“Well it’s about time.”

Twilight felt a small part of her, the part that wasn’t annoyed by the remark, should have seen this coming. Of course that was going to be most people’s initial reaction, one doesn’t date one woman exclusively, live in the same house, sleep in the same bed –for three years- and an engagement not become something unexpected.

But still, perhaps a little less honesty would be nice to hear, too.

She’d stopped by Sweet Apple Acres after work, a long-awaited meeting of friends that hadn’t happened in some time. Applejack, the only unattached person left of their old high school friends, was rarely seen elsewhere other than her farm. With Apple Bloom away at college most of the year, her brother the head of the business side of the family, and Granny long passed, the notoriously hard worker seldom ventured out for social calls unless duty demanded it. While meant just as much to be a pleasant reunion, Twilight had come on some level of personal business in mind.

It was going well, but was it really?

“Why has everyone I’ve talked to said that?” Twilight asked, trying to ignore the smirk on her dear friend’s face. “I swear, I think only Rarity ever actually bothered to say congratulations, or even be excited.”

“What? Of course I’m excited! Ain’t been to a wedding since Sunset and Pinkie’s a few years back,” Applejack replied, “but darlin’… you’ve been with Cadance for three years. It’s been a when for a while now.”

“And what was the when, if you’d like to tell me?”

Applejack grinned. “Why, whenever you’d actually get the guts to ask her.”

She should have expected that, too. The scowl on her features did nothing to dampen the smile on her friends, so Twilight saw no other reasonable option but to relent. “Well, it was sort of an accident. I meant to make it a whole… event, I guess.”

Applejack shrugged. “What happened suits y’all better, anyway,” she remarked. “So lemme guess: you came here to ask me if I’d be alright with you and Cadance having the wedding here. Am I right?”

Twilight nodded. “It was a good excuse to come see you, at least. Cadance wanted somewhere outdoors, so my first thought was here.”

“Hmm…” Applejack seemed to be scrutinizing the idea as though it were a tangible thing before her eyes. “When were y’all hoping to have it?”

“Oh, right, you’ll still have to be out in it,” Twilight realized.

“It’s alright, I can manage without a single day off the schedule,” Applejack said with a wave of her weathered hand. “But still, when were y’all looking at?”

“Late April, as of right now.”

She looked at her friend with raised eyes. “That’s not long from now,” she said.

Twilight shrugged. “We weren’t going to have a large crowd, anyway. Her side of the family and what friends we have here.”

Applejack nodded, word of the familial split having reached even her busy ears. “Push it back a bit,” she said. “First weekend of May, how’s that sound? Gives me a little more time to get the barn fixed, you can have the reception in there.”

“So we can have it here?” Twilight hadn’t thought the hectic daily lives of the Apple family would afford them to leave such a space cleared for guests, especially an event like a wedding.

“Of course! Wouldn’t dream of saying no, you know that,” Applejack cried. “I’m glad for ya, and it’d be a great reason for all of us to get back together for a little while. It’s been a long time since we all were… well.”

“In one place,” Twilight finished, taking in the bags about her old friend’s eyes, the weariness in each smile. The family business had done well, expanded in size and scope, but much of the ground-level work still fell at the feet of one solitary person. As her own life had become cluttered and full of duties that required her constant attention, it had slipped Twilight’s mind that others might not have as much to help them bear even more troubles. “Have you been OK lately, AJ?”

The grin on her freckled face was sly. “You trying to be Dr. Shrink right now?” she asked.

“A friend,” Twilight said, ashamed it had taken an in-person visit to remember such a thing. “I know your brother’s been busy, and so have you… are you doing alright out here?”

Applejack shrugged. “It’s always gonna be home,” she answered, gesturing to the whole land about her that had been a part of her family for generations past. “Big Mac’s thinking of moving back in, now that he’s married… wants somewhere to raise a family just in case. It’ll be nice to have this place loud again.”

“I’m glad. Apple Bloom been doing alright at college?”

The blonde laughed. “She says more fancy words now than you or Sunset ever did,” she reported. “She’ll go on and be some real smart person for even smarter people somewhere else, I bet. She’ll be fine.”

“And you?” Twilight asked. She was the matriarch of the family now, at an age far too young for it to be demanded of her. Applejack the strong, the constant spirit, beating heart of the family and lifeblood of the family business- a horrible weight to have to bear alone.

“I’ve got my family. I’ve got my friends. What more can a girl hope to ask for?” Words meant fully, but not even sincerity could hide the deepened tinge in her eyes that spoke to a heavy loneliness.

“I can’t imagine,” Twilight said, surprising them both by being the one to initiate a hug. “Thanks so much, AJ. I’ll make sure to keep in touch, and not just for the wedding.”

“Appreciate it, pretty girl,” AJ whispered. “Happy for you both, I mean it.”

Twilight knew she would have to leave soon, more work and responsibilities awaiting her the moment she would depart. But there in the empty farmhouse, its sole occupant so weary from her private walk through life, she knew what she needed to do was stay a little longer. It would just have to be a later night than usual.

It was one of the most anticipated days of her life, if anyone had asked it of her. Cadance had always been so typically feminine when she was younger, spending no small amount of time daydreaming about white dresses and weddings and all the lovely, pretty things that came with it. For a few years, she had thought she might have to let the dream wither away and die- yet another casualty of the many mistakes she’d made over her years of life. But when Twilight had rekindled their relationship, tended to it with the role of leader on her shoulders, she’d begun to wonder if maybe she could hope for such frivolous things again, even if it were a long ways down the road. So now, the moment actually having arrived, Cadance couldn’t help but let the smile on her face grow strong as she strode through the doors to the boutique, knowing a very different version of a much-desired future was about to come to pass.

“Be with you in just a moment!” came the clear, refined call of the one woman who was suited for the task. Of course she had come to the Carousel, where else would she go?

“Take your time, Rarity,” Cadance called, trying not to let her unyielding grin affect her words. “I’ve been patient for three years now, I can wait a few more seconds.”

Silence. And then a sound that suggested a great rush through clothing and plastic wraps that protected- Rarity practically crashed out of the back room to greet her guest, friend, and soon-to-be customer, bearing an expression that suggested some measure of manic delight. “She finally asked you!” The young woman squealed.

It was the spark that set Cadance aflame, someone just as girlish and excited as she was about the whole affair. With a squeal of joy she raced forward and met her friend in a back-breaking hug, the two women bouncing about and letting themselves be lost in their fervor that only seemed to grow with each passing moment.

“Oh my goodness, I was afraid Twilight would always have cold feet and just never ask,” Rarity said. “Oh, I’m so happy for you, darling! For you both, truly!”

“It was so perfect, I couldn’t have asked for a better moment,” Cadance replied, at last releasing Rarity from her embrace, yet still laying claim to the young woman’s hands in her own. “She was so excited to ask and just let it spill out- could I ever hope to find someone sweeter?”

“She was mortified about it when she told me!” Rarity told her, laughter now tinging the curves of her smile. “Oh my goodness, she wanted to plan it out over a whole day and everything-”

“I loved it, I just absolutely loved it! It fit her just so perfectly, I wouldn’t have hoped for anything better…” Cadance tried to compose herself properly, taking a breath and forcing her body to be calmed. “I guess you know why I’m here, then.”

“Of course! Oh, this is so exciting!” Rarity breathed, guiding her client into the back rooms for a proper fitting. “I always hoped I’d be able to make the dress for all of my old friends, I’m so glad I get to have one for you and Twilight as well! Come along, now, I know just where to begin.”

Cadance was led into a small room and told to make herself comfortable, a plush robe hanging on a nearby rack for her to use in between gowns, Rarity rushing off to prepare the boutique for such a momentous occasion. Thinking back to when she had first met the young woman some years prior, it was nothing short of miraculous that they could be in the same room together and not feel- Correction, Cadance told herself. Nothing short of miraculous that YOU don’t feel ashamed. After a proper admonishing and some real maturity, Cadance had found she and the fashionista could have a close, comfortable friendship. Another gift Twilight’s love had granted her.

“Alright!” Rarity said, stepping back into the room with a variety of measuring tapes and other items in hand. “Now, before we begin I’ll have to get your measurements and see what body style we’ll be trying to fit, since that will determine what styles we’ll be looking at primarily- tell me, darling, did you have any sort of preference to begin with?”

Cadance felt like a kid in a candy shop, though possess the self-awareness to be embarrassed by it. “Just- Rarity, I know it’s silly…”

“Please, don’t even say such a thing,” Rarity countered. “Twilight’s daydreamed about marrying you for most of her life, she’ll be a thousand times worse when she comes in on Friday. Now… indulge yourself. What’s your dream dress look like?”

Cadance smiled, albeit with a slight tinge of pink across her face. “I… oh, I know it’s silly, I just always dreamed of being a princess and having that perfect dress and everything. Something beautiful and just… I’m sorry, Rarity, I never seemed to want just one specific style.”

“Perfectly fine, darling! Here, let me get your measurements before I make any recommendations.” Rarity set to work immediately and let her sense of professionalism take over, the girlish excitement she’d displayed earlier fading into a more business-like mindset. “Hmm… you’re more slender than I expected- some curves, but not overtly so. Now don’t move… I thought so.”

“Thought what?”

Rarity studied her momentary model intently. “Yes, I thought so,” she said again. “Tell me, Cadance, have you given any thought to a trumpet gown? It would be just perfect for your more slender figure. And if you’re wanting something a bit dreamier, I have a few designs that would fit the bill.”

“And…” Cadance hesitated. “Maybe something just a little- you know, uh… sexy?” A bit of an adulthood desire had slipped into her meandering thoughts, unwilling to simply be ignored. She couldn’t fully help it; if she were to only get one wedding day, she wanted to be wearing a dress that had Twilight weak in the knees.

Rarity’s smile spoke to laughter. “In my line of work, darling,” she said, “we prefer to say ‘flattering.’ And I do believe I have more than one that might suit your tastes. I’ll be right back with the first of them.”

Cadance felt her excitement go through the roof as the sound of the closing door reached her ears. This was going to be so fun! And hers wasn’t the only dress she was thinking about: what would Twilight pick? She had such a classic figure, something timeless would look perfect on her girlfriend- wait, she could call Twilight her future bride now, that was even better! All of this was simply too wonderful for her to soak in and she let slip a small cry of glee.

A sudden ringing from her purse; her phone was going off in a furious tone. When she picked it up to look at the number, all she recognized was the local area code. Who was this? “Hello?”

The voice on the other side sounded tired, blunt, and to the point. “Ms. Cadance?”

“This is she,” Cadance answered uncertainly. “To whom am I speaking?”

“Ms. Cadance, this is Detective Watts. Could you please meet me at Crystal Prep? There’s been an incident I need to speak with you about.”

The day had been a long one. Apparently something about the new semester had caused half the student body to either stop showing up to school or have some form of distress that needed to be dealt with by more rational mind, namely Twilight and Dr. Mendel. She thought she’d been busy when the holidays had come around, helping students not despair over the exams they would have to endure. But this was only January, and already students were struggling. Likely not the best sign for how the rest of the year would go.

Twilight pulled into the driveway and groaned, a long and wearisome thing that spoke of a mind that held no desire for further use. She was proud of her career, and what she was doing was certainly of some good for the world, but that didn’t stop it from occasionally becoming exhausting. Helping young minds learn to care for themselves was rewarding work that sometimes wore down her own. “At least I’m home,” she said. “And… wait, how am I here before she is?”

It was unusual for Twilight to find the garage empty when she returned home, the emptiness of the space beside her own a rare sight to see. Cadance’s habits of work had been to arrive early and to leave as such, a privilege she had taken in light of her duties in her career. Twilight, a much more junior member of staff, rarely had such a luxury even under Celestia’s care. “Where is she?”

There was little more she could do other than to send a text: I’m home, where are you? A small flicker in the young woman’s mind came through in dreadful form; what if Cadance was hurt, or worse? Unlikely, but possible. Right? Twilight hated letting the miserable worm of consciousness find strength in her mind and she gave it a shake. That was just a worst-case scenario, a trick of the mind to assume the worst. Cadance was principal of one of the most prestigious schools in the city, she was likely just kept back at work for some reason. Darker thoughts didn’t make much sense.

Nevertheless, Twilight disliked the emptiness of the house as she tended to herself, changing from her work clothes into a hoodie and sweats. She had become accustomed to Cadance’s presence, the sounds and ambience she seemed to give to the place to make it home. It was a sort of calm that was made tangible, physical in form whenever she was with the beautiful woman. To not have it with her, Twilight realized, was discomforting. She didn’t always realize just how deeply she desired Cadance, she guessed.

Rather than sit around and let her mind stew in such matters, Twilight tended to some household chores so as to be kept focused. The floors needed vacuuming, dishes from their morning breakfast needed to be washed and put away, garbage needed to be thrown out. Come to think of it, dinner needed to be made also- but laziness from a long day started falling upon her with greater strength than she’d expected. Some takeout didn’t sound like such a bad idea, if she managed to order something that wasn’t too terrible. I… could really do some pork rolls right now, actually. Now she just needed her phone, wherever she’d put it. A groan escaped her lips at the realization she’d left it in the bedroom. Trudging upstairs and finding it sitting on the pile of books beside her bed, she opened it and found a message from Cadance-

The pork rolls were forgotten and she opened it immediately: I’m fine. Will tell you more later.

Twilight stared. What did that mean? Unusual for Cadance to be so cryptic. She mulled over potential possibilities, wondering what her fiancé was hinting at. Surely this wasn’t about her wedding dress, right? Cadance had hardly given thought to anything else for the whole week, to think she could actually keep silent about a matter so dear to her heart didn’t seem possible. Maybe a student had tried something awful.

It wasn’t until nearly an hour later, Twilight deep into her small carton of rice and chicken did she hear the sound of a key puncturing a lock, and then the door pushing open to reveal a very weary, slumped Cadance entering the house.

“Hey!” Twilight didn’t need to be told twice that something was amiss, she rushing over to put her arms about her beloved. “Are you alright? You look exhausted.”

Stunningly, Cadance didn’t return the gesture at all, seeming to still be held silent by shock as she let herself simply sag into Twilight’s arms until it was as though she would disappear into her dear love’s grasp.

“Cadance- what is wrong,” Twilight demanded. “Are you OK? Tell me, right now.”

“I am…” was she struggling for words? A rare thing for someone so composed. “Let me sit down for a bit. It’s been a… well, it’s been bad.”

“What happened?”

Cadance sank into the couch and groaned, sounding more exhausted than she even let on. “Just a minute, I promise. I just need to decompress for a second.”

Twilight had never seen Cadance like this, so drained and miserable from a day at work. She enjoyed her job as principal, even if Crystal Prep’s reputation demanded to be upheld in highest fashion. She’d dealt with it for so long now that it often didn’t faze her; what had caused her to become so burnt out like this?

“Oh my gosh,” Cadance said at last, hands pulling at her face in the hopes that she could shake some of the fatigue from her skin. “Today was horrible.”

“Are you OK?”

“Just very, very tired,” Cadance answered. “I’ve been having to talk to the police department most of the day… and the FBI.”

That had not been an expected answer in the slightest. “Wait, wh- what for?”

Cadance looked over at Twilight through a sideways glance. “I didn’t get to pick out a dress today, either. Rarity added me to your same timeslot. I’m extra bummed.”

Twilight wasn’t so eager to let the real story slip, however much Cadance wanted it to be ignored. “And you were talking to the FBI why, exactly?”

Cadance groaned again. “Do you remember the Physics teacher at Crystal Prep, by any chance?” she asked.

The young woman seemed to give a shiver of revulsion at the memory, not even the years of absence away allowing her to forget such a personality. “Mr. Connery? Ugh, he was so creepy, I can’t believe he had worked there for so long! What about him-” The thought of such a hair-raising individual alongside her knowledge of an investigative division connected the dots for her instantly. “No.”

Cadance nodded. “He’d been sleeping with her- well, raping her for almost two years,” Cadance replied. “The relationship started when she was sixteen, he got caught sexting her by the girl’s parents.”

“Oh jeez, I feel sick.”

Cadance let her features truly sag and she looked over at her lovely companion with further disgust. “They confiscated his computer, too. Want to guess what was on it?”

“No way.”

“I took their word for it. I got way too many details just by talking to them,” she said.

“Wait, why were they talking to you?” Twilight demanded to know, that particular point not seeming to connect in her brain. “They didn’t think you had anything to do with it or anything, did they?”

“Making sure I didn’t know, first off. Then they questioned some of the staff individually to make sure they didn’t, either. Then back to me for a second time so we could go over his records with the school. The school board is coming by tomorrow to do their assessment of the school’s staff, too.”

“I’m guessing it all took a while?”

“I swear it felt like forever. It was just…” Cadance sighed for so long that it seemed all the air in her lungs had been whispered away, she burying her face in her hands so as to shield herself from the world. “Two years, Twilight. It was going on for two years and I never even knew.”

“You can’t blame yourself in this,” Twilight protested, taking to stroking Cadance’s wrung hair and setting it to rights with as much skill she could manage. “Trust me, I know you feel terrible, but if you didn’t know, you couldn’t have stopped it.”

It was reasonable advice, but Cadance was too appalled by the events that had happened under her rule to really care too much yet. At Crystal Prep she was the consummate professional, the unflappable personality that couldn’t even begin to be ruffled by the words, emotions, and actions of others- such things were demanded of her. But here, far away from that mentality and in the safety of her lover’s arms, she allowed herself to unravel and feel the weight of her burdens. “I wish I could have stopped it. Or just knew before he’d… what if this isn’t even the first time, and just no one ever said anything? Twilight, I…”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Twilight assured her. She took the unhappy woman into her arms and kept her there, safe from all harm and hopeless thought so as to be relieved of her burdens and made to feel whole again. This was a true wound, a gut-punch to the spirit that demanded the best of her. Cadance would likely take some time before she could really let herself be free of such guilt by ignorance, even if no fault could be held against her. “I’m so sorry, Cadance, I know you would have done something if you’d known.”

“Twilight?” Cadance’s muffled voice rose from Twilight’s hoodie.

“Yes, Princess?”

“Thank you for not trying anything until you were an adult and graduating,” Cadance said. “If that had been you and me…”

Twilight felt the blood in her veins become icy at the thought, her memory turning to a first kiss shared between them the very day she had become an adult. Though just a kiss, it hadn’t been much longer after that much more physical, passionate things had begun, and- and…

It had truthfully been a close call.

Twilight didn’t require great skills in perception to notice Cadance was still struggling with her inner turmoil the next day, the normally cheerful early bird instead found to be pale and morose as she put on her morning makeup. The young woman’s heart felt for her; it had been a miserable day yesterday, dealing with the fallout. Another day deep in the quagmire of such horrific deeds wasn’t likely to be a very pleasant experience. If only there was something I could do, she thought to herself. Well, maybe there is a little something.

“Hey, so I was wondering,” Twilight said hesitantly, pausing mid-dress to look over at her fiancé. “How would you feel about meeting up for lunch today? Just a little pick-me-up to help the rest of the day go by.”

Cadance sighed, putting away her things before exiting the bathroom. “I don’t know, Twilight,” she said, “I’m not sure I’ll really be in the mood for it, honestly. I’d hate to be a wet blanket.”

“Haven’t we both been that once or twice?” was the counter-reply.

Cadance pondered that. “I guess that’s true,” she said. “Maybe so, Twilight, I’ll think- actually, no, I’ll just say yes. I appreciate it, Twilight, how does 11:30 sound?”

“It sounds fine,” the young woman said brightly, a small glow of warmth arising to strengthen her spirit. “I’ll come by your office, pick you up?”

The timeless beauty nodded, a small thing paired with a smile just as miniscule- but still there, a ray of sunlight to help break apart her clouded expression. “Yeah, it sounds good. I’ll- I’m looking forward to it.”

“OK. I’m gonna head out, then. You going to be alright?”

“Mm? Mhm, I’ll be… well, I’ll live through it,” Cadance answered, her small smile becoming pained. “What more can I do?”

Twilight, having somewhat of an inkling as to what added to her beloved’s turmoil, came to her side and took the glum woman in her arms, a slow, lingering kiss left upon her lips. “Hey. Look at me for a second,” she said, a hand guiding those lightless eyes to meet her own stalwart gaze. “It’s not your fault, alright? I know you, I promise. If you’d seen or heard even the smallest hint, you would’ve done something.”

“I guess so,” Cadance said, “but Twilight, it’s not just-”

“I know. But you and I both know when we actually came together,” Twilight added. “When you came to visit me at college and you know it. Whoever you were before- gone. Lost. She doesn’t exist anymore. And it’s just as true for me.”

Cadance didn’t appear entirely convinced by her young beloved’s words, but allowed herself to be comforted for a little while longer, the two women allowing the quiet to flow as they remained in each other’s arms. One last kiss was shared between them before the two separated, Twilight heading on to Canterlot High and hoping for a brighter afternoon than the morning had been.

She felt the day pass by smoothly, all things considered. Was there any particular concerns in her mind regarding Cadance and the incident she had to deal with? None at all, Cadance would handle the whole thing deftly and see to it that the matter was brought to a just, proper end. She had endured tribulations as Crystal Prep’s principal before; this one was particularly terrible, yes, but her hands were clean in this matter. There was no reason to be afraid.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile as she drove along for her appointed lunch date, glad that the gloomy skies of the early morning had indeed faded and allowed the pale winter sun to come flowing down. It was cold, yes, but the warmth of the magnificent star above was always a welcome touch to the skin. Yesterday had been rough for her Princess, but today would be better. She would help make sure of that.

Arriving at Crystal Prep brought its own share of troubles through an already-packed parking lot, she taking more time to find a spot than she had anticipated. I’m going to be a little late, Twilight realized as she finally exited her small sedan. Not a big deal, I guess. But I wish it hadn’t been today, of all days. Cadance needs to feel like a priority.

There was no warning as she walked through the halls to Cadance’s office, no signs pointing to danger. The halls were filled with the usual bustle, that strange and subdued quiet that the academy always seemed to possess in lieu of the rampant chatter at Canterlot High. The world was, in its own strange way, as it should be. The sight of Ms. Weir at her desk just outside Cadance’s private office, the long-time staple of life here at the school. “It’s good to see you, Ms. Weir,” Twilight greeted cordially, “hope Cadance hasn’t been keeping you busy today, too.”

Ms. Weir performed the strangest of double-takes as the young woman strode through the door. “Twilight? Oh heavens,” she murmured.

A pause came at the greeting. “Is… something wrong?”

“Ms. Sparkle, you do not want to be here right now.” The aged woman held no malice in her words, no displeasure to be seen across her features; the matter-of-factness with which she spoke was positively disarming.

“And what…” Twilight found herself flummoxed, not sure of how to properly reply. “So, is Cadance busy- is she alright?”

Immediately the sound of voices from inside Cadance’s office met their ears and Twilight found herself put ill at ease. She recognized the voice of her fiancé, harried and bristling with a displeasure that was just barely held in check. What on earth was happening to make her so upset? And come to think of it, I’ve heard that other voice before. Wait, I’ve heard it from this exact office!

And as the argument continued, the silhouette of two women rising to their feet could be seen from the opposite side of frosted glass, the clash of words spilling out into the waiting room as Abacus Cinch continued to debate a concerned and clearly stretched Cadance.

They rehired her. That's unbelievable, the county school board actually REHIRED HER! Why is she here, what is she possibly doing for them? Does she work for the superintendent or something? Why would they have even taken her back in the first place? Twilight's mind was an absolute whirlwind of negative emotions and shock at the sight of the horrendous woman, keeping her conscious thought away from the tightly wound words the two women were throwing at one another.

“Ms. Cinch, as I have told you multiple times, none of the staff were aware of Mr. Connery’s actions,” Cadance was saying, the words positively bristling with heat that seemed on the verge of spilling over. “I am not happy that I could not prevent any of his crimes myself, nor am I pleased that such things were occurring under my leadership. But you will not hold my staff liable for any sort of action they did not commit.”

“Hmph. You clearly had one liar among you already,” said Abacus Cinch, looking no worse for wear than she had been in the years absent from Twilight’s life, yet somehow brimming with even more of that cold cruelty she had always so naturally possessed. “It is not difficult for anyone to believe that where there is one rat, you’ll find an entire swarm.”

“And again, Ms. Cinch, my staff are of better character than to allow such atrocious conduct to go unreported,” Cadance countered. “You will not disparage them while in my presence, I will not have it.”

“You won’t have it?” Cinch said, her words held to a bitter sneer. “One of your staff was molesting a child, clearly your judge of character is flawed. What is to happen to your staff, as well as your position as principal of this school, is not in your hands any longer. The school board will decide your fate.”

Cadance said nothing but remained steadfast, her expression that same rigid composure that Twilight had encountered in her whenever the brilliant woman was truly furious. Cinch, her former superior, likely knew it just as well as she did and seemed to be trying to toy with Cadance as much as possible so as to elicit a reaction. Something, anything, even a small outburst that could be used to bring about a wicked judgement upon an innocent woman. But to her credit, Crystal Prep’s principal remained silent.

Cinch huffed and turned to leave, coming to an immediate halt as her eyes beheld Twilight. “You!” she said, both appearing and sounding surprised at the sight of the young woman. “You would have graduated years ago, why are you here?”

“I’m-” She despised herself for that fear she felt by being held under this woman’s unrelenting scrutiny. She had been bullied and intimidated before, when she was little more than a naïve girl; such a thing would not happen now. “I am here to visit with Cadance.”

“Why? For what reason?” Cinch demanded. “You’re under the employ of Celestia, not her. This is not your school.”

Twilight wanted to throw the truth into her cold-hearted face, but something about the affair made her take pause and immediately think the opposite. At all costs, Abacus Cinch could not know that she was engaged to Cadance. Cinch had been her principal, Cadance’s employer. She would know the childhood connections between the two, to find what had become of it –especially under current circumstances- would be disastrous.

But what should I SAY?

Cinch stood in the center of the silence like the eye of a storm about to unleash its fury upon an unprepared world. Her eyes darted between the two woman- first at Twilight, then Cadance, back to Twilight again. Back to Cadance, those serpentine eyes narrowing. Just what was she looking for that could possibly give them away?

“Hmm. Ms. Cadance, you’ll receive the school board’s report come the end of the week,” Cinch replied before turning to Twilight. “Out of my way.”

As she made to leave the room, Twilight promptly went across the room to Cadance’s side so as to provide comfort, her hand trying to find that of her beloved’s and instead being pushed away as the sensation of cold lightning hit the young woman’s heart when the reality of her mistake came crashing down-

“Hmph.” Cinch stood there at the door and smiled, the pleasant act turned horribly cold when undertaken by such a villainous personality. “I thought so.” Without another word she slammed the door shut behind her and disappeared, leaving a silent Cadance –and a horrified Twilight- in her wake.

The rest of the week became torturous to endure, Twilight feeling absolutely certain she had just cost Cadance her career. How could she live with herself after such a mistake? To allow herself to slip in the presence of someone as vindictive as Cinch was cataclysmic; there would be repercussions to follow, of that she was certain.

Friday came and the school day ended, Twilight and Cadance at home together, but finding no rest to speak of despite what words of comfort they could grant to another. Beautiful Cadance whispered words of assurance to her, promising there was no blame to be found. Twilight gave Cadance whatever affection she could muster, any small act of kindness she could think of. The wait was so miserable that it was almost a relief when Cadance finally received the phone call, she disappearing out of sight so as to face the results alone. Twilight could hardly manage the wait alone, it had been bad enough with Cadance by her side. What would they do if she really had gotten Cadance fired? How would she live with herself, knowing she’d ruined the career of the love of her life?

Cadance reappeared before too long, looking absolutely woebegone as she came around from the office down the hall. Twilight’s heart sank at the heart of her. “How bad?”

“Cinch recommended they suspend me- and arrest me,” she said, giving such a wearisome groan that it seemed her soul would slip out along with it.

“Wait- arrest you? What on earth for?” Twilight asked, speared through the heart two times over. She’d gotten Cadance fired and somehow found a way to make it even worse!

“For allowing a criminal culture to be cultivated within an academic institution, for one,” Cadance reported. “And for my own illegal behavior in the past, as to the other.”

“You mean me,” Twilight said. “That’s insane, it's not even true! And there’s no way they can prove that. You know that, you know you do!”

“I’ll have to testify to the school board regarding everything,” the sorrowful woman said, “and so will you, by the sound of it. It’s the only shot I’ll get to disprove her.”

“Good, so you’ll be able to make her look like a fool a second time around!” Twilight cried. “I can hardly wait, that miserable cow was agony to be under.”

“She’s got a witness, Twilight,” Cadance added, sounding immensely despairing as she sank against the wall and down to the hardwood floor. “Who says that I was illegally involved with you while you were still a minor, and can testify to it.”

“That’s idiotic. Who could possibly have the guts to say that?”

Cadance looked on the verge of tears as she tried to bite back the answer, holding on for only a little further as she let the floodwaters pour out and bring the answer along with them, gasping out, “Twilight, it’s your mother.”

Author's Note

Yup.

Keep reading, I guess.