Fireflies
Chapter 1
Five Months after Graduation and the Move...
“Man, it feels good to be home for the weekend. Now I can spend more time with Hailey. Jeez…”
I get out my keys and unlocked my front door. As soon as I walk in the door, I was greeted by Hailey with her jumping onto me and giving me a hug.
“Hi daddy!” Hailey said.
“Hey pumpkin. How was your day at school?” I said, putting her down.
“It was pretty boring, as usual.”
“That’s exciting. So what are you doing?” I asked curiously.
“Super Mario 64. Why?”
“Just curious. So you want to do something today?” I asked.
“Sure. What did you have in mind, dad?”
“Oh, nothing much. I just want to spend some more time with you, since I never get the chance to do that because of work. So what do you say? Do you want to…get some ice cream or something?”
Hailey grinned ear to ear and started jumping.
“YES! I’LL GO GET MY SHOES ON! BE RIGHT BACK!”
Hailey then ran up the stairs to get her shoes.
God, she’s growing up fast. I wish time would slow down. I can’t believe she’s ten years old now. I mean…shit. She’s only fifteen years younger than I am.
“You okay, daddy?”
“Huh? Oh…yeah, I’m alright. I’m just thinking about a few things.” I said.
“Like what?” Hailey asked, curiously.
“Well, mainly it’s me thinking of how fast you’re growing up. Slow down, girl!” I said, jokingly.
She just shrugged and basically gave me an expression telling me she’s sorry.
“Alright, let’s go get some ice cream.”
“Sweet!”
We both went out the door and, of course, I locked the door. We both got into the car and drove off.
The Car Ride/the Talk with Hailey
Of course; I got Hailey her ice cream. I decided to just get a soda. I didn’t feel for ice cream.
“…What’s wrong, daddy?” Hailey asked, concerned.
“It’s nothing, honey. I saw this…woman today.”
“…Yeaah?”
“And…I can’t get her off my mind. I don’t get what’s so special about her. She’s just another woman that stopped by the shop.” I said, confused.
“What did she look like? Was she pretty?”
“She was beautiful! She had pink hair and her eyes were teal colored, which you know that it’s my favorite color. She was actually pretty tall for a woman. I think she was at least 5’10”. …I just can’t get her off my mind, Hailey.” I said.
“Maybe you should talk to her. You aren’t shy, are you?”
“Of course I’m not shy! Speaking of shy, she was…REALLY shy. I could barely hear her. It was adorable. You should have been there.”
We then didn’t talk to each other for a while. I decided to play a song that’s always been one of my top favorites since I was a kid.
What is Love
“What song is this, daddy?”
“What is Love, by Haddaway. It’s one of my all-time favorite songs.”
“I like this song. It’s catchy.” Hailey said, jamming to the song.
Hailey and I just continue driving singing along with the song; having a great time. It was awesome. After a while, the song ends and I decide to drive in silence, until Hailey decided to talk to me some more, about…more personal things.
“…Hey daddy?”
“What is it, pumpkin?”
“Do you think I can go to mommy’s house for the weekend? I really miss her.”
I look at her with a smile.
“…Okay. I’ll have to call her first, just to get her approval.” I said.
“Why would she say no?”
“Momma has been going through a lot of stuff, honey. So I don’t know for sure if it is the best time. I’ll have to see what’s going on first, okay?”
“…Okay.”
We continued the ride back to the house and stayed silent for the rest of the way.
Veronica
I dial her number on the house phone and the phone begins to ring.
I haven’t talked to Veronica in a couple of weeks. I hope she’s okay.
“Hi! You reached the phone of Veronica Jenkins. I’m not home at the moment, b-“
“Hello?”
“Veronica? It’s me, Rick.”
“What do you want now?”
“…Nothing? Hailey is just wondering if-“
“Now’s not the good time, Rick. Stop calling me.”
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
“NOTHING IS WRONG. QUIT CALLING ME!”
“Why?”
I heard a sigh on the other side of the phone.
“…I’m sorry. Look, things with my mom aren’t very good right now. She’s under a lot of pain and I’m under a huge amount of stress, so it’s not a very good time for Hailey to come over.”
“What’s causing her pain?”
“It’s her back again. I’m getting worried, Rick. I just…”
I heard sniffling and she started crying.
“Oh, Veronica, please don’t cry.”
“Daddy, what’s wrong with momma?”
“It’s nothing, H-“
I heard a couple deep breaths and she stopped crying.
“Let me talk to her, Rick. I think it would be better if I explained it to her.”
“…Okay.”
I put my hand on the mouth piece. “Hailey, your mother wants to talk to you.”
Hailey smiled and grabbed the phone from me.
“Mom?
...
Can I come over for the weekend?
…”
Hailey’s expression went from a happy smile to a very sad frown.
“Why not?
…
…
Why is grandma in pain, mommy?
…
Mommy?
…
Daddy, someone is yelling.”
Oh no.
I quickly grabbed the phone and listened in.
“…Veronica? What’s going on?”
I heard the phone being grabbed.
“YOU LISTEN TO ME YOU LITTLE FUCKER. I DON’T WANT YOU OR THAT LITTLE WHORE CALLING MY DAUGHTHER!“
I got angry quickly. I motioned Hailey to go to her room and she did just that.
“Is that you, Greg?”
“YEAH, IT’S HER FATHER. WHY THE FUCK DID YOU EVEN CALL?”
“Hailey wanted to come over.”
“AND YOU REALLY THINK I WANT THAT LITTLE SHIT NEAR MY DAUGHTER? YOU AND SHE ARE THE REASON THAT SHE’S DOING DRUGS.”
I got confused.
“…What drugs?”
“OH, YOU KNOW, HEROIN AND POPPING PILLS. SHE’S FALLING APART AND IT’S ALL THANKS TO YOU AND THAT LITTLE FUCKING SHIT OF A D-“
“ALRIGHT, YOU LISTEN TO ME; DON’T YOU EVER AND I MEAN DON’T YOU EVER CALL HAILEY THAT. YOU LOVE HAILEY AND YOU KNOW IT. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU, GREG?! YOU HAVE NEVER ACTED THIS WAY!” I yelled.
“…”
“Hello?”
The phone hung up. I got worried instantly. I tried calling back, but it was no use. No one was answering. I tried calling two more times, but no one was answering still.
“Dad?”
I turn around to see Hailey, worried. I smile at her.
“…Everything is going to be alright, honey.” I said, hugging her.
“Is mommy going to be okay, daddy?” Hailey asked.
“…I don’t know, honey. We’ll just to wait later on and see.”
The Next Day
My alarm screams and I grunt in frustration.
Damn. I was having a pretty good dream. Oh well.
I shut off my alarm clock and get up to take a shower. After about thirty minutes doing so, I get out and dry my hair. I brush my teeth and go get dressed for work. I step out of the hallway and Hailey then comes out of her room tired.
“What are you doing up so early? It’s 8:00.”
“I know. I just wanted to get up early today. That’s all.”
Hailey walks along the hallway and I see her sniffling a little bit.
“Is something wrong, honey?” I asked concerned.
“No. I’m fine, daddy.” Hailey said, tired.
“Just tired?”
“Yeah.”
I plop on the couch and turn on the television, since I had plenty of time to kill before I had to go to work. I turn on the news and…
“Breaking news; two women found brutally murdered last night at 12:30 a.m. Officials have identified the bodies. They go by the names Veronica and Mary Jenkins. Screaming and gunshots were heard by neighbors and were called in by the police of Manehattan. A man by the named of Greg Jenkins was seen by the crime scene with a gun at his head. The man then shot and killed himself. A note was in his pocket. It says:
RR made me do this. His fault.
Goodbye.
Police have been told by a family friend that RR is a man that is named Rick Rogers. He is 25 years old and lives in Ponyville. Police are questioning if this man had something to do with the suicide of Greg Jenkins. He-“
I instantly turned off the television and was mind blown.
“…Mommy...is…”
I turned around to see Hailey in tears.
Oh no.
She dropped her bowl of cereal and ran to her room. I ran after and opened the door to her room. She was sobbing intensely. I quickly ran up to her and embraced her tightly. I started crying as well. We sat there for thirty minutes until I heard a loud banging on the door. I look out Hailey’s window to see who it was. It was the royal guards.
“I’ll be back, honey. Just stay here.”
I try to let go of Hailey, but she wouldn’t let go.
“NO! STAY HERE WITH ME.” Hailey screamed.
“…I have to answer the door, Hailey. Let go of me.”
“NO!”
I grunted and decided to pick her up. The banging on the door got louder and that told me that they were just minutes away from breaking it down. I went up to the door and opened it.
“Are you Rick Rogers?”
“Yes, sir I am.”
“You are hereby under interrogation.”
“What about-“
“You can take her with you. A caretaker of Canterlot will take Hailey Rogers under her care until the interrogation is done. We’re sorry for your loss, Mr. Rogers.” One of the guards said, frowning.
One of the guards reached out to grab her, but I stepped back.
“No. She needs me. You can take her when we get there.”
The guards looked at each other and nodded.
“Thank you.”
“What do you mean ‘take her’, daddy? Are we going to be separated?” Hailey said, looking at me with fear.
I kissed her on the cheek while walking to the carriage and stepping into it.
“Of course not, pumpkin. Everything will be fine. I promise I won’t let them take you away from me. Don’t be scared.”
One of the guards opened the door and got inside. There, the car turned on and we were off to Canterlot.
A Few Hours Later…
“Mr. Rogers. We’re here.”
I get out of my trance of thought and looked out of my window. I see both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna standing outside.
“Um…why are they here?” I asked, concerned.
“They are going to be the ones that will ask you questions. Reasons are unknown.”
The guards got out of the car. The door opened and I picked Hailey, still sleeping. I try my best to not wake her up. I then see a woman dressed in purple and black step from behind the Princesses.
“I take it that you’re the caretaker?” I asked.
“That’s me! It doesn’t make me feel good to take her away for a long period of time.”
I got confused.
“…How long is ‘a long period of time’?”
“About two hours.”
“…And you think she’ll be okay not seeing me for that long?”
“I promise that I won’t let anything happen to her, Mr. Rogers. You can count on that!”
She reached out her hand. I take it and shake it.
“Okay then. Here, but try not to wake her up, though.”
“I’m already awake, daddy. It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”
I look at Hailey to see her smile. She kissed me on the cheek to comfort me. I smile back and kissed her on the forehead.
“…Okay. Be good, okay?”
“I will, daddy.”
I put Hailey down and she took the caretaker by the hand. They went inside the building. That’s when I met the two Princesses’ eyes directly. They didn’t really look that happy to see me for some odd reason.
“The interrogating room is this way, Rick. Follow us.”
The Princesses started walking and I followed behind them. We kept turning to walk through many hallways and that started to make me a little dizzy. We finally reach the interrogation room, where they took a seat. I sat down as well, under the lamp on the ceiling.
Wow. It’s just like in the movies.
The Interrogation
“So how have you two been?” I asked.
“We’ve been doing pretty well. Sorry for the look that we gave you earlier. It’s part of our jobs to intimidate the suspect.”
“It didn’t work, though.” I said, chuckling.
“Hm, I guess we need to try a little harder, then huh?” Celestia asked.
“I guess so.”
“First question,” Celestia began. “Are you aware of the suicide of Greg Jenkins?”
“Yes I am.”
“Why do you think that he wrote down the first letters of your first and last name?” Luna asked.
“We’ve always had…our problems and he’s always hated me for some strange reason. I tried my best to get him to like me, but it was no use. So, basically, I think it could’ve been the grudge that he’s had on me for all these years.”
“Why do you think he killed Veronica?” Celestia asked.
“I can’t answer that question. Not because I’m holding information from you; it’s due to the fact that I have no fucking idea.”
“Are you telling the truth, Rick?”
“Why would I lie to you?” I asked.
“We’ve had suspects lie to us in the past; saying they didn’t know or they didn’t do it. We’re just cautious, that’s all.” Luna said.
“It’s okay. I can understand that.”
Celestia flipped her clipboard. I got out my pack of cigarettes.
“You don’t mind if I smoke, do you?”
“Not at all.” Celestia said.
Celestia magically got an ashtray. I lit up my cigarette and they continued asking me questions.
“Why did Greg have such a grudge on you?” Celestia asked.
“That’s the thing about him. Veronica told me that he had a grudge on some of the guys that she’s dated in the past, but he had the biggest grudge on me. Veronica and I never knew why. He never told us. Her mother, on the other hand, loved me to death. She even didn’t see why he had a grudge on me. Veronica might have had a very bad experience with her first boyfriend and…I guess that’s what started it. But, you know, that’s just a theory. To put it in short, I don’t know.” I said nicely.
“How much did Veronica mean to you?” Luna asked.
“She meant a lot to me. She was my first and, of course, that’s what leads to Hailey being born and that’s when I was only fifteen. We spent a lot of time together when we were young. We were practically inseparable. It took me a long time to realize that I was in love with her and…we thought about getting married, but we quickly disregarded the idea and just kept dating. Later on, however, things started going downhill. We started arguing a lot and that scared Hailey. Veronica decided that it was for the best that she was to move back with her parents. It worked. Hailey would usually go visit her every other weekend. Until recently, she started acting strange. She was distant to both me and Hailey and she would usually call to start an argument. It really set me off because she’s never done that sort of thing before. It wasn’t her, so I called her yesterday to see what was up, plus to see if Hailey could come over and one thing led to another and that was her dad and I arguing over the phone. It was silent after a while and then the phone hung up. The discovery of her death…hit both of us really fucking hard. I still can’t get over it.” I said, choking up a little bit.
“Are you okay Rick?” Celestia asked.
“I’m fine.” I said, taking a deep breath.
“What was Hailey’s reaction to Veronica’s death?” Celestia asked.
I knew that question was coming, but it hit me really hard and I started choking up again.
“…Hailey walked in while I was watching the news coverage of the murder and…I turned it off and…I turned around to see her tearing up. She had a bowl of cereal, but she dropped and sprinted to her room. I walked in…to see her lying on the bed sobbing. I walk to her to hug her and…I started crying. Like I…said, it…hit us pretty fucking hard and…and…”
I started crying at that point.
“I started sobbing. When I saw her face…I cried even harder. Her eyes…were tearing up so hard. She started screaming and having…fits. She was devastated…so was I. I…I…I never thought…in my wildest dreams that…Greg would kill her own daughter. Veronica…I’m so sorry...“
I couldn’t take it anymore. I put my face down on the table and started sobbing. Celestia and Luna were sniffling.
“…I’m so sorry, Rick.” Luna said.
“We have to keep-“
“NO! …I need a break. I can’t answer any more questions right now. I…need to step outside.”
“…Okay. Take your time, Rick. We’ll be here.” Celestia said, sniffling.
I immediately walk out of the room. I walk past the nursery to see Hailey and the caretaker playing. Hailey looked at me and instantly got worried. I run outside the building, curled up in a ball and cried.
“…Daddy?”
I look up to see Hailey. I started crying even more. I felt a tight embrace. It was Hailey. I grab her and hug her tightly.
She starts crying a little bit. It was a horrible day.
“…I love you so much, sweetheart.” I said, crying my eyes out.
“I love you too, daddy.” Hailey said.
“I…I never should’ve called. This is my fault.” I said.
“No it’s not, daddy. You didn’t know this would happen. It’s not your fault, daddy. Please stop crying. You’re making me cry.” Hailey said, tearing up.
“It’s okay to let it out, pumpkin. Just let it out. It’s…okay.”
Hailey started sobbing again and kneeled down to her knees to cuddle with me.
30 Minutes Later…
Afterwards, we calmed down and I was calm enough to go back to the interrogation room. I returned to the interrogation room, still sniffling a little bit.
“Are you ready to continue?” Celestia said, with a worried expression.
“Yeah…I’m calm enough now. I apologize.” I said.
“It’s no problem at all, Rick. We understand.” Luna said.
Celestia got her clipboard back out.
“…”
Luna started tearing up.
“What are you crying about?” I asked.
“Oh…it’s nothing. I just get emotional when it comes to an interrogation. Tia, would you mind?”
“Of course, sister.”
Luna stepped out of the interrogation room.
“Please excuse my sister.”
“It’s alright.” I said, with a reassuring smile.
“Okay then…” Celestia began. “What was-“
Luna opened the door, calmed down.
“…You okay, Lulu?” I asked.
“I’m…I’m fine. Thank you, Rick.” Luna said, sitting down. “I was…speaking with your daughter, Hailey Rogers, and…she told me you have…a crush on a mare that I know. I believe her name is…Fluttershy? You know…the one with the pink hair and teal eyes?”
My eyes widened.
So that’s her name, huh? I finally know who she is…
“She…told you that?”
“She sure did and she’s honestly very excited to meet her. From what you told her; she sounds very pretty and nice. Do you plan on making a move on her?” Luna asked.
“YES…but I don’t know how though.” I said, dropping my head.
“Sure you do! We’ve known you since you were fifteen, Rick. You know what to say; you’re just nervous, that’s all. That’s common for a man to be nervous for a girl that they have a huge crush on.” Celestia said.
I was about to deny that, but they knew me too well.
“…You’re right; I’m nervous as hell. What should I do?” I asked.
Celestia and Luna looked at each other and giggled.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, confused.
“Oh, it’s just…you’ve never asked us for advice before. We thought you knew what to do. She’s different to you, isn’t she?” Celestia asked.
“…Yes.”
“You love her, don’t you?” Luna asked.
“Now, I don’t know about that. It’s a bit too soon to come to that conclusion.”
“Well…then talk to her! Though let me warn you; she’s very sensitive and shy.” Luna said, warning me.
“Obviously; it’s in her name, plus I could barely hear her.” I said, chuckling.
“Oh! So you have met her.” Celesita said, smiling.
“Well, for a short moment. That’s all it took for me to realize how much-“
“You love her.” Luna said.
“…”
“…Right?”
“…I don’t know.” I said, confused.
“Look, it’s like what Luna said, go talk to her. Be careful doing so, okay?” Celestia asked.
“…Okay. I’ll try.” I said, with a smile.
“Okay then! Now, we need to get back to the topic at hand, if you don’t mind?” Luna asked.
“Not at all. Go ahead.”
“Okay then.”
About an Hour Later…
The rest of the interrogation wasn’t anything special. I left the interrogation, hugging the Princesses, since we were very good friends. They care for me immensely. That’s why they let me out of the interrogation room to take a break because they understood me very well. I could never lie to them; EVER.
I saw Hailey standing in the middle of the hallway, smiling at me and holding the hand of the caretaker. I walk up to Hailey and she instantly jumped onto me. I pick her up and shake the hand of the caretaker.
“You ready to go, pumpkin?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be, daddy!” Hailey exclaimed.
I laughed and we both walked to the car.
“Mr. Rogers…”
I turned my head to see one of the guards, with his helmet off.
“Yes?”
“May I…speak to you for a moment?”
“Um…sure. Hailey, get in the car. I’ll only be a second, okay?”
“Okay daddy.”
Hailey got into the car and I closed the door.
“What’s on your mind, officer?” I asked.
“…I understand what you’re going through. I had a wife as well, but she died of cancer just a few years ago. I was devastated, the same way as you were. I’m just letting you know, Mr. Rogers; you aren’t alone.”
“You don’t have to call me, Mr. Rogers. Just call me Rick.” I said, putting my hand out for him.
“…I’m Mike.”
I shook Mike’s hand and we smiled.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mike and don’t worry,” I began, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Your wife may be gone physically, but spiritually; she’s still with you in your heart. That’s how you can get over the grief. I mean, shit, I thought I wasn’t ever going to get over her, but then I thought of what I just said to you and now I’m ready to move on. Besides, I already found another woman that will be great to both me and my daughter. I’m sure you’ll find a woman for you too. Just keep searching. You’ll find her. Trust me.” I said, smiling.
I opened the door and before I got into the car…
“We should keep in touch, Mike. We could become good friends you and I.”
I got into the car and closed the door. The car then turned on and we were off; back to Ponyville.
I know her name. Now I’ll be able to get my chance in winning her heart. I just hope she doesn’t turn me down…
