Chapter Twenty
Ash and Aurora walked up to the buffet table. The entire thing stretched the whole length of the wall, and every dish was elegantly displayed on the best silver - even the silverware was silver!
The line in front of them was moving slowly, as people pondered over what to have. There were so many things to choose from: salads, soups, breads and other pastries, meats, fruits, all kinds of seafood - scallops, oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster, and a funny-looking dark-green spread (Ash later found out that it was caviar). As people moved up, Ash and Aurora picked up some plates and utensils, and surveyed the delicate dishes before their eyes. Whenever Aurora chose a particular dish, Ash would offer to serve her some.
As they neared the end of the table, a different sight met their eyes; bottles by the dozens, different shapes and sizes, were spread out all over that area. As they passed, Ash caught a glimpse of the label on one of them:
“Giorgio’s Vineyard: The Finest Taste in Rome”
“I didn’t know your father owned an Italian winery!” Aurora exclaimed, sounding very impressed indeed.
Ash wore a puzzled expression, “What do you mean; his name’s George.”
Aurora giggled, “Ash,
Giorgio means George in Italian.”
“Oh,” Ash replied, “Well, do they have anything else to drink besides wine?”
Aurora looked around the table and said, “Sure; there’s a bowl of fruit punch close by.” The lady behind the table poured each of them a glass of punch, and they left to find a place to eat.
The table chosen had two seats, and the cloth was made of pure white silk. A single white candle was glowing brightly in a silver candlestick in the center. They both sat down and started eating, as they watched the dancing and the merry-making.
Across the dance-floor, Brock was trying to lead Daisy in a waltz. Halfway through the dance, though, Brock accidentally bumped into a dancing gentleman. The man put his foot behind him by mistake, looping it around Brock’s ankle. As a result, both men tumbled to the floor in a heap, with the gentleman right on top. Everyone around was laughing as Daisy and the other woman tried to help them to their feet. The whole time, Brock’s face was redder than the flame on a Moltres, and a nervous smile to go with it.
“Oh dear,” Aurora said, trying to repress her own laughter. Ash didn’t say anything, but slapped his hand against his forehead. Suddenly, something popped into Aurora’s mind.
“Hey, Ash, what were you saying this morning a big surprise for the party?”
Ash jumped to attention, “That’s right, I almost forgot!” Then he stood up, took Aurora’s hand, and led her to the edge of the dance-floor. In front of a mirrored-section of the wall, viewed from a sideways angle, was the piano.
Ash stood in front of the keys. To Aurora, he seemed very nervous about something. Taking a deep breath, Ash tapped repeatedly on an “A” key. The high note echoed throughout the room, immediately silencing the talking, dancing, and everything else. George, Delia, Brock, Daisy, and all the other guests started looking in his direction.
Ash cleared his throat, and attempted to speak as clearly as possible.
“Forgive me for interrupting, everyone, but I have something to say right now.” There was an intense silence as the crowd waited.
“Firstly, I would like to thank all of you, on behalf of my father and the rest of our family, for attending tonight’s event. It’s not everyday I find that my father has so many friends.” Everyone, including Ash, chuckled at this remark. He then raised his hand and resumed his speech.
“Secondly, I would like to thank my family for allowing me to spend this wonderful summer with one of the greatest people I know.
“Believe it or not, this person and I have been separated for seven years. It was during the early hours of my recent birthday, however, that this person suddenly came back into my life. My mother and all of my friends knew that I wanted to spend every waking moment I could with him, and they told me to do so. It is because of them that I am standing right here tonight. Mom, Daisy, Brock, Aurora...thank you.”
The four of them smiled happily as hundreds of hands clapped loudly from every direction. Ash raised his hand again.
“Finally, I would personally like to thank my father for everything he’s ever done for me.
“Ever since I was very little, my father has never failed to keep a promise. The very night before he left home - seven years ago - I told him that, when I grew older, I would travel the world and train many Pokémon. He then told me, that no matter how far apart we were, he would find a way to help me reach that dream.
“Three years ago, because of that same promise, I had received the privilege to fulfill my dreams; traveling from one region to the next, training a variety of Pokémon, and meeting many different people along the way. It is because of him that I was able to live my life to the fullest, as well as learn to believe in myself, my friends, and my Pokémon.
“Dad, I know that we’ll soon have to say good-bye again. The song I'm going to play now is to remind you that, even if we’ll be separated by distance, we’ll never be separated in our hearts.”
With these words, Ash sat on the stood in front of the piano. However, he failed to notice Brock and Daisy whispering.
“What’s he doing?” Daisy asked, “Is he actually going to play that?”
“As long as I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him even
touch an instrument; let alone...” Brock never got the chance to finish; his voice was immediately drowned out by an unexpected sound.
The entire room was suddenly filled with a delicate melody. Ash’s fingers glided from one key to another with the greatest of ease. After playing for a while Ash added something else to the melody: words - words that many of the spectators recognized:
Think of me, think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye.
Remember me every so often,
Promise me you’ll try.
On that day, that not so distant day,
When you are far away and free,
If you ever find a moment,
Spare a thought for me.
“I can’t believe it!” Daisy whispered, “He’s actually playing - AND singing!”
“Is this the same Ash who left Pallet Town a while back?” Brock thought to himself.
And though it’s clear,
Though it was always clear
That this was never meant to be,
If you happen to remember,
Stop and think of me.
Think of August, when the trees were green;
Don't think about the way things might have been.
Think of me, think of me waking
Silent and resigned.
Imagine me, trying too hard
To put you from my mind.
Think of me, please say you’ll think of me
Whatever else you choose to do.
There will never be a day when
I won’t think of you.
What followed was another stream of beautiful notes. George and Delia just looked at Ash; tears of joy falling down their cheeks. Aurora’s eyes shone as she watched her friend perform; she couldn’t help but smile. Brock was still thinking to himself when Edward walked up from behind.
“It pleases me that you are enjoying the performance,” he said, “Young Ash has been practicing ever since the plans for the gala began - he would practice non-stop whenever his father was out working: said he wanted it to be a surprise.”
“I guess all that hard work paid off,” Brock responded, just as Ash started singing the last verse:
Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade,
They have their season, so do we...
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think of me.
At the very last word of the song, everyone clapped as hard as they could; some were even cheering. Ash stood up, observed the ecstatic guests, smiled, and took a bow.
After Ash’s stirring performance, the musicians struck up their instruments once more, and the dancing and conversation resumed. As he walked over to the rest of the group, Aurora ran up to him and took both his hands in hers.
“That was wonderful, Ash!” she said happily, “I had no idea you could play like that!”
Ash gave an embarrassed chuckle, “Actually, that was my very first time playing on ANY instrument – even in front of an audience.”
“Well, first time or not, you were actually very good!”
“Your young friend is absolutely right, Arthur,” said a voice from the crowd.
At first, Ash was unsure of who was talking to him. But then he remembered that only one person ever called him by that name; he looked straight ahead. Sure enough, Ash saw a young woman in a white evening gown coming towards him. The golden hair, fair skin, azure-blue eyes; he recognized her almost immediately.
“Miss Bianca,” Ash exclaimed as he ran over and gave Bianca a big hug. She smiled pleasantly and returned the gesture.
“It is good to see you again, Arthur.”
“It’s great to see you too, Bianca. Did you see Dad yet?”
“Absolutely, and I’ve even had the pleasure of meeting your mother and friends - and speaking of friends...” Bianca happened to glance over at Aurora, “Who is your charming escort?”
“Oh, this is Aurora Clearwater; I met her back in Pallet Town after my birthday.” Ash then looked at Aurora, “This is Miss Bianca Darby, from London. She’s an...uh...” (He was about to say “old friend”, but then he thought that it wouldn’t be very polite,) "...a childhood friend of my father.”
“Good evening, Miss Darby,” Aurora greeted, “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“It is an honor to meet you as well,” Bianca replied, “And please, call me Bianca; all of my friends do.” The introduction didn't last very long, because at that moment, the three of them heard a buzzing noise coming from Bianca’s purse.
“That must be my new cellular phone,” Bianca said before looking back at the two teenagers, “Will you please excuse me?”
“Sure, Bianca,” Ash replied, and the young woman walked out of the ballroom into the main hall. As they watched her vanish into the crowd, Ash and Aurora ran over to George and the others. They were all ecstatic over the talent Ash had demonstrated.
“Oh, you were magnificent, sweetheart!” Delia exclaimed.
“Your mother is right, Ash,” George agreed, “I’m very proud of you!”
“Wow,” said Daisy, “I can’t wait to tell Gary and Grandpa!”
“Yeah,” Brock responded, “And I can just imagine the look on Misty’s face when I tell her!”
Ash grew pale when he heard this. “Don’t you dare tell any of them,” he said, “They might want a command performance!”
Everyone started laughing. Suddenly, the music changed, and practically everyone was on the dance floor.
“What kind of dance is that, Mom?” Ash asked as he watched the people twirling around in the center of the room.
“It’s called a waltz, dear,” Delia replied, “It’s one of my favorites.”
“Well then,” George said as he took her hand, “How about another round?” Delia giggled and nodded, and the two of them were dancing among the crowd again.
“Why don’t we have ‘another round’ too?” Brock asked Daisy.
“Sure, why not?” Daisy said, taking his hand. Both followed the first pair into the mass of dancers.
For a while Ash watched them from where he was standing. It seemed like a very complicated dance to him; arms around each others’ waists, spinning around-and-around together at the same time, very quick steps - one time he even saw George twirl Delia around by one hand.
“C’mon, Ash,” Aurora said suddenly as she took his hand, “Let’s dance.”
Ash felt a lump in his throat at those words, “Uh...me...and you...dance?”
“Yeah, you and me, let’s go.”
“Uh...I don’t think so.”
Aurora looked puzzled, “Why not?”
“Well, learning to play the piano in front of people was hard enough; but dancing in front of them is way too embarrassing.”
“You were just nervous a few minutes ago, not embarrassed” Aurora corrected him, “Now c’mon, please?” She was soon making the most pathetic-looking face you’ve ever seen: sad eyes, quivering lips - Ash knew what was coming.
“Okay, okay, I’ll do it!” he exclaimed, “Enough with the sad-puppy face already!”
In a flash, both of them were on the dance floor. Aurora was trying to teach Ash what to do:
“Now, put your hand right here, on my waist - good. Then I place my arm on your arm - like this. Then you hold my other hand - no, not that way; this way – that’s better. Now we have to be an arm’s length apart, but still holding each other in this fashion. Understand?”
Ash seemed a little confused, “I think so.”
“Okay, now listen: when you’re dancing, don’t just watch what the others are doing. You have to listen to the flow of the music and let it guide you. Try it.”
Ash took a deep breath and closed his eyes. In the beginning, it was difficult to focus because of all the people talking, but soon he was able to separate the soft tunes from the chatter. The rising and falling strains of the violins, the deep tones from the cello, and even the gentle strokes of the harp seemed to cast a spell over him. Before he knew what was happening, Ash began to move. Slowly at first, letting his movements flow with the music; but as the dance wore on, they both were twirling around the floor as well as everyone else.
The whole time, Ash couldn’t believe he was actually dancing - and with Aurora in his arms no less! Suddenly, the very thought (as well as a million others) started racing through his head faster than an Arcanine using Extremespeed. His breath quickened rapidly, and so did his heartbeat. Without warning, Ash broke away from Aurora and ran through the crowd, towards the terrace.
“Ash!” Aurora called after him, “Ash, wait, what’s wrong?”
The air was a lot cooler than it was that afternoon, but the warmth rising from the baked beach sand was very pleasant. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, so the stars sparkled like diamonds against the bluish-black. An image of the full moon was dancing brightly on the ocean’s surface.
Even when out on the terrace, Ash still didn’t stop running: he pelted down the steps, crossed the grassy lawn at the foot, and headed straight for the shore before finally stopping. He was short of breath, and pale as the moon itself. Ash then collapsed on his hands and knees, and tried to steady himself.
“Okay, Ash,” he said to himself, “Try to calm down. It was only one dance, that’s all. Take it easy...Oh, who am I kidding? I blew it back there, I totally blew it!” He banged his fist against the sand in disgust.
Just then, he froze…a noise was heard from some nearby bushes. As he turned in the direction it was coming from, Ash saw a tall figure walk quickly towards the house, stuffing something into what appeared to be a small bag.
“Hey,” Ash called, “Who’s there?” The person didn’t answer, but instead walked a little faster. Thinking that it might be David on the loose again, he got up and followed the figure further into the bushes. Because it was so dark, however, Ash’s pursuit was halted; the mysterious person had vanished into night.
Ash came out from the bushes, back onto the moonlit beach, but then he saw another figure running in his direction - it was Aurora.
“Ash, are you okay?” she asked breathlessly, “You ran out so fast that I couldn’t keep up.”
The young boy ran his fingers through his hair before answering, “I’m sorry. I just…needed some air.” He then noticed the sad look in Aurora’s eyes, “What’s the matter?”
“It’s my fault,” she replied, “I should’ve realized that dancing with me would make you uncomfortable.”
“It’s not your fault!” Ash said hastily, “It’s true that I was a little nervous, but everybody’s like that sometimes. Also, I admit that running out on you wasn’t a smart move, so it’s mostly my fault.” He observed that Aurora still looked a bit sad, so he thought for a moment, smiled, and said, “Tell you what; I’ll treat you to another dance, if you promise to forget what just happened between us.”
Aurora’s face seemed to brighten up slightly. She smiled her cheerful smile, and replied, “Deal.” So Ash wrapped his right arm around Aurora’s shoulders (she responded by wrapping her left arm around his waist), and they both started walking across the sand to the terrace.
Just as they reached the top of the steps, however, Ash suddenly remembered his gift for Aurora, and quickly pulled her aside.
“What is it, Ash?” she asked, clearly puzzled.
“Remember when I said I’d gotten you a present?” Ash said as he reached into his pocket, pulling out the little white box, “Well, I was planning to give you this before the party, but I guess - with all the excitement - it completely slipped my mind.” He held the box out to her, the color once again rising in his face. Aurora smiled brighter as she took the box and slowly opened it; her eyes opened wide, and she gave a soft gasp.
The light emitting from the large windows fell onto the little silver bracelet inside, causing it to shimmer and sparkle. The tiny “Silver Wing” charms dangled from the chain as she held it up, reflecting equally small light patterns on the wall next to her. She looked up at Ash; her eyes were shining as much as the bracelet was.
“Oh…Ash,” she said in voice that was close to a whisper, “It’s beautiful.”
“I picked it out myself. Do you like it?”
“I love it,” was all Aurora managed to say; she was at a complete loss for words as she tried to put it on.
“Here, let me do that.” Ash took the bracelet and attempted to fasten it around her wrist. It was hard at first because his hands were literally trembling with joy at her reaction, but he was successful in the end. Aurora then took his waist in her arms, and gave him another, much bigger hug. Her eyes were closed, and her head rested against his heart.
Ash felt his heart beat faster again, but he did not run this time – for some reason, he didn’t want to run. Instead, he gathered Aurora in his arms, and laid his cheek against the top of her head. Her hair felt so soft and cool, and the sweet scent of a spring rain was floating into his face.
“This feeling...” Ash slowly thought to himself, “I’m scared, but - then again - I’m happy too. Why?” Just then, a sudden realization entered his mind, “Is this...what
love feels like?” Ash let out a pleasant sigh, causing Aurora to move her head. She looked into his face and smiled sweetly. He did the same; each one’s eyes entirely focused on the others’. Then, Aurora’s eyes slowly closed.
Instantly, Ash’s heart felt like it was about to burst; he didn’t even know what to do. He then glanced at his surroundings. It was all so perfect: he was outside, under the moon and stars with her - alone. No one was there to stop them. Without realizing it, he started to lean forward, drawing her closer to him, closing his own eyes in the process. Finally, his lips gently touched hers.
For a few seconds, time itself seemed to have stopped. Ash couldn’t remember how or why this was happening, but he didn’t care - he didn’t want to care. Apparently, Aurora had the same thoughts coursing through her mind as well. Both held each other tighter, as if they wanted to keep the kiss longer.
“Is this...right?” Ash thought. Before he could come up with an answer, though, a feeling of uneasiness churned inside of him. His eyes opened, and the moment was over.
“Ash...” Aurora began, but she was instantly hushed.
“Hear that?” Ash asked.
Aurora listened, “Hear what? I don’t hear any...” Suddenly, she stopped, and her confusion turned to concern in a split second.
Everything was silent. The music had stopped playing without their noticing. The chatter and laughter was no more; in place of it were a few quiet gasps, and what sounded like whispering. Following the silence was the sound of many footsteps, but no one uttered a word out loud.
“What’s going on?” Aurora asked nervously, “Was there an accident?”
“I’m not sure,” Ash replied, “But I think we’d better check it out.”
Leading Aurora by the hand, Ash walked back into the ballroom. Pushing their way through the crowd, the two of them were able to find George and the others. Upon reaching them, however, Ash saw something that made him wish he and Aurora had stayed outside.
