//------------------------------//
// Exposure 
// Story: Diamond In The Rough 
// by RayDawn 
//------------------------------//

    The beatings left marks, but that was a problem that make up could fix. Diamond Tiara applied make up to her face, hind left hoof, and left shoulder. Diamond Tiara had been silent about the beatings to her friends. She was a Diamond, she couldn't show weakness. She stepped out of her room and saw her father. Filthy Rich used to be so affectionate to Diamond Tiara, but had recently become more engrossed in his work, and money, and gave Diamond Tiara less attention and care. "Hey daddy." Diamond Tiara said depressingly. Of course, her father didn't notice her tone.

"Hello, Diamond Tiara. How are you? Ready for school?" Filthy Rich said and before she could respond he said "You should get going it is late." Diamond Tiara let her head hang low.

"Okay. Of course you care too much about yourself to listen." Diamond Tiara said the last part to herself. She stopped at the door and put on her mask of happiness to hide her depression. She had been beaten numerous times these last few weeks. She was depressed, but she hid it. Her friends didn't need to worry about her. She stepped out and began to gallop to school.

Recess 

Diamond Tiara was at the playground she helped her fix. Her hoof was damaged from the most recent beating and decided to sit out today. Ms. Cheerilee approached the filly and sat next to her. "Are you okay?" Diamond Tiara jumped at the sudden voice, but fixed herself quickly.

Diamond Tiara feigned happiness and said. "I'm fine, Ms. Cheerilee!" Diamond Tiara even smiled to get Ms. Cheerilee off of her back.

"Okay." Ms. Cheerilee said and Diamond Tiara sighed. Ms. Cheerilee left, but had her wits on her. That filly is hiding something. Perhaps her friends know something. Ms. Cheerilee approached the CMC and Silver Spoon. Cheerilee then spoke to them. "Hello fillies."

"Hi Ms. Cheerilee!" The fillies squeaked.

"I have to ask you about Diamond Tiara." Cheerilee pointed at the pony mentioned, who was moping alone. "Do you know what has been bothering her?" The four fillies began to converse among themselves. They were confused from the sound of it.

Finally, Silver Spoon spoke up. "We don't know. We have noticed that she hasn't been happy for a long time. She's been pretending to be."

Scootaloo then continued their collective train of thought. "I think something's wrong with her." 

Apple Bloom then added her input. "Yea. She always seems distant."

Then Sweetie finished their thoughts. "She's also wearing make up constantly. It's weird."

Ms. Cheerilee then began to formulate ideas in her head and said. "Please try to help her. Also, try to see if you can find out what is wrong." The fillies nodded. "Thank you." She trotted away and the fillies began to speak amongst themselves.

"So we agreed that we will help, but how do we get her to talk? We can't leave her hanging." Silver Spoon said.

"Let's approach her and ask. She hasn't been honest with us and honesty is important." Scootaloo said.

"Yeah, but that ain't too kind." Apple Bloom interjected.

"It isn't, but I want to see her smile, for real, again." Sweetie Belle said.

They all nodded in agreement and decided they would approach their friend and get the truth. No matter what.

...

Diamond Tiara was alone, until she was approached by her friends. She put on her emotional mask and said. "Hi!" Her mask wasn't enough this time.

Silver Spoon spoke. "Diamond Tiara, we're worried about you. We know something is bothering you."

"I'm fine. Nothing is bothering me." Diamond Tiara almost faltered in her words.

"Stop lying to us." Scootaloo said.

"What do you mean? I'm not lying." Not even Diamond Tiara believed herself. Her mask was cracking. Meanwhile everypony was going inside for some reason.

"We know it ain't kind to do this to you, but you need our help." Apple Bloom said.

"We want you to smile again. Please." Sweetie Belle begged Diamond Tiara.

"We are not going to leave you alone during this! We can help." Silver Spoon shouted.

Then the mask broke. "NO YOU CAN'T!" Diamond Tiara shouted as a downpour started. Then she whispered to herself. "She won't let you." Ms. Cheerilee approached and Diamond Tiara heard gasps. My makeup! She thought as discolored patches appeared on her body. Immediately she began galloping away. Cheerilee then got to the fillies.

"Follow her. Make sure she's okay." Cheerilee said and was greeted by four nods. The fillies raced after their friend and followed her to her house. They went to a window and peered inside.

...

"What are you doing back already?" Spoiled Rich questioned her daughter.

"Well, umm..." Diamond Tiara was at a loss for words.

Spoiled Rich then noticed the bruises and prepared to add more. "YOU SHOWED THEM, DIDN'T YOU!?" She was seething with rage.

"No, I-" Diamond Tiara attempted to speak, but it was too late. A hoof connected to her face and her mother was unleashing her rage on the little filly. Each hit was accompanied with a sob, grunt, or plea for help, but Spoiled Rich was oblivious to them. That, and the four fillies watching in horror.

Eventually, the beating stopped and a whimper was all that was left. Spoiled Rich spoke. "First, you disobeyed me for friends and now this. You little brat."

Then a faint voice arose. "I told you. I want to be generous and I want friends! I DON'T care what you say." Diamond Tiara ended it shouting.

She received a slap. "Go to your room! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN!" Diamond Tiara got up and limped to her room and the watching fillies left.

...

"We need to tell Ms. Cheerilee, she'll know what to do." Scootaloo said. The fillies nodded and went back to school.