Chapter 8: Biddy

 

            After they had left the department store, Catelyn went off to get ice cream while Ash brooded.

            He just couldn’t remove that one image from his mind.

            “Get a grip on yourself, you only saw him once!”

            Yes, it was… true, but…

            Why would a complete stranger take care of him?
            “What if he’s your cousin? Then that would be incest…” Ash shuddered. * I hope not. That would really suck. *

            And what if you fall in love with him, what about Catelyn? His conscience nicked. Hmm? So selfish…

            I can’t believe I like a boy!

            I mean, really! I don’t even know his name, so…

            It must be lust. Yes, yes, that’s it.

            Or…

            Well, even if it is, there was some strange sort of connection between us. I like Catelyn, but… with her it’s different.

            Strange though… I’m attracted to both of them. Oh God! I can’t believe I just thought that! What is wrong with me?

 

            Ash sighed. * Now what? If I do like two people, there will be hell to pay… *

            He shook his head. * Great. Just great. *

            But I don’t’ want to hurt Catelyn…

            I do love her. It’s not some kind of weird puppy love. Somehow, our friendship just developed into that.

            It’s hard to explain the logistics.

 

           

            “Ash? Earth to Ash?”

            Ash blinked as Catelyn handed him a sugar-loaded ice cream cone. “I got your favorite.”
            “Blueberry cheesecake?”
            “Hai.”

            “Arigato.”

 

            Ash mused as he ate the ice cream.

            Well, first, he could try and find the trainer again. Right? Right.

            Then, he’d see how his feelings were, and if it did come to that, he’d have to decide between two people.

            What a recipe for hassle and heartache.

 

            Catelyn watched through half-closed eyes. < Lugia… perhaps you were right. >

            < I have good vibes on the romance front. >

            < Really… well, what if he did fall for ‘Lance’? >

            < Simple! You can just tell him! >

            < … >

            < After he accepts his role as guardian. >

 

            < Well, there goes my confidence. >

            < He’s getting older. It’s bound to pop up sometime. >

            < You know, I really hope so. For both our sakes >

            Lugia smiled. < Do not worry, Chosen. Heart’s Way, remember? >

            < Yes. >

            < Good. Take care of yourselves. >

            < You always say that Lugia. >

            < But do you keep your promise? >

            < Point taken. >

 

            The ice cream was very good.

            It took Ash’s mind off his problems for now. Also, another solution inexplicably presented itself.

            “Of course. If I never see him again, why worry?”
            Satisfied, Ash turned his attention back to the confection and missed the glint of amusement in Catelyn’s baby-blue eyes.

            < Never indeed… >

 

            She pretended to not have heard the above comment, though.

            < Activate special ability… >

            A faint purring came from a card in her backpack. Dragonite yawned.

            Well, at least she wasn’t wasting time.

            They walked towards the Celadon Hotel.

            After a good, filling, dinner, and some table tennis in the recreation room, both went to sleep in their room.

            After all, it had two beds, so who cared?

 

            That was… until…

            “What is with this?” Catelyn asked in an annoyed tone.

            Ash had been inspecting the minibar. “Hmm? Man, three dollars for a package of mini Oreos, they’re crazy…”
            Catelyn yanked off the blankets, revealing a Rattata.

 

            “Mice!” Ash immediately dialed hotel services to complain.

            “I’m very sorry, sir.” The apologetic receptionist said. “But due to the large number of trainers competing in the Miss Flower competition tomorrow, we are all out of twin bed rooms.”

            “Well, then can’t we have two rooms?”

            “Unfortunately, we have a deal with the Celadon police department and currently are housing inmates there.”

            “…What?!”

 

            “But! I can give you a suite. You wont’ even have to pay extra.”

            “Well, why didn’t you say so earlier?” Pikachu looked ready to shock the attendant.

            “I assumed….”

            “Assumed what?”

            “That it could lead to… disadvantageous actions.”

            Catelyn’s eyes flashed. “We’re betrothed, for goodness sakes. Just give us the key to the room.”
            “Oh- yes, ma’am.”

            Ash sighed as he grabbed his backpack and followed her up. Seriously, what was the attendant so uptight about?

 

End Chapter