A/N: Well, here's Chapter 3! Enjoy! Oh, and just a reminder. I don't own any of the songs that I use here. Christmas Miracles Part 3 So, I sat there with Ash, who was eagerly waiting for me. I thought about what I was gonna say. Was I really ready to tell him one of my most personal secrets? I mean, the only people who knew about this were my sisters, of course. But, I still trusted Ash with all my heart. Anyways, I probably wouldn't get rid of Ash anytime soon if I didn't tell him now. He would keep nagging me until he drove me to the brink of insanity. I sighed to myself, as I looked to the side. This was gonna be hard, but I knew I could do it, especially if I knew that I had Ash's support. He then grabbed my hand as if reading my mind. I took a deep breath. Well, here goes nothing. "First, I think an apology's in order on my part." I started. "I'm sorry for worrying you like I did. I really didn't mean to. Its just that...well, I guess I'm just not used to someone caring about me so much. I didn't realize what it was doing to you. I'm sorry." He caressed my cheek gently, as I completely melted at his touch. "I told you that you didn't have to apologize and I meant it. I guess I was just pushing you too far. I should've given you your space. I'm sorry too." He finished. "Well, I guess we're even." I said smiling up at him. "I guess we are, but we're kinda trailing off the subject." "Oh, right. Well, I-I don't really know how to start this. I-Its just so hard for me." I stuttered. "Its okay. Take your time." He soothed. I took yet another deep breath. "I...I don't have a family." I stated bluntly. "What are you talking about? Of course you do." I shook my while I placed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Every Christmas in Cerulean, I used to go out to the park and watch all the families...and their children. They were all smiling and laughing...just enjoying each other's company. The reason I used to go out every Christmas is because I envied those kids...because they had parents." I choked out, feeling the tears in my eyes. "But, so do you." He said, confused. I shook my head again. "No...I don't" "But, I thought you told me that your parents were the owners of the gym and that they--" "That was a lie..." I whispered. "What?" He asked, not believing what I had said. "It was a lie...all of it...I lied to you...I'm sorry." I whispered, the tears beginning to fall. "Why would you lie about something like that?" He suddenly asked. "Because I didn't want you to think that I was just some orphan girl who was desperately trying to make friends." I explained. "But didn't you want to make friends? Isn't that why you followed me and Pikachu that day after I first met you?" He asked. "Well, yeah but..." I couldn't finish. I guess he was right. "I didn't fall in love with you because of your background. I fell in love with you because of you." He said, softly. "Now, please don't tell me you fell in love with me because of my Mom." He added while smiling at me. I gently smiled at him. "No, I didn't." "I was trying to make friends too...and what I found was you. I got so much more than I bargained for." He then continued. "So, what happened? To your parents, I mean." My smile instantly faded as I looked towards the ground. "I-I was really young so...I don't remember too much, but what I do remember will stick with me for the rest of my life." I paused then continued. "All I remember is that it was Christmas Day and it was snowing. My sisters and I were in a huge building with lots of other kids around us. Our parents were signing papers and when they were done, they turned to us. My mother was crying and I could see my father trying to comfort her. That's when they turned around and started walking away. I didn't know where they were going...I was scared. I ran after them, in hopes of catching up, but some strange lady stopped me. She held me back from getting to them...my own parents." I finished, tears cascading down my cheeks. "Oh Mist..." Ash whispered, letting me fall into his arms. "I never did figure out why they left us." I said through tears. "I'm still trying to figure that out. I just wish I could see them again." Ash hugged me even tighter and kissed me lightly on the forehead. I could tell that he was still a bit overwhelmed at my story, but I guess I should have expected that. I mean, I did lie to him, after all. "Have you ever tried to look for them?" He asked. "Yeah, but the orphanage that I grew up in is no longer there. I went there and saw that it had been turned into an apartment complex. I tried...but its hopeless." I whispered. "Where was it?" He asked. "In Cerulean City, near the gym." I replied, letting more of my tears fall. He wiped away my tears with his finger as I was about to ask him something that had plagued my mind for the past 17 years. I had always thought that their leaving had something to do with me, although, I never admitted this to anyone. "Ash...what's wrong with me?" I whispered to him. "What are you talking about?" He asked, cocking his head to the side. "What I mean is...there must have been some reason our parents left us...tell me truthfully...what's wrong with me?" Ash's eyes widened at my theory. At that moment, it was hard to tell how he was gonna react. He grasped me by the shoulders tightly and made eye contact with me. "You listen to me and you listen good...there is nothing wrong with you, do you hear me?" He confirmed strongly. "But..." "No, they had their reasons for leaving and believe me...you weren't one of them." He stated. "Ash..." "I wouldn't love you as much as I do if there was something wrong with you." He admitted. His words seemed to soothe me and I felt myself fill with a light that I had never known to posses before. "Your perfect just the way you are." He said, smiling at me. At that point, I just couldn't take it anymore. I threw my arms around his neck and held onto him as if I was going to lose him. I cried silently, knowing that this boy...this man, was the one for me. "Thank you so much Ash." I whimpered. "For what?" He asked, curiously. "For making me feel so special." I replied. "That's because you are special...especially to me." He added. I had never in my life felt such warmth. Here I was, on a park bench with my boyfriend, as he declared how much he cherished me. "I love you, whether you have parents or not. It doesn't matter to me." He smiled, as I looked up into his eyes. "I love you too Ash. Thank you..." I said once again as I rested my head on his chest. "Your welcome..." I heard him whisper. I could hear the steady beat of his heart. The sound soothed me and I started to relax. My eyelids felt heavy as I started to get more and more tired. Even though we were out in the freezing cold, I felt warm because of the warmth Ash's body radiates. I felt so comfortable in his arms that I never wanted to move, but I knew that we would have to get home eventually. A second later, Ash shook me from my thoughts. "As much as I love just sitting here with you alone, we have to get back. Mom is gonna start to wonder where we are." He sighed. I sat up. "Yeah, I guess your right." We looked over to the frozen pond one last time before out departure. Ash started to walk away, but I held him back. He looked at me confused, but I put his confusion aside once I my lips touched his. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and, in turn, he wrapped his arms around my waist. That kiss held so much meaning. In a way, I was sort of thanking him for always being there for me when I needed him the most. And I could tell by the smile on his face that he had accepted it. "Now we can go." I said walking away as I heard him following me. He slipped his hand in mine and we happily walked back to his house. As we walked away, I looked over my shoulder at the park bench. Although it may have been a simple place, it held meaning for me now. Its where two five year- olds taught me what having a family was all about, its where I had revealed my secret to Ash, and-- "Ya know, you may not have parents...but you'll always have me." I heard Ash whisper. And its where I finally discovered my true family. Snowy night, where its warm here by the fire. Here with you (here with you), I have all that I desire. Its been a long year, but somehow we got by. Now its Christmas Eve, and love is on our side. I don't need a hundred gifts beneath the tree (the tree). Don't you know the best thing you could give to me, nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas (this Christmas, this Christmas). Children sing (children sing) Christmas carols at our door (yeah, yeah, yeah). Spreading joy (spreading joy), that's what Christmas time is for. Though we don't have much, you've got me and I've got you (yeah, yeah, yeah). And with a little faith, miracles come true. And I don't need a hundred gifts beneath the tree (the tree). Don't you know the best thing you could give to me, nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas (this Christmas, this Christmas). I don't want the love of any other girl. I want only one thing in this whole wide world, nothing else will do, All I want is you this Christmas. Cheek to cheek, the lights are low. A kiss beneath the mistletoe. Your face lit by the fire's glow, that's all I want tonight. And I don't need a hundred gifts beneath the tree. Don't you know the best thing you can give to me, nothing else will do. All I want is you this Christmas (this Christmas, this Christmas). Nothing else will do. All I want is you...this Christmas. (Nsync-All want Is You This Christmas) Well, it had been several days since my encounter with the two kids. It was now Christmas Eve and I was frantically in search of a decent present for Ash. I never knew how hard Christmas shopping really was until I saw the long lines and the crowds of people scrambling around to get their last minute Christmas shopping done. I had already bought Brock his present. It was a book on pokemon breeding along with a first aid kit, filled with potions and whatnot. I had gotten Mrs. Ketchum a gift certificate to one of her favorite restaurants right down the street. Their gifts were easy, Ash was the big challenge. I already knew ahead of time that the Ketchum's always celebrated Christmas, so I started searching in the beginning of December. I could never find anything perfect for him. They were all second rate things and I wanted to get him something that really came from the heart. Now, this wasn't just anyone we're talking about here, this was Ash. The one guy I had ever given my heart to, the same guy that I loved ever since I was twelve. If ya ask me, that's pretty special. I walked into one of the stores, hoping to find what I was looking for. I walked over to one of the display cases and peered inside. Inside, I saw the most beautiful ring I had ever seen in my life. It was made of white gold and had a baby blue stone in the middle surrounded by two small diamonds. Okay, okay. I'm getting a little off track here. I'm supposed to be getting Ash his present. "Hello Miss. May I help you with something?" I looked up and saw a sales woman smiling down at me. "Maybe. I'm looking for a present for a friend of mine and so far, I've had no such luck." I replied. "Well, I know how that feels. Maybe I can help. Is this for a girl or a boy?" She asked, taking me in front of a jewelry display. "A boy." I answered. "I see. Age?" "22." "Hmm...let's see." The woman was sorting through pieces of jewelry in the display. "Is he a brother, or a close friend, perhaps?" "He's my boyfriend." I replied. "Okay...how about this." She pulled something shiny from the display. It was a silver ID bracelet that shimmered brilliantly. I stared at it in awe. It was beautiful. "Oh...its gorgeous." I said taking it from her. "Its perfect..." "Do you happen to have a picture of this young man?" She asked me. "Huh? Oh, yes. I should have one somewhere." I said sorting through my purse for my wallet. I found it and removed the picture from the wallet's jacket. I handed it to her. "Ah...yes. This should suit him just fine. He's very handsome." She said, smiling at me. "Yeah..." I said, still staring at the bracelet's beauty. "So, will you be purchasing it?" She suddenly asked. "Oh, yes. Of course." I blurted out. "Okay. Oh, by the way, we're doing free engraving if you'd like to have that done also." She explained. "Free engraving?" "Yes, see that piece of paper next to you? Just write whatever you want to on it and I'll have it engraved for you." She said while walking away. "Oh, okay." I took the pen from off the table and placed the paper in front of me. I thought about it for a second then started writing. 'To: Ash Love: Misty' I looked at the writing and crossed it out. That was so plain. I wanted to write something special. The sales woman from before, popped her head back in once again. "By the way, you can have something engraved on both sides if you want. Just indicate it on the paper." Both sides, huh? Hmm... On front: 'Ash & Misty Forever...02' On back: 'Dear Ash, You mean everything to me. Thank you so much...I love you. Love, Misty' It may have been short, but I knew he would love it. I gave the paper to the lady once she returned and she told me to come back in half an hour. "Oh, Miss. I almost forgot. The payment." She said, embarrassed that she could forget such a thing. "Of course!" I said, also embarrassed. I pulled out my wallet and paid her the money. "Thank you Miss." "No, thank you. I would've been out here another 3 hours if it weren't for you." I said smiling at her. I then walked out of the store, a big strain being taken off my shoulders. I walked to a cafe right down the street from the store and ordered myself a cup of hot chocolate. "Misty?" I turned at the sound of my name and saw Brock standing there with several bags in his hands. "Brock? What are you doing out here?" I asked. "Uh...some...um, last minute shopping." He replied nervously while sitting in the vacant seat across from me. "You?" "Same thing." I replied wondering why he was so nervous. "Where's Ash?" "Uh...who?" He asked, while looking even more nervous than before. "Ash, ya know, my boyfriend." I said, becoming suspicious. "Oh, that Ash. Well, he, uh..." He stuttered. "Brock, what's wrong?" I asked, raising a brow at him. "Wrong? W-What makes you think anything's wrong?" He asked. I looked at him strangely. "Forget I asked." I replied, shaking my head and taking a sip from my cup. I looked up from my cup to see that Brock was signaling to someone behind me. As soon as he saw me, he stopped. I quickly turned around to see who he was communicating with, but all I saw was a crowd of shoppers. I eyed him again. "Heh-heh, well, I better get going. I still have some shopping left to do. I'll see ya back at the house." He said in a blur of words and then sped off in the direction of where I had previously been. "Bye Brock." I said, waving to him. Hmm...what was up with him? Brock doesn't usually act this strange. Oh well...I'll never understand him. I then glanced at my watch. "Well, I guess I better get going too." I said to myself as I headed back to the store. To my amazement, I saw that the crowd of people from before had not dimmed down. I squeezed my way down the busy street as I attempted to get to the store. "This is crazy." I muttered, finally spotting the store. I shoved my way in and spotted the same sales person from before. "Excuse me, Miss?" At my words, she turned around and smiled. "Hi. I came in here earlier and bought an ID bracelet. You told me to come back in half an hour." I explained. "Oh yes. I remember you. Right this way." She said, leading me to the same spot in which she had shown me the bracelet. She brought out a small black velvet bag. She gently shook it's contents and I could see the bracelet slide into her hand. She handed it to me and I accepted it, gratefully. I looked at the engraving and it appeared just like I had written. I returned it to her and she gently placed it back inside the bag. "Here you go. I'll also give you this box too." She said while handing me the bag. "Thank you so much." I smiled. Before leaving, I looked back into the display case and saw that the ring I had seen earlier was gone. "Excuse me, but do you happen to know what happened to that ring that used to be there?" I asked politely, hoping that they had just removed it for cleaning. "Hmm...let's see. Oh yes, I remember. A young man came in here right after you left and purchased it. He said it was for his girlfriend and that he was gonna propose to her on Christmas." She answered, smiling at me. "Oh, that's so sweet. She is one lucky girl. That ring was gorgeous." I sighed. "Yes, it was. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll get what you really want this Christmas." She said grinning. Now don't get me wrong, this lady was really nice and everything, but the way she said that last sentence sounded...I dunno, a bit strange to me. It was almost as if she knew something I didn't. I hate it when I get that feeling. Oh well... "Well, thanks again." I said getting up. "Your welcome dear, and have a Merry Christmas." "You too." I called back. Once out of the crowd of people, I raced back to Ash's house so I could wrap his present. When I walked in, I saw that Ash was on the phone with someone. When he saw me walk in, he quickly tried to end the call. "Oh, well, I gotta go Mr. H.. Thanks. Bye." He blurted out as he quickly hung up the phone. He then looked at me and smiled uneasily. "H-Hi there sweetie." "What's wrong with you?" I asked, wondering why everyone was acting weird all of a sudden. "N-Nothing." He said, smiling nervously. I gave him the same look I had given Brock earlier. "What?" He asked, confused. "Never mind. You and Brock have just been acting really strange lately." I said, walking up the stairs as he followed. "We're just excited about Christmas." He said. I set all my stuff on Ash's desk and then laid down on my bed. "So, you were on the phone with Mr. Hikari?" I asked. "Uh...h-how did you know that?" He stuttered. "I heard you when I walked in." I answered. "What were you talking about?" "Oh, just stuff." He replied looking around the room as to avoid eye contact with me. "Well, that sounds interesting." I said sarcastically. "Someone's in a bad mood." He stated. "No...I'm just tired. Its been a long day." "And what did you do all day?" He asked. "Just stuff." I answered. "Well, that sounds interesting." He said, imitating me. "Very funny." I said, ruffling up his hair. "Your too stressed. You need to relax once in a while." He stated while walking behind me and massaging my shoulders. "Ya think?" I asked, sighing. "I don't think, I know." "You worry too much." I said. "Nope. Only about you." He replied, starting to kiss my neck gently. "Is your Mom cooking dinner tonight?" I asked softly. "Mmm-hmm." He answered. I closed my eyes and let myself fall into Ash's arms. He laid down on the bed and pulled me on top of him. I rested my head on his chest as I finally started to relax. He pulled out the elastic band that was holding my hair up and gently started to stroke it. "Your so beautiful..." He whispered in my ear. "Your not so back looking yourself." I whispered back. He then kissed the top of my head and we both fell asleep. About an hour later, Brock woke us up to tell us that dinner was ready. We hurried downstairs and ate our dinner and then gathered into the living room. Mrs. Ketchum lit the fireplace and then started talking. "Okay, we have a tradition here in the Ketchum household that each person in our family must take an ornament and place it on the tree and make a wish upon it." Mrs. Ketchum started. "Its usually just Ash and I, but we've extended our family since then and we'd like you two to join us in our tradition." She finished, motioning to me and Brock. Even Mrs. Ketchum considered me a part of her family by partaking in her family tradition. I watched as Ash reached for the shoe box on the table and held it for his mother. "Mom usually goes first since she's the head of the household." He explained, as Mrs. Ketchum picked out a star piece that would fit on top of the tree. "And that's her traditional ornament." Mrs. Ketcum placed the star at the top of the tree and closed her eyes. It almost looked as if she were praying. "Okay Ash, its your turn." She said as he took an ornament out of the box. It was in the shape of three young kids, 2 boys and one girl. The girl was in the middle, surrounded by the boys. They were all holding hands and they had their heads bowed, as they prayed. "The reason this one is mine is because...well, before I left on my journey, I wanted so much to make a friend...and I was blessed enough to make two best friends." He said smiling at Brock and I. In turn, we smiled back at him, happy that we had made his life a little happier. He hung it in the middle of the tree for everyone to see and then closed his eyes to make his wish. His took particularly long, but no one complained. After he was done, he looked to me and gave me a look that I had never seen him give me before. I gave him light smile. "What did you wish for?" I asked, knowing that he probably wouldn't tell me. "You'll find out sooner or later." He said, smiling. What did he mean by that? What could he be planning? That boy makes me think too much...he gives me such a headache. "Your turn Brock." Said Ash as he held the box for Brock. Brock picked one that was shaped like an angel. He hung it on the tree and explained. "I picked this one for my mother. Even though she's not with me, I know she's always watching over me." He explained, sighing sadly. Now it was my turn. "Your turn Mist." I looked into the box to find many different kinds of ornaments. Just then, one caught my eye. It was made of crystal and was in the shape of a dove in which held a single branch in its beak. Above it was a cross with a heart in the background. It was beautiful. I placed it on the tree in-between Ash and Brock's ornaments and closed my eyes. It didn't take me long to think of a wish. I wished that someday...I would be able to see my parents again. I opened my eyes and returned to my seat by Ash. "Well, I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted. See you kids in the morning." Exclaimed Mrs. Ketchum as she headed upstairs. "That doesn't sound like such a bad idea." Yawned Brock a second later as he too went up to his room. "You coming too?" Ash asked me. "Yeah, I'll be there in a second." I replied as I stared into the fire. "You okay?" He asked me, worried. "I'm fine Ash." I said, smiling at him. He kissed me on the cheek and whispered in my ear. "Don't stay up too long, okay." "I won't. I'll be right up." I said, as he started his ascent up the stairs. As the orange flames flickered in the night, I thought about the next day...Christmas Day. What Mrs. Ketchum said tonight, about us being a family, really made me take a second look at my life. I'm so lucky to have all these people who care so much about me...Mrs. Ketchum, Brock...Ash. Ash was right, Christmas was a time to be happy, not a time to dwell in the past. I've been doing enough of that lately. I've been so worried about my real family that I forgot that my family was right here before my own eyes. I'm just sorry that I didn't see it sooner. I sighed and then started up the stairs, not daring to ever live in the past again. When I walked into Ash's room, I found that he was already dressed and in bed with his eyes closed, but who knows if he was actually asleep. I got dressed into my pajamas and hopped in with him and turned my head towards the window. The stars were shining extra bright tonight. Its almost as if they knew that it was Christmas Eve and that a star can symbolize so much on Christmas. They seemed to be winking at us. Just then, I felt a warm pair of arms wrap around my waist and I instantly knew that Ash was not asleep. He pulled me close to him as I turned to face him. I reached up to kiss him and he gladly returned it. I caressed his cheek gently and let my self fall into a peaceful slumber in the arms of the one man that I will ever love. "I love you..." I whispered before drifting off to sleep. The last words I heard Ash whisper before I fell asleep were, "I love you too Mist..." The next morning, I was woken up by the sound of Pikachu and Togepi talking excitedly in our room. I slowly opened my eyes and greeted them. "Morning Pikachu, good morning Togepi." "Pika pikachu pi!" Pikachu greeted. "Choki choki priii!" Screamed Togepi, excitedly. I looked to my side to see that Ash was no where in sight. "Pikachu, where's Ash?" I asked, while getting dressed. "Pikachu pika pi." "He's already downstairs?" I asked, confirming my suspicions. "Pika." It said, nodding its head. "Well, come on you two. Let's join him." I said picking up Togepi while Pikachu followed. Once downstairs, we saw that everyone was already gathered around the tree. "Well, look who's up." Exclaimed Brock. "I'm sorry guys." I apologized. "No need to apologize dear." Said Mrs. Ketchum, as she came out of the kitchen with four mugs. "Maybe this will wake you up." She handed out the cups and I sipped the hot coffee, feeling its warmth wash over my body. "Okay everybody. Let's get started." Said Mrs. Ketchum. Pikachu and Togepi immediately found presents with their names on it. "Oh, those are from me." I exclaimed as Pikachu and Togepi ripped the paper. "Cha..." Pikachu marveled. I had gotten it a headband with a lightening bolt embroidered in the middle. (kinda like the one Casey's Chikorita wore in that one episode) "Choki priii!" I had gotten Togepi a stuffed animal in the form of a Pichu. It hugged the animal tightly, obviously happy with its present. We all watched as Pikachu sniffed it. We all laughed and then continued around our circle. Brock opened his present next which was from Ash and Mrs. Ketchum. It was a pokeball cleaning kit. "Oh wow! Thanks a lot. I've been wanting one of these for the longest time. Thank you so much Ash, Mrs. Ketchum." Brock thanked happily. "No problem Brock." Ash said. "Merry Christmas pal." "You too." The two boys hugged and both me and Mrs. Ketchum erupted into a fit of giggles. "Aww, now this is so sweet." I teased. Ash came up to me and ruffled up my hair. "Hey!" I yelled. He laughed at my annoyed face and soon, we were all laughing. Things went smoothly after that. Mrs. Ketchum liked her present from me and so did Brock. Now it was my turn to present Ash with his gift. "What is it?" He asked. "Well, your just gonna have to open it." I said, stating the obvious. He flicked open the lid to the box and stared at the bracelet in awe. "Its beautiful." Said Mrs. Ketchum, taking a peek at it. "Do you like it?" I asked him. "I love it." He exclaimed, taking it out of the case and reading the inscription. When he was done, he turned to me and smiled. He then embraced me in a tight hug. "Thanks Mist." "Your welcome Ash." He slipped it on and turned to me again. "Your present should be coming shortly." He said to me, smiling. Did he mail for it? He shouldn't have done something like that. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. "Misty, could you get that please?" Asked Ash, as he continued to stare at his bracelet. "Sure." I called out. I looked through the peek hole to see a middle aged couple. Perhaps they were friends of the Ketchum's. I opened the door and greeted them. "Hello? May I help you?" I asked politely. I saw that the man had a paper in his hand with writing on it. He looked up from the paper to look at me. "Is-is there a Misty Waterflower here?" Asked the man nervously. "Yes, I'm her. How can I help you?" I asked, uncertain of who these people were. The couple let out a light gasp as if I had just surprised them. "Its her..." Whispered the man to his wife. "Misty..." Whispered the woman as she spoke my name. How did they know my name? Or, maybe the most important question was, why did it feel like I knew these people? A/N: Only one more chapter to go! Yes!!! Then I can go on to bigger and (hopefully) better fics. This was originally gonna be my last chapter but it got way too long so I had to split it up. I promise that the next chapter will be the last. Please review!!!