//------------------------------// // Epilogue - "Class Dismissed" // Story: The Parenting Project // by frenettek314 //------------------------------// Early in the morning the next day, Mr. Frenette was currently typing at his desk - eagerly awaiting to see the results of his class assignment later in the day - before a round of knocking interrupted him from his work. "Come in!" he called out. The door soon opened, revealing a set of 7 specific girls (and one dog) from his Home Economics class - each with smiles on their faces as 3 'babies' were carried in alongside them. "Ah girls. And Spike too!" his smile brightened as he observed the toys with satisfaction. "I see each of your babies are looking well. Looks like you did good work with your projects." "About that..." Twilight began, a slight sheepish grin on her face, "We wanted to talk to you about the assignment." The teacher surveyed each of the students' humble, yet cheerful expressions, soon paving way to a mild form of curiosity on his face. "Sure... What's up?" "Well, you see..." Rarity started, "We find it 'quite the coincidence' as to how you spread out our teams." "Oh?" Mr. Frenette stated, a subtle smirk growing on his lips. "And when we worked on this project in our groups, we each grew closer with our partners..." Applejack continued. "So we're basically wondering if there was more to this than just simply taking care of a doll?" Rainbow bluntly stated, the rest seeming to visibly relax upon the whole question being pushed forwards. Mr. Frenette gave a delightful little hum, taking a sip from his water bottle. "I guess it was pretty obvious, huh?" he rhetorically asked. "You mean... you partnered us on purpose?" Fluttershy curiously questioned. The teacher gave a warm smile, looking at each of the girls. "I admit most of the class was just the assignment, but with each of you, I knew there was something in your relationships - or potential relationships in some cases - that you were struggling with. As a teacher, I can't just outright guide you along without you approaching me, but if I had an activity that encouraged partners to work together..." he motioned with his hands, encouraging them to finish the puzzle. Sunset gave a light gasp. "You mean... you knew about each of us and what we were going through?" The teacher nodded. "After 4 months of seeing you everyday, I picked up on some key signs." "I saw the way Rainbow jealously looked at Rarity and Applejack whenever they worked together in class." Rainbow sheepishly blushed as Rarity and Applejack gave her knowing smirks. "I saw the way Pinkie and Fluttershy struggled to communicate." Fluttershy wrapped an arm around Pinkie, who just warmly smiled. "And of course, I saw the way Twilight admired Sunset." Twilight gave a bashful smile while Sunset and Spike rolled their eyes in a friendly way. "I hope you don't mind me noticing, but I thought I could help you out a little bit." The gang exchanged confused glances at each other, still one question lingering in their minds. "But why did you want to help us?" Pinkie seemed to ask the question going through each of them. Mr. Frenette propped up from his chair with a slight chuckle, slowly trotting over to the whiteboard as he gave a little jaunt back and forth. "They say a good teacher ensures their students successfully learn the material, making sure they're ready to apply their skills to the next level..." He now fully viewed the group of students as he continued. "But they say a great teacher encourages their students to be the best they can be, to make sure they can live a happy and successful life outside the classroom." He grabbed his water bottle off his desk. "As a teacher, I always like to know that you kids are happy and healthy. I want to make sure you keep your bright and positive energies for the world waiting for you out there. Of course, this also means that I wanted to make sure the bonds you shared didn't prevent you from that happiness." "I can teach you all about how to cook, to clean, or to manage a budget - while your other teachers can share history, mathematics, literature, science - but the most important lessons you'll ever learn are with the family and friends you make. Jobs and opportunities and experiences may come and go, but love is one thing that always remains constant." Each of the girls found themselves touched at the passionate sentiment the educator had bestowed upon them - Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity each crying slightly at the beautiful display of words. "Th-thank you." Twilight gently stated. "You did help us learn. We all learned different skills in communication and expression that have made the bonds we share greater than ever before." "And hopefully they stay that way for a long time to come." Spike noted, each of the girls nodding in agreement. "I know they will. That's all I can ask for." he lightly commented before a bell rang out, indicating it was time for classes to start. "Looks like classes are going to start. I'll give you your 'A's during class later since you passed some critical life skills." "Thank you." Sunset bowed in appreciation. "For everything." Mr. Frenette bowed before he displayed a prideful smirk. "I want to be invited to any weddings!" he called out as they began walking away. "I already promised you the front row at me and Fluttershy's!" Pinkie sing-songed back, making the other girl blush. "W-what?" And just like that the door to the room closed behind them, the group of girls navigating through the hallways as they headed to their lockers. Sunset smiled as she led the girls to another day of academia. "You know - maybe Home Economics isn't so bad after all."