Play on

My stomach drops as I look out into the theater. The big, crowded theater. No big deal. It's only the biggest concert of my life. Not only are the biggest musicians and journalists in that crowd, Princess Luna herself requested a ticket. Do I sound nervous? I'm not nervous. How could I be nervous? The only thing on the line here is my career, and the rest of my life. No big deal, right?

I stop and take a deep breath. No, it isn't a big deal. You've spent countless hours practicing this piece. After fifteen years of playing the cello, it's practically a part of you. There's nothing to worry about.

One last glance into the the theater doesn't help my thoughts, however. I look down at my phone for what feels like the tenth time tonight. My optimism dies even more when I see there's no new messages.

"For bucks sake", I think to myself, "You keep trusting that mare. When was the last time she showed up anywhere on time?"

"Miss Octavia?" A musical voice breaks me out of my thoughts. "Your on in five. Ready to go?"

I nod and adjust my Bowtie. "Yes, just give me a minute."

As the mare walks off, I go through my final checklist. Tuned Cello? Check. Extra bow? Check. Mane looking okay? Check. Bow tie straight? Music on hoof?  Not freaking out? Okay, maybe no check there.

I step onto the stage, cello in hooves, take a deep breath and wait for the curtain to rise.

I storm into the apartment to find Vinyl laying on the couch, watching TV. The door slamming shut seems to get her attention.

"Hey Tavi" She says, not a care in the world. "Wanna join me on the couch?" I glare in response.

Her smile starts to fade. "Something wrong".

I wanted to say many things. None of them good. Most of them vulgar enough to make even Rainbow Dash blush. All that game out was some gibberish. Growing more frustrated, I walked to the TV and bucked it to hell.

"I was.. Uhm... Watching that..." Vinyl managed to get out.

"You know who you should've been watching? You wanna know why I wasn't home tonight? The biggest concert of my life! Not only did you miss it, I broke down in front of EVERYPONY after I finished playing. Because you weren't there." My voice was as sharp as steel, and I couldn't stop it. It just kept coming. "Your an immature bucking filly. You made a commitment to me tonight, and you weren't there."

"Octy I-"

"Don't you dare Octy me. I see where this is going, and I don't want you in my life anymore. Get out." It wasn't a suggestion. It wasn't a question. It was an order plain and simple.

"Just let me explain-"

I wasn't even yelling anymore. "Why don't you go explain it to the street curb, it'll be a better friend then you were." I was done with this insufferable DJ. There was no letting her get her things, she was just gone. Pushed out the door.

"Can't I just-" I didn't even want her to finish that sentence, and the door agreed. I slammed it in her face and walked off. Maybe I can get a good nights sleep without her around, I think.

Hours of tossing and turning said otherwise. I felt bad for what I said. Maybe I overreacted? The more I thought, the worse I felt. So she missed one concert, maybe she had a good reason. I didn't really give her a chance to explain.

My stomach growled. I was so mad I forgot dinner. Maybe some food will help.

I flip on the news to see something that made my hooves freeze. The headlines read LOCAL DJ FOUND DEAD IN GUTTER. My mouth agape, I turned the volume up.

"Local DJ 'Vinyl Scratch', better known by her stage name of DJ-PON3 was found dead in the streets tonight. We have captured the murderers, and are putting them through questioning now-"

I turned the TV off. This couldn't be real. She couldn't be dead. I was the one who threw her out onto the streets. It was my fault. All my fault.

I stood there for what felt like hours. I was a murderer. I killed my best friend. I shook my head. Maybe it was all just a dream. Maybe I can wake up. Or just drink until I forget. That could work too.

I open the fridge and grab a bottle of scotch. Turning around to get a glass, I see an envelope on the counter.

On the front was what looked like a treble clef and a pair of eighth notes. Also written was "For: Tavi <3"

Three weeks. Has it really been three weeks, Vinyl? I haven't left your room. I haven't eaten in days. All I can do is read the now tear-stained letter you wrote for me.

"Hey yo Octy. I'm really sorry I couldn't make it tonight. But I have reasons. Inside are two tickets to that Marezart concert you wanted to go to. Why are there two? I'm taking you on a date, filly. That's right, you and me. Together forever. I'm really bad at all this sappy stuff, but this feels right: nothing can break us apart. I have a feeling we can stay together through anything, if you'll just give me a change.

    Love,

       Vinyl."

I love you too, Vinyl. I cry, and hold the letter close.