Man in the Mirror

Chapter 14: Just Good Friends

May reached for Ash's hand. The coordinator looked as if she depended on what Ash would say next. Before he could answer, she added, "I know I said I had too much on my plate to be making friends, but-"

"Sure!" Ash answered before May could finish explaining herself. The brunette was surprised. Most people would've told her to piss off after the way she brushed off his invitation for friendship, but Ash was different.

Her eyes couldn't contain her shock, "Really, Ash?" She could jump for joy. Ash gave her an enthusiastic smile that affirmed his answer. He nodded. "Thank you so much!" May tackled and wrapped her arms around him. "You don't know how much this means to me," the brunette sounded relieved that she wouldn't be alone.

It was Ash's turn to be surprised. His face warmed when May expressed her gratitude and affection. When the moment sunk in, he wrapped his arms around her. "Of course, May." It was the chance he'd been waiting for. Now, he knew he could be there for his friend. He was almost disappointed when May let go, but nothing could wipe the smile from his face. Although, May's change of heart left him thinking. "What made you change your mind? If you don't mind me asking."

May's posture reflected her timidness. "Well, with how things are going, I think it's time for a change." The girl crossed her arms. "There are things I want to work on that I've been putting off, but I can't do it alone. I feel like I've been fighting this situation alone for too long. It'd be nice to have some company for a change. If that's alright with you, I feel like I can trust you," the coordinator hoped she didn't sound too vulnerable.

"I see," Ash thought about her response. From his pondering stare, May prayed she didn't scare him off. His livening smile immediately returned, "I'm cool with it. I'm here for whatever you need!"

The relief took some weight off the coordinator. "Thank you, Ash. I feel like I can learn a lot from you. I'm excited about it," May placed her hand over her heart. "I've never trusted someone I just met, but I'm trusting you."

When he heard May's confession, he remembered what Brock told him. He had a gift for making people feel better. Was this what Brock was referring to? Ash wasn't 100% certain, but he wanted to be there for his friend. That's all that mattered to him. The trainer gave her a thumbs up and a wink, "I'm glad I can be here, May." His mind recalled another of Brock's words, Experience new things together to rebuild that friendship.

May returned Ash's warm smile. She thought her affection for him was mere appreciation, but something else lurked in her heart. To cast it aside, she focused on something else. She knew of another pending matter. "There's one other thing to take care of today."

With the newfound energy given to her, May grabbed the situation by the reins. She wasn't afraid of what would happen now. It was uncharted territory but also a risk she was willing to take. "You're going on a hiatus?" Wallace wished it hadn't come to this.

May's grip on the phone remained firm. She didn't shy away when she saw his piercing turquoise eyes. "Please understand Wallace. I'm sorry to let you down like this, but I need time to help me decide what to do. You already know how I feel about this life and its rhythm, so see why I need this. If I continue performing without solving this, I will never reach my potential or become a Contest Master. I know it means canceling everything planned in the short term, yet I hope you see where I am coming from." The coordinator didn't picture having this conversation a few hours ago. Wallace probably didn't either, but here they were. This issue couldn't wait any longer.

Wallace's silence didn't deter May. She knew she made a strong case for herself. The young woman waited for him to reply. The Contest Master crossed his legs and closed his eyes. "I was hoping to speak to the board first, but I realize this is urgent for you." He opened his eyes, "Alright, May. Consider it done."