Runaway Sweetie

Sweetie Belle headed towards the train station, the darkness making it hard to see. She kept on going the wrong direction, or even very nearly bumping into large objects.

The going was hard for the small filly. It didn't help that it was bitterly cold.

She suddenly felt terrified- like turning back, but Rarity's ungratefulness that day pushed her forward.

The freezing cold kept on biting at Sweetie Belle's fur.

The strong wind blew her mane and tail around like crazy. She saw her breath trail up into the otherwise empty air.

A trip to Canterlot cost 5 bits, so she had enough.

She arrived at the train station. A small light cast a dim glow on it. She checked the train schedule.

Next train to Canterlot- 4:00AM

Sweetie Belle checked the white clock on the wall-
3:30AM

She sighed with relief, sat down on a seat and waited.

Everything was going smoothly, but the wind was howling. Freezing cold, the lonely foal pulled out her blanket from the rucsac and wrapped herself up, which worked like a charm. Warmth cradled the filly as she closed her eyes, suddenly growing tired again.

However, after a minute she heard a creaking sound. She opened her eyes, and was shocked to find a grey pegasus with a long, slightly messy blue mane and tail sitting on the seat next to her.

Sweetie Belle jumped back, startled. The pegasus seemed surprised by her sudden movement and jumped back herself.

"Oh, oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to wake you..." she apologized.

"Um...It's ok. I wasn't even asleep," Sweetie Belle replied.

Then, there was silence.

Uncomfortable silence. Just the two staring at the empty track as the wind raced on, throwing their manes around like ragdolls.

After a minute of this, the pegasus shifted in her seat awkwardly and opened her mouth again.

"Um... if you don't mind me asking... are you here all by yourself at a time like this? Where are your parents? How old are you? Where are you going?" she asked quickly.

Sweetie Belle's heart sank. If she told the truth, would the grey pegasus march her back to the boutique? She gulped, imagining Rarity's rage if that happened...

"I'm... homeless. I always have been. My parents died a long time ago, and I have nowhere to go. I'm 13," Sweetie Belle finished her lies. In fact, she even lied about her age, making herself older. She was actually 11.

The mare next to her gave a small laugh.

"Oh, come now. I know that's a lie. You don't look anywhere near 13. That blanket looks brand new, as does that rucsac. You're lying to me, aren't you?" she chuckled.

Sweetie Belle's heart skipped a beat. The grey mare had seen through her lies.

She suddenly felt stupid to lie about her age like that. Some ponies didn't even think she was 11. Some looked at her and thought her to be 9 or 8!

She turned away from the pegasus, but was then surprised to feel her grey hoof on her shoulder.

"You can tell me the truth. I may be a bit odd, and I'm sorry if I'm being nosy..." the pegasus went quiet for a moment, "but I won't bite if you tell the truth, I promise!"

Sweetie Belle turned back to the pegasus, and her warm smile made the filly feel a little bit better.

She took a deep breath.

"I... I ran away from home. Please don't tell anypony!" she pleaded.

The pegasus looked confused.

"Why would you run away?" the mare calmly awaited Sweetie Belle's answer.

The foal stayed quiet.

Eventually, the pegasus gave up, and looked forward to the track again.

A tiny white mouse scuttled across the floor. The two ponies watched it carefully as it sniffed around, scratching the floor with it's pink claws, until it dipped into the darkness. A little while later, it returned with a small lump of cheese, and proceeded to squeeze back into the small hole it came from.

"So... where will you go now?" the pegasus asked suddenly.

"I... I'm planning on going to Canterlot."

The pegasus sat up, her expression plastered into a smile.

"Me too! I'm meeting my sister there!" she declared, until her smile faded, and she slumped back down.

After a while, she spoke again.

"Well... if... you don't have anywhere to go... I guess you could... stay with us? I understand if you don't want to... I've been quite nosy, and a bit rude to-"

Sweetie Belle grinned. Hope filled her body.

Somepony had invited her to stay with them. She would probably go crazy in a life on the run alone. Now, she didn't have to be alone.

"Yes! Thank you so much!" Sweetie Belle yelled, making the grey pegasus jump slightly.

They simply sat there, talking. Sweetie Belle discovered pegasus's name was Storm Star.

Before they knew it, the train had arrived. They hopped on, and Sweetie Belle fumbled for her purse.

"Oh, I'll pay for your ride if you like." Storm Star pulled out her large blue purse and handed the stallion 10 bits. Sweetie Belle thanked her greatly.

They sat together on the train, Sweetie Belle still snuggled up in her blanket as the train jolted and began to move.

Storm Star smiled down at the filly as she gazed out the window, up at the stars in the sky.

Sweetie Belle felt loved. She had a new friend, and a place to stay, and a whole new life to look forward too.

She was excited, and she smiled bleakly as her eyes drooped.

She let sleep take her once more.