Just a Pinch of Magicby Jenga_JaneChaptersBerries over CherriesCourageousPiña ColadaUnicornBerries over CherriesThe small earth pony town was bathed in sparkling moonlight on a brisk early spring evening in Ponyville. Most ponies were home for the night, but there was one pair of young earth ponies who were walking slowly through the streets, enjoying the moonlight almost as much as they were enjoying each other's company. They exchanged no words as they cantered through town, their flanks and shoulders practically touching. Somewhere a dog barked, and in the direction of the forest an owl's hoot was heard. Cherry Cola sighed - it was blissful. The young mare, on the other hand, was not quite so quick to lose herself in the romance of the evening; to say she was preoccupied would be an understatement. Finally, Cherry Cola nuzzled her neck, and when she turned to him, his big green eyes were filled with concern. "What's the matter, Ber? You seem distant tonight," he asked, gently. Berry Punch sighed. "I'm just - thinking," she murmured. She had wanted this to wait for another time, but not surprisingly, Cherry Cola pressed the matter. "Would you mind sharing those thoughts with your super special somepony?" he asked. Yes, I would mind very much is what Berry Punch wanted to say, but she restrained herself. She cast a cautious glance at the curious and caring face of her companion, and all the questions that had been running rampant through her brain for the past three days replayed themselves in her mind. How would he react? Would he be angry? Violent? Not likely - Cher had a very controlled temperament. He might be disappointed, though - she had never intended to shatter their dreams, but she hadn't exactly anticipated this, either. Maybe she didn't need to tell him. Maybe she could keep it a secret and take care of it herself. No, he had a right to know. He may not like it - hell, she didn't really like it - but he still needed to know the truth. "I - um, well. I-," she stammered. Celestia, she was terrified. Most of the possible outcomes she had considered would end in tears - even now, her eyes burned as they threatened to materialize. She bit her quavering lip, unable to look the colt she loved so dearly in the eyes. She was embarrassed and ashamed and frightened and so very tired. Her voice seemed to catch in her throat. Cherry Cola was standing in front of her now, stroking her purple mane comfortingly with his forehoof. "Come on Berry, you know you can tell me anything, don't you?" he prompted. The stallion was feeling especially uneasy, though, and he felt a knot forming in his stomach. Berry Punch nodded slowly. She leaped forward, embracing the young stallion's neck as though it would be the last time she ever saw him. That was one of her fears, anyways. "Please, Cher, please don't get angry," she whispered in his ear. "I won't get angry, Care Ber," he replied. "Promise me, Cherry. Do you promise?" Cherry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was certain now that he knew what this was about. "I promise, Berry Punch. I promise I won't get angry with you." The mare let go of his neck and took a step back to face him. It seemed as though an eternity passed before she spoke. "I - I'm - I'm with foal." The streetscape, the moon, the entire town dropped away. It was as if only two ponies existed in all the world. Cherry looked at the forlorn expression on the mare's face, the shame and fear and sadness as she refused to look him in the eyes, tears streaming down her mulberry cheeks. There was only one thing he could do. He nuzzled her gently, touching his hoof to her cheek and lifting her head up to face him, and pulling her forward so their lips met in a tender, honest kiss. "Berry Punch," he whispered, "why in Equestria would I be angry about a thing like that?" The purple pony opened her eyes, tears flowing freely. She hadn't expected this response at all. "W-well, our dreams, Cherry. All our plans for the future? The house, the garden, the business?" "I always figured there would be a foal or two in the picture, Berry. So it's a little sooner than we expected, is all," he spoke slowly, so as to allow his words to sink in, "I- I just can't believe that you were afraid to tell me." "It's just that telling you," she heaved a sob, brushing her tears away angrily, "telling you would make it real." "Oh," murmured Cherry, as reality began to sink in for him, too, "of course, that makes sense." They stood silently for another few minutes, both of them lost in thought and in each other's comforting embrace. Finally, Berry broke away, brushing another tear from her face. "I-I suppose I should go home." "Of course," Cherry nodded, "I'll walk you home." He turned towards the cocktail bar Berry's family owned, only a few blocks down in the direction of the town square. "How long have you known?" "Found out two days ago for sure, but I've had my suspicions." "And so when are you due?" "I dunno for sure. Sometime in the fall." "When will we tell your parents?" "After," Berry said flatly. "After what?" "After mother's new foal is born. She still has eight more weeks." Cherry stopped dead in his tracks, suddenly remembering that Vodka Sunrise was indeed very pregnant. "See," Berry muttered, ignoring Cherry's abrupt halt "it's messed up." The stallion chuckled as he pranced to catch up. "It's not messed up. Your new sibling is just going to be especially close to his or her niece or nephew is all. I think it's wonderful." "Yeah, maybe," Berry nodded, "I guess I just need more time to get used to the idea." The couple rounded the corner, and the cocktail bar Berry called home came into view. The lights were still on downstairs, and four or five customers could be seen sitting in the lounge even though it was a Wednesday night. The lamp in her parents' bedroom was lit, too, meaning mother had probably gone upstairs early but wasn't sleeping. Berry was home earlier than usual, but not so early as to arouse suspicion. "Well, goodnight, Cherry Cola," she said, embracing her super special somepony for the umpteenth time that night. He kissed her tenderly before replying with his own "goodnight." Berry climbed the stairs and turned the knob on the door. "Hey, Care Ber?" Cherry called. She turned to face him. "I love you. Don't you forget that." Berry managed a small smile. "I won't," she answered, before turning back into the building. She knew it was true, she always had. She supposed there really hadn't been anything to worry about, Cherry Cola really was the perfect stallion. Maybe she could do this; maybe she could be a mother after all. *** The door closed behind the purple mare, breaking the still silence of the evening and causing Cherry to jump. He loved the mare, truly, but he was glad she had decided to go home early tonight. It would be another two hours until midnight, and Cherry decided his father would still be awake. That would be good, he needed to talk to his father. As he wandered away from the center of town, towards the more residential area where he and his father shared a two bedroom flat in a converted house, he found himself thinking. He was proud of his reaction, sure, but he was unable to determine how truthful the words he had spoken were. To be honest, he and Berry hadn't really spent much time talking about the future. He knew that she hoped to buy a share into her parents' business, and help run Ponyville's only cocktail bar. She also wanted to travel to wine country, and maybe open a wine cellar in Ponyville as well. The alcohol business was in her blood, to be sure. But what about him? Of course, he had gone through all sorts of stages as a child; he would be a doctor, a magician, a famous rock star. But his grades weren't going to get him as far as his childhood dreams had hoped. When he was eight, his father had taken him to visit his Aunt Jubilee, who had just purchased some land in the settler town of Dodge Junction, hoping to plant a Cherry Orchard. He had loved Aunt Jubilee and her home, and ended up returning to stay with her every summer break after that, much to his mother's dismay. It was over once such holiday that he earned his Cutie Mark. After that, he decided that once he finished high school, he would move to Dodge Junction permanently and help Aunt Jubilee manage Cherry Hill Orchard. But then, three years ago, Berry Punch happened. She had her own hopes and dreams. The summer after they started going out was the longest he ever spent in Dodge Junction, being without her. The following year she accompanied him, but she didn't fall in love with the town, or the heat, like he did. When he finally did finish high school, he realized he would have to choose between the mare of his dreams or the job of his dreams. It wasn't a difficult decision: he chose Berries over Cherries in a heartbeat. All he knew now about his hopes and dreams for the future was that whatever happened, he wanted Berry Punch to be a part of his life. Still, the thought of Cherry Hill Orchard and Dodge Junction made him feel a tad homesick, especially for Aunt Jubilee. She was the least judgemental and most caring mare he could think of, and had done a far better job of mothering him than his real mother had. Speaking of which, old Lonsdaleite would probably be furious at him for impregnating a mare out of wedlock. His thoughts preoccupied him as he meandered home, and before he knew it he was standing outside the door to his apartment. He pushed it open and discovered his old stallion poured over the Ponyville Express. Wilder P. Avium looked rather shocked to see his son standing there. "You're home early. I thought you had a date tonight." Cherry looked solemnly at his father, and Wilder's expression instantly turned serious. "What's the matter, son?" he asked, folding the paper and approaching the stallion. He rested a hoof on Cherry's shoulder. Cherry Cola pitied, seriously pitied, anypony who didn't have a father like Wilder P. Avium. Which, he had learned, was most ponies. He was a patient and hard working man, the science teacher at the nearby high school, who seldom lost his temper. His green eyes were always full of emotion: laughter, happiness, tears, sadness, hope, fears. He always said 'real Stallions have feelings,' and Cherry Cola had seen and experienced his father's feelings throughout his childhood. His earliest memories were of his father's love for his wife. She would verbally abuse him for hours at a time, and he did nothing. Not once did Cherry Cola hear his father rebuke her, insult her, or hurt her. He simply endured her abuse, taking the unconditional love and affection that he once saved for her and pouring it into his son when she refused to accept it. And then he cried when Lonsdaleite Stone returned to Canterlot, and he told Cherry Cola to cry, too. Cherry Cola was seven years old at the time. So tonight, on the strong shoulders of his father, Cherry Cola cried. For a while he had no words, but Wilder stood steady as a rock to comfort him. "I'm sorry Dad. I'm so sorry," he murmured after a few long minutes had passed. "It's alright son, it's alright. Everything is going to be alright." "It's my fault. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry." "I know, son. I know you are." "You're going to be so disappointed in me, Dad. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry, it's all my fault." "I love you, son. It'll all be okay." Cherry Cola squeezed his father's neck tightly. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself. He didn't even know why he was crying now. Surely it wasn't all that bad, surely. They were adults now, both of them. He let go of his father's neck and took two steps back. He wasn't thinking rationally. Outside these walls, he was. He was strong, confident, self-assured, grown up. But in here he was a child again, weak and afraid. In here, he was himself. He sat down, hard, tears still streaming down his face. He shook his head, trying to get a grip and think straight. His breathing was heavy, his legs were trembling. What a mess he was all of a sudden. "She's pregnant, Dad." There. He'd said it. Berry was right - telling somepony made it real. "Oh, son," Wilder breathed, moving forward to again comfort his son in a fatherly embrace. "I'm so sorry, Dad," Cherry repeated. "It's fine, son. I'm here for you, and I always will be. And I'm not at all disappointed, either." Courageous"Berry, you'll never guess what I just got!" Berry Punch felt her mood improving already at the sound of her best friend's voice, though one look from her father told her she wouldn't be leaving the bar until she had finished with the order she was working on. It was Friday afternoon, after all, and this would be the busiest night of the week. "Have a seat Colgate, I'll just finish up this drink order and I'll-" "I got accepted to Manehatten University for their dentistry program! See, the letter just came this morning! Oh, isn't this exciting!" Berry almost dropped the shaker she was working with on the floor before flying towards her friend. She gathered the younger unicorn in a tight embrace and began swinging her around. "Oh, Colgate, that's wonderful news! Congratulations!" she exclaimed, "and Manehatten of all places, how wonderfully adventurous!" "Berry Punch!" Whiskey Mac gave his oldest daughter a stern look, reminding her that she was on the clock and there was no special treatment for family employees. Berry sighed and returned to her position behind the counter, where she recommenced the task at hand. "Oh, I know!" Colgate Minuette continued, "they have such an exciting night life, and the theatre and the culture! I am so excited! Big Mackintosh says his little sister is living there right now, with his Aunt and Uncle Orange. He's given me their address - apparently the Oranges are 'sophisticated folk' who know everything there is to know about high society life in Manehatten, and he's pretty confident they'll happily give me a cultural tour of the city. "And of course, there's the University. It's right in the heart of the city, and it has a wonderful academic standing. Princess Celestia rated it number one in Equestria for its Health Sciences program. I really can't believe I got in, can you? They turn sooo many ponies down, and to think little old me from Ponyville will be living in Manehatten and studying to be a dentist at the best University in Equestria! Oh, it’s absolutely a dream come true!" Berry served the cocktail to the waiting customer, then went back to Colgate who was still talking eagerly about her acceptance. At some point she had pulled out the acceptance letter and was now waving it around jovially. "Do you think the Colts will be hot? Oh, I bet they will be. Maybe I'll actually go on a date with somepony for the first time. Do you think that will happen, Berry? Do you think they'll mind that I come from a small town like Ponyville. Oh, I hope they don't." "I'm sure everypony will be new to Manehatten, and there will be plenty of ponies from all over Equestria," Berry replied, "and there's sure to be a stallion there who'll like you. I'm sure there are plenty of stallions right here in Ponyville who like you, but are just too shy to say something to a bubbly pony like you. Maybe they just need some encouragement." "Do you really think so, Berry Punch? Was Cherry Cola shy when he asked you out?" "No," Berry Punch said with a chuckle, "Cherry was never shy. He stood up in the middle of a goddamn year assembly and asked me out in front of the entire grade. I have never been so completely humiliated in all my life, and it was the bravest thing I've ever seen anypony do." "Wow," said Colgate, clearly not sure what to make of Berry's mixed response. Berry just smiled. "Speaking of Cherry Cola, I have some pretty exciting news myself," Berry's voice lowered to a whisper, "but you have to promise you can keep a secret." "Of course I can. Cross my heart and hope to fly," Colgate replied, leaning closer to Berry Punch, who was double-checking to make sure her father had gone to the back room. "Last night, Cherry proposed! We're getting married!" The blue unicorn squealed, drawing the attention of every pony in the building. Berry Punch stuck one of her hooves in the younger pony's mouth. "Oh my gosh, Ber, that's wonderful! When? Who else knows?" "Nopony, and we haven't decided yet. It's not going to be a grand affair or anything. We both want to keep it simple enough, can't afford the bits and all that. But it'll be soon, before we get too far into Summer for sure. We're waiting until after Mom's foal is born before we start organizing everything, though." Colgate was practically bouncing up and down like a bunny on a trampoline. She really was trying hard not to betray her friend's secret, but her excitement refused to be concealed. "Berry Punch, need I remind you that it's Friday night?" Whiskey Mac was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, staring at his daughter sternly. "Yes, I know," Berry muttered. "I gotta go, we should definitely catch up later," she said to her friend. The overexcited unicorn calmed down enough to realize what Berry was hinting at. "We totally should! There's a new Café in town, Shamrock I think it's called. Lunch on Sunday, then?" "Sure - make it one o'clock, though. I can't guarantee I'll be out of bed by twelve on a Sunday." Colgate laughed. "Haha, sounds good. I'll see you then, Ber! Bye, Whiskey Mac," she called , leaving the bar. Margarita came downstairs just in time to see the overexcited unicorn hurry out the door. "What's got her so wound up?" she asked the mulberry mare. Berry froze for a moment. Should she tell her sister? One look at her father told her that no, she shouldn't - not here and now anyways. She then felt stupid for panicking when she realized Colgate had been riled up for more than one reason. "She got accepted into M.U." "Say what now?" "Manehatten University." "Wow!" Margarita exclaimed, "remind me to congratulate her next time I see her." "GIRLS! Quit lollygagging and get to work," Whiskey Mac hollered from the kitchen. "Margarita, come help me with these Potatoes." The sisters exchanged sympathetic glances before carrying on with their assignments. A small group of customers had just entered the store and Berry immediately felt tired. It was going to be a long night. *** “We’re closing in ten minutes, Mr. Avium.” It was the end of a busy Saturday night, about three A.M. Sunday morning on the day after Colgate announced her acceptance at MU, and Berry was wiping down tables in the lounge. Though she was usually happy to see her future father-in-law, tonight she just wanted to go upstairs and sleep until noon. “I won’t be long, Berry Punch. And please, call me Wilder,” the burgundy stallion took a seat at one of the tables and looked around the empty lounge. “Are your parents around?” he asked. Berry shook her head. “Father went to bed an hour ago. I’m the only one up right now. Can I help you?” “I should ask you the same question. Are you not aware that my son told me about your, erm, situation?” Berry’s head jerked up, her eyes widening. Yes, she was well aware, and unsure how she felt about it. What she did know was that she was certainly not in the mood to discuss this now. “I am,” she replied, stiffly. “So,” Wilder prompted. “How are you, Berry Punch?” His green eyes, full of love and compassion though they were, unnerved her - they seemed to be peering right into her. She shifted awkwardly, unsure of how to answer. “I’m fine,” she said flatly, “I hardly feel any different.” “That’s good, then. Are you taking care of yourself?” the stallion continued. Berry threw down her rag and turned to face Wilder squarely. “What are you doing here, Mr. Avium?” she asked, outright. But the other pony just shrugged, “I couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d come see how you’re faring. Are you sleeping enough? Drinking plenty of water? I know there aren’t many ponies you can talk to about this right now.” Well, that was true. Cherry and his father were the only ponies in town who knew, though she had considered telling Margarita a few times, and she planned on discussing it with Colgate tomorrow. Later today. Whatever. Berry picked up her rag and headed towards the counter to grab the mop and bucket. “Yes, I’m fine sir. I’ve even stopped drinking, if you can imagine that.” Wilder chuckled at this news. “I’ll bet that’s raised a few suspicions.” Berry blushed. She had proven to herself that she was no alcoholic, but that didn’t mean she never got drunk. Every so often she would put on a bit of a performance, and her drunken antics were relatively well-known around Ponyville. She could just imagine the town gossips wondering why Berry Punch hadn’t gotten drunk and paraded through town singing about perfect frogs and prancing gazelles recently. “Yeah, well, mother managed to do so for all of us, so I figured if she could, anypony could. Let them speculate if they must." Wilder smiled at this remark. “You are doing well, Berry Punch. I must say, both of you are doing a fine job of handling this situation as adults, and I am confident that you will make wonderful parents. How have your doctor visits been?” “Well,” Berry hesitated, “to be honest, sir, I haven’t been to a proper doctor’s appointment yet.” “Why ever not, my dear?” Berry just shrugged. “Nerves, I guess. I’m anxious that people will see me at Dr. Ciconia’s and ask my parents about it. And then there’s the cost of prenatal care.” She concentrated on an especially difficult floor stain, and scrubbed vigorously with her mop. “Perhaps I could speak to Dr. Ciconia. She’s a lovely mare you know, really cares about everypony and often goes above and beyond the call of duty. Fine, sure, whatever, Berry thought. She had by now finished mopping the floor, and was really getting eager to finish her closing tasks so she could go upstairs to bed. She didn’t really want Wilder to keep fussing over her, but even moreso at this present time, she wanted him out of the bar so she could finish closing and lock up. “Wilder, I really appreciate all the trouble you’re going to for me, and your concern is touching, but it’s after three and we’re closed, so I really need to ask you to leave. I should get plenty of rest and all that, right?” Wilder nodded agreeably, “of course, how thoughtless of me. I’ll get right out of your way. And rest assured, Berry Punch, I’ll speak to Dr. Ciconia about getting you the necessary prenatal care.” “Yes, fine, I’ll see you later Wilder,” Berry muttered, ushering the older pony out the front door. “Now,” she said to herself, “to get my work done so I can go to bed.” *** Thursday afternoon, Cherry barged through the door to the Cocktail family's bar. He gave Whiskey Mac a quick nod before rushing up the stairs to the bedroom Berry Punch shared with her sister. Margarita was gone to school, but the mulberry-coloured mare was still fast asleep when Cherry jumped on her. She wanted to groan and kick the intruder off her back, but when she opened her eyes and looked at her fiancée's comical expression, she found herself laughing instead. "Sweet Celestia, Cherry, what are you doing here?" she asked when the laughter subsided. "You have to hurry, Berry. Come with me!" he exclaimed, grabbing her hoof and pulling her out of bed. "Wait, Cher, I have to do my mane!" "It looks lovely, Berry - I'm telling you, crimping it is a waste of time and effort," Cherry moaned, pushing her towards the door. "But Cherry, it's the latest thing! Everypony's wearing their hair like that!" "You're not everypony, Berry, you're my pony. I like your natural style better - it looks, um, juicier." "Jucier? My mane looks juicy? Is that supposed to be a compliment, Cherry Cola," Berry demanded. "Yes, it is. Now come on, girl, we're keeping her waiting. When will you learn to get up before noon like everypony else?" The couple clamoured down the stairs and out the back door of the bar. "When I no longer have to work until two in the morning every night," Berry Punch muttered. Cherry laughed as he practically dragged her down the street towards his apartment. "When are you going to tell me what's going on?" Berry managed to ask, her rear hooves dragging in the dirt as she struggled to stay upright. "You'll see! Oh, Berry, I am so excited about this." "Clearly!" Sooner than Berry could believe it possible, Cherry opened the door to the upstairs apartment and led Berry into the living room. There, much to Berry's astonishment, was Ponyville's one and only obstetrician, Dr. Delilah "Delly" Ciconia. "I hope you don't mind us meeting like this, Berry Punch. Wilder told me about your anxieties, and we decided it was time I got back into the habit of making house calls," she was saying. Her various instruments were spread out on the coffee table before her, her empty saddlebags leaning against a chair. She now motioned to the sofa with a bright smile, and asked Berry Punch to take a seat. She was taller than most Unicorns, and appeared rather lanky. She had a pale blue coat and her short and choppy mane was an orange-brown. Her cutie mark featured a stork - a great, white bird with black on the tips of its wings, and carrying a tied up bundle, presumably containing a baby foal. Her big brown eyes were warm and welcoming, and Berry Punch couldn't help but feel comfortable in her presence. She asked Berry numerous questions about her well-being as she puttered around the small room, making light chatter just to set Berry Punch at ease it seemed. She checked Berry's heart rate and blood pressure, then she checked for the baby's heart beat. "Don't be alarmed if I can't find it, Berry. It's sometimes hard to find up until the 12th week, and we're only in week ten," Delly was saying. She concentrated as she magically glided the small gadget over Berry's belly, using her horn to both power and manoeuvre the device. Then she smiled, "I've got it, kiddo." Telekinetically, she gave Berry and Cherry each a set of headphones that was connected to the gizmo. Eagerly, they took hold of the small earbuds and closed their eyes. It was faint, sure, but it was unmistakably a small heart beating at a rate twice as quick as any heart they'd heard. Cherry's face was etched with concern. "Isn't that a bit, um, quick?" The doctor smiled, "not for a fetus. It's quicker than average, but not nearly to the point where we need to be concerned." She placed the gadget back on the table beside her and made some notes on her clipboard. "Everything's looking wonderfully healthy, Berry Punch. I can tell you're taking good care of yourself. You know, times are changing for the better, and the two of you are a prime example of it." The couple exchanged curious glances before Cherry spoke. "What do you mean?" he asked. "I mean the stigma is dissolving. More and more young, unmarried couples are having children, and doing so with pride. It means I can take better care of unborn foals that would otherwise be neglected. I know you two haven't told many ponies, but just seeing that you're actually caring for your child shows me that you want this baby regardless of who might oppose you. That takes great courage, Berry Punch." Berry blushed at the compliment. She had never seen herself as courageous before. Though, truth be told, she hadn't consciously decided to care for her child. It just came natural to her. It would be her job, as a mother, to love and care for the foal for the rest of her life, and she was just doing what needed to be done. "Thank you, Dr. Ciconia," Berry murmured. Cherry wrapped his foreleg around her, beaming with pride. "That's my girl, Berry," was all he said. Piña ColadaBerry Punch stifled a yawn - she had barely slept last night and now here she was in the waiting room of Ponyville General before eight in the morning. Not that she wasn’t thrilled to be there or anything. It was four days past Mom’s due date - everypony was both relieved and prepared when Vodka Sunrise went into labour early yesterday evening. Unfortunately for Berry Punch, that meant running the kitchen and the bar, and being in charge of her three other siblings; Margarita, Martini Olive, and Lime Rickey. Cherry Cola came over after not too long and was a huge help, but it still left Berry feeling exhausted. She finally crawled into bed around three, only to be awoken a few hours later. "She's here, Berry! Our new little sister is here! I'm a big brother, Berry! Woohoo!" Rickey had been running through the house shouting. Berry groaned, throwing her pillow at the six year old the moment he dared stick his head in her bedroom, who without missing a beat threw it right back at her. So that was all the sleep she would get that night. And probably for many nights to come, now that there would be a newborn in the house. Seven thirty in the morning and she was sitting in the waiting room anticipating her introduction to her new baby sister. "Care Ber!" Berry's heart skipped, as it always did, at the sound of Cherry Cola's greeting. She jumped up from her seat and rushed forward to embrace him. "How are you?" Cherry asked. Berry smiled. "Tired. I barely slept last night, as you can probably imagine." Cherry nodded, "I can. Have you seen her yet?" Berry shook her head. "Father says there were some minor complications with mother - nothing to worry about, but they're putting her in a more private room so they can monitor her. The baby's doing fine, though, so that's good. Father says I finally have a sibling who's pink like me. I guess that's supposed to make me like her better." Cherry frowned, "what do you mean by that, Ber? Aren't you happy about getting a new sibling?" Berry glanced around the room nervously. Marty and Rickey were chattering away about some thing or another, and Margarita had a book in her hooves. Still, Berry lowered her voice to a whisper. "I was at first, but in six months, I'm going to be a mother myself. This whole thing is crazy. I told Dad it was because I thought they have enough kids, and that they're too old to take care of a newborn, and I don't want to help." "What did he say to that?" "He lectured me about maturity and responsibility and crap. I don't know if it's hormones, or if I'm just noticing for the first time, but my Dad is really being a jerk." "I'm sure if he knew the situation, he'd treat you differently, Ber," Cherry assured her. "Speaking of which, it's after." "Good god, Cher, she was born four hours ago!" Cherry Cola smiled sheepishly. A yellow nurse with an orange mane stepped into the foyer with her clipboard, and smiled warmly. "Cocktail family, they're ready for you to go in now." The face of the pink earth pony in the hospital bed lit up when her children filed into the room. The younger two bounced up and down excitedly in order to get a glimpse of the bundle of fur that was their new sister. Her fur was pale pink - so pale it was almost white, and she had a small tuft of a slightly darker pink mane on her head. Her tiny eyes were closed as she slept soundly against her mother's chest. Berry found herself smiling in spite of herself. "Calm down Rickey, you can see her if you sit still. Can you sit still for me, please?" mother was saying. She lowered the swaddled baby to the colt's level. Rickey gasped, "She's so tiny Mom! When will she be big enough to play with?" Vodka smiled, "oh, sooner than you think, Rickey," was all she said. "She looks lovely, Mrs. Sunrise," Cherry said politely. Then he leaned towards Berry and whispered in her ear "She looks like a pink drowned rat." Berry stifled a giggle. "Have you two thought of a name for her yet?" Margarita asked. "Well, I wanted Daiquiri," Vodka Sunrise said, "And I preferred White Lady," Whiskey Mac continued, "But ultimately we both really like Piña Colada." "Do they always finish each other's sentences?" Cherry asked, still whispering. Again, Berry tried not to laugh. They stood around in the small hospital room and continued to make polite conversation. The boys took turns holding their sister and then Margarita. Before Vodka Sunrise could ask Berry Punch to take her turn, however, the mulberry-coloured mare excused both herself and her fiancé from the room. The two hurried down the hall to where they knew Dr. Ciconia kept her offices. "Piña Colada. I mean, seriously, do they want all of us to develop drinking problems?" Berry asked, with mock disapproval in her voice. Cherry Cola laughed. "How come you got off so easy then, hm?" "My great grandmother had a sense of decency - Berry Punch was her name." Cherry feigned disappointment, causing Berry to cast him a quizzical glance. "Something the matter, sweetheart?" she asked. "Yes. I was expecting a more exciting tale than that." "I'm sorry to let you down, but that's the way the ice crushes," the mare replied, jabbing him in the ribs. "I'm glad to see you're both in high spirits this morning," Dr. Ciconia smiled at the young, laughing couple. "Please, come inside." **************** This appointment passed much like the last one, as the Unicorn carried out various checks and took notes on her little clipboard. Finally, she put the pen and paper down, then turned to Berry Punch with a smile. "Now Berry Punch, I need to ask you to lay still. This may tickle just a bit." Dr. Ciconia positioned herself to cast the spell she had cast so many times before. Her horn flared, emanating magic which she directed to the figure of the young mother sitting patiently. Within seconds, she could see everything she needed to see about the foal. Moments later, the magic drained from her horn. She picked up her clipboard (with her hooves this time), made a few markings, then smiled at the young parents. "Everything is in ship shape condition, you two," she smiled. Cherry got up from his chair, smiling proudly, "Thanks so much, Dr. Ciconia," he said, moving towards the door. "Wait," Berry said, "that last spell you cast - that's the one that lets you see inside my womb, right?" The doctor nodded. "Could you, um, tell me if it's a colt or a filly? I don't think I could bear to wait and find out." "What about you, Dad? Do you want to know the foal's sex?" The unicorn turned to Cherry curiously. The brown stallion nodded, "sure, I'd love to." "Well then. You'll be pleased to learn that this fall you will both be parents to a happy and healthy unicorn filly." "A unicorn filly," Cherry breathed. Berry froze. She could have sworn she heard disappointment in his voice. And suddenly, she was disappointed too. Disappointed and confused and scared and frightened and alone. She refused to look Cherry Cola in the eyes. Keeping her head low, she got down off the bed and fled from the room. "Berry, please come back!" she head Cherry shout as she tore off down the hall. "Berry, we can talk about this!" He sounded frantic. Hurt. And well he should. If she had done what she thought she had done, he would probably never want to speak to her again. ***************** "Berry Punch?" The elderly librarian fixed her glasses as if to get a better look at the mare standing before her in the tree that was Ponyville's library. "I just heard about your mother, dearie. Do wish her a big congratulations for me when you see her. But, pray tell child, what are you doing here at a time like this?" "My grandmother made a compilation of our family's genealogy, did she not?" Berry asked. She loved old Novella as much as the next pony - she was a kind-hearted and dependable earth pony who somehow managed to remember everypony's favourite books. "She did. Tequila Sunrise spent hours working on that family history, bless her. Are you hoping to carry it on, then? I suppose you're here to inscribe the name of your new sibling then," the pony disappeared into the back room where the town's archives were kept, still chattering away. "Is it a filly or a colt? And what did they name the little one?" "Filly, name's Piña Colada." The old mare laughed, "of course that's what they named her! Trust the cocktail family." She emerged from the back room carrying the box of files. "Here you are, dear, would you like me to help you with it?" "No, thanks," Berry replied. She tore open the box and began rummaging through the papers. She had no interest in recording the birth of Piña Colada at this point - she was far more interested in the ancestry. For half an hour, she sifted through birth certificates and death certificates and little bits of mouth-scrawled documentation. And next to every single name was marked the exact same two letters: E.P. Earth Pony. When she had combed through the entire box, she started trembling. "Earth Ponies," she breathed, which got the attention of the librarian. "Is something wrong Berry Punch?" Novella asked, approaching the mare slowly. "Earth ponies," she repeated, "we're all earth ponies. We've always been earth ponies." Her limbs trembled. She felt cold all over, her heart was racing and she was breaking a sweat. She felt nauseous for the first time in three weeks. She gasped for air and when she couldn't inhale any, she tried to scream. "Berry Punch. Berry Punch, can you hear me?" And then everything went black as Berry Punch collapsed against the town's librarian. UnicornThe first thing she was aware of was her head. It throbbed like it had been thrown against a wall, which it may have very well been for all she knew. The next thing she saw was him. Standing over her, his gaze steady, his green eyes full of love and concern for her. It was a gaze she couldn't meet, so she closed her eyes again. But then she was aware of the pain in her head. She couldn't decide what was worse: the pounding in her head, or the aching in her heart. She started to sob, and instantly he was on the bed at her side. And he just held her. He was always there. Always holding her, always loving, always faithful. And she had failed him, betrayed him. "I'm s-s-so s-sorry," she whispered, finally lifting her head as the tears subsided. For a long time, neither one said anything. The clock ticked and a bird sang outside the window, as if to poke fun at her misery. Hooves on tiled floors could be heard outside the small room. It felt like hours passed. Cherry broke the silence. "Our secret is out." No, no, it's not our secret. It's my secret. "Your parents weren't even angry at me, Berry." Of course they aren't. Why would they be? It's not your fault. "You had a panic attack, Berry. Would you mind telling me what you're panicking about?" Go ahead. Tell him. Get it over with. "I'm sorry," she managed again. "I was certain. I was so certain that you- that you were…" Her voice broke. She tried again. "A unicorn, Cherry. It's a unicorn. And we've only ever been earth ponies. I must have been drunk out of my mind. I can't even think of who it might- I can't even think. I can't even think straight…" Cherry Cola jumped up in alarm when one of the beepers on the wall above her picked up speed. The next thing he knew, a green nurse with a yellow mane had barged into the room. "What are you doing?" she demanded. Cherry was stunned speechless by the iciness in her voice. "I, I was - talking. We were talking," he stammered. "Out! Out, get out of this room. Wait in the corridor!" Cherry inched towards the curtain behind him and slid his way along it towards the door, keeping his gaze fixed on Berry Punch until he reached the corridor. He slumped miserably against the wall and waited for the nurse to exit, which she did in a matter of minutes. "What were you talking about?" she asked angrily. Cherry didn't reply straight away, so the nurse's voice rose. "Answer me, soldier!" "I- I just wanted to know what upset her!" he replied, standing up straight. Strangely he felt the urge to salute her. "Are you stupid? If you want to give a pregnant mare a panic attack after she's just had a panic attack, ask her why she had a panic attack. Good god, soldier, are you out of your mind?" Cherry opened his mouth to speak, but the nurse continued. "You are not, I repeat, are not going back into that room until I or one of the other chief nurses give you explicit permission. Do I make myself clear?" Cherry felt two inches tall under the mare's glowering stare, but somehow he managed a small "Yes, ma'am." "Good, now if you'll excuse me, there is a mare and there is a foal in that room who I am trying to protect. It is in your best interest, and theirs it seems, to stay out from underfoot. Now run along quickly, soldier, no sense in lollygagging around here." Stunned, Cherry started to move away as he watched the mare go back into the hospital room from which he had been banished. "Don't worry," said a familiar voice. "Maregaret Hooligan's bark is much worse than her bite." The brown earth pony turned around to find himself face to face with a familiar pink-maned white mare. He smiled, in spite of everything. "Redheart! Boy, am I ever glad to see a familiar face," he exclaimed. "Have you finished nursing college already?" "Not quite," the young mare replied, "I have a couple of weeks left in my prac, but Ponyville General has already offered me a position." She lowered her gaze modestly. "What about you? What have you been up to?" "Oh, not too much. I've been working for Berry's father at the bar when he needs me, and I'm also trying to get into construction. While I have plenty of experience from working on my aunt's farm, it's obvious that's not my special talent so they're hesitant to hire me," he sighed, dejectedly. "I'm just not sure how I'm going to support a family with the little money I've got." Redheart gave him a sympathetic smile, "I'm sure everything will work out in the end, Cherry Cola. A pony with your charm will always get what he needs." Cherry laughed, "I'm not so sure about that. Berry seems to have completely lost the plot and all I seem to be doing is making it worse." Redheart was quiet for a moment, as if mulling over some of her thoughts. "Say," she said, finally, "you seem like you need somepony to talk to right now. I'm no counselor, but I'm due for a fifteen. Let me talk to the Major and I'll see if I can sit and chat for a while." Cherry was taken aback by this offer, but she was right - he wanted nothing more to get a load off his chest. "I could really use it, if you're sure it wouldn't be too much trouble," he said with a weak smile. "You're damn cute when you look helpless Cherry Cola. It's no trouble at all," the white mare headed back to the nurse's station near Berry Punch's room. She returned moments later with two cups of coffee and led Cherry Cola to a small sitting area. "Did you really just have a decent conversation with that Hooligan character?" he asked. Redheart gave a lighthearted laugh. "I told you, her bark is worse than her bite. She's actually a very sensible pony and a wonderful nurse. She's ex-military, you know, and to be honest, I really look up to her." "Do you mean to tell me that you treat ponies the same way she just treated me?" asked Cherry, dumbfoundedly. "When necessary, absolutely," the white mare nodded, "and, to be honest, it was pretty stupid of you to go in there and start talking to her about whatever it was that set her off." "So why didn't you yell at me like she did?" Cherry asked, trying to make sense of the situation. "Because," Redheart murmured, inching closer to him, "you're a special stallion, Cherry Cola." Suddenly, Cherry felt hot and uncomfortable. "Um, Redheart. I'm beginning to think that maybe this wasn't such a good idea," he stammered. "I- I mean, I'm engaged and off limits, thanks." Redheart let out a sigh. "Yes, of course. Silly me. I suppose I never did really get over you." "Redheart, I'm really not comfortable with where this is going. Is there, um, somepony else I could talk to?" The young nurse sat back with a pout. "Look, I'm sorry. I, I promise I'll behave myself. I just...the Major says I need to work on my bedside manner and I'd really like to help an old friend - nothing more than a friend - with his troubles." Cherry Cola raised an eyebrow, trying to decide whether or not he should trust her, or worse, whether or not he should trust himself. It had been a long time ago - as far as he was concerned, anypony before Berry Punch was ancient history - and he had been a teenager high on hormones to boot. It had lasted what, three months? Maybe four? "I don't know, Redheart. I just - I don't like talking about it. It hurts too much. That's why I haven't even told Berry." Redheart averted her gaze from his face and concentrated on a small speck on the hospital floor. "Often times the things that hurt us are the things that need to be told. Sort of like pulling out a splinter." Cherry nodded. "And because of my stupidity, Berry gave herself a panic attack. Oh, I feel like I've so deeply wronged her, Redheart." "Wounds heal faster with help, Cherry Cola. Trust me, and let me help you," said the white mare gently. Finally the other earth pony nodded. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot." ************************* "Your blood pressure is back to normal, dear. You won't have to spend the night here." Berry turned towards the strange voice and found herself looking at yet another nurse. She sighed, and got up from the bed slowly. "Wait. Before you get up, I've been told to get you to read this." The Pegasus placed a folded piece of note paper on the bed in front of her. When she unfolded it, Berry recognized Cherry Cola's hoofwriting immediately. She almost didn't read it, but curiosity got the best of her, so she picked it up and read it through. When she finished, she could scarcely believe what it said. She pinched herself, then picked it up again to read a second time, this time much more slowly. To my dear Berry Punch. I love you, and I will always love you, for now and forever, and never once have I doubted your kindness, your courage, and your devotion. Your heart is, and always has been in the right place. You are beautiful, caring, kind and compassionate, but sometimes you worry too much about what others might think of you, and especially about what I might think about you. So here's what I think. I think that you are a wonderful mare, a wonderful sister, and a wonderful daughter. I also think that you will be a wonderful mother and a wonderful wife - the most wonderful lover of, and carer for, our daughter. It is not you who is at fault - not in the least. Rather, I am the one to blame for your misadventure, because I am a coward. It is not you I did not trust, so don't believe that. It's quite simply a matter of me not wanting to talk about it. To talk about her. Because it hurts too much to think that I was never good enough for her. My mother left when I was seven. She went back to Canterlot, so she could live the high society life that she felt like she truly deserved. She decided she didn't need me anymore, so I decided I didn't need her. I haven't seen her in eight years, and I know it's a dreadful thing to say, but I'd like to keep it that way. She remarried and apparently she has a daughter now - the Unicorn foal she wanted from the start. You see, I know that the filly you're carrying inside you is my daughter, because I know that in the three years we've been together, you've never once cheated on me. And also because my mother, Lonsdaleite Stone, is a unicorn. Oh, how stupid I feel now, knowing I put the life our child at risk all because I was afraid to talk about my own mother. I only hope that you will forgive me for my foolishness. Yours forever, Cherry Cola Berry Punch wiped the tears from her own eyes, suddenly feeling silly about the entire ordeal herself. She folded the note carefully and vowed never to lose it, then left the small hospital room. To her great delight, Cherry Cola was waiting outside, half asleep curled up against the wall. But at the sound of Berry Punch's laughter, he shot up. Seeing her standing there, her juicy mane gently tousled and her purple eyes teasing him like only she could, put his frazzled nerves at ease. "Come on, Berry Punch. It's been a long day - let's go home," he said quietly, reaching out a forehoof. Berry hesitated. "It's not that I don't agree with you, but I really think I should go back over to maternity and give Piña Colada a proper big-sister welcome before we go home. That is, if that's alright with you." Cherry placed his foreleg over her shoulder, squeezing her gently. "Of course," he replied, "that's more than alright with me."
Berries over CherriesThe small earth pony town was bathed in sparkling moonlight on a brisk early spring evening in Ponyville. Most ponies were home for the night, but there was one pair of young earth ponies who were walking slowly through the streets, enjoying the moonlight almost as much as they were enjoying each other's company. They exchanged no words as they cantered through town, their flanks and shoulders practically touching. Somewhere a dog barked, and in the direction of the forest an owl's hoot was heard. Cherry Cola sighed - it was blissful. The young mare, on the other hand, was not quite so quick to lose herself in the romance of the evening; to say she was preoccupied would be an understatement. Finally, Cherry Cola nuzzled her neck, and when she turned to him, his big green eyes were filled with concern. "What's the matter, Ber? You seem distant tonight," he asked, gently. Berry Punch sighed. "I'm just - thinking," she murmured. She had wanted this to wait for another time, but not surprisingly, Cherry Cola pressed the matter. "Would you mind sharing those thoughts with your super special somepony?" he asked. Yes, I would mind very much is what Berry Punch wanted to say, but she restrained herself. She cast a cautious glance at the curious and caring face of her companion, and all the questions that had been running rampant through her brain for the past three days replayed themselves in her mind. How would he react? Would he be angry? Violent? Not likely - Cher had a very controlled temperament. He might be disappointed, though - she had never intended to shatter their dreams, but she hadn't exactly anticipated this, either. Maybe she didn't need to tell him. Maybe she could keep it a secret and take care of it herself. No, he had a right to know. He may not like it - hell, she didn't really like it - but he still needed to know the truth. "I - um, well. I-," she stammered. Celestia, she was terrified. Most of the possible outcomes she had considered would end in tears - even now, her eyes burned as they threatened to materialize. She bit her quavering lip, unable to look the colt she loved so dearly in the eyes. She was embarrassed and ashamed and frightened and so very tired. Her voice seemed to catch in her throat. Cherry Cola was standing in front of her now, stroking her purple mane comfortingly with his forehoof. "Come on Berry, you know you can tell me anything, don't you?" he prompted. The stallion was feeling especially uneasy, though, and he felt a knot forming in his stomach. Berry Punch nodded slowly. She leaped forward, embracing the young stallion's neck as though it would be the last time she ever saw him. That was one of her fears, anyways. "Please, Cher, please don't get angry," she whispered in his ear. "I won't get angry, Care Ber," he replied. "Promise me, Cherry. Do you promise?" Cherry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was certain now that he knew what this was about. "I promise, Berry Punch. I promise I won't get angry with you." The mare let go of his neck and took a step back to face him. It seemed as though an eternity passed before she spoke. "I - I'm - I'm with foal." The streetscape, the moon, the entire town dropped away. It was as if only two ponies existed in all the world. Cherry looked at the forlorn expression on the mare's face, the shame and fear and sadness as she refused to look him in the eyes, tears streaming down her mulberry cheeks. There was only one thing he could do. He nuzzled her gently, touching his hoof to her cheek and lifting her head up to face him, and pulling her forward so their lips met in a tender, honest kiss. "Berry Punch," he whispered, "why in Equestria would I be angry about a thing like that?" The purple pony opened her eyes, tears flowing freely. She hadn't expected this response at all. "W-well, our dreams, Cherry. All our plans for the future? The house, the garden, the business?" "I always figured there would be a foal or two in the picture, Berry. So it's a little sooner than we expected, is all," he spoke slowly, so as to allow his words to sink in, "I- I just can't believe that you were afraid to tell me." "It's just that telling you," she heaved a sob, brushing her tears away angrily, "telling you would make it real." "Oh," murmured Cherry, as reality began to sink in for him, too, "of course, that makes sense." They stood silently for another few minutes, both of them lost in thought and in each other's comforting embrace. Finally, Berry broke away, brushing another tear from her face. "I-I suppose I should go home." "Of course," Cherry nodded, "I'll walk you home." He turned towards the cocktail bar Berry's family owned, only a few blocks down in the direction of the town square. "How long have you known?" "Found out two days ago for sure, but I've had my suspicions." "And so when are you due?" "I dunno for sure. Sometime in the fall." "When will we tell your parents?" "After," Berry said flatly. "After what?" "After mother's new foal is born. She still has eight more weeks." Cherry stopped dead in his tracks, suddenly remembering that Vodka Sunrise was indeed very pregnant. "See," Berry muttered, ignoring Cherry's abrupt halt "it's messed up." The stallion chuckled as he pranced to catch up. "It's not messed up. Your new sibling is just going to be especially close to his or her niece or nephew is all. I think it's wonderful." "Yeah, maybe," Berry nodded, "I guess I just need more time to get used to the idea." The couple rounded the corner, and the cocktail bar Berry called home came into view. The lights were still on downstairs, and four or five customers could be seen sitting in the lounge even though it was a Wednesday night. The lamp in her parents' bedroom was lit, too, meaning mother had probably gone upstairs early but wasn't sleeping. Berry was home earlier than usual, but not so early as to arouse suspicion. "Well, goodnight, Cherry Cola," she said, embracing her super special somepony for the umpteenth time that night. He kissed her tenderly before replying with his own "goodnight." Berry climbed the stairs and turned the knob on the door. "Hey, Care Ber?" Cherry called. She turned to face him. "I love you. Don't you forget that." Berry managed a small smile. "I won't," she answered, before turning back into the building. She knew it was true, she always had. She supposed there really hadn't been anything to worry about, Cherry Cola really was the perfect stallion. Maybe she could do this; maybe she could be a mother after all. *** The door closed behind the purple mare, breaking the still silence of the evening and causing Cherry to jump. He loved the mare, truly, but he was glad she had decided to go home early tonight. It would be another two hours until midnight, and Cherry decided his father would still be awake. That would be good, he needed to talk to his father. As he wandered away from the center of town, towards the more residential area where he and his father shared a two bedroom flat in a converted house, he found himself thinking. He was proud of his reaction, sure, but he was unable to determine how truthful the words he had spoken were. To be honest, he and Berry hadn't really spent much time talking about the future. He knew that she hoped to buy a share into her parents' business, and help run Ponyville's only cocktail bar. She also wanted to travel to wine country, and maybe open a wine cellar in Ponyville as well. The alcohol business was in her blood, to be sure. But what about him? Of course, he had gone through all sorts of stages as a child; he would be a doctor, a magician, a famous rock star. But his grades weren't going to get him as far as his childhood dreams had hoped. When he was eight, his father had taken him to visit his Aunt Jubilee, who had just purchased some land in the settler town of Dodge Junction, hoping to plant a Cherry Orchard. He had loved Aunt Jubilee and her home, and ended up returning to stay with her every summer break after that, much to his mother's dismay. It was over once such holiday that he earned his Cutie Mark. After that, he decided that once he finished high school, he would move to Dodge Junction permanently and help Aunt Jubilee manage Cherry Hill Orchard. But then, three years ago, Berry Punch happened. She had her own hopes and dreams. The summer after they started going out was the longest he ever spent in Dodge Junction, being without her. The following year she accompanied him, but she didn't fall in love with the town, or the heat, like he did. When he finally did finish high school, he realized he would have to choose between the mare of his dreams or the job of his dreams. It wasn't a difficult decision: he chose Berries over Cherries in a heartbeat. All he knew now about his hopes and dreams for the future was that whatever happened, he wanted Berry Punch to be a part of his life. Still, the thought of Cherry Hill Orchard and Dodge Junction made him feel a tad homesick, especially for Aunt Jubilee. She was the least judgemental and most caring mare he could think of, and had done a far better job of mothering him than his real mother had. Speaking of which, old Lonsdaleite would probably be furious at him for impregnating a mare out of wedlock. His thoughts preoccupied him as he meandered home, and before he knew it he was standing outside the door to his apartment. He pushed it open and discovered his old stallion poured over the Ponyville Express. Wilder P. Avium looked rather shocked to see his son standing there. "You're home early. I thought you had a date tonight." Cherry looked solemnly at his father, and Wilder's expression instantly turned serious. "What's the matter, son?" he asked, folding the paper and approaching the stallion. He rested a hoof on Cherry's shoulder. Cherry Cola pitied, seriously pitied, anypony who didn't have a father like Wilder P. Avium. Which, he had learned, was most ponies. He was a patient and hard working man, the science teacher at the nearby high school, who seldom lost his temper. His green eyes were always full of emotion: laughter, happiness, tears, sadness, hope, fears. He always said 'real Stallions have feelings,' and Cherry Cola had seen and experienced his father's feelings throughout his childhood. His earliest memories were of his father's love for his wife. She would verbally abuse him for hours at a time, and he did nothing. Not once did Cherry Cola hear his father rebuke her, insult her, or hurt her. He simply endured her abuse, taking the unconditional love and affection that he once saved for her and pouring it into his son when she refused to accept it. And then he cried when Lonsdaleite Stone returned to Canterlot, and he told Cherry Cola to cry, too. Cherry Cola was seven years old at the time. So tonight, on the strong shoulders of his father, Cherry Cola cried. For a while he had no words, but Wilder stood steady as a rock to comfort him. "I'm sorry Dad. I'm so sorry," he murmured after a few long minutes had passed. "It's alright son, it's alright. Everything is going to be alright." "It's my fault. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry." "I know, son. I know you are." "You're going to be so disappointed in me, Dad. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry, it's all my fault." "I love you, son. It'll all be okay." Cherry Cola squeezed his father's neck tightly. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself. He didn't even know why he was crying now. Surely it wasn't all that bad, surely. They were adults now, both of them. He let go of his father's neck and took two steps back. He wasn't thinking rationally. Outside these walls, he was. He was strong, confident, self-assured, grown up. But in here he was a child again, weak and afraid. In here, he was himself. He sat down, hard, tears still streaming down his face. He shook his head, trying to get a grip and think straight. His breathing was heavy, his legs were trembling. What a mess he was all of a sudden. "She's pregnant, Dad." There. He'd said it. Berry was right - telling somepony made it real. "Oh, son," Wilder breathed, moving forward to again comfort his son in a fatherly embrace. "I'm so sorry, Dad," Cherry repeated. "It's fine, son. I'm here for you, and I always will be. And I'm not at all disappointed, either."
Courageous"Berry, you'll never guess what I just got!" Berry Punch felt her mood improving already at the sound of her best friend's voice, though one look from her father told her she wouldn't be leaving the bar until she had finished with the order she was working on. It was Friday afternoon, after all, and this would be the busiest night of the week. "Have a seat Colgate, I'll just finish up this drink order and I'll-" "I got accepted to Manehatten University for their dentistry program! See, the letter just came this morning! Oh, isn't this exciting!" Berry almost dropped the shaker she was working with on the floor before flying towards her friend. She gathered the younger unicorn in a tight embrace and began swinging her around. "Oh, Colgate, that's wonderful news! Congratulations!" she exclaimed, "and Manehatten of all places, how wonderfully adventurous!" "Berry Punch!" Whiskey Mac gave his oldest daughter a stern look, reminding her that she was on the clock and there was no special treatment for family employees. Berry sighed and returned to her position behind the counter, where she recommenced the task at hand. "Oh, I know!" Colgate Minuette continued, "they have such an exciting night life, and the theatre and the culture! I am so excited! Big Mackintosh says his little sister is living there right now, with his Aunt and Uncle Orange. He's given me their address - apparently the Oranges are 'sophisticated folk' who know everything there is to know about high society life in Manehatten, and he's pretty confident they'll happily give me a cultural tour of the city. "And of course, there's the University. It's right in the heart of the city, and it has a wonderful academic standing. Princess Celestia rated it number one in Equestria for its Health Sciences program. I really can't believe I got in, can you? They turn sooo many ponies down, and to think little old me from Ponyville will be living in Manehatten and studying to be a dentist at the best University in Equestria! Oh, it’s absolutely a dream come true!" Berry served the cocktail to the waiting customer, then went back to Colgate who was still talking eagerly about her acceptance. At some point she had pulled out the acceptance letter and was now waving it around jovially. "Do you think the Colts will be hot? Oh, I bet they will be. Maybe I'll actually go on a date with somepony for the first time. Do you think that will happen, Berry? Do you think they'll mind that I come from a small town like Ponyville. Oh, I hope they don't." "I'm sure everypony will be new to Manehatten, and there will be plenty of ponies from all over Equestria," Berry replied, "and there's sure to be a stallion there who'll like you. I'm sure there are plenty of stallions right here in Ponyville who like you, but are just too shy to say something to a bubbly pony like you. Maybe they just need some encouragement." "Do you really think so, Berry Punch? Was Cherry Cola shy when he asked you out?" "No," Berry Punch said with a chuckle, "Cherry was never shy. He stood up in the middle of a goddamn year assembly and asked me out in front of the entire grade. I have never been so completely humiliated in all my life, and it was the bravest thing I've ever seen anypony do." "Wow," said Colgate, clearly not sure what to make of Berry's mixed response. Berry just smiled. "Speaking of Cherry Cola, I have some pretty exciting news myself," Berry's voice lowered to a whisper, "but you have to promise you can keep a secret." "Of course I can. Cross my heart and hope to fly," Colgate replied, leaning closer to Berry Punch, who was double-checking to make sure her father had gone to the back room. "Last night, Cherry proposed! We're getting married!" The blue unicorn squealed, drawing the attention of every pony in the building. Berry Punch stuck one of her hooves in the younger pony's mouth. "Oh my gosh, Ber, that's wonderful! When? Who else knows?" "Nopony, and we haven't decided yet. It's not going to be a grand affair or anything. We both want to keep it simple enough, can't afford the bits and all that. But it'll be soon, before we get too far into Summer for sure. We're waiting until after Mom's foal is born before we start organizing everything, though." Colgate was practically bouncing up and down like a bunny on a trampoline. She really was trying hard not to betray her friend's secret, but her excitement refused to be concealed. "Berry Punch, need I remind you that it's Friday night?" Whiskey Mac was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, staring at his daughter sternly. "Yes, I know," Berry muttered. "I gotta go, we should definitely catch up later," she said to her friend. The overexcited unicorn calmed down enough to realize what Berry was hinting at. "We totally should! There's a new Café in town, Shamrock I think it's called. Lunch on Sunday, then?" "Sure - make it one o'clock, though. I can't guarantee I'll be out of bed by twelve on a Sunday." Colgate laughed. "Haha, sounds good. I'll see you then, Ber! Bye, Whiskey Mac," she called , leaving the bar. Margarita came downstairs just in time to see the overexcited unicorn hurry out the door. "What's got her so wound up?" she asked the mulberry mare. Berry froze for a moment. Should she tell her sister? One look at her father told her that no, she shouldn't - not here and now anyways. She then felt stupid for panicking when she realized Colgate had been riled up for more than one reason. "She got accepted into M.U." "Say what now?" "Manehatten University." "Wow!" Margarita exclaimed, "remind me to congratulate her next time I see her." "GIRLS! Quit lollygagging and get to work," Whiskey Mac hollered from the kitchen. "Margarita, come help me with these Potatoes." The sisters exchanged sympathetic glances before carrying on with their assignments. A small group of customers had just entered the store and Berry immediately felt tired. It was going to be a long night. *** “We’re closing in ten minutes, Mr. Avium.” It was the end of a busy Saturday night, about three A.M. Sunday morning on the day after Colgate announced her acceptance at MU, and Berry was wiping down tables in the lounge. Though she was usually happy to see her future father-in-law, tonight she just wanted to go upstairs and sleep until noon. “I won’t be long, Berry Punch. And please, call me Wilder,” the burgundy stallion took a seat at one of the tables and looked around the empty lounge. “Are your parents around?” he asked. Berry shook her head. “Father went to bed an hour ago. I’m the only one up right now. Can I help you?” “I should ask you the same question. Are you not aware that my son told me about your, erm, situation?” Berry’s head jerked up, her eyes widening. Yes, she was well aware, and unsure how she felt about it. What she did know was that she was certainly not in the mood to discuss this now. “I am,” she replied, stiffly. “So,” Wilder prompted. “How are you, Berry Punch?” His green eyes, full of love and compassion though they were, unnerved her - they seemed to be peering right into her. She shifted awkwardly, unsure of how to answer. “I’m fine,” she said flatly, “I hardly feel any different.” “That’s good, then. Are you taking care of yourself?” the stallion continued. Berry threw down her rag and turned to face Wilder squarely. “What are you doing here, Mr. Avium?” she asked, outright. But the other pony just shrugged, “I couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d come see how you’re faring. Are you sleeping enough? Drinking plenty of water? I know there aren’t many ponies you can talk to about this right now.” Well, that was true. Cherry and his father were the only ponies in town who knew, though she had considered telling Margarita a few times, and she planned on discussing it with Colgate tomorrow. Later today. Whatever. Berry picked up her rag and headed towards the counter to grab the mop and bucket. “Yes, I’m fine sir. I’ve even stopped drinking, if you can imagine that.” Wilder chuckled at this news. “I’ll bet that’s raised a few suspicions.” Berry blushed. She had proven to herself that she was no alcoholic, but that didn’t mean she never got drunk. Every so often she would put on a bit of a performance, and her drunken antics were relatively well-known around Ponyville. She could just imagine the town gossips wondering why Berry Punch hadn’t gotten drunk and paraded through town singing about perfect frogs and prancing gazelles recently. “Yeah, well, mother managed to do so for all of us, so I figured if she could, anypony could. Let them speculate if they must." Wilder smiled at this remark. “You are doing well, Berry Punch. I must say, both of you are doing a fine job of handling this situation as adults, and I am confident that you will make wonderful parents. How have your doctor visits been?” “Well,” Berry hesitated, “to be honest, sir, I haven’t been to a proper doctor’s appointment yet.” “Why ever not, my dear?” Berry just shrugged. “Nerves, I guess. I’m anxious that people will see me at Dr. Ciconia’s and ask my parents about it. And then there’s the cost of prenatal care.” She concentrated on an especially difficult floor stain, and scrubbed vigorously with her mop. “Perhaps I could speak to Dr. Ciconia. She’s a lovely mare you know, really cares about everypony and often goes above and beyond the call of duty. Fine, sure, whatever, Berry thought. She had by now finished mopping the floor, and was really getting eager to finish her closing tasks so she could go upstairs to bed. She didn’t really want Wilder to keep fussing over her, but even moreso at this present time, she wanted him out of the bar so she could finish closing and lock up. “Wilder, I really appreciate all the trouble you’re going to for me, and your concern is touching, but it’s after three and we’re closed, so I really need to ask you to leave. I should get plenty of rest and all that, right?” Wilder nodded agreeably, “of course, how thoughtless of me. I’ll get right out of your way. And rest assured, Berry Punch, I’ll speak to Dr. Ciconia about getting you the necessary prenatal care.” “Yes, fine, I’ll see you later Wilder,” Berry muttered, ushering the older pony out the front door. “Now,” she said to herself, “to get my work done so I can go to bed.” *** Thursday afternoon, Cherry barged through the door to the Cocktail family's bar. He gave Whiskey Mac a quick nod before rushing up the stairs to the bedroom Berry Punch shared with her sister. Margarita was gone to school, but the mulberry-coloured mare was still fast asleep when Cherry jumped on her. She wanted to groan and kick the intruder off her back, but when she opened her eyes and looked at her fiancée's comical expression, she found herself laughing instead. "Sweet Celestia, Cherry, what are you doing here?" she asked when the laughter subsided. "You have to hurry, Berry. Come with me!" he exclaimed, grabbing her hoof and pulling her out of bed. "Wait, Cher, I have to do my mane!" "It looks lovely, Berry - I'm telling you, crimping it is a waste of time and effort," Cherry moaned, pushing her towards the door. "But Cherry, it's the latest thing! Everypony's wearing their hair like that!" "You're not everypony, Berry, you're my pony. I like your natural style better - it looks, um, juicier." "Jucier? My mane looks juicy? Is that supposed to be a compliment, Cherry Cola," Berry demanded. "Yes, it is. Now come on, girl, we're keeping her waiting. When will you learn to get up before noon like everypony else?" The couple clamoured down the stairs and out the back door of the bar. "When I no longer have to work until two in the morning every night," Berry Punch muttered. Cherry laughed as he practically dragged her down the street towards his apartment. "When are you going to tell me what's going on?" Berry managed to ask, her rear hooves dragging in the dirt as she struggled to stay upright. "You'll see! Oh, Berry, I am so excited about this." "Clearly!" Sooner than Berry could believe it possible, Cherry opened the door to the upstairs apartment and led Berry into the living room. There, much to Berry's astonishment, was Ponyville's one and only obstetrician, Dr. Delilah "Delly" Ciconia. "I hope you don't mind us meeting like this, Berry Punch. Wilder told me about your anxieties, and we decided it was time I got back into the habit of making house calls," she was saying. Her various instruments were spread out on the coffee table before her, her empty saddlebags leaning against a chair. She now motioned to the sofa with a bright smile, and asked Berry Punch to take a seat. She was taller than most Unicorns, and appeared rather lanky. She had a pale blue coat and her short and choppy mane was an orange-brown. Her cutie mark featured a stork - a great, white bird with black on the tips of its wings, and carrying a tied up bundle, presumably containing a baby foal. Her big brown eyes were warm and welcoming, and Berry Punch couldn't help but feel comfortable in her presence. She asked Berry numerous questions about her well-being as she puttered around the small room, making light chatter just to set Berry Punch at ease it seemed. She checked Berry's heart rate and blood pressure, then she checked for the baby's heart beat. "Don't be alarmed if I can't find it, Berry. It's sometimes hard to find up until the 12th week, and we're only in week ten," Delly was saying. She concentrated as she magically glided the small gadget over Berry's belly, using her horn to both power and manoeuvre the device. Then she smiled, "I've got it, kiddo." Telekinetically, she gave Berry and Cherry each a set of headphones that was connected to the gizmo. Eagerly, they took hold of the small earbuds and closed their eyes. It was faint, sure, but it was unmistakably a small heart beating at a rate twice as quick as any heart they'd heard. Cherry's face was etched with concern. "Isn't that a bit, um, quick?" The doctor smiled, "not for a fetus. It's quicker than average, but not nearly to the point where we need to be concerned." She placed the gadget back on the table beside her and made some notes on her clipboard. "Everything's looking wonderfully healthy, Berry Punch. I can tell you're taking good care of yourself. You know, times are changing for the better, and the two of you are a prime example of it." The couple exchanged curious glances before Cherry spoke. "What do you mean?" he asked. "I mean the stigma is dissolving. More and more young, unmarried couples are having children, and doing so with pride. It means I can take better care of unborn foals that would otherwise be neglected. I know you two haven't told many ponies, but just seeing that you're actually caring for your child shows me that you want this baby regardless of who might oppose you. That takes great courage, Berry Punch." Berry blushed at the compliment. She had never seen herself as courageous before. Though, truth be told, she hadn't consciously decided to care for her child. It just came natural to her. It would be her job, as a mother, to love and care for the foal for the rest of her life, and she was just doing what needed to be done. "Thank you, Dr. Ciconia," Berry murmured. Cherry wrapped his foreleg around her, beaming with pride. "That's my girl, Berry," was all he said.
Piña ColadaBerry Punch stifled a yawn - she had barely slept last night and now here she was in the waiting room of Ponyville General before eight in the morning. Not that she wasn’t thrilled to be there or anything. It was four days past Mom’s due date - everypony was both relieved and prepared when Vodka Sunrise went into labour early yesterday evening. Unfortunately for Berry Punch, that meant running the kitchen and the bar, and being in charge of her three other siblings; Margarita, Martini Olive, and Lime Rickey. Cherry Cola came over after not too long and was a huge help, but it still left Berry feeling exhausted. She finally crawled into bed around three, only to be awoken a few hours later. "She's here, Berry! Our new little sister is here! I'm a big brother, Berry! Woohoo!" Rickey had been running through the house shouting. Berry groaned, throwing her pillow at the six year old the moment he dared stick his head in her bedroom, who without missing a beat threw it right back at her. So that was all the sleep she would get that night. And probably for many nights to come, now that there would be a newborn in the house. Seven thirty in the morning and she was sitting in the waiting room anticipating her introduction to her new baby sister. "Care Ber!" Berry's heart skipped, as it always did, at the sound of Cherry Cola's greeting. She jumped up from her seat and rushed forward to embrace him. "How are you?" Cherry asked. Berry smiled. "Tired. I barely slept last night, as you can probably imagine." Cherry nodded, "I can. Have you seen her yet?" Berry shook her head. "Father says there were some minor complications with mother - nothing to worry about, but they're putting her in a more private room so they can monitor her. The baby's doing fine, though, so that's good. Father says I finally have a sibling who's pink like me. I guess that's supposed to make me like her better." Cherry frowned, "what do you mean by that, Ber? Aren't you happy about getting a new sibling?" Berry glanced around the room nervously. Marty and Rickey were chattering away about some thing or another, and Margarita had a book in her hooves. Still, Berry lowered her voice to a whisper. "I was at first, but in six months, I'm going to be a mother myself. This whole thing is crazy. I told Dad it was because I thought they have enough kids, and that they're too old to take care of a newborn, and I don't want to help." "What did he say to that?" "He lectured me about maturity and responsibility and crap. I don't know if it's hormones, or if I'm just noticing for the first time, but my Dad is really being a jerk." "I'm sure if he knew the situation, he'd treat you differently, Ber," Cherry assured her. "Speaking of which, it's after." "Good god, Cher, she was born four hours ago!" Cherry Cola smiled sheepishly. A yellow nurse with an orange mane stepped into the foyer with her clipboard, and smiled warmly. "Cocktail family, they're ready for you to go in now." The face of the pink earth pony in the hospital bed lit up when her children filed into the room. The younger two bounced up and down excitedly in order to get a glimpse of the bundle of fur that was their new sister. Her fur was pale pink - so pale it was almost white, and she had a small tuft of a slightly darker pink mane on her head. Her tiny eyes were closed as she slept soundly against her mother's chest. Berry found herself smiling in spite of herself. "Calm down Rickey, you can see her if you sit still. Can you sit still for me, please?" mother was saying. She lowered the swaddled baby to the colt's level. Rickey gasped, "She's so tiny Mom! When will she be big enough to play with?" Vodka smiled, "oh, sooner than you think, Rickey," was all she said. "She looks lovely, Mrs. Sunrise," Cherry said politely. Then he leaned towards Berry and whispered in her ear "She looks like a pink drowned rat." Berry stifled a giggle. "Have you two thought of a name for her yet?" Margarita asked. "Well, I wanted Daiquiri," Vodka Sunrise said, "And I preferred White Lady," Whiskey Mac continued, "But ultimately we both really like Piña Colada." "Do they always finish each other's sentences?" Cherry asked, still whispering. Again, Berry tried not to laugh. They stood around in the small hospital room and continued to make polite conversation. The boys took turns holding their sister and then Margarita. Before Vodka Sunrise could ask Berry Punch to take her turn, however, the mulberry-coloured mare excused both herself and her fiancé from the room. The two hurried down the hall to where they knew Dr. Ciconia kept her offices. "Piña Colada. I mean, seriously, do they want all of us to develop drinking problems?" Berry asked, with mock disapproval in her voice. Cherry Cola laughed. "How come you got off so easy then, hm?" "My great grandmother had a sense of decency - Berry Punch was her name." Cherry feigned disappointment, causing Berry to cast him a quizzical glance. "Something the matter, sweetheart?" she asked. "Yes. I was expecting a more exciting tale than that." "I'm sorry to let you down, but that's the way the ice crushes," the mare replied, jabbing him in the ribs. "I'm glad to see you're both in high spirits this morning," Dr. Ciconia smiled at the young, laughing couple. "Please, come inside." **************** This appointment passed much like the last one, as the Unicorn carried out various checks and took notes on her little clipboard. Finally, she put the pen and paper down, then turned to Berry Punch with a smile. "Now Berry Punch, I need to ask you to lay still. This may tickle just a bit." Dr. Ciconia positioned herself to cast the spell she had cast so many times before. Her horn flared, emanating magic which she directed to the figure of the young mother sitting patiently. Within seconds, she could see everything she needed to see about the foal. Moments later, the magic drained from her horn. She picked up her clipboard (with her hooves this time), made a few markings, then smiled at the young parents. "Everything is in ship shape condition, you two," she smiled. Cherry got up from his chair, smiling proudly, "Thanks so much, Dr. Ciconia," he said, moving towards the door. "Wait," Berry said, "that last spell you cast - that's the one that lets you see inside my womb, right?" The doctor nodded. "Could you, um, tell me if it's a colt or a filly? I don't think I could bear to wait and find out." "What about you, Dad? Do you want to know the foal's sex?" The unicorn turned to Cherry curiously. The brown stallion nodded, "sure, I'd love to." "Well then. You'll be pleased to learn that this fall you will both be parents to a happy and healthy unicorn filly." "A unicorn filly," Cherry breathed. Berry froze. She could have sworn she heard disappointment in his voice. And suddenly, she was disappointed too. Disappointed and confused and scared and frightened and alone. She refused to look Cherry Cola in the eyes. Keeping her head low, she got down off the bed and fled from the room. "Berry, please come back!" she head Cherry shout as she tore off down the hall. "Berry, we can talk about this!" He sounded frantic. Hurt. And well he should. If she had done what she thought she had done, he would probably never want to speak to her again. ***************** "Berry Punch?" The elderly librarian fixed her glasses as if to get a better look at the mare standing before her in the tree that was Ponyville's library. "I just heard about your mother, dearie. Do wish her a big congratulations for me when you see her. But, pray tell child, what are you doing here at a time like this?" "My grandmother made a compilation of our family's genealogy, did she not?" Berry asked. She loved old Novella as much as the next pony - she was a kind-hearted and dependable earth pony who somehow managed to remember everypony's favourite books. "She did. Tequila Sunrise spent hours working on that family history, bless her. Are you hoping to carry it on, then? I suppose you're here to inscribe the name of your new sibling then," the pony disappeared into the back room where the town's archives were kept, still chattering away. "Is it a filly or a colt? And what did they name the little one?" "Filly, name's Piña Colada." The old mare laughed, "of course that's what they named her! Trust the cocktail family." She emerged from the back room carrying the box of files. "Here you are, dear, would you like me to help you with it?" "No, thanks," Berry replied. She tore open the box and began rummaging through the papers. She had no interest in recording the birth of Piña Colada at this point - she was far more interested in the ancestry. For half an hour, she sifted through birth certificates and death certificates and little bits of mouth-scrawled documentation. And next to every single name was marked the exact same two letters: E.P. Earth Pony. When she had combed through the entire box, she started trembling. "Earth Ponies," she breathed, which got the attention of the librarian. "Is something wrong Berry Punch?" Novella asked, approaching the mare slowly. "Earth ponies," she repeated, "we're all earth ponies. We've always been earth ponies." Her limbs trembled. She felt cold all over, her heart was racing and she was breaking a sweat. She felt nauseous for the first time in three weeks. She gasped for air and when she couldn't inhale any, she tried to scream. "Berry Punch. Berry Punch, can you hear me?" And then everything went black as Berry Punch collapsed against the town's librarian.
UnicornThe first thing she was aware of was her head. It throbbed like it had been thrown against a wall, which it may have very well been for all she knew. The next thing she saw was him. Standing over her, his gaze steady, his green eyes full of love and concern for her. It was a gaze she couldn't meet, so she closed her eyes again. But then she was aware of the pain in her head. She couldn't decide what was worse: the pounding in her head, or the aching in her heart. She started to sob, and instantly he was on the bed at her side. And he just held her. He was always there. Always holding her, always loving, always faithful. And she had failed him, betrayed him. "I'm s-s-so s-sorry," she whispered, finally lifting her head as the tears subsided. For a long time, neither one said anything. The clock ticked and a bird sang outside the window, as if to poke fun at her misery. Hooves on tiled floors could be heard outside the small room. It felt like hours passed. Cherry broke the silence. "Our secret is out." No, no, it's not our secret. It's my secret. "Your parents weren't even angry at me, Berry." Of course they aren't. Why would they be? It's not your fault. "You had a panic attack, Berry. Would you mind telling me what you're panicking about?" Go ahead. Tell him. Get it over with. "I'm sorry," she managed again. "I was certain. I was so certain that you- that you were…" Her voice broke. She tried again. "A unicorn, Cherry. It's a unicorn. And we've only ever been earth ponies. I must have been drunk out of my mind. I can't even think of who it might- I can't even think. I can't even think straight…" Cherry Cola jumped up in alarm when one of the beepers on the wall above her picked up speed. The next thing he knew, a green nurse with a yellow mane had barged into the room. "What are you doing?" she demanded. Cherry was stunned speechless by the iciness in her voice. "I, I was - talking. We were talking," he stammered. "Out! Out, get out of this room. Wait in the corridor!" Cherry inched towards the curtain behind him and slid his way along it towards the door, keeping his gaze fixed on Berry Punch until he reached the corridor. He slumped miserably against the wall and waited for the nurse to exit, which she did in a matter of minutes. "What were you talking about?" she asked angrily. Cherry didn't reply straight away, so the nurse's voice rose. "Answer me, soldier!" "I- I just wanted to know what upset her!" he replied, standing up straight. Strangely he felt the urge to salute her. "Are you stupid? If you want to give a pregnant mare a panic attack after she's just had a panic attack, ask her why she had a panic attack. Good god, soldier, are you out of your mind?" Cherry opened his mouth to speak, but the nurse continued. "You are not, I repeat, are not going back into that room until I or one of the other chief nurses give you explicit permission. Do I make myself clear?" Cherry felt two inches tall under the mare's glowering stare, but somehow he managed a small "Yes, ma'am." "Good, now if you'll excuse me, there is a mare and there is a foal in that room who I am trying to protect. It is in your best interest, and theirs it seems, to stay out from underfoot. Now run along quickly, soldier, no sense in lollygagging around here." Stunned, Cherry started to move away as he watched the mare go back into the hospital room from which he had been banished. "Don't worry," said a familiar voice. "Maregaret Hooligan's bark is much worse than her bite." The brown earth pony turned around to find himself face to face with a familiar pink-maned white mare. He smiled, in spite of everything. "Redheart! Boy, am I ever glad to see a familiar face," he exclaimed. "Have you finished nursing college already?" "Not quite," the young mare replied, "I have a couple of weeks left in my prac, but Ponyville General has already offered me a position." She lowered her gaze modestly. "What about you? What have you been up to?" "Oh, not too much. I've been working for Berry's father at the bar when he needs me, and I'm also trying to get into construction. While I have plenty of experience from working on my aunt's farm, it's obvious that's not my special talent so they're hesitant to hire me," he sighed, dejectedly. "I'm just not sure how I'm going to support a family with the little money I've got." Redheart gave him a sympathetic smile, "I'm sure everything will work out in the end, Cherry Cola. A pony with your charm will always get what he needs." Cherry laughed, "I'm not so sure about that. Berry seems to have completely lost the plot and all I seem to be doing is making it worse." Redheart was quiet for a moment, as if mulling over some of her thoughts. "Say," she said, finally, "you seem like you need somepony to talk to right now. I'm no counselor, but I'm due for a fifteen. Let me talk to the Major and I'll see if I can sit and chat for a while." Cherry was taken aback by this offer, but she was right - he wanted nothing more to get a load off his chest. "I could really use it, if you're sure it wouldn't be too much trouble," he said with a weak smile. "You're damn cute when you look helpless Cherry Cola. It's no trouble at all," the white mare headed back to the nurse's station near Berry Punch's room. She returned moments later with two cups of coffee and led Cherry Cola to a small sitting area. "Did you really just have a decent conversation with that Hooligan character?" he asked. Redheart gave a lighthearted laugh. "I told you, her bark is worse than her bite. She's actually a very sensible pony and a wonderful nurse. She's ex-military, you know, and to be honest, I really look up to her." "Do you mean to tell me that you treat ponies the same way she just treated me?" asked Cherry, dumbfoundedly. "When necessary, absolutely," the white mare nodded, "and, to be honest, it was pretty stupid of you to go in there and start talking to her about whatever it was that set her off." "So why didn't you yell at me like she did?" Cherry asked, trying to make sense of the situation. "Because," Redheart murmured, inching closer to him, "you're a special stallion, Cherry Cola." Suddenly, Cherry felt hot and uncomfortable. "Um, Redheart. I'm beginning to think that maybe this wasn't such a good idea," he stammered. "I- I mean, I'm engaged and off limits, thanks." Redheart let out a sigh. "Yes, of course. Silly me. I suppose I never did really get over you." "Redheart, I'm really not comfortable with where this is going. Is there, um, somepony else I could talk to?" The young nurse sat back with a pout. "Look, I'm sorry. I, I promise I'll behave myself. I just...the Major says I need to work on my bedside manner and I'd really like to help an old friend - nothing more than a friend - with his troubles." Cherry Cola raised an eyebrow, trying to decide whether or not he should trust her, or worse, whether or not he should trust himself. It had been a long time ago - as far as he was concerned, anypony before Berry Punch was ancient history - and he had been a teenager high on hormones to boot. It had lasted what, three months? Maybe four? "I don't know, Redheart. I just - I don't like talking about it. It hurts too much. That's why I haven't even told Berry." Redheart averted her gaze from his face and concentrated on a small speck on the hospital floor. "Often times the things that hurt us are the things that need to be told. Sort of like pulling out a splinter." Cherry nodded. "And because of my stupidity, Berry gave herself a panic attack. Oh, I feel like I've so deeply wronged her, Redheart." "Wounds heal faster with help, Cherry Cola. Trust me, and let me help you," said the white mare gently. Finally the other earth pony nodded. "I'd like that. I'd like that a lot." ************************* "Your blood pressure is back to normal, dear. You won't have to spend the night here." Berry turned towards the strange voice and found herself looking at yet another nurse. She sighed, and got up from the bed slowly. "Wait. Before you get up, I've been told to get you to read this." The Pegasus placed a folded piece of note paper on the bed in front of her. When she unfolded it, Berry recognized Cherry Cola's hoofwriting immediately. She almost didn't read it, but curiosity got the best of her, so she picked it up and read it through. When she finished, she could scarcely believe what it said. She pinched herself, then picked it up again to read a second time, this time much more slowly. To my dear Berry Punch. I love you, and I will always love you, for now and forever, and never once have I doubted your kindness, your courage, and your devotion. Your heart is, and always has been in the right place. You are beautiful, caring, kind and compassionate, but sometimes you worry too much about what others might think of you, and especially about what I might think about you. So here's what I think. I think that you are a wonderful mare, a wonderful sister, and a wonderful daughter. I also think that you will be a wonderful mother and a wonderful wife - the most wonderful lover of, and carer for, our daughter. It is not you who is at fault - not in the least. Rather, I am the one to blame for your misadventure, because I am a coward. It is not you I did not trust, so don't believe that. It's quite simply a matter of me not wanting to talk about it. To talk about her. Because it hurts too much to think that I was never good enough for her. My mother left when I was seven. She went back to Canterlot, so she could live the high society life that she felt like she truly deserved. She decided she didn't need me anymore, so I decided I didn't need her. I haven't seen her in eight years, and I know it's a dreadful thing to say, but I'd like to keep it that way. She remarried and apparently she has a daughter now - the Unicorn foal she wanted from the start. You see, I know that the filly you're carrying inside you is my daughter, because I know that in the three years we've been together, you've never once cheated on me. And also because my mother, Lonsdaleite Stone, is a unicorn. Oh, how stupid I feel now, knowing I put the life our child at risk all because I was afraid to talk about my own mother. I only hope that you will forgive me for my foolishness. Yours forever, Cherry Cola Berry Punch wiped the tears from her own eyes, suddenly feeling silly about the entire ordeal herself. She folded the note carefully and vowed never to lose it, then left the small hospital room. To her great delight, Cherry Cola was waiting outside, half asleep curled up against the wall. But at the sound of Berry Punch's laughter, he shot up. Seeing her standing there, her juicy mane gently tousled and her purple eyes teasing him like only she could, put his frazzled nerves at ease. "Come on, Berry Punch. It's been a long day - let's go home," he said quietly, reaching out a forehoof. Berry hesitated. "It's not that I don't agree with you, but I really think I should go back over to maternity and give Piña Colada a proper big-sister welcome before we go home. That is, if that's alright with you." Cherry placed his foreleg over her shoulder, squeezing her gently. "Of course," he replied, "that's more than alright with me."
