I didn't know what to think. Of all things, of all reasons, why were we getting together to celebrate Gary's engagement? There was also the whole engagement part. I mean… Gary could be a nice guy if he really wanted to. That and when he was drunk, whichever came first. But him… getting married?

Ash's jaw was almost in his lap. Brock looked a bit nervous. Delia was grinning brightly like usual, and the professor just sat there. It was difficult to tell if he knew of this news or not. Behind his blank face could have been anger or excitement. As for me, I felt denial, and Gary was standing there impatiently cracking his knuckles, waiting for someone to reply.

Ash and I glanced at each other briefly before breaking out in laughter.

Ash wiped a tear from his eye. "G-g-getting married! You?"

"You've got to be kidding!" I agreed.

"Stop it you two," Delia scolded. "You should be happy for your friend."

Ash instantly stopped laughing. "Rival!"

"Forget it, Mrs. Ketchum," Gary said, but looked slightly flustered. "He's just jealous."

"Me? Jealous?" Ash stood, face turning red. "I couldn't care less about marriage. I'm still young! I'm going to live my life before giving it away to some woman!"

Delia looked somewhat disappointed.

"What great girl could you, of all people, have found to want to throw your youth away?" Ash continued. "You are only a little older than I, yet I feel I know more about the matter at hand."

It became silent. Ash was always a bit bigheaded, but to think he knew love was too outlandish for most all.

Gary's grin widened. "You? Know more? Ha!"

"I was," Ash's voice dampened, "just trying to make a point."

"A point?"

"Of your stupidity!" Ash tried to embellish.

"Enough already!" Professor Oak finally stood. "Will you two please set aside your differences and be happy? This should be a time of celebration. My grandson is getting married."

"I called for a party, didn't I?" Delia said. "Now, let's all get the backyard ready. I have extra lawn chairs in the basement. Misty, Brock, would you be so kind as to help?"

"Certainly," Brock nodded.

"It's the least I could do," I said.

Ash remained where he was, almost starring Gary down.

Gary sighed. "Ash, she will be arriving later tonight. Please be kind to her. This is the only favor I'll ask of you."

"You think I'd be rude to someone I just met?" Ash asked. "I'm only rude to you because you've always been rubbing your nose in my face."

I gently tugged on Ash's sleeve. "Come on, help me grab some chairs."

"Fine."

Ash turned and walked silently out of the living room. I could tell he was trying to be taller, with his shoulders rolled back. It was ridiculous for him to feel so degraded by Gary's betrothal. He said it himself; he didn't want to throw his youth away by handing it over to a girl. That's his personality though. He never gives in, not to anybody or anything.

"I'm sorry about him," I apologized to Gary. "I think he's a bit shocked, is all."

Gary shrugged. "He doesn't understand. You see, I thought I was the best there was. Nothing could stand in my way and no trainer could beat me. When I meet her… I felt as if I wanted to forfeit everything in a second. She brings out the loser in me, if you know what I mean."

Like I mentioned before, Gary could be a nice guy if he wanted to.

"I know what you mean."

Everyone eventually assembled in the Ketchum's backyard to put up chairs and tables for all the guests. There were beach umbrellas to sit under; many coolers for beverages, and little bowls of after-dinner mints on every table to nibble on. Delia hopped around, cheerfully giving instructions, and whenever someone put an item in the wrong spot, she hastily resituated it. Neither Gary nor Ash talked much during the whole process. Brock was a chatterbox, hoping that Mrs. Ketchum invited a few of her younger girl friends.

For the rest of the afternoon, Delia and I were stuck in the kitchen making hors d'oeuvres. Three crock-pots were bubbling away and every spot on the stove was occupied with a pan. I wasn't the best cook, by all means. All I could remember was a meatball recipe and how to tempura shrimp. Delia, of course, was the master and took care of most everything. I stood by, making sure nothing boiled over.

Guests slowly poured in during the early evening. Most I didn't recognize, for they were from cities all over the Kanto region. The whole town of Pallet appeared to be invited, and even my three sisters showed up. It was a great surprise for me, because I didn't think any of them even knew Gary. They probably loved the opportunity to go buy a new summer dress. Their special occasions were becoming slim.

Ash stumbled into the kitchen, looking quite weary.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"I'm hungry… and Mom won't let me test anything," Ash moaned, stomach making a small noise. "The smells are driving me absolutely crazy!"

"You can deal with it," Delia almost snapped. "You inhaled your lunch."

"Yes, Mom, but…"

"Your cousins will be coming to the party too," Delia began a new subject. "I know you haven't seen them in a long time, but be friendly none the less."

"Just a small bite?"

"Let's see, Brian will be here, the twins Rebecca and Rachael, Evelyn, Jordan and Cory…"

It was funny how Delia chose to ignore her son, especially when he begged for food.

The doorbell rang and everyone's head turned in the direction of the front door. Delia nodded at Ash and I and we both went to answer it. Ash opened the door a crack before swinging it completely in.

On the other side stood a tiny girl about my height. She had dark chestnut hair hanging over her shoulders and maple colored eyes, with a hint of red. Her white tank top made her skin look tan and the pleaded lavender skirt that hung just above her knees made her appear slightly stunted. Nevertheless, she was quite beautiful and could have passed for any age between sixteen and twenty.

"Is this the Ketchum residence?" She asked, holding up a small piece of paper. "My directions sort of got smudged."

"Yes, this is the Ketchum residence," Ash answered.

"Are you here for the party?" I questioned.

"I was just told to come here tonight for a surprise," the girl replied.

Ash chuckled. "Way to go, Mist. Give it away."

"I didn't try to!" I yelled hoarsely, even though she was standing right in front of me.

"Oh, it's alright. Gary isn't too good at keeping secrets either. He's been hinting it ever since the beginning of the week," She grinned.

That was when I got my invitation. "Gary? Ash, I think she's the one."

"You're her?" Ash asked pathetically.

"Her? I could be. Am I?"

"Well, uh, come on in," Ash stepped aside to let her in the door. "Everybody is in the back yard, just follow all the noise. Help yourself to a drink from the cooler and snacks will be out shortly."

"Thank you," the girl nodded her head and strolled towards the back door.

"Did Gary ever mention a name?" Ask asked.

"Not to me," I said.

Ash shuddered. "I just had a creepy thought. What if she's one of those cheerleaders he used to drag along?"

A chill ran down my own spine. "No offense to Gary, but that would be disgusting."

The night descended peacefully and Delia was forced to turn on the ornamented lights she had in her many gardens boarding the yard. Nobody really mentioned what the party was intended to celebrate. As a matter of fact, I don't even think the subject was brought up at all. However, the petite girl in the lavender skirt did cling to Gary's side for most of the festivities. The whole escapade resembled an open house for a graduate.

Around nine o'clock, Gary finally stood on a chair and clicked a fork against his pop can to get everyone's attention.

"First of all, thank you all for coming," He said. "I'm sure most of you don't even know the original intent of tonight's get-together, but that's what I'll be announcing."

The girl, who was standing at the base of the chair, suddenly flushed.

"Many of you are from Pallet and you are the people I grew up with. My neighbors, friends, and even enemies," Gary nodded towards Ash in particular. "And I wanted you to be the first to know my good news."

Ash rolled his eyes. "Here it comes. Cross your fingers for him to fall off that chair."

"Ash!" I whispered.

"Standing here next to me," Gary gestured to the girl, "is my best friend and confidant."

"Don't those mean the same thing?" Ash said from the side of his mouth.

I jabbed him in the ribs.

"Her name is Emily Owen," Gary announced.

"Hmm, looks more like a Brooke to me," Ash mumbled.

"Shut up!" I stomp on his foot.

His eyes bulged and he had to bite his lip to keep from yelling.

"I am very proud to say, that she and I are getting married," Gary finally spit out.

The small crowd applauded and Gary hoped down from the chair to put an arm around Emily and grin like a lucky idiot. I could see Delia wiping away a tear and clapping vigorously, as if Gary were her own child. Emily was smiling as well, cheeks still rather pink, exposing a pair of dimples. I was happy for them as well, but Ash was applauding like a golfer. If only he knew how that made me feel.

The guests started to diminish about a half an hour later, all of them giving Gary and Emily a handshake or a hug before departure. I could hear my sister hounding Emily about an appointment at their salon before they left. An unknown pressure was lifted once they were gone. They have no idea how they affect me.

Ash grabbed another soda from a cooler and sat in an abandoned lawn chair, legs spread like a typical guy. I pull another chair up next to him and take a seat myself. I doubt he even noticed until I spoke.

"You've been like this ever since lunch. What's on your mind?"

"Don't ask me that," He replied.

"I want to know, Ash. That way, I can help you," I said.

"You never wanted to help me before when I had problems," He took a big gulp from his can. "Why the sudden change?"

"Because this is a big issue."

"No, it's not," Ash spat. "Gary always parades around like this. Look at him, he's showing her off like some prize. For crap's sake, he's not even…"

He cut off, grunted, and sunk lower in his chair.

"I think it's a bit absurd too, Ash," I said.

"He lives right down the road! Why did Mom have to insist that we have the stupid party at our house?"

"What exactly are you angry about?" I asked.

"Let me ask a question," Ash replied. "What's so special about marriage anyway? Why would anybody want to go through that?"

This wasn't the conversation I really wanted to have with him.

I shrugged. "Every girl dreams of it. Trust me. But it seems as if no guy wants a commitment. That way, it's impossible."

"So marriage is impossible."

"Yeah, sure, it is," I agreed. "I don't believe I'm quite old enough to understand it completely. You shouldn't worry about it, if you are."

"Am not!" Ash said angrily as if I accused him.

"Ash, I don't think you're upset with the situation. I think you're upset that Gary beat you at something again," I denounced.

Ash's mouth gapped. "Excuse me, Misty?"

"You heard me."

"That-…that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!"

"Fine."

I stood and stared at his fuming face, then left.

Emily was sitting at a table close to the edge of the lawn, slowly munching on after-dinner mints and sipping her diet cola. I take the seat next to her and she smiles.

"I don't believe I ever introduced myself," I said. "My name is Misty Waterflower. I'm a friend of Ash. He grew up with Gary."

"Oh! I'm Emily. You probably already know that by now," She laughed shortly.

"Yes, it's very nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Emily replied. "It feels so strange! All these people are so hospitable and it's the first time I've even been to Pallet."

"Oh? Where are you from?" I asked.

"I was born in Fuchsia City, but lived in Celadon for most of my life."

"My sisters and I run the gym in Cerulean."

"Really? I can't believe I didn't recognize you!" Emily exclaimed.

"Well, if you ever challenged there, it probably wasn't me who battled you. I was on the road for a long time with Ash and Brock," I replied.

"I remember fighting a girl with hair about your color. Maybe it was lighter."

"It was most likely my sister Daisy. She has blonde hair," I informed.

"Yes, she might have been the one."

"Well, I hope you enjoy your stay in Pallet. It's really a quaint town," I gave a small smile.

"Thank you very much," Emily smiled back. "I'm not sure how long I will be staying. It's sort of up to Gary. I know he's been away for a long time. He was so nice to stay with me in Celadon, even though he didn't care for big cities much. This town suits him so well."

"To tell you the truth, I don't know much about Gary," I admitted. "Him and Ash are rivals, so I only hear Ash's rants on how he's going to beat him next time. He never does, but it keeps him going."

Emily started to giggle but quickly covered her mouth with a hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laughing at your friend."

"Oh, go right ahead," I waved it off. "He's stuck on his high horse right now."

"I fear Gary's a bit too spirited as well," Emily sighed. "I mean, I love him dearly, but sometimes I feel he is still in battle mode."

"I can understand that completely," I nodded.

"Don't you wish that men should be forced to live a woman's life sometime?" Emily wondered.

"Yes, I do."

"I never thought a man could have as many emotions as myself," Emily said. "However, when I got to know Gary, I was proved wrong."

I gazed at her and found her in a tiny daze.

"It's almost as if…I don't need him to understand what's going on in my head. He can feel it, more than comprehend it. All I need to do is look into his eyes, and everything fixes itself," She explained.

I couldn't reply to that. Ash and I didn't have that relationship. Sure, we were friends and have been for so long that I can hardly remember life before him. Ash helped me become the true me. I can never hide anything from him. Yet, he always locks special things up. Why can't men ever truly say how they feel? I suppose we girls are so used to them keeping things in, that when they finally speak the truth, we don't believe them. Then, after the realization, we regret it.

"Emily?"

"Yes?"

"May I call you a lucky girl?" I questioned.

She looked down at the table for a moment before turning her face to me again. "I believe I am one."

"How did you find it?"

Emily's nose scrunched up in thought. "You know? I don't remember."

My heart dropped a little, over this small matter.

"I never asked for it, though," Emily confessed. "It surprised me and came up from behind. I would have never guessed that I would find such a wonderful guy at my age. But now I know that it's possible."

I hardly knew this girl, yet she gave me a sense of hope. She had this philosophical air about her. I felt enlightened and encouraged. Then I was reminded of reality.

"Emily!" Gary called from over by the back door.

"Oh! If you'll excuse me," Emily got up from her seat. "It was nice talking with you, Misty. We should get together again soon."

I simply nodded my head and she ran off.

I glanced back over at the two lawn chairs Ash and I occupied, but he had left. He must have gone inside. Oh well, I have a while to bug him. Today was initiation. Even though he said many stupid things, Ash had one good point. We are still young and we have our lives to live whatever way we wish. We are still young, and there is still tomorrow. Maybe, just maybe, I can get Ash to change his mind in the tomorrows to come.