Chapter 17: Grateful Reunion
Misty walked into the waiting room with a look of relief on her face and was immediately greeted with a barrage of questions. These were questions she was more than happy to answer.
"How's Ash doing?" Delia asked.
"When can we see him?" Gary chimed in.
"I'm so glad that he's awake."
"Did you tell Ash about your pregnancy?" Carla asked.
"And how did he handle it?" Tracey finished for her.
"Okay. Let's see if I can tackle all of these questions." Misty laughed. "First of all, Ash is doing fine. He got something for his pain and he's resting right now so he shouldn't have visitors for a little while. I'd wait thirty minutes or so. I'm glad that Ash is awake too. I did tell Ash about my pregnancy and he was shocked. Though I really don't think it's fully hit him yet."
"I can't wait to see Ash and see for myself that he's doing better." Delia said, relieved that Ash was finally awake.
"Well, I'm going to have to get back to Ash now. I'm going to stop by Brock's room on my way back so I can let them know that Ash is awake. I'm sure that they'll want to see Ash too." Misty smiled as she turned and left the room.
"Well, it looks like things are definitely taking a turn for the better." Professor Oak said.
"This has been a very strange situation to say the least with several twists. It is good to be getting things back to normal. I think its safe to say that soon everything will be as it was before. It's really good to see that everyone involved are well on the road to recovery." Tracey commented.
"I agree. Things are definitely looking up. I still want to see Ash with my own eyes." Delia agreed.
"Listen, someone needs to let Brock and Angelica know what's going on and that Ash is awake so I think I'm going to go and do that now. I'll be back soon." Gary announced as he turned and retreated from the room.
* * * * *
Brock opened his eyes and looked around the room sleepily. He took a moment to reorient himself and smiled when he noticed Angelica sleeping in the chair next to the bed. As he remembered what had happened the night before his smile got broader. Just then he heard Angelica stir as she began to awaken.
"Good morning." Brock smiled.
"Hey. Did you sleep well last night?" Angelica asked softly.
"Yeah. I didn't realize that proposing to my beautiful girlfriend would take so much out of me. An earthquake could have broken out right underneath the building and I doubt it would have even phased me."
"I'm glad you remembered what happened last night. I wasn't sure you would seeing that you were so understandably exhausted last night after everything that you've been through."
"Now you surely didn't think I would forget making plans to spend the rest of my life with someone who I love more than life. Of course I remember." Brock teasingly chided her.
"Well, I couldn't help but wonder if the whole thing was real or just a dream. Now I know that it is an absolute reality and I still couldn't be happier because I love you so much." Angelica smiled as she hugged him as tightly as she dared so she didn't hurt him.
Then the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat caused the young couple to look up. When they did they looked nervously upon the source of the sound.
"Am I interrupting?" Gary asked.
"No. Come on in, Gary. What's the matter? Did something happen?" Brock asked, concern in his voice.
"Something did happen but it's a good thing. Ash is awake. He came to about an hour ago. I just thought you'd like to know." Gary smiled.
"Thanks Gary, but Misty was already here and told me that Ash is awake." Angelica said.
"Ash is awake. Awesome! I can't wait to see him and see how he's doing." Brock grinned broadly.
"Well Misty said that Ash was resting right now and she told us that we needed to wait about thirty minutes before we see him." Gary advised.
"Great. In about half an hour we can go and see Ash."
"Well I'm going to leave you two alone now."
"Thanks for coming by Gary." Angelica smiled.
"No problem. Later." Gary said as he turned and headed down the hallway.
"I can't wait to see Ash. I think it'll make me feel a lot better to see him awake and strong and doing great. That way I'll know that what I did helped him." Brock smiled.
"I know it did, sweetheart." Angelica whispered as she hugged him again.
* * * * *
Misty was sitting by Ash's side with Pikachu on her lap when he began to stir as he awakened. Ash slowly opened his eyes and smiled as he looked straight into the loving face of his wife.
"Hey."
"Hi, honey. Did you have a good nap?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. I feel a little bit better after a good rest too. That was exactly what I needed." Ash smiled.
"You seem a lot stronger too."
"Actually, now that you mention it, I do feel stronger. I have Brock to thank for that."
"Pikachu pi pika pika pikachu, Pikapi." (I'm glad you're feeling better, Ash.) Pikachu said happily as he jumped up onto the bed and crawled into his trainer's lap.
"Thanks, Pikachu. Did you look after Misty for me?" Ash asked as he hugged his Pokemon to him.
"Pika pika." (Of course.)
"Pikachu also took care of you. After they brought you out of surgery and got you back up here, Pikachu hasn't left your side for a moment. I only left to eat and that time when I needed attention." Misty confirmed with a smile.
"Why did you need attention? I think you told me before but I really don't remember. Are you okay?" Ash asked, suddenly very concerned for Misty's well being.
"I'm fine. I needed a little medical attention because I fainted at one point. I told you this earlier but you were really tired so I'll jog your memory a little bit. I didn't faint because I was sick or stressed like I thought. I fainted because I'm pregnant. Ash, we're going to have a baby."
"Oh, yeah. I do remember you telling me that now. It's hard to believe that I'm going to be a dad. I never knew my dad so I want to be a great father to my own child. It's just now hitting me that you're pregnant and we are really going to be parents."
"I know. I still don't think it's completely hit me yet." Misty admitted with a big smile.
"Pikachu pika pi chu pika pika." (I'm gonna be a big brother.) Pikachu said excitedly.
"Ha. That's right, Pikachu. I never thought of that." Ash laughed as he patted Pikachu on the head.
"I know one thing though, Ash. You don't ever need to worry that you won't be a good dad. I know that you're going to be the best parent. This child is blessed to have you as a father."
"Thanks, Mist. I love you so much."
"I love you too, sweetheart. I always will." Misty whispered as she sat on the bed next to Ash and hugged him against her.
* * * * *
Fifteen minutes later, Brock was just about busting at the seams wanting to go and see Ash. He wanted to see for himself that the sacrifice that he had made was successful.
"How long has it been since Gary was here?" Brock asked for about the hundredth time.
"About twenty five minutes. You're really anxious to see Ash, aren't you?" Angelica laughed.
"Yeah. I really want to see how he's holding up."
"Okay. I'll tell you what. Why don't we head over there now so you can calm down."
"Sounds good." Brock smiled.
A few minutes later, Brock had maneuvered himself into the wheelchair that the nurse had brought, he wasn't allowed to walk around yet, and he and Angelica went down the hall into Ash's room.
Once they got to Ash's room the couple sat outside for a moment and then they decided that Angelica would go in by herself and then Brock would wheel himself in a few minutes later and take Ash by surprise. Then Angelica opened the door and peeked her head in to see Ash and Misty sitting on the bed with Pikachu in between them.
"Mind if I interrupt?" Angelica smiled.
"No, not at all, Angelica. Please come in." Ash greeted her.
"How are you feeling, Ash?"
"I feel a lot stronger now. I think that everything worked out just fine. How about you? Are you holding up okay?" Ash asked.
"I'm better now that this whole thing is over with. While you guys were still in surgery I had a few shaky moments but Misty kept me strong. She wouldn't let me give up hope and that really helped me keep it together." Angelica said softly as she put a hand on Misty's shoulder. She was touched that Ash was in a hospital bed and was asking her how she was holding up.
"Oh, another thing. How's Brock doing? He is the hero in this scenario after all."
"Well, why don't you see for yourself?" Angelica beamed as she moved to open the door wide for Brock to wheel himself through. As soon as he saw his friends, Brock broke into a wide grin.
"Brock!" Misty exclaimed, going to give her friend a gentle hug.
"Hey there hero. I'm glad to see you." Ash smiled as Brock rolled over to the bed and the two shook hands firmly.
"I'm probably more glad to see you, pal. You look great, Ash. In fact, you're starting to look more like your usual self. I've been wondering how you were doing. It's a morale boost to see you awake and looking fantastic." Brock smiled.
"Same here, Brocko."
"Oh. There's some more exciting news to share out of this situation. Last night, Brock and I got engaged. We're going to get married!" Angelica beamed as Misty hugged her excitedly.
"Wow! Congratulations you two. This has been one strange situation. Not only did Brock save my life, but we also find out that Misty's pregnant and you two are engaged." Ash laughed in wonder.
"That's true. I just thought of something. Maybe since we were all so willing to make such big sacrifices for each other now we're being richly blessed for those sacrifices that we've made." Misty pointed out.
For a long moment, the four friends were silent. They were all too shocked by this new theory to speak and sat there for the longest time pondering on Misty's words in absolute wonder.
Misty walked into the waiting room with a look of relief on her face and was immediately greeted with a barrage of questions. These were questions she was more than happy to answer.
"How's Ash doing?" Delia asked.
"When can we see him?" Gary chimed in.
"I'm so glad that he's awake."
"Did you tell Ash about your pregnancy?" Carla asked.
"And how did he handle it?" Tracey finished for her.
"Okay. Let's see if I can tackle all of these questions." Misty laughed. "First of all, Ash is doing fine. He got something for his pain and he's resting right now so he shouldn't have visitors for a little while. I'd wait thirty minutes or so. I'm glad that Ash is awake too. I did tell Ash about my pregnancy and he was shocked. Though I really don't think it's fully hit him yet."
"I can't wait to see Ash and see for myself that he's doing better." Delia said, relieved that Ash was finally awake.
"Well, I'm going to have to get back to Ash now. I'm going to stop by Brock's room on my way back so I can let them know that Ash is awake. I'm sure that they'll want to see Ash too." Misty smiled as she turned and left the room.
"Well, it looks like things are definitely taking a turn for the better." Professor Oak said.
"This has been a very strange situation to say the least with several twists. It is good to be getting things back to normal. I think its safe to say that soon everything will be as it was before. It's really good to see that everyone involved are well on the road to recovery." Tracey commented.
"I agree. Things are definitely looking up. I still want to see Ash with my own eyes." Delia agreed.
"Listen, someone needs to let Brock and Angelica know what's going on and that Ash is awake so I think I'm going to go and do that now. I'll be back soon." Gary announced as he turned and retreated from the room.
* * * * *
Brock opened his eyes and looked around the room sleepily. He took a moment to reorient himself and smiled when he noticed Angelica sleeping in the chair next to the bed. As he remembered what had happened the night before his smile got broader. Just then he heard Angelica stir as she began to awaken.
"Good morning." Brock smiled.
"Hey. Did you sleep well last night?" Angelica asked softly.
"Yeah. I didn't realize that proposing to my beautiful girlfriend would take so much out of me. An earthquake could have broken out right underneath the building and I doubt it would have even phased me."
"I'm glad you remembered what happened last night. I wasn't sure you would seeing that you were so understandably exhausted last night after everything that you've been through."
"Now you surely didn't think I would forget making plans to spend the rest of my life with someone who I love more than life. Of course I remember." Brock teasingly chided her.
"Well, I couldn't help but wonder if the whole thing was real or just a dream. Now I know that it is an absolute reality and I still couldn't be happier because I love you so much." Angelica smiled as she hugged him as tightly as she dared so she didn't hurt him.
Then the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat caused the young couple to look up. When they did they looked nervously upon the source of the sound.
"Am I interrupting?" Gary asked.
"No. Come on in, Gary. What's the matter? Did something happen?" Brock asked, concern in his voice.
"Something did happen but it's a good thing. Ash is awake. He came to about an hour ago. I just thought you'd like to know." Gary smiled.
"Thanks Gary, but Misty was already here and told me that Ash is awake." Angelica said.
"Ash is awake. Awesome! I can't wait to see him and see how he's doing." Brock grinned broadly.
"Well Misty said that Ash was resting right now and she told us that we needed to wait about thirty minutes before we see him." Gary advised.
"Great. In about half an hour we can go and see Ash."
"Well I'm going to leave you two alone now."
"Thanks for coming by Gary." Angelica smiled.
"No problem. Later." Gary said as he turned and headed down the hallway.
"I can't wait to see Ash. I think it'll make me feel a lot better to see him awake and strong and doing great. That way I'll know that what I did helped him." Brock smiled.
"I know it did, sweetheart." Angelica whispered as she hugged him again.
* * * * *
Misty was sitting by Ash's side with Pikachu on her lap when he began to stir as he awakened. Ash slowly opened his eyes and smiled as he looked straight into the loving face of his wife.
"Hey."
"Hi, honey. Did you have a good nap?" Misty asked.
"Yeah. I feel a little bit better after a good rest too. That was exactly what I needed." Ash smiled.
"You seem a lot stronger too."
"Actually, now that you mention it, I do feel stronger. I have Brock to thank for that."
"Pikachu pi pika pika pikachu, Pikapi." (I'm glad you're feeling better, Ash.) Pikachu said happily as he jumped up onto the bed and crawled into his trainer's lap.
"Thanks, Pikachu. Did you look after Misty for me?" Ash asked as he hugged his Pokemon to him.
"Pika pika." (Of course.)
"Pikachu also took care of you. After they brought you out of surgery and got you back up here, Pikachu hasn't left your side for a moment. I only left to eat and that time when I needed attention." Misty confirmed with a smile.
"Why did you need attention? I think you told me before but I really don't remember. Are you okay?" Ash asked, suddenly very concerned for Misty's well being.
"I'm fine. I needed a little medical attention because I fainted at one point. I told you this earlier but you were really tired so I'll jog your memory a little bit. I didn't faint because I was sick or stressed like I thought. I fainted because I'm pregnant. Ash, we're going to have a baby."
"Oh, yeah. I do remember you telling me that now. It's hard to believe that I'm going to be a dad. I never knew my dad so I want to be a great father to my own child. It's just now hitting me that you're pregnant and we are really going to be parents."
"I know. I still don't think it's completely hit me yet." Misty admitted with a big smile.
"Pikachu pika pi chu pika pika." (I'm gonna be a big brother.) Pikachu said excitedly.
"Ha. That's right, Pikachu. I never thought of that." Ash laughed as he patted Pikachu on the head.
"I know one thing though, Ash. You don't ever need to worry that you won't be a good dad. I know that you're going to be the best parent. This child is blessed to have you as a father."
"Thanks, Mist. I love you so much."
"I love you too, sweetheart. I always will." Misty whispered as she sat on the bed next to Ash and hugged him against her.
* * * * *
Fifteen minutes later, Brock was just about busting at the seams wanting to go and see Ash. He wanted to see for himself that the sacrifice that he had made was successful.
"How long has it been since Gary was here?" Brock asked for about the hundredth time.
"About twenty five minutes. You're really anxious to see Ash, aren't you?" Angelica laughed.
"Yeah. I really want to see how he's holding up."
"Okay. I'll tell you what. Why don't we head over there now so you can calm down."
"Sounds good." Brock smiled.
A few minutes later, Brock had maneuvered himself into the wheelchair that the nurse had brought, he wasn't allowed to walk around yet, and he and Angelica went down the hall into Ash's room.
Once they got to Ash's room the couple sat outside for a moment and then they decided that Angelica would go in by herself and then Brock would wheel himself in a few minutes later and take Ash by surprise. Then Angelica opened the door and peeked her head in to see Ash and Misty sitting on the bed with Pikachu in between them.
"Mind if I interrupt?" Angelica smiled.
"No, not at all, Angelica. Please come in." Ash greeted her.
"How are you feeling, Ash?"
"I feel a lot stronger now. I think that everything worked out just fine. How about you? Are you holding up okay?" Ash asked.
"I'm better now that this whole thing is over with. While you guys were still in surgery I had a few shaky moments but Misty kept me strong. She wouldn't let me give up hope and that really helped me keep it together." Angelica said softly as she put a hand on Misty's shoulder. She was touched that Ash was in a hospital bed and was asking her how she was holding up.
"Oh, another thing. How's Brock doing? He is the hero in this scenario after all."
"Well, why don't you see for yourself?" Angelica beamed as she moved to open the door wide for Brock to wheel himself through. As soon as he saw his friends, Brock broke into a wide grin.
"Brock!" Misty exclaimed, going to give her friend a gentle hug.
"Hey there hero. I'm glad to see you." Ash smiled as Brock rolled over to the bed and the two shook hands firmly.
"I'm probably more glad to see you, pal. You look great, Ash. In fact, you're starting to look more like your usual self. I've been wondering how you were doing. It's a morale boost to see you awake and looking fantastic." Brock smiled.
"Same here, Brocko."
"Oh. There's some more exciting news to share out of this situation. Last night, Brock and I got engaged. We're going to get married!" Angelica beamed as Misty hugged her excitedly.
"Wow! Congratulations you two. This has been one strange situation. Not only did Brock save my life, but we also find out that Misty's pregnant and you two are engaged." Ash laughed in wonder.
"That's true. I just thought of something. Maybe since we were all so willing to make such big sacrifices for each other now we're being richly blessed for those sacrifices that we've made." Misty pointed out.
For a long moment, the four friends were silent. They were all too shocked by this new theory to speak and sat there for the longest time pondering on Misty's words in absolute wonder.