One Love, One Heart

Chapter 36: A Day in the Life

May's stomach grumbled again, "Oh, I hope Ash's mom has something for us to eat." The girl held her tummy with pain as they continued walking.

"I knew this would happen," Drew sighed.

"What would happen?" May raised her eyebrow at him.

Drew put his hands in his pocket, "I knew you'd get even hungrier on our way to Ash's home. At this point, we might as well have lunch." The coordinator flicked his hair after making his suggestion.

May lowered her head in disappointment. She thought she'd be strong enough to hold off on eating until they returned to Professor Oak's, "But what about Ash and Misty?"

Drew shrugged his shoulders and grinned sheepishly, "I think Ash and Misty will understand."

The girl sighed. "By the time we eat and return to Oak's, it might be too late for a battle. You don't think Ash will be disappointed?" May was frustrated because she went on this endeavor so Ash could have his battle with Drew, but now it was looking increasingly unlikely that they would be back in time. She didn't even have the energy to run.

"Nah. Ash would make an exception for you," Drew flicked his hair again. He hated to admit the fact.

May's eyes looked surprised for a moment. She didn't expect Drew to acknowledge it, but he was right. She shyly smiled, "Maybe." The coordinator's stomach grumbled again, which alarmed Drew.

"Alright, let's not drag this out any longer," Drew started to pick up the pace.

"Right behind you," May rubbed the back of her head and followed him.

"I am glad you're staying a bit longer, Misty. That means we get to spend more time training together," Ash sat on the pasture outside with the gym leader.

Misty raised her eyebrow at him, "You know you don't have to stall your journey if I stay a while, Ash." She loved and hated his comment. It was nice of him to say, but she didn't like that it made her heart skip a beat.

Ash chuckled, "You forgot I don't know where I'll head next. Until then, I might as well keep training with you."

"If you say so," Misty sighed. She almost couldn't hide her mixed feelings about the circumstances. Being alone with Ash at this moment made her realize that if she stayed in Pallet another week, she'd have to deal with her feelings for another week.

Pikachu noticed her strange disposition, prompting Ash to acknowledge as well. "Something wrong, Misty?" He eyed her curiously.

Misty sat upright, hoping she didn't make her sadness so obvious. "I'm fine. Just a little worried about the gym," the gym leader lied through a timid laugh.

"Pika," Pikachu rubbed his chin. He saw through her facade, but the mouse couldn't identify what bothered Misty.

"That is a bummer. Hopefully, Officer Jenny catches those crooks quickly," Ash rested his back on the grass with his hands behind his head. He was predictably dense to the girl's feelings as usual.

"I hope so too," Misty lay down on the grass with him. They stared at the slow-moving clouds accompanying the orange sky.

Then Ash spoke, "May and Drew are supposed to leave after tomorrow. Time flew by, didn't it?" The raven-haired trainer didn't know why he brought up the subject, but he was starting to feel pressure from the little time left as he thought about what Gary said earlier. Ash knew if he didn't act soon, who knows when he'd have another chance, if any.

"Yeah, I wonder what time they leave," Misty rested her hands on her stomach. She knew May wanted to keep her extended stay a surprise, so she remained tight-lipped about it.