Moments in Ponyville

by Cirrus Sky

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rarity, Other, Romance, Derpy Hooves, Cheerilee, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Human
Length: 5587

Windows into the lives of the residents of Ponyville

Moments come and moments pass. The town of Ponyville has many of these.

Side story of Ponyville Days. short stories that don't fit into the main storyline.

Published 2012-08-28 05:04:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-13 21:08:54 UTC

Cheerielee and Rarity

First Sight

Rarity sighed dramatically and strode out to her car. She’d only just returned back from college and already her parents had her running errands. “Never mind Rarity, as soon as the money from those designs is in the bank, you can get your own place and get the boutique up and running...” It had become her mantra since she’d dumped her bags onto her bed in the family home. Today she had to fetch Sweetie from after school club. Her rattletrap of a car sputtered down the road and eventually she arrived at the school building.

Parked up she began to wait. Eventually a group of school children came running out followed by the voice of an adult. Rarity stepped from the car to attract Sweetie’s attention. Sure enough her little sister was heading towards to gates talking to the most attractive woman Rarity had set eyes on. “Now who is she...”Rarity watched their progress patiently, admiring the pink haired woman.

“Rarity! You came to collect me!” Sweetie shouted and ran to her sister, hugging her happily.

“Hello Sweetie, how was school today?” The woman smiled in their direction and Rarity managed to return it without seeming too shell shocked. She let her sister into the car and sat down in the driver’s seat, vaguely listening to her sister’s account of her day. “Delightful Sweetie, who was that with you just then?”

“Oh, that was Miss Cheerielee, she’s the fifth grade teacher.” Sweetie smiled. “She’s really nice.”

“I see...” Rarity gave her sister a smile, maybe Ponyville again wasn’t going to be so bad.

Girls Night Out

“Ha ha! Just like old times right? Rarity, AJ and Bon-bon out on the town and causing a ruckus!” Bon-bon threw her arms around her two friends with a grin and pulled them closer. “We’re all back Ponyville. Y’all better watch out!” Rarity tried to act cross but it was too much fun being back with her girls again.

“Sure was quieter with you in the city and Rarity out at college.” Applejack said, pulling her hat back into place. “But you haven’t introduced the lady yet.” She gestured to the slightly uncomfortable woman with minty green hair.

“Oh man! I am terrible aren’t I? Girls, meet the love of my life, my better half, my soul mate and missing piece: Lyra Heartstrings.” Bon-bon let go of her friends and grabbed the woman closer.

“Uh... Hi.” Lyra smiled and blushed a little at Bon-bon’s introduction.

“We met in the city, she’s a musician and she came with me when I moved back to take over the family business!” Bon-bon kissed her on the cheek. “Hope you guys don’t mind that she’s tagging along tonight.”

“No problem darling, it’s wonderful to meet you Lyra.” Rarity smiled at her rambunctious friend.

“’s Pleasure.” Applejack shook her hand. “Now, are we going to keep on jawin’ on the street or can we get to a bar first?” She grinned.

*

The booth was ample space for the four young women, toasting returns and future plans. Eventually Rarity had to excuse herself for the ladies room. As she was touching up her makeup in the mirror a voice called from the doorway. “I’ve seen you somewhere before haven’t I?” Rarity turned and made a valiant effort to maintain composure. It was the teacher from the school.

“Yes, I’m Sweetie’s sister, I collected her from school earlier in the week.” Rarity gave a winning smile. Her last partner had rather unceremoniously dumped her come end of college, some girls only dallied with other girls when their father wasn’t likely to find out. She wasn’t looking right now but a girl always kept her options open.

“Oh yes! I remember now. She often speaks about you, I help out with the glee club and Sweetie is always telling me how well her sister sings.” Cheerielee smiled. “I’m Cheerielee by the way.” She proffered her hand.

“Rarity.” She shook. “Pleasure to meet you.” Rarity was about to continue the conversation when dark green haired woman stepped in.

“Oh there you are Cheer’s come on! I’ve been waiting for you ages!” She grabbed the teachers hand and pulled her away. Cheerielee gave an apologetic smile and followed her hand.

Rarity smiled and waved a little. “Too bad Rarity, never mind though. Plenty of time for relationships.” She finished up her touch-up and re-joined her friends.

Chances

A year was a long time in fashion but Carousel Designs had done very well. Not to mention her college work that had sold well through a well known fashion house. Her boutique had regular custom from the local area and more than one big name had commissioned work. The shop bell rang out and Rarity was about to launch into her spiel when she was face to face with Cheerielee.

“Rarity! You run Carousel Boutique?”

“Yes indeed darling. Established shortly after my return from College.” Rarity smiled invitingly and gestured to one of the comfy seats. “What can I do for you?”

“I need this adjusted to fit.” She pulled a dress from her bag. “A friend of mine made some, ah, last minute changes to her bridal party and all the dresses had already been bought...”

“Problems occurred then?” Rarity wasn’t one to pry but gossip was gossip after all.

“Let’s just say one or more of her previous friends had intimate knowledge of her future husband.” Cheerielee chuckled and lay the garment on the counter. “Normally I’d object but it helps to keep at least one or two friends...”

There was a hint of sadness about the final statement but Rarity let it lie. “Well, there’s a changing room out back, let’s see what needs to be done.” She led the way to her work room.

*

“Then when Maple left me, it turns out that my friends were more her friends.” Cheerielee was stood on a plinth while Rarity adjusted the dress.

“That’s terrible darling, simply awful. Turn please.” Rarity made a few quick stitches. She decided to be daring. “If you ever feel the need for socialising, I’m happy to oblige.”

“Really? That would be lovely Rarity. Too many of my friends recently have sided with exes of mine.” Cheerielee smiled.
“Think nothing of it dear, to tell the truth apart from my old school friends, I’ve not been able to branch out locally.” She made some stitches and removed some pins. “Truth be told one of them is caught up in work and the other has her partner to spend time with now. My college friends are spread around the state. It would be lovely to have someone else to spend time with.”

“It’s a deal then Rarity.”

Friendship

A light rain brushed the grass and rustled leaves in the trees. The official at the head of the group spoke solemnly as the gathered people stood in silence. Rarity hated funerals, she’d been to more than a few at Ponyville’s cemetery and they never made less of an impact. In front of her stood a lightly swaying Berry Punch, her daughter stood beside her sobbing and Colgate supported her. From what Rarity could gather the local dentist and Berry had a tentative relationship that was keeping the woman mostly away from alcohol.

Straightening and looking to the fresh grave Rarity held back a sob of her own and lightly touched her shoulder against the woman next to her. Cheerielee’s face was set in an emotionless gaze, staring straight ahead. No one would tell she was so tightly wound apart from Rarity, who’s hand she clutched. White knuckles for the pair of them. As the coffin was lowered and family shuffled by to pay last respects Rarity stood and guided Cheerielee over. “Bye Mom.” Was all she could utter before stumbling once more.

Over the entire day she only let go of Rarity’s hand once, to embrace her father in a tight hug with her sister and niece. Rarity accompanied the woman home and sat in support as she sobbed and wailed. It struck her that she sadly experienced in being there for people. Applejack had been in a similar position some years before. Whispering soothing words she smoothed her friend’s pink hair and let her cry against her.

Being there, just being there was sometimes what true friendship was.

Valentines

Rarity shut-up shop and walked home alone, February 14th wasn’t her favourite day personally but on the business side it was one of her more successful days of the year. Her route home passed many of the popular spots for couples. “Man up Rarity, you’ve had plenty of valentine’s days on your own, it isn’t a big deal.” She held her head high and walked on despite the many recognisable couples.

There was Mac and the lovely veterinarian who had moved to town in the past year. Just a few blocks away sat Lyra and Bon-bon, the musician serenading her lover in yhe park. Familiar faces sharing a day for love. She nearly crumbled as she passed a bench, just a simple wooden thing but sat upon it were Applejack and Caramel. Rarity steeled herself and strode on, determined to reach her home without feeling too terrible.

“Rarity, fancy spending an evening in with a fellow sad-sack?” A voice addressing her broke Rarity from her near despairing reverie. Cheerielee stood in the street, an large brown bag in her arms and a hopeful look on her face. “Earth to Rarity?”
“Sorry ‘Lee, I was in a world of my own for a second.” Rarity smiled weakly.

“Sure’nuff Rare, I think all us singletons spend today in a world of our own. How about we share?” She grinned and hefted the bag, I clinked with the telltale sound of spirit bottles. “I’ve got a book on cocktails, a pamper yourself kit and a stack of cheesy DVDs. How about it?”

Rarity gave her first genuine smile of the day. “Sounds like a plan.”

*

“I have to-to say darling... This pink monstrosity tastes nothing like Sunset Lovin’ regardless of what the recipe calls it.” Rarity giggled and placed the empty glass on the coffee table, knocking some DVD cases over. “Ooops!”

“Tell me about it... Not nearly sweaty enough!” Cheerielee snorted sliding tipsily against her friend and knocking her down onto the sofa. They both sat up at the same pace, finishing up chin to chin and discovered their close proximity to each other. Without a word and barely a thought they closed the gap with a kiss.

Both participants were eager, nearly simultaneously moving from a simple kiss to one of the French variety. Rarity, a little worse for the variety of cocktails taken that evening seized her chance and slid her hand down past Cheerielee’s waistband. Her rear had been tempting the fashionista for far too long to let this opportunity escape her. Not to be outdone Cheerielee expertly undid Rarity’s bra. Suddenly they both stopped, realising just exactly what they were doing.

“Are you sure?”

“You want to do this?”

They both spoke at the same time, pulling away in time with each other. Realising they both had the same thing on their minds they fell about laughing.

“So, bedroom?” Rarity asked, not concerned with how forward she was being.

“Good idea.” Cheerielee led the way as they each shed clothes between living room and bed. Two eager participants jumped into bed for something they had each decided had been last enacted far too long ago.

*

Sunrise woke them, retiring to bed for activities left little thought for preparation or much comfort considering the unplanned nature of events. The curtains were undrawn so dawn rays came flooding in. “That was fun.” Rarity proclaimed, giving Cheerielee’s ass a squeeze.

“What was it though. I had a great time but we haven’t, you know, wrecked anything right?”

“Darling, I believe this is what is called friends with benefits. Something I for one welcome gladly. You have no idea how long it’s been since I last had, ahem, organic companionship.” Rarity blushed a little, although considering the previous night she wasn’t entirely sure why.

“Tell me about it!” Cheerielee broke the tension with a laugh. “So long as we stay honest right? I don’t want to complicate anything.”

Rarity held up her hands. “We are simply scratching a mutual itch darling, something good friends can do without a problem.”

“Fantastic.”

Thus began the next step of a close friendship.

New Friends

Cheerielee poured out two glasses of wine and sat back, taking hers in hand. “So, tell me about your friends Rare.”

“Oh ‘Lee, they’re simply wonderful! Of course Applejack and I have known each other since school, Pinkie of course is such an energetic little thing. She is the youngest of the little group. Rainbow is an interesting girl although not someone I would have normally had much to do with honestly. Fluttershy is a real dear, she’s the vet? You know the one dating Mac, a little older than myself. Oh and Twilight, she’s just adorable and so clever! She’s the protégé of Senator Celestia and quite the researcher. Oh, it’s so nice to have a group again.” Rarity smiled at the recollection of her new friends.

“That’s great Rare, I’m glad we’ve both been able to branch out.” She shifted in her seat a little.

“Yes dear, I’ve been meaning to ask, how has it been with Colgate and the others?” Rarity took a sip from her glass.

“Great, really good. She’s a good influence on Berry so that’s a plus mark in my book. Carrot is so funny, reminds me of your Applejack, a good farming girl. Ditzy is lovely, she dotes on little Dinky and of course John is a real intellectual. They’re a cute family. We’ve had a few lunches and Berry managed to make them all!” She stopped for a moment and briefly looked a little pensive. “where does that leave us then?”

“We’re still friends ‘Lee. Heavens, it sounds childish but we’re Best Friends darling. Special consideration and special circumstances.” Rarity leaned forward and gripped Cheerielee’s shoulder. “We’ll keep spending time together dear.”
“We’ve just got others to spend time with besides right?” Cheerielee smiled.

“Right darling. Nothing could ever replace you.”

“Nothing at all Rare, you too.”

Different Perspective

The last test was graded and placed in the pile. With a grim smile of a job finally completed Cheerielee dropped her pen in the cup on her desk and sat back to relax. Too soon unfortunately as her phone rang out. The number was that of a local bar. “Oh Berry.” She sighed and answered the call.

“Thank’s Tap.” She said, holding her elder sister up as the woman swayed on her feet. “She always gets a little lonesome when Colgate is off at one of those dental conventions.

“Yeah, I know. That’s why I cut her off and gave you a call Cheers.” Tap the bartender replied, sorting away the change into the register. “Sorry to call you out.”

“No problem Tap. Come on sis’ let’s get you back home.” Cheerielee shoved open the door and pulled her sister along. Who began singing. “Berry, really, please quiet down.” She dragged her through the door and onto the darkened street.
“Need a hand Cheerielee?” Rarity stepped out of the shadows on the street.

“Thanks Rarity, she’s been getting pretty hard to control recently.” Cheerielee gave a grateful look to her friend and Rarity took up position the other side of the inebriated woman. “Come on Berry, let’s get you home.” It was a short walk to the neat house of Berry Punch and the pair soon had her laid down in her bed, Cheerielee checking in on her niece before they left.
“That ex of hers really messed her up.” Cheerielee said, not that Rarity didn’t well know that. It was more to benefit the nosey neighbours who were known to loudly complain to each other withing earshot. The walk home often took her past Rarity’s. “So one drink becomes two and two turn to four. Ugh, men are so not worth it!” She threw her arms into the air, “I’m glad that there is no attraction for me there!” She chuckled at that and realised with disappointment that they had reached Rarity’s home, she was enjoying talking. “Thanks for the help Rarity, it sometimes gets a little depressing to have to drag your older sister home every night.” She shifted a little on her feet as they stood at the door to Rarity’s home as she began to search her keys out of her handbag.

“Uh, Cheerielee, would you like to come in for some tea or something? You look like you need to unwind a little.” Rarity gestured to the now open door. Cheerielee hesitated a moment, their last get together had ended in an argument over Rarity’s plan to grab hold of Blueblood at the Grand Gala. For the life of her Cheerielee didn’t know why she’d turned it into a fight, but this was the first time they’d spoken since.

“That sounds like a fantastic idea Rare.” Cheerielee followed her into the home. They had a nice cup of tea and a friendly chat. She suppressed an unexpected sigh of relief as Rarity related what a boor Blueblood ended up being. When the night drew later she said her goodbyes and left with a kiss and a grin.

Valentines Again

Sat in Rarity’s apartment Cheeriele let out an almighty sigh. “Worst Valentine’s Day ever!” she proclaimed as her friend giggled. “I mean it. That sister of yours is a menace with her friends! Though the card was nice.” She took it from her handbag. “Not that I had anything off you.” She said with a mock growl.

“Darling, I thought I’d give you something better than a card.” Rarity said huskily, fixing a come- hither look on Cheerielee. “Just let me slip into something a little less comfortable...” While Cheerielee puzzled over what she’d just said Rarity left the room and rapidly shed the sensible clothes she was wearing. She had prepared a little number for today that would set up her plans perfectly.

Cheerielee browsed the small pile of cards on the table, several were from clients and one was quite plainly from young Spike. Nothing for her to be worried about came the unbidden thought. “Why am I concerning myself with this. We’re just friends with benefits, nothing more.” She muttered to herself. A cough came from the door and Cheerielee looked.
Rarity stood wearing very little, some silk and lace garments that, while certainly her own design, were not something to go showing off. “Care to help me out of these terribly uncomfortable clothes darling?” It was her most sultry voice, not that she needed to use it. Cheerielee was by her side in seconds.

“I’d happily assist Rare...”

*

They lay breathless in a tangle of sheets. Rarity was face down on the pillow, grasping an arm of her lover to herself. Cheerielee stared at the ceiling doing her very best to figure out all the feelings and thoughts in her head. “’Lee... I know we promised each other that this wouldn’t be complicated.” Rarity had turned to face the opposite wall. “I’m going to have to break that promise.”

Cheerielee froze, after all that she was going to put a stop to it? Was this some kind of cruel joke? She was about to take umbrage when Rarity shushed her. “Darling, I can’t run away from it any longer. Would you mind it if we were a couple? Not just friends who can have a little fun?”

“Rare...” She choked for a second. “There’s nothing I could want more.” Rarity pounced with a squee and a deep kiss.
All in all, both parties counted it as the Best Valentine’s Day ever.

Ditzy Doo: Part One

Snow fell thick and fast, obscuring anything more than a foot ahead and clogging up the sidewalk. Still the young woman slogged on, arms wrapped around a bundle. Her blonde hair escaping the clutches of a grey cap and her breath steaming out from the scarf wrapped around her neck. A thin wail split the silence. “Hush baby... Please hush. We’ll get warm soon, I promise my little muffin.” She bit back tears and made for the nearest light. She stumbled through the door and blinked in the brightly lit building.

“No trains today miss. Leastways, not until the clearing engine goes through.” A kindly old man in a rail attendant uniform said. The child’s cry gave him a start.

“I’m just, just getting us warm mister. No harm ok?” She sat in a stark bench and swept the melting snow from her coat and hat, gently removing the blanket from around the baby. “Mommies little muffin okay now?” The crying turned to a happy gurgle and the girl smiled.

She was startled by a gentle hand to her shoulder, the station attendant had returned, a mug in his hand. “Here young ’un drink this and get warm.” He turned to walk away but paused. “Do you need anything to heat some formula? Or is the baby alright?”

“She’ll be fine for now mister. Thanks... She had some before we got out in the weather.” The blonde haired girl smiled in thanks.

“Well just you let me know, heavens knows that we have to keep the place open... Rules is rules after all, you just holler if you need anything. I can probably fix you up with something.” He started to shuffle back to his desk and stopped once more. “What’s your name, by the way?”

“Ditzy.” She smiled. “Ditzy’s my name.”

*

The sound of the track cleaner roused Ditzy from her trance. Her baby, her precious muffin was sleeping in her arms, the image of an angel. The snow had stopped and the rails were cleared off, soon normal service would be returning. Slowly getting to her feet, Ditzy made her way to the ladies room. Still holding her baby close she took a look in the mirror, harsh neon lights making the bruises on her face show up worse.

“Seventeen, dropped out of school. A mother already and with ‘tarded up eyes. You aint no daughter of mine... Just some product of that whore mother o’ yours!” The slap cracked through the room, the dull thump of a punch followed soon after. Only the baby’s cry stopped the beating. “Get outta my house.” She’d left, and walked. Looking once more at the swelling blackness of the bruising in contrast to the lilac tufts on her little Sparkler’s head, Ditzy made up her mind.

“Mister, which train goes furthest away from here, right on, no changes?” Ditzy stood at the ticket counter. The attendant put his spectacles on and peered at the screen

“Durned newfangled...” he muttered under his breath. “Ah, here we are. Ponyville miss. The next train is at midnight, only twenty minutes to go too!” He tskd, “Long journey too, days maybe?” Ditzy’s heart sank, there was no way she could pay for a journey like that. She paused and mentally totted up what money she did have.

“How... How much for that?”

The kindly old man looked at her, noted the bruises, the haunted look in her eyes. “How much yah got?”

“Fifty bucks and some change.”

He looked her in the eye, “You’re in luck, its twenty bucks.” He looked her in the eyes again as he punched out the orders. Ditzy held back a jaw drop and instead gave a shy smile as she handed over the notes. “You’re not wanting a return I trust?”

“No sir.” She held the sleeping Sparkler tightly.

He handed over the ticket with a smile. “Safe journey now.”

*

Twenty minutes later Ditzy was boarding the late train to Ponyville. A handful of other passengers were in the carriages, most dozing lightly. Carefully walking through the quite train, Ditzy found what looked like a nice out of the way spot and settled in.

Just a few hours after the train set off and she was the furthest she had ever been to the small town she’d grown up in. Under normal circumstances, even a year ago, the prospect would have frightened her. But here? Now? With a little life that depended entirely on her to survive and proseper? It was the best thing to happen to her. Snuggling little Sparkler closer and hitching a blanket around them, she fell into a fitful sleep.

*

Dawn light shining through the window woke Ditzy, Sparkler gave a brief cry at the disturbance but settled again after a few hushes from her mother. Sitting up gently Ditzy surveyed her surroundings. No new passengers had sat around her but a train guard sat opposite. Gazing into middle distance. Catching his eye Ditzy shyly ducked. “That’s a pretty baby you have.” He smiled.

“Yes, she’s the most beautiful, but I suppose I am a little biased.” Ditzy laughed, surprising herself.

“Yeah, reminds me of my little ones. I’ll be seeing them once we reach Ponyville.” He grinned.

“Ponyville? You live there?” Ditzy perked up, she wanted to know more about her destination. That night anywhere had seemed better than “home” but now she had slept on it a nagging little voice was telling her to at least have the semblance of a plan.

“Yes ma’am, I work the rails for a four week and then do this run home for a four week, work in the station during those times. Looking to get the permanent post out there once the old guy retires.” The guard removed his hat and sat back in the chair.

“What’s it like there, in Ponyville?” Ditzy didn’t realise how wistful she sounded, but her tone struck a chord with the railway man.

“Oh, it’s a pretty little town. Proper farming community surrounded by the most gorgeous mountains and forests you ever laid eyes on. Scrap of desert at one limit, leads off to the Swaybacks. Everfree forest on the other. Loveliest place to bring up a family and great for a new start.” He smiled as light grew in Ditzy’s eyes.

“Sounds great.”

“The best ma’am. You headed there?”

Ditzy was taken aback, “Uh, yes. I sort of bought the ticket that took me furthest from my start point.” She realised what she had said and a hand flew to her mouth.

“Sounds like a good plan, ain’t anywhere nicer to go to than Ponyville. Heck, all of Canter State is the best of the country.” He thumped his chest, “Then I always have been a Canter State guy.” His voice softened. “You’ll like it there.” With a smile and a tip of his hat as he replaced it, the guard stood. “Now I have some rounds to make, then we’re putting in briefly at the next stop. Nice speakin’ to you.”

Ditzy nodded her thanks and began to rummage in her rucksack for her bottled water and the baby formula. Sparkler wouldn’t sleep for much longer and she’d certainly want food and a change.

*

“Last call for Ponyville!” The train guard, Ticket Clipper as he’d told Ditzy the day before, called. “Last call!” The train whistled and began to move, the doors shut and Clipper returned to his seat near Ditzy. “You excited?”

“Of course I am!” Ditzy grinned, she had really started to feel much more upbeat in the past two days since leaving her old home. The bruises on her face were fading and Sparkler was doing fine. She’d enthralled most of the train crew since they’d settled into the journey, hot water and formula appeared right on time, usually as a gift from one of the catering staff or some other passenger who had been enchanted by the gurgling bundle. “We’re going to have a new start. I just need to find a place to stay and someone who’ll give me a job.” She tried not to let the optimism fade from her voice as she contemplated the next step.

“Now don’t go concerning yourself Ditzy, Ponyville is a hospitable town, we’ll figure you something out. Ain’t anyone who’d turn away mother ‘n’ baby. No way.” Clipper nodded firmly. “We’re just thirty minutes out now, so keep on smilin’!” Ditzy gave her best and tried to quell the fear rising from the pit of her stomach.

*

“Welcome to Ponyville Ditzy.” Clipper smiled, a wide sweep of his arm proudly presenting his home town. “Now, I just got some things to sort out, but you sit for a while and we’ll get you a warm bed for at least tonight.” Ditzy gave her thanks and sat on an upholstered seat in the station waiting room. She watched her new benefactor undertake some formalities of his job but was surprised when the door was opened by two shouting excited children.

“Daddy! Daddy!” The smallest of them, a little boy, called running up to Clipper. The elder, a girl, followed close behind.

“Tin and Tea! Why ain’t you a sight for sore eyes. C’me’re and give your daddy a big ol’ hug!” The man crouched down and swept the giggling pair into a bear hug, standing up with both of them in his arms. Hi wife entered the building then and joined in with the embrace. Ditzy smiled at the scene. Even something like this was unusual in her life.

Clipper whispered something to his wife, who tweaked his cheek affectionately and left the group hug. She approached Ditzy with a smile, “Hi there, you’re Ditzy right?” When the blonde girl nodded she smiled further. “Ticket told me about your, ah, situation... Would you like to stay with us a while until you find your feet here?” She smiled warmly at the youngster and her little baby. “Oh, how rude of me, I’m Rose.” She proffered a hand. Ditzy shook it in greeting.

“That would be fantastic Mrs Clipper, I really wasn’t sure of anything past getting as far away from that place as possible.” She winced a little, “I even chose Ponyville by chance.” She turned her frown into a rueful grin. “If you are sure it’s ok for me to stay for a while? I won’t be a bother?”

“Darling, my husband told me about you over the phone two nights ago, I told him there and then that I’d take you in. The kids’ll love having someone else around the place and a baby to coo over.” She laughed, a lovely lilting sound, not the kind Ditzy usually heard, “And we might just need a babysitter some nights.” She winked and Ditzy smiled with a blush.

“Thank you very very much. I... this is just great. Thank you!” Ditzy smiled near to the point of tears as the family lead her away from the train station. Getting on the train had been her first step towards a new life. Leaving this station was the first step of her new life. For the first time in a while Ditzy was glad.

Ditzy stayed with the Clipper family all winter, Ticket managed to get his promotion to Station Manager and Rose helped Ditzy with Sparkler just as Ditzy helped mind her host’s children. Christmas came and went happily for all six of them and as New Year flew by Ditzy had become well known in town. Spring arrived with a job for her and another step on towards her desired goal.

*

Today was the day Ditzy would be moving out. Tea and Tin begged her to stay but she told them she had to get out on her own for everyone but she would come and visit often. Rose smiled her happy-sad smile and wished Ditzy luck. With a group hug and a final wave she walked the three blocks to her little apartment with Sparkler chuckling in her stroller.

*

Soon enough Ditzy had settled into a routine of work, chores, home and visiting her friends and adopted family. When Sparkler was old enough for day-care Ditzy was able to take more hours which gave her more money to spend on luxuries. Her small apartment was swapped for a slightly larger one, with more room for a growing child.

When Sparkler Started school Ditzy was able to take on the job of mail-woman and soon her life was exactly how she had never dreamed. She had her own place, a job she enjoyed that let her be outdoors and meeting people. Her little girl was thriving and her social circle was loving, active and cared for her. She was the happiest in her life since she had been tearfully ushered from a drab little station building to the arms of a loving family.

There was only one thing missing in her life, something that on the odd dark night or cold morning would strike her at her very core and bring on the tiny pricks of tears in her eyes. She needed someone special, someone just for her and Sparkler, someone to love and protect them. However guys were not her strong suite and many men she met were put off by a child. So Ditzy resigned herself to this, her life was 90% perfect as it was. Or so she told herself.

Little did she know that things were about to change for the better...