Chapter 2

After her father told her about her best friend's death, May left work early to pack a bag and go to Petalburg. However, once she got to her apartment, she broke down. Without people around, she has the comfort of her privacy to let out her emotions. She's still in disbelief about the news, but she knows her father wouldn't lie about something like this.

As much as May would like to leave for Petalburg tonight, she can't stop her tears from flowing so that she can pack a bag. She especially can't drive with the condition she's in. Why did this have to happen to Brenden? Why didn't she call him more? Why didn't she ever travel with him like they had promised each other as kids? Why didn't she cherish him more?

Flashback

"Cheer up, May!" laughs the 13 year old boy to the pouting brunette.

"No!" she exclaims angrily, making him chuckle. "You're leaving me again!"

Ruffling her hair, much to her annoyance, he tells her, "It's just one more year." She'll be 10 years old next year, so they can finally travel together.

"Are you sure you're not gonna have too much fun traveling with Wally, Brenden?" May narrows her blue eyes at him, and he gives her an apologetic smile.

Wally is Brenden's best guy friend since they first met in Petalburg when the Birches were visiting the Maples. Being the same age, Wally and Brenden hit off their friendship quickly, oftentimes making May jealous of sharing her Little Root friend. The two boys have been traveling together since they were 10, leaving May alone, except for the summers.

Sticking out his pinky, Brenden smiles at her. "I promise we'll travel together next year, May."

Whenever Brenden gives her that smile, it makes May blush. He is her childhood crush after all. Reluctantly sighing, May connects her pinky with his while she stares into his ruby red eyes. "You better!"

Chuckling, he takes off the red bandana on his head and grabs her white beanie. It's too hot for a beanie since it's summer. Since Brenden has always liked teasing May by taking her belongings, she's used to this. Quickly bringing her hands up to try and grab her beanie, she's too late for the much taller boy who's holding it high above her.

Despite it being summer, May is wearing the beanie to hide her terrible haircut. She usually keeps her hair long, but her mother had cut it shorter for the hotter weather. Unfortunately, Mrs. Maple messed up by cutting May's hair shorter than the girl wanted, so May has been hiding her hair with the beanie. Now, Brenden sees it, and May really doesn't want to hear his teasing.

"Stop being mean, Brenden!"

"I'm not!" He grins playfully as he puts the white beanie on his head. Seeing her still fuming while attempting to take the beanie from his head, he tells her, "I like your short hair." This compliment causes her to stop and a deep blush appears on her face. With May not moving, Brenden has his opportunity, so he wraps the red bandana in her hair. Grinning at her, he gives her two thumbs up. "You look ready for a Pokemon journey now!"

Turning away to hide her blush, May thinks about how her short hair isn't so bad anymore. Plus, Brenden can keep her beanie because it's too hot to wear it right now. The red bandana he gave her is a lot more suitable for this summer heat. "Thanks, Brenden."

Putting an arm around her shoulders, Brenden happily exclaims, "What are friends for, May?"

Flashback Over

As May finishes packing a small bag, her hand lingers on that faded old red bandana that she also wore during her first year on her journey. Why didn't they travel together when she was 10? Oh yeah, miscommunication. Brenden thought he was meeting May in Petalburg to catch her a pokemon, like he had with Wally. And May thought she was meeting Brenden in Little Root Town where she was getting her starter Pokemon from his father. She then ended up traveling with Ash, and by the time she reached Petalburg City, Brenden was gone.

However, the two friends had shared that they're traveling with other people because Brenden was with Wally, and May was with Ash, Brock, and Max. The following year, May was focused on coordinating, so she followed Drew to Johto while Brenden was focused on beating Pokemon leagues. With their different paths, they never ended up traveling together, but both found themselves okay with that...until today.

Gripping the bandana in her hands, May finds herself crying again. Groudon, she didn't know she had this many tears, but then again, she hasn't cried in a long time. It's pretty late now, so maybe she should just sleep off her heartache and pain? She can hit the road when the sun is out tomorrow, and hopefully with her tears gone. She's in no condition to drive right now.

Sighing, May sets the bandana on her nightstand. It's moments like these where she wishes she wasn't alone. Despite having so many people in her life, she feels so alone. They have other people to rely on, but she has no one. Although May does enjoy her life, she's been feeling like something is missing lately. Yes, she has her Pokemon to keep her company, though she misses the human interaction. She misses relying on someone and having them rely on her too.

"Munch?" chuckling to herself, May looks over to her bedroom door where Munchlax is worriedly looking at her. He had hugged her when she was crying earlier, and here he is checking on her again. Her Pokemon are always so kind to them. She owes them a lot for everything they've done and continue to do for her.

Wiping her tears, she responds to Munchlax, "I'm sorry, Munchlax." Sobs the woman, making him hop on the bed beside her. "I'm just so sad."

"Munchlax!" he tries to console her by offering her the rice ball he had gotten from the kitchen. This just makes her laugh at how cute her Pokemon is. Despite always being hungry, he's willing to actually share his food with her for once.

"Thanks, Munchlax, but I'm not hungry."

This response just makes him more worried because his trainer has the same appetite as him. She's always hungry! "Munch…"

"I'm just gonna sleep tonight."

Not knowing what to say, Munchlax gives May a long hug before leaving the room. Like his teammates, he wishes he could just take her pains away. In the past, she'd cry over contest losses, which would make her Pokemon train extra hard for her. However, they can't bring a life back. How can they make her feel better?

Petalburg City

The next day, May arrives at her parents' house in Petalburg City. Once she woke up, she made the drive to her hometown, and she's glad that her tears have slowed down today. Parking the car in her parents' driveway, May's mother Caroline rushes out to greet her as soon as she gets out of the car.

"May!" cries the older woman who May hugs back. Even though May isn't a fan of coming home, she still loves her family. This hug from her mother is making her tears threaten to fall again, so she quickly pulls away, much to Caroline's dismay.

"Hey, mom." May smiles and grabs her small bag. "Where's dad?"

Sighing, Caroline follows May inside the house. "Little Root Town with Professor Birch." Brenden's death is obviously hitting the professor hard, so of course Norman is there with the man. They are good friends. "Your room is just the way you left it." Caroline tells May who is walking up the stairs.

"Thanks, mom." mutters the young woman.

She hasn't slept in this room in over a year, and she also hasn't lived in it since she was a teenager. Therefore, the room isn't really representative of a grown woman. Looking at all the pictures and ribbons, a wave of nostalgia hits her. There are pictures of her with Ash, Brock, Max, Drew, Harley, Solidad, Dawn, and Brenden. May quickly takes down the picture of her and Brenden as kids because her tears have started falling. She's still not ready yet, and she doesn't know if she'll ever be.

"Dinner will be ready soon." the knock on the door gets her attention, making May let out a breath.

"I'm not hungry."

Like with Munchlax, this comment heavily concerns Caroline. The fact that May is turning down food must mean she's taking Brenden's death more harsh than she lets on. "May?"

"I'm tired, mom." the annoyed brunette replies.

This is also why she didn't want to come here. She knew her parents would be pestering her non-stop, and right now, May is trying to focus on her own emotions. It doesn't help with her mother constantly trying to talk to her. Besides, her mom should be calling Max. Even though Max was never close to Brenden, he knows the professor. He should be here too!

"Okay, May. I'll save you a plate for later." comes Caroline's defeated voice, which makes May feel slightly guilty.

One Month Later

Dressed in black, May frowns at the open casket at the front of the room. She still hasn't found the courage to see his lifeless body. The past month, she helped plan the funeral, and Max and his girlfriend Vivi Winstrate came last week to help too. While May is happy to see her family together again, the reason for it isn't what she ever wanted. Plus, May already feels out of place with her family enough as is.

Wally, his wife Jill, and their 2 year old daughter Amelia are at the funeral too. Despite living next door to Wally growing up, May was never close with him. She only hung out with him when Brenden would visit, which would irk her because she wanted Brenden to herself. Thus, May always enjoyed her visits to Little Root Town since that meant she wouldn't have to share Brenden. Wally and May were friends when they were younger, but once Wally started traveling, they became nothing more than acquaintances through Brenden. Since Wally is obviously Brenden's best friend, he's at the funeral with his family to pay respects to the young Birch. May and Wally haven't spoken besides for the normal greeting.

Professor Birch has been crying non stop since before arriving at the funeral. He most likely won't say any words during the sermon because he can't. Fortunately, her parents have been staying by his side ever since they all arrived in Little Root Town last week. May is surprised she hasn't cried yet today, but she already knows she will once she sees Brenden.

Clenching her fists, May closes her eyes while remembering what her mother had told her. Caroline shared that Brenden had overdosed on medication, though May knows Brenden was healthy. He didn't take medication, so why were the drugs in his system? She won't believe he did it on purpose. It must've been Team Magma's or Aqua's doing! Brenden has always been putting a stop to their criminal activities.

However, the police said there was no sign of a struggle. Brenden willingly took those pills. There was even a letter at the scene, but only Professor Birch knows its contents. Therefore, it's highly likely that Brenden took his own life.

Nevertheless, May refuses to believe this! The happy Brenden Birch she grew up with who found passion in everything he did would definitely not hurt himself! Even though they haven't spoken in over a year, they're still great friends. He would've called her for help and support, and he knows she always answers! Why didn't he just call her? Why did he have to go away? May can't believe it!

"Hey, sis."

May's thoughts are broken by her brother's voice. Turning to face the man in his black suit, she gives him a weak smile. Max is taller than her now with his black hair as long as it was when they traveled together. His glasses are less dorky, and although lanky, Max has proven to be pretty strong. "Hey, Max."

Letting out a breath, he follows her gaze to the casket at the front. "I'm sorry." Even though he had apologized to her when he arrived, he still feels the need to do so again. Just seeing how upset May is while trying to remain strong is hurting him too. Although Max wasn't close to Brenden, he knows how much the late man means to May.

"Thanks." She whispers back.

Max won't leave her alone, though because he knows she shouldn't be alone. With his parents helping the professor, Max will stay by May's side. Putting an arm around her shoulders, he pulls her close to him. Despite not talking often, their sibling bond is still strong. They'll always be there for each other because that's what family is for.

"Get out!" The angry shout makes both siblings flinch as they quickly look in the direction it came from. There, they spot their parents holding onto a hysteric Professor Birch whose red face is yelling at a woman.

Running over, Max exclaims, "What's going on?" Once May is beside them, she spots a little boy with white hair and blue eyes clinging onto the woman's legs.

"Get out!" Professor Birch orders again. By now, everyone in attendance has their attention on the scene, especially since no one has ever seen the usually cheerful Professor so angry. The whole day, he had been silently weeping, so the fact that he's extremely irate right now worries people, especially the Maples.

"Sir, the boy just wants to pay his respects to his father." The woman softly says.

"My son is not his father!"

"I think you should leave." Pleads Norman to the woman as the boy buried his face in her legs.

Sighing, the woman approaches Norman with a business card. "I'm Diana Goldman with the orphanage. Please let me know where Mr. Bitch will be buried. Kai should be allowed to know where his father will lie."

"He is not Brenden's!" Professor Birch's angry voice makes the little boy weep. Worriedly looking at the scene, Max and Wally help hold back the Professor.

Giving an apologetic look, Diana guides Kai out of the building. Some May sees her family has Professor Birch handled, she chases after the woman and child. Being a teacher, May has a huge soft spot for children, especially the fact that this child is related to Brenden. Although she has questions about Professor Birch's outburst, May needs to check on this child.

"Excuse me!" May calls after the woman who turns around to face her.

"Yes?" Diana replies once May is in front of her.

Looking down at the scared tearful boy, May asks, "What did you mean when you called Brenden his father?"

Diana gives her a tight smile. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but that's confidential information."

"Professor Birch isn't going to talk to you." May knowingly tells her. "He'll talk to me. I want to help."

Sighing, Diana looks down at the scared boy. "Brenden is Kai's father." She reluctantly tells May. Working at the orphanage, Diana feels bad for the children, and if there's a way she can help them go to a loving home, she will.

May is in shock because Brenden never mentioned having a kid. This can't be the same Brenden, right? Maybe Diana messed up? Besides, this boy looks nothing like Brenden. "Are you sure this is the right Brenden?"

Nodding, Diana replies, "Brenden Yuki Birch, Little Root Town, 28 years old. Was in Kalos before…"

May avoids her gaze because she knows what Diana was about to say. It is still very early to speak about that, especially since today is Brenden's funeral. Looking down at the crying boy, May bends down to smile at him. Even though she's sure this child is not Brenden's, May cares a lot for children. "Hello, Kai. I'm May." She smiles for the first time since news about Brenden's death reached her.

Kai, still teary-eyed, remains hidden behind Diana, so May extends a friendly hand out to him. "I'm friends with Brenden."

He peeks a look at her and quietly asks, "Daddy?"

Although May really doesn't believe Brenden has a child, this boy is grieving. Besides, why should she argue with him about who his father is? That is currently not her concern, though what is she even doing out here? She should be concerned with her childhood friend's funeral inside and his hysteric father who she views as an uncle. However, May just really needed a break from all that grieving, and seeing this hurting child compelled her to chase after them. Nodding, the brunette smiles warmly at him. "Yes. Your dad."

"Did you say your name is May?" Diana's voice causes May to return her gaze to the older woman.

"Yes, I'm May Maple. Brenden and I grew up together." She takes in a deep shaky breath to calm herself before the tears fall again. Just saying his name already hurts so much.

Diana opens the leather zip folder in her hand and rifles through some papers while May resumes talking to Kai. He is now not hiding behind Diana as much since he stepped out, but he still has his hands on her legs for safety. May, looking for a distraction from all of this pain, is engaging in making this boy stop crying as she asks him questions about his likes.

Soon, Diana has found what she is looking for. "This was given to us when Kai was dropped off last month." Standing up, May grabs the piece of lined paper, nothing like official orphanage papers should be printed on. The handwriting is definitely Brenden's, and she can still read it through her tears.

Name: Kai Brenden Birch. Birthday: November 8th. Age: 5 years old. Note: If my father doesn't want him, leave him with May Haruka Maple who is a coordinator teacher in Rustboro City. -Brenden Birch

Quickly wiping her eyes, May asks, "I thought Brenden was in Kalos when…" She can't bring herself to finish the sentence as more tears fall from her eyes. Kai has also resumed his position behind Diana's legs while burying his face in them.

Nodding, Diana replies, "A woman dropped off Kai with this note. She said it was Brenden's wish…"

The mysterious phone call from a month ago is starting to grace May's mind again. Is this why she was told to go to the orphanage? But why her? Why did Brenden choose her? Why not Kai's mother? Who is Kai's mother? Why didn't Brenden leave Kai with Wally? Wally is married and Brenden's best friend.

"Mommy…" the boy's whimper gets May's attention, so she opens her eyes to see Kai's blue orbs fearfully looking at her.

Letting out a breath, May tries to calm herself down enough to talk to him. "Where's your mom, Kai?"

All this results in is more tears where he hides his face behind Diana's legs again. Kai is a harmless child who doesn't deserve this. According to this note, Brenden acknowledges being Kai's father, so then why would Brenden kill himself and leave Kai all alone? Also, where is Kai's mother? Who would leave a 4 year old all alone in an orphanage? Clenching the paper in her hand tightly, May realizes she needs answers, but first, she needs to honor her friend's wish. There must be a reason he left Kai in her hands, and she will figure it out if it's the last thing she does. Returning Diana's gaze with an intense one of her own as her tears stop flowing, May asks, "Can I adopt Kai?"