That Way

            Being gently guided back to the table by Twilight, Derpy's flank sat back in the chair. She put her head in her hooves as she would sniffle every few seconds. She noticed how emotional she was. She never cried! But now Derpy had a surge of emotion she could not stop as she sat in Twilight's wicker chair by the table. Twilight could not do anything but sit back in her own chair, and wait for Derpy to get a hold of herself. What would having a child even be like? Everyone would look at her funny, and more ponies would make fun of her. Then she would have to take care of a foal. Jet would probably be really mad, and yell at her for not being more careful. Derpy had no idea what to do, where would she go when she needed to learn how to change a diaper? Or feed him or her? Her mother lived far away, and wanted nothing to do with her, and she did not have any siblings. Twilight only knew so much, there are probably books, but she would need another mother to help her. There was way too many questions she had, and she was really nervous, and scared. At the same time she was a little excited. It would be nice to have a little foal to be running around. Derpy did like to think she was good with children. Would it be a filly or a colt? Or a unicorn or pegasus? Twilight could probably also help her with that. So there were some good things, but it was a good idea to take it day by day. Derpy would probably keep it to herself, until it was obvious and would continue work. The extra weight would probably make flying a lot harder. She wondered if it would make her customers think differently of her. What would the CMC think? Especially Scootaloo, they probably would not want to talk to her anymore. She did not know if school fillies even understood it. Derpy sure did not.

            The only experience Derpy had with foals, young newborns, was one time when she was little when she looked over a neighbors. Her neighbor had to quickly run to the market, and she watched her 5 month old colt. He slept most of the time, and when he woke up, she rocked him back to sleep. That was about it, and that was when she was 11. Derpy's childhood was not so bad, she grew up with most of the older ponies around Ponyville. Rarity was in her grade school class, along with Applejack and some other common ponies like Lyra. Derpy actually was not bullied that bad in grade school. She had a few that would make fun of her, but she was often defended by Cherilee. She was extremely nice, and after she graduated, she would usually come and help the teacher with the new class. The best thing about her is that she was cool. All the fillies and colts would look up to her, she always would wear the newest and cutest styles. Derpy was her favorite. She would help her when she was hurt, tell her stories, help her in class, and stop any bullies. She was almost like a sister, they did not talk much now though. Her mother, was not so loving like Cheerilee. Derpy would do as she pleased, and her mother ignored her. She reminded her a lot of Jet. Derpy's mom just sat around all day, usually drinking, and calling Derpy names. Her father was away in Canterlot as a royal guard, and would send letters back and fourth for her all the time. He loved her a lot, although her mom said she was stupid. That is what made her want to be a mailmare! Her father died when she became one though, he had a heart attack. After this, Derpy's mother became worse, and moved away. Derpy stayed in Ponyville, paying for the house she left behind with her mail money. That was where she lived today. It was somewhere that Derpy did not want her daughter or son to grow up in. The house was beat up and dirty, and brought back bad memories of when her mother would beat her. She would never, ever hurt her foal though. She finally put her head up and sighed, and decided to talk to Twilight who gave a awkward, but gentle grin.

"Cheer up... It won't be that bad" Twilight did not have any knowledge on how bad it actually was. It was a good idea not to make her more upset by telling her how bad it could potentially be.

"T-thanks Twilight..." Derpy took a sip of her cold coffee. Twilight's was still warm.

"You can stop by any time you want okay? Do you understand how everything works?" Derpy shook her head. "You will be pregnant for nine months. Your... lower area will grow as the foal grows. At 5 months they will be able to tell if it is a boy or a girl, and at 3 months they will know the race."

"They?" She was still a little shakey.

"Yes.... You can stop by, but I don't know that much about what you are going through. You will have to see the doctor for those things" Derpy's eyes widened "It is okay, they know much more then me, and you are in much safer hooves"

"I- Don't know. Who will teach me all the things I need to know? I.... Don't have a lot of friends" Twilight sighed.

"No... Ditzy you have plenty of friends. I can give you a couple of books, but please stop by all you want. I am sure you can be with my friends and I. We will let you be number 7 for awhile" Twilight smiled. Derpy was friendly, why not? Rainbow Dash may complain.

"Really Twilight? Thank you very much... I am just going through tough times. I don't really want to tell Jet" Twilight got angry hearing his name.

"Uhh... You can tell him, but if he hurts you I want to know" Twilight said patting her back, still pissed about him. "Take care of yourself. You have somepony depending on you now. Stress is not good for your baby, so don't be so upset about it" Derpy forgot about that. Everything she does will effect her child now. She had a lot of responsibility now.

"But... Twilight, how are you sure I'm pregnant?" Twilight bit her hoof.

"Well, all the signs say you are. I am usually right" She pulled out a small, long box. "Here, take this"

"What is it?" She said, looking at the strange pink box.

"It is a pregnancy test. Next time you have to.... pee... you go on this, and it will tell you if you are or not. There will be two pink lines if you are, and one if you are not" Derpy looked a little disgusted by how it worked, but she nodded.

"Thank you Twilight, I will stop by tomorrow. I kinda have a lot of questions.... and you may not know everything, but you know a lot more then most ponies. I will tell Jet tonight, but... I don't want to be a show off... so I am not going to really tell anyone other then him. Thanks for being a good friend, I don't know what I would do without you" She finished her coffee, and wrapped her scarf around herself. Last she slung her mailbag around her shoulder, and looked at Twilight. Her face showed she recently cried, and she looked down, very depressed. Twilight sighed, wishing this did not have to happen to such a nice mare.

"Good luck Ditzy, I will see you tomorrow. Get well soon okay? I am sure you will be alright." She lead Derpy to the door. She sniffled, and was cold. Her stomach still hurt. Twilight did not exactly explain why that was. She gave her a good-bye and hug. She flapped her wings and flew off.

             It was hard to get back on track. It was 1:30 and she knew she was really behind. Derpy would have to really rush herself, and now she was sick and depressed. She was so scared, about telling Jet. What if he thought she was cheating on him? Or if he hit her? Derpy was sure the last thing he wanted to deal with was a pregnant wife. She got a few deliveries, and  was very behind. Many of her customers questioned what was wrong, but she said she was okay. The mare did not want to make her customers upset, because of the problems she was going through. Derpy had to stay strong, for her foal. But for some reason, she still prayed that it was a false alarm, and that she could go back to normal. Things were already hard, she did not need a child to support. Good things came to good ponies though, and Derpy at least thought she was a good pony, so Celestia would be with her and push her through this. Her problems with Jet would hopefully end as well. She questioned him now, after what Twilight said about him hurting her. He did not fit the father image. Her scarf blew behind her, as she flapped her wings and looked for her next location. She landed and slipped the letters in the mailbox in front of a house, before taking off again quickly. She was in a rush, and now was scared she was going to get in even more trouble for not delivering all her letters. The faster she went, the more tired Derpy got, and the sicker as well. She was also worried about the test she had to take, and wanted to get a drink at a fountain. Her next stop was Rainbow Dash's house, which was really far away. She even thought about skipping it, which definitely was not her. They did look important though, they had the official Wonderbolt logos on them, and did not look like normal bills. She decided to begin flying to the cloud fort which was her house.

          When she got to the doorstep, there was a mat under her that said "Welcome". Her house truly was beautiful, and was unique being in the sky, compared to the other houses on the ground. She opened her mailbox, and painted on it was her name in bright colors. Derpy smiled a bit at it, Rainbow had such a big ego. She was home, Derpy noticed the light on in her room. Derpy tried to stay quiet, not wanting to really talk since she had to move. But, Rainbow flew down, and smiled at her.

"Hey! What's up?" She said, Derpy turned her head trying not to get noticed.

"Umm... nothing, I'm fine.. thanks"

"Oh, something has to be up. You are being quieter then Fluttershy" She rolled her eyes "Come on, what's up. I am sure I can help. I am pretty awesome" It made Derpy smile again.

"Well... no not really"

"How has Jet been, and everything else? I see you are still doing the mail" Rainbow Dash looked at her bag as she hid the pregnancy test deeper into her mail.

"Uhh, everything is good... he is good too" Rainbow Dash turned her head. Derpy was always talkative, why was she so quiet? She was hiding something in her bag.

"Ditzy, something is wrong, I know it. You are not a very good liar. C'mon, I can help anypony. I am, like, really smart. I am one of the smartest pegasi in Ponyville. I can solve any problem" She said with a smile and her head up.

"No-  I am fine really"

"Okay...." Rainbow Dash looked around for a minute, she had a evil grin on her face. Derpy did not notice, she just moved some cloud substance around with her front hoof. Rainbow was right, this was not the same fun loving Derpy she knew. When she was not looking, she snatched her sack.

"No! Stop please! That is my stuff, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"Oh please. You can't be hiding anything that bad. I will give you one more chance to tell me" Tears started to run down Ditzy's face. Rainbow looked at her and turned her head. She felt bad for her little stunt, she felt like a bully now. She could get cocky, but she was not a bully. Rainbow Dash paused. It was not expected for her to get this reaction.

"P-please" Derpy said a final time. Nobody ever made her cry, ever. Probably because she would never allow herself to cry. Rainbow decided to give the bag back to the pegasus. Derpy calmed down a bit, she was not mad when Rainbow frowned.

"I'm.... sorry Derpy. Something must be really wrong. I just made it worse... that was kind of mean, are you alright?"

"I am okay Rainbow... It is okay. I would be curious too" She wiped the tears from her eyes.

"You can tell me. I don't ever betray a friend. You are a friend, and I am just wondering what is wrong. You are never this unhappy. You are probably the happiest pegasus in Equestria! Is it bullies, I can get them! Where are they! Dashie will take care of you"

"No...." Derpy said smiling a bit "It is more personal... Twilight knows, I guess I can tell you"

"Okay... well lay it on me" Rainbow said with a smile. It was probably Jet being abusive. But other then that, what problems would Derpy Hooves have? What she said was true, Ditzy was the happiest pegasus in Equestria, always smiling and telling jokes. Having her like this was making Rainbow depressed.

"I don't know..."

"If you don't tell anyone, nobody can help you. Now come on, are you going to have smarty pants Twilight help you, or good ol' street smart Rainbow Dash. She always goes by the book! I will tell you a honest opinion." This annoyed Derpy. Rainbow obviously had no idea how to solve her problem. She did not want to make her think that she did not trust her though.

"I'm pregnant" Her jaw dropped.

"uhh... oh... well, umm. I- I- don't.... I didn't expect that." Rainbow smiled awkwardly. She could not really calculate that. Derpy? Pregnant? Chances are with Jet, her abusive, dick fiance that Rainbow Dash hated. She was the one out of all ponies she knew, that would end up with a child. Thinking about it further, she would not even believe her being pregnant after their marriage. She was not a pony who would be held up by a foal. Derpy was meant to be free. She stood their with a upset look, and Rainbow Dash sighed.

"so..."

"I- I don't really know what to tell you. Other then that you need to stay strong for your child.... but what were you hiding in your bag?" She looked at her.

"Well... Twilight checked me out, and said that there was a good chance I was. But to make sure, she gave me a pregnancy... test thing"

"Oh... who is the father?" Rainbow Dash knew it was probably Jet. Derpy did not come off as a pony who would be into anything sexual.

"J-Jet.... Well, I think... he is the only one... you know" It was terrible that this was done to her, and Rainbow Dash let out a little growl. Derpy didn't notice. "I have to go. But Twi said we would be hanging out a lot more, so I am sure we will see each other soon..."

"Alright. That sounds great. Remember, if you ever want to get a fly in, or if you just want to stop by, I am always here. I am happy you will be spending time with our little group, it was very nice of Twilight to offer it to you, and I am very excited to see what kind of mother you are. I think you are a good pony, and you will be a amazing mother. But just remember if you have a pegasus, I am the one to come to" Rainbow Dash said, putting her head up and closing her eyes with a smile. Her wings opened, and the sun shined down on her like she was some type of god. Her ego was so big it was funny, and it made Derpy giggle. She did it on purpose, and her plan worked to get her to smile. "But... Ditzy"

"Yes...." She said, her smile slowly fading.

"If Jet touches you, or yells at you, or hurts you in anyway, I want you to know. Jet... is uh... a good stallion, but sometimes he can be mean about things. Don't let him make you feel bad, HE is the one that did this to you. We will make sure he treats you right... you know what I mean"

"I... I understand. Jet has not been himself lately, he has been kinda mean. I will tell you if he does anything. Maybe another day I can tell you more about that.... but I really have to get back to work" She tightened her scarf. Rainbow gave a wave as the pegasus flew off.

              By the way things were going, Derpy's tired body would not catch a break this afternoon. Work ended at 6:30 and it was 5. One more hour, before she could go home, take some medicine, and relax. Her stomach was someone better, but going home came with another thing. Having to tell Jet about what happened today, which made her stomach churn even more thinking about it. How her work was turning out, having still a ton of letters to deliver that she probably would not make it, she would also have to admit to Jet that she slacked off with the CMC, Twilight, and Rainbow. What a bad time too, Narley wanted to talk to her when she got back as well, Derpy forgot about that. The day was slowing down. Ponies were going inside to eat dinner and enjoy their families. She could see it as her time dwindled, until she was into overtime. She worked all the way until the sun set. She would fly by, in the twilight, her shadow in the light shining out the windows of the houses as she stood at the mailbox. It was cold, and when she looked through the windows, mares and stallions chatted with their children, all laughing. Derpy just could not get over how cold she was. The way this day was, the way things turned out, and how her life was going right now, it really brought a lot of emotions. It made her feel kinda out of place, as she was the only pony in the street. Some walking couples would come by, and give a polite wave, but Derpy ignored them as she was lost in thought about her own relationship. Twilight and Rainbow both mentioned Jet hurting her, and as much as she did not want to believe it, he was abusing her. It made her angry, made her want to do something, but Derpy was not a angry pony, who would probably stay trapped. Now with a child, she would have to care for, with a stallion she hated. Well, he was able to be loved, but after he had his accidents, he was intolerable. He used to be the cutest stallion, who was strong, funny, and had a personality. He did show off sometimes with his magic, and Derpy understood why he was upset. But why was she the target? He would never understand her pain now. She would love her child more then anything, and she wanted him or her to have a dad. That was another thing she never had, her dad was there, but never around. Derpy wanted a family, like what she saw in the windows of the dark and cold streets she was on. Right now she was only a shadowy figure, standing outside in the bitter cold September air. Working overtime, to pay for her lazy fiance, her home, herself, and soon her child. It was not fair that after sacrificing so much, she would go home and somehow be yelled at and hit. Derpy wanted to stand up, she wanted to revolt against the unfair actions... but when she ran the idea through her head, it was shot down. It would never happen, She did not know she was letting herself be used. She just wanted everyone to be happy, and until she understood that letting others step on you is not a way to do that, she would be stuck here for awhile. Ponies never understood that Derpy had thoughts, and feeling. Usually very logical ones. Just because her eyes were not straight, and she was clumsy, did not mean she didn't have feelings, and most of all thoughts on what was really happening to her. That's why ponies looked after her often, because Derpy just wanted everyone to be happy, and to do that, she did not share her opinion. She let people step on her, and that was not a good way to be.

    Finally, the long day of depression, sea sickness, and nervousness was over. Derpy at least got her mail done, she was not filling out any reports tonight, and having Narley be mad at her. It was pretty late, and when she flew up to the post office, absolutely exhausted, the garage was open, but every other light was off. With a few more flaps of her wings, her hoof hit the wood and slid against the landing platform of the garage. She went to look who was nice enough to wait for her arrival, she stumbled a bit as her stomach grumbled, punishing her for overworking herself. Her ears felt like they were going to fall off with her wings. Her neck was tight from having it so low today. Narley looked at Derpy out on the runway, in the cold.

"Ditzy... what happened?" Derpy stumbled a bit.

"Oh... I uh... went overtime. You don't have to pay me... I didn't get my load done today. I was- s-slacking" Derpy covered her mouth.

"Of coarse I have to pay you. Look at yourself, are you sick?" Narley sighed "Don't do that, overwork yourself.... what's wrong anyway?" He noticed how broken she looked, and he crooked his head to the side. Seeing Derpy this way was not usual for him. She seemed to be depressed, and like everyone else, she knew that this mare was always happy. He went to walk over to her, and she threw her hoof up, stopping him. He thought it was pretty rude, until she turned and threw up off the edge. She collapsed and groaned.

"Oh my Celestia. Derpy? What is wrong with you?" Narley picked her up and noticed how cold she was. "Ditzy... why? You should have just filled out a report. This is horrible, you are so cold"

"I'm sick of- everypony watching after me. I am sick of always messing up, and I thought that this time I would... make you proud. I was already in hot water... Please don't fire me"

"I could never fire you. You're the sweetest mare here, we all make mistakes. You are sick, and cold though, you could have been really hurt" Narley rubbed her ears, they were stiff. "Let's get you inside"

         Derpy was pulled into the break room, and put on the couch there with a blanket. She noticed she had to go now, and before she talked to Narley, she decided to go over to the bathroom and do her test now. Narley waited patiently, while she took out the little box and headed in. The idea was still gross, but once it was over, two lines did show. It was really no surprise. Ditzy threw the tester away, and went over to the couch and laid back down. She was handed a cup of some hot cocoa and Narly sat on the chair across from it. Derpy sighed, and Narley began to talk.

"Look... I wanted to call you into my office to talk to you. I never yell at you Derpy, and you never deserve to be yelled at, so don't say that.. I understand you need this job, and honestly, I understand what happened with Twilight. I just wanted to tell you, that I will always be here for you. Here to protect you, because I like you, and I know you enjoy this job. Everyone actually enjoys the job you do, and Ditzy, you really make our customers happy. I would never fire you because you slipped, I get that you are a little clumsy. But... just look at yourself. Something is wrong, and you won't tell me. Even this morning you did not look so good. Are you sick? Do you need more time off-"

"No! I don't need more time off! Please-"

"Ditzy? You still get paid, you like the job that much?"

"N-no... I mean yes! I love this job, but... I just don't like home" Narley sighed.

"What is going on at home that you don't want to be there. You live with your fiance right? Is everything okay with him Derpy"

"No... they aren't" Derpy looked down at her cup, she took another sip. It warmed up her chilled body.

"Is that why you were upset this morning? Did something happen last night?"

"No... I wasn't upset about that this morning. Jet has just been... depressed, but we did not have any major problems lately. Just yelling... It does not effect work though. I know you are just my boss" Derpy looked up at jet, her eyes showed that there was something horribly wrong, and Narley could tell.

"Stop thinking of me as your boss for right now. I am not helping you as a boss, I'm helping you as a friend. You are happy, everyday, without fail. A lot of the workers make fun of you here, and you still have a smile on your face. The old Derpy would never say there was something wrong. You telling me something is wrong right now, means something must be REALLY wrong. I can help you, a lot, not like other ponies with just words of wisdom. I can do things like give you time off, or pay you better, or find some way to keep you out of the house. Just anything to give me that old, happy mare back. Now please, you have been depressed today, and I noticed you were the couple of time I saw you in the steet on your vacation. Can you go into more detail on what is going on at home?"

"... Uhh..." Derpy had to think about this for a moment. She was afraid to explain everything, so she just decided to straight out tell him. "I.... I am pregnant, with Jet"

          The room went a little quiet, other then the hum of the machines in the room. Derpy sipped her drink, and waited. Narley tried to think it over. He did not know much about their relationship, other then the word on the street was that Jet was abusive. He thought about what to say, and if he should force her to take off until the baby was born, and he would secretly continue to pay her. Derpy being pregnant was not something he expected, like most of the other ponies. It would be a shock if it was anyone her age. The difference about her though, is that she was such a sweet little mare that always wanted to be happy, and it was the same reason it shocked everyone else around town. Narley sat, and finally responded. He made himself clear, because he was the first pony that knew what he was talking about.

"That should not be upsetting to you"

"W-what?"

"That is a beautiful thing, I asked you for a problem... that is not a problem"

"W-well what about Jet, my job, and everypony will make fun of me"

"Ditzy, people will not make fun of you. They will be happy for you. I think you are being too negative. I know strong mares, you just have to push through it, for your foal. It may be hard, yes, but being depressed about it won't help. It isn't good for him or her. It may toy with your emotions, but Derpy, the world is filled with a lot of nice ponies, as well as mean ones. Everyone in town loves you, we will all support you. Jet may be a problem, but it is up to you to decide if you should stay with him" Narley took her cup that was empty and put it on the table. He smiled to show he was not being aggressive.

"Leave him? I would never... he loves me. I want it to have a father too, I never had that" Derpy moved around on the couch.

"It is worse to have a abusive father, then to not have one at all. I told you that it is your choice, but now you have to think for both of you. You may also have to redefine love in your head. Now, it is late, and I want you to go home. We can talk tomorrow, but after 5 months, I want you to have a break from here. I want you to be a good mother, and I am sure you will, to do that you will have to be happy. Don't let the world pull you down" Narley stood up and pulled Derpy up as well. He put his coat around her, and patted her back. She decided not to argue about the break. She was too tired, and now she had to deal with Jet. Narley offered to fly her home, but she said no. Derpy walked out the garage, and flew home alone.

            After a long fly home, Derpy arrived in front of her beaten home. It was a older model, and needed some love, but it still was sturdy. It was one of the few older homes left, that was made by materials that costed a fortune in today's bits. She took some deep breaths in and out, ready to face Jet for coming home so late, and tell him about what was going on with her body. Her stomach filled with butterflies, which made the sickness worse, and she started breathing heavily. Extremely nervous about what was probably coming. She looked back and fourth at the dark empty street before walking in. She gently shut the door behind her, and the house was pretty dark, other then the family room at the end of the hall. It shined light out of it, and the shadow of Jet sitting in his chair. He hurt his leg, and cracked his horn in Canterlot while in a factory. He helped build balloons and other flying transportation there. One day the body of a Airship lost its anchor, and the massive body flew forward and whacked him right on the horn, causing him to fall back off a platform and break his leg. It was pretty tragic. He was a handsome stallion still though, with a light blue coat, brown mane, and airship cutie mark. His voice was deep now, and he was usually angry. After his accident, he was angry at the world. Derpy walked in. There was a two empty cans of beer by his chair. This was bad.

"Where were you." He said, in a tone that showed anger.

"I worked overtime-"

"You NEVER work overtime. Likely story, try again. Try something with less bullshit" Derpy frowned.

"I.. slacked off in work. I promise, I was really working overtime" He threw his arms down and got up from the chair. Derpy cringed when he slammed the recliner down and limped over to her, with a red face. He was more angry then he should have been, but the alcohol did that to him sometimes.

"YOU DON'T SLACK OFF AND MAKE A FOOL OUT OF YOURSELF. You support this house, yourself, and now me, you don't have TIME to slack off. What were you doing Ditzy Doo, huh?!"

"I-I-I said hi to some ponies... and I went over Twilight's and Rainbow Dash stopped me on my route" A swift slap went to her face. It made her emotions spill over again and cry.

"You went over Twilight Sparkle's house when you were supposed to be working" He growled.

"N-no... it was on my break... it took longer because.."

"You don't need a break! Damn it! You work your little flank off, and you don't stop. You understand that?! Or I will cancel the entire damn wedding and leave you in the dirt! Why did it take you longer? Why! Were you having tea and laughing while money went down the drain?!" Derpy felt herself lower as he got in her face, she sniffled.

"I was sick... she helped me." More tears ran down her face, and onto the floor of the kitchen.

"So... you could not just get passed it, so that you weren't wasting time, getting closer and closer to getting fired"

"I was actually sick though... and... and... I uh"

"SPIT IT OUT. NOW. Stop with the short talk!" He got more in her face, his eyes beamed, and beer was on his breath.

"I'm pregnant! I am pregnant! Please... don't hurt me! I am sorry.... so.. sorry" Derpy fell onto the floor, and began to cry into her hooves. He backed off. Jet's face was red, with anger, but at the same time it looked confused.