It was the first day of April, and a gentle wind swept by. Their manes blowing in the spring breeze, Viridian and Buffy sat under a petite laced umbrella on cushioned seats, awaiting their orders from the French-influenced cafe. Their location of choice had been chosen carefully - their meal would be a treat to Viola to make up for whatever disastrous change had struck her over the past night. It was fancy and upperclass, suiting to the musician's tastes, and they had been sure to request a crème brûlée, one of her favourites. To be honest, the clumsy Buffy felt out of place here where everything was so intricately crafted - even the tables had complex patterns etched into their legs. The lavender mare was also worried about her friend's reaction to their prank. Viola was not the joking type, and she had already been rather upset at the prank they had done last year (though all it consisted of was them telling her they had "made a major change to her house", when they hadn't done anything at all) - had they gone too far this time? On the other hoof, Viridian was sure that they couldn't have done much harm, and that Viola would quickly learn to loosen up and have fun like them.
Viola, Viridian and Buffy had been friends for as long as they could remember. Viridian still remembered how she could hear Viola's music from her house across the street. The young filly enjoyed playing with her windows open, and being the talented pony she was, nopony complained about the relaxing melodies that flowed from her room. Contrarily, not a soul enjoyed it when Viridian blasted party music from her speakers, except for Buffy, who may have enjoyed the constant, albeit negative, attention brought to her and her pals - being noticed always feels good no matter how it happened. Buffy was always open to Viola's friendship, and like many ponies in the neighbourhood, admired her skills. If her memory didn't fail her, it was Viola who truly created the bond between them. Viridian looked back at the time when the uptight musician was, in her opinion, friendlier. Though she still enjoyed Viola's company, she secretly wished that her friend could be more like her.
"I just hope everything goes fine," Buffy said. Her statement instantaneously garnered laughter from the mare beside her: "You're poison joking, right?" After a pause to allow for a small giggle in response to her pun, she continued: "Viola may seem mean at times, but honestly she's a good friend to all of us! She can't stay angry for long."
"And what if the poison joke doesn't work? It is the first time we tried it."
"Come on! We read an article on the Internet about it, so it must be true."
"You're right. Why would anyone go on the Internet and tell lies?"
The two had been too caught up in conversation to notice the figure standing directly behind them. "SURPRISE!" Viola shouted as she drenched the duo with a bucketful of water. Buffy and Viridian turned around and examined the mare through locks of dripping hair. Her coat was the same vibrant shade of purple, and her eyes were still glimmeringly lilac, but her mane has been done in two pigtails and she was quite obviously as naked as the day she was born. Viola never left the house without sporting an extravagant garment - and it had to be in the latest fashion. In addition, she had always criticised pigtails for being a childish hairdo. Seeing such drastic changes was really an extraordinary sight, leaving Buffy and Viridian completely lost for words.
"Oh come on girls, it's April Fools! Don't be so gloomy!" Viola reached out and put a hoof on each of Buffy's cheeks, stretching her expression into an exaggerated smile. "I'm surprised you two haven't come up with any pranks of your own." This voice was high pitched and squeaky and lacked the upperclass accent that lingered in Viola's original way of speech. Buffy exchanged looks with Viridian, and just as the latter was about to voice her opinion on this new, more energetic Viola, the two were caught in a warm, enthusiastic embrace by their friend. "Honestly, you two are the best friends anypony could wish for."
According to their original schedule, their next destination would've been the concert hall - to attend an orchestral performance that Viola had been looking forward to for a good few months. But now, that was not where she wanted to go - instead she suggested they head towards the amusement park. It was a glistening parade of spectacles and rides which looked ever more amazing from the heightened peak of the roller-coaster. The wind swept through their manes as they observed their surroundings amidst the screams and shrieks of joy and fear combined. Every corner was lit up with the radiance of a happy face. The bright painted coats of the thrilling rides glimmered in the sunlight. Young fillies and colts lined up for a friendly clown who was making balloon animals with his unicorn magic. In a world of technology, sights like this were rare and treasured, and at that moment, Buffy and Viridian knew this would be a day to remember. Even though the former was still wary about the new Viola, Viridian was overjoyed that Viola finally wasn't so solemn, and was able to enjoy the simple things in life rather than only appreciate things that are extravagant and upperclass. It was what she had always wanted - Viola would now be the perfect friend.
Upon alighting the ride, Viola demanded that they rode it once more, despite clear signs that Buffy was going to be sick. "Come on, don't be a spoilsport! It will be fun!" exclaimed the mare, which spawned the response of an unsatisfied glare from her friend. "What's the problem? What's wrong with enjoying yourself with your friends?"
"THAT'S JUST IT!" Buffy replied angrily, "I'm not enjoying myself here. I knew this was a bad idea! The real Viola would care about us more than her own entertainment!" She stormed off as the other two remained in silence.
Viridian didn't go after her friend. Sooner or later, Buffy's eyes would be opened to how much better New Viola was, right? But as the day went by, Viridian finally understood that she was in the wrong - New Viola may be good in some ways, but nopony could ever replace her true self.
As they soaked in the herbal remedy, Viridian gave Viola and Buffy an apology, which was quickly accepted by the latter. As for Viola? Though she initially seemed upset about missing the concert, she eventually wrapped her friends in a warm hug, saying a sentence that was all too familiar: "Honestly, you two are the best friends anypony could wish for." She paused, then added, "But please, darlings, do stop with the April Fools pranks! I simply cannot believe I walked outside stark naked!"
Now treasuring her friends more than ever, Viridian wrote an email to the Princess of the Internet describing what she had learnt:
Dear Pixel Wavelength,
Today I learnt that my friends are the best just the way they are. Though it may be fun for them to be similar to me, our differences is what truly brings harmony amongst us. After this experience, I now have learnt to enjoy Viola's interests, just as she has been willing to accept mine.
Your friend forever,
Viridian Meadows
