High Times: Through Our Eyes

I was still pretty worried about Twist. She's never acted like that before. But Princess Luna said she'd be okay, so I'll believe her. I'm pretty jealous that she gets to stay the night at the castle though... I kinda wish I had gotten sick too, if that's what would've happened.

Our class left Canterlot in the evening, taking the train back to Ponyville a little while after the sun had set. It was really nice being able to get out of town for a while, and it always felt that the more fun we'd have away would make returning home just that much better. For me, at least. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were complaining about having to leave, while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo seemed caught between mixed emotions. I was looking forward to seeing my family and the farm again, though. I couldn't wait to tell them all about the things I learned. I bet I even knew a thing or two that Granny Smith didn't! If I could prove to them how smart I actually am, then maybe they'll start treating me like a mare instead of just a little filly.

I smiled as I leaned up against the window. The gentle motion of the train and the low noise was relaxing. Even as the others chatted among themselves, the murmur flowed nicely with it all. I probably could have slept peacefully here, but I was trying not to. It would be a while before I'd get to take a trip anywhere else, and I wanted to enjoy everything for as long as possible. Scootaloo took this opportunity to invite me into the conversation, teasing me about how it must have been past my bedtime. I snapped out of my daze and tried to come up with something clever to say back, but my thoughts were still foggy. Instead, I started looking for a way to change the subject. That's when I took notice of a book lying next to her.

The only bad thing was that I recognized the book. It was the one I rented a few weeks back. The lax atmosphere quickly vanished as I began to tense up in a cold sweat. I started to panic, realizing that it was now long overdue if it was the same one I gave to her. Thoughts of how much trouble I would be in began to flood my mind. There was no way that my family would think of me as a grown mare if they found out about this!

I threw my hooves up into the air as I bombarded her with questions. Some weren't even related to the situation at all, but I didn't care. I wanted to know exactly why she still had it after she promised to return it on time. Part of me was hoping that she would tell me she rented it out herself after taking it back to Twilight. Of course, that's not what had happened at all though.

Scootaloo nervously grinned before giving me some long explanation that she was clearly making up on the spot. I put my hoof to my forehead, contemplating the trouble I would be in when I faced not only my family, but Twilight as well. No doubt she would have already asked Applejack about the book by now. I refused to give up hope though. Repeatedly bumping my head against the cab window, I began to contemplate for a way out of this. The first step in correcting the problem was seizing the book from Scootaloo, which she happily forfeit.

With that out of the way, I focused my attention to the second step of my plan: to come up with a plan.

I was certain to have a brilliant scheme out of this mess considering that we were still a long time away from Ponyville. I would have all the time in the world. But of course, the fates were conspiring against me as I noticed the town's train station coming over the horizon. My heart began to race as I broke out in a cold sweat. There was a churning in my stomach as I imagined Applejack looking at me disgusted, shaking her head in disapproval. My thoughts began to rush as I grit my teeth and closed my eyes, hoping that it would somehow accelerate my thought process... And it worked, kinda. Who would have thought that at my lowest point I'd come up with my smartest idea yet.

Scootaloo.

It was Scootaloo's fault, after all. I just had to explain that to Twilight and Applejack and they'd understand! I just knew it. I couldn't help but grin and giggle at my sheer genius. Surely this act of responsibility would show them that I really am growing up and more mature than they think. As the train came to a halt, I gathered my saddlebag and eagerly hopped to the exit. We all said our goodbyes and began to head home. Scootaloo seemed unusually upbeat as well too. She must have been glad that I wasn't talking about the book anymore. I brushed it off and faced the direction of the library, knowing exactly what I had to do.

As I skipped down the street, my destination came into view. I could see shadows flickering from a window, so I knew Twilight was still awake.

Perfect.

The plan had been set into motion and everything was going smoothly. All I had to do now was tell Twilight what Scootaloo did, return the book, then go home. It all just seemed too easy.

Right when my hoof made contact with the door, an uneasy feeling flowed through me. I was getting nervous. Having to wait for her to finally answer didn't help anything either. When she finally peeked her head out, she wore a friendly smile and greeted me. She looked about and noticed that I was alone. Of course she was quick to question why I was wandering around by myself. I hadn't prepared for this. I should have know that Twilight would have something to ask! So I explained that our class just got back from Canterlot and how we were able to meet the princesses. That also disrupted my plan. I should have known that she would want to hear all about it when I mentioned Celestia, but at least it would put her in a good mood. I would want to be on her good side before mentioning the book. She looked around before suggesting for me to come inside and tell her the full story. I didn't see why not, so I trotted inside and took a seat on the couch.

She really must have been excited to hear about her mentor because she seemed to be glowing. There was a certain gleam in her eye, and she couldn't seem to stop grinning before the story even started. She was practically bouncing as she joined me on the couch. It made me feel a little weird that she sat right next to me... It wasn't like it was bad though. I don't know how to explain it really... Just different. Kinda like a tickle in your stomach.

It made me feel pretty good that she was so eager to listen to me though. It was like someone finally cared about what I had to say for once. Like I was finally being treated as an grown mare. Hay, maybe Twilight could even put in a good word for me. If I could impress her with how mature I was then everyone would have to believe it because Twi was never wrong about anything! Everypony knew that!

She sat at full attention, beaming as I told the entire trip from start to finish. She even asked me questions about it afterwards. I never felt so appreciated before... It was really nice having someone take interest in what I thought and felt for once. She even kept eye contact the whole time I was talking! I couldn't help but smile really big. It was kinda embarrassing, but I couldn't control it. Everything just felt so calm... But that doesn't really explain it accurately. There was just this positive feeling around us, and I liked it.

After we talked for a bit, it got pretty quiet. I notice she started to blush as she stared at me... She had a goofy look on her face too. It was kinda cute and made me giggle. I was curious about what she was thinking. She was acting like she was nervous or something all of a sudden... Or some mix between nervous and excited, or something... Like she was waiting for a birthday present she really wanted...

That's when I figured it out...

I began to tense up as she began to ask me if there was anything else I wanted to do tonight before I went home. I tried to keep my cool, but I could feel my mouth beginning to dry up as she slowly leaned in towards me.

I should had seen it from the moment she sat next to me on the couch, but I was too caught up in my own satisfaction with the situation to realize what she was really getting at... What all this had been leading up to... I mentally slapped myself on the forehead for being so reckless to let myself get into this mess. I guess everyone was right about me still being just a little baby...

Twilight had played me like a game of chess...

She obviously was wanting me to return the book already.

I quickly pulled it from my saddle bag and held it out towards her face, apologizing for not returning it sooner. I tried to rationalize that it was the whole reason I came by to begin with and how it slipped my mind while we were talking. I also threw in the fact that it was Scootaloo's fault for it being late, though it was no where near the detailed explanation I had intended originally. It would suffice, nonetheless. My mind was racing as I begged her not to be sad or mad or anything at me for it. As the words fell from my mouth, the fear of my family thinking that I was immature also found its way into the mix before I stared at her with the most pitifully adorable expression I could manage.

She just stared at me with a confused look before she broke a smile and started laughing quite loudly, mentioning something about how adorable it was that I was worrying about a book. I didn't know what to make of it, but it was better than her being upset, for sure...

Twilight started shaking her head before placing a warm hoof around my neck, saying how I reminded her of herself by how I was acting right now. I could feel my face heating up as she pushed the book to the side and looked at me with a soft grin. I apologized again for it and told her that I would pay back every bit of the late charges, even if it might take me some time to earn the money working for Applejack.

I saw her eyes light up as I finished my sentence. She rubbed her hoof through my mane and declared that I just gave her a great idea for a solution to this problem, one that was even better than her original idea. I don't know what she meant by that, but she stood from the couch and made her way to some notebooks, removing one that wasn't being used for a different project. She began to tell me about how she could always use another pair of hooves around the library and explained how she'll keep track of how long I work and how hard I work. I lost track of what she was saying when she went into the mathematical aspect of how my pay would even out. The little graph she drew didn't help me understand much either. Thankfully she summarized that the harder and longer I worked, the more I would be awarded. I was starting to like this idea, but I still couldn't shake the fact that my family would be disappointed in me. I think Twilight noticed it too, because she told me what would make this offer irresistible. She said how there are certain things that a filly can do to prove they're responsible, giving various examples in between the details. She told me how something like working diligently without being forced to would show the work-centered Apple family that I wasn't just some little foal anymore. That's when she emphasized that they would have to know that it wasn't forced.

I started to get what she was saying now, and it reassured me that Twilight was the smartest mare around. She smiled as she concluded that if I accept her offer, she would gladly tell Applejack how grown I really was. The only catch was that I would have to actually show her that I could maintain the job as instructed. She clarified that she wouldn't dare lie to her friends about anything and that if I wanted respect, I would have to earn it. She explained how this was her way of giving me the chance to prove myself that no one else had ever given me, and how If I did well and enjoyed it that I could even stay and work full-time if I wanted. She also insisted that I tell everypony that she requested my help out of nowhere, and just leave out the late book detail altogether. I had no objections. It was a way to make sure that they all understood how selfless I agreed to work for her, she explained. It would just reassert the fact that I really was mature. She winked as she asked me if it sounded like a good plan.

I lunged into her chest, wrapping my forelegs around her neck in the biggest, tightest hug I could have ever given anyone. This was simply wonderful! I didn't hesitate to tell her that I accept as I buried my cheek into her soft coat. I could hear her giggling as she wrapped one hoof around my back and gentle caressed my mane with the other. Twilight was such an amazing unicorn. She was actually putting her trust in me. Not even AJ had this much faith in me. It was really nice to have somepony like her around. I honestly believed that she thought of me as a friend, and not just "Applejack's little sister." She looked at me as another pony. She cared about me. I couldn't have asked for more. I was determined to not let her down. I would earn their respect, and I knew Twi was going to show me how.

I looked up at her with the most sincere smile I've ever had, almost feeling on the verge of tears as I thanked her for being such a great friend. I could see her eyes watering as she grinned back as well. She leaned down and gently kissed me on the lips before telling me that I should get home before my family starts to worry.

My heart skipped a beat. I could feel my pulse starting to quicken as she stared at me, still rubbing my mane. My grip instinctively tightened around her as a torrent of emotion washed over me. I had no idea how to react, much less comprehend what just happened. I could feel my cheeks burning as I simply nodded my head and smiled at her. I struggled to ask her when I should show up for work, tripping over every other word from my jaw's sudden quivering. She giggled some more, saying that tomorrow in the afternoon would be perfect. I felt her hoof around my back start to slowly ease down my coat as she casually motioned her head towards the door. My body was tingling as she gently massaged my flank. She pressed her muzzle against my ear, whispering softly that she'll make sure I mature properly. Her hot breath brushed the inside and it made my whole body tense up with delight. It felt even better when she nipped the tip of it between her teeth.

I had no idea what was happening nor why, but that was the furthest thing on my mind right now. All I knew was that Twilight had never looked more beautiful than she did right now.

I looked up and met her eyes. I was panting pretty heavily as I felt a new sensation tickling between my hind legs. She pressed her nose against mine, smiling like she had never been happier as she held me in a tight hug for a minute before helping me off the couch. My legs wobbled as I tried to keep my balance. They felt so loose, like I couldn't control them. Twilight placed a foreleg on my back, keeping me steady enough as we walked to the door. After being up for a bit, I finally felt like I was calming down. I was able to focus and walk without her help by the time we reached the door, but... A part of me didn't want her to let go. I don't know why, but I liked being close to her... I never really felt this way about her before. Hay, I don't even really know what I was feeling, but it was probably the nicest feeling in the world. I couldn't wait to start working with her tomorrow.

She levitated my saddlebag and placed it atop my back before giving me one more tight hug. I could hear her heart racing as I pressed my face against her chest. I couldn't help but think that she was feeling the same thing I was right now. I kinda hoped so at least, even if I didn't understand it myself.

Opening the door, she told me with a wink to be careful on my way home and to let my family know that the reason why I'm late was because she stopped me to ask me to work for her. Twilight really was a genius. I beamed as I waved, trotting in the direction of the farm. It was now getting pretty close to my bedtime, but not late enough that I'd get in trouble. Especially not when I told them about Twi offering me the job because she knows how responsible I am. I could help but giggle as I started skipping down the road. I noticed that I could still taste her on my lips and feel her heat on my body. It was such an amazing experience. Kinda like it felt... Right. Or something. I don't really know what caused it, and I don't know if I ever will, but I liked it, and I'm pretty sure Twi liked it, so that's all that really matters.

As I made my way up to the house, I inhaled deeply, ready to tell everypony the good news. Walking into the living room, I set my saddlebag next to the couch, calling out for them to come and see what I brought them back from Canterlot.

Rummaging through the bag, I noticed something was out of place.

I removed it and held it up to my face, examining the foreign object.

It was that bucking book...

But there was something pleasantly different about it. I could see a golden tassel with a ruby woven into its end hanging from inside the cover.

I opened the book to find that there was a beautiful red silk bookmark with a message intricately stitched into the surprisingly sturdy fabric reading,

"To my dearest Applebloom,

I want you to know that I cherish you more than you can possibly imagine.

I'll always be there for you whenever you need me to be.

With love,

Twilight Sparkle"

I could feel my heart beginning to race as chills shot through my body after reading the last phrase. A smile formed across my muzzle while my eyes began to water again. I held my now most-precious gift against my heart.

Her scent was still strongly emitting from it.

The realization came tumbling about me as I looked down at it again, grinning wider than I had ever before in my life, and feeling equally as amazing. I finally was able to make sense of everything I was feeling... Everything we were feeling.

It was love.

The truth seemed so obvious to me that I had no idea why it took me this long to figure out.

I couldn't wait to get started at work tomorrow.

I knew that my life was finally coming together.

It was time to prove to everyone that I was really a grown mare now.