Lyra Heartstrings was lazing around her home. Watching the neighborhood through her window. Turning back to her house thinking of how much space there is and how empty it felt. When I was old enough, I join a band and left Ponyvile as quickly as I could. I travel Equestria while chasing my dreams of becoming famous musical but something always felt off and I eventually found what it was.

I was surrounded by fakes, when I first meet ‘them’ it was great but time as a funny way of separating everything. I was on tour with my band for four years and we did everything together, eat, sleep, play and repeat but everything fell apart. It was inevitable really. Fighting for created control, tight budget management and in the end the incident on my last show was too much for me.

So I pack up my stuff and came back… home. It felt strange calling this place home when all I ever wanted to do was escape. From what, I don’t really know. I have been in Ponyville for a while, but I haven’t really talk to anypony. Well that a lie I usually talk to Roma when I’m in the market picking up food. But I wouldn’t mind finding something to do now that I’m back. Maybe I could stop by twilight house and pick up a book. Harp gather her bag and check though the window one last time for any pony walking about. Opening the door and leaving the safety of her home.

____________________

“Nothing more relaxing that organizing the library at night uh, Spike” Twilight said, going around her home inspecting the individual book.

“This is not what I had in mind when you said, let’s do something fun” Spike reply, taking the brand new merchandise out of the box.

“We needed to clean up anyhow”

“Sure” he said just about to insert the books when he notice an unbalance panel “Hey Twi, there a loose board here” as he slightly rattle the wood up and down, hearing a squeaky noise.

“Don’t play with it, we can get Applejack to fix it”

“To I still put the books up? I don’t want then falling over”

“Does it look stable enough to set up a couple books”

“Yeah, but if somepony pull one of them out, the board is going to break”

“The library close so there shouldn’t be any problem”

“Ok” Spike said while arranging the different type of textbooks on the questionable plank.

There was a knock on the door. Twilight turn her head puzzle by the uninvited guests “That’s strange, I wasn’t expecting anyone over. Spike can you check who’s in the front door”

He look mildly pleased to take a break from work “Aye, aye”. Getting up to attend the door with his best smile “Welco- oh Lyra” The baby dragon suddenly look surprise.

“Hi” I shyly said.

“Woah, it been a long time”

“Yeah, it been awhile” Lyra offer a hug toward Spike which he happily accepted. Sometimes Harp thought that Twilight luck out with Spike. Having someone always be there for you and be such a cute adorable little thing like him.

“So how can we help you” he said pulling away from the hug.

“Is Twilight around?”

“Twi” The dragon call.

“Coming” as she wanders over to the door she look fairly pleased upon seen a familiar face “Lyra? Is that really you”

“in the flesh”

“I didn’t know you were in town”

“I have been a little over a month”

“And how long are you planning on staying?”

“Forever, I hope”

“Really?” the bookworm was confused “What about the band thing”

“Umm… I’m taking a break from touring”

“I understand, it must be a stressful life. How can I help you Lyra”

“Well I was hoping to get a book, but is the library close?”

“It is”

“Oh, is this like a new schedule”

“New schedule? No, we been closing early for a couple years now”

“Oh…” Lyra express a sense of wistful.

“But I’ll make an exception for you, seen that you’re still adjusting. Come on in”

“Thanks you, I really do appreciate it”

“It’s ok. To you want something to drink” They offer drinks and I accepted. While they were away, I look through the new books in the library. Noticing a box with big bold letter that said ‘Merchandise’. Making my way to the new book being put on the stand. None of the book look particularly interesting so I pick one randomly. The textbook got stuck in between two books from each side. When I try to yank the book free, the board snap off and I watch all them fall. Making a loud thud when they crash with the floor. Looking back toward the kitchen Twilight and Spike were standing with the drinks serve. “Oops” I said sheepishly. Both the owners were not impress.

“I wonder who’s going to clean that up” The dragon said sarcastically.

“Spike can you clean that up” the bookworm said.

“Of course…”

“Sorry about that” I said putting the textbook back with the other.

“Don’t worry, I’m used to it”

“Lyra, while Spike cleans up. Take a look here” Twilight pointing at the merchandise box. I walk towards Twilight as she scans the merchandise. ”Let’s see, let’s see. Are you interested in animal?”

“Mmh, sure. She took out big book and she shows off a white hard cover book with a very well dress human holding a pony I never seen before.

“How to train your human” I read the name of the textbook.

“This has been getting pretty popular, this was writing by Inkwell”

“But isn’t this for ponies with humans?”

“Is for a lot more than taking care of one. Is going in depth in the human sociology and psychology, interesting stuff”

“Wow, owning a human pet is getting pretty popular this day”

“No kidding, I never own one but everypony I know says the same thing, there a pony best friend”

“Is that true?” I question.

“Maybe” She shrug.

“Aren’t humans dangerous?” I dance around a taboo subject.

“What do you mean?”

“I hear story of them turning violent out of nowhere”

“Yeah, they have been cases of humans becoming non-passive and doing questionable decision but they have to become infected first”

“Infected?”

“Yeah, we don’t exactly know why or how human can become infected but is a rare occurrence”

“If you don’t mind me asking. How to you know so much about humans”

“Celestia keep a lot of them on her castle”

“Celestia has pets?”

“As guard” Twilight laugh of the thought of Celestia having lots of pets. “There train to protect the castles and they also server as guards in Canterlot”

“Really?” impressive of how knowledge a human can be.

“You seem surprise”

“I just didn’t know there were so smart, Is that why there so expensive”

“Not exactly, Human are a minority when you compare then to the pony population. When something is on demand and there not enough for anyone, naturally the price goes up”

“Whoa, You’re really smart”

“Ha, hah, well I do try” Twilight awkwardly laugh but she also beam with joy.

“Have you ever thought of getting one?”

“Nope, I already have my best friend”. Aww that literally adorable. Both Twilight and Lyra turn their attention to the dragon struggling to keep a tower of book stable. “He really tries his best”

“Must be nice having someone around the house all the time”

“Admittedly, the house would feel empty if Spike wasn’t around”

“Well, I should get going before it get late” I said taking the book “how much is it?”

____________________

Harp found herself heading home with a distracted thought. Having that conversation with Twilight really did open my mind on people. There no humans in Ponyville, there mostly found in Las Pegasus, Manehattan, Crystal Empire and Canterlot but There mostly own by more more wealthy ponies who may have bits to spare. I myself never care for one but they do sound interesting, maybe I should check it out.

Not paying attention to where I was going, stumbling with a pony ‘Thud’ “Ow”. When my eye adjusted to the familiar pony. It was Derpy a pale blue pony with blond mane and a bubble for a cutie mark. Hooves gave me a long hard stare, as to confirm it was really me.

“Lyra?”

“In the flesh” I joke.

“I can’t believe it you, how you been?”

“Good but I really have to go” stepping around her.

She ran in front of me “No, what’s the rush” I didn’t really have an answer for her. I was just scared to cross path with anypony, especially anypony I was friends with and decided to leave without saying a word. Accidentally letting the moment turn awkward with my lack of response. “What are you doing tonight”

“I got this book I was thinking of reading”

“Any other plans?”

“No, why?” I ask carefully.

“We should totally hang out, like back in the old days”

“Mmh, I don’t know”

“Aww, come on. it'd be fun. I’m meeting a friend in Town Square” she encourages. When I think about this situation. This is exactly what I want it, no this is better. I’ll be reconnecting with an old friend and I’m meeting a new one. Maybe it will help me break out of my shell.

“Hmm” I thought about it “I’ll join you for a couple minute”

“Yay!” she cheers.

____________________

Harp keep an open space while walking next to Hooves. I can’t believe we used to be so close that we used hang out every day back on our school day, and we did everything together, so I was having second though on joining somepony I had a long history with. Bringing up the past will only turn things awkward. Stop it Lyra, if you start thinking of the worst possible outcome then it will happen.

“Hi Cloudy!” She suddenly call out a lavender blue pony, Bright yellow mane with a cloud cover a sun for a cutie mark.

“Hiya muffin” Cloud perk up when she saw us arrive “What took you so long?”

“Sorry, I ran into an old friend” Hooves presented me. ”This is Lyra Heartstring”

I was covering my giggle from hearing the cute pet names they have for each other but when Hooves introduced me I panic “H-hey” I said stuttering.

“Hi, I’m Cloud Kicker, Residents own weather patrol!” She proudly spoke.

I gazed in awe “Cool, so you work with Rainbow Dash”. Dash was probably the most popular pony around Ponyville.

Her smile drop “Why yes… yes I do” she paused letting the tension built up.

“Heey! Why don’t we go to Sugarcube Corner” Ditzy suggested.

“Again Muffins” Clouds said with warm back in her tone.

“haven’t heard of that name in a while” I responded.

“See, even Lyra want to go” Hooves said.

“She didn’t say that Muffin tops” clouds retorted.

“I wouldn’t mind grabbing something to eat” I pitch in.

“Fine!” Cloudy accepted her defeat.

“Great! We gotta hurry then” Ditzy push us with her wings

____________________

Been in Sugarcube Corner again after all this time felt right. The lights along with the sound of clicking spoon and plate. The atmosphere felt homey and I adored the smell of homemade cooking.

“Thanks Mrs. Cake” Hooves said gazing at the fluffy muffin.

The conversion took me away from my though. Returning my attention to the ponies sitting across from me. Hooves looks really happy to be here, but I don’t think I could say the same for clouds.

“It’s no problem Ditzy” Mrs. Cake replied. “Oh, and enjoy your slice of pie Lyra” before walking out she ask the pony next to Derpy “Are you sure you don’t want anything to eat miss umm”

“Cloud” Kicker deadpan “I’m sure, just some juice”

“Which beverage would you like Cloud”

“Surprise me” she said waving her hoofs.

“Ok” she said and walk out. We were silent until Mrs. Cake left us in private. “So, Lyra, what do you do for work” Kicker ask.

“I used to play in a band”

“You used to?”

“Yeah, I’m just taking a break right now”

“Ooh, ok”

“I remember as a filly, how exited you used to get when your band members call you over to play” Derpy said.

“Wait you two knew each other when you were little ” Cloud ask.

“Yeah! We used to be inseparable” Hooves responded.

“What happened?”

“I think life got in the way, Lyra was always busy and eventually so was I”

“That a shame”

I watch Derpy curiously as she just devour her muffin without a care in the world but for a split second when our eyes meet, I believe I saw sadness in them. I felt a pawn of guilt in the bottom of my stomach. There are a lot of friendships I left behind thinking I’ll be famous one day. I haven’t giving up on that dream, but I don’t want to be alone if I make it. “Right Lyra” Cloud said glancing my way.

“huh, what?”

“I said, now that you are taking a break from work. We can hang out right, just the three of us”

“A girl’s day out!” Ditzy chip in. “Yeah!” Cloud contributed.

“I don’t know you guys” I said while scratching the back of my head.

“Aww” Ditzy drop her head.

“Why not?” Cloud responds. Harp stay silent because she really didn’t have an excuse. “You should join us. We were thinking of going to Canterlot”

“Uh! I’m so excited. We’re meeting Lemon Hearts” Hooves cheer.

“It been a while seen we visit her”

“Canterlot…” There aren’t human in Ponyville but if I go to Canterlot, I can see one in action “If I go, can we visit a couple shop”

“What kind of shop?” Ditzy ask.

“A human shop”

“Why?” Clouds ask curiously.

“Because…” Harp hesitate for a moment “I’m thinking of getting one”

“What!” Cloud gasp loudly, gathering everyone attention of the crowd around them. To my embarrassment I found comfort in hiding my head around her hoofs “To you have that kind of money?” Clouds whisper.

“I just wanted to explore my options”

“I think it would be cool to have a human pet” Derpy said.

“Well it settle” Cloud kicker got on her chair “Off to Canterlot we go!”. Again, gathering the attention of most ponies in the shop. “Yay” Ditzy cheer for her friend.

“Excuse me, you can’t be shouting when ponies are trying to eat miss umm?” Mrs. Cake spoke.

Cloud was irked with the shop owner forgetting her name. “My name is Cloud kicker, Ponyville own personal whether patrol!”

Mrs. Cake seem impress “Really?”

“Yeah that right. Please, no autographs” Cloud enthuse.

“Wow, you work with Rainbow Dash, right?”

“Augh!” Clouds shouted.

___________________

“Thanks for the autographs Cloudy” Ditzy was holding a picture of Clouds and Herself together.

“Muffin you have like twenty of them”

“Twenty-one. Cloud just sigh but Ditzy seen to cheer her up with that small gesture. “Can also have one” I ask.

“Sure, just remind me later”

We we’re ask nicely to head out of Sugarcube Corner after Cloud explosive response. In other word, we were kick out. So, we decide to hit the shops before calling it a night. Most store were close, so we made our way to the Market. Clouds when to see if she could score some Wonderbolt trading cards. Ditzy seem reluctant to join but still decided to go with her. I on the other hand, wanted to plan for tomorrow dinner. Catching Roma shop light still on. She has some of the best tomatoes I ever had. I was glad it was open but there was nopony attending the shop.

“Hello?” I knock on the wooden board of the tent “Is anypon-“

“Oh, sorry about that” and earth pony pop out from under the table. I was left speechless when Bon Bon show up from bellow the shop. Out of all the ponies that could show up, it had to be her. “Oh my, what do we have here” Bon Bon said when she realized who I was “We have a celebrity back to Ponyville”. Her playful tone, her eye and confided attitude. Yeah, it all is coming back to me. Ever since I meet her back when I was a filly, all she ever did was made my life as difficult as possible. When we were little back in school she would hide my school material, doodle on my desk or she would tell me that class was being held in the play yard and no matter how much I waited for the teacher she never show up… ok I wasn’t the smartest filly, maybe that one was on me but the worst thing she ever did to me was stick a piece of bubblegum in my hair and I had to get it my main shortened. I didn’t see her doing it, but she had guilt written all over her face. After our school year she was a bit more tolerable. I could endure the teasing, I hope.

“Why are you here?” I ask with an anxious tone.

“Wooorking, I’m quite happy you when out of your way to look for me”

“I-I, you-yo” I sheepishly stop to gather my though “No I didn’t”

“There no need to be embarrass, that what friends do, right”

“Where not friends”

“Harp you hurt my feeling”

“You know, most ponies call me Lyra”

“I’m not most” she gave me a sly smile.

Trying to contain my blush. “Where Roma?”

“She told me I could fill in for her and get some of the bits I gain tonight”

“I though you work at Cafe Hay”

“I do” she said laying her head on one hooves “But I’m looking to move out of my parents’ house, to you know where I can find a kind soul to share a home”

“Mmh, no sorry”

“I don’t mind sharing a bed” my eye pop out, I was clearly flushed by her response. She simply laugh at my over-reaction “Relax I was just teasing you Harp”

“C-can I just get what I want”

“Sure hon, what do you want”

“Three tomatoes”

She went and got what I ask for but I notice she had a devilish smile “Are you sure you don’t want something more sweet”

“Uggh” I quickly grab the bag and started to walk away.

“Wait you forgot to pay”

I hated myself for forgetting something so simple. Heading back with and annoy look in my eyes “Sorry, how much is it?”

“Is free of charge”

“Uh? But you just told me I forgot to pay”

“I forgot I had one rule for paying costumer”

I’m going to regret asking that question. “What’s the rule”

“The cute ones don’t have to pay”

I try so hard not to show any emotion but I’m sure my face is as red as the tomatoes I’m carrying right now. “G-great I h-ve to go” rushing off.

“Come back and visit hon!” she screams loud enough for me to hear over the distance.

____________________

Finally closing the door to her house and turning the light on to a big empty house. Harp sigh thinking of the strange night she been having. Well I won’t lie, it was pretty fun, except for that idiot Bon Bon who always trying her best to embarrass me but is not going to work. Well it did work a little, but that as far as I’m willing to admit.

Trying my best to forget her dumb face, instead focusing on the trip I’m going to have with Derpy and Cloud. I’m a bit nervous going to the big city but I’m going with friends, so it be fine and where going to check out Canterlor. My though return to the book Twilight suggested.

Taking the book out to inspect the white cover and watching the well dress human cuddly with a pony. It would be cool to have one. Imagining having a kind, happy go lucky human around the house. laughing of my own though. Oddly enough I’m getting more exited to go visit Canterlot.

____________________

‘Achoo’ Quinn sneeze. Putting her hand in here mouth but it was too late. when she looks at the principal. His glasses where cover with her saliva and Quinn let out a small chuckle.

“Classy” The faceless principal said. Taking out his glasses to wipe them clean.

“Sorry” I said dismissively.

“Clearly, it seem like you don’t care to be here Quinn”

“I said I was sorry”

“So I’ll make this short, one week detention”

“What!” I raise my voice.

“Two” he responded.

“No!”

“Three”. I stay quiet when he gave me a month of detention. He picks up a blank piece of paper and started to write something down “A month seem fair, right?”

“To I have a choose?”

“No, I guess not. I’ll also be contacting your mother”

“Good luck” I whisper.

“What was that?”

“Nothing” I rudely responded.

“You know Quinn. You been missing first period for quite a while. To you lack transportation?” Quinn was very dismissive toward the authoritarian in front of her. Lacking any response for his question. “Are you having problem in your home?”

“No.”

“To you dislike school?”

“No” I repeated.

“Then what is it?” The man lay back on his chair “Why are you picking fight with the teacher now”

“I don’t know”

“Have you thought of talking with a professional, like a therapist” he offer.

“Thanks but no thanks” Quinn said getting up “Can I go”

“Ok then” he said frustrated “Detention start at three and Mrs. Lynn will be keeping watch”

“Sure” I said rushing out the room. Encountering a wave of student and my heart beep accelerated. I hid in the first room I found which was the girl’s bathroom. Upon entering I saw two girls fixing their hair in the mirror. I found solitude in one of the stalls. Thinking of staying inside the bathroom until three and just skipping class.

Well I couldn’t possibly get any worst. “Eww, what’s that smell”. Hearing the girls gossip from the other side of the door. They were referring to my incident with the sewer. Feeling my cheek heating up from the embarrassment. My first though was to go out there and give them a piece of my mind, but to I really want the attention. No, not really. In fact, I would like nothing more than to avoid everyone for the rest of the day. Taking out my phone to check the time and seen that it was still morning “I really should of stay home”

Author's Note

(Updated)