To Find the Light

Chapter 2

Night on the Town

The lively sounds of ponies noisily talking and laughing started to fill the room as I entered the Ostgate Tavern, with my friends Ornate Tiara and Steam Lance following in behind me. The Ostgate Tavern is by far not one of Canterlot's classiest, bit still famous for its beer, making it rather popular. Especially on a Saturday night.

It's exterior has just recently been renovated and lights up at night. On the inside is a busy environment yet still relaxing as the Ostgate is usually.

At the bar a few stallions are getting themselves drunk as the bartender expertly refills the glasses. The new pool table towards the back of the tavern is occupied by a group of ponies playing some pool.

In the middle is a group of tables occupied by ponies enjoying a delicious meal.

A sweet, bitter smell fills the room as my friends and I seat ourselves at the round booth in the corner. I had invited my friends out tonight so they could meet Cleo, who still hadn't arrived.

"Where is he?"  I think to myself.

A waitress came rushing over to our a table holding a tray of glasses and a jug of water. It seems the service here is most efficient as all the waitresses are flocking to our tables faster than you can say soups on.

She took our orders and hurried back into the kitchen. I kept myself occupied with the gossip that Ornate Tiara was simply dying to tell me all about.

I have known Ornate Tiara for a few years now after meeting at one of my favourite boutiques. She seemed like the more classier of mares and had exquisite  taste in clothing.

The sudden sound of the Ostgate's door opening drew my attention towards the entrance. I got up from my seat and ran over to the pony who just entered.

"Oh Cleo it's so good to see you!" Embracing him in a friendly hug before returning to a normal stance.

"It's good to see you too Wallflower."

I lead him over to our table in the corner as its occupants make small talk.

"Everyone, this is my friend Cleo. Cleo, this is Ornate Tiara and Steam Lance."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Wallflower and I are old high school classmates."

"So...Cleo, what do you do for a living?" asks Steam Lance

"Well, I`m a musician but I also own a bookshop on Hoofington Avenue. Although, business hasn't been so good lately, due to the lack of customers. I guess it's because of the location. I mean, nopony goes down that street anymore." he finishes bluntly.

"You say you're a musician. What do you play?" asks Ornate Tiara

"Well, I play the violin professionally."

Steam Lance opens up with a more interesting topic.

"I read the newspaper this morning and it said that Equestria's first steam locomotive has been built and is been presented at the new train station tomorrow." says Steam Lance.

He clears his throat before concluding.

"It seems that this new steam locomotive can get anypony anywhere within a few hours." he concludes.

At that moment the music starts playing and all of a sudden I have the urge to get on the floor. As though he read my mind, Cleo took my hoof and lead my out of the booth and onto the dance floor.

Before I knew it, we were dancing away. Twirling and moving in precise time to the music. As the music got faster so did our movements, eventually the music stopped and our dance finished with Cleo's hooves on my waist and in hoof.

He gazes into my bronze eyes with excitement. I return his gaze with joy. I couldn't believe how much fun I was having. I haven't had this much fun in years, well not since my interview on live T.V as my book hit the bestseller's list.

We returned our booth as Ornate Tiara gave me that "I know how much you like him." look. She has given me that look many

times before. She always knows when I like a stallion more than a friend. Although it somewhat strikes me as odd that, for some strange reason, I never liked Cleo the same way I do now. He used to be the dorky kid in my English extension class who always knew how to lighten up even the dullest of lessons. He had that perk about him. Always knew how to talk to other ponies, he was friends with everyone, even the most shallow of kids. I guess I didn't take that into much consideration before.

But, it raises the question. Why I do have such strong feelings for him now? What is it about him that I don't like? Or maybe that's just in then. Maybe there is nothing about him not to like.

My thoughts were interrupted by a hoof lightly tapping my shoulder.

"Hey, Wallflower, it's getting rather late. I think we should all go home."

"Yeah your probably right Ornate Tiara. I guess we should start heading home."

I pay the bill before my friends and I exit the Ostgate Tavern and part our ways. That is, except Cleo of course. The air is cold and my body starts to shiver as soon as I step out of the tavern. Luna's moon shines it's eternal beauty down upon us, almost like a single spotlight emphasizing a star, performing on stage.

I wrap my coat tighter around me as little silver snowflakes start falling from the sky. Each snowflake has its own unique design, just like us ponies. I watch in awe as they fall onto the ground around us and melt.

"Wow." I say.

My focus returns to the stallion before me who just smiles at me the same way a father would look at their child.

"I have had a really fun time tonight, more fun than I`ve had in a while actually."

"Thanks for inviting me out Wallflower. Your friends seem really nice. I never thought I would get the opportunity to see you again. It's been great. I`ll see you later okay?"

"Okay. Goodbye Cleo."

The blue stallion walks off into the distance and I turn and start heading home.

As the moon's crescent light shines down upon me I come across a dark and narrow alleyway. It leads right onto my street so it's probably quicker than going all the way around.

I start walking down the alleyway as the darkness shrouds me. I start getting the feeling that somepony is following me. My breath quickens and I`m getting scared. I stop at the sound of another set of hooves on the cobblestone path. I start to run. I run faster than I ever have before. The sound of hooves gets louder. I keep running. I finally reach my street and stop at the first sign of light. I quickly turn around but...nopony is standing behind me.

"Who was chasing me?"

I walk up to my house and open the front door before running inside and locking it behind me. I couldn't be more scare than I am now.

"If somepony is out there after me....then maybe Canterlot isn't safe anymore. No. That can't be true. It's probably just somepony playing a trick..right?"

As many times I reassured myself, I still knew that somepony was out there. Somepony was out there...to get me.