> My Little Pony : Megan's Awakening. > by Forgetful > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Light > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The night sky was clear as it ever had been, full of sparkling stars lighting up the sky for miles on end. The wind was chill yet comfortable and the world was full of a calming silence. They say when something terrible happens that everything comes crashing down or that a huge storm will appear and bask the world in rain. But it's all just a show or simply for theatrics of those around you with prying eyes. The world doesn't stop nor does the sky come crashing down. Honestly nothing changes, the world keeps on spinning and everything continues forward to the next day. I sat outside under a blanket of stars without so much as a word, sitting in a damp patch of fresh grass deep in the middle of the family farm's pasture. Wearing just my simple pair of pink pajamas with a picture of a pony galloping on the front. My strawberry blonde hair cascading down my lower back messily, I was far too tired to tie it in a ponytail. My pale turquoise eyes watching the stars glow in the dark as my mind drifted to a place of peace and harmony. A world that was hidden from the pain of reality and love conquered all evil, a small piece of paradise I could call my own. A fleeting dream in the darkness. Large loud footsteps could be heard walking up behind me in the dead of the night. The sound of my sister Molly bawling her eyes out in the distance twisting my stomach into knots. The large shadow of my father towering over me blocking out the calming blue light of the moon above, his features hidden in the abyss much like my feelings on the subject at hand. “Megan, your mother wants to see you.” Father spoke in a slow steady voice that gently began to crack in growing anxiety.   “Don't want to see her.” I spoke with a sense of numbness dripping off my words calmly. “You don't mean that hon.” He replied as his voice weakened. “She's given up and chosen to die.” I grabbed a small handful of grass in my hands tightly, squeezing it with all my might as the anger boiled in my veins. “The doctors couldn't stop this Megan, she just rather pass in comfort…” Father began sobbing in the night. “She rather pass in fear.” I gave a deep sigh as my gaze lifted high into the sky above, if I wished hard enough I might just fade away. “If not for her, then do it for me.” Father walked up from behind his towering frame kneeling as he placed a firm hand on my shoulder. My heart cracking into a thousand splinters but never shattering. Cirrhosis of the liver turned my vibrant loving mother into a shadow of herself, weekend hikes turned to bedrest and soon I found myself bathing my own mother once she couldn't do it herself anymore. Danny helped with bathroom duty and Molly always practicing in the kitchen, Father working himself to death to try and find new treatments. Only to have my mother give up halfway through submitting herself to this horrible existence and waiting for the end to come. I walked into her bedroom in silence my eyes glued to the floor with a somber look locked onto my face, I couldn't see my mother like this anymore sunken in, yellowing skin and constantly confused. “Darling?” She spoke in a raspy tone of voice full of weakness. “Mm-hmm.” I squeaked softly under my breath. “Moll...no my little Megan…” She corrected herself with a slow exhale of air. “...” I let my gaze burn into my bare feet, praying for the moments to pass. “Your father bless his heart, he's worried sick about what's to come.” Mother patted the side of her bed gently with a frail sickly hand. I took a few steps forward never looking upward to face my mother eye to eye. “Danny is to watch you all after I'm gone...but…” She gave a painful inhale of air before reaching out to her side. A bony shaking hand grasping my own firmly as my heart sank deep inside my chest, my own breathing becoming heavier and panicked. “But you...I need you to watch over Molly... sisterhood is a bond unlike anything in this world.” Mother squeezed my hand tenderly with a loving warmth. “She'll look to you for guidance and support...protect her...never give up on her…” Mother released my hand swiftly, her trembling arm lowering under her bed frame weakly grabbing a tiny box covered in pink wrapping paper. “For you...when you need to see...The Light…” She lifted the box towards me slowly my eyes gazing away from the gift in utter shame. “I love you...Meg…” She gave a weakened sigh. My eyes quickly dashed to the large open window of the room my whole body numb and full of regret, tears welling up in my eyes wildly as the words in my throat became caught unable to be spoken freely. “I love…” The sound of her gift falling to the floor with a thud shattering my world into pieces. Everything became silent and cold as the vibrations of people rushing in behind me filled my soul with pain, I could just curl up in a small ball on the floor under the window. Crystalline tears stinging my cheeks as they cascaded down my face in large streams of fear, my whole world sinking into a dark pit of no escape. I hugged myself under the pale moonlight praying to feel her warm hug just once more yet only felt the icy chill of death on this night. Father and neighbors rushing inside to try and save her but it was only her body left on that bed, the beauty that was her soul no longer with us. I was alone... I was in the dark… I was broken. > Two Months Later > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I stood in front of my bedroom mirror with pursed lips wearing an absolutely dorky pair of blue frilly overalls. It had a huge pink heart placed over the front playfully as I wore a long sleeved pink blouse underneath, with matching white frill sleeves. Even my shoes were odd being bright rose red and nearly looking like childish Mary Janes. My hair neatly brushed and washed as it flowed down to my lower back, tied into a bouncy ponytail by a huge red bow my father bought. In fact he bought my whole outfit! I gave a loud groan in front of the mirror, unsure if I even wanted to be seen out in public looking like a overgrown baby. The old wooden door to my room slinging open wide as my annoying younger brother smugly walked in chuckling. His hair was a darker shade of red than mine and his dark ocean blue eyes were always full of mischievous intent. He wore baggy blue jeans and a red shirt of some kind of superhero, his sneakers covered in dry mud as a dumb red hat was placed backwards atop his head. “Don't you look like an adorable three year old!?” Danny gave a loud coo followed by a freckled grin. “Get out of my room, you smell of pigs!” I gave a slight gag in reply rolling my eyes towards him. “It's called Old Spice and it's the scent of a man!” Danny flexed his non-existent muscles in my room proudly. I simply gave a loud sigh grabbing my old math book off my dresser, giving it a swift throw as it popped my brother upside the head with a dull thud. The annoyance hitting the floor with a dazed look on his face in complete shock. “Did you hit me with a math book!?” He growled in anger rubbing his head. “Basic math, don't be a baby!” I giggled my hand grabbing this year's chunky Algebra book off my dresser. Danny was quick to jump to his feet mumbling under his breath, deciding to finally leave my room in peace as I gave a triumphant squeal. This might be a good morning if I've already got the jump on my brother though being seen in this outfit would surely take me down a few notches. Shaking my head in defeat I packed up my pink backpack swiftly, running across the gift from my mother under a old pair of shorts. My heart breaking at the mere sight of the unopened gift, quickly grabbing it with my hand I tossed it into my open closet. Out of sight and out of mind. Today would be a long one. “Can I have eggs!?” Molly pouted at the kitchen table cutely dressed in a bright pink outfit that was nearly the same as mine, now I knew it was indeed too childish. I mean Molly is seven but I'm twelve! Dad needs to let me grow up! “Not today squirt, we're going to be late for school!” I gave a deep sigh in growing annoyance, dad had to leave early for work but Danny did little to help me out. My eyes darting to an oversized bowl of soggy Froot Loops in front of my little sister. She looked dissatisfied and cranky as I caught a glimpse of water filling the contents instead of fresh milk. “Danny, did you fill Molly's cereal with water!?” I gave a loud snap in anger my brother rushing into the kitchen. “Yep, no milk.” He spoke in a lackluster tone. “Could you have cooked something!?” I placed my hands on my hips sternly my brother simply rolling his eyes. “As if, I don't cook!” He snorted rushing over to the kitchen counter, hand reaching into a colorful pig cookie jar and withdrawing several sweets. “Danny, all I ask is just a bit of help!” I walked up behind him in anger my hands clutching his backside as I gave a large push. He fell to the ground with a thud as those blue eyes glared up to me in fiery rage. My eyes narrowing down to him as he swung back to his feet, hands clenched into fists as his mind raced through his options. “You're not mom and never will be!” Danny snapped punching my shoulder hard as I winced, holding to my arm in pain while watching my brother storm out the backdoor. The sound of him taking off on his bike filling the air. “I'm not hungry…” Molly gazed down in shame to her tiny Mary Janes. “I'll cook breakfast, we'll just go in late.” I gave a weak smile to my little sister walking over as I wrapped arms around her tightly, giving a warm tight squeeze. The air filling with giggles as Molly locked eyes with mine, her large blonde pigtails bouncing in place playfully. Molly quick to jump up to her feet with a smile and take my hand firmly. “We'll do it together!” Molly gave a loud squee in delight and excitement. My heart growing warm in my chest as I agreed, thanking the heavens above for my little sister. My own precious gift. “Those eggs won't stand a...witch!” Molly nearly screamed in horror her large pastel blue eyes gazing out the kitchen window in surprise. My little sister ducking behind me swiftly as her face buried deep into my lower back, her arms wrapping around my hips in a frightened hug. I gave a sigh as I turned to face the commotion, noticing large wild curly red hair outside in our backyard. “Molly, that's Donna! She's a pagan not a witch…” I gave a giggle patting my sister's head playfully, reassuring her all was well before heading outside. Donna “Draggle” Winchester was one of our neighbors from down the way. She earned that nickname for apparently constantly dragging her feet when given a job to do, she was fifteen and very tall not just for her age but like for a girl in general. Standing about six-one and extremely lanky which dwarfed my pathetic five even frame easily. Her hair was just a mass of wild glowing auburn curls that almost seemed to poof out on the sides. Her eyes a mellow forrest green hue that were filled with an odd sense of distance. Draggle kneeled down beside our small flower garden sweetly eyes filling with delight, she wore a odd outfit that made mine look way cooler. Dressed in a gypsy type dress that consisted of a clean white blouse, a long filthy violet hoop skirt that stretched down to her ankles where her bare feet were completely black with dirt. “Heehee, you're growing Angelic Harmonies.” Draggle flaunted her hands across a pile of weeds in our garden femininely, arms decorated in various golden or silver bracelets. “That's actually my mother's garden.” I gave a slightly indifferent reply. “Hmm? Well they might not look like much but they bring forth good fortune.” Draggle giggled glancing up towards me on her knees calmly. “That's nice to know. Did you need something Donna?” I walked over to the odd girl as she gave a truly oblivious shrug. “Mother sent me to check in on you girls.” Draggle caressed a yellow rose to her right softly. “Oh, well we're alright!” I gave a half smile. “You're running Megan.” Draggle plucked the rose from the earth lifting it up to her nose, taking a deep inhale. “Excuse me?” I gave a confused reply my mind racing back to the gift in my room. “Late, you're running late for school.” Draggle stood up towering over me with ease her tiny hand patting my shoulder with the utmost care. “Molly didn't eat breakfast so I'm cooking…” I began to speak as the girl gave a goofy giggle aloud. “No need for that, I'll help you girls!” Draggle flashed a friendly smile walking over towards the backdoor with a tiny twirl. I didn't know really what to say but did need to make sure everything was ready to go with Molly. Draggle was harmless and sweet to say the least and I could really use the help, taking a deep breath I headed inside with her. Good neighbors a blessing to have. > Late Start > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Molly gazed down to her feet frightened as silence filled the air around her. The cracking of eggs a melody of the south, Donna hummed in delight as she began to whisk whilst bacon sizzled upon the stove. I got everything tidy in the living room and decided to help the girl in the kitchen, easily making a stack of fresh toast and pouring three glasses of fresh juice. Molly looked decidedly nervous at the table, her bright eyes full of fright. "What's the matter, hon?" I placed my hand warmly on her shoulder with reassurance.  "Witches eat children…" Molly lifted a tiny hand to cover her mouth as she whispered terrifying thoughts. Donna giggled and spun around the kitchen in a rhythmic dance as her hips swayed femininely. "Children give me digestion." She joked playfully before kneeling at Molly's side with a warm gaze. Molly froze in pure horror as her skin turned a pale white, she watched Donna lift a silver chain out of a small bag that hung to her hip. "Eep, please don't curse me!" Molly squealed as she squeezed her eyes shut terrified.  "Molly!" I screamed out blushing in embarrassment.  "Perfectly fine, dear. " Donna giggled as she draped a dainty necklace around my sister's neck. Molly slowly opened her eyes to see the curved elegant pattern upon the necklace as a wave of calm poured over her. "It's pretty." She giggled and a smile beamed from her lips.  "It's a Triskelion. It offers spiritual and mental growth along with protection to the wearer." Donna whispered as she booped my sister on the nose playfully.  "An open mind is something to cherish, as we learn what the world has to offer." The auburn-haired woman finished as she went to check the breakfast.  "I'm sorry about Molly, she's got an overactive imagination." I walked over to help prepare the food onto floral decorated plates. "It's fine. Imagination is the thing which fills our lives with color!" Donna twirled in her unique dance as she placed the plate before Molly lovingly.  Molly wasted no time in scooping eggs onto her fork and happily eating her breakfast in a vibrant glow of youth. I had to remind her to eat politely as our guest and I both took seats at the old oak table.  "So how is…"I trailed off as I lifted my juice in the slight embarrassment of forgetting Donna's sister. "Riona? She's as blunt as ever." Donna giggled as she nibbled upon a piece of jam-covered toast.  "She's not into gardening as well?" My brow curled slightly.  Donna nearly choked on her food with laughter. "No, she's more into collecting scrap metal and such to open up a junkyard." She sighed with a nod of the head. "That's cool?" I  scrunch my nose with a smile.  "Not really, she hardly bathes afterward! I'm starting to call her, Reeka." Donna shared a giggle with me, Molly eavesdropping with a mouthful of bacon. The rest of the breakfast was full of laughter and shared experiences of farm life. Donna, noticing that it was pretty late as the clock clicked to eight-thirty, offered to drive us to school. I had to politely decline as I felt, Donna had done enough and it'd be rude to pursue more. Donna washed off the dishes in a swift motion before heading to the backdoor humming. "If you ladies ever want to visit, we live about ten minutes down the eastern trail." She excused herself as she waved bye. "Bye-bye! Thank you for the Triscuit!"  Molly squealed out after the young woman enchanted by her warm personality.  "I'll have to make sure to stop by this weekend to offer some gardening help." I ruffled my little sister's hair tenderly.  "Can I bake them some cornbread!?" Molly giggled as she tugged on my wrist happily. "Absolutely." "And can we skip school today!?" Molly pushed her luck with those large expressive eyes. "Yeah…no," I smirked and guided my sister inward to get ready. It was a blessing to have such sweet neighbors so close by. I regrettably had forgotten that the world could be a place for hope and love, that amongst the sadness and the losses people still took time to help each other.  Maybe it was time to move ahead from bad memories and try to make new friends. Donna seemed the type of mature person I could see myself connecting with. If anything maybe I could simply get out of the homestead more often, after all, I couldn't let life pass me by. As Molly skipped over with her backpack over her shoulders, I reminded myself why I could never give up. I had to be strong for my little sister, Danny was off doing his own thing without a single care. And father wasn't completely in a good place mentally, he rarely seemed to be around anymore. The house was quickly becoming something of a cell, one I truly didn't want to come and resent. Taking my sister by the hand, we headed down the open pathway leading towards town. It was a beautiful day for a walk, and the perfect time to collect my thoughts.