Chapters November 23
Ever wonder why they call it a crush? You're not breaking anything, so what's the deal, right? Well, I had to learn the hard way. They call it that because that's how you feel. CRUSHED because you know you'll never be with them. It sucks to know, but that's the truth. ( Unless you're Diamond Tiara, then you can have whatever you want. )
My name is, well you'll figure that out in a matter of seconds.
"Honey Dill,"
I go to Ponyville High, and believe me, It's one of the worst schools ever.
"Honey Dill,"
The teachers are really strict. I mean, one time, I-
"HONEY DILL!" I jumped and slammed my diary shut. Wait, scratch that. I jumped and slammed my JOURNAL shut. Much better. Now, where was I?
"Ms. Dill, could you please just answer the question?" Mrs. Sparkle tapped her hoof on the floor and raised an eyebrow. I gulped. Everyone is watching me, even HIM! I turned to the blackboard and read the equation. 2(x+15)= 60. I reached for my calculator.
Mrs. Sparkle groaned.
"Come on, Honey, this is just review!" several snickers fluttered about the room, causing my cheeks to glow bright pink. Holding my breath, I gave my answer.
"Is it 15?" I asked weakly. The alicorn sighed with relief and wrote the number on the board.
"Correct, now who can tell me the square root of 625?" I exhaled and hung my head. That was so embarrassing, I even saw him laugh!
"Hey, you okay?" I looked up to see Sweetie Belle with a concerned look on her face. I smiled.
"Yeah, I'm fine." The white unicorn is one of my greatest friends, along with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Babs Seed. I met them back in 7th grade, when Babs and I moved from Manehattan. Neither of us had our Cutie Marks, so she immediately introduced me to the other three. Just like that, I was a Crusader. Of course we have our marks now, but you wouldn't BELIEVE the kind of things we did to get them back then.
I sat up in my chair to see Pop Rock glancing over his shoulder at me. My heart skipped a beat. I waved sheepishly, only to be scolded by the teacher. Again.
Finally, 3rd period was over. I quickly gathered my things and looked over to his desk. Wait, where'd he go? A familiar laugh sounded behind me. A cute one, too. I spun around to see him chatting with Pipsqueak, already out the door. My ears drooped in disappointment. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Ready to go?" Sweetie Belle looked excited to leave, probably because lunch was next. I grinned.
"You bet." we skipped out of the classroom, only to run into two of our other friends.
"Babs! Scoots!" we talked the whole way down the hall about cool videos and fan art. Separating, I went over to my locker and entered the combination. The door flew open. Man, my locker's a mess. Shoving my binder and folder inside, I grabbed my lunchbox and trotted over to the others.
"Where's Apple Bloom?" I asked, looking around for the yellow Earth pony. Scootaloo hovered past me.
"She has lunch after us," she replied. "With Twist." I shrugged and followed the others down to the cafeteria.
I sat munching on a daisy sandwich, watching him from across the room. That's not creepy is it? I haven't had a crush on somepony in like, seven years, so I don't really know what to do. I liked some colt in 2nd grade back in Manehattan but this was totally different.
"What's up?" Babs slapped on the back, almost making me choke on a dandelion. She sat down next to me, opening her lunch bag. She had a sly smile plastered on her face.
"So, I've got a new crush." she implied and took a bite of an apple. I rolled my eyes.
"Another one?" I asked, not surprised. "You have a new one every week!" she scoffed and waved me away. Suddenly, the Earth pony gasped and pointed to a nearby table.
"There he is!" she squealed. I watched as Featherweight got up to throw his trash away. She likes HIM? I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
"Okay." I turned back to my food. "The guy I like is way cuter though." My eyes widened as I realized my mistake. Almost instantly Babs was on top of me, spouting off stupid questions.
"Who? What!? When? Where?!" I sighed. No use hiding it now.
"FINE!" I shouted, shoving her away. "I'll spill, but only if you promise not to tell." The brown mare pretended to zip up her lips, then throw away the key. I narrowed my eyes, unsure of whether I should trust her. Seeing I wasn't satisfied, she picked up the imaginary key and started doing weird arm movements while holding it. I burst out laughing.
"What are you doing?" I giggled. Babs stopped her stupid dance and smiled.
"I'm sacrificing it." she replied smugly. "Now who is this handsome stallion?!" Defeated, I took a deep breath and pointed to his table. The Earth-pony beside me squinted.
"Purple unicorn?" she asked.
"Yup."
"Brown eyes?"
"Yup."
"Emo haircut?"
"Hey!" I gently slapped her leg. "It's not emo, it's kind of like a Beiber due!" Babs crossed her arms.
"And you find that attractive?" she asked, unimpressed. I hung my head.
"Well, sorta..." The pink-maned pony pat my shoulder.
"I'm just kidding," she reassured. "I just think he looks, dark that's all." I lifted my head and smiled. Just then, a familiar voice called from behind.
"What's up, gals?" Scootaloo flew over with Sweetie Belle not far behind. They set their lunch trays on the table and sat down across from Babs and I. We greeted them with a, "Sup."
"I'm so bucking HUNGRY!" the Pegasus exclaimed and chomped into a burger. We all laughed as the orange mare dug into her food. She was done before Sweetie even started.
Lunch ended, and everypony poured into the halls. We squeezed through the mass of bodies and tumbled onto the floor. Grumbling, I brushed myself off and got back to my feet, the others doing the same.
As we walked towards our locker bay, Sweetie Belle squealed and galloped over to a brown Earth pony. Button Mash gasped as he was knocked over by his girlfriend. The two barreled into the wall. Scootaloo giggled, along with a few ponies passing by. I trotted over to help them.
"You guys okay?" I asked. The white unicorn nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied softly and turned to BM. "I'm sorry for running into you like that, it's just that I haven't seen you all week." Button smiled and rustled her mane.
"Eh, don't worry about it."
The two shared a hug before departing in separate directions. I wonder if I'll get a special somepony. I hope it'll be Pop Rock...
The rest of the day seemed to fly by, 4th and 6th period speeding past. Before I knew it my hooves were trotting towards by bus. 34, 16, 69, AH HA! I stepped into bus number 7 and sat down in the front. I never sat in the back, because all of the popular cool kids sat back there. Including, Diamond Tiara. She rides my bus, and it is such a PAIN for her to sashay in like she owns the place. I mean,seriously? It looked like she wasn't here yet, meaning had some time to do my homework. Yes, I do it on the bus. Don't ask why.
Unfortunately, the second I open my binder the pink brat bounds in wearing a designer bow from Sapphire Shores new line.
"Hello, everypony!" she chirped. Glaring down at me, she smirked.
"Loser." she fake coughed and made her way to the back, but not before swatting me in the face with her over-conditioned tail. I sighed. This is going to be a loooong trip.
Author's Note
This story is written in first person, tell me what you think!
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I ran through the school, trying to find a way out. Smoke filled my lungs as I galloped down hallways, which were burning at an unbelievable rate. The dark haze clouded my eyes, making my vision blurry. I can't go on much longer. Rounding a corner, I skidded to a stop. A wall of fire blocked my exit. I spun around, trying to outrun the flames nipping at my heels. My breathing became slower, and my legs started to feel like cinder blocks weighing me down. With one last breath, I collapsed to the floor, clutching my heart.
The sounds of crackling fire and breaking walls began to dissipate as I floated towards the ceiling. It wasn't exactly "floating", more like being lifted by a muscular angel. A cute one. The stallion sped through the halls, dodging the whipping flames. His fur brushed against mine as he ran, protecting me from harm. Suddenly he stopped and pulled me closer. I managed to see a bright orange glow emitting heat before us. The exit was blocked. Taking a step back, the stallion charged. He grunted as he leaped through the fire, landing square on his hooves. The angel pony kept on running, almost outside. We burst into the sweet, fresh air, surrounded by fireponies and police.
"He got her, she's out!" I was gently laid on the ground and was instantly surrounded. One of the ponies began pushing on my chest in a rhythmic beat, getting my heart beating again. I gasped, sucking in oxygen and coughing up smoke.
"She's stable, get her some water!" They shoved something into my mouth and squeezed. I gratefully drank the cold liquid down. The bottle departed my lips, and I blinked my eyes open. Cheers erupted around me as I stood up with wobbly legs. I shook my head and looked around. Everyone was covered in ash and burns, but otherwise unharmed. A brown unicorn wearing a white lab coat trotted over to me.
"Honey Dill, are you alright?" he asked. I nodded, and coughed again. The doctor sighed with relief.
"That's good. Y'know, if it weren't for this young man you wouldn't be here right now." Pop Rock strode up, also slightly burned. Without thinking I lunged forward and wrapped my weak arms around him. I felt his body tense up, but then relax as he returned the hug. We just stood there, lost in the warm embrace. Sirens sounded around us as more ambulances arrived. Louder, and louder....
November 30
"Gah!" I rolled off of my bed causing me to hit my head on the floor. Groaning, I picked myself up and slammed a hoof onto the alarm clock.
"Stupid thing..." I muttered. I was enjoying that dream! Trotting over to my dresser I picked up a blue silk bow. Maybe he'll actually notice me? I descended the stairs into the kitchen where my dad, High Tide was reading a newspaper. I opened the fridge and took out some milk.
"Did you hear about the murder last night?" the teal stallion asked, not looking up from the article. I got some cereal down from the cabinets.
"No, who was killed?" I prepared myself a bowl of Wheaty Bits.
"Some pony named Rocket Star." He replied, turning the page. I shrugged and took a bite of my breakfast. Somepony's life is ruined. I feel bad for them.
I hopped off the bus and headed towards the front entrance. It had started to rain, so I tried to make it there as quickly as possible. Somewhere behind me I heard Diamond Tiara get off the bus.
"ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME?!" she screeched. "NOW MY MANE IS GOING TO GET WET!" I smiled. She deserves it. Running through the doors, I shook myself free of water. I fixed my mane a bit, for it had gotten scuffed up in the process. Trotting down the hallway, I saw Pop Rock slowly walking towards the locker bay. I normally would've squealed and hid behind a trash can, but not this time. The purple stallion looked different. His ears drooped at his sides, and he seemed to drag his feet when he walked. Something was wrong. Gathering up some courage, I took a deep breath and stepped over to him. We walked along-side each other in silence. Awkward silence. Finally, I said something.
"Hey." Oh, I blew it! He probably hates me now!
"Hey, Honey Dill" he replied glumly. Oh my Celestia he remembers my name.
"So, um, where are all of your friends?" I tried to at least get a conversation going, maybe even find out why he's so down. Pop Rock sighed.
"I told them I wanted to be alone." he looked up at me. I realized what he meant.
"Oh, I, uh, should leave then." I turned to go.
"No, it's fine." My heart skipped a beat as he called out the offering. I trudged back to him. Neither of us said anything. Again with the awkward silence? Really?
"I don't mean to intrude on your business, but," I gulped. "Why are you so, y'know. Down in the dumps?" The stallion cringed, like I just stabbed him with a pencil. I probably shouldn't have asked that.
"You didn't hear about what happened last night?" he said grimly. I cocked my head.
"The murder? Yeah my dad told me about it this morning." I stopped walking, making him do the same. "Why?" The unicorn looked away. He hesitated before he spoke again.
"That was my brother." He had a dark tone to his voice, almost as if venom on his tongue that he was trying to get off. "I barely knew him. He was in college when I was a kid. All I remember is that he was like a father to me, that he always had my back." The purple stallion hung his head and sat down. I was in shock. Oh my gosh, what do I do!? I can't just leave him! But, what should I say? I slowly seated myself next to him. Without thinking, I put my arm around his shoulder.
"We all go through times in our lives when we lose someone dear to us." I said softly. "My mother died when I was a baby. I hardly knew her, but I still miss her." Pop Rock looked up at me. I continued.
"Hey, I know how you feel, but these things happen. Ponies will always be there for you, so c'mon." I smiled. "Hakuna matata." I got up, pulling the stallion with me. He brushed his shaggy bangs out of his face and smiled graciously.
"Thanks, I needed that." he ruffled my mane. I shoved him off.
"Hey, not the hair!" we both laughed and messed around, chasing and fake punching each other. Then, the 5 minute bell rang. We stopped horsing around and signed a "truce". We talked all the way to the locker bay, where students were running around trying to get to their classes.
"See you in 3rd." Pop Rock trotted off with a wave, leaving me by myself. I sighed. He totally likes me.
Author's Note
Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I started this chapter a while ago and I wanted to finish it, so here it is!
A Problem Revealed
December 5
I trotted alongside Applebloom on our way to Gym. The Earth pony is like a straight-A student in that class. You can probably guess why. We walked through the hallways with our saddle bags on our back.
"So Babs got a new crush yesterday." Applebloom exclaimed with a grin. I frowned.
"Yeah, so? She gets them all the time." The yellow mare beside me giggled.
"She told me not to tell you." she winked at me. I groaned in annoyance. I wasn't going to ask her who it was, no way. She would just keep her mouth shut until I give her a bit or something. We kept advancing towards the locker rooms, passing by other ponies who were heading off to class. We entered the body-smelling area and started to change into our uniforms. I hate this class.
I sat down in my seat, all covered sweat. Why do I have to have 3rd right after Gym? Other students poured into the classroom, along with Sweetie Belle. The white unicorn plopped in her chair next to me.
"Hi!" she chirped before reeling back in disgust. "Woah, you don't smell so hot." I sighed.
"What do you expect, I came from PE." I said gruffly. Suddenly, a sweet aroma was spritzed all over me.
"Hey, what are you doing?!" I coughed and waved away the scent. Sweetie smiled and held up a small bottle.
"It's the new perfume by Pony GaGa." she inhaled the smell deeply. I laughed.
"You're crazy." I joked. She shrugged and kept sniffing.
"Yeah, I am." The bell rang and Miss. Sparkle closed the door. She strode up to front of the classroom and tapped a hoof on the chalkboard.
"Alright everypony, please take out your worksheet from yesterday and work on problems 8 to 12." rustling echoed through the room as hooves got out their papers and started to scribble down answers. I got out my folder and removed the necessary pieces, before closing it and putting it away. I looked up to see Pop Rock levitating his pencil. It twirled around inside the magic bubble like a propeller, rotating at a respectable pace. I watched him as he did this, forgetting to pay attention to the lesson.
It was only when Miss. Sparkle called on me to answer the problem on the board that I actually stopped staring at him.
"Honey Dill, what did you get for this?" I blinked and looked away from him and turned my attention to the question. Oh crap, I didn't do any of them! I gulped and tried to do some quick mental math. 7 times 12 is- no that's not right...
Everyone was now watching me, waiting for my response. Even Sweetie Belle was looking at me intensely. The teacher tapped her hoof on the floor and raised an eyebrow. Everypony probably thinks I'm stupid, Which I'm not! I don't mean to brag, but I get straight A's in all of my Honors classes. Well, except for this one. I think I'm pulling a B.
I finally came up with the answer, hoping it was right.
"134?" The other student's eyes were directed to their own paper, checking I was right, or they were wrong. Miss. Sparkle shook her head.
"Nope. That's not it," she wrote a different number on the chalkboard. "Maybe if you were paying attention, you would know what it was." I hung my head in embarrassment. That was horrible! I made myself look like a complete idiot!
"Psst," I looked up and saw Pop Rock grinning at me. He chuckled. "I got that answer too." I smiled graciously and laughed softly.
"I guess neither of us are that smart." Why did I say that. He cocked his head and made a stupid face, like he was actually an idiot. I couldn't hold in a giggle when he got cross-eyed.
"What are you doing?" The teacher scolded us for talking, and we both brought our attention back to the lesson. I curled my lips inwards and sat awkwardly as ponies glared at me. I didn't care.
Pop Rock kept casting glances at me, and whenever I noticed it he would start making dumb faces again. It was pretty funny, considering the amount of times he was yelled at.
I thought Miss. Sparkle was about to snap, when the bell rang. The students cheered and poured out the door, leaving Sweetie, Pop Rock and I alone. Excluding the teacher of course.
I grabbed my things and started towards him, only to be stopped by Sweetie Belle grabbing my arm.
"Come, on!" she pulled me away from my crush. "It's time for lunch!"
I sat at our usual spot, waiting for my friends to arrive. Each day we have different lunch times, and today I was eating with Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Babs Seed, and Twist.
I had already begun to chow down, munching on a carrot. I kept my eyes trained on the entrance, waiting for HIM to come in. I planned to wave at him, or maybe even invite him to sit with us.
Pop Rock arrived alone, which formed a lump of guilt and anger in my stomach. Why did Sweetie Belle pull me away, I really wanted to talk to him. The stallion was still recovering from the death of his brother, and didn't want his friends harassing him like they usually did. They weren't mean, they were just being y'know. Boys. I swallowed the lump in my throat and raised my arm to wave.
"WASSUUUUP!" Babs Seed screamed in my ear, causing me jump with a squeal. I folded my ears down and blushed, as everyone was staring at us. I shoved the laughing Earth pony away, and tried to spot him again. It was no use, he was already in the lunch line. I turned and glared at Babs, who had taken a seat next to me. She gave me a toothy grin. Honey Dill is not amused.
"Dude, come on!" I groaned, annoyed. "That was my chance with him!" I pointed to the long line of ponies buying their food. Pop Rock was almost completely hidden from view, but that didn't stop Babs from catching a glimpse of him. She straightened her back and blushed, twirling her hair in her hoof. I raised an eyebrow.
"What. " I asked flatly. The mare next to me flinched and took a deep breath, averting her gaze from mine.
"I didn't want you to find out," She whispered. "I told Applebloom, which was a bad idea considering she's related to the Element of Honesty." She chuckled.
"I guess I am too, but I'm not really living up to it." I was utterly confused. Oh, no. She better not be-
She sighed and hung her head.
"I-I like him too," she said softly and looked up at me in shame. "I'm sorry, Dill, I just-" I didn't hear the last part. I didn't WANT to hear the last part. I was already galloping out the cafeteria door, tears threatening to fall. I raced down the hall, Babs calling my name behind me. How could she? I thought she liked someone else...
I thought she was my friend ...
December 12
I can't stand the fact that she likes him. It's been like, a WEEK since I've talked to him, and I have a feeling he's starting to like her back. I only have the one period with him. ONE! Also, it only goes on for fifty minutes. Babs has two really long classes with him, and in one she sits RIGHT NEXT TO HIM! She keeps talking about things he likes, things he never bothered to tell me. She even said he offered to lend her his jacket during a fire drill! I try to ignore it. Brush it aside like it's nothing, and that she's just lying to make me give up hope. Maybe I have.
I paced in my room, thinking about Pop Rock. I haven't had a crush since second grade, and Babs had to go and ruin it. She kept asking me if I was mad at her, and I always said no. The truth is, I'm TICKED. Usually she changes crushes within a couple days, but I have a feeling she's sticking with him.
Tears were forming around the corners of my eyes. I quickly wiped them away and slumped onto my bed with a sigh. I stared at the ceiling, watching the shadows of swaying trees dance across it's surface. I hope he still remembers me...
I sat on the cold, fake leather seats of the bus. I wrung out my mane, which was now soaked along with the rest of my body. With a groan, I turned over and looked out the window. Stupid rain. I had to wait outside in a raging storm, without an umbrella. Of course Diamond Tiara had one. She was prepared for almost everything. So when I plopped down in my spot at the front, she casually folded up hers and flicked her tail, which was dry as a bone. She smirked at me and trotted to the back of the bus.
It was still pouring when the bus arrived at our school, meaning I had to get wet again. The vehicle squealed to a stop, throwing me out of my seat and into the aisle. Several snickers floated throughout the bus as I wearily got to my hooves. Mrs. Shoemaker opened the doors and told everyone to get out, looking back at us. I had to dive onto an empty bench to avoid getting trampled. I cursed under my breath as somepony stepped on my tail. Grumbling, I grabbed my saddlebag and stepped off the bus, into the downpour.
My mane was soaked, but I didn't really care. I saw Babs walking with him under an umbrella. HIS umbrella. Babs almost always walks with me, but as I watched them talking and laughing I felt like I didn't exist. I shook my head and kept going, trying to ignore the fact that I felt like crying. I pushed the two front doors open and stepped inside the building, shivering as a wave of AC covered my soaked fur. I glanced to my left, and saw two other ponies I knew quite well enter the school.
Pop Rock closed his umbrella, spraying droplets on Babs Seed. She squealed and shoved him with a laugh.
"Hey, stop that!" she giggled, brushing the rain out of her mane. "I don't want to get wet!" I hung my head and sighed, ears down. I slowly sulked towards them, hoping I could get by without them noticing. Averting my eyes, I tried to hide my face with my hair.
"Oh hi, Honey Dill!" I cringed. Busted. Babs trotted over to me and gave me a squeeze. My eyes bugged out their sockets due to the pressure of the hug. I wiggled free and started to continue on my way with a grunt.
"Hi." I greeted dully, not wanting Pop Rock to see me like this. Unfortunately, he noticed all the same.
"Hey Honey Dill, you okay?" he asked, voice full of concern. I looked over my shoulder and mustered up a fake smile.
"Oh, yeah I'm fine." I kept on walking, feeling their eyes boring into the back of my head. It didn't feel good, having someone stare at you like that. I quickened my pace. I knew they weren't following me, I just wanted to get away from the hurt gaze I felt digging into me.
History was a breeze. Although it was first period and I was super tired, I guess the subject just came easy to me because I got like, every question right on the latest quiz. I neatly packed the paper into my binder and waited for the bell to ring. I sat next Star Dreams, who wasn't really a long term friend, more like those one-class pals you sit next to. Like Pop Rock, only I tried to talk to him as often as possible. Star Dreams was a purple unicorn, who was REALLY good at remembering things. She memorized all of the major AND minor dates in the Equestrian History. I guess that's why she's in Honors with me.
"Hey Dill," she prodded my shoulder with a levitated pencil. "Is the worksheet that was assigned due next Tuesday, or Friday?" I opened my agenda.
"Tuesday." I grumbled and closed the small calendar. Star Dreams frowned and raised an eyebrow.
"Is, something wrong?" she asked, worried. I gave a reassuring smile. Do I have to keep faking this mood?
"No no no, everything's fine," I informed her. "I'm just a little tired." Star Dreams shrugged and started to pack her things.
Finally, the bell rang and we were dismissed. I hauled my things onto my back, careful to keep them balanced. I trotted into the hallway and made my way through the crowd, heading for the locker bay. The mass of ponies dissipated as they spread out into the larger area, and I continued towards my locker.
A loud slam echoed through the small room as I dropped my stuff onto my desk, startling Sweetie Belle. She jumped and fumbled with her book.
"Whoa, someone's upset," she looked me over, wide-eyed. "What happened?" Oh god, this again? I groaned.
"Nothing! I'm perfectly fine!" I didn't mean to raise my voice, it just happened. Sweetie looked extremely hurt, which made me feel awful. She does this, "face" when she's sad, and it makes her look like a puppy that just watched it's mother get eaten. I sighed and gave her a hug.
"I'm sorry, I just don't want to talk about it right now." I murmured. She nodded slightly and separated my arms from her sides. I still felt bad about snapping at her, but I couldn't talk to her anymore as Miss. Sparkle just entered to classroom followed by Pop Rock. I smiled and waved at him. He cast me a glance and a small wave in return, before sitting down and acting like nothing happened. My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. Is-is he, mad at me?
"Alright, welcome students," she didn't sound very enthusiastic, then again when did she?
"Get out your homework from last night. We're going to review it." The students that filled the classroom all got out the worksheet that was due and a correcting pen. They directed their attention to the chalkboard and started to check their work, each one focused and content. All except for one, who sat in her chair and stared at the colt she loved, crushed and broken-hearted...
Author's Note
One more chapter to go!
December 20
I held Babs Seed as she wept in my shoulder, her body shuddering each time she let out a sob. I clutched her in my arms, assuring her it would be okay, that it could still work out. She would always shake her head violently and cry harder.
"Babs, listen to me." I cooed softly, stroking her mane. "I'm sure Silver thought it would do good for your relationship with him." Babs choked and wiped her tear-stained cheeks. She looked up at me and whimpered, before collapsing onto my shoulder sobbing loudly again. I groaned. It's kinda hard to calm someone from the Apple family down. I know from experience during an incident with Applebloom.
I continued to comfort my friend, watching the seconds tick by on the bathroom clock. I'm going to be late for Language Arts. I sighed and started to rub her back. Oh, well. hopefully Mrs. Cheerilee won't mind.
Finally, she had calmed down enough so we could talk. Babs sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes. I took a deep breath. I have to take things slow...
"Okay. Explain to me what she did, exactly." I wanted to get some background on the situation before jumping in head-on. Babs brushed her mane out of her face and raised her eyes to mine. She inhaled and exhaled before speaking.
"W-well, I was looking for him in the locker bay so I could ask him to go buy a cookie with me." I tensed up a bit at that. I'm not trying to be over-protective over Pop Rock, but it's kinda hard considering he could be manipulated into liking somepony else. That is, if he likes me back. I nodded and motioned for her to continue.
"I couldn't find him, so I asked Silver Spoon for help." Babs shuffled her hooves. I figured she felt guilty for trusting her former friend. I couldn't blame her.
"She agreed and said she would look for him too," she hung her head. "Apparently she found him, and told him I had a crush on him." I cocked my head in confusion.
"Um,why is that so bad?" I asked with concern. Babs whipped her head back up and stared me in the eyes.
"Because he said he didn't like me!" she wailed and buried her face in her hooves. "Now he probably hates me!" I just sat there and watched her cry, unsure whether to feel excited I still had a chance with him, or angry he turned my best friend down. I guess I felt a little bit of both. I scooted closer and put my arm around her, pulling her close. She returned the embrace and wept softly into my fur. I was already fifteen minutes past the bell, but I knew something like this was serious. To a girl, at least. We sat together on the tiled floor of the girl's bathroom, a million thoughts buzzing through my head. And one of them, became a plan...
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I sat by the lunchroom doors, waiting for them to arrive. Not my friends, no they were already inside. I was expecting a purple unicorn, and a brown Earth-pony. I was going to get them to make up. I hated seeing my buddies let-down and upset, partly because I was the one who had to comfort them. But I still felt a bit guilty for this whole ideal.
I spotted Babs sulking slowly down the hall, making her way towards the cafeteria. I waved my arms frantically, trying to get her attention. It worked. She walked over and plopped next to me with a sigh.
"Why are we sitting here?" she asked glumly. I smiled.
"You'll see." I turned my attention back to the hallway, and heard a groan behind me.
"Come on, I'm hungry!" Babs complained, shaking her lunch-bag. I held a hoof to her mouth.
"Shh." I had to pin-point the stallion I was looking for, which meant I couldn't be interrupted. Babs got up grumbling.
"Fine, I'm just going to go to the bathroom." She trotted down the hall to the girls', leaving me alone. I shrugged and kept my eyes on the approaching crowd.
I located him chatting with Feather Weight, walking towards the lunch room.
"Pop Rock!" I called him over, waving my arms frantically. I saw him say something to Feather, before trotting up to me. He sat down, looking at me in confusion.
"Yeah?" I blushed. Oh my gosh, I'm talking to him outside of class! With a squee, I smiled sheepishly.
"Um, just wait here for a second." We sat in silence, watching as other students passed through the doors to the cafeteria. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Babs emerged from the bathroom. She hadn't noticed Pop Rock was sitting next me until she brushed her mane from her eyes. When she caught sight of him she froze, pupils dilating. Babs was petrified from embarrassment and shock, her face glowing red. Pop Rock was staring at her too, but had a slightly lighter tint of pink on his cheeks. I sat there, feeling completely awkward.
"W-well, I'd better go.." He got up and turned to leave. I grabbed his ankle without thinking, causing him to jump.
"No! Wait!" I gently let go of him, and he sat back down without a word. I nodded in satisfaction, and let out a sigh. I clicked my tongue and signaled for Babs to join us with a flick of my wrist. She didn't move, her legs trembling. I turned to her.
"Babs, come and sit down." I ordered softly. She hesitantly shuffled closer and plopped next to me. Great, they're both here. Now what do I do?
"Um, I know-" I gulped. What do I say? "I know this must be super awkward for both of you, but-" I grabbed each of their arms.
"You guys can still be friends, right?" They looked at one another, both blushing profusely. I continued.
"I mean, it's not like you have to pretend you don't know each other." My heart raced in anxiety an hope.
"Just because it doesn't work now, doesn't mean it won't later." I smiled. "So maybe we can just put this behind us, and start over?" I waited for a response, focusing at each of their expressions. Pop Rock grinned, and got up. My eyes widened, less so than Babs.
"Yeah," He held out a hoof to me. "We can totally be friends." He helped me up, then did the same with Babs. She stared at him, dumbfounded.
"R-really?" She stammered. Pop Rock chuckled.
"Of course!" I let out a sigh of relief. Friends. I don't care about dating, or even the fact I like him. We're friends, and that's all that matters.
We walked as a group into the lunchroom, chatting as if we had known each other for a lifetime. That was fine with me. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Author's Note
That's the end! I hope you enjoyed my fic.
