Chapter 27.5

~New Character Introduced~

Falkner

Original Date of Post: 05/17/2009

Narrator: Okay folks, time for the conclusion to Misty's story. Here's Chapter 28...Huh? Wait, why is this chapter only a .5?

Medea: Because I said so.

Narrator: Oh, I get it. This chapter was probably written at last minute.

Medea: You wanna see last-minute? (Rolls up a magazine) I'll show you last-minute.

*Technical Difficulties - Please Stand By*

Narrator: Okay, we’re back! We got it all sorted out. This is a two-part special…that plays on an entirely different week and has nothing to do with the Europe story. The one thing that good couples need is trust. And one quick fix, is going to therapy! And now, here’s Misty!

Misty: Hello fellow fans. This is Misty Waterflower. You might have remembered last season where I ran off to California with my sister, Violet. I had such a fun time there. I met up with my old pal Brawly and some old feelings from high school resurfaced for him and it got to me.

Brawly: I love you Misty. (She turns red)

Misty: Oh Brawly…I don’t know what to say. (He embraces her)

Brawly: Don’t say anything. Let’s just stay like this. (They lean in closer and kiss on the lips)

I can't wait to fall in love with you

You can't wait to fall in love with me

This just can't be summer love, you'll see

This just can't be summer love...

Misty: Yeah, it was like that. But…there was just no passion there. I know it’s shocking to hear that after seeing me and Brawly making out on the beach, with a Justin Timberlake song playing in the background. But it’s true! I just came back to my room after my rendezvous with Brawly, when Ash left a message on the machine. In fact, he left at least ten messages on my machine. Over and over he apologized for what happened and that it was a complete misunderstanding. Solana had the wrong idea and thought that Ash liked her. But it was really Lunick who had a crush on her. It was then that I decided to pack up my things and head back home.

Violet: Are you on crack? I’m not cutting my vacation short just so you can go back home.

Misty: Fine Violet, I’ll hitchhike home.

Dorian: Hitchhike?!

Violet: Out of the question! No way in hell am I letting my 20 year old sister hitchhike.

Dorian: She’s right! There are a lot of creepy weirdos in San Francisco.

Violet: She’s right! There are a lot of people like Jim Jones living in the town!

Misty: You mean the rapper? (Dorian and Violet stare at each other)

Violet: Look, just grin and bear with it for one more week.

Misty: No, no more weeks! We’re leaving tomorrow!

Violet: And if I refuse? (Misty whispers in her ear) What the…How do you know about that? (Whisper continues) Did Daisy tell…? (Whispering continues) Oh…she wasn’t involved…Just you…Oh…Okay Misty, how about we leave in two days? Come on, I want a little more time with Dorian.

Misty: Fine. (The next morning)

Violet: Sure you don’t wanna go sightseeing with us today?

Misty: Now you guys are doing sightseeing?

Dorian: Just Golden Gate!

Misty: Enjoy, I don’t feel like going.

Violet: Suit yourself. (Knock on the door)

Dorian: I’ll get it.

Misty: WAIT! (The door opens) Oh crap!

Brawly: Hi, is Misty here?

Dorian: Sure, she’s in the kitchen.

Misty: I hate you!

Dorian: Come on Violet, let’s hit the road! (They leave)

Brawly: Look Mist…about what happened…It’s just that…

Misty: No Brawly.

Brawly: No? But you looked like you were into it and then there’s the issue with Ash and…

Misty: No Brawly! Look, I like you as a friend. And I guess I was caught up in the moment…That’s why I went along with it. And as for Ash…I… (Tears up)

Brawly: It’s okay Misty…I understand…I guess I jumped the gun on this one. So when do you go back home?

Misty: Tomorrow.

Brawly: Did you want to hang out today?

Misty: No thanks. I’m not really in the mood! If you don’t mind, I’d like to be by myself right now.

Brawly: Right. Later…Waterflower… (He leaves)

Misty: (Voice over) And as Brawly left, I wiped away a single tear and went to the phone. But…I couldn’t find the nerve to talk to Ash. Something was stopping me! (Sighs) I guess I want to speak to him face-to-face instead of over the phone…I guess that’s what I’ll do. So the next day, Violet and I left San Francisco, on the road back home! We managed to get there about a day and a half later…But before I could see Ash…I had to go through some other hurdles. (At the apartment)

Winona: You better have a good explanation for leaving all of a sudden. I had to cover you for work for the last week!

Misty: I know and I’m sorry. What I did was just the worst and I shouldn’t be putting so much stress on you, especially in your condition. I just don’t know what was going through my mind. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I would greatly appreciate it. And I will never do anything so stupid again. I will help you around if you need me, I’ll do anything. (Voice over) Thank goodness she was so forgiving. Let’s hope that Miss Abby feels the same way. (At the diner)

Abigail: Misty, I am disappointed that you’ve been gone this long. Normally I would fire you after something like this. But, I’m not going to.

Misty: Huh?

Abigail: I understand that you were under tremendous stress considering it was right after final exams. I can’t tell you how many of my workers went AWOL and had a nervous breakdown during that time. Just take care of yourself, my dear!

Misty: Thank you Miss Abigail.

Abigail: I couldn’t have let you go. Theresa and Winona would have given me such a hard time about it.

Misty: And now…the big one! (At the police station)

Lunick: (Yawns) Man…

Elita: Stop yawning Lunick! The day will go by faster if you stop.

Lunick: I can’t help it. I haven’t been able to sleep for the last few nights.

Elita: Well, we’re going to be here longer today since Ash called out sick again. (The door opens)

Solana: I’m heading out.

Elita: See you tomorrow, Solana. (She leaves)

Lunick: How come she gets to leave early?

Elita: She had the morning shift. (The door opens) Hello there.

Misty: You have to tell me if Ash Ketchum is here.

Lunick: Huh? MISTY! Is it you? Is it really you? (He touches her) You look real!

Misty: What’s gotten into you, Lunick?

Lunick: OH PRAISE THE HEAVENS! IT IS YOU! (He hugs her)

Misty: Get off me! (The door opens)

Solana: Sorry, forgot my…Lunick, what are you…?

Misty: You! (Glares at Solana)

Solana: Misty, please let me explain. Look, I’m off from work now and we can talk.

Misty: Fine with me. (In Solana’s car)

Solana: I assume you want an explanation. (Sighs) I was under a false impression that Ash was single. I honestly didn’t know you were his girlfriend. He never told me at all.

Misty: He never talked about me? That sounds too suspicious.

Solana: Well…he and I never really spoke. He probably just told Lunick since he seemed to have known a lot. Misty, I’m sorry for causing you any kind of grief. But don’t blame Ash for this. It was my fault.

Misty: (Sighs) You know, I was all ready to snap your neck…but you’re really taking the edge off me.

Solana: After Ash broke down in tears and told me the truth, I knew him and me were only meant to be colleagues and nothing more. He cares too much about you.

Misty: Where is he now?

Solana: He’s at home. He called out sick for the last several days. But I think you know as well as I do that he’s just missing you. (A little later at the diner)

Theresa: Glad to see Misty back in action.

Winona: If you say so.

Theresa: Let it go, Winona. Hey, we all have nervous breakdowns every now and then.

Winona: Yeah but if she was going to do so, I wish she’d keep me out of it. I’ve got enough problems as it is. But, I guess I can’t blame her. I don’t know what I would do if I saw Steven kissing another girl.

Theresa: What’s the big deal? It was only a kiss from another girl. It’s not like Ash had sex with the girl.

Winona: You don’t understand, Theresa.

Theresa: What’s there to understand? I swear you people are too wrapped up in the relationship circuit. It makes me sick. (She walks to a table) Anything to drink?

Marcus: Huh? Oh…I’ll just have some coffee.

Theresa: A little late for coffee, but okay. (She walks in the back) Hey Mist, one of your friends is here.

Misty: Which one?

Theresa: I met him once at the New Years party. He’s the guy who wears shades even indoors.

Misty: One with shades? Oh! That must be Marcus!

Abigail: Theresa, I want you to take a ten minute break.

Theresa: Okay. I’ll do so after I do this one order. (She walks back out) Here’s your coffee.

Marcus: Huh? Oh, thank you.

Theresa: Something troubling you?

Marcus: Oh…sorry, I’m just in deep thought. It’s nothing really.

Theresa: Is that the lie you’re telling people?

Marcus: (Giggles) To tell you the truth, I’m kind of in a rut.

Theresa: Why don’t I sit and you can tell me about it? As a waitress, you get used to this sort of thing.

Marcus: I thought it was just bartenders, but okay. Well, it’s just one of those days where you feel like your whole life is passing right by you and you’re not doing a damn thing. You ever have one of those days?

Theresa: Oh…every day for the last five years for me. (Back in the kitchen)

Winona: What in the world is she doing?

Misty: She’s talking to Marcus. Huh? I wonder what they have to talk about.

Abigail: Girls, get back to work.

Both: Yes ma’am! (Back at the table)

Theresa: So that’s it…You want something to break you out of this rut!

Marcus: Bingo! I’m stuck in a rut and it’s just the same old thing every single day.

Theresa: (Giggles) Hey, don’t feel bad about it. Hey, there are plenty of people in the world who are worse off than you.

Marcus: You mean besides the toothless hicks on the Jerry Springer Show?

Theresa: (Laughs) So true! Hey, crazy idea here! Do you want to go on a date with me?

Marcus: Whoa! Take a step back, sister! You want to go on a date with me?

Theresa: Well sure, I could give it a shot. You said so yourself that you’re not doing anything with your time except sit here and bore me with your petty problems.

Marcus: You have a point. Okay, name the day, time, and place…

Theresa: Saturday, 7:00pm, meet me here!

Marcus: I’ll be there, toots! (Moments later in the back)

Winona: You got a date with Marcus?

Theresa: That’s right. Mist, that friend of yours has no backbone. But he’s cute, I’ll give him that much!

Misty: Theresa, you really should think twice before you do such impulsive things.

Winona: Yeah, when was the last time you’ve ever dated anyone?

Theresa: A couple of months ago if I remember correctly.

Winona: Did you tell Marcus that you’re really 27?

Misty: He’s only 20.

Theresa: Seven year difference, big deal!

Misty: Well, there’s another thing. You haven’t been inspected by the "little buddy"!

Theresa: Little buddy?

Winona: Ah, that’s right! Before you do anything with Marcus, you have to first meet his little buddy, or Marisa.

Theresa: (Laughs) Don’t worry about me girls, I can handle these things, no sweat. (Later that night)

Misty: Good night girls.

Winona: Just a second Misty. You’ve been back in town for one day now.

Misty: And?

Winona: When are you going to see Ash?

Misty: (Sighs) Oh…I don’t know. I should see him…shouldn’t I?

Winona: Yes! Misty, when you were gone, he was worried about you. I’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt you like that.

Misty: I talked to Solana today…that’s the girl who I caught kissing Ash. She told me that it was all a misunderstanding.

Winona: Then why are you holding back?

Misty: It’s just that…I had to wait for something. But I’m going to go see him now.

Winona: You mean, right now?

Misty: Yes.

Winona: Well, what are you waiting for?

Misty: Stop rushing me! I’m going! (In front of Ash’s house)

Delia: (Yawns) Misty? Come in! (She walks inside)

Misty: Hi Delia…I was wondering if Ash was awake.

Delia: He’s in his room. He’s just resting, so I think it’s okay to venture on in there.

Misty: Thanks. (Knock on the door)

Ash: Go away. (Misty opens the door) I said go… (Gasp) …Mi-Misty!

Misty: Hi Ash. (She sits on the bed)

Ash: Misty…I’m sorry… (Tears up) I’m sorry. Please tell me you’re here to stay. Please tell me you’re here to stay. (Silence) MISTY! …I missed you…I MISSED YOU! Why can’t you understand that? (She embraces him) Misty… (She starts crying) Misty… (Delia opens the door)

Delia: Ash…Oh… (She shuts the door)

Oak: What’s going on in there?

Delia: It’s nothing Samuel. Just leave him be. (The next morning in Ash’s room)

Ash: (Thinking) She didn’t say much…she just cried in my arms. Misty… (She opens her eyes)

Misty: (Yawns) Oh man…

Ash: Are you okay?

Misty: Hmm? Um, yeah. Just a little sore!

Ash: So Misty…Are you…?

Misty: This Saturday…when do you get off from work?

Ash: My shift ends at around 5pm.

Misty: Good…that’s when we’re going to therapy.

Ash: Huh?

Misty: Any problem with that?

Ash: Yeah, I have a problem! You can’t just leave for a week, come back to me, not say anything, and just tell me out of the blue that we’re going to therapy!

Misty: Yeah and you’re not supposed to kiss co-workers either, so that’ll be a couple of subjects we can shed light on! I’ve already set up the appointment and if I back out now, I still owe her $90.

Ash: Who the hell told you to do therapy? (A little later over the phone)

Marisa: And once you’re on that street, just keep going until you see the little plaza with the Taco Bell.

Misty: Thanks Marisa. Did you and Tracey do this after your little spat?

Marisa: (Scoffs) Hell no! Tracey is to go no where near my therapy sessions. These are for me alone. But Glacia does a great job and she even does couples therapy. So she should help you two out.

Misty: Oh yeah, have you talked to Marcus within the last few days?

Marisa: No, should I?

Misty: I thought he would have told you by now.

Marisa: Tell me what?

Misty: It’s nothing really. I’ll let him tell you.

Marisa: I’ll interrogate him later. (Horn honking) Hold on Mist… (Shouting) I’LL BE OUT IN A SECOND!

Misty: Did I catch you at a bad time?

Marisa: I’m going to work and I’m in a carpool.

Misty: You got a job?

Marisa: Yeah, I started as soon as I got back from my vacation to California. I’ll call you later. (Hangs up)

Misty: I knew it! It really was her in China Town. (A little later at Ash’s house)

Delia: I think that therapy is a great idea.

Ash: You do?

Oak: Couples therapy can really help you and Misty explore where you’re going with your relationship.

Delia: And help smooth out all the rough spots!

Ash: I guess so…But it was just a misunderstanding. It was Misty’s emotions getting the best of her and taking things way out of proportion.

Delia: I don’t think so, honey. Come on, what would you have done if you were in Misty’s position?

Oak: She’s right. From everything you told us, I can understand Misty’s position. I mean, what if you saw Misty kissing Solana?

Ash: Huh?

Oak: Wait! I didn’t mean it that way…I mean, it came out all wrong! (Delia sighs) What I meant to say is…

Ash: It’s okay, I get it. Maybe it won’t be so bad. I mean, therapy is supposed to help.

Narrator: Side-effects may include a bruised shoulder, a bruised ego, bullet wounds, verbal abuse, nausea, nosebleeds, and mild headaches! Ask your doctor if therapy is right for you! Let’s skip ahead to Saturday night.

Abigail: Just a second, young lady!

Theresa: What is it, Auntie? I’m going to be late for my date.

Abigail: Is that what you’re going to wear for your date? Come on, no can do!

Theresa: I don’t need to wear some frilly piece of crap just to charm a boy.

Abigail: Dressing like a trailer park trash junkie isn’t going to reel him in. Boys like girls who dress to impress. That’s why I’m letting you borrow one of my old dresses from when I was your age.

Theresa: No offense Auntie, but I don’t really want to wear something that hasn’t been touched since Eisenhower was in office.

Abigail: Well, I did have a few alterations made. Jose, Paco, bring out the dress.

Theresa: Why is everyone making a big deal over one lousy date?

Abigail: It’s your first date in such a long time.

Theresa: Not that long.

Abigail: And who knows how far you two will go? You might even start a family!

Theresa: You’re getting ahead of yourself. Look, I was bored so I asked a guy out. It’s not a big deal.

Jose: Here’s the dress, Miss Abby!

Abigail: What do you think? Oh, before you answer that, try it on.

Paco: Si, try it on!

Theresa: Fine. (Moments later)

Abigail: Come out so we can see it.

Theresa: No way. I look ridiculous!

Abigail: Theresa, get out here or I’ll go on this date in your place.

Theresa: Fine! (Opens the door)

Jose: Miss Theresa, you look pretty! Like my daughter!

Theresa: I hate wearing dresses.

Abigail: You look fine. Just let me do your makeup and…

Theresa: FORGET IT! I’m going out there to see if Marcus is here yet. (She walks into the diner area)

Marcus: Hey, there you are.

Theresa: Okay, let’s hit it.

Abigail: Oh Theresa…Aren’t you going to introduce me?

Theresa: (Sighs) Marcus, this is my Aunt Abigail.

Abigail: Oh, you can call me Miss Abby.

Marcus: It’s a pleasure.

Abigail: So tell me young man, where are you taking my young niece this fine evening?

Theresa: Dinner and movie, done, let’s go!

Marcus: Oh, it’s a little cold out tonight. I have a scarf in the trunk of my car.

Theresa: That’s okay, I got something in the back. (She runs in the back and comes back out) Got it!

Abigail: Not the leather coat!

Theresa: Much better. Something to cover this crap up! Don’t wait up! (They walk out of the diner) That was nearly painless.

Marcus: Don’t you get hot in that leather jacket?

Theresa: Nah, this is the perfect thing to wear when I’m on my hog.

Marcus: You ride a motorcycle?

Theresa: Of course. Wanna see it?

Marcus: Wow, very nice! I’ve never been on one.

Theresa: Oh really? Hop on! (Marcus gulps) Come on, when are you ever going to experience this again?

Marcus: I was hoping a little later in life!

Theresa: Well we’re living in the now, buddy. Come on, I don’t mind driving. You hold on to me and you can show me to the restaurant.

Marcus: I guess it won’t kill me.

Theresa: That’s the spirit. Here, put this helmet on. If you fall off, I don’t want your coconut to get cracked!

Marcus: At least she’s thoughtful.

Theresa: (Starts up the engine) Hold on! (They drive off) Which way to the restaurant? (In Glacia’s office)

Ash: I can’t believe you talked me into this.

Misty: Ash, can’t you be open-minded about this? Let’s face it, we need help.

Ash: Speak for yourself. (Misty growls) I can’t believe it. My first weekend alone with you and we have to spend it here. (The door opens)

Glacia: Thanks again. (Both gasp)

Ash: May and Drew?

Misty: What are you doing here?

May: Ash, Misty, you get counseling too?

Ash: It’s a one-time thing.

Misty: Hush up! We’re here to do a little fine-tuning with our relationship.

Drew: A very wise thing to do.

Ash: So let me guess, the old ball and chain dragged you here too!

May: (Angrily) Pardon me?

Drew: Actually, coming here was my idea. But this is a good idea, especially for married couples. But also good for couples who aren’t married, but have hit a rough patch.

Misty: Thank you Drew. See, now why can’t you be like Drew?

Ash: Because I wasn’t raised with a silver spoon in my mouth. (Glacia clears her throat)

Glacia: So you two must be Ash and Misty. Step into my office. May and Drew, I shall see you in two weeks. (Outside a house)

Theresa: Hope I wasn’t too fast for you!

Marcus: (Laughing) Fast? Hell no! It was fine! (Throws up in the bushes)

Theresa: So what are we doing here? Is this your house?

Marcus: Nope. (Walks over and knocks on the door)

Theresa: This isn’t a double date, is it? (The door opens)

Tracey: Marcus?

Marcus: Yo! (Looks at Tracey and starts laughing) Oh my God! I’ve always pictured you in one of those bellhop outfits…but never did I think it was going to be this funny! (Inside the house)

Tracey: For the last time Marcus, I just got off from work and I haven’t had time to get this stupid thing off.

Marcus: Oh really? That explains why you’re here. I betcha anything little buddy is in her bedroom getting ready to undress you. Kinky-bellhop sex! (He gets hit with a book) Ow!

Marisa: Get your mind out of the gutter, idiot. I was in the bathroom for your information. (Gags) Oh God, not again!

Tracey: Still not feeling good?

Marisa: I feel well enough to complain, but I still feel like crap.

Tracey: You need to take it easy. (He holds her) You’re going to feel worse if you don’t sit down.

Marcus: Huh? What happened?

Tracey: She suffered a bit of heatstroke while at work. We were going to go out tonight, but in her condition, it’s best to take a rain check.

Marcus: AH! You’re sick and you didn’t tell me. That’s it, the date is off!

Theresa: Pardon me?

Marisa: Date?

Tracey: Date?

Marisa: Oh, so that explains why she’s so dolled-up and that you two are together in my house. No, don’t cancel your date because of my crappy body crapping out.

Marcus: Well…you know the routine, little buddy.

Marisa: Well, I’ve met Theresa before, so it won’t go so bad.

Theresa: What won’t?

Marisa: One moment please. (She walks into her room)

Tracey: Uh…Marisa… (She grabs a clipboard and walks back out)

Marisa: I just need you to sign this form.

Theresa: What the…?

Marisa: Oh, don’t worry about that. It’s just a standard form.

Theresa: Why is there a skull and cross-bones…?

Marisa: Oh, it’s just a formality! I use less of those images than the hospital.

Theresa: You do have a point!

Tracey: Hold on, Marcus’s dates have to go through this?

Marisa: I actually put this system together after you dated that pink-haired slut back in high school.

Marcus: Must you bring up Lovrina?

Marisa: Just sign here, here, and initial here. Now you two have fun on your date. (They walk out the door)

Theresa: Your sister is weird. (Back in Glacia’s office)

Glacia: So where would you like to begin?

Ash: Well, here’s the thing, Doc! Misty had a nervous breakdown and went to California and then came back, so we’re fine now. (He gets up)

Misty: SIT!!! (He sits down) I’ll tell the story. You see, Ash and I started to date each other during our junior year of high school and so far the relationship has been on the sure-footing. I’ve been faithful to him, supporting him in everything he’s done. Whether it was joining the army or the police force, I was there for him. And after all I do for him, what does he do? Ask him what he did!

Glacia: Ash?

Ash: (Sighs) Misty, I told you what happened. Why do I need to repeat it?

Glacia: Well, repeat it for me. That’s why you’re here in the first place!

Ash: It was after the ceremony where I got inducted into the police academy. I was approached by one of my fellow teammates saying I wrote a note. I had no idea what she was talking about. So the next thing I knew, she’s spilling her guts to me, saying she’s in love with me. And then she starts kissing me and that’s when Misty saw.

Glacia: What did you do when you saw Ash?

Misty: I stopped in my tracks. I was filled with so much emotion that I just ran away.

Ash: To California?

Misty: I’m talking now, so shut up!

Glacia: Now you guys…

Misty: Stop interrupting me when I’m speaking.

Ash: You’re always speaking! It’s always about you, that I never get in a word! (A little later at a French restaurant)

Theresa: What is this…I don’t even…

Marcus: Makes me wish I took up French when I was in high school.

Theresa: And why can’t items be simple on the menu? I mean, what’s wrong with just a regular steak? I don’t need all this extra crap!

Marcus: You wanna ditch this place and go out for some real food?

Theresa: Do we get charged for the water they just poured?

Marcus: Nope, it’s complimentary.

Theresa: Good, I know a place.

Marcus: You know a place?

Theresa: Yeah. It’s a couple of miles away, but it’s worth it. (Back at Glacia’s office)

Misty: I can’t stand the way he chews with his mouth open!

Ash: All she does is nag!

Misty: He can’t remember important things, like my birthday!

Ash: She can’t let anything go! (Glacia clears her throat)

Glacia: Wow. That’s quite a bit of information…more than I’d want to know. Now you two are focusing a lot on the negative of the relationship. But what made you fall in love with each other in the first place? What was that spark that made you two fall head over heals for each other and no one else?

Ash: Hmm…I don’t know. The thought never really crossed my mind.

Misty: What do you mean…?

Glacia: Misty!

Ash: No, it’s fine Doc! Okay fine Misty. Since you have to remember everything like an elephant, why don’t you explain?

Misty: Fine, big mouth! As I told you, we met in high school and were a couple by the end of our junior year. It’s just that…the day I met him, I felt something. Like I thought it was meant to be. Our first day of high school, I was determined that he would be my love. Sure, most people would be quick to jump the gun by saying that first crushes won’t work, but this wasn’t the case. (A little later at a bar)

Marcus: A bar?

Theresa: Bar and Grill. Don’t worry Marcus, I know you’re underage. We can just eat and get out of here. I can go one night without drinking!

Marcus: Only for another eight months! Then I’ll be 21!

Theresa: And by that time I’ll be 28! (Giggles) But age isn’t a problem, right Marcus?

Marcus: Not really! (They open the door)

Waiter: Theresa, long time, no see. Let me guess, usual table and a bottle vodka?

Theresa: Whoa, not tonight. Booth seat and water please! (They sit down)

Marcus: I oughta take Marisa and Tracey here. I’m sure they’d like it.

Theresa: Your sister certainly is a character!

Marcus: I think you should know that she’s not my sister. More like a very close friend!

Theresa: Oh.

Marcus: Oh? Why oh? Oh no! It’s happening again!

Theresa: Huh?

Marcus: Well, one of the reasons my last relationship failed was because she got jealous of my friendship with Marisa.

Theresa: I don’t find it a problem. Hmm…You ever play pool, Marcus?

Marcus: Pool? No…but I have been threatened with a pool stick before.

Theresa: Come on, it’s easy. I’ll show you. (Later back at the apartments)

Misty: I’m home.

Winona: (Mouth with food) Welcome back!

Misty: Midnight snack?

Winona: (Gulps) Just a little. So how was therapy?

Misty: We fought…A lot actually! We went back and forth with petty arguing. Then near the end of the session, she asks us what made us fall in love in the first place! I pour my guts out and expressed my true feelings, meanwhile Ash can’t remember why he fell in love with me!

Winona: He’s a guy. They never remember things that are important to you.

Misty: Yeah but…

Winona: Misty, just let it go. I’ll tell you. Steven forgot my birthday last year, but did I get mad?

Misty: You threw his clothes out the window and set his Foreigner album on fire.

Winona: Oh…I did?

Misty: (Sighs) I’m going to bed. (She goes into her room) Oh Ash… (Picks up her locket) I remember…when you gave this to me. That was the start of it all. (Throws it against the wall) Maybe it wasn’t meant to be… (Back at the bar)

Theresa: Wow, you’re getting good!

Marcus: I should be after winning three games in a row!

Theresa: Strange since it’s your first time playing too!

Marcus: Unless you’re letting me win!

Theresa: (Giggles) No, of course not!

Marcus: I think you’re cute when you giggle like that! (She blushes)

Theresa: Oh, you’re sweet!

Marcus: (Thinking) This is going well! Maybe things are finally turning around for me!

Theresa: Fine, I’ll start playing for real, if that’s what you want!

Marcus: Now that’s more like it. (A man walks up)

Falkner: Well, well, Theresa!

Theresa: Huh? What the hell are you doing here?

Marcus: Huh?

Falkner: It’s been far too long since I’ve seen you. (Slaps her on the butt) Oh yeah, still got that grade-A sound!

Marcus: (Angrily) Hey pal…

Theresa: Marcus, I’ll handle this. Hey douchebag, why don’t you get out of here? It’s completely obvious that no one wants you here!

Falkner: (Laughs) Oh, you can be so funny when you’re trying to be serious. (Grabs her arm) Come on babe, we can pick up right where we left off.

Theresa: Don’t touch me, Falkner! (Slaps him in the face)

Marcus: Alright stop it! There shouldn’t be any fighting in here!

Falkner: You’re right, shrimp! Why should we rumble in here when we can do that outside?

Marcus: I said what?

Falkner: Well let’s go, little man! (He walks outside)

Marcus: What the hell did I just do?

Theresa: You’re going into a fight with him!

Marcus: CAN’T I GET OUT OF IT?! I’m not a fighter!

Theresa: If you can make it past the parking lot, then you can get out of it.

Marcus: Who was he?

Theresa: (Sighs) Ex-boyfriend, Falkner. Worst two months of my life! Marcus, you don’t have to fight that douchebag!

Marcus: Come on, we’ll get out of here now. Maybe if we slink through the back entrance, we can make a graceful exit.

Theresa: Sounds fine with me. (They go outside)

Marcus: (Thinking) Okay, if we can make it to the motorcycle… (Engine revs up and lights flash them)

Falkner: Well, well…

Theresa: Damn it!

Falkner: Trying to dodge our fight, little man! Guess you really are a chicken!

Theresa: He isn’t a chicken. He just doesn’t wanna waste his time on a punk like you.

Falkner: Or better yet, you’re gonna have your woman fight your battle?

Marcus: Um Theresa, normally I’m a lover and not a fighter. But I’ve only known this guy for less than five minutes and I really want to smash his head on the cement.

Theresa: Be my guest. I really don’t feel like getting blood on this dress.

Marcus: Okay, here it goes! (A little later at Misty’s apartment)

Ash: Misty! (Banging on the door) Misty! (The door opens)

Winona: Oh Ash!

Ash: I know you’re tired of seeing me and I know you’re not too fond of seeing me…

Winona: Come in.

Ash: Really?

Winona: Do it before I change my mind!

Ash: I take it she’s not speaking to me.

Winona: More like she’s not speaking, period. Normally after something like this she’d call Sakura or Marisa to talk, but she just told me the gist of what happened and went to bed.

Ash: (Sighs) I’m such a jackass…

Winona: You’re just a boy! Boys are jackasses and I know from experience. But some do come to realizations when they mess up royally. (He walks to Misty’s room)

Ash: I’ll be back. Don’t wait up. (He knocks on the door and walks in) Huh? (Thinking) She’s asleep. (Walks towards her) It looks like she’s been crying… (Misty opens her eyes)

Misty: …Ash? Oh Ash… (Growls) What the hell are you doing here?

Ash: I did some thinking…Deep thinking…Man, I’m not used to this.

Misty: …Go on…

Ash: It’s just that…night…

Misty: What night?

Ash: Your 17th birthday party…that night you said, “I love you” when I gave you your gift…I remember…I was going to tell you those very words. (Misty gasps) I wanted to tell you…how much you meant to me that night. I can’t remember what made me fall for you in the first place, I just remember on that night, I wanted to tell you how I felt.

Misty: (Giggles) I guess love was in the air that night.

Ash: And ever since that night, I never wanted to be with anybody else. No other woman. I know you were hurt by the whole Solana incident and I guess I was to blame for most of this. But remembering that night and the locket story sort of gave me that extra memory I needed.

Misty: And I still have that lock… (Gasps)

Ash: Something wrong?

Misty: (Thinking) Crap, I threw it against the wall! Oh, but I can’t let him know about it. (Aloud) Ash, close your eyes! Just do it! (Ash closes his eyes) Now keep them shut until I tell you to open them. (Thinking) Where is it? Where is it? Ah-ha! (Grabs it and gets back on the bed)

Ash: Can I look now?

Misty: Here. I always keep it with me…It’s to remind me of that night…and how much I love you. (Ash embraces her) I…I love you Ash… (Flashback to four years ago) Oh Ash! I love you, thank you.

Ash: Did you just say you loved me?

Misty: I meant to say, I love IT! The locket! (Ash kisses her) Was that just a happy birthday kiss or was that what I thought it was?

Ash: You tell me! (They kiss on the lips)

Misty: (Thinking) It’s happened…It’s finally happened… (End of flashback)

Ash: I love you too! (Back at the bar)

Marcus: (Groans) Ugh…Did somebody get that license plate number?

Theresa: Well, you’re coming around…

Marcus: What happened?

Theresa: He took you out with one punch.

Marcus: Oh man...I didn’t even hit him?

Theresa: Well, you did give him a good punch in the arm.

Marcus: Where is he now?

Theresa: Well after he laid you out, I took care of him myself.

Marcus: Ah, were you hurt by that animal?

Theresa: Not exactly. (Flashback to the fight) You son of a bitch! (Punches him in the face) The next time you touch him again, I’ll break that pretty-boy face of yours! (End of flashback) But after I took care of him, the bartender called him a cab and sent him back to his place.

Marcus: How embarrassing!

Theresa: Oh, I wouldn’t say that. You stood up for me against that jackass and even though he took you down, I found that very noble.

Marcus: Well, thank you.

Theresa: Come on, I’ll take you home. I know you must be tired of this night.

Marcus: Nah, just tired. This night was pretty exciting. Up until getting knocked out by a dumb gorilla, this was a fun night.

Theresa: Maybe on our next date I can take you to a biker convention!

Marcus: Ah…

Theresa: There’s one next month and…

Marcus: Hey, that sounds great but after tonight, I’ll take a break from motorcycles. (Thinking) Permanently!

Theresa: Come on. One foot in front of the other! (The next afternoon at the diner)

Winona: Here’s your order, guys!

Marisa: Thanks a lot, Winona. (The door opens)

Misty: Afternoon everybody!

Marisa: Misty, over here! (They sit down)

Ash: Hey guys! Hope we’re not interrupting anything.

Tracey: Nah, we always enjoy the company!

Marisa: So I see you two are happy! I guess the whole Solana thing is finally buried.

Misty: How’d you know about that? I didn’t talk to you about it.

Marisa: Um yeah, about that. I got a lot of phone calls the last week or so. Endless sobbing from this one and endless babbling from the pathetic one!

Ash: You could have returned the call, you know!

Marisa: You called me during my vacation. I did what I would normally do in that situation. Stay out of it and let you sort the whole thing out yourself! It worked, didn’t it?

Ash: I guess. (The door opens)

Marisa: Marcus! OH MY GOD!

Marcus: Good afternoon to you all!

Marisa: How did you get that black-eye?

Marcus: What, this old thing? Oh, it’s nothing to concern yourself with.

Tracey: Did something happen on your date last night?

Marcus: Oh, nothing too important. It was fun though.

Marisa: Marcus, if she did something to you…

Marcus: Relax little buddy, Theresa didn’t do this to me. (Back in the kitchen)

Abigail: That young man is in here. I guess you two really hit it off.

Theresa: It was only one date and that was all. (Smiles and walks out the door) Hey there!

Marcus: Hey yourself!

Marisa: What did you do to him?

Theresa: Not a damn thing. He was being a noble gentleman and standing up for a damsel in distress.

Marisa: Yeah, that does sound like my butt-head. (Marcus giggles) So are you two gonna go on another date?

Theresa: Nah.

Marcus: You see, we’re just going to stay friends after that one date.

Theresa: Besides, I think I’m a little too wild for him.

Marcus: And since I’m auditioning for a new production, I’ll be too busy for dating!

Theresa: Oh, but last night was fun though.

Marcus: Sure was!

Theresa: But if you’re still up for coming with me to the motorcycle convention…

Marcus: I think I’m gonna take a rain check! (Nervous laugh)

~*Preview*~

Misty: The summer is over and it’s already September. And as usual, school is being so harsh and unforgiving! A nice big exam that’s worth a good chunk of my final grade! That’s college life for you! Time for some good old studying! Oh, but I can’t! Not with a nine month pregnant woman driving me nuts and her four year old son, running around all over the place! I’m doomed! Next time on Romance 102, Chapter 28! See you next time!

Song(s) used:

*Summer Love by Justin Timberlake