Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Thanks to Amorous-Thunder for beta-reading~
STOP! Please Review! I'm kind of wavering, and no I'm not going to stop writing this, but I want to improve! So please!
The Part of Me I Will Never Forget
Chapter 5: Not so Happy Birthday
"Like, happy birthday, sis!"
Third of August, finally here: the most feisty (and unsensational, according to her sisters) Waterflower sister's birthday. A couple of weeks ago it had seemed like it was ages away; but now, upon awaking to three perfectly, make-up painted faces, she was quickly reminded of the event.
An irritated expression formed on her tired features. "Five more minutes...!"
The three glamour queens rolled their eyes knowingly. Misty, being so stubborn, wouldn't let anyone know the excitement that buzzed away in her mind. 'Sixteen!' Under the stuffy duvet she smiled to herself happily. 'Or sweet sixteen - as they say - which it is.'
Misty didn't like a big fuss at parties; but when it's an important teenage birthday such as this, a little more commotion could be allowed.
Actually, it was only going to be a late-night party with some close friends, a few non-alcoholic beverages, and just plain summer fun.
Chuckling from under the quilt, she was surprised when three stick-like things were prodding through the blanket into the side of her rib cage. Remembering you could suffocate under a duvet, she lifted herself up hurriedly to face the prodders.
Disgruntled, her brow furrowed at her sisters, who, watching impatiently, had their fingers hanging in mid-air a few centimetres from her waist beneath the covers. She couldn't resist a lopsided smirk as she shifted her eyes to the side, laughing at their actions.
"Okay, I'm up! Now let me get out of bed!"
Shoving Lily lightly, her magenta-haired sibling faked a pout: "Miiiiistyyyyyyyyy! You'll, like, totally ruin my complexion!"
Misty's eyes narrowed. "That was your arm, Lily. Or would you rather my hand in your face?"
With a playful grin transforming to a look of horror, the battle commenced. Childish giggles emerged from the mass of four girls on the carpet, like children once again; the strangely tranquil sound flared more joy in Misty's heart than she'd ever imagined. In between the small tickles and laughs echoing around the room, the familiar infatileness returned from her youth.
As children, this would rarely happen. Sisters cooped up in their rooms at their glamour stations, complete with stage-like mirrors and make-up stalls, with Misty alone in her room, watching old re-runs of Pokemon battles and cartoons, lost in her own world. Only by chance a fleeting moment this divine would occur, with all of them in the same frame of mind and correct mood. And then Misty solidly knew her sisters cared. But except these moments, Misty had never showed that she had acknowledged. It was only after returning from her long life-changing journey with Ash and Brock, had she truly accepted her sisters as, well, sisters.
"H-ha, ha! M-Misty, stop, stoppit-t! I... I-I can't - breathe!" Violet, who was caught in the middle of the fight, had her arms tangled in the limbs of Daisy and Lily, while Misty pinned her down with her hands on either side of her waist - knuckles digging into her stomach.
Misty sighed. She knew all good things had to end, and so she let her struggling adversary regain her breath by reluctantly flopping back onto her bed.
"Like, Anyway, Misty, you've got presents to open!" Daisy's excited squeal rang out across the room as she leant forward to face her. Lily and Violet beamed simultaneously. Misty, however, tried to suppress her own excitement, moaning at them without looking at their faces; a sort of stubbornness striking again. "Let me get dressed first. Go on ahead downstairs; I'll be there in a minute..."
She closed her eyes tiredly. She tried to gather her thoughts about the day's events, but after a long silence, she opened her mouth, yawned, and frowned.
"You're still here, aren't you?" She opened one eye to fixate on them as they grinned at her reaction.
"C'mon, sis! We'll help you get dressed!"
"I'm 15 - no wait - 16. I can do it myse-"
"Won't take 'no' for an answer!"
"Violet, get your hands of off me!"
"No, no, no! We're fashion supremes, remember? We'll get you fixed up."
"Daisy! No! Stop it! Lily! Don't do that to me!"
"No peeking!"
'Predictable,' Misty thought; her arms reached out blindly like a zombie from a horror movie as one sister covered her eyes with flawlessly manicured hands. A kerfuffle could be heard in the background as she strained to hear what was happening.
"Okay! Open them!"
After removing her hands from her face and fluttering her eyes open, Misty was confronted with a wonderful sight.
Blue papered parcels were placed around the dining table, shiny silk ribbons laced around their sides. Erika and Sakura stood beside the table, both holding their own presents, wrapped in shining silver. Taking in a breath, her eyes widened across her face as she focused on the object in the middle of the oak furniture.
A wicker basket was positioned perfectly in the center, soft blankets lining the side, falling over the edges and plush velvet cushions that poked out of the top. She eyed the bundle hesitantly before edging to the corner of the table to take a peek. To her utter surprise, the mass shook in motion and a tiny lilac paw emerged from the hem of the fabric.
Her mouth formed into a silent gasp-like look as a pair of petite ears folded out of the package, shaking as they stretched out into the open. These ears were followed by a furry face, eyes closed in an attempt to keep a pleasant sleep. The red gem on its forehead gleamed in a lustrous fashion as the animal slowly opened its eyes, revealing amethyst orbs, before letting out a squeak.
Bringing her hands up to her face, Misty nearly choked on the wondrous sight.
"An Espeon...?"
A muffled purr was heard from the basket as Misty stretched out a delicate hand to touch its soft fur. By touching its forehead, the smooth fur flattened against her fingertips as the delightful creature nuzzled into her palm.
"It's Beautiful..."
A single tear rolled down Misty's cheek as everyone paraded around silently like mimes in the background. They knew she'd love it, of course, but they were still eager to see their desired reaction. Sakura and Erika punched their fists in the air before whispering a triumphant "Brilliant!"
"Well, sis, like - pick her up and cuddle her; she's so soft!"
Misty, who was still in awe of the peaceful creature, slowly lifted Espeon out of the cot, holding on gingerly to her tiny, soft tummy. She then cradled her in her arms like a newborn baby.
It squealed slightly at her action, stretching and snuggling into her arms, purring. Misty beamed down at the little Pokemon.
"I don't how I could ever thank you enough!" She blurted to her sisters, to which the three replied with a wave of their hands.
"Think nothing of it. We thought you needed a cute, new pokémon - and something different from a water type! So Espeon it is!" Violet chanted, giggling with the others.
Stepping forward, Sakura stroked Espeon's head lightly. Erika joined in, watching Espeon revel in the attention.
"Eheh! She'll get along fine with my Espeon!" Sakura laughed, looking down to her harmonious companion sitting beside her, who cried it's name in joy.
Misty turned to face her friends, nodding with a beam apparent on her face.
"Sissss! Open these presents! We want to, like, see your reaction to this one!"
"Okay, okay!"
Chuckling, Misty knelt down, handing little Espeon to Erika - a watchful eye to survey its actions. Lily quickly handed a present to the birthday girl from the hefty pile which dominated the dining area, and soon, Misty began to start the session of eager unwrapping.
"The party's great! You need to turn 16 more often, Misty!"
The sky was clear as the girls sat in their own groups around the now-tidy back garden. Thanks to Erika and Sakura, it was in a fit state to stand in because of some serious gardening.
"I don't think that's possible, but I think garden parties could happen more often..." Looking to her sisters with a questioning gaze, she received three immediate nods.
"We, like, love parties! Could we have guys over as we-"
"No," Misty put a firm halt to Lily's wild thoughts. "Definitely no boys in this house." The triplets shoulders sagged upon knowing it was impossible.
'I may be the youngest, but when it comes to control and rules, I think I'm the one with her head on straight.'
Knowing her authority, she turned and made her way across the pavement to the house.
"I'm off to get drinks. Erika, Sakura, can you help me carry them back?"
Getting up from their deck chairs, the pair followed her eagerly. "Sure, but not alcohol, right?" Sakura queried anxiously, giving Misty a 'because I'm not going to drink it' look, whilst Erika rolled her eyes.
"After seeing Violet and Lily drunk, do you really think I'd let them go near it again with me around?"
Nodding cautiously, tilting her head to the side and biting her lip, Sakura asked what Erika was also thinking. "What about Daisy?"
Misty, who was already in the house, stopped. She brought her finger to her mouth in thought before shivering in the memory. "Let's not go there, eh?"
Chuckling, the two followed her through the back door to the kitchen, which was relatively tidy and cute - with the dining table that was surrounded by sheddings and scraps of wrapping.
"Ah, well today's been great," Misty said, sipping lemonade as she leant onto the counter. Erika smiled. "We always hang out; but today's been special, don't you think, Sakura?"
Sakura stood motionless. Staring out the window, she looked at the orange glow which hung over a certain guy's house. 'He needs to be taught a lesson. He doesn't deserve Misty worrying over him. She is right now, even though she doesn't show it.' Sighing, she pondered again. 'Its her birthday, though, and I can't ruin it for her by storming out there and giving him a piece of my mind.'
"Sakura."
"Eh?"
Misty, who stood with her hands placed on her hips, pouted her lips before holding out a glass of lemonade and ice to her friend. "Come on, we'll go out on the lawn for a bit."
Sakura hesitated. "But-"
"No," Misty instructed in a firm tone, smirking slightly. "After a while, my sisters' voices start getting on my nerves; and because you're not as accustomed to it as I am, your ears will definitely begin to bleed."
Erika began laughing at Misty's experience with her sisters. While Sakura felt unsure of it - she watched her striding out to the hall and front door.
The two followed, nonetheless.
"Less hectic out here," Erika remarked, smirking at Misty as she nodded. She stuck her tongue out in a childish manner. Leaning on the garden wall, they listened to the hum of the roads in the background.
"Yeah, my sisters' endless talk about fashion and make-up sure is annoying isn't it?"
"Oh Misty, you shouldn't talk about them like that!"
Misty answered Erika with a flat look. "Sure, but-..."
She didn't finish her sentence, as Sakura's "vision" had, unfortunately, come true.
There he stood. At the end of his own garden path, almost leisurely, Misty caught sight of him. They all began glaring at his laid-back attitude as he didn't realize three pairs of eyes were searching for a reaction.
"What is he holding...?" Erika grimaced as she questioned, looked to the others for answers.
Sakura squinted, and replied through grounded teeth. "I think it's..."
Suddenly he flinched; as Misty saw his chocolate eyes dart to look into her own cerulean ones. He dropped whatever he was holding and went rigid upon their connection. Trying to communicate through an apologetic expression just wasn't cutting it for her, though - and anger started making her burst at the seams. She stormed over without a second thought, fists clenched, ready to shout.
The memories built up inside her head once again: their first meeting - the way she felt whenever she looked at him - the awful day when she left - and when he was interviewed, he hurt her in more ways than his tiny brain could ever comprehend.
It was all too much.
And she was going to let him know how it made her feel.
"Just what the HELL do you think YOU'RE doing out here?"
Her face screwed up, not caring about what people thought of her appearance. She just wanted to tear him to pieces through her fingers.
"Misty, I-"
"Don't even try to explain! You're just trying to ruin it all over again."
Her hate seethed out between her clenched teeth. He trembled as he looked at her with that expression.
"You just stand there - not giving a damn what you're doing to other people!"
Shaking her head away in pure disgust, she continued, "You don't care; you just come along and screw things up for us!"
Erika stood on the sidelines along with Sakura. They both watched in horror, helplessly, as the event unfolded right in front of them. "M-Misty..." Erika reached out a hand, ready to run and grab their friend, but Sakura held her back with her own outstretched hand.
"She needs to do this; she's waited long enough."
"It's my BIRTHDAY! I mean - could you at least ONCE, just ONCE, do the right thing? In this case, STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
"I've barely even seen you!"
"WELL, look what happens when you do!"
Ash, who couldn't stand the sight of her being distraught (although he was arguing back as well), began walking over cautiously, picking his way along the road to her side. But he couldn't make the journey to reach the emotional girl.
"What are you doing?"
He kept walking, ignoring her outburst by calmly shutting his eyes.
"Get away from me! Stop acting like you care, because you don't!"
"I do, Misty! Can't see you SEE I'm trying to show you?"
Quickening his pace, he sprinted across the rest of the way. He grabbed her arms and shook her out of her horrendous state. "What have I done?" He bent his knees down in front of her to look up into her anger-filled face, almost pleadingly. "Just what have I done to make you feel this way..?"
"..."
There was complete silence for a moment, as all that could be heard was Misty breathing in and out, gasping for breath, trying to control her emotions. Shaking again, she broke into the serenity with the subtlest whisper:
"... You really don't remember, do you...?"
Eyes widening, she forcefully shoved him away, biting her lip, nearly drawing blood. He crashed onto the pavement kerb, his back hitting the floor with a 'thump'.
Inhaling air, she rubbed her temples before beginning to screech at him again. "Are you really THIS DENSE? Haven't you grown a brain since FOUR YEARS AGO? I can't even BEGIN TO BELIEVE you don't have a clue what I'm going on about! You know what, I'll TELL you what's the matter! I'll TELL you what's caused me so much pain, AFTER ALL THIS TIME!" Her voice increased in volume with every word spoken. She pointed down at him, her fragile body crumbling as her friends watched her helplessly sinking.
"What was it YOU said, around two years ago?"
"Misty, I, uh..."
"Just what was it YOU said around FOUR YEARS ago?"
"I don't..."
"HOW CAN'T YOU REMEMBER?" She screamed at him; insults poured from her mouth as tears sprouted from her eyes. Sakura and Erika couldn't hold back from their positions any longer as they sprung forward to catch their faltering friend as she fell, scraping her knees on the ground below her.
"I just..." She whimpered into her palms as her face burned from the clammy air that surrounded her cheeks. "I can't even look at you..." She whispered through her fingers that spread across her lips; she broke down into sobs.
He laid back on the floor, eyes widening as she uttered the last words he wanted to hear. Wincing, he sat up slowly. His back ached from the fall - but not too severely.
"M-Misty...You have to tell me so I can-"
Shooting raging glares to him from across the path, Sakura and Erika clung tightly to Misty's sagging elbows before exchanging worried glances with each other. Then they used soothing voices and embraces in a desperate effort to console the weeping girl.
With his shoulders drooping, Ash knew he wasn't going to get anywhere. 'She hates me - absolute HATES me - and I... Well, I know I can't give up - but this isn't getting us any further in solving things.'
Ash hated nothing more than seeing people upset and not being able to do anything about it. But because this was Misty, and his doing, he felt like he should be sentenced to death for committing such a terrible crime. Whether she liked it or not, he cared deeply for her, and wasn't about to stop.
He began to think: 'I've only once seen Misty cry, and that was...'
Stopping dead and freezing to the floor, he pondered about that event.
'And that was...'
"Ash. Just leave."
Sakura's icy tone suddenly struck through his chain of thoughts. Meeting her gaze, she looked about ready to explode at him. Tilting his head to Erika, they matched.
He rest his eyes on Misty. Her muffled cries sang out from her hands and red locks, which completely hid her face. His mouth hung as he realised the more he sat there, the more pain it caused.
'I want to be the one consoling her. I want to be the one by her side.'
'... But I suppose I'd screw that up too.'
Reluctantly shifting his legs to stand, his knees wobbled from the previous shock of falling. After standing up straight, he glanced back to rest his eyes on the girl he wanted to be next to - the girl he wanted to console. Of course that wasn't going to happen any time soon.
Sighing, Erika and Sakura gritted their teeth as they turned to their patient who was rocking on her heels with pure anger.
"I-I never c-cry!"
Her wail pierced him deeply. This was the complete truth. She had never cried in front of him except when she'd left, and whenever he'd seen her since.
Dragging his feet, and managing to walk across the road, he glanced down at the certain package he'd abandoned earlier: the wrapped parcel that gleamed in the twilight sun.
Picking it up, he felt almost ill at the thought of giving it to her now. he pocketed it slowly, staggering inside the house he'd only intended to be out of for a couple of minutes, at least.
"Last time I saw her cry - or rather - the only time... Was that argument we had when she left..."