I Hated You From the Moment I Saw You
The air was humid and abuzz with insects as the sky began to lighten. Dawn was breaking over the great land of Equestria. For many talented youth, today was the first day of Philharmonica Band Camp.
“Mom! Where’s my bow?” a gray pony called out, frantically searching for the item she may have lost.
“It’s right here, Octavia. Everything’s right here. Stop panicking!” her mother demanded.
“I just want to make sure that I have everything. It would be a shame if I forgot something.” Octavia replied.
“Tavi, you already double-checked your suitcase last night. You’re fine.”
“I know, I know. I’ll take some deep breaths. I’m so excited for this day! I’ve been waiting for it all year!”
“I know that you have. It’s all that you’ve been talking about for the past month.”
“I’m sorry, but I really do love that place. It’s my second home. But, the fact that it’s my favorite place in the world doesn’t mean that I’m going to miss you any less than I should.”
“Aww, Octavia,” her mother hugged her. “Now, let’s get going. I know that you want to be there as soon as possible.”
_________________
On the other side of Canterlot, the story was different. A white unicorn with an electric blue mane was getting ready to go to the same camp as Octavia. But, she’s couldn’t be any less thrilled.
“Dad, are you sure that I have to go to this camp?” the unicorn complained.
“For the millionth time, yes Vinyl! You need to expand your musical knowledge if you want to be a concert pianist.” her father explained.
“But, I don’t want to play the piano! I want to travel the world as a bass-pounding DJ.” Vinyl argued.
“Vinyl, it’s your legacy to be a piano player. I am, and so was your grandmother, and her father before that. The list goes on and on. The Scratches are pianists. And as long as you live under my roof, I will have none of that screeching, wub-wub junk. Do you understand?” Mr. Scratch asserted.
“Yes, sir,” Vinyl rolled her eyes.
“And no more of that attitude, young lady! I hope that they teach you some manners at this camp.”
Unknowingly, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch left at almost the same time for Philharmonica. The camp was located about four hours outside of Canterlot. The trek there was littered with picturesque nature scenes that made the earth pony ecstatic and the unicorn groan.
Octavia unloaded her cart carefully. She would be devastated if anything happened to her beloved cello.
“Goodbye, mom. I love you.” Octavia embraced her mother.
“Bye, Tavi! Have a great time at camp.” her mother nudged her on the muzzle and sent her off into camp.
Vinyl fought for one last time to get out of camp. “Dad, look at all the bugs out here! I don’t want to get eaten alive while being forced to do something I hate.”
“Vinyl Six-Inch Scratch, for the last time, you are going!” Mr. Scratch yelled. “Dear Celestia, where does this rebellious side of you come from?”
Vinyl smiled. “Mom, definitely,”
“Ah, yes. That was one of the things that I was hoping you wouldn’t get from her. But anyways honey, try to have fun, okay?” her dad patted her on the shoulder.
“I’ll try. Bye dad.” she hugged him.
“Bye Vinyl,” Mr. Scratch set Vinyl’s bag on the ground and left.
As parents began to flee the camp, the mares and colts became acquainted with each other. Some reunited with old friends from previous years while the newbies stood around awkwardly, praying that somepony would approach them.
Although it was her third year at Philharmonica, Octavia didn’t have anypony to lean on. Most of her friends had graduated from the camp during the previous summer, and the few that were still of age had chosen not to return.
‘It should be fine,’ she thought. ‘It’s always nice to meet new people.’
Octavia began to trot around casually, trying to escape the feelings of social nervousness. She failed to pay attention to where she was going and ran straight into Vinyl.
“Hey kid, watch where you’re going!” the white unicorn snarled.
“Oh, I am terribly sorry!” Octavia apologized whilst straightening her bow tie.
“You should be. And what’s up with that bow tie of yours? This isn’t Canterlot, you know.” Vinyl informed.
“Hey, bow ties are cool! I’m sorry that I have pride in my appearance.”
“Whoa, I’m not the one for the hoity-toity stuff, but hey, at least I don’t look like garbage. I just like a good rave every once in a while.”
“Ugh, so you’re a party pony. I can’t stand your type! But I suppose that I’ll try to tolerate you. My name is Octavia.”
“Vinyl Scratch. It’s not a pleasure to meet you. And just so you know, I hate snooty, fancy ponies like you.”
“Well, it’s nice to know that we both hate each other. I hope that I don’t see you around.”
At this point, a majority of the campers were becoming impatient. Everypony wanted their amazing summer experience to begin. Soon enough, two ponies emerged from the administrational offices.
“Hello, everypony! My name is Phil, and this is my wife, Monica. As many of you know, we are the proud founders of this camp. We are so glad that you joined us, and we hope that you have a summer to remember.” the colt introduced.
“Welcome campers! The first order of business is giving out your bunk assignment. This list is final, and I can’t offer any exceptions. Now, in bunk one, we will have Stereo Heart and Six-String. In bunk two, we will have Viola and Brass. In bunk three, we will have Octavia and Vinyl Scratch. In bunk four-.” the mare began.
“No!” Vinyl and Octavia shouted simultaneously. “I can’t room with her!”
“Sorry girls, but this list was drawn up months ago. It can’t be changed. As I was saying…” Monica continued.
Vinyl and Octavia stood there, awestruck. Neither of them could believe that this had happened. They locked eyes, and began to stare at each other with disgust.
This was going to be a long summer.
