Childsplayby Creativa-Artly01ChaptersChapter 1-Why Does Everypony Stare?Chapter 2-Remember to Hold Your Head Up HighChapter 3-Falling Back Down AgainChapter 4-RosaleeChapter 6-Sticking AroundChapter 8-Pony Paradise Foals Ride FreeChapter 9-Back to the ClubhouseChapter 5-After the ScareChapter 7-A Birthday CelebrationChapter 10-I Can Make ItChapter 11-Three Years LaterChapter 1-Why Does Everypony Stare?It's a beautiful day in Ponyville, but Noel can't even notice it as she walks holding her head down to the ground for fear of being made fun of. She's a grown mare, age twenty-four, yet she still looks like and acts like a little filly. A few minutes later, she hears somepony sneer and chuckles as she walks by to his friend. "Hey look, it's the baby mare," he says. "Yeah, who would've thunk it possible. She really is an abomination," chuckles the other stallion. "Why are you so mean?" cries Noel as she continues to look towards the ground and walks up to her house, opens the door, and goes inside and locks the door behind her. "Why are all of them so mean to me? Don't they know that I have a rare condition? Don't they know that I have brainus fillius and that it's incurable?" Another tear falls from her eye as she sits down on her bed. A few minutes later, she bursts into a full-on flood of tears. After several hours of crying, she finally cries herself to sleep. Tomorrow it's just going to be the same dance, the same nightmare over and over again. Tomorrow she has to put up the same bullies, the same laughs and chuckles at how she looks and acts and she absolutely hates it. She hates that she dreads going out the door every morning. It's not something that should be a thing in her mind. To her, it's incomprehensible. To her, it's nonsensical. As she sleeps, she can't help but think about how the CMC help ponies like her and maybe it would be a good idea to talk to them about her predicament. Tomorrow, she'll go and do just that and hopefully, after that, her life will change for the better and bullies will learn not to be too harsh on her. At least, she hopes it goes that way. The next morning, Noel wakes up and goes to the CMC Clubhouse and knocks on the door. She is soon greeted by Sweetie Belle, who gladly lets her in. She then comes over to a table where Sweetie takes her place next to Apple Bloom, Babs, and Scootaloo. "What can we help you with today?" asks Apple Bloom. "Well," responds Noel, "ponies bully me because I have a brain condition that makes me act like a filly and have the mental capacity of a filly. It's not something I can help. It's incurable and ponies don't seem to understand that. All they see is a mare that acts and looks like a five-year-old. What am I to do?" "Well, don't let it get to you," responds Babs, "be proud of your condition. Hold your head up high. It'll throw off the bullies and they won't know what to do." "Thanks," responds Noel with a small smile peeping across her face. "I'll definitely use that advice. It's very helpful. Thanks for building my confidence, Babs." "Anytime," responds Babs with a smile. "Don't let your condition get you down, ever." "I won't. Never again," responds Noel. She then goes over and embraces Babs and the others in a hug. "From now on, I'll be proud of who I am. My disability makes me special and that's a good thing. Thanks for reminding me of that. Thank you oh so much." "You're welcome," responds the CMC and Babs in unison, "you're oh so welcome." A few minutes later, Noel goes with Babs, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo for ice cream. As they enjoy their ice cream cones, they share jokes and laughs and stories. All the while, Noel wears a smile on her face. Her disability isn't bogging her down anymore and she couldn't be more glad and to the CMC, that is clear as clear can be. Chapter 2-Remember to Hold Your Head Up HighThat afternoon after leaving the ice cream shop, Noel walks out with a prance in her step but her head still down. After a while, she remembers that she needs to hold her head up high, so she does just that. As she does so, all the bullies around her just stop and stare. They're dumbfounded. "Why, why is she walking with her held up so high, she should be ashamed of the fact that she acts and looks like a filly? What? What is going on?" says a stallion named Courten, the same stallion that picked on her yesterday, confused. "I dunno," responds his friend. Courten lets out a huff. "She does look pretty happy and proud of herself." "Ugh!" huffs Courten as he turns his head and walks away, his friend following close on his trail. A few minutes later, the two bullies arrive at the cafe, where Courten continues to vent. "Why, why is she so proud of herself? She's a disabled little piece of crap. She shouldn't be proud of that. Why be proud of a disability? That doesn't make any sense? She shouldn't be walking with her head held high like that. She should be walking with it held towards the ground. She shouldn't be acting like this. Why? Why is she acting like this?" "Maybe because she's not scared of you anymore," responds Courten's friend. A few minutes later, Noel arrives back at her home after picking up some scones from Sugar Cube Corner. She's so glad no one in the store made fun of her like they used to. "This being proud of my disability is really working, Babs and the girls were right," sighs Noel with a smile. "I wish I had done it from the start, to be honest." She then goes and puts the scones on the counter and takes a seat on the couch and begins to read her favorite book: Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue. "At least nopony sees reading Daring Do as childish," sighs Noel. "At least I can still be proud of that." She then pulls her Daring Do plushie close to her along with a blanket and gets comfy and continues to read. As she reads, she imagines the story in her head and a smile appears on her face. Today is the best day she's had in awhile and she couldn't be happier. Chapter 3-Falling Back Down AgainThe next day, after a breakfast of scones, Noel goes outside to fly her kite. As she walks up the hill with her kite, ponies stand and stare. "She really is a child in a mare's body, how odd, how weird. Doesn't she know that flying kites is an activity only enjoyed by children and stunted idiots," giggles a mare named Snobby Shoes. As she hears this, Noel breaks into tears and runs off, leaving her kite there on the hill untouched. A few minutes later, the CMC and Babs arrive on that same hill and find Noel's kite. "What's this?" says Apple Bloom. "It looks like Noel left her kite," responds Scootaloo, "I wonder what happened." "Yeah, me too," responds Sweetie Belle. "We should probably go find out." A few minutes later, Noel hears a knock on her door and opens it to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Oh hey," says Noel with a frown on her face. "Hey, can we come in?" asks Sweetie Belle. "Sure," responds Noel. "Just set the kite on the table." Sweetie nods and places the kite on the table. "What happened?" asks Apple Bloom as they sit down with Noel on the couch. "A stuck up mare named Snobby Shoes made fun of me. She called me a child in a mare's body. I tried to put on a strong face, but I couldn't. She said the one phrase that has always hurt me the most, so I ran off in tears. I was so mad that I kind of forgot about my kite." "Yeah, that kind of runs in Snobby's family too," sighs Scootaloo, "her daughter is Diamond Tiara's mother, Spoiled Rich." "Wow, so she is really a bad apple," says Noel. "Yeah," responds Apple Bloom, "she's a bad apple covered in cow manure." "Agreed," responds Sweetie Belle, "she's just trying to get a rise out of you and it seems she did. That's not good. You need to learn to ignore her." "But how?" responds Noel in tears. "We don't know, but we'll figure it out together, I promise," responds Apple Bloom. "Promise?" inquires Noel. "Promise," responds Apple Bloom. "Now how about we go fly your kite together?" Noel nods and she and the CMC grab the kite and go and fly it outback of Noel's house where nopony can pick on her anymore. As they fly the kite together, a smile makes its way across Noel's face. Thanks to the CMC, she'll get past all the bullying, it may take a long while, but at least, it will happen. To her, that is a great feeling for once in her life. Chapter 4-RosaleeThe next morning, Noel wakes up to the sweet sound of her only friend, Rosalee's voice. "Hey Noel," says Rosalee with a smile. "It's time to wake up." "Why? It's no use. Ponies are just going to pick on me as soon as I walk out the door," moans Noel. "Noel, it's a new day," responds Rosalee. "Heck, if it weren't for me being here, you'd never leave the house at all." "I suppose so," responds Noel. "Can we go to Pinkie's for breakfast? I'm in the mood for more of those scones." "Sure," giggles Rosalee. A few minutes later, the two mares arrive at Sugar Cube Corner, where they are greeted in a hug by Pinkie Pie. "Hey, girls, what can I get for you today?" asks Pinkie with a smile on her face. "A blooberry scone," says Noel softly. "One sesame seed muffin for me," responds Rosalee. "Okey dokey," responds Pinkie, "I'll be right back with those." She bounces off to get their order. A few minutes later, Pinkie returns and puts the scone in front of Noel and the muffin in front of Rosalee. "Here you go," says Pinkie with a smile. "Thanks," responds Rosalee. She then turns and looks at Noel. "Say thanks to Pinkie, Noe." "Thanks," responds Noel. "No problem!" responds Pinkie. She then bounces off to tend to her other customers. A few minutes into their breakfast, Noel hears snickers in the corner. She then hears some giggles. "That mare is such a filly. She doesn't even know how to say thanks without being told. What a child!" Noel begins to cry. "Don't listen to them, Noe," sighs Rosalee. "Don't let them get to you." "Let's just go," replies Noel. Rosalee nods and the two get two to go bags and take their breakfasts and go. As they walk, Rosalee looks at Noel concerned. "Why do you let them get to you so easily?" asks Rosalee. "Because they're right, I am a baby. I'm a baby stuck in a mare's body," responds Noel, "and I can't help that." Noel then falls to the ground in pain and Rosalee rushes to her side and lifts her onto her back. She then carries her to the hospital where she is rushed to an emergency room by Nurse Redheart. As Noel is tended to, Rosalee stares through the window scared for her friend's life. "Please be okay, Noe," says Rosalee as a tear falls from her eye, "be strong. You'll be alright." Rosalee then goes and sits down in the main room because she hates seeing her friend in pain. All she can do now is sit and wait to hear back from the doctors and nurses. She feels so useless. All she wants is for her friend to be okay. A few minutes later, the nurse approaches Rosalee. "Miss, your friend is going to be alright. I'm glad you got her here so soon. If you hadn't, she'd be dead right now. You saved her life. Good job." A smile appears on Rosalee's face. "Thanks," says Rosalee. "Now can I see her?" "Sure," responds the nurse. The two then walk to Noel's room together and then Rosalee enters the room and embraces Noel in a hug. "I'm glad you're okay!" says Rosalee. "You scared me so bad." "Yeah, and I'm glad to be alive," responds Noel. "But I am dying none the less. My disability is taking a toll on my body and on my mind, and that's not going to change." "I know," responds Rosalee. "Just hold in for as long as possible, please, for me." "I will," responds Noel. "Now, I just wanna sleep." Rosalee nods and leaves the room. Not long after, Noel falls fast asleep. All the while, Rosalee waits outside her room. She's not leaving Noel again. Not now. Not ever. After all, if it weren't for her, Noel would already be dead. The two need each other and that is clear to Rosalee now more than ever before. Chapter 6-Sticking AroundA few days later, Noel is no longer bedridden, so she is taken by her brother on a nice day out for just the two of them. The two go to the zoo, go for lunch, and even go out for ice cream together. Noel couldn't be happier. She's glad her big brother is back in her life for good after so many years away. Even so, she still doesn't know how he didn't hear that she had brainus fillius. To her, that seemed a little odd, yet, it could just be that he was off at college and didn't get the call from her after she was diagnosed. She's hoping that's what it was, but yet, she doesn't know for sure and that bothers her. "Gav," she asks as they walk through the zoo, "how come you didn't know that I had brainus fillius until just recently? Did you never get my phone call?" "Oh, I got the call, little sis, I just didn't know it had gotten this bad," responds Gav. "You called me and told me you were diagnosed with it. Not that you had a severe case of it that causes you to collapse every so often." "Yeah, sorry about that," responds Noel. "I should've given you more details." "It's okay," responds Gav with a smile. "I'm here for you now." "Yeah, and I'm glad," responds Noel as she gives him a hug. "Now can you gimme a piggyback?" "Sure," responds Gav with a smile as he lifts her onto his back and they trot off to the lion exhibit. He knows how much he loves lions. That's one thing he's never forgotten. A few minutes later, the two arrive in front of the lion enclosure and Noel hops down off of Gav's back and begins to look at the lions. "I love the lions," says Noel with a smile. "They're my favorite." "I know," responds Gav with a smile. "That's why I knew to come to this enclosure in the zoo first." Meanwhile, back at the house, Rosalee makes up Noel's bed and does some dusting, sweeping, and cleaning up. She then runs to Sugar Cube Corner and gets more of the cookies and scones that Noel enjoys along with some freshly made lemon parsley muffins, her personal favorite. Once done there, she goes to the store and picks up a birthday present for Noel as Noel's birthday is in a few days. She gets Noel a Daring Do Adventures in Arabia action figure and book and has the shop wrap them up in birthday wrapping paper. She then returns to the house where she hides the birthday present and puts the goodies in the kitchen. She can't believe her best friend will be 22 in a few days. She can still remember when they first met. She was twenty and Noel was seventeen and they hit it off like nopony would've expected and now, she can't remember a day Noel wasn't in her life and for that, she couldn't be more grateful. Meanwhile, back at the zoo, the two go and see the monkeys and then loop their way back from the giraffes and to the goats. All the while, Gav can't help but enjoy the smile that he sees on his baby sister's face. He's so glad she's happy. To him, her happiness means everything and that is something that is never going to change. A few hours later, the two leave the zoo and go to the cafe for lunch. At the cafe, Gav gets a hayburger while his sister gets her favorite, a filly's grilled cheese with horseshoe fries and a giant soda. "So, did you enjoy doing the zoo with me today?" he asks Noel as she stuffs some fries into her mouth. "Mmhmm," responds Noel, "I loved seeing the lions." "So," says Gav, "I can't believe you're going to be twenty-two soon. Where has all the time gone?" Noel shrugs as she takes a sip of her soda. "I dunno," responds Noel. "Have you bought me anything yet?" "Yes, I bought you something very special from where I used to live," responds Gav with a smile, "you'll love it." Noel takes a bite of her grilled cheese. "As long as it's from you, I'll always love it no matter what it is." "That's why you're the best little sister in the world," responds Gav. "You love me and everything I do for you and everything I get for you. No other pony I know is as supportive and loving of their big brother as you are. I can guarantee that." Noel blushes a little bit before finishing her sandwich. "Thanks, big brother," she says with a smile. She then embraces him in a hug. "I'm glad I mean so much to you." A few minutes later, the two pay for their meal and go and get some ice cream before heading home. As they walk, they munch on their ice cream cones. As they're on their way home, they even pass the balloon animal pony and Gav buys his little sister a balloon lion. About fifteen minutes later, they arrive home where they are greeted by Rosalee. "How'd it go today you too? Did you have fun?" asks Rosalee with a smile on her face. "We sure did," responds Noel. "Oh yeah, it was great," adds Gav. "She's the best little sister in the whole wide world and I enjoy hanging out with her." "Awe, I enjoy hanging out with you too," says Noel as she embraces him in a hug. The two then turn on the TV to Noel's favorite movie: Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue, which is also her favorite book of all time in the Daring Do series. The two then cuddle up and watch it together and Rosalee watches it along with them on the couch. They love spending their nights watching movies together. To them, that is the best way to relax and rewind that was ever invented, and that is a fact that is not soon to change. Chapter 8-Pony Paradise Foals Ride FreeA few days later, Gav, Rosalee, and Noel go to Pony Paradise Amusement park and it turns out that they went on Foals Ride Free Day, so Gav only ends up paying for tickets for himself and Rosalee as the park runners think Noel is an actual foal, so they just let her slip in not knowing that she's twenty-two. "Wow," says Noel, "maybe this whole brainus fillius thing can come in handy sometimes after all." "Yeah," giggles Gav, "sometimes your disability does come in handy, huh?" "Yeah," responds Noel, "I still think they should have made me pay though. I am twenty-two, not five." "Well, lil sis, just let it go and enjoy the park," responds Gav. "Okay," sighs Noel. "Can we go ride the coasters now?" "Yes," replies Gav with a smile. The three then head to the coasters and they end up being the first in line and get the best seats at the front of the coaster. About thirty minutes later, the coaster fills up and takes off down the track. As the coaster zooms around the track, Noel can't help but squeal and neither can Gav. As they squeal, Rosalee just rolls her eyes. "Why do you two like squealing on coasters? It's not obligatory ya know," says Rosalee snarkily. "Because it's fun," responds Noel somewhat annoyed. Rosalee just rolls her eyes again. A few minutes later, the ride comes to an end and they go and hop on another coaster, the new coaster known as Midnight Terror Drop Tower. It's a Nightmare Moon themed ride that is new to the parks. Once they are on the coaster, the coaster seat begins to climb the side of the tower and once it reaches the top, it drops, drops, and then slams down the tower and does that another five times. This time around, Rosalee screams and squeals along with Gav and Noel. Once they hop off the coaster, Gav looks at Rosalee with a smug look. "What?" she says to him. "I didn't squeal." "Oh yes you did," responds Gav. "Fine, maybe a little bit," Rosalee finally admits. "But to be fair, that coaster was scarier than the first one." "Yeah, not buying that," responds Gav, "but believe what you want." The three then walk off and get some lunch before going and riding another coaster and then the Pegasus Swings. After they are done on these rides, they ride the rest of the coasters in the park until Noel tuckers out and passes out on Gav's back, which is when they all head home. Once they're back at home, Gav tucks Noel into her bed and lets her nap. While she naps, Gav catches up some more with Rosalee. "So," says Gav to Rosalee, "do you enjoy staying here with my sister?" "Yeah," responds Rosalee with a smile. "It's fun. Sometimes scary, but mostly fun." "That's good," responds Gav. "When did you two first meet?" "I met your sister when I was about twenty years old and she was seventeen at the time, she was being picked on by two other mares when I met her. I stood up to the bullies for her and we became best friends not long after that. After that, we went everywhere together and it's been that way ever since." Rosalee lets out a sigh. "Bullies still get to her, but I and the CMC and Babs are helping her get over it." "Well, that's great!" responds Gav. "I'm glad somepony else is also watching my sister's back and helping her build her confidence up to defend herself against her bullies." "Yeah, it's a one step forward two steps back sort of deal, but she'll get there eventually," responds Rosalee, giving out another sigh. Rosalee then looks into the bedroom at the peacefully sleeping Noel. "She'll get there someday. I have faith." "I do too," responds Gav. "Now, let's just let her sleep until dinner. It'll do her good." Rosalee nods and she and Gav leave the house for a little bit and spend some time together in the park. As they sit in the park, the two look up at the clouds and just stay there in silence. They stay there until dinner time when they return home and find a now awake Noel sitting on the couch watching TV. "Where did you two go?" asks Noel. "It's supper time." "We were at the park," responds Gav. "Now what do you want for dinner?" "Grilled cheese," responds Noel. Gav nods and pulls out the griddle and gets it heating. He then pulls out the bread, butter, and the cheese and then butters the bread and gets it on the griddle and then sticks the cheese in the middle then puts on the top piece. He then makes another one for himself and Rosalee and they then sit down on the couch and eat dinner together while they continue to watch TV. It's been another fun day for all of them, but they're glad to finally have some time to relax together as a family. To them, that is the best part of any day and that is never going to change anytime soon. Chapter 9-Back to the ClubhouseA few days later, Noel is dropped off at the CMC clubhouse by her big brother Gav and best friend Rosalee. She then goes inside and is greeted with a hug by Apple Bloom, Babs, and Scootaloo. "Where's Sweetie Belle?" asks Noel. "She's on a trip with the Ponyville Foals Choir," responds Apple Bloom. "They're singing in Canterlot for the princesses." "Wow, that's impressive," responds Noel. "Now, can we talk?" "About your confidence issues I take it," responds Apple Bloom. Noel just nods. "Well, don't let the bullies get to you," says Scootaloo. "Believe me, I know. Also, keep your head up. It will show them you're confident in yourself and proud of who you are." "Thanks," responds Noel. "But is that really enough?" "Yes, it's a start at least," responds Scootaloo. "I guess so," responds Noel. "Thanks." "No problem," respond Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in unison. "Now, how about some milkshakes at Sugar Cube Corner." Noel nods and she and the CMC head off to Sugar Cube Corner and get some milkshakes. While there, they continue to talk until Gav comes and picks Noel up. "So," says Gav as they're walking home, "did they give you some helpful advice?" "Yes," responds Noel. "I need to keep my head held up high and not let the teasing from the bullies get to me." "That's sound advice indeed," responds Gav with a smile. "Yeah, I just need to learn how to follow it without letting my emotions get in the way," responds Noel with a sigh and a frown. "Well, you can do it," responds Gav with a smile, "I believe in you." He then embraces her in a hug before throwing her on his back and racing towards their home. A few minutes later, the two arrive at the house and sit down to dinner with Rosalee. As they eat, Noel tells them about her day with the CMC and how Sweetie Belle is performing for the princesses as well. All the while, Gav, and Rosalee listen contently. They're happy for Noel. They're glad she's having fun times and making memories with the CMC. They just hope she doesn't leave them anytime soon. That is the one thing that will scare them for the rest of their lives. An hour later, dinner wraps up and the three go and sit in front of the TV and watch a movie together. As they watch, Noel snuggles up on her big brother's shoulder and falls asleep halfway through. All the while, Gav just sits there and runs his hoof through her mane. She's had a busy day and needs her sleep. A few minutes later, he takes her and tucks her in for the night. He then goes back to watching the movie with Rosalee. All the while, the two hold hooves. They don't want Noel to know that they are dating. They just want her to think that they're close friends, not mare and colt friend. That would break Noel's reality and that's the last thing they want to do considering how bad Noel's brainus fillius is getting. Chapter 5-After the ScareThree days later, Noel returns home from the hospital but is still bedridden for the next few days. "You really scared me, ya know," says Rosalee as she brings over an apple juice box to Noel. "Yeah, sorry about that," responds Noel. "It's getting worse. I can't exactly help that." "I know you can't, Noe," responds Rosalee. Noel then continues to chug down the juice box. She then hands the empty box back to Rosalee. "Do you want anything else?" "Cookies from Sugar Cube Corner," responds Noel. "Fine," sighs Rosalee. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." Noel nods and Rosalee heads out the door and down the street to Sugar Cube Corner where she picks up a bag of seven pink sprinkle cookies and a few blueberry scones for good measure. She then pays Pinkie Pie the ten bits for all the goodies and leaves the store and returns back to Noel, whom she happily hands the bag of treats. "Thanks," says Noel as she takes the bag and begins to eat the cookies. "No problem," responds Rosalee with a smile. "Your big brother is back in town by the way. I ran into him while I was in Sugar Cube Corner." "Oh, how's he doing?" asks Noel, not having heard about Gav for a while now. "He's doing fine," responds Rosalee with a smile. "I'm glad," responds Noel. "Did you tell him about me?" "Of course I did," responds Rosalee. "He wants to come visit you soon." "Good," responds Noel. "Does...does...he know that I'm sick?" says Noel after a few minutes. "Yes," responds Rosalee. A few minutes later, they get a knock on the door and they open it to find Gav. He then goes over and embraces his little sister in a hug. "I missed you so much," he says to her with a smile. "I just wish that I could've seen you sooner." "Yeah, well, don't beat yourself up over it," responds Noel. "Rosalee takes good care of me." "I know," responds Gav, "it's just I should've been here for you if I had known it had gotten this bad. I don't want to lose you, little Jelly Bean. I'm not leaving your side ever again." "Okay," says Noel weakly. "Okay." She then falls asleep still holding her brother's arm. She doesn't want to let go of him ever and that just makes him smile. As she sleeps, Gav just sits there with her. He's not leaving her side ever again. He's going to stay with her from now on and nothing's going to change his mind about that. Chapter 7-A Birthday CelebrationA few days later, it's the day of Noel's birthday and Rosalee and her brother, Gav throws her a birthday party to celebrate. As they sing "Happy Birthday" to her, Noel just beams with joy. After they finish singing, they enjoy some cake and ice cream and then Noel receives her gifts. "How sweet," says Noel as she opens up the gift from her brother, "it's a music box with the two of us inside of it. I love it. Thank you." She embraces her brother in a hug. "You're welcome," responds Gav with a smile. "I knew you'd like it." Noel then lets go of the embrace and opens the gifts from Rosalee. After she opens them, she begins to squeal. "I love you so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" "You're welcome," responds Rosalee as she messes up Noel's mane. A few minutes later, the two go and pull an extra gift out of the closet and hand it to Noel. "What's this?" asks Noel confused. "Open it," responds Gav. "Go on." Noel then tears open the paper and opens the box. As she looks in, she stares at the item within. "It's a carved wooden statue of me, Babs, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. It's so pretty. It's hoof painted too." As she holds the gift in her hooves, the CMC and Babs look on from the window outside. "I'm glad she loves it," says Apple Bloom. "Same here," responds Sweetie Belle. "Mmhmm," adds Scootaloo, "it's definitely something she'll treasure for a long time to come." The three then leave their spot behind the window and return to the clubhouse where they tend to other ponies that need their help. The friends are glad they were able to give Noel a meaningful gift. Now, they just wish they could get her to build up more confidence when it comes to facing her bullies. They'll get their eventually, but eventually may not be soon enough for Noel and that's what scares them the most. Chapter 10-I Can Make ItA few days later, Noel has another spell and has to be taken to the hospital once again. At the hospital, Gav watches as Noel is passed out on the bed in front of it. Eventually, she wakes up and grabs his hoof and whispers to him: "I can make it. I'm not going to die. Not today." "You got that right, little sis," responds Gav. "You're not going to die on my watch." "Thanks for that," responds Noel weakly. "You're welcome, now get some rest," responds Gav as he lets go of her hoof and leaves the room. A few minutes later, Noel falls fast asleep once again. She continues to sleep until about dinner time when Gav brings her a dinner of her favorite meal: grilled cheese sandwiches. He then sits on her bed as she eats. A few minutes later, the doctor enters the room. "Well," says the doctor to them, "I have some bad news. Noel doesn't have that much time left I'm afraid. Her brainus fillius has gotten too severe and as there's no cure, she's going to die. I predict within months, weeks even." Noel bursts out in tears and grabs her brother's arm and looks up at him. "I don't want to die," she says to him, her voice shaking. "I don't wanna die." "I know," responds Gav, grabbing her in his hooves and trying to comfort her. "You're not going too. You can hold on. You're stronger than they even know." "I hope so," responds Noel. Noel lives for ten more days before she finally passes away in Gav's arms at the hospital. The next day, he and Rosalee host her funeral and bury her. They were the only ponies to show up, but they didn't care. "She lived a good life," says Rosalee to Gav as she embraces him and holds him close to her. "She did a lot in her short time here." "I know," responds Gav. "I just wish I had been in her life more. I should've been in her life more." "Yeah, maybe," responds Rosalee, "but there's nothing you can do about it now." Rosalee then walks off and leaves Gav alone at Noel's grave. As he stands there, tears roll down his cheeks. "I'll never forget you and all the fun we had together," sighs Gav. "You will always be my sister, even when you're gone. That much I promise." He then walks off and joins Rosalee. The two then go home. Once back at home, Gav pulls out some old family photo albums and looks through them, as tears continue to stream down his face. She held on as long as she could and now she's gone. It's going to take Gav some time to heal. For now, he just has to push through the pain of this loss and his regret of not being there for her. Hopefully, he can do it, but at least, he has Rosalee by his side. Chapter 11-Three Years LaterThree years after Noel's death, Gav and Rosalee marry and start a family of their own. They have a daughter, whom they name Noel, in Noel's honor, and a son, whom they name Noah, also in her honor. "Shame they'll never know their auntie," sighs Gav as a frown crosses his face. "Yeah, it is, but she'd be happy that you moved on," responds Rosalee with a smile crossing her face before quickly disappearing again. "Yeah, I guess so," responds Gav, "but I still can't help but think I could've done more to save her. I should've been there for her since the start, and I wasn't and I regret it." "I know, dear," responds Rosalee as she rubs him on the back trying to comfort him, "but there's nothing you can do about it now." Gav then gets up and walks into their bedroom and grabs out the scrapbook filled with all the pictures of him and Noel and begins to flip through them, and as he does so, he can't help but cry. They did share some amazing times together. At least, he has these memories of her to share with his own children. All the same, it will never be the same as having her around and that's something he'll just have to learn. A few minutes later, he puts up the photo album and goes out for a walk so he can get some space. Right now, he just wants to be alone. He doesn't want Rosalee to see him like this, a broken stallion. He doesn't want his children to see him like this either. He's broken and there's no fixing him. Rosalee can't help but see that as she watches him walk out of view from the kitchen window. He'll never be the same, and sadly, there's nothing she can do to fix that.
Chapter 1-Why Does Everypony Stare?It's a beautiful day in Ponyville, but Noel can't even notice it as she walks holding her head down to the ground for fear of being made fun of. She's a grown mare, age twenty-four, yet she still looks like and acts like a little filly. A few minutes later, she hears somepony sneer and chuckles as she walks by to his friend. "Hey look, it's the baby mare," he says. "Yeah, who would've thunk it possible. She really is an abomination," chuckles the other stallion. "Why are you so mean?" cries Noel as she continues to look towards the ground and walks up to her house, opens the door, and goes inside and locks the door behind her. "Why are all of them so mean to me? Don't they know that I have a rare condition? Don't they know that I have brainus fillius and that it's incurable?" Another tear falls from her eye as she sits down on her bed. A few minutes later, she bursts into a full-on flood of tears. After several hours of crying, she finally cries herself to sleep. Tomorrow it's just going to be the same dance, the same nightmare over and over again. Tomorrow she has to put up the same bullies, the same laughs and chuckles at how she looks and acts and she absolutely hates it. She hates that she dreads going out the door every morning. It's not something that should be a thing in her mind. To her, it's incomprehensible. To her, it's nonsensical. As she sleeps, she can't help but think about how the CMC help ponies like her and maybe it would be a good idea to talk to them about her predicament. Tomorrow, she'll go and do just that and hopefully, after that, her life will change for the better and bullies will learn not to be too harsh on her. At least, she hopes it goes that way. The next morning, Noel wakes up and goes to the CMC Clubhouse and knocks on the door. She is soon greeted by Sweetie Belle, who gladly lets her in. She then comes over to a table where Sweetie takes her place next to Apple Bloom, Babs, and Scootaloo. "What can we help you with today?" asks Apple Bloom. "Well," responds Noel, "ponies bully me because I have a brain condition that makes me act like a filly and have the mental capacity of a filly. It's not something I can help. It's incurable and ponies don't seem to understand that. All they see is a mare that acts and looks like a five-year-old. What am I to do?" "Well, don't let it get to you," responds Babs, "be proud of your condition. Hold your head up high. It'll throw off the bullies and they won't know what to do." "Thanks," responds Noel with a small smile peeping across her face. "I'll definitely use that advice. It's very helpful. Thanks for building my confidence, Babs." "Anytime," responds Babs with a smile. "Don't let your condition get you down, ever." "I won't. Never again," responds Noel. She then goes over and embraces Babs and the others in a hug. "From now on, I'll be proud of who I am. My disability makes me special and that's a good thing. Thanks for reminding me of that. Thank you oh so much." "You're welcome," responds the CMC and Babs in unison, "you're oh so welcome." A few minutes later, Noel goes with Babs, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo for ice cream. As they enjoy their ice cream cones, they share jokes and laughs and stories. All the while, Noel wears a smile on her face. Her disability isn't bogging her down anymore and she couldn't be more glad and to the CMC, that is clear as clear can be.
Chapter 2-Remember to Hold Your Head Up HighThat afternoon after leaving the ice cream shop, Noel walks out with a prance in her step but her head still down. After a while, she remembers that she needs to hold her head up high, so she does just that. As she does so, all the bullies around her just stop and stare. They're dumbfounded. "Why, why is she walking with her held up so high, she should be ashamed of the fact that she acts and looks like a filly? What? What is going on?" says a stallion named Courten, the same stallion that picked on her yesterday, confused. "I dunno," responds his friend. Courten lets out a huff. "She does look pretty happy and proud of herself." "Ugh!" huffs Courten as he turns his head and walks away, his friend following close on his trail. A few minutes later, the two bullies arrive at the cafe, where Courten continues to vent. "Why, why is she so proud of herself? She's a disabled little piece of crap. She shouldn't be proud of that. Why be proud of a disability? That doesn't make any sense? She shouldn't be walking with her head held high like that. She should be walking with it held towards the ground. She shouldn't be acting like this. Why? Why is she acting like this?" "Maybe because she's not scared of you anymore," responds Courten's friend. A few minutes later, Noel arrives back at her home after picking up some scones from Sugar Cube Corner. She's so glad no one in the store made fun of her like they used to. "This being proud of my disability is really working, Babs and the girls were right," sighs Noel with a smile. "I wish I had done it from the start, to be honest." She then goes and puts the scones on the counter and takes a seat on the couch and begins to read her favorite book: Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue. "At least nopony sees reading Daring Do as childish," sighs Noel. "At least I can still be proud of that." She then pulls her Daring Do plushie close to her along with a blanket and gets comfy and continues to read. As she reads, she imagines the story in her head and a smile appears on her face. Today is the best day she's had in awhile and she couldn't be happier.
Chapter 3-Falling Back Down AgainThe next day, after a breakfast of scones, Noel goes outside to fly her kite. As she walks up the hill with her kite, ponies stand and stare. "She really is a child in a mare's body, how odd, how weird. Doesn't she know that flying kites is an activity only enjoyed by children and stunted idiots," giggles a mare named Snobby Shoes. As she hears this, Noel breaks into tears and runs off, leaving her kite there on the hill untouched. A few minutes later, the CMC and Babs arrive on that same hill and find Noel's kite. "What's this?" says Apple Bloom. "It looks like Noel left her kite," responds Scootaloo, "I wonder what happened." "Yeah, me too," responds Sweetie Belle. "We should probably go find out." A few minutes later, Noel hears a knock on her door and opens it to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Oh hey," says Noel with a frown on her face. "Hey, can we come in?" asks Sweetie Belle. "Sure," responds Noel. "Just set the kite on the table." Sweetie nods and places the kite on the table. "What happened?" asks Apple Bloom as they sit down with Noel on the couch. "A stuck up mare named Snobby Shoes made fun of me. She called me a child in a mare's body. I tried to put on a strong face, but I couldn't. She said the one phrase that has always hurt me the most, so I ran off in tears. I was so mad that I kind of forgot about my kite." "Yeah, that kind of runs in Snobby's family too," sighs Scootaloo, "her daughter is Diamond Tiara's mother, Spoiled Rich." "Wow, so she is really a bad apple," says Noel. "Yeah," responds Apple Bloom, "she's a bad apple covered in cow manure." "Agreed," responds Sweetie Belle, "she's just trying to get a rise out of you and it seems she did. That's not good. You need to learn to ignore her." "But how?" responds Noel in tears. "We don't know, but we'll figure it out together, I promise," responds Apple Bloom. "Promise?" inquires Noel. "Promise," responds Apple Bloom. "Now how about we go fly your kite together?" Noel nods and she and the CMC grab the kite and go and fly it outback of Noel's house where nopony can pick on her anymore. As they fly the kite together, a smile makes its way across Noel's face. Thanks to the CMC, she'll get past all the bullying, it may take a long while, but at least, it will happen. To her, that is a great feeling for once in her life.
Chapter 4-RosaleeThe next morning, Noel wakes up to the sweet sound of her only friend, Rosalee's voice. "Hey Noel," says Rosalee with a smile. "It's time to wake up." "Why? It's no use. Ponies are just going to pick on me as soon as I walk out the door," moans Noel. "Noel, it's a new day," responds Rosalee. "Heck, if it weren't for me being here, you'd never leave the house at all." "I suppose so," responds Noel. "Can we go to Pinkie's for breakfast? I'm in the mood for more of those scones." "Sure," giggles Rosalee. A few minutes later, the two mares arrive at Sugar Cube Corner, where they are greeted in a hug by Pinkie Pie. "Hey, girls, what can I get for you today?" asks Pinkie with a smile on her face. "A blooberry scone," says Noel softly. "One sesame seed muffin for me," responds Rosalee. "Okey dokey," responds Pinkie, "I'll be right back with those." She bounces off to get their order. A few minutes later, Pinkie returns and puts the scone in front of Noel and the muffin in front of Rosalee. "Here you go," says Pinkie with a smile. "Thanks," responds Rosalee. She then turns and looks at Noel. "Say thanks to Pinkie, Noe." "Thanks," responds Noel. "No problem!" responds Pinkie. She then bounces off to tend to her other customers. A few minutes into their breakfast, Noel hears snickers in the corner. She then hears some giggles. "That mare is such a filly. She doesn't even know how to say thanks without being told. What a child!" Noel begins to cry. "Don't listen to them, Noe," sighs Rosalee. "Don't let them get to you." "Let's just go," replies Noel. Rosalee nods and the two get two to go bags and take their breakfasts and go. As they walk, Rosalee looks at Noel concerned. "Why do you let them get to you so easily?" asks Rosalee. "Because they're right, I am a baby. I'm a baby stuck in a mare's body," responds Noel, "and I can't help that." Noel then falls to the ground in pain and Rosalee rushes to her side and lifts her onto her back. She then carries her to the hospital where she is rushed to an emergency room by Nurse Redheart. As Noel is tended to, Rosalee stares through the window scared for her friend's life. "Please be okay, Noe," says Rosalee as a tear falls from her eye, "be strong. You'll be alright." Rosalee then goes and sits down in the main room because she hates seeing her friend in pain. All she can do now is sit and wait to hear back from the doctors and nurses. She feels so useless. All she wants is for her friend to be okay. A few minutes later, the nurse approaches Rosalee. "Miss, your friend is going to be alright. I'm glad you got her here so soon. If you hadn't, she'd be dead right now. You saved her life. Good job." A smile appears on Rosalee's face. "Thanks," says Rosalee. "Now can I see her?" "Sure," responds the nurse. The two then walk to Noel's room together and then Rosalee enters the room and embraces Noel in a hug. "I'm glad you're okay!" says Rosalee. "You scared me so bad." "Yeah, and I'm glad to be alive," responds Noel. "But I am dying none the less. My disability is taking a toll on my body and on my mind, and that's not going to change." "I know," responds Rosalee. "Just hold in for as long as possible, please, for me." "I will," responds Noel. "Now, I just wanna sleep." Rosalee nods and leaves the room. Not long after, Noel falls fast asleep. All the while, Rosalee waits outside her room. She's not leaving Noel again. Not now. Not ever. After all, if it weren't for her, Noel would already be dead. The two need each other and that is clear to Rosalee now more than ever before.
Chapter 6-Sticking AroundA few days later, Noel is no longer bedridden, so she is taken by her brother on a nice day out for just the two of them. The two go to the zoo, go for lunch, and even go out for ice cream together. Noel couldn't be happier. She's glad her big brother is back in her life for good after so many years away. Even so, she still doesn't know how he didn't hear that she had brainus fillius. To her, that seemed a little odd, yet, it could just be that he was off at college and didn't get the call from her after she was diagnosed. She's hoping that's what it was, but yet, she doesn't know for sure and that bothers her. "Gav," she asks as they walk through the zoo, "how come you didn't know that I had brainus fillius until just recently? Did you never get my phone call?" "Oh, I got the call, little sis, I just didn't know it had gotten this bad," responds Gav. "You called me and told me you were diagnosed with it. Not that you had a severe case of it that causes you to collapse every so often." "Yeah, sorry about that," responds Noel. "I should've given you more details." "It's okay," responds Gav with a smile. "I'm here for you now." "Yeah, and I'm glad," responds Noel as she gives him a hug. "Now can you gimme a piggyback?" "Sure," responds Gav with a smile as he lifts her onto his back and they trot off to the lion exhibit. He knows how much he loves lions. That's one thing he's never forgotten. A few minutes later, the two arrive in front of the lion enclosure and Noel hops down off of Gav's back and begins to look at the lions. "I love the lions," says Noel with a smile. "They're my favorite." "I know," responds Gav with a smile. "That's why I knew to come to this enclosure in the zoo first." Meanwhile, back at the house, Rosalee makes up Noel's bed and does some dusting, sweeping, and cleaning up. She then runs to Sugar Cube Corner and gets more of the cookies and scones that Noel enjoys along with some freshly made lemon parsley muffins, her personal favorite. Once done there, she goes to the store and picks up a birthday present for Noel as Noel's birthday is in a few days. She gets Noel a Daring Do Adventures in Arabia action figure and book and has the shop wrap them up in birthday wrapping paper. She then returns to the house where she hides the birthday present and puts the goodies in the kitchen. She can't believe her best friend will be 22 in a few days. She can still remember when they first met. She was twenty and Noel was seventeen and they hit it off like nopony would've expected and now, she can't remember a day Noel wasn't in her life and for that, she couldn't be more grateful. Meanwhile, back at the zoo, the two go and see the monkeys and then loop their way back from the giraffes and to the goats. All the while, Gav can't help but enjoy the smile that he sees on his baby sister's face. He's so glad she's happy. To him, her happiness means everything and that is something that is never going to change. A few hours later, the two leave the zoo and go to the cafe for lunch. At the cafe, Gav gets a hayburger while his sister gets her favorite, a filly's grilled cheese with horseshoe fries and a giant soda. "So, did you enjoy doing the zoo with me today?" he asks Noel as she stuffs some fries into her mouth. "Mmhmm," responds Noel, "I loved seeing the lions." "So," says Gav, "I can't believe you're going to be twenty-two soon. Where has all the time gone?" Noel shrugs as she takes a sip of her soda. "I dunno," responds Noel. "Have you bought me anything yet?" "Yes, I bought you something very special from where I used to live," responds Gav with a smile, "you'll love it." Noel takes a bite of her grilled cheese. "As long as it's from you, I'll always love it no matter what it is." "That's why you're the best little sister in the world," responds Gav. "You love me and everything I do for you and everything I get for you. No other pony I know is as supportive and loving of their big brother as you are. I can guarantee that." Noel blushes a little bit before finishing her sandwich. "Thanks, big brother," she says with a smile. She then embraces him in a hug. "I'm glad I mean so much to you." A few minutes later, the two pay for their meal and go and get some ice cream before heading home. As they walk, they munch on their ice cream cones. As they're on their way home, they even pass the balloon animal pony and Gav buys his little sister a balloon lion. About fifteen minutes later, they arrive home where they are greeted by Rosalee. "How'd it go today you too? Did you have fun?" asks Rosalee with a smile on her face. "We sure did," responds Noel. "Oh yeah, it was great," adds Gav. "She's the best little sister in the whole wide world and I enjoy hanging out with her." "Awe, I enjoy hanging out with you too," says Noel as she embraces him in a hug. The two then turn on the TV to Noel's favorite movie: Daring Do and the Sapphire Statue, which is also her favorite book of all time in the Daring Do series. The two then cuddle up and watch it together and Rosalee watches it along with them on the couch. They love spending their nights watching movies together. To them, that is the best way to relax and rewind that was ever invented, and that is a fact that is not soon to change.
Chapter 8-Pony Paradise Foals Ride FreeA few days later, Gav, Rosalee, and Noel go to Pony Paradise Amusement park and it turns out that they went on Foals Ride Free Day, so Gav only ends up paying for tickets for himself and Rosalee as the park runners think Noel is an actual foal, so they just let her slip in not knowing that she's twenty-two. "Wow," says Noel, "maybe this whole brainus fillius thing can come in handy sometimes after all." "Yeah," giggles Gav, "sometimes your disability does come in handy, huh?" "Yeah," responds Noel, "I still think they should have made me pay though. I am twenty-two, not five." "Well, lil sis, just let it go and enjoy the park," responds Gav. "Okay," sighs Noel. "Can we go ride the coasters now?" "Yes," replies Gav with a smile. The three then head to the coasters and they end up being the first in line and get the best seats at the front of the coaster. About thirty minutes later, the coaster fills up and takes off down the track. As the coaster zooms around the track, Noel can't help but squeal and neither can Gav. As they squeal, Rosalee just rolls her eyes. "Why do you two like squealing on coasters? It's not obligatory ya know," says Rosalee snarkily. "Because it's fun," responds Noel somewhat annoyed. Rosalee just rolls her eyes again. A few minutes later, the ride comes to an end and they go and hop on another coaster, the new coaster known as Midnight Terror Drop Tower. It's a Nightmare Moon themed ride that is new to the parks. Once they are on the coaster, the coaster seat begins to climb the side of the tower and once it reaches the top, it drops, drops, and then slams down the tower and does that another five times. This time around, Rosalee screams and squeals along with Gav and Noel. Once they hop off the coaster, Gav looks at Rosalee with a smug look. "What?" she says to him. "I didn't squeal." "Oh yes you did," responds Gav. "Fine, maybe a little bit," Rosalee finally admits. "But to be fair, that coaster was scarier than the first one." "Yeah, not buying that," responds Gav, "but believe what you want." The three then walk off and get some lunch before going and riding another coaster and then the Pegasus Swings. After they are done on these rides, they ride the rest of the coasters in the park until Noel tuckers out and passes out on Gav's back, which is when they all head home. Once they're back at home, Gav tucks Noel into her bed and lets her nap. While she naps, Gav catches up some more with Rosalee. "So," says Gav to Rosalee, "do you enjoy staying here with my sister?" "Yeah," responds Rosalee with a smile. "It's fun. Sometimes scary, but mostly fun." "That's good," responds Gav. "When did you two first meet?" "I met your sister when I was about twenty years old and she was seventeen at the time, she was being picked on by two other mares when I met her. I stood up to the bullies for her and we became best friends not long after that. After that, we went everywhere together and it's been that way ever since." Rosalee lets out a sigh. "Bullies still get to her, but I and the CMC and Babs are helping her get over it." "Well, that's great!" responds Gav. "I'm glad somepony else is also watching my sister's back and helping her build her confidence up to defend herself against her bullies." "Yeah, it's a one step forward two steps back sort of deal, but she'll get there eventually," responds Rosalee, giving out another sigh. Rosalee then looks into the bedroom at the peacefully sleeping Noel. "She'll get there someday. I have faith." "I do too," responds Gav. "Now, let's just let her sleep until dinner. It'll do her good." Rosalee nods and she and Gav leave the house for a little bit and spend some time together in the park. As they sit in the park, the two look up at the clouds and just stay there in silence. They stay there until dinner time when they return home and find a now awake Noel sitting on the couch watching TV. "Where did you two go?" asks Noel. "It's supper time." "We were at the park," responds Gav. "Now what do you want for dinner?" "Grilled cheese," responds Noel. Gav nods and pulls out the griddle and gets it heating. He then pulls out the bread, butter, and the cheese and then butters the bread and gets it on the griddle and then sticks the cheese in the middle then puts on the top piece. He then makes another one for himself and Rosalee and they then sit down on the couch and eat dinner together while they continue to watch TV. It's been another fun day for all of them, but they're glad to finally have some time to relax together as a family. To them, that is the best part of any day and that is never going to change anytime soon.
Chapter 9-Back to the ClubhouseA few days later, Noel is dropped off at the CMC clubhouse by her big brother Gav and best friend Rosalee. She then goes inside and is greeted with a hug by Apple Bloom, Babs, and Scootaloo. "Where's Sweetie Belle?" asks Noel. "She's on a trip with the Ponyville Foals Choir," responds Apple Bloom. "They're singing in Canterlot for the princesses." "Wow, that's impressive," responds Noel. "Now, can we talk?" "About your confidence issues I take it," responds Apple Bloom. Noel just nods. "Well, don't let the bullies get to you," says Scootaloo. "Believe me, I know. Also, keep your head up. It will show them you're confident in yourself and proud of who you are." "Thanks," responds Noel. "But is that really enough?" "Yes, it's a start at least," responds Scootaloo. "I guess so," responds Noel. "Thanks." "No problem," respond Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in unison. "Now, how about some milkshakes at Sugar Cube Corner." Noel nods and she and the CMC head off to Sugar Cube Corner and get some milkshakes. While there, they continue to talk until Gav comes and picks Noel up. "So," says Gav as they're walking home, "did they give you some helpful advice?" "Yes," responds Noel. "I need to keep my head held up high and not let the teasing from the bullies get to me." "That's sound advice indeed," responds Gav with a smile. "Yeah, I just need to learn how to follow it without letting my emotions get in the way," responds Noel with a sigh and a frown. "Well, you can do it," responds Gav with a smile, "I believe in you." He then embraces her in a hug before throwing her on his back and racing towards their home. A few minutes later, the two arrive at the house and sit down to dinner with Rosalee. As they eat, Noel tells them about her day with the CMC and how Sweetie Belle is performing for the princesses as well. All the while, Gav, and Rosalee listen contently. They're happy for Noel. They're glad she's having fun times and making memories with the CMC. They just hope she doesn't leave them anytime soon. That is the one thing that will scare them for the rest of their lives. An hour later, dinner wraps up and the three go and sit in front of the TV and watch a movie together. As they watch, Noel snuggles up on her big brother's shoulder and falls asleep halfway through. All the while, Gav just sits there and runs his hoof through her mane. She's had a busy day and needs her sleep. A few minutes later, he takes her and tucks her in for the night. He then goes back to watching the movie with Rosalee. All the while, the two hold hooves. They don't want Noel to know that they are dating. They just want her to think that they're close friends, not mare and colt friend. That would break Noel's reality and that's the last thing they want to do considering how bad Noel's brainus fillius is getting.
Chapter 5-After the ScareThree days later, Noel returns home from the hospital but is still bedridden for the next few days. "You really scared me, ya know," says Rosalee as she brings over an apple juice box to Noel. "Yeah, sorry about that," responds Noel. "It's getting worse. I can't exactly help that." "I know you can't, Noe," responds Rosalee. Noel then continues to chug down the juice box. She then hands the empty box back to Rosalee. "Do you want anything else?" "Cookies from Sugar Cube Corner," responds Noel. "Fine," sighs Rosalee. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." Noel nods and Rosalee heads out the door and down the street to Sugar Cube Corner where she picks up a bag of seven pink sprinkle cookies and a few blueberry scones for good measure. She then pays Pinkie Pie the ten bits for all the goodies and leaves the store and returns back to Noel, whom she happily hands the bag of treats. "Thanks," says Noel as she takes the bag and begins to eat the cookies. "No problem," responds Rosalee with a smile. "Your big brother is back in town by the way. I ran into him while I was in Sugar Cube Corner." "Oh, how's he doing?" asks Noel, not having heard about Gav for a while now. "He's doing fine," responds Rosalee with a smile. "I'm glad," responds Noel. "Did you tell him about me?" "Of course I did," responds Rosalee. "He wants to come visit you soon." "Good," responds Noel. "Does...does...he know that I'm sick?" says Noel after a few minutes. "Yes," responds Rosalee. A few minutes later, they get a knock on the door and they open it to find Gav. He then goes over and embraces his little sister in a hug. "I missed you so much," he says to her with a smile. "I just wish that I could've seen you sooner." "Yeah, well, don't beat yourself up over it," responds Noel. "Rosalee takes good care of me." "I know," responds Gav, "it's just I should've been here for you if I had known it had gotten this bad. I don't want to lose you, little Jelly Bean. I'm not leaving your side ever again." "Okay," says Noel weakly. "Okay." She then falls asleep still holding her brother's arm. She doesn't want to let go of him ever and that just makes him smile. As she sleeps, Gav just sits there with her. He's not leaving her side ever again. He's going to stay with her from now on and nothing's going to change his mind about that.
Chapter 7-A Birthday CelebrationA few days later, it's the day of Noel's birthday and Rosalee and her brother, Gav throws her a birthday party to celebrate. As they sing "Happy Birthday" to her, Noel just beams with joy. After they finish singing, they enjoy some cake and ice cream and then Noel receives her gifts. "How sweet," says Noel as she opens up the gift from her brother, "it's a music box with the two of us inside of it. I love it. Thank you." She embraces her brother in a hug. "You're welcome," responds Gav with a smile. "I knew you'd like it." Noel then lets go of the embrace and opens the gifts from Rosalee. After she opens them, she begins to squeal. "I love you so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" "You're welcome," responds Rosalee as she messes up Noel's mane. A few minutes later, the two go and pull an extra gift out of the closet and hand it to Noel. "What's this?" asks Noel confused. "Open it," responds Gav. "Go on." Noel then tears open the paper and opens the box. As she looks in, she stares at the item within. "It's a carved wooden statue of me, Babs, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. It's so pretty. It's hoof painted too." As she holds the gift in her hooves, the CMC and Babs look on from the window outside. "I'm glad she loves it," says Apple Bloom. "Same here," responds Sweetie Belle. "Mmhmm," adds Scootaloo, "it's definitely something she'll treasure for a long time to come." The three then leave their spot behind the window and return to the clubhouse where they tend to other ponies that need their help. The friends are glad they were able to give Noel a meaningful gift. Now, they just wish they could get her to build up more confidence when it comes to facing her bullies. They'll get their eventually, but eventually may not be soon enough for Noel and that's what scares them the most.
Chapter 10-I Can Make ItA few days later, Noel has another spell and has to be taken to the hospital once again. At the hospital, Gav watches as Noel is passed out on the bed in front of it. Eventually, she wakes up and grabs his hoof and whispers to him: "I can make it. I'm not going to die. Not today." "You got that right, little sis," responds Gav. "You're not going to die on my watch." "Thanks for that," responds Noel weakly. "You're welcome, now get some rest," responds Gav as he lets go of her hoof and leaves the room. A few minutes later, Noel falls fast asleep once again. She continues to sleep until about dinner time when Gav brings her a dinner of her favorite meal: grilled cheese sandwiches. He then sits on her bed as she eats. A few minutes later, the doctor enters the room. "Well," says the doctor to them, "I have some bad news. Noel doesn't have that much time left I'm afraid. Her brainus fillius has gotten too severe and as there's no cure, she's going to die. I predict within months, weeks even." Noel bursts out in tears and grabs her brother's arm and looks up at him. "I don't want to die," she says to him, her voice shaking. "I don't wanna die." "I know," responds Gav, grabbing her in his hooves and trying to comfort her. "You're not going too. You can hold on. You're stronger than they even know." "I hope so," responds Noel. Noel lives for ten more days before she finally passes away in Gav's arms at the hospital. The next day, he and Rosalee host her funeral and bury her. They were the only ponies to show up, but they didn't care. "She lived a good life," says Rosalee to Gav as she embraces him and holds him close to her. "She did a lot in her short time here." "I know," responds Gav. "I just wish I had been in her life more. I should've been in her life more." "Yeah, maybe," responds Rosalee, "but there's nothing you can do about it now." Rosalee then walks off and leaves Gav alone at Noel's grave. As he stands there, tears roll down his cheeks. "I'll never forget you and all the fun we had together," sighs Gav. "You will always be my sister, even when you're gone. That much I promise." He then walks off and joins Rosalee. The two then go home. Once back at home, Gav pulls out some old family photo albums and looks through them, as tears continue to stream down his face. She held on as long as she could and now she's gone. It's going to take Gav some time to heal. For now, he just has to push through the pain of this loss and his regret of not being there for her. Hopefully, he can do it, but at least, he has Rosalee by his side.
Chapter 11-Three Years LaterThree years after Noel's death, Gav and Rosalee marry and start a family of their own. They have a daughter, whom they name Noel, in Noel's honor, and a son, whom they name Noah, also in her honor. "Shame they'll never know their auntie," sighs Gav as a frown crosses his face. "Yeah, it is, but she'd be happy that you moved on," responds Rosalee with a smile crossing her face before quickly disappearing again. "Yeah, I guess so," responds Gav, "but I still can't help but think I could've done more to save her. I should've been there for her since the start, and I wasn't and I regret it." "I know, dear," responds Rosalee as she rubs him on the back trying to comfort him, "but there's nothing you can do about it now." Gav then gets up and walks into their bedroom and grabs out the scrapbook filled with all the pictures of him and Noel and begins to flip through them, and as he does so, he can't help but cry. They did share some amazing times together. At least, he has these memories of her to share with his own children. All the same, it will never be the same as having her around and that's something he'll just have to learn. A few minutes later, he puts up the photo album and goes out for a walk so he can get some space. Right now, he just wants to be alone. He doesn't want Rosalee to see him like this, a broken stallion. He doesn't want his children to see him like this either. He's broken and there's no fixing him. Rosalee can't help but see that as she watches him walk out of view from the kitchen window. He'll never be the same, and sadly, there's nothing she can do to fix that.
