Feelings from the soul I sit under a tree and watch him. His black hair reflects the sun as he trains his Pokemon, even though it’s our day off. I have a million questions as to why I’ve fallen for him. Why, how… when? I’ve been there by his side, ever since his first Pokemon battle, his first Pokemon capture and first gym badge. I even remember back to the day we “met”. How lucky were we? I saved his life, and in return he not only stole my bike, but something else.. He stole my heart. I used to hate that bike, but now I thank god every day that I had it back then – it was my only link to stick around him. Sure, I got over it; I was planning on going my own way when I did. But by that time, it was too late. My feelings had taken a 180 turn. First there was only annoyance at trashing my bike, then an interest in where he was going, then I started wanting to help him out, and then, whatever he said meant more to me. I didn’t know that I had a thing for him until my sisters made that crack about him being my boyfriend. Of course I flat out denied it, but when I kept denying it whenever someone hinted about it I stopped and thought ‘Wait a second, Misty. Why are you being so defensive over it?” And that’s when I became aware of the attraction. As our journey went on, attraction turned into a full-scale crush. At first I was scared of this new feeling, I’d never liked anyone that strong before he came along, is this what love feels like? I don’t even know what comes next. I’ve never had a boyfriend before, let alone been in love. Every time we’re alone my conscious is there, ‘Tell him, tell him!’. But oh, I’m so unsure. I’m to shy to… This shyness is also new to me. I’ve always been one to be strong, but when it comes to telling the boy I’ve been living my life with the past 2 years… I… I can’t! I’m like a scared little girl all over again. I remember one time when I tried to tell him… we were sitting down together late afternoon when Brock was cooking tea. I turned to him, “Ash, I…” I had his full attention, but something about the way the setting sun set off his eyes made me inhale sharply and stop, mid-sentence. Great, I was captivated. “Misty, you were saying…” he prompted. Our eyes were linked. I could feel my heart beating faster. “I…I…” my breathing was getting a little shaky, too. ‘I can’t do this! What if he just laughs at me?’ I looked away and stood up quickly. “I just remembered that I forgot to.. put Togepi to bed!” I hurried away, hating myself, hating myself for chickening out, hating myself for lying to him… I remember that I looked back and he was still in the same spot. It looked like he had a lot on his mind; he looked so serious and deep in thought. Just as well I didn’t tell him… Brock gave me a sympathetic glance. Brock knows, everyone we meet can tell, even Team Rocket suspects! So why can’t Ash…? “Misty, hey Misty!” he snaps me out of my reverie. He’s finished his Pokemon training for today. I look up at him. He’s smiling and reaching out a hand to help me up. I smile back and clasp it as he helps me up. Even this action reminds me that I feel for him. When we clasped hands it was like being electrocuted without the voltage. Sparks and tingles make their way up my arm. I wonder if he felt it too…? We look at each other. I feel a bit light-headed… “Ash, Misty, dinner’s ready!” we let go of each others hand at the same instant and walk back to camp in awkward silence. I have to tell him. Someday… Someday, soon.