Can a Pony Change?

“Blank Flank, Blank flank!” Silver Spoon sneered to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and even Babs Seed, who was visiting from Manehattan. Apple Bloom was on the verge of crying, and Sweetie Belle already was. “Why do you have to be so mean to us?!” Scootaloo protested, her voice cracking. “Because you don’t have any special talents. You probably will end up on a rock farm!” Silver spoon laughed. Diamond Tiara laughed and turned to Silver Spoon. “Bump, bump, sugar lump rump!” They chanted, leaving the cutie mark crusaders behind.

“What crybabies! We sure got them that time!” Silver Spoon laughed. Diamond Tiara didn’t really pay attention. She was worrying really. Worried that she’d be impoverished if her dad just quit and left. Worried that her dad didn’t love her anymore. But, most of all, she was worried what ponies thought of her. She was already ‘loved’ but she felt it wasn’t enough. She felt just… hanging on a thread. All of those thoughts sent shivers down her spine. “Look, Silver Spoon!” Diamond Tiara snapped. “I don’t CARE! I need to go home. Dinner is soon.”

“But Diamy! Its only three O’ clock! You eat dinner at seven!” Silver Spoon protested. Diamond Tiara just turned her back on her gray friend and muttered, “Well I need to help out with making it.” And then proceeded to gallop away. Silver Spoon just watched silently, fuming with anger. She huffed and stomped away from her pink friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diamond Tiara let out an audible sigh. Her father, Filthy Rich hadn’t come home that night. He was probably out at some fancy Schmancy hotel right now. Or at work. He was a boss of a big car company.  Upscale Rich, Diamond Tiara’s mom was inside, laying down. “Hi mom. I’m home.” Diamond Tiara sighed. “Hi honey.” Upscale said, leaving out the question ‘how was your day?’ Diamond Tiara bit her lip. "What did you do today?" Diamond asked, her voice flat.

Diamond Tiara went out to the swing in her front yard. She sat on it but she wasn't really swinging. She was only swaying about three inches. She didn't like swinging. Her dad used to push her on the swing whenever she asked. But the car business had forced him to hold meetings elsewhere like in Manehattan. The pink pony sighed, and started to go higher on the swing.

Diamond Tiara’s ears perked. She heard voices. She strained to hear. “Sure this is a good idea?” a deep voice growled. “Positive. They’ll think he’s still in Manehattan.” Said another. Chuckles were heard. Fear beat curiosity and Diamond Tiara jumped in a bush and peeked out.

There were three ponies, two stallions and one mare. The stallions had black manes, and brown coats. They were dressed in a suit. The mare was a gray mare with a blue mane. They all were wearing shades.

Diamond Tiara knew she was afraid, but any other emotions she was unsure of. The three ponies trotted up to the front door and knocked.

KNOCK

KNOCK

KNOCK

Upscale opened the door. They handed Diamond Tiara’s mother a letter. Upscale opened it and read it, sighing. “Thank you for imforming me. I will tell my daughter the news at dinner tonight.” Her ears flat, Diamond Tiara waited until the Ponies were gone, and then jumped out of the bush. She righted her tiara and brushed most of the dirt and leaves off her.

~~~~~~~~~~

Diamond Tiara forked up a meatball, noodles hanging off of the sphere. She put it in her mouth and savored the taste. “Diamond, honey. I have some bad news.” Upscale said. Diamond Tiara’s head went up. “Yeah, what is it?” “Your father… he has to stay in Manehattan for a few more months. I-I’m afraid that he will miss your birthday.” Upscale said dejectedly.

Diamond Tiara started crying. “He’s gonna miss my birthday?” Diamond Tiara unbelievably echoed. “Yes hon-“ Diamond Tiara started screaming. “HE HAS TO COME! HE CAN’T MISS MY BIRTHDAY!” she stomped her foot, tears streaming from her eyes. “Honey I’m sorry-“ “NO! HE HAS TO COME! THIS MY MOST IMPORTANT BIRTHDAY! WE WERE GOING TO GO TO THE PARK! T-t-together!”

Diamond Tiara’s birthday parties always were at Sugarcube Corner. Her parents never attended, because they were always tired or busy. This time was going to be different. They were going to enjoy an ice cream together, the whole family. But if her dad couldn’t come it wouldn’t be…good!

She left her plate and ran upstairs, tears streaming from her eyes. How could he?! How could he stay in Manehattan? Why couldn’t he ever come to one of her parties? Why couldn’t she have a normal  family? Why, why, why?!

Diamond tiara kicked her wall. She heard a knock on the door. It was her mom. “Go away! I Hate you! Why did you open that letter?! WHY!!” she shrieked. Upscale hated these words and held back a scolding. “Honey, if it makes you feel better, we can call Rich.” “Ok mom” Diamond Tiara sniffled.

Upscale Dialed the numbers. BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ. There was no answer. They dialed again. BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ.BUZZ. No answer. “NO, NO, NO!!! He has to answer!” Diamond tiara screamed. “One more time, Diamond. Don’t give up hope.”  She punched in the numbers. BUZZ BU- “This is a threat. Warn the police and he will die. Read your PonEmail for information.

Upscale dropped the phone and Diamond Tiara was pale. “Well, lets look at the PonEmail than…Shall…we?” Upscale said, frozen with fear. She got on her PonEmail.

Dear Upscale Rich and family,

If you want your father and husband, Filthy Rich, back, read the following message. [Filthy Rich] Is currently in a cell. [He] is being treated fairly well. If you want to have [him] back, pay the fees listed below, and he will return to you at a place you call Sugarcube Corner. Fees: [7,000,000]$ Pay at the link below.

Whitelilygang.pony

Many tears fell from both Diamond Tiara’s and Upscale's eyes that night.