The Way You Love Me

9. Does it hurt?

~ Chapter Nine - Does it hurt? ~

"Well done Pikachu," I cheered as my little Pikachu caught the ball I threw at him. It was the first time he had caught it after five failed tries.

"Pika! Pika!" He jumped excitedly making me laugh. He then threw the ball at me. It was too low so I had to lower my body to catch it.

"Nice throw! Now catch this one."

We went throwing the ball back and forth at each other. It was refreshing. Coming to the park once a week and playing with this little monster. It is usually the best part of the week. Going to school, studying, trying not to kill Caleb or Blade... it all gets exhausting. And after yesterday, I really need time to relax.

Caleb... I'm not going to speak that boy again. But the thing is I love him. His is so rude sometimes but apologizes the next moment.

"Ouch!" I winced as the ball hit my face. The ball wasn't heavy so it didn't hurt. But it was enough to pull me out of my thoughts. The moment I think about Caleb... Maybe it is a sign. I should stop thinking about Caleb. He's messing with my head. But I can't just stop thinking about him.

"Ash, are you okay?" Pikachu was right by my side. I looked down at him and smiled rubbing my forehead.

"I'm okay. The ball wasn't heavy. It didn't hurt much." I told him with a smile. He didn't throw it with much force also.

"You were looking at the ball. I thought you were going to catch it."

"I wasn't paying attention. I'm sorry. Let's play again."

He smiled and went back to his position. I threw the ball at him and he caught it easily. But then my eyes got fixed on someone behind him. I blinked a couple of times.

Is that...? No, I must be hallucinating. I shook my head hoping it was not him but-

The ball hit my chest this time with more force than before. Breath was knocked out of me. I placed my hand on my stomach. The ball didn't hit my stomach but I didn't know how to rub the spot where the actual impact had been made. It was a park, with so many people around.

"Ash!" Pikachu came rushing to me. But my eyes were fixed on the boy who was also running towards me. I sat on the ground.

"Are you okay?" The little boy asked me once again.

I looked at him and smiled. "I'm fine." It hurt though. Not too much but enough to make me uncomfortable.

"Ashley, are you okay?" Blade kneeled at my side.

"What are you doing here?" I asked instead.

Just like me, he didn't answer.

"Are you hurt? Let me see." His right hand ascended towards me and I slapped it away feeling my face heating up. He was looking at me when I was hit. There's no way he didn't know. Stupid boy.

"I'm okay." I muttered and stood up. Blade followed the suite.

I felt a tug on my shirt and found Pikachu pulling on it. He was staring at Blade with curiosity.

"Ash?" He said. "Is he your boyfriend?"

I gave him a surprised look. What? "Where did you learn that from?" Do little kids talk about this stuff too? I don't think so. And besides, Blade looked really happy. "And he's not my boyfriend." I added whipping the grin off Blade's face.

"Ouch!" he winced. "That hurt." I had thought he was talking about his feelings but then he lifted his one foot and hopped around like a Kangaroo. When he stopped, he gave Pikachu a confused look. "What was that for?"