Author's Note
This is my first experimentation of slife of life and sad stories. I don't want comments being too critical as I don't plan on doing these type of stories too often. I wrote this as a way to get an idea out and try my hand at these genres of writing. As usual please like, fav, or follow.
A Night Out (EDITED)
Rebuilding Bridges
-12:13 A.M.-
It was a dark night in the city of Ponyville, as most of the shops at this time of night were closed. Bars were the only places open at this hour where some people were drinking their problems away, celebrating, or just bored. For one young lady on the other side of town in a bar called "The Berry Punch", it was the former.
This lady was from out of town and was visiting the bar that normally didn't attract too much customers on this side of the city, as it was on the outskirts. Most of the townsfolk would go more into the city than drive farther away to another bar, but for her this was perfect. Her friend lived a bit outside of the town, and close enough to come to the bar. The Berry Punch is also secluded and would normally hold only the bartender on hand, which is perfect for tonight as this woman wanted to talk to her friend a bit privately that night.
Sitting all by herself in the bar at the front, she was sitting alone on a stool with her fluff collared brown jacket, white t-shirt, jeans that looked like they weren't clean for a while, brown boots, and short, white hair. While twiddling with her thumbs to wait for her friend to show up, if she ever did, the female bartender came up to her and asks, "You still waiting for somebody?"
The woman simply replies, "Yeah."
"Bad relationship issues?" asked the bartender.
Still not turning her gaze to the person soeaking to her she responded, "You could say that."
"Judging by how you look and acting, you're nervous about meeting with him again aren't you?" as the bartender analyzed.
"Her.." the woman corrected.
After being corrected, the bartender confusingly replied, "'Scuse me?"
"It's a she, you dweeb", as the woman corrects and insults her.
"Oooh, I didn't know you rolled like that," coos the bartender.
Angered at this display of mocking, the woman pounds down on the counter then turned to her and shouted, "It's not like that goddammit!"
This scared the bartender and made her jump a bit at this retaliation. The woman then collected herself and repeated softly, "It's not like that." Feeling guilty for the comment, the bartender replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to judge." The woman apologized as well, "No, I'm sorry for shouting. I'm still getting my anger under control. I'm not used to talking to other people that often." "That's okay, I shouldn't have tried to pry into your life," apologized the bartender.
A few moments pass by between the both of them. Trying to get this conversation more positive, the bartender asks, "What's your name?" Caught off guard by the question the woman replied, "What's that?" The bartender repeated herself, "What's your name?" "What is it that you just said about prying into people's business you dweeb?" said the snarky woman. "What's with the comeback? You five or something? I'm just asking for your name, plain and simple," said the annoyed bartender. The woman then answered with a gruff, "My name is Gilda."
Happy to hear a response, the bartender continued with, "Great to meet you. I'm Berry Punch. I'm the owner of this bar." Almost feeling to snicker at the name, Gilda snarkily replied, "Really? Judging by your name, I thought you were the mascot." Berry Punch chuckled at the remark. Although being the owner and the bartender, she isn't dressed to look either of those parts. She was dressed with a poofy dress and purple shades. She could've almost been taken by mistook for going to a costume party, at least by Gilda's sense of fashion. "I dress this way to keep up the spirits of my costumers by giving them something happy to see once in a dull day," said a happy Berry Punch. Gilda took this as a way for Berry to make sure her customers had to leave in an angry or sad mood after having one too many drinks.
"So where do you hail from? You look like you don't live around here," questioned Berry Punch. Feeling like Berry Punch wasn't going to stop with the questions, she might as well had to entertain the bartender with her life's story while she was at it. Before she answered, she took out her pack of cigarettes to try and calm her nerves. She popped one out and decided to light it up. As she did Berry quickly rejected this notion by taking the cigarette out of her mouth and saying, "Sorry Gilda, no smoking in bar." Berry then dowsed the stick and threw it in the garbage disposal. With no other choice but to comply, Gilda then decided to get it over with and continue with Berry's question.
"I come a town called Griffonstone," says Gilda with a displeasing tone. Berry's face then frown from that answer. Gilda responded as if the place she came from was a terrible place. "I've heard about that place from a couple of customers of mine. The town is filled with thugs and brute around every city block. No one can be trusted their, not even their own families. It must be a terrible place to live there. Some even came from there once and moved here to get away from that dreadful town," narrated Berry with a concerned look on her face. "Yeah, figures. Many people that grew up there either move away and never come back, or live there their whole lives being arrogant and selfish dicks. Or end up being in a coffin from the crime and gang activity," said the angered Gilda as she turned her head away from Berry. "Man, the people there sound very horrible," Berry said distastefully. Gilda slammed her hands on the bar and shouted, "You got something to say to my face?!" Gilda is clearly agitated by her remark and is looking to start a fight. Berry got scared from this show of ferocity. "I didn't indicate I was talking about you specifically, I'm sorry," reiterated Berry.
Berry clearly didn't want to indicate this about Gilda. Berry was more thinking out loud than anything. Gilda calms down and sits back on the stool. "I'm sorry about what I said. I should just stop talking now," said a sheepish and apologetic Berry as she was about to walk away. "No don't. Again, I'm still getting my anger under control. I'm always on edge when I talk to people, as if they're going to stab me in the back," explained Gilda. "That's understandable, considering from where you grew up. But I shouldn't have brought up that comment in the first place," Berry apologizeed. "Well, one step at a time," responded Gilda as she smirked. Berry wondered who this person Gilda was waiting for then asked, "Where is this friend of yours anyway? I hope she can talk about some things you've got under wraps."
Gilda then heard the front entrance door open and saw the friend she was expecting. "That's what I'm hoping for tonight," said an expectant Gilda. Wearing a sky blue cut-off hoodie and shorts, sporting blue sneakers with rainbow socks, and short hair that looked like the rainbow went right through it, her friend Rainbow Dash finally appeared at the bar. Dash noticed Gilda at the front counter and walked over then sat on the stool next to her. Berry Punch noticed Rainbow and welcomed her, "Oh, hi Rainbow Dash."
"So this was the friend she was expecting, what a coincidence," Berry thought. "Sup Berry," Dash replied. "I didn't know you were the friend that Gilda here was waiting for," said a surprised Berry. Dash smoothly replied, "Yeah I am. Gilda and I may not look like it, but we've been friends for a long time." Gilda felt like she was missing something in this conversation then asked Dash, "Wait, you know this dweeb?" Berry interrupted and responded, "Of course I do. Rainbow Dash is one of my regulars. She enjoys all of the cider I import here and out of Ponyville." "Yep, and I know Gilda here is not going to out drink me tonight," says a confident Dash. As Dash said that she pulled in Gilda for a hug, with Gilda rolling her eyes from that awkward moment. Dash released Gilda as Berry asked, "What can I get for you Dash?" Dash with no hesitation replied, "Two of the usual." Berry writes it down and says, "You got it."
As by routine, she grabbed two bottles from under the bar and passed them over to Rainbow Dash. Dash took one bottle and handed the other to Gilda. Gilda saw the label read, "Apple Family Cider". Gilda refused saying, "Sorry, I don't want a drink. I just want to-" Dash interrupted her by saying, "C'mon Gilda, don't be such a dweeb yourself. This is the best shit in town! My friend Applejack knows how to make the greatest cider ever." Not wanting to tone down her excitement, she wholeheartedly accepted the drink. Dash was about to get her cash out when Berry had put her hand out in refusal and said with a smile, "They're on the house for tonight." Dash in surprise replied, "Wow! Thanks a bunch Berry!"
As Dash went to consume her drink, Berry motioned Gilda to lean forward. Gilda did so and Berry whispered, "Have a good night. I hope you and your friend talk about whatever you need."
Gilda then tried to grab her but Berry left with a wink and stuck out her tounge as she disappeared into the kitchen leaving only Gilda and Rainbow Dash at the counter. Dash was downing her drink, but Gilda didn't even touch her drink yet. Dash noticed this and elbowed her friend to drink it. Gilda took her bottle and took a sip. The alcohol had the apple taste, and had a sweet flavoring taste along with the sudsy sensation of the drink going down her throat. After taking the sip, Gilda looked over to Dash and shrugs, indicating it was okay.
A few minutes pass without a word from either of them as they continued to drink their beer. Breaking the silence, Dash asked Gilda the obvious question, "So, why did you ask me out here tonight?" Gilda got straight to the point without a second thought, "I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things." "Like what?", asked Rainbow Dash. Gilda started to collect her thoughts. As she did, she went to take another sip of the beer and continued, "After you and your friend left my town a couple of weeks ago, I've been doing some thinking on how our friendship will go from here." Dash laughed and responded with a smirk, "What is there to think about? We became friends at camp, discontinued our friendship after Pinkie Pie's party, then continued our friendship in your town, problem solved."
Gilda slammed her bottle down with a groan and said, "No it isn't. You think problems can be solved so easily and that it doesn't need a second thought." Dash turned to her confused and annoyed, "Look, if there is anything you need to say, say it. You called me out here for something, so what is it?" "I still have some unfinished business with you. One that can't be summarized after you left," said a disgruntled Gilda as she went back to her drink. "Well spit it out will ya? I'm all ears," answered Rainbow Dash. Gilda stopped drinking for a moment and let out a sigh. She replied in a dejected tone, "I want to apologize." Rainbow Dash tilted her head and asked, "For what?". "For how much of a jerk I acted to you and your friends," said a glum Gilda. Dash scoffed at this and replied, "Pfff, is that it? Water under the bridge.""No it isn't!", Gilda shouted at Dash, but calmed herself again and continued, "Let me explain."
Dash saw that Gilda was trying all she can to find the right words and building enough courage to talk to her. "You and Pinkie Pie already came by my town and saw how terrible of a place it has become ever since it went downhill. It was either you or no one else to look out for you in that place. I felt I had to defend myself being there," said Gilda in despair. Dash remembered when she and Pinkie went to Griffonstone, every person was a jerk and wanted bits for everything they wanted them to do, it was ridiculous. Worst of all, the people in that town were so rude and resentful towards them, not even Pinkie's happiness could make the citizens smile once. Rainbow Dash then understood why Gilda acted like that after she and Pinkie left. Dash then saw tears forming in Gilda eyes and heard her choking up on her words as she continued to speak. Not wanting to interrupt her speech, Gilda continued.
"You became my friend when we were in camp together when no one else did, whether if I was an easy target for bullies or because of what I am. But after we left camp and we drifted apart, I felt all alone again. Life in town never got any better and many of my friends started to leave town, or got involved with the gang and were never the same person I knew. So I thought of our old days at camp and decided to meet you after I caught wind of you moving to Ponyville." Dash still remembered the day Gilda came to her place in Ponyville after so many years. She was happy to meet her old friend and wanted to spend that day hanging out and mess around with the townsfolk. When they were spending time, it felt like the old days. Then when Pinkie brought up about Gilda's attitude towards everyone, Rainbow Dash shrugged it off as Gilda being Gilda. When Gilda was getting fierce with Pinkie at the welcome party, Dash stepped in and defended her. Gilda left after that and that was the last Dash saw of her in over a year.
Dash felt that it would've been better to leave their friendship in the garbage afterwards, but Dash almost didn't feel right after Gilda left that day. Maybe this was what Gilda was feeling now. "After meeting you again after many years, I felt that we could rekindle our friendship, but I acted out on my aggressive emotions and became jerks to everybody in town. Then, when I heard you disown our friendship at the party, I felt that was the end of everything for me. After I left, I didn't know if I would ever get another friend in my life."
Gilda was becoming more somber as she was trying to fight back the tears even more. Dash was being moved by Gilda's struggle. "Then when you came back to my town and we became friends again, I felt my world was being restored again. I didn't want to approach you right away, cause I felt you still held a grudge over me after what happened at that time. Your friend Pinkie showed me how to spread happiness and kindness along my town and befriend all of my neighbors. I knew I could make a change for the better and make a brighter future for my town by trying to combat the violence and become a positive influence not only on the citizens, but for the future generation. I knew then that I would never be alone again if I fought for that dream," said Gilda as her spirits started to brighten.
Dash smiled at her friend's change in lifestyle and drinks her beer. "Which is why I asked you to come out here so I can apologize for how I acted, and that we could start our friendship again. Will you be my friend again?", asked Gilda with a forced smile. Without hesitation, Dash punched Gilda in the shoulder and said, "Shut up. You don't have to apologize for anything to be my friend." Gilda then returned to wipe away a tear and fistbumped Dash as they fixed their broken bridge. In the darkness of the hallway near the kitchen, Berry Punch looked over the corner with happiness and went back into the kitchen.
"After this is all over, I want to talk to Pinkie Pie and thank her for the happiness and comfort she gave me the proper way, and for helping me make my Griffonscones delicious again," said Gilda. "That's Pinkie for ya. Knows how to make people happy, and makes delicious treats all at the same time," Dash replied with a smile. Rainbow Dash raised her beer bottle in a toast and said, "To friends?" Gilda raised her glass too and replied, "To friends." Then their bottles cling together as they went back to drinking.
After they had a couple of more drinks at the bar, they left and even though Berry rejected the first time, Rainbow Dash insisted on paying for the other batch of cider and left with Gilda. They both walked towards Rainbow Dash's house as it was a close 10 minute walk from her house. Even if it was on top of a hill, this was nothing to the both of them as their bodies were built for much tougher environments. They both got to the house and entered. Rainbow Dash and Gilda wanted to talk about their old days of camp and went out onto the back porch to talk. They talked for about over half an hour reminiscing. Gilda and Dash were both laughing of certain experiences back at camp.
"Hahahahaha, remember we teepeed the counselor's cabin that one year for Nightmare Night and had to clean the toilets for a whole month?", said a giddy Gilda. "Or the time we pushed Hoop's bed onto the lake and he woke up the next morning and he fell into the lake?", added a nostalgic Rainbow Dash. They both let out a sigh of bliss as they collected their laughter. Then Gilda brought up another memory. "Oooh this one was a good one. The time we got caught bringing alcohol into the cabins and got caught by the counselors. We almost got kicked out of camp because of that!", said a happy Gilda. "Yeah, I remember. That was one heck of a night. A bunch of teenage girls getting drunk with their cabin mates. Like I needed to stay there any longer and be even less awesome than I'm already am," replied Dash.
They both laughed a bit more of their misadventures and relaxed a bit under the stars on the porch. The night air felt so good and relaxing to the both of them that they would want to sleep on a cloud. Gilda then got up from her chair and went over to lean on the railing. She took out her pack of cigarettes and tried to light one up again. Hopefully this time Dash didn't mind it unlike Berry. Dash saw this and got up as well. She went on over and said, "So you still smoke, huh?"
With cigarette in mouth Gilda replied, "Yeah, but that's just me when you're from a town of bad influences. At least I didn't get addicted to the much harder stuff." Before she could light it up, Dash stopped her and said, "Wait, do it inside. It's getting cold out here." Gilda not one to be polite or concerned, and that was rare for her, questioned, "You okay with me smoking inside?" Rainbow Dash replied, "It's my place, it won't harm anybody else." Not wanting to deny her, they both went inside into the dark house. They didn't bother to light up the house because they originally planned to be on the porch. They went over to the kitchen with the only light being over the central counter. Both of them took off their sweatshirts. "Now you can smoke. Just don't burn my house down," snickered Rainbow Dash.
Gilda chuckled it off as she lights up with her cigarette and dragged. She let out of plumage of smoke as it rose to the ceiling. The smoke hovered there with the center light making the room barely dim enough to see it and anything else in the room. Gilda thinks Rainbow Dash should change that light bulb. Not wanting to question anything, she went back to her cigarette. Rainbow Dash then went to one of the drawers as if she was looking for something. "On a night like this, I felt this was a special occasion to have a smoke," said a calm Gilda. "You said it," Dash agreed as she placed an ashtray on the countertop and her own pack of cigarettes. Gilda, caught off guard and surprised said, "You smoke too?" Dash smiling impishly replied, "The both of us were bad influences at camp. Remember the time we tried smoking when we were both teens?"
Gilda remembered that day. The both of them decided to sneak out one night when they were both 16, and when behind their cabin to smoke some cigarettes. Gilda stole a pack from one of the camp counselor's desk and they both took one. Of course they both coughed it up the first time, but after several nights they got used to it. It didn't last long until they were both caught sneaking out one night that they were punished not only for stealing but for smoking on camp grounds. They were both separated into different cabins and put into different groups for the rest of that summer. It was a cruel punishment for them both, but that didn't stop them from acting mischievous, yet they never did smoke again after that night.
"Yeah, man did they punish us for that pretty badly. I only got hooked again because, well, my town," answered Gilda. Rainbow Dash took one cigarette out of her pack and said, "I went back after that party the day you left. I bought myself a pack and smoked the whole night. It was painful for me to say those things to you, and I wanted to forget about it." Gilda then feels guilty for maybe causing this to happen to her friend. She flicked the ash off her stick and took another drag. Rainbow Dash then continued, "But I now know you felt the same after that day as well. So we can start over again." Gilda smile as she blew smoke in her face as a sign of teasing, "Like I can start over with you. We're friends to the end." Rainbow Dash didn't get phased by the smoke and said, "And that's how I like it. We're like sisters you and I. So it wouldn't be surprising if we did things together."
Rainbow Dash put the cigarette in her mouth as Gilda handed her the lighter. She lights it up as Dash drags and exhales through her nostrils. They both smiled and chuckled from silence. They continued to smoke and pick up the conversation about their misadventures of camp. After a few minutes of talking, Gilda asked, "What you said about us being sisters, is that true?" Dash drags on her cigarette as she spoke and replied, "Of course I was," smoke came out as she spoke, "You and I don't have much in the run in terms of family bond or siblings to tease, so you and I hanging out and messing around at camp was like us being sisters together. I mean every word when I say that."
Gilda smiled and chuckled under her breath from the corny response. She looked away trying to look not affected and dragged her cigarette. She blew out smoke and turned back to Dash. "Well, you and I need to hang out a bit more and hit the night out on the town sometime," offers Gilda. Dash liking the idea of this replied, "Yeah, and I can bring some of my friends along for the ride. They'll love getting to know the real you." Gilda nodded to this in agreement. This was a good idea for her to do and making amends with Rainbow Dash. She rekindled her friendship and has also made a sister in the process. "Thank you," whispered Gilda. "What was that?", questioned Dash. Gilda chuckled and replied, "Nothing." The two continue to smoke in the kitchen and talked about their lives for the remainder of that night. For they had rebuilt the bridge to their friendship.
