Hearts and Hooves Day

Hearts and Hooves Day

Chapter 7: Saturday Morning Massage

I opened my eyes real slowly to let my vision come to focus. I felt Celestia's sun rays coming from my windrow blinds and lightly heat my skin as I laid on the bed. I turned my body to the opposite side of my bed to see my digital clock on the dresser. The clock read 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning, only two hours left until the Poyville Spa opens and my meetup with Silver Dollar. I thought for a minute about getting up but I rather just sleep for another few minutes as my bed felt very comfortable.

COCK-A-DOODLE-DDDDOOOOOOO!!!! COCK-A-DOODLE-DDDOOOOO!!!

There goes Applejack's rooster crowing in the distance outside of my apartment. This happens mostly every morning when I'm scheduled to work a night shift at my job or when I receive time off that I have to hear that annoying bird's wake-up call. I would love to kill that thing and eat it since I crave for meat in this world but Applejack and her big brother, Big Macintosh, would put my name on the obituary page the next following day in Ponyville's local newspaper. Even worse, I'll lose their friendship and I don't want that to happen.

I heard him crow once more and I had it! I let out a frustrated groan and sat up from the bed.

“Okay, Terry Taylor!” I ranted. “I'm getting up!”

I got out of bed and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up as usual. After brushing my teeth, I go to the kitchen and took out some eggs, a slice of cheese, and butter. Next, I opened a cabinet underneath the sink and took out a frying pan and set on the stove as I let it heat up. Finally, I grabbed a bag of bread and a plate from an upper cabinet above the dishwasher. I was preparing to make myself an egg sandwich for breakfast, which is always my favorite breakfast meal while growing up on Earth. My mother taught me how to make one when I was at the age of ten. Later at the age of seventeen, I taught my little brother the same technique on how to cook one. In response, he will always ask me to make him one with a side of bacon strips every weekend morning when we watch WWF LiveWire and WWF SuperStars together. Funniest thing about it while eating and watching, we always argue on who's the best host from both shows. He always picked Todd Pettengill for being a funny guy but I argue back and tell him that Kevin Kelly is better because he's more informative than a radio DJ who knew nothing about the company. The arguing got so intense, to us that is, and he would threaten to play with my WWF Hasbro figures that I had on display in my room at that time, even the ones I kept in package. Not to mention, I was one of the lucky guys in the world that owns the extremely rare Kamala figure with his trademark yellow moon painted on his belly, which is worth $10,000 kept in package! In response, if he messes or touches my figures, I would destroy his Pokémon cards, including the Japanese versions. Man, do I miss the 90s so much!

I finished cooking my egg and cheese sandwich and set it on my plate. I took the plate and set it on my dinner table. Before eating, I headed back to my bedroom and went inside my closet to grab my gym bag. I then went to my dresser and pulled out a pair of blue basketball shorts, a white sleeveless shirt, and a towel. I placed them inside my bag, along with some deodorant, my ipod, and body spray to go with it. I took the bag and set it near the doorway. Before heading out, I have to finish eating my sandwich and do a little dishes so I can get it out the way and not worry about it later.

I left my apartment while carrying my gym bag containing my clothes. I stroll down Lancelot Road that lead into Ponyville as I let my mind wander off into a day dreaming stasis. Above of the relaxing town, I can see that a group of Pegasi, perhaps the Weather Patrol team, clearing the skies by bucking the clouds with their back hooves. Not to mention, I can see a familiar athletic pegasus with a rainbow colored mane shouting commands to everypony in her group. I remember her as Rainbow Dash, the so-called “fastest pegasus in all of Equestria.” The first time she told me that, it was an arrogant, cocky manner like she was sort of big shot. I just laughed it off and didn't believe her...until she show off her speed, agility, skills, and her Wonderbolts badge right in front of me. Seeing all of this had led me to respect Dash even more. I did attend one of the Wonderbolts air shows up in Canterlot when I had time off from work to see Rainbow in action. When I was there, it was a sight to behold as I witness Rainbow Dash do aerial maneuvers that no human or pegasus can do and even finish of the show with her trademark Sonic Rainboom. I can't wait to see her do it again when the next show comes up.

As I got into Ponyville, I didn't expect it to be as busy as Weekend Shopping Spree back on Earth. What I mean is, when I go to the mall or shop somewhere in my hometown, the stores are packed, traffic is bullshit, and parking is a nightmare. I thought Equestria wouldn't have a problem like this. Unfortunately, I was wrong! When I walked down the road that leads to City Hall and the Spa,  there was a huge crowd of ponies of all types and humans buying food at the Market Square. Some ponies pass me by while pulling wagons of food or barrels on the streets as I got out of the way to let them get through.

After passing Market Square, I entered the next block that had a lot of stores and eateries. The restaurants were jam packed with hungry ponies and humans as they crave for breakfast while such stores like my destination spot for tomorrow, Barns and No Bell, had a line of customers waiting for either a cup of coffee or an autograph from celebrity author Summer Mane, or best known by her real name Jade Singer, who wrote the books Canter in the Sky and Re-Cant. She was not only an author but she was the Royal Archivist for Princess Celestia and Twilight's favorite author. I never read any of Jade's books but I heard that they are really good though the last books I read back on Earth were Bret Hart's autobiography Hitman and WrestleCrap founder R.D. Reynold's The Death of WCW. I do read other books other than just pro wrestling but whenever I get bored at bookstores, I read whatever I want but I mostly hang out in the Sports section or the DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse section. Maybe when I get to Barns and No Bell tomorrow, I should check out what they got in the comics section after my meeting.

I can see City Hall straight ahead so therefore I'm close to the Spa as I can almost feel it in my gut. I hurried along the street by going around another corner passing the Joke Shop and a store that sells sofas and quills. I let out a sigh of relief as I saw the Spa just ahead of me. Not to mention, I see a familiar stallion pacing back and forth in front of the door. It was my pawn shop co-manager and best friend Silver Dollar with his own gym bag. I smiled and walked up towards him as I called his name.

“YO SILVER DOLLAR!” I said out loud. “WHAT'S UP, MAN?”

The grey unicorn lifted his head, smiles, and waves his right forehoof in the air. I approached him as he straightens his right hoof in front of me. I replied back by giving him a brofist to his hoof which the both of us always do when we became friends.

“You made it just in time, Frank.” Silver Dollar greeted. “I was getting bored all of a sudden.”

“How long have you been waiting?” I asked.

“About 55 minutes. I got here earlier after boarding the next train from Canterlot to Ponyville. However, before I came to the spa and waited for you, I had to visit my sister, Bronze Bracelet, and her husband for some breakfast. After that...well...here I am.”

“I see. Should we go inside?”

“Of course. That's why we're here. Come on!”

The both of us went through the front door and into the waiting room. There were two light green sofas and a coffee table with a few magazines and newspapers in the center of the room. There was also three potted plants, two near the south corners of the wall and one in front of the reception desk, along with a door that has a sign saying GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES ONLY. The both us saw one of the managers of the spa, a human named Dru Stevens. He was the first international human to come to Equestria from the United Kingdom as #71. His story on how and why he was chosen is rather sad and tear jerking that I really hate to describe it all but I can only say that he's here with the other humans and myself as we pursue better lives on this land. He has black, princeton hair and wearing a men's spa uniform colored in light cerulean. Why he chose that color is because of two reasons: it matches Lotus' fur color and he's Lotus' fiance. Dru and Lotus had been together for 5 years ever since Dru started working for the spa and providing the customers with excellent massages and treatments. Lotus chose him as her chosen human because she admires Dru's confidence and the way on how he respects her than the stallions that tried to hit on her.

Silver Dollar and I walked up towards the reception desk to meet up with Dru.

“How are ya, mates?” Dru spoke with an English accent. “Welcome to the Ponyville Spa. How may I help you?”

“Hey, Dru.” I replied. “Silver Dollar and I would like a spa treatment.”

“That's sounds great. What would the two of you like?”

“We would like to attend Yoga, a massage, and sauna.” Silver Dollar answered.

Dru rings up our purchase to the register, adds our names to a clipboard, and gives us our guest tickets.

“That will be 500 bits for all three purchases.” He concluded.

Silver Dollar took out a bag that contain 300 bits from his gym bag while I took 200 from my pocket and gave it to Dru. Silver Dollar and I went through the door into a hallway with few doors. We continued down the hall until we found the Stallion's Locker Room.

“Go ahead and change, Frank.” Silver Dollar instructed. “I'll go ahead to the fitness room.”

I nodded and went inside the locker room. After my finding my usual locker, 142, I went ahead and opened it. I unzipped my gym bag and took out my clothes for my yoga class session. I changed out of my street clothes, placed them in the bag, put it in the locker, and shut it. I exited out of the locker room and into the hallway to find the fitness where Silver Dollar was waiting. As I got there, I can see the room is filled 19 guests: three humans, eleven mares, and five stallions. I saw Silver Dollar sitting on a blue mat up front and has one waiting for me. I walked up towards him, took off my shoes, and sat on the mat.

“Thanks, man.” I said to Silver Dollar.

“No problem.” He replied.

“So...what was it that you were going to tell me regarding next week?”

“I'll tell after yoga class. So as of now, just relax.”

Just then, I heard hoofsteps approaching from outside the room. I turned my head back to see who it was. Entering the doorway was the one of the owners of the spa, Dru's future wife, and Aloe's twin sister Lotus. She trots into the fitness room while carrying her mat by her teeth and sets her mat down in front of the guests, Silver Dollar, and myself. She sits on the mat and clears her throat.

“Hello, everypony and everyone.” She greeted with her European like accent. “Welcome to Saturday's Yoga Session here at the Ponyville Spa. I am Lotus and I'll be your yoga instructor. Remember to breath through your nose and not from your mouth. We will start with a few warm up exercises until we start our session. Are you ready? Wonderful! Let's begin our first lesson.”

Yoga class was really great. It was relaxing and it relieved me of stress from all that hard work from the pawn shop and dealing with idiotic customers. More so, Lotus did a great job as an instructor though I always wonder who taught her. I'm interesting in knowing more.

Silver Dollar and I where in the huge massage room laying on our stomachs on our own massage tables as we waited patiently for our massagers. I remembered about my ipod in my gym bag so took it out before meeting up with Silver. Both of us were in robes, save for me who was wearing shorts because I don't want to walk into the room with boxers on. Some of the humans who come here do in fact come in with boxers or underwear on but I just find it to be embarrassing that I walk in here almost completely nude. Does anyone have any shame?

I laid on the massage table listening to Circles by SiX until Silver Dollar started clapping his hooves together to get my attention. I took off my headphones and I turned to him.

“What's up?” I asked.

“I want to talk to you about next week.” He responded.

“Okay. What is it?”

Before Silver Dollar can say a few words, the both of us heard hoofsteps approaching from the doorway to my right pass the hot tub in the center and the sauna room on the right far wall. A mare entered the room with a smile on her face. It was Lotus and Aloe's cousin Vera, a mare with a purple mane and a cream colored coat. I'm guessing that she's my massager for today though she walked right  by me and attended Silver Dollar. It was a let down, I know but at least she was able to acknowledge that I'm here.

“Hi Frank!” She greeted. “How are you?”

“I'm good, Vera.” I replied. “How about you?”

“I'm doing fine. In the meantime, I will be massaging your friend here. Silver Dollar, was it?”

“Yes, that's correct.” My supervisor responded.

“Wait a minute!” I said to Vera. “What about me? Don't I get a massage?”

“Yes, you will.” the spa pony informed. “You have as assigned massager coming in though I don't know when exactly. Silver Dollar, are you ready for your treatment?”

Silver Dollar nods in response and Vera beings rubbing her fore hooves along Silver's back softly and gently. The rich unicorn let out a soft, relaxing sigh as the spa pony was making him comfortable. I felt a bit jealous for the fact that I'm not getting one.

“Ahhhh...so...Frank.” Silver Dollar said softly. “About next week....you know...oooo....what comes...out...ohh...in theaters on Thursday.....oh Celestia....at 7pm for a special showing?”

“No.” I said. “What?”

“Well...oh...yeah right there Ms. Vera...the movie that comes out...is...Headless Horse VIII: Massacre in Los Pegasus...at Canterlot Cinemas 12.”

This surprised me a bit. Headless Horse VIII? Right after watching the god awful Headless Horse VII: The New Breed from last year on film reel and yet AppleWood decides to make another? I'm not even that amused. Though, Headless Horse I – V were good but Headless Horse VI: Human Harvest is my absolute favorite of the series.

“You're kidding right?” I questioned.

“No man.” Silver Dollar said. “This movie...oh...yeah...is going to be a lot better...than the last one.”

“That's what they all say but come on! I'm still wiping the taste out of my mouth from HH VII. I got to ask: is Scare Fright reprising his role as Headless Horse like he did in the previous films?”

“Of course. From what...I...ahhh...read from the news article this morning....ooooo...he will return to do the role again.”

“Since you put it that way, that's great. He's the only actor that puts on a solid performance than the other actors in the films and keeps me entertain with innovative kills. Like in Human Harvest, the way how Double H kills that one human actor with his horseshoe straight through the intestines and pulls them out. Man that was awesome! The gore factor in that movie had me watching it again and again. However, the ending was predictable like in the previous films so it's meh to me but I gotta tell you, I watch that movie countless times.”

Silver Dollar tilted his head in confusion. “Why? Because it was the first...movie in the series...ahhh...to have human actors?”

“Yup!” I replied. “That's one reason. However, what's the plot for Headless Horse VIII?”

“Excuse me, you two.” Vera interrupted. “I really hate to intrude on your conversation, but Mr. Silver Dollar, would you please turn over on your back so I can finish your massage?”

“Oh sure.” Silver said. “Sorry about that.”

Silver Dollar turned his body around and laid on his back on the table. Once he was done, the spa pony went ahead and continued her job.

“So where did we left off?” The rich stallion asked me.

“I asked you about the plot?” I said to him.

“Oh...the plot...yeah...oooh...watch my stomach please. Anyway...aaahh..the plot goes...some movie crew...in Los Pegasus...wants to do a movie...about...ahhh...”

I couldn't wait for him to finish his explanation so I took a wild guess on what he was going to say. “About the Headless Horse legend, they screwed up, and the Headless Horse goes on a killing spree. Is that the plot?”

There was a moment of silence between the both of us.

“...Yes!” Silver Dollar said. “That's the story.”

“Uhh...I don't know, Silver Dollar. I might as well pass because this plot just sounds rather dumb.”

“Oh, come on, Frank. Ooooo....I was going to invite you....and let you leave early on the work schedule.”

My eyes widen. “Leave early?”

“Yeah...ohhh!” Silver Dollar continued. “It's going to be you, myself....ahhh...and my wife. Plus...ooohhh....if you bring someone...with you....that will be great. It will be...like...a double date.”

I shook my head out of his view. I wanted to say no but I can't just say it. Silver Dollar and I were like BFFs so I really hate to disappoint him since him and I haven't been hanging out for awhile. Might as well just roll with it.

“Fine...”I answered. “However, I don't know about the double date thing. I'm not sure if I am able to find a mare or a friend of mine to go with me to see the movie.”

“Then try!” Silver Dollar said. “Don't be such a wuss, Frank.”

Vera stops massaging Silver Dollar. “Your massage is done, Mr. Silver Dollar. You can go to the sauna if you wish.”

“Thank you.” Silver Dollar said to her.

The spa pony nodded and walked out of the room to attend other customers in the spa. Silver Dollar gets off the massage table, grabs his robe and towel; and walks towards the sauna room pass the hot tub.

“You coming, Frank?” He asked before going inside.

“I haven't received my massage yet!” I protested.

“Oh...sorry about that.” The rich unicorn apologized. “Just come on in when you're done. I have more to talk about including my other pawn shop stories.”

“Okay. I'll be there when I can.”

Silver Dollar goes inside the sauna and closes the door. Meanwhile, I waited on the table for my assigned massager. I kept thinking about what I'm going to do for the next few days before Thursday. It's cool that  Silver and I are hanging out again since last month when the both of us went skiing in Vanhoover with his father, sister, and wife. I didn't do any skiing but rather snowboarding as it was my hobby during the winter season. I did ski once but I nearly twisted my legs when I lost control going down a slope and crashing near a tree. I worried about getting an expensive hospital bill but Mr. Gold Bar, who always treat me like a second son to him, would pay for it if I did somehow get injured. I have to admit that's the kindness thing I ever heard and I'm glad to be working with him.

Another five minutes had passed and I did not receive my massage yet. Damn, what the hell is going on? I must as well just get up and get my money back. I took my ipod out, put my headphones on, and searched for a song to pass time. As I searched, I found one that I always jam too: Judge, Jury, and Executioner by Paul Leonard-Morgan from the DREDD movie soundtrack. I don't care what anyone says! DREDD was better than Sylvester Stallone's 1995 movie Judge Dredd because Stalllone's movie ruined the character by making him the next Superman with corny lines but Karl Urban, who played the role of Judge Dredd, made the comic book to movie character into a complete bad ass. He just goes in and sentences all perps with his Lawgiver.

I listened to the song and bopping my head to the beat. The music started out slow and heavy but when it got to the 27 second mark, the music began to pick up with heavy drums and bass. I closed my eyes and imagine myself hitting the drums with sticks in hands as it played for another forty seconds until it began to fade away which I hate the most. If I was back on Earth, I would remix this song and make it extended for another five minutes with that kick-ass beat repeating. I opened my eyes to find the rewind button to play the music again...until the right corner of my sight caught something pink and giggling next to me which startled me by surprised. I turned to see who it is and found out it was Aloe. I let out a smile and took off my headphones.

“Hey!” I said.

“Hi, Frank.” Aloe replied smiling at me. “I'm sorry if I disturbed your time of listening to your ipod thingy or laughing at your performance.”

“Oh no no. I was just daydreaming that I was rocking out on stage in front of a live crowd until you showed up, but I'm not mad or anything. So what are you doing?”

She lifted her left forehoof and pointed to her chest. “I'm your assigned massager for today.”

This was another unexpected surprise. Aloe is going to massage me today? Again? Okay, I admit: she massaged me in the past along with her sister and cousin on random occasions whenever I come here for a treatment but out of all the three, Aloe had served me the most. If I had to choose who was the best massager, it had to be Aloe because her hooves felt so soft to the touch whenever she rubs my back or rub my shoulders. Lotus and Vera are good at it too but Aloe, in my opinion, takes the cake. I watch as Aloe go right behind me to a desk and opens the drawer. She reaches in and takes out a bottle of lotion. As I continue to look, she pushes down the pump of the bottle as a white liquid lands on her left forehoof. The pink spa pony began to rub both of her forehooves together as she prepares for her assigned duty. She comes right back to my massage table as I put my ipod away in my left pocket of my robe. I took off my robe as I let it dropped to my right side, exposing my bare back but keeping my shorts on. I folded my arms to the front of me and laid my head in between.

“Are you ready, Frank?” Aloe asked me.

“Ready when you are.” I replied.

She giggles a bit and began to my rub my back with those amazing hooves of her. I let out a soft, relieved sigh as I lay there comfortably. This was going to be a great day for me...I hope.

“So how was my sister's yoga class this morning?” Aloe asked me as she rubbed my back.

“How do you know I attended yoga class?” I questioned out of curiosity.

“Oh...I checked the clipboard up front when I was doing some paperwork and saw your name on it. The moment I saw it is the moment I wrote my name to be your assigned massager.”

“Well...that explains....ahhh...everything. Well, it was...great and my friend, Silver Dollar, and I had a fun time. Where did...ooo...did Lotus learn to be a yoga instructor?”

She moves away from my back and towards my legs. “She learned it from our mother back in our native land. My parents ran a spa like this one except it was suffering from financial issues. Not that many ponies came in for our services. Therefore, they came up with many ideas to help save the business but one was put into motion: yoga class. My mother went to the village's local library to find a book about meditation, different body postures, and exercising the spirit within. It took her a matter of months to perfect it. Once she knew what to do, she began to host classes every weekend.”

Aloe moves away from my legs and went to massage the back of my shoulders.

“The idea was a success.” The spa pony continued. “Ever since then, mother did more classes everyday and business was booming for the spa. Almost the whole entire population of the village came by everyweek to sign up for yoga. When my sister and I were growing up, Lotus was interested in learning more about the practice from mother, so she can take these skills with her to the day when the both of us moved to Ponyville.”

“That's wonderful to hear.” I said. “I'm glad your mom saved the business.”

“Thank you.” Aloe said happily.

“Though...I want to know: have you been taught to do yoga?”

Aloe sighed. “No, not yet. I'll ask Lotus one day to teach me whenever I have free time.”

She finished rubbing my shoulders and tapped lightly on my spine.

“Turn around please.” Aloe instructed. “I have to do your stomach.”

I nodded and turned my body around. As I laid on my back, I put my hands to the side and rested my head back. Aloe went back to the same desk and use the same bottle to get the white liquid again. After repeating what she did earlier, she returns back to the massage table and begins to soothe my chest. I once again let out another relaxed sigh as she did her work.

“So...”Aloe spoke. “What else did you do while hanging out with your friend?”

“We...ahh.” I slurred as her soft hooves touched my chest. “Talked about going to the movies...uhhh...on Thursday at 7pm.”

She stopped massaging and looks at me. “At 7pm? For what?”

“Oh...uh...Silver Dollar invited me to see Headless Horse VIII: Massacre in Los Pegasus.”

Aloe's eyes opened up widely, like she was shocked upon hearing this. “You're...going to see that?!?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I'm just hoping it's better than the last one and that it tops the gore factor in Human Harvest.”

“Me too.” She said all intrigued. “I love the movies and I have them on film reel. I also have the Director's Cut of the first film and the extended version of the fourth one.”

“That's awesome! I don't have the extended version of the fourth one but just the regular version. Maybe one day I can ask you if I may borrow it.”

Aloe lets out a chuckle and moves to the front of the massage table where my head meets. She puts her forehooves on my shoulder blades and begins to massage them.

“You're only going with Silver Dollar?” She asked.

I shook my head and looked at her. “No. He's taking his wife and he invited me to tag along. Silver also said I can invite someone or somepony else to be with me for the night.”

She stops massaging me and the next minute, she puts her soft hooves on the sides of my neck. Aloe looks at me with a warm smile and with her bright azure eyes. Suddenly, she lowers her muzzle near my face like she's trying meet me eye to eye.

“Did you invite anypony or anyone to go with you?” Aloe blinked. “I mean, have you made up your mind?”

“Not yet.” I responded. “I've been laying here all this time so I haven't made my move.”

She inches closer to my face. What I also notice is that her cheeks are beginning to glow red. Is she alright?

“Then...you don't mind if...” Aloe whispered. “If....you...”

“If what?” I replied softly. I began to feel my heart beating rapidly.

“If...you...want to...uhhh...”

“Aloe?!?”

She turns her head slightly to the left while her eyes were half opened but her smile still remains. Aloe moves her hooves from my neck and places them on my cheeks. I don't know why but I felt a cold shiver go down my spine when I felt those soft hooves touch me. She slowly returns to look back at me and slowly, lowers her muzzle towards my nose as her left fore hoof rubs my left cheek.

“If you...” She whispered. “Like to...invi...”

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?” A voice boomed inside the room.

Aloe and I receive the fright of our lives from hearing that unexpected call. We turned our heads towards the opening doorway and realize who it was: Daryl Blackburn. He was standing there with a white towel wrapped around his wait while displaying his masculine physique with his fists balled up. He marches towards me as Aloe set her hooves down to the floor and I sat up to get off the table.

“Oh...h...hi Daryl.” Said a frightened Aloe.

“What were you doing?” Daryl hissed at Aloe. “Were you trying to kiss him?!? Were you going to dump me?!?”

“NO! No! I wasn't! I was...I was only...giving him a massage!”

“Are you lying to me?!? ARE YOU FUCKING LYING TO ME?!?”

“Daryl, Daryl!” I interrupted. “She didn't do anything! She was only giving me a massage to my neck.”

“Why would she you give a massage to your neck?!?”

I tried to come up with an excuse as for a way for Daryl to believe me. “Cause...I...I have a stinger. I got one yesterday at work.”

He folded his arms in front of me. I guess he doesn't buy it.

“Are you sure about that?!?” The brute interrogated as he tilted his head. “You weren't trying to kiss my mare and take her away from me would you?!? WOULD YOU?!?”

“I'm telling the truth!” I defended. “I would...not take her away from you. I would never kiss her...because...we're...we're just friends....and that's it.”

Daryl turns to Aloe. “Is this true?”

“...Yes.” Aloe said bluntly while looking down on the floor. “It's true.”

Daryl looks back at me and unfolded his arms. He turns to my massage table and lays on it face down.

“Are you done with your massage?!?” He questioned me with a little venom in his speech.

I nodded. “Yeah...I...I'm done. I'm just going to get my robe...and go to the sauna. I apologize if I did cause any trouble.”

Daryl rolls his eyes. “Whatever. Next time, there won't be an apology if I ever catch you with her again.”

I didn't say anything but went to grab my robe. I looked at Aloe and noticed her eyes were a bit watery like she was going to cry. I wanted to help her but I feel as though Daryl will murder me if I try.

“MOVE IT!!!” Daryl commanded at me.

I backed up and walked towards the sauna. Before I entered the door, I looked back once more and saw Aloe giving Daryl a back massage.

“AND MAKE SURE YOU GIVE ME A LONG ONE!!!” He ordered at Aloe.

“...Yes, Daryl.” The spa pony said in a tone of depression.

I felt bad for Aloe. Normally, I don't understand what's got into Daryl lately. Is he always this abusive to Aloe and does he have to be a bully? I mean, yes, he's Aloe's boyfriend but he doesn't have to be like this all the time. One day I have to ask Aloe on why he's like that.

I opened the sauna door and saw Silver Dollar sitting down enjoying the hot steam while beads of sweat go down his fur coat.

“Hey, Frank.” Silver Dollar greeted. “What kept you? Did you get your massage?”

I nodded. “Yeah...I did.”

“You alright, man? Are you feeling okay?”

“I'm okay.” I lied to him. “I just...need some time.”

I reached into my robe and pulled out my ipod. I put on my headphones and searched for another random song to calm my nerves. At least something that expresses my feelings as of now.