May and Ash watched TV for several hours. They watched well into the afternoon. So it came as no shock when Dawn came in. She flung the front door open and yelled her greeting as she so often did.

"Hi Ash I'm home!" Dawn shouted energetically.

"Welcome back Dawn." Ash greeted.

"Hello Dawn." May said from the couch.

Dawn was a bit thrown off. She really hadn't expected May to be here. And from the looks of things. She had been here for a long time. Dawn smiled at May then looked over to Ash. She motioned for him to help her. Ash nodded his head and followed his good friend.

"What do you need help with buddy?" Ash asked her.

"What is SHE doing here?" Dawn asked quietly.

"She came to see me this morning. Things got complicated and she asked if she could come over for a bit." Ash explained.

"Complicated in what way?" Dawn asked raising her eyebrow.

"She broke down and cried in front of me. I couldn't just send her home that way. She was in no shape to go anywhere else." Ash responded.

"So what's going to happen now?" Dawn wondered.

"She seems so sad and lonely Dawn. I don't think she should be alone. Maybe we should ask her? Ash began to say

"What stay here? Are you kidding me?" Dawn said

Dawn began to rub the sides of her temple. She knew that having May there would solve one problem. But at the same time create several new problems. It was a can of worms that Ash was definitely not ready for.

"Asking May to stay here with us seems like the best choice." Ash said.

" Please think this over carefully Ash." Dawn said honestly.

"You're right Dawn. Guess I better get back over to May." Ash decided.

Dawn simply nodded her head in agreement. See watched as Ash made his way back over to the couch. As he sat beside May she rested her head on his shoulder. Dawn sighed, knowing full well that Ash had only the best of intentions at heart. Yet it was obvious to anyone that his feelings would eventually get the better of him. Especially if things were allowed to continue.

Perhaps it was wrong of Dawn to think negatively about May. Still deep inside Dawn couldn't help worrying for Ash. He was too kind and naïve and could easily be taken advantage of. Which is exactly what Dawn was afraid would happen. May had to know that dumping all her problems on Ash, would force him to try and help her.

This was beginning to be a problem. Dawn had to figure something out. Though she knew she wasn't going to get anywhere alone. Yet these kinds of situations were very tricky to deal with. This needed to be handled delicately otherwise it might have a reverse affect. Her thoughts were cut off when a knock came from the door. Dawn made her way to the door and opened it.

"Hi Dawn! Where's Ash?" Misty asked

"Well you see…" Dawn began

"Hi Misty what are you doing here today?" Ash asked her from the couch.

To Misty's complete surprise, she saw May. She was still resting comfortably on the couch resting her head on Ash's shoulder. Misty's eyes went wide at the scene in front of her. Misty turned her back to Dawn who gave her a sympathetic look. Misty clenched her fists then turned back. She forced on a fake smile and greeted Ash and May.

"Hi guys, I was just stopping by to see how Dawn was handling things here with Ash.." Misty lied

"Everything is great. Dawn couldn't be happier." Ash said happily.

"Oh, I need to get going. Ash I'll call you tonight so we can hang out later." May said smiling.

May and Ash both stood up. May walked over to Ash and gave him a big hug. Ash hugged her back and smiled as he did so. May said her goodbyes to Dawn and Misty as she walked out. Ash waved as she closed the door behind her. As May was seen getting into her car, Misty quickly turned her attention back to Ash. Dawn decided to quietly exit the room.

"What is this Ash?" Misty shouted

"I know we just talked about this last night. But she literally called me early this morning." Ash said calmly.

"Then she came over and you forgot everything. Falling back into her little trap again!" Misty said upset.

"It wasn't like that. You weren't there you didn't see how it all happened." Ash argued.

"Girls like her know how to trick naïve guys like you!" Misty shouted again.

"I couldn't just turn my back on her. Not when she was so hurt, she cried so much." Ash explained.

"She cried? that's the oldest trick in the book Ash." Misty snickered.

"What are you saying? That wasn't a trick. She was really crying, and I felt so bad for her." Ash admitted.

"Ash I can cry in front of you too. Do you want me to show you? Do you want to see me cry right now?" Misty yelled.

Ash thought about the question. It was incredibly odd. At that moment Ash felt that he was in way over his head. He didn't know what to say. Nor did he know why Misty was so angry. Sure they discussed it last night, but nothing was said for sure. Ash didn't want to take any longer and answer Misty's question.

"Um no." He said weakly.

"I can't believe you fell for that. Then she had the nerve to come back here to your place." Misty said fuming.

"Well she had been crying for so long. I didn't want her going home like that. Especially when she was feeling so lonely." Ash said sympathetically.

"I'm sure if she could, she would ask to move in here with you." Misty said dryly.

"Actually I was thinking of asking her to. I mean if she's lonely she might as well be here. As her friend I'd be able to help her out." Ash said honestly.

No sooner had the words left Ash's mouth, had Misty turned around. She was shocked and angry. She quickly walked over to Ash and brought her face near his. She looked deep into his eyes. Looking straight into his soul.

"You want her to move in here with you? And you didn't even ask me about it first?" Misty said angry.

"Ask you?" Ash wondered.

"Didn't you wonder how that would make me feel? Having her here with you." Misty said getting angrier.

"What? Why would that bother you Misty?" Ash asked confused.

"You can be such an idiot sometimes Ash! I'm leaving Ash and I'm through trying to help you!" Misty shouted

Misty's words stabbed into Ash. Like several sharp daggers digging into his chest all at the same time. Without fully understanding why, Ash was loosing one of his oldest and dearest friends.

"Misty you're one of my best friends. Why are you being like this?" Ash pleaded

"Don't bother calling me Ash. I wont answer my phone." Misty said darkly.

Misty turned and began walking out of Ash's place. She was angry and sad. Most of all she was hurt. Ash had not only ignored her feelings but she heard the honesty in his voice. He referred to Misty as his best friend and meant every word. Unfortunately he didn't think of her any more then that. On the other side, May thought of Ash in the exact same way. Only he wasn't fully able to see that.

Misty stepped through the front door and closed it behind her. She stood in front of Ash's door for several moments. She leaned back against it as the tears came to her eyes. She knew deep down she didn't hate Ash. She was just seriously disappointed in his choice. After several minuets Misty continued sadly on her way. Dawn quietly came out of her room and walked over to Ash. He was still standing wondering what had happened.

"Why was Misty so upset?" Ash asked

"Guess she didn't like the thought of May staying here." Dawn responded.

"But I hadn't even brought it up to May yet. I said I was thinking of asking her." Ash explained.

Dawn moved her hand through her long blue hair. This was one horrible misunderstanding. Yet when you mix jealousy into anything bad things are bound to happen. It was useless for Either Dawn or Ash to try and call her. When it comes to Misty and her rage, it was better to let her be. The only thing Dawn could think to do was hug her best friend Ash. She through her arms around him and held him tightly.

"We need to have a long talk about girls and jealously Ash." Dawn told him

"Jealousy?" Ash shouted.

To be continued.