Greetings from LadySilentEagle,
This the Final Chapter of 'Girl-to-Boy'. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or the Characters, just the plot.
Chapter Twenty
Drew's P.O.V
It's the start of a new year at Redwood Academy, and that means that it's been 6 months, 1 week, 5 days, and 7 hours since May was shot and rushed to hospital. And no one has given any of us an ounce of news on May's condition. Not even Brock or Lucy knows what's up. I've even had Ash and Paul try calling Misty and Dawn, but Misty doesn't know a thing and Dawn hasn't answered her phone at all. So I tried calling Simon, but he won't pick up either.
The shot was pretty close to her heart… what if… no, no, no… I can't be thinking like that. If May hadn't made it, then they certainly would have told us something. Maybe she's still in the hospital recovering. Yeah, that's it. She's still just recovering.
But is she getting better or worse?
God damn it! I need to know!
It's been eating away at me for months now. The first few weeks were fine, I guess, but it's been over half a year already!
May… please be okay… I need to know… that you're okay… please… I can't lose you… You promised me that we'd always be together… you have to pull through whatever it is that's hurting you… You're strong… you have to be all right… Please May.
"Hey Drew."
I lift my head up and notice that I've arrived at my destination. For the first day of the new school year, the Headmaster called a special school assembly. I'm meeting Ash, Gary and Paul outside the assembly hall. After May left with Robert, we were allowed to call the ambulance. Gary and the parent who was shot were immediately rushed to the hospital. I asked Gary if May arrived while he was still there, he says she did, but that's as far as his knowledge goes.
"Hey Ash. Paul. Gary." I nod good morning to each one of them. They return the gesture with nods of their own.
"How was your school break?" asks Gary. He's fully recovered from his shot. And thanks to May, Gary and I are back to being friends once again. After hearing his side of his story and reading the letters that Rose left (plus a big shove from May), we were back on good terms and slowly returning to the level of friendship we once had.
"It… it was fine…"
"Still thinking about May?" Paul asks, even though he clearly knows the answer.
"Of course he is, we all are. Has anyone heard anything?" Ash asks, as we make our way over to the assembly hall. Joining the throng of students headed there.
"No," I say, looking to the ground, letting my hair purposefully shadow my face.
From the corner of my eye, I watch as Paul and Gary shake their heads.
Damn!
We walk through the doors and take our seats close to the front. I wonder how much attention I can commit to this assembly? (The seating goes like this - me seated one chair away from the end of the aisle, with Paul next to me, then Ash, and then Gary).
The Headmaster steps up to the podium with that professional smile that many teachers and teaching staff members have, plastered on his face.
"Good morning students of Redwood Academy!" The Headmasters' voice resounds through the hall like a ringmaster at a circus. There's a murmur of good morning from the students.
"First of all, let me welcome all of you to a new year here at Redwood Academy."
"Troublesome, can we please just get on with it." Paul mutters next to me. Ever since May got shot, he's been in a grumpier mood than normal. And for Paul, that's saying something.
"Second, I'd like to share a piece of good news with you all. It's in regards to the events of last year."
My ears prick up and, with the attention of a bloodhound; I'm all ears, and ready to listen to the Headmasters announcement. All around me I can see everyone else, standing to attention like a group of meerkats. Everyone's already come to terms with the fact hat their classmate 'Max' was in fact May, and have accepted it. Though it did take some time.
"As you know, during the second term, there was an unfortunate incident. Where one of our own was severely injured."
Does he have news about May? Is she okay? I'm almost standing up off my chair and my heart is beating fast like train at full speed.
"However, there's been a good development, where I have received news that May Maple has survived her surgery and is well on her way to recovery…"
She's okay. She's okay! Oh, thank god. My train speed heart has slowed down to a safe and steady speed.
"…Or at least that's the news I received 5 months ago."
There's almost a collective anime-style fall throughout the assembly hall. What the hell! If that's the news you received 5 months ago, then how about now? How is she now?
"You've got to be kidding me," mutters Gary, "Come on."
"And to think, he's our Headmaster," says Paul, laying his head in his hand.
"Come On! We want to know how she is now!" Ash literally jumps up, out of his chair with his arms waving in the air and shouts so loud his entire voice fills the hall. Soon enough there are shouts and exclamations of agreement with Ash, and protests against the Headmasters' lack of updated information.
"Calm down everyone. I'm afraid that's all I know, that's all I've been told. Please bare with me," The Headmaster tries to calm the rowdy students, as if they were a pack of angry dogs and he's the dog handler, "Now please, everyone calm down and retake your seats. I have one more announcement to make."
I huff as I sit back down. Ash does the same but with a bit more 'enthusiasm'.
The Headmaster clears his throat, "Now, I have some groundbreaking news for you all. This year we are making some changes to Redwood Academy. The school-board and I have decided that some major changes need to be made to the structure and rules here at Redwood," he's smiling at all of us with a certain look, as if he's got a trick up his sleeve, "Starting this year, Redwood Academy is now and in foreseeable future, an official co-ed school."
A dead silence takes over the whole hall. Every single student is stunned, and all the teachers and staff are looking at us with a similar smile to the Headmaster.
Did he just declare that we are… now a co-ed school! Co-ed, as in a girl and guys attending the same school! Together!
"From now on, we are no longer 'Redwood All Boys Boarding Academy', but instead we will be known simply as 'Redwood Boarding Academy'."
"Are you serious!?" Ash is once again up and shouting.
"Mr. Ketchum please sit down, and I'll answer your question." The hall fills with the murmured chuckles at Ash's antics. Though I have to admit, this is quite the change that warrants uproar and an exclamation, or two.
Ash sheepishly sits back down, bowing his head a little.
"Now, as I was saying. From now on we are a co-ed boarding academy, and as such Dorm 1 will now be the boys dorm, and Dorm 2 will be the girls dorm. There are to be no crossovers," the Headmaster gives all of us the eye, as if to ascertain that we'll all follow that rule.
"I suspect a slight spike in detentions and suspensions for the year," Paul mumbles, and with a flick of my hair and a smirk, I nod in agreement.
"And to celebrate this new change, allow me to introduce you to our very first enrolled female students." The Headmaster holds up his hand, and the sound of the assembly hall doors opening fills the hall.
I turn my head to see who's entered and… I can't believe my eyes.
There are three girls standing there, already in the female version of the Redwood Boarding Academy uniform. One has blue hair, one has orange-red hair, and the last has chestnut/auburn brown hair.
"Allow me to introduce Dawn Hikari, Misty Waterflower, and the famous Maybelle Maple."
I'm on my feet now, my mouth hanging wide open and my eyes open to their fullest. I can't believe what I'm seeing… and I'm so happy that I am seeing what I'm seeing. May… it's you!
I want to run to her and kiss her, but I'm frozen to my spot. All I can do is stand there like dope and stare.
"Girls, if you'd please approach the stage." The Headmaster beckons them forward with a wave of his hand.
With an air of sophistication, May, Misty and Dawn walk right past Paul, Ash, Gary and I. May doesn't spare a single glance at me. Am I missing something here? Did she just brush me off? Did I do something? What did I do? What?
I quickly turn on my heel to look at them, following their movements with my eyes as they approach the stage. Climbing the short steps to join the Headmaster up on the stage, with pleasant smiles on their faces.
May shakes hands with the Headmaster while Misty and Dawn just stand facing the crowd. The Headmaster then hands May a microphone, and steps back. May takes the stage with straight and confident stance, like a model posing at the end of a runway. Which is a little ironic.
"Hello everyone. I'm so happy to be back here at Redwood and I hope that none of you were overly worried about me. As you can see, I've recovered just fine. Though I would like to present a formal apology to you all for lying to you and putting your lives at risk last year, I hope that you all can forgive me." May does a little bow at the end of her speech.
"We forgive you!"
"Good to see you again May!"
"Welcome back!"
"Let's make it a great year!"
"No need to apologize!"
"Go May!"
May just laughs and smiles at the number of calls and shouts she's receiving. I missed her laugh and I'm so relieved (a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders) to see that she can still smile. But, why isn't she looking at me? She's ok, so why hasn't she called? And did Misty and Dawn know? How come they didn't say anything? What's going on? May!
"Thank-you everyone! I'm so glad that you all feel that way. Let's make this year an awesome one!" May pumps her fist into the air, and the hall erupts into responding fist pumps and agreeable shouts. "Now, before we end our little assembly, there's one more thing I'd like to say… Or rather, there's something that the three of us," May swipes her arm out, motioning to Misty and Dawn, who both wave and smile, "would like to do before this assembly ends."
May hands the microphone back to the Headmaster and then pulls out her mobile phone. She punches a few numbers and then puts it away. I feel a buzz in my pocket. Did she?
I reach into my pocket and pull out my mobile. It's a text from May.
Miss me, Drew :P
Step into the aisle for a yes.
Remain where you are for no.
Cheeky little… I pocket my mobile and step out into the aisle. I can feel many sets of eyes on me, watching with close and avid curiosity. But my attention is squarely on May. She's smiling like a chesire cat, a little glint in her eye. What's she up to?
I stay where I am, coaxing and challenging her with my eyes to make a move.
Though soon enough Ash and Paul are both joining me in the aisle. I catch a glimpse of Dawn and Misty slipping their mobile phones back in their pockets. What are these three up to?
May steps off the stage and approaches me. She stops to stand before me, that chesire cat smile still occupying her face. I sense Paul and Ash back up a little, leaving May and I to be the centre of attention in the aisle.
What are you going to do May?
May's P.O.V
This is it. After months of hospitalization and constant doctors visits. I can finally see Drew again. And since this would be the first time we'd seen each other in over 6 months, Dawn and Misty reckoned that it had to be an extra special reunion.
I keep my eyes firmly focused on Drew's emerald orbs. I can see the challenge in his eyes. You want a challenge Drew? You got it.
I step forward, grab Drew by his collar, and lay one on him in front of the whole school.
God… I missed kissing Drew, and I can tell by his response that he missed me just as much. I let go of his collar and wrap my arms around his neck. In response, I can feel him wrap his arms around my waist, lifting me up a few centimetres off the ground. My legs lift up as he suspends me off the ground.
The cheer of our teachers and peers is drowned out by the intensity of our kiss.
Even after all this time, Drew's kisses still send wonderful tingles up and down my body, from my head to my toes.
When the need for air becomes apparent, we part. Drew remains holding me up. I look into his emerald orbs and in them I can see the pent up emotions of longing, passion, love, adoration, and respect rolled into one.
"I missed you." Drew breaths outs, his warm breath gently and softly fanning my face.
"I missed you too." I really have. The entire time I spent recovering, Drew was the number one thought on my mind.
The cheers of our teachers and peers can still be heard, so Drew carefully sets me down but keeps his arms around me. Together we turn to look at the stage and I can't help the smile that takes over my face.
Up on stage, Misty and Ash are kissing, and just in front of the stage, Paul is carrying Dawn bridal style and lip locking with her.
The plan was a success. We each reunited with our man and are now able to go to school with them just as we are. No disguises, no wigs, no fake glasses or contact lenses, and best of all – no itchy chest bindings!
"You ignored me on purpose, didn't you?" Drew leans down to whisper in my ear; his breath causes me to shiver. And I can't help but grin.
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't." I don't turn to face him but I know he can sense the tease in my tone.
"Well either way you're going to pay for it." Drew kisses my neck and his hold on me tightens, squeezing me playfully.
"Am I?"
"You are."
"When?"
"Well…" Drew spins me around to face him, there's a cheeky, naughty smirk plastered on his face, "…we have a whole year together now, so…" He quirks his eyebrows, and that causes some heat to rise to my cheeks.
"In that case, I'm looking forward to the year."
We lean in for a kiss and I'm lost in its overwhelming power.
Yep. Definitely looking forward to this year. I'm going to love my time here. With my best friends, my trusted peers, and the boy of my dreams.
Dressing up as a guy and pretending to be one, then enrolling at Redwood has to be the best thing that I've ever done.
The End?
Continue below for the Epilogue.
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Keep Going.
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Come On, Keep Going.
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You're Almost There, Keep Going.
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Keep Going.
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It's Just Below.
Epilogue
"Andrew Joseph Hayden and Maybelle Eleanor Maple, today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life."
Today is the happiest day of my life (so far). Today is the day I can finally seal my fate and spend the rest of my lifetime with the love of my life right by my side.
I stand before the blessed alter; staring into the eyes I love the most, the most beautiful eyes in the world (though he'd argue that my eyes are far more beautiful than his). Drew's shining beautiful emerald eyes stare down at me, filled to the brim with the same blissful joy and happiness that I'm feeling at this very moment.
I remember the day he proposed. It was during our High School Graduation, in the middle of the Graduation Dinner & Dance. He asked me to dance, to a song he knew I loved. Then right in the middle of the dance floor, where everyone could see, Drew got down on one knee. I had a mini heart attack right at that moment. Then from his jacket pocket he produced a small, blue velvet box. Inside it was a simple yet gorgeous silver ring with a sapphire centre surround by a ring of tiny diamonds.
The moment I said 'yes' the entire room burst into cheer, even louder than when the audience cheered at the Battle of the Bands. And when they burst into cheer, I burst into tears of unexplainable joy. I still remember Dawn and Misty squealing in delight when they asked to see my ring. I was momentarily deafened.
"Andrew and Maybelle, remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not just the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just because you may lose sight of it for a moment, does not mean the sun has gone away. And, if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
Thank-you Dawn for designing my wedding dress; it's absolutely beautiful. It's an all-over ivory lace, mermaid silhouette gown with an empire waist and little cap sleeves (in lace as well); the bottom, where it puffs out is intricately covered in white sequins, forming a rose garden pattern; the train is just a bit longer than a typical chapel length, it's folded so that it hangs straight with side pleats down the back of my legs; and at the empire waist, there is a pearl-cream velvet ribbon, about 1½ inches wide, with a formed bow at the back.
My stylist, Angie, helped with my hair and make-up; though I do have minimal make-up on (Angie, Dawn and Misty agreed that I didn't need that much on.) As for my hair, Angie did it up with a small curl resting over my shoulder.
The priest turns his attention to Drew, "Please repeat after me."
"I, Andrew Joseph Hayden…"
"I, Andrew Joseph Hayden…"
"Promise you, Maybelle Eleanor Maple…"
"Promise you, Maybelle Eleanor Maple…"
"That I will be your beloved husband from this day forward…"
"That I will be your beloved husband from this day forward…"
"To be faithful and honest in every way…"
"To be faithful and honest in every way…"
"To honor the faith and trust you place in me…"
"To honor the faith and trust you place in me…"
"To love and respect you in your successes and in your failures…"
"To love and respect you in your successes and in your failures…"
"To make you laugh and to be there when you cry…"
"To make you laugh and to be there when you cry…"
"To care for you in sickness and in health…"
"To care for you in sickness and in health…"
"To softly kiss you when you are hurting…"
"To softly kiss you when you are hurting…"
"And to be your companion and your friend…"
"And to be your companion and your friend…"
"On this journey that we make together."
"On this journey that we make together."
"Do you Andrew Joseph Hayden, take Maybelle Eleanor Maple, to be your partner in life and share in your path; equal in love, a mirror for your true self, promising to honor and cherish, through good times and bad, until death do you part?"
Drew turns to gaze down at me, and then without averting his gaze, he smiles; "I do."
The priest turns to me, "Please repeat after me."
"I, Maybelle Eleanor Maple…"
"I, Maybelle Eleanor Maple…"
"Promise you, Andrew Joseph Hayden…"
"Promise you, Andrew Joseph Hayden…"
"That I will be your beloved wife from this day forward…"
"That I will be your beloved wife from this day forward…"
"To be faithful and honest in every way…"
"To be faithful and honest in every way…"
"To honor the faith and trust you place in me…"
"To honor the faith and trust you place in me…"
"To love and respect you in your successes and in your failures…"
"To love and respect you in your successes and in your failures…"
"To make you laugh and to be there when you cry…"
"To make you laugh and to be there when you cry…"
"To care for you in sickness and in health…"
"To care for you in sickness and in health…"
"To softly kiss you when you are hurting…"
"To softly kiss you when you are hurting…"
"And to be your companion and your friend…"
"And to be your companion and your friend…"
"On this journey that we make together."
"On this journey that we make together."
"Do you Maybelle Eleanor Maple, take Andrew Joseph Hayden, to be your partner in life and share in your path; equal in love, a mirror for your true self, promising to honor and cherish, through good times and bad, until death do you part?"
Without missing a beat, I say, "I do."
The priest smiles, "Please bring forward the rings."
Ash steps forward with our rings resting on a royal blue, velvet pillow. He presents it to the Priest, shooting a cheeky smile my way, a congratulatory glint in his eyes.
The priest holds his hands before the rings and says, "You have for each other a golden ring. This most precious of metals symbolizes that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place these rings upon each others fingers as a visible sign of the vows which, this day, have made you husband and wife."
Drew picks up on of the gold rings and I eagerly offer my left hand to him. He chuckles quietly at my enthusiasm.
"I Andrew Hayden give you Maybelle Maple this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
I inwardly squeal in delight as he slips the blessed gold band upon my left ring finger. Once in place I look up and smile at Drew as the priest hands me the second ring.
"I Maybelle Maple give you Andrew Hayden this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
Drew's smile broadens as I slip the ring upon his finger.
"And now, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
However, Drew and I are already kissing, sealing our eternal vows.
"Family and Friends, I present to you, Mr Andrew Joseph Hayden and his wife, Mrs. Maybelle Eleanor Hayden."
Our friends and family erupt in to a dealing cheer as they throw rose petals into the air around us. Drew and I break apart for some air and laugh happily together. Drew picks me up bridal-style and spins me around before taking off down aisle; everyone still tossing rose petals into the air. Amongst them I can see Paul and Dawn – Dawn was, of course, one of my bridesmaids and Paul her partner - Dawn is crying a waterfall of happy tears while Paul supplies her with tissues, when he see's me looking he smiles; Ash and Misty – Misty was my second bridesmaid and Ash, her partner - are both waving and cheering like mad – next to them are Misty's sisters, Daisy Violet and Lily, and there crying waterfalls as well – Ash is whooping like a loon while Misty jumping up and down like a cheerleader in excitement; Dawn's mom, Ms. Hikari, is dabbing away at her endless stream of tears, she waves when she spots me staring; Gary and his mom are standing next to Ms. Hikari, Ms. Oak is drowning in tears while Gary – Drew's Best Man – stands there aloof but smiling at us, he mouths 'Congratulations' and nods his head; Simon – who was one of the bride grooms, his partner was Brianna – is standing next to my father and both of them, are staring at me with pure joy; also present are Brock and Lucy (she's managed to recover from Scourge encounter) – my final bridesmaid/bride groom pairing – turns out Lucy has a crush on Brock.
Making up the rest of the crowd are: Paul's parents, Ash's mother, Misty's parents, Drew's father and numerous classmates from Redwood.
All here to share in this momentous occasion, and I couldn't be happier.
I'm on cloud nine.
The End.
Thank-you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the journey to get here.
-LadySilentEagle