“Hey Twilight, you’ve got mail”.

The violet coated unicorn looked up from the book on her desk, Mysteries of the Solar System.

Her young assistant-Spike-approached her with a sealed envelope. Twilight’s immediate impression of it was the fact it couldn't be from Celestia. Unlike most ponies, the princess still sent letters formally in scripts.

She took the envelope from Spike using her magic. With a pink aura, it floated in midair, moving at the will of Twilight.

Today had been in the dull department. Twilight kept her keen eyes on the library’s books, reading a few she found interesting.

Mayor Mare had been the only visitor thus far; she was trying new fashion trends about every other day.

This time she had her grey mane bundled in a bun, certainly a good look for the mayor of Ponyville. Twilight admitted to that. She saw the mayor's appearance as a gentle, professional approach.

With the given smile on Mare’s face, she checked out a book, How to Find That Special Somepony.

Talk about desperate, Twilight had thought. Rarity was also into dating the best class of colts, but never would such an elegant mare such as herself be daring enough to check out a thick book regarding finding 'The One'. She’d be too embarrassed…what if somepony caught her reading it?

Although, Twilight rationalized with herself, I must acknowledge the fact that Mayor Mare doesn't let what anypony thinks of her get in the way of what she wants out of life.

Twilight walked up to the second floor, taking the mail to her nightstand. She hesitated before tearing the envelope open. The cute purple baby dragon followed calmly behind, standing beside Twilight, he waited to see who had written to her.

With the observation the letter was clearly not from a company, nor anypony of high fortune. Perhaps it was Pinkie Pie inviting her to another party-wait…nah. The package wasn’t spiffy enough.

Besides, nine times out of then Pinkie Pie would be delivering them herself with more of her fun filled songs.

Twilight noticed the paper containing the extremely curly cursive handwriting had apparent wear and tears, and it seemed as if somepony had crumbled it.

As the unicorn read, her face changed drastically. Spike nearly laughed as her serene face quickly became disgusted.

“Ha! It’s hate mail, isn’t it? Or another complaint about the library?” Spike grinned, but Twilight’s glare left him frowning.

“What in the name of-?” Twilight Sparkle cursed under her breath, and finished up the letter with an irritated sigh.
Spike couldn't quite read the writing right off, it was nearly illegible to him. That and Twilight faced it away from the dragon just as he started to read.

Spike’s pointy green ends perked up as he grew urgent and curious as to Twilight’s sudden anger.

The unicorn turned her back to Spike, set down the paper, and closed her eyes.

Stay calm, Twilight. Don’t do anything reckless. What would Celestia do in this situation? …She’d comply, I’m sure…the princess would never ignore a pony in need…

Twilight took deep long breaths until her heart rate returned to normal.

She opened her eyes shortly as she felt her face cool down, turning to see Spike had a concerned expression printed on his face.

“Spike, I’d like you to stay here and watch the library while I’m gone. I have an errand to run”.

Hastily Twilight Sparkle returned to the first floor of the small library and quickly wrote down a small list of things to purchase. Owl Do Well, her #2 assistant-as Spike liked to call him-perched on Twilight’s back as she wrapped a thick knapsack around her waist. It appeared to be some type of safety belt. Impossible to steal from, that’s for sure.

It was knitted from high quality wool, dyed a bright blue. The knapsack was made by only the best designer in all of Ponyville. While she had been adjusting it to her comfort, Twilight briefly recalled Rarity’s visit a few days ago, presenting her with such a lovely carrier.
Her friend had commented ‘elegant, yet bound by purpose’. Thus, for such a simple daily used feature, Rarity’s claim proved not only to be true, but quite fabulous as well.

Twilight gently shook herself out of it, refocusing on the task at hoof.

“Where are you going, Twilight?” Spike hadn’t ever seen her act so…irrationally.

“That doesn't matter. I’ll be back,” Twilight’s voice was stern as a mother mare was to her filly.

Walking to the door, the unicorn chuckled from the slight tickle of Owl Do Well’s feathers.

Twilight Sparkle gave Spike one last glance.

“Pinkie Pie should be coming by-she’ll be returning Cupcakes 101. If anypony else comes by to return or check out-please help them appropriately. I’ve taught you how to do it, so there shouldn't have a problem. I won’t be long, my number one assistant”.
Spike loved hearing the #1 assistant label.

Funny Twilight would mention it as she was in a hurry.

He watched as Twilight pushed the door open, but had it closed softly. He heard her hoofs against the rocky ground until it faded away completely.
***
The letter was soon in the small dragon’s claws. Not like Twilight to forget.

Spike grinned and unfolded it, slowly deciphering the tangled handwriting:

To Twilight Sparkle,

This is Sydney Halfahorn, a fellow reporter dwelling in Canterlot.

I write to you today of my vacation to Ponyville the week prior. I find the village a rather peaceful place; I very much enjoyed my stay.

An enjoyable getaway from all the serious traditions back at home.

Rarity has told me much of you during a spa session I had with her.

I apologize for not having time to see you, but I have a favor to ask.

Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia herself has told me of your intelligence and also your status as her student. This favor I ask of you because if there is anypony to trust with the responsibility, it is you.

I will be returning to Ponyville in merely four days, however it will be no vacational occasion. I intend to interview the residents to be featured in the Equestria magazine. This would include you, Twilight Sparkle, and your friends. Also I will be interviewing the businesses here, and write of the delicacies.

However, I have a dilemma. My husband watched my five year old colt while I was on my one on one R and R. To this desperate call of work he now refuses to watch him. Alas, he has set work above the needs of my colt.

My poor five year old Charlie would be all alone. Legally he cannot be without a guardian. My favor to you, Twilight Sparkle, is to watch Charlie during my work in Ponyville. I’d pay you fair, of course. Name your price.

As you are reading this, I am sure you are wondering why I ask you, and not Pinkie Pie.

During my talk with Rarity, I told her of my problem and she recommended the pink maned pony. I did visit Sugar Cube Corner to speak with her.

My, Pinkie Pie is a very friendly, active pony. But…she’s got MAJOR physiological issues. Never would I leave my son’s life to Pinkie Pie!

I do not find her an adult mare. She is a filly trapped a mare’s body.

Why Mrs. And Mr. Cake allow her to watch their young ones, I do not know. Nor do I know why Pinkie is allowed to work in Sugar Cube Corner.

Twilight, I hope you can understand why I do not want my colt to be cared by Pinkie Pie. Please do not fret, I do not hate Pinkie Pie. She is a very thoughtful kind pony, but I do not find her a qualified candidate to coltsit Charlie.

I await your answer, and prepare for a yes. If it is ‘a cannot do’, I will simply leave Charlie with another. But I hope that pony can be you, Twilight Sparkle. Enjoy your day.

Write me back when you get the chance.

Sincerely, Sydney Halfahorn
Reporter of Equestria Monthly

Author's Note

Thank you for reading :D From now on until the epilogue, the story will be told from a young one's view. The writing will be a different style, and may seem strange at times, but understand it's from a child's perspective so it will be weird, strange, and possibly a little gross :P Maybe out of it all it might be cute, but that's up to you XD
((If I made any mistakes in grammar/punctuation, or with MLP characters, please let me know and I'll fix it))