Hi, everyone! I'm really sorry about the gap between chapters here. Well, I wouldn't want to leave any unfinished business before the new year, so I'll do my best to get this done before then. Until then, Enjoy!
Chapter 5
"How are we going to do this? How am I supposed to make this perfect? I'm not exactly the romantic type."
"Yeah no kidding," said Jake under his breath.
"So what exactly did you have in mind?"
"Since the dance is a week away, we're going to have to do this a bit faster than I would have liked, but it's possible. First, you're going to have to tell me everything you know about her. What are the things she likes to do? What is her favorite dish?"
Back inside the house, May was peeking around in Jacob's room. There he saw a collage of pictures of Ash. There were various battles from the Indigo League, Whirl Cup, Johto League, and the Battle Frontier. Mixed in with Ash's pictures are pictures of Jake in similar exploits. Wow, he's really been following in Ash's footsteps. She laughed to herself. He couldn't have picked a better role model.
She was about to walk out the door before she saw a picture frame right next to the collage. It contained a picture of Ash from the Festival of the Hero. He's sooooooooo handsome! I hoped he liked that dress I wore.
The room was illuminated by a ceiling covered with chandeliers. Couples twirled across the floor and danced to the three-quarters beat that was the waltz. May was wearing a pink dress with a white top. She was dancing with an older man with glasses whom she thought was quite handsome. She smiled throughout the entire dance with him. As the two turned, she surveyed all contents of the room. Everyone in the ballroom, except for the descendant of the beautiful queen and her maid. And of course Ash. Even the Pokemon were dancing with each other and enjoyed themselves.
I mean even Brock is dancing.
Ash would have liked to cut in and dance with May. However because he won the competition for Hero of the Year, his duty was to sit there all night and look dignified. Ash looked over at May and could not help but feel jealous. Who the heck is that guy? Well, at least May seems happy. I guess that's good enough.
May was happy, but had hoped that seeing her happily in the arms of another man would have inspired Ash to take action and cut in, but she was unaware of his "heroic duties".
Oh well, maybe next time we can dance together. Maybe by then I'll have told him...
In the backyard, Ash and Jake were finished talking about May's various likes, dislikes and preferences.
"Why did you need to know all that stuff, Jake?"
"Because our operation now is to create a romantic evening before the dance. Everything has to be perfect."
"Something like that will take a lot of work, and money."
"Don't worry, Ash. After living here for ten years, I've come to know a lot of people. I've got some good connections. Plus, I've got enough prize money from all my gym battles and league battles. My mom only let me take about a third of the actual cash. She spent the rest on savings bonds and put some in a savings account."
"Wow, so you must be rollin' in the dough. Haha."
"I guess you could put it that way. Let's head inside and get something to drink. I have to get my cell phone in my room and make a few calls."
"O.K. Let's go."
Jake left Ash to search for a soda to drink and walked upstairs to his room. Jake saw May in his room and walked in to check on her.
"I see you've found my room."
"Oh, hi Jake! I was just checking out your pics of Ash and you."
Jake put his hand behind his head and timidly said, "Yeah. That's kind of embarrassing. It almost makes me look like some kind of stalker fan." Jake laughed.
"No, it's not that embarrassing really. I think it's good to have a role model, so that you have something to aim for."
"I guess so. Well, do you want to go downstairs? Ash and I are going to grab a couple sodas in the fridge."
"Sure. That'll give us a chance to tell you about our adventures in Hoenn and in Kanto."
"You go on ahead. I have to make a phone call in private. I'll be down in a minute."
"O.K."
May walked out of Jake's room and started her way downstairs.
Jake took his cell phone and began to dial a number.
"Hey, long time no see. Yeah, things are going pretty good here. Listen. I have a favor I need to ask of you."
In the kitchen, May opened the refrigerator and took a can of Sprite. She opened it and took a sip. A few seconds after, Jake came downstairs to the kitchen as well. He invited May to come out to the backyard where Ash was waiting.
"Take that seat next to Ash. I'll go get myself a drink and another chair."
Jake took his leave and left the two alone.
"So, what were you doing while Jake and I were talking out here?"
"I was in his room. You know, he's got a collage of pictures of your victories. He's even mixed in some of his own. Did you know that he's visited every region that you have (except Hoenn) and competed in the respective leagues."
"No, I had no idea. It's nice having someone looking up to you."
"Yup. I guess it's like you said. He does have good taste in Pokemon trainers," said May with a laugh.
Ash slightly blushed and smirked at May.
"Hey, guys. I'm back."
Jake walked onto the lawn carrying a can of soda and a portable lawn chair. Unfolding it, he sat down and took a long sip from his can.
"So you guys were going to tell me about your adventures in Hoenn. Let's start with you Ash."
Ash began to mention various challenges that he had overcome such as defeating Roxanne, a gym leader who specialized in rock type Pokemon. Ash continued about his battles from Hoenn to the ones in the Kanto Battle Frontier. Jacob went on to talk about similar challenges and finally turned to May to ask her about her contest experiences. After speaking for a time, she paused for a bit and Jake asked what her favorite experience was.
"Well, my favorite contest experience would probably have to be the contest that Ash and I entered together. It ended up a tie, but that didn't bother me one bit! I was glad that I could share that victory with Ash."
"Yeah. That contest was really fun. Let's do that again someday, May!"
"You bet, Ash!"
Jake looked at the two determined trainers smiling at each other. I guess I won't have to do as much work as I thought.
"Ash, by the way. Since we've finished getting May's stuff for the dance, we should get your tux, dress shirt and shoes."
"Let's do that tomorrow, Jake."
"O.K. Sounds good. It's getting kinda late, so we should probably turn in for the night. You guys can stay in the guest rooms."
The trio stepped inside the house and upstairs into their separate rooms. They said their 'good nights' and prepared for bed. Ash was rolling around restlessly in bed. It was one of those nights during which it was impossible to fall asleep. Ash decided to get out of bed and go outside to look at the stars as he did countless nights before. Meanwhile in May's room, she was only half asleep. She heard something moving around in the hallway and walked downstairs. She saw a figure slightly illuminated by the light of the refrigerator. As she walked slowly down the stairs, she began to see the shape of Ash's hair. She turned on the light and greeted her companion.
"What are you doin' up so late?" said May with a yawn.
"Couldn't get so sleep so I'm getting a snack. You?"
"Oh, I heard a noise. So I went to check it out."
May could see the troubled look on Ash's face and went on to show her concern.
"You look worried about something. Anything I can help with?"
"I was just thinking about something I have to do soon."
"Is it some kind of challenge? Like a Pokemon battle?"
"No, but it's going to be a challenge. I think it's going to be a lot more difficult than a Pokemon battle. Let's just say that I don't think I can win this."
"Don't say that. I've seen you overcome a lot of seemingly impossible opponents. No matter how difficult it seemed at the moment, you would never give up. That's one of the things I love about you."
Err...oh no I said love didn't I?
"I know, but is just so different from a battle."
Oh good he didn't notice.
"Hey, whatever it is just don't ever give up. I'm sure you'll win."
"Thanks a lot, May. I love how you're always here to support me."
He said it too!
"Alright, well I'm heading up to bed. Don't stay up too late, Ash."
"I won't. Goodnight, May."
"Night, Ash."
Please review! I'll be sure to have the next chapter up as soon as I can.
