???????
I ran through the school, trying to find a way out. Smoke filled my lungs as I galloped down hallways, which were burning at an unbelievable rate. The dark haze clouded my eyes, making my vision blurry. I can't go on much longer. Rounding a corner, I skidded to a stop. A wall of fire blocked my exit. I spun around, trying to outrun the flames nipping at my heels. My breathing became slower, and my legs started to feel like cinder blocks weighing me down. With one last breath, I collapsed to the floor, clutching my heart.
The sounds of crackling fire and breaking walls began to dissipate as I floated towards the ceiling. It wasn't exactly "floating", more like being lifted by a muscular angel. A cute one. The stallion sped through the halls, dodging the whipping flames. His fur brushed against mine as he ran, protecting me from harm. Suddenly he stopped and pulled me closer. I managed to see a bright orange glow emitting heat before us. The exit was blocked. Taking a step back, the stallion charged. He grunted as he leaped through the fire, landing square on his hooves. The angel pony kept on running, almost outside. We burst into the sweet, fresh air, surrounded by fireponies and police.
"He got her, she's out!" I was gently laid on the ground and was instantly surrounded. One of the ponies began pushing on my chest in a rhythmic beat, getting my heart beating again. I gasped, sucking in oxygen and coughing up smoke.
"She's stable, get her some water!" They shoved something into my mouth and squeezed. I gratefully drank the cold liquid down. The bottle departed my lips, and I blinked my eyes open. Cheers erupted around me as I stood up with wobbly legs. I shook my head and looked around. Everyone was covered in ash and burns, but otherwise unharmed. A brown unicorn wearing a white lab coat trotted over to me.
"Honey Dill, are you alright?" he asked. I nodded, and coughed again. The doctor sighed with relief.
"That's good. Y'know, if it weren't for this young man you wouldn't be here right now." Pop Rock strode up, also slightly burned. Without thinking I lunged forward and wrapped my weak arms around him. I felt his body tense up, but then relax as he returned the hug. We just stood there, lost in the warm embrace. Sirens sounded around us as more ambulances arrived. Louder, and louder....
November 30
"Gah!" I rolled off of my bed causing me to hit my head on the floor. Groaning, I picked myself up and slammed a hoof onto the alarm clock.
"Stupid thing..." I muttered. I was enjoying that dream! Trotting over to my dresser I picked up a blue silk bow. Maybe he'll actually notice me? I descended the stairs into the kitchen where my dad, High Tide was reading a newspaper. I opened the fridge and took out some milk.
"Did you hear about the murder last night?" the teal stallion asked, not looking up from the article. I got some cereal down from the cabinets.
"No, who was killed?" I prepared myself a bowl of Wheaty Bits.
"Some pony named Rocket Star." He replied, turning the page. I shrugged and took a bite of my breakfast. Somepony's life is ruined. I feel bad for them.
I hopped off the bus and headed towards the front entrance. It had started to rain, so I tried to make it there as quickly as possible. Somewhere behind me I heard Diamond Tiara get off the bus.
"ARE YOU BUCKING KIDDING ME?!" she screeched. "NOW MY MANE IS GOING TO GET WET!" I smiled. She deserves it. Running through the doors, I shook myself free of water. I fixed my mane a bit, for it had gotten scuffed up in the process. Trotting down the hallway, I saw Pop Rock slowly walking towards the locker bay. I normally would've squealed and hid behind a trash can, but not this time. The purple stallion looked different. His ears drooped at his sides, and he seemed to drag his feet when he walked. Something was wrong. Gathering up some courage, I took a deep breath and stepped over to him. We walked along-side each other in silence. Awkward silence. Finally, I said something.
"Hey." Oh, I blew it! He probably hates me now!
"Hey, Honey Dill" he replied glumly. Oh my Celestia he remembers my name.
"So, um, where are all of your friends?" I tried to at least get a conversation going, maybe even find out why he's so down. Pop Rock sighed.
"I told them I wanted to be alone." he looked up at me. I realized what he meant.
"Oh, I, uh, should leave then." I turned to go.
"No, it's fine." My heart skipped a beat as he called out the offering. I trudged back to him. Neither of us said anything. Again with the awkward silence? Really?
"I don't mean to intrude on your business, but," I gulped. "Why are you so, y'know. Down in the dumps?" The stallion cringed, like I just stabbed him with a pencil. I probably shouldn't have asked that.
"You didn't hear about what happened last night?" he said grimly. I cocked my head.
"The murder? Yeah my dad told me about it this morning." I stopped walking, making him do the same. "Why?" The unicorn looked away. He hesitated before he spoke again.
"That was my brother." He had a dark tone to his voice, almost as if venom on his tongue that he was trying to get off. "I barely knew him. He was in college when I was a kid. All I remember is that he was like a father to me, that he always had my back." The purple stallion hung his head and sat down. I was in shock. Oh my gosh, what do I do!? I can't just leave him! But, what should I say? I slowly seated myself next to him. Without thinking, I put my arm around his shoulder.
"We all go through times in our lives when we lose someone dear to us." I said softly. "My mother died when I was a baby. I hardly knew her, but I still miss her." Pop Rock looked up at me. I continued.
"Hey, I know how you feel, but these things happen. Ponies will always be there for you, so c'mon." I smiled. "Hakuna matata." I got up, pulling the stallion with me. He brushed his shaggy bangs out of his face and smiled graciously.
"Thanks, I needed that." he ruffled my mane. I shoved him off.
"Hey, not the hair!" we both laughed and messed around, chasing and fake punching each other. Then, the 5 minute bell rang. We stopped horsing around and signed a "truce". We talked all the way to the locker bay, where students were running around trying to get to their classes.
"See you in 3rd." Pop Rock trotted off with a wave, leaving me by myself. I sighed. He totally likes me.