That Night....

It was just after ten at night. I was the only one awake. Sat in my room at the foot of my bed, contemplating whether or not to call Berrie. I had her number still in my phone and a contact for her. I was so broken up I had actually forgot to delete it. On one hand I talk to Berrie, ask her if what my mother said was true and risk smashing my heart up even more. The other hand has me going to bed and waking up like Scootaloo this morning. Wet and afraid of a girl. "...I have to call her." I said. I brought the phone up and hesitated pushing the icon next to her number. You know the little green one. Looks like a phone. Anyways I ended up throwing the phone on my bed sighing. "No... You promised yourself and mom you wouldn't talk with her again! And... Big Mac too... But... You already said you'd call her..." I got confused for a moment. Didn't know one way from the other. Then I thought: Why don't I flip a coin? You're thinking this jackass doesn't have any money. How is he gonna flip a coin if he doesn't have one? Well I do have a coin. This coin was a souvenir from a concert I went to. Shining took me. Metallicolt. I always kept the coin in a box under my shirts in my dresser. I took it out and took a deep breath looking at both sides. One side had an M on it with the two bottom ends barbed almost like a taser hook. The other a guitar head. "Heads I leave it alone. Tails I call Berrie..."

I tossed the coin in the air. It almost flipped in slow motion. I caught it just about half way to the floor. I opened my hand and saw it was tails. I put the coin back in its box and set it on my dresser next to my C-sphere and went to the door snagging my phone. I had to go out of the house before I called Berrie. Mom always liked to drink a lot of water before bed. Made sure she was hydrated through the night. Most time she actually got up and went to the bathroom. Other times she'd barely make it. I didn't want her to hear me. I hit the call button as I went out the front door and closed it near silently. The air outside felt cool. Cars still drove on the main roads. Just as I take a few steps away from the house my phone clicks. "Ryder? Is that you?" Berrie said. Must've deleted my number.

"Yeah..." I replied hesitantly. "I... You.... Why did you want me to call you...?"

"Ry..." She started. "I wanna say I'm sorry for nearly wrecking your car this morning. I didn't even know that your sister was in the class I was subbing for! She looked so scared walking into class I just had to do something!"

"BERRIE! LISTEN!" I snapped. "I know you're sorry about that! I thought the light was green on my end I never slept last night!" Nothing but silence from the phone. "Okay... Now... I need to ask you something and I want you to be 100% truthful with me... Do you understand?"

"Yeah..." She sounded hesitant.

"Berrie!"

"Okay okay fine I'll be truthful!"

I huffed. "Now then... Earlier my mom told me she saw you with another guy when she was out getting groceries. I want to know if you did or did not cheat on me while we were dating."

Berrie whimpered. "Yes... I did cheat on you..."

"I knew it!"

"WAIT let me finish! I did cheat on you and I'm sorry! That colt was rotten! He felt me up in public, groped me at the movies and he always wanted to have me come to his place and... do things I didn't want to... The first time I actually wanted to do it but the second he got rough and I busted his balls before grabbing my clothes and running out... He harassed me with calls for days... Left me messages calling me a slut and a whore.... I had to call the cops on him saying he raped me and... he technically did..."

For the first time in a while I heard Berrie cry. And... I kinda felt bad for her. "Berrie... Listen to me..." I said. "... Tomorrow I'll be working and you probably will be too... Maybe after I drop Scoot off at home you and I could... I don't know get a coffee together?"

"...Th-that... That sounds great... Maybe you can come meet me at the diner down the road from the school... I'll be there around four... Don't be late."

Then and there she hung up not wanting to have me hear her crying. My heart must've skipped a beat as I shoved my phone back in my pocket. I had a date. With my Ex. Either that or this dream was so realistic that I saw my mother standing at the door making me yelp because she did not look happy. "Ryder you get your ass in this house this moment!" She said. "What I'm about to do is not permitted in public!" I hurried actually being scared of my own mother. She closed the door and looked at me as I stood behind her shuttering. She pointed at the couch saying "Sit" like I was some sort of dog or something. And like a dog I listened. She paced in front of me giving me an intimidated look, and tapping her fingers against each other. "There are rules to this house. You should know them. One of them being....?"

I whimpered and averted my gaze. "...A-always listen to you and dad..." I said.

"Right! And you should've listened to me when I said stay away from Berrie!" I looked back at my mother.

"But how could I?! She nearly crashed into me and she was at the school substituting for Scootaloo's class!"

"Okay I'll let those slide but you will not be going to that date tomorrow! I want you home with Scootaloo! No going out unless you have me OR your father with you! Now you go up to your room and go to SLEEP! I don't want to see a light on in that room or a sound coming from your TV or else I will call Big Mac myself and tell him to set up a room JUST for YOU!"

I nodded and scrambled to my feet hurrying up the stairs. I hurried past Scootaloo's door and darted back into my room closing the door, locking it and barricading it with a door stop. I didn't even bother getting undressed as I climbed into bed and plugged my phone in. I was that scared of my own mother. Some of the noise must've woke Scootaloo up because I heard her door open. I listened as close as I could and heard Scootaloo say: "Mommy? Is everything okay?"

"Scootaloo go to bed! Mommy needs some alone time!"

"But... I heard yelling..."

"GO. TO. BED!"

Next thing you know I heard my little sisters door slam. That was the last of what I heard that night, not to mention that being the night where I actually got some sleep. I woke up the next morning to the sound of my dad knocking on my door. "Ryder c'mon get up!" He said. "You're supposed to be driving your sister to school today! Hope you're fully rested to not fall asleep at the damn wheel."

I groaned getting up. My clothes felt wrinkled and sweaty. The saliva in my mouth felt thick and the air around me felt warm. I moved the door stop and unlocked my door and opened it poking my head out just as my dad went down stairs. "I'll be out in a minute!" I called out. I went back inside getting no answer and proceded to change my clothes. Came out minutes later in digital camo pants, boots, and a black band Tshirt with the sleeves cut off. Band wasn't metallicolt but it was an old 'Gems N Tulips' Tshirt. I didn't get a chance to see the band in concert but I did get lucky and meet Gash their guitarist. Anyways I went downstairs seeing my sister on the couch watching cartoons eating from a bowl of cereal. I went into the kitchen where my dad sat at the table having his morning coffee, grabbed the apple fritter I brought home the day before and went back out. Now I saw my mom coming down the stairs. I sat next to Scootaloo and started to eat my pastry.

Scootaloo looked up at me as she sat her bowl down. "Ryder...?" She said hesitantly. I looked down at her. "...You can drive me and my friends today right...?" I swallowed the bite I took and smiled.

"Yeah Scoot I'm wide awake." I said. "You gonna be okay today?" She shrugged looking back at the TV. "Scoot what I want you to do today is walk with your friends to Sweetie Belle's place. If those two fillies are there and they follow you try going to Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie wont let anyone hurt anyone else. Oh and have who ever call me when you get there okay?" Scootaloo nodded.

I was about to say something else but no. Mom had to come in the living room with two cans of soda. "You two better be home before three thirty then!" She said. "And Ryder remember what I told you last night!" How could I forget? She practically had me on a short leash. "Now get going you two Applebloom and Sweetie Belle wont be happy if they're late for school!" Had to listen. Like. A. FUCKIN' dog!

A little while later I had Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle in the back seat of my car. We were going to pick Applebloom up. "Thanks for giving me a ride again Ryder!" Sweetie Belle said. "Rarity's working on three outfits at the moment and she cant take her attention away from it for even a minute!" I glanced in the rear view mirror at the fillies stopping at a red light.

"What does she do if she has to go to the bathroom?" I asked.

"Trust me you do NOT want to know."

"Eh.... Okay then... You guys gonna have a vacation coming up soon?" I glanced in the mirror again. Scootaloo smiled.

"Yeah! We got spring break coming up!" She said. "Two weeks and no homework! It's gonna be great! Mommy and Daddy were gonna take us to the beach!" Her wings flapped hard. I was sure she'd lift right out of her seat but mom told me something while Scootaloo was camping with Applejack, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle that she fell down the stairs trying to fly and injured her wing. Not to mention she does get a little scared when mom has to carry her up to the clouds. I sighed a bit smiling.

"Well that's good. I can come right Scoot? Mom and dad gonna want me there?"

"Of COURSE you can big brother! Mommy and daddy should let you if they're bringing Applebloom and Sweetie Belle too!" I gave a smile and took the turn towards Sweet Apple Acres.

My smile died down as the gate to Sweet Apple Acres came into view. Big Mac stood solo leaning on the fence with a regretful look on his face. He gets up off the fence and comes to my window as I roll it down. "Got some bad news for ya Ryder, girls..." He said. "...After you got Scootaloo cleaned up the principal drove by without us knowing and she saw Applebloom wrasslin' in the dirt with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon... She called AJ this morning and told her Applebloom was suspended for today. Had her ask about the other fillies and these two got nothing to worry about." He pointed to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who looked shocked. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were suspended until next week. You should get going and drop em off. Hurry on back here alright?"

I gave a nod and made a U-turn driving back to the school. As I pulled up to the school I see some of the kids looking at my car and a few teachers out front, one being Berrie. I had to get out and open the passenger side door to let Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle out. Neither of them had told me goodbye or see you later. Kinda hurt a bit but not as much as the pain I felt as I saw Berrie walking towards me. "Hey Ryder we still on for later?" She asked.

I sighed and shook my head leaning on my car. "...My mom doesn't want me seeing you at all." I said. "...I didn't even get a chance to even tell her it was just a friend thing..." I at her blushing a bit. "...It... Was a friend thing right?" Berrie gave a nod. "Anyways... She doesn't want us seeing each other at all... I basically have to be home before four... Like a fucking curfew..." Berrie sighed.

"She never liked me... After you introduced me and you had to go to the bathroom she basically told me-" Suddenly the bell rang. Berrie sighed. "...I'll text you later. I gotta get going." She hurried back to the school leaving me alone at my car. I sighed and went back in laying back in my seat thinking about how much my mom was missing.

Next thing you know my phone went off. I pulled it out and saw it was Dash, my cousin. OUR cousin. I answer it with a hefty sigh. "RYDER!" Dash yelled startling me. "Why the fuck did you not tell me you had to move back in with your parents? You know I could've set you up at my place!"

"Yeah but you'd be pushing me to tell you about my car and how it has to do with the wonderbolts wouldn't you?" I asked. I heard her mumble something but I couldn't make out what it was. "Listen I gotta get to work. The more I'm not at work the more my mom think's I'm with you-know-who. and don't play dumb I know you know."

"Oh just because I spend most of my time working out means I'm dumber than a sack of hammers. I know you and Berrie broke up. You never stopped bitching about it to me that same day! Just get your ass down here! I've got something for you!"

"WOAH! You're at Sweet Apple Acres? What the hell are you doing there? Aren't you supposed to be clearing the clouds?" Suddenly a siren went of behind me and I grunted. "You know what hold that thought I got a guard to fucking deal with..." I didn't even give her a chance to answer before hanging up and putting my phone in the cup holder groaning silently as I hear a truck door open and shut. The sound of boots and the sound of armor rang out in my ears.

I didnt even look up as the sounds stopped. Then I hear a knock on my window. My windows had to be rolled down manually with that damn crank. I rolled it down and heard a grunt seeing a hand enter my vision. "License and Registration RYDER!" The guard said. He had a familiar voice... And... Only one guard knew my name. I looked up and saw Shining Armor geared up and on patrol. He wore golden armor that just covered his torso revealing the sleeves of a white Tshirt. He even wore jeans surprisingly. I gave a relieved sigh slumping in my seat.

"Dude you scared the SHIT outta me... Don't ever do that again!" Shininig laughed a bit.

"I'll try not to if you aren't parked illegally." He said. "Now how about that license and registration dude?"

I huffed and dug into my pocket pulling out my wallet and then to the glove compartment. "I guess casual day doesn't mean letting your friend off with a warning?" I said handing over my registration and my license. He sighed.

"Sorry Ry but I gotta do my job. Besides you really wouldn't want a 500 bit ticket for talking on your phone while driving would you?" I shrugged averting my gaze. "Anyways just sit tight I'll be right back.

As he walked back to his truck I picked up my phone and swiped up pulling up the key pad to hold two which then dialed up Big Mac. I put the phone up to my ear and waited for a moment. The phone clicked. "Ryder? Where are you? You didn't go to the bar did you?" Big Mac asked.

"No! If I was in a bar I'd have a fucking reason. Shining is ticketing me for parking illegally! I haven't even left the school yet! I'm gonna be a while."

"Well alright then. I'll give Shining a call see if'n he cant step away from that job long enough to get a damn drink tonight. Think your mother could let you out for that?"

"Who the hell knows. You might as well come with me when I drop Sweetie Belle and my sister off at my place. Can probably tell Rarity to grab Sweetie if I'm doing that." I looked in the rear view mirror Just as Shining was coming back. "I gotta go. Shining's coming back. See you there!" I hung up and set my phone back in the cup holder looking back to the window.

Shining handed me back my drivers license and the registration. "Gotta say Ry you did a really nice job with this car." He said pulling out what looked to be a note pad. "Okay so that's 50 Bits for the illegal parkjob. I'll agree to pay half of it if you wanna help me with something. Just text me later and I'll tell you what I need done."

"Will do but uh... I actually wanna ask you something and cut out the wait."

"Well c'mon do tell I'm not gonna stay here forever!"

"You think you can join me and Big Mac for a drink tonight?"

"Sure but might wanna have a contingency plan just in case one of us wants to drive back home. Either that or someone's gonna have to be sober enough to drive us home. But seriously you need to pay this or else I'm gonna have to jail you for a few days and your mom and sister wouldn't like that."

I shot a smile his way. "Yeah trust me my mom snapped at me for just having a sip of beer. Anyways I'll text you if there are any change in plan!" He nodded and gave me the ticket before going back to his truck. I put the ticket right under my phone pinning it before rolling my window back up and driving off.

I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres not too long later. As I drove up the road I sighed wishing I had the radio working. I always used to listen to this talk show. Stuff they said was funny. They actually did go and play music when they needed to break for a bit but what I came for was the actual talk show. I'd even call in and rant about how shitty my day would be going. One time I actually called in and got a free 100 bit gift card for a popular clothes shop in town. Bought a few things including that Gems tshirt I cut the sleeves off. As I pulled up to the house I saw Big Mac waiting outside. He walked over as I parked near the trees. I opened my door and stepped out putting my phone in my pocket. "Well there you are!" He said. "Any longer and I'dve thought you'd be in the back of Shining's truck in restraints!"

I huffed stretching a bit. "Honestly if I were there you'd know Shining would be calling you telling you I'd be so many days late." I replied. "Now where's Dash? I need to slap a bitch." Big Mac laughed a bit closing my car door as I walked toward the house.

"I wouldnt say she needs to be slapped but I might have something better than that!" He said as we both stopped at the door. "Before you start work AJ thought it might be nice to give you something nice for all this shit going on with you and your sister. She brought Dash over and Dash brought Pinkie and well..."

He opened the door and we were both greeted with the sound of party cannons, kazoos, and a big "SURPRISE!" Yelled by three mares and one little filly. Yep. Applejack, Applebloom, Big Mac, Rainbow Dash AND Pinkie Pie were throwing me a party. Rainbow Dash wore her sweat suit and tennis shoes. The sweat suit was a dark blue and she wore a wonderbolts shirt under it. Her mane was tied up in a ponytail. Pinkie had a white short sleeved shirt with pink cotton candy and a cupcake side by side. Her mane was all puffed up. Her capris pants hugged her plump butt quite nicely and... I'm losing track aren't I? I am? OKAY BACK TO THE STORY!

A big smile came to my face as Dash came to hug me. "There you are! It's about time you got here!" Dash said. "I was just about to get on my bike and find you myself!" I sighed a bit returning the hug.

"Thanks but... Why do this for me?" I asked confused. "I haven't done anything worthy of a party..."

Pinkie walked up and joined in the hug. "Everyone deserves a party silly!" She said. "Big Mac and Applejack told me you were having a bad couple of days and I wanted to see you give me a BIIIIIIG Smile!" I did smile as a matter of fact. I looked over to Big Mac and Applejack.

"I'll still have time to do todays work right?"

Applejack nodded came over and pried her friends off of me. Pinkie took a few tries (Even with Big Mac helping) to get her off of me. "Well sure sugarcube this'll be just a small shindig!" She said. "It's only a selling day today and we need someone to haul the goods into town since someone mashed the damn truck up." That's where I sighed losing my smile.

"Can I talk with you and Big Mac alone real quick?" I averted my gaze. Was I really about to do this? Tell them what really happened to their truck? Guilt ate me up faster than a formula racer.

Big Mac tilted his head. "You okay Ry?" He asked. I shook my head hesitantly. He looked to Applejack who was already pushing her friends up stairs. Even Applebloom. He pulled me inside and sat me on the couch. I immediately stood up and went to the kitchen table where they followed me. I hid my face as Big Mac and AJ sat down on the ends of the table. "Alright now... What did you wanna talk to us about?" I sniffled and hesitated to take my hands away. Applejack took my hands and held one wiping tears away from my eyes. "...What ever it is you seem like it aint at all good." I sniffled.

"C'mon Sugarcube," Applejack said. "Just say it. You need something to drink? I can get you something."

"NO!" I snapped. "No more ciders! No more rest! HELL NO MORE FUCKING SYMPATHY!" I pushed AJ's hands away. "I did it! I crashed your truck in the shop! ME! Not anyone else! I got fired and left before they called you!" That's when I broke down and cried. I mean literally broke down. I fell to the floor and curled up bawling. Nothing came from Big Mac and Applejack that I heard but Big Mac did grab me by the shirt and pants giving me a wedgie before going to the still open door to throw me out.

Right before he slammed the door I heard him yell out: "GET OUT OF HERE AND DONT COME BACK!"

I wanted to lay in the dirt but if I stayed there any longer I'd probably be pelted with empty bottles and apples. It's why I got up and hurried to my car and drove off. As I pulled up to my house I turned my car off and just sat there. I must've lied on the horn because within minutes my dad came outside and pulled me out. "RYDER! Ryder calm down son!" He said. "Here c'mon get inside!" He took me around the back of my car but I pushed him away and puked on the curb. Not even one dry heave. He grabbed me again and shushed me as he walked with me like I had an injured leg. Once inside he lied me on the couch where I just curled up with a pillow. "Son! Son what the hell happened? I thought you were at work!"

I sniffled and turned away. "...B-big mac.... He... He threw me out... Even though he h-ha-had Pinkie throw... A fuckin party...." I said. I took my phone out and gave it to him. "...Call Dash.... Lock my fucking car up.... First a break up... Then I'm here again.... NOW a fucking t-tick-ticket... and no more job.... At all... He's not forgiving me..." He took my phone.

"What is he not gonna forgive you for?"

"....Cr... Wrecking.... I wrecked his family truck... I-it was an accident... and... How I got fired from my mechanic job.... go.... Get my keys.... I left them in.... Ignition...."

My father gave a nod and hurried back outside. In that time I got up and hobbled to the kitchen feeling dizzy. Next thing you know I black out. Felt nothing. No pain. No emotion. Not even any breathing I was doing. "Ryder?" I hear a voice echo. "Ryder? C'mon wake up!" Then a sudden cold woke me up. I found myself in my room with the blinds shut but with the sun peeking through the tiny gaps. I even saw my mother with a wash cloth dripping cold water on my pounding head.

"...M-mom...? What.... What happened?" I ask.

"Sweetie your father told me you showed up here worse than how you showed up in the first day and I rushed home. He even found your parking ticket. You don't worry about that I'll give you the money for it." I tried getting up but she forced me back down. "You stay right there. After your father got your keys and ticket he found you face first on the floor in a pool of your own puke and uh... He had to change you into other clothes..." I blushed hard and groaned.

"Ma... Can you get me a drink please...? I... I feel like shit..."

My mother nodded and folded the wash cloth before putting it on my forehead leaving me there. I sat up just enough to lift the blanket to see I was in my boxers and a plain white shirt. Definitely felt sticky in some places. Made me even more embarrassed. I looked over and saw I had my phone on the charger with a note on it. I took it and stared to read it.

'Ryder,

I called Dash earlier after putting you in your bed and she said she'd be over with Pinkie with a few things for you before Big Mac kicked you out. I told her she should drop by tonight when you're all rested. Maybe by the time you read this Pinkie should still be here. She drove up saying she followed you as close as she could without thinking it was Big Mac trying to kill you. Anyways she's here and worried about you.

Dad'

I huffed and grabbed my phone. I unplugged it and looked at the screen as it lit up. Two game notifications, texts from Shining, Dash, Applejack, and a bunch of social media stuff. Even one of Big Mac defriending me. I tapped Applejack's text and it brought up a key pad telling me to input password. 'WonderD00' I typed. Yes the combination of The Wonderbolts and Daring Do. I love both okay what's wrong with that? It brought me to the messages AJ sent me.

'Ryder sugarcube I forgive you for wrecking our truck. We know it was an accident but... You know Big Mac... Always defending the family's honor n what not... Don't tell him I'm texting ya. He loved that truck, he loved our daddy and wrecking that truck meant you hated our daddy in his eyes.'

I sighed just as my bedroom door opened. I look over and there's Pinkie coming in with a glass of water and saltine crackers. "You're awake! Good!" She said setting the water and crackers down. She sat me up and moved me back to where I was leaning against the wall. "You feeling okay?" I shook my head as she sat down. "AJ and Dash told me to come here for you. I am so sorry Big Mac did that!"

"...N-no... I deserved it..." I said reaching for a cracker. Pinkie grabbed one and popped it in my mouth. "...Thanks... But... Now I think I'm better off in jail... That ticket Sh-Shining gave me... I cant pay it..." Pinkie gasped.

"Ryder you cant say that! No pony wants to see you in jail! Not even your sister! I already spoke with The Cakes and they agreed to help you out with work. You and I are gonna share a shift at Sugarcube Corner. They even said you can just work the register or clean the ovens. You okay with that??"

I nodded before swallowing my poorly chewed cracker. It felt as if a knife was sliding down my throat ready to end me. I would've wanted it if Pinkie hadn't put hope in my heart. She waited on me hand and foot the rest of the day because she wanted to see me happy and see me get back to my feet.