Chapter 10: A Celebration in Blue and Pink

The days that followed Ami’s emotional outburst were drenched in a serene stillness that enveloped her like a warm blanket. In the sanctuary of her home, with Minako’s comforting presence and the relentless support of her friends, Ami gradually found her footing amidst the tumult of her pregnancy. As the morning sun poured through the curtains one more time, transforming her room into a soft golden haven, Ami rested comfortably, a quiet smile gracing her lips. It was as if the worry and anxiety that had plagued her just a week ago began to fade like the remnants of a bad dream, replaced with excitement for what lay ahead. It was during breakfast a few days later when Minako made the proclamation that sparked a fire of anticipation in both of their hearts. "We should throw a gender reveal party!" she said, practically bouncing in her chair. "To celebrate the little one!" Ami’s eyes widened with surprise and a glimmer of joy. "A gender reveal? That sounds like so much fun! But... won't it be too much?" "Not at all! It’ll be a perfect way to share the joy with our friends! We can keep things simple—just some snacks, a few games, and the big reveal!" Minako insisted, beaming. The planning was a delightful whirlwind. Minako took the lead, determination shining in her manner as she organized everything from decorations to games, adopting the role of hostess with a flourish. Ami helped where she could, contributing ideas and offering her opinions, finding joy in the process that she hadn’t anticipated. They decided to invite their closest friends: Usagi and Rei, along with their kids Rachel and Uriah, Makoto, and her unique new companions from the Pokémon universe—Ash Ketchum, his wife Serena, and their daughter Lara. To top it off, they invited the dating couple Misty Waterflower and May Maple, who promised to bring a fresh perspective, having been pregnant themselves. On the day of the party, as the sun climbed high in the sky, Ami felt a sprout of nervous energy bloom in her stomach, a stark contrast to the earlier symptoms of discomfort. A vibrant collection of balloons in blue and pink danced in the gentle breeze outside, while inside, Minako had worked her magic—streamers adorned the walls, and the aroma of baked goods filled the air, making the space feel festive and welcoming. Guests began to arrive, laughter and chatter echoing through the house as Ami's nerves started to fade. Usagi appeared first, her usual exuberance intact, holding a platter of cookies topped with pink and blue icing. "I baked these just for you!" she declared, grinning from ear to ear. "Cookie for the baby!" "Thanks, Usagi! They look amazing!" Ami responded, her heart swelling with warmth as she appreciated the effort. Rei entered next, followed closely by Rachel and Uriah, who held up excitement in their eyes, their youth capturing the magic of the day perfectly. "Look at all the decorations!" Rachel exclaimed, tugging on her mother’s arm. "Can we help with the games?" Ami chuckled as she watched the children run off to explore, their laughter filling her heart with warmth. With every new guest that arrived, each wearing their enthusiasm as brightly as the balloons, Ami's heart swelled with gratitude. Soon, Ash, Serena, and their daughter Lara strolled in, Ash beaming broadly. "Did someone say ‘gender reveal party’? I wouldn’t miss this for the world!" "More like ‘party planner extraordinaire,’" Minako chimed, earning a chuckle from everyone. As the gathering continued to bloom, Misty and May entered, joining in on the jovial chaos. May brought a piñata shaped like a baby bottle, claiming it was a must-have for any reveal party. Misty agreed, adding, “And the more chaos, the better! I’m ready to smash it open!” Finally, after everyone had settled and the excitement reached a crescendo, Minako clapped her hands and called for everyone’s attention. "Okay, everyone! It’s time for the moment we’ve all been waiting for!" The atmosphere thickened with anticipation as Ami and Minako stood before their friends, holding a beautifully wrapped box—an enigma waiting to be unveiled. "Inside this box lies the secret of whether we’ll be welcoming a little prince or princess," Minako grinned. Usagi nudged Ami, eyes alight with curiosity. "Are you ready?" Ami took a deep breath, allowing the support of her friends to uplift her spirit. "I am, let’s do this!" With trembling hands, they opened the box together, revealing a cascade of confetti that danced through the air—a mix of pink and blue, swirling around them like a cloud of joy. Cheers erupted from the guests, going wild with excitement, and for a fleeting moment, time suspended as Ami looked around, enveloped in the love and laughter of her friends, feeling truly grateful for this incredible journey she was on.