Big City, Small Girl

by hugsnkisszs

Rating: teen
Tags: Equestria Girls, Maud Pie, Pinkie Pie, Sex, Alternate Universe, Human, Mud Briar, Narcotics, Romance, Drama, Cheese Sandwich, Comedy
Length: 7295

Fresh out of High School and with her whole life ahead of her, Pinkie is tasked with moving to Manhattan with her sister, Maud, to keep an eye on her and keep her safe. That is...if she doesn't get herself into trouble first.

Having graduated in the summer and with no set plans, Pinkie accompanies her older sister Maud to Manhattan so that she can pursue her Doctorate in Geology. Soon enough, she discovers she has a lot to learn about herself and others. Will she trust the right folks? Will she find her place in the big city?

Cheese Sandwich is debating spending another year in the city when he bumps into an old friend, and familiar feelings bloom. Will he seize his chance? Will the truth come out? Only time will tell, something Cheese desperately needs.

Published 2024-10-15 21:10:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-11-01 03:54:21 UTC

Special Pie Delivery

I take a deep breath in and close my eyes. When I open them, I'll take my first step into my new life.
Or, well, my first step into the train that'll take me to my new life. Me and my sister, obviously.

“Come on, Pinkie.”

I finally open my eyes, glancing up at Maud, who's already looking for her seat. I quickly head towards her and see that she's saved me the spot near the window. She knows me so well.
I rush to see if I can spot anyone I know before the train starts moving, my face basically squashed on the cold glass.

By the time I could spot my family, the train already started moving.
There's my dad, and my mom and- oh no, she's crying! I wave at her with a smile and she smiles right back, although I know she's going through a lot, since I've almost never seen her cry.

Except that one time at Maud's graduation. And when Limestone ended up at the hospital because she broke her arm in the fifth grade.

My dad's hugging Mom and Limestone's right behind him, her hand on his shoulder.
She's such a softie. Marble's right beside her too and she's waving back to me, and although her hairs covering most of her face as usual, I can just tell she's smiling back.

I finally move my face off the window and stiffle a laugh as I see my own cheek print on it.

“Maud look! There's our family!” I shake her, trying not to tear up too.

“I know, we just hugged them goodbye.”

Goodbye. This was actually goodbye. Not like a bye-bye, or a see you later! I won't be seeing them later! I'm not going to see them for a loooong while.

Not until Maud finishes her Doctorate in Geology, at least. She wanted to get into the program for years, but she knew our parents would never let her move into a big city like Manhattan all alone.

It's not like it's going to be the first time away from the farm for us anyway! All the Pie sisters lived in the small town beside our home during High School because there weren't any nearby, and since our mom was close friends with Ms Cake, she let us stay with her and her husband! The plan was that when we were done with school, we'd go back to living on our farm, just like Limestone and Marble did.

Maud wanted to continue her education though, and went on to get a degree at a small university near the town, and I always knew I was meant for something bigger than just the farm.
So, when the opportunity came on Maud's 22nd big birthday bash (that I obviously planned) she asked, and our parents finally accepted.

On one condition; One of us would have to go with her.

Dad had to stay and work, and Mom was too attached to the farm to leave and so the first choice was Limestone, who almost immediately declined. She didn't like talking to people. Or looking at them. Or anything to do with them, really.

Then it was Marble, who was younger than me! Well, we're technically twins (but I came out first so that makes me older) but still! I mean come on, I totally should've been the second choice!

And, no offense- but it's not like Marble could protect Maud if anything ever happened! She's practically afraid of her own shadow.
But then, Marble was way too nervous to go and so they FINALLY asked me if I wanted to go and I said YES, and I started thinking about things I could do if I lived in Manhattan like seeing the Statue Of Liberty, or walking around Times Square or- EEEEEK!!!

Oops! Right, getting off topic here...

“Oh, I'm going to miss them so much! But I'm also just so EXCITED that we're leaving this town, but I'm also going to miss all my friends, and the Cakes and- OOOH!!!!!” I can barely contain myself, my legs twitching like crazy. I hear the rustle of a newspaper and glance at the guy sitting across Maud, a grouchy look on his face.
Someone's eggs were cold this morning.

“Its okay to be nervous, Pinkie.” My eyes widen at this.

“Pfffft, What?! I am NOT nervous. Well...maybe just a little, but I'm even more pumped!” I mutter, twirling my hair, giggling when it coiled back up.

“You look like you're about to bounce off the wall.”

“Hmph, well you can't pretend like you're not about to either!" Maud blinks at me. She knows she can't hide her feelings from me, her face shows it all! Although it seems like most people can never really read her as well as I do.

“See! But don't worry, were going to be just fine, right Maud? I'm here with you and we're going to have so much fun!” I manage to say before squealing once more. This time the man sitting across us doesn't even bother trying to hide his glare.

After a while, the hype started dying down. I sighed, trying to get Maud's attention. No reaction. I sighed again, louder. She finally turned her head towards me.

“Yes, Pink-”

“Are we there yet?” I blurted out, my head rested on her shoulder. For someone most people would see as cold, she was incredibly warm.

“No, we have four more hours and thirty seven minutes.” Groaning, I straighten my head and stare out the window. This is taking forever.

Counting. That always passes time. That's what Mr Cake told me to do when I had to wait for the muffins to bake. Count things around you.
There's one tree. And another. And a third. And another. Ooh, a powerline! Another tree. I can't count anymore trees, this train is going too fast! Oh, wait.

“...Are we there yet?”

“No, we have four more hours and thirty five minutes.”

"UGH! We're never getting to Manhattan!”

“You should try taking a nap.” She suggested.

“Nope. Way too excited to sleep. I feel like I could be up for-” I yawned, just then, before the world suddenly went dark.

“-Ink" Huh-Wha...?

“-Inkie, wake up." Wha..buh...huh..

“Wake up, Pinkie. We're here.” My eyes snapped open so fast, which was probably a bad idea because the light stung them immediately. I didn't care though because, OH MY GOSH, I'M IN MANHATTAN!

“Mauuud, why didn't you wake me up sooner!? I'm so excited I could- GAH!” I shook her by the shoulders, stomping my feet. She only stared at me before lowering our luggage from uptop.

One of the many, wonderful reasons why Maud is my best sister friend forever (that's definitely a thing) is because she never judged me. I really can't recall a time when she's ever told me to tone myself down because “we're in public”, or that I was being too much, or too loud. She's always understood that sometimes I just can't control my excitement. Whether vocally or physically.

She passes me my bags and leads us out of the train. Since the train stopped underground, we had to climb up an escalator before finally making our way to the top. I spot the revolving doors and quickly point Maud in that direction, though I'm sure she already knew where to go. She was always good at finding her way wherever.

Taking a deep breath in, I felt a huge rush. Everything here was different. The air smelt different. The people looked different (so many were wearing suits!).
The afternoon light reflected onto the scenery in front of me and I almost gasped. The city was beautiful. The skyscrapers back home were nothing compared to these.

I felt Maud gently pull me towards her as she called for a cab and I simply followed her. I was sure if I took my eyes off her for even a second, I'd get lost here for who knows how long!
I was starting to get overwhelmed by all the sound anyways. I was used to crowds, but here it felt...stuffy. Maybe it was the long train ride that's got me feeling off.

Beneath all the crowd noise, I suddenly caught the sound of a tune. I practically whipped my head to the side looking for where it was coming from.

...Maud would have to come find me. I made me way through the crowd swiftly, curiousity killing me. It sounded like an accordion, but I wanted to see it for myself.

There it was, the source of that song. Behind what looked like a swarm of buffalos was a young guy, maybe only a year or two older than me. In his hands was an accordion, painted red with little yellow flowers. His curly brown hair looked so soft in the light. He wore a scarf around his neck, which reminded me of how chilly it was getting.
It was the start of Fall after all, and the tune he played surely fit the weather.

When I finally looked back at his face, I was caught of guard seeing him look straight at me. His song had slowed down and it looked like he was frozen. I instantly smiled widely at him, but before I had the chance to wave, I felt a hand yank my shoulder.

“Pinkie!”

Yikes. Lecture alert. Bleh.

By the time she was done, we had already called for a cab and finally found our new place.
As we walked into the apartment building, I immediately noticed how...gloomy it was. The lights were that annoying yellow and barely even flickering.
...That's...okay though, the apartment itself is sure to be better!
Maud walked towards the stairs and I followed suite. I could hear the wood beneath us creaking with every step.
Near the top, I felt her suddenly smack my stomach which made me yelp out. Before I could ask her what that was for, she pointed at the crooked tile under my foot I almost stepped on.

Okay, maybe I did need to watch where I was going.

Finally on the third floor, my sister led me to our new home.
Maud pulled out the keys from her pocket and unlocked the door. She's already seen the place a couple times before, since she had to look around for a spot to move before we got here, but it was my first time and I was seconds away from literally exploding in excitement.

As she opened the door, I couldn't help but squeal. I rushed in at full speed and dropped my bags on the floor near the entrance, not bothering to take off my shoes. I quickly scanned around all the rooms, taking in all of it. This place was AMAZING!

Sure, it was definitely smaller than our home at the farm or the Cakes', but it was still nice! The stain on the ceiling kind of looks like a flower too, which is really cute.

...That might actually be mold.

“Pinkie, help me out with unpacking, will you?” Right, oops!

I heard the click of the door getting locked after Maud hauled in all our luggage. It took us nearly two hours to set up the essentials, which was pretty good considering I only got distracted a whole two times.

We didn't bring any furniture with us, so we just sorted out our stuff in the built in closets. The ones in my sister's room, since mine didn't have any.

After rolling out the mattress, I changed into my jammies and practically flopped onto it, exhausted. I had no energy left in me to put on a bedsheet, so if Maud had a problem, she'd just have to carry me off. Luckily for me, it looked like she was ready to visit Snoozeville as well.

Turning off the light, Maud scooted in beside me.

"Goodnight sis!” I hugged her tightly before tucking myself under the blanket, turning to the other side and immediately dozing off.

“Goodnight Pinkie.”

Melted Cheese

Polkas were always a good choice. Better than a sad song atleast, those irritated the fudge out of folks here. Picking up my accordion, I started a tune. It was an easy one I could just play for a long while. It was nice to think when my hands could just go in autopilot. I don't think much though, I think. Wait.

I mostly look. I notice things about people. It's really easy to look at people when you could do something else to distract them, like polka playing.

...That sounds...really weird, but if you'd just hear me out, you'd understand.

You see, big city folks don't know of anything bigger than themselves. Us humans weren't meant to live in between concrete and brick walls all alone with nothing but a cat or dog to comfort us after another long day at the office.
Not only is what they do incredibly boring, but stressful too. Half this city is only a paycheck away from living on the street. Add whatever social issues they have, it's no wonder so many find themselves lost in their own world, with no care for the others.

Honestly, staring here wouldn't have an effect on a single person. Hundreds could walk by someone bleeding out in an alleyway without so much as a glance before someone would bother thinking of calling for an ambulance.
It's not like it's hurting them since I'll probably never see them again anyways.

No one here looks at each other. No one here knows my face. The only memory they have of my existence is the earworm my accordion manifests into their life weeks after they walk by this street.

I stare because I like stories. I like looking at people and judging them on how they look and dress and imagine their life. I like making up a stranger's complete history just from the way they type on their phone. By the way they strut in whatever big brand heels they got for their seventeenth birthday. By the way they cover their bald spot with whatever's left of their greying hair.

It's like looking at a picture book; I have the illustrations, whoever's in front of me, and I get make up the words.
That man's prepping himself up from an intense meeting the way he's sweating up a storm in his suit. That gal over there walks like she's got years ahead of her, on to meet some amigas for a dinner maybe.

The one thing they all have in common however, is that they are all stars in their own stories. It sounds a little, well, cheesy but it's true. Each and everyone in these crowds is playing a role, and I get to watch a part of it. Kind of like a scene.
It's sort of weird to think about. So I don't.

I switch up the tune I'm playing to a slower one, to let my mind wander a little easier.

I continue my scouting. Usually, one person sticks out to me every day and I make up a much longer story about them throughout the entire day, but lately it feels like something- someone is going to be important.

Every now and then I get this feeling like there's a little cricket in the back of my mind telling me something's going to happen. That something's going to go wrong, or I that I need to watch my step, or that my fly was open.
Some people call it a gut feeling. I call it my 'Cheesy Sense'.

From the way things are going so far, it doesn't seem like anything's going to happen anytime soon. My job's more stable than ever, probably because no one's ever applying, and I'm getting rent in on time.

I play near tourist filled spots like these for the extra cash, and to just waste time too, around once a week. It pays almost as well as my job at the Roe's Roller Rink, unsurprisingly. You get the few cents and coins from locals with free change, and a few bucks from all the small town folks seeing a city bigger than themselves for the first time.

It's nice to think about. Seeing a whole new world for the first time after spending your life in one spot. I sometimes wonder how that would have felt like.

The longest I ever spent in one spot couldn't have been more than three years. I used to move foster homes every few months as a kid, and now that I'm out of the system, the habit kinda stuck. Wasn't the best way to live, but it's comforting. Whatever's going on for you right now won't be for long. Too long in one place and I get jittery. I need something new.

I'm thinking of starting a new song when I glance at something- someone from the corner of my eye me. That bright pink haired girl was almost impossible to miss. It's like a cheerleader lost her pompom and dropped it on her head. Strangely enough, it doesn't seem like she's moving. Maybe she's waiting for someone. A relative or an old friend she once knew.

Or she could just be lost.

She's sure got a staring problem alright, I can see right my own reflexion through those big blue...

Woah.

She's mesmerizing. I mean, just...I've seen tons girls before. Heck, I've been to every country on the continent. Well, there's only three but you get the point!
Yet this one is just...it's like I need to talk to her. She's a different kind of pretty.
Like a weird pretty.

And just weird too. Who's got the time to stop to listen to your weekly cacophony?

Someone who clearly appreciates taking their time and doesn't rush around. She kinda looks like she wants to talk to me. I can't read the look on her face. Is she mad? Why is she staring at me like that?

Slow down with the assumptions there, Me, she could be some tourist admiring the view.

No, no. She's definitely looking at me right now. Right into my eyes.

Or maybe at my hair.

Is there something in my hair? Oh gosh, do I look funny? My face is heating up.

You're thinking too hard about it, Cheese.

No, no I'm not. Did she get closer or am I imagining it? Oh gosh I'm not ready.

I didn't even notice I had switched the tune again when a man came right up to with a few bucks in his hand.

“Ill give ya' fifteen to shut it, lover boy.”

“Done!” I said to him with a wide smile, packing up my accordion back into its case. I've made enough for a day anyways.

Before I can look back up at her, she's gone. I try to find her in the crowd, but it looks like she already left. I felt disappointment settle in my stomach. Except it felt like rocks were weighing me down with every breath I took.

Great, you missed your chance. The one interesting thing that could've happened to you this week.

Choosing to ignore you, Me. I can't tell what this feeling is. It felt like I just sat through an interview. Except I want to see her again. Badly.

Shaking my head, I hold my case and start my journey home. I should just forget about her.

Feeling a buzz from my phone, I whip it out. Great, extra shift tomorrow. Why won't he just hire more? Or do folks just not apply there.
I wouldn't either. I mean I did, but- whatever.

After what felt like a short forty minute walk to my apartment, I finally reached my door. Opening it up, I entered and practically sunk onto my bed.

I couldn't help but think about earlier. It felt like there was something pulling me towards her. Was this normal? I feel like a creep.

This is stupid. Here I am, blushing like a little girl. I bet if I saw her again I wouldn't even remember her.

I get up to wash my face then plop right back into bed, ready to clock out of the day.

Tomorrow would be just another day.

On The Hunt

Today's the day. My first official day on my job search.

I woke up at seven AM sharp just for this! Well, maybe I slept threw a few alarms, but it was close to seven...
Right after unpacking our stuff yesterday, I got straight to decorating my room. I still can't believe it. My own room.

At the Cakes', I shared my room with Marble, since we were the youngest, and at the farm, all us Pie sisters had one long room together. Sure it was big, but only Maud and Marble ever spent their time in there, and they weren't really ones to decorate.

I made sure to put up as many posters as I could, the wall's original color barely showing. A few stickers here and there, and of course, I just had to line up all my plushies.
Only one was missing, but that's because Gummy, my little gator, had a special little spot in my bed with me.
I won him at a carnival a few years back during middle school, and we've been practically inseparable since.

In fact, I think I know just what my costume for this year's going to be... Halloween is right around the corner!

I go pour myself some cereal because I sure am going to need as much energy as I can get today. Maud's already up, realigning and dusting her rock collection, her daily routine. She's already starting her classes, and she'll be off in just a few minutes.

I wave goodbye to her as she leaves before going to get dressed. I needed something that was professional, but still said me.

I found a pair of purple jeans I dyed back in high school. I embroidered little yellow stars near the hem. They fit pretty well, a little loose, but nothing a chunky belt couldn't fix.
The only collared shirt I have, a snug cream top, has short puff sleeves, but I don't think that matters much, right?

Feeling ready, I opened the door and confidently walked out. Half-way down the stairs, I found myself running back up...I forgot the CVs on the table.

I spent three hours working on them. There were 15 in total, all uniquely decorated. Some had stickers and some that were reserved for more serious applications, I only drew little flowers near the edges on.

Now fully ready, I set off once again on my crusade.

I start off near the apartment building. There's a little bodega I almost pass by, too busy talking to myself.
Zooming in, I quickly introduce myself and apply. I watch the owner's face as he skims through my CV. The reaction I expected was a "You're hired!" and not him shoving the resume back into my hands.

Okie dokie...I'll just have to try again somewhere else.
I enter a grocery store and do the same thing. The manager simply stated at me before dropping the paper to the ground.

That's fine. That's cool. Third time's the charm, right? By now I'm like a thirty minute walk away from home and I don't really know the way back, but that's a problem for later.
I find a pharmacy a little down the road and I enter, repeating the same process. Once again, they don't even bother taking a look before refusing me.

...What am I doing wrong?!

Just who's going to hire me! A cinema? A cafe? A fine china shop- okay, I can see why they wouldn't consider me there.

I was about to storm out and quit completely when I stumbled right into a wall. Yeesh, as if today couldn't be any worse.
Right as I look up, I realise it's a bulletin board. I notice one last number available hanging off a paper. Reading it closely, I almost squealed.

A kid's party princess.

Sure it wouldn't make that much, but it would be fun. I'll just shove it in my pocket. Maybe I'll need it sometime.

Exiting the pharmacy, I whistled a little tune as I walked a few meters before pausing. Which way did I come from, exactly..?

Checking my pockets, I shrugged. I had a few bucks on me, might as well grab something to eat. Preferably somewhere I can apply to, too.

I walked around a bit, looking for some place I could munch at without blowing up my bank before my eyes got drawn to a bright neon light. Rigby's Roller Rink. My pupils practically doubled in size.

Entering it, I took a breath in, then exhaled. Last chance of the day. Make it count, Pinkie.

I made my way to the front desk, where I see...

...No one, which was very anti-climactic.
That's a word Maud taught me by the way. It means underwhelming.
I look around and shuffle awkwardly, before hearing a muffled yelling from the back.

Out comes a teenage girl, only a little younger than me, taking off a hat with the initials 'RR' and throwing it onto the desk, before turning back to scream at the top of her lungs.

“I QUIT!"

Following behind her was an older man, looking as furious as Limestone when I get too close to Holder's Boulder. He looked like he was about to yell something back, before noticing I was there and clearing his throat.

I look at him for a few seconds and I blink. Giggling nervously, I stuck out the paper in my hands.
“...Hi there! I wanted to ask if I-?”

He only smiled, cutting me off and snatching my CV.

“You're hired.”

I hear the usual screaming match coming from my boss and whatever her name was. Too chill to give a hoot about her job, but just enough audacity to have attitude to anyone who looked her way.
I had to give her credit where it's due, she was probably the longest employee he's had, other than me of course. Two full months. Until she quit. Just now apparently.

I wonder who else Rigby's going to drag into this hellhole. Another teen probably.
I was just about to tell the skaters to switch sides when I heard my name called.

“Cheese, you're training the new one. She starts tomorrow.” I turned my head around slowly, confused. How'd he find someone already? No one even comes by here.

I finally notice the woman standing right behind him, looking around the place like it was some great national park. I almost gasped.

The girl. The girl from the station. This was her. Up close, I realized where I recognized her from. How could I have not sooner?

“..Yeah. Yeah, okay.” I gulped.

Get yourself together, Cheese.

She finally noticed me, and I could see the gears in her head work as her eyes widened.

“...Were you the guy playing the accordion near the station yesterday? 'Cause this is going to be really awkward if you're not. I thought that was so cool by the way. I've heard an accordion before, but never in person!” She started, rocking back and forth on her feet.

“Uh...Yeah, that was me...You really think so?” I replied with an embarrassed smile. So she did like it.
I could hear my boss walking away after muttering something about 'having two weirdos working here now'.

“Yeah! I mean, I can play a few instruments, but anything with keys confuse me too much. There's just too much to think about, y'know?”

“Funny, that's actually how I feel about anything without keys!”

“Yeah...” She started, before squinting her eyes at me and shaking her head. Weird.

“...What am I supposed to do, exactly?”

“Oh, right- I'll get you a uniform. It's easy, really. You sit at the front desk and tie a few kids' laces here and there.” I shrug, opening up a locker nearby.

“Great! So I'll see you tomorrow then...” She went, before glancing down at my name tag. “...Cheese.”

“Yeah...Bye then..?” I waved, tilting my head to the side.

“Pinkie!” She grinned at me.

Pinkie.

Author's Note

The CV in question :

pink@pie.com
⁠✿⁠ Pinkamena Diane Pie

Experience ⁠✿⁠
⁠๑ SugarCube Corner - Bakery Assistant

✿ ⁠Extracurriculars
Pastry Club Co-Head ⁠๑

Volunteering ✿
⁠๑ Annual Canterlot Children's Fair

⁠๑ Skills
Balloon Animals ⁠✿⁠

Sunset Serenade

The second my sister got home, I told her all about how I got my new job. Of course, Maud had to get all skeptical about it.

“Are you sure that's a good place to work, Pinkie? He didn't even interview you.” She tilted her head.

“I'm sure, Maud. Besides, I've had a job before.” I sighed.

“That was with the Cakes. Ma and Pa knew them.”

“Still! I have experience. And honestly, what's the worst that could happen?” Maud simply stared at me, unamused.

“Right. Well anyways, you should get ready. We don't want the store to close.”

I almost forgot! We were going grocery shopping today. Maud would come with me this once, and after that, it'll be my responsibility.

Although I thought it was exciting, Maud obviously had to find a way to make it boring. She went over the list like a gazillion times, I can practically recite them by heart at this point. I tried not to fall asleep as my sister lectured me all about budgeting and only getting what we needed, not wanted. Sheesh, sometimes it's like she still thinks i'm a little kid.

At the grocery store, she puts me in charge of the cart. It's squeaking way too much. I wonder if they ever fix them, or if they just leave them like this forever.

Maud pays the cashier infront of me. That's the money Pa sends us each month. He said we were to only use it for what's necessary. Maud, once again, was in charge of that.

Back home, Maud tells me where to put everything. Exhausted from the long day, I fall onto the couch. I nestle up next to my sister, and steal some popcorn from her.
Finally, we got to watch the movie I've been begging us to, like she promised. I've been wanting to watch Power Ponies since it came out, but with everything going on, I completely forgot about it, to be honest.

I'm pretty sure I fell asleep half way through Power Ponies, since when I woke up, I was still on the couch, but with a blanket over me.

I glanced over at the clock, one of the only pieces of furniture in the living room so far. Oh gosh.

I quickly get up and get dressed, putting on the uniform Carl...Cheers...? Whatever his name was-handed me yesterday and clipped my hair into a high pony tail. The shirt was a little too big but it was alright. I really didn't have time to complain about it anyways.

Running out the door, I almost forget to lock it. If I kept up the jog, I'd be there only...fifteen minutes late.

Panting, I slow down in front of the entrance, wiping the sweat off my face. Made it.

I looked around when I entered, my eyes searching for the target. There he was.

In front of me, I saw him help out a little boy on the ground, tying his shoes for him, his tongue stuck out in focus.

He didn't notice me until I was right behind him, and he practically jumped up, startled. I held back a laugh.

That guy, Cheese (I glanced at his name tag), helped me out a lot. It's strange. He looks really familiar, I just can't tell how I recognize him.

Things here were a lot different than at Sugarcube Corner. The food here...definitely didn't look like it was made with love. Cheese taught me how to clock out, how to operate the arcade machines, where all the skating equipment was.

“I know that was a lot, but I'm sure it'll all be routine to you soon.” He said cheerfully, his hands on his hips.

“Thanks. I'm feeling pretty good about this.” I replied, smiling at him.

“Enjoy it while it lasts..” I heard him mutter, glaring at the office door.

“...What do you mean..?”

“Y'know Rigby? Don't ever try to suck up to him. Or get on his bad side. He's the worst. He'll take any excuse to get a cut out of your paycheck.”

I think he noticed my expression because he immediately switched up.

“...But I wouldn't worry. He rarely comes out of his office anyways.” He said with what I think was supposed to be a convincing smile.

“Yeah...heh...” I mumbled nervously.

We spoke for a while, and I told him all about how I got here. He told me a little about himself too, but he was mostly listening. He's been in the city for almost two years now. I wonder where he's from then.

At the end of the shift, he gave me the keys. I beamed at them.

“...Uh...hey, why don't we go out somewhere after work sometime? You said you were new here, so I thought I could show you a cool spot.” He spouted out suddenly.

I smiled brightly at him.

I waited outside the address she texted me patiently. Honestly, it felt like I was sweating up a storm.

Was the shirt too much? It was definitely too bright. I'm never wearing blue again. I mean, of all patterns, monkeys on see-saws? Really?

Picking up a girl. This was casual. Right? I mean, it's not like it's a date. It's not a date.

Keep telling yourself that.

It is not a date. I'm just taking her out to see the city. Just me and her. In my car. It's not like she's the girl I've liked since, I don't know, the sixth grade!

Dude, get over that.

I know, I know. I am over it.

Uh-huh. Clearly.

When I saw her up close at work I finally recognized her. How could I not?

Camp Everfree, 10 years ago. I couldn't take it anymore, and so I ran out the boys cabin and right into the woods. I didn't want to ever go back. The current foster parents I had thought it would be a good idea to throw me in here for the summer. So I wouldn't be their problem for a while.

Well I wasn't going to be their problem anymore after this. I was never coming back. Running away for good, I told myself. It's not like anyone's going to find me here. Maybe nobody would notice I left. Except for the boys who were teasing me. I wasn't stupid. I overheard them planning to prank me last night. They wanted to buzz my hair off when I fell asleep. Well I wasn't going to let them.

After a while, my lungs started burning. I could only run for so long. I might've been tall, but I was still scrawny.

I found a good spot to sit by near the lake and practically collapsed. I sat there for a while. It was kinda boring. I skipped stones. I cried a little. Well it was more than a little. I cried until my chest was hurting.
It was getting late. And cold.
I didn't really think this through.

I heard a crunch of leaves beside me and my heart sunk. I snapped my head towards the sound. Was it a raccoon? Or maybe a bear? I wasn't ready to die.

...It was a girl. She sat right next to me, a big smile on her face. She stared at me silently for a few seconds before she finally spoke up.

“What are you doing?” She asked, her shoulder touching mine. I don't think she's heard of personal space yet.

She had short hair, almost as short as mine, and just as curly. It looked like cotton candy, how pink it was.

"Nothing.” I mumbled out, turning to the other side to wipe my tears with my shirt.

“Why aren't you at the camp?” The way she said it didn't sound like a question. I looked back at her with a friend.
“Why aren't you?” I asked snarkily. Would she just leave me alone? Can't she see I'm trying to be grumpy in peace?

“I got lost.” She giggled. “I thought I saw something in the bushes and so I went to go see and it was just a butterfly so I wanted to go back to show my friends but they already left and so I tried to find my way back but then I saw the lake and there was a weird looking fish and then I looked up and I saw you looking all sad so I said maybe I should go talk to him because I think he's also lost. Also my name is Pinkie.”

I just stared at her before replying, “Okay”.

“Well what's your name?” She asked, rolling her eyes like I wasn't following a script she wrote in her head.

“Mmnot telling.” I said, crossing my arms together. She needs to go away.

“Why not? Atleast let me guess it!”

“No.”

“Is it something embarassing?” She suddenly got closer and cupped my ears.
“Is your name...buttface?"

“Buttface? No!” Did I look like a 'Buttface'? I don't look like a Buttface!

“Sprinklefart.” She giggled.

“Ew, no!”

“...Babysnot.” She cracked up.

“No, it's Cheese!” I groaned out, before realizing she was tricking me. I rolled my eyes and she stuck her tongue out at me.

“Whatever.” I grumbled. I wanted to cry again.

I was a little confused as to why she went silent too, but I didn't say anything. After a while, I finally heard her voice again.

“Well, I think you're kinda cool.” My eyes practically shot towards her, my head tilted.

“...What?”

“I said I think you're cool. And a little dumb too. We're not allowed to leave camp without a counselor. I got here by accident. You came here on purpose. You snuck out didn't you? Like a ninja.”

I stared at her for a moment before nodding silently. I could feel my cheeks reddening up at the idea of being ”cool”.

“It's getting cold.” I finally said.

“Yeah. Maybe we should head back.” She muttered, getting up. Suddenly, I feel her smack my back and I frown.

“Tag!” She squealed, running back into the woods.

“Hey!” I yelled at her, getting up and running towards her. It was getting too dark to be playing these games. Dark enough for me not to realize I was about to trip over a tree root.

With an "oof" I toppled onto the ground, my knee scraping against a rock. I hissed and sat up, biting my cheek.

It took her only a few seconds to notice. I heard a pitter patter of footsteps come towards me. Wordlessly, she reached down and pulled me up. I took the chance to push her down, falling beside her as well.

“You're it.” I giggled. She sat up, giving me a frown, before laughing. This time, I got up and took her hand. She didn't let go. The laughter slowly died out.

The next few minutes we walked in silence, hand in hand. It was almost pitch black outside, and I could barely see what was in front of me. I could feel my heart racing. Every sound coming from the trees was causing my body to twitch.

Something started to rustle from the bushes in front of us. We both stepped back quietly, my hands completely sweaty.

“Cheese..?” She spoke up quietly.

“Yeah?”

“...I'm scared.” Her voice sounded choked up. I turned around to see her face, tears flowing down. I looked away immediately, knowing if I looked at her again I'd cry too.

“It's...okay. We're almost there.” My voice was shaky and I hoped she didn't notice. I was a boy. I had to be brave.

I clutched her hand tighter, holding onto her like a lifeline, just like she did to me. I'm never rebelling again.

A light suddenly blinds me and I yelp, closing my eyes. I hear Pinkie scream before we both go quiet. Opening up one eye hesitantly, I look up to see a camp counselor looming over us.

“Do you know how much trouble you're in?”

I didn’t drive for too long, but somehow we managed to play about fifteen different car games. I was mainly explaining things we saw along the way she absolutely geeked over. Whatever town she was from must’ve been pretty small.

Breaking a little too hard, I let out a nervous shrug before parking. We got out of the car and I quickly took out a case from the trunk.
I held her arm confidently with my free hand, leading her towards the back of a building.

“We're almost there, trust me." I tried to convince her, my attempt weak.

“What is this place?” She asked, doubtful of my statement.

“You'll see.”

Ignoring the door, we walk up a creaky stairwell, and I can see her start to hesitate, so I pick up the pace.

“Two more flights of stairs, I promise that's it.”

Up at the top, I let her walk around the roof herself. I can her try to look for something that she was supposed to notice, before she finally walks to the edge and gasps.

“This is beautiful, Cheese! You can see the whole city from here and, oh the sunset!”

“You said you liked the accordion?” I asked, a little quieter than usual.

She turns around and looks at the instrument in my hands. Smiling even wider than before, she looked like she was about to burst.

“Play something!” She yelled, almost demanding me to.

I started a slow tune before adding another melody. It was a melancholic one. She sat down at the edge, dangling her feet, and I sat down beside her.

When I was done, she clapped enthusiastically, a grin plastered on her face. I tried not to let out a laugh at her goofy expression.

“You wanna try?” I asked, removing the strap off my shoulders.

“DO I!” She exclaimed, taking it gladly. She hit a few notes, the cacophony making my eye twitch a little. With a nervous giggle, she handed the instrument back to me.

“Maybe I'll stick to winds.”

We made our way back down when the sun set. The ride back to her place wasn't as talkative, but something I couldn't describe filled the car. Pinkie looked like she was more than just happy to be here.

I dart my head back in front of me and make a sharp turn on her street. I had to stop getting distracted and focus on the road.

Before she stepped out of the car, I grabbed her arm, cringing internally.

"HEY- Hey. Uh...you said you liked parties right? There's one one I'm going to on Friday and, well, you can come if you want.”

“You can come if you want”? Great job in making her feel welcome, Cheese.

Now is really not the time, Me.

“Ill be there! Just text me the details, my sister says she has something really urgent to talk to me about. Bye, Cheese!” She waved, jumping out of the car.

“Good-” The car door slammed shut and my eyes followed her as she ran to the apartment building's door.

“-bye, Pinkie.”