Chapter 6: Confusion

He woke with a pang in his chest, one that was familiar to him, but none the less annoying and confusing. It built up, like a pressure that threatened to burst from his chest if he couldn’t find a way to get it out. it only began to swell down once he pushed it from his mind. It was a manageable pain.

Lonely. Why do I feel lonely? I’ve got Pip. He’s my best friend, so why do I feel so lonely? Featherweight thought as he opened his eyes to the shadow-casted ceiling. Light burst through the now uncovered window and warmed Feather’s body. I-It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t hurt! Feather shot up out of his bed and looked around the room, free of light fatigue. A wide smile broke out across his face, marking his relief in this new development.

He inhaled, wanting to let out a long content sigh, only to realize how much he smelled. Sweat had almost started caking onto his fur, leaving small salt granules to stick. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, making him squirm in his bed. I’ve gotta take a shower.

He got out of his bed, legs folding underneath him from the brief lack of use the past few days. He broke the rest of his fall with what support he had left in his limbs. Getting up was a shaky endeavour. The quick fall and rise made his sense of balance sway as he tried to get his bearings. His head started to pound then from the immediate bloodrush, but stopped after a minute. It’s good to get back on my hooves. He thought as he carefully stepped toward the bathroom.

Huffing a bit from his small trek, Featherweight made eye-contact with the shower and was filled with instantaneous relief. The water was tuned to the right amount of hot and cold that Feather liked and he stepped it, hitching his breath as the water impacted his body and flooded down to the bottom. Feather sat there, feeling the last dregs of fear he had run down into the drain. All the sweat and pain scrubbed thoroughly from his fur, bringing back out the pleasant and optimistic colt from the buffer. He paid close attention to his head injury, trying not to touch it too much or get it more wet than needed. After washing himself, he stayed in the shower for a bit longer, just to be there and not think at all.

After he took his shower, he did some other necessaries in the bathroom and promptly left it, walking back into his hospital room straight toward where his scarred camera sat. He picked it up, tracing along the crack in the lens, wincing once he got to the end. Peering through the viewfinder made his heart hurt even more, poking the pain in his chest more, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to take good pictures. A small smile crept onto his face, I told Pip that I could make it work, right? I’ll find a way, He thought as he took a look through the viewfinder to see the crack. Out of interest, he turned the camera towards himself again and guess a good lighting angle, taking a picture of himself.

Celestia knows what that will look like, but at least I can attempt to make this all work. Feather sighed. He opted to close his eyes again and just listen. The hustle and bustle around the hospital was less intense than when he last listened, but still sounded like a clockwork mechanism that ticked on endlessly. Once again, his auditory adventure was interrupted by a knock on the door. Feather opened his eyes and smiled. It was Pram.

“Well, it’s nice to see a smile on that face of yours. Feeling better, are we?” She asked in her warm tone.

“A lot. Way better! Thank you so much!” Featherweight beamed, happy for being able to smile without noticeable pain.

Pram nodded, “not a problem at all. Actually, I came in to check and see your condition and whether you were ready to be released. You look to be in stable condition as of now, so let me go grab the doctor real quick and we can get you out of here,” She explained.

Featherweight nodded and shuffled around in his bed, eager to finally be able to get out of this place.

Pram left for a couple minute only to return with the doctor. “Ah, look at you, Mr. Featherweight. You look better than when you first came in here, and I was right, you will be out of here today, like I predicted,” He smiled, almost as if he actually got joy from these predictions he made.

A quick examination later and Featherweight was standing in front of the sliding doors to the hospital with his camera in hoof and a smile on his face. I can’t wait to go see Pip! He thought as he walked outside. Immediately, he filled his lungs with the non-sterile air, revelling in the lack of an alcoholic tinge burning his nose. With his smile growing even wider, he began to walk towards Pipsqueak’s house.

Walking along the road, Featherweight tried to focus on where he was going, turning and turning to reorient himself only to find that he had walked around in a circle. I coulda sworn I was going straight to his house, how did I end up back here? The possible reasons worried him, but he kept trekking along. After a few more failed attempts, he finally managed to stick on the familiar path to his friend’s house.

Oddly enough, the ache in his chest became stronger as he got closer to Pip’s house, and almost made Feather sick once he was at the doorstep, almost like he was anxious about something. He gulped down the pain and knocked on the door.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

A muffled commotion came from within, making Featherweight crane his neck to where the clocktower was, thankfully in line of sight, noting that it was lunch time. He must be with his parents eating lunch. Feather waited for the little scramble to end and backed up from the door, to make room for a possible door swinging open.

Soon enough, the door opened and there stood Pipsqueak. “Yes? How can I he-” His voice hitched as he finally looked up to see who it was, “Feather!” He immediately leaped from the door frame and tackled his friend in a strong hug.

Featherweight giggled and hugged back, “Careful, buddy. Don’t want to give me another concussion, do ya?” He jeered as he rubbed his friends back, the pit shrinking a bit.

Pipsqueak immediately pulled back when he remembered how Feather had gotten the bandage in the first place. “Right, sorry. Aw, well. It’s good to see ya! You’re looking a lot better than before.” Pipsqueak wore a dorky smile, one that he reserved for when he hung out with Feather and they did stupid stuff together.

“I feel a lot better, too. Still a bit hard to think properly, but other than that, I feel great.” Feather recalled as he lightly prodded his bandage. His stomach rumbled lightly and he blushed, chuckling nervously at Pip.

“Sounds like you could use a bite to eat, pal. We were eating lunch when you knocked. I’m sure mum made enough grilled peppers for you to come in and have one, if you want.” Pip said as he walked back toward the door.

“I...I think I’d like that. Thanks,” Feather said as he followed Pip inside, closing the door once he got in.

“Is that the voice of little Featherweight I hear?” A voice asked from the dining room, in its typical, yet more refined Trottingham accent.

“Well, it can’t be! Last I heard, he was in the hospital, that’s what I heard, don’tcha know!” A second voice replied, more rounded and sweet to the ears, easily able to contrast and highlight the prior voice.

“It’s him, mum and dad, he just came to the door.” Pip said, entering the dining room to the sight of his parents sitting at the table.

“Well, what a delight! It’s good to see you in one piece, Feather, old boy. After what young Pip was sayin about the stampede, it was hard to think about. I’m glad to see you made it out alright.” Pip’s father got up and patted Featherweight on the back.

“Oh, yes. It was quite the scare, it was. It’d be hard to say there weren’t a day we were thinkin about you,” Pip’s mom said, looking over and smiling at the bandaged colt, “Especially, sweet pip. The lad nearly drove himself si-”

“Mom!” Pip interrupted, his face blazing red in embarrassment. “I think he gets it,”

“Yeah, but I’m grateful that you guys care for me that much.” Feather said, a warm smile resting on his face to accompany the small tears that were pooling in the side of his eyes.

“Well, we kinda have to, really. You’re here so much, playing around and ditzing with young Pip, you’re practically family.” Pip’s father said, his eyes trying not to gravitate to the wrapped up wound on Feather’s head.

“Oh, you must be famished, dear. What are you doing just standing there, let’s get some food into that tummy ‘f yours. Pull up any seat, hon.” Pip’s mom went into the kitchen to grab a plate.

Featherweight went to the table and pulled up a chair, one that he assumed was next to Pip since it had the telltale green cup, Pip’s favorite color.

Jokes, stories, and life lessons were shared at the table as Feather ate alongside Pip, happy to be outside of the hospital and back in a familiar place, the pit quelled and staved off for a bit longer. This was his first instance of prolonged happiness since the accident, and he never wanted it to end.

“Hey, Feather. I was thinkin. We go out to Mr. Rich’s house after this and ask about how to set up a fundraiser. I know what Mrs. Rich said, but I want to have hope. We just gotta get you to where you can go!” Pip said as he finished the last of his food.

“That sounds like a great idea, there. Look at our son go, takin charge like a class president should!” Pip’s father’s voice was filled with mirth and glee.

“Yeah, I’d be ready to do that. Anything to give me a better chance at going.” Feather said, meekly compared to Pip’s dad.

“Well, I’m finished, if you are. I’m ready to go.” Pip said as he got up with his plates, quickly rushing them to the sink.

Featherweight nodded and did the same, Pip’s mom giggling, “Now you make sure to be very respectful to Mr. Rich. Tone yourselves down when speaking with him,”

“Wasn’t plannin on bein disrespectful, mum. I’ll see you when I get back.” He said, Featherweight in tow as they exited the house quickly, a muffled farwell being heard once the door closed.

Pip’s parents gave each other a look and sighed together as they finished their meals, ready to hear the stories that would come out of this endeavour.

……….

The walk was uneventful, save for Featherweight stopping a few times to look around, before glancing at Pip and following once again.

*knock* *knock* *knock*

The door opened, and a breeze came from within. “Yes? What is it that I can help you with?” A well dressed pony replied, rigid and stone faced.

“Hi there, we were just looking to talk with Mr. Rich. I’m Pipsqueak, and this is Featherweight. I believe you’ve met us before when we came by earlier a month or so ago. I’m the Class president and one of the orga-”

“Quite right, I will fetch Mr. Rich promptly. If you would be so kind as to wait here in the foyer” The pony said, opening the door further to let them in as he walked off to what Featherweight assumed was Mr. Rich’s office.

It was nice and cooled in the foyer, compared to the uncomfortable heat outside. The house looked a bit different since the last time the two were in there, but the general layout was still the same. Two rooms to each side of the big room and a staircase that was to be believed to lead up to the actual bedrooms of the Rich family.

The children’s gazing was interrupted by the well dressed pony coming back, “He is in his office now, if you would like to go in and meet with him,”

“Thank you, very much,” Featherweight said as he gave a small smile and nodded his head to the stallion.

They went in, Pip first, and sat down in the seats that faced Mr. Rich’s desk. “Well, it is a pleasant surprise to see you two in this roundabout, boys. What can I do for ya?” Mr. Rich asked, his charming drawl making the two less nervous about what they were going to ask.

“Well, you see, Mr. Rich. Featherweight and I were needing some advice about raising money.” Pip said, trying to keep a level and unwavered tone with the business tycoon.

“Advice I do have and would be happy to give, but may I ask what you are needing money for so suddenly?” Mr. Rich asked as he brought out a notepad to write down tips.

“Well, when we learned that there wasn’t enough funding for everyone to go on the trip to Vanhoover, we wanted to find a way to make up that gap, you know. So Feather could go with us.” Pip said, kinda confused, “At last Friday’s meeting, Mrs. Rich said something about fundraising and how it would be a long-shot, but we at least have to try.”

“Yeah! I really want to go onto this trip. Really, really, badly. I’ve been waiting for it ever since we started thinking about it. It’s sad that there isn’t enough bits to let me go without problems, but if I earn enough bits with a fundraiser, do you think you could reconsider?” Featherweight asked, looking up at the perplexed Filthy Rich with a hopeful gleam.

“Now, now are you boys sayin this right? There isn’t enough bits? Well, that can’t be! I checked the fund myself a week ago! Moreso, we should have a surplus! Who was it, again, that said you couldn’t go, Featherweight?” Filthy asked as he grabbed a completely different pad and flipped through it.

“Mrs. Rich, sir. She said that we were below budget by a bit, saying that we needed to let go of only one pony to put things back even.” Featherweight said, sharing glances with Pip, who was equally confused, “She said she did the math, and everything,”

“Aha!” Filthy said as he stood up and brought the pad around to show the contents to the colts, “You see here? We have more than enough bits to take everypony, hay, we could take 3 more ponies and still be able to get everypony ice cream,” Filthy said as he scratched his head and put the pad down, “I’m honestly sorry, fellas, for any worry or fear this could have caused you. Especially you, Featherweight! What with that injury and all. I swear, those cattle are gonna squish somepony one of these days.”

Featherweight looked up at Mr. Rich, trying hard to focus on what he just said, “H-how did you know about this?” Feather asked, pointing up to his bandage.

“Oh, Diamond told me. She said she saw you and Pipsqueak almost get trampled, and after the dust cleared, saw you two heading to the hospital. Again, really sorry about this whole mess” filthy said, nervously chuckling, allowing the two to see a rare occasion where Mr. Rich was blundering.

“So wait...You’re saying I can go?” Feather asked, a smile beginning to rise once again.

“Son, do you have some kinda brain inj-” Filthy stopped himself before finishing, “Ah, yes. You can go. As a matter of fact, I think I can arrange some special treat along the trip for you in compensation for all of this worry that my wife has caused you two.”

Featherweight looked over to Pip who was wearing the exact same smile he was and almost burst out loud, happy and relieved at the news, but that would have to wait. Featherweight composed himself a bit longer. “Thank you, very much, Mr. Rich. It’s a big relief to me to know that I can go” He stood and extended a hoof to Mr. Rich.

“Absolutely no problem whatsoever, son. If anything I should be commending you for your resolute and positive nature on all of this. Coming to fundraise and put in a hard and earnest work to get what you want. That’s what I like to see in your generation” Filthy said as he vigorously shook Feather’s hoof, clearly having more practice with the action.

“Well, it wasn’t just me. Pipsqueak, Mr. Class president helped me through a lot of this.” Feather looked over to Pip who gave him a small nod and a smile.

“Well, all the same. Now if you don’t mind me asking. How, exactly, was it decided that you were to be the one to be left out?” Filthy asked, letting go of Feather’s hoof and going back to his seat.

Feather took his seat again as well, “It was boiled down to a category of who is more important out of those whose parents aren’t going with them on the trip. Pip and I were the only two, and Pip is a bit more important than I am, being class president and all, an-”

“Now that just isn’t true, Feather.” Pipsqueak got up, “You said it yourself. You do a bunch of stuff for the student council, a fair bit more than the rest of the ponies who were so quick to say that you did nothing! I’m not saying that they should of been on the fryin pan for not being able to go; no one should ‘ave, but there were ponies there who flagged you to save their own fur!”

There it is, that pain. Why is it throbbing so much now? What’s causing it? Feather thought as he watched Pip defend him.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that you weren’t standing alone, Featherweight. I don’t doubt what Pipsqueak has said, in fact I think the same myself,” Filthy got in close to the two, “but you didn’t hear me say that,” He backed up and reclined in his seat, “Well, it seems that this problem has sorted itself out. There will be things that I need to deal with, but that won’t be either of your concerns. As for now, If there isn’t anything else, then I think we can call this meeting a success!” Filthy said, pounding a hoof to the table.

“I think we are good for now, Mr. Rich. Thank you, once again!” Pip said as the two colts got up.

“Not a problem, boys. Now you two have a good rest of your days now, you hear.” Filthy said as they walked to the exit.

“Will do, Mr. Rich. Have a good day!” Feather said as he passed the fancy dressed pony and opened the door for Pip, who gave a bow at exit and went outside, Feather following suit.

They walked in silence, aimlessly, until they reached a hill that sat above a pond in the park. Both Featherweight and Pip sat down. They turned to each other, an ecstatic expression still holding on their faces, waiting to be released until,

This is loneliness, isn’t it? This pain in my chest. It’s like what Feather talked about, but feels worse now than it ever has. Why am I feeling this now? Pipsqueak thought as he looked up at Featherweight.

Like clockwork, they both opened their forehooves to make room for each other as they grabbed ahold. Feather wrapped his whole body around Pip’s small frame, curling around him as he hugged him. There wasn’t any need for words. What was said was said, and what was done, was done. Feather held that sinking pain within himself, although now, it felt different. It felt like a relief, a weight being lifted off of his shoulders. My heart is racing, my chest hurts, but this feels nice. It feels...right. My breath is quickening, and my body is sweating, but this feels like bliss! My head is pounding, and my hooves are trembling, but I’ve never felt more calm! This is it, isn’t it? This is love? Is that what loneliness is? The want to love, but not being able to give it to anyone or receive it. It’s just laying there, unused, until someone comes along to awaken that want to love, someone that connects your soul to theirs and says, ‘me, pick me! I can take your love!’ It feels like nothing I’ve ever felt before. That feeling from all those months ago when I was talking with Pip about it. That feeling was the same as I feel now. Except now I can let it out, I can love!Feather thought as he wrapped tighter around Pipsqueak, not wanting anypony from the outside world to harm him. All was quiet, save for birds flapping and water bubbling. Peace was once again felt by Featherweight and pip.

…

…

…

Wait? I love PIP?!

The End

Author's Note

My first real story, finally come to an end. I am planning on a sequel in the near future, so please stick around for that where we actually go to Vanhoover!