Side Effects may Include

“No it’s okay…. Yeah I understand…… okay, goodbye.” Ken hung up. Most people in Ken’s situation would probably just throw their phone on the ground in rage, secretly hoping they got the extra insurance to fix the now cracked screen. But Ken didn't have time for this, at least not right now. So sat down on his bed, and began to dial numbers.

Remember when I said Ken had planned this date for a month? Well in that planning period Ken had made A LOT of reservations. First, he had to cancel his Limo ride, then, he had to cancel his reservation of a table for two at Italy’s Finest (that’s a fancy Italian restaurant) and finally, he had to cancel his platinum tickets to a concert performed by their favorite band. He had also bought other, smaller things like a batch of flowers (tulips, her favorite) and a custom made cookie cake.

Once he was finished with his last phone call, apologizing to the last person, he hung up. Then he did something he promised himself he wouldn't do if something like this happened, he cried. Tears that Ken never would thought would exists tonight, unless they we’re tears of joy. The Rachel’s phone call played back in his mind.

“Yeah…. About that…… I don’t think I can do this tonight.” Ken’s eyes widened to the size of planets. “W-What do you mean you can’t make it?! We made both made sure that we had nothing to do tonight!” Ken said in a worried voice.

“I know we did! But, this just came up out of nowhere.” Rachel replied. “Rachel what do you mean?! WHAT came up?!” Ken voice was getting more and more panicked. “Well, you see…. I’m at the hospital, and….” There was then silent sobbing over the phone. Ken didn't figure out what was going on at first, but then, the pieces of the puzzle all fit together.

“Grandpa’s dead.” Rachel finally said, and proceeded to ball her eyes out. (At least that’s what it sounded like) Ken did his best to comfort her through only the sound of his voice, which isn't one of the easiest things to do.

He remembered the first time Rachel had told him about her grandpa and how he….. HAD cancer. She even had plans of attempting suicide, but Ken managed to talk her out of it. After that, whenever the topic was brought up, it scared Ken half to death, but it probably scared Rachel even more.

Ken had eventually calmed Rachel down enough to where she could properly speak, without hiccuping after every other word. After accepting all of her apologies for ruining their date, he sent his condolences to her and her family, and then hung up.

Now at this point in the story you’re probably thinking: “Why on earth is this on FiMFiction?! We’re 4 chapters in (5 if you count the “Dear Reader” part) and there’s still NO PONIES!” Well you can put those qualms to rest because this is the part where things get, dare I say, magical.