Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon or anything to do with pokemon so please don't sue me!!
Here we are at the reception and finally Ash finds out why Misty has been so angry. – Look out for Jessie and James! –
*~*
A Wedding Reunion
… … …
Chapter 6 - The Reception
The guests gradually made their way to the hotel and joined the rest of the wedding party. After a lot of chat and mingling, the caterers lead the guests to the seating area for the meal. The wedding party where seated at the top table and the guests at the other tables. However, before the food was to be served, it was time for the speeches. Suzie's father went first and made his speech, which everyone loved and appreciated and it also brought a tear to everyone's eye. However, not everything went according to plan for Ash as he had forgotten to prepare a speech so he had to make it up as he went along…
Gary: (whispers to Tracy in a very sarcastic tone) this should be good!
Tracy: what do you mean?
Gary: I mean that our dear pokemon master forgot to prepare a speech and has to make it up out of his head.
Tracy: well hopefully it won't be that bad, after all, he makes up speeches on the spot all the time for the pokemon league council.
Gary: yeah, but that's easy because he knows what he's talking about and since when have we known Ash to be an expert in dealing with relationships?
Tracy: I know, I just hope he doesn't mess up…
Ash gets up and begins to make his speech trying not to look as nervous as he was feeling …
Ash: {I'm such an idiot, I can't believe that I forgot to make a speech, ok, here goes} I remember when I first met Brock, he was the gym leader here in Pewter City looking after his brothers and sisters and soon he was looking after me and Misty. It was great all the times we shared together and although Misty and I sometimes took him for granted, after all, he cooked for us and cleaned for us and basically did everything for us, we really loved and appreciated him...
Tracy: (whispers to Gary) he's not doing too badly
Gary: give him time…
Ash: …of course it was always funny watching Misty drag him away from all those girls he chased after, including some of you here…(everyone was now looking at Ash in shear horror at what he was going to say next and the panic was becoming more noticeable in Ash's voice) even Suzie here couldn't escape his sights…
Gary: (whispers to Tracy) and there he goes, I knew it wouldn't take too long for him to say something like that
Tracy: there's still time to fix it
Gary: I doubt it; face it he's screwed.
Ash: …but…but…(Ash was now at a loss for words as he realised what it was he was saying, however, Tracy kicked him under the table and he eventually continued)
But Brock was young and stupid like we all are at some point and in my case still am. But when Brock and Suzie met up again during our travels in the Hoenn Region it was obvious that these two would end up here like this... I couldn't be more proud of my best friend… no; my big brother and I wish the happy couple every bit of joy and happiness that life has to offer. So I offer a toast to the bride and groom, Suzie and Brock…
Everyone raised their glasses to Suzie and Brock and most people also had a tear in their eyes after his speech – including Misty –
Gary: well, I'll be damned he pulled it off!
Tracy: see, I told you, he'd fix it, Ash may act like an idiot for the most part, but he always pulls through when he has to.
Gary: (turns to Ash) nice speech
Ash: shut up Gary!
Gary: no, I meant it, sure you screwed it up in the middle but at least you finished it alright.
Ash: I guess so, thanks Gary.
The food was now served and everyone continued to chat about Ash's speech and about the wedding in general, and of course, Tracy and Gary drank more champagne between them than what everyone else at the table was having. Eventually, when the meal was over, Brock and Suzie cut the cake and everyone got a slice. Everyone was now drinking champagne and dancing and socialising, including the pokemon, as Suzie made sure that they had the best of food as well, so pikachu and togepi played with the other pokemon in their own area. Everyone watched as the newlyweds had their first dance and of course, Ash took this time to go and try to talk to Misty. However, she brushed him off and started to talk to the people in the group behind him {Ash: ok; now I know there's definitely something wrong}. Ash turned around to try to follow her but ran into May and Max. They only spoke for a few minutes before Brock pulled him from behind and pushed him into the middle of the floor for the best man/ maid of honour dance with Sally. Brock and Suzie spoke with May and Max for a few minutes before May ran off to speak to Gary (May has fancied Gary ever since they met in the Hoenn Region) and Max chased after her before she made a fool of herself. Not long after they had left, Jessie and James came to talk to Brock and Suzie. Jessie was carrying a very large bump before her which would be born very soon, she and Suzie went to the bathroom to 'powder their noses', while Brock and James sat down at the table and had a little chat…
Brock: where's you're third half?
James: who, Meowth?
Brock: yeah…
James: oh he's away to find pikachu.
Brock: oh, ok…
(Awkward silence between them)
James: so you've finally joined us married men then
Brock: yeah, you noticed huh?
James: this is a big responsibility are you absolutely sure you can handle it?
Brock: I wouldn't be here if I didn't think so.
James: well good luck, you're going to need it. Especially when she starts complaining and when she starts demanding all sorts from you and dominates everything you do and makes you do everything for her and orders you around and just because she's pregnant she thinks you should be her slave (James' temper continues to rise and he's clenching his fists, but Brock just raises his eyebrows and almost laughs at him as he often gets on like this)
Brock: Jessie has always dominated you! Are we talking about my marriage or yours?
James: I'm sorry, its just I haven't had much sleep lately, I mean, Jessie's already had three false alarms and she still has four weeks left! Let me give you the best piece of advice you'll ever hear… wait at least 5 years before having children or don't have any at all!!
Brock: (forces a weak smile) it can't be that bad can it? I mean, you already have a beautiful little girl and you seem to get on alright with her.
James: it just sucks to have to get up in the middle of the night when they're screaming over the stupidest thing and you don't know what they want and then you start crying with them (James starts to get worked up again). It was bad enough with just one and thankfully Louise doesn't cry anymore and we've had peace for the past two years, but now we've got 2 more on the way and twins will be worse than one!!!
Brock: do you regret having kids?
James: not for a second (Brock looks confused) even though it's difficult to get up night after night, when you're child looks you in the eye and you know that they completely depend on you, you love them even more and you forget what was making you cry in the first place. There's nothing better than your little baby in your arms when they're born and they're so innocent just lying there – then they learn to speak – but that's a different story and there's nothing more satisfying than hearing your baby call your name for the first time… Women like to get it into their head that they are the only ones with problems, but they don't seem to realise that us guys also have a tough time dealing with pregnancy and parenthood…
Brock: But then again, you have to give them their time to complain, after all, they're the ones who have to go through the pregnancy and the birth, and all we can do is stand, watch and support as best we can and thank God that we don't ever have to feel their pain.
James: that's very true, I don't know how they cope with that nausea and tiredness and everything else that goes with the job. But the best thing to do is to always be there for her and support her and everything will turn out alright…
Brock just smiled and turned round and looked at Suzie who was now dancing with his father and tried to imagine what his life would be like in 10 years time with his own children…
James: I'm sorry if I put you off being a father, given that fact that you'll be one soon.
Brock: how did you…(cut off)
James: Jessie told me. She and Suzie were up talking last night because she was feeling a bit sick and said she had an upset stomach. Since this is Jessie's second pregnancy, she thinks she's an expert on the subject and asked Suzie if she was pregnant, and you know what women are like, they tell each other everything and then Jessie told me. Also the look on your face earlier when I was going off on one was enough to tell me that you are an expectant father.
Brock: wow, you're more observant than I thought.
James: you'd be surprised the things I notice about everyone, but don't worry, you'll be fine, you've looked after your own family since you were a kid, so you'll have no problem. The only difference this time is that you'll only have one child; it will have a mother and will have been partially created by you. Besides, if you have any problems, Jessie and I will always help, after all, we owe you big time for saving our business.
Jessie: what are you saying about me?
James: nothing sweetie, we're just having… guy talk, you know, the way you girls have girl talk.
Jessie: I see.
Brock continues to talk to Jessie and James when Ash appears and also gets involved…
Ash: hey guys! Long time no see… So Jess, looks like another baby on the way?
Jessie: 2 actually, I'm having twins
Ash: TWINS! Wow! Looks like someone's been busy, if you know what I mean.
Jessie: (very sarcastic tone) heart-warming. I guess that was as well rehearsed as your speech was?
Ash: (turns red) touché
Jessie: anyway, how about you, have you any girl we should all be aware of?
Brock: not yet!!
James: what do you mean, not yet? Or should we ask that question?
Jessie: I agree, Misty is here, so why don't you go find her and ask her for a dance?
Misty walks past and hears what Jessie said…
Misty: because he only dances with people he likes…(and she walks off again)
James: what was that all about?
Brock: don't know, she's been acting like that all morning… unless…was she listening?
Ash: unless what?
Brock: oh it's nothing, it's probably that time of the month, and you know what women are like
Jessie: hey!
Brock: no offence, but raging hormones and Misty's temper don't exactly make a good combination. And if you'll excuse me, I have to go rescue Suzie from my dad.
Ash: yeah, I've gotta go take care of some stuff too, see you guys later and congratulations again.
Jessie: sure, no problem Ash, thanks. (Turns to James) it doesn't take a genius to know where he's going.
James: it sure doesn't, I wonder what has her in such a mood?
Jessie: I don't know, but I think Brock does. I wonder why he won't say?
James: maybe he's not exactly sure and wants Ash to ask her himself.
Jessie: maybe… anyway, let's dance. I think I have enough energy for a couple of dances.
Jessie and James go off to join Brock and Suzie and some of the other guests to dance. Even Gary and Tracy were dancing with each other because they were so drunk; they thought it would be funny if they danced with each other. Meanwhile, Ash goes to see if he can find Misty to find out what's wrong with her and he catches up with her in the hotel lobby…
Ash: hey Misty!
Misty: What do you want?
Ash: it's getting a bit crowded in there so I came out for a breath of fresh air… what's up?
Misty: what!?
Ash: you've been acting a bit strange all day as if something is bothering you (Misty starts to laugh) what's so funny?
Misty: since when do you care about how I've been feeling?
Ash: you're my best friend Misty; it's my job to help when something's bothering you
Misty: that's right, I'm just a friend… just a friend you can't stand to be around. I know you don't like me Ash so don't act like you're concerned! (Misty starts to walk off but Ash pulls her by the arm to turn around)
Ash: WHAT! THAT'S RIDICULOUS!! Who told you I don't like you?
Misty: (pulls her arm free) YOU DID!!! (Misty runs back into the reception)
Ash: I DID!! I've never told that I don't like her – or at least I don't think I have – the only time I've ever really said anything about liking Misty was last night when I was talking to Brock and…
*~*Flashback*~*
Ash: I don't like Misty, Brock ……I can't like Misty
*~*End flashback*~*
OH SHIT!! She must have been listening and got the wrong idea and now she thinks I hate her!!! That's why she's been in a bad mood and tried to shout at me this morning. Oh no, I must find her and convince her I don't not like her… I don't believe this, are any conversations private anymore!?
Ash runs back into the reception to try to find Misty, but everyone has now formed into one big crowd. Suzie is on the stage and is about to throw the bouquet so all the girls are standing under her ready to catch…
May: that bouquet will be mine and Gary will be mine!
Jessie: dream on girl, that bouquet will be mine!
James: but you already have a husband!
Jessie: I know! But that bouquet is very beautiful and it will be mine!
Suzie threw the bouquet into the crowd, May jumped for it but missed and it even went past Jessie and the group of Jenny and Joys until it eventually landed in the arms of the one person who wasn't trying to grab it…
Jessie: well, it looks like Misty's going to be the next bride!! Although she doesn't look too happy she caught it
Suzie heads out into the lobby and up the stairs to her room to get changed out of her dress into a top and skirt. Meanwhile Brock stayed in the reception to thank the guests for coming and see them out as most of them were leaving the hotel that night. While Brock is caught up in the crowds, Ash is also pushing through to try to find him, which he eventually does…
Ash: Brock! Brock! Oh, I thought I'd lost you…
Brock: yeah, you never realise how many people come until they're all packed into one room! Anyway, I don't think that's what you wanted to say…
Ash: Misty heard…
Brock: heard what?
Ash: us, talking last night! I don't know how much she heard but she heard something and it explains why she's been in a bad mood! I'm convinced of it!
Brock: yeah, I know, I thought that too… when we were talking to Jessie and James earlier and she walked past and made that bitchy comment, I kinda thought that that's what it was.
Ash: what should I do!?
Brock: go and find her and tell her how you really feel. Find out what exactly what it was she heard and fill in the blanks for her!
*~*
Oh no!! Misty still thinks Ash hates her! Is there anything he can do to convince her other wise? Or will it be Brock to the rescue? Read the next and final chapter to find out!
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