Misty was in the laundry room separating the white clothes from colored ones when her husband walked in with his phone on his ear.

"Wait a sec," Ash spoke to the phone before he placed his hand over the speakers. "Do I get home for lunch today?"

Misty didn't look at him. "If your majesty doesn't mind."

Ash wasn't in the mood for jokes. He was late for his reunion! "What are you going to make?"

The redhead finally looked at him. "That's all you think of? Really?"

"What's wrong with you this morning?" Ash narrowed his eyes and put back the phone close to his ear. "I'll be there in a few minutes."

He hung up the call, pulled close to Misty to kiss her on the cheek and quickly left the laundry room. Then, the slam of the main door could be heard.

Misty stared blankly at the washing machine after she switched it on.

"Mom! I'll be back with dad for lunch! Bye!" Another slam of the main door.

Misty sat slowly on the chair in the laundry room.

Seriously? No one remembered today is her birthday?

Misty has made a lot of concessions for her family throughout her life.

A lot.

When she was younger, she dreamed of becoming a professional swimmer. Her parents signed her up in the best swimming clubs and she was quickly making her way to the top, getting offers from prestigious swimming teams and scholarships offers from Universities.

She met her husband Ash Ketchum who is four years older a little while after she made it to Celadon University and joined the swimming team. He was the only son of a well known wine maker in Viridian city, and Celadon University was just a place where he could hang out before his father hands him over the business. Misty was young, madly in love, attractive and shy; Ash drove a Porsche, was muscular, confident and made Misty feel like a queen. Their hearts beat for each other. Misty was convinced Ash was the right guy for her, and Ash told her he couldn't wait to make her his wife.

The night her pregnancy test flashed positive, Ash didn't look concerned or worried.

"But what about my swimming career?" Misty was hoping to become a champion someday, win a trophy. Not that she didn't want to have Ash's children, but she was only nineteen and she was still trying to make her dream come true.

"Who said you can't swim if you're pregnant?"

"I want to make it to the Universities Championship! I can't do that if I'm pregnant!"

"I don't get what's the big deal, Misty." Ash shook his head. "If you want to swim, then just do it. What's stopping you?"

Misty was feeling really heartbroken. "They'll kick me out of the team, Ash!"

"Let them. There are a lot of guys hanging out in campus pool anyway. There is a pool in my parents' villa and you can use it." Ash smiled. "And swimming is good for pregnant women."

Misty loved Ash and still does, but she always felt he never really got anything about her dreams. He never cared about her dream and never supported her.

Eventually, Misty left the swimming team and dropped off Celadon University where she was taking the biology major. She thought she'd spare herself the awkwardness and leave before her coach and all the other students start noticing her pregnancy.

"I'm getting married." She told them with a weak smile when the girls of the swimming team asked her about the reason of her departure.

When she told her parents about the incident, they didn't sound disappointed or sad at all. They thought Ash loved her truthfully and will take good care of her and of their child.

Where have gone her dreams?

She moved in with Ash to live in his duplex, spent her days trying recipes and cleaning, while Ash hung out around in Celadon University, probably bragging all the time about how he knocked Misty up and made her drop off college — well, Misty knew he didn't do that, but she was heartbroken, sad and morning sickness was giving her a hard time. Except for her coach, no one seemed to regret the fact that she lost her chance in the Championship.

Ash invited her over to a very fancy restaurant when he noticed she was feeling down. She was on her second month. He proposed to her with a very lovely gold ring with a precious turquoise on the center. He promised her he'll be by her side until death breaks them apart.

She could have said no, got an abortion and moved on with her life and her dream of becoming a swimming champion, but she didn't.

"After you give birth, you can get in a professional swimming club again and go back to college, Mist." Ash placed his hand over hers. "You can do whatever you like. I'll always support you."

Misty sobbed when she first held her baby boy in her arms. She was a mother. She gave birth to a baby boy, her son. She gave birth to Ash's son. This baby boy is here because she and Ash love each other.

"What do you mean you want to join a swimming club?" Ash snapped at her one morning after she told him about the idea. His father had handed him over the business and Ash was getting more and more busy.

"I can take Aaron with me." Misty was carrying her one years old son. She kissed her son on the head. "Right, baby?"

"No."

Misty looked at Ash. "What?"

"No, Misty, you can't." Ash shook his head. "We're two in this, okay? My son isn't growing in a swimming club; he is going to grow up in his house."

Misty frowned. "Fine. I'll take him to your parents' house."

"No, I said his house, not my parents' house." Ash collected his keys and phone. "Forget about the swimming club. It's not happening because it's not right for Aaron." He then looked at her. "When did you get so selfish, Mist?"

Misty sighed and got off the chair. "Talking about selfish..."

What has she done with her life? Nothing. Ash's business expanded (his waistline too), he got more money, bought more buildings and houses, switched cars every year and bought her jewelry and dresses she never wears. Misty gave birth to her second son Nathaniel when Aaron was three. Ash called it an 'all boy's party', and he enjoyed taking his sons to golf and hockey games.

What has she been doing all this time and all these years?  Just cooking and cleaning after her husband and sons. They never took time to ask her about her, Misty Williams, and not Mrs. Misty Ketchum, the mom.

No one ever thought about her accomplishments as a human being.

"They love you, Misty. They just don't show it." Misty told herself. "They're too busy... to show it." Aaron hasn't been visiting often like he promised, but she understands that being in a university like Goldenrod is stressing. He is a third-year student.

"I'm too old for a birthday party anyway."

Misty walked out of the laundry room to make her way to the kitchen.

Was appreciation too much to ask for?

"Nathan should stop drinking so much soda!" Misty was scrubbing the outdoor table near the pool. Her son was reckless with the soda. He's knocked the can and let the cola poured all over the table. It was a sticky situation. God knows what he was watching on his phone when he did this.

Misty sighed. Her eyes drifted to their pool. She never got time to swim in this pool. When she looked at it, she saw her younger self again, her body moving graciously against the water and her legs kicking...

"Oh, your mom is here!"

Misty turned to her right. A tall thin woman stood there. She was wearing skinny jeans, high heels and a sheer blouse.

"Really?"

"Aaron?" Misty caught her son's voice. Aaron finally showed up, his tan darker and his toned body more filled out. He was growing up to a handsome young man.      

"There she is!" Aaron chuckled and walked over to Misty, giving her a hug. "Mom! We thought you weren't home!"

"I didn't hear the doorbell! I was cleaning around here." Misty felt so small in her son's embrace. He's grown up so quickly. He's become a man. She was proud of him.

"Uh, mom?" Aaron pulled away. He pulled the girl by the hand. "This is Savannah, my girlfriend."

Misty blinked. His girlfriend? Aaron never said he had a girlfriend. He's never dated before either. She and Ash even thought he was gay as he never showed interest in any of the girls during high school. "Oh."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ketchum!" Savannah bowed her head slightly. She was blushing.

"Oh." Misty was still in shock. She smiled in response. "Nice to meet you too, Savannah."

"Savannah attends a Beauty Institute." Aaron looked at his girlfriend and smiled. "She'd like to have her own beauty salon someday."

"Of course, why not? Everything is possible." Coming from a woman like Misty is probably ironic, but her sons are the new generation. Maybe things have changed. "You didn't tell me you were coming, dear. Everything is okay, right?"

"Oh, of course!" Aaron nodded. He and Savannah exchanged a look. "We just thought of visiting, that's what."

At least he thought... It's fine. He didn't remember her birthday either, but he came to check if she was still alive or not, and he introduced her to his girlfriend. That's something.

"Okay then. Good for us." Misty chuckled. "You've come right in time for lunch. Your dad and Nathan will be getting home too. Lovely coincidence, isn't it? They never get home for lunch."

Aaron looked at Savannah. "Yeah. That's a weird coincidence."

Savannah brushed her hair behind her ear in a shy manner. "I just want everyone to like me."

"Mom likes you so everyone likes you!" Aaron laughed. "She's the queen of the house." He turned toward Misty. "Right, mom?"

"Oh, shhh. The lady will think I'm a controlling mom."

"Aaron Ketchum!" Aaron mimicked his mom's voice. "Get down in here and explain to me what those D's on your school card do stand for before your father gets home and we BOTH show you what they really do stand for!"

Misty gasped and put her hand over her cheek. "I don't talk like that!"

"Mom, you know that sounded pretty dirty at that moment, right?"

"Aaron!" Misty slapped her son on the arm. "No, it didn't."

Aaron turned to look at Savannah. "I always ended up with D's in French."

"You didn't study enough." Savannah patted his cheek. "You were too busy making Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum insane."

"About time." Misty smiled to herself as she got inside her house through the back door. Aaron and Savannah were following her.

"I was more disciplined than Nathan is now, just saying! You'll meet him. He's seventeen and has got no limits!"

"Really? If it weren't for me you'd have no limits too!"

"Remind me why I'm dating you?"

This day would have been perfect if just one member of her family remembered her birthday. Just why?

"This is very delicious, mom!" Aaron took another serving of the gratin.

Misty smiled. "There is more in the kitchen."

"I miss homemade food! You guys are lucky." Aaron looked between his father and his little brother.

"I'm lucky but not dad. He got so fat from mom's food." Nathaniel laughed a mischievous one. He pushed his chair to the back and pulled away when Ash picked a knife and lifted it up. Misty hissed and made Ash put his hand down.

"I was pretty muscular when I was in college. You can ask mom. She'll tell you."

"Yes, he was." Misty giggled. She understands it's a little harsh on Ash's pride, but he needs to slow down on the cakes and the donuts. She makes that but oh well. One serving for Ash means one whole cake.

"Yeah, we saw those pictures. It's pretty cool." Nathan nodded. "But this is now, the present. You're fat. You look like a bear."

Ash shrugged. "Bears are cute."

"That's it!" Nathan slammed his hand against the table. "Mom likes to use your belly as a pillow for the cold nights!"

"Boys! We have a guest here!" Misty gasped. She looked at Savannah who looked a little surprised. She chuckled.

"Sorry Sav. Like I told you, Nathan has no limits."

"Limits are for cowards." Nathan grinned and grabbed another serving of pasta.

"But can anyone tell me why is mom still looking like she's twenty? I go to college and come back and she's the same!"

"Oooooooh."

"Your mom's always been a gorgeous lady. She's too cool to get fat."

"Stop it you three." Misty blushed slightly and made herself busy with serving food for them to avoid eye contact.

"And plus, your mom was a good swimmer back in her days. She was very important in her team. She had a fan club and guys liked to watch her swim."

"Ash! Nonsense." Misty slapped him on the arm. "I didn't have a fan club!"

"If you're the girl on those pictures in the living room, then you were very pretty, Mrs. Ketchum." Savannah giggled.

"Yep, that's mom!"

"Did they have two-piece swimsuits in the nineties?"

Ash laughed. "It wasn't allowed in campus."

"Oh! Who wants dessert?" Misty got up and looked between them, trying to change the subject.

Ash and the boys just looked at her.

"Who thinks Ketchum mom is the best mom in the whole wide world?" Nathan raised his hand.

"Me!" Aaron raised his hand as well.

Ash raised his hand.

Savannah raised her hand and giggled.

Misty smiled and headed toward the kitchen.

"There! Don't-..."

Misty froze in her spot. She was holding up the chocolate cake she's made for dessert, her eyes fixed on the large birthday cake on the center of the table with her name and a big white candle on the middle. The lunch plates were gone.

Misty looked between her sons and husband who were standing up. "How-..."

Savannah came back in the dining room and stood beside Aaron. "Happy birthday, Mrs. Ketchum!"

"Oh my God." Misty put down the chocolate cake on the table and started crying.

"Why are you crying?" Ash blinked.

"Because I thought all of you always-hungry Ketchums have forgotten about my birthday!" Misty's mascara was running down her cheeks. "All of you were treating me like it was just some other day—I mean I'm turning forty and it's nothing to be excited about but no one looked like they cared! I was so happy when I saw that Aaron got home but he crushed me when he said he just dropped by!"

"I lied." Aaron nodded.

"I know." She sniffed and accepted the napkin from Savannah. She looked at her. "Be careful with him. He likes to lie and make bad jokes."

"Why is this turning into a pity party?" Nathan narrowed his eyes. "This is supposed to be a surprise birthday shiz. Can we?"

Savannah smiled. "Happy birthday, Mrs. Ketchum!"

"Happy birthday, mom!"

"Happy birthday!"

Misty finally smiled. She turned to look at Ash. "Why did you act like you don't care?"

"It's supposed to be a surprise, Misty." Ash chuckled. "You took time because you were cutting the cake, right?"

Misty nodded, watching the chocolate cake slices she's cut to perfection. When Aaron and Nathaniel were younger, they fought over the biggest slices. She's learned to cut them to equal parts so everyone is happy.

"You always do that."

"Moooom! The candle!" Nathan moaned.

"Nathan! Fine!" Misty chuckled and blew the candle. She watched as the boys didn't even wait for her to cut the cake and started cutting instead.

"Let your mom cut it!" Savannah elbowed Aaron who was already eating huge spoonfuls.

"Still got to learn a lot about this family, doll face."Nathan shook his head to himself and took a spoonful. "It tastes good."

"Doll face?"

"Yeah, doll face. It's a compliment. Take it."

"I don't like it!"

"Then leave it."

"Nathan!"

"I told you he's got no limits."

Misty chuckled. She and Ash made eye contact. Nathan, Savannah and Aaron were busy bickering.

"Want some?"

"If your majesty doesn't mind."

Misty cut a slice for Ash and gave it to him.

"I'm sorry. I was only mad because I thought you forgot about my birthday." Misty pulled close to Ash and was talking in a low voice. "Then, I started getting all weird ideas..."

"Like?"

"You don't want to know." Misty shook her head. "I guess I was wrong, though." She then noticed how the lunch plates were on the floor in the living room and smiled instantly. What a failed attempt to hide lunch.

"I love you way too much to forget about your birthday, Mist." Ash rested his forehead against Misty's. "Thank you for bearing with us every single day. I really, really, really appreciate it."

Misty smiled.

"You always type the right combination."

-

OKAY

So I decided to write stuff for the Pokeship Week because Pokeship. I mean it freaking runs in my blood omg

I don't know if I'll publish more stuff

Anyway I'll try to

Peace