Chapter 13: Unexpected Visitors
While Misty and Angelica were in with Ash and Brock, the others were left in the waiting room, hoping that the two were holding up okay. Suddenly they heard two familiar, friendly voices coming from the doorway.
"How are Ash and Brock doing?"
Tracey looked up and smiled a little when he saw the blue haired man standing in the doorway with his red haired wife at his side. In the past couple of years since they had defected from Team Rocket, Jessie and James had become their friends.
"From what we've heard they're holding up okay. The surgery ended about an hour ago and they've been back in their private rooms for about thirty minutes. Misty and Angelica are in with them now. They'll be glad to know that you guys are here. All involved need all the support they can get." Carla answered.
"Hey, wait a minute. How did you guys know about this whole thing anyway?" Tracey asked.
"Well, we were in Viridian City this morning and decided to drop in on the gym and see if we could battle Gary and we read the sign that was posted on the door saying that Ash and Brock were in the hospital. We still don't know anything specific." Jessie answered.
"I had totally forgotten about making that posting on the door. I guess with all that's going on I've had too much else on my mind." Gary admitted.
"What happened to lead up to this? I've been wondering." James asked.
"Well, it all started two days ago when Carla and I stopped in to visit Ash and Misty. When we got there Misty told us that Ash was taking a nap and that seemed a little strange to her and she was worried. Later, we had lunch with them and after we ate Ash suggested that we have a battle." Tracey began and then took a breath as those memories came back. Carla saw this and put a hand on his arm, silently urging him to continue. "Anyway, after we had finished our battle we were coming in from the yard and Ash collapsed. Pikachu ran in the house to get the girls and Carla called the ambulance while Misty came out to help me. Then they brought Ash here and his doctor told us that he had a weak liver and needed a transplant. We were all tested and Brock was a perfect match. So we spent the evening last night enjoying each other's company and came back this morning and here we are now."
"Oh my gosh." Jessie gasped.
"We had no idea." James said.
"No one did. I'm just glad that we found a match and everything will be okay." Delia cut in.
"That's right." Professor Oak agreed, placing an arm around his wife's shoulders.
Just then Dr. Adams came in the room to give them an update. It was obvious from the look on his face that things were still going okay.
"Things are going as well as I was hoping. I can let you see them now two at a time." Dr. Adams said.
"We'll go and see to Ash." Professor Oak said, heading out the door with Delia right behind him.
"Carla and I will go and check on how Brock's holding up." Tracey said.
"I'll stay here with Jessie and James and wait until you guys come back." Gary told Tracey as he left with Carla.
* * * * *
Misty was still sitting keeping vigil at Ash's side when something drew her attention and caused her to jump. She whirled around to see Delia and Professor Oak standing in the doorway.
"We didn't mean to startle you dear. Dr. Adams said that Ash and Brock could have visitors so we came to see how you were doing." Delia said.
"That's right. How's Ash doing?" Professor Oak asked as he went to scratch Pikachu behind his ears.
"He seems to be doing okay. But when Dr. Adams was in here earlier he told me that Ash is going to be unconscious for a couple of days. I don't really like the sound of that but the doctor said it was normal and really nothing to worry about." Misty said quietly.
"It is normal. The reason for that is for Ash's body to have a chance to begin healing. There really isn't anything to worry about." Professor Oak confirmed.
"Okay. I understand." Misty accepted this fact when it was coming from someone she trusted.
"Ash, it's Mom honey. You need to wake up soon. There is a wonderful thing that has happened and Misty wants to tell you about it but you need to wake up first. I love you." Delia spoke softly to Ash as Pikachu remained by his friend's side, determined not to move.
"You're a very strong young man, Ash. If anyone can beat this thing, you can. We are all behind you 100% and we're going to help you make a full recovery. You have a family here for you and several friends that are backing you. You've got to beat this thing and not let it beat you." Professor Oak said.
"Oh, and before I forget to tell you, Misty, we have two more members of the support group. Jessie and James are here. They got here a few minutes ago. They're in the waiting room with Gary." Delia said.
"Let them know that I really appreciate their being here." Misty smiled.
"I will dear. You try to be strong for Ash. You'll probably have more visitors in a little while." Delia smiled as she took Misty's hand.
"That's good. Ash needs all of the support he can get and so does Brock. Visitors will more than likely be good for them."
"Well we're going to go now. I'll tell Gary, Jessie and James that they can come in and see Ash now." Professor Oak said as he and Delia turned and left the room, once again leaving Misty alone with Ash.
"Everything will be alright Ash. I guarantee that. If I have to I'll see to it myself." Misty whispered as she took Ash hand and held it tightly.
* * * * *
At the same time in Brock's room. Angelica was sitting there with Brock talking to him and trying to reassure him that things were going to be okay.
"I'm right here with you, Brock. We're going to get through this together. You'll always have me." Angelica began and stopped short when she heard approaching footsteps. "Who's there?"
"It's only us. We were cleared to come and see Ash and Brock so we decided to come here and see how the hero's holding up." Tracey smiled.
"Yeah. How is Brock faring? I see he still hasn't woke up yet." Carla noted.
"Well, he won't wake up until sometime tomorrow afternoon. That's what Dr. Adams told me earlier." Angelica said quietly.
"Oh, no. I'm sorry. I know that must be hard for you." Carla whispered.
"I'll admit it is a bit unsettling but according to what Dr. Adams says it's nothing to be alarmed about. Apparently it's because of stuff that they gave him before and during the surgery. I still wish he'd wake up though." Angelica said.
"I understand how you feel." Tracey said with a small smile as he placed a hand on Angelica's shoulder.
* * * * *
When Delia and Professor Oak arrived back in the waiting room, Gary came up and approached them.
"How's Ash?" Gary asked as Jessie and James came up behind him.
"He seems to be doing alright even though he is still unconscious. Misty said that Dr. Adams told her that he'll probably be that way for a few days." Professor Oak answered.
"Uh oh. How's Misty handling that?" Jessie asked.
"She seems to be dealing with it pretty well." Delia answered.
"Oh and by the way, you guys can go and see Ash now if you want to." Professor Oak told the three.
"Great. I want to see how Ash is doing. He is family after all. Let's go Umbreon. Come on you guys if you're coming." Gary said as he and his Pokemon headed out the door, followed by Jessie and James.
* * * * *
When Jessie, James, and Gary arrived outside Ash's room, they stood there for a moment trying to get up the courage to go inside. After a few minutes, Gary mustered up enough bravery and opened the door. Then the three stepped inside.
Misty was sitting by Ash's side and when she heard the door open she turned around and smiled when she saw her friends.
"How's Ash?" Gary asked.
"He seems to be doing alright except he's still unconscious. Dr. Adams told me that he won't wake up for a couple of days." Misty said.
"We heard about that. How are you holding up?" Jessie asked as she walked forward and gave Misty a hug.
"I'm doing as well as I can be. I just wish that Ash would wake up because when he does I have a beautiful surprise for him. I really appreciate you guys coming. Ash needs all the support he can get and also your being here is very helpful to me."
"Once we found out what was going on, we had to come. Ash is our friend after all." James said.
"What's the surprise that you have for Ash?" Jessie asked.
"Well, I want to give him some wonderful news. He's going to be a daddy." Misty whispered with a smile.
"You're pregnant?" Jessie's mouth dropped to the floor in shock.
"Wow! Congratulations." James smiled.
"Thanks. I'm still having a hard time believing it."
"Hi there Pikachu." Jessie said as she stroked Pikachu's head.
"Pika." (Hi.) Pikachu whispered.
"Hey, guys. It's getting late so I think we need to go and let Misty try to get some rest." Gary said.
"You're right. Let's go, Jessie." James agreed, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Okay. Misty, make sure you let me know if you need anything." Jessie said.
"I will. Again, I really appreciate you guys being here." Misty said as the three departed to go back to the waiting room.
* * * * *
Back in the waiting room, Delia and Professor Oak were sitting down waiting for the others to come back. While they were waiting, they talked about the situation that was facing two people they cared about.
"I wish this whole situation was over already and things could get back to normal."
"Things will get back to normal soon. Things went well and there were no setbacks or anything of that sort. This will all be over soon." Professor Oak tried to reassure his wife.
Just then they heard Tracey and Carla come into the waiting room. It was obvious that things were still okay from the looks on their faces but Delia picked up on the fact that Tracey was a little disturbed.
"What's on your mind, Tracey? You seem a little upset." Delia asked.
"It's nothing. Just the way I am. When I see other people upset it causes me to get distressed. I think it also got to me when I went in there and saw Brock all hooked up to everything. It just caught me a little bit off guard." Tracey admitted.
"I understand how you feel. Think of it this way though, this is just the first step in getting everything back to normal. Back to the way it should be." Delia smiled.
"Delia's right about that but seeing Ash like that still hit me in the pit of the stomach like a brick." Gary remarked from the doorway, causing the others to turn around. "How's Brock holding up?"
"He's doing fairly well. Angelica seems okay too but she said that it's a little upsetting to her that Brock is still out. But Dr. Adams told her that he won't come to until sometime tomorrow afternoon." Carla answered.
"In all the time we've known those guys, even though we started out trying to steal Pikachu from Ash, I never thought I would live to see them in a situation like this one." Jessie said.
"I'm just glad that everything is turning out all right. I hope that everything gets back to normal soon for the both of them but also for Misty seeing that she's pregnant and stress can't be good for either her or the baby." James agreed.
"Hey, guys. I have an idea that might help ease our minds and also help the situation. Why don't we get together over here and pray for all of them and the situation that they are in now." Carla suggested.
"I think that is a beautiful idea." Delia smiled.
"Yeah." The others quickly agreed.
Then the seven of them huddled together in a corner of the room and joined hands and prayed for their friends and the tense situation that they were in.
While Misty and Angelica were in with Ash and Brock, the others were left in the waiting room, hoping that the two were holding up okay. Suddenly they heard two familiar, friendly voices coming from the doorway.
"How are Ash and Brock doing?"
Tracey looked up and smiled a little when he saw the blue haired man standing in the doorway with his red haired wife at his side. In the past couple of years since they had defected from Team Rocket, Jessie and James had become their friends.
"From what we've heard they're holding up okay. The surgery ended about an hour ago and they've been back in their private rooms for about thirty minutes. Misty and Angelica are in with them now. They'll be glad to know that you guys are here. All involved need all the support they can get." Carla answered.
"Hey, wait a minute. How did you guys know about this whole thing anyway?" Tracey asked.
"Well, we were in Viridian City this morning and decided to drop in on the gym and see if we could battle Gary and we read the sign that was posted on the door saying that Ash and Brock were in the hospital. We still don't know anything specific." Jessie answered.
"I had totally forgotten about making that posting on the door. I guess with all that's going on I've had too much else on my mind." Gary admitted.
"What happened to lead up to this? I've been wondering." James asked.
"Well, it all started two days ago when Carla and I stopped in to visit Ash and Misty. When we got there Misty told us that Ash was taking a nap and that seemed a little strange to her and she was worried. Later, we had lunch with them and after we ate Ash suggested that we have a battle." Tracey began and then took a breath as those memories came back. Carla saw this and put a hand on his arm, silently urging him to continue. "Anyway, after we had finished our battle we were coming in from the yard and Ash collapsed. Pikachu ran in the house to get the girls and Carla called the ambulance while Misty came out to help me. Then they brought Ash here and his doctor told us that he had a weak liver and needed a transplant. We were all tested and Brock was a perfect match. So we spent the evening last night enjoying each other's company and came back this morning and here we are now."
"Oh my gosh." Jessie gasped.
"We had no idea." James said.
"No one did. I'm just glad that we found a match and everything will be okay." Delia cut in.
"That's right." Professor Oak agreed, placing an arm around his wife's shoulders.
Just then Dr. Adams came in the room to give them an update. It was obvious from the look on his face that things were still going okay.
"Things are going as well as I was hoping. I can let you see them now two at a time." Dr. Adams said.
"We'll go and see to Ash." Professor Oak said, heading out the door with Delia right behind him.
"Carla and I will go and check on how Brock's holding up." Tracey said.
"I'll stay here with Jessie and James and wait until you guys come back." Gary told Tracey as he left with Carla.
* * * * *
Misty was still sitting keeping vigil at Ash's side when something drew her attention and caused her to jump. She whirled around to see Delia and Professor Oak standing in the doorway.
"We didn't mean to startle you dear. Dr. Adams said that Ash and Brock could have visitors so we came to see how you were doing." Delia said.
"That's right. How's Ash doing?" Professor Oak asked as he went to scratch Pikachu behind his ears.
"He seems to be doing okay. But when Dr. Adams was in here earlier he told me that Ash is going to be unconscious for a couple of days. I don't really like the sound of that but the doctor said it was normal and really nothing to worry about." Misty said quietly.
"It is normal. The reason for that is for Ash's body to have a chance to begin healing. There really isn't anything to worry about." Professor Oak confirmed.
"Okay. I understand." Misty accepted this fact when it was coming from someone she trusted.
"Ash, it's Mom honey. You need to wake up soon. There is a wonderful thing that has happened and Misty wants to tell you about it but you need to wake up first. I love you." Delia spoke softly to Ash as Pikachu remained by his friend's side, determined not to move.
"You're a very strong young man, Ash. If anyone can beat this thing, you can. We are all behind you 100% and we're going to help you make a full recovery. You have a family here for you and several friends that are backing you. You've got to beat this thing and not let it beat you." Professor Oak said.
"Oh, and before I forget to tell you, Misty, we have two more members of the support group. Jessie and James are here. They got here a few minutes ago. They're in the waiting room with Gary." Delia said.
"Let them know that I really appreciate their being here." Misty smiled.
"I will dear. You try to be strong for Ash. You'll probably have more visitors in a little while." Delia smiled as she took Misty's hand.
"That's good. Ash needs all of the support he can get and so does Brock. Visitors will more than likely be good for them."
"Well we're going to go now. I'll tell Gary, Jessie and James that they can come in and see Ash now." Professor Oak said as he and Delia turned and left the room, once again leaving Misty alone with Ash.
"Everything will be alright Ash. I guarantee that. If I have to I'll see to it myself." Misty whispered as she took Ash hand and held it tightly.
* * * * *
At the same time in Brock's room. Angelica was sitting there with Brock talking to him and trying to reassure him that things were going to be okay.
"I'm right here with you, Brock. We're going to get through this together. You'll always have me." Angelica began and stopped short when she heard approaching footsteps. "Who's there?"
"It's only us. We were cleared to come and see Ash and Brock so we decided to come here and see how the hero's holding up." Tracey smiled.
"Yeah. How is Brock faring? I see he still hasn't woke up yet." Carla noted.
"Well, he won't wake up until sometime tomorrow afternoon. That's what Dr. Adams told me earlier." Angelica said quietly.
"Oh, no. I'm sorry. I know that must be hard for you." Carla whispered.
"I'll admit it is a bit unsettling but according to what Dr. Adams says it's nothing to be alarmed about. Apparently it's because of stuff that they gave him before and during the surgery. I still wish he'd wake up though." Angelica said.
"I understand how you feel." Tracey said with a small smile as he placed a hand on Angelica's shoulder.
* * * * *
When Delia and Professor Oak arrived back in the waiting room, Gary came up and approached them.
"How's Ash?" Gary asked as Jessie and James came up behind him.
"He seems to be doing alright even though he is still unconscious. Misty said that Dr. Adams told her that he'll probably be that way for a few days." Professor Oak answered.
"Uh oh. How's Misty handling that?" Jessie asked.
"She seems to be dealing with it pretty well." Delia answered.
"Oh and by the way, you guys can go and see Ash now if you want to." Professor Oak told the three.
"Great. I want to see how Ash is doing. He is family after all. Let's go Umbreon. Come on you guys if you're coming." Gary said as he and his Pokemon headed out the door, followed by Jessie and James.
* * * * *
When Jessie, James, and Gary arrived outside Ash's room, they stood there for a moment trying to get up the courage to go inside. After a few minutes, Gary mustered up enough bravery and opened the door. Then the three stepped inside.
Misty was sitting by Ash's side and when she heard the door open she turned around and smiled when she saw her friends.
"How's Ash?" Gary asked.
"He seems to be doing alright except he's still unconscious. Dr. Adams told me that he won't wake up for a couple of days." Misty said.
"We heard about that. How are you holding up?" Jessie asked as she walked forward and gave Misty a hug.
"I'm doing as well as I can be. I just wish that Ash would wake up because when he does I have a beautiful surprise for him. I really appreciate you guys coming. Ash needs all the support he can get and also your being here is very helpful to me."
"Once we found out what was going on, we had to come. Ash is our friend after all." James said.
"What's the surprise that you have for Ash?" Jessie asked.
"Well, I want to give him some wonderful news. He's going to be a daddy." Misty whispered with a smile.
"You're pregnant?" Jessie's mouth dropped to the floor in shock.
"Wow! Congratulations." James smiled.
"Thanks. I'm still having a hard time believing it."
"Hi there Pikachu." Jessie said as she stroked Pikachu's head.
"Pika." (Hi.) Pikachu whispered.
"Hey, guys. It's getting late so I think we need to go and let Misty try to get some rest." Gary said.
"You're right. Let's go, Jessie." James agreed, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Okay. Misty, make sure you let me know if you need anything." Jessie said.
"I will. Again, I really appreciate you guys being here." Misty said as the three departed to go back to the waiting room.
* * * * *
Back in the waiting room, Delia and Professor Oak were sitting down waiting for the others to come back. While they were waiting, they talked about the situation that was facing two people they cared about.
"I wish this whole situation was over already and things could get back to normal."
"Things will get back to normal soon. Things went well and there were no setbacks or anything of that sort. This will all be over soon." Professor Oak tried to reassure his wife.
Just then they heard Tracey and Carla come into the waiting room. It was obvious that things were still okay from the looks on their faces but Delia picked up on the fact that Tracey was a little disturbed.
"What's on your mind, Tracey? You seem a little upset." Delia asked.
"It's nothing. Just the way I am. When I see other people upset it causes me to get distressed. I think it also got to me when I went in there and saw Brock all hooked up to everything. It just caught me a little bit off guard." Tracey admitted.
"I understand how you feel. Think of it this way though, this is just the first step in getting everything back to normal. Back to the way it should be." Delia smiled.
"Delia's right about that but seeing Ash like that still hit me in the pit of the stomach like a brick." Gary remarked from the doorway, causing the others to turn around. "How's Brock holding up?"
"He's doing fairly well. Angelica seems okay too but she said that it's a little upsetting to her that Brock is still out. But Dr. Adams told her that he won't come to until sometime tomorrow afternoon." Carla answered.
"In all the time we've known those guys, even though we started out trying to steal Pikachu from Ash, I never thought I would live to see them in a situation like this one." Jessie said.
"I'm just glad that everything is turning out all right. I hope that everything gets back to normal soon for the both of them but also for Misty seeing that she's pregnant and stress can't be good for either her or the baby." James agreed.
"Hey, guys. I have an idea that might help ease our minds and also help the situation. Why don't we get together over here and pray for all of them and the situation that they are in now." Carla suggested.
"I think that is a beautiful idea." Delia smiled.
"Yeah." The others quickly agreed.
Then the seven of them huddled together in a corner of the room and joined hands and prayed for their friends and the tense situation that they were in.