Bittersweet
A Pokemon Fanfiction by Barb the JavaMaster
Legal DisclaimerPokemon and its related characters are copyrighted to their respective owners including Game Freak, 4Kids Entertainment, Nintendo, etc. No profit is being made from this story.
Author's NotesThe two characters Andrew and Alexandra belong to me (literally). Dr. James Berringer is also my creation.
Rating: PG for mature topics.
Text in italics denote thoughts
Text in [squared brackets] is translated Pokemon speech
Text preceded by dashes as follows --- denotes flashbacks or thoughts and words from the past
Chapter Three: InterventionsDelia heard Ash before she saw him, padding downstairs in blue shorts and a blue tee-shirt. He walked over to the refrigerator with effort, scrounged inside for the leftover pizza, took it out and noiselessly picked up a plate from the cupboard. Delia looked at her son's tired eyes, red and bloodshot, and knew that he had been crying. It tore Delia's heart out to see him like this. I won't interfere, Delia repeated silently, as she watched her son eat his dinner away from his home, his family, and his life.
All right, Delia thought, it is now or never. I won't interfere. But I will not watch my only son disintegrate before my eyes. Delia clicked off the television and sat down next to Ash at the kitchen table. He acknowledged her presence with a nod of his head but kept his eyes down and his face shielded by his hand.
"Ashton Satoshi Ketchum," Delia began, and Ash looked up and saw warmth in her eyes. Ash turned slightly to face her. Whether you were four or forty, when your mother used all three of your names at once, you paid attention.
"I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you, Ash. Achieving your goal in life so young, and having such a beautiful family. I love you, Ash, with all my heart. But I did not raise you to be a coward."
Ash blinked. "Where is this going, Mom?"
"Where? Hopefully it will lead you home, where you belong."
"Mom, I am home. Remember? And I am not a coward." Ash was not in the mood for a fight but what was his mother talking about?
Delia smiled. "That's funny. I seem to remember a ten-year-old boy, full of energy, leaving this house while proclaiming to the world that he would become the greatest Pokemon Master of all time." Ash had to smile at the memory. "This is not his home—not anymore. His home is where his wife and children live."
"I know, Mom. But things are—different now. Please try to understand."
"Different how, Ash?"
"It's hard to explain, Mom. Misty and I aren't—well, we haven't—been getting along for some time. I came home here just to sort things out for myself."
"For yourself, Ash? What about Misty and the kids?"
"What about them? Mom, according to Misty, I am the dumbest person who ever lived." Ash seethed.
"Oh, Ash, don't start this childish argument again…" Delia said.
"I mean it, Mom. I am just as sick—no, sicker—of hearing it. If Misty actually thinks I am so stupid, what does that say about her, since she's the one who married me?" Delia could see Ash's anger building inside of him. The argument never changed. When they were kids, usually Brock or Delia or someone with common sense forced Ash and Misty to apologize to each other, which they did, grudgingly at first. Arguing with Misty at home, though, was far worse, Ash decided, because nobody forced them to apologize. Pride and anger built walls where doors once stood open.
"Ash, neither one of you is stupid. You are the current Pokemon Master, and Misty is studing to be a Pokemon doctor. Stupidity does not go hand-in-hand with your respective career choices, you know."
"I know, Mom, I know. " Ash looked at his half-eaten slice of pizza. "I am very tired, Mom. I just want to eat and then go to bed, okay?"
"Okay, Ash," Delia backed off. "We can talk anytime, you know that. But do me a favor, Ash. Please talk to Misty. She doesn't understand where all this anger and hurt is coming from, and she wants to help you." Delia kissed Ash good night and walked to her bedroom.
Where is it coming from? Probably from Misty neglecting me all these years, Ash thought.
"Misty, what on earth are you doing here on a Saturday?" Joy asked incredulously. Misty had just walked into the Pallet Town Pokemon Center dressed for work. Joy sensed the tension in Misty's demeanor and asked, "Is everything okay, Misty?"
"No, Joy, actually it isn't," Misty replied in a low voice. "Two days ago, Ash told me that he doesn't love me anymore. And we've been separated—physically—since yesterday."
Joy was completely stunned. "Oh, no, Misty. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I don't know what to talk about, Joy. Ash hasn't been forthcoming with me about what's going on. I'm really in the dark here. He took the kids to his mother's house for the weekend and I'm alone. So I decided to come in today—if that's okay with you."
"Of course." Joy wrapped an arm around Misty's shoulder. "I'm sure you don't want to be home alone." Misty nodded and sat down in her chair behind the large wraparound front desk of the Pokemon Center. Misty sighed heavily and turned on her computer. Joy looked at Misty and was slightly taken aback by the haunted look in Misty's aquamarine eyes, which normally sparkled. Joy knew from her relatives' experiences with Ash, Misty, and her brother-in-law Brock that the three companions had often become lost in the literal sense during the course of their Pokemon journeys. But what Joy saw in Misty's eyes went deeper than any physical hurt; it appeared that a part of her soul had been taken away.
Misty looked up at Joy. "I'm sorry if I've been distracted at work lately, but I am finding it hard to concentrate, Joy," Misty said apologetically.
"I'm sure you have, " Joy replied kindly. "You know, Misty, marriage counseling and the like are provisions of the League's health insurance plan. But only if you think it would help." Joy sat down next to Misty.
"I would go in an instant, but I'm not sure Ash will agree to this. We actually tried counseling a couple of years ago, Joy. It was Ash's idea, believe it or not. But when we finally got to the doctor's office, Ash just became completely quiet and hardly said anything." Misty remembered. They had made it through two sessions before Ash's responsibilities had overtaken his life. A lot of good that did us. We'd agree on what we needed to do while at the doctor's office but never once did we take the necessary action at home. Misty felt immense frustration welling up inside of her.
"Joy, do you happen to have the list of what doctors are covered under the insurance plan?"
"Yes, it's somewhere around here. I'll give it to you at lunch time." Joy smiled. "Please try not to worry too much, Misty. I think—no wait, I know—that you both love each other too much to let your marriage end like this."
"How do you know that?" Misty asked. Discussing her personal life at work was something Misty rarely, despite the fact that she and Joy had become good friends. But Misty respected Ash's desires to keep their family life private and away from his League title and its associated complexities. Gossip and innuendo traveled very fast through the Kanto region.
"I won the pool." Joy leaned back in her chair and smiled at Misty's blank expression. "Joy in Vermillion City, my third cousin once removed, started the pool. Each of us put in ten dollars. It would up involving all the Joys, three Officer Jennies, um, let's see, Melody Flura, Giselle Oak, and Duplica Simmons. We were all betting on whether or not you two would eventually get together." Misty sweatdropped but managed a smile. I always wondered where Joy got that beautiful garnet ring, Misty thought with an inward chuckle.
Misty relaxed for the first time in days and their conversation became more mundane. It was rudely interrupted by Ash running into the Center holding a very injured Pikachu. "Joy, I need some help here!"
"What happened, Ash?" Joy snapped on rubber gloves and gingerly took a whimpering Pikachu from Ash's arms.
"Pikachu forgot to duck and took a Fire Spin attack head-on."
Misty got up to help Joy, but she had already disappeared into the Center's intensive-care unit. A rectangular light with a needle superimposed over it flashed on, signaling the beginning of treatment. Misty turned her eyes towards her anguished husband, who watched the doors of the ICU pneumatically shut with a hissing sound.
"Who were you battling, Ash?" Misty asked neutrally.
"Huh?" Ash turned to his wife.
"I said, who were you battling?"
"A guy with a very powerful Magmar."
"Ash! You sent Pikachu up against Magmar? What were you thinking? Don't you remember what happened the last time…" Misty trailed off as she saw anger in Ash's dark eyes.
"Yes, Misty, I remember exactly what happened the last time." Ash said patiently. "But right now, I'm only concerned about Pikachu, so would you please just shut up!"
Misty stepped back. A slap in the face would have caused her less distress than hearing Ash speak to her so harshly. They stood frozen on opposite sides of the desk, glowering at each other for a few minutes before Ash finally turned and went to the Center's waiting room, never once meeting Misty's gaze. Misty recognized Ash's defense system: he was shutting down emotionally. Misty sighed and turned to the intensive-care unit, which Joy had just exited. Lunch time cannot come too soon for me, Misty thought.
"Ash, I'm sorry," Misty apologized as she sat down next to Ash in the waiting room. Ash shuffled his feet and met her questioning gaze. He looked angry but said nothing, only nodding in affirmation. "You know I love Pikachu very much, and I am just as concerned as you are. I'm sure he will be all right, Ash. Uh…would you like something to drink? A cup of coffee?"
"Actually, I would, Misty. Where is it?" Ash asked, getting to his feet.
"In the kitchenette. Follow me." After walking down a side corridor in the Center, Misty and Ash sat across from each other at the dinette set in the Center's break room. Ash sipped his coffee slowly while Misty gulped hers. Since Joy was still healing Pikachu, Misty felt emboldened enough to try and talk honestly with Ash, although she was afraid of what she might find out. Her heartbeat increased perceptibly.
"Do you want to talk, Ash?" she asked hesitantly.
"Here?" Ash looked around.
"Why not? It's private enough. Joy is taking excellent care of Pikachu, and no one else is around." Ash only looked at the tabletop. Misty cleared her throat.
"Ash, I want to let you have the first word. I mean, you are the one who—er, left." Misty continued softly, "Please tell me what's going on."
Ash sighed. "Well, like I said, this has been going on for a while, Misty. I just don't feel that you respect me or love me anymore."
"Whatever gave you that…"Misty was cut off by Ash's stern gaze. Misty held her coffee cup in both hands.
"You always tell me that I am stupid, or dense, or whatever adjective pops into your head." Ash continued.
"Is that all, Ash?" Misty asked.
"No, it's not. Misty, it's our—life. We haven't had sex in weeks, maybe months even. You push me away again and again. You insult me, you yell at me and at the kids. And most days, the house is an utter mess."
Misty felt her face flush in anger. "Our house is a mess, Ash? Have you tried cleaning it lately? Ash, has it ever occurred to you that since I work forty hours a week that I really don't have the time to keep our house as neat and clean as your mother's? She doesn't work full-time!"
"I know that." Ash tensed, seeing where their talk was heading.
"Ash, you know that I work eight hours a day. I come home, cook dinner, or I order something out. I help Andrew and Alexandra with their homework. I care for my Pokemon, and yours, and you do not want to know how long it takes to clean up Gyarados. Or Venusaur, for that matter." Misty counted on her fingers. "I do the laundry. I do the dishes. And I wind up spending my free time on the weekend cleaning up the house some more. I put in a lot of overtime work, for which I am not paid!" Misty tried curbing her anger but like a volcano she began erupting. Ash's silence did not help matters; he only stared at the table.
"If you want my respect, Ash, have you ever considered earning it?" Misty asked acidly.
"I thought you respected me. I see I was wrong." Ash's dark eyes flashed with anger.
Misty halted. But I do love him. And I do respect him—don't I? "Ash, we both know that none of these issues or whatever else is on your mind will ever get solved unless you come home. And yes, you're right, I have yelled at the kids, in anger. Usually when my very last nerve is frayed. But I do apologize to them afterwards."
"You don't apologize to me!" Ash yelled.
"Because you are a man! I expect you to be man enough and mature enough to handle situations as they arise, and not blame me for everything that goes wrong!" Misty yelled back.
"So I am not man enough for you, Misty?" Ash's icy voice broke the tension in the air. "That's probably why we haven't been intimate lately."
"No, Ash, that's not what I meant." Misty whispered. The argument could have died then and there. But Misty's perception of Ash's feelings made him seem totally insensitive to her. Didn't he care how hard she worked, both at home and at the Center, and keeping the family together? Didn't he appreciate her? Misty looked Ash straight in the eyes and addressed his final complaint. The words again formed in her mind. She had meant to say something along the lines of, 'yes, we need couple time,' or something similar, something to make him want to come home to her. But what finally came out of her mouth was this: "I am not your personal whore, Ash Ketchum!" Misty felt blood rush to her face. Her heart hammered wildly. Ash was staring at her like he'd never seen her before. Ash was about to speak when Nurse Joy entered the break room.
"Ash? Oh, there you both are. Pikachu is ready to go."
"Thank you, Joy." Ash got up, leaving his half-finished cup of coffee on the table. "See you later," he said to Misty without looking at her. Misty put her hand over her face and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Misty?" questioned Joy.
"Joy, please give me five minutes, okay?"
"Okay."
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny. Misty awoke to the sound of Alexandra's voice saying, "Mommy? Are you up? Mommy? Can we watch cartoons? Mommy?"
"I'm up, Alex, I'm up. Are you hungry? Have you eaten breakfast?" Misty rubbed her eyes.
"Yeah, I want some cereal. Can we watch cartoons?"
"Yes, for a little while." Misty smiled. After breakfast Misty settled down in front of the computer. She had spent some time reorganizing the house over the weekend, in the hopes she would be less forgetful and more calm. She looked at the frame photograph on the computer desk: herself, Ash, Tracey, Professor Oak, Andrew and Alexandra in front of the Professor's house; everyone smiling and happy, except for the Gyarados in the lake behind them. What did Tracey and Brock call it? When they teased Ash and me about being more than friends? Oh, yeah, 'Ash and Misty's Love'. Misty smiled at the memory. She was deep in reminiscence when she typed the letters "aaml" into the online search engine. It was then that she looked at the screen itself: American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers. Misty blinked. I need fresh air, and preferably soon. A knock at the door brought her back to the present, and she smiled when she saw Tracey Sketchit standing on the porch.
"Misty? Hi. How are you?" Tracey smiled.
"Fine, Tracey, and you?" Misty hugged Tracey warmly.
"I brought you the sketch I did of your kids. Is this a good time, or should I come back?"
"Please, come in." Misty opened the door widely. Tracey said hello to the kids, who were totally engrossed in the television. Tracey handed her the sketch. Misty looked at the charcoal portrait of Andrew and Alexandra. It was lovely, just like the watercolor Tracey had done of Ash and Misty for their wedding present.
"Thanks, Tracey. It's great. I'll definitely have to stop by the mall later today or maybe tomorrow and buy a frame for it."
"Is Ash around?" Tracey asked.
Misty folded her arms across her chest. Tracey read her body language and knew something was wrong.
"No. Actually, Tracey, Ash and I are—separated."
"I'm so very sorry, Misty. I—um, when did this happen?"
"Just a couple of days ago. Ash is staying with his mother if you need him for anything."
"Misty, I told Professor Oak that I would help him today in the lab. But if you need to talk or anything, please call me. Promise?" Tracey said warmly. He remembered their journeys in the Orange Islands and how embarrassed Ash or Misty would become if anyone so much as suggested that they were more than just friends. Tracey knew Misty had a romantic side; she had written a love letter to a fellow Pokemon Trainer, trying to play matchmaker. Ash had seemed confused at first, but when Tracey suggested that Ash and Misty's relationship mirrored that of the Nidoran trainers (who secretly liked each other), they had both blushed and denied, rather angrily Tracey thought, that anything was going on. And when Ash became the Chosen One on Shamouti Island, Misty had finally admitted her feelings for him; it would be some time before Ash admitted his feelings for her. Later, Tracey had even designed their wedding invitations.
"I will, Tracey. Thank you—for everything." Tracey said goodbye to the kids. Misty walked Tracey to the door and Tracey put his hand over hers as she held the doorknob.
"I'm sure everything will be okay, Misty. Call me if you need me, okay?" Misty smiled again and nodded.
The phone in Delia Ketchum's house rang three times before Ash answered, "Hello?"
"Hi, it's me," Misty said. "Ash, I wanted to apologize for the other day, at the Center." There, I did it. I said I was sorry. Now can things go back to the way they were, Ash?
"That's big of you." Ash replied.
"Yes, actually, it is," Misty said acidly. "Look, Ash, we both know that nothing will ever get solved until you come home." What is wrong here? What does he want from me?
Ash's response brought tears to Misty's eyes. "Look, Misty, I have listened to you insult me for years, for most of my life even. You have eroded my self-esteem down to the point where I don't think I have any left. I need more time, okay?"
Misty choked back a sob. Through her tears, a plan began formulating in Misty's mind. I am calling that family therapist tomorrow. And I am going to save my marriage.
"I know we don't often get privacy with the kids at home, Ash, but would you like to have dinner with me next week?"
"Dinner? At the house?"
"I was thinking we could go to Nobi's." Misty suggested. Just like a date. Just like what we did when we were a couple.
"Well, okay." Ash said. "Does Friday sound good?"
"Yeah. Come by the house and pick me up. We'll talk then, Ash. Bye." Misty hung up the phone. As she loaded the kids into the Land Rover, she hoped that Victoria's Secret still had that sale going on.
The Pallet Plaza Medical Building was only three blocks from the Pokemon Center, so Misty elected to walk to her late afternoon appointment. It was a bright, sunny day and Misty hadn't been out in a while. She watched a teenage couple walking hand-in-hand down the sidewalk, oblivious to the rest of the world. At least some people are happy today, she thought. Misty entered the building through the massive bronze-and-glass-framed door. She found the list of office suites and located Dr. James Berringer on the second floor, suite two-eleven.
Here goes nothing, she thought as she boarded the elevator. Dr. Berringer's office directly faced the elevator bay and she took a deep breath before entering. She was surprised to find his waiting room empty. She signed her name on a clipboard in front of a frosted window. She attempted to read a magazine article but found herself unable to focus on the words.
"Misty Ketchum?" A deep male voice said. A tall man with graying hair stood in the doorway which led to the back of the office.
"Yes, that's me. I'm your four-thirty appointment." Misty stood up.
"I'm Dr. James Berringer. It's a pleasure to meet you." He shook hands with Misty and indicated that she follow him to his office. "Please come in," he said. Misty followed the doctor through the door, past a computer workstation and another steel-gray desk littered with paperwork, down a narrow hallway and into a medium-sized room. The room was decorated with 19th-century Shaker-style furniture in mahogany and cherry woods, and wallpapered in a light textured maroon color.
Dr. Berringer indicated for Misty to sit on an ivory colored couch facing a maroon leather chair. Misty sat on the very edge of the couch, seemingly ready to fall off at any second. She placed her purse at her feet and folded her hands in her lap, trying to will herself to relax. Dr. Berringer closed the door behind him; as he did this, Misty took in the five elegantly framed diplomas on the wall.
"Do you mind if I call you by your first name, Misty, or do you prefer Mrs. Ketchum?" Dr. Berringer asked as he seated himself in the leather chair opposite his patient.
"Misty is fine," she replied.
"Just call me 'doctor' or "Jim' depending on what you prefer, Misty," the doctor replied. "And I would like to get some general information about you, Misty. How old are you?"
"Thirty-one."
"Okay. And how long have you been having marital problems?" The question was difficult to answer but the doctor's gentle tone put Misty somewhat at ease.
"My husband tells me that we've been having problems for a while now, maybe a few months. Anyhow, my husband told me—and the reason I am here is—he told me that he doesn't love me anymore. He moved out of our house a couple of days ago, and is staying with his mother. But I do still love him." Misty choked on the last sentence. She looked at the doctor, who was writing something on a legal-sized pad of yellow paper.
"You know, Misty, in romantic tales, the problem is often getting the two who are in love together." Misty had to smile at that. Dr. Berringer continued,"But then they live happily ever after. In real life, Misty, it is living happily afterward, day by day, that presents the challenge. How long did you say—months? Do you mean a year or less?"
"I'm not sure exactly. Maybe twelve months or so." Is it possible that Ash and I spent an entire year not loving each other?
"What seem to be the areas of disagreement between you and your husband?" The doctor asked, still writing.
"Ash—my husband—doesn't feel that I respect him or love him anymore. And, um, we haven't been…" How to say this? "We haven't been intimate in a while." Misty blushed.
"I see." Dr. Berringer continued writing. "Misty, what are your responsibilities around the house?"
"What?"
"I was wondering about your responsibilities around your house. Chores, or anything like that?"
"I do pretty much everything, doctor. I work full-time at the Pallet Town Pokemon Center and care for the house, too. My kids clean their rooms if I remind them to."
"How do you feel about your marriage, Misty?" Dr. Berringer looked directly into Misty's eyes.
"I thought I had married my true love. But now I'm not sure of anything." Tears filled her eyes.
"How long have you been married?"
"Ten years this autumn. November 23rd is our anniversary." If Ash and I make it through this summer, it will be ten years, Misty thought.
"That is a long time," Dr. Berringer commented. Misty nodded absently.
"Do you love each other?"
"I do love Ash, doctor. I think I always have. But he says that he does not love me anymore." My sisters were right: I am unlovable, Misty thought sadly. She wiped her eyes.
"I think you would be surprised at how many people have said that to me, Misty. Many people go into marriage thinking it will be just like those romantic tales I mentioned earlier. Even you might have had expections or ideals that were not practical or realistic. But, remember, you have made a big change in your life. You are now living with a person, one whom you might be discovering that you don't know as well as you thought you did. Based on my experience, I have found that success in marriage and your own personal happiness depend upon your willingness to adjust."
"I will be the first to admit that I am not the most flexible person on the planet, and neither is Ash. We used to be able to talk to each other about anything. Ash and I practically grew up together. We went on our Pokemon journeys together. I guess we just assumed that marriage would be—I don't know if 'easy' is the correct word—but we thought we knew each other inside and out." So, what happened to Ash and Misty's Love? Misty thought.
"Some people, because of pride, find it difficult to be flexible. Is that true in your case, Misty?" Dr. Berringer asked.
"I am afraid so. My friends and family all say I have a stubborn streak." Yeah, but so does Ash. Brock even called Ash and Chikorita "Team Stubborn" once.
"There are opportunities every day, everywhere, for one of you to be either happy or unhappy. Do you, Misty, focus on the positive or negative aspects of your husband?"
Misty reflected for a moment. You are going to pay me back for my bike, you little loser! When are you gonna get over yourself, Ash? Why don't you do something when I ask you to? Is that so hard? What's your problem, Ash? Misty lowered her eyes in shame. "I guess lately I have been dwelling on the negative. It's just that Ash hasn't been happy with himself for a while, and I don't understand why."
"I will definitely want to talk to your husband, if he will come in for an appointment." Dr. Berringer continued taking notes. "Now, how did you and your husband meet, Misty?"
Misty smiled genuinely for the first time. "That, Doctor, is a very funny story…"
Considering that this happened a long time ago, in Misty's estimation anyhow, she was surprised how crystal clear the memories came flowing back to her. Misty closed her eyes and could see the riverbank, her brand-new bike, the blue water. She could almost feel the sun's warmth on her back.
--I think I caught a big one!
Ash and Pikachu being lifted bodily out of the river and landing—rather hard—on the riverbank.
--Oh, it's just a kid. And a Pokemon! Oh, I hope it's okay! What have you done to it?
--Huh? He responds. Misty noticed then that the kid was staring at her—and blushing?
--Your Pokemon? Is it still alive?
--Yeah, I think so.
He stands up and asks her where he can take his Pikachu. She points him in the direction of Viridian City. The sound of wings flapping startles them both. He looks terrified. He spies her bicycle, leaning against a boulder, right where she had left it.
--Hey, that's my bike! She yells ineffectually.
--I'll bring it back someday! He calls back, pedaling furiously away. Misty frowns in anger. And thus their relationship begins.
They meet again in Viridian City. Her bicycle is destroyed. She demands payment. Of course, she knew he probably didn't have enough money to actually buy her a new bicycle but still, it's the principle of the thing, right? Team Rocket showing up and getting blasted off—along with the roof of the Pokemon Center. They head into the Viridian Forest, then to Brock in Pewter City. Then back to Cerulean City, where they have their first official (Pokemon) battle.
--Well, he's totally not someone I'd choose for a boyfriend, but then you're no prize yourself. Why thank you, Daisy. My big sister: always kind enough to remind me that I will never be the best at anything.
Misty was surprised at how easily she told all this to a stranger, who was busily writing and taking notes as she spoke. He was also studying her body language and facial expressions carefully.
--Maiden's Peak. I am dressed up for the first time in I can't remember how long. I know that I will never compete against my sisters because they are more beautiful than I am, but I looked into the mirror tonight before leaving for the party and I felt pretty. "Sorry I'm late!" I may feel pretty but I hate being tardy. Ash stares at me. A boy is staring at me? I wonder…oh, well, you only live once. I take his hand and say, "Let's dance, Ash." I have never, ever asked a boy to dance with me. And he accepted with a smile: "Sure!" We hold hands and move to the dance floor. I never want this night to end!
"So, you two were childhood sweethearts, then?" Dr. Berringer asked, snapping Misty out of her reverie.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. We had all kinds of adventures, good and bad…" And some really horrible ones, too.
--She is asking, no, begging him to wake up. Somehow she and Brock managed to move his body from underneath the massive crystal chandelier. He doesn't respond to their voices. She begins crying. Then suddenly, he turns to her and smiles softly. "Sorry for scaring you, Misty." She wipes her eyes, her face flushed. She returns his smile easily.
--"Ash, please, wake up!" She is pressing against his chest, willing life back into him. It has only been a few seconds since he plunged into the icy water on the back of Lugia, after falling from the sky. The cold water pierced her body and soaked her through but she swam against a raging current to save him and Pikachu. And now, to her horror, he is gone. Then, amazingly, he sits up. And he continues to fulfill his destiny while she watches from the sidelines with a proud smile on her face.
"Misty, did Ash ever tell you the reasons, or issues as to why he left?" The doctor asked. He leaned back in his chair.
"Just that he didn't love me anymore. And he said that we, um, weren't as—intimate—as we had been before. Oh, and he also mentioned that the house is a mess." She frowns. How can all this be my fault?
"Let's take the issues one at a time. He doesn't love you anymore. Do you believe him?"
"I don't want to." Misty thought for a moment. "No, I don't believe him."
"This will become clearer once I speak to Ash, and once the two of you come in and sit down together and talk. Love is a complex emotion. We don't often understand why we fall in love with the person we love, or how it happened. But remember, Misty, that one person can ruin a marriage but it takes two to make it work. And making marriage work is an achievement. Achievement is something that implies accomplishing something despite difficulties."
Misty nodded in agreement. Maybe Ash is right; maybe it's all my fault. If only I had…why didn't I… Misty sighed as doubts assailed her mind.
"This joint effort, Misty, with mutual goals in mind ties you and Ash together. It binds you close," the doctor laced his fingers together and held up his hands, "it makes the two of you one. And in time, this bond of love surpasses anything felt in anticipation of marriage."
"Are you going to tell me what to do?" Misty asked, uncertainty in her voice.
"No. I wish it were that simple, Misty." Dr. Berringer smiled. "I can only give suggestions to you and Ash. Whether or not you two choose to do anything with what I give you is up to you both."
Misty again nodded in agreement. Well, she knew that she would do her part. It had taken her long enough—five years, to be exact—for her to know that Ash loved her, and even longer for them to decide to marry. And I will be damned if I will just allow this part of my life to just go away—not without a fight. Dr. Berringer continued speaking and Misty listened carefully, almost wishing she could take notes herself. She felt lighter when she left his office, as though a weight she had been struggling with had been lifted from her shoulders. Let's see—dinner with Ash on Friday. I'll clean the house Thursday night if I have to. I want him home. I want him with me. I want him.
Misty was thinking about the rest of the week and did not notice the tall man with spiky brown hair standing near the elevator bay. He was wearing a polo shirt and khaki trousers. A yin-yang pendant hung around his neck. He saw Misty and grinned like a hungry wolf before a lamb.
"Misty! How are you?" He asked almost eagerly.
Misty groaned. That nasal voice could only belong to the Pallet Town Gym Leader, Gary Oak. Not today, please, God. I was in a good mood, too.
"Oh, hello, Gary. How are you?" Misty forced sincerity into her voice.
"Can't complain. How is Ash these days?" Gary replied.
"Busy as always, Gary. He is the Master, you know." Misty couldn't resist that little comment or the frown it brought to Gary's face. But Gary recovered immediately. He gestured to Dr. Berringer's office behind them.
"I see you've met Dr. Berringer, the marriage therapist. He's actually very good, from what I hear. But tell me, Misty, since we've known each other for so long now," Gary slipped an arm around Misty's shoulder in a gesture of friendship, "is something wrong with you and Ash?"
Misty sidestepped his grasp and faced the Gym Leader. Her patience ended even sooner than she thought. "Gary, our marriage has not, is not, and never will be any of your business."
Gary retreated. "Oh, I see. Does this have anything to do with what happened in Viridian City last year, at the Conference?" Misty could have sworn he smiled as he said this. The conference last year; but Ash said that nothing happened. Misty remembered their conversation in the car the night Ash told her he didn't love her anymore.
"Nothing happened, Gary, not to my knowledge anyway." Misty's brave face was beginning to fade.
"I see. Well, you know what they say—about wives being the last to know." Gary touched her shoulder and she flinched. She watched as Gary headed down the stairwell, fighting the urge to push him down the stairs. Her previously light and happy mood now completely evaporated. Nothing happened, Ash had said. Nothing happened. Then why am I worried? Misty shook her head in annoyance at letting Gary get to her and stepped into the elevator. The elevator itself was not air conditioned like the rest of the building and Misty noticed the change in temperature, but still feld cold inside. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared ahead as the door closed and she descended.
To be continued….