Paradox Part Two

Chapter Seven: Ouch

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Another hour had rapidly gone by. Ben was getting anxious, as he knew his mom would kill him. I mean, come on, it was almost six o'clock.

By repeating this to Trent, Ben finally elicited the answer he desired. His buddy said, "Yeah, man, totally. You know how my parents would react if you were here for dinner, anyway."

Ben laughed in response. "You mean the whole attacking me with soap and a scrub-brush? 'Tis alright."

"Good, they still haven't forgiven you for that barbecue sauce stain in their carpet."

Ben began to make out for his friend's bedroom door. "Well, never invite Ben Tennyson over if you're having ribs."

His friend hooted, and Ben walked down the stairs and out the front door. However, before he finished traversing the front walk, Trent came running out after him, shouting his name. "Ben, wait!"

Ben spun around and grunted. "Hm?!"

"How many people have you told?"

Ben thought of how to react, and told the truth: "You're the first, dude."

Trent beamed again. "Sweet. Any reason why?"

Ben snorted. "What can I say? You have a pool." His friend sported a weird look, but then grinned again. "Alright, man, see you later."

Ben closed the wood gate, sealing the fortress that was his buddy's house. He decided not to go alien until he reached the end of the housing development, even though he had a ways to go.

He was definitely glad he told his best friend. Now, who's next? Nobody, he thought. Not today.

And then he saw her. The most beautiful human being in the whole state. Maybe the whole country. She was smart. She was blazing hot. And, most exciting to the guys following her around everywhere, she was athletic. In fact, Ben was shocked to see her alone.

But, back to the girl. I'll simplify it: she could do her homework and yours while putting on makeup and beating your butt at any sport she chose. Like you had a decision in the matter anyway. You were just lucky to be near her. That's how great she was. And her name was Jen. Either Jen or Jennifer, but only Jenny if you want to get punched. And Ben Tennyson was in love with her. Of course, so was every other boy in Bellwood.

And Ben was alone. With her.In this cul-de-sac. Nobody else. A light breeze flowed through the neighborhood. Ben was shocked again: the Jennifer lived in the same cul-de-sac as his friend? No way! Of course, he never asked.

But whatever. This was his chance! He ran through the middle of the road, shouting her name. She turned around and smiled her dazzling smile.

Then, suddenly, her modest grin turned to shock, and fear. She screamed, and pointed in his direction. "Ben!"

Ben only had time to turn his head.

He was then rammed, headfirst, by an SUV. I mean, not just hit,slammed. He flew backwards and landed with a sickening thud. The girl screamed, however, Ben was already gone. Not dead, unconscious. But the damage was done.

Ouch.

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Ben Tennyson, as to be expected, woke up with a throbbing headache. He had slept all night, for that is what the sunlight coming in the room told him. Sunlight, he understood, but from where?

He opened his eyes, expecting to be in a hospital room. But, no, he wasn't. And this was the kicker: he was in his room. His bedroom, in hishouse.

His mom stood over him, smiling faintly. "Wake up, honey Come on."

Ben groaned. "What... happened?"

His mom's smile grew, and she stripped the covers from his bed. Ben curled up, defenseless. "What do you mean? You took a shower, which surprised all of us to be honest, and went to bed. Come on, Ben, wakey, wakey. It's the second day of school."

Her smile became uneasy. "After all, you don't want to have to go to summer school again."

Ben sat bolt upright in his bed. "Huh?!" He instantaneously looked toward his right wrist. No Omnitrix.

What... the... hell?!

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In another reality, Ben woke. He refused to open his eyes, for fear of his mother being there to tell him to get up for school.

He heard people talking, and he recognized some of the voices. Ben instantly became alert, and listened intently.

"Frankly, Mr. and Mrs. Tennyson, you should consider this a miracle. Your son could have been paralyzed, or even killed."

"Then why wasn't he? I mean, we're thankful and all, Doctor, but this doesn't make sense."

The unfamiliar voice laughed. "Honestly, ma'am, we have no idea. Your son came in here looking as if he had broken a couple of bones, and, at worst, his neck or back. All he seems to have here are a couple of nicks and bruises. It's like he's made out of steel, or crystal."

Ben's father laughed in return. "I'm sure. We're just glad he's alive."

"Absolutely. However, I just have one last question to ask."

"Sure."

"Which is your son's dominant hand?"

"His right. Why?"

"Hm. Okay then. Just watch his left arm, then, we had to put his IV in there. There's that watch on his right arm, and we couldn't dislodge it to get at his artery. He should be just fine, but watch him anyway."

"We'll be glad to."

"Of course, Mr. Tennyson. Anyway, I think your boy is well enough to be released. Heck, it's only six in the morning, he could even make it to school by seven thirty."

"I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that."

Ben decided to open his eyes, and, for comedic effect, groaned. "School? Come on!" He blinked his eyes against the bright light.

Minutes later, Ben was fully dressed and walking down the hallway with his parents staying close to him.

Among other confusing things, including why he was at the hospital, Ben decided to check a few off his list.

"Now, what's with this watch?"