The sun sat low in the sky projecting oranges and violets on and around the few wispy clouds decorating the horizon. A glint of sunlight reflected from the rear view mirror striking past the oversized purple shades of Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl pushed her shades back up the sweaty bridge of her nose only for them to slide back down again. She ignored it and kept her focus on the asphalt as her car sped down a winding road. She glanced down for a moment to turn off her music. The loud electronic music blaring from her car's earthshaking soundsystem wasn't helping to calm her nerves as she hoped. Her heart raced with anticipation and her sweaty palms made gripping the steering wheel uncomfortable. Tonight was a big night. She spotted something in the distance that looked like her destination. The car screeched to a halt as Vinyl approached a pair of opulent wrought iron gates which had already been left swung wide open. Standing tall just beyond them was possibly the largest house that she had ever seen in person. Trimmed hedges, a central fountain, and three stories of building.
No way this is the place.
She stared slack jawed and double checked the address. Fetching her phone from a pile of energy drink cans on the passenger seat, she opened the texting app to her last conversation with her DJ buddy Neon Lights.
Hey Pon3, you up for the biggest gig ever?
heck yeah i am!!
This e-celeb at my school wants me to DJ his party, but I can't make it so I told him I got a friend who could. You game?
awwwww yeaaaaa!!!~
Cool, be sure to charge this guy an arm and a leg. This dude has hella internet money AND rich parents. So the party is today and he wants you to set up @6pm. The address is...
Ah here it is.
She peered over the top of her large shades and squinted through the dusk successfully matching the numbers on the stone pillar to the numbers on her phone. An uneasy grin spread across her face as she confirmed it was correct. Up until today she had only performed at small functions for friends and friends of friends, all hosted in their modest middle to lower middle class homes. Thus, playing at this mansion was something different to say the least.
Aw yeah Pon3! Movin' up in the world!
Vinyl parked in the driveway and quickly swabbed her anxious face with a tissue from the glove-box. She hopped out of her car and made her way up to the front door. Knock knock. She felt her heart rate increase while she waited. This could be her big break, all sorts of cool rich people could be booking her after tonight if all goes well. When this all goes well, there was absolutely no messing up allowed tonight. The host of the party is internet famous, simply existing near him will grant exposure. The DJ began making a mental checklist of all the cable connections she will be double checking and if any of the tracks she pre-selected wouldn't be appreciated by these cool rich kids when her thoughts were interrupted by a door opening. A young man wearing thick white rimmed glasses, and an argyle patterned blazer stood in the entrance. His neatly combed blond hair swayed as he spoke.
“Hey! You must be the DJ! DJ Pon3! Neon told me all about you!”
“And you must be...” Crap! Neon didn't tell me this guy's name!
“Trenderhoof, but please, call me Trend. Come inside, I'll show you where to set up.” Vinyl sighed with relief.
The DJ stepped into the dimly lit main hall and pushed her shades up onto her head to get a better look of the venue. There were already a handful of people standing around, the guys mostly wore Crystal Prep uniforms while the girls wore dresses. A couple was chatting and sipping amber liquid by a counter in the corner that was absolutely overflowing with things high school students shouldn't have access to, but no big deal, just rich kids doing what they do.
Vinyl followed Trend to a small stage in a centrally positioned alcove as he spoke up, “Neon said you were great, it's just a shame he couldn't make it to my quarter-birthday party today. I'm turning eighteen and three months. My parents are both out on business trips this weekend so I get the whole place to myself, and all you guys of course.”
“Sweet! Happy quarter-birthday! Did everyone bring you quarter-presents?”
“Ha ha good one, but my guests all gift me with their presence and maybe their likes, favs, and reposts.”
“Hey... speaking of likes, favs, and reposts, you'd be doin me a solid if you gimme a shoutout on your page.”
“Ha ha of course.” He rapidly tapped on his phone and looked back up. “Done, consider it an honor.”
“Thanks man.”
“Well, I should be mingling with the other guests. Oh but before I go, be sure to help yourself to some refreshments. Courtesy of yours truly.”
He gestured towards the minibar in the corner, the counter top had bottles of beer, rows of shot glasses filled with clear liquid, and a bowl of what looked like punch, but Vinyl knew better. “Only the best for my beloved guests.” Wink.
“Uh, thanks.” She didn't drink, but didn't want to be rude.
There was another knock at the door. “Well, I should greet our new guests. You do your thing DJ Pon3.” He said, as he returned to the front door.
Vinyl examined the stage noting the quantity and location of the power outlets.
She went to leave out the front door to fetch her gear from the car. Trend was standing by the door which he had now propped open. A girl in a frilly form fitting purple cocktail dress with long elegantly curled matching purple hair, and diamond blue high-heels stood in the doorway gushing over him.
“Oh my goodness! Trenderhoof! I'm such a huge fan! I followed your mystable page back when you were at barely ten thousand followers! It is an absolute honor to meet you in person,” she said.
“Please, call me Trend and the honor is all mine. Join us.” He flashed a sparkling white smile. The girl's small red purse slid off her arm onto the doorstep as she swooned into her friend who stopped her from falling.
“Um, miss Rarity? Will you be alright?” asked the demure girl propping up her teetering friend.
Trend's gaze seemed fixed on this girl. Vinyl followed his line of sight to a girl with long flowing charcoal hair and striking lavender eyes. She wore a pink pearl necklace with matching pearl earrings, a little black dress that showed off her deliciously slender figure, and matching black high-heels. Vinyl felt her heart rate spin up again, but for a different reason this time.
“Yes! I'm more than alright dearie. This evening is going to be lovely!” Rarity replied.
Trend rescued Rarity's purse from the doorstep and returned it to her. “I sure do hope so miss... Rarity was it?”
“Oh my! Where are my manners! Yes my name is Rarity.”
“And who is your... STUNNING friend?” Trend asked. Rarity's quiet friend turned beet red.
“Oh, that's just Octavia.” Rarity pouted.
“Good evening to you Octavia, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight.” Trend took her hand and planted a kiss on it.
He straightened his tie. “Please, come inside. The party is about to start.” Rarity angrily dragged her stunned, flushed, and confused friend through the doorway.
Vinyl recoiled at the gesture but did not show it. She had been standing awkwardly to the side of the door the entire time wanting to pass, but she also didn't want to interrupt Trend's conversation. If this were an ordinary party she would've shouted something zany and shove her way past, but there's no way she'd risk upsetting the host or in this instance, risk setting a bad first impression with that pretty girl. Though on second thought, she definitely should have. Vinyl moved towards the front door gritting her teeth and kicking herself internally. She caught a better glance at Octavia as they brushed past. Vinyl momentarily grinned and continued towards her car when Trenderhoof had something to say.
“Mmm, I like her. The shy girl. Such refined simplicity, so refreshing, so unique. Nothing like these ordinary spoiled prep girls.” He rubbed his chin stubble.
Vinyl clenched her fists and forced out a strained response. “Uh yea sure.”
Trenderhoof paced off to catch up with the two girls. With the social obstacles finally cleared Vinyl made it to her car. While unlocking the trunk she paused and reconsidered. She felt that something didn't sit right with her about that Trend guy. Perhaps this gig wasn't such a good idea with the underage drinking and the weird host. Unfortunately, the exposure and the pay still outweighed the cons, thus the show must go on. Besides, she can't just leave that poor girl here with that weirdo. Vinyl grabbed her digital turntables and went back inside. Trend and those two girls from earlier were standing by the minibar. Miss Rarity snatched a clear plastic cup of pink liquid from Octavia's hand and began downing it conspicuously as Trend paid limited attention to her. Trend summarily poured another cup of pink stuff and offered it to Octavia.
Vinyl heard Octavia speak as she got closer. “I appreciate the gesture, but mother would be furious if I partook in any of... that.”
“Don't worry about it, just take a sip you'll like it. It's my own special recipe, you can't even taste the booze.” Trenderhoof said, forcing the glass into her hand.
“No, well. Um I suppose jus—”
Vinyl interrupted. “You don't gotta drink anything if you don't want to.” Vinyl took Octavia's untouched cup and poured it back in the bowl.
“Hey!” He shouted and reached for the cup. “Whoa, what're you doing Pon3?” Trenderhoof said.
“Quit pressuring people to drink. It's weird and creepy.” Vinyl said.
“But, it's a party! That's the whole point!”
“Woooo!” Rarity shouted, sloppily spilling the rest of her mostly empty cup on the floor.
“Dude, no. Just no.”
Rarity collapsed on the floor. “Rarity!? Are you alright? Miss Rarity?” Octavia bent down cradling her friend, and gently shook her by her shoulders. “Rarity!”
Rarity was unresponsive. Vinyl picked up Rarity's empty plastic cup and sniffed it. A sting hit her nostrils.
Vinyl winced, “Yep, that’s jungle juice alright. She didn't eat the pineapple did she?”
“I-I don't know.” Octavia stammered.
“Well, don't eat the booze pineapple. Anyways it looks like this girl's a lightweight who drank too much of this crap way too fast, like she was trying to impress someone...” Vinyl glared daggers at Trenderhoof.
“Hey, there's nothing other than alcohol and sugar in this stuff is there?” Vinyl eyed the host suspiciously.
“I-I almost drank that...” Octavia whimpered.
Trend opened his mouth to speak, “hey, its not my fault she doesn't know her limits and there's nothing wrong with my recipe, except that you poured a drink back in. That's disgusting. I gotta dump the whole thing now, what a pain.” He took the bowl and disappeared into the kitchen.
Vinyl turned her attention to Octavia. “Hey, how many cups of this stuff did your friend drink?” she asked.
“T-two. I-I believe.”
“Hmm, that sounds about right.” Vinyl's suspicions of foul play were put mostly to rest.
Trend returned carrying another bowl of spiked punch. “Alright Octavia, where were we?” He sat the bowl down and poured another cup. “Here, I tweaked the recipe a bit, I'm sure you'll like it.” He offered the cup to Octavia.
Octavia looked up with fear and disgust.
“Dude! What the hell?” Vinyl exclaimed. She felt a swirl of anger inside her.
“Is there a problem?” he replied.
“Uh, yeah. Her friend is unconscious and she's totally freaking out is what the problem is.”
“No need to worry Pon3, we can move Rarity to the guest room to sleep it off, and Octavia could have a drink to calm down. Problem solved.”
“You're not getting it.”
Trend wrinkled his brow and leaned closer. “Hey. It's my party, my house and you're my DJ so how about you shut up and do your job. Okay?”
Vinyl felt her rage boil over as she slapped the drink from his hand.
“Hey! What gives?”
“I'm not playing nothin' for you, you entitled creep! I am outta here!” Vinyl shouted. Her strained grip deformed the turntables she was carrying under her left arm.
“What? You can't quit. Don't you know who I am? I'm Trenderhoof and nobody says no to Trenderhoof!”
“Watch me.” Vinyl turned away when Trend grabbed her left wrist. “Hey! Get your hands off me fuccboi!”
“No! You don't understand. You HAVE to play! MY party will be ruined if YOU don't!”
“Like hell I will!” Vinyl tried to pull away while Trend strengthened his grip.
“LET GO!”
Vinyl grabbed the bowl of noxious punch and swung it into Trend's face. It shattered against his head as droplets of pink and shards of glass rained down across the room. She tossed the large shard that remained in her hand aside where it joined the rest of the mess.
Trend shrieked in pain and released Vinyl's arm. He staggered backwards holding his bleeding cheek. “Hey! This is assault! Y-you can't do this to me! I'm famous!”
“Famous? You're just a psychotic manchild with too much money you didn't earn, and don't think I don't know what game you're playing with these girls!” Vinyl searched the room for the aforementioned girls.
Octavia had since retreated and was huddled with Rarity by the doorway clutching her unconscious friend for comfort, and shielding her senses for dear life.
“I-I'm calling the police!” His voice quavered like he was on the verge of tears.
“Do it! Call the cops on your underage kegger!”
“W-wait till my followers hear about this!” He began furiously typing on his phone. “And I'm deleting your shoutout! You will regret this! Do you hear me?! You will regret this!” The few other party goers were all focused on the scene, but thankfully preferred to watch rather than act.
Vinyl ran over to Octavia, bent down, and gently spoke, “come on, lets get outta here.”
Trend continued with his angry tirade, his furious voice got smaller as the two girls rushed Rarity's unconscious body out of the building.
“No no no no! This can't be happening! Rarity still won't wake up and now the police are going to come!” Octavia muttered in distress hyperventilating as tears trickled down her mascara stained cheeks.
“Hey, she's gonna be alright. Her breathing is fine, and don't worry about any cops, Trend doesn't have the balls.” Vinyl said. “Stay calm and tell me, how did you two get here?”
“W-we w-were chauffeured by one of Miss Rarity's friends.”
“Where is that friend now?”
“I don't know, she told us she had some business to take care of and would come 'crash this party' when she was finished.”
“Can you call her?”
“Try Miss Rarity's phone.”
Vinyl fished Rarity's phone from her red purse and fumbled with the screen. “Nope, can't guess her lock-screen password.” A look of inspiration crossed her face. “Uh doy! I just remembered, I have a car! I'll drive you guys. Do you know where Rarity's house is?”
“Yes, I believe I could remember the route once we're close to school.”
“Crystal Prep?”
“Canterlot High actually.”
“Wha?! We go to the same school? No way! How come I never noticed you before? Dang, I need to pay better attention to my surroun...” Vinyl noticed Octavia's worried face starring quizzically.
“Uh nevermind, lets get your friend home.”
Vinyl wanted nothing more than to get to know this girl, but there were more pressing concerns. She unlocked her car and put the turntables that she had been clutching this entire time back in the trunk while Octavia laid Rarity down in the back seat and buckled her in. Octavia took a seat next to Rarity while Vinyl got behind the wheel. She took off her large purple shades and put them on the dashboard. The sun had almost completely set so wearing them while driving would be dangerous. With the turn of a key the engine roared to life and they drove off.
Octavia wiped up her tears and ruined makeup with napkins from Rarity's purse. Clearing her throat she began to speak. “Um, t-thank you. For rescuing Rarity and I that is.”
“No prob Bob.” Gosh I'm so lame.
“Bob? Oh I haven't introduced myself to you have I? I am Octavia Melody and I am truly grateful to have met you tonight, miss...?”
“Huh? Oh, Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl was focused on the road.
“Thank you, Miss Scratch.”
Vinyl jolted the accelerator a bit too hard and executed an equally jarring brake.
Miss Scratch? Hnng, this girl...
“Ha ha please, call me Vinyl.” She was glad Octavia couldn't see how red her cheeks were.
“Oh as you wish, Vinyl.”
In her blacked out state Rarity let out a groan and tilted over in her seat. Octavia stopped her from hitting her head against the window and adjusted her to a more comfortable resting position.
As she felt the sense of emergency die down, Vinyl saw an opportunity to finally talk to this girl. “So... you don't seem like the kinda girl who goes to these kinds of parties. Did your friend drag you along?”
“Well, she invited me and it was the first time Miss Rarity invited me anywhere. I felt that I absolutely had to accept despite my... second thoughts.”
“The first time? I got the impression that you two were super close.”
“Rarity is a good person, but she is simply too busy and popular to be good friends with me. I don't mind, it's better to have her than no—” she cut herself off. “Um, enough about me, I must say. I am quite intrigued by you.”
“I-intrigued? How's that?” Vinyl blushed.
“You looked the most out of place out of everyone at the party. Did you not know about the dress code?”
Vinyl glanced down at her unzipped white jacket, black tank top, and skintight blue jeans. “Ha ha, nope. I got called as a last minute thing. My buddy Neon Lights was supposed to DJ but he had a thing and had to cancel so he texted me. Said some rich guy was gonna really shell out some cash for a last minute DJ. When I got that message I dropped everything and rushed over, but that jerk only gave me the time and address so I didn't know about any fancy shmancy dress code.”
“You were at the party for employment purposes? Oh my goodness. I am so sorry.” Octavia pulled out her wallet. “H-how much was he paying you? I'll pa—”
“Whoa whoa, hold on to your money. I'm the one who snubbed the gig. You don't gotta pay for my screw ups.”
“B-but, you did so much... are you sure? Isn't there anything you want?” Octavia was tearing up.
No brain, you perv, I'm not gonna ask for that.
“Ah dang, hey! D-don't cry! Uh, actually there is something.”
Octavia perked up. “R-really?” She stealthily dried her eyes with Rarity's tissue pack again.
“You free after this?” Vinyl asked.
“Um, yes. I believe so.”
“Wanna get coffee?”
Octavia looked puzzled by this strange request. “You want coffee?”
“Well, yeah. But, what I really want is to hang out. I just uh, think you're pretty cool. Whaduya say?”
“Y-y-yes! Of course!” Her voice quavered in surprise.
“Awesome!” Vinyl exclaimed, grinning through the rear view mirror.
Canterlot High was visible as the car rounded the corner. Octavia began giving Vinyl not-exactly-correct directions to Rarity's house. After several wrong turns followed by second guesses and succinct apologies they eventually made it to their destination. Vinyl parked her car by the curb and glanced at the clock. Six fifteen. She exited her car, walked around, and opened the back passenger seat door facing towards the house.
“You got her?” She asked as Octavia pulled Rarity out of the car.
“I believe so.” Octavia replied, with Rarity slipping out of her grip.
“Here, lemme help.” Vinyl balanced out the unconscious girl's weight. “Ugh why's she so heavy?”
“Shaddup.” Rarity unconsciously reacted.
“So, what do we tell her parents?” Vinyl asked.
“Oh my. Um I do not think we should lie about the events that transpired tonight.”
“Yeah, that's what I thought. Just be sure to leave out the part where I attacked the guy. Alright, lets get this over with.”
The girls hauled Rarity up to the front door. Octavia rang the doorbell.
The door creaked open just a crack with a small polished chain dangling across the opening. A small girl with curly pink and purple hair stepped behind the crack. “Hello?” She murmured.
“Hey kid, we're here to drop off Rarity.”
“Rarity!” The girl shouted. She rapidly undid the chain lock and flung the door wide open.
“Rarity! Where were you? You can't just disappear like that! Mom and dad are on vacation, if something bad happens they can't hel...” She just realized Rarity was unconscious.
“R-Rarity?” The girl's eyes widened and she held her hands to her mouth.
“Do not worry miss, your sister will be just fine. All she needs is a good night's rest.” Octavia reassured her.
“What happened to her?”
“She uh... had a bad time at a party. Hey, can you show us where her room is so we can put her down?”
“Mom and Dad said not to let strangers in the house.”
“But, we are most certainly not strangers. I am Rarity's friend Octavia and this is... Vinyl.” Vinyl waved.
“I'm Sweetie Belle.”
“I'm very pleased to meet you Sweetie Belle.” Octavia smiled.
“Okay, you can come in. Rarity's room is upstairs.”
They followed Sweetie Belle to a room with a queen sized royal purple canopied bed that matched Rarity's hair color.
“Dang, that's fancy.” Vinyl remarked.
The girls eased Rarity onto her bed. Vinyl rolled Rarity onto her side and carefully positioned the girl's arms and legs.
“Yeah, that's called the recovery position. This way if she barfs she won't drown in it.”
“Excellent foresight Vinyl!”
“Yeah thanks, I learned that on the internet.”
“Um...” Sweetie Belle spoke up. “I just wanted to thank you two for getting Rarity home and I'm sorry I called you strangers.”
“Oh there's no need to worry about that. It is perfectly reasonable to be suspect of visitors this late in the evening.”
“Thanks, I'm just mad that she snuck off to that stupid party. I wanted to go see a movie with her, but look at what happened instead! She's really going to get it after she wakes up.”
Vinyl had a sudden realization. “I think Rarity's purse is still in the car. Ima go get it.” She dashed downstairs.
Octavia watched Vinyl run off then looked to Sweetie Belle. Looking to fill the silence she asked the first question that came to mind. “Does your sister not spend time with you often?”
“She used to, but ever since the fall formal incident she's been spending way too much time with Sunset Shimmer.”
“Oh, that incident was a nasty bit of business.”
“Right? How could Rarity be hanging out with that she-demon over me?”
“I can't say I'm too fond of that Sunset girl, she did threaten to break my cello on a number of occasions. However, she does seem like she's making an effort to change.”
“Who cares, she's still terrible.”
“I believe it's best to give credit where credit is due, as I haven't seen any bad behavior from her at all since the formal. However, if I had such a charming younger sibling I definitely wouldn't prioritize socializing with former bully Sunset Shimmer over them.”
“I wish Rarity thought that.” An awkward silence passed before Sweetie Belle spoke up again. “I like your dress. Did Rarity make it for you?”
“Oh, no although she insisted she would make me one. I already had this dress and I haven't had many opportunities to wear it.”
“Wow, you got Rarity to not make you a dress? No one's ever done that before.”
“Well she was quite persistent, but she conceded once I showed her this dress. She mumbled something about not beating the classics.”
“That's Rarity for ya.”
Vinyl stepped into the room carrying Rarity's red purse. “I got her purse!” Vinyl gently sat Rarity's purse on the nightstand by the bed.
“So that's that. We shouldn't be keeping you, be sure to keep an eye on your sister.” Octavia said.
“And tell her to drink lots of water in the morning!” Vinyl added.
“We'll see ourselves out now, be sure to lock up.” Octavia turned to the door.
“Don't worry I got it!” Sweetie Belle zipped past them and down the stairs at breakneck speed. She smiled and gave her farewell as Vinyl and Octavia left out the front door.
“Bye Octavia! Bye Vinyl!”
“Goodbye Sweetie Belle!”
“See ya squirt.”
Chapter 2: The Night is Young
Vinyl felt relieved that Rarity was home safe and sound with no mishaps along the way. With the crisis averted there was still time left in the night, and she knew just the place that could brighten up this terrible evening. Vinyl opened the front passenger door of her car and motioned for Octavia to sit.
“After you m'lady.”
“Ooo, how charming.” Octavia giggled at Vinyl's mock chivalry and moved to take a seat, but halted when she saw the pile of audio cables and empty energy drink cans on the seat. “Umm.”
“Huh? What's wro—” Vinyl asked in concern before cutting herself off and quickly sorting out the mess in a flustered frenzy, tossing the cables in the back and the cans in the recycling bin by Rarity's curb.
“Heh sorry about that.” Vinyl panted with her face red with embarrassment.
Nooo! You idiot! She's gonna think you're a slob!
Octavia smiled politely and took her seat, Vinyl followed suit.
“So, do you have a coffee shop in mind already?” Octavia asked as Vinyl started the car.
“Yep! I know just the place!”
“Good, because I haven't the faintest idea where any of the cafes are in this town.”
“Not much of a coffee drinker?”
“Correct, I'm much more fond of tea.”
“Hey, here's the place!” Vinyl pointed out the window to a brightly decorated cafe.
Octavia's eyes lit up. “What luck! I'm driven past this shop everyday on my way to school and I've always wanted to go inside! But, are you certain they sell coffee? This establishment strikes me as more of a sweets shop.”
“Ha ha don't worry, they do.” Vinyl grinned. Score!
She parked the car by the sidewalk and they both went inside. The warm cozy air and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was a delightful contrast to the chilly autumn night. Octavia looked around the room noting the establishment was devoid of any other customers. Before she could comment, the bored looking girl at the counter perked up and gasped loudly.
“Oh my gosh! I know you guys! Hi Octy! Hi Vinyl!” she shouted. Her ridiculous pink cotton candy hair flopped wildly with her exaggerated motions.
“Miss Pie. What a pleasure.” Octavia feigned a polite smile.
“Sup Pinkie.” Vinyl waved.
“Oh my gosh! Whatcha doin here so early? Did the party get canceled?” Pinkie asked Octavia.
“Um...” Octavia was hesitant to answer.
“Lets just say the party didn't go as planned.” Vinyl answered.
“Huh? That's horrible! Parties should always go as planned! Unless it's the plan to not follow the plan of course, but wouldn't that make it go as planned? Then again—”
“Pinkie! Focus! I got some bad news.” Vinyl leaned over the counter and spoke soberly. “Rarity got seriously messed up at the party.”
“Whaaaat?! Messed up how? Is... is she okay?”
“Yeah, she's fine, just blacked out. She uh, drank too much trying to impress some guy. We just dropped her off at her house before coming here.”
Pinkie's curly hair drooped a bit. “Wowie... um thanks a bunch Vinyl. Here, cookies and coffee are on me. I wanna go check on Rarity.” Pinkie instantly procured two cups of coffee and a plate of assorted cookies from nearby.
A monotone voice called out from the back room, “go ahead Pinkie, go see your friend. I'll watch the front.” An unabashedly neutral girl stepped up to the counter.
“Thanks Maud you're the best!” Pinkie walked around and began making her way to the exit.
“Um, Pinkie, before you go... may I retrieve my Cello from your car?” Octavia asked.
Pinkie turned around and scampered up to Octavia startling her. “Your Cello isn't in my car silly!”
“Wot?!” Octavia bleated in astonishment. “Where is my Cello Miss Pie?!”
Pinkie reached her hand behind Octavia's ear and pulled out a large black case. “It's behind your ear!” Pinkie handed the case to the very confused girl and capered off into the night.
“Dude... did she... just...” Vinyl staggered back catching herself on the counter.
Octavia checked inside the case. “Well, everything here seems to be in order, somehow...”
“I... need to sit down.” Vinyl carried the coffee and assorted cookies to a large green couch and put the goods on a small round table. The two girls sat next to each other. The cello occupied the end of the couch on Octavia's left.
“So... you play cello?” Vinyl mixed cream and sugar in her coffee.
“Yes. I do.” Octavia mirrored Vinyl's actions pouring cream and sugar in her own coffee.
“That's so cool. How long have you been playing?”
“I've been playing for what seems like my entire life. My father gave me this cello for my sixth birthday It was love at first sight, I've played it every single day since. My music is my passion.”
“No way! Me too! Who's your favorite band?”
“Band? I'm sorry but I haven't listened to much contemporary music. Radios are banned at home, mother said radio music is evil. I don't believe her of course, but I never particularly felt the need to defy that particular rule.”
“What? That's awful! You gotta come by my place sometime, I'll show you my record collection.”
Octavia smiled and Vinyl returned the gesture. The girls took a moment to blow on their coffees.
“Hey, I was kinda wondering something.” Vinyl said.
“Whats that?”
“Why did Pinkie uh... have your cello?”
Octavia took a sip of her coffee and made a displeased face before she answered. “My mother is very strict, and she doesn't allow me to leave the house unless she approves. Since there is no chance she would approve of me attending this party, I told her I had a recital tonight.” She mixed more sugar in her drink.
“But, won't your mom notice if you aren’t there?” Vinyl munched a crispy sugar cookie.
Octavia took another sip of coffee. “My mother has never been to any of my recitals and I don't expect that to change tonight.”
Appalled by this revelation she was unsure how to react. Vinyl swallowed and said, “Dang. That's messed up.”
“Indeed.” The cellist's gaze fell down to the table.
Octavia lifted a snickerdoodle cookie from the plate and took a bite. The light returned to her eyes as she hastily stuffed the rest of the cookie in her mouth.
“Good cookies huh?” Vinyl smirked, trying to drive the conversation somewhere happier.
“Theeth cookiz ar delithous!” Octavia replied with a full mouth. She chewed and swallowed, “oh, my apologies that was unladylike of me.”
“No worries, have some more. You gotta try the double chocolate chip, I usually get a buncha those when I come here.”
“Will do!” Octavia helped herself.
Vinyl smirked gleefully at Octavia's elated cookie-munching expression. Octavia finished off her cookie before speaking. “My goodness, these cookies alone made up for the entire night. Why, I can't remember the last time I had anything sweet.”
“Uh oh! I didn't make you break your diet did I?”
“Don't worry it's nothing of the sort. It's just that mother has always instructed the chef to never prepare anything with excessive sugar. I don't doubt eating that way is healthier, but something sweet every now and again shouldn't be such cause for alarm.”
Vinyl nearly spat coffee. “Wait, hang on. You have a chef?”
“Of course. Doesn't everyone?”
“No way, most people cook their own food or eat out. You must be loaded!”
“Loaded?” Octavia's right eyebrow cocked upwards.
“You know, rich? Like your family has a ton of money.”
“Well, I suppose that's true.”
“Dude, I bet your house is bigger than Trend's!”
“Um, yes. I believe it is.”
“Duuuude!”
“Who is this 'dude' you speak of, I am most certainly not a dude.”
“My bad, force of habit, but dang! It must be awesome having all that. I wish I was rich.”
“It's not as great as it seems. Trust me.” She cupped her Autumn chilled fingers around her nearly untouched coffee, she stared down at the bubbles on the surface.
“Wha? What's the matter?”
“That sentiment, about aspiring to riches, I heard it often from other students after they learned that I came from money. I've always disliked hearing it.”
“Sorry.” Vinyl muttered, Octavia didn't seem to notice.
“They always wanted to be my friend after they find out, but they quickly lose interest in me when I tell them that mother doesn't allow me to invite guests over to our villa.”
“Dang, that sucks.”
“Indeed. If I could trade it all for loving parents, and real friends I'd be penniless in an instant.” She mindlessly stirred her drink during a moment of silence. She glanced up and caught sight of Vinyl's worried face.
Octavia jolted upright, “Oh no, my apologies. I barely know you, I shouldn't be saying these things, do forgive me.”
Vinyl pulled Octavia's cold hand into a warm clasp between her own. “Hey, I can be your real friend.” Vinyl squeezed the girl's hand and looked her in her big amethyst eyes with a warm smile.
Octavia jerked her hand away into her lap and turned her head away. “I'm sorry. I... I couldn't. I've inconvenienced you enough tonight. You shouldn't feel forced to befriend a dull girl like me. No one should. I don't even know why Rarity puts up with me.” She stood up from the couch. “This was a mistake.” She turned away to grab her cello.
Vinyl grabbed Octavia by the wrist. “Hey! Wait! Don't go!”
“No Vinyl, you've done enough for me already. Just let me leave.”
“You're not dull Octavia! You're super smart and talented and beautiful.”
“You're just saying that. I know you don't mean it. No one ever means those shallow platitudes.”
“I do mean it! Just on looks alone you're already the opposite of dull, I mean like dayyyum gurl. But, your brains! I can barely understand you with all those fancy words you're using, and I think that's the coolest thing ever. Meeting you was the best thing that happened all night! So please, I wanna get to know you.”
“Why? Why are you so interested in me for? Is it my money you're after? If I pay you will you leave me alone?”
“No. I won't. Octavia, I just like you for who you are. I don't know how else I can say that.”
Octavia seemed to melt from hearing those specific words. She collapsed back down onto the couch and Vinyl released her wrist. “W-why... why are you being so nice to me? First you saved me, a-and now...” she clammed up with her hands to her face as she softly whimpered.
“Hey hey, I gotchu.” Vinyl rested her hand on the girl's shoulder comfortingly.
Octavia threw herself at Vinyl and wept on her shoulder. Vinyl wrapped her arms around the lonely girl and held her tightly. She comfortingly pet Octavia's long silky lavender scented hair.
“It's alright babe. Let it all out.”
Time stood still as they stayed there in warm embrace. Vinyl wondered how long Octavia had been suffering. Does she cry like this alone at night? Vinyl couldn't bear the thought of this lovely girl in so much pain for so long.
Vinyl whispered, “shh, everything's okay now.” Octavia's pained cries grew quieter and soon Octavia was silent.
Octavia spoke quietly by Vinyl's ear. “I'm sorry, I don't know why I lunged at you the way I did.”
“You don't gotta apologize for nothing, I'll hold you whenever you want. We're friends now, and I'll do anything for my friends.”
“We're... friends?”
“Yeah.”
“And its not because of my wealth?”
“I asked you to hang out before I knew anything about that. I like you for you babe.”
"Octavia blushed. “And you won't grow tired of me and leave?”
“I'm not goin' anywhere.”
Octavia tightened her grip around Vinyl and murmured in her ear. “You promise?”
“I promise.”
