Diamond Tiara stood in the center of her bedroom, watching and listening her father direct two burly ponies as they carried a box through the door. Filthy Rich barked at them, telling the stallions not to do anything to damage the box. The young filly hopped in place, waiting to see what is inside the box. She had an idea of what it was, but it’s nice to see it for herself. The stallions set the box down, then rubbed the weight of the heavy object from their muscles. Filthy Rich gave each of them bags of bits and sent them off.
Not wasting a moment, Diamond Tiara rushed to the box, opening it. Her smile grew into a wide grin upon learning it’s the dollhouse (or doll mansion due to how big it was) she always wanted. A long time ago during a trip downtown with her parents she spotted it on a display window at a toy store, and knew it was meant for her. The dollhouse opened at the center, revealing three sections each with three floors. The house was quite big, almost the size of the little filly, reaching to the top of her head. Each room was decorated and painted in striking details than most dollhouses Diamond Tiara had seen. There’s enough space to place her other miniature dolls, something she liked most about.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” said Filthy Rich, sitting down on the floor. Diamond rushed to her father and embraced him with her arms firm wrapped around his torso.
“This is what I always wanted! Thank you, daddy!” she squealed.
The dollhouse had been selling like hot cakes, being the number one toy every filly in Equestria had to have in their bedroom. According to Filthy Rich he purchased the last one before they went out of stock. On her birthday Diamond Tiara became one of the lucky few to own it, possibly the only filly in Ponyville whose parents can afford it. For the rest of the day while the baker brought out the cake and the butlers brought out the good silverware, Diamond Tiara thought about nothing but the dollhouse. With a gift like that, who cares about cake?
At the school the next day, her teacher discussed the upcoming show and tell on Wednesday. Miss Cheerilee informed that each student had to bring something that had value to them. Diamond Tiara thought about her dollhouse, which brought a devilish smile to her face. She imagined every girl in her school wanted to see it, to feel the house, bask her and the model playhouse with compliments. However, there was the issue with her parents. She wasn’t sure if they would allow her to bring it to school. Diamond also became skeptical of her own idea. She certainly didn’t want a jealous foal to steal it. After putting more thought into it she shrugged. Something like that wouldn’t happen, she thought.
On the morning of the show and tell, Diamond Tiara placed the house on an old toy wagon she used to play with when her favorite spot was the sandbox. She carried it all the way to school. Just as she entered the schoolyard the children stopped playing and all eyes fell on her and the dollhouse. It was the greatest thing they have ever seen in their young lives. Diamond Tiara looked around, seeing the children conversing among themselves, probably about her dollhouse. She sensed a hint of jealousy on some of the girls’ faces, but she didn’t care. At least her birthday present was getting her all the attention she wanted.
Class began with Miss Cheerilee performing a roll-call on her students, and choosing who will go first for show and tell. She had seen Diamond Tiara bringing the dollhouse on her wagon from the classroom window, could easily detect the smug look of satisfaction on her face. It was obvious Diamond wanted to go first, but she had to patiently wait her turn, although Miss Cheerilee didn’t think patience was a virtue Diamond Tiara excelled in.
Show and tell went on as most show and tell sessions go. Many of the students didn’t have anything of interest or excitement. Miss Cheerilee called on a girl named Dinky for her presentation. Whispers filled the classroom. Dinky was known to be quite peculiar and strange. She never talked, and when she did it was always nonsense. At recess she spends her free time under a tree, and can be seen talking herself from time to time. Diamond Tiara never cared for her, nor did the rest of her class. She’d been on the receiving end of the teasing and name-calling, but the rich filly stayed out of it; not out of compassion, she decided it wasn’t any of her business. Diamond Tiara became sure the adults at school can handle such situations. Dinky remained in her seat, looking around and feeling herself shrinking under the judgemental stares of her peers. She looked to Miss Cheerilee, who gave the child her best warm smile so she wouldn’t feel nervous.
“Do you have anything to show us?” the teacher asked nicely.
Dinky looked back at her classmates, all of them waiting for her next move. She shook her head. As a result of living with her mother, she never had many possessions, none she can flaunt around in the faces of the other children and be proud of. In her small bedroom, on a little shelf above her bed, sat a stitched pony doll with buttons for eyes; but she knew nobody wanted to see that. Dinky turned back to her classmates, all of them staring blankly at her. She sat quietly in her seat, trying to avoid the looks she’d been receiving. Silence stung the room. Most of the girls chuckled and sneered at the poor filly, calling her names under their breaths, although Miss Cheerilee’s ears heard all. The teacher gave a stern look at Dinky’s taunters, immediately shutting them up.
Finally, Diamond Tiara was called next. She excitedly jumped out of her seat and pulled the wagon upfront. Every eye in the classroom focused on the huge dollhouse. Diamond Tiara spent explained how it was a birthday gift, how expensive it was, and why it’s the most popular toy on the market. She opened it to reveal the rooms the house contained; Miss Cheerilee believed she’d make a good real estate agent. Diamond Tiara glowed with pride while being bombarded with questions. She was convinced she won show and tell that day. From the corner of her eye she noticed Dinky not giving any hint of emotion. She sat there, locking her gaze at Diamond Tiara as a cat does to its owner. She tried to ignore it when she returned to her seat.
At midday the children were let out for recess, but instead of playing games and enjoying each other’s company, they gathered around Diamond Tiara and her dollhouse. Everyone wanted to get an up-close and personal look, some even wanted to touch, only to get a slap on the hoof from the rich filly. “Don’t touch the merchandise,” was her commandment. The dollhouse was so impressive even the other girls who didn’t care for Diamond Tiara had to admit it was a very nice gift. “Why thank you,” she answered smugly. It wasn’t long until one of the girls wanted to play with it, and then another proposed, and then another, until every filly and colt surrounded Diamond Tiara, begging and pleading to be her friend, paying good money if they have to. The rich filly raised her voice to silence them.
“There is no way I’m letting any of you touch this dollhouse! It’s too good for you guys to handle!” The children let out of groan of disappointment. Of course she’d say no to them. Diamond Tiara didn’t stop there. An idea formed in the back of her mind. “However, I will let you see it and admire it from a distance. All you have to do is sign up for a one-on-one tea party with me.”
Confusion settled upon the young foals, then silence crept in. There was no way they would agree to a boring tea party with Diamond Tiara. That was proven wrong when most of all the girls in schools asked her where to sign up.
Diamond Tiara pulled her toy wagon on her walk home, a smile full of content with what happened that day. Just as she left school she glanced at the weird girl in her class. She stood in the schoolyard, and there was somebody else with her, a filly taller and bigger than her. Dinky coward in front of her, but the big girl pushed her to the ground, laughing. Diamond Tiara turned away from the scene. It was none of her business.
Saturday was all Diamond Tiara had in her mind the whole week. Every girl, including a few boys, signed up to a scheduled thirty minute tea party with Diamond Tiara, and when their time is almost up they will get a personal look at the dollhouse and admire it like a museum artifact or a masterpiece at an art gallery. On that Saturday she rose early with the dawn, putting on her best dress and favorite tiara; she had a display case full of tiaras to wear for special occasions. She ordered her servants to brew fresh tea for her visitors.
The first party guest arrived at nine o’clock, a filly with usually long black hair that was tied in a bun that day. She wore a purple dress, a color Diamond Tiara was indifferent towards. They poured each other tea and talked about whatever boring topic was on their thoughts at the time, but Diamond Tiara already knew the filly was anxious to get a look at the dollhouse. Ten minutes before their session came to an end, the filly in the purple dress begged Diamond Tiara to show her the dollhouse. Without hesitation she led her to through a door in bedroom that opened to her playroom. Golden light from the sun filled the room through the window. At the center, standing on a multicolored carpet, was the dollhouse. The filly in the purple dress said nothing, her mouth watering with bliss. Diamond Tiara opened the house, and the filly saw one of the many mansions she had been promised were waiting for her in heaven. Unfortunately her remaining ten minutes with Diamond Tiara were up. She begged the rich filly for an additional five, but there were others waiting.
And so the day went on repeat with each new party guest. They will arrive in a nice suit, sit down and have tea and cookies, talking the weather, and at the last minutes of the session begged her to show them the dollhouse, which Diamond Tiara did. Just like the first guest they pleaded for additional minutes to admire the handiwork of the playhouse. Over the course of the day butlers delivered pots of freshly brewed tea. There had been some who weren’t interested in the dollhouse, they just wanted to see the inside of Diamond Tiara’s house. One boy annoyed her by ringing the miniature bell to summon butlers and make them do outlandish things such as a swordfight. He also had the nerve pick his nose, talk about a science fiction series with his mouth full of pastries in a brutish manner and wipe his mouth with his sleeve. The lad had no sense of class. Diamond Tiara had to let him go, not that he cared. A girl with huge glasses used so many big words and talked in a low voice that was impossible for Diamond Tiara to understand her. When she showed the little nerd her dollhouse she commented on the structure, size and dimensions of it; she let herself go soon after. Another one of her guests wore all black, and spent the whole time reciting dark and morbid poetry. She never cared to see the dollhouse.
As the day went on Diamond Tiara began to regret her idea for a one-on-one tea party. She looked out her window to see a line of children waiting to be let in. She let out a breath of discontent. Diamond Tiara thought getting all this attention would do her wonders, but it all seems so hollow, so empty. Even the excitement of presenting the dollhouse like it’s the most important artifact in ponydom gradually faded away. How many foals signed up? Why were they visiting her anyway?
At five o’clock the last of the guests came and went, and the tea parties ended. Diamond Tiara breathed a sigh of relief. She thought the day will never end. For the first time in her life she couldn’t wait to take off her dress. Diamond Tiara laid on top of her bed, tired from the day’s activities and from the ponies who didn’t seem to appreciate her, or anything important in life.
Sunday arrived without a fuss. Sunlight touched Diamond Tiara’s face and she rose from her blankets. The memories of the tea party extravaganza the past Saturday still fresh in her mind. The dollhouse remained locked in the playroom, and she thought about leaving it there. At that moment she decided to get some fresh Sunday air. Maybe a walk around the neighborhood will make her feel better. She ventured outside wearing a hat and scarf as a disguised, so nobody at her school will figure out who she is. During her walk she wondered if things will go back to normal on Monday, if everyone will forget about the dollhouse and move on with their lives. If only that were possible, she thought.
Diamond Tiara spotted her favorite ice cream parlour as she crossed the street. She looked both ways to make sure nobody recognized before entering. Approaching the counter wanted to order her favorite flavor, mint-strawberry with caramel nuts, until she realize it might obviously give her identity away, so she ordered plain chocolate on a cone. She took a seat at the stool, and from the corner of her eye she saw Dinky, the strange little girl in her class looking at the window. She hadn’t came to her tea party the day before. There was a chance she heard about it, though, but that didn’t matter. Diamond Tiara wondered if she should talk to her. Right now she desperately needed someone who wasn’t fixated on her new dollhouse. Diamond climbed down from the stool, ice cream cone in her pink hoof, trotted out the door to catch up to Dinky before she went away and nudged her. The rich filly noticed the poor girl carrying an old, raggedy looking stitched doll. The blond filly had a blank, although with a hint of nervousness on her face.
“… Hi,” said Diamond Tiara.
Dinky said nothing.
“I’m not here to make fun of you. I just wanted to talk.” Dinky remained silent, internally debating whether she should turn around and go about her way. Diamond Tiara eyes went from the filly to the doll. “Is that your’s?”
Dinky nodded.
“Oh. Why didn’t you bring to show and tell at school?” asked Diamond.
Dinky shrugged.
Diamond Tiara tilt her head. This pony is beyond shy, she thought to herself, but she couldn’t blame her. She recalled the times most of the students at school teased her for being strange; whether it was sitting under a tree talking to herself or witnessing them playing cruel jokes on her. An unpleasant feeling stirred inside as she remembered seeing Dinky being laughed at by the other girls and walking the other direction. Now she looked Dinky in the eyes, and saw a confused and nervous pony just wanting to be left alone. Diamond Tiara wanted to run away and forget she’d meet her, but knew it wasn’t right.
“You know, you’re the only one in school who hasn’t seen my dollhouse. Do you want to come over to my house and hang out?” asked Diamond.
Dinky wasn’t sure of what to say. Why would Diamond Tiara want to spend time with her? At the same time, she couldn’t stop thinking about the dollhouse. It was big and wonderful, almost the size of her. Dinky wouldn’t mind having something like that for her birthday or Hearth’s Warming, if her mother had enough money. Although she really wanted to see the dollhouse, she declined Diamond’s offer.
“How come?” the rich filly asked.
Dinky shrugged.
“I’ll buy you ice cream,” Diamond said.
Nobody can say no to free ice cream, not even Dinky. Diamond Tiara took the poor girl inside the ice cream parlour. Dinky was hesitant at first, but at last she chose strawberry with hot fudge on top. Diamond Tiara noted how she had great taste. The rich filly paid at the counter. Minutes later the vendor came out with Dinky’s ice cream. She handed it to Diamond Tiara, who then offered it to the shy little filly, extending her arm. Slowly, Dinky reached out and took. It was a strange feeling for the two of them. Nobody, except her hardworking mother, offered Dinky anything before. Diamond Tiara had never actually did anything for another pony because she wanted to before. The two girls trotted to Diamond Tiara’s neighborhood until they reached the big house at the edge. Once they were inside they arrive at her bedroom, stopping at the playroom door.
Diamond Tiara remembered she neglected to inform her maids to clean up what remained of Saturday’s string of tea parties. The low plastic table stood at the center of her room, the tea cups inside the center of the small glass plates. She picked up the teapot and shook it, noting there’s tea in it, which probably turned cold. Dinky looked on, confused.
“I had a bunch of kids have a tea party with me,” Diamond said. “It didn’t turn out as I thought it would.”
“Oh,” Dinky said quietly.
“Have you ever been to a tea party before?”
Dinky shook her head, holding onto her stitched button-eyed doll for comfort. Diamond Tiara made another tilt of the head. What kind of girl goes through life without ever having a tea party? This simply will not do. She rang the little bell to summon the maid, then informed her to brew a fresh batch of tea for their guest. Diamond Tiara normally will say something if the guest did not appear in appropriate attire, but she let the issue pass with Dinky. It was a last minute invitation, and while she didn’t want to think rudely of her she knew the little girl probably didn’t have any nice dresses to wear.
Following proper tea party etiquette, Diamond Tiara filled Dinky’s cup first. She spent first few minutes talking about how the weather, then asked Dinky about herself. The poor filly said nothing, looking at Diamond rather nervously. It didn’t last long; once the air cleared she spoke about her troubles at school. She didn’t appreciate the teasing and mean words that has been tossed at her. She recalled how a brute of a filly pushed her into the mud when she saw Dinky talking to herself. As it turns out she was talking to her “friend,” Penny. Diamond Tiara nodded. She figured Penny must be her imaginary friend.
She noted how Dinky clung to her doll the more she spoke, like she’s been trying to transfer the weight of all her troubles on to it. For a moment she said nothing, only growing sadder. Diamond Tiara put down her tea cup and let Dinky out of her seat. She opened the door to the playroom. Toys and games decorated the shelves on the wall, sunlight filled the space and made the pink wallpaper bright. Finally, there at the center was the magnificent dollhouse, as big and beautiful than when Dinky first saw it at school. Dinky couldn’t believe her eyes. The room was so amazing she could hardly speak. Nobody was as lucky as Diamond Tiara, or so she thought.
Unlike with the tea party guests, Diamond Tiara allowed Dinky to become the first pony play with it, as well as the other toys she owned. In fact, she gave some of them to her. At the end of the day Dinky walked all the way home with new toys and a new friend. Diamond Tiara will always remember that day, and how great it felt to offer her hoof in friendship to someone who really needed it. She didn't care if other ponies, or her parents, gave her weird looks whenever she was seen with Dinky.
As the seasons came and went their bond grew stronger; she even gave Dinky's bully a stern talking-to, and to anyone else who tormented her, and Dinky talked more because of what Diamond Tiara did for her. She was no longer afraid of what the world thought of her. They remain good friends well into their golden years.