Serena's Secret

Serena's Secret Part 26

Serena stared at Ash for a second. Her cheeks flushing over with a slight red. He actually liked her! A smile crept upon her lips and her heart began racing. She had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like a lifetime.
"Ash...I..." she began, but she didn't know what to say. She was so overwhelmed with emotions. Ash, seeing that his honey haired friend was completely speechless, stood up and pulled Serena into a tight, meaningful hug.
After a few moments, Serena pulled back and looked at him, unable to express her emotions with words, though her face couldn't break from the huge smile she was now wearing.
"So- what happens with us now?" Serena asked.
Ash thought for a moment before sitting back down on the bench, Serena copying and sitting next to him.
"I guess we take it slow and see where it goes from here..." he says, rubbing the back of his neck.

Did he really want this?

"The main thing is, you shouldn't let the others get to you. Especially not Misty. I'm gonna talk to her later today and straighten things out." The raven haired boy smiled.
Serena nodded her head. She didn't particularly want Ash to speak to Misty about her, but maybe he could get through to her and get his feisty friend to leave her alone.

"Anyway, everyone's planning on going with Korrina to Shalour City to talk with her grandfather about mega rings. I'd like it if we could go too."
Serena smiled and nodded her head, agreeing. She didn't know what it was, she just couldn't seem to find her tongue to speak.
Ash watched as she stood up and walked back toward the shop.
"Just gonna say my goodbyes to Chio!" She smiled, going back through the door.
Once she was on the other side, she sighed and smiled even more to herself.

"I'm guessing your talk went well then?" Korrina giggled.
"It sure did!" Serena replied.

***

"Bye now, Serena dear. Do take care! And thank you kindly for everything you've done for me and my store!" Chio waved goodbye to Serena and her friends, and watched as they all walked off back in the direction of the hotel.
Bonnie watched as slowly, Ash laced his and Serena's hands together. Not daring to interrupt the beautiful moment, she quietly pointed it out to Korrina, letting the love birds lead the way to the rest of their friends.