Mistakes Last Forever....by goldennightmareChaptersWelcome, WelcomeWary of Past's IntentionsMistakes are Memories......or NightmaresLove?It's a Secret!Motherhood?Hi.....Again?Welcome, WelcomeAutumn Darling multitasked pushing and levitating boxes into her new home in Ponyville. The size seemed as little as a downgrade from her older home, though the change was for the better. I like change, she thought to herself. Change is....fun. The only upcoming problem was meeting other ponies. She was a complete stranger to the place, making an unexpected move from Canterlot. I moved for the better. Canterlot wasn't for me..... Autumn Darling eagerly continued, hoping that her fresh start would work as planned. She'd making some friends, find a special somepony, and live a happy life. Maybe? The future couldn't be told, unfortunately. "Ohmygoshareyounewbecuaseifyouareiamthrowingyoua PARTY!" A burst of confetti flew out from behind her. Autumn turned to find a bright, pink pony with curly hair. "A party?" Decent way to make friends.... "Yes! You are new, right?" "Of course I am," She replied cautiously. "Who are you, though?" "The name's Pinkie Pie! I work at Sugarcube Corner, right down the road!" "Okay.....Hi? I'm Autumn Darling?" "Awesome! I know everypony, and everypony is my friend! You should come by...Oh! You should totally meet my other friends, too." "Who are they?" The mare asked curiously. If they were anything like Pinkie, she probably couldn't handle it. "Why tell you when I can show you? Come on!" Pinkie bounced ahead, Autumn Darling slowly trotting behind. After walking down a dirt road, for what seemed like hours, a red barn popped up in the distance. "Pinkie....Where are we?" Autumn Darling questioned, out of breath. "Sweet Apple Acres, silly! We're all meeting here, to help out Applejack!" "Applejack?" Pinkie stop bouncing, and quit her bubbly behavior. With a serious tone, she replied. "It's Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, me, and now you. Applejack lives here with her Granny Smith, sister Apple Bloom, and her brother Big Mcintosh. Get it?" "Yep. Yep, sure do." Autumn replied nervously. "Good!" Pinkie continued bouncing down the path. The smell of apples probably couldn't have been more overwhelming, but for some reason, it was refreshing. Lines and lines of apple trees could be seen in the distance, and barrels of apples sat in all places and directions. A group of ponies were huddled outside the barn, in what seemed like an important conversation. "......And that's how y'all help get those apples!" The only one with a hat spoke. "Hi guys!" Pinkie walked right in."Guess who I brought with me?" "A pony new to Ponyville?" One looked up. "She looks absolutely darling!" "That's funny. Her name is something Darling...." Pinkie was lost in deep thought. "It's Autumn Darling-" "Autumn Darling! That's her name!" Pinkie shouted. "I'll introduce them to you. Autumn, this is Applejack, Rainbow Dash......" She listed and pointed to each one. Turns out Applejack had the hat, and Rarity was the first to notice my presence. They'd been creating a plan to effectively collect the apples, just before cider season. Autumn Darling was glad to help, but wasn't willing to intrude. It was obvious they were a tight-knit group, and she highly doubted they needed another in. "Ah know! Autumn Darlin', are y'all willing to help collect some apples?" Applejack asked. "Oh....sure?" Hopefully I'd get done in time to unpack. "Great! Let''s get started." The amount of apples one can carry in one basket is tremendous. Nevertheless, the amount of apples one can carry, while collecting from a whole orchard, is most extraordinary. As a filly, Autumn's and her parents traveled all around Equestria, selling carved wood-things. Clocks, shelves, spoons, you name it. They'd finally settled in Canterlot, but for her, it wasn't as prosperous. As if carrying wood was hard, collecting hundreds of apples wasn't an easier. Autumn Darling could handle twice the work, being able to carry a bucket on my back, while using her magic to carry another, but dragging two buckets, one full one empty, to many different trees, was an effort in itself. "For my first day in Ponyville, it's definitely been odd", Autumn Darling thought to herself. "Apples, who would've guessed. Autumn carefully studied and carried the buckets, only to have them overturned when she tripped. "For the great Celestia-" She started, but stopped when she saw who was behind her. "S-sorry! You must be.....Big McIntosh?" "Eeyup. Sorry 'bout that, miss." "No, no, it's my fault." Her cheeks burned. Stop blushing! "It's all right, miss. Ah'll help collect them apples for you?" "If-if you want to." As she picked up some of the fruit, she caught a glance from Fluttershy. Was that jealousy in her eyes? Autumn Darling felt a mixture of emotions. Terrible for letting him take the blame, downright awful. But, there was another, that one fuzzy feeling. Was it......affection? This day has been ABSOLUTELY perfect, hasn't it? I'm been in Ponyville for only a few hours, and I.....like somepony? The day was finally over. Autumn Darling slumped into a chair she had unpacked. "Thanks to everypony's help, y'all were able to gather plenty of apples!" Applejack's gracious thanks to every that had helped echoed in my head, along with the other main conversation of the day. "Ah'll help collect them apples for you?" And that cold stare from Fluttershy, who's said to be the kindest pony around. What did I screw up this time? Wary of Past's IntentionsLittle shafts of light filled into Autumn's house through the piles of boxes that still needed to be sorted and unpacked. Today would be dedicated only to setting up the new house. Unless Pinkie makes another unexpected visit. Autumn Darling cautiously peered out the window, and down the road at Sugarcube Corner, half expecting the pink pony to come bouncing over. After taking a good look, she sat back and stared at the accumulation of boxes. Might as well start now.Taking out and sorting the items, Autumn Darling's home was soon finished and fully decorated. Looks better than my home in Canterlot She thought, letting out a sigh. Apple cider day....eh? The line into Sweet Apple Acres was tremendous. Not every had Autumn seen that many ponies in line for.....anything. Taking small, careful steps, she took the last place in line. "I'm always here late," A quiet voice said ahead. "But, I'm always in time for tomor-Oh." Fluttershy had been ahead. The look in her eyes wasn't easily forgotten. Flashes of anger and jealousy were easily shown, yet hidden behind her soft and kind nature. "Hi, Fluttershy!" Autumn Darling attempted to sound as positive as she could, without showing intimidation. "Autumn Darling, right?" "Y-yep." "So....I saw you talking to McIntosh yesterday?" "I only bumped into him, he offered to help me-" "Okay! That's totally fine!" Autumn Darling was in shock. Was that even a problem to her? "O-okay." The line moved little, and even if it did, the end of the line felt like it was miles away from the stand. After a short time, Autumn's patience was up. It must be pretty good, if the line- Her thoughts were interrupted as the party-happy pony came forward. "That's some good cider! And don't forget your party tonight, Autumn! All of our closest friends will be there!" "I won't forget, trust me." "Perfect!" Turns out, "all our closest friends" was all of PONYVILLE. There were ponies that I've never seen these past two days, which was a large amount. If felt like all of EQUESTRIA was hanging in Twilight Sparkle's library. "Pinkie Pie threw a pretty great party, huh?" Twilight asked. "Best I've ever seen!" The only one I've ever been to.... Autumn moved around the party, conversing and meeting new ponies along the way. Slowly, by coincidence, she met up with Big McIntosh. "Well, hi, again." "Hi." "The cider seems to be pretty good. I haven't had any, but from the look of it, it seems like it." "Thank you, Miss Darlin'." He nodded a bit. "You can call me Autumn, or Autumn Darling. So, Applejack's your sister?" "Eeyup. And Apple Bloom." "Cool......So...um.....nice meeting you?" Autumn began walking away. "Nice meeting y'all, Miss Darlin'." She whipped her head back to see the smug smile of Big McIntosh. Autumn Darling awoke in her house, finally in her own bed. Rays of sunshine flooded in, as boxes no longer ruled the space. Pinkie Pie's party had ended later than planned, or at least Autumn left later than she wanted. Realizing the day, the last of the Apple's cider, she bounced out of bed to read the clock. 12:08. Pinkie can sure throw a party... she thought as she slowly crept downstairs. Good. Nopony's here. Just me. She felt like she had to be careful, being as how she already figured out already how wild Pinkie is. Sitting down to eat, she only looked at her food in deep thought. Did I find that special somepony? I'm a fool for playing along with tricks. Especially since I've only known him for a couple days. She sighed and ate, knowing that what was wished possible just couldn't be done. Would it ever, though? Maybe that dream wasn't worth fulling so early on? Maybe is wasn't worth the effort after all.... Stop thinking that way. Don't run yourself out of Ponyville, too. A loud knock at the door startled Autumn Darling. "Autumn Darlin'? You in there?" Applejack's voice was louder than expected. Food and utensils flew into the air, clattering on the floor. "See? I told you she was home. The poor thing must be scared out of her mind-" Rarity replied. "How do you know that's actually Autumn? It could be a rabid monster!" Rainbow Dash mocked, while Fluttershy seemed to scream. Autumn went and opened the door. There stood the six of them, either bouncing, screaming, or fighitng. "Hi guys?" "See Dashie? She's perfectly fine!" Pinkie kept hopping in circles. "What're you doing here?" "We though we'd give you a tour around Ponyville, and to get to know you better." Twilight said. "Oh...okay. I'll be right there." I'm a fool for playing along with tricks. For the most part, the small town was larger than Autumn had expected. They took her to Sugarcube Corner, which was literally right down the road, to Twilight's library, which had more books than ever imagined, and to Rarity's house/workshop. Eventually, they all sat down back at Sugarcube Corner. "So, Autumn Darlin', where are you from?" "Well," How do I explain this? "As a filly, my parents and I moved around a bit, because they were......merchants. But recently, I moved from Canterlot." "Really? What did they sell?" Rarity asked. Autumn Darling took a while to think. How embarrassing is it to tell somepony that your parents sold wood-things? Extremely. "They sold.....well.....items carved out of wood?" Rainbow Dash let out a loud chuckle, which quickly turned into a laughing fit. "Things carved out of wood? Seriously?" Autumn sighed. "I'm serious. We moved all over Equestria, spending as little as a day or as long as a few months in one town. Eventually, once I had gotten my cutie mark, they decided to settle in Canterlot. The prospered there, with the wood business, but I was the tulip out of a field of roses. The colts and fillies there were rough, taking extreme care to ruin the positivity I had. I was a useless unicorn.....and I still am. And, that's why I moved here, because I remebered Ponyville as the happiest place ever." The table was silent for a few moments. "How did you get your cutie mark?" "Oh. That." Autumn shed a downcast look on the table. "Turns out the only good uses my magic has is piling leaves." "Everypony's good at something," Twilight reasured her. "So, the wood-carving parents explains the little figures you had sitting in your window?" "Yep. It's.....a bad hobby," Autumn glanced out the window. The sky began turning into brilliant hues of red and orange. "I ought to get going. Bye." Autumn Darling slowly walked out, fighting the urge to burst into a run. Why did she tell them that much? It was all true, but the last time she told anyone that story, the backstabbed her, and ruined the meaning of happiness. I'm a fool for playing along with such tricks. Mistakes are Memories......or NightmaresBefore she entered her house, Autumn Darling stared plainly at the small, wood figures and carvings behind her window. The unicorn let out a small sigh, remembering the conversation she just ended. Wood carvings? Seriously? Rainbow's laugh rang in her head. So much for friendship. She opened the door, and slammed it closed as soon as she did. The last time she told anyone that, it didn't go so well. But that was back in Canterlot. And Trottingham.....and Manehattan... Life never looked up the way her parents wanted it to. Autumn Darling shoved those thoughts to the back of her head. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't blame her parents, or anyone in general. Just those stupid figurines. She trotted up the stairs and prepared to sleep. Maybe she'd dream a real dream, not the backside of the world she wished she lived in. If only wishes came true. The small mint-green filly found herself adjusting the bright blue bow in her hair. Canterlot, here we come! She bounced and giggled at the thought of moving once more, but this time was the last. Her parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch, had finally decided that Canterlot was the finally destination for their wood-carving business. The figures and creations the made had made them a large profit, strange, seeing as how it was only wood. "Autumn Darling, hurry! We mustn't be late!" "Coming!" She hurried down the stairs of the small house they were renting out for the past three days. For the past year, that was probably the longest they'd stay in one place. Dodge Junction was nice and all, but Autumn had already decided that Canterlot was better. The sun shone brilliantly as the colors reflected into the sky in Canterlot. Stumbling across the roads, Autumn Darling made her way for school. Hopefully, school with other foals would be better than learning with her mother everyday. She quietly made her way to a rather large building with murals of the sun and Princess Celestia. Outside the doors stood a group of foals, all a diverse amount of earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi. But, in the middle of the large crowd stood a yellow-orange pegasus filly with a gray-blue eyes and a light, rust colored mane. She appeared to have many followers, and was boasting about something. ".....And now, I finally have earned my cutie mark!" She showed off a gold-colored ring on her flank. "Wow! How'd you get that?" Autumn interjected. The pegasus lifted her nose high, and examined Autumn Darling. "Who are you?" "I'm Autumn Darling. Who are you?" She let out a snark giggle. "I am Golden Jewel. Where are you from, Autumn Darling?" "Oh, well, I've recently come from Dodge Junction. But, my parents and I move around a lot since they sell wood-things!" "The entire group giggled. "Wood-things? They sell wood-things?" The giggling faces weren't easy to forget. Young Autumn slowly felt like an ant, shrinking to the ground. Why'd she tell them that? Stupid! The overly large smiles and sharp laughter echoed in her head, slowly taking over her thoughts. "Wood-things! Ha!" Autumn Darling's eyes shot open. And I dreamed the past. She sighed and got up. How long was she even asleep? Opening the curtains, she realized the sun had barely risen yet. Knowing better than to sleep longer than she needed, Autumn went downstairs and wallowed on the couch. She took back everything she said earlier. She did blame her parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch for her troubles, and wished it had never happened. But then, I never would've met Pinkie and all them. She would've much rather stayed in Dodge Junction, where fillies and colts hadn't judged your parents profession. The only good thing her parents did for her was giving her the ability to turn her head on the society they brought her into, so she could finally leave that torturous life to begin again, here in Ponyville. A new, fresh beginning with new friends, challenges, and lifestyles. And love.....maybe. She glanced at the window across from the seat, the window with the wood figures. Why do I keep those? Or even make them? Using her magic, she threw them to the ground. Resisting the urge to get up and crush them, she repeatedly threw them to the floor, over and over.These things ruined my life! Anger seared through her mind. Why? Why had she told all the ponies about her parents and her past? All it did and will do is create even worse nightmares, nightmares that won't go away. Nightmares that will haunt me for the rest of my life! Within the rush, Autumn Darling split one figurine into hundreds of tiny pieces. Realizing what she'd done, she sat on the floor and attempted to pick up the pieces. "No, no!" Tears ran down her face, her throat began to swell. The broken carving was one based off a small, stuffed toy she had as a filly, that she had lost in the midst of moving constantly. "What did I do?!" Autumn Darling later swept up the pieces, but stored them in a small box, which went on the window sill, along with the other figures. Letting of steam and stress, Autumn left to take a walk, hoping to run into a pony she knew, who could help with the issue. Love?"So, did you purposely break the figure?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "No, no. I...I was just angry." "How come?" "Remember what I told you about my parents? Well, I had a nightmare about what happened, the partial reason why I moved here. I was mad that they ruined my life," Autumn Darling sighed. "I-I just wanted something or someone to blame., and instead I broke some precious to me." Twilight Sparkle only nodded, keeping quiet in thought. "Well, I think you just about summed it up. You were angry, and you felt like blaming something." "Thanks for the help, Twilight." Autumn Darling hung her head as she walked out of the library. "Wait, Autumn, before you go," She paused as Twilight spoke. "Everyone's headed to Sweet Apple Acres. Want to come along?" "Oh, sure?" The whole gang was gathered near the Apple's barn, and their chatter could be heard from steps away. "So you're going out into town to sell apple stuff?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Not me," Applejack replied. "Big McIntosh is. Hopefully, he'll sell enough so that he won't have t' wander all day long." "They why are we here?" "Ah need help bakin', and Big Mac needs help fillin' up that wagon to take into town." "I'll...I'll help him set up the wagon?" Autumn interrupted. "Perfect! C'mon girls." The rest walked into the house. Autumn Darling simply sat and waited inside the barn, as the pegasi were whipping up a strong wind and storm. "That's a first." Autumn snorted. She stared up at the silver, gloomy sky. "Why, Miss Darlin'?" McIntosh's voice made her jump. "Why am Ah not surprised?" "I just wanted to help," Autumn Darling stuck her nose in the air. "But if you don't need any-" "Ah'll need plently of help from y'all. Especially if this storm keeps on growin'." The just sat there, talked, and simply waited to fill up the cart. What else was there to do anyways, with a storm like the one brewing right now? The only highlight of my day.... After all the talking and waiting, the group started bringing out apple goods. "Load her up, guys! There's plenty more!" Loading all that food into that single cart was more work than when the collect the apples only days ago. Right when Autumn thought the pile was gone, and there was nothing left, out came more food. Over and over, like an extremely repetitive cycle. But soon, the last of the apple fritters, tarts, and pies had been put in the cart. "There we go. Thanks Miss Darlin'." "No problem," Autumn tried to catch her breath. "If the storm gets worse, and you can't make it back, you can stop by my house. It's right by the marketplace and down the road from Sugarcube Corner?" "Will do. Thanks for your help, Miss Darlin'." He nodded. The wind blew fierce during the storm, as unlocked doors and unlatched windows flew open, threatening to fall off their hinges. Autumn Darling raced into her home, tracking in puddles of water. "Dear Celestia, those pegasi brewed up something absolutely terrible!" She muttered to herself. Autumn dried her mane and tail with a towel, partly hoping she bought a house with no leaky roof. Thunder boomed and lightning crackled as lights flickered on and off. She sat on her couch, reading a book, glancing from side to side, almost horrified by the eerie atmosphere. A loud, banging does repeatedly hit the door. Who was there? Not somepony I'd know. "Miss Darlin'? You home?" A familar voice rang. That's a relief. Autumn found McIntosh standing in the pouring rain outside her door. "Well, here, let's get this inside, first." They rushed to get the foodstuffs inside, hoping the rain hadn't ruined them. After all the food was inside, they collapsed on the couch, while the home gained a warm, apple scent. "To speak honestly, I didn't expect you to take that advice seriously." "Well, Miss Darlin', I'm glad you were able to help." She quickly looked at the wooden clock her parents insisted she'd bring. It was close to striking 11:00 p.m. Autumn Darling sighed. "I'd have you stay in a guest room, but one's full of empty boxes, and another for wood carving. So, other than my room, there's always the couch?" That didn't go as planned. In fact, it went the exact OPPOSITE of how Autumn Darling had expected. Was it love, or just the being together-ness? The constant reminder rang through her head I"m a fool for playing along with such tricks But what if it's what I've always wanted? It's a Secret!It felt like any other morning. It felt like Autumn Darling rose well before the sun began to shine its bright, yellow rays, before the majority of Ponyville was even awake. But what was different? Something was just...out of place. But what? She peered out the window. The small town was already rustling with voices and movement. Again? Waking up late was going to become a usual routine, she figured. The loud banging noises coming from downstairs had struck a sense of alert to Autumn Darling. She quickly ran down the flights of stair, only to find Big McIntosh and toppled furniture. Before asking any questions, she scoped out the area, making sure nothing was stolen or in pieces. "What happened? Did someone break in, o-or?-" She examined the furniture. "Sorry, Miss Darlin', this house of y'all's is much smaller than Ah'm used to." Big McIntosh blushed and stared at the floor. Autumn Darling attempted to not laugh. She couldn't really blame him, either. The house was narrow with little room, but had three floors. Reaching out to lend a hoof with cleaning up, Autumn cast a glance through the window. Ridiculously bouncing down the road from Sugarcube Corner was Pinkie Pie, singing along and greeting any pony who walked by. Please, don't pass by here! "So, um, how long do you plan on staying?" She asked him worriedly. Big Mac turned to see what she was looking at. "Ah think it might be best if Ah left now?" "Oh...okay. Well, I'm glad I could help." "Ah'm glad you offered to let me stay, Miss Darlin'." Autumn Darling kept her sight towards Pinkie as Big Mac walked away with his cart full of apples. Hopefully, she'd pass by, but knowing knowing it was Pinkie Pie......The pink mare happily hopped along, until she caught sight of the red stallion walking away from her house. Pinkie let out a loud gasp, and dashed towards Autumn's door. "OhmygoshyouwentandbuckedApplejack'sbrother-!" "Shh! Pinkie, you cannot tell anyone!" "Only if you tell me how it happened." She said in a serious tone. Slowly, Autumn backed out of the doorway to let her in, instantly shutting the door the moment she entered. Cautiously walking behind Pinkie, making sure she didn't have a sudden outburst, Autumn motioned for her to sit on the couch. Sitting across from each other, they sat in silence and avoided each other's eyes. Autumn sat there and only waited for any questions or obsurdities that came out of Pinkie's thoughts. Why did i do this? "So....How was it?" She asked cheerily. "It was....." Autumn Darling let out a nervous laugh. How much could she tell Pinkie? Slowly, without many details, she began to tell Pinkie the whole story, carefully picking out the details she could entrust Pinkie Pie with. Luckily, the bubbly mare stayed quiet and listened intently, not showing and urge to want to repeat the same knowledge. "....And then he left this morning, just as you saw." Pinkie sat there lamely, her mouth gaped open. Autumn felt her cheeks getting hot, and stared at the wooden floorboards. Either she broke Pinkie, or the pink mare was still thinking of something to say. "Pinkie.....?" "Ohmygoshhowcouldyoudothat?!" "Pinkie," Autumn replied quickly. "Pinkie, I swear I didn't mean to, it just happened-!" "Justhappened?Howcanthatjusthappen? WhatwillApplejacksaywhenshefindsout?" Pinkie's rant became intimidating. "No, no. Pinkie, you cannot tell Applejack!" "Not tell Applejack?! Autumn, this is serious!" She added in a whisper,"What if you get preg-?" "No, Pinkie! No matter what, there is no way Applejack can know about all this. Okay?" Pinkie Pie reluctantly raised a hoof. "Pinkie promise. I won't tell AJ about this. Unless I absolutely have to." "Pinkie Promise." Autumn Darling hit her hoof, look directly into her eyes. Was she lying? As far as Autumn knew, nopony could break a Pinkie Promise. It had been months after Autumn Darling had arrived in Ponyville, after leaving her old life behind, after meeting a new set of friends almost as close as family. She had begun to sell her wooden figurines she made to make a living of sorts, and to clear up space. And months since her Pinkie Promise, set by the one and only Pinkamena Diane Pie herself. The promise was made to protect one secret, only for the safety of others. Or sanity.... On a rainy afternoon, Autumn Darling sat in the extra room of her house carving lost twigs into small figurines. Planning to have some company (her parents), she frantically began cleaning. Midway into sweeping, the room appeared to tilt in every direction. She ran towards the bathroom, which had become a second bedroom over the past months. The overwhelming sickness went and came from multiple times a day, to a few weeks apart. She soon heard a knock on the door. Please don't be my parents.... "Autumn Darling," Her mother's voice rang. "It's your parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch!" "C-coming!" She stammered as the bile shot out her mouth. Attempting to trot to the front door, Autumn barely made it to the bathroom's. "On-on second thought, m-maybe you can c-ome back later?" "Autumn, are you alright?" Her mother worried. In a worthless, opposite whisper, she added, "Maybe we should break in-?" "How is that alright? I refuse, simply re-FUSE to break down her door." Her father always spoke with a slight stammer, and put emphasis on the endings of words, much like an auctioneer or a quacking salespony. "Autumn Darling, we're coming in! We are going to get in there, Celestia, so help me!" She replied sharply to her father. Autumn Darling blocked out her parents constant bickering, keeping her attention to the toilet she was huddled over. No matter what, she'd shape up and have a nice day with her parents, who gladly took the time to invite themselves to Ponyville and her home. She knew that by letting them into her home, they'd only exaggerate and refuse to leave. "P-please, don't come in!" Suddenly, a loud crashing noise echoed down the hall. Loud steps grew louder, until shadows appeared from behind the crack of the door. Then, the yellow unicorn-mare and blue stallion stood overhead. "Oh, Darling," Her mother cooed. "I believe it may be time to see a doctor." Motherhood?Autumn Darling sat in the hospital chairs, right in between her parents, as the two fought. Her mother was a yellow unicorn, with medium blue eyes and a brown mane in an up-style bun. Her father, on the other hand, was a well-built earth pony, with a rusty-red mane and a blue coat and eyes. Neither of them had any apparent similarities, other than that they were married, had a child, and worked in the same business. Autumn watched as doctors and patients zoomed by in a dizzy speed. "Autumn, I'm sure it's nothing," Her mother reassured her. "If anything, I'd say that it's the flu." "I reckon, I say, that's you mother, here, is right." Her father replied. Autumn sighed at the idea. She knew what it probably was, correct as Pinkie had guessed. Quickly, Nurse Redheart and Doctor Stable walked over to the three in the sitting room. Many emotions flooded Autumn's mind and thoughts. Was Pinkie, the bubbly party-pony, right, or her mother, the vain, self-righteous pony who could care less about anyone else? For once, let my mother be right. She wished. "Autumn Darling?" The nurse asked. Gingerly, she stood up, waiting for a diagnosis that was the opposite of what she had wanted. "Congratulations!" Nurse Redheart exclaimed. Autumn and her parents exchanged confused looks. "Why are you congratulating her? What's wrong with-" Dainty Twig started, for once standing up for someone other than herself. "You're expecting a foal! At least one, for now," Doctor smiled. "From the look of it, you're about 4 months along, and you've just barely started showing. Any questions?" "Uh.....well...." Autumn stammered. "No," Dainty Twig's eyes narrowed as she gave her daughter a daunting stare. "None at all, thank you." "Okay, come back in about.....a month, and we'll see how well it's going." Autumn turned around to see the scorn stares of her parents. "Darling, dear, I believe we need to talk." The small group sat down in Sugarcube Corner, enjoying some sweets and sharing their thoughts of the news. Autumn ate slowly, cautiously looking at her parents, who paid no attention to her, conversing to themselves. She scouted for Pinkie, or any other mare or stallion who could possibly be listening in. She slowly considered how much her parents had changed in the past months. Her mother had dived right into their nature and fashion, showing no care for anyone other than herself, wearing clothes that looked downright outlandish. Her father, though, had become more outspoken, nonetheless a harder worker. "Darling," Dainty recognized her daughter's being. "we have decided that it would be best if you came back to Canterlot." "What? I am never-" "I don't want to see my one and only daughter become something like the common whorse-" "Mother!" "Well, Darling, you haven't written, you've never said who the father was." Autumn desperately looked at her father for an answer. "Dainty," He started. "I say, that MAYBE, just maybe, little Darling her has found, really FOUND a stallion." "Branch, don't be silly. Even if she did, I doubt that it's that serious, and that the both of them together would never be able to support a foal or two, and he might even walk out at the news! Autumn doesn't even make enough to support herself, dear." Autumn gained a bitter attitude and mouth. "How would you even know? Yes, there was one stallion, once. I've made plenty of bits to have a proper life for myself, and this.....this...thing! I'm staying here, so buck off!" She stood up as her mother held her head high. "And I suggest getting a hotel room and leaving tomorrow, because this trip has officially been bucked up." Autumn left out in a storm, not caring what she'd just done, or what she had left behind. "And just who is the father?" Rarity asked. "Just a stallion from Canterlot," Autumn retorted quickly. "No one any of you would know." "Right," She seemed unconvinced. " I was only asking, because it seems a little unladylike and unrefined, darling." Unrefined? Unladylike? "I didn't mean for this to happen, it's just that-" "Just that what?" Rainbow asked. "The simplest way to put it is that you had a one-night stand with a Canterlot stallion, and now you're having his foal." The others nodded in agreement. Autumn turned her eyes to Pinkie, whose ears and feet were jittery and twitching violently. The pink mare opened her mouth in a way as if she were about to reveal information. "Ithinkit'stimetogonow, RIGHT AUTUMN DARLING?" She shoved a hoof towards the window, to which showed the sky being covered in a dark blanket of stars. "Oh, right." After many goodbyes, she followed Pinkie out. The way down the many corners and streets was silent, until everypony had emptied the streets. "I just haaave to tell them, Autumn!" "Pinkie, you can't! You Pinkie Promised-" "Ha! Never recited the words!" She flew down the street, faster than Autumn could run. "Pinkie!" She shouted, knowing it wouldn't do any good. Reluctantly, she slugged down the road, entered her house, and slumped herself on the couch. What could she do? There was no possible way to stop or control Pinkie, or even to contain that one and only secret. She walked over to the mirror in the bathroom, and examined herself. I really am showing, She thought. Did she regret this, would she regret this? She didn't want to, but things weren't looking up. She'd finished off the string she held onto with her parents, and now her only friends would know about the foal she was about to have. How worse could this get? Hi.....Again?Autumn trotted out of the room, her face almost engulfed by a wide grin. "Thank you, Doctor, for the help." She had come for the visit that would temporarily ensure her and her unborn foal's safety, and to figure out just how many foals she was having. "It certainly isn't double the trouble, but one can double the fun." The doctor stifled a laugh. "Indeed. Now, I'd try to use less of your magic, and try to come back in a month or so." Autumn only nodded and quickly left. The news startled, yet calmed her, since she now knew the future wouldn't be as hard. Now I'll only have to tell my parents...and some other ponies? Her parents would show up eventually, and her friends would obviously be told, but anyone else? She stopped halfway across the road, stomping and cursing silently under her realization of who she forgot. MacIntosh! The one stallion that actually needed to know, might not have know at all! But, she wasn't going to worry about that. When the time came up, hopefully she'd see him, to tell him. The moment Autumn got through the door, she slumped on the couch. It had been that way ever since she knew she'd had to be more careful, but she had more taken advantage of stay home, reading and eating, alone in her "mare-cave". The only few who ever came around were some neighbors, and the occasional Pinkie and parade. Autumn Darling was....alone, and feared she always would be. As the moon was rising, she slowly went upstairs to sleep in her own bed. The entire day had been empty, quiet, and almost seemingly relaxing. I'm alone, but it's peaceful, quiet and- Loud crashing noises disturbed her thoughts. Autumn waited to see if it was only her imagination, but they returned, louder. Using her magic, she grabbed a nearby lamp and headed for the stairs. She jumped as every other floorboard creaked as she moved forward, believing something was behind her. Autumn Darling made it to the end of the staircase, and was quick enough to throw the lamp and flash on the lights, before anything could retaliate. "Big McIntosh?" Autumn Darling poured water into a cup, while she forced him to sit down. "What are you doing here? And at night-" "Miss Darlin', Ah'm sorry, but it was time Ah came over." "But why?" She asked, frustrated. "I would've told you eventually." "'Eventually'? Ah didn't even know until Applejack came and told all of us at the farm! You couldn't keep a secret like that for long, Miss Darlin'." The stallion replied in an even tone. "I could have kept it a secret from you for as long as I wanted!" Autumn yelled. "But since you're here, I might as well tell what I know, right? There's one foal, no more! It's healthy, it's fine. Happy?" "Y'all don't need to yell like such-" "I'll yell if I want to! Don't order me around my own home-!" "Now, Miss Darlin'," He stood up, unusually calm. "Ah've tried to keep this even and simple, but y'all refuse to. Y'all is pregnant. Ah've written down some names on that paper for you to look over. You don't want any help, and Ah'll respect that. G'night, Miss Darlin'." Big McIntosh simply walked out the door, leaving behind a small, crumpled piece of paper. Autumn Darling lamely stood and watched him leave, later catching the list under her hoof. What had she done? Blankly, she'd ruined another pony's day, left them to walk out in the dark, and pushed out of each others lives. Isn't life wonderful? She slammed the door and moved up the stairs. Obnoxious knocking on her door and instantly woken Autumn Darling up. By the time she got there, Autumn found the door wide open, and the one and only Pinkie Pie scouting out her house. "Pinkie? Why are you here?" "No reason! Just wanted to come and talk." "About what?" "Anything! Hey, I think Nightmare Night is coming up, and-" She stopped as soon as she saw the reality. "Thanks, Pinkie, but I doubt I'll be getting outside anytime soon." "Then I'll throw you a party HERE!" Dear Celestia, today I had to throw my friend out of my house. Autumn blinked blankly. "A party for me? At my house?" "Of course, silly! Every pregnant mare needs a foal shower!" "Yeah.....right...." Autumn tried to avoid the option. A foal shower? The offer was nice enough, but was it really needed? "Okey-dokey-lokey!" Pinkie bounced away. More and more parties......Great Celestia...
Welcome, WelcomeAutumn Darling multitasked pushing and levitating boxes into her new home in Ponyville. The size seemed as little as a downgrade from her older home, though the change was for the better. I like change, she thought to herself. Change is....fun. The only upcoming problem was meeting other ponies. She was a complete stranger to the place, making an unexpected move from Canterlot. I moved for the better. Canterlot wasn't for me..... Autumn Darling eagerly continued, hoping that her fresh start would work as planned. She'd making some friends, find a special somepony, and live a happy life. Maybe? The future couldn't be told, unfortunately. "Ohmygoshareyounewbecuaseifyouareiamthrowingyoua PARTY!" A burst of confetti flew out from behind her. Autumn turned to find a bright, pink pony with curly hair. "A party?" Decent way to make friends.... "Yes! You are new, right?" "Of course I am," She replied cautiously. "Who are you, though?" "The name's Pinkie Pie! I work at Sugarcube Corner, right down the road!" "Okay.....Hi? I'm Autumn Darling?" "Awesome! I know everypony, and everypony is my friend! You should come by...Oh! You should totally meet my other friends, too." "Who are they?" The mare asked curiously. If they were anything like Pinkie, she probably couldn't handle it. "Why tell you when I can show you? Come on!" Pinkie bounced ahead, Autumn Darling slowly trotting behind. After walking down a dirt road, for what seemed like hours, a red barn popped up in the distance. "Pinkie....Where are we?" Autumn Darling questioned, out of breath. "Sweet Apple Acres, silly! We're all meeting here, to help out Applejack!" "Applejack?" Pinkie stop bouncing, and quit her bubbly behavior. With a serious tone, she replied. "It's Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, me, and now you. Applejack lives here with her Granny Smith, sister Apple Bloom, and her brother Big Mcintosh. Get it?" "Yep. Yep, sure do." Autumn replied nervously. "Good!" Pinkie continued bouncing down the path. The smell of apples probably couldn't have been more overwhelming, but for some reason, it was refreshing. Lines and lines of apple trees could be seen in the distance, and barrels of apples sat in all places and directions. A group of ponies were huddled outside the barn, in what seemed like an important conversation. "......And that's how y'all help get those apples!" The only one with a hat spoke. "Hi guys!" Pinkie walked right in."Guess who I brought with me?" "A pony new to Ponyville?" One looked up. "She looks absolutely darling!" "That's funny. Her name is something Darling...." Pinkie was lost in deep thought. "It's Autumn Darling-" "Autumn Darling! That's her name!" Pinkie shouted. "I'll introduce them to you. Autumn, this is Applejack, Rainbow Dash......" She listed and pointed to each one. Turns out Applejack had the hat, and Rarity was the first to notice my presence. They'd been creating a plan to effectively collect the apples, just before cider season. Autumn Darling was glad to help, but wasn't willing to intrude. It was obvious they were a tight-knit group, and she highly doubted they needed another in. "Ah know! Autumn Darlin', are y'all willing to help collect some apples?" Applejack asked. "Oh....sure?" Hopefully I'd get done in time to unpack. "Great! Let''s get started." The amount of apples one can carry in one basket is tremendous. Nevertheless, the amount of apples one can carry, while collecting from a whole orchard, is most extraordinary. As a filly, Autumn's and her parents traveled all around Equestria, selling carved wood-things. Clocks, shelves, spoons, you name it. They'd finally settled in Canterlot, but for her, it wasn't as prosperous. As if carrying wood was hard, collecting hundreds of apples wasn't an easier. Autumn Darling could handle twice the work, being able to carry a bucket on my back, while using her magic to carry another, but dragging two buckets, one full one empty, to many different trees, was an effort in itself. "For my first day in Ponyville, it's definitely been odd", Autumn Darling thought to herself. "Apples, who would've guessed. Autumn carefully studied and carried the buckets, only to have them overturned when she tripped. "For the great Celestia-" She started, but stopped when she saw who was behind her. "S-sorry! You must be.....Big McIntosh?" "Eeyup. Sorry 'bout that, miss." "No, no, it's my fault." Her cheeks burned. Stop blushing! "It's all right, miss. Ah'll help collect them apples for you?" "If-if you want to." As she picked up some of the fruit, she caught a glance from Fluttershy. Was that jealousy in her eyes? Autumn Darling felt a mixture of emotions. Terrible for letting him take the blame, downright awful. But, there was another, that one fuzzy feeling. Was it......affection? This day has been ABSOLUTELY perfect, hasn't it? I'm been in Ponyville for only a few hours, and I.....like somepony? The day was finally over. Autumn Darling slumped into a chair she had unpacked. "Thanks to everypony's help, y'all were able to gather plenty of apples!" Applejack's gracious thanks to every that had helped echoed in my head, along with the other main conversation of the day. "Ah'll help collect them apples for you?" And that cold stare from Fluttershy, who's said to be the kindest pony around. What did I screw up this time?
Wary of Past's IntentionsLittle shafts of light filled into Autumn's house through the piles of boxes that still needed to be sorted and unpacked. Today would be dedicated only to setting up the new house. Unless Pinkie makes another unexpected visit. Autumn Darling cautiously peered out the window, and down the road at Sugarcube Corner, half expecting the pink pony to come bouncing over. After taking a good look, she sat back and stared at the accumulation of boxes. Might as well start now.Taking out and sorting the items, Autumn Darling's home was soon finished and fully decorated. Looks better than my home in Canterlot She thought, letting out a sigh. Apple cider day....eh? The line into Sweet Apple Acres was tremendous. Not every had Autumn seen that many ponies in line for.....anything. Taking small, careful steps, she took the last place in line. "I'm always here late," A quiet voice said ahead. "But, I'm always in time for tomor-Oh." Fluttershy had been ahead. The look in her eyes wasn't easily forgotten. Flashes of anger and jealousy were easily shown, yet hidden behind her soft and kind nature. "Hi, Fluttershy!" Autumn Darling attempted to sound as positive as she could, without showing intimidation. "Autumn Darling, right?" "Y-yep." "So....I saw you talking to McIntosh yesterday?" "I only bumped into him, he offered to help me-" "Okay! That's totally fine!" Autumn Darling was in shock. Was that even a problem to her? "O-okay." The line moved little, and even if it did, the end of the line felt like it was miles away from the stand. After a short time, Autumn's patience was up. It must be pretty good, if the line- Her thoughts were interrupted as the party-happy pony came forward. "That's some good cider! And don't forget your party tonight, Autumn! All of our closest friends will be there!" "I won't forget, trust me." "Perfect!" Turns out, "all our closest friends" was all of PONYVILLE. There were ponies that I've never seen these past two days, which was a large amount. If felt like all of EQUESTRIA was hanging in Twilight Sparkle's library. "Pinkie Pie threw a pretty great party, huh?" Twilight asked. "Best I've ever seen!" The only one I've ever been to.... Autumn moved around the party, conversing and meeting new ponies along the way. Slowly, by coincidence, she met up with Big McIntosh. "Well, hi, again." "Hi." "The cider seems to be pretty good. I haven't had any, but from the look of it, it seems like it." "Thank you, Miss Darlin'." He nodded a bit. "You can call me Autumn, or Autumn Darling. So, Applejack's your sister?" "Eeyup. And Apple Bloom." "Cool......So...um.....nice meeting you?" Autumn began walking away. "Nice meeting y'all, Miss Darlin'." She whipped her head back to see the smug smile of Big McIntosh. Autumn Darling awoke in her house, finally in her own bed. Rays of sunshine flooded in, as boxes no longer ruled the space. Pinkie Pie's party had ended later than planned, or at least Autumn left later than she wanted. Realizing the day, the last of the Apple's cider, she bounced out of bed to read the clock. 12:08. Pinkie can sure throw a party... she thought as she slowly crept downstairs. Good. Nopony's here. Just me. She felt like she had to be careful, being as how she already figured out already how wild Pinkie is. Sitting down to eat, she only looked at her food in deep thought. Did I find that special somepony? I'm a fool for playing along with tricks. Especially since I've only known him for a couple days. She sighed and ate, knowing that what was wished possible just couldn't be done. Would it ever, though? Maybe that dream wasn't worth fulling so early on? Maybe is wasn't worth the effort after all.... Stop thinking that way. Don't run yourself out of Ponyville, too. A loud knock at the door startled Autumn Darling. "Autumn Darlin'? You in there?" Applejack's voice was louder than expected. Food and utensils flew into the air, clattering on the floor. "See? I told you she was home. The poor thing must be scared out of her mind-" Rarity replied. "How do you know that's actually Autumn? It could be a rabid monster!" Rainbow Dash mocked, while Fluttershy seemed to scream. Autumn went and opened the door. There stood the six of them, either bouncing, screaming, or fighitng. "Hi guys?" "See Dashie? She's perfectly fine!" Pinkie kept hopping in circles. "What're you doing here?" "We though we'd give you a tour around Ponyville, and to get to know you better." Twilight said. "Oh...okay. I'll be right there." I'm a fool for playing along with tricks. For the most part, the small town was larger than Autumn had expected. They took her to Sugarcube Corner, which was literally right down the road, to Twilight's library, which had more books than ever imagined, and to Rarity's house/workshop. Eventually, they all sat down back at Sugarcube Corner. "So, Autumn Darlin', where are you from?" "Well," How do I explain this? "As a filly, my parents and I moved around a bit, because they were......merchants. But recently, I moved from Canterlot." "Really? What did they sell?" Rarity asked. Autumn Darling took a while to think. How embarrassing is it to tell somepony that your parents sold wood-things? Extremely. "They sold.....well.....items carved out of wood?" Rainbow Dash let out a loud chuckle, which quickly turned into a laughing fit. "Things carved out of wood? Seriously?" Autumn sighed. "I'm serious. We moved all over Equestria, spending as little as a day or as long as a few months in one town. Eventually, once I had gotten my cutie mark, they decided to settle in Canterlot. The prospered there, with the wood business, but I was the tulip out of a field of roses. The colts and fillies there were rough, taking extreme care to ruin the positivity I had. I was a useless unicorn.....and I still am. And, that's why I moved here, because I remebered Ponyville as the happiest place ever." The table was silent for a few moments. "How did you get your cutie mark?" "Oh. That." Autumn shed a downcast look on the table. "Turns out the only good uses my magic has is piling leaves." "Everypony's good at something," Twilight reasured her. "So, the wood-carving parents explains the little figures you had sitting in your window?" "Yep. It's.....a bad hobby," Autumn glanced out the window. The sky began turning into brilliant hues of red and orange. "I ought to get going. Bye." Autumn Darling slowly walked out, fighting the urge to burst into a run. Why did she tell them that much? It was all true, but the last time she told anyone that story, the backstabbed her, and ruined the meaning of happiness. I'm a fool for playing along with such tricks.
Mistakes are Memories......or NightmaresBefore she entered her house, Autumn Darling stared plainly at the small, wood figures and carvings behind her window. The unicorn let out a small sigh, remembering the conversation she just ended. Wood carvings? Seriously? Rainbow's laugh rang in her head. So much for friendship. She opened the door, and slammed it closed as soon as she did. The last time she told anyone that, it didn't go so well. But that was back in Canterlot. And Trottingham.....and Manehattan... Life never looked up the way her parents wanted it to. Autumn Darling shoved those thoughts to the back of her head. No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't blame her parents, or anyone in general. Just those stupid figurines. She trotted up the stairs and prepared to sleep. Maybe she'd dream a real dream, not the backside of the world she wished she lived in. If only wishes came true. The small mint-green filly found herself adjusting the bright blue bow in her hair. Canterlot, here we come! She bounced and giggled at the thought of moving once more, but this time was the last. Her parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch, had finally decided that Canterlot was the finally destination for their wood-carving business. The figures and creations the made had made them a large profit, strange, seeing as how it was only wood. "Autumn Darling, hurry! We mustn't be late!" "Coming!" She hurried down the stairs of the small house they were renting out for the past three days. For the past year, that was probably the longest they'd stay in one place. Dodge Junction was nice and all, but Autumn had already decided that Canterlot was better. The sun shone brilliantly as the colors reflected into the sky in Canterlot. Stumbling across the roads, Autumn Darling made her way for school. Hopefully, school with other foals would be better than learning with her mother everyday. She quietly made her way to a rather large building with murals of the sun and Princess Celestia. Outside the doors stood a group of foals, all a diverse amount of earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi. But, in the middle of the large crowd stood a yellow-orange pegasus filly with a gray-blue eyes and a light, rust colored mane. She appeared to have many followers, and was boasting about something. ".....And now, I finally have earned my cutie mark!" She showed off a gold-colored ring on her flank. "Wow! How'd you get that?" Autumn interjected. The pegasus lifted her nose high, and examined Autumn Darling. "Who are you?" "I'm Autumn Darling. Who are you?" She let out a snark giggle. "I am Golden Jewel. Where are you from, Autumn Darling?" "Oh, well, I've recently come from Dodge Junction. But, my parents and I move around a lot since they sell wood-things!" "The entire group giggled. "Wood-things? They sell wood-things?" The giggling faces weren't easy to forget. Young Autumn slowly felt like an ant, shrinking to the ground. Why'd she tell them that? Stupid! The overly large smiles and sharp laughter echoed in her head, slowly taking over her thoughts. "Wood-things! Ha!" Autumn Darling's eyes shot open. And I dreamed the past. She sighed and got up. How long was she even asleep? Opening the curtains, she realized the sun had barely risen yet. Knowing better than to sleep longer than she needed, Autumn went downstairs and wallowed on the couch. She took back everything she said earlier. She did blame her parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch for her troubles, and wished it had never happened. But then, I never would've met Pinkie and all them. She would've much rather stayed in Dodge Junction, where fillies and colts hadn't judged your parents profession. The only good thing her parents did for her was giving her the ability to turn her head on the society they brought her into, so she could finally leave that torturous life to begin again, here in Ponyville. A new, fresh beginning with new friends, challenges, and lifestyles. And love.....maybe. She glanced at the window across from the seat, the window with the wood figures. Why do I keep those? Or even make them? Using her magic, she threw them to the ground. Resisting the urge to get up and crush them, she repeatedly threw them to the floor, over and over.These things ruined my life! Anger seared through her mind. Why? Why had she told all the ponies about her parents and her past? All it did and will do is create even worse nightmares, nightmares that won't go away. Nightmares that will haunt me for the rest of my life! Within the rush, Autumn Darling split one figurine into hundreds of tiny pieces. Realizing what she'd done, she sat on the floor and attempted to pick up the pieces. "No, no!" Tears ran down her face, her throat began to swell. The broken carving was one based off a small, stuffed toy she had as a filly, that she had lost in the midst of moving constantly. "What did I do?!" Autumn Darling later swept up the pieces, but stored them in a small box, which went on the window sill, along with the other figures. Letting of steam and stress, Autumn left to take a walk, hoping to run into a pony she knew, who could help with the issue.
Love?"So, did you purposely break the figure?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "No, no. I...I was just angry." "How come?" "Remember what I told you about my parents? Well, I had a nightmare about what happened, the partial reason why I moved here. I was mad that they ruined my life," Autumn Darling sighed. "I-I just wanted something or someone to blame., and instead I broke some precious to me." Twilight Sparkle only nodded, keeping quiet in thought. "Well, I think you just about summed it up. You were angry, and you felt like blaming something." "Thanks for the help, Twilight." Autumn Darling hung her head as she walked out of the library. "Wait, Autumn, before you go," She paused as Twilight spoke. "Everyone's headed to Sweet Apple Acres. Want to come along?" "Oh, sure?" The whole gang was gathered near the Apple's barn, and their chatter could be heard from steps away. "So you're going out into town to sell apple stuff?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Not me," Applejack replied. "Big McIntosh is. Hopefully, he'll sell enough so that he won't have t' wander all day long." "They why are we here?" "Ah need help bakin', and Big Mac needs help fillin' up that wagon to take into town." "I'll...I'll help him set up the wagon?" Autumn interrupted. "Perfect! C'mon girls." The rest walked into the house. Autumn Darling simply sat and waited inside the barn, as the pegasi were whipping up a strong wind and storm. "That's a first." Autumn snorted. She stared up at the silver, gloomy sky. "Why, Miss Darlin'?" McIntosh's voice made her jump. "Why am Ah not surprised?" "I just wanted to help," Autumn Darling stuck her nose in the air. "But if you don't need any-" "Ah'll need plently of help from y'all. Especially if this storm keeps on growin'." The just sat there, talked, and simply waited to fill up the cart. What else was there to do anyways, with a storm like the one brewing right now? The only highlight of my day.... After all the talking and waiting, the group started bringing out apple goods. "Load her up, guys! There's plenty more!" Loading all that food into that single cart was more work than when the collect the apples only days ago. Right when Autumn thought the pile was gone, and there was nothing left, out came more food. Over and over, like an extremely repetitive cycle. But soon, the last of the apple fritters, tarts, and pies had been put in the cart. "There we go. Thanks Miss Darlin'." "No problem," Autumn tried to catch her breath. "If the storm gets worse, and you can't make it back, you can stop by my house. It's right by the marketplace and down the road from Sugarcube Corner?" "Will do. Thanks for your help, Miss Darlin'." He nodded. The wind blew fierce during the storm, as unlocked doors and unlatched windows flew open, threatening to fall off their hinges. Autumn Darling raced into her home, tracking in puddles of water. "Dear Celestia, those pegasi brewed up something absolutely terrible!" She muttered to herself. Autumn dried her mane and tail with a towel, partly hoping she bought a house with no leaky roof. Thunder boomed and lightning crackled as lights flickered on and off. She sat on her couch, reading a book, glancing from side to side, almost horrified by the eerie atmosphere. A loud, banging does repeatedly hit the door. Who was there? Not somepony I'd know. "Miss Darlin'? You home?" A familar voice rang. That's a relief. Autumn found McIntosh standing in the pouring rain outside her door. "Well, here, let's get this inside, first." They rushed to get the foodstuffs inside, hoping the rain hadn't ruined them. After all the food was inside, they collapsed on the couch, while the home gained a warm, apple scent. "To speak honestly, I didn't expect you to take that advice seriously." "Well, Miss Darlin', I'm glad you were able to help." She quickly looked at the wooden clock her parents insisted she'd bring. It was close to striking 11:00 p.m. Autumn Darling sighed. "I'd have you stay in a guest room, but one's full of empty boxes, and another for wood carving. So, other than my room, there's always the couch?" That didn't go as planned. In fact, it went the exact OPPOSITE of how Autumn Darling had expected. Was it love, or just the being together-ness? The constant reminder rang through her head I"m a fool for playing along with such tricks But what if it's what I've always wanted?
It's a Secret!It felt like any other morning. It felt like Autumn Darling rose well before the sun began to shine its bright, yellow rays, before the majority of Ponyville was even awake. But what was different? Something was just...out of place. But what? She peered out the window. The small town was already rustling with voices and movement. Again? Waking up late was going to become a usual routine, she figured. The loud banging noises coming from downstairs had struck a sense of alert to Autumn Darling. She quickly ran down the flights of stair, only to find Big McIntosh and toppled furniture. Before asking any questions, she scoped out the area, making sure nothing was stolen or in pieces. "What happened? Did someone break in, o-or?-" She examined the furniture. "Sorry, Miss Darlin', this house of y'all's is much smaller than Ah'm used to." Big McIntosh blushed and stared at the floor. Autumn Darling attempted to not laugh. She couldn't really blame him, either. The house was narrow with little room, but had three floors. Reaching out to lend a hoof with cleaning up, Autumn cast a glance through the window. Ridiculously bouncing down the road from Sugarcube Corner was Pinkie Pie, singing along and greeting any pony who walked by. Please, don't pass by here! "So, um, how long do you plan on staying?" She asked him worriedly. Big Mac turned to see what she was looking at. "Ah think it might be best if Ah left now?" "Oh...okay. Well, I'm glad I could help." "Ah'm glad you offered to let me stay, Miss Darlin'." Autumn Darling kept her sight towards Pinkie as Big Mac walked away with his cart full of apples. Hopefully, she'd pass by, but knowing knowing it was Pinkie Pie......The pink mare happily hopped along, until she caught sight of the red stallion walking away from her house. Pinkie let out a loud gasp, and dashed towards Autumn's door. "OhmygoshyouwentandbuckedApplejack'sbrother-!" "Shh! Pinkie, you cannot tell anyone!" "Only if you tell me how it happened." She said in a serious tone. Slowly, Autumn backed out of the doorway to let her in, instantly shutting the door the moment she entered. Cautiously walking behind Pinkie, making sure she didn't have a sudden outburst, Autumn motioned for her to sit on the couch. Sitting across from each other, they sat in silence and avoided each other's eyes. Autumn sat there and only waited for any questions or obsurdities that came out of Pinkie's thoughts. Why did i do this? "So....How was it?" She asked cheerily. "It was....." Autumn Darling let out a nervous laugh. How much could she tell Pinkie? Slowly, without many details, she began to tell Pinkie the whole story, carefully picking out the details she could entrust Pinkie Pie with. Luckily, the bubbly mare stayed quiet and listened intently, not showing and urge to want to repeat the same knowledge. "....And then he left this morning, just as you saw." Pinkie sat there lamely, her mouth gaped open. Autumn felt her cheeks getting hot, and stared at the wooden floorboards. Either she broke Pinkie, or the pink mare was still thinking of something to say. "Pinkie.....?" "Ohmygoshhowcouldyoudothat?!" "Pinkie," Autumn replied quickly. "Pinkie, I swear I didn't mean to, it just happened-!" "Justhappened?Howcanthatjusthappen? WhatwillApplejacksaywhenshefindsout?" Pinkie's rant became intimidating. "No, no. Pinkie, you cannot tell Applejack!" "Not tell Applejack?! Autumn, this is serious!" She added in a whisper,"What if you get preg-?" "No, Pinkie! No matter what, there is no way Applejack can know about all this. Okay?" Pinkie Pie reluctantly raised a hoof. "Pinkie promise. I won't tell AJ about this. Unless I absolutely have to." "Pinkie Promise." Autumn Darling hit her hoof, look directly into her eyes. Was she lying? As far as Autumn knew, nopony could break a Pinkie Promise. It had been months after Autumn Darling had arrived in Ponyville, after leaving her old life behind, after meeting a new set of friends almost as close as family. She had begun to sell her wooden figurines she made to make a living of sorts, and to clear up space. And months since her Pinkie Promise, set by the one and only Pinkamena Diane Pie herself. The promise was made to protect one secret, only for the safety of others. Or sanity.... On a rainy afternoon, Autumn Darling sat in the extra room of her house carving lost twigs into small figurines. Planning to have some company (her parents), she frantically began cleaning. Midway into sweeping, the room appeared to tilt in every direction. She ran towards the bathroom, which had become a second bedroom over the past months. The overwhelming sickness went and came from multiple times a day, to a few weeks apart. She soon heard a knock on the door. Please don't be my parents.... "Autumn Darling," Her mother's voice rang. "It's your parents, Dainty Twig and Chipped Branch!" "C-coming!" She stammered as the bile shot out her mouth. Attempting to trot to the front door, Autumn barely made it to the bathroom's. "On-on second thought, m-maybe you can c-ome back later?" "Autumn, are you alright?" Her mother worried. In a worthless, opposite whisper, she added, "Maybe we should break in-?" "How is that alright? I refuse, simply re-FUSE to break down her door." Her father always spoke with a slight stammer, and put emphasis on the endings of words, much like an auctioneer or a quacking salespony. "Autumn Darling, we're coming in! We are going to get in there, Celestia, so help me!" She replied sharply to her father. Autumn Darling blocked out her parents constant bickering, keeping her attention to the toilet she was huddled over. No matter what, she'd shape up and have a nice day with her parents, who gladly took the time to invite themselves to Ponyville and her home. She knew that by letting them into her home, they'd only exaggerate and refuse to leave. "P-please, don't come in!" Suddenly, a loud crashing noise echoed down the hall. Loud steps grew louder, until shadows appeared from behind the crack of the door. Then, the yellow unicorn-mare and blue stallion stood overhead. "Oh, Darling," Her mother cooed. "I believe it may be time to see a doctor."
Motherhood?Autumn Darling sat in the hospital chairs, right in between her parents, as the two fought. Her mother was a yellow unicorn, with medium blue eyes and a brown mane in an up-style bun. Her father, on the other hand, was a well-built earth pony, with a rusty-red mane and a blue coat and eyes. Neither of them had any apparent similarities, other than that they were married, had a child, and worked in the same business. Autumn watched as doctors and patients zoomed by in a dizzy speed. "Autumn, I'm sure it's nothing," Her mother reassured her. "If anything, I'd say that it's the flu." "I reckon, I say, that's you mother, here, is right." Her father replied. Autumn sighed at the idea. She knew what it probably was, correct as Pinkie had guessed. Quickly, Nurse Redheart and Doctor Stable walked over to the three in the sitting room. Many emotions flooded Autumn's mind and thoughts. Was Pinkie, the bubbly party-pony, right, or her mother, the vain, self-righteous pony who could care less about anyone else? For once, let my mother be right. She wished. "Autumn Darling?" The nurse asked. Gingerly, she stood up, waiting for a diagnosis that was the opposite of what she had wanted. "Congratulations!" Nurse Redheart exclaimed. Autumn and her parents exchanged confused looks. "Why are you congratulating her? What's wrong with-" Dainty Twig started, for once standing up for someone other than herself. "You're expecting a foal! At least one, for now," Doctor smiled. "From the look of it, you're about 4 months along, and you've just barely started showing. Any questions?" "Uh.....well...." Autumn stammered. "No," Dainty Twig's eyes narrowed as she gave her daughter a daunting stare. "None at all, thank you." "Okay, come back in about.....a month, and we'll see how well it's going." Autumn turned around to see the scorn stares of her parents. "Darling, dear, I believe we need to talk." The small group sat down in Sugarcube Corner, enjoying some sweets and sharing their thoughts of the news. Autumn ate slowly, cautiously looking at her parents, who paid no attention to her, conversing to themselves. She scouted for Pinkie, or any other mare or stallion who could possibly be listening in. She slowly considered how much her parents had changed in the past months. Her mother had dived right into their nature and fashion, showing no care for anyone other than herself, wearing clothes that looked downright outlandish. Her father, though, had become more outspoken, nonetheless a harder worker. "Darling," Dainty recognized her daughter's being. "we have decided that it would be best if you came back to Canterlot." "What? I am never-" "I don't want to see my one and only daughter become something like the common whorse-" "Mother!" "Well, Darling, you haven't written, you've never said who the father was." Autumn desperately looked at her father for an answer. "Dainty," He started. "I say, that MAYBE, just maybe, little Darling her has found, really FOUND a stallion." "Branch, don't be silly. Even if she did, I doubt that it's that serious, and that the both of them together would never be able to support a foal or two, and he might even walk out at the news! Autumn doesn't even make enough to support herself, dear." Autumn gained a bitter attitude and mouth. "How would you even know? Yes, there was one stallion, once. I've made plenty of bits to have a proper life for myself, and this.....this...thing! I'm staying here, so buck off!" She stood up as her mother held her head high. "And I suggest getting a hotel room and leaving tomorrow, because this trip has officially been bucked up." Autumn left out in a storm, not caring what she'd just done, or what she had left behind. "And just who is the father?" Rarity asked. "Just a stallion from Canterlot," Autumn retorted quickly. "No one any of you would know." "Right," She seemed unconvinced. " I was only asking, because it seems a little unladylike and unrefined, darling." Unrefined? Unladylike? "I didn't mean for this to happen, it's just that-" "Just that what?" Rainbow asked. "The simplest way to put it is that you had a one-night stand with a Canterlot stallion, and now you're having his foal." The others nodded in agreement. Autumn turned her eyes to Pinkie, whose ears and feet were jittery and twitching violently. The pink mare opened her mouth in a way as if she were about to reveal information. "Ithinkit'stimetogonow, RIGHT AUTUMN DARLING?" She shoved a hoof towards the window, to which showed the sky being covered in a dark blanket of stars. "Oh, right." After many goodbyes, she followed Pinkie out. The way down the many corners and streets was silent, until everypony had emptied the streets. "I just haaave to tell them, Autumn!" "Pinkie, you can't! You Pinkie Promised-" "Ha! Never recited the words!" She flew down the street, faster than Autumn could run. "Pinkie!" She shouted, knowing it wouldn't do any good. Reluctantly, she slugged down the road, entered her house, and slumped herself on the couch. What could she do? There was no possible way to stop or control Pinkie, or even to contain that one and only secret. She walked over to the mirror in the bathroom, and examined herself. I really am showing, She thought. Did she regret this, would she regret this? She didn't want to, but things weren't looking up. She'd finished off the string she held onto with her parents, and now her only friends would know about the foal she was about to have. How worse could this get?
Hi.....Again?Autumn trotted out of the room, her face almost engulfed by a wide grin. "Thank you, Doctor, for the help." She had come for the visit that would temporarily ensure her and her unborn foal's safety, and to figure out just how many foals she was having. "It certainly isn't double the trouble, but one can double the fun." The doctor stifled a laugh. "Indeed. Now, I'd try to use less of your magic, and try to come back in a month or so." Autumn only nodded and quickly left. The news startled, yet calmed her, since she now knew the future wouldn't be as hard. Now I'll only have to tell my parents...and some other ponies? Her parents would show up eventually, and her friends would obviously be told, but anyone else? She stopped halfway across the road, stomping and cursing silently under her realization of who she forgot. MacIntosh! The one stallion that actually needed to know, might not have know at all! But, she wasn't going to worry about that. When the time came up, hopefully she'd see him, to tell him. The moment Autumn got through the door, she slumped on the couch. It had been that way ever since she knew she'd had to be more careful, but she had more taken advantage of stay home, reading and eating, alone in her "mare-cave". The only few who ever came around were some neighbors, and the occasional Pinkie and parade. Autumn Darling was....alone, and feared she always would be. As the moon was rising, she slowly went upstairs to sleep in her own bed. The entire day had been empty, quiet, and almost seemingly relaxing. I'm alone, but it's peaceful, quiet and- Loud crashing noises disturbed her thoughts. Autumn waited to see if it was only her imagination, but they returned, louder. Using her magic, she grabbed a nearby lamp and headed for the stairs. She jumped as every other floorboard creaked as she moved forward, believing something was behind her. Autumn Darling made it to the end of the staircase, and was quick enough to throw the lamp and flash on the lights, before anything could retaliate. "Big McIntosh?" Autumn Darling poured water into a cup, while she forced him to sit down. "What are you doing here? And at night-" "Miss Darlin', Ah'm sorry, but it was time Ah came over." "But why?" She asked, frustrated. "I would've told you eventually." "'Eventually'? Ah didn't even know until Applejack came and told all of us at the farm! You couldn't keep a secret like that for long, Miss Darlin'." The stallion replied in an even tone. "I could have kept it a secret from you for as long as I wanted!" Autumn yelled. "But since you're here, I might as well tell what I know, right? There's one foal, no more! It's healthy, it's fine. Happy?" "Y'all don't need to yell like such-" "I'll yell if I want to! Don't order me around my own home-!" "Now, Miss Darlin'," He stood up, unusually calm. "Ah've tried to keep this even and simple, but y'all refuse to. Y'all is pregnant. Ah've written down some names on that paper for you to look over. You don't want any help, and Ah'll respect that. G'night, Miss Darlin'." Big McIntosh simply walked out the door, leaving behind a small, crumpled piece of paper. Autumn Darling lamely stood and watched him leave, later catching the list under her hoof. What had she done? Blankly, she'd ruined another pony's day, left them to walk out in the dark, and pushed out of each others lives. Isn't life wonderful? She slammed the door and moved up the stairs. Obnoxious knocking on her door and instantly woken Autumn Darling up. By the time she got there, Autumn found the door wide open, and the one and only Pinkie Pie scouting out her house. "Pinkie? Why are you here?" "No reason! Just wanted to come and talk." "About what?" "Anything! Hey, I think Nightmare Night is coming up, and-" She stopped as soon as she saw the reality. "Thanks, Pinkie, but I doubt I'll be getting outside anytime soon." "Then I'll throw you a party HERE!" Dear Celestia, today I had to throw my friend out of my house. Autumn blinked blankly. "A party for me? At my house?" "Of course, silly! Every pregnant mare needs a foal shower!" "Yeah.....right...." Autumn tried to avoid the option. A foal shower? The offer was nice enough, but was it really needed? "Okey-dokey-lokey!" Pinkie bounced away. More and more parties......Great Celestia...
