//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Head Trauma // Story: Larkspur Blossom // by Pone_Heap //------------------------------// “Lark!” “Lark! Opening his eyes, all was a blur. What happened? What happened? “Lark!” I guess I’m not talking… What happened? He saw Ms. Pearlshine’s face. She looked worried. “Lark? …I think he’s coming to.” A bright light shined in his eye. He was too out of it to do a thing about it. Then he saw Daisy on his side, hoof over her mouth. Thunder was crouching down on his other side, looking terrified. Her eyes were full of tears. “Lark…” “Oh, Lark! I’m sooo sorry! I didn’t mean to hit you like that!” It was Sherry, somewhere nearby, fretting. An adult voice came in, “Sherry, calm down. It was an accident. Now, just come over here. Everypony else, give him room.” “Holy balls!” a voice Lark couldn’t place shouted. “That knocked him right out!” “You’re not helping! Stand back and shut up!” barked another adult. Lark felt a moment of clarity, I got hit. That’s right… I was looking somewhere else, and the ball leveled me… His eyes shifting in and out of focus, the sun blinded him. Turning his head to the side, he realized his glasses were gone. He was nauseous, and immediately projectile vomited. “Ewwwwww!” cried several foals. A few more screamed. “Lark!” “LARK!” “Oh, Lark!” “Oh, great! Somepony call an ambulance! This is bad!” That tastes awful… … … … There was blood coming out of the wall. It oozed close to him and then ran away, disappearing into a vent by the ceiling. A large, cartoonish ass started to fire pieces of red velvet cake from its confines, as giggling foals floated across the room, catching the cake on plates, and then exiting through a window. A rat, wearing a smoking jacket, did a jig across the floor, “I am the mega-fucker!” Lark’s eyes slowly crept open. He was in darkness, but there was just enough light to see. Everything hurt, but mostly his head. “Looks like he’s finally waking up,” a voice said. Before Lark’s eyes, appeared his aunt, “Lark? Can you hear me?” His eyes fluttered, “Yeah, Aun’ Fairy… I c’n hear.” “Oh, great. He’s slurring,” a gruff voice came in… Uncle Star… “What’s that mean?” “It’s not unusual. Your nephew just suffered one hell of a concussion. I’m surprised he woke up as quickly as he did. Colt must have a real chin on him.” Concussion? Must be a doctor… The doctor came in closer, “Larkspur… Can you see me? Can you hear me?” “Where’d the rat go?” The doctor stood up straight, “Yes… your nephew took quite the hit. He needs to stay here at least overnight.” Aunt Fairy worried, “Do you think he’ll be alright?” “Probably. He needs a few days of rest. We’ll have a better idea of things in the morning. Nurse, make a note: patient regained consciousness at 6:45 p.m., 3 hours and 53 minutes after initial concussion.” “Yes, doctor.” Lark was awake, but he was dead to the world. While the nurse and a few orderlies tended to him, the doctor led Aunt Fairy and Uncle Star out. “There’s not much you can do tonight. You should take the little ones home.” Out in the waiting room, Valley and Copper were sitting with Ms. Pearlshine. The girls were scared but had been reassured Lark would be okay. He took a good hit, but he’d be fine after a while. Aunt Fairy went to Ms. Pearlshine, “Oh, thank you, Breeze. You really didn’t need to stick around like this…” Ms. Pearlshine tried to marshal a smile, “I wanted to. It’s scary to see this happen to one of my students… How is he?” The doctor spoke, “Larkspur woke up, but he won’t be able to make sense of things for a little while. We’re keeping him overnight.” Lark’s sisters looked mortified, so the doctor knelt down, “Girls, your brother will be fine. But we need to take care of him for a couple days. You can come visit him tomorrow, but he needs rest. Try not to worry and be brave fillies for your brother.” They’d try, they promised, and Uncle Star led them out. Ms. Pearlshine sighed, “Well, I have a few phone calls to make. Some of Lark’s classmates are really worried about him. I practically had to have their parents drag them home, so they wouldn’t come here. They’ll at least know Lark will be alright.” Aunt Fairy chuckled, “You really do love your students. And I’m so glad Lark’s made some friends. I was… concerned about him for a while.” “You needn’t be concerned. Lark’s made some very good friends. He’s such a friend to the class. I’ve never seen a student like him.” “Well… Thanks again, Breeze. We’ll leave a message for you tomorrow when we find out more.” Lark was in better shape the next day, but he was very sensitive to light. It displeased him this might not go away for a while. He also learned his glasses were broken by the ball. He was told he was very fortunate his lenses had been shatter-proof. Well, it wasn’t like he could wear them anyway. He didn’t even want to open his eyes. Too loopy and nauseous to rest, he spent a long day not enjoying himself very much. He wasn’t angry at Sherry. It was an accident. Shit happens. He hoped he knew he wasn’t upset with her. He wasn’t upset with anypony. He was just upset. This sucked. Terribly… And then he found out he’d be spending Thursday night in the hospital too. This would have dampened his spirits, but his spirits lifted when his aunt, uncle, sisters, 3 friends, and even Sherry showed up. His classmates had heard he was better but knew they wouldn’t see him until the next week. Sherry was especially upset. Lark could barely make her out in the dimness but assured her it was an accident. He was distracted and got hit. Medium presented him with a get-well card the class signed, and they wished him well. Thunder stayed behind a moment, after the others left. “Lark?” “Yeah?” She gave him a little hug, being careful not to disturb him too much. She let off. “If your aunt and uncle let us, we’ll stop by your house tomorrow.” “Sure… I’d like that. Tell Mr. Chippy I’m sorry I missed our meeting yesterday.” She giggled, “Oh, I don’t think he’s worried about that, but I’ll let him know you’re okay.” He leaned forward, “Sounds good.” She took on a blush, which he couldn’t see in the dark. “Lark?” “Yes, Thunder?” “Have you brushed your teeth since yesterday?” What? “Uh, yes. A nurse helped me-” She kissed him, lingering a few seconds. And then pulled back. Now even he could see her blush. “I’m… sorry, Lark. I just wanted to do that.” Lark was stunned, “Uh…” A little smile gracing her lips, she turned away, “Feel better, Lark. Good bye.” Lark looked after her, the light from the hall hurting his head abysmally. The door clinked shut, leaving Lark with his thoughts. What just happened? Lark was discharged from the hospital at 10:00 a.m. Friday. It would be a few days before he had a new pair of glasses, but as he’d already decided, he didn’t want to wear them. The only glasses he wanted to wear where the huge, opaque shades the doctor gave him. They blocked out most light. In a dim room, he could actually get some sleep. And it was comfortable enough to be outside, or at least bearable. If he felt better on Monday, he might try to go back to school. He and Aunt Fairy took a cab back to the house, and Lark gratefully sat in his room while she put up some room-darkening shades. It was like a cave, and he liked it that way. He could actually take off his shades. “Lark, I know you’re not that hungry, but you need to eat something. I’ll bring you lunch around 1:00 p.m., something easy to eat. And don’t think about school. Just think about resting.” “Yes, Aunt Fairy. Thanks.” She left him, and all he had were his thoughts. So, what do I do about Thunder now? No easy answer came. Therefor, he thought about another filly. He tried not to. Thunder was his best friend, and he did love her, but this couldn’t go on. Lark just couldn’t get Windy Meadow out of his head. She’d been… captivating, to use a big boy word. What does her voice sound like? What’s her favorite color? Who was she, really? All these thoughts, and more, went through his mind. He tried to keep Thunder’s face in the forefront, but it was just pushed away. He knew. He knew. It had never even happened before, and he knew. He had a crush on some filly he didn’t even know. Lark managed to doze a little that Friday afternoon, having eaten the soup Aunt Fairy made for him. He couldn’t see to read, unable to stand the light. He wondered if he could tolerate listening to music but didn’t want anypony to go through the trouble of setting it up for him in the dark room. Without these things, he knew the next few days would be bor-ing. His sisters had a couple friends downstairs. He could hear them all laughing and running around. It didn’t bother him. They had refrained from playing upstairs, and the noise was minimal. In fact, if he had felt a little better, he would sit downstairs, just to be with his sisters when they were having fun. Still, he was content to a certain degree they were so happy. They were concerned for him, but not worried, and he was thankful for that. Not daring to look out into the afternoon light, Lark had to come to terms with Autumn beginning. Summer was just about gone. And he was stuck inside. The next week, he would be able to go outside, certainly sit in a lit room, but would have to wear his shades for a good week. He loved this time of year, and just wanted to get back out there. He heard the doorbell ring. He rolled over, away from his door. It was probably another of Valley’s friends. They’d been streaming into the house since school ended. The girls had gotten permission for a sleepover at the house, but it wouldn’t be happening that night. His sisters and their friends, knowing full well what happened to Lark, were disappointed but not upset about it. If he thought he could take the 8 or 9 gleeful fillies in the next room over, squealing half the night, he would have begged his aunt and uncle to let it happen. But it was out of the question. Just too much noise… “Lark," Copper’s voice came from outside. “Can I open the door?” The front door had been for him, “Let me close my eyes… Okay. Open the door and try to shut it fast.” The door opened. Even with his eyes shut, it still hurt, that little bit of light from the hall. He heard hoofsteps, and the door shut. “Hi, Lark.” It was Medium. Lark opened his eyes carefully. The dark curtains on his window allowed in just enough light he could make her out when she got close. Misty came up beside her. Thunder wasn’t there. Misty leaned forward, “How are you today, Lark?” “I feel rotten… A lot better than yesterday, but I can’t really leave the room. I have to shut my eyes when I go to the bathroom. Have to leave the lights off.” Medium soothed, “Oh, buddy. Wish there was something we could do for you… The class was glad to hear you were alright… or that you would be. Ms. Pearlshine called our parents after you woke up, Wednesday, and told everypony else yesterday. We wanted to talk a little more yesterday, but...” Lark cringed, “Yeah… the last couple days are kind of a blur… I don’t remember some of the buckball game. By the way, how’d the tourney end up?” Misty fidgeted, “Well, we weren’t able to do much after you clocked out. We had the tournament, but Light and Daisy wound up sitting out. They didn’t want to play without you. Not like they could play by themselves anyway.” Lark felt bad, “Wish they could have played… They could have replaced me, but an Earth pony on 2 teams? Wouldn’t work…” “That’s how things turned out. But don’t worry! They had a lot of fun anyway. Medium and I, our team lost to Pine’s, but it was close. He wound up taking on Thunder’s team. And they beat her.” “They beat Thunder?! How?” Medium twiddled her hooves, “Not sure. Winner was great. I was worried about Sherry, thinking she’d throw herself off, over what happened with you, but she did great, too. It was actually a good game, except for…” Misty put in, “Lark, I think there’s something wrong with Thunder. She was all over the place yesterday. She couldn’t even get a handle on the ball, half the time. If she’d been on like the rest of the week, her team would have creamed Pine’s. Pine doesn’t even consider it a win, Thunder played so badly.” Medium fretted, “I’m worried about Thunder, too. When they lost today, she just ran off. We tried to find her but couldn’t. It was stupid… but I think she really wanted to win. Maybe she feels like she let down Sherry and Winner. They worked so hard.” Misty nibbled her hoof, “Sherry and Winner weren’t even upset. They’re worried about Thunder. The whole class is. She wasn’t even there for final roll call.” Many thoughts went through Larks mind. Well, this is bad. I hope it’s got nothing to do with me, but… who am I kidding? It has to be. Great. As if she was reading his thoughts, Misty asked him, “I know you feel like crap, Lark, and I probably shouldn’t bother you about it, but… Did something happen between you and Thunder?” Doink! Not what he wanted to hear! Was she still just really worried about him? Or was it something else? Was it… the kiss? Unable to help himself, he rolled over, “I don’t even know where to start…” Lark would regret saying this very soon. “What?” Misty’s voice cut. Lark tried to bury himself in his bedsheets. I’m in it, now… “What did you do?” Misty’s voice was sharp! He’d seen defeated frustration out of her, but not outright venom. “…” Medium became involved, “Lark?” “Lark. What did you do?” “…Nothing.” Misty caught herself, “Did she do something?” “…” Lark tried even harder to disappear into his bed. Misty was not angry, now, just upset, “Lark… please tell me… what happened? What did you do?” Lark’s irritation rose, and his head hurt, “I told you… I didn’t do anything.” Medium jumped in, startling Lark. She had tears forming in her eyes. “That’s right! Nothing! She likes you, and you do nothing! Do you have any idea how much she likes you?! Everypony knows she’s crazy about you! It’s the worst kept secret at school. So, why-?” Lark sat bolt upright, now angry, “Nopony asked you to play matchmaker! Mind your own business!” Misty shied back. Medium gawped at Lark, then the ground. She shook, looking back up at him. She was definitely crying, now. “Lark, you asshole!” she spat. With that, she bolted from the room, sobbing. Lark, realizing what he had just done, called after her. He had to shield his eyes when the door came open. It swung on its hinges, as she hadn’t bothered to latch it. He heard a few exclamations downstairs, as the front door opened. Misty quickly went over and shut the door. Temporarily blinded by the light, Lark cried, “Oh, what did I do?” Misty came up, putting a hoof on his shoulder, “She’s just upset, Lark… She and Thunder have been friends since they were babies. She’s worried.” “I really wish I hadn’t said that,” his head was between his knees. “Well… you did. I’m going after her. I’ll talk to her.” She began to mosey over to the door, but turned around, “I know this sort of just fell on you, but you have to talk to Thunder… One way, or the other…” “I know. But I’m kinda stuck here for the weekend.” He didn’t think she would, but, “If you get a chance to talk to Thunder… could you send her here? I really can’t leave the house…” Misty sighed, “Since you’re not asking me to play gofer, and that’s all you want… sure.” “Thanks, Misty… I’ll think until then.” Misty was able to smile; she knew Lark meant it, “Okay, Lark. Try to relax and get some rest. Guess I’ll see you Monday, if you’re well enough.” “Bye.” Misty left, making sure the door latched. Lark lay back in the darkness. And he thought. Lark hadn’t gotten much sleep Friday night. His head just ached, and he continued to feel dizzy, sometimes. But he was able to get some sleep Saturday morning, and felt okay come lunch. Still not up to reading, or listening to much of anything, he just lounged. That afternoon, he received a call. He went to his aunt and uncle’s bedroom, donning his shades just to walk around the dimly lit upstairs. It was Thunder. “Thunder… how are you?” “…I’ve been a little upset… The game Friday didn’t go so well…” “Thunder, I know I shouldn’t say ‘it’s just a game’, but it’s just a game. Your team had fun with you. They don’t really care, otherwise.” She sounded a little troubled, “I know… I just can’t help feeling like I let them down.” Lark knew there was more to it than that, “Uh… Did Misty talk to you?” “Yes… I guess I worried them when I flew off yesterday. I… guess you want to see me?” He sighed, “Yes… Sorry to ask you to come to the house, but… could you come by? I can’t… really leave yet.” “Misty already told me. Would it be okay if I stopped by around 9:00 p.m.?” “Sure…” “Well… see you then.” Click. Lark hung up on his end, too. 6 hours. It would be that long before he saw her. He at once wished the time would hurry up and come, just as much as it would come next month, or something. He sat. And waited. ---------- Despite insistence he didn’t, Lark decided to wait for Thunder in the front yard. Even this late, he had to wear his shades; the streetlights might as well have been suns. Even the full moon that night, was almost unbearable. Still, he waited. He knew his aunt and uncle had his best interests in mind, wanting him inside, but he’d had enough for a couple days. He couldn’t even stand to have the porch light on. To anypony approaching, the house looked dead. He tried very hard to keep his mind on Thunder. Thinking of Windy Meadow less, he had less trouble than he might have. Thunder was most important right then. His best friend he’d made since moving was more important. And he wasn’t looking forward to talking about what he should already have done so with her. It wasn’t expected she’d be late. She could fly pretty fast, and even if she left her house at 8:58 p.m., she could land on their front step on time. She’d made it to school in 30 seconds, once, he’d been told. And she wasn’t late. She came to a soft landing on the front walk, right at 9:00 p.m. He sat, staring, as she came up the walkway. She didn’t look like she enjoyed being there, either, “Hi, Lark.” With about the same enthusiasm, “Thunder.” For a moment, she stood there, pawing at the ground with her hoof, looking away. She couldn’t see what Lark was up to. His eyes were covered, and his head was between his knees. Then, at once, “Lark, I-” “Thunder, I-” They stopped, did a take, and laughed. Lark felt good laughing. It didn’t help his head much, but it felt right. Thunder sauntered over to the front porch steps, and sat down, laughing fit to bust. It took a moment for them to calm down. But calm down they did. “…Lark? I’m… sorry about Thursday. I really shouldn’t have done that to you.” He exhaled, “It sure surprised me.” She smirked, “I can bet… I wish I hadn’t, now… You were so out of it, and now I’m… just confused. Got no idea what to do. I couldn’t even keep my head in a little buckball game.” “…” “I can’t do this anymore. I like you… a lot. But… I need to know.” He knew what was coming. He hadn’t even rehearsed things in his head. And he could think of nothing to say to her. She looked at him, as much as she could with his shades on, not looking hopeful or desperate, but worn-out, “Lark… do you think you could ever like me, the same way I like you?” She had asked him calmly, without pretense or expectations. She just wanted an answer. Lark gave her one. Tears started falling down his cheeks, from underneath his shades. He hoofed them off, wincing at the glaring of the streetlights. Lark wasn’t exactly crying, nor was he angry, but the tears fell the same. “Lark!” she moved in closer. “Oh, please don’t cry.” He sat up straighter, grimacing at even the miniscule light making its way into his eyes, “I don’t even know what I want, Thunder…” Looking into her eyes, she saw how much he was struggling. He was hurting. “Oh, Lark! This is silly. Put your sunglasses back on!” But he didn’t. He just continued to look into her eyes. “Thunder… I can’t… I’m sorry, but, I can’t.” Thoughtful, yet not upset, “Lark…” “Thunder… you’re… you’re my best friend, really. I’ve never really had a best friend. Before meeting you and the girls and the rest of the class, I didn’t even care that much about friends. I had some, but it just wasn’t the same. Coming here, seeing my sisters so happy… having a family… They’re my aunt and uncle, but they’ve done more for us than Dad ever did.” Thunder sat raptly. Lark hadn’t spoken much about his dad. “He… just fell apart after Mom died. Sometimes it was like we didn’t even exist. I was only 4! I didn’t know what was going on. So, I tried to take care of my sisters. I did it, for 6 years. I know I could never replace Mom and Dad, but… I was so scared we’d be split up- wind up in a foster home somewhere without them. “I never even thought about the rest of the family… So, when he died… I was surprised Aunt Fairy and Uncle Star would take us in. But they did. I tried giving things a chance… and now we’re a family. I don’t think things could be any better. I’m… happy. For the first time, I think I really am. But, even with all that…” He hung his head, “I’m sorry, Thunder. You’re my friend, but I just don’t think I can do it.” With this, he started to cry softly. Thunder leaned in closer, putting a hoof over his shoulders, “Oh, Lark… it’s alright.” “What?” Trying not to cry, but still smiling, “I came here, knowing it might turn out this way… I just hope… that after all this, you still want to be my friend.” He embraced her so quickly it just about took her breath away, “I want that, too.” She choked, “Could you let go?” He did, “Whoops.” Gasping, she laughed, “I’ll try to stop acting so weird around you. Better talk to the girls… bet they’re still worried…” He just had to ask, still crying a little, “Thunder? Are you alright?” She snuffled, “I guess… I just wish this was a little easier…” “I know.” They leaned on each other a moment, until their sniffles subsided. Lark opened his eyes, scowling at the lights, “Oh! I’m so sick of this eye thing. It’s too bright!” She guffawed, “Well, put your glasses back on!” He did, grumbling, as she laughed heartily at him. Still cackling, “Are you sure you’ll be able to come to school Monday? It’s so dark out here I can barely see!” He held his head, and she stopped laughing when he groaned, “Lark!” She steadied him, “Oh, Lark… Need some help?” He was pretty wobbly, “…Sure. All I can get.” Trying not to laugh at his misfortune, she helped him into the house. They found Aunt Fairy in the kitchen. “Oh, Lark… Looks like you overdid it,” she shook her head, also trying not to laugh at his misfortune. “He was a little wobbly, Mrs. Charmer, so I didn’t want to just take off.” “Oh, thank you, Thunder. Would you like a snack? I was just going to bring something up to the girls.” Thunder beamed, “I’d love something, thanks. I was hoping to say hello to them anyway.” “Well, then, you two can save me a trip. Lark, do you need anything?” “I’ll get a glass of water upstairs, but nothing else.” She hoofed a platter of sliced fruit to Thunder, “Okay then, up you go. Good night, Lark.” “G’night, Aunt Fairy.” He wobbled upstairs, Thunder watching his step. He got a glass of water and went with Thunder to the girls’ room. In her normal fashion, Valley jumped up, countenance glowing, “Thunder!” She jumped at Thunder, just about knocking her over. Thunder laughed. Valley really was a hefty filly. She couldn’t believe Lark could catch her. Copper simply smiled, taking the fruit tray and offering some to Thunder, “Valley and I were about to read a book. Want to join us?” Taking a couple orange slices, “No, I can’t stay. I promised my parents I’d be back as soon as I could. Maybe some other time.” Copper breezed over to the shelf, “Okay. You fly safe, now.” Thunder grinned, “You know it.” Hugging Valley, Thunder turned to Lark, “Lark?” “Yeah?” She hugged him, careful not to jostle his glasses, “Good night. I hope you can come back Monday. Just rest up.” He patted her back, “Right.” Thunder went downstairs, saying good night to Aunt Fairy, and left. Copper picked out a book, “Looks like it’s just you and me, Valley.” Lark surprised them, “I can’t really read, but one of you can. I’ll stay for a quick story.” This pleased the girls. They dimmed a few lights, leaving only enough to read. They snacked on the fruit, as Valley and Copper took turns reading. Lark was about as happy as circumstances permitted. His head hurt, along with everything else, but at least he still had his best friend.