When Lightning Meets Water

by Aislin Oriel

Here's an AAML! Yay! Takes place in the future, and is mostly just an introspective look at the relationship between Misty and Ash. It's not what I'm known for writing, but I like to read it, so I gave it a shot. The parts are really small but purposeful.

5. Interest

Part V – Interest

The actual monster truck rally was a pretty uneventful and inconsequential part of the outing when compared to the scene that took place afterwards. At least in the words of Ash – "Holy Freaking Crap!"

"What?!" Misty asked in defence.

"When you say you're quitting – does that mean that you're leaving the gym?!" Ash asked in disbelief.

"Yeah," she replied plainly.

"Yeah? Yeah, that's all you've got to say?" he looked at her, dumbfounded, "You – it's like you're home – your sisters – what – why so suddenly?" he finally settled his slur of questions.

Misty looked pensive for a moment before explaining, "I think it's a long time coming, I don't know how you couldn't have expected it. I need out. I'm tired. I love my sisters, and I was there to help them when they were in need. The gym isn't falling apart like it was when they called me up, desperate. And now, with Daisy's 'promising' acting career they have none of the financial difficulties. Lily and Violet can manage – if they try – the place without me, and Daisy has money if they do need to hire someone. I know they don't think they do, but I feel like I'm just being used now. It's just all so draining Ash. You should know, I'm always telling you, complaining about the late nights, the paperwork, the everything. I'm only 18, and I feel like I'm 80. What else do I have to say to explain to you?"

"Nothing. You're completely right. But . . . well, can you tell me what you're gonna do now?" Ash asked in wonder of the humbling diatribe she'd just given.

"I've decided to be spontaneous. Ash, you know what it's like to have wanderlust . . . except you've never been tied down to one place for as long as I have." Misty looked away.

Ash reached out and touched her arm, "Where are you going then?"

She turned her back to him completely and looked off, her mind in another place altogether, "Spontaneous remember," she glanced back over her shoulder at him to clarify, "I'm going somewhere across the water . . ." her voice quieted with each uncertain word and she pointed her finger towards the coastline.