Chapter 18
I really want to thank all my reviewers and those who are still following this story. You people are awesome!
Let us start with the new chapter!
...
Daniel and Johanna were quiet concerned about Serena's mysterious behavior. She was awfully quiet, sometimes used to talk to herself or laugh and smile at silly things. They thought something had happened with their kid.
On the other hand, Serena was trying her best to forget about Ash. However, all the memories came rushing back to her, their first meeting, first encounter, first argument, broken marriage, everything. She kept on trying to console her mind that he left her because of her own mistakes but her heart kept arguing. She believed she had done everything with just the intention on having him. Her inner conflict was eating her up.
Then there was Paul. A man who was cold and rude but somehow always managed to strike a warm chord in her heart. She was more confused than ever.
She banged her fist against the wall. Daniel and Johanna, who were observing Serena for a long time, gave each other a worried look. They entered the room and slowly knocked to get her attention.
Serena turned behind and saw her parents enter the room. She slowly moved away from the window to face them.
Daniel asked,"Are you okay my child?"
Serena gave him a weird look,"I am fine Dad, why?" Johanna added,"You seem lost."
Serena smiled a little, trying to feel happy and generous as her parents were concerned about her. Her face lit up and she said, a little cheerfully,"I am just.. feeling a little down."
Johanna gave her a small smile and squeezed her daughter's hand. Daniel stated,"You can't stay like this forever, you have a bright future in front of you. But, you definitely need a break."
Serena looked at her father with teary eyes,"I really liked him Father." Daniel gave her a hug,"You are pretty and strong my child, don't worry about it. Someone, somewhere is waiting for you."
Serena wiped away her tears and gave a small smile. Johanna suggested,"Well, last time we were at Sinnoh, Dawn gained a new life. Can we spend our vacation there, the place where all these mess started?" Daniel was looking at her with questioning eyes but agreed on seeing Serena having interest in visiting that place again,"Fine then, we will head to Sinnoh."
...
Dawn was taking a look outside the car. The never ending mountain and the chilly fog never failed to amazed her.
"How is the view?" Ash asked while driving the car. Dawn squealed in excitement,"It is so wonderful! It feels so nice and refreshing." Ash smiled at her answer. He said,"This mountains are so calm and peaceful Dawn. You know, I have a wish."
Dawn shifted her gaze toward him and asked,"And what is that?"
Dawn saw his expression change from being happy to unsure. He quietly said,"I want that when I die, I die here, in these mountains." As soon as the words left his mouth, Dawn gave a shocked yell and placed a hand on his hand, which was on the steering wheel. Sensing her nervousness, he halted the car.
"Is something wrong?" He innocently asked. Dawn gave him a harsh glare,"It is absurd! I have never heard any couple talk about Death while being on a honeymoon." Ash grinned on seeing her cute pouty face. He teased her,"How many honeymoons have you been?" She glared again,"It is not funny."
Ash restarted the car and started driving to the booked hotel, apologizing every ten minutes. Dawn was still ignoring him.
He pulled in the driveway of the hotel and came out. Dawn followed suit.
"Cheer up now, people will get the wrong idea that I have dragged you with me," he joked to make the situation and her mood lighter. She was still ignoring him. He let out a defeated sigh.
The receptionist handed him their room keys and Ash quickly grabbed the opportunity to make her mood perfect. Once they were out of eyesight, inside the elevator, he kissed her temple and squeezed her hand. She shoved him off. She said,"You are not going to get anything tonight."
Ash sweatdropped.
Once inside the room, Ash quickly took a hot shower to erase his tiredness and Dawn did the same. As soon as Dawn came out of the bathroom in her bathrobe, she found Ash making the bed.
"I already told you, you won't be getting anything tonight," she repeated again. Ash laid on the bed and pulled up the blanket over his knee length trousers, leaving only his sculpted chest covered with white vest in the open. Dawn looked away, blushing.
"Have you noticed what our room number is?" He asked in his raw, rough voice. She was fumbling with her fingers. In a low voice, she asked,"No, why?"
He beckoned her to come closer as if was going to tell a secret. Once she was close enough, he pulled her which made Dawn loose her footing and she landed on the bed, in his lap. He grinned victoriously at her and said,"It is B69, got the message."
Dawn's face flushed pink. She buried her face in his chest laughing,"You are gross." Ash kissed he temple and grinned,"Can't ask for anything more."
Dawn planted a kiss on his cheek and in a low voice said,"I can't dream of a life without you Ash. You have been my saviour since the day we met, if you leave me, I will die." He signalled her to keep quiet and placed his index finger on her lips. She kissed it slowly and continued,"Don't you know how much dependent I am upon you? If you leave, I will eventually get blind by shredding all tears I have." He hugged her tightly and apologized,"I am sorry, I really am."
She broke the hug and planted a kiss on his forehead.
He slowly cupped her face and leaned forward, Dawn closed her eyes,waiting for the sensation.
~Ding~
Ash quickly released Dawn, who quickly entered and hid under the cover. She managed to say,"May be room service, go and check, I won't move from under the cover, it is so embarrassing!"
He cursed his luck and mentally made a note to bring a do not disturb sign. His face was a mixture of anxiety and restlessness. He opened the door, ready to scold whosoever was standing there.
"What in the... WHAT!?" He screamed. Dawn poked her head from the blanket and quickly asked,"Are you okay? What happened?" she asked, panic evident in her voice.
Before Ash could say anything, four people, forcefully entered the room and stood before Dawn, grinning. Her eyes widened in surprise,"What?"
"SURPRISE!" Yelled Gary, Drew, May and Leaf together.
Ash face palmed. Isn't honeymoon supposed to be a husband-wife thing?
...
Ash was still sulking as his honeymoon was destroyed by his cousins. Dawn was busy chatting and enjoying the scenery with others where as Ash was glaring at them. What surprised him more was the happy expression on Dawn's face on finding everyone there.
"Stop sulking Ashy-boy, come here," Gary teased him. Leaf said in a singsong voice,"Sorry for ruining your moment earlier!" Everyone laughed, except Dawn who was blushing cherry red and Ash who was still glaring.
"Don't be such a baby," May teased him too. He was more infuriated when he found Dawn laughing.
He sighed and took a seat beside Dawn. He whispered loud enough for everyone to hear,"I thought it is our honeymoon, not a family reunion.'' Dawn poked his cheeks and giggled, enjoying how irritated he was,"The more the merrier Ash."
Ash gave a defeated sigh and said,"Atleast I can hope that you all will leave is alone when we will go for trekking and sightseeing tomorrow." Dawn giggled more where as Gary and Drew smirked. May and Leaf, faking a hurt expression said,"Lets go! He doesn't eveb appreciate our presence."
Ash knew they were acting and so said "Yeah! That's correct!" May gasped a little but maintained her composure,"Huh! Fine, we won't go where you all will be heading tomorrow. Where are you both going anyway Dawn?"
"The wishing lake," she cheerfully said. Ash slapped his forehead and sighed,"Shit!"
Gary and Leaf burst out laughing. Drew said between fits of laughter,"Serves you right! Remember how you and Gary spoiled my honeymoon?" Ash sighed defeated,"Such a meanie you are! You did this for revenge!"
"Chill, we won't disturb both of you, have your free time. We are just here to take care of you lovebirds," May said a little seriously. Drew and Leaf nodded too.
As they were turning to leave, May whispered in Dawn'sears,"Nice room number anyways." She gave her a wink, leaving a bright red Dawn staring at the ground, finding the carpet more interesting.
Ash closed the door behind them and let out an irritated sigh,"They.. they make me so mad!" Dawn sweetly patted his back and gave him a small smile,"Are you not happy?"
He shook his head,"I am happy that they are here, but I can't deny I wanted to spend some time with you alone." Dawn smiled at his words and gave him a peck on his cheeks.
...
"And we are finally here!" Johanna said enthusiastically, trying to cheer her daughter. Serena looked out of the window of her room and smiled on seeing the calm Sinnoh Mountains.
Daniel was in the next room, unpacking his bags and getting fresh. Johanna decided to stay with Serena, as an opportunity to cheer her up. Serena let out a tired yawn and came back to her bed. Johanna grabbed a towel and some clothes, heading to the bathroom.
Serena sleepily muttered,"Thanks Mom, I really needed this vacation." Johanna smiled before disappearing in the bathroom.
Serena pulled out a tourist guide book and decided to go through it. She was looking at the article aimlessly, eyes drooping to sleep. She was looking forward to the trip. She couldn't help but feel this trip would somehow change her life, forever, in a way she never had imagined.
...
And here is where part two and final part of the story starts. I was going to drag it but decided against it. More six or seven chapters left, maximum. See you next time.
~ darkestlightofhope