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Misty's Awakening
Part 6
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Misty swallowed her pills, feeling slightly embarrassed for she knew that she was blushing, and handed the glass back to the Doctor quickly.
He smiled at her, as always. "That Ash; he's a pretty good kid." He must have sensed what Misty was thinking.
She nodded, perhaps a little too eagerly. "Oh, yeah, right," she said, trying to cover up for herself.
The Doctor laughed quietly and left the room.
* * * *
Misty sat in bed, staring fixedly at the wall before her. She wished that there was at least wallpaper on it— then she would have lines or dots to count. But white was all there was.
'Well, I'm officially bored,' she thought. 'There's just nothing to *do*'. She settled down on her back, and gazed up at the ceiling. 'One tile, two tiles, three tiles...' Waiting for Ash to come back to her was like a child awaiting a promised treat.
Misty also knew that if she let her mind wander, she'd think of Pikachu. She'd see in her mind's eye all that Ash had been through, and she'd see Pikachu slowly deteriorating in a cell at the Team Rocket HQ. She didn't want to remember the story that Ash had just told. The sorrow was still with her now, the story fresh in her mind.
It was strange, though; she was grieved by all the terrible things in Ash's life, but the thing that made her feel better *was* Ash.
And where was he?
"I'm such a nuisance,' Misty told herself, 'Ash tries to see me everyday that I'm in a coma, and now that I'm awake, I still want him here 24/7...wait a minute! What happened to *him* being the nuisance; the annoying brat?'
Misty almost giggled. She didn't see him that way now, not at all. He had...he had *feelings* now.
'What's *wrong* with me?! Must I *always* think of Ash?!'
But she knew the answer was yes. She honestly *liked* thinking about him...
A Nurse came in, food tray in hand, and Misty sat up once again to eat dinner. She didn't *feel* hungry, though...
Misty ate most of it, however, knowing that Ash would have told her to had he been present.
'Argh, thinking of him again...'
She found herself putting her fork down, and the Nurse took the tray away. The room was empty again.
Misty folded her arms and looked at her room again; no one had bothered to close the window shades.
The sky outside was absolutely clear, crisp and cold, as far as she could see. The tree, which must be far taller than Misty had imagined, was still alive with colorful leaves. Misty wished she could climb it, and sit at the very top in the breeze...
'That's naive,' she told herself, 'I'm too...too old to climb trees and stuff like that...'
Funny, though...just a couple of days ago, she didn't even *know* she was too old for those sorts of things. . .
In her head, it was like there was a battle between her child self and her teenage self. One side was begging her to go outside and play, to run in the leaves and dally in the mud. But the other side was persuading her to do more refined things, telling her to be mature and act that way. She wasn't sure which path to follow now...but she figured that she should try to be older, or at least to act that way.
And now, with that in mind, Misty's eyes looked the room over once more, this time seeing something that she had missed before.
There was a small white cabinet on the wall straight in front of her. Well, she'd seen *that* before, but she'd never noticed that the door was ajar. And it was opened just enough for her to see what was inside of it— a few paper cups, a box or two, and a small, blue hand mirror.
"Mirror!" Excitement filled her. Yes, it really was a mirror, one like she had wanted in her possession for days.
Misty almost made the mistake of jumping out of bed. It occurred to her, though, that she might never get up again if she tried that.
She was determined, however, and she threw her blankets aside. She rolled onto her stomach, and began crawl across her bed and to the cabinet.
It was strange, trying to crawl; it was more like she was dragging her body with her elbows over the length of the bed. It worked, though, and all she needed was to get to the cabinet...
She reached the end of the bed and heaved herself to it, looking over the edge determinedly. If she stretched far enough, she would be able to reach the door, at least...
She extended her left arm, at the same time moving forward a bit with her other arm. She reached to the door, opening it further, and strained more to grasp the mirror. The handle was so close now...she touched it, and pulled it to her a little. The handle was now hanging over the shelf just a tad. She moved closer still, and groped for it again, making contact. . .
She pulled at it, but perhaps a little too hard, for it fell from the cabinet and onto the floor.
Misty cringed, expecting to hear the sound of glass shattering, but she heard none. Amazingly, she saw the mirror there, lying face-up on the floor.
Misty swallowed, looking over the edge of the bed, and at the mirror on the ground. A face appeared...
She pulled back, almost scared to see herself. But she took a deep breath and forced herself to look over again.
She slowly peeked over the bed, and the face returned.
There she was, pale skin, pink lips, orange-red hair that fell unbound beyond her shoulders. Her eyes were deep, azure blue, looking scared and curious, blinking nervously in what seemed to be unbelief. She had a touch of rose on her cheeks, and her eye brows were arched in interest.
Misty stared at her own face in shock. Yes, she looked as she had remembered, but there were those subtle characteristics that were new. She looked...older, even if she couldn't place why...
She reached back and clutched her bright hair. She felt it in her hands, soft, curled at the end of each lock. It was long— it went over her shoulders, down her back....why had she never even noticed?
She heard the door.
Misty shot up, surprised, and saw a face that she liked much better than her own.
Ash.
"Misty..." he said, surveying the situation. Misty was still on her stomach, looking over at the mirror. "What's going on? Are you okay?" He set down a bag he had been carrying and went to her.
"I'm fine. Ash..."
He helped her to sit up again. Then, he saw the mirror on the floor.
"Misty, what's going on?" he asked as he picked up the hand mirror and set it on the bed. "What were you doing...?"
Misty wasn't sure how to explain, nor did she want to get into it. "Nothing. Just dropped it."
Ash looked suspicious and a little concerned. "OK...maybe it's nothing, but... even if it is, I don't want to pry."
Misty had no clue what to say.
"Well, um...Ash, are you doing...better?"
He gave a slight smile. "Oh. Yeah, I'm fine...thanks for asking. I just needed to relax for a while." Misty sighed quietly...at least she had changed the subject...
"Anyway," Ash went on, a bit carefully, "I went by a store and got a couple things..." He took the bag and brought it to the bed.
He removed first a bouquet flowers— yellow daisies with ferns and baby's breath.
"I think it's time to replace the other ones," he said, and put the fresh flowers in the vase by Misty's bed.
Misty was enchanted. "Thank you, Ash," she said amidst the beginnings of a blush. They *were* beautiful...
"And, best of all..." he reached back into the bag and took from it a small carton. "Sherbet."
Misty's eyes widened. Oh, she recognized it, all right...ice cream— her favorite food!
"Ash!! You...you brought me ice cream!" She took the cold container from him and held it in her hands. "Oh, it looks great! Thank you!"
Ash dug into the bag and handed her a spoon from it. Misty readily took it, plunged into the creamy stuff and took a bite. It was a wonderful explosion of icy sweetness on her tongue, sending a chill down her throat and back as she swallowed it.
"Mmmm..." She took several more spoonfuls. "It's delicious!" The flavor, she realized, was not only wonderful, but suddenly familiar. Ash smiled.
"Oh, you want to share? Come on, go ahead..." Misty offered him the spoon.
"Well, okay, sure." They took turns with the spoon, and they both savored the wonderful stuff.
Needless to say, it wasn't too long before the small carton was completely empty. Ash put the carton aside and looked to Misty.
"You tired?"
"Um, a little, but not really." She was afraid that if she even hinted that she was sleepy, Ash might think he should leave. "But...don't go, okay?" The words slipped from her lips.
"I won't go," Ash answered. "I love being here, with you."
'"I love being here....with you..."' The words floated, echoing, though Misty's mind like a beautiful song. . .
"I...I love having you here," she confessed. She could have sworn she saw him blush just then...
She watched as Ash eyed the mirror lying on the bed again. He took it in his hands. "Misty...I know I said I wouldn't pry, but...will you tell me what you *were* doing with this, on the floor and all? Won't you tell me?" His eyes...so...convincing...
Misty caved. "Well... I... I wanted to see what I looked like; I haven't even seen myself since... since I woke up..."
Ash's face transformed into a look of understanding. "...Oh..." He acted like he wanted to say more, but...
"Ash?"
"Huh?"
"Well... what do you think about me? I mean— have I changed a lot, really? Do I really look all pale and thin and— and— "
Ash stopped her. "Misty, you're wrong. I think that you're pretty— beautiful. I always did, I just never said anything, you know? And now... now I think you're even more beautiful than ever..." He seemed shy, but then surprised Misty by lifting his hand and touching her fiery orange hair. "Don't start thinking differently, okay? No matter how bad things seem for you."
She nodded as if in a trance again, captive to his deep, chestnut-brown eyes.
"Ash," she said softly, "...I liked you, too— back then. And now I like you more. You've changed so much, and you're so caring..." She wasn't sure what else to say...maybe she had said too much already, but... she was so lost in his eyes...
"...Really?"
"Yeah."
Ash looked down. "We were so stupid..." Misty nearly laughed.
"I know."
Misty found herself suddenly yawning, though not on purpose.
"Hmm, so now you're tired," Ash said sneakily.
"Oh, you caught me!" She giggled a little.
"Aw, don't worry, you don't have to go to sleep unless you really are tired. I mean, not until you want to."
"I am tired, I can't lie..." Misty sighed. "I probably should go to sleep soon..."
"Well, I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, if you want," Ash offered.
She nodded. "Yeah, please..."
She lay down under her covers, and she felt Ash wipe a strand of hair from her forehead.
"...thanks..." she whispered, and she felt Ash take her hand as she drifted off into inevitable sleep.
* * * *
Misty was surprised that, when she awoke, Ash was asleep in the chair beside her bed. She hadn't expected him to stay the night...
She sighed contentedly. She couldn't stop the feeling rising up inside her... a feeling of acceptance, and... love?
"Ash?" He looked so cute when he slept, she hated to wake him...
Her friend opened his eyes quickly. "Huh? Oh...hey, Misty."
Misty smiled. "Hey, yourself. So you fell asleep here?"
"Naw. I decided to just stay...I don't know why, but..."
"I'm glad you did...I hate being alone."
A Nurse poked her head inside. "Um, Misty Waterflower? You have visitors."
Misty was shocked. "Oh? I...I do?"
"Yes— would you like me to send them in?"
"S...sure."
The Nurse departed.
"Who would visit me?" Misty thought out loud. She started to think of faces again....
"I'll go check it out," Ash offered.
"Sure, please..."
He rose, and left the room.
Moments later, Misty heard a commotion of voices outside the door...like teenagers in a mall.
The door bursted open, and the giddy voices grew loud as three young women entered...
Misty's sisters.
"Omigosh, Misty!!! We totally heard about you waking up and just *had* to see you!!"
"Whoa...hi, guys! It's been...a while..." Misty surveyed her sisters, noting small differences here and there, but still they were easily recognized. Actually, they seemed quite the same as she remembered them...
"Like, Misty! How *are* you? We were totally worried about you!" Her sisters sat all around her on the bed.
"I'm okay...what about you?"
"Oh, we're fine...like, we missed you tons. But right now, we're still doing shows and stuff at the Cerulean Gym, but we all have other jobs now. It's cool, though."
Misty nodded. Her sister's voices were coming from all directions...
"But...like, who's that cutie out there...with the black hair? Like, he's totally a babe! Where did you get a hold of that catch?" They all giggled, and Misty knew she was going red.
"Don't...don't you remember him? That's Ash."
They continued to giggle. 'It's great to know some people will never change,' Misty thought.
"Like, the little shrimp that you denied was your boyfriend before, like, years ago? Like, he is *so* way cute now! Is he really your boyfriend? Huh?"
Misty sighed.
"Ooooh, I bet he *is*! And he's, like, even cuter than your fiancee, Daisy!"
"*Violet*...like, SHUT UP!!"
"Fiancee?" Misty asked.
"Like, yeah! Daisy is totally engaged! Actually...I'm getting married, too!" They giggled again. "The only one of us who, like, *isn't* engaged is poor Lily over here."
Lily huffed. "Like, whatever."
"But, Misty, you *totally* should hook up with this Ash kid. He definitely has the hots for you, anyway. And you should see yourself. You've turned into a babe worthy and able to stop traffic! Like, we could almost let you do shows with us!"
"Totally!"
Misty's face was scarlet. "...eh..." She wished that they would leave already...
"Well, Misty, we, like, have to go— 12 o'clock show! But we'll see you soon and catch up on everything then, mmmkay?"
"Yeah..."
"Like, totally bye!" They got up and waved, and Misty smiled weakly.
"Oh, and, good luck with hot stuff over here!"
They giggled their way out of the room.
Misty heaved a very relieved sigh. Sure, she loved her sisters, but they had their moments.
Ash entered the room again, looking confused.
"Wow, that was fast," he observed.
"Yeah, thank heavens..."
"Well, they are pretty, um, giggle-y. They looked like they would fall over laughing when they walked by me. What is it with them?"
"You don't want to know."
Misty's breakfast came, and she and Ash ate together. Ash told her about how her sisters had come to visit on weekends sometimes, and that almost every time, they were with guys.
"Why am I *not* surprised?" Misty said breathlessly.
Again, a Nurse peeked into Misty's room, but this time, she entered with a wheelchair.
"Already? Argh, I can't wait 'til this is all over with!" She was exasperated, but accepting.
Ash helped her into the chair. "I wish...I could go with..."
At this, the Nurse shook her head. "No, sir, I'm sorry, but at this point, you'd just be a distraction. Things will go faster if she goes alone."
Ash seemed annoyed at the response, but he didn't try to fight it. "Well... I'll be waiting here when you get back."
"Thank you, Ash," Misty said. She held onto his hand until the Nurse had pushed her out of the room and into the busy hallway.
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...To Be Continued...
Misty's Awakening
Part 6
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Misty swallowed her pills, feeling slightly embarrassed for she knew that she was blushing, and handed the glass back to the Doctor quickly.
He smiled at her, as always. "That Ash; he's a pretty good kid." He must have sensed what Misty was thinking.
She nodded, perhaps a little too eagerly. "Oh, yeah, right," she said, trying to cover up for herself.
The Doctor laughed quietly and left the room.
* * * *
Misty sat in bed, staring fixedly at the wall before her. She wished that there was at least wallpaper on it— then she would have lines or dots to count. But white was all there was.
'Well, I'm officially bored,' she thought. 'There's just nothing to *do*'. She settled down on her back, and gazed up at the ceiling. 'One tile, two tiles, three tiles...' Waiting for Ash to come back to her was like a child awaiting a promised treat.
Misty also knew that if she let her mind wander, she'd think of Pikachu. She'd see in her mind's eye all that Ash had been through, and she'd see Pikachu slowly deteriorating in a cell at the Team Rocket HQ. She didn't want to remember the story that Ash had just told. The sorrow was still with her now, the story fresh in her mind.
It was strange, though; she was grieved by all the terrible things in Ash's life, but the thing that made her feel better *was* Ash.
And where was he?
"I'm such a nuisance,' Misty told herself, 'Ash tries to see me everyday that I'm in a coma, and now that I'm awake, I still want him here 24/7...wait a minute! What happened to *him* being the nuisance; the annoying brat?'
Misty almost giggled. She didn't see him that way now, not at all. He had...he had *feelings* now.
'What's *wrong* with me?! Must I *always* think of Ash?!'
But she knew the answer was yes. She honestly *liked* thinking about him...
A Nurse came in, food tray in hand, and Misty sat up once again to eat dinner. She didn't *feel* hungry, though...
Misty ate most of it, however, knowing that Ash would have told her to had he been present.
'Argh, thinking of him again...'
She found herself putting her fork down, and the Nurse took the tray away. The room was empty again.
Misty folded her arms and looked at her room again; no one had bothered to close the window shades.
The sky outside was absolutely clear, crisp and cold, as far as she could see. The tree, which must be far taller than Misty had imagined, was still alive with colorful leaves. Misty wished she could climb it, and sit at the very top in the breeze...
'That's naive,' she told herself, 'I'm too...too old to climb trees and stuff like that...'
Funny, though...just a couple of days ago, she didn't even *know* she was too old for those sorts of things. . .
In her head, it was like there was a battle between her child self and her teenage self. One side was begging her to go outside and play, to run in the leaves and dally in the mud. But the other side was persuading her to do more refined things, telling her to be mature and act that way. She wasn't sure which path to follow now...but she figured that she should try to be older, or at least to act that way.
And now, with that in mind, Misty's eyes looked the room over once more, this time seeing something that she had missed before.
There was a small white cabinet on the wall straight in front of her. Well, she'd seen *that* before, but she'd never noticed that the door was ajar. And it was opened just enough for her to see what was inside of it— a few paper cups, a box or two, and a small, blue hand mirror.
"Mirror!" Excitement filled her. Yes, it really was a mirror, one like she had wanted in her possession for days.
Misty almost made the mistake of jumping out of bed. It occurred to her, though, that she might never get up again if she tried that.
She was determined, however, and she threw her blankets aside. She rolled onto her stomach, and began crawl across her bed and to the cabinet.
It was strange, trying to crawl; it was more like she was dragging her body with her elbows over the length of the bed. It worked, though, and all she needed was to get to the cabinet...
She reached the end of the bed and heaved herself to it, looking over the edge determinedly. If she stretched far enough, she would be able to reach the door, at least...
She extended her left arm, at the same time moving forward a bit with her other arm. She reached to the door, opening it further, and strained more to grasp the mirror. The handle was so close now...she touched it, and pulled it to her a little. The handle was now hanging over the shelf just a tad. She moved closer still, and groped for it again, making contact. . .
She pulled at it, but perhaps a little too hard, for it fell from the cabinet and onto the floor.
Misty cringed, expecting to hear the sound of glass shattering, but she heard none. Amazingly, she saw the mirror there, lying face-up on the floor.
Misty swallowed, looking over the edge of the bed, and at the mirror on the ground. A face appeared...
She pulled back, almost scared to see herself. But she took a deep breath and forced herself to look over again.
She slowly peeked over the bed, and the face returned.
There she was, pale skin, pink lips, orange-red hair that fell unbound beyond her shoulders. Her eyes were deep, azure blue, looking scared and curious, blinking nervously in what seemed to be unbelief. She had a touch of rose on her cheeks, and her eye brows were arched in interest.
Misty stared at her own face in shock. Yes, she looked as she had remembered, but there were those subtle characteristics that were new. She looked...older, even if she couldn't place why...
She reached back and clutched her bright hair. She felt it in her hands, soft, curled at the end of each lock. It was long— it went over her shoulders, down her back....why had she never even noticed?
She heard the door.
Misty shot up, surprised, and saw a face that she liked much better than her own.
Ash.
"Misty..." he said, surveying the situation. Misty was still on her stomach, looking over at the mirror. "What's going on? Are you okay?" He set down a bag he had been carrying and went to her.
"I'm fine. Ash..."
He helped her to sit up again. Then, he saw the mirror on the floor.
"Misty, what's going on?" he asked as he picked up the hand mirror and set it on the bed. "What were you doing...?"
Misty wasn't sure how to explain, nor did she want to get into it. "Nothing. Just dropped it."
Ash looked suspicious and a little concerned. "OK...maybe it's nothing, but... even if it is, I don't want to pry."
Misty had no clue what to say.
"Well, um...Ash, are you doing...better?"
He gave a slight smile. "Oh. Yeah, I'm fine...thanks for asking. I just needed to relax for a while." Misty sighed quietly...at least she had changed the subject...
"Anyway," Ash went on, a bit carefully, "I went by a store and got a couple things..." He took the bag and brought it to the bed.
He removed first a bouquet flowers— yellow daisies with ferns and baby's breath.
"I think it's time to replace the other ones," he said, and put the fresh flowers in the vase by Misty's bed.
Misty was enchanted. "Thank you, Ash," she said amidst the beginnings of a blush. They *were* beautiful...
"And, best of all..." he reached back into the bag and took from it a small carton. "Sherbet."
Misty's eyes widened. Oh, she recognized it, all right...ice cream— her favorite food!
"Ash!! You...you brought me ice cream!" She took the cold container from him and held it in her hands. "Oh, it looks great! Thank you!"
Ash dug into the bag and handed her a spoon from it. Misty readily took it, plunged into the creamy stuff and took a bite. It was a wonderful explosion of icy sweetness on her tongue, sending a chill down her throat and back as she swallowed it.
"Mmmm..." She took several more spoonfuls. "It's delicious!" The flavor, she realized, was not only wonderful, but suddenly familiar. Ash smiled.
"Oh, you want to share? Come on, go ahead..." Misty offered him the spoon.
"Well, okay, sure." They took turns with the spoon, and they both savored the wonderful stuff.
Needless to say, it wasn't too long before the small carton was completely empty. Ash put the carton aside and looked to Misty.
"You tired?"
"Um, a little, but not really." She was afraid that if she even hinted that she was sleepy, Ash might think he should leave. "But...don't go, okay?" The words slipped from her lips.
"I won't go," Ash answered. "I love being here, with you."
'"I love being here....with you..."' The words floated, echoing, though Misty's mind like a beautiful song. . .
"I...I love having you here," she confessed. She could have sworn she saw him blush just then...
She watched as Ash eyed the mirror lying on the bed again. He took it in his hands. "Misty...I know I said I wouldn't pry, but...will you tell me what you *were* doing with this, on the floor and all? Won't you tell me?" His eyes...so...convincing...
Misty caved. "Well... I... I wanted to see what I looked like; I haven't even seen myself since... since I woke up..."
Ash's face transformed into a look of understanding. "...Oh..." He acted like he wanted to say more, but...
"Ash?"
"Huh?"
"Well... what do you think about me? I mean— have I changed a lot, really? Do I really look all pale and thin and— and— "
Ash stopped her. "Misty, you're wrong. I think that you're pretty— beautiful. I always did, I just never said anything, you know? And now... now I think you're even more beautiful than ever..." He seemed shy, but then surprised Misty by lifting his hand and touching her fiery orange hair. "Don't start thinking differently, okay? No matter how bad things seem for you."
She nodded as if in a trance again, captive to his deep, chestnut-brown eyes.
"Ash," she said softly, "...I liked you, too— back then. And now I like you more. You've changed so much, and you're so caring..." She wasn't sure what else to say...maybe she had said too much already, but... she was so lost in his eyes...
"...Really?"
"Yeah."
Ash looked down. "We were so stupid..." Misty nearly laughed.
"I know."
Misty found herself suddenly yawning, though not on purpose.
"Hmm, so now you're tired," Ash said sneakily.
"Oh, you caught me!" She giggled a little.
"Aw, don't worry, you don't have to go to sleep unless you really are tired. I mean, not until you want to."
"I am tired, I can't lie..." Misty sighed. "I probably should go to sleep soon..."
"Well, I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, if you want," Ash offered.
She nodded. "Yeah, please..."
She lay down under her covers, and she felt Ash wipe a strand of hair from her forehead.
"...thanks..." she whispered, and she felt Ash take her hand as she drifted off into inevitable sleep.
* * * *
Misty was surprised that, when she awoke, Ash was asleep in the chair beside her bed. She hadn't expected him to stay the night...
She sighed contentedly. She couldn't stop the feeling rising up inside her... a feeling of acceptance, and... love?
"Ash?" He looked so cute when he slept, she hated to wake him...
Her friend opened his eyes quickly. "Huh? Oh...hey, Misty."
Misty smiled. "Hey, yourself. So you fell asleep here?"
"Naw. I decided to just stay...I don't know why, but..."
"I'm glad you did...I hate being alone."
A Nurse poked her head inside. "Um, Misty Waterflower? You have visitors."
Misty was shocked. "Oh? I...I do?"
"Yes— would you like me to send them in?"
"S...sure."
The Nurse departed.
"Who would visit me?" Misty thought out loud. She started to think of faces again....
"I'll go check it out," Ash offered.
"Sure, please..."
He rose, and left the room.
Moments later, Misty heard a commotion of voices outside the door...like teenagers in a mall.
The door bursted open, and the giddy voices grew loud as three young women entered...
Misty's sisters.
"Omigosh, Misty!!! We totally heard about you waking up and just *had* to see you!!"
"Whoa...hi, guys! It's been...a while..." Misty surveyed her sisters, noting small differences here and there, but still they were easily recognized. Actually, they seemed quite the same as she remembered them...
"Like, Misty! How *are* you? We were totally worried about you!" Her sisters sat all around her on the bed.
"I'm okay...what about you?"
"Oh, we're fine...like, we missed you tons. But right now, we're still doing shows and stuff at the Cerulean Gym, but we all have other jobs now. It's cool, though."
Misty nodded. Her sister's voices were coming from all directions...
"But...like, who's that cutie out there...with the black hair? Like, he's totally a babe! Where did you get a hold of that catch?" They all giggled, and Misty knew she was going red.
"Don't...don't you remember him? That's Ash."
They continued to giggle. 'It's great to know some people will never change,' Misty thought.
"Like, the little shrimp that you denied was your boyfriend before, like, years ago? Like, he is *so* way cute now! Is he really your boyfriend? Huh?"
Misty sighed.
"Ooooh, I bet he *is*! And he's, like, even cuter than your fiancee, Daisy!"
"*Violet*...like, SHUT UP!!"
"Fiancee?" Misty asked.
"Like, yeah! Daisy is totally engaged! Actually...I'm getting married, too!" They giggled again. "The only one of us who, like, *isn't* engaged is poor Lily over here."
Lily huffed. "Like, whatever."
"But, Misty, you *totally* should hook up with this Ash kid. He definitely has the hots for you, anyway. And you should see yourself. You've turned into a babe worthy and able to stop traffic! Like, we could almost let you do shows with us!"
"Totally!"
Misty's face was scarlet. "...eh..." She wished that they would leave already...
"Well, Misty, we, like, have to go— 12 o'clock show! But we'll see you soon and catch up on everything then, mmmkay?"
"Yeah..."
"Like, totally bye!" They got up and waved, and Misty smiled weakly.
"Oh, and, good luck with hot stuff over here!"
They giggled their way out of the room.
Misty heaved a very relieved sigh. Sure, she loved her sisters, but they had their moments.
Ash entered the room again, looking confused.
"Wow, that was fast," he observed.
"Yeah, thank heavens..."
"Well, they are pretty, um, giggle-y. They looked like they would fall over laughing when they walked by me. What is it with them?"
"You don't want to know."
Misty's breakfast came, and she and Ash ate together. Ash told her about how her sisters had come to visit on weekends sometimes, and that almost every time, they were with guys.
"Why am I *not* surprised?" Misty said breathlessly.
Again, a Nurse peeked into Misty's room, but this time, she entered with a wheelchair.
"Already? Argh, I can't wait 'til this is all over with!" She was exasperated, but accepting.
Ash helped her into the chair. "I wish...I could go with..."
At this, the Nurse shook her head. "No, sir, I'm sorry, but at this point, you'd just be a distraction. Things will go faster if she goes alone."
Ash seemed annoyed at the response, but he didn't try to fight it. "Well... I'll be waiting here when you get back."
"Thank you, Ash," Misty said. She held onto his hand until the Nurse had pushed her out of the room and into the busy hallway.
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...To Be Continued...
