Rejectedby -Arcana-ChaptersHigh HopesBroken HeartBrighter FuturesHigh HopesTootsie Flute sat at a candlelit table at the most romantic restaurant in Ponyville, la marguerite d'amour. A plate lay on the table to one side of her which at one point held a delectable dinner of sweet purple daisies. They looked so much like her cutie mark that she almost didn’t want to eat them. On her right hoof side was an iced bucket containing a half-full bottle of fine apple juice, forgotten. Directly in front of her, holding her entire attention, sat the prettiest filly Tootsie Flute had ever seen. The filly’s coat was a comforting pale cream color which contrasted her strikingly red curly hair. Her mouth was curled into a small smile that showed just the smallest hint of her braces. Purple rimmed glasses framed her amethyst eyes as they sparkled with love, understanding, acceptance, and other emotions that young Tootsie didn’t understand but saw so often in the movies. “Tootthie Flute?” The cream filly asked with a lisp that anypony else would find annoying, but Tootsie found adorable. “Yes Twist?” Tootsie Flute said, finally giving a name to the object of her affection. “May I have thith danth?” Twist asked extending her hoof. Tootsie Flute looked around her and saw that the dinner table had been replaced by a grand dance floor. Somewhere in the distance somepony was playing a slow dance tune. Looking to twist she saw that the filly was wearing a flowing black dress. Looking down Tootsie saw she was wearing a similar purple dress. Looking back to Twist’s outstretched hoof, Tootsie Flute blushed as she took it not wanting to let go. Rrrrrrrring The two fillies swayed together to the notes being slowly plucked. Tootsie realized that the song was one that Mamma had played for Mom last Hearts and Hooves Day. She didn’t even notice the lights dim. Rrrrrrrrring They held each other in an innocent embrace. Tootsie’s eyes sparkled as she looked into Twist’s smiling face. She was finally ready to say it. “Twist?” Rrrrrrrrrring “Yeth Tootthie?” Rrrrrrrrrring “I…” Rrrrrrrrrrrring Tootsie Flute woke with a gasp to the sound of her alarm clock as it diligently worked to do its job. The reward for its success was a swift hoof to the head. “Tootsie, it’s time to wake up!” Tootsie Flute’s mom, Bonbon, called. Tootsie Flute rubbed her eyes as she looked across the room to her calendar, which hung neatly on the wall. Almost half the days on the February page were crossed out; all the way up to the fourteenth day. The date was circled a couple times, and a few little hearts surrounded it. It didn't take long for Tootsie to realize the magnitude of the situation. Today was Hearts and Hooves Day, and her dream wasn't as lost as it had seemed before. Tootsie Flute hustled through her daily routines, every so often taking a glance back to her night stand at a certain hoof-made red heart shaped card. Once she finished brushing her teeth and mane she went back to her room and grabbed the card and placed it into a small pocket in her saddlebags, making sure it wouldn't get crushed. She then pulled them on and made her way to the kitchen for breakfast. As she crossed the hall, Tootsie saw her mama, Lyra, who was in her room playing on her ornate lyre. Tootsie’s mother was always playing in her spare time, either practicing an old favorite or making a new piece, so the house was always filled with the sound of plucking notes. Tootsie loved it. Lyra used to play the lyre to put Tootsie to sleep so the music always made her feel safe. Lyra stopped and smiled when she noticed her daughter standing in the doorway. “Y’know Mom’s gonna get cross with both of us if your late for breakfast again.” Lyra said. “I know Mama, but I just love to hear you play. It’s so calming.” Tootsie Flute responded. Lyra began to put away her lyre, “Heh, well then when you come back from school I’ll be sure to play something for you.” “Oh oh, can you play my favorite song?” The filly asked. “Sure Toots, but first breakfast.” Lyra promised as she ushered her daughter back on path to the kitchen. The two entered the kitchen where Bonbon had busied herself preparing a hearty breakfast for her family. On the table was a delectable spread of wheat toast, cinnamon oatmeal, faux eggs, hay-bacon strips, fresh apples, and Lyra and Tootsie’s favorite food, strawberry pie. Lyra grinned ecstatically at her loving wife’s hard work, mouth near to overflowing from salivation. Tootsie Flute stood nearby an adorable mirror of her mother. “Woah-ho-ho,” Lyra said, “This is some of your best work Bonny!” Bonbon beamed, always happy getting praise for her cooking, and responded, “Well since today is Hearts and Hooves Day I thought I’d pull out all the stops for the two ponies I love the most.” “Oh yea, happy H&H sweet thing!” Lyra pecked her wife on the cheek before whispering something that caused Bonbon to give her children are present look. Lyra only chuckled at it before sitting down to breakfast. Tootsie Flute placed her saddlebags nearby and sat down to begin eating breakfast, all the while going over what she planned to do at school. She wanted to make sure everything she said would be perfect, as this would be her only chance. As she munched on a piece of hay-bacon, she glanced down to her saddlebags where the card she had spent all night making for twist just barely peeked out of its pocket. She hoped Twist would like it. “Tootsie, is something wrong?” The sound of her Mom’s voice pulled the filly out of her own thoughts. Tootsie quickly took a bite of breakfast to hide her surprise before replying, “N-no Mom, nothings wrong. I’m just…thinking about school.” Bonbon frowned, but didn't press the subject further. The family continued eating their breakfast until it was time for Tootsie to walk to school. Before leaving she gave her mothers big hugs and kisses for Hearts and Hooves Day, and made sure her Mama promised not to eat the whole pie while she was gone. The ponies said cheery goodbyes as Tootsie opened the door and began walking to school. The walk from home to school was a pretty short one for Tootsie Flute, but on this day it seemed just a bit longer than usual. The filly took slow cautious steps as the anxiety of the situation began to sink in. She had been having feelings for Twist for about a month now. The two had been good friends much longer, but it was only recently that Tootsie started to feel something more. It started happening every time she heard Twist laugh, or saw her smile, or hold her hand. At first she didn't understand these feelings; she had heard of crushes before, but had never felt one herself. She didn't even know if this was a crush. It could be love. After all she knew love. She loved her parents, and her grandparents, and these feeling did feel like love sometimes. But the thought continued to pass through her head. What if it wasn't love? What if it was, but Twist didn't feel the same way? What if she was…wrong? Tootsie Flute tried to push these thoughts out of her mind. She wanted to stay positive. After all her feelings could be right, and this may end up being the start of a new relationship with Twist. She didn't know for sure, and she wouldn't unless she took this chance. Her saddlebags weighed heavier than before with the weight of all her hope. As to schoolhouse came into view, Tootsie Flute began to rehearse what she was going to say between her teeth. She became slightly more confident in the notion that no matter what happens, at least she’ll know for sure. Broken HeartTootsie Flute approached the schoolhouse a lot more confident than she was on her walk over. She chose to ignore the fear of how Twist might react, choosing instead to only think about how she would reveal her feelings. She rehearsed different ways she might present the card, but no matter how much she tried, they all sounded a bit too awkward and embarrassing to say. She was lost in thought until the sound of her name snapped her back to reality. The voice was muffled but it sounded like one of her classmates, Applebloom. Tootsie turned to respond, but stopped when she saw what was behind her. At first it looked like a parachute, but Tootsie was quite certain parachutes weren’t so glittery, nor were they usually heart shaped. Three filly sized bulges squirmed under the “thing” until one of them managed to pop their head out and reveal themselves as Scootaloo. “Hey Tootsie Flute… Do you think you could lend us a hoof?” Scootaloo asked. Two muffled voices echoed Scootaloo’s request for help from somewhere beneath the paper tarp. Tootsie giggled at the image before responding, “Sure I’ll help you with… what is that thing anyway?” Sweetie Belle’s head suddenly popped into view, “This is our Hearts and Hooves Day card for Miss Cheerilee!” “Oh. Well it’s definitely…” Tootsie rubbed her chin looking for the right word, “… Big!” With Tootsie’s help the Cutie Mark Crusaders were able to move the card up the steps and to the front of the classroom for Miss Cheerilee to see. The sight of the huge heart shaped card made Tootsie very aware of just how plain her own card was. She hoped that the words written inside would make up for the simple design. The Crusaders thanked Tootsie for her help, and she went to sit at her desk. At the desk right across from Twist’s own was seated the earth pony that had taken up most of Tootsie Flute’s morning thought, Twist. “G’morning Tootthie!” Twist said as her friend approached. Tootsie was surprised to notice that, some how, Twist looked even prettier than usual. Her mane and tail were bright and noticeably more bouncy. Her coat was warmer and softer than before. Her cutie mark of two candy canes, crossed to form a heart, was even more dazzling than ever. Tootsie tried not to stare too much as she sat down. “H-hey Twist. You look pretty fancy today.” Tootsie Flute said placing her saddlebags nearby. The filly in question blushed as she responded, “Yea… I’m juth really ecthited for Heartth and Hoovth Day, ya know.” “Yea I know what you mean,” Tootsie looked down at her saddlebags, “I can’t wait for the card exchange.” At that moment the bell for class rung and the teacher, Miss Cheerilee, cantered into the classroom. “Good morning class.” Cheerilee said to her students, the little ponies all greeted their teacher in unison before she continued, “Now we all know today is our Hearts and Hooves Day celebration, so why don’t we start with the annual card… exchange…” She trailed off as she noticed the huge paper heart being held up by three excited fillies. The class giggled and got up to begin exchanging cards. It was the do or die moment for Tootsie Flute. She pulled the card out of her saddlebags and held it to her chest mustering all the courage she had. She would either gain love or lose friendship, but she had to do this. She turned towards Twist with words of confession ready to leave her mouth, but they all evaporated when she opened her eyes. “Truffle Thuffle, I’d like you to have thith card.” Twist blushed as she gave the card to the colt next to her. His name was Truffle Shuffle, and he and Twist had become fast friends thanks to their mutual love of sweets. It was only recently though that Twist had started to feel something more. It started happening every time she heard Truffle laugh, or saw him smile, or made candy with him. She had a crush on him, and today she finally confessed it to him. And he felt the same way! Twist was ecstatic. Tootsie Flute was devastated. She felt her heart drop as she absorbed the whole scene before her. She didn’t want to believe it, even though it was right in front of her. She had spent the morning unsure if things would be good or bad, but knowing that she wanted to take the chance to find out for sure. Now she was no longer able to take that chance. It was taken away from her. Quickly and quietly she turned away to hide her feelings, and to hide the now useless card. Tootsie stared down at the card in her hoof which had been such a comfort before, but now it was the concentration of all her sadness. She watched as a single tear fell onto the card and smudged the pretty red ink. Her hoof acted on its own, slowly releasing its grip and letting the card tumble to the ground. “Ok class,” Miss Cheerilee got her students attention, “now that the card exchange is done who wants to play pin the heart on the pony!” A small hoof nudged her and Cheerilee turned with a smile, however the smile quickly fell when she saw the state of the filly in front of her. Tootsie Flute seemed an all around dimmer shade than usual. Her eyes were slightly red and pointed downward dejectedly. Cheerilee could easily tell that something was terribly wrong with the little pony. “Tootsie Flute, are you alright?” The Teacher bent down and tried to comfort Tootsie. “I… I don’t feel well. C-can I go home?” Tootsie asked in a shaky voice. “Well… ok, if you’re sure that’s what you want to do.” Cheerilee said. Tootsie glanced at something or someone behind Cheerilee, but quickly looked away. “Yes, I’m sure.” The filly responded, and turned towards the door. At this moment Twist was in the back of the class preparing to play pin the heart on the pony. She already had the heart and just needed to find the blindfold. Walking through by a row of desks she looked around for something to use, but stopped when she felt herself step on something small and papery. Looking down she saw that it was a Hearts and Hooves card. Twist picked it up hoping to return it to whoever dropped it. The card was a little crumpled from her hoof stepping on it, and there was a smudge on the front but no names of who the card might be for or from. Twist decided to peak inside; hoping to find a name, but there was none inside either. Instead she found only three words written in a neat writing synonymous with unicorn horn writing. I love you. Brighter FuturesLyra plopped herself down onto the couch in her iconic sitting position. Her hooves gripped a plate holding a slice of Bonbon’s famous strawberry pie. She would have levitated the plate, but her magic was currently occupied playing a tune on the lyre which Lyra affectionately referred to as her “Lazy Song.” The clock showed that in a couple hours Bonbon and Tootsie would be back from work and school respectively. So far this afternoon was shaping up to be just the kind that Lyra enjoyed. She heard the door open and assumed that Bonbon had come home from work early. Putting down her pie she went to greet her smiling wife, only to find her daughter, Tootsie Flute, face stained with tears. Lyra was surprised and devastated to see her daughter so sad. She instantly wanted to make Tootsie feel better, though she was unsure how she would do that. Bonbon had always been better in these situations. Lyra tried to say something reassuring, but she was cut off when Tootsie ran past her into her room. She winced at the sound of the door slamming, feeling that that could have gone better. Looking across the room she saw the piece strawberry pie, a reminder of what she thought was gonna be a happy afternoon. That wasn’t important now. Tootsie Flute was sad, and right now Lyra’s prime directive was to make her feel better Tootsie Flute was on her bed when her mother came in to the room. Lyra didn’t say anything, too fearful that she might say something stupid; instead she sat at the foot of her child’s bed, and placed the piece of strawberry pie on the bedside table. Tootsie looked up at her momma. She was unable to articulate just how hurt she was, so she didn’t say anything. She just looked up at her mother, and her mother looked down on her with what she hoped was a reassuring smile. When the silence became too much to bare, Lyra finally spoke. “Tootsie… Why are you crying?” Tootsie wiped her tears away, and tried as best as she could to explain her heartbreak. “I thought... I thought I liked this filly, but… she didn’t like me.” The last part came out as a hiccup as a new wave of tears came forth. Lyra pulled the filly close, finally understanding. Of course sadness like this could only be due to love. Lyra herself had felt such stings before in her past and new only too well how painful unrequited love could be. “You know Tootsie; your Momma here went through this exact same experience when she was younger.” Lyra said. Tootsie looked up at her mother, “Really?” Lyra nodded. “What did you do about it?” “Well, I cried at first, but then I began thinking. I told myself, ‘If this is how it’s meant to be then I guess she isn't my true love after all.’ I even stayed friends with her to this day. And I did finally find my true love,” Lyra smiled and stroked Tootsie’s head, “Your momma.” “So everything turned out all right?” “Yep, and it will turn out all right now too. I promise.” Tootsie Flute felt better knowing that she would feel better in the future, but she still felt bad now and didn't know what to do about it. Lyra saw her daughter’s sadness and felt that despite all she had done she still failed. Was there anything left she could do to cheer up her daughter? A thought struck her and she smiled. She still had one last trick left up her sleeve. Lyra’s horn glowed and her lyre from the living room into Tootsie’s. Lyra began plucking out notes with her magic, letting the song she knew by heart flow out. Tootsie was confused at first, but began to catch on as she recognized the melody. Lyra was playing Tootsie’s favorite song for her, just as she had promised. Listening to the song, Tootsie began to feel her sadness subside. She dried her eyes, and slowly shifted closer to her mother, pulling her into a tight embrace. Lyra smiled and returned the hug, not once breaking her concentration on the song. She never told anyone, but this was her favorite song as well, because it was the song that made her daughter smile. The two held each other as the notes drifted through the house. Their love for each other was enough to overtake Tootsie unrequited love for Twist. The song ended and Tootsie stared up at her mother. They shared a smile that held all the love that a mother and daughter could muster for each other. Lyra kissed her daughter on the forehead, right below the horn, and whispered, “Tootsie, if you ever feel sad again, just tell me and I’ll be sure to play this song for you.” Tootsie rose up from her bed and smiled the brightest smile she could, “Thank you, Momma.” Tootsie Flute said. Lyra felt so overjoyed to hear those words. She had been so afraid she wouldn’t be able to lighten her daughter’s mood, but now she had done it and it felt so great. In the doorway, Bonbon stood and watched so proud of her wife and daughter. Slowly she walked back down the hall to the kitchen to get a meal ready for the two ponies she loved the most. On the morning of the next school day all the little fillies and colts were sitting down and getting ready for class. Twist glanced at Truffle Shuffle who sat next to her. He smiled at her, and she quickly blushed and turned away. When she turned she noticed that Tootsie Flute had just come to class and was sitting at her desk. “Hey Tootthie, I didn’t thee you during Hearth and Hoovth day. Where’d you go” Twist asked. Tootsie smiled at her friend and responded, “Yea I wasn’t feeling well, but my momma helped me feel better.” Tootsie had decided not to tell Twist about what had happened on Hearts and Hooves day. After all, Twist was happy with her new coltfriend, and Tootsie Flute was happy to remain her friend. Perhaps she would find new love with somepony else, but for now she was happy to have the friends and family who loved her already.
High HopesTootsie Flute sat at a candlelit table at the most romantic restaurant in Ponyville, la marguerite d'amour. A plate lay on the table to one side of her which at one point held a delectable dinner of sweet purple daisies. They looked so much like her cutie mark that she almost didn’t want to eat them. On her right hoof side was an iced bucket containing a half-full bottle of fine apple juice, forgotten. Directly in front of her, holding her entire attention, sat the prettiest filly Tootsie Flute had ever seen. The filly’s coat was a comforting pale cream color which contrasted her strikingly red curly hair. Her mouth was curled into a small smile that showed just the smallest hint of her braces. Purple rimmed glasses framed her amethyst eyes as they sparkled with love, understanding, acceptance, and other emotions that young Tootsie didn’t understand but saw so often in the movies. “Tootthie Flute?” The cream filly asked with a lisp that anypony else would find annoying, but Tootsie found adorable. “Yes Twist?” Tootsie Flute said, finally giving a name to the object of her affection. “May I have thith danth?” Twist asked extending her hoof. Tootsie Flute looked around her and saw that the dinner table had been replaced by a grand dance floor. Somewhere in the distance somepony was playing a slow dance tune. Looking to twist she saw that the filly was wearing a flowing black dress. Looking down Tootsie saw she was wearing a similar purple dress. Looking back to Twist’s outstretched hoof, Tootsie Flute blushed as she took it not wanting to let go. Rrrrrrrring The two fillies swayed together to the notes being slowly plucked. Tootsie realized that the song was one that Mamma had played for Mom last Hearts and Hooves Day. She didn’t even notice the lights dim. Rrrrrrrrring They held each other in an innocent embrace. Tootsie’s eyes sparkled as she looked into Twist’s smiling face. She was finally ready to say it. “Twist?” Rrrrrrrrrring “Yeth Tootthie?” Rrrrrrrrrring “I…” Rrrrrrrrrrrring Tootsie Flute woke with a gasp to the sound of her alarm clock as it diligently worked to do its job. The reward for its success was a swift hoof to the head. “Tootsie, it’s time to wake up!” Tootsie Flute’s mom, Bonbon, called. Tootsie Flute rubbed her eyes as she looked across the room to her calendar, which hung neatly on the wall. Almost half the days on the February page were crossed out; all the way up to the fourteenth day. The date was circled a couple times, and a few little hearts surrounded it. It didn't take long for Tootsie to realize the magnitude of the situation. Today was Hearts and Hooves Day, and her dream wasn't as lost as it had seemed before. Tootsie Flute hustled through her daily routines, every so often taking a glance back to her night stand at a certain hoof-made red heart shaped card. Once she finished brushing her teeth and mane she went back to her room and grabbed the card and placed it into a small pocket in her saddlebags, making sure it wouldn't get crushed. She then pulled them on and made her way to the kitchen for breakfast. As she crossed the hall, Tootsie saw her mama, Lyra, who was in her room playing on her ornate lyre. Tootsie’s mother was always playing in her spare time, either practicing an old favorite or making a new piece, so the house was always filled with the sound of plucking notes. Tootsie loved it. Lyra used to play the lyre to put Tootsie to sleep so the music always made her feel safe. Lyra stopped and smiled when she noticed her daughter standing in the doorway. “Y’know Mom’s gonna get cross with both of us if your late for breakfast again.” Lyra said. “I know Mama, but I just love to hear you play. It’s so calming.” Tootsie Flute responded. Lyra began to put away her lyre, “Heh, well then when you come back from school I’ll be sure to play something for you.” “Oh oh, can you play my favorite song?” The filly asked. “Sure Toots, but first breakfast.” Lyra promised as she ushered her daughter back on path to the kitchen. The two entered the kitchen where Bonbon had busied herself preparing a hearty breakfast for her family. On the table was a delectable spread of wheat toast, cinnamon oatmeal, faux eggs, hay-bacon strips, fresh apples, and Lyra and Tootsie’s favorite food, strawberry pie. Lyra grinned ecstatically at her loving wife’s hard work, mouth near to overflowing from salivation. Tootsie Flute stood nearby an adorable mirror of her mother. “Woah-ho-ho,” Lyra said, “This is some of your best work Bonny!” Bonbon beamed, always happy getting praise for her cooking, and responded, “Well since today is Hearts and Hooves Day I thought I’d pull out all the stops for the two ponies I love the most.” “Oh yea, happy H&H sweet thing!” Lyra pecked her wife on the cheek before whispering something that caused Bonbon to give her children are present look. Lyra only chuckled at it before sitting down to breakfast. Tootsie Flute placed her saddlebags nearby and sat down to begin eating breakfast, all the while going over what she planned to do at school. She wanted to make sure everything she said would be perfect, as this would be her only chance. As she munched on a piece of hay-bacon, she glanced down to her saddlebags where the card she had spent all night making for twist just barely peeked out of its pocket. She hoped Twist would like it. “Tootsie, is something wrong?” The sound of her Mom’s voice pulled the filly out of her own thoughts. Tootsie quickly took a bite of breakfast to hide her surprise before replying, “N-no Mom, nothings wrong. I’m just…thinking about school.” Bonbon frowned, but didn't press the subject further. The family continued eating their breakfast until it was time for Tootsie to walk to school. Before leaving she gave her mothers big hugs and kisses for Hearts and Hooves Day, and made sure her Mama promised not to eat the whole pie while she was gone. The ponies said cheery goodbyes as Tootsie opened the door and began walking to school. The walk from home to school was a pretty short one for Tootsie Flute, but on this day it seemed just a bit longer than usual. The filly took slow cautious steps as the anxiety of the situation began to sink in. She had been having feelings for Twist for about a month now. The two had been good friends much longer, but it was only recently that Tootsie started to feel something more. It started happening every time she heard Twist laugh, or saw her smile, or hold her hand. At first she didn't understand these feelings; she had heard of crushes before, but had never felt one herself. She didn't even know if this was a crush. It could be love. After all she knew love. She loved her parents, and her grandparents, and these feeling did feel like love sometimes. But the thought continued to pass through her head. What if it wasn't love? What if it was, but Twist didn't feel the same way? What if she was…wrong? Tootsie Flute tried to push these thoughts out of her mind. She wanted to stay positive. After all her feelings could be right, and this may end up being the start of a new relationship with Twist. She didn't know for sure, and she wouldn't unless she took this chance. Her saddlebags weighed heavier than before with the weight of all her hope. As to schoolhouse came into view, Tootsie Flute began to rehearse what she was going to say between her teeth. She became slightly more confident in the notion that no matter what happens, at least she’ll know for sure.
Broken HeartTootsie Flute approached the schoolhouse a lot more confident than she was on her walk over. She chose to ignore the fear of how Twist might react, choosing instead to only think about how she would reveal her feelings. She rehearsed different ways she might present the card, but no matter how much she tried, they all sounded a bit too awkward and embarrassing to say. She was lost in thought until the sound of her name snapped her back to reality. The voice was muffled but it sounded like one of her classmates, Applebloom. Tootsie turned to respond, but stopped when she saw what was behind her. At first it looked like a parachute, but Tootsie was quite certain parachutes weren’t so glittery, nor were they usually heart shaped. Three filly sized bulges squirmed under the “thing” until one of them managed to pop their head out and reveal themselves as Scootaloo. “Hey Tootsie Flute… Do you think you could lend us a hoof?” Scootaloo asked. Two muffled voices echoed Scootaloo’s request for help from somewhere beneath the paper tarp. Tootsie giggled at the image before responding, “Sure I’ll help you with… what is that thing anyway?” Sweetie Belle’s head suddenly popped into view, “This is our Hearts and Hooves Day card for Miss Cheerilee!” “Oh. Well it’s definitely…” Tootsie rubbed her chin looking for the right word, “… Big!” With Tootsie’s help the Cutie Mark Crusaders were able to move the card up the steps and to the front of the classroom for Miss Cheerilee to see. The sight of the huge heart shaped card made Tootsie very aware of just how plain her own card was. She hoped that the words written inside would make up for the simple design. The Crusaders thanked Tootsie for her help, and she went to sit at her desk. At the desk right across from Twist’s own was seated the earth pony that had taken up most of Tootsie Flute’s morning thought, Twist. “G’morning Tootthie!” Twist said as her friend approached. Tootsie was surprised to notice that, some how, Twist looked even prettier than usual. Her mane and tail were bright and noticeably more bouncy. Her coat was warmer and softer than before. Her cutie mark of two candy canes, crossed to form a heart, was even more dazzling than ever. Tootsie tried not to stare too much as she sat down. “H-hey Twist. You look pretty fancy today.” Tootsie Flute said placing her saddlebags nearby. The filly in question blushed as she responded, “Yea… I’m juth really ecthited for Heartth and Hoovth Day, ya know.” “Yea I know what you mean,” Tootsie looked down at her saddlebags, “I can’t wait for the card exchange.” At that moment the bell for class rung and the teacher, Miss Cheerilee, cantered into the classroom. “Good morning class.” Cheerilee said to her students, the little ponies all greeted their teacher in unison before she continued, “Now we all know today is our Hearts and Hooves Day celebration, so why don’t we start with the annual card… exchange…” She trailed off as she noticed the huge paper heart being held up by three excited fillies. The class giggled and got up to begin exchanging cards. It was the do or die moment for Tootsie Flute. She pulled the card out of her saddlebags and held it to her chest mustering all the courage she had. She would either gain love or lose friendship, but she had to do this. She turned towards Twist with words of confession ready to leave her mouth, but they all evaporated when she opened her eyes. “Truffle Thuffle, I’d like you to have thith card.” Twist blushed as she gave the card to the colt next to her. His name was Truffle Shuffle, and he and Twist had become fast friends thanks to their mutual love of sweets. It was only recently though that Twist had started to feel something more. It started happening every time she heard Truffle laugh, or saw him smile, or made candy with him. She had a crush on him, and today she finally confessed it to him. And he felt the same way! Twist was ecstatic. Tootsie Flute was devastated. She felt her heart drop as she absorbed the whole scene before her. She didn’t want to believe it, even though it was right in front of her. She had spent the morning unsure if things would be good or bad, but knowing that she wanted to take the chance to find out for sure. Now she was no longer able to take that chance. It was taken away from her. Quickly and quietly she turned away to hide her feelings, and to hide the now useless card. Tootsie stared down at the card in her hoof which had been such a comfort before, but now it was the concentration of all her sadness. She watched as a single tear fell onto the card and smudged the pretty red ink. Her hoof acted on its own, slowly releasing its grip and letting the card tumble to the ground. “Ok class,” Miss Cheerilee got her students attention, “now that the card exchange is done who wants to play pin the heart on the pony!” A small hoof nudged her and Cheerilee turned with a smile, however the smile quickly fell when she saw the state of the filly in front of her. Tootsie Flute seemed an all around dimmer shade than usual. Her eyes were slightly red and pointed downward dejectedly. Cheerilee could easily tell that something was terribly wrong with the little pony. “Tootsie Flute, are you alright?” The Teacher bent down and tried to comfort Tootsie. “I… I don’t feel well. C-can I go home?” Tootsie asked in a shaky voice. “Well… ok, if you’re sure that’s what you want to do.” Cheerilee said. Tootsie glanced at something or someone behind Cheerilee, but quickly looked away. “Yes, I’m sure.” The filly responded, and turned towards the door. At this moment Twist was in the back of the class preparing to play pin the heart on the pony. She already had the heart and just needed to find the blindfold. Walking through by a row of desks she looked around for something to use, but stopped when she felt herself step on something small and papery. Looking down she saw that it was a Hearts and Hooves card. Twist picked it up hoping to return it to whoever dropped it. The card was a little crumpled from her hoof stepping on it, and there was a smudge on the front but no names of who the card might be for or from. Twist decided to peak inside; hoping to find a name, but there was none inside either. Instead she found only three words written in a neat writing synonymous with unicorn horn writing. I love you.
Brighter FuturesLyra plopped herself down onto the couch in her iconic sitting position. Her hooves gripped a plate holding a slice of Bonbon’s famous strawberry pie. She would have levitated the plate, but her magic was currently occupied playing a tune on the lyre which Lyra affectionately referred to as her “Lazy Song.” The clock showed that in a couple hours Bonbon and Tootsie would be back from work and school respectively. So far this afternoon was shaping up to be just the kind that Lyra enjoyed. She heard the door open and assumed that Bonbon had come home from work early. Putting down her pie she went to greet her smiling wife, only to find her daughter, Tootsie Flute, face stained with tears. Lyra was surprised and devastated to see her daughter so sad. She instantly wanted to make Tootsie feel better, though she was unsure how she would do that. Bonbon had always been better in these situations. Lyra tried to say something reassuring, but she was cut off when Tootsie ran past her into her room. She winced at the sound of the door slamming, feeling that that could have gone better. Looking across the room she saw the piece strawberry pie, a reminder of what she thought was gonna be a happy afternoon. That wasn’t important now. Tootsie Flute was sad, and right now Lyra’s prime directive was to make her feel better Tootsie Flute was on her bed when her mother came in to the room. Lyra didn’t say anything, too fearful that she might say something stupid; instead she sat at the foot of her child’s bed, and placed the piece of strawberry pie on the bedside table. Tootsie looked up at her momma. She was unable to articulate just how hurt she was, so she didn’t say anything. She just looked up at her mother, and her mother looked down on her with what she hoped was a reassuring smile. When the silence became too much to bare, Lyra finally spoke. “Tootsie… Why are you crying?” Tootsie wiped her tears away, and tried as best as she could to explain her heartbreak. “I thought... I thought I liked this filly, but… she didn’t like me.” The last part came out as a hiccup as a new wave of tears came forth. Lyra pulled the filly close, finally understanding. Of course sadness like this could only be due to love. Lyra herself had felt such stings before in her past and new only too well how painful unrequited love could be. “You know Tootsie; your Momma here went through this exact same experience when she was younger.” Lyra said. Tootsie looked up at her mother, “Really?” Lyra nodded. “What did you do about it?” “Well, I cried at first, but then I began thinking. I told myself, ‘If this is how it’s meant to be then I guess she isn't my true love after all.’ I even stayed friends with her to this day. And I did finally find my true love,” Lyra smiled and stroked Tootsie’s head, “Your momma.” “So everything turned out all right?” “Yep, and it will turn out all right now too. I promise.” Tootsie Flute felt better knowing that she would feel better in the future, but she still felt bad now and didn't know what to do about it. Lyra saw her daughter’s sadness and felt that despite all she had done she still failed. Was there anything left she could do to cheer up her daughter? A thought struck her and she smiled. She still had one last trick left up her sleeve. Lyra’s horn glowed and her lyre from the living room into Tootsie’s. Lyra began plucking out notes with her magic, letting the song she knew by heart flow out. Tootsie was confused at first, but began to catch on as she recognized the melody. Lyra was playing Tootsie’s favorite song for her, just as she had promised. Listening to the song, Tootsie began to feel her sadness subside. She dried her eyes, and slowly shifted closer to her mother, pulling her into a tight embrace. Lyra smiled and returned the hug, not once breaking her concentration on the song. She never told anyone, but this was her favorite song as well, because it was the song that made her daughter smile. The two held each other as the notes drifted through the house. Their love for each other was enough to overtake Tootsie unrequited love for Twist. The song ended and Tootsie stared up at her mother. They shared a smile that held all the love that a mother and daughter could muster for each other. Lyra kissed her daughter on the forehead, right below the horn, and whispered, “Tootsie, if you ever feel sad again, just tell me and I’ll be sure to play this song for you.” Tootsie rose up from her bed and smiled the brightest smile she could, “Thank you, Momma.” Tootsie Flute said. Lyra felt so overjoyed to hear those words. She had been so afraid she wouldn’t be able to lighten her daughter’s mood, but now she had done it and it felt so great. In the doorway, Bonbon stood and watched so proud of her wife and daughter. Slowly she walked back down the hall to the kitchen to get a meal ready for the two ponies she loved the most. On the morning of the next school day all the little fillies and colts were sitting down and getting ready for class. Twist glanced at Truffle Shuffle who sat next to her. He smiled at her, and she quickly blushed and turned away. When she turned she noticed that Tootsie Flute had just come to class and was sitting at her desk. “Hey Tootthie, I didn’t thee you during Hearth and Hoovth day. Where’d you go” Twist asked. Tootsie smiled at her friend and responded, “Yea I wasn’t feeling well, but my momma helped me feel better.” Tootsie had decided not to tell Twist about what had happened on Hearts and Hooves day. After all, Twist was happy with her new coltfriend, and Tootsie Flute was happy to remain her friend. Perhaps she would find new love with somepony else, but for now she was happy to have the friends and family who loved her already.
