The Cards we're Dealt

The next morning was bright and sunny, not a single cloud in the sky save for my bedding. I always liked summer days like these, it was warm, relaxing and the general feel of the weather was that of bliss. I laid on the cloud staring up into the blue sky, the wind running through my mane. I sighed with content and joy knowing that today was definitely going to go well. Soon I hopped off, and trotted right toward the bakery from yesterday. I pushed the door open, a bell chiming as I did,greeted by Pinkie Pie jumping out of nowhere and shouting,

“HI!” She grinned wider than anypony I had ever seen, staring at me with her eyes as wide as dinner plates. She shook and jumped around, like a giddy school filly.

“OhmygoshIcan’tbeleaveyou’rehereandworkingfortheCakesIactullythoughtMr.Cakeactuallywouldn’thireyouforasecondbuthedidandnowyoucanactuallybunkwithmeandwe’llbebunkbuddies-” She contnued on and on, her words never ending. I honestly began to wonder if she had known what a period was. I zoned her out and went into the kitchen hoping that Mr.Cake would give me my first orders to deliver. He saw me enter and gave me a warm smile.

“You’re early, very good! I like a punctual employee!” He gave me a baker’s cap and a light pink apron

“This is your uniform.” He said. I gave him a bit of a wince, a little embarrassed that I’d have to wear a bit of a girly uniform, but work was work and I guess I could deal with looking like a girly stallion if it meant I didn’t need to live under a bridge. After receiving my outfit I changed, emerging shortly after trying to accommodate my body in the rather stiff uniform. With a grunt and a smile I approached Mr.Cake who passed me a few boxes of pastries and other treats.

“We’ve got a big haul today, make it back before 6 PM and I’ll be happy, but don’t stop to smell the roses or talk to the mares, no matter how pretty they may be.” I rolled my eyes, though I also knew that the lecture was what he had to say to anypony who got the job.

“While you’re out delivering, we’re finishing new orders to be delivered and new orders come in as well. We’re in the busy season, so you’ll be making large amounts of deliveries. I’m certain you can do it though, so don’t fret!” He gave me a gentle pat on the head and followed me outside. There was a cart that I would be hauling my deliveries in. I breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief as a joke

“For a second I thought you’d be having me carry these pastries the whole time.” He smiled and chuckled lightly

“I could, but I won’t.” He joked back . Soon I had the harness around my body, and I was off to make my first delivery. First was a delivery of twenty-five cannolis to a Ms. Cheerilee, at the school house, for a school picnic. I skimmed the map given to me sparingly, finding my landmarks and heading in the general direction of the school. Having set out northbound as I usually did I made my way there, though it proved to be a bigger challenge than I had thought. I had experience telling landmarks in the wild. Gnarled oaks or leveled mesas, but trying to navigate a town or city was harder, half the landmarks I realized were no longer around. Regardless, I managed to find it with little trouble, and judging by the lone mare I must have been early.

“Not too hard to find I suppose.” I noticed a mare setting up a long picnic table. She had a very dark pink coat with a light pink mane, flowers for a cutie mark, this is the mare I was looking for! I removed the harness off of me and took the cannoli from the back.

“Excuse me? Ms. Cheerilee?” I called out to her, she turned to me with a pleasant look on her face. She approached me, taking the box from my mouth.

“I’m actually genuinely surprised, you came here earlier than expected. Did you find the school okay?” she told me. I returned her smile with a warm grin of my own.

“No worries, I found it without a problem. This is a nice place for a picnic, I bet the fillies like to come to school with a view like this.” The mare gave me a cheerful smile and replied

“They do! Toward the end of each month I set up a school picnic for my students.” I was getting a little curious

“Why is that exactly?” I asked.

“Because I like being a fun teacher! I’m not called ‘Cherilee’ for nothing Aero.” I was caught off guard at her mention of my name.

“Wait... what did you just call me?”

“Aero, that is your name isn’t it? Aerohead?” I was stunned, I felt like that I was in a bizarre dream. I nervously chuckled and asked

“How did you know my name? We’ve never met until today.” She giggled lightly, her sunny expression not dropping for a moment.

“Things around here spread pretty quickly. Mrs.Cake told her friend Aloe at the spa that she and her husband hired a new delivery colt, Aloe told her sister, who told Matilda, whose daughter is one of my students, who told me.” I was pretty surprised that all of that moved between ponies within a day. I shook off the confusion and smiled,

“Well it’s good to know that everypony is so kind to each other here. You all seem to value friendship quite a bit.”

“This town has always had a great sense of community, ever since Granny Smith founded the town years ago..” she gave a slight titter, I responded with a chuckle of my own before I finally cut to the chase.

“That’ll be twenty-five bits please.” She gave me a small sack, and with a smile she told me

“Keep the change, consider it a tip for showing up so early.” I looked into the little purse, counting up the bits. In total she had given me thirty-five bits, a ten bit tip! I had a moment of victory and quickly went back to the cart and put the harness back onto myself and looked onto my delivery list. Next was an order of fifteen tea cakes, to a Ms.Rarity at The Carousel Boutique. I nodded and read that the paper said that it was close to the southern end of town. Turning back I headed out toward the town square. The small town seemed so much bigger with all these ponies conversing with one another. I started heading south toward this ‘Carousel Boutique’. I was suddenly greeted from afar by a sales pony who appeared to sell sofas and quills. He didn’t call me by my name but he referred to me as ‘The Cake’s new delivery colt’ I was surprised to see how many ponies knew of me already. I eventually made my way to the boutique and soon realized that I’ve seen this building once before. I saw it when Pinkie whisked me away to the bakery, I remember passing it even. I smiled at the memory and knocked on the front door

“Delivery!” I shouted letting the customer know who was at the door. Oddly enough there was no response, so I tried again

“Excuse me! Delivery!” this time I heard a faint voice response in a sing song tone

“Just one minute, darling.” it was a sweet, melodious voice, as though she was a siren. I cleared my thoughts and waited for her to open the door. It didn’t take long before she did, she brushed her long, purple mane from her face, staring at me with her blue eyes. I smiled politely, motioning to the cart,

“Your tea cakes ma’am, that’ll be thirty bits please.” She gasped, completely shocked. I jumped in surprise, then bit my lip, nervous I might have summed up the price incorrectly. I mumbled to myself the price again. Fifteen tea cakes two bits per cake, makes thirty bits total. I was right.

“What’s the matter ma’am? Did I forget something?” I asked her, holding out the cake box with the tea cakes. Her eyes suddenly shone like sapphires, sparked by realization as she leaned forward,

“Your outfit darling! It just... it brings out your mane and your complexion so well! And the baker’s cap makes everything tie all together! I never thought a simple baker’s uniform could be so adorable!” She eyed every inch of my uniform, telling me how good it looked on me.

“It’s just a mare’s uniform on a stallion, Manehatten’s Red Light district more or less has the same thing...” She still observed me all over, every inch was inspected.

“Yes, but you make it look so good! Pink brings out your coat’s color! and the fact that it’s pretty tight on you makes it all the more cute!” She obsessed over my uniform as I stood there hearing the praise from her. I honestly thought it was patronizing,

“Listen, that’s thirty bits for your tea cakes ma’am, I really can’t stick around I have other deliveries to make.” She interrupted me.

“Oh puh-leas darling, you’ve delivered my order so early that I think you’ve earned yourself a cup of tea!” She stepped aside and motioned for me to step inside

“Please come in, take a seat have some tea!” she insisted. I politely obliged, shrugging off the harness and stepped inside, despite Mr.Cake’s warning. The boutique had a refined look to it, clean and organized. The scenery was so relaxing and charming, it reminded me of the marble structures of Canterlot that ‘the best architects in Equestria had built’. The mare lead me to a living room, where she had set up a tea set, she took a seat and poured herself a cup.

“I was hoping that my friend Fluttershy would be able to come, but the poor dear has to take care of her pet rabbit. Her pet had recently come down with a terrible case of the flu.” She mixed in her sugar and cream as she spoke, levitating the teapot, the tea cup, sugar, cream, a spoon, it was amazing how much she was able to manipulate at once without breaking eye contact.

“Please, sit.” she asked, politely motioning for me to take a seat across from her. I did so as she took a sip from her tea.

“I’m sorry darling, while I was observing your marvelous uniform I never gave you my name. I am Rarity, fashionista extraordinaire!” She seemed very proud of her title and occupation, though I personally wouldn’t blame her. Her line of work must get very competitive.

“Yes, I know, your name is on the list of deliveries I’m to make.” she giggled and waved her hoof gently

“Oh don’t be silly, a lady such as myself must make a grand introduction if she is to meet new ponies.” I giggled and nodded as she poured another cup of tea

“Sugar or cream?” she asked. I was surprised that she was actually pouring the tea for me. Most ponies I met seemed to have forgotten hospitality like this,

“S-sugar please, I don’t care for cream really.” She nodded and dropped two sugar cubes into the tea cup.

“I never got your name, mister...” She proceeded

“Aerohead... I’m Aerohead.” She smiled and levitated the teacup to me. I took it and sipped it gently, the hot tea refreshing my parched throat.

“What are you doing here in Ponyville if I may ask, Aerohead? I’ve never seen you around here before.” I smiled and took another sip of tea.

“Before I came here I was just a wanderer, a nomad really. I’ve traveled all across Equestria and I came here to settle down.” She nodded

“But why Ponyville? Why settle down here, and not Canterlot?”

“That place is way beyond my price range unfortunately. But I think it would be pretty nice to live there someday.” Rarity smiled and nodded again. We both took a sip of our tea again, I savored the flavor of the tea, enjoying the herbal taste and sweet, rich flavor. As I finished my tea I smiled and stood up.

“Thank you for the tea, Miss Rarity, but I must make my other deliveries.” she nodded and replied

“I understand, but please feel free to stop by anytime for a cup of tea. I love having visitors! When I’m not working of course,” She paid for her delivery and waved goodbye. Hours later I made all my deliveries, nothing memorable happening after meeting Rarity. As I came to the bakery, a pleased Mr.Cake waited for me.

“How was your first day?” He asked. I responded with a warm smile,

“It went really well, I got a few tips, I managed to make most of my deliveries early even.” He grinned and nodded

“Excellent, so you weren’t distracted by anything?” I laughed nervously, hoping he wouldn’t notice it. Though I already felt like I was sweating stones.

“Yeah, no distractions...” I couldn’t look at him in his eyes, otherwise he’d know I was lying. He didn’t seem to notice though, and answered

“Good, then I’ll let you keep your tips as a bonus!” this brought a smile to my face, knowing that I did well enough to earn a bonus on my first day! I felt victorious! Until Pinkie Pie blurted out,

“But didn’t you stop by the Carousel Boutique for a cup of tea with Rarity? I could have sworn you stayed in there and talked to her for at least thirty minutes!” I quickly jumped in surprise and gulped again I let out a small fit of nervous laughter.

“Pinkie, what are you talking about? All I did was stop by Rarity’s shop and drop off her tea cakes, where did you get the idea that I even went in her shop?” I gave a wide grin hoping that she’d buy it

“Oh that’s easy, I know because I was following you!” My jaw dropped to the floor

“What?! You were spying on me?”

“I wasn’t spying! I was just following you while you didn’t know I was there to make sure you didn’t screw up on your first day.” she grinned as I turned to Mr.cake who gave me a stern look of disappointment.

“Well, Aerohead I have to say that I’m not too happy you lied about not getting distracted, but I suppose everypony got their orders on time. So I’ll let this slide just this once.” I breathed a sigh of relief and bowed my head,

“Thank you Mister Cake I promise it won’t happen again! You have my word.” Pinkie then whispered into my ear

“Do you Pinkie Promise?”, startled I jumped into the air.

“If you pinkie promise you can’t ever break it! Never ever ever ever ever! That’s four evers Aero, that’s like... forever!” Pinkie’s antics were starting to drive me crazy, but if it meant that I could show Mr.cake I wouldn’t break this promise then I’d do so gladly.

“Okay okay, I Pinkie promise.” The Bubbly mare shook her head

“No no, Aero, you gotta do all the motions! ‘cross my heart hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.’“ She performed a gesture for each action of this ‘Pinkie Promise’ and I followed suit.

“Good, now Mr.Cake can trust you again!” she exclaimed. She hopped over to the staircase and went up into her room.

“Alright Aerohead, you salary will be two-hundred fifty bits, plus the tips.” He handed me a small coin purse full of bits then patted me on my head.

“Be here same time tomorrow, and please, don’t get distracted next time.” I sighed and nodded, though I knew that if I saw that mare again, that wouldn’t be an easy task!
The sun was still high over ponyville, I guessed maybe another hour or so before sunset. I decided to take this time to explore Ponyville further, perhaps finding a place more suitable for resting as the pegasi seemed to be planning an all night shower. Sleeping on a raincloud was not totally uncomfortable; the possibility of it becoming haze and letting me fall to my death was less pleasant. Barely taking a few steps away from the Sugar Cube Corner, I could hear my stomach growling lightly. Despite that mare sharing some of her tea cakes with me, it wasn’t exactly what I would call filling. I could return to the bakery, surely Pinkie would offer me some kind of food, and I’m certain Mr. Cake wouldn’t mind giving me some at a discounted price. I shook off the thought, as convenient for my bits that would be; I could not impose so much, nor can I stand having nothing but sweets.
I opted for satisfying my savory tastes. Heading northeast to what I assumed must have been a farmer’s market. Much of what were stalls and vendors were packing away their wares for the night. I noticed some fruits and vegetables more appetizing than those in the city, and many of the floral offerings, consumable and decorative only faintly smelled of pesticide, A scent I always hated, the market seemed to carry more organic fruits and vegetables which was fine by me, perhaps another perk of living near the countryside. I continued clockwise, crossing what I suspected to be the business district. Signs hung cheerfully outside storefronts, some ponies closing blinds, picking up samples. Others were barely opening up or were getting an increase in customers, most likely ponies that had been hard at work during the day coming for a night of relaxation. It reminded me of when I accompanied the caravans and how we used to swap stories and drink cider around the campfire. A sudden shiver passed over me. I missed that companionship I used to have; I was tempted to make a firepit on the outskirts of town, for old times sakes. I shook my head, memories like that I would have to learn to detach my emotions from. That’s why I wanted to stop travelling, so I could stop being alone.

Returning from my thoughts I found a stand selling daisy sandwiches, An old favorite of mine. The stallion there looked at me with heavy eyes. He yawned and rested his head onto his hoof

“How may I help you?” His voice monotone and low, I almost didn’t hear him. I nodded and ordered,

“One large daisy sandwich please.”

“Would you like to add hay fries to that?” I shrugged, I thought hay fries were alright but nothing to go crazy over, but hearing my stomach growl again made me think that maybe I should get the extra side.

“Yes please.” The stallion went to the back of his stall to make the order, and within minutes it was done.

“Ten bits please.” He said, his voice still monotone and bland.I paid for my meal and went on my way to find a decent dwelling to stay in, even if it was just tonight. It didn’t take long, but I found a decent apartment that had a down payment of one hundred bits, and a rent of seventy five a month. The apartment had a small kitchen, a small bedroom and a decently sized living room. Making my payment and signing the paperwork I found my way to the washroom.

“Okay Aero, after work tomorrow, meet your neighbours. Make some friends, don’t be afraid! You got this!” Looking into the mirror and splashing water on my face I tried to motivate myself to be more social tomorrow. I hoped I wouldn’t chicken out, and swore that I would kick my own rump if I did. I laid into my new bed and drifted away into slumber