Story of Diane Pie: Role in Lifeby Middle GroundChaptersChapter 2 - The Sugar RushChapter 3 - Emotional Days part 1Chapter 4 - Emotional Days part 2Chapter 5 - Not-so Sweet part 1Chapter 6 - Not-so Sweet part 2Chapter 7 - Comic Blues part 1Chapter 8 - Comic Blues part 2Chapter 9 - Comic Blues part 3Chapter 10 - Patching HeartsChapter 1 - Feeling Determined!Chapter 2 - The Sugar RushIt has taken us several days of planning and preparation, we have made many different kinds of pastries, cakes, and other baked goods, and 'Sweet Hearts' is all ready for the many customers that were to come on this day. Right now, it is the time of the parade and the city was buzzing with excitement and the streets are full of attractions for the tourists. Tough Love and I are now making the finishing touches on the preparations before opening. "Plates full of assorted cookies?" Tough Love was going over a list of all the stuff we'll be selling to the customers. "Check! Chocolate chip, peanut butter, cinnamon, raisin, all ready." I looked over all the plates. "Platters of assorted muffins and cupcakes?" I could tell Tough Love was focused. "Check! Blueberry, walnut, chocolate, strawberry, all in a row." They all looked really good. "And all the pies are ready to go. I think we're set. But the real question is...are you ready?" Tough Love placed her list on the front desk. "No...." I was so scared. I saw all those customers waiting outside and I feel my hooves hurting already. Tough Love chuckled, "I know how you feel. You get used to it after a couple of times. You better get ready because we're opening right now." She made her way to the door and was ready to open the bakery. I gulped with expectation as I readied myself for the busiest day I have ever gotten. "And we are open!" Tough Love opened the door and customers started flooding into the bakery like we were selling candy to fillies. For several minutes, I was overwhelmed by what seemed like limitless orders from the seemingly endless visiting customers. I ran back and forth to satisfy the customers and I carried out their orders without delay...thankfully. Finally, after nearly three hours of running and taking orders, my break came and I could rest my burning hooves in the break room. "Well done, Diane. Thanks to you, we got to the halfway point of the Sugar Rush. At this point, the parade will start and most of the customers will start to lessen here. So the rest of the day will be a little easier from here." Thank the Princesses for this...! My four aching hooves rejoiced! Suddenly, we started hearing the sounds of cheers from the break room. "What is going on out there? Is that the parade?" I wasn't expecting it to come near the bakery. "No, the parade doesn't come to this side of town. That is probably my friend visiting right now." Tough Love then left the break room to find out what all the noise was about. I stumbled on my aching hooves out of the break room to see an adult female Earth pony with a light yellow coat, a blue mane and tail, and she was wearing a really flashy outfit. "Hello, everypony! Sapphire Shores is here!" This mare was THE Sapphire Shores! She's an amazing singer and dancer! All of Equestria knows who she is and I nearly squealed! "Glad you could make it, Sapphire. We don't see each other often." Tough Love had already reserved Sapphire Shores her own table. She even vacated the other customers out of the bakery for this private visit. All the ponies outside were going crazy. "Hey there, Toughy! I'm glad you're doing well. I see you're still rockin' the sweets business!" Sapphire Shores sat in her seat and so did Tough Love. I can't believe Tough Love is friends with THE Sapphire Shores! "Hmm? Who is your friend?" Sapphire Shores is looking at me! I feel my hooves turning to jelly, and not because they're tired! "Her name is Diane Pie. She became a part of our little family not too long ago." Tough Love is introducing me to Sapphire Shores! "I see Jubilee is still as sweet as ever! So Diane, are you an employee here?" I wanted to answer Sapphire Shores' question, but my mouth was too tongue-tied to speak actual words. "You left her speechless, Sapphire." Tough Love chuckled. I must look like such a fool. "This happens all the time." Sapphire Shores laughed. No matter how hard I tried, my mouth won't make any words. Why me?! "Diane, would you please go and take Sapphire Shores her order? She doesn't visit this place often." I nodded since my voice wasn't working. "I would like a piece of that cinnamon pie right there. And some milk please." I nodded and rushed to go get Sapphire Shores' order. I willed my legs to move to satisfy the order and quickly delivered it to her. "Oh my! Thank you very much." Sapphire Shores began eating the piece of pie she ordered. I served THE Sapphire Shores! "Diane, I think you're still on your break right now. Could you give us some private time please?" Tough Love sounded a little annoyed, so I quickly left the room and went into the break room. OMG! I met and served THE Sapphire Shores! I sat at the break room table to breathe. But then I realized that I have to get her autograph! I searched for a pen and paper before she leaves. I finally found what I needed and walked over to the door to see Tough Love and Sapphire Shores enjoying their private time. I then stopped and went back into the break room, realizing that I would only ruin their time together. After nearly thirty minutes, my break had ended. I walked out of the break room to see that they just now ended their private time with Sapphire Shores getting ready to leave. "I wish I could stay longer, but...." Sapphire Shores gave a sigh when she began to leave the bakery. "I know you're pretty busy with being a pop idol. I'm just glad you came to visit again." Tough Love took the plate and glass to the sink after their use. "I'm just glad my agent could let me come and visit at all! I can't even spoil myself every once in a while because of them!" Sapphire Shores gave a pouty face. The life of a pop idol must be really hard.... "Try running a bakery with customers like the ones outside. It's a nightmare." Tough Love laughed. I very much agree.... Sapphire Shores then looked at me, "It was nice meeting you, Diane, and thank you. I enjoyed this visit." I was complimented by THE Sapphire Shores! I then showed my pen and paper to her. "C-Ca...Ca-Ca...n......n....!" My voice had broke just when I wanted to ask for her autograph! Why me?! Why me?! "Yes, you can have my autograph." Sapphire Shores took my pen and paper and wrote her autograph. OMG! OMG! OMG! I got an autograph from THE Sapphire Shores! My eyes sparkled so much I was seeing stars! "You certainly made her happy, Sapphire.... I didn't even know she was such a fan-mare." I could tell Tough Love was not surprised. "I'm just glad I came to visit!" Sapphire Shores laughed as she began making her way to the door. The ponies outside then began squealing as she approached. "Um...Toughy, is there another way out?" Sapphire Shores was too scared to go out the front door. I can't blame her.... "There is a door in the break room. You'll be able to avoid the crazy fans easily." Tough Love then began preparing for the rest of the Sugar Rush. "Thank you, Toughy! I'll be sure to visit when I can! Take care and stay fabulous!" Sapphire Shores then went into the break room to escape the crazy fans. I can't believe I met with THE Sapphire Shores! I'm so happy to be alive! "Alright Diane, time to get back to work. You've had your break and those customers won't stop until the end of the day. Help me get ready." I know something amazing just happened to me, but now I have work to do...and my four hooves and I now feel sad now. Chapter 3 - Emotional Days part 1FINALLY....! After taking so many orders, after serving so many customers, Sweet Hearts can finally close! Tough Love and I have worked our hooves off to satisfy every customer that came to the bakery! I was so tired that I couldn't even feel my poor hooves. I laid my head against the break room table to rest. The day was in the late-afternoon right now and the parade was still going on. "Good job today, Diane. You were a great help today and I couldn't have done it without you." Tough Love looked winded, but she wasn't nearly tired as I was. She is such a pro.... "Alright, I know you're really tired, but we got to close the bakery and head home. We can't keep them waiting too long." Tough Love left the break room to begin closing up shop. I was so tired that I couldn't even feel my hooves. After taking nearly ten minutes to get back on my hooves, I joined Tough Love on the way back. We could see some of the parade floats and giant balloons pass by the city. I even saw one dedicated to Princess Luna. "Sorry we couldn't take the day off to enjoy the parade. I need the money for something." Even though my hooves were aching, what she said caught my attention. "What do you need the money for...? Is it important?" I ignored the pain in my hooves. "Sorry Diane, but I'm not telling. It's a secret." Tough Love winked at me and all that did was confuse me. But I decided to not be nosey. We finally made it home and I was so hungry. We stepped inside and Miss Jubilee waiting for us at the stairs. "Welcome back, you two~! How did it go?!" I was too tired to answer Miss Jubilee's question.... "It went really well. Diane and I cleaned up. I....even saved up enough for....that." I quickly noticed Tough Love sounding...almost afraid. I was confused. Miss Jubilee gave a tense look on her face, "Did you now? And you honestly think he'll keep his word?" I don't know what's going on, but something tells me that Tough Love was in trouble of some kind. "He has to...." Tough Love then left us and went upstairs. "Miss Jubilee, what's wrong with Tough Love? Does it have something to do with the money...?" I know I shouldn't be snooping into other ponies' business, but I felt that I had to know. Miss Jubilee sighed, "I promised not to say anything, but I think I should tell you and Bitter Sweet about it. Day and Charm won't understand...." She looked troubled. I can't even imagine what Tough Love was going through. Suddenly, we then heard the sound of shattering glass and we both ran up the stairs immediately. We then saw Day run up the stairs, looking like she was about to cry her eyes out. We looked over to the kitchen to see a few broken plates on the floor with Bitter Sweet and Charm trying to clean it up. "What happened here?! Why did Day run up the stairs like that?!" Miss Jubilee sounded upset. I frightened me. We then noticed Charm shivering when Miss Jubilee asked her question. "Miss Jubilee, please listen. It wasn't Charm's fault. Just help us clean this up and I'll explain what happened." We then got rid of the broken shards of the plates and sat down in the living room to hear what Bitter Sweet had to say. I saw how frightened Charm was. What ever happened must have been horrible for both Charm and Day. "Alright, this is what happened.... I came home after my day at the office and then I see you, Miss Jubilee, making dinner. You saw Diane and Tough Love arrive at the building and decided to welcome them home. After you left, Day and Charm were both looking at the food you made and decided to set up the table. I wasn't listening at the time because I was looking over some papers listing the appointments I have with some ponies over the next few weeks. And that is when Day dropped all those plates and ran up the stairs. And you know the rest...." Bitter Sweet looked lie he regrets not listening to what was going on and should done something about it. "I didn't mean to upset her...really! I was just helping Day with the plates and stuff and I was telling her about a new comic book one of my friends showed me!" Even now he's still talking about comic books.... "What was this comic book called? What was it about?" We all wanted to know the answer to Miss Jubilee's question. "I think it was called...uh...'Power Ponies and the Treats of White Day'. It was about this Pegasus who gave all these treats and stuff to the city, but it was all a trap! Yeah, that's it!" After Charm described the comic he mentioned, Miss Jubilee was froze up. This cannot be good.... "Oh no.... Oh no, this is so bad...!" Miss Jubilee suddenly became antsy. "Miss Jubilee, what's going on?" I became even more worried for Day when I asked that question. "White Day is the name of Day's mother...." Just from that alone, the entire room became 50 degrees colder. We all knew that this was really bad. "Oh geez, I blew it...! I made Day upset! I'm a bad guy...!" Charm began to panic after realizing how bad things got. I then grabbed a hold of him, hoping to calm him down. "It's okay, Charm...! I'm sure we can fix this!" I tried to assure Charm that it would be fine, but even I was panicking a little. "Miss Jubilee, who is this White Day exactly? Do you know her?" Even I needed to know the answer to Bitter Sweet's question. Maybe we can find a way to help Day. Miss Jubilee then gave a calming sigh, "Yes, I do. White Day and I were good friends when we were young. Then she married a kind stallion from Canterlot named Top Notch and they had Day a year afterwards. But sadly, they both died when Day was very young.... But worse, Day knew about what happened and she still remembers it clearly. I took Day in soon after because I was such close friends with her parents. I wish ignorance is a luxury she has right now...." Suddenly, my heart sank hard. I can't even imagine how Day feels right now. It's as sad as Bitter Sweet's past. "Can you tell us what happened...?" Bitter Sweet might be able to help Day better than all of us combined since he's a doctor. "Sorry, but I don't know all the details. I wasn't there at the time and Day refuses to tell me anything. You will have to ask Day for the full story. That might be impossible...." Miss Jubilee became very sad. I'm not sure how, but I knew this was going to be painful for all of us. Chapter 4 - Emotional Days part 2"Day...! Day, open the door! We need to talk to you!" After what happened downstairs, Day had locked herself in the bathroom on the third floor and is now ignoring us. Miss Jubilee has been trying to get her to open the door for nearly an hour without any success. "I really blew it, didn't I...?" Charm was sad with guilt for upsetting Day earlier. "It wasn't your fault, Charm. Situations like this happen without warning sometimes. Though, this is certainly unexpected." Bitter Sweet was baffled by this. We all were.... "What if she stays in there forever...? What do we do?!" Charm was starting to panic again. "It'll be fine, Charm. We'll get through this." I reassured him as I held him in my embrace. "Day, please come out...! Charm didn't mean to upset you! It was all an accident!" Miss Jubilee kept trying to reach out to Day through the bathroom door. "Leave me alone...!" Day shouted at us through the door. With that outburst, Miss Jubilee fell silent and just...stopped. We watched as Miss Jubilee walked over and sat on her bed. "This...is just wrong." Miss Jubilee gave a sad sigh. It was very discouraging. We then left the third floor to let Day be with herself for a little while. "So Doctor Bitter, any ideas on what to do about Day?" Tough Love asked as she opened on of her romance novels. Bitter Sweet sighed, "I'm afraid the best advice I have for this situation is to wait for her to leave the bathroom by herself. In cases like this where the pony in question doesn't want to talk, it is best to wait until they do." That wasn't very assuring for us. But I guess there are days when even Bitter Sweet didn't have the answer. "I'm such an idiot...! Why didn't I keep my mouth shut...?!" Charm was starting to cry from the guilt despite the fact that he wasn't really at fault. I knew I had to do something even though it wasn't any of my business. I stood up and made my way up the stairs. "Diane, I really think you should leave her alone. If it's s bad as I believe it is, solitude might be what she needs right now...." Bitter Sweet was serious, but I knew he was also worried underneath. I ignored his words and made my way up to the third floor, and then to the bathroom Day locked herself in. "Day...? Day, it's me." I called out to her, hoping there would be a response. There was no answer. I then sat against the door, thinking about how to reach out to her. I then recalled what Miss Jubilee said about Day's parents. I knew it was a painful subject, but I had to try something. "So...I heard a bit about your parents. They used to be good friends with Miss Jubilee. I know I shouldn't ask, but what were your parents like? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to...." I really shouldn't have asked.... But what else were we supposed to do? There was not answer from Day, so I waited for her to answer. I then noticed Miss Jubilee standing at the entrance to the staircase, and I gave her an assuring wave. She waved back and then left. I continued to wait for Day to answer. For nearly two hours I waited for Day to answer me while the others waited for any progress. Suddenly, before my eye-lids were about to drop, I heard some clattering from within the bathroom. "Day, are you alright?" I was shaken up by the sudden noise and hoped nothing bad happened. No answer for a few minutes and I was getting scared. "Day, answer me...! Tell me you-" I was then interrupted when the door finally opened with Day walking out. "I'm alright...." I was so relieved to see Day walk out of the bathroom safe and sound. Even though her eyes were all red from what seemed like hours of crying. "I'm sorry for scaring you all...." Day looked really tired from being upset for so long and I then embraced her. "It's alright, Day...! I'm just glad you're alright." Thank Luna nothing too bad happened. I then sat her down on her bed and gave her one of her dolls, hoping to calm her down and talk. "Are you okay now?" I wanted to be sure Day was willing to speak about her troubles. Day gave me a nod as she held her doll tight in her hooves. "Day, I know it might hurt to tell me, but could you please tell me why you're upset?" I had to know if I was going to help Day. Day shivered as she held onto her doll. I should have known I was taking this too far, but I just had to try. "I'll tell you...." Day was actually willing to tell me about her parents. If this could help her somehow, then I am willing to listen. "I was very little when Mommy and Daddy were here.... We lived in that big city where the Princesses lived. We saw them walking around the stores all the time and wave to them. It was fun. But sometimes....my parents were mean to me. When I started school, they would always yell at me for not studying hard enough or not making good grades. But they were nice to me when I did do good. They said I could be a good mare and do really good. I wanted to make them proud and I started doing really good in school. But then...one day at school...." I noticed Day's voice was starting to quiver as she spoke. What happens next must have been how Day's parents died. "I was....at school when...when....the ground started shaking. The ground was shaking so much and...and....many houses fell down....and ponies were hurt. When it stopped shaking so much....my....my parents.....they...died. Our house broke too..... And that's what happened....to them." Day began to cry when she finally finished her story. I tried to figure out what she meant by when the ground started shaking. And in no time at all, I knew what it was: It was an earthquake. Earthquakes are very uncommon in Equestria. When and where they occur is difficult to predict. I couldn't imagine how Day felt when she found out what happened. I didn't know what to say. All I could do was embrace her in my hooves.... We sat there on her bed for nearly ten minutes. Day began to calm down bit by bit in that time. I then looked into her eyes as I pieced my words together at last. "Day, I'm sorry for what happened to your parents. But your parents loved you and wanted the best for you. That's why they were mean to you sometimes. They wanted you to try your best and grow up to be a great mare someday. I would give anything to have what you had...." I recalled the faces of my father, my mother, and my three sisters. But they're not my family. They were Pinkie Pie's family and that is a fact. "I...I don't know...." Day is still too young to truly understand. But it seemed like I was getting through to her a little. "I'm sure you will understand someday. But right now, everypony downstairs is waiting for you and they want to see the 'Happy' Good Day. Not the 'Sad' Good Day." I gave her a big goofy smile, hoping to snap her out of her sadness. She nearly bursts laughing. Her sad face instantly vanished. "I knew Happy Day was there." I was so happy to see Day smiling again. "Thank you, Big Sis...." Day rubbed her tears out of her eyes and smiled back at me. We then went back down to see the others. "We're back, and guess who I-" I was then interrupted by Charm quickly embracing Day. "I'M SORRY, DAY...! I'M REALLY SORRY!" Charm was streaming tears from his eyes and wailing as he held onto Day. "Charm, I told you to calm down...!" Tough Love then pulled Charm off of Day. "Are you alright, Day...?" Miss Jubilee walked over to Day, hoping to see if she was alright. "I'm alright. I'm sorry for making you worry. Big Sis made me feel better." We were all very relieved to see her happy again. Day gave Miss Jubilee a hug like always. "Hmph, well done, Diane. You did better than I could." Bitter Sweet was impressed with me. I was a little embarrassed. "I think we've kept the food waiting long enough...." Tough love looked over at the food on the stove that we have been ignoring all this time. "Me first...!" Day then rushed over to the table without hesitation. "Hey, no fair...!" Charm then rushed over to the table. We all laughed and then began to enjoy a late-night dinner. I'm so glad that I could help them. Truly.... Chapter 5 - Not-so Sweet part 1A few days have went by since the Sugar Rush and Sweet Hearts has been rather calm since then. The streets of Manehatten became mostly clear and work at the bakery/café went back to normal again. As for Bitter Sweet and myself, I have been making slight progress in revealing my secret to everypony at home. Sadly, 'slight progress' all I have made and that is not much.... Right now, I'm just working at the bakery/café like always, serving the customers like always. But then, some adult colts in black suits came walking into the bakery/café and all of the customers that were already there all ran out in fear. When that happened, I knew something bad was going on.... "Hey you, pink mare, we're customers. We demand service!" The tallest Earth Pony colt with a yellow coat, black mane and tail was very rude and I didn't like that. I saw his Cutie Mark and it was a bit with hole in it and a string was tied to it. This pony is very, very greedy. But I had to endure it because of my job. "May I take your order, sir?" I had to hide my annoyance in both my tone of voice and my expression. "Get us some sweets and coffee. And while you're at it, get Tough Love in here. We got business to discuss." I just shared one conversation with this jerk and I REALLY don't like him. I pushed my anger aside to fill out their orders. Afterwards, I left the room to go and get Tough Love who was in the break room counting her bits. And there were a lot of bits in a big bag. "Tough Love, there are some colts who need to speak with you. And they look like they mean business." I felt very uneasy with what was going on. Tough Love stopped counting her bits and put them all in her bag. "I heard. Stay here, Diane. I will take it from here." She gathered her large bag of bits and made her way to the front room where the colts in suits were waiting. I know I was told to wait inside the break room, but I had to look through the crack of the door. I could just barely make out what they were saying. "It's been a long while, Love. I'm surprised to see your little cookie-cooking gig still standing. Guess it took a pop-star's visit to get your cramped business going." I really hate this pony. I've been working in this bakery/café long enough to know that Tough Love works really, really hard to make her customers happy. And her baked foods are really good! How and why can Tough Love put up with this pony's insults?! "Cut to the chase, High Demand. I have the money the contract stated and I am willing to pay it in full. I hope you're willing to keep your end of the deal." Tough Love sounded serious. What is this contract she mentioned? Who are these ponies? And what is the story? "Don't worry, I intend to keep my word. I always do. And you've been working for years now. I think you've earned it. That is...if there are a total of one billion bits in that bag." ONE BILLION?!?! WHAT KIND OF DEAL DID THEY MAKE?! AND JUST HOW LONG HAS TOUGH LOVE BEEN WORKING?! "Yes, there is one billion bits in this bag right now. I have counted many times and I am ready to pay in full." Tough Love presented the bag of bits to the colt. One of them looked into the bag and then began to pat against it. "Yep, one billion bits exactly. And all of them are the real deal." He had a green coat, gray mane and tail, and his Cutie Mark was scale with a few bits on one side. He must be good at counting bits. "Good job, Penny Pincher. And well done, Love. I gotta say, you impressed me. And I am happy to accept the payment. However, there is one thing you should be aware of before doing that." That does not sound good.... "What...do you mean? I have the money, I followed the contract exactly, and everything should be fine now. What is going on?" Tough Love's voice became shaky with where this conversation was going. "Oh yes, you have followed the contract exactly as it was written. But you see, there is a thing called the 'Fine Print'. Now I'm sure you've read the fine print before signing it, right?" He pulled out a few sheets of paper and a magnifying glass and placed them on the table. That must be the contract they were talking about. Tough Love then began reading this fine print with the magnifying glass and they she slammed her hooves on the table. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!! THIS IS UNFAIR!!!" Tough Love was very angry. I was scared.... The colts only chuckled at Tough Love's anger. "You signed the contract, Love. You should have read the fine print before signing it. And it's binding until you pay up. So which is it? Option A or Option B? Take your pick." This colt had an arrogant smile, making me angry every second I look at it. I then looked at Tough Love and she was trembling in such furious anger. "DIANE!!!" She called for me and I then rushed out of the break room. "Yes?!" I was really scared from Tough Love's outburst. "We're leaving! High Demand, I am choosing Option A and I NEVER want to see you or your co-workers again! Good bye and good riddance!" Tough Love then stomped her way out of the bakery/café and I then followed, leaving my apron behind. "Pleasure doing business with you, Love~! Have a good life~!" That colt just laughed and laughed with his co-workers as we left. Just...what is going on here? I followed Tough Love to the park and we sat in the same on a solitary bench. We sat there quietly for nearly an hour and I watched Tough Love glare at the ground, still trembling in anger. "Tough Love...? Are you-" I was then interrupted when Tough Love gave me a frightening glare. I froze like a statue. Thankfully, her glare did not last too long when she then hugged me. I could feel her trembling on her embrace and she began to give a sorrowful groaning. "I can't....I can't believe this....! I worked....so hard...for nothing!" She sounded like she was about to cry her eyes out. I then gave her my embrace, hoping to comfort her. I knew something bad was going on, and I must do something to help her....somehow. Chapter 6 - Not-so Sweet part 2After the conflict that happened at Sweet Hearts, Tough Love and I made our way back home. We got inside, walked up to the second floor and saw Miss Jubilee eating a salad. She then noticed us and stopped eating. "Diane...? Love...? What are you two doing back home so early? Did you two decide to take the day off?" Miss Jubilee walked over to us and then stopped when she noticed Tough Love's sad expression. "Love, what's wrong?! What happened?!" Miss Jubilee then walked up to Tough love, checking to see if she was hurt. Tough Love then walked up stairs without saying anything. "Diane, what happened? Why is Tough Love sad?" Miss Jubilee needed an explanation and I told her everything. After I told her everything that happened at the bakery/café, Miss Jubilee became troubled. "I can't believe this.... She finally fulfills that contract only to be cheated. But...just how was she cheated exactly?" I couldn't answer Miss Jubilee if I wanted to. "Miss Jubilee, what is going on...? What was Tough Love doing with them?" I needed answers now and I hope Miss Jubilee could answer me. She gave a deep sigh when I asked her my questions. "I can only tell you what I know, Diane. Tough Love was born into a family of business ponies like myself. Her father, Honest Business, was another good friend of mine. He was a well-respected contractor and he did his work as honestly as his name was. Her mother, Charity, was a very kind-hearted mare. But sadly, she was very sick and frail, and she passed away from illness when Love was only three. And worse, Honest passed away from the grief when Love was five. It was a very dark time for Love, and it only got darker after that. The colt you told me about, High Demand, was supposed to be the successor of the contracting business. And if that wasn't enough, he turned it into a business for cheats and swindlers. Love was put into hard labor every day during her early life. When she became ten, she confronted High Demand and that was when the deal was made. One billion bits and she was free from her connection to his business. For seven long years she has worked as a baker of sweets until she got enough money to pay off the contract. As for me, I took her in after wanting to visit Honest Business. I should have been there much sooner...." Miss Jubilee must regret not being there when Tough Love needed help. "Can't we get the police involved? They might be able to help us." I figured that might be a stretch, but it was an idea. "I wish.... The contract is both binding and legal. And from what Love told me, a number of legal witnesses were involved in the viewing of them signing the contract. I'm afraid what ever is in that contract is perfectly legal." What could we possibly do to help her? If the contract was perfectly legal, then what can we do? We then saw Tough Love walking down from the third floor. Her eyes were red from crying earlier. "The contract had fine print that I should have read from the start. When I paid the one billion bits like the contract said, I could only choose one of two options. Option A was for me to be free. To disconnect myself from them forever. Option B was to buy the bakery as my own while still being connected to them. I couldn't have both. If I chose Option A, I could be free of them, but I could no longer bake in Sweet Hearts again. If I chose Option B, I could buy the bakery, but my suffering would continue. If I have to, I'll just start a new bakery. But...it's been my livelihood for years. I've done so many things and made so many ponies happy there." Tough love was beginning to cry again. Miss Jubilee and I both hugged Tough Love to comfort her. "We'll help you as best as we can. We can figure this out." I agreed with Miss Jubilee as we tried to comfort Tough Love. She then moved away from us and made her way back to the staircase. "I....I need to be alone." Tough Love then left and went back upstairs. Something tells me that this is not going to be an easy problem to fix. We waited for Day, Charm, and Bitter Sweet to return and we told them everything. Day and Charm didn't understand too much since they were still young, but Bitter Sweet understood the weight of the problem perfectly. Unfortunately, we're up against the legal system and there was nothing we could do. But...there was one thing I could do. I don't know if it will work though. The others did their best to comfort Tough Love, but the sadness she was under was too strong. I had to do something and there is only one pony I know who might be able to help us. We all went to sleep for the night and I knew who to call while I slept. My dream was just an empty void and only I stood alone. "LUNA!!! LUNA!!!" In the dream, I called out to the only pony who can travel through dreams and who could possibly do anything about a bad contract. At first, nopony came. But then I saw a small light making it's way towards me through the void and I recognized it almost instantly. "Princess Luna...?! Is that you?! I need your help...!" The light then took form and it became the blue princess I know. She opened her eyes and gave me a smile. "It's been a while, Diane. We are glad to see you're doing fine. You say you need our help?" I was so relieved to know she was willing to help. "Princess Luna, one of my family is in trouble and I don't know what to do. Surely, only you can do something about it...." I didn't know who to turn to in this dark time. "You must keep this in mind that you shouldn't rely on my status as Princess of Equestria. You must know that I had just returned to Equestria after my 1,000 years of banishment. Whether my authority has any sway on the majority of the citizens, I cannot say. Whatever the issue is....I may not be able to help you." Princess Luna was serious and I can't blame her. I clearly remember her return and the image of Nightmare Moon was also clear. So the chances of Princess Luna being able to do anything about this problem is....slim. But I had to ask for her help. "Princess, please listen...." I told her everything that happened and unfortunately for me, by the time I finished telling her, a loud noise woke up early in the morning. I was not only very annoyed, but I hope Princess Luna knows what to do about this. I got up out of bed to find Bitter Sweet and Miss Jubilee watching Tough Love gathering a few bags. "Good morning.... What's going on?" I was confused to see what's going on. "Tough Love is going to go to the bakery and get all of her stuff. She's worried that High Demand might empty it before she could do that." Bitter Sweet seemed very concerned for Tough Love. "I'll just have to start over from scratch, I guess.... Though, finding a new location is not going to be easy in this city. It was already hard to do the first time." Tough Love sounded so life-less. "I'll help you find a new store location if you want. Just ask me." Miss Jubilee was also concerned for Tough Love. "Thanks, but I'm sure I'll manage. Now if you will excuse me, I must go and get some things I left at Sweet Hearts before High Demand empties it. I'll be back later." Tough Love then left the room and began making her way out of the building. My concern for her drove me to follow Tough Love outside. "Where are you going, Diane?" I stopped to answer Bitter Sweet's question. "I'm going to go help her. I used to work there too...." I then left in a hurry as I joined Tough Love on her way to Sweet Treats. Along the way, I have been trying to convince her that things will work out, but it seemed very difficult right now. We finally made it to Sweet Treats and then saw High Demand speaking to a familiar face. "Princess Luna...?! What are you doing here?!" I was not expecting her to show up here so soon! And Tough Love certainly didn't expect her to be there too. We then see High Demand finish talking with Princess Luna, gave her a piece of paper, and then began leaving. He then walked up to us with a serious look on her face. "Tough Love, this establishment is no longer my concern. I got a better gig waiting for me in Canterlot thanks to Princess Luna. The only condition is that this establishment returns to you. And that the one billion bits you used to pay for your freedom would be used for something more constructive. As for the contract, with this sudden offer, our deal and it's conditions are all null and void. As always, pleasure doing business with you." High Demand then began to take his leave. I don't know what Princess Luna did, but I am so happy for Tough Love. I could see the look of shock on her face. "Oh, and one last thing. Your father, Honest Business, was great at his work. I looked up to him when he was alive. Good luck." High Demand then left for good this time after giving us his piece. I then looked at Princess Luna and was so happy to see her. "Diane, this is the only time I can give you my help. As for you, Tough Love, do not give up hope. Good day." Princess Luna then gave Tough Love the deed to the establishment and then vanished in a flash of light. "I am so happy for you, Tough Love! You got your bakery ba-" I was then interrupted by Tough Love grabbing a hold of me. She was trembling again, and held onto me. "Thank you...so much! Thank you...!" Tough Love began crying tears of joy as she held onto me. I'm just so glad that it all worked out. Thank you, Princess Luna. Chapter 7 - Comic Blues part 1Sweet Hearts opened up again and this time it was the most joyful time Tough Love ever had in her life. She spent so many years working to fulfill a terrible contract and now she can bake out of joy. There were muffins, cakes, cookies, pies, and even a chocolate fountain for all to enjoy. Many ponies came to join in on the fun, though they had no idea what was going on. Though, I think some things are better left un-said. I never realized just how much pain and misery Tough love was in while I worked there. And I feel guilty for not knowing sooner.... Right now, I'm with Doctor Sweet for another session. "You have no need to feel guilty about not knowing, Diane. Some ponies hide their troubles from others to avoid troubling those they care about. That is how some ponies act. Personally, you just being there for her was probably the better choice of action." I told Doctor Sweet my thoughts about what happened. He knew how to handle situations like this better than I did. "I'm just glad Princess Luna came to help us. Had it not been for her, Tough Love could have lost everything for good." I was so relieved for what she did. "I never imagined you had ties with the Princess of the Night. I must say...you impress me sometimes. Though, you never told me that...." He sounded bothered by that. "Did I not tell you...? I thought I did." I guess I might have left that part out by mistake when I told him about myself. Doctor Sweet sighed, "Never mind, Diane. As long as things worked out, that's fine. Though, I think you should keep that a secret from now on. You don't want ponies thinking you're too special or they might get the wrong idea." Now that he brought that up, I think he's right. It might give Princess Luna trouble if other ponies think she favors me above all others. I think I'll keep it a secret after all. After my session, we then left the office building and made our way back home. "I must say though, you seem to have a knack for relieving another pony's pain and suffering. Perhaps just being there for others makes for a better psychiatrist these days." Bitter Sweet sounded like he was impressed with me. Honestly, I was flattered. Suddenly, we then heard the sound of a scream coming from down one of the alleys. We then rushed down the alley to find Charm being pushed around by three other young colts. "C'mon Charm, is that all you got? I thought you were the cool guy." He was a young Unicorn colt with a brown coat and white mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a cart wheel. Maybe he likes working with carts. He must have been the leader of the three young colts. "Leave me alone, Wheelie! I have to get home right now!" Charm got back up on his hooves and held onto his stuff in protest. I suddenly respect him a lot more now. "Or what? You're gonna cry to mommy? Oh that's right, you don't have a mommy or a daddy." He and the other three young colts laughed. Charm looked like he was about lose his temper. I figured Charm was an orphan like the rest of us who were adopted by Miss Jubilee. "That is enough." Suddenly, Bitter Sweet then levitated the three young colts off the ground and away from Charm in anger. "Hey...! Who are you?!" The three young colts panicked as they were suspended in mid-air. "Big bro...! Diane...!" Charm looked happy to see us help him. "You three little fools have some nerve making fun of another pony for not having parents. Perhaps your parents would love to hear what you just said to my little brother. Is that what you all want?" I am now afraid of how angry Bitter Sweet sounded all of a sudden. Even the three young colts were afraid of him. "I suggest you cease this bullying right now. And unless you want your parents finding out about this, you leave him alone. Do I make myself clear?" The three young colts all nodded frantically in answering Bitter Sweet's question. "Good. Then leave. NOW." Bitter Sweet then gently lowers the three young colts back to the ground and they all ran off in a fright. Honestly, I have goose bumps running down my hooves. "Big bro, you're so cool...!" Charm then grabbed a hold of Bitter Sweet's front right hoof in affection. I knew Charm looked up to Bitter Sweet, but I had no idea he admired him this much. "I am merely doing what is right, Charm. You're not hurt, are you?" He then examined Charm for any injuries. Thankfully, Charm seemed safe. "I'm fine, Big bro. This happens all the time.... Wheelie is just a bully." Charm sounded down for what happened. I've never had any bullies, so I don't really know how he felt. "Forget about them. Let's go home." Bitter Sweet then resumed making his way back home. Charm and I followed him. We made it back home to see Tough Love washing dishes and Day drying them off with her magic and a towel. "Hi...!" Day looked happy to see us. "Welcome back you guys. I'm making salads tonight." Tough Love may be a baker, but she can make other good foods. "That sounds good. I'll be back shortly." Bitter Sweet then left the room for the third floor. I then sat down to rest after today. "So Charm, what did you do today? Did you go to the comic book store like always?" Tough Love and Day just finished doing the dishes and joined us in the living room. "Yeah, I did. There weren't any new volumes today. Oh well." Charm must have been disappointed. Though, I'm not really a fan of comics myself. "We also saw Charm get bullied by these three colts. What was that one colt's name? Wheelie...?" I felt I had to say something about that. "Diane...!" Charm sounded like he wanted that kept a secret. Sorry about that.... "Charm, you need to stop playing cool and tell us about these things. We can make it stop if you just ask us." I agree with Tough Love. Though, I'm not sure how you can solve bullying.... "I'm fine, Big sis...! This happens all the time. I'm used to it." Charm then began to make his way to the third floor with his stuff. "I'm going to read my comics now!" Charm then bolted up the stairs. He sounded like he was trying to avoid something. "What's wrong with him...?" I couldn't help but be concerned for him. Tough Love sighed, "He's always like that when it's about him and bullies. Especially that Wheelie-bully.... Let me guess, he made fun of Charm for being an orphan again?" I nodded. I guess even Tough Love knew about Charm's problem too. "I wish I could help him, but I can't. I think it's better if you leave this problem alone." Tough love sounded troubled by this. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think about this. Can I really just leave this alone? I don't know.... Chapter 8 - Comic Blues part 2I've been busy with my job at Sweet Hearts and Tough Love is still so happy to have it. I really should thank Princess Luna for what she did for us. Today, I just finished my shift and I was ready to close up the bakery. "Alright Diane, great work today. All the customers are happy and we made a good haul today." I noticed she had a big smile on her face the entire time we were working. "Love, I need to go now. I promised Miss Jubilee that I would go pick up Charm and Day today." I needed to leave right now. It was about time Charm and Day got off school. "Alright then, get going. I'll finish up here. Just be careful on your way back." Tough Love went to the break room and I waited for a few seconds. "YAAY!!! DAY FIVE IS ANOTHER GOOD DAY!!!" I'm not surprised she would still be so happy. I then left for the school Day and Charm go to and when I arrived, I saw them waiting for their escort to arrive. The school they go to is called 'Manehatten Elementary' and it was a little bigger than the school in Ponyville. I approached Day and Charm to pick them up. "Day...! Charm...! I'm here to pick you up!" I see all the other students leaving the school by horse-drawn carriages. I guess there aren't many schools in Manehatten. "Dude, this is so cool! Diane is here at my school!" Charm's eyes shined through his glasses. He is such a child. "Hi Diane...! I want you to meet my friend!" Day then showed me a young Earth Pony mare with a dark-brown coat and a reddish mane and tail. She didn't have a Cutie Mark like me. "Hi there. Nice to meet you. My name is Bab Seed." She seemed nice to me. Though, she looked a little nervous to me. "Hello. My name is Cherry Diane Pie. Just call me Diane." An introduction is always important. Though, Bab Seed looked away from my line of sight. She seemed troubled by something.... "Bab is really nice...! She plays sports and she knows how to style manes!" Day looked really excited. So Bab Seed wants to be a mane-stylist? "I don't really style manes, Day. I just like fiddling with my mane." I noticed Bab Seed give her loose mane a puff to move it from her face. I thought it was cute. "C'mon, Diane...! I wanna show you the comic book store I go to! It's so cool...!" Charm was really excited to show me. I'm still not interested, but I should at least go see it. "Alright Charm, I'll go see with you. But we have to go home afterwards, ok?" I shouldn't keep Miss Jubilee waiting too long. "YEAH!!!" He then rushed ahead of us. "Wait for us...!" I got Day on my back and rushed after Charm. "Bye Bab...!" Day held on tight as I ran. We left Bab Seed back at the school. I followed Charm to this comic book store a couple block away from the school. It was called 'Comic Sans' and it was about the same size as Sweet Hearts. "This is it! Comic Sans and it is so cool! It has lots and lots of comics! C'mon...!" Charm then rushed inside the store. "Charm, wait a minute...!" I walked inside to see a large collection of different comic books. There were so many of them stacked on shelves and in many boxes. "Hey there, Cool. I see you brought Day and a new face. Sup? The names Comic Sans. Welcome to my store. From A to Z, we got whatever you're looking for. Just name it." This Comic Sans was an adult Unicorn with a white coat and he had a black mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was obviously a comic book. He had a sleepy look on his face. "What...? Is it the bags under my eyes? I read comics late at night. It's what I do." He then made a funny-looking smile on his sleepy face. "Um...this place sure has a lot of comics." I looked and there might have been over a hundred of them. "Yep. This place is my home and my work place. It pays well, and I get a place to stay. Take as long as you guys want." I then noticed his eyes starting to drop. I decided to take a look with Day still on my back. "Diane, check this out! It's the new issue of 'Power Ponies'! I gotta have it!" Charm was holding a comic book in his hooves and he was really excited. "Sorry Charm, but I don't have any money on hoof right now. Maybe another time." Tough Love just started paying me after she got her bakery back. Though, she hasn't paid me yet.... "Oh, alright...." Charm looked pretty disappointed. "Hey guys. What's up?" I then see Bab Seed walking inside the store. "Hi Bab...! You came too?" Day was surprised. None of us were expecting Bab to join us. "Yeah, I come to the store sometimes. I'll buy you that comic book if you want." When Bab Seed said that, Charm then hugged her. "You're the best, Bab!" I was expecting that kind of reaction from Charm.... Bab Seed then paid Comic Sans for the comic and gave it to Charm. I wonder why she did that.... While, Charm was happily looking over his given comic with Day, I walked over to Bab Seed. "So Bab, why did you buy him the comic book? Was there a reason?" I couldn't help but be curious. "Not really.... I just had money to spend. That's all." Bab Seed seemed rather...down about something. I know I shouldn't pry, but I had to know. "You seem sad about something. If you don't mind me asking....why are you sad?" Bab Seed then looked away from me. Whatever it is, it must be bad. "I...I wasn't all that nice before. I used to bully my cousin and her friends. So...yeah." I guess Charm isn't the only one with bully problems. "Well, if you're trying to be a better pony, I'm sure things will get better." I didn't really know what to say to her. As far as I'm concerned, I've never experienced bullying problems. Bab Seed just looked away from me again. I guess it takes more than words to cheer ponies up. "Bab, you're so awesome! I'll make it up to you! I promise!" Charm and Day seemed to have finished looking over the comic. "Sure, that's fine...." Bab gave a little smile to Charm. I think it's a good start. "Well, if you guys are done, you have a good day. I'm about to close shop anyway." Comic Sans began to magically put away the comic books and back to their designated places. We then left the store and Charm was still excited about his newly given comic book. "Bab, do you want me to escort you back home too? Is your house far?" I felt like I should do that since Bab was alone. "Nah, I'm fine. My house is only a few steps away. You guys just be careful." Bab Seed seemed a little happier now. "Bye Bab...! See you at school!" We waved goodbye to Bab Seed as she left us. I could now finally take these two young ponies home. After today, I was very tired and sleepy. I hope tomorrow won't be too tiring.... Author's Note OK, before anyone loses their minds, I had no idea how to put Bab Seed's accent into writing. So I had to improvise.... Enjoy. Chapter 9 - Comic Blues part 3We finally got back home after a long day and I was really tired from working at the bakery and from picking up Day and Charm. The first thing I did was walk into the second floor and fall on the comfy couch to rest my tired hooves. Then Charm got up in my face to show me his newly given comic. "Dude, this is the best! Bab is so cool...! I have to thank her for this! I know, I'll ask her on a date!" Charm never ceases to amaze me sometimes.... I was too tired to take him seriously. "I'm gonna go read it now! Yes!" Charm runs up the stairs to his room to read his new comic. Finally I can rest. I was nearly about to fall asleep. "Hey Big Sis, is Love still at work?" Day was next pony to get at my face. "Yeah, she is. She's been so happy to have her bakery back lately that she's been spending more time there. She'll be back later." I'm pretty sure Tough Love will be back at 9pm again.... We then heard Miss Jubilee and Bitter Sweet walk up the stairs. "We're back~! I hope you guys had a good day~!" Miss Jubilee sounds as cheerful as ever. "Day is here? Then where is Charm?" Bitter Sweet took off his coat and sat in one of the living room chairs. "Charm is in his room reading his new comic book. He was very excited about it too." And his excitement has exhausted me.... "That silly colt, always on about his comic books. He's so easy to excite~! And he's going to be excited about tonight's dinner, Cucumber Salads~!" Miss Jubilee began making the dinner Charm apparently loves. We talked about stuff that happened today. Day got a B+ on her math test, Bitter Sweet had another boring day at his office looking over his papers, and Miss Jubilee had a busy day selling her cherries to ponies. I never asked where she puts all that money. Maybe next time she goes out selling. Finally, Tough Love returns home after nearly three hours of hanging out at her bakery after closing time. "Yay...! Big Sis is back!" Day then gave a big hug to Tough Love. She looked tired but still happy. "Hey guys, I'm back. I hope I'm not late for dinner...." Tough love sat next to me to rest from a long day's work. "You're just in time~! Diane, would you be a dear and go get Charm for me~?" I was still tired but I made my way up to the third floor anyway. When I got there I saw Charm looking out the window on the right side of the room. "Charm, dinner is ready. Are you coming down...?" I was expecting him to still be reading his new comic but he wasn't. I noticed he had a blank expression on his face. "Yeah, I'll be there...." Charm even sounded like he lost his spark. This is concerning. I started being nosy again and sat next to him. "Charm, what's wrong? You're usually excited about something. I thought you would be reading your comic book one hundred times already." He does do that quite often.... "I'm just...thinking about stuff. I'll be down in a minute." Whatever he was thinking about must be serious. I then turn my attention towards his new comic. I thought it might have had something to do with Charm's unusual behavior. It was titled, 'Power Ponies #53: A Hum Drum-ble Beginning' and I decided to look through it. What a silly title.... It was rather short compared to the other comics Charm had. I mostly skimmed passed the first few pages that talked about how Hum Drum came to be, he was in an orphanage, he was happy there, but then I stopped at page 8. Something horrible happened to Hum Drum: the orphanage was burned down because of a short circuit in the oven while the orphan keeper was cooking for the orphans. Hum Drum was out admiring the Power Ponies doing heroic stuff and came back to see everything burned to the ground. And what's worse, none of the ponies living in the orphanage survived. Hum Drum was all alone. Eventually, he was found by the Power Ponies leader, Trot Summers, or Masked Matter-Horn, and was then taken into the Power Ponies. After reading those last few pages, I knew exactly what happened to Charm. He was an orphan and he lost all the ponies he made friends with at the orphanage he stayed in. He must have been at the comic book store or something and didn't know about it. Then he was found by Miss Jubilee and the rest was history. I figured the writer must have taken inspiration from that incident and applied it to the comic book. I could see tears running down his cheeks passed his sunglasses. Reading such a comic that was just like his tragedy must have been painful for him to do. I got next to him and embraced him, hoping to comfort him. Afterwards, Charm eventually got over his sadness and calmed down. "Charm...I know it must have hurt losing all that you loved. But it was an accident. It was no pony's fault it that happened. If I had to give some advice, live on for them. Try to be the best that you can be and move on with your life. That's all we can really do." I'm not sure if that will help, but it was the only thing I could say. Charm then gave a deep snort of his nose and rubbed the tears from his eyes. "Yeah! I just need to be cool for them! I just gotta be myself! Yeah!" Charm then rushed downstairs and just like that he was back to normal. That...resolved rather quickly. "SWEET! CUCUMBER SALAD!" I could hear Charm being excited from downstairs. I gave a sigh of relief, "He's back to normal...." I then went downstairs and joined them for dinner. I was not only tired but really hungry. I'm just glad I could help somepony else again. Chapter 10 - Patching HeartsSome days went by and I think I'm starting to get more comfortable about confessing my identity to Miss Jubilee and the others thanks to Dr. Sweet. I've even started having Dr. Sweet himself be practice for me. But the reveal of my identity has yet to be done for real. It was on another Tuesday like always except this time Tough Love gave me the day off because she wanted to sleep in bed for the first time in a long time. So I got to my appointment early and finished it early too. "Thank you, Dummies. You too, Dr. Sweet." I had to thank the dummy ponies Dr. Sweet used to help me practice. Dr. Sweet sighed, "I told you, Diane, call me Dr. Bitter. That's what it says on the plaque on my door and on my degree." He pointed to the degree that was titled, 'Dr. Bitter'. I chuckled, "Whatever you say, Dr. Sweet." Dr. Sweet gave an annoyed sigh and I laughed. We then left the office and made our way back home. I checked the clock in the office before we left and it was 2: 46pm. It was still in the middle of the day so we had some time to spend. "Hey Bitter, do you want to go somewhere before we go back home? It's still pretty early." It's such a beautiful day that I thought it would be a waste to just spend it indoors. "Well, I suppose so since we don't really have anything else to do. Why not?" I'm so glad Bitter Sweet accepted! I then dragged him to go and check the sights with me. It was fun just the two of us. We had some fun ice skating and we went to a bookstore Bitter Sweet liked. It was called, 'Grand Script's Books' and the motto was, 'Looking for a book? We'll find it!'. Maybe I should have Tough Love make a motto for the bakery. We went inside and Bitter Sweet was looking for a specific kind of book that was supposed to be located in the Supernatural Section. I had no idea he had an interest in the supernatural. Learn something new every day. He was very serious in his search. "So Dr. Bitter, looking for a type of book? I can find it if you need it." An adult male Pegasus came up to us with a bright smiling face. His coat was a bright-colored purple and a mane and tail in a darker shade of purple. His Cutie Mark was a blue book with a big question mark on it. I guess he likes books. He must be Grand Script. "No thank you, Mr. Three. I'm fine searching on my own." Bitter Sweet went back to his search. What ever this book was must be of personal interest. But something didn't right to me.... "Mr. Three...? But I thought his name was Grand Script." I was confused. Grand Script laughed, "Yeah, some ponies don't get it. I'm actually Grand Script the Third. I took over the shop from my dad like he did his dad. And believe it or not, I'm actually 24." He looks so much older though...! I was surprised. "So Doctor, whose the cute mare? Your mare friend? You sly colt you." Grand Script gave us a teasing expression as he chuckled. And to my surprise, Bitter Sweet then slipped and fell with many books falling on top of him. "Oops...." Grand Script realized he shouldn't have done that and we both started removing books from on top of Bitter Sweet and hoped he was alright. Thankfully, he was just fine. "Mr. Three, I would appreciate it if you do not do that again...." Bitter Sweet sounded annoyed and his cheeks carried a slight blush as he tried to straighten up his sunglasses. Grand Script laughed, "Sorry about that, Doc. Guess you're still too young to have a mare friend." He was still teasing us. "Grand Script, you're testing my patience...." Bitter Sweet sounded angry over the teasing. And that scared me.... "Uh...sorry. I'll stop now." Grand Script quickly clammed up and stopped the teasing. We then began to leave the books store. "So Doc, did you ever find that book? My offer to find it for you still stands." Grand Script then began to read a book himself. "Maybe next time, Mr. Three. I'll see you later." We then left the book store and then made our way to one of the cafés he likes. It was called, 'Warm Morning' and it was a coffee place. There were some ponies there enjoying their coffee and baked foods. "Hello Doctor...! Welcome back! And...who is your friend?" There was a pure white Earth pony mare at the front desk serving coffee to the customers. "Hello Vanilla Cream. This is Diane. She's the pony I told you about. She is one of my current patients." Bitter Sweet told me about her. Vanilla Cream used to be one of his patients. That's really all he told me. We then sat down in one of the tables and awaited our orders. "So, what would you two like to order?" Vanilla Cream took out a notepad to write down our orders. I looked over the list of drinks and foods and they all look good. "I'll just order the usual. I'll be paying for it." Bitter Sweet then magically levitated a newspaper over to the table to read it. "I'll just have a cup of cold milk please." I wasn't really hungry, but I was thirsty. "One usual and one cold milk coming up." Vanilla Cream then walked away to fill out our orders. I watched as she began making the coffee with ease. Almost as good as Tough Love and her baking. She then arrives to deliver our orders. "Here's your usual coffee with three sugars and hazel nut creamer, Doctor. And here is your cold milk, Miss Diane." She delivered us our orders with a smile on her face. I took a sip of mine and I love it. It was cold, but refreshing and it had a slight sweet-ness to it. "Thank you, Vanilla Cream. Here's the payment." Bitter Sweet already had the payment for our orders and presented it to Vanilla Cream. Then he began to drink his coffee. "Thank you, Doctor." Vanilla Cream took the payment and went back to serving the other customers. I continued to enjoy my cold milk while Bitter Sweet continued to enjoy his coffee. Afterwards, we then began to leave the café. I checked the clock and it was 5:03 pm and it was starting to get late. "We'll be leaving now, Vanilla Cream. Thank you for the drinks." Bitter Sweet and I placed the used cups on the front desk before we made our way out the door. "Thank you for coming!" Vanilla Cream gave us her good bye as we left. We then began to make our way back home. We didn't want to worry everypony back home. "Diane, I believe now is the time." I stopped when Bitter Sweet made that statement. I had to process what he meant for a few seconds and then my body became cold with fear. "You have been showing progress, Diane. I'm sure you can do it." Even with those words of encouragement, my body refused to move at all. I'm not even sure if I can even get the words out. I could already feel my throat tightening from the thought. "Um...Diane?" Bitter Sweet looked at me with confusion. I couldn't say anything all of a sudden and it was killing me. "I...I don't know...." I could barely say anything without stuttering. Bitter Sweet sighed, "Then we'll just have to keep trying. You may confess to them when you are ready." He then continued his way back home and I followed. I have been making progress, but I may not be able to do it. I still don't know what they would think about me if I did tell them. But there wasn't much time to mentally prepare myself since we arrived at home in no time at all. I quickly took a deep breath since I don't really have to tell them just yet like Bitter Sweet said. We entered the house and the smell of freshly made soup filled our noses. We walked up stairs to see Miss Jubilee making soup and Tough Love setting up the table. Day was playing with a few of her dolls and Charm was reading his comic books like usual. "Welcome back, you two~! Did you two enjoy your date~?" Even Miss Jubilee started teasing us. I think my pink cheeks became pinker from embarrassment. "Miss Jubilee, we're not like that...." Even Bitter Sweet was embarrassed. "Diane and Bitter, sitting in a tree...!" Love, please don't.... I then see Day and Charm join her. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" That joke is so childish.... Bitter Sweet and I are nothing like that. "The soup is nearly done~! Have a seat at the table and I pour you all a bowl~!" We all sat at the dinner table to enjoy the soup Miss Jubilee made and just when I was getting really hungry. I got my bowl and the soup was full of corn, green beans, onions, carrots, and it smelled so good. Tasting it was even better. I had two bowls of it because I was so hungry. Afterwards, we all settled down in the living room and talked about our day and nothing really special happened to us. Tough Love spent her day reading her love novels, Day and Charm had a boring day at school, and Miss Jubilee had a day of shopping. It's strange how I got to this point. I never really questioned why or how I got to this point in my existence and it's only been a couple of months. I've come to know these four ponies so much and they accept me like a family. Honestly, I could never ask for more. And I can't help but wonder how my other self, Pinkie Pie, is doing.... I know I don't want anything to do with her anymore, but I just can't help but wonder from time to time. Is she happy? Is she safe? Is she making any more friends? Honestly speaking, this is troublesome to me. But right now, all I'm doing is making a place for myself in this land of ponies. That is all that matters to me right now. Though, what do I do after that? I'm not sure.... "Alright everypony, we should be getting ready for bed soon~! It's about that time~!" I checked the clock and it was already 9:56pm. I can't believe how fast time went by. I was actually pretty tired after today. Day and Charm went upstairs to get ready and so did Tough Love. I stayed behind with Bitter Sweet and Miss Jubilee in the living room. "So have you two been making progress with whatever you two have been doing? Hmm~?" Is Miss Jubilee still teasing us? Seriously, Bitter Sweet and I are nothing like that.... "If by progress you mean with Diane's personal issues, then yes we are. As for that kind of progress, neither of us have a desire for such. And I personally am not ready for a relationship right now." And neither am I. I just started existing a couple of months ago. "Alright then, have it your way. I'm sure you two will be ready eventually." Miss Jubilee then began making her way upstairs to get ready for bed. Bitter Sweet sighed, "I wish she would act her age. She pesters me all the time over such trivial things...." He tucked his sunglasses that were slipping. "Well...is it really so trivial? I mean, falling in love is not that bad." Even though I have too much on my mind already. "True, but 'falling in love' and 'being in a relationship' are two different things." I can't deny that.... We then left the living room to get ready for bed. We all bid each other a fond good night and slept the night away. I didn't really need to speak with Princess Luna this time. She did have other ponies to meet with in the dreams. The new morning came and I woke up rather early to the smell of freshly made coffee. I see Miss Jubilee all dressed up in a nice dress and she had a bouquet of pretty flowers. "Good morning, Miss Jubilee." I was still half asleep to ask about the dress and the flowers. I needed some coffee. "Oh, good morning, Diane. You're up early." She was drinking some coffee too. I sat next to her at the dinner table after pouring my coffee. "I smelled some coffee. So why are you up so early? Do you have a special order today?" Miss Jubilee usually goes out and do special deliveries for certain ponies. "No, it's not for a delivery. It's for...something else." She sounded rather serious. She then placed her bouquet of flowers gently in a bag and then made her way to the staircase. "Do you want to come with me? I could use some company." She waited for me to answer. She might have already finished her own coffee. I nodded, quickly finished my coffee, burnt my tongue, and then wrote a note so I wouldn't worry anypony. We then left the building and made our way to where Miss Jubilee wanted to go. She didn't say anything and neither did I. Whatever she was doing must be really serious to give me the silent treatment. Finally, we arrive at the Manehatten Cemetery. Just from the sight of the gravestones, I knew what Miss Jubilee was doing: She was visiting a grave. We walked passed many different gravestones and eventually came up to one at the far-right side of the cemetery. The words on the tombstone reads, "Here Lies Show Time. An Entertainer, a Friend, and an All-around Fun Pony. RIP." "Miss Jubilee, who is this pony...?" I had to ask. I saw her place the bouquet of flowers in front of the tombstone and sat down on the cold, wet ground. "He could have been my husband by now. But we never even got married.... He died from a terrible accident during the production of his first theatre project. A sandbag fell right on top of him due to an error of mechanics. It crushed him almost instantly. I still remember that goofy smile on his face when I said yes to his proposal. That was five years ago. We could have been so happy...." I could already see tears streaming from her eyes. I couldn't even imagine the pain she is in right now. "I'm sure he would want you to be happy right now. He would be sad to see you like this...." I wanted to help her, but I'm not sure I could. "I know, but.... It hurts so much...!" She began to cry in front of the grave. I then embraced her, hoping to comfort her. Though, it might take more than hugs to help her right now. I couldn't really say anything else to her. This is a pain that has existed for five long years. All I could do now is be there for her and continue to support her. After a while, she finally stopped crying and started to calm down. She took out a few tissues and started rubbing the tears out of her eyes. "Thank you, Diane, for being here with me...." It was really all I could do for her. "I'm here for you, Miss Jubilee. You were there for me when I needed help. We're family, right...?" I was still a little unsure if I was still a member of her family. I guess I'm just negative.... She then embraced me back. "Of course you are, Diane. I know you are." It was such a relief to hear Miss Jubilee say that. I realized that the bonds between others can make a strong community, a strong friendship, and a strong family. Not even blood ties can match that. Suddenly, a flash of light shined from my flank. We both looked at it and saw my Cutie Mark! "Oh my gosh! I got my Cutie Mark! I got my Cutie Mark!" I was so excited! I looked on and on at my newly obtained Cutie Mark and it meant I was my own pony after all! "But look at it.... I've never seen one like this one before." We both examined it and it looked like a broken heart being held together by a blue ribbon. What does that mean exactly? "Well, I guess you know how to fix a broken heart, Diane. You are pretty good at that kind of thing." I never really thought of that before. I just did what any pony would do. I guess it's just...my natural talent. Mind. Blown. "I think we've spent enough time here. Let's go back home and show everypony your new Cutie Mark. And also...thank you for being there with me. I really needed it." I never felt such elation from being thanked like this. We then left the cemetery and made our return home. It's still too early for me to confess my identity, so that will have to wait. But knowing that I am my own pony is only one giant step forward for me. I am ready to be myself for real now. Chapter 1 - Feeling Determined!After that talk with Maud Pie, I feel so fired up! Only two weeks and I feel like all my worries are gone and my new start got so much more exciting! As of right now, Tough Love and I have been getting the bakery ready for the Sugar Rush and so has every shop in Manehatten. And the city has been getting ready for the parade for the Running of the Leaves in the park. There were big balloons in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's likeness, though they look more like giant ball-shaped dolls. I guess it's the thought that counts.... Day and Charm's school is getting ready with floats dedicated to the parade and I can't wait to see it. Miss Jubilee has been making cherry-baked foods like no tomorrow for the parade and struck a deal with Tough Love to sell them at the bakery. As for Bitter Sweet, he seems to be doing better after that fiasco with everypony else when they heard of his sad past. Almost like he feels lighter. He shows his eyes to them whenever we're at home and he spends some more time with us. Though, he is still very busy with his work. We're still working with my big reveal and Bitter Sweet made them promise to never eavesdrop on us. Reluctantly, Miss Jubilee and the others all made the promise. Sadly, I haven't felt like I have made any progress in being able to tell any pony about who or what I really am. I can't even tell it to a dummy. Honestly, I'm not even sure how I told Bitter Sweet. Maybe it has something to do with his eyes and his special talent? I'm not sure.... But with the parade on it's way, Bitter Sweet decided to give me some time off from our practice sessions and just enjoy the parade. Right now, the bakery/café has been really busy and I haven't really been able to go out and enjoy looking at the preparations for the parade. Ponies from all over Equestria have been coming into Manehatten for the parade and for all the attractions that have been opening up lately. "I'd like another scone please!" Customers have been calling for me to take and give them their orders like crazy. I barely get a second to breathe. "Another order of cupcakes and scones, Diane!" Tough Love has been baking and sending out all kinds of pastries and sweets in no time at all in order to keep up with the customers. I've been running back and forth that my head was dizzy. Finally, at 1:30 pm, I can now rest my legs since my lunch break has started. "Sorry about this, Diane, but I did tell you that this is the busiest time of the year. The customers are relentless when they come to town." Tough Love was right; the amount of customers have doubled or maybe even tripled in the last few days. "I just need a few minutes...." My four legs feel like they turned to jelly. This is easily the most tired I've been since I left the Mirror Pool. "Alright, you get a 30 minute break. But after that, it's back to work." Tough Love goes back out to continue filling out the customers' orders. How does she do that without passing out?! I spent that last 30 minutes of my break trying to get my hooves ready for more work, but those 30 minutes went by in what felt like five minutes. "Alright Diane, back to work!" Tough Love made the call and my tired hooves and I felt like crying.... I worked there until the end of the day and I'm beginning to regret my choice of job. Finally, the day was over and I was so tired. "You did great today, Diane. All the customers have been satisfied and nothing bad happened. I'm proud of you." I was too tired to listen to Tough Love's compliments. "By the way, there's a friend I want you to meet tomorrow. She'll be visiting us for some sweets and I'm sure you two will get along." Tough Love sounded excited. "Hmm...? What's her name?" My curiosity pushed away the exhaustion in my poor hooves. "I can't tell you because it's a surprise. And because I promised not to tell anypony until she shows up." Now Tough Love got me even more curious. We then left the bakery/café and made our way back home. The streets were more crowded than ever with all the tourists coming into Manehatten. When we finally made it home, we then saw Bitter Sweet at the front of the building. "Hello, Bitter Sweet! What are you doing here?" He seemed pretty busy himself. "Oh, hello. I was just now returning from my office because one of my past patients have asked to speak with me. She has been rather clingy lately." I was curious about who this mare was. "Well, aren't you popular? Sounds like she wants a date from the good doctor to me." I think Tough Love was teasing Bitter Sweet, but it was hard to tell with her tone of voice. Bitter Sweet gave a sigh, "No, Miss Love. It's nothing like that. She merely wished to visit me while she's on vacation from her job at 'Good Morning'. Nothing is really going on." For some strange reason I felt relieved.... "Yeah...whatever." Tough Love then opened the door and two little ponies dove at Bitter Sweet and knocked him over with hugs. "Big Brother, I'm here for you! Here's your hug!" Day and Charm both gave Bitter Sweet a big hug after knocking him over. "Bro, I think your eyes look so cool! You don't have to hide them!" Day and Charm have been doing this every time Bitter Sweet walks through the door since they heard his life story. "Oh my Princesses...." Bitter Sweet sounded annoyed, but I'm sure he is thankful and used it this by now. We all went inside the building and saw Miss Jubilee hard at work like always. "Welcome back, everypony~! You made it just in time to enjoy my chocolate-covered cherry short-cake~!" When we saw the cake with the cherries covered in chocolate sitting on the edges of the cake covered in vanilla icing, our mouths were all drooling like crazy. "Dude, that looks so good!" We all agreed with Charm as we gazed at that cake. "The sit down and I'll cut you all a piece in just a moment~!" Miss Jubilee looked like she was about to finish making some other kind of pastry. We all then quickly sat down at the dinner table for the cake. Miss Jubilee had finished with whatever kind of pastry she was making and we all enjoyed that delicious cake she made. The icing and the cherries were so good, and the inside of the cake was so fluffy. With a family like this, how could I ask for more? Though, for some reason, I can't help but think that something was missing. And it was so obvious: I don't have a Cutie Mark and I don't have a special talent. I've been a big help to the family, but still feel like I could become more of a help if I find my special talent. Now I know how the Cutie Mark Crusaders feel.... Pinkie Pie got her Cutie Mark when she saw this rainbow-wave-thing in the sky when she was little. No pony really knows anything about Cutie Marks until you actually receive it. I guess I'll understand it when I receive to someday. But right now, I will just enjoy what I have already.
Chapter 2 - The Sugar RushIt has taken us several days of planning and preparation, we have made many different kinds of pastries, cakes, and other baked goods, and 'Sweet Hearts' is all ready for the many customers that were to come on this day. Right now, it is the time of the parade and the city was buzzing with excitement and the streets are full of attractions for the tourists. Tough Love and I are now making the finishing touches on the preparations before opening. "Plates full of assorted cookies?" Tough Love was going over a list of all the stuff we'll be selling to the customers. "Check! Chocolate chip, peanut butter, cinnamon, raisin, all ready." I looked over all the plates. "Platters of assorted muffins and cupcakes?" I could tell Tough Love was focused. "Check! Blueberry, walnut, chocolate, strawberry, all in a row." They all looked really good. "And all the pies are ready to go. I think we're set. But the real question is...are you ready?" Tough Love placed her list on the front desk. "No...." I was so scared. I saw all those customers waiting outside and I feel my hooves hurting already. Tough Love chuckled, "I know how you feel. You get used to it after a couple of times. You better get ready because we're opening right now." She made her way to the door and was ready to open the bakery. I gulped with expectation as I readied myself for the busiest day I have ever gotten. "And we are open!" Tough Love opened the door and customers started flooding into the bakery like we were selling candy to fillies. For several minutes, I was overwhelmed by what seemed like limitless orders from the seemingly endless visiting customers. I ran back and forth to satisfy the customers and I carried out their orders without delay...thankfully. Finally, after nearly three hours of running and taking orders, my break came and I could rest my burning hooves in the break room. "Well done, Diane. Thanks to you, we got to the halfway point of the Sugar Rush. At this point, the parade will start and most of the customers will start to lessen here. So the rest of the day will be a little easier from here." Thank the Princesses for this...! My four aching hooves rejoiced! Suddenly, we started hearing the sounds of cheers from the break room. "What is going on out there? Is that the parade?" I wasn't expecting it to come near the bakery. "No, the parade doesn't come to this side of town. That is probably my friend visiting right now." Tough Love then left the break room to find out what all the noise was about. I stumbled on my aching hooves out of the break room to see an adult female Earth pony with a light yellow coat, a blue mane and tail, and she was wearing a really flashy outfit. "Hello, everypony! Sapphire Shores is here!" This mare was THE Sapphire Shores! She's an amazing singer and dancer! All of Equestria knows who she is and I nearly squealed! "Glad you could make it, Sapphire. We don't see each other often." Tough Love had already reserved Sapphire Shores her own table. She even vacated the other customers out of the bakery for this private visit. All the ponies outside were going crazy. "Hey there, Toughy! I'm glad you're doing well. I see you're still rockin' the sweets business!" Sapphire Shores sat in her seat and so did Tough Love. I can't believe Tough Love is friends with THE Sapphire Shores! "Hmm? Who is your friend?" Sapphire Shores is looking at me! I feel my hooves turning to jelly, and not because they're tired! "Her name is Diane Pie. She became a part of our little family not too long ago." Tough Love is introducing me to Sapphire Shores! "I see Jubilee is still as sweet as ever! So Diane, are you an employee here?" I wanted to answer Sapphire Shores' question, but my mouth was too tongue-tied to speak actual words. "You left her speechless, Sapphire." Tough Love chuckled. I must look like such a fool. "This happens all the time." Sapphire Shores laughed. No matter how hard I tried, my mouth won't make any words. Why me?! "Diane, would you please go and take Sapphire Shores her order? She doesn't visit this place often." I nodded since my voice wasn't working. "I would like a piece of that cinnamon pie right there. And some milk please." I nodded and rushed to go get Sapphire Shores' order. I willed my legs to move to satisfy the order and quickly delivered it to her. "Oh my! Thank you very much." Sapphire Shores began eating the piece of pie she ordered. I served THE Sapphire Shores! "Diane, I think you're still on your break right now. Could you give us some private time please?" Tough Love sounded a little annoyed, so I quickly left the room and went into the break room. OMG! I met and served THE Sapphire Shores! I sat at the break room table to breathe. But then I realized that I have to get her autograph! I searched for a pen and paper before she leaves. I finally found what I needed and walked over to the door to see Tough Love and Sapphire Shores enjoying their private time. I then stopped and went back into the break room, realizing that I would only ruin their time together. After nearly thirty minutes, my break had ended. I walked out of the break room to see that they just now ended their private time with Sapphire Shores getting ready to leave. "I wish I could stay longer, but...." Sapphire Shores gave a sigh when she began to leave the bakery. "I know you're pretty busy with being a pop idol. I'm just glad you came to visit again." Tough Love took the plate and glass to the sink after their use. "I'm just glad my agent could let me come and visit at all! I can't even spoil myself every once in a while because of them!" Sapphire Shores gave a pouty face. The life of a pop idol must be really hard.... "Try running a bakery with customers like the ones outside. It's a nightmare." Tough Love laughed. I very much agree.... Sapphire Shores then looked at me, "It was nice meeting you, Diane, and thank you. I enjoyed this visit." I was complimented by THE Sapphire Shores! I then showed my pen and paper to her. "C-Ca...Ca-Ca...n......n....!" My voice had broke just when I wanted to ask for her autograph! Why me?! Why me?! "Yes, you can have my autograph." Sapphire Shores took my pen and paper and wrote her autograph. OMG! OMG! OMG! I got an autograph from THE Sapphire Shores! My eyes sparkled so much I was seeing stars! "You certainly made her happy, Sapphire.... I didn't even know she was such a fan-mare." I could tell Tough Love was not surprised. "I'm just glad I came to visit!" Sapphire Shores laughed as she began making her way to the door. The ponies outside then began squealing as she approached. "Um...Toughy, is there another way out?" Sapphire Shores was too scared to go out the front door. I can't blame her.... "There is a door in the break room. You'll be able to avoid the crazy fans easily." Tough Love then began preparing for the rest of the Sugar Rush. "Thank you, Toughy! I'll be sure to visit when I can! Take care and stay fabulous!" Sapphire Shores then went into the break room to escape the crazy fans. I can't believe I met with THE Sapphire Shores! I'm so happy to be alive! "Alright Diane, time to get back to work. You've had your break and those customers won't stop until the end of the day. Help me get ready." I know something amazing just happened to me, but now I have work to do...and my four hooves and I now feel sad now.
Chapter 3 - Emotional Days part 1FINALLY....! After taking so many orders, after serving so many customers, Sweet Hearts can finally close! Tough Love and I have worked our hooves off to satisfy every customer that came to the bakery! I was so tired that I couldn't even feel my poor hooves. I laid my head against the break room table to rest. The day was in the late-afternoon right now and the parade was still going on. "Good job today, Diane. You were a great help today and I couldn't have done it without you." Tough Love looked winded, but she wasn't nearly tired as I was. She is such a pro.... "Alright, I know you're really tired, but we got to close the bakery and head home. We can't keep them waiting too long." Tough Love left the break room to begin closing up shop. I was so tired that I couldn't even feel my hooves. After taking nearly ten minutes to get back on my hooves, I joined Tough Love on the way back. We could see some of the parade floats and giant balloons pass by the city. I even saw one dedicated to Princess Luna. "Sorry we couldn't take the day off to enjoy the parade. I need the money for something." Even though my hooves were aching, what she said caught my attention. "What do you need the money for...? Is it important?" I ignored the pain in my hooves. "Sorry Diane, but I'm not telling. It's a secret." Tough Love winked at me and all that did was confuse me. But I decided to not be nosey. We finally made it home and I was so hungry. We stepped inside and Miss Jubilee waiting for us at the stairs. "Welcome back, you two~! How did it go?!" I was too tired to answer Miss Jubilee's question.... "It went really well. Diane and I cleaned up. I....even saved up enough for....that." I quickly noticed Tough Love sounding...almost afraid. I was confused. Miss Jubilee gave a tense look on her face, "Did you now? And you honestly think he'll keep his word?" I don't know what's going on, but something tells me that Tough Love was in trouble of some kind. "He has to...." Tough Love then left us and went upstairs. "Miss Jubilee, what's wrong with Tough Love? Does it have something to do with the money...?" I know I shouldn't be snooping into other ponies' business, but I felt that I had to know. Miss Jubilee sighed, "I promised not to say anything, but I think I should tell you and Bitter Sweet about it. Day and Charm won't understand...." She looked troubled. I can't even imagine what Tough Love was going through. Suddenly, we then heard the sound of shattering glass and we both ran up the stairs immediately. We then saw Day run up the stairs, looking like she was about to cry her eyes out. We looked over to the kitchen to see a few broken plates on the floor with Bitter Sweet and Charm trying to clean it up. "What happened here?! Why did Day run up the stairs like that?!" Miss Jubilee sounded upset. I frightened me. We then noticed Charm shivering when Miss Jubilee asked her question. "Miss Jubilee, please listen. It wasn't Charm's fault. Just help us clean this up and I'll explain what happened." We then got rid of the broken shards of the plates and sat down in the living room to hear what Bitter Sweet had to say. I saw how frightened Charm was. What ever happened must have been horrible for both Charm and Day. "Alright, this is what happened.... I came home after my day at the office and then I see you, Miss Jubilee, making dinner. You saw Diane and Tough Love arrive at the building and decided to welcome them home. After you left, Day and Charm were both looking at the food you made and decided to set up the table. I wasn't listening at the time because I was looking over some papers listing the appointments I have with some ponies over the next few weeks. And that is when Day dropped all those plates and ran up the stairs. And you know the rest...." Bitter Sweet looked lie he regrets not listening to what was going on and should done something about it. "I didn't mean to upset her...really! I was just helping Day with the plates and stuff and I was telling her about a new comic book one of my friends showed me!" Even now he's still talking about comic books.... "What was this comic book called? What was it about?" We all wanted to know the answer to Miss Jubilee's question. "I think it was called...uh...'Power Ponies and the Treats of White Day'. It was about this Pegasus who gave all these treats and stuff to the city, but it was all a trap! Yeah, that's it!" After Charm described the comic he mentioned, Miss Jubilee was froze up. This cannot be good.... "Oh no.... Oh no, this is so bad...!" Miss Jubilee suddenly became antsy. "Miss Jubilee, what's going on?" I became even more worried for Day when I asked that question. "White Day is the name of Day's mother...." Just from that alone, the entire room became 50 degrees colder. We all knew that this was really bad. "Oh geez, I blew it...! I made Day upset! I'm a bad guy...!" Charm began to panic after realizing how bad things got. I then grabbed a hold of him, hoping to calm him down. "It's okay, Charm...! I'm sure we can fix this!" I tried to assure Charm that it would be fine, but even I was panicking a little. "Miss Jubilee, who is this White Day exactly? Do you know her?" Even I needed to know the answer to Bitter Sweet's question. Maybe we can find a way to help Day. Miss Jubilee then gave a calming sigh, "Yes, I do. White Day and I were good friends when we were young. Then she married a kind stallion from Canterlot named Top Notch and they had Day a year afterwards. But sadly, they both died when Day was very young.... But worse, Day knew about what happened and she still remembers it clearly. I took Day in soon after because I was such close friends with her parents. I wish ignorance is a luxury she has right now...." Suddenly, my heart sank hard. I can't even imagine how Day feels right now. It's as sad as Bitter Sweet's past. "Can you tell us what happened...?" Bitter Sweet might be able to help Day better than all of us combined since he's a doctor. "Sorry, but I don't know all the details. I wasn't there at the time and Day refuses to tell me anything. You will have to ask Day for the full story. That might be impossible...." Miss Jubilee became very sad. I'm not sure how, but I knew this was going to be painful for all of us.
Chapter 4 - Emotional Days part 2"Day...! Day, open the door! We need to talk to you!" After what happened downstairs, Day had locked herself in the bathroom on the third floor and is now ignoring us. Miss Jubilee has been trying to get her to open the door for nearly an hour without any success. "I really blew it, didn't I...?" Charm was sad with guilt for upsetting Day earlier. "It wasn't your fault, Charm. Situations like this happen without warning sometimes. Though, this is certainly unexpected." Bitter Sweet was baffled by this. We all were.... "What if she stays in there forever...? What do we do?!" Charm was starting to panic again. "It'll be fine, Charm. We'll get through this." I reassured him as I held him in my embrace. "Day, please come out...! Charm didn't mean to upset you! It was all an accident!" Miss Jubilee kept trying to reach out to Day through the bathroom door. "Leave me alone...!" Day shouted at us through the door. With that outburst, Miss Jubilee fell silent and just...stopped. We watched as Miss Jubilee walked over and sat on her bed. "This...is just wrong." Miss Jubilee gave a sad sigh. It was very discouraging. We then left the third floor to let Day be with herself for a little while. "So Doctor Bitter, any ideas on what to do about Day?" Tough Love asked as she opened on of her romance novels. Bitter Sweet sighed, "I'm afraid the best advice I have for this situation is to wait for her to leave the bathroom by herself. In cases like this where the pony in question doesn't want to talk, it is best to wait until they do." That wasn't very assuring for us. But I guess there are days when even Bitter Sweet didn't have the answer. "I'm such an idiot...! Why didn't I keep my mouth shut...?!" Charm was starting to cry from the guilt despite the fact that he wasn't really at fault. I knew I had to do something even though it wasn't any of my business. I stood up and made my way up the stairs. "Diane, I really think you should leave her alone. If it's s bad as I believe it is, solitude might be what she needs right now...." Bitter Sweet was serious, but I knew he was also worried underneath. I ignored his words and made my way up to the third floor, and then to the bathroom Day locked herself in. "Day...? Day, it's me." I called out to her, hoping there would be a response. There was no answer. I then sat against the door, thinking about how to reach out to her. I then recalled what Miss Jubilee said about Day's parents. I knew it was a painful subject, but I had to try something. "So...I heard a bit about your parents. They used to be good friends with Miss Jubilee. I know I shouldn't ask, but what were your parents like? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to...." I really shouldn't have asked.... But what else were we supposed to do? There was not answer from Day, so I waited for her to answer. I then noticed Miss Jubilee standing at the entrance to the staircase, and I gave her an assuring wave. She waved back and then left. I continued to wait for Day to answer. For nearly two hours I waited for Day to answer me while the others waited for any progress. Suddenly, before my eye-lids were about to drop, I heard some clattering from within the bathroom. "Day, are you alright?" I was shaken up by the sudden noise and hoped nothing bad happened. No answer for a few minutes and I was getting scared. "Day, answer me...! Tell me you-" I was then interrupted when the door finally opened with Day walking out. "I'm alright...." I was so relieved to see Day walk out of the bathroom safe and sound. Even though her eyes were all red from what seemed like hours of crying. "I'm sorry for scaring you all...." Day looked really tired from being upset for so long and I then embraced her. "It's alright, Day...! I'm just glad you're alright." Thank Luna nothing too bad happened. I then sat her down on her bed and gave her one of her dolls, hoping to calm her down and talk. "Are you okay now?" I wanted to be sure Day was willing to speak about her troubles. Day gave me a nod as she held her doll tight in her hooves. "Day, I know it might hurt to tell me, but could you please tell me why you're upset?" I had to know if I was going to help Day. Day shivered as she held onto her doll. I should have known I was taking this too far, but I just had to try. "I'll tell you...." Day was actually willing to tell me about her parents. If this could help her somehow, then I am willing to listen. "I was very little when Mommy and Daddy were here.... We lived in that big city where the Princesses lived. We saw them walking around the stores all the time and wave to them. It was fun. But sometimes....my parents were mean to me. When I started school, they would always yell at me for not studying hard enough or not making good grades. But they were nice to me when I did do good. They said I could be a good mare and do really good. I wanted to make them proud and I started doing really good in school. But then...one day at school...." I noticed Day's voice was starting to quiver as she spoke. What happens next must have been how Day's parents died. "I was....at school when...when....the ground started shaking. The ground was shaking so much and...and....many houses fell down....and ponies were hurt. When it stopped shaking so much....my....my parents.....they...died. Our house broke too..... And that's what happened....to them." Day began to cry when she finally finished her story. I tried to figure out what she meant by when the ground started shaking. And in no time at all, I knew what it was: It was an earthquake. Earthquakes are very uncommon in Equestria. When and where they occur is difficult to predict. I couldn't imagine how Day felt when she found out what happened. I didn't know what to say. All I could do was embrace her in my hooves.... We sat there on her bed for nearly ten minutes. Day began to calm down bit by bit in that time. I then looked into her eyes as I pieced my words together at last. "Day, I'm sorry for what happened to your parents. But your parents loved you and wanted the best for you. That's why they were mean to you sometimes. They wanted you to try your best and grow up to be a great mare someday. I would give anything to have what you had...." I recalled the faces of my father, my mother, and my three sisters. But they're not my family. They were Pinkie Pie's family and that is a fact. "I...I don't know...." Day is still too young to truly understand. But it seemed like I was getting through to her a little. "I'm sure you will understand someday. But right now, everypony downstairs is waiting for you and they want to see the 'Happy' Good Day. Not the 'Sad' Good Day." I gave her a big goofy smile, hoping to snap her out of her sadness. She nearly bursts laughing. Her sad face instantly vanished. "I knew Happy Day was there." I was so happy to see Day smiling again. "Thank you, Big Sis...." Day rubbed her tears out of her eyes and smiled back at me. We then went back down to see the others. "We're back, and guess who I-" I was then interrupted by Charm quickly embracing Day. "I'M SORRY, DAY...! I'M REALLY SORRY!" Charm was streaming tears from his eyes and wailing as he held onto Day. "Charm, I told you to calm down...!" Tough Love then pulled Charm off of Day. "Are you alright, Day...?" Miss Jubilee walked over to Day, hoping to see if she was alright. "I'm alright. I'm sorry for making you worry. Big Sis made me feel better." We were all very relieved to see her happy again. Day gave Miss Jubilee a hug like always. "Hmph, well done, Diane. You did better than I could." Bitter Sweet was impressed with me. I was a little embarrassed. "I think we've kept the food waiting long enough...." Tough love looked over at the food on the stove that we have been ignoring all this time. "Me first...!" Day then rushed over to the table without hesitation. "Hey, no fair...!" Charm then rushed over to the table. We all laughed and then began to enjoy a late-night dinner. I'm so glad that I could help them. Truly....
Chapter 5 - Not-so Sweet part 1A few days have went by since the Sugar Rush and Sweet Hearts has been rather calm since then. The streets of Manehatten became mostly clear and work at the bakery/café went back to normal again. As for Bitter Sweet and myself, I have been making slight progress in revealing my secret to everypony at home. Sadly, 'slight progress' all I have made and that is not much.... Right now, I'm just working at the bakery/café like always, serving the customers like always. But then, some adult colts in black suits came walking into the bakery/café and all of the customers that were already there all ran out in fear. When that happened, I knew something bad was going on.... "Hey you, pink mare, we're customers. We demand service!" The tallest Earth Pony colt with a yellow coat, black mane and tail was very rude and I didn't like that. I saw his Cutie Mark and it was a bit with hole in it and a string was tied to it. This pony is very, very greedy. But I had to endure it because of my job. "May I take your order, sir?" I had to hide my annoyance in both my tone of voice and my expression. "Get us some sweets and coffee. And while you're at it, get Tough Love in here. We got business to discuss." I just shared one conversation with this jerk and I REALLY don't like him. I pushed my anger aside to fill out their orders. Afterwards, I left the room to go and get Tough Love who was in the break room counting her bits. And there were a lot of bits in a big bag. "Tough Love, there are some colts who need to speak with you. And they look like they mean business." I felt very uneasy with what was going on. Tough Love stopped counting her bits and put them all in her bag. "I heard. Stay here, Diane. I will take it from here." She gathered her large bag of bits and made her way to the front room where the colts in suits were waiting. I know I was told to wait inside the break room, but I had to look through the crack of the door. I could just barely make out what they were saying. "It's been a long while, Love. I'm surprised to see your little cookie-cooking gig still standing. Guess it took a pop-star's visit to get your cramped business going." I really hate this pony. I've been working in this bakery/café long enough to know that Tough Love works really, really hard to make her customers happy. And her baked foods are really good! How and why can Tough Love put up with this pony's insults?! "Cut to the chase, High Demand. I have the money the contract stated and I am willing to pay it in full. I hope you're willing to keep your end of the deal." Tough Love sounded serious. What is this contract she mentioned? Who are these ponies? And what is the story? "Don't worry, I intend to keep my word. I always do. And you've been working for years now. I think you've earned it. That is...if there are a total of one billion bits in that bag." ONE BILLION?!?! WHAT KIND OF DEAL DID THEY MAKE?! AND JUST HOW LONG HAS TOUGH LOVE BEEN WORKING?! "Yes, there is one billion bits in this bag right now. I have counted many times and I am ready to pay in full." Tough Love presented the bag of bits to the colt. One of them looked into the bag and then began to pat against it. "Yep, one billion bits exactly. And all of them are the real deal." He had a green coat, gray mane and tail, and his Cutie Mark was scale with a few bits on one side. He must be good at counting bits. "Good job, Penny Pincher. And well done, Love. I gotta say, you impressed me. And I am happy to accept the payment. However, there is one thing you should be aware of before doing that." That does not sound good.... "What...do you mean? I have the money, I followed the contract exactly, and everything should be fine now. What is going on?" Tough Love's voice became shaky with where this conversation was going. "Oh yes, you have followed the contract exactly as it was written. But you see, there is a thing called the 'Fine Print'. Now I'm sure you've read the fine print before signing it, right?" He pulled out a few sheets of paper and a magnifying glass and placed them on the table. That must be the contract they were talking about. Tough Love then began reading this fine print with the magnifying glass and they she slammed her hooves on the table. "YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!! THIS IS UNFAIR!!!" Tough Love was very angry. I was scared.... The colts only chuckled at Tough Love's anger. "You signed the contract, Love. You should have read the fine print before signing it. And it's binding until you pay up. So which is it? Option A or Option B? Take your pick." This colt had an arrogant smile, making me angry every second I look at it. I then looked at Tough Love and she was trembling in such furious anger. "DIANE!!!" She called for me and I then rushed out of the break room. "Yes?!" I was really scared from Tough Love's outburst. "We're leaving! High Demand, I am choosing Option A and I NEVER want to see you or your co-workers again! Good bye and good riddance!" Tough Love then stomped her way out of the bakery/café and I then followed, leaving my apron behind. "Pleasure doing business with you, Love~! Have a good life~!" That colt just laughed and laughed with his co-workers as we left. Just...what is going on here? I followed Tough Love to the park and we sat in the same on a solitary bench. We sat there quietly for nearly an hour and I watched Tough Love glare at the ground, still trembling in anger. "Tough Love...? Are you-" I was then interrupted when Tough Love gave me a frightening glare. I froze like a statue. Thankfully, her glare did not last too long when she then hugged me. I could feel her trembling on her embrace and she began to give a sorrowful groaning. "I can't....I can't believe this....! I worked....so hard...for nothing!" She sounded like she was about to cry her eyes out. I then gave her my embrace, hoping to comfort her. I knew something bad was going on, and I must do something to help her....somehow.
Chapter 6 - Not-so Sweet part 2After the conflict that happened at Sweet Hearts, Tough Love and I made our way back home. We got inside, walked up to the second floor and saw Miss Jubilee eating a salad. She then noticed us and stopped eating. "Diane...? Love...? What are you two doing back home so early? Did you two decide to take the day off?" Miss Jubilee walked over to us and then stopped when she noticed Tough Love's sad expression. "Love, what's wrong?! What happened?!" Miss Jubilee then walked up to Tough love, checking to see if she was hurt. Tough Love then walked up stairs without saying anything. "Diane, what happened? Why is Tough Love sad?" Miss Jubilee needed an explanation and I told her everything. After I told her everything that happened at the bakery/café, Miss Jubilee became troubled. "I can't believe this.... She finally fulfills that contract only to be cheated. But...just how was she cheated exactly?" I couldn't answer Miss Jubilee if I wanted to. "Miss Jubilee, what is going on...? What was Tough Love doing with them?" I needed answers now and I hope Miss Jubilee could answer me. She gave a deep sigh when I asked her my questions. "I can only tell you what I know, Diane. Tough Love was born into a family of business ponies like myself. Her father, Honest Business, was another good friend of mine. He was a well-respected contractor and he did his work as honestly as his name was. Her mother, Charity, was a very kind-hearted mare. But sadly, she was very sick and frail, and she passed away from illness when Love was only three. And worse, Honest passed away from the grief when Love was five. It was a very dark time for Love, and it only got darker after that. The colt you told me about, High Demand, was supposed to be the successor of the contracting business. And if that wasn't enough, he turned it into a business for cheats and swindlers. Love was put into hard labor every day during her early life. When she became ten, she confronted High Demand and that was when the deal was made. One billion bits and she was free from her connection to his business. For seven long years she has worked as a baker of sweets until she got enough money to pay off the contract. As for me, I took her in after wanting to visit Honest Business. I should have been there much sooner...." Miss Jubilee must regret not being there when Tough Love needed help. "Can't we get the police involved? They might be able to help us." I figured that might be a stretch, but it was an idea. "I wish.... The contract is both binding and legal. And from what Love told me, a number of legal witnesses were involved in the viewing of them signing the contract. I'm afraid what ever is in that contract is perfectly legal." What could we possibly do to help her? If the contract was perfectly legal, then what can we do? We then saw Tough Love walking down from the third floor. Her eyes were red from crying earlier. "The contract had fine print that I should have read from the start. When I paid the one billion bits like the contract said, I could only choose one of two options. Option A was for me to be free. To disconnect myself from them forever. Option B was to buy the bakery as my own while still being connected to them. I couldn't have both. If I chose Option A, I could be free of them, but I could no longer bake in Sweet Hearts again. If I chose Option B, I could buy the bakery, but my suffering would continue. If I have to, I'll just start a new bakery. But...it's been my livelihood for years. I've done so many things and made so many ponies happy there." Tough love was beginning to cry again. Miss Jubilee and I both hugged Tough Love to comfort her. "We'll help you as best as we can. We can figure this out." I agreed with Miss Jubilee as we tried to comfort Tough Love. She then moved away from us and made her way back to the staircase. "I....I need to be alone." Tough Love then left and went back upstairs. Something tells me that this is not going to be an easy problem to fix. We waited for Day, Charm, and Bitter Sweet to return and we told them everything. Day and Charm didn't understand too much since they were still young, but Bitter Sweet understood the weight of the problem perfectly. Unfortunately, we're up against the legal system and there was nothing we could do. But...there was one thing I could do. I don't know if it will work though. The others did their best to comfort Tough Love, but the sadness she was under was too strong. I had to do something and there is only one pony I know who might be able to help us. We all went to sleep for the night and I knew who to call while I slept. My dream was just an empty void and only I stood alone. "LUNA!!! LUNA!!!" In the dream, I called out to the only pony who can travel through dreams and who could possibly do anything about a bad contract. At first, nopony came. But then I saw a small light making it's way towards me through the void and I recognized it almost instantly. "Princess Luna...?! Is that you?! I need your help...!" The light then took form and it became the blue princess I know. She opened her eyes and gave me a smile. "It's been a while, Diane. We are glad to see you're doing fine. You say you need our help?" I was so relieved to know she was willing to help. "Princess Luna, one of my family is in trouble and I don't know what to do. Surely, only you can do something about it...." I didn't know who to turn to in this dark time. "You must keep this in mind that you shouldn't rely on my status as Princess of Equestria. You must know that I had just returned to Equestria after my 1,000 years of banishment. Whether my authority has any sway on the majority of the citizens, I cannot say. Whatever the issue is....I may not be able to help you." Princess Luna was serious and I can't blame her. I clearly remember her return and the image of Nightmare Moon was also clear. So the chances of Princess Luna being able to do anything about this problem is....slim. But I had to ask for her help. "Princess, please listen...." I told her everything that happened and unfortunately for me, by the time I finished telling her, a loud noise woke up early in the morning. I was not only very annoyed, but I hope Princess Luna knows what to do about this. I got up out of bed to find Bitter Sweet and Miss Jubilee watching Tough Love gathering a few bags. "Good morning.... What's going on?" I was confused to see what's going on. "Tough Love is going to go to the bakery and get all of her stuff. She's worried that High Demand might empty it before she could do that." Bitter Sweet seemed very concerned for Tough Love. "I'll just have to start over from scratch, I guess.... Though, finding a new location is not going to be easy in this city. It was already hard to do the first time." Tough Love sounded so life-less. "I'll help you find a new store location if you want. Just ask me." Miss Jubilee was also concerned for Tough Love. "Thanks, but I'm sure I'll manage. Now if you will excuse me, I must go and get some things I left at Sweet Hearts before High Demand empties it. I'll be back later." Tough Love then left the room and began making her way out of the building. My concern for her drove me to follow Tough Love outside. "Where are you going, Diane?" I stopped to answer Bitter Sweet's question. "I'm going to go help her. I used to work there too...." I then left in a hurry as I joined Tough Love on her way to Sweet Treats. Along the way, I have been trying to convince her that things will work out, but it seemed very difficult right now. We finally made it to Sweet Treats and then saw High Demand speaking to a familiar face. "Princess Luna...?! What are you doing here?!" I was not expecting her to show up here so soon! And Tough Love certainly didn't expect her to be there too. We then see High Demand finish talking with Princess Luna, gave her a piece of paper, and then began leaving. He then walked up to us with a serious look on her face. "Tough Love, this establishment is no longer my concern. I got a better gig waiting for me in Canterlot thanks to Princess Luna. The only condition is that this establishment returns to you. And that the one billion bits you used to pay for your freedom would be used for something more constructive. As for the contract, with this sudden offer, our deal and it's conditions are all null and void. As always, pleasure doing business with you." High Demand then began to take his leave. I don't know what Princess Luna did, but I am so happy for Tough Love. I could see the look of shock on her face. "Oh, and one last thing. Your father, Honest Business, was great at his work. I looked up to him when he was alive. Good luck." High Demand then left for good this time after giving us his piece. I then looked at Princess Luna and was so happy to see her. "Diane, this is the only time I can give you my help. As for you, Tough Love, do not give up hope. Good day." Princess Luna then gave Tough Love the deed to the establishment and then vanished in a flash of light. "I am so happy for you, Tough Love! You got your bakery ba-" I was then interrupted by Tough Love grabbing a hold of me. She was trembling again, and held onto me. "Thank you...so much! Thank you...!" Tough Love began crying tears of joy as she held onto me. I'm just so glad that it all worked out. Thank you, Princess Luna.
Chapter 7 - Comic Blues part 1Sweet Hearts opened up again and this time it was the most joyful time Tough Love ever had in her life. She spent so many years working to fulfill a terrible contract and now she can bake out of joy. There were muffins, cakes, cookies, pies, and even a chocolate fountain for all to enjoy. Many ponies came to join in on the fun, though they had no idea what was going on. Though, I think some things are better left un-said. I never realized just how much pain and misery Tough love was in while I worked there. And I feel guilty for not knowing sooner.... Right now, I'm with Doctor Sweet for another session. "You have no need to feel guilty about not knowing, Diane. Some ponies hide their troubles from others to avoid troubling those they care about. That is how some ponies act. Personally, you just being there for her was probably the better choice of action." I told Doctor Sweet my thoughts about what happened. He knew how to handle situations like this better than I did. "I'm just glad Princess Luna came to help us. Had it not been for her, Tough Love could have lost everything for good." I was so relieved for what she did. "I never imagined you had ties with the Princess of the Night. I must say...you impress me sometimes. Though, you never told me that...." He sounded bothered by that. "Did I not tell you...? I thought I did." I guess I might have left that part out by mistake when I told him about myself. Doctor Sweet sighed, "Never mind, Diane. As long as things worked out, that's fine. Though, I think you should keep that a secret from now on. You don't want ponies thinking you're too special or they might get the wrong idea." Now that he brought that up, I think he's right. It might give Princess Luna trouble if other ponies think she favors me above all others. I think I'll keep it a secret after all. After my session, we then left the office building and made our way back home. "I must say though, you seem to have a knack for relieving another pony's pain and suffering. Perhaps just being there for others makes for a better psychiatrist these days." Bitter Sweet sounded like he was impressed with me. Honestly, I was flattered. Suddenly, we then heard the sound of a scream coming from down one of the alleys. We then rushed down the alley to find Charm being pushed around by three other young colts. "C'mon Charm, is that all you got? I thought you were the cool guy." He was a young Unicorn colt with a brown coat and white mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a cart wheel. Maybe he likes working with carts. He must have been the leader of the three young colts. "Leave me alone, Wheelie! I have to get home right now!" Charm got back up on his hooves and held onto his stuff in protest. I suddenly respect him a lot more now. "Or what? You're gonna cry to mommy? Oh that's right, you don't have a mommy or a daddy." He and the other three young colts laughed. Charm looked like he was about lose his temper. I figured Charm was an orphan like the rest of us who were adopted by Miss Jubilee. "That is enough." Suddenly, Bitter Sweet then levitated the three young colts off the ground and away from Charm in anger. "Hey...! Who are you?!" The three young colts panicked as they were suspended in mid-air. "Big bro...! Diane...!" Charm looked happy to see us help him. "You three little fools have some nerve making fun of another pony for not having parents. Perhaps your parents would love to hear what you just said to my little brother. Is that what you all want?" I am now afraid of how angry Bitter Sweet sounded all of a sudden. Even the three young colts were afraid of him. "I suggest you cease this bullying right now. And unless you want your parents finding out about this, you leave him alone. Do I make myself clear?" The three young colts all nodded frantically in answering Bitter Sweet's question. "Good. Then leave. NOW." Bitter Sweet then gently lowers the three young colts back to the ground and they all ran off in a fright. Honestly, I have goose bumps running down my hooves. "Big bro, you're so cool...!" Charm then grabbed a hold of Bitter Sweet's front right hoof in affection. I knew Charm looked up to Bitter Sweet, but I had no idea he admired him this much. "I am merely doing what is right, Charm. You're not hurt, are you?" He then examined Charm for any injuries. Thankfully, Charm seemed safe. "I'm fine, Big bro. This happens all the time.... Wheelie is just a bully." Charm sounded down for what happened. I've never had any bullies, so I don't really know how he felt. "Forget about them. Let's go home." Bitter Sweet then resumed making his way back home. Charm and I followed him. We made it back home to see Tough Love washing dishes and Day drying them off with her magic and a towel. "Hi...!" Day looked happy to see us. "Welcome back you guys. I'm making salads tonight." Tough Love may be a baker, but she can make other good foods. "That sounds good. I'll be back shortly." Bitter Sweet then left the room for the third floor. I then sat down to rest after today. "So Charm, what did you do today? Did you go to the comic book store like always?" Tough Love and Day just finished doing the dishes and joined us in the living room. "Yeah, I did. There weren't any new volumes today. Oh well." Charm must have been disappointed. Though, I'm not really a fan of comics myself. "We also saw Charm get bullied by these three colts. What was that one colt's name? Wheelie...?" I felt I had to say something about that. "Diane...!" Charm sounded like he wanted that kept a secret. Sorry about that.... "Charm, you need to stop playing cool and tell us about these things. We can make it stop if you just ask us." I agree with Tough Love. Though, I'm not sure how you can solve bullying.... "I'm fine, Big sis...! This happens all the time. I'm used to it." Charm then began to make his way to the third floor with his stuff. "I'm going to read my comics now!" Charm then bolted up the stairs. He sounded like he was trying to avoid something. "What's wrong with him...?" I couldn't help but be concerned for him. Tough Love sighed, "He's always like that when it's about him and bullies. Especially that Wheelie-bully.... Let me guess, he made fun of Charm for being an orphan again?" I nodded. I guess even Tough Love knew about Charm's problem too. "I wish I could help him, but I can't. I think it's better if you leave this problem alone." Tough love sounded troubled by this. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think about this. Can I really just leave this alone? I don't know....
Chapter 8 - Comic Blues part 2I've been busy with my job at Sweet Hearts and Tough Love is still so happy to have it. I really should thank Princess Luna for what she did for us. Today, I just finished my shift and I was ready to close up the bakery. "Alright Diane, great work today. All the customers are happy and we made a good haul today." I noticed she had a big smile on her face the entire time we were working. "Love, I need to go now. I promised Miss Jubilee that I would go pick up Charm and Day today." I needed to leave right now. It was about time Charm and Day got off school. "Alright then, get going. I'll finish up here. Just be careful on your way back." Tough Love went to the break room and I waited for a few seconds. "YAAY!!! DAY FIVE IS ANOTHER GOOD DAY!!!" I'm not surprised she would still be so happy. I then left for the school Day and Charm go to and when I arrived, I saw them waiting for their escort to arrive. The school they go to is called 'Manehatten Elementary' and it was a little bigger than the school in Ponyville. I approached Day and Charm to pick them up. "Day...! Charm...! I'm here to pick you up!" I see all the other students leaving the school by horse-drawn carriages. I guess there aren't many schools in Manehatten. "Dude, this is so cool! Diane is here at my school!" Charm's eyes shined through his glasses. He is such a child. "Hi Diane...! I want you to meet my friend!" Day then showed me a young Earth Pony mare with a dark-brown coat and a reddish mane and tail. She didn't have a Cutie Mark like me. "Hi there. Nice to meet you. My name is Bab Seed." She seemed nice to me. Though, she looked a little nervous to me. "Hello. My name is Cherry Diane Pie. Just call me Diane." An introduction is always important. Though, Bab Seed looked away from my line of sight. She seemed troubled by something.... "Bab is really nice...! She plays sports and she knows how to style manes!" Day looked really excited. So Bab Seed wants to be a mane-stylist? "I don't really style manes, Day. I just like fiddling with my mane." I noticed Bab Seed give her loose mane a puff to move it from her face. I thought it was cute. "C'mon, Diane...! I wanna show you the comic book store I go to! It's so cool...!" Charm was really excited to show me. I'm still not interested, but I should at least go see it. "Alright Charm, I'll go see with you. But we have to go home afterwards, ok?" I shouldn't keep Miss Jubilee waiting too long. "YEAH!!!" He then rushed ahead of us. "Wait for us...!" I got Day on my back and rushed after Charm. "Bye Bab...!" Day held on tight as I ran. We left Bab Seed back at the school. I followed Charm to this comic book store a couple block away from the school. It was called 'Comic Sans' and it was about the same size as Sweet Hearts. "This is it! Comic Sans and it is so cool! It has lots and lots of comics! C'mon...!" Charm then rushed inside the store. "Charm, wait a minute...!" I walked inside to see a large collection of different comic books. There were so many of them stacked on shelves and in many boxes. "Hey there, Cool. I see you brought Day and a new face. Sup? The names Comic Sans. Welcome to my store. From A to Z, we got whatever you're looking for. Just name it." This Comic Sans was an adult Unicorn with a white coat and he had a black mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was obviously a comic book. He had a sleepy look on his face. "What...? Is it the bags under my eyes? I read comics late at night. It's what I do." He then made a funny-looking smile on his sleepy face. "Um...this place sure has a lot of comics." I looked and there might have been over a hundred of them. "Yep. This place is my home and my work place. It pays well, and I get a place to stay. Take as long as you guys want." I then noticed his eyes starting to drop. I decided to take a look with Day still on my back. "Diane, check this out! It's the new issue of 'Power Ponies'! I gotta have it!" Charm was holding a comic book in his hooves and he was really excited. "Sorry Charm, but I don't have any money on hoof right now. Maybe another time." Tough Love just started paying me after she got her bakery back. Though, she hasn't paid me yet.... "Oh, alright...." Charm looked pretty disappointed. "Hey guys. What's up?" I then see Bab Seed walking inside the store. "Hi Bab...! You came too?" Day was surprised. None of us were expecting Bab to join us. "Yeah, I come to the store sometimes. I'll buy you that comic book if you want." When Bab Seed said that, Charm then hugged her. "You're the best, Bab!" I was expecting that kind of reaction from Charm.... Bab Seed then paid Comic Sans for the comic and gave it to Charm. I wonder why she did that.... While, Charm was happily looking over his given comic with Day, I walked over to Bab Seed. "So Bab, why did you buy him the comic book? Was there a reason?" I couldn't help but be curious. "Not really.... I just had money to spend. That's all." Bab Seed seemed rather...down about something. I know I shouldn't pry, but I had to know. "You seem sad about something. If you don't mind me asking....why are you sad?" Bab Seed then looked away from me. Whatever it is, it must be bad. "I...I wasn't all that nice before. I used to bully my cousin and her friends. So...yeah." I guess Charm isn't the only one with bully problems. "Well, if you're trying to be a better pony, I'm sure things will get better." I didn't really know what to say to her. As far as I'm concerned, I've never experienced bullying problems. Bab Seed just looked away from me again. I guess it takes more than words to cheer ponies up. "Bab, you're so awesome! I'll make it up to you! I promise!" Charm and Day seemed to have finished looking over the comic. "Sure, that's fine...." Bab gave a little smile to Charm. I think it's a good start. "Well, if you guys are done, you have a good day. I'm about to close shop anyway." Comic Sans began to magically put away the comic books and back to their designated places. We then left the store and Charm was still excited about his newly given comic book. "Bab, do you want me to escort you back home too? Is your house far?" I felt like I should do that since Bab was alone. "Nah, I'm fine. My house is only a few steps away. You guys just be careful." Bab Seed seemed a little happier now. "Bye Bab...! See you at school!" We waved goodbye to Bab Seed as she left us. I could now finally take these two young ponies home. After today, I was very tired and sleepy. I hope tomorrow won't be too tiring.... Author's Note OK, before anyone loses their minds, I had no idea how to put Bab Seed's accent into writing. So I had to improvise.... Enjoy.
Chapter 9 - Comic Blues part 3We finally got back home after a long day and I was really tired from working at the bakery and from picking up Day and Charm. The first thing I did was walk into the second floor and fall on the comfy couch to rest my tired hooves. Then Charm got up in my face to show me his newly given comic. "Dude, this is the best! Bab is so cool...! I have to thank her for this! I know, I'll ask her on a date!" Charm never ceases to amaze me sometimes.... I was too tired to take him seriously. "I'm gonna go read it now! Yes!" Charm runs up the stairs to his room to read his new comic. Finally I can rest. I was nearly about to fall asleep. "Hey Big Sis, is Love still at work?" Day was next pony to get at my face. "Yeah, she is. She's been so happy to have her bakery back lately that she's been spending more time there. She'll be back later." I'm pretty sure Tough Love will be back at 9pm again.... We then heard Miss Jubilee and Bitter Sweet walk up the stairs. "We're back~! I hope you guys had a good day~!" Miss Jubilee sounds as cheerful as ever. "Day is here? Then where is Charm?" Bitter Sweet took off his coat and sat in one of the living room chairs. "Charm is in his room reading his new comic book. He was very excited about it too." And his excitement has exhausted me.... "That silly colt, always on about his comic books. He's so easy to excite~! And he's going to be excited about tonight's dinner, Cucumber Salads~!" Miss Jubilee began making the dinner Charm apparently loves. We talked about stuff that happened today. Day got a B+ on her math test, Bitter Sweet had another boring day at his office looking over his papers, and Miss Jubilee had a busy day selling her cherries to ponies. I never asked where she puts all that money. Maybe next time she goes out selling. Finally, Tough Love returns home after nearly three hours of hanging out at her bakery after closing time. "Yay...! Big Sis is back!" Day then gave a big hug to Tough Love. She looked tired but still happy. "Hey guys, I'm back. I hope I'm not late for dinner...." Tough love sat next to me to rest from a long day's work. "You're just in time~! Diane, would you be a dear and go get Charm for me~?" I was still tired but I made my way up to the third floor anyway. When I got there I saw Charm looking out the window on the right side of the room. "Charm, dinner is ready. Are you coming down...?" I was expecting him to still be reading his new comic but he wasn't. I noticed he had a blank expression on his face. "Yeah, I'll be there...." Charm even sounded like he lost his spark. This is concerning. I started being nosy again and sat next to him. "Charm, what's wrong? You're usually excited about something. I thought you would be reading your comic book one hundred times already." He does do that quite often.... "I'm just...thinking about stuff. I'll be down in a minute." Whatever he was thinking about must be serious. I then turn my attention towards his new comic. I thought it might have had something to do with Charm's unusual behavior. It was titled, 'Power Ponies #53: A Hum Drum-ble Beginning' and I decided to look through it. What a silly title.... It was rather short compared to the other comics Charm had. I mostly skimmed passed the first few pages that talked about how Hum Drum came to be, he was in an orphanage, he was happy there, but then I stopped at page 8. Something horrible happened to Hum Drum: the orphanage was burned down because of a short circuit in the oven while the orphan keeper was cooking for the orphans. Hum Drum was out admiring the Power Ponies doing heroic stuff and came back to see everything burned to the ground. And what's worse, none of the ponies living in the orphanage survived. Hum Drum was all alone. Eventually, he was found by the Power Ponies leader, Trot Summers, or Masked Matter-Horn, and was then taken into the Power Ponies. After reading those last few pages, I knew exactly what happened to Charm. He was an orphan and he lost all the ponies he made friends with at the orphanage he stayed in. He must have been at the comic book store or something and didn't know about it. Then he was found by Miss Jubilee and the rest was history. I figured the writer must have taken inspiration from that incident and applied it to the comic book. I could see tears running down his cheeks passed his sunglasses. Reading such a comic that was just like his tragedy must have been painful for him to do. I got next to him and embraced him, hoping to comfort him. Afterwards, Charm eventually got over his sadness and calmed down. "Charm...I know it must have hurt losing all that you loved. But it was an accident. It was no pony's fault it that happened. If I had to give some advice, live on for them. Try to be the best that you can be and move on with your life. That's all we can really do." I'm not sure if that will help, but it was the only thing I could say. Charm then gave a deep snort of his nose and rubbed the tears from his eyes. "Yeah! I just need to be cool for them! I just gotta be myself! Yeah!" Charm then rushed downstairs and just like that he was back to normal. That...resolved rather quickly. "SWEET! CUCUMBER SALAD!" I could hear Charm being excited from downstairs. I gave a sigh of relief, "He's back to normal...." I then went downstairs and joined them for dinner. I was not only tired but really hungry. I'm just glad I could help somepony else again.
Chapter 10 - Patching HeartsSome days went by and I think I'm starting to get more comfortable about confessing my identity to Miss Jubilee and the others thanks to Dr. Sweet. I've even started having Dr. Sweet himself be practice for me. But the reveal of my identity has yet to be done for real. It was on another Tuesday like always except this time Tough Love gave me the day off because she wanted to sleep in bed for the first time in a long time. So I got to my appointment early and finished it early too. "Thank you, Dummies. You too, Dr. Sweet." I had to thank the dummy ponies Dr. Sweet used to help me practice. Dr. Sweet sighed, "I told you, Diane, call me Dr. Bitter. That's what it says on the plaque on my door and on my degree." He pointed to the degree that was titled, 'Dr. Bitter'. I chuckled, "Whatever you say, Dr. Sweet." Dr. Sweet gave an annoyed sigh and I laughed. We then left the office and made our way back home. I checked the clock in the office before we left and it was 2: 46pm. It was still in the middle of the day so we had some time to spend. "Hey Bitter, do you want to go somewhere before we go back home? It's still pretty early." It's such a beautiful day that I thought it would be a waste to just spend it indoors. "Well, I suppose so since we don't really have anything else to do. Why not?" I'm so glad Bitter Sweet accepted! I then dragged him to go and check the sights with me. It was fun just the two of us. We had some fun ice skating and we went to a bookstore Bitter Sweet liked. It was called, 'Grand Script's Books' and the motto was, 'Looking for a book? We'll find it!'. Maybe I should have Tough Love make a motto for the bakery. We went inside and Bitter Sweet was looking for a specific kind of book that was supposed to be located in the Supernatural Section. I had no idea he had an interest in the supernatural. Learn something new every day. He was very serious in his search. "So Dr. Bitter, looking for a type of book? I can find it if you need it." An adult male Pegasus came up to us with a bright smiling face. His coat was a bright-colored purple and a mane and tail in a darker shade of purple. His Cutie Mark was a blue book with a big question mark on it. I guess he likes books. He must be Grand Script. "No thank you, Mr. Three. I'm fine searching on my own." Bitter Sweet went back to his search. What ever this book was must be of personal interest. But something didn't right to me.... "Mr. Three...? But I thought his name was Grand Script." I was confused. Grand Script laughed, "Yeah, some ponies don't get it. I'm actually Grand Script the Third. I took over the shop from my dad like he did his dad. And believe it or not, I'm actually 24." He looks so much older though...! I was surprised. "So Doctor, whose the cute mare? Your mare friend? You sly colt you." Grand Script gave us a teasing expression as he chuckled. And to my surprise, Bitter Sweet then slipped and fell with many books falling on top of him. "Oops...." Grand Script realized he shouldn't have done that and we both started removing books from on top of Bitter Sweet and hoped he was alright. Thankfully, he was just fine. "Mr. Three, I would appreciate it if you do not do that again...." Bitter Sweet sounded annoyed and his cheeks carried a slight blush as he tried to straighten up his sunglasses. Grand Script laughed, "Sorry about that, Doc. Guess you're still too young to have a mare friend." He was still teasing us. "Grand Script, you're testing my patience...." Bitter Sweet sounded angry over the teasing. And that scared me.... "Uh...sorry. I'll stop now." Grand Script quickly clammed up and stopped the teasing. We then began to leave the books store. "So Doc, did you ever find that book? My offer to find it for you still stands." Grand Script then began to read a book himself. "Maybe next time, Mr. Three. I'll see you later." We then left the book store and then made our way to one of the cafés he likes. It was called, 'Warm Morning' and it was a coffee place. There were some ponies there enjoying their coffee and baked foods. "Hello Doctor...! Welcome back! And...who is your friend?" There was a pure white Earth pony mare at the front desk serving coffee to the customers. "Hello Vanilla Cream. This is Diane. She's the pony I told you about. She is one of my current patients." Bitter Sweet told me about her. Vanilla Cream used to be one of his patients. That's really all he told me. We then sat down in one of the tables and awaited our orders. "So, what would you two like to order?" Vanilla Cream took out a notepad to write down our orders. I looked over the list of drinks and foods and they all look good. "I'll just order the usual. I'll be paying for it." Bitter Sweet then magically levitated a newspaper over to the table to read it. "I'll just have a cup of cold milk please." I wasn't really hungry, but I was thirsty. "One usual and one cold milk coming up." Vanilla Cream then walked away to fill out our orders. I watched as she began making the coffee with ease. Almost as good as Tough Love and her baking. She then arrives to deliver our orders. "Here's your usual coffee with three sugars and hazel nut creamer, Doctor. And here is your cold milk, Miss Diane." She delivered us our orders with a smile on her face. I took a sip of mine and I love it. It was cold, but refreshing and it had a slight sweet-ness to it. "Thank you, Vanilla Cream. Here's the payment." Bitter Sweet already had the payment for our orders and presented it to Vanilla Cream. Then he began to drink his coffee. "Thank you, Doctor." Vanilla Cream took the payment and went back to serving the other customers. I continued to enjoy my cold milk while Bitter Sweet continued to enjoy his coffee. Afterwards, we then began to leave the café. I checked the clock and it was 5:03 pm and it was starting to get late. "We'll be leaving now, Vanilla Cream. Thank you for the drinks." Bitter Sweet and I placed the used cups on the front desk before we made our way out the door. "Thank you for coming!" Vanilla Cream gave us her good bye as we left. We then began to make our way back home. We didn't want to worry everypony back home. "Diane, I believe now is the time." I stopped when Bitter Sweet made that statement. I had to process what he meant for a few seconds and then my body became cold with fear. "You have been showing progress, Diane. I'm sure you can do it." Even with those words of encouragement, my body refused to move at all. I'm not even sure if I can even get the words out. I could already feel my throat tightening from the thought. "Um...Diane?" Bitter Sweet looked at me with confusion. I couldn't say anything all of a sudden and it was killing me. "I...I don't know...." I could barely say anything without stuttering. Bitter Sweet sighed, "Then we'll just have to keep trying. You may confess to them when you are ready." He then continued his way back home and I followed. I have been making progress, but I may not be able to do it. I still don't know what they would think about me if I did tell them. But there wasn't much time to mentally prepare myself since we arrived at home in no time at all. I quickly took a deep breath since I don't really have to tell them just yet like Bitter Sweet said. We entered the house and the smell of freshly made soup filled our noses. We walked up stairs to see Miss Jubilee making soup and Tough Love setting up the table. Day was playing with a few of her dolls and Charm was reading his comic books like usual. "Welcome back, you two~! Did you two enjoy your date~?" Even Miss Jubilee started teasing us. I think my pink cheeks became pinker from embarrassment. "Miss Jubilee, we're not like that...." Even Bitter Sweet was embarrassed. "Diane and Bitter, sitting in a tree...!" Love, please don't.... I then see Day and Charm join her. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" That joke is so childish.... Bitter Sweet and I are nothing like that. "The soup is nearly done~! Have a seat at the table and I pour you all a bowl~!" We all sat at the dinner table to enjoy the soup Miss Jubilee made and just when I was getting really hungry. I got my bowl and the soup was full of corn, green beans, onions, carrots, and it smelled so good. Tasting it was even better. I had two bowls of it because I was so hungry. Afterwards, we all settled down in the living room and talked about our day and nothing really special happened to us. Tough Love spent her day reading her love novels, Day and Charm had a boring day at school, and Miss Jubilee had a day of shopping. It's strange how I got to this point. I never really questioned why or how I got to this point in my existence and it's only been a couple of months. I've come to know these four ponies so much and they accept me like a family. Honestly, I could never ask for more. And I can't help but wonder how my other self, Pinkie Pie, is doing.... I know I don't want anything to do with her anymore, but I just can't help but wonder from time to time. Is she happy? Is she safe? Is she making any more friends? Honestly speaking, this is troublesome to me. But right now, all I'm doing is making a place for myself in this land of ponies. That is all that matters to me right now. Though, what do I do after that? I'm not sure.... "Alright everypony, we should be getting ready for bed soon~! It's about that time~!" I checked the clock and it was already 9:56pm. I can't believe how fast time went by. I was actually pretty tired after today. Day and Charm went upstairs to get ready and so did Tough Love. I stayed behind with Bitter Sweet and Miss Jubilee in the living room. "So have you two been making progress with whatever you two have been doing? Hmm~?" Is Miss Jubilee still teasing us? Seriously, Bitter Sweet and I are nothing like that.... "If by progress you mean with Diane's personal issues, then yes we are. As for that kind of progress, neither of us have a desire for such. And I personally am not ready for a relationship right now." And neither am I. I just started existing a couple of months ago. "Alright then, have it your way. I'm sure you two will be ready eventually." Miss Jubilee then began making her way upstairs to get ready for bed. Bitter Sweet sighed, "I wish she would act her age. She pesters me all the time over such trivial things...." He tucked his sunglasses that were slipping. "Well...is it really so trivial? I mean, falling in love is not that bad." Even though I have too much on my mind already. "True, but 'falling in love' and 'being in a relationship' are two different things." I can't deny that.... We then left the living room to get ready for bed. We all bid each other a fond good night and slept the night away. I didn't really need to speak with Princess Luna this time. She did have other ponies to meet with in the dreams. The new morning came and I woke up rather early to the smell of freshly made coffee. I see Miss Jubilee all dressed up in a nice dress and she had a bouquet of pretty flowers. "Good morning, Miss Jubilee." I was still half asleep to ask about the dress and the flowers. I needed some coffee. "Oh, good morning, Diane. You're up early." She was drinking some coffee too. I sat next to her at the dinner table after pouring my coffee. "I smelled some coffee. So why are you up so early? Do you have a special order today?" Miss Jubilee usually goes out and do special deliveries for certain ponies. "No, it's not for a delivery. It's for...something else." She sounded rather serious. She then placed her bouquet of flowers gently in a bag and then made her way to the staircase. "Do you want to come with me? I could use some company." She waited for me to answer. She might have already finished her own coffee. I nodded, quickly finished my coffee, burnt my tongue, and then wrote a note so I wouldn't worry anypony. We then left the building and made our way to where Miss Jubilee wanted to go. She didn't say anything and neither did I. Whatever she was doing must be really serious to give me the silent treatment. Finally, we arrive at the Manehatten Cemetery. Just from the sight of the gravestones, I knew what Miss Jubilee was doing: She was visiting a grave. We walked passed many different gravestones and eventually came up to one at the far-right side of the cemetery. The words on the tombstone reads, "Here Lies Show Time. An Entertainer, a Friend, and an All-around Fun Pony. RIP." "Miss Jubilee, who is this pony...?" I had to ask. I saw her place the bouquet of flowers in front of the tombstone and sat down on the cold, wet ground. "He could have been my husband by now. But we never even got married.... He died from a terrible accident during the production of his first theatre project. A sandbag fell right on top of him due to an error of mechanics. It crushed him almost instantly. I still remember that goofy smile on his face when I said yes to his proposal. That was five years ago. We could have been so happy...." I could already see tears streaming from her eyes. I couldn't even imagine the pain she is in right now. "I'm sure he would want you to be happy right now. He would be sad to see you like this...." I wanted to help her, but I'm not sure I could. "I know, but.... It hurts so much...!" She began to cry in front of the grave. I then embraced her, hoping to comfort her. Though, it might take more than hugs to help her right now. I couldn't really say anything else to her. This is a pain that has existed for five long years. All I could do now is be there for her and continue to support her. After a while, she finally stopped crying and started to calm down. She took out a few tissues and started rubbing the tears out of her eyes. "Thank you, Diane, for being here with me...." It was really all I could do for her. "I'm here for you, Miss Jubilee. You were there for me when I needed help. We're family, right...?" I was still a little unsure if I was still a member of her family. I guess I'm just negative.... She then embraced me back. "Of course you are, Diane. I know you are." It was such a relief to hear Miss Jubilee say that. I realized that the bonds between others can make a strong community, a strong friendship, and a strong family. Not even blood ties can match that. Suddenly, a flash of light shined from my flank. We both looked at it and saw my Cutie Mark! "Oh my gosh! I got my Cutie Mark! I got my Cutie Mark!" I was so excited! I looked on and on at my newly obtained Cutie Mark and it meant I was my own pony after all! "But look at it.... I've never seen one like this one before." We both examined it and it looked like a broken heart being held together by a blue ribbon. What does that mean exactly? "Well, I guess you know how to fix a broken heart, Diane. You are pretty good at that kind of thing." I never really thought of that before. I just did what any pony would do. I guess it's just...my natural talent. Mind. Blown. "I think we've spent enough time here. Let's go back home and show everypony your new Cutie Mark. And also...thank you for being there with me. I really needed it." I never felt such elation from being thanked like this. We then left the cemetery and made our return home. It's still too early for me to confess my identity, so that will have to wait. But knowing that I am my own pony is only one giant step forward for me. I am ready to be myself for real now.
Chapter 1 - Feeling Determined!After that talk with Maud Pie, I feel so fired up! Only two weeks and I feel like all my worries are gone and my new start got so much more exciting! As of right now, Tough Love and I have been getting the bakery ready for the Sugar Rush and so has every shop in Manehatten. And the city has been getting ready for the parade for the Running of the Leaves in the park. There were big balloons in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's likeness, though they look more like giant ball-shaped dolls. I guess it's the thought that counts.... Day and Charm's school is getting ready with floats dedicated to the parade and I can't wait to see it. Miss Jubilee has been making cherry-baked foods like no tomorrow for the parade and struck a deal with Tough Love to sell them at the bakery. As for Bitter Sweet, he seems to be doing better after that fiasco with everypony else when they heard of his sad past. Almost like he feels lighter. He shows his eyes to them whenever we're at home and he spends some more time with us. Though, he is still very busy with his work. We're still working with my big reveal and Bitter Sweet made them promise to never eavesdrop on us. Reluctantly, Miss Jubilee and the others all made the promise. Sadly, I haven't felt like I have made any progress in being able to tell any pony about who or what I really am. I can't even tell it to a dummy. Honestly, I'm not even sure how I told Bitter Sweet. Maybe it has something to do with his eyes and his special talent? I'm not sure.... But with the parade on it's way, Bitter Sweet decided to give me some time off from our practice sessions and just enjoy the parade. Right now, the bakery/café has been really busy and I haven't really been able to go out and enjoy looking at the preparations for the parade. Ponies from all over Equestria have been coming into Manehatten for the parade and for all the attractions that have been opening up lately. "I'd like another scone please!" Customers have been calling for me to take and give them their orders like crazy. I barely get a second to breathe. "Another order of cupcakes and scones, Diane!" Tough Love has been baking and sending out all kinds of pastries and sweets in no time at all in order to keep up with the customers. I've been running back and forth that my head was dizzy. Finally, at 1:30 pm, I can now rest my legs since my lunch break has started. "Sorry about this, Diane, but I did tell you that this is the busiest time of the year. The customers are relentless when they come to town." Tough Love was right; the amount of customers have doubled or maybe even tripled in the last few days. "I just need a few minutes...." My four legs feel like they turned to jelly. This is easily the most tired I've been since I left the Mirror Pool. "Alright, you get a 30 minute break. But after that, it's back to work." Tough Love goes back out to continue filling out the customers' orders. How does she do that without passing out?! I spent that last 30 minutes of my break trying to get my hooves ready for more work, but those 30 minutes went by in what felt like five minutes. "Alright Diane, back to work!" Tough Love made the call and my tired hooves and I felt like crying.... I worked there until the end of the day and I'm beginning to regret my choice of job. Finally, the day was over and I was so tired. "You did great today, Diane. All the customers have been satisfied and nothing bad happened. I'm proud of you." I was too tired to listen to Tough Love's compliments. "By the way, there's a friend I want you to meet tomorrow. She'll be visiting us for some sweets and I'm sure you two will get along." Tough Love sounded excited. "Hmm...? What's her name?" My curiosity pushed away the exhaustion in my poor hooves. "I can't tell you because it's a surprise. And because I promised not to tell anypony until she shows up." Now Tough Love got me even more curious. We then left the bakery/café and made our way back home. The streets were more crowded than ever with all the tourists coming into Manehatten. When we finally made it home, we then saw Bitter Sweet at the front of the building. "Hello, Bitter Sweet! What are you doing here?" He seemed pretty busy himself. "Oh, hello. I was just now returning from my office because one of my past patients have asked to speak with me. She has been rather clingy lately." I was curious about who this mare was. "Well, aren't you popular? Sounds like she wants a date from the good doctor to me." I think Tough Love was teasing Bitter Sweet, but it was hard to tell with her tone of voice. Bitter Sweet gave a sigh, "No, Miss Love. It's nothing like that. She merely wished to visit me while she's on vacation from her job at 'Good Morning'. Nothing is really going on." For some strange reason I felt relieved.... "Yeah...whatever." Tough Love then opened the door and two little ponies dove at Bitter Sweet and knocked him over with hugs. "Big Brother, I'm here for you! Here's your hug!" Day and Charm both gave Bitter Sweet a big hug after knocking him over. "Bro, I think your eyes look so cool! You don't have to hide them!" Day and Charm have been doing this every time Bitter Sweet walks through the door since they heard his life story. "Oh my Princesses...." Bitter Sweet sounded annoyed, but I'm sure he is thankful and used it this by now. We all went inside the building and saw Miss Jubilee hard at work like always. "Welcome back, everypony~! You made it just in time to enjoy my chocolate-covered cherry short-cake~!" When we saw the cake with the cherries covered in chocolate sitting on the edges of the cake covered in vanilla icing, our mouths were all drooling like crazy. "Dude, that looks so good!" We all agreed with Charm as we gazed at that cake. "The sit down and I'll cut you all a piece in just a moment~!" Miss Jubilee looked like she was about to finish making some other kind of pastry. We all then quickly sat down at the dinner table for the cake. Miss Jubilee had finished with whatever kind of pastry she was making and we all enjoyed that delicious cake she made. The icing and the cherries were so good, and the inside of the cake was so fluffy. With a family like this, how could I ask for more? Though, for some reason, I can't help but think that something was missing. And it was so obvious: I don't have a Cutie Mark and I don't have a special talent. I've been a big help to the family, but still feel like I could become more of a help if I find my special talent. Now I know how the Cutie Mark Crusaders feel.... Pinkie Pie got her Cutie Mark when she saw this rainbow-wave-thing in the sky when she was little. No pony really knows anything about Cutie Marks until you actually receive it. I guess I'll understand it when I receive to someday. But right now, I will just enjoy what I have already.
