouth but her mind lead her into different conclusions. Misty seemed weird, she was acting like she was happy, but the crazy spark in her eyes was missing. Something was definitely wrong. Then it clicked her mind. Ash. It was definitely something to do with him. No one could make her as miserable as he could, even when he didn't mean to. He was so blinded by his own obliviousness that he was unable to see the love of this beautiful redhead. And no matter how hard Misty tries, it was impossible for her to get over him. At one point, they were almost sure that she was over him, but one visit is all he needed to ruin everything.
May was tired of her friends' stupid oblivious dance around each other. They were going to either get together or never see each other again. That's what May wanted.
"What happened?" May asked.
Misty was aware of what her best friend had just ask, but tried to avoid the conversation, "Just a lot of dancing, some fatigue, and a bit of a headache," she explained, her smile weak.
"You are a terrible liar."
"You are too good to be my best friend."
"This does not change the fact that something happened last night. Did he reject you?" May asked, ready to comfort her friend.
Misty chuckled. "There's no way I'm ruining this happy, bubbly environment by sharing my stupid decisions!" May could tell she was trying hard to smile. Such a stubborn woman. Can't she just accept that she's sad?
May tried one more time. "Drop the act. Let it all out. You'll certainly feel better."
Misty couldn't hold back her emotions this time. She let out a deep sigh, closed her eyes and put her hand on her chest to feel her pounding heart. She remained like that for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, they were soggy. Filled with tears, but at the same time filled with the dedication of trying to hold them back.
May's expression softened. She rubbed her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug, "Let's go to my room okay?" Misty just nodded, trying to control her tears.
May held Misty's hand all the way to her room, reminding Misty that she was supported, that May would always be there for her, no matter what, protecting her from everything that could hurt her friend.
As May expected, they encountered several people on their way.
"Morning guys! You wanna go for yoga with us?"
"Sorry Dawn, we need to meet the event manager, but we'll join you for breakfast!" May replied.
Click!
"Hello ladies!"
"Sorry do I know you?" asked the bride to the weirdly handsome blond looking like some photographer.
Whoa Red! You look like crap!" Gary whistled.
"Have you seen mirror today, Oak?" Leaf argued back.
Pushing past them, May and Misty continued down the hallway. At last, when they reached May's room, May let go Misty's hand so she could lock the door. They settled on the soft bed. Silence filled the room.
"So," May started, "what exactly happened? Did you confess? Did he run away?"
"You think I can confess?" Misty asked in disbelief, letting out a sarcastic giggle, "I know it's not possible. He is an unstoppable adventurer, and his obliviousness only makes it more impossible. But my heart doesn't seem to understand that!" She felt a lump in her throat, eyes filling with tears. "Why is nothing normal in my life?!"
"Misty, you need to calm down. It's just till the wedding and then he'll be can take your time. Everything will settle down after a while, everything will go back to normal, that's all you can do.".
"I don't know May. Everytime he leaves, he leaves a scar along with good memories. Everytime that scar starts to heal again, the pain increases, my heart hurts, and it takes more time to heal it. I'm tired of this." She wiped a tear. "He's my best friend! But how can I not fall for him? Yes, I love to spend time with him! I still enjoy it, but I know the worst is yet to come like it always does!" She hugged her folded legs.
May looked pitifully at her. The heart played hard games. It was weird to see a strong woman weeping like a baby because of love.
"You know you don't really have much options, Mist. As I said, you have to wait until he's gone, and meanwhile, try to not flirt," May said half heartedly. She had been giving this same advice for years.
Misty was just as tired of hearing this advice. She threw herself on the mattress. "C'mon May! There must be some other way to deal with this. I'm tired of this stupid 'wait till he's gone' thing! It's so annoying!"
"Then just go and confess! Why can't you just do that!" She let her word vomit out. "You know what's more stupid than my advice? It's your decision to not confess and then sulk over him being with another girl! I'm tired of this Misty!" May stood tall so she could properly face her friend. "It's so annoying! For God's sake, just go and tell him! What can go wrong? He'll reject you? He'll run away? Than let him! If he does that then he doesn't deserve you anyway! What's the point of not telling him now?!" May said breathlessly.
"You know what?" She continued, "Maybe it's your ego. You would rather live with an unconfessed heart, than a rejected one! You are just afraid of-" May's eyes widened. She stopped in the middle of the sentence when she realized what she just blurted out. She was actually screaming, and Misty, who was now sitting up with soggy eyes, was staring at her painfully all over her face. "Crap. Misty, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say all that..."
Misty sighed. "What else do you think May, let it all out…" she sighed,hugging her pillow tight. "At least one of us will live with a 'confessed heart'."
"I'm really sorry Mist. But I couldn't keep it to myself anymore… As you said, let it out now." The brunette let out a deep breath. "I know it's the stupidest thing to say, but I think he has a thing for you," May said biting her lower lip.
"What?" Misty blinked.
"Yes! You should have hope! Please don't give up on him. He works at his own pace, you know how slow he is,don't you?"
"For God's sake he's twenty three! And don't give me hope. It's worse than heartbreak," she huffed.
"I'm telling you what I saw. I've seen it in his eyes since I met him. It was heartbreaking then because of my crush on him, but I'm glad he's been that way since then."
"What do you mean?"
"I told you that I had a big crush on Ash, didn't I?"
"Yes! Dawn had it too," Misty laughed sadly.
"Hers wasn't serious though," May smiled, "But there's a thing I never told you… I was...urmm…" She scratched her cheek hesitantly, "at a point… I was jealous of you…"
"Jealous of me?" Misty's eyes widened, "Oh my God! May, I'm so sorry! How did you handle it then? You were so young, and more importantly, alone!" Misty said, guilt embracing her heart. She understood what it must have felt like to experience young love towards a person who doesn't even show an interest in love, but she never thought about what she would do if the guy loved someone else?
"Remind you of the boy I'm getting married to?" the brunette winked.
"Drew? Oh yeah! Roses and all!" Misty said after a moment of realization, "So are you implying something?"
"Ultimately, I've given you two choices." May gave her friend a comforting pat. "Number one, wait and have hope. Number two, move on and find someone else. Choice is yours."
"If I could, I would have moved on earlier."
"Do you realize, you're still in the hope phase? That's why you can't move on?"
"I am not!" Misty pouted.
May giggled and booped her nose. "You can fool yourself, but not me. Indeed, I still ship you guys." May chuckled.
"May!" Misty complained,a red blush spreading across her neck.
"Brock too!" This time May laughed hard, but let out a breath when she caught up some air.
"But my point is," the bride continued, "I couldn't help but get jealous of you. He talked about you so much! He was so different around you, I always wondered what you had that I didn't. Why does he seek you out to cheer him up before me? Why wasn't I his first choice? There must be a reason! Maybe it's because you were his first companion? Because he spent more time with you than me? So I was a little jealous of you! Okay, maybe more than a little! But I was more irritated than jealous! Trying to figure out what you have that I don't. These reasons might be true but they were not the complete truth."
Misty was speechless. She waited for May to continue.
"And as time passed, I got my answers. He simply loved you, initially as a friend, then his feelings deepened as you two connected..Then boom! He was in love with you! Like the real love! When I was over him and started looking back, I realized that you two have something I always wished for, and from then on, I had this little hope that one day you two will realize it too. You know, love is not a competition where you choose to love the person who is better than the other. Neither is it something which needs a reason. It just happens. When you love a person, you love a lot of their qualities. But when you fall in love, it just happens. You can't understand the feeling, and you can't calculate how much you are in love with the person. It's an infinite feeling which never ends, and you can't unlove the person once you start falling for them…"
Misty sighed trying to find the right words to respond. "I think you don't love Ash Ketchum, I think you are in love with him. So there's no point in moving on. You can simply stop hoping to get together and find someone else to spend life with, but you can't stop being in love with him. You guys have known each other for so long, you have grown together. And over the years, you have deeply connected with each other. You can't just unlove each other now. Ash must have realized it by now, or even if he hasn't, either way, both of you will accept the feelings differently. And I think eventually, he'll embrace your love too."
"Wow," is all could the gym leader could say . "That is too much for you. I can't believe you thought so deeply…"
May sweatdropped. "Why can't you believe…" she murmured.
"But don't you think I've waited too long? I wish he just understood everything sooner… I get what you were saying about being in love and all, but what if he never...realizes?" She asked.
"Then it's up to you. You can simply consider dating , find a good guy, and maybe marry him. You can love another guy. It's not hard, but you can still be in love...Not everyone gets to fall in love at their first chance.." May said.
Misty continued to stare att May. "Were you...In love with…?"
"No!" May shrieked, "No, no… I don't know...Maybe no… I think no…" May kept mumbling, fee a shiver down her spine.
Misty sighed. "May I'm so sorry!"
"Don't! I'm more than happy with Drew, and I know we have a long journey together! But right now, it's not about me, it's about you two. You should cherish whatever you have or it will be gone. Good things demands appreciation or they'll fade away."
"I get it…and I really appreciate your words. But I can't keep living like this in these conditions. Shit needs to change. I need to get stronger. And I'm going to start by giving up on the hope that one day we'll be together. I know I'll always be in love with him, but I can't take it any longer. Starting now, he's just my best friend. If I don't have hope for us,I won't get hurt.. And this conversation never happened."
May sighed. I hope she gets what she's looking for. . But it's up to her if she wants to continue having hope or not. I have no right to decide whether they should be together or not. But I wish they could…
"Besides, Ash is so appealing to women, so he'll easily find another girl., ," Misty chuckled sadly. "So, what happened last night? You said it was magical, right?"
May sighed, "It was. We were sneaking out like five year olds pretending to be spies," she smiled."And you know, the setup was near the lake with candles and flowers!" May jumped with excitement, forgetting what happened a moment ago. "It was like a scene from the magazine photoshoots!"
Misty chuckled, "That was so extra!"
"My whole wedding is extra," May laughed. "Like it's a little too fancy, but Drew's parents insisted. This wedding feels like a festival to me!" She squeaked.
"And everyone is enjoying it too!" Misty said.
The two friends continued talking about the previous night,sharing each other's stories when someone knocked on the door.
"May? It's me,Brock!" A voice came from the other side of the door.
May looked at Misty with a questioning look, asking if she was okay with it. "It's just Brock. He's seen me sulk over carrots. Of course I'll be okay," Misty laughed. May smiled, glad that her best friend's mood was better now.
"Coming Brocko!" May answered. Before opening the door, she kissed Misty's head, then lightly patted her on the head.
"Good morning!" May cheered as she opened the door, "we were just talki-" she stopped in the middle of her sentence when she saw another person standing next to him, "urm...hey Colette! You're Drew's cousin right? Aunt Emma's daughter?" May asked. Colette nodded with a smile. "Uhh... Good morning!" She continued awkwardly. She hadn't expected her to be here at this fine morning. She heard from Leaf that Colette had joined the bride's side of the party.
"Good morning!" Colette replied winking.
"Morning May!" Brock cheered, "Colette wanted to meet you, so she asked me if I could take her to you. I can't possibly turn a lady down considering how much of a gentleman I am." He grinned proudly.
"Anyways, you guys can have girl talk, I'll be right back!" Brock said before turning away. He walked by the hallway and disappeared near the stairs leaving the three anxious women by themselves.
"Can I come in?" Colette asked, innocently fluttering her eyelashes.
"Sure…" May said as she stepped aside, so Colette could enter the room. May was not sure if Misty could handle being around the model, but did she have any other options?
Misty watched the two lazily, even though she was surprised by her unexpected visit.
"Oh! Aren't you Ash's girlfriend? From last night?" Colette asked when she saw the redhead sitting on the corner of the bed.
May tried to suppress her chuckle.
As soon as she heard that name, bubbles started to explode in Misty's stomach while a slight blush covered her face. "Yeah we mm-et last night," she stuttered, but didn't protested being called Ash's girlfriend. She wanted to let Colette think that way, so she'd stay away from Ash.
"Yeah." Colette narrowed her eyes but maintained the smile. "Nice to see you again." Before Misty could respond, Colette turned to May saying , "well, let me just get to the point. I'm really sorry May. I really am. I crashed your party yesterday… even though the rules were very clear. Since it was the last single night for the bride and groom, an in-law invading your party must feel ridiculous... " she explained, tossing the locket she was wearing. "But I couldn't help it. I've always wanted to meet Ash Ketchum in person..."
More like seduce him, thought Misty.
"When I met Brock," she continued, "I was thrilled to hear that he knew Ash personally, but he had to take me to your side of party for that. I'm sorry I intruded without asking you." She lowered her eyes.
May smiled. "Collette, you don't need to apologize that much. You're Drew's cousin. His family. And his family is my family too right? So it's okay. Besides, my brother invaded my party too," the bride chuckled, "It's not as big a deal as you think it is, don't worry!" May smiled charmingly as she sat on the bed. "Have a seat, Colette!"
"Wow!" She marveled. "You're so kind! Thanks! Drew's a lucky guy!" Colette winked again while taking a seat on the couch nearby, before turning to Misty. "And Misty…" she hesitated.
"Yes?" Misty asked politely. She could sense where the conversation was going.
"Umm… I want to apologize to you too…" Colette bit her lower lip. No matter how cringy a person she seemed last night, guilt and embarrassment were clearly visible in her eyes. But, apologizing for an embarrassing act was always tough. "I am a big fan of Ash Ketchum, and I just couldn't contain my excitement when I met him last night… I'm really sorry if I intruded your personal time, or ruined your date…" she finished with a shrug.
Misty blushed a little but it was almost not visible. May looked suspiciously towards the redhead.
Date, huh? Is my ship sailing? May smirked with a raised eyebrow. Misty pretended to not receive May's girl code.
"Ah, it's nothing…. I mean it's natural to get excited when you finally meet someone you adore, only a few people can suppress their emotions. You couldn't, and it's not that big of a deal." The redhead shrugged mirroring Colette's actions, but with a smile.
"You don't have to apologize for being happy."
"That was smooth. Anyways, thanks a lot, you two! You guys saved my fun from being ruined for the rest of the wedding!" Colette giggled. "And, I think that's enough heart-to-heart conversations for today. I'll go find Brock, he's such a good friend!" Colette said.
Misty glimpsed at May who was already looking at her from the corner of her eyes. They knew how much of a great friend was Brock, but they also knew why he was being such a good friend to Colette.
"Yeah," May smirked, "he's a great friend. His intentions are always positive, and he's a gentleman too!"
"And he never flirts with girls," Misty added. "He never acts clingy or creepy."
Both of them chuckled while Colette sat, still trying to figure out what was so funny.
May could feel that Misty's mood had lightened up, but it was just temporary. They needed a permanent solution for her trauma. At least they could enjoy this temporary happiness until it last.
Footsteps could be heard approaching their room within the giggles, and before they could notice the sound of the steps they heard a knock on the door.
"Hey girls!" They could hear Brock yell from the other side of the door. "I'm coming in!"
"Yes Brocko!" Misty chirped.
The door opened and Brock was standing there with Ash. May gulped.
Goodbye temporary happiness, she thought.
"Morning ladies!" Ash cheered with bright smile. He looked like he just had a relaxing bath, and a power up massage.
"Look who's up early," Misty teased..
She can put up a mask so quickly thought May.
Ash laughed as he walked into the room with Brock. "It's because I went to bed early."
"I thought you were up with the others for the party?" May asked. Moving aside, she made room for the boys to make themselves comfortable on the bed. Ash took a seat next to May, while Brock sat on the edge near Colette.
"After a dance, I felt like...uhh...sleeping?" He replied.
"Yeah, you left after Misty," Colette pointed out.
Ash blushed a little, while May looked at Misty who, for some reason, was staring out of the window. Brock smirked while Collete sat confused, still trying to figure out what was happening.
This is getting interesting, May thought.
(I wanna finish this fic as soon as possible now.)
Please review!
-IndianKnight