Pinkie Pie was busy doing her preparation work at Sugar Cube Corner as she did every night, when she heard a knock at the door.
“We’re closed!” she called out. “Sorry, but we’ve got to make sure that the bakery is sparkly clean so that all the tasty treats for tomorrow are safe to eat! Come back then and I’ll make you anything you like!”
From the outside came Rainbow Dash’s voice. “Pinkie, it’s me! Open up, I’ve got awesome news!”
“Oh, Dash! Hang on.” She put down her mop and went to the door. Rainbow flew in streaking colors behind her, sending Pinkie for a loop.
“Pinkie, it’s the coolest thing ever! I’ve got to tell all my friends but you’re the first to know. I made it!”
“You mean. . . the Wo—“ Pinkie cut herself off. If Rainbow really had made the flight team, she would want to say it herself. And if it was something other than that, Pinkie felt that she shouldn’t ruin the moment by suggesting it.
“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow said. “They took me in! No more auditions, no more flight tests, no provisional or junior membership. I’m a fully-fledged Wonderbolt, blue suit and goggles and everything! Pinkie, do you know what this means?”
“I sure do!”
“It means my lifelong dream! It means I get to go flying all over Equestria.”
“That’s not all it means,” Pinkie said with her smile widening.
“What else?”
“A party, of course! I know I throw a lot of parties. I mean, I’ll throw a party for a sunny day, and we don’t even have to wait around for those. But you’ve got to agree that an occasion like this calls for a major celebration!”
******************************************
The party was thrown the next day, and since it was a sunny day as well as a major celebration occasion, Pinkie had it outdoors. She had planned all night and worked all day to ensure that the music was properly triumphal, the food was particularly delicious, and the decorations were impressive enough. Above it all flew a banner that said, “Rain-bolt Wonder-Dash” with a small cartoon of Rainbow’s head. When it was in full swing, ponies were milling about with huge smiles on their faces, chewing and chatting, providing another layer of harmony to the actual music that underscored it all. Pinkie just stood back and enjoyed it.
At the main table, Rainbow had not been able to get a moment alone, but she was not complaining. She had shaken hooves with so many of her friends that she barely had time to eat. Her new uniform was displayed behind her behind a clear sheet, and she kept looking at it with a particular glee.
When everything had settled down a little, the ponies gathered in to talk to Rainbow about her big achievement.
“So what did you feel like when you first found out?” asked Applejack.
“It’s indescribable,” said Rainbow, “but it was like I could fly. I mean, I can fly obviously, but even if I didn’t have wings I could have flown anyway. My heart was pumping adrenalin and I got tingles all over.
“And I think the Wonderbolts know how important that feeling is, because they didn’t send a fancy, formal letter that I had to pore through to find out. There was just a card with ‘You’re in!’ written in huge letters, with all the details inside.”
Pinkie Pie thought about that. She was mostly happy most of the time, but she had never experienced a single moment of revelation as Rainbow had.
“Oh, Rainbow,” said Fluttershy, “I know it’s your dream and everything, but we’re going to miss you when you’re flying in all those cities everywhere in Equestria.”
“No, you’re not!” said Rainbow. “I mean, you will when I’m gone, and I’ll miss you, but I told them that there was no way I was going to be moving out of the Ponyville area. I knew it might hurt my chances, but I told them that my friends come first. So, yeah, I might have to go on trips for a couple of weeks at a time, but I’m always going to be around.”
“That’s wonderful. Now you can have everything,” said Fluttershy.
Twilight said, “Actually, instead of hurting your chances, it’s possible that showing that kind of integrity helped you make the team. Not only is it a sign of character, but it also says to the Wonderbolts that you’re not so obsessed with them that you’ll do anything.”
“That could be!” said Rainbow. “I’ll find out if I’m ever put in charge of choosing the next generation of Wonderbolts.”
Pinkie was about to say something when a streak of orange on a scooter injected itself into their conversation. “Hey, Rainbow Dash!” said Scootaloo, “can I have your autograph on this poster?”
“Um. . . don’t you already have my autograph?” asked Rainbow.
“Of course! But it’s not about the signature or the item itself, it’s about the moment. Every time I look at this poster over my bed, I’ll think, ‘That’s from the day that Rainbow Dash became a Wonderbolt!’ And I’ll think back and remember how I felt.”
Rainbow shook her head. “You’re crazy, kid. Give me that poster.” She found a marker and signed it.
Rarity was sipping a cup of tea and not saying much. She had congratulated Rainbow with the rest of them, but spent the rest of the party mostly helping out with cleanup and serving. Pinkie was grateful for the extra pair of hooves, but she also had a sense for ponies who weren’t fully enjoying themselves.
While all the others were fawning over Rainbow, Pinkie went up to her and asked, “Is there anything you want that I can get you?”
Rarity had been staring into space as she sipped, and she dropped the teacup on to the saucer. “Oh, no Pinkie, thank you. I’m sorry that I’m not the most engaged guest here, but I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“Care to clue me in? No secrets, now!”
“Well, all right. The truth is that I’ve just gotten a big job of my own. Fancy Pants pulled a few strings and I’ve been chosen to design a line for a fashion show called “Equestria’s Next Top Model.”
“That’s great news! We’ve got to tell everypony!” Pinkie took a deep breath, preparing to shout to the crowd, but Rarity stuck a hoof in her mouth.
“Not now! This is Rainbow Dash’s big moment! Something she’s worked all her life for. My opportunity is important too, but not as much as hers.”
“I guess you’re right,” said Pinkie. “Well, this calls for a completely new party!”
“Oh, Pinkie, I don’t know.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to have it tomorrow. But this is big news and you deserve a party every bit as big as this one! I’ve already planned it in my head!”
Rainbow’s party had been on Saturday afternoon. Pinkie Pie took her time and invited everypony back again the next Friday evening. Pinkie made no effort to keep the party a secret, and when the Ponyville Express found out, word spread to the fashion press. During the week, she transformed Sugar Cube Corner from a gingerbread house to a proper ballroom. Though it wasn’t her normal party style, Pinkie wanted to show off her versatility as well as giving Rarity the kind of atmosphere more suited to what she was celebrating.
Indigo curtains helped obscure the chaotic bakery layout, and low lighting set the mood for pleasant conversation. Pinkie had thought about bringing in live music, but space was at a premium and she settled for light instrumentals. Most of her parties were buffet-style, but she had scheduled a cocktail hour and a full sit-down dinner for Rarity, and even bought a waiter’s uniform.
She did make sure that extra light was put on Rarity, which allowed her to be the center of attention. The ponies from the fashion magazines kept peppering her with questions.
“Miss Rarity, can you tell us something about your upcoming line?”
“Well, of course I can’t give away all the details, but I will say this: since it’s a chance for somepony to begin a modeling career, I want to make it as easy to wear as possible, to make sure everypony has a fair chance.”
“Do you mean that ponies who aren’t models will be able to afford your dresses?”
Rarity turned to look at the next reporter. “Why, yes! The cloth might be simpler, or the jewels not quite as fancy, but anypony can come into Carousel Boutique and I will find something to fit your budget as well as your flank.”
“Rarity, what do you have to say about the accusations that you’re using your connections among the Canterlot elite to advance your career?”
Rarity pursed her lips and was unsure of how to answer. Pinkie came to her rescue. “OK, I’ve let you all in here, but this is still a party, and if you’re going to try to dig dirt on Rarity, you won’t get to stay and enjoy dessert!”
Everyone else had a good laugh at the reporter’s expense, and Rarity whispered, “Thank you” to Pinkie. For the rest of the night, everything went smoothly.
After the last course was served, ponies started heading for the exit and wishing Rarity good luck. She was tired herself, but couldn’t leave early and snub anypony. When they had all gone and only she and Pinkie were left, she picked up some of the dishes and helped clean up.
“Rarity, you don’t have to do that,” said Pinkie. “This was your party. I’ll take care of everything.”
“No, I want to help.”
“Really, put the dishes down.” Rarity didn’t listen and Pinkie didn’t press the point.
“This was really an excellent party,” Rarity said. “You have such a knack for knowing just how to plan an event.”
“Well, when a good friend like you gets ahead in her job, I know I’ve got to work just as hard to match it. Now, tell me what it was like to have all those reporters fawning all over you.”
“Oh, Pinkie. It was nothing special.”
“Come on.”
Rarity put down the dish she was carrying, and then faced Pinkie with a big grin on her face. “It was exquisite! It was one of the best nights I’ve had. To be there on stage with the light on me and everypony listening to what I had to say, and to know that it was from all my hard work, it’s a feeling that I want all my friends to experience someday.”
Pinkie finished washing the dishes and chuckled. “Yeah. Someday.”
They went to the front door and said good night. As she was about to leave, Rarity said, “Pinkie, I hate to be the kind of pony who takes one favor and asks for another, but. . . “
“Go ahead! If you need something, let me know.”
“Well, since my new line is designed specifically to show off amateur models, I need somepony who’s not used to modeling so I can see how they look. Are you very busy tomorrow?”
“Well, I’ve got to do a big cleanup around here, but then I should be free. Is ten o’clock ok?”
“Are you sure?” asked Rarity. “It involves a lot of standing around.”
“Sure, I’m sure! Um, I am allowed to talk when I’m standing, right?”
“Yes. Thank you so much. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
******************************************
Pinkie slipped out of one dress and into another, trying as hard as she could not to fold or wrinkle either. Rarity was busy with pins in her mouth. Fluttershy was finishing a story.
“And then,” she said, “Angel Bunny got into the carrot cake, and he ate the entire thing! He had such a stomach ache the next day.”
“That’s funny,” said Pinkie. “Say, Fluttershy, do you want to try on some of these dresses?”
“No. You remember what happened last time that I modeled. It didn’t work out well for me at all.”
Pinkie sighed. “Yes, I remember.”
“What’s wrong, Pinkie dear?” asked Rarity.
“It’s nothing, really.”
“Come on, you can tell us. We’re your friends,” said Fluttershy.
“You’ll think it’s silly. Or worse, that I’m being selfish. But after seeing Rainbow Dash so happy for being able to perform with the Wonderbolts, and then seeing Rarity happy because of her fashion show, I just wondered, why not me? I mean, I don’t feel jealous of you or Rainbow. I don’t want to take away what you’ve achieved. I’m happy for you, and I certainly don’t want to be a designer or a daredevil, but I just think it would be nice to have everypony paying attention to me.”
“Pinkie?” said Rarity. “I didn’t think that you wanted that kind of fame.”
“Believe me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” said Fluttershy.
“I’m sure it’s not. But it’s still a dream of mine. It’s not like I don’t have lots of friends, but they’re personal friends. Remember when Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash for her autograph? Remember the way she described the feeling she got? That’s what I’d like to feel. Just once.”
“I guess we all dream of being successful at what we do,” said Fluttershy. “I mean, I’d like to be known as the best animal caregiver in Equestria, but they don’t have demonstrations for that the way they do for fashion. I imagine that it’s much the same for party-planning.”
“Yeah,” said Pinkie, still down. “No parties for parties. Wait a minute! That’s it! If I’m the best party planner, and I want somepony to celebrate that, I need the best celebrator, who is me! I can throw myself a party! This is brilliant!”
Fluttershy and Rarity looked at each other. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” asked Rarity.
“It’s got to be! A party for Pinkie Pie, by Pinkie Pie is just what Pinkie Pie needs. Now, let’s see, I’ve got to have. . .”
Pinkie began mentally preparing and was of little use to Rarity any more. She slipped off the dress and went home.
******************************************
Pinkie planned the party with greater care than any she had ever done before. While she was by no means a rich pony, she knew how to stretch a bit, and she had good reputations with the local vendors. The food she ordered was top-quality, and all the recipes were her favorites. She went up to her room with a wide piece of paper and drew a map of where all the guests would sit. Returning to Rarity’s, she ordered invitations with gold inlay. Over the course of an evening, she went through her entire record collection and marked out which songs should play at which times. For two weeks, her entire life was planning this party.
When the day arrived, Pinkie rose early to do all the work herself. She wasn’t trusting anypony else to exercise the care needed for this occasion. The party was scheduled for four o’clock, and everything was in place by three.
Rarity and Fluttershy arrived five minutes early. Twilight came on time. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were ten minutes late. Other ponies filtered in over the next two hours. But it wasn’t until half of the appetizers came back uneaten that Pinkie realized something was wrong.
She had developed through long experience the ability to sense the mood of a party. It could be upbeat with lots of laughing and loud conversation, or subdued with everypony quietly enjoying themselves, but all she felt was tension. As she mingled among the guests, she found few of them willing to look her in the eye.
She had invited three hundred ponies. Two hundred had showed. The first guests to leave had only been there for an hour and a half, but pleaded that they had to let their foalsitter go home early. The second said that she had to work early the next day. That started the exodus. By the time the sun went down, only around fifty ponies remained.
Most of the food was lying in trays going bad. The decorations had fallen down. Somepony had turned off the music, and it hadn’t been turned back on. The ponies that had remained were mostly outside. Pinkie sat at a table with Rarity and Fluttershy.
“I guess my streak of awesome parties is broken,” said Pinkie. “They can’t all be winners, right? I mean, everypony once in a while has a flop.”
“I know I’ve made some bad dresses,” said Rarity.
“That’s right, Pinkie. We all make mistakes sometimes,” said Fluttershy.
“I know. I just really wanted to make this party special. Now nopony’s going to want to ask me questions or get my autograph,” said Pinkie. She pulled down some of the decorations and folded them for storage. Rarity and Fluttershy got up to help. “No, girls, please. Let me do this. I need some time to think.”
They gave each other another look, then moved on to the outside and let all the ponies who were still there know that they were free to go.
After they left, Applejack came out of the washroom drying her hooves. “What’s going on here? Everypony’s gone.”
“Yeah. I guess I didn’t throw a fun party. I was just telling Rarity and Fluttershy,” said Pinkie.
“I see. I guess I never did see the point in throwing a party for yourself.”
“I had hoped that it would work, and that it would give me the same thrill as Rainbow Dash and Rarity.”
Applejack opened her mouth to say something, but looked at Pinkie. She wasn’t crying, but she was scrubbing a table quite vigorously. Applejack concluded that the best thing she could do was to let go. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.
Pinkie waved her hoof. Applejack slipped out the door. With the torches burning, Pinkie cleaned the bakery in silence.
******************************************
Fluttershy met Rarity near the edge of town. With the long understanding that they had as friends, they knew that they would want to talk over the party and Pinkie Pie’s reaction to it, and they would want Twilight Sparkle’s advice as well. They trotted to the library. Rainbow Dash was already there.
“Hey, girls. What’s up?” asked Twilight.
“We want to figure out what to do about Pinkie Pie,” said Rarity.
“Yeah, I guess she was pretty down after last night, huh?”
“What exactly was she feeling bad about?” asked Rainbow.
“You’ve got to understand,” said Fluttershy, “that Pinkie’s had a much different life from us. Born on a farm, not coming to town until she had grown, and having to work all her life to get by. You’ve always planned to be a star. So has Rarity. Twilight, you were a big-time scholar in Canterlot, and around here, you could probably unseat Mayor Mare if you wanted. All of you are the tops at what you do.”
“And while Pinkie is the number-one party planner, it’s like she said to me last night. Nopony is going to look up to her because of it.”
“What about you, Fluttershy? You’re not famous either,” said Rainbow.
“Yes, but I’m so different from Pinkie. I shy away from attention. Pinkie craves it.”
“Well, I think we know what the problem is,” said Rarity, “but what’s the solution. We can’t just cast a spell to make her famous.”
Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Rarity all looked at Twilight for a moment, as if expecting, or hoping, that she would contradict what Rarity said. Instead, she stared back. “No, we can’t do that. But if Pinkie needs attention, it’s our job as her friends to see that she has it,” she said.
They all agreed, and headed out to Sugar Cube Corner. But as they arrived from one side, Applejack was coming up from the other.
“Well, hey there!” she said. “Have you come to see Pinkie Pie too?”
“We sure have,” said Rarity. “We all agreed that she definitely needs somepony to. . . “
Applejack and Rarity spoke at the same time. “. . . talk some sense into her!” “. . . cheer her up!”
Everypony was confused. “Applejack, you don’t think that Pinkie needs some loving attention right now?” asked Fluttershy.
“She needs some attention all right, but not cheering-up type. She needs advice. First thing I’m gonna tell her is that when you get bucked off, you gotta get right back on. She’s got to get right back to doing what she does best.”
“Bucked off of what?” asked Rainbow, but Applejack wasn’t paying attention.
“Next thing I wanna do is to tell her, Earth Pony to Earth Pony, that most of us ain’t cut out to be something special to the pony on the street. But that don’t matter none. It only matters what you are to the ponies you care about.
“And if that ain’t enough, I’m gonna point out that fame in one thing don’t translate to another. Rainbow Dash couldn’t sew a dress to save her life, and Rarity would be as out of place in a stunt show as a pig at the Grand Galloping Gala.”
Rainbow and Rarity steamed at Applejack. Twilight said, “What you’re saying makes sense, but I still think that at this point, Pinkie needs a hug more than a lecture.”
“Actually, she might need both.”
“Exactly, Pinkie Pie. . . Pinkie Pie? When did you get here?”
“I heard you arguing out here about how best to help me, and I thought that I might have some input on how best to do that.”
“What do you think, Pinkie?” asked Rarity. “Do you need any help right now?”
“If you answer yes,” said Applejack, “it only shows that what you need is to get over yourself.”
“Right now, the best thing you can do for me is to listen to this draft of a letter.” Pinkie pulled a scroll out from behind her and read. “Dear Princess Celestia, normally we write to you when we learn a lesson about friendship. But sometimes, just because you know a lesson doesn’t mean you’ve learned it. I know that sometimes my friends are going to do amazing things and get a lot of attention for them, and I know that I’m probably not. It’s hard to fight off jealousy, and turning it into blind ambition isn’t much better. Someday, I’ll be able to write and tell you that I’ve learned to accept my lot in life. But for now, I’ve still got a lot of work to do. But when you’ve got caring friends who are patient with you when you go overboard, there’s no lesson you can’t learn.”
Everypony had listened in rapt attention, and they were silent for a moment as the letter sank in.
“I’m not sure I get it,” said Rainbow. “What are we supposed to do to help?”
“Just be my friend, and keep following your own star,” said Pinkie. “When you do your first Wonderbolt show, I want to be there cheering you on! It’ll be a good feeling, but there’ll also be a little bit of ambition. Every time you do it, though, I’ll be cheering a little louder, and feeling a little less greedy.”
Rainbow Dash nodded. Pinkie turned to face Twilight.
“That’s what I need. And right now, I need something else from you.”
“What’s that?”
“I need you to send this letter!”
“Will do.”
******************************************
Three months later, Pinkie and the others traveled to Canterlot to attend Rarity’s show. The fashionistas of Canterlot had sat through it with their usual detached enjoyment, but a minor sensation came at the end. Princess Celestia had put in an appearance. She had thanked Rarity for an excellent show, and greeted many of her friends and associates. At last, she came up to Pinkie.
“I have something important to ask of you,” she said.
“Yes, Princess? Should we go off to the side and talk it over?”
“No, Pinkie. We can do this in public. You see, a while back, you sent me a letter about a lesson you were working on. I have it here.” She floated Pinkie’s letter out of a bag and held it up next to her. “Unfortunately, you forgot to sign it.
“Pinkie Pie, may I please have your autograph?” the Princess said.
