That Way

  Narley's house was on the other side of town. Derpy's weight was really starting to make her exhausted now. She practically felt like she was dragging herself on the dirt paths of Ponyville. By the time she got to his house, it would probably be midnight. Now Derpy really just wanted it to happen already. For this time to finally be over, and she can just move on. It had been 9 months, of being of stuck in the mud. Yes, it was beautiful, and she will always remember it, but she wanted to get to the climax of her daughter. Would she be like her at all? Everything was prepared, and another week couldn't go by, Derpy was going to explode. Between being grounded, being trapped in the house, and the side effects, the pregnancy was really toying with her. At the baby shower, a lot of ponies told her how big of a responsibility it was though. Expecting was just pain, and some weakness, actually caring for the foal was different in many ways. It was not those things anymore, more patience, tolerance, and love. This would take a lot of time and care for the little foal, that would have the outcome of her being exhausted a lot. Twilight mentioned her waking up multiple times during the night! Lately, she could not live without 10 hours of sleep, how was she going to deal with less? Ditzy didn't have a history for being light sleeper either, usually she would take awhile to fall asleep, then once she was asleep, the pegasus wouldn't wake up. Hopefully her so called "Motherly instincts" would kick in, but her high pitch crying would probably be enough to wake her up.

  Narley lived on the rich side of town. The side where Filthy Rich lived, and many other large, business icons lived. Ponyville was a large town, and was not so far from the bigger capitol. That is why it was not uncommon for a celebrities to roll in, and make offers with Rarity. So he lived in a very nice home, that was large, and had many expensive things in it. How in the world did a free living stallion, like him, get so much money? It was obviously more then just working as a manager at the post office. It was no wonder he offered to take on the expenses of her little ones room. It made Derpy suspicious, he had to have something else he was hiding, other then the dangerous stunt he pulled. Narley did seem a little quiet and mysterious, and did do a good job covering his tracks. Derpy liked him anyhow, and really did not want to bother with it. She was just curious, after all. After her kid was born, she may be spending a lot more time together with him. Time alone, to talk, and finally work out a relationship that works. Hopefully her dinner would help with that.

  Spring was a strange season. It was almost as strange as the sensations she was going through. It was filled with new life, but there were so many questions. Where sometimes, it would be warm, and delightful, where other times, it would be cold and bitter. Sometimes spring brought singing robins back, and beautiful flowers, but with that, it brought stinging hornets. While Derpy trotted down the street, watching it become more filled, as rush hour came about, she thought all about it. Rush hour brought more ponies for her to watch. Especially her kind, mothers, who quickly ran or flew home with their uniforms on to get to their offspring at home. Derpy was saddened to know that eventually she would have to leave her baby to go to work. But it was not so bad right? Maybe she would be happy to know that her mommy was a mail mare, or an important figure around the town... kinda.

  Every pony was easy to read. They were almost like books to Derpy. Since she was "Special" and apparently not so smart as them all, simply scanning them, she liked to think about what there stories were. It was almost like a game, or a hobby, because most of the time she was right. To her right, passed a older mare, with her mane tied back in a bun. Her head had a red mark, probably from a mane net. The older mare, seemed run down, hungry, and sad, but this was on the outside. Reading every little detail was the trick, and their was one Derpy could point out that made a difference. Something about the look in her eyes, and face, made her seem more happy. The unicorn was awaiting something, and it was probably something like a child, or maybe a older husband at home. It showed, through her eyes, and small smile, that she had hope. Anna was somebody she even read. A rushed mother, and one that is unique, and different, then the gossiping mares that put her down. The movements, and Ana's way she looked back and fourth, scanning everything, made her look like she was always thinking a step ahead. She was a pony that was very clever, and quick on her hooves. The question that Derpy always wanted answered, and it almost bothered her, is what image she was painting? Ana seemed to have looked and her, and noticed a lot about her. That she was alone, pregnant, and even a bit depressed. The first thing that would be noticeable, was her belly. Of coarse, the large, rounded, weight it was, showed that Derpy would soon be a mom. Her eyes were next, how they pointed in different directions. They could mean anything to a passer. It could mean she was stupid, clumsy, and easy to pick on. What most of them missed, is that her eyes really mean't she was misunderstood, and that they were not any of those things, just a problem.

  Before she knew it, Derpy found herself on Narley's front porch. Being lost in thought, it was no surprise she was already here. It did take her a long time, but it was a good thing, making her right on time. As planned, her hunger bothered her, as her stomach growled. A growing pain where the baby was also started to kick in, and with it, the little filly moved around. She had been moving around a lot today, probably because she was restless. The doctor said that happened if she was under a lot of stress, or moving around a lot. So Derpy rang the doorbell, to the large house that was Narley's. A fancy doormat sat under her, saying "Welcome" on it. The large dark colored door was almost frightening, which was probably its purpose. Her stallion opened the door, looking down at the poor cold pegasus. He sighed, but smiled afterwards, putting his warm, comforting arm around the mare. It made her grin a little too, and she cuddled up against him, making his face warm up. He hugged her.

"What is up with you and cold weather? I find myself constantly warming you up, and I think you have no problem with it do you?" He said, letting her go gently.

"No... no I don't" She giggled

"Well... welcome. It really isn't much in here as it is out there. I just have some things laying around. Go ahead and... well, take a look around with me" Narley replied, slowing moving over to the large hallway that lead out in front of him. Derpy followed along, looking at all his things on the wall. There were records of classic bands, surfboards, and pictures of him when he used to surf. Everything was along the beautiful hallway, with multiple lights and plants, all lined up on the dark hardwood floor. This was not "nothing much", it was everything. So she looked with awe. Narley chuckled.

"Kinda cool... I guess. I just like the kitchen the most. I honestly don't know how a guy like me picked up cooking, but I have something nice on the menu." She still looked around in awe. They were now in a large family room, with a ton of bookshelves, and sky lights, that let the golden afternoon sunlight in. Everything was perfectly clean, and the rug was a perfect, white. Not a single stain. Derpy looked around for a couple seconds, before responding to Narley.

"O-oh... W-well of coarse... I'm just liking how you keep everything so clean. My house must feel like nothing compared to how beautiful yours is"

"Oh please Ditzy, I don't use anything, and it is why it is so clean" A guitar sat on the other side of the room. It was untouched, like everything else, and on a perfect angle next to a recliner. "I do have a lot of free time..."

"I will help you cook... if I don't burn anything"

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I will help you, and I can make you the best chef in Equestria. Want to get started? I was planning to make something simple. A simple casserole with homemade crust, and gravy. Sounds good huh? It will be really healthy too, I am sure you will love it" Derpy sighed.

"Well alright. I am very hungry, I am hoping I don't make a pig out of myself" They both walked into the kitchen.

"So am I, it is fine. It is only me, you don't have to impress" Narley pulled out some carrots, and celery from a large fridge. Swiftly pulling a knife out of a holder, he sharpened it a few times with another tool, before putting it down by a cutting board by her. "Mind cutting some veggies for me? Just take it nice and slow, and you will be fine." As long as it was not cooking anything, Derpy was fine with it.

"Okay" She nodded, cutting everything slowly with her hooves.

  The kitchen was no surprise, beautiful. Everything was custom, and every tool was the best of the best. The counter tops were a fancy granite, and the oven was one of the newest on the market. Narley even had a apron he put on, that made him look kinda cute. Derpy found herself looking back at him. He was rolling dough on the other side of her, on a part of the counter that was lowered. He was not lying when he said that they were making it all homemade. While she cut the carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, and potatoes, Derpy easily got tired, and more clumsy as it went on. Narley still rolled, gracefully, before setting the dough down on the bottom of a large pan. It was some type of pot pie, with a lot of vegetables, and hopefully some thick gravy. It made her mouth water, and Derpy couldn't help slipping a couple pieces of carrot into her mouth. It was so good, the carrots were perfect.

  It did not take long for the both of them to finish up. She went slow, and by the time she was done, Narley had already gotten the gravy on the stove, and had the crust ready. The first step was to steam the vegatables, which was done quickly in a fancy kitchen appliance he had, then they were thrown into the crust, and into the oven. When it was all done, you poured the gravy over the bread and vegetables, put a little salt, and it was delicious. Anything sounded good right now, and she found her mouth watering waiting for it to cook. While they waited, there some short talk, before Derpy was shown to a amazing guest room. It had everything, including a extremely comfortable bed. After a little bit more walking around in shock upstairs, Derpy found herself back in the kitchen as Narley started to set the table.

"Isn't this the dining room? Don't you want to eat in the kitchen?"

"Well... this is a nice night for the both of us isn't it? It is a simple meal, but I thought that it may be nice to use the dining room. That is what the are for, but if you want to eat in the kitchen that is fine" Narley said as he stopped what he was doing. He set up his chair at the head of the smaller table, while she was on the other side. In the middle was some nice candles, and flowers.

"You are right. This is fine Narley" Derpy smiled.

"Okay, well I made some mashed potatoes before hand, so I'm just going to heat that up, and bring everything out. You can come along and help, but I think you should get off your hooves, and sit down. I will tend to your needs, and then we can have dinner. Sound good?"

"If it is okay with you, yes" She did feel a little tired, and did have cramps for some reason or another.

  Derpy waited ten minutes before Narley came back out. It was okay, she was stuck staring at the hardwood designs on the flooring, and the large lights on the ceiling. Even in here was a couple of pictures with things in them. One light shined on a couple of news articles in the corner. Derpy couldn't see them, and they looked interesting, but her cramps really started to bother her. She was hoping she could still eat. Narley trotted in and out, starting to set the food out. After a few bangs of pots and pans in the kitchen, it did not take long before he was out again. It was time to eat.

"Alright, everything is ready, grab what you want first... I will wait" She scooped up some potatoes, and a small piece of the pot pie. She poured the gravy over the two, and handed everything to Narley. He got around the same portion, and they started to bother eat. Derpy felt odd, trying to act as polite as possible. She was using fine china, and didn't know what utensils to use. It didn't seem like a super fancy meal, so she just used what was closest to her. After the first bite, her taste buds tingled. It was delicious, warm, and moist inside her mouth. Warming up her cold body. It still seemed pretty quiet as she enjoyed it.

  The dinner continued, and a grandfather clock ticked in the hallway. She ate her meal, and enjoyed it greatly. The only problem was that the two of them did not interact very much through out the date. Narley looked up at Derpy, and she looked up as well. Their eyes would meet, before going back down at the plates. She just wanted him to say something. Derpy had no idea what to say, and did not want to look like a idiot. Anything as simple as "How about this weather we are having" or something. It felt like there was a wall between them as the dinner went on, was it possible that they were not suppose to talk so much during a date? She even got a second helping, though her cramps hit her harder afterwards. It got worse, now every time she looked up, he looked away. It was a awkward, and a silent dinner, other then the clanging of her fork on her plate. Eventually she spoke up.

"What's wrong-" Derpy began to say, but Narley stopped her. She felt a little offended but stopped to hear what he had to say. It was something.

"It is just... you're such a sweet mare... such a sweet one, and I-" He put his head down. She got a little confused by his reaction. Was there something wrong?

"What do you mean Narley?"

"Just... This night and all. It was supposed to be a nice one, but I just wanted to let something out. It has been making me feel guilty all night, and I don't want you to be hurt by it..." He sighed, putting his fork down. Was he finally going to answer her questions? About the money, or his past? Derpy leaned forward, why would this information her hurt? Maybe it would make her think differently of him? Whatever it was, she knew that she would still like him

"Please... I don't want you to feel awkward or guilty. It is a little too late now, but whatever it is, I am sure I won't be effected" Another sharp cramp hit her, and it made her moan. The baby gave a nice kick with it, and Derpy tried to keep herself together, not wanting to worry him. Narley did not seem to notice and continued.

"Well... I know this was supposed to be a date, but I honestly like the way you were. I don't like making eye contact, and having butterflies in my stomach every time you look at me. I mean... I like it, but it just is not right. This all is not right.. really. I am just not your stallion, and I really think that we should just be friends. It has not been that long since Jet left... and... I don't- You don't want to be with me" Derpy calculated a little bit of what she had heard. She was not offended, but a little saddened by the fact that all along Narley was not interested. It made her feel like all her thoughts were a waste, and it probably was the fact that she was not good enough. But the emotions were not set in stone, since he spit it out so quickly, and at the worst time.

"I... understand Narley..." Her head fell down, and so did her confidence and mood. Another feeling hit her in the stomach, and it was much more then a cramp. Derpy knew something was coming, and she thought it may be a good time to get up. "I am going to go to the bathroom" The pegasus got up quickly, trying to rush herself to the bathroom, but Narley stepped in front of her.

"I am sorry, please don't go. I just- I am a buck up... please, I don't want to see you upset" She did feel a little emotional about it, but she was focused on something else. "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything"

"It is not that... it is something else. Please- J-j-"

"Please Ditzy"

"But-" With that, came another cramp. Derpy wondered if they were actually cramps at this point, but the foal gave one more sharp kick. Almost like a balloon popped inside her, the pegasus yelped as she felt a puddle form around her in the carpet. Narley's eyes widened, as he watched her stand there scared. The pain got worse.

"Ditzy?"

"What's happening Narley?" She said a little shaky.

"Your water broke... we need to get you to the hospital. Now." She looked down at the floor, her face red with embarrassment.

"What does that mean? I am sorry about your carpet... I just had cramps, and then it happened. I don't know what went wrong but please-" Narley covered her mouth.

"Shh, I need you to quickly come to me to my cart. The foal is coming, right now, and we need to get you ready to go to the hospital. That is the only concern right now, and my carpet is fine. I just need you to breathe, and stay strong, okay Ditzy?" She felt confused, scared, and nervous. The foal was coming... now?! It was finally happening, and the excitement showed for a few seconds, until she was scooted along by Narley, out into the hall way. More cramps hit her, much harder, and more painful. She almost fell back, but he caught her, putting his hoof around her.

"Come on Ditzy... you are going to be a mommy"