Over the next few weeks, Ash's life seemingly went back to normal again, although now he spent most of his time talking to Misty over the phone. And, some days, Ash would unexpectedly visit Misty at the Gym. Their bond seemed to grow stronger and stronger with each passing day. But, there was one real aspect to their relationship that constantly haunted Ash. Misty's pregnancy. He was still a bit unsure about becoming a father, but he knew it made Misty happy. And, as long as Misty was happy, Ash was happy. But, one day, Ash came to an uneasy conclusion. Something he'd been planning to say for the past few weeks. And he was going to do it over dinner.

Late that evening, Ash and his Mom were having a normal dinner as they always did every night since Ash could remember.
"The food is great, Mom!" Ash announced joyously, greedily scarfing his food down like he hadn't eaten in weeks. Ash's Mom smiled with pride.
"I'm glad you like it, honey. And, there's always seconds." Ash was looking forward to seconds, but not looking forward to breaking the news. He finished his first plate, and set the fork down, patting his mouth clean with his napkin.
"Seconds?" She asked. Ash hesitantly sighed, his adrenaline pumping like mad.

"Not yet, Mom, there's...something I need to tell you..." She looked at him, curiously. He had all the facial aspects of a scolded dog.
"Is anything wrong, dear? Did something happen?" She asked, in a caring tone.
"Yes, Mom, something happened...At Misty's sister's birthday party..."
"The party you slept over at. I remember. What happened?" Ash bit his bottom lip, which was quivering.
"I...I don't know how to say this Mom, but..." He stopped.
"Yes, it's all right, go on." She urged him.
"I...I didn't just sleep over at the Gym, I'd gotten drunk 'cause I drank some alcohol, and then, I..." He began to sob, fearful of what she would think of him. "I had sex with Misty, please don't hate me, Mom, it was an accident, I didn't mean to!" He blurted out, and sobbed loudly, burying his face in his hands. Ash's Mom didn't know what to think. She trusted Ash to make the right decisions in his life. She thought she could trust Ash to be responsible, but he made a terrible mistake. Ash's Mom thought for a minute, and looked to her son, who was crying his eyes out. She knew he really didn't mean to do it, and hopefully no long-term problems will arise. She slowly reached her hand across the table, and held one of Ash's. He immediately stopped sobbing, and looked at her, his face stained with tears.
"Ash, I've always depended on you to be responsible..." She started.
"I know, Mom! And I'm sorry!" His eyes begged for her forgiveness. She smiled, whole-heartedly.
"But, I could never stay mad at you. Even if you made a mistake. But, I know you must love Misty very much." Ash slowly nodded. But Ash still wasn't finished. For the next "surprise," he was going to say it in all seriousness. Tears can't fix what happened that night. He took a deep breath, standing up from the table.
"Mom, one more thing..." He said, seriously. She looked up at him with intrigue. Ash closed his eyes. "Misty is also pregnant. I wanted to tell you, because I thought it was the right thing to do. I know nothing can change what happened, but...I want you to know that I didn't do it to spite you. It was an accident." He went silent for a few seconds. "Please, don't hate me, Mom..." Ash's Mom was stunned, with two huge announcements that would forever change their lives. Ash's Mom looked at her boy standing there, bravely, despite the fear he had inside him. She smiled, a tear running down her cheek. She knew he was always brave, but this proved it. She stood up, and walked to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, he turned to face her, no tears had stained his face this time.
"Ash...You're growing up so very fast. You're 16, but prepared to face what life throws at you. I admire your courage, and I know that you will be a good father to your child. I want you to know I could never not love you, Ash. I'd do anything for you, but now, you're doing things for yourself. You understand the full aspect of the situation, and are mature enough to handle it. I love you very much, Ash. And, no matter what, I'll always be proud of you." Ash felt a huge weight being lifted off of his shoulders. His Mom didn't freak out like he thought she would. The two of them gave each other a big hug, proving the power of their love.

That night, after finishing dinner, Ash walked up to his room. He entered it, walking straight for the phone. Pikachu smiled at Ash, who looked very serious. Pikachu saw his seriousness, and simply laid down on his bed, minding his own business. Ash sat on his bed, with the phone in his hand.
"One more thing to do..." Ash whispered to himself. He dialed a few numbers on the phone, placing the receiver on his ear, to hear it ringing. Just after 2 rings, the phone was picked up.
"Hello, Brock speaking." It was Brock, and Ash was ready to tell him the news as well.
"Brock, hi, it's Ash."
"Oh! Hey, Ash! What's up?" He sounded cheerful, but Ash was still very serious.
"I have something important to tell you..." Brock identified that tone of voice.
"All right, go ahead." He, too, now sounded serious. Ash explained the actions that occurred at the party, and Brock went silent for a minute.
"Ash, I know you love Misty..." He stood for just a second, leaving Ash at a cliffhanger. "...But, I wish you both the best. Or, should I say, the three of you." Brock sounded happy for Ash. Ash sighed in relief.
"Thanks, Brock...I could always count of you as a friend."
"No problem, Ash. Well, I'll see you around. I've got a ton of dishes to do."
"All right, see ya, Brock."
"See ya." The two of them hung up at the same time. Ash dropped the phone on the bed, feeling so relieved. He didn't know why he doubted that his Mom and his best friend would be there for him. But, he was very happy, and very relieved. He felt as if the whole world was brand-new. A brand-new test that needed to be overcome was waiting for him, and he was ready to charge it head-on. He picked up the phone once again, and dialed Misty's number.


That's one more chapter down, who knows how many more await? If you like the story so far, you'll love the next chapter! "Love, No Bigger Than a Bread box."