Fractured Stars
by Spruceton Spook
Part 8
The Undesired Date Planner
"Ash, please tell me what's the matter!" Misty pleaded, her eyes squinted worriedly at Ash. He had just returned from the bathroom after getting dressed and ready for bed. She tried to make a grab for him as he walked past her, but his pajamas slipped through her fingers.
Ash didn't acknowledge her concern as he climbed up to his bed, throwing the sheets and blanket aside forcefully. Pikachu stayed on the floor, intimidated by Ash's aggressive behavior. He watched helplessly as Ash thrust his legs under the covers, plopped down so soundly that the bed shook, and pulled the blanket up to his chin in a whoosh. He was facing the wall.
Misty didn't accept this for one moment. "Ash! Why are you acting this way?" she demanded, hopping up a couple of the ladder steps to his bed. She looked over at him, his mess of black hair the only part of his body visible.
"Nothing," Ash finally muttered. "Nevermind, okay? I'm just tired."
"Since when does being tired put you in such a crabby mood?"
Ash swallowed hard. He didn't want to talk about it. Not tonight, at least. His blood was already pumping too hard, and he just wanted to lie down. He wanted to close his eyes and fall asleep, escape into peace. It wasn't early, which was a perfectly good incentive for being tired, but he couldn't get to bed if Misty was going to be breathing down his neck persistently all night long.
"I'm not in a crabby mood," Ash answered, calming his tone to make it sound believable. "I'm just pooped out for today, and…and I guess it just hit me now."
It must have worked, because he could hear Misty sigh softly and climb back down the ladder without a word. He withdrew his face into the warm pillow.
"Misty, let's let him sleep," he heard Brock whisper.
"But something's wrong with him!" Misty insisted, also in a whisper.
"I know, but…leave him be, okay?"
Ash listened as Misty and Brock left, closing the door quietly behind them. As the dark room engulfed him, Ash flipped around on his back. Although his eyes yearned for sleep, he gazed up at the ceiling.
Great, he thought. Now everybody knows something's wrong. What am I doing?
"Pika pi."
Ash could suddenly feel the bed slope slightly under a tiny weight, and the sensation of something climbing over his bundled up body became the focus of his attention. His eyes not quite adjusted yet to the dark, Ash extended his hand. It brushed up softly against Pikachu's thick fur, and his hand reclined to stroke his Pokémon's back.
Pikachu didn't say anything after that, much to Ash's relief. He settled beside Ash and allowed his trainer to pet him. Ash rubbed Pikachu's body back and forth, starting with his ears and working his way down to Pikachu's lightning bolt tail. The mouse purred gently at the massage, tilting his head up occasionally to nuzzle Ash's hand as it came near his face.
Ash liked the silent companion he had the pleasure of being with. Pikachu knew how to make him feel better without saying a word, and that was all right by him. Thoughts ran continuously through his mind as he stared at the ceiling, but when the ceiling became too boring and mesmerizing, Ash's eyelids drooped and he breathed deeply, resting but not yet slumbering.
The day's events replayed in his mind, all seeming to go by in super fast-forward. He couldn't believe that the incident at his hideaway had occurred at all that morning. The day had begun so nicely. Despite ruining his favorite shoes and falling into all that bad luck, it was fun, and Ash thought back on it with a smile. The delicious barbecue was also a fond recollection. Wrestling with Misty on the lawn, having grilled burgers which he absolutely adored—the ingredients for a flawless day.
Ash should've been going to bed happy that night. But he was far from that, and just the truth of it made Ash fall into deeper gloom.
How a good day could hit such a speed bump and then plummet thereafter Ash could not understand. One of the best things about that barbecue had been the fact that his dad was there. It was just the beginning to a great visit home, quite possibly a longer visit than what Ash was accustomed to, and he would be able to live out his life like he remembered. Granted, he wasn't spending half the day in school like before, but he could still look forward to six o'clock, when his dad's car would pull up and he'd be home—the best time, when Ash could gush about all his accomplishments of the day. Now, it would be Pokémon training instead of school. Dinnertime would be like old times, and he'd end the day watching TV with his parents, who'd be sitting closely to each other on the couch. His mother's head would be rested on his father's shoulder, and he'd be sitting at their feet. Of course, Misty and Brock would be there, but now that Ash considered them more like family, it made everything all the better.
Weekends had always been the predominant time for Ash to be with Jay. Sunday was more of a family day, but Saturday had been strictly reserved for them. It was never set up this way, it just happened. Ash remembered his father taking him to all sorts of different places, sometimes close by like the local park to play with the Pokémon, or miles away such as to the quaint miniature golf course that Ash treasured as a child. There was never any problem about that. Jay always had time for Ash. Occasionally, he'd have some work around the house or shopping to do, but Ash would always be right by his side, helping out. His father never shut him out of anything, and Ash cherished each and every moment he spent with him.
He adored his dad. Plain and simple.
And he still did. Thinking about what Jay had said earlier to him sat in his mind, much like the lump that now sat in his throat. How could he say that he needed to find the time? Find the time?! What could he possibly be doing that was more important than being with him? Ash had given up a gym badge, another step towards the Johto League, another thing that was important to him. He had given up his journey, put it on hold so that he could be with his family. It was all too good for him, the thought of his parents together again and his old, everyday life returning. He wanted to be part of that. And calling them up every time he had the chance, in between long treks through endless woods, wouldn't suffice.
The thing that struck Ash so preposterously was that two times that night he could have been with his family. Thinking about it, Ash realized that there was no logical reason for him to have been left out of those activities. His parents could have easily invited him on their walk. What was so important about getting a pizza? If they wanted it to be a surprise, that was one thing, but Ash couldn't understand how they could place a simple dinner before his desire to join them. And the movies! They didn't have to see a rated R movie. Ash knew plenty of good movies that were out, movies that all of them could have delighted in without a problem. But no, his parents had to choose a mature film, one that they knew Ash had to stay home for.
They wanted to be alone. Ash knew this; he was no fool. Still, he flipped over on his side and jammed his hand underneath his pillow, rather begrudgingly. Regardless of whether they were back together or not, that didn't mean they had to reject him from everything. He was still part of their family, they had created him, and he wasn't ready to just let them ride over him like he was still out in the wilderness. He was home, and the least they could do was find some time to include him in their activities. His dad could find some time of the day to be with him.
Pikachu was falling asleep. Ash had ceased petting him, and now Pikachu simply curled up beside Ash for the night. Relishing in the stillness of the night, Ash concentrated on some of the various sounds his house was creating. He could hear the soft hum of the shower downstairs, and he guessed that either Misty or Brock was using it, bearing in mind that his parents normally showered in the morning. Vaguely could he hear the TV downstairs, but it was still perceptible, and considering the time of night, Ash figured that his dad was watching the news. Frequently, he heard the creak of floorboards downstairs, but that could be anybody.
So here I am, Ash thought, nodding internally. Everyone's up and moving around. I'm here in bed, falling asleep, in for the night. He paused for a moment, opening his eye slightly. Where are you, Mom?
Last night, just as he, Misty, and Brock had settled in for a good night's sleep, Delia had come in to wish them sweet-dreams. Ash was pleasantly surprised at this, since his mother rarely said good-night to him when Misty and Brock were here. Maybe she thought Ash found it embarrassing, but in any case it must not have mattered then. The lights out and the door closed, Ash wouldn't have ever expected it. But she came anyway, climbing up to his bed to kiss him good-night like she always had. It made Ash feel warm and happy, more than glad that he had decided to come home.
Ash lay in his bed for some time, waiting for his mother to come. When Misty and Brock finally came in, Ash shut his eyes and didn't utter a peep. He pretended to be asleep, and he was successful in doing it. Misty and Brock were whispering as they climbed into their beds, and when Togepi started to babble, Misty hushed him immediately. They were working in the dark, too, not even turning on Ash's dim desk lamp. Ash smiled to himself, feeling so content that he had friends respectful of his sleeping.
Now Mom should come, Ash nodded with certainty. She'll be up in no time to say good-night.
Ash waited for a while, but either he fell asleep before she came or she didn't come at all. Ash couldn't wait as long as he wished, as his sleepiness finally defeated his body. Giving in to it, he slept soundly and dreamlessly through the warm twilight.
Ash perked as a small, sizzling sensation swept through his body. He batted his closed eyes, clenched them even more tightly shut, and flipped over to his other side. The sizzling became a bit stronger, but Ash was too sleepy to even notice it. Considering for a moment that he was dreaming, Ash groaned, licking his dry lips and trying to rid the sizzling just by blocking it from his mind.
"Pika!"
Suddenly, the soft sizzling was gone, only to be replaced by a full-out shocking zap. Ash shot up in a second, his eyes wide in surprise and a little bit of pain. He yelped as he sat up, clutching at his sheets firmly. His breath came out in loud, separate puffs as he fought to catch it.
It took a minute for Ash to realize how he had been awakened. He felt Pikachu's presence by his side, and looked down into the shiny, brown eyes of his Pokémon. Pikachu smiled as his eyes met Ash's, and the sparks from his cheeks gradually diminished.
"Thanks for the wake-up call," Ash said, annoyed that Pikachu had once again relied on his electricity to arouse his trainer. He reached up to rub his sleepy eyes, feeling some static shocks dance from his hair. "What did I tell you about that?"
"Pika pi, pika pika!" Pikachu chirped, paying no attention to Ash's inflexible tone and springing off his bed and out of the room.
"Yeah, I'm up, I'm up," Ash murmured, swinging his legs out from his covers and jumping to the floor. He was way too tired to even use the steps of his ladder. The ground shook as he hit the floor, and he stumbled around to catch his footing. The residue from Pikachu's shock was part of his disorientation, as well.
Ash glanced at the clock. His eyes shot open quickly when he discovered it a few minutes past 11 o'clock. He moaned and dragged himself out of the room, unable to believe that he had slept that long.
He slowly made his way down the stairs, squinting his eyes sleepily as he entered the bright living room. He looked down to see Misty and Brock on the couch, still in their pajamas, watching the TV. His clamorous promenading turned his friends' heads.
"Finally, he lives!" Brock proclaimed, drawing a wide smile from Misty.
"Hey sleepy-head!" Misty squeaked gleefully, watching the very tired Ash shuffle into the living room. "Get enough sleep?"
Ash waved her away, yawning right after. "Don't you know me by now? I always sleep in on Sundays."
"Well, you slept long enough," Misty informed him. "I had to send Pikachu up to get you. Ya know, to make sure if you were still alive and all."
Ash huffed. "Well, if he keeps waking me up with a thundershock, I'm not going to live much longer."
Misty and Brock softly chuckled, but their eyes were set back on the television again. Ash stood there, leaning on the couch to support his wearied body, which, despite the twelve hours of sleep it had earned, still lacked energy. Ash swallowed, finding his throat slightly parched, and sauntered slowly to the kitchen.
It was only when he grabbed the orange juice out of the fridge did he notice that he was alone. He set the juice carton on the counter and jumped up and leaned over to look out the window. His mom was not in the garden like he expected to find her. Setting himself back on his feet again, he froze for a second. The house was silent except for the TV. And he knew that no one was upstairs. Scrunching up his face in confusion, he went out into the living room.
"Are my mom and dad home?" he inquired of his couch-potato friends.
Both Misty and Brock shook their heads simultaneously, their eyes glued to the tube.
"Where'd they go?" Ash asked.
Misty turned around momentarily, but threw her attention promptly back at the TV. "They went to the store."
"What store?"
Misty shrugged. "I dunno. They just said they were going to the store."
Ash stood quietly, finding himself staring at Misty as if he expected more out of her. But she wasn't saying anything else, and Ash glanced at the floor.
"Why didn't they wake me up?" he asked. His voice was low and innocent. "Didn't they think I might've wanted to go?"
"You were sleeping," Brock replied bluntly. He was running his hand through his spiky hair repeatedly. "They left pretty early."
"Yeah, like at ten," Misty giggled, still teasing Ash for his sleeping-in.
"Oh." Ash said nothing more, and walked back into the kitchen. He finished pouring his juice, and quaffed it down in one gulp. He scowled as some pulp went down his throat, as he never quite liked that, but the juice still tasted good. He dumped the glass in the sink and went up to get dressed. He wasn't going to let the day go to any more of a waste then he already made it. There was much he wanted to do today.
He didn't have to wait long for his parents to return. He had gotten dressed and prepared for the day, fed his Pokémon a bit of breakfast along with Misty and Brock, and grabbed a bite of food for himself that served as both his breakfast and lunch. The day was just as hot as the one before, and when Misty randomly announced that she was going to tan, Ash and Brock shrugged and joined her. Lying in the heat was somewhat unbearable, but they sweat it out and managed a good hour or so before Ash heard his parents entering the house.
Ash bolted up from the towel he had been lying on, and went straight for the house. He grabbed his sunglasses off his face upon entering, as it was considerably dark compared to the bright sunshine that his eyes had adapted to. Throwing the sunglasses on the kitchen table, he made his way briskly to the living room. He stopped abruptly in the entranceway, his eyes fixing on the small pile of plastic bags sitting on the floor by the couch. The front door was open, but no one was there. Cocking his head, he slowly inched his way over to the door, only to be met suddenly by his mom. She held what appeared to be the last of the bags in her hands, and smiled when she met Ash.
"Oh, hi honey," she said, making her way past him to drop the bags on the floor beside the others.
"Hi, Mom," Ash answered softly, flipping around to see Jay coming in right after.
"Hey, you're finally up!" Jay said, setting one more bag on the floor. It was box-shaped, and he set it down carefully on the ground. Ash figured that something was heavy in the bag.
Brock and Misty came in from outside, smiling contentedly as the refreshing air-conditioning hit their overheated bodies. Delia looked the kids over.
"Ooh! You guys got some color!" she said, nodding approvingly. Misty and Brock looked down at their arms and smiled.
"Well, that was the plan!" Misty grinned.
Delia glanced over at Ash, who had been looking down at the bags ambiguously. He felt her eyes on him and he looked up.
"You got really tan," Delia commented, turning him around gently to admire his dark-toned body. "I hope you put sunblock on, though. I don't need you burning out there."
"Don't worry, we did," Brock assured her. "We're done for today, anyway."
"It's way too hot out there!" Misty concluded, fanning herself.
Delia nodded, rolling her eyes in agreement. Suddenly, she turned to Ash with a huge smile. "Oh, Ash! Wait till you see what I got for you!"
"Mom—" Ash started, watching as she sprang for one of the bags. Delia didn't pay much attention, and in the next second, she snatched the bag she was rummaging through. She took Ash by surprise as she handed it to him.
Ash stared confusingly at it before taking it into his hands, and then at her.
"What's the matter?" Delia asked him. She smiled warmly. "Open it!"
Ash did, finding it full of folded clothes. He reached in and grabbed some of the clothing and pulled it out. Included in it were two new pairs of jeans, some heavy t-shirts, and a hooded gray sweatshirt. The fresh smell of new clothes floated up his nose.
"Well?" Delia asked, her voice craving approval. "You like them?"
Ash blinked a few times. He was still surprised about getting new clothes, something he hadn't seen lately. He looked up at his mom, his eyes glistening gratefully. A small smile curved on his lips. "I love them," he said sincerely, dropping the bag and pulling out the sweatshirt.
"I'm so tired of worrying about you when the weather is cold," Delia explained. "I thought that'd be nice in the fall time, no? It might be a little big, but you can grow into it. Besides, bigger clothes are always warmer."
A pleasant smile remained on Ash's face as he put the sweatshirt on, chucking as the sleeves swept way past his hands. Everyone giggled when Ash made a silly face when this occurred.
"But that's not it," Jay said. "You should see all the stuff your mother bought for you!" Delia nodded, and grasped another bag.
"I got a few long-sleeve shirts for you," she said, pulling out more clothes that looked a bit big for Ash. "And some shorts for the summer. I want you to be perfectly equipped for when you leave again."
All of a sudden, the smile dropped from Ash's face and he jerked his head towards her. "What makes you think I'm going to leave again?" he asked abruptly, his sharp tone startling Delia.
She looked at him bewilderedly for a moment. "W-what?" she asked, sounding every bit as confused as she was.
Closing his eyes, Ash just shook his head. "Nothing," he replied inaudibly. "I…I like the clothes. They're really nice. Thanks, Mom."
His statements came out so rapidly, barely being caught by the others. He picked the bags up and carried them up to his room, not giving any of them another look. Jay and Delia watched him, their mouths agape in stupefaction. Misty and Brock exchanged a look, then without a word made their way humbly back outside.
The day passed calmly and quickly. Ash met up again with Misty and Brock, and to their relief, he was more cheerful than when they had last left him. He honestly was thrilled with the new clothes, which he reported were a tad big, but fine otherwise. He had even changed into one of the new pairs of shorts that Delia had bought for him. Neither Misty nor Brock brought up the subject of Ash's rigid accusation, but it still hung in their minds. They knew Ash wanted to stay in Pallet for a while, but it still struck them odd that Ash would get so touchy that his mom was preparing for his departure…whenever that may be.
Ash then proceeded to drag them out back into the sunshine again, announcing that he wanted to finally visit Professor Oak and his Pokémon. He couldn't wait to say hello to Tracey again, as well, wondering what everyone was up to on this hot Sunday afternoon. Pikachu leapt up onto his shoulder and they set out, draggling themselves haggardly through the heat.
Delia watched them walk away till they were out of sight. She sighed daintily, leaning casually on the door. With the kids no longer in perception, she gazed out at the sweeping blue sky, and the towering, yet gentle mountains in the distance. It was such a beautiful day, she noted, but she couldn't help but worry that they might get overheated. Romping around on Professor Oak's huge property with their Pokémon could become strenuous, and she just hoped that they'd have enough sense to come in when the heat proved too much.
"Whatcha thinking about?"
Delia jumped, wrenched suddenly from her thoughts and her worries. She spun around to see Jay standing beside her, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He was smiling widely at her.
Taking a deep breath to calm her startled heart, Delia smiled back. "Oh, nothing. The kids are going off to play at Professor Oak's. I was just watching them go."
"Ah," Jay nodded. He came up beside her to look out the door, also. The two stood there in silence, gazing out at the beautiful scenic background that Pallet Town so graciously provided. Huge, puffy clouds floated pleasantly across the sky, sometimes relieving the valley from the torturous heat.
Jay put his arm around Delia as they stood there. She rested her head on him in response, bringing her arm around to return the embrace. Both reclined contentedly in their gentle hold, taking in the view together. Delia closed her eyes as her husband began to stroke her hair softly. A pleasing feeling warmed her body, and she nuzzled closer to him.
"It's been such a nice weekend," Jay suddenly commented.
"Mmmm," agreed Delia.
"I mean, with that nice walk we took yesterday, and the movie last night," Jay continued, his voice brewing with satisfaction, "even with the kids around we still had some good alone-time."
Delia nodded, finding herself looking back out at the mountains again. "Well, they're not babies, you know. We don't have to look after them every single minute of the day."
"What a relief," Jay chuckled, rubbing her arm up and down vigorously. He sighed loudly, then slowly leaned his head forward to kiss Delia's cheek tenderly. Delia squirmed delightedly at this, maneuvering her head around so that his lips met hers. They stood there for quite some time, their arms around each other as they engaged in the passionate affair.
"You know," Jay managed to say during the kissing, moving his mouth aside to talk. "This has really been a nice weekend."
Delia gently pushed her husband's face forward again, pressing her mouth firmly into his. She moaned a little in agreement, making sure that he knew she was listening to him but that she had no intention of stopping.
Jay lifted his mouth up momentarily. "We can make it a whole lot nicer, too."
"Hmmm?" Delia asked, her eyes still closed as Jay continued to peck her lips. She giggled. "How's that?"
Jay brought his mouth up to her ear softly, brushing against her smooth skin sensitively. Chills of captivation cascaded through her body as Jay whispered amorously, "I want to spend the night with you, Delia."
Delia pulled away from him delicately, finding herself gazing into his deep brown eyes, sparkling with love and desire. She instinctively smiled at this, experiencing her own feeling of excitement and longing, the words she adored to hear escape her husband's lips. It sent such a positive, uplifting and exhilarating sensation through her, arousing her ever so powerfully and taking control of her strength. Reaching up to caress her husband's chin, she giggled fervently.
"Oh, you do, huh?" she asked, arching her eyebrow. She glanced down delightedly as she took Jay's hand into her own, beginning to playfully fiddle with his fingers. "And why would you wanna do a little thing like that?"
Her flirtatious and giddy approach brought a widening smile to Jay's face. "Because I love you," he replied. "Aaannd…I think you're the most beautiful girl in the whole world, aaaand…the greatest wife a guy could have…"
Delia laughed, a streak of crimson blush sweeping across the bridge of her nose. "Okay, already! I get the point!"
Jay chuckled momentarily before grasping Delia's hand lovingly in his own. His eyes melting into hers, he brought her hand up and kissed it. "Tonight's going to be our special night. Just you and me. Are you excited?"
Taking a deep breath, Delia smiled. "Of course…I am," she replied, letting the statement escape through the exhale of her deep breath. Jay perked, squeezing her hands, and in that next second, Delia found herself looking oddly at him.
"What?" she asked, her face scrunched up in confusion.
Jay shook his head, quickly replacing his uncanny expression with a warm smile. "Nothing," he said. He looked sheepishly at her. "It just—sounded funny when it came out of your mouth."
"What did?"
"When you said 'Of course I am'," he answered. "You sounded funny, kinda like…"
"Kinda like what?" she persisted, shrugging. She was not ignorant to what he was referring to, however. She knew that she sounded strange, and there was a perfectly good reason for it.
"Like…like you were biting back your words," he concluded with a shrug of his own. He quickly rid himself of it with a shake of his head. "But it's no big deal. It was just weird, that's all."
Delia looked at him for a moment, flicking her eyes back outside again. He had let her hands drop from his, and she now begun to wring them lightly.
"Well," she started, sharply ending the word. Jay wrinkling his nose, searching her face attentively. She gave him a wan smile, and continued. "The thing is…it's not just going to be you and me. The kids are going to be here."
Jay broke out into laughter, catching Delia off-guard. She watched him as he laughed, her lips curving into an amused but misinterpreted grin.
"I'm sorry," he apologized through the bouts of giggles, "I didn't mean to laugh." He reached up and tugged at her hair. "You just have such petty worries, honey."
Delia bit her lip. "I don't think that's a petty worry," she replied. "I just think it might be strange for them and all. You were on the couch this whole time and then suddenly you're not?"
"So?" Jay grinned. "What are they going to do, question us about it? You think they're keeping a tab on us or something?"
"No," Delia replied, gazing modestly at the floor. "But I mean, how can we—you know, do that with them here?"
Jay shrugged and gave her a face. "What do you mean? They go to bed, we go to bed. Simple as that."
"But what if they…" Delia paused for a moment, blushing furiously and biting her lip. She lowered her voice into an awkward whisper. "Hear us? Or know that we're doing that?"
Jay nodded in understanding, patting her softly on the head. "Delia, don't worry. We did it a lot of times when Ash was here. Why couldn't we do it now without a problem?"
"Cause Ash is older," she replied immediately, raising her eyebrows with the fact. "And there're two even older kids here, and what if it's too obvious? What if they do know? What will they think? And what will Ash think?"
Jay's eyes darted around uncertainly. "Ash does know about sex, though, doesn't he?"
Delia groaned and rolled her eyes. "Of course he does! Which is exactly why..."
She trailed off as Jay brought his finger up to her mouth and pursed his lips in a shushing manner. Delia shut her own lips tightly, as if Jay had locked them with a key. His eyes closed, Delia thought for a moment about what he was planning to say, or what the cause of his silencing meant. She didn't have to think. She knew what she was saying was ridiculous. Why should she have to worry? After all, they'd probably get intimate way after the kids were in bed, but Ash sometimes had a tendency to wander around the house during the night in search of the bathroom or snack, and the thought of him being near their bedroom made her shiver a bit.
Jay opened his eyes, which glistened brightly as they reflected the warm sun shining through the front door. Delia watched him conscientiously, waiting ever so patiently for what he was about to say.
"Delia, I want to have this night with you," he said gently, reaching up to stoke her soft hair. "And I want it to be special and the best night it can possibly be. If…if the kids being around worries you, then…" He paused, taking a deep breath. "Then I can wait, if you wish. Until you're comfortable…I'll wait."
This was such a warm shock to Delia that she withdrew from him. She couldn't believe what he was saying! Here he was, confessing to what he desired most with such rapture, ready to give it up in a second at her suggestion. She couldn't control herself as she flung her arms around his broad, strong shoulders, burying her face in his chest.
"No!" she cried, fighting back tears of compassion and pure love. "I don't want to wait any longer!" She pulled away from him and beamed into his pleasantly shocked face. Her eyes appeared to be glistened over with tears. "I want to make love to you so bad. And we've waited too long now. I want it now, Jay."
At that, she grabbed hold of him again, as he began to kiss the side of her head tenderly, stroking her hair. She allowed him to hold her, clenching her eyes closed blissfully as he gently pulled her ponytail out to easily comb her hair with his fingers.
"So the kids aren't a problem now, I gather?" he chuckled.
Delia looked up at him with a smile, her long amber hair falling across her shoulders. "Don't you worry," she told him with a wink. "I'll find a way to get the kids out of the way."
Jay's eyebrows rose with interest as Delia leaned her head back onto his chest. She squeezed him tightly, wondering if she ever wanted to let go.
Ash, Misty, and Brock returned home later that evening, just as the sun was being swallowed by the mountains. They were laughing and practically prancing on their toes as they entered the house, stimulated from a vigorous day of Pokémon training and good old horseplay at Professor Oak's. It had been a fabulous afternoon to say the least, and Ash was simply glowing as he kicked off his shoes.
"Mom!" he cried out. "We're home!"
Delia stepped out of the kitchen and gasped. "Oh my goodness, you kids are filthy!" she exclaimed with an incredulous smile. "How'd you get so dirty there?"
Brock wiped his sweaty brow. "It's hot, muggy, and really, really dusty," he replied. "It's quite easy."
Delia nodded. "I can see that. But you had fun?"
Ash beamed. "Oh, tons of it! One of the Rhydon Professor Oak has on his ranch had a baby just last week!"
"The cutest thing I've ever seen!" Misty squealed.
"We played with it all day long," Ash continued. "It's so young, but it runs around like crazy."
"So by all means I'm sure you had to chase it," Delia teased, shaking her head. "Tormenting little baby Pokémon now, are we?"
The three kids laughed, all putting on playful faces of shame. Delia had to laugh at this herself.
"Well, we'd better get cleaned up," Brock suggested. "I feel like I've trekked across a desert and back."
"Oh, pajamas sound so wonderful right now!" Misty sighed, closing her eyes with ecstasy. "I can't wait!"
"Well, hold on just one moment," Delia said, raising her finger as if to make a point. "You kids are definitely going to get cleaned up, no doubt about that."
Ash nodded, sensing more in his mother's voice. "Yeah," he shrugged. "And?"
Delia couldn't contain her grin, flashing the weary kids her bright white teeth. "Clean up, but don't get settled!" she informed them, taking delight in watching their confusion radiate from them.
"Why not?" Ash asked.
"Because I've set up a sleepover for you three tonight," she answered excitedly, clapping her hands together.
Ash's scowled. "What? What do you mean, a sleepover?" Misty and Brock were just as baffled as they awaited Delia's explanation.
"You're not spending the night here," Delia said. "Because tonight you'll be spending it at Gary Oak's!"
TO BE CONTINUED . . .
Congrats to Squirtle Squirt!!! This awesome racehorse proved his greatness two Saturdays ago when he went on to win the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Belmont Racetrack! Quite impressively, I might add! It was such a wonderful experience, first and foremost, to have been present on the most prestigious and exciting racing day of the year, but to see a horse named specifically after one of our favorite little boy's Pokémon win was truly amazing! Let all us Pokémon (and maybe horse racing fans!) support and cheer on this fabulous colt and see him amount to something! Whoah-oh!!! (Also, I found it quite amusing and coincidental that the owner's racing silks have a big lightning-bolt down the back . . .!)
Also, R.I.P. to Exogenous, the beautiful gray filly who died last Friday after battling a serious head injury she obtained on BC Day. She was a tough fighter, and she'll be missed. :(
Annnnnd . . . Just in time for Halloween, SaltNPepper, my sister, Adrienne, and her friend, Christine, have written a totally hilarious, mysterious, spooky, and lots of fun Pallet Town story!! It's called "Haven't Got A Clue." I'm telling ya, GO READ THIS STORY! It's so good and had me on the floor laughing. The poor girls hardly have any reviews! If you have a chance, check it out! It'll totally be worth your while!! Highly recommended!! Great story, Kaads! You guys rule!
See ya next time!! Thanks for reading!
