Chapter 15: Reunions
Ember finished her coffee and watched as Cheerilee looked over her schedule to make sure she could squeeze her in the following morning. “I really appreciate this,” she said, after Cheerilee had closed the book and put it down on the coffee table.
Cheerilee smiled. “Don't worry about it. Have you given talks like this before?”
Ember chuckled, a little nervous. “Well, I've been a guest lecturer at UFilly a couple of times...”
Cheerilee gave a smirk. “Well, this can't be too different.” She paused as an idea came to mind. “I could give you some advice over dinner tonight, if you don't have plans.”
Ember nodded. “That would be great.” She glanced at her watch. “Wait, do you have plans?” she asked, sensing there was more to the invitation than had been said.
Cheerilee smiled. “I was planning on eating out with a friend on the PTA. She won't mind if you join us, and her daughter's in the class you'll be talking to.”
Ember nodded. “If you're sure, I'm happy to meet her. Where and when?”
***
Trixie and Rainclaw's...”date” had gone well, with Trixie managing to refrain from venting once she'd confirmed that Ember hadn't cancelled her investment. The two had talked at length about their travels around Equestria – they had quite a few towns in common, even a couple of venues.
The two arrived at the theatre shortly 4pm, having lost track of time. If Ingreen was annoyed, she didn't show it, and had clearly been prepared for the likelihood of having to rehearse scenes out of order while they were waiting. Trixie was quickly introduced to the other four cast members, who took turns to practice illusions with her backstage in their spare moments.
A second dress rehearsal began at 5, this time from start to finish, and this time Ingreen insisted on giving Trixie a turn at each of Islander's scenes. It was pretty clear to everyone that Trixie would not be ready tonight, but Ingreen and Rainclaw seemed satisfied with her progress.
With rehearsals over, the group changed out of their costumes and returned to the restaurant area, currently occupied by non-ticket holders. The performers ordered and ate a quick dinner, mostly salads. Few of them were especially hungry at this point.
Trixie waited until 7:20 pm observing the room, disconcerted by the apparent absence of her friends. Only when every other table in the room had been taken did it click, and she and the cast quickly hurried backstage to prepare, freeing up the table.
Trixie changed into her outfit and prepared the stage for her act, only seconds before the curtain rose.
***
Ember arrived at the restaurant Cheerilee had directed her to around 7pm. She looked around the room from the doorway and quickly located her sitting beside an indistinct mare, her face hidden by the menu. Cheerilee noticed her and waved her over.
Ember walked over to the table, sat down and picked up the glass of water provided. “Ember Roundup, this is-” Cheerilee was cut off when the other mare lowered the menu, her face giving Ember a mild shock, triggering a coughing fit from the water.
An awkward silence followed, with Ember unsure how or what to explain. “It's the eyes, isn't it,” Ditzy muttered, a thick tone of dejection in her voice. “If it helps, I can do this for a while,” she continued, giving Ember a wink and forcing her to hold back a giggle.
“I'm... sorry. You caught me off guard a bit, normally I'd be a lot more sensitive,” Ember stammered.
Cheerilee seemed to take it at face value and continued with the introductions. “Ember Roundup, Ditzy Doo, and I apologise for not bringing that up earlier.” She got out of the chair. “I'll go and order us a large salad to start, you two can get to know each other.”
Once Cheerilee was out of earshot, Ember spoke up. “So, you're still not telling ponies about 'Muffin Parcels' yet?”
Ditzy smiled and shook her head. “I can do without the attention.”
Ember nodded, understanding. “How is Zappapple Tock and the Nightwing Conspiracy coming along?”
“It's okay. But I wish I knew how to squeeze more of my own ideas into the original book's events,” Ditzy replied.
“Any plans for another New Adventures book?” Ember asked. “You know, there are a lot of ponies who would love to work with you.”
Ditzy shook her head. “Writing Daring never really came naturally to me. Not like Zapp.”
Ember smiled. “Don't sell yourself short. Universal Cracks was brilliant, and that can't all be down to Steeple.”
Ditzy returned the smile. “What about you, do you have a comeback planned?”
Ember's face fell. “I had a story in mind, but I'm not sure if I can do anything with it now.”
Ditzy opted not to press further. “So, what are you doing in Ponyville?”
Ember hesitated. “Cheerilee invited me to give a talk to her class about my career, tomorrow morning.”
“Ah, Dinky's class! Any topics I should ask her to bring up?” asked Ditzy with a grin. It soon faded to a thoughtful look. “Actually, thinking about it, maybe my other daughter could use some advice from you.”
Ember's interest was piqued. “You have another daughter?”
Ditzy nodded. “Fostered, actually. Anyway, I've noticed over recently that she has a minor talent for writing, probably better than mine, but I haven't been able to convince her of that.”
Ember frowned. “So, she enjoys writing but doesn't think it's worth her pursuing?” Ditzy nodded. “Well, I don't know what you expect me to say to convince her, especially if it's not even her Cutie Mark talent. Besides I'm heading back to Fillydephia early afternoon tomorrow, depending on... how things go at the school.”
Ditzy considered that. “Well, I could have her walk Dinky to school and have her meet you either before or after the talk.”
Ember nodded, a little reluctant. “I'm still not sure the timing works, but if she does show up I'll do what I can.” As if on instinct, she put her glass down and swallowed before asking the next question: “What's her name, anyway?”
***
Trixie walked downstage as the curtain closed, more satisfied with her performance than any she'd given in the last two years. Ingreen and the others walked onto the stage and Trixie quickly helped them assemble the scenery for the opening act. Once they were ready, Trixie walked backstage, removed her costume, then made her way back to the dining area.
The lights were down, but Trixie had no trouble finding the table, thanks to Lyra flickering her horn to get her attention. She quietly walked round to the remaining seat, taking a moment to realise that all seven seats were now taken despite Ember's absence. She lit up her horn and looked around the table – Thunderlane, Medley, Bow, Bon Bon, Lyra... and Checker, who proceeded to glomp Trixie before she could even react.
After a brief awkward moment, Trixie returned the embrace. “What happened to the part where you slap me for not contacting you for over a year, and making you think I was dead? Or is that still to come?”
At those words, Trixie felt two drops of water fall on her shoulders. “You've been punished enough,” her sister replied.