//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: A little heart to heart // Story: Green Fields // by Jakomi of the Rose //------------------------------// I spent most of my time in the barn after my argument with Applejack. Lifting hay-bales proved a suitable anger management. But I didn’t have it in me to speak to AJ after what I just said to her. I wanted to go home. I really did. Sure, it would lead to a lot of sad ponies but how Apple Bloom would react hurt me more. I placed some hay on the ground to act as a bed for the night. Hoping that she could forgive me tomorrow. My birthday, my talk with Twilight. Tomorrow it all was going to be alright. Tomorrow… I was going to get the information to come home. Darkness. My sleep was once again in darkness. “Stop saying that you are pathetic, you prick!” Those words. I remembered them. “Continue your self-ranting, and eventually it comes as truth!” my voice echoed in the darkness. No. No, not this! Don’t open! Eyes, don’t open! I don’t want to see his face. Not that sad face. Against my will my eyes opened to see a man in his mid-40. His black, neck-short hair. His green eyes. Those sad eyes looking at me. His beard was stubby, unshaven. My body moved on its own as it stood up and slammed its fists on the table. NO! Don’t say it! DON’T LET ME SAY THOSE WORDS TO HIM!!! “Because in my eyes, you are pathetic!” my mouth uttered, against my will. My father’s face. That sad, distraught face I long since wanted to avoid. I didn’t want to remember this. The sound of thunder growled in the distance as the rain started to pour. The next thing I saw was me running towards the house. My right hand gripping something. Someone. My father ran behind me. He slipped but I felt my body grabbing him and throwing him in front of me. He was now under the roof in front of my uncle’s cellar. The thunder sounded closer. “Dad, run!” my mouth shouted as the thunder struck and a bright flash of white blinded me next to a burning pain. I woke with a sounding of a combination of a gasp and an inhale as I got up from my hay-bed. In front of me stood a very startled Applejack, looking at me. I panted, feeling the sweat sticking some hay to my face and arms. I swallowed continuing to pant, my heart beating like crazy. “Ya okay, Ben?” Applejack finally spoke up, worried. I nodded. I was still shook up. That dream was a flashback to before I came here. The same thing that led me to come to this planet. I looked at her for some time before noticing Mac outside. “Sorry I scared you, AJ. Just a nightmare.” I said, my heart finally beating slower. She shook her head, giving me a light nuzzle. Glad she wasn’t mad at me. At least for now. I got up from my impromptu hay-bed and wiped the sweat from my forehead, a few strays of hay following. Applejack backed off to give me room but she still looked concerned. Not that I blamed her. If someone woke up screaming I’d probably be concerned too. The slight shill from the wind made me shiver by the sweat on my shirt. I gasped quietly so that Applejack didn’t notice. “Breakfast’s in the kitchen if ya wanna eat before work.” She said but I shook my head, very tiredly. “No. I just want to get to work as soon as possible.” I responded, voice hoarse after the rough waking. She shrugged, frowning a little and walked out. I followed, feeling the hay falling off as I kept walking. I helped Mac and Applejack with putting the buckets on the cart and we began our walked towards the east field. * * * I did the same job as always; taking the buckets and placing them on the cart. It must have been several minutes, perhaps maybe a half hour before I heard Applejack speaking to me. “Ben, about yesterday. Ah’m sorry for my outburst.” She had her ears down in shame. I shook my head, smiling. “No, no. You had all rights to be mad. I guess I should’ve mentioned it earlier.” I answered back, hoping that I made her feel better. One of her ears perked up in a more curious manner. “Well, why didn’t ya?” she asked. Placing the bucket on the cart, I thought. The answer may lead me to a buck in the face. “I didn’t want to be a burden. Besides, why is it a big deal?” I finally responded. She cocked both her eyebrows in un-amusement. ‘Nice, Benny. How about saying you don’t want to be in her family anymore, while you’re at it?’ I thought to myself and mentally face-palmed. Applejack shook her head in sadness. “The “big deal” is that we care a lot about ya, Ben. Yer family to us an’ we love ya. Ya know we would be mighty sad if you left an’ not to mention how yer friends would react. Ever thought of that?” she explained looking at me with sad eyes. I sighed in a somewhat minor defeat. She had a point. But I missed the friends I had in my world. I don’t even know how they reacted at my sudden disappearance. Was Addie worried? Did she miss me or did she move on to find someone to fill my gap in her life? Or Victor? Did someone help him? But more importantly, Addie… My little Addie. Once again I sighed when I placed the bucket on the cart. I glanced over at Applejack who bucked another tree. “You’re right.” I said, finally. She stopped mid-buck to look at me. I walked over to pick up one of the buckets, exchanging looks with her in the still dark morning. “But I have people who miss me in my world, too.” I said as I picked up the bucket. “I have a girlfriend I love and miss more than anything in the world. A friend who need help from time to time. A father who, although I became mad at, need some help to get on his feet and siblings who I love. Especially a lazy-ass brother who doesn’t help out on our farm.” As I continued I took the next bucket to the cart. “Ever since my mother’s death I spent days after her funeral trying to console my family. My father took it more emotionally and started talking down himself out of pity.” Next bucket was placed, now more violently. “You have no idea how irritating it finally became to hear him pitying himself day after day.” Next bucket almost tipped over. “And I alone had to console my family and left me no time to be sad myself until I finally had time with my girlfriend. And I broke down! Right in front of her, in her own home!” The last bucket was slammed onto the cart and apples fell on the ground. I panted in frustration and looked over at Applejack who sat on her haunches listening with a frown. “Wow, Ben. Ya really needed this out, didn’t ya?” she said and my shoulders slumped as a strange stress left my chest. I sat on the cart to collect myself. My heart pounded like crazy, I felt dizzy and felt some sweat on my forehead. I now realized that my heart-trauma made itself reminded. A few years ago I got a scarring on my heart. When I became stressed, exhausted or emotionally pushed I became sweaty and my heart pounded at a very fast rate followed by dizziness and pain. And if worsened I would faint or die. So I had to relax and calm down. What caused it was overworking to compensate for my brother, but I never bothered to do a check-up. Applejack walked up to me and nuzzled my leg. I looked at her with heavy breathing. I relaxed with a somewhat controlled breathing. I nodded in a way of saying “I’m okay. I’m good.” I walked over to the next bucket and picked it up although shaky. It was a very quiet moment we shared. My outburst must’ve fueled her determination to get me help. I only had to wait. Mac came to take the cart back to the farm. We followed but oddly enough Applejack stayed a bit behind, ushering me to stay in the same pace as her. I looked at Mac who walked in front and then glanced to Applejack. “Ya should really get yer heart checked up, Ben. Ah’m surprised you haven’t gon’ dyin’ on the job.” She said quietly to not let Mac hear. I sighed and massaged my chest, pain still lingering. I did something about it; I got herbs from Zecora once in a while to soothe the pain. A zebra living in Everfree Forrest whom I considered a close friend. She had herbs for calming and numbing any incoming attack. She just warned me that I could get addicted since they were strong. “I take medicine made by Zecora.” I retorted in a way of saying that it was a “matter on non-importance”. Applejack shook her head. “Ah meant by a doctor. Ah don’ know what she puts in those things. Ah do trust her an’ all but Ah don’t know if those weeds are good for ya.” She said in a not too trusting tone. Sighing, I just shrugged. I looked at her without saying something. Repeating what I told myself last night: The best planned ideas are the ones you keep to yourself. So whatever else I had planned was best left unsaid. Wouldn’t want to get everyone to force to stay. And besides, how come Applejack didn’t trust the medicine Zecora made for me? I’ve been alive this long thanks to them. The herbs in question was rubbed on the chest, drunk down as a remedy or drunk down in tea. I usually preferred the tea since it smelled less. And I could keep it around in my thermos should I do something too excessive or too exhausting. It was either as tea or in a remedy. * * * We came back to the house right before breakfast. I took the mail as usual and found that it was a surprising lack of letters addressed to me. Only two; one of them was from Rarity. The other I didn’t recognize. As I walked in Apple Bloom was the first to greet me. She jumped down from her chair but stopped when I picked her up. We looked at each other for a few seconds before she asked: “How come ya didn’t sleep in yer bed, Ben?” Glancing at Applejack I tried to think of an excuse. I bumped her forehead in affection and put on a false smile. “Sorry, Bloomy. AJ wanted me to take care of a few hay-bales in the barn and it became late so I decided to sleep there.” I said and I could swear that I heard Applejack let out a breath of relief. I let Apple Bloom down to the floor and sat down with the others and started reading the letters. The letter with the unknown writing interested me. I read it while Mac poured some coffee into my cup and raised an eye-brow. It was from the local carpenters-office. They wanted to see me at 12:30 pm for something private. The second letter from Rarity was that she wanted me at her shop near eve. I placed the letters on the table and sipped the coffee. Applejack glanced at me again. “What’s the letter ‘bout?” she asked behind her cup of coffee. I took a bite of a slice of bread without butter and pondered on what the carpenter wanted. Was it due to me doing repairs? I swallowed and answered. “From the carpenters. They want to meet me at noon.” That was all I said. I finished my breakfast and decided to leave early. I had to speak with Twilight, do a repair at Fluttershys and then meet up with the carpenter then Rarity whatever that was about. A trotting on the boards behind me caught my attention. Applejack stood behind me. “Ya didn’t eat up.” She said. I blinked and shook my head. “No. I wanted some chores done before evening.” I answered simply as I went to my workbench to release the leg to Fluttershys couch. I ran my fingers along its feature and smiled at its smoothness. I placed it on my leather-bag on my hip alongside my hand screwdriver and a few screws. Thinking about the letter I wanted to send to Celestia. There was someone I needed to talk to about this. I began to walk but Applejack stopped me. “Ya goin’ to work?” she asked. “No.” I answered simply. ”I’m going to talk to somepony for advice.” I gave her a wink and began walking away. * * * The pony in question was usually found in the park by this time of the day. Before the others of Elements of Harmony became my friends, Applejack I saw more as a sister, I had a close friend who was more than excited to meet me. The pony was a mare who I admit was cute, attractive for a pony mind you, and she performed here to get bits, relaxing or practicing on her music. And the beautiful sound of strings guided me towards her. She sat on a bench with closed eyes, a smile set on her face and a lyre levitating with a golden aura. She was mint green in coat-color and her mane and tail was green with strands of white. On her flanks was a golden lyre, the same lyre she played with fingers made from her magic. I walked towards her and stood in front of her to listen before interrupting her. Her nose twitched as she opened her golden eyes and looked at me with a smile. “Hey, Ben. ‘Sup?” she greeted with a bright grin. I smiled back. “Great, Lyra. May I sit?” I asked, pointing to the empty spot beside her. She nodded and allowed me to take a seat. Although the benches were shorter than the ones in our world I could still sit comfortably. She placed her lyre between us and we sat quietly for a while before I decided to speak up. “Lyra, I need an advice on something.” I said and she immediately perked up. “Sure! What’s it about?” She asked in an excited manner. I smiled at the way she reacted. Her ears high and her smile wide. “I’ve been thinking about my home more recent and I was thinking of asking Twilight about sending a requesting letter to her teacher to send me home. I only fear that a lot of you’re going to be too sad because of this. Any advice?” I explained. Lyra tapped a hoof on her mouth and hummed thoughtfully. I looked at the ponies that passed us by while Lyra was in her deep thoughts. Green Hooves poked in a nearby flowerpot. “How bad are we talking when you say sad and how much do you think of your family?” she asked in return. I sighed in slight depression at those questions. “Almost every day for a few weeks now. And I think Apple Bloom would be distraught. She and I have been more than close and I really fear that she would be sadder than the others.” I explained while I supported my head on my hands. Lyra nodded and looked up into the sky. It was a perfect autumn day. Not too windy, pleasantly warm and an almost cloud-free blue sky. The trees have just started changing colors. “Well, I’d be sad too if you left but I would not wish you unhappiness. If you could get home I’d be happy. But…” she stopped while thinking. “… If you explained to the others then maybe they’d understand.” She smiled at the streak of a rainbow when Rainbow Dash cleared a few clouds. “You taught me a lot about your world and I have been enjoying your company more times than Bon Bon could… no offence to her but she could be boring at times.” She explained while per pupils darted around. I nodded but still sighed at how I would break it. “So should I or shouldn’t I? I still love the Apples. I love all of you. It’s just that I miss my real family.” I said glumly. Lyra raised her eyebrows but smiled after a few seconds. “I think you should go for it. If it’s what you want.” She said, very simply. I nodded. But a smile crept across my face and raised my eyebrows this time. When I looked at her I chuckled when I came to realize how her answer could have come to this conclusion. “Lyra Heartstrings, doesn’t Bon Bon trust you?” I said with a wink. Lyra jerked her head and blushed. “S-she so TO trust me!” she defended. “She just doesn’t like me making certain ideas that she doesn’t agrees with.” Yep, that was definitely the case. I brushed my fingers in her mane and smiled to show that I was kidding. Lyra looked at me while her head remained low. Though her blush remained she closed her eyes and enjoyed my fingers combing. “I know, Lyra. I was just kidding. I know she loves you enough to trust you.” I said as I continued to stroke her mane. “But, thank you, Lyra. I really needed to talk.” I got up from the bench, stretched and sighed. She smiled back at me and lifted her lyre with her magic. “Likewise, Ben. Just don’t tell Bon Bon about our talk.” She said a little nervous. “She likes me but Celestia forbid that she hates back-talk.” I smiled back at her and walked away. Okay, then. My mind was now set; I need to talk to Twilight. * * * I knocked on the library door a few times and was greeted by Spike who carried a few books in a pile. He looked at me. “If you’re looking for Twilight she’s out on an errand. But I expect her to be home soon.” He said and led me in. I crouched and noticed that the shelf I made already had been put to use. The three first shelves were filled with a section I would put as simply as: Knowledge of scientific purpose and understanding… whatever that meant. I took a book from a section about household. Surprisingly small, only about a shelf. I took one about beverages and read on about… alcoholic drinks? Huh, even here they had them. After about five minutes Twilight came through the door with a few scrolls levitating beside her head. She looked at me and she beamed at me. “Oh hi, Ben. How are you doing?” she beamed, her scrolls levitating to a nearby table. I placed the book on the shelf and cleared my throat. I was now nervous despite my planned decision. “I… I was wondering if y-you could send a letter t-to Celestia.” I said with a stuttering that Fluttershy would’ve been glad to hear. Twilight cocked her head with raised eyebrows. Spike took a scroll and a quill but I looked at him. “Spike… umm.” I started only to wipe a little sweat of the forehead. “Could you let Twilight do that? I… want to talk to her in private.” Spike looked at her and then at me. Twilight shrugged at Spike who returned the shrug. He took another scroll and decided to walk out. “I’m getting some more equipment. See you in an hour.” He said waving the scroll before closing the door. I waited a minute before “spilling the beans”. I took a deep breath and placed a hand on my chest to gently rub the area around the heart. “So… Twilight. The letter to Celestia.” I began anew only to stop to think. She sat on her haunches to await my question. “A year ago I asked her if she could send me home. She asked me to give Equestria a chance, which I have. But I want you to send her a letter asking her if she could send me home.” I explained and Twilights face turned to disbelief and shock. “WHAT?!” She exclaimed as she jumped to her hooves. I took a step back at this reaction and pulled up my hands in defense. “Twilight, Twilight! Let me explain, alright?” I said and hoped for the best. She calmed down somewhat and I took a breath of relief. I sat down on a nearby stool and tried to find words. I looked into her magenta eyes for a few seconds before speaking. “I just wanted her to know how things are. I just want to go home again. Can you help me out? Please?” I said and pleaded to her. Twilight stared at me for the longest moment before sighing in either frustration or defeat. “Ben. Give me more. Why do you want to go home so badly?” she asked as if wanting to be my psychiatric, which was the second reason I wanted to come here. I breathed twice before inhaling deep, which kind of hurt my heart for a second. “I miss my family a lot more. For a few weeks I’ve gotten more and more urge to see them and it’s to the point where I can’t take no more. I want to see them so badly. Please? Can you do this for me?” I explained, spilling everything. Twilight looked at me with a sorrowed expression and sighed. She picked up the quill and scroll with her magic but looked at me. “Okay, Ben. But do tell me more. Maybe I can help you ease your longing. I think I have something about that.” She tried but I stopped her. “Twilight, I only want to know IF I can return back. I really hope I can, so please.” I asked for the third time. Twilight stopped mid-trot and sighed. She went to prepare ink and placed the quill in preparation. She waited for me to say whatever she wanted me to write on the letter. “Princess Celestia. I, Benjamin Emmanuel Fields, would ask of you a very important request. I wish to return to my own world.” I began walking around the library. “When I was in the hospital bed after I first came here I asked you if it was possible for me to return home. You said it was possible but I want to return home. I’ve given Equestria a chance like you said. Can you give me my wish? Sincerely yours, Ben Fields.” I ended and Twilight wrote it down and rolled the scroll through her magic. I sighed in relief and in slight sadness. The letter was written. No turning back, unless she archives it somewhere. She places the scroll on the table and looked at me with a stern face. “I’ll send the letter once Spike comes back. But, Ben, I’m still worried about you. You never wanted to return before. What changed your mind?” she asked. I rubbed the back of my neck. “I had a bit of homesickness. I disappeared so sudden and I don’t even know if my family even thinks that I’m still alive. I need to get back to them. It’s nothing you’ve done. Trust me; you’re the best friend one can have.” I explained, placing my hand in my pocket. Twilight nodded and sighed quietly but noticeable. With that I left the library, assuming she was done talking. I was only hoping that she would send that letter. I turned to her just in case. “Please send that letter to Celestia when Spike gets back, okay?” I reminded. Twilight nodded sadly and didn’t stop me when I walked out and closed the door. * * * Lunch had just been past when I reached the carpentry Hammer’N’Nails. One of the ponies, a dark tanned mare with blond mane and hazel eyes named Mjolna, was nailing a notice-board to the front of the shop. Her cutie-mark was the very hammer of Thor, Mjölnir with a bolt of lightning struck behind it. She placed her hammer in her saddle-bag and smiled proudly. She turned her head slightly and at seeing me she smiled widely. She turned her head to the door. “Bro, Dad! He’s here!” she hollered into the shop. She turned to me with a smile. It was an awkward silence before a young unicorn colt with black coat but the same blond mane came through the door. His cutie-mark was of a sledge nailing a rail-spike. Behind him came an elder stallion with grey coat and short brown mane with a smile at the sight of me. They stood in line as the elder spoke up. He looked at the watch on his left hoof. “You’re on time. That’s a preference I’ve heard, too. Now to the reason why I wanted to talk to you.” He said with a very likable voice. It was a bit like listening to my grandfather. “We’ve heard a lot from the ponies in town on your carpentry. 9 out of 10 ponies are actually pleased with your handiwork… forgive the pun. And I’m not the pony that likes competition. So I’m wondering if you could put your carpentry to good use here.” He explained, with a smile that was genuine. I blinked, not really sure what he wanted until it came as a light inside my head. Was he… employing me? “You want me as an employee?” I asked to be reassured. The stallion nodded. He looked at the two ponies on his side. “I’m retiring soon. Sledge and Mjolna will inherit my carpentry soon and I thought since you are on contract I figured that you could have busy days. You’ll get a good pay and good working condition fitting for you. So…” He shifted and waved a hoof to let me come closer. “…What do you say?” I stood quiet. I was getting a job. An actual employment? Now that I’ve already asked Twilight to send that letter? I thought for a while, gently combing back my hair that had fallen forward. I needed a haircut. After a while of thinking, I chuckled slightly embarrassed. “Thank you. Are you really sure?” I was still confused. They all nodded this time. Again I chuckled. I didn’t know how to react. No more contract jobs. I was actually getting an employment. And I didn’t even know when the answer from Celestia was coming. Could be tomorrow, or even next week. Besides, even if I got this employment I wouldn’t be able to start until after Cider Season. And I could get done with my drawings too. I looked at them and bowed in gratitude. The stallion smiled wide. “Wonderful! Come on, let’s get that employment signed.” He motioned, ushering me to enter the workshop. Sledge used his magic to search the archive until he found the paper he was looking for. He placed it in front of me and I read everything.(How many in my age actually sign without reading? Seriously?) I read it over and over until I took the quill and signed it. He rotated the paper and read the signature. At least, tried to. “Okay. Welcome to Hammer’N’Nails, Mr Bentamin Fields.” He said in a welcoming tone… did he say “Bentamin”? “Umm, it’s Benjamin. Not Bentamin.” I corrected. “Benjamin Emmanuel Fields. But call me Ben.” I shook his hoof and then Sledge’s. I gave Mjolna the same polite shake but thought of something. “Right. You do know that I can’t get to work until after Cider Season, do you?” I asked but the response was a simultaneous nod from them all. Okay, they knew that. Now all I needed was to fix Fluttershy’s couch and meet Rarity at her shop. Then hopefully take rest of the day of to relax. I stopped half step as activity nearby caught my attention. Looking around at the ponies going in and out of town hall. One of the ponies close to me bumped my leg and apologized. But I focused on the ones in town hall. Decorations in a form of streamers that covered the balcony and a banderol that was tied around. Balloons were getting pumped and tied to the railing. Some of the banderols had my favorite color; Green. Sure I said that my favorite was marine but imagine telling Rarity that I wanted green as a color on my clothes. She approved in a more camouflage-pattern but not in a simple coloring. The way they worked. And with Pinkamena helping with decorations inside. Were they preparing for a party? My party? Sure I told her but in the town hall of all places? With all of this I wondered; should I go? They work hard and when my girlfriend and her friends made a party for my 17th birthday I went. Would be rude to turn this down. I chuckled when I made my decision. I think I was going for the party after all. Just to spend the time with them. I was going home after all… I hoped, at least. * * * Fluttershy was out feeding her animals by the time I got to her cottage. Once I walked the bridge to her she perked up at the sight of me. I smiled in a greeting. Her bunny, Angel, thumped his foot and had his forepaws crossed with a frown. I took a breath to not try and kick the bunny. “I have the leg of your couch. Sorry it took until today.” I said apologetic but she shook her head franticly. “No, no! You don’t need to apologize.” She said in her normal, kind manner. I searched my pouch and took the leg out. She opened her door and let me in. I tilted the couch and started working. Taking the wrench and the screwdriver to put the leg in place. I gave it a shake and screwed after feel. It was firmly set and I returned the couch back on all four with a proud smile. I motioned for Fluttershy to try and sit. She flew to the couch and carefully sat down. It didn’t wobble and looked stable. She nodded approvingly. Snapped my fingers and felt pride. “Perfect! Does it feel good?” I asked. She tucked her hooves under her for comfort and gave a more assuring smile. “Yes. I wouldn’t mind if it was slightly faulty.” She responded a little shyly. That was all I needed to hear. Another good job and my final job as a contract-worker. I threw my wrench in the air and caught it with a wide smile. Now I only had Rarity left and the rest of the night at the party. “Umm…” Fluttershy started when I was headed out. Turned around to face her and she prodded her hoof on the floor and hid her face behind her mane. “H-have you thought about your birthday?” she asked nervously. I kneeled down and gave her a smile that made her blush. I really needed to stop doing that to her. “Yeah, I have.” I answered. Her ears perked up slightly at this. Smiling to her I continued. “I’ll see you in town hall later tonight. I’m coming to the party.” Now her ears and wings perked up at full alert. She gained a smile and could’ve sworn that I heard her squeak in happiness. I got and walked out, giving her a wave. Oddly enough, she still stood there, grinning like a school-girl… filly… you know. As I stepped out I noticed Angel frowning at me. I think I looked at him for a few seconds before giving him a: “What?” He hopped into the cottage and poked Fluttershy who still didn’t move. I kept walking before that stupid bunny got any ideas. He wasn’t the bunny from Monty Python but he came very close. * * * I walked to Rarity’s boutique for the final stop of the list. After that I could take the night off. Only the question was what Rarity wanted. I knocked and only on the first knock the door opened and Rarity stood there looking at me, a wide smile but bags under her eyes. She looked as ragged as she did when making Twilight and the others Gala dresses. She immediately used her magic on my shirt to get me inside. “Ben, darling, come in! Come in!” she excitedly said despite her tiredness. Not having much of a choice I walked in, almost tripping on the door-step. Once she had me in the middle of her boutique she let go of my arm and focused her magic on something behind the drapes. A clothed sack hung with a clothes hanger. Blue in color but not opened. And from the disappearing magic aura slowly placing it on the table, she’d let me open it. Only when I was touching the zipper did I hear her do a ‘tsk’-noise behind me. “Not yet, Ben. First.” she sniffed and cringed. ”Could you get upstairs? You need a bath. Or a shower.” I sniffed my arm in disbelief but frown at my sweat-stench. Must’ve been some time since I showered. Too much to do. “And second: I have a razor, bought it for you, so you can get that beard off. You look so much better without it along your present.” She trotted and almost bouncing her steps at her own pride. I touched my beard and looked at her. “But I like my beard.” I tried but she shook her head, giggling. “Ben, darling. You don’t get any mares if you keep looking like that.” Her voice almost… Her smirk told me everything. She was joking. Sighing I walked up to the upper floor and opened the door to her bathroom. Washing my face first to begin my shaving. The razor was a knife that the old barbers used. I had one since my first arrival, a welcome gift from the Apples. Looking into the mirror. My dark brown hair, the green eyes and the dark beard that made me look like my father. I sighed. I took the foam, placing it gently on my face. I took the razor, recently sharpened, and gently brought it down my neck. Washing the razor, shave. After the shave, amazingly without cutting myself, I washed away the foam and checked the mirror. I decided to keep my side-burns. Just for style. I undressed and stepped into the shower. I pulled the curtain in case Sweetie Belle came in. Taking some shampoo to cover my body and washing it. I gave a sigh as I started to calm down. I had tension after yesterday and today. My body finally started to relax. I washed the shampoo out of my hair and stepped out to dry myself. Rarity came in and placed underwear and socks on a nearby chair. I covered myself but she smiled. “Don’t worry, Ben.” She snickered but tilted hear head at me. She then gave me a smile. “Now you look handsome. Do come down after dressing.” She turned and trotted out. I let out a breath. All female gave me this reaction. No matter what world. If I was naked she probably would have screamed. I put my underwear on. Fitted perfectly. The socks fitted as well. Comfortable too. I need to buy more clothes from her. I walked down to meet her and maybe see what she had prepared for me. Sweetie Belle was galloping out but not at the sight of me. I did hear her giggle after speaking with Rarity. She smiled and walked to the sack she had placed once I got here. Placing my hand on the zipper I opened the sack. Inside was a dark blue tux. I trailed my fingers on the coat and took it out. The whole set; a tail-coat, a pearl-white shirt, perfectly fitting pants, a blue-white striped bowtie and carefully placed before me: A pair of black, faux-leather shoes. I took the shirt first. Buttoned it all the way down. It felt warm, and fitted perfectly. Next, the pants and a belt. I put on my shoes while Rarity tied the bowtie. Not too loose and not too tight. I took the tail-coat, feeling it and then buttoned it. I looked into the mirror and I could see Rarity squeaking quietly at her work. But besides that; I was colored dark blue. The shoes perfectly in colored sync with the tux. I shaped up with a smile. Rarity I compared with Ghastly Bespoke from Skulduggery Pleasant. Perfect sewing, fitting just perfect and just as skilled. Although I doubted that her clothes was as durable. It may not stop swords or anything sharp but damn if I didn’t look good. “Ben, you look stunning. Ready for the party?” She asked while she was getting ready as well. I nodded and took another look in the mirror. My final party before going home. And she didn’t know. Having about a half hour of patience Rarity walked out in a red dress that flowed over her flanks and gold trims. I admit that she looked good. We left the boutique and began our walk to the town hall. The sun was setting and all the houses were darkened. No light save for the street-lamps. And the beacon, town hall, guided us. I took a breath and walked in. All the ponies threw confetti in the air, shouting: “SURPRISE!!!” In a timed unison the pegasi let loose a banderol that read: “Happy Birthday, Ben Fields!” I was neared by everypony from Applejack to the Lyra and her marefriend Bon Bon. Bon Bon was the same pony as Applejack. Her mane and tail colored blue and pink together with a cream colored coat. They guided me to a huge cake in the middle of the building. Not big in decoration, just cream with several layers. The lights counted twenty. I blew them out, getting a few clopping hooves as they applauded. Most of the foals guided me to the present and I started to feel like they treated me like child. There weren’t many gifts, to which I was grateful. Not having a house. A long box caught my attention but three little fillies, two of them was Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, the third was a young pegasus with purple styled mane and tailed and a orange coat. Her equally purple eyes looked excitedly at me, as did the others. “Hiya, Ben! We bought ya a gift!” Apple Bloom beamed with pride and happiness. I took the small box in my hands. It had a sloppy cover but it’s the heart that mattered. “Really?” I asked in mock curiosity but I couldn’t help to smile. ”What could it be?” I opened it and inside was a few scrapped papers. Removing them, my smile dropped. I took my fingers around a golden chain connected to a circular golden trinket. I placed it carefully in my palm and pressed my thumb on the button. It opened, revealing a small watch with roman letters. A pocket watch. I looked at them in shock before cracking a smile. “This is… wow.” I began without the ability to think. “Thank you. How could you afford it?” The three fillies looked at each other. “Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo an’ Ah placed a few bits each from our allowance.” Apple Bloom answered. “You don’t know how long Apple Bloom thought of it. Had to ask my parents for a little raise.” Scootaloo said next, pointing her hoof to two pegasi that had part of Scootaloo coat and mane color. I let go of a breath and kneeled down to hug them. Scootaloo grunted slightly. Maybe from awkwardness. After letting them go I placed my pocket watch in the suits pocket and moved on to the others. A couple of clothes, some bits and a piece of a contract from Applejack. What it was, she didn’t say. The final gift was apparently from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. The box I saw earlier. Opening it revealed a guitar. I looked at it for a while and Rainbow flew next to me. “Well? What’dya think?” She asked in her always stoic attitude. I placed it in my arms and nodded. “What gave you the idea?” I asked in curiosity. I admit that I liked music. But never owned an instrument to play with. Rainbow chuckled proudly. “Well, Flutters and I heard from Applejack that you enjoy singing while working. She knew you played the banjo and I figured ‘why not’” She explained and gesticulated with her hooves. I nodded and instead of giving her a hug, something she disliked, I bumped my fist with her hoof. Fluttershy on the other hand was nervously nearing me. I kneeled down to her level. “Thank you for the gift.” I said and gave her a hug. I noticed that she blushed but returned the hug. Letting go to have Rainbow land next to me. “You know how to play?” she asked with a smile. I took a breath and rubbed my neck. “Well…” I began, searching for words. “I do know a few songs I can play on guitar.” She smirked. She didn’t… “Well? Play something!” She pushed. Lifting the gutitar she slammed her hooves lightly on the floor to get a rhythm. “Play, play, play!” She chanted, slowly getting everyponys attention. Soon enough they all chanted, “Play, play, play!” and I started laughing. “Alright! Alright!” I yelled, still laughing. They quieted down. I walked to the stage and a microphone was placed in front of me. I made a tune by letting my thumb fall on the strings. I took a breath. “First of all; Thank you so much for being here.” I said, just now seeing a zebra on the far wall. “Even you, Zecora.” She politely nodded. “You wanted me to play and I thought of one song. Something to remind us that we all lost somepony close to us. Family, friends or a loved one. This is to you.” I said and began playing. I bobbed my head lightly as I felt the song coming. ~So lately, been wondering: Who will be there to take my place? When I’m gone, you’ll need love To light the shadows on your face If a great wave shall fall It’d fall upon us all And between the sand and the stone Could you make it on your own? If I could, then I would I’ll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I’ll go wherever you will go And maybe, I’ll find out The way to make it back someday To watch you, to guide you Through the darkest of your days If a great wave shall fall It’d fall upon us all Well I hope there’s someone out there Who can bring me back to you If I could, then I would I’ll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I’ll go wherever you will go Run away with my heart Run away with my hope Run away with my love I know now, just quite now My life and love and love might still go on In your heart, in your mind I’ll stay with you for all of time If I could, then I would I’ll go wherever you will go Way up high or down low I’ll go wherever you will go~ At the end of the song, they all clopped their hooves on the floor in amazement. I smiled but one pony wasn’t smiling: Twilight. I stepped down to eat some cake. All of the ponies mingled and talked to me, amongst them were Zecora, Mjolna and Sledge. A few complimented either the singing or some the help I’ve given. That was until Pinkamena came to talk. While I ate she talked on and on and I think I lost her around the topic of oatmeal but I didn’t listen. It was like listening to a metal album on fast-forward squirrel sound for a few minutes. I smiled gently and placed the plate with the muffins on the table. I said I needed some fresh air. I just needed to get alone. I walked out, looking at the cloudless night-sky. I looked at the moon and the thoughts that I was going home made a string in my heart tear. Everything they did for me tonight. I let out a breath and flinched at the gust of autumn wind. “Hey, birthday boy!” a female voice said behind me. I turned around to see Lyra and Bon Bon standing behind me. “The party’s inside.” She said with a smile. I returned the smile. I looked to the sky again, leaning on the railing with my arms folded and legs crossed. Bon Bon nudged Lyra on the cheek. “I’ll be inside if you want to talk.” She said, her voice oddly smooth and kind. Lyra nuzzled her and saw her trot in. She sat on her haunches next to me, still on the stairs. We were quiet before Lyra broke the silence. “That song had a meaning didn’t it?” she asked. I nodded. “It was more or less about how I never leave those I cared about. The actual song meant something different.” I explained shortly. She nodded in understanding. More quiet. “I liked it. To never leave and wishing to return…” She stopped and looked at me. “You talked to Twilight about your letter?” She asked at the thought. Again, I nodded. I looked at the ground. “I only hope that she sent it.” I said shortly. As on demand; Twilight stood in the doorway. “Lyra, can I speak to Ben for a minute? Alone?” She asked politely. Lyra nodded and trotted inside. She turned to me. “We’ll talk later. Alright, Ben?” She asked. I nodded and she continued inside. Twilight trotted to me and had an unhappy frown on her muzzle. Her eyes looked at the boards on the stairs. “I sent the letter to Princess Celestia.” She said and I snatched my head to looked at her. I swear I heard a slight crack in my neck. “She hasn’t sent an answer.” She then added. I let out a breath. “I see. Thank you.” I said, relieved but now came the wait. She closed in on me and her head slightly touched my arm. It was a new silence. “So…” She began, letting out a shaky breath. ”… you’re going to leave us?” She asked sadly. I blinked and sighed. “Appears so.” I responded flatly. I let my arm drape over her to pet her neck. She sighed. “But now, all I have is this night.” I said and I smiled. Now all I can do is wait. And that was hard enough. But for now, I can spend the time with the ones close to me here.