Chance (for love)

Chapter 2: Return to the day

Ash stayed in his room till nighttime. He lost track of the time spent just starring at the ceiling again. He wondered what was he going to do now. It almost seemed like he lost track of his goal in life. His small companion, Pikachu jumped to his side and looked down at Ash. He was curious what Ash was thinking of and why he was just laying around doing nothing. Pikachu knew Misty was gone but that was all he knew. Sensing Ash’s troubled mind he climbed on top of him and looked down trying to cheer him up.

Ash: You’re my only companion now Pikachu.

Ash turned to his side but felt a hard object press against his leg. There were things still left in his pocket. He reached in and pulled them out. It was a small case and that shinny yellow rock that old man gave him. He placed the rock down and examined the case. It was small but secure, looked like a good place to keep something valuable. Ash opened it up and took out the content; it was a heart shape locket.

Ash: I bought this for her. I slowly earned enough to buy this a month ago. I had a full month to give it to her but I couldn’t, I was scared. Its not that expensive but it’s the perfect thing to give her.

Ash opened the locket and it revealed Misty’s picture on one side and on the other side his own.

Ash: Pikachu, remember some time ago during the wedding of Mark and Susan? It happened a bit less than a year ago where we helped find the lost wedding rings. We were invited to the wedding and it was the first time I attended something so formal with Misty.

*****

Ash was in his room fixing up his clothes that he had rented for the wedding day and reception. He rubbed his hair with some gel and combed it as nice as he could. Looking at the large mirror in the hotel room he did some poses and were pretty impressed on how he looked. It was a rare occasion where he got to wear a suit this fancy and a rose on his lapel. Ash did a striking pose that resembled those of a secret agent, now if he only had a gun.

There was a knock at the door.

Misty: Ash . . . are you done dressing up?

Ash: Come’on in, I’m done.

Misty opened the door and behold, a hansom looking Ash before her very eyes. Ash was pretty lost for words when he saw Misty’s dress. She was very beautiful in her white evening gown. The Misty tomboy girl that Ash knew was nowhere to be seen, all he saw was the beautiful maiden Misty standing in the door way. Her womanly figure was seen and it excited Ash, this was one of the few times he noticed how slender and perfect her body was. He silently mumbled to himself, “foxy lady” but then regained his posture. It was just surprising to see Misty. Misty was equally surprised, Ash’s looks could rival those of the “cute boy stars” she always reads about in her girl magazines. He could really carry the look well and it matched him perfectly. It made him look more mature and manly; it was a real treat to just see him.

Misty: Wow! Ash you look great! I can’t believe that really is you.

Ash: That’s my line. You look fabulous!

They both blushed at each other’s complements. Since they were both dressed it was now time to head for the wedding. Before they left Ash looked into the mirror one last time.

Ash: Hang on Misty, just one last thing.

Misty watched him, he seemed nervous over something. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out something, it appeared to be glasses.

Ash: Do I . . . look okay with these on?

Misty: Glasses?

Ash: Oh I’m, I’ve been trying to hide them but I guess since I’m going over a total fashion make over I might as well give them a try.

Misty: I didn’t know you wear glasses?

Ash: I really don’t need them but it helps. I just have a mild case of stigmatism.

Misty: Oh . . . they look great on you.

Ash: Really? Are you sure?

Misty: They do, you look more, mature. Also more intellectual and overall cool. And also very hansom.

Ash: Thanks Misty. Come’on lets get going, don’t wanna be late.

*****

Ash dangled the locket above his head as it spun around a bit. He smiled at it recalling one of his favorite memories with Misty.

Ash: . . . we had our picture taken that night along with the other guests. Once I got them developed I always kept a spare so I could use it on something like this.

Ash smile became a frown when he returned to reality with the awful truth that Misty was no longer with him.

Ash: But I didn’t have the chance to give it to her. I wish I did. At least a week before all this happened. A week is enough time to tell her how I feel and show her that I truly mean it.

Ash closed his eyes and unknowingly went to sleep. On his right hand the locket that symbolizes his love and on his left hand, “another chance.”

*****

Ash felt a strong wind blow past him, it was a bit sudden but he didn’t want to wake up. He tried his best to hold on to sleeping even if it felt like the gravity around him was getting weird. It was probably just all in his head being stuck between dreamland and reality. A bit later he started to smell something delightful. The morning aroma of coffee filled the air alarming Ash’s taste buds. He woke from his sleep yawning trying to open his eyes. But wait, if he was by himself in this room then how could there be coffee?

Ash tried his best to focus his vision; it was an extra task since he had that stigmatism problem. Reaching into his bag he pulled out his glasses and wore them. Able to see a bit clearer Ash saw somewhat of a ghost. There was Misty walking right in front of him with her pink apron on.

Misty: ‘Morning Ash, sleep well?

Ash: Misty?

Misty: That’s my name or are you referring to the weather? I know it’s been a bit foggy lately but I’m sure it’ll clear up.

This was a bit puzzling, wasn’t Misty gone? And if she did return wouldn’t she say something about it, all she could talk about is the weather. Then there was a suspicious fact that Ash remembered. Seven days ago the weather had been foggy outside but cleared up quickly the day after. It remained sunny the rest of the week so why would the fog just suddenly come back? There wasn’t any warning in the weather reports of fog.

Misty: Come’on Ash, time to get up. You don’t wanna be late for the game center demo day.

Ash: Demo day? Didn’t we already do demo day?

Misty: Yeah like a month ago in Sire City.

When a Game Center has a demo day the new upcoming release video games are featured. Customers are given a free trial at each game so they can decide if they’ll buy it or not. Usually demo days attract a lot of eager game players and tend to be very crowded and like many places, the early bird gets the worm or at least a chance to play.

Ash: Demo day . . . but we did play at a demo day seven days ago.

Misty: What are you talking about; we were on the road seven days ago. Ah I know you must’ve been dreaming again. Here a cup of coffee should wake ya up.

Misty handed Ash a cup of coffee smiling right at him. Ash blushed a bit but accepted his drink. He drank in sips trying to think what was going on. Ever since he got that letter yesterday he was desperate to see Misty again and she’s here, right in front of him acting her normal sweet self. This must be some type of joke, a huge confusing one.

*****

Everything was exactly the same seven days ago. The newspaper was the same, the Nurse Joy on shift was the same, and everyone that passed by looked familiar. Was the same day repeating itself? At the game center Misty was trying out the latest new puzzle game while Ash watched her. He kept thinking of the day, there was no way this could be a joke, too many factors and details.

Misty: Awwww I lost!

Ash snapped back his attention to Misty who was walking away from the controller; her turn was up.

Misty: Aren’t ya gonna try?

Ash: Um well I got another “puzzle” I need to solve first.

The visit to the game center was fun but Ash hardly did any playing, Misty on the other hand played every new release title. They both walked to the coffee shop next door to rest a bit and have a snack, Ash was still confused.

Misty: The games are all fun! I wanna get some of them for myself. But I guess I’ll have settle with my Game Boy Advance.

Misty noticed Ash’s preoccupied state of mind; he didn’t touch his coffee, donut, and pie. She waved her hand in front of him trying to get his attention.

Misty: Hello in there? Ash. Are you there?

Ash dropped his thoughts and looked at Misty who looked a bit worried.

Misty: Are you gonna leave me here alone and go into your own world? I feel so lonely.

Ash panicked though Misty was just playing with him. He fumbled with his hands and tried to apologize.

Misty: Honestly Ash, you seemed too spaced out since this morning. What’s on your mind? You can tell me.

Ash didn’t know what to tell her, he wasn’t even sure what was going on in the first place. All he knew now was he was repeating the same day seven days ago.

Ash: For starters, ever had a feeling you were repeating the same day?

Misty: Not really, things seem more exciting whenever I’m with you. Which is probably all the time.

Ash: No not similar days I’m talking about exactly the same day. Like if it was still Monday.

Misty thought for a moment on what Ash was saying, she was a bit puzzled but understood. She shook her head no and rested her chin on her palm.

Misty: No . . . um what’s the point of this Ash? You got me lost.

Ash: I dunno, when I woke up yesterday morning you left me this letter, here I’ll show you.

Reaching into his pocket searched for the letter but couldn’t find it. He searched all his pockets but couldn’t find it, as if it vanished into thin air.

Misty: What letter? When did I ever write you a letter?

Ash: Yesterday when you . . .

Ash then came to an understanding. Flashes of memory of the previous day shot through his mind. First him reading the letter, then running out to the train station, then the old man he met, then the yellow stone he received. In his pocket was the yellow stone that he received. Ash pulled it out and looked at it, then the haunting words of the old man echoed through his mind. “I’m going to give you another chance.”

*****

In the next chapter: Ash tries to comprehend this suddenly strange phenomenon. Realizing that he has seven days he starts to find a way to show Misty how he feels.

Authors Note: Just in case those of you who know one of my fics, Dreamer, yeah the sequel will be updated soon, I just got a new computer so I had to go back up all the files first. Oh and the PKMN Romance site will soon return, Image Archives are being worked on.

Thanks for reading.