Title: Wishing Waters Author: Mystic Author Part: 3 "Losing My Grip" Email: mysticauthor89@yahoo.com Category: AAMRN DISCLAIMER: Yeah, I own Pokèmon. And my mom is a Tom Cruise with a nose the size of Asia (just try to imagine that...lol). For those of you who don't get the sarcastic-ness, I really don't own Pokèmon, but I sure wish I did. Yeah, & "Losing My Grip" belongs to Avril Lavigne. Wishing Waters Part 3: Losing My Grip It was a typical day in the school of Wishing Waters Academy. Ash retreated to his dorm after a long hard day of school, which consisted of British Literature, Chemistry, Gym, Grammar, Computer, History & Math. He had a rather good day, actually. He had aced his Chemistry & Math quizzes, scored the winning basket in basketball during gym, corrected his Grammar teacher, answered a tough History question, & got to be the teacher for his British Literature class. On top of it all, he had a girlfriend. "Ash, what's up? You look like you're on cloud 9," Gary said as he looked suspiciously at his best friend, who was in his room, tossing his books on his bed. "Yeah, well, I am. I never had life so good, you know? I mean, I had such a great day at school, & I have the girl of my dreams..." Ash went into a dreamy state, similar to the look that Brock always gets when he sees another senior girl. "Dude, don't go totally Brock on me!" Gary complained leaning against the wall. "Sorry, gotta catch up with Misty!" Ash threw his last book on his bed & ran out the door to meet Misty at the Park. For Misty, it was a rather horrible day at Wishing Waters Academy. She longed to get away from it all for a few days, to take a vacation. She had failed her Chemistry & Math quizzes, lost the volleyball game because she hit a foul serve in gym, got yelled at by her Grammar teacher, fell out of her chair in History & was humiliated beyond belief, & was late to British Lit. Oh, yeah, she had to meet up with her boyfriend. Plus the headmaster had called her to his office to tell her that if her grades didn't pick up, she would have to leave. She knew her sisters didn't take that well. She sighed & dragged herself towards the Park. "School...the one place I wished never to go to..." Misty muttered as she plopped herself on a bench to wait for Ash. "Misty!" Ash jogged over to her as he called out her name. Misty's mood brightened somewhat as she looked at the boy she fell head over heels for ever since she first saw him. "Hi, Ash." "What's up?" "Not much...except I had the worst day of my life." "What happened?" Misty began to explain everything that had happened to her in the past 8 hours. She couldn't help but notice that Ash was staring at her in that way Brock stared at girls. "What? Is there something in my teeth?" "Nah. I just noticed how sexy you are when you're worried." "Ash! I just blabbed about my worst day in my life & all you can think about is how hot I am?" "Sorry. How about we head for the library?" "Uh...sure I guess," Misty obliged, following after the black haired boy. "So...what's the problem?" Ash asked as they were cuddled on a soft, plush couch in a forlorn corner of the library, arms draped around each other. "I'm about to get kicked out of school," Misty stated bluntly. "WAAAAA? You can't get kicked out!" "I will if my grades don't improve." "Well, then why don't we hit the books now?" Misty exhaled a sigh. "Okay." She fished through her backpack & pulled out her Chemistry book. "I need to pass this test." "Let me quiz you." Ash leafed through the book to chapter 10. "'What does the "H" in H2O stand for?'" Misty looked blankly at him. "Uh...Helium?" Ash sweat dropped & scratched the back of his head. "Actually it's hydrogen." "It's Chemistry, Math & Lit. That I can't get! Who cares what the 'H' in H2O stands for? Who needs to know the square root of 99? How is the knowledge of British writers going to help me in the real world?" "It's okay...don't stress yourself." "I have no time for me anymore! I mean, the swim team, field hockey, school, you! There's no room for me in MY life!" Misty felt a tickling sensation on her cheeks & realized that she was crying. "Shhh. It's okay, I'm here now." Ash placed his arms around Misty as he hugged her, gently rocking her back & forth & stroked her hair. "That's part of the problem! You're here, so I have to get rid of some things in my life to make room for you!" Ash looked at her, taken aback. "What?" he whispered. "I didn't mean it in a bad way. It's just that I got rid of a lot of my extra activities for you! I barely talk to Laselle & Duplica, I'm on probation for the rest of this term for being late too many times, I'm not allowed to play field hockey or swim until my grades pick up, I go visit my Pokèmon almost every other month, & I'm always catching up on work! My teachers keep sending letters to my sisters about how much I 'don't apply myself', & on top of all that, I'm about to get booted out of school. You're supposed to be my boyfriend, Ash, not my life!" Ash couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I thought we agreed to meet at 3:30 at the park everyday since we could barely talk to each other during the day." "I know, but I'm so overwhelmed, you know? I've been crying myself to sleep for the past couple of nights." Misty sucked in a shaky breath. "Ash...I need some time alone." "Sure, Mist. I'll go now--" "Not like that Ash. A week or a few days without any pressure might do me some good. I need to focus, to work hard to stay in school & by the time homecoming rolls around at the end of this week, I'll be back to my old self." "You're...breaking up...with me?" Ash enunciated slowly. Misty's eyes widened. She knew Ash could be dense but this was just ridiculous. "No! We're just taking a break." Ash unwrapped his arms from Misty. "Fine. Take as long as you want. In fact, don't talk to me ever again," he said in a cold voice Misty never heard him use. He got up & picked up his black leather jacket. "Ash, our relationship has been put on pause! Don't get bent out of shape about it!" Misty pleaded, tears still tumbling down her rosy cheeks. Ash looked at her sharply & Misty flinched at his angry gaze. "Bent out of shape? My girlfriend just told me she can't see me anymore because she has too much to do!" With that, he turned on his heel & stormed out of the library. "Ash...not you, too." With a defeated glance at his retreating back, Misty curled into a ball & whimpered quietly as another river of tears plummeted over the brim of her eyes & leaked down her clouded face. ~ Are you aware of what you make me feel, baby? Right now I feel invisible to you, like I'm not real. Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you? Why'd you turn away? Here's what I have to say. I was left to cry there, Waiting outside there, Grinning with the last stare, That's when I decided... Why should I care? Cause you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone. You need to listen, I'm starting to trip, I'm losing my grip, And I'm in this thing alone. Am I just some chick you placed beside you? To take somebody's place? When you turn around, can you recognize my face? You used to love me, you used to hug me, But that wasn't the case. Everything wasn't ok. I was left to cry there, Waiting outside there, Grinning with the last stare, That's when I decided... Why should I care? Cause you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone. You need to listen, I'm starting to trip, I'm losing my grip, And I'm in this thing alone. Crying out loud, I'm crying out loud, Open your eyes, Open up wide... Why should I care? Cause you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone. You need to listen, I'm starting to trip, I'm losing my grip, And I'm in this thing alone. ~ "Humph...if she doesn't want me, I don't want her," Ash repeated to himself over & over as he brushed his teeth. It was nighttime on the campus of Wishing Waters, & all students were in their dorms. Well, that is, almost all students. Misty was wandering around outside, unsure of what to do with herself. She paced, jogged around a bit, visited her Pokèmon, & willed herself to die. "Ash...I need just one thing in my life to go right. Please, just listen to me for once." Misty wistfully sighed & toppled onto the cool grass, slick with dew. The grass cooled her fevered brow. "Life, as I know it, is gone." "Don't need her. I can get another date, anyway. I'll tell her that tomorrow." Ash muttered as he slipped underneath his sheets & floated into a slumber. Misty still lay on her back in the chilly grass, looking up into the stars that seemed to comfort her whenever she needed it. "Mom, Dad...why did you leave me here? The least you could've done was to let me die with you..." FLASHBACK "Ethan, they're here!" Fear filled up the coffee-colored haired woman's icy navy eyes. She rocked a baby in her dainty hands, holding it close to her. A sandy blond haired man with determined chocolate eyes stood up. He was about 6'5 & had a lean, chiseled body. "Sandra, take Misty out of here! Get yourself & Misty home!" "But Ethan--" "Do it! Goodbye, Sandra." Tears welled up in Sandra's eyes as she gave her husband one last kiss. "I love you," she whispered before she left the tiny shack. Seconds after she ran about a couple of meters from the shack, she heard yells & gunshots. She heard Pokèmon attacks & a few seconds later, the shack exploded in a fiery inferno. "Ethan..." She took a deep breath & looked at the baby she held in her hands. "We'll be okay, Mistaria." She took off, darting towards their home in Cerulean City. She cut through bushes & made as least noise possible as she ran, snapping twigs & leaves as she stepped on them. "Made it," she sighed as she closed the front door. Less than a minute after she came home, there was a loud rapping at the front door. "Open up! We know you're in there Waterflower! Come out & no one gets hurt." Sandra's heart leapt up into her throat. "Hiya, mommy!" She saw her three other little girls. "Aren't ya going to get the door?" Lily asked, hands on her hips. "Yeah, the man said he wants to come in," Daisy added. "Girls! You know the after school daycare you stay at until me or Daddy can pick you up?" Sandra put Misty in her oldest daughter's hands. "Go & stay there. Don't come back to this house." "What?" Violet raised her eyebrows. "We're coming in!" There was kicking & punching at the door. "Go, & never come back!" "What about you, Mommy?" Violet asked quietly, on the verge of tears. "I love you girls, & take care of the baby for me?" "Yes, Mommy." Daisy nodded to her two sisters & led them out the back door, the little baby still clutched in her hands. END FLASHBACK "Mom...Dad...I miss you." Misty mumbled as another fresh wave of tears raced down her face. "We miss you, too, Misty." Misty leapt to her feet & looked around frantically. "Who said that?" "You don't know the voices of your old ma & pa?" There was a sound of harmonious laughter. "Mom, Dad?" "Yes. Now, don't give up, Mist. You've made it this far. Might as well live out the rest of your life," Misty's dad reasoned with her. "Don't worry. Ash will come around eventually. We'll make sure everything goes right for you. This might be a bad week, but by the time it's homecoming, you'll be your old self," Misty's mom assured her. The wind picked up speed & blew Misty's shimmering auburn hair around wildly. Then Misty could've sworn that the wind gave her a kiss on her cheek. "We love you, Mistaria." They said in unison. "Thank you." She spoke softly as the sudden wind died down. She left the park that night feeling a teeny bit better. "Misty, where the hell were you?" was the first thing Misty heard as she finally got back to her dorm. "Please, Duplica. Not now," she moaned. "You've been saying that to me for the past couple of weeks! It's always 'Not now, Duplica.' 'Meet up with you later, Duplica.' 'Duplica, I don't have time.' 'Sorry, I need to catch up on work. Maybe later, Duplica.' I'm sick of it! Something's wrong, so tell me!" Duplica's shining golden eyes searched Misty's sapphire ones. Misty closed her eyes wearily & wondered if she had enough strength to open them again. "Duplica, I'm sorry. I know I haven't been talking to you & the others for a long time. It's just that I'm a wreck. I failed my Chemistry & Math quizzes, my team lost the volleyball game because I hit a bad serve in gym, my Grammar teacher yelled at me for talking, fell out of my chair in History & was embarrassed to the point of no return, & was late to British Lit. I had to meet up with Ash & I told him that I needed a few days without him, since I was drowning in school & all these other things. But he thinks I broke up with him when I just need a few days of peace, so I've been out crying for the past 6 hours. Plus the headmaster had called me to his office to tell me that if my grades didn't pick up, I would have to leave. "I haven't been talking to you guys, I can't play field hockey & swim until my grades get better, I'm on probation, & my sisters keep sending me letters & threatening about my grades because my teachers keep sending THEM letters about how much I don't 'apply myself'. All because I tried to keep up with my classes & tried to make my boyfriend happy!" Mist was on the edge of tears again, but she forced herself not to cry anymore. Duplica looked at her roommate closely. She realized Misty's eyes were all pink & puffy from crying & her hair was a mess. Her enticing cerulean eyes shone with pain & fatigue. "Oh, Misty. I should be sorry. But you need help." "I need to figure this one out myself." "You need help. Remember, you have Laselle & I to count on. You haven't been yourself for the past few weeks. We'll help you with school. Maybe Laselle or me can pull a few strings & get you & Ash back together." "You're right, Duplica. Thanks. But now I need...to..." Misty collapsed on her bed & fell asleep immediately. Duplica chuckled & removed Misty's shoes & jacket. "Night." Duplica switched off Misty's bedside lamp & tiptoed back into her room. "Misty!" He was running towards the edge of Maiden's Peak, where Misty was standing. She looked over her shoulder & smiled a smile of sorrow. Her stunning blue eyes were glistening with pity. "'Bye, Ash." With one more glance over her shoulder, Misty stepped off the edge of the cliff. "MISTY!" Ash leapt in an attempt to grab her shirt before she plummeted to her fate. But he was too late. Misty dropped down, down, down, into a swirling vortex, filled with teachers' angry faces, letters that were addressed to Misty's sisters, tests with bad grades, headmaster Wells' face &, to his surprise, his own face clouded with angry. Misty plunged head first into the murky current & didn't resurface. Ash's hair was being abused by the harsh winds that had suddenly picked up. "MISTY!" His cry & tears were blown away by the merciless wind. "Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha..." Ash heard gentle laughter. "W-w-who's there?" "Ash..." a voice carried out of the shadows. Ash searched wildly for the person that spoke. "Who are you and what do you want from me? Why did you take Misty away from me?" Ash screamed into the wind. A shadow with a long cloak & hood stepped out in front of him. "Do you really want me to answer that?" it laughed softly. "Yes! Who the hell are you and why did you kill my girlfriend?" Ash said through clenched teeth, nails digging into his palms. "Ash, I wouldn't be so angry if I were you..." "I have a right to be angry!" "Oh, on the contrary, you don't." He un-hooded himself & Ash nearly had a heart attack. Before him was a mirror image of himself. "I killed Misty..." Ash's golden/brown eyes shone with realization. "And I thought you were dense..." the Ash look-a-like chuckled in his voice. The realization in his eyes turned to tears of sorrow, pity, & hate for himself. He inhaled sharply & sprinted to the cliff & took a running leap off the edge. He shut his eyes & opened his mouth & let loose a piercing, ear shattering scream as he dove headfirst. He opened his eyes & saw darkness. He blinked a few times to let his eyes adjust. He sat up abruptly, trying to catch his breath. He then remembered he was in his dorm room. "I have got to stop eating the mystery meat at lunch." Ash fell back onto his pillows & eventually drifted into a dreamless sleep. "Misty, I'm glad you're taking time to focus on your work now. You've been doing a lot better in Chemistry." It was Thursday, the day before homecoming. Misty's teachers were complimenting her on how much she's improved, & she was even able to participate in swimming & field hockey again. The only thing that wasn't going right was her relationship with Ash. They hadn't spoken since they 'broke up' Monday afternoon. "Thanks Mr. Tuttle." "Don't forget about the science project. It's two thirds of your semester grade & due before the quarter ends. Rudy Simon is your partner, correct?" Misty slapped her forehead. She'd forgotten about the project she & Rudy were supposed to work on! Ever since Brock, Todd, Richie, Gary & Tracy beat him up & left him in a trashcan so she & Ash could hook up, Rudy hadn't spoken to her or any of the others. But who could blame him? "Uh...yes, Mr. Tuttle. Our project is coming along um...great!" "Well then. I need your project before next Tuesday." "Right, sir." "I'll let you continue on your way. Have a good day." "Yeah..." Misty squeezed her books to her chest & sighed. She headed to the library, where she would probably find Brock & Gary working on their project. "Hey, Misty!" She turned her head around & saw Sabrina jogging up to her, long bluish brown hair billowing out behind her. Captain of both field hockey & swimming, Sabrina had a lean figure & was almost six feet tall & mysterious yellow eyes that were similar to a cat's. "Hi, Sabrina." Misty waited for Sabrina. "Hey. I heard you're actually allowed to swim again." "Yeah. They say I have to 'budget my time' & 'focus more on schoolwork than the opposite sex'. I was losing my grip for a while, but now everything is under control again. When's our next swim meet?" "In a half hour! Come on!" "What? I can't! I have a project due next Tuesday & I planned out to work on it today!" "Misty, we need you!" Misty thought wryly. "If I don't finish this project, they won't let me swim for the rest of the year!" "Misty, if we don't win today, WE won't swim for the rest of the year!" Sabrina pleaded. Misty thought for a moment. Then it clicked. "I'll be back down here in 10 minutes." "Thanks. You're a lifesaver. I'll wait for you in my jeep in the East parking lot." Misty nodded & ran to her dorm room. "Duplica! There you are!" She found her roommate & friend sitting in her room at a desk. "Hi..." Duplica raised an eyebrow. "You know how you & Laselle said you would help me with anything?" "No, I don't recall saying those words..." "Duplica!" "Fine. What do you need? Want me to quiz you on History?" Misty looked her friend over carefully. "With a little help from Erika, I think we can pull it off." "Pull what off? Am I another pun in your haired brained schemes?" "I'll tell you on the way." Misty dropped her books & grabbed her swimsuit. "C'mon! I only got seven minutes!" "What--" But she was cut off as Misty yanked her to Erika's dorm room. Misty pounded on the door. "Erika, open up! It's Misty." Giselle opened the door. "Jeez, what's with you?" "Where's Erika?" "In her room. She has a huge test to--" "Thanks!" Misty didn't bother listening to Giselle & ran past her, still clutching onto Duplica. "Erika!" "Misty? Can you come back another time? I'm studying for SAT's & I have to get into a college that majors in Pokèmon medicine." "Erika! I need you to make Duplica look exactly like me! I know you're good with dyes & makeup, please!" Misty said hurriedly, as Giselle curiously followed Duplica & Misty into Erika's room. "What mess did you get yourself into this time?" Erika blew a strand of black hair from her face & arched an eyebrow at the two girls. "I have no clue." Duplica shrugged. "Dye her hair like mine & make us her look as alike as me as you can! I have to go to a swim meet." "And what am I supposed to do?" Duplica "Find Rudy & do my project! Later!" She headed for the door but stopped. "Duplica, Erika, Giselle? I owe all three of you one." "Big time." Erika exhaled. At this rate, she wouldn't be able to get into a good college. She took out her makeup kit & hair dye. "Let's get this over with already!" "Ash, when are you going to tell her that you're not going with her to the dance & that you want to break up for real?" Brock looked at his friend as they were headed for the library. "Next time I see her," he said in a monotone voice, hands stuck in his pockets. Brock poked Ash between the ribs. "I hope you're planning on telling her now. There she is! She's with Rudy." "Probably working on their science project. Oh well, here's Rudy's chance to ask her to the dance." Brock looked closely at his friend. "I know you don't feel totally right doing this. You probably don't want to break up with her." "I do too! She doesn't have time for me, I don't want to be a bother to her," Ash said stubbornly, blowing away a strand of hair with an upturned lip. "Whatever." Brock threw up his hands. "I'll be over here watching." Brock stopped & sat at a computer while Ash approached Misty & Rudy. "Hey, um, Misty. Hey Rudy." Rudy glowered at Ash. He obviously still hadn't forgiven him. "For the last time, it wasn't my fault, Rudy. I didn't know Tracy & them were going to jump you. I'm sorry," he apologized exasperatedly. "Yeah, yeah. Now what do you want?" He folded his arms across his chest, staring him down with his hazel eyes. "Can I talk to Misty for a second?" Rudy blinked. "In private?" He looked curiously between Ash & Misty, & Misty shrugged. He looked back at Ash with a hard gaze. "Fine. Give you five minutes." Misty (who was actually Duplica) squirmed nervously in her seat. She didn't look Ash in the eye, since they weren't blue like Misty's. "Hey, Ash." "Misty," Ash nodded. "What is it you wanted to talk to me about, Ash?" "You've been saying that all you needed was a few days to yourself." ? "Yes. I've been doing a lot better with school. Plus I can swim & play field hockey again." "Cool." There was a pregnant pause. "So what's new with you?" "Well..." Ash said slowly, trying to waste time. "I got asked to the dance!" "I'm guessing you turned whoever it was that asked you down...right?" "Um..." Ash took a deep breath & held Misty's (Duplica's) hand. "Misty...We've known each other, what, 4 years now?" "Um...Yeah." "I think it's time we looked for other fish in the sea. You know, look for someone else we might love more than each other. We'll always be best friends, & you still know I'd do anything for you." "Um, Ash? I really don't think this is a good time to talk about this now." Duplica eased her hand out of Ash's gentle grip. ? Ash sadly shook his head. "I know you're a busy person. But I think you're too busy for a relationship right now." "Ash, let's talk about this rationally. I needed a break, & guess what? My break ends today! Tomorrow we can go to homecoming & put this whole thing behind us!" "No, Misty. I'm going to the dance with Laurel." "Laurel? The most popular sophomore Laurel?" "Yes." Duplica resisted the urge to burst out laughing. Poor Ash didn't know that Laurel just broke up with her friend Troy & she only asked Ash because she wanted to make Troy jealous. "Oh." "I'm sorry. It's not you; it's me. I'm the one who can't accept the fact that you have a life other than me." "Ash. Let's PLEASE talk this over. How about tonight at the park? 7:30?" "There's nothing left to talk over." "Really, I'm not myself today." "What do you mean?" "I need to talk to you for longer than five minutes." "So you suddenly have time for me?" Duplica sighed. This was getting her absolutely nowhere. "Ashy-Boy--" "What?" "What, what?" "You called me Ashy-Boy! Only Duplica & Gary call me that." "Um, I've been around them too long. It's rubbing off on me, you know?" "Yeah. Misty...I'll always be your best friend & you can count on me to do anything for you. I'll be around...see you later." He brought a hand to the back of her head & caressed her neck. ? With a small smile, Ash pulled her close & kissed her passionately. Duplica found herself kissing him back. Ash finally broke the kiss after a few more minutes. "I knew you would understand. Bye, Mist!" He got up & left with Richie. Duplica was still speechless. She shut her eyes & thought of the consequences. "Hey, I'm back. Miss me?" Rudy slipped back into his seat. "Hi. Let's finish this project already." "Tell me about it. Tuttle's been on my case about it forever." Duplica continued writing her part of the project, but stopped when she noticed Rudy staring at her. She had the weird feeling that she was a slab of meat dangling in front of a rabid dog. "What? Need me to spell something for you? Or do you not know what a dictionary is?" Rudy recoiled slightly at 'Misty's' harsh tone. "No. But I couldn't help overhear your conversation with Ketchum." Duplica's stomach dropped. "Y-you did?" "Yeah. So, you wanna go to the dance with me?" Duplica was at a loss for words. She couldn't put two words together the only word that came to mind was, "Sure." "Great! I'll finish the rest of the project so you can prepare all you want for homecoming." Rudy gathered his things & kissed her hand gently. "Until tomorrow night..." "Yeah...Ewww!" She wiped her hand on her skirt as soon as he left. Never had Duplica screwed up so bad. She broke up Misty & Ash's relationship & now Misty has to spend the night with a creep. "And the swimmer with the best time is...Mistaria Waterflower for Wishing Waters Academy!" Misty was surprised when the announcer called out her name. Her teammates clapped & cheered, slapping her back, giving her high fives, hugging her & jumping. "I knew you could do it," Sabrina congratulated before Misty was swept up into the crowd. Misty thought as people carried her on their shoulders. "Duplica, Laselle!" Misty threw her arms around her two best friends. "Hey." Duplica gave a little smile. "Misty..." Laselle said uncertainly, looking at Duplica through the corner of her eye. "What's up?" Misty looked at her two friends, slightly confused. She had caught a glimpse of pity in Laselle's shining brown eyes. "Nothing! I'm just so happy for you! Well, look at the time, gotta go!" Laselle made a dash for the door, but stopped. "Once again, congrats! You're the school hero! Bye!" "Okay, what's going on Duplica?" Misty studied Duplica. The dye had mostly worn off, but there were still streaks of red/brown in her hair. And her eyes had glint to it that is usually there when she isn't telling her something. Duplica didn't have the heart to tell her that she'd just ruined her life. "Misty...I think you better sit down." Misty frowned as she sat on a chair. She let out a shaky breath. "What happened? And don't lie Duplica." Duplica was pained to know that she had messed up another person's life, just when everything was going well for them. "Misty, I talked to Ash today." Misty's eyes lit up. "Really? Cool! So we're going to the dance, right?" She took a deep breath. "Misty-he-broke-up-with- me-I-tried-not-to-tried-to-make-him-meet-you-later-but-he-thought-it-was-you- and-he-wouldn't-listen-so-he-gave-me-a-goodbye-kiss-and-I-don't-know-I-just- liked-the-way-he-kissed-me-so-I-kissed-him-back-Rudy-heard-us-and-asked-me-to- homecoming-and-then-I-told-Rudy-that-you're-going-to-the-dance-with-him-since- Ash-is-going-with-Laurel-and-I-didn't-know-what-to-do-I'm-so-stupid-I'm-so- sorry." By the time she finished, she was crying hysterically. Duplica was kneeling on the floor, hands covering her face, tears leaking through her fingers. Misty felt like dying. To make matters worse, it was all her fault. If she had just ditched swimming or her study date, this wouldn't have happened. Misty felt her breath catch in her chest & began to cry. This just wasn't her week. "Duplica...we have to sort this out with Ash & Rudy." "Rudy? He's just a jerk." Duplica sniffed, wiping her face. "Yes Rudy, so I don't end up going out with him." "Okay...I'll take care of Rudy & you can have a talk with Ash. See ya." "Oh, no you don't. I'll talk to Rudy. I'll tell off Ash as soon as you've spoken with him." "Fine..." Duplica brushed her hair & pulled on a light blue halter-top shirt & jean skirt. "The things I do for friends..." she grumbled as she headed for the park. "Duplica!" She tossed her hair over her shoulder & saw Gary jogging up to her. "Hey." "Gary...hi. Um, what's up?" He put his hands behind his head. "Not much." "You have a date for homecoming?" Gary? Asking HER to the dance? Maybe he even...nah, he never...or would he? "Um, not yet. You?" "Um, nope, not yet. So many girls asked me but I didn't find 'Miss Right' right yet." "Uh huh, I see..." "Oh hell, would you like to go with me?" Duplica smirked. "I thought you were waiting for 'Miss Right'." Gary blushed. "I um...well, I don't have enough time to look for her!" Duplica raised an eyebrow. Gary sighed. "I guess you are mmppfff." "What?" "Mmmppfffmpppfff." "Sorry, can't hear you." "You are Miss Right." Gary said quietly, looking at Duplica intently. "Oh Gary, you know I..." Then she remembered Jared asked her earlier. "Sure, I'll go with you." "Cool. Well, see you." "Later." Duplica watched Gary run off to the boys' dorms. Then she remembered. "Gary!" He turned around & called back, "What?" "Have you seen Ash?" "Training his Pokèmon in the park." "Thanks!" "Pikachu, Lightning Sword on that tree!" "Pikaaa...CHUUUUUUU!" The little Pokèmon made a sword of electricity & sliced a tree into bits. "Ahem...Ash?" "Duplica?" He squinted through the trees & saw the blue haired girl as she move toward him. "What's up?" "Can we sit & talk?" "Sure...no problem. Pikachu, go practice Lightning Sword." "Pika." It ran off to a clearing with trees & tested out its new attack. "So..." Ash said as they were sitting Indian style on the ground. "Ash, you didn't break up with Misty today." "Um...I think I did." Ash looked at her funny, wondering where this conversation was headed. "You didn't...because Misty wasn't at the library. She was at a swim meat." "Say what? How was she at two places at once?" "She wasn't...She asked me to cover her for her study date with Rudy." Ash blinked, confused. "How do I know you're telling the truth?" Duplica groaned & showed him a lock of her hair that was still auburn. "So you believe me now?" "How could you not tell me?!" Ash was fuming, cheeks turning red. "I'm sorry, I was going to tell you but...I just couldn't." "I can't believe this! One of my good friends, lying to me like that!" "Ash...please forgive me. I didn't know you were going to be there! Honest. I was just filling in for Misty." Ash glared once more at her then smiled. "I forgive you." "So are you still with Misty?" "Um...didn't you tell her I broke up with her?" "Well, yeah but--" "Then we're not together!" A part of Duplica was happy, but other part was guilty. "Well then. I better go. Later." "Duplica wait." Ash caught her wrist & motioned for her to sit down again. He knew the one person he wanted to be with if Misty wasn't his girlfriend anymore. "Yeah?" "I thought it wasn't Misty at the library." "How do you figure that?" "You wouldn't look me in the eye." "Oh, yeah..." Duplica laughed softly, & looked at Ash. There was an unpredictable spark in his eye. He put his hand on her knee. "Ash...what are we doing?" "Duplica..." he said in a husky voice that scared Duplica. "Ash, I feel uncomfortable. I think I should leave." "Why are you uncomfortable?" "This isn't right!" Duplica shook her head furiously. "Or maybe you feel the same way, too." Duplica's heart thumped rapidly as her deepest fear was unveiled. ? Without another word, Ash moved in & planted a long, sensual kiss on Duplica's unsuspecting lips. Ash enclosed his arms around Duplica as their kiss became more ardent. her mind reminded her heart. her heart argued. Duplica's heart didn't answer as she slid her tongue into Ash's mouth & brought her hands to the back of his head. She was too weak to fight it. She wanted this. She needed this. She needed him. "Hmm...I wonder who else is out here?" Laselle wondered as her ears picked up a quiet rustling noise. She & Richie were taking a stroll around the park. He had asked her to the dance and the two were sauntering around, talking about whom was going with whom, & other things. "Beats me." Richie shrugged. He put a hand on Laselle's shoulder. "Hold it. Whatever it is, it's in that clearing." Laselle tiptoed over to a bush & clamped her hand over her mouth. She indicated for Richie to follow. Richie's eyes went wide as he & Laselle gaped at Duplica & Ash, who were locked in a steamy hot clinch. "This cannot be good," Laselle murmured. MUAH HA HA HA HA HA HA! I KNOW I'M SO EVIL! DON'T WORRY, EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT RIGHT FOR MISTY SOONER OR LATER! POOR DUPLICA...CAUGHT BETWEEN ASH LOVING HER & MISTY LOVING ASH. WILL SHE SACRAFICE HER FRIEND FOR A HIGHSCHOOL ROMANCE OR A HIGHSCHOOL ROMANCE FOR HER FRIEND? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW? I DIDN'T EVEN WRITE THE FIC YET! PLUS, I HIT 6,136 ON THE WORD COUNT! WOO HOO! NEW RECORD (IT'S ABOUT TIME) WELL, UNTIL NEXT TIME, I'M OUT. :_*_:_*_:< MyStiC (~) AuThOr >:_*_:_*_: PS I would like to thank ryancrews for being the first of 7 people to review. This one goes out to you!