I promised a quick follow up to the last chapter, so here it is! Chapters 7 & 8 really do go hand in hand, in trying to understand and explain where Larry's prejudices may have come from, and how horrible they can grow if left unchecked. This is going to be one of the rare times in this story where Sybil (or Tom for that matter) aren't featured or mentioned. Basically, this is an entirely "All Larry" chapter, and a few more like it will pop up now and then, but Sybil and Tom will always have a part to play somewhere in the back of his mind, especially as things progress.
Also, in case you're curious, Tom will start showing up once we get into the "teens" chapters at some point. This story is AU and will change a few timeline things from the show (not that I think people mind) ;o) Anyway, thanks again for reading!
Seeds Take Root
May 1903
Every year there is a polo match at his school. For the past six years, their rivals have held the prestigious cup. Now at thirteen, Larry is determined to lead them all to victory and take the cup back.
Mr. Galway is the chief groom at the stables. He has a son, a dirty little thing who stares vaguely into the distance, and who hardly speaks. "Simple minded" is what he overhears a teacher say. Larry is shocked to learn that the boy is an entire year older than himself. He belongs in an institution, not at an esteemed place like this!
The boy is given the job of wiping down the horses, brushing their coats, and polishing the saddles. Larry has seen him doing these things on several occasions when he comes to the stables to practice. He wrinkles his nose in disgust, both at the smell of the place, and as he overhears Mr. Galway speak to his son in some strange language that sounds like a bunch of gibberish. No wonder the boy is so stupid! He can't even speak proper English!
A new stallion has been acquired, and all the other boys stare in awe at it. It's large, brown, and surely the tallest one there. It's also the surliest, and begins bucking whenever someone gets too close to it.
Mr. Galway seems to be the only person who can calm the beast. Him and his son.
But Larry is determined. This will be the horse he rides in the polo match. This will be the horse that will lead him to victory and bring glory back his school. His father was a polo champion once. Maybe then, he'll finally be "good enough"?
The horse seems to have calmed a bit in the days leading to the match. Now is the perfect time to ride it. He brags to all his friends that he'll master that horse, and they laugh and make bets that he'll fall on his arse.
When he marches to the stables (with his minions in tow) Mr. Galway is nowhere to be found.
But his son is there.
"Give me that horse!" he orders, pointing at the brown stallion.
The boy shakes his head, that same vague stupid expression on his face.
"Are you disobeying me?" he growls. Bloody foreigners; if they can't understand English why are they allowed to work here?
Someone behind him snickers. He grounds his teeth, pushes past Mr. Galway's son, taking the saddle from his hands and placing it on the stallion's back.
The horse rears up, startling Larry; startling everyone.
He jumps away before a hoof can hit him.
He loses his balance and tumbles backward, right into a steamy pile of manure.
Everyone laughs, including Mr. Galway's son.
His face burns with humiliation.
He goes at once to the headmaster, and threatens to write to his father if something isn't done.
On the day of the polo match, sitting proud atop his horse, Larry sees Mr. Galway and his simple son leaving.
He smiles. Even if they don't win, he feels victorious.