> Daily Lie
>  by Lady Brony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 (with corrections)   
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Daily Lie


My daughter, Nova slammed the door behind her after getting home from school. I was in the kitchen preparing dinner for the night when I heard it; my reaction was to scold her about being gentle with it before she breaks it. I put down the spoon for the pasta.

I walked to the hallway, where the gray filly with a dark purple and black mane stood. “Nova, what have I-“. I stopped as I soon saw tears dripped down her face. “Nova, is everything alright?  

Nova avoided eye contact; she stared at the wooden floor. “I don’t want to talk about It.” She said, as she ran past me and up the stairs to her room, giving it another slam. “Not this again”. I thought as I climbed up the stairs. My daughter was always a “Late Bloomer” to put it nicely, problems at school must be getting worse. 

“Nova sweetie, are you alright?” I knocked on her door.

“Go away”. Nova yelled, part crying, through the door. I expected that response from her.

“Nova, this is the third time this week you came home like this. If you don’t talk about it, it’s just going to keep happening.” I said as I tried to reason with her. I hated seeing her like this.

“I said go away”. She said again.

“Fine”. I said. There was no point to fight with her at least for now. Dinner still had  to be made. I would have to deal with it later.


***


I went to the kitchen and continued what I was doing before, I put the garlic bread in the oven and turn it on. Then took the spoon and stirred it around in the pot of pasta. When I see Nova like that it breaks my heart however, she doesn’t like to talk about what the kids do to her at school.

I’ve seen her come home with cuts and bruises and once, a black eye! It keeps getting worse but Nova refuses to tell me anything. There’s not much I can do without any information. She used to be such a happy girl. Always smiling and laughing, now she locks herself in her room and only comes out for dinner or to go to school.  

She doesn’t have that many friends and rarely goes out on weekends. She would rather stay home and not be at school. Nova makes every excuse to get out of it. Like she has a stomachache or she doesn’t want to walk in the rain, anything she can come up with, she’ll use it. She has missed tons of school, too many days for me to count.

I poured the boiled water out in the sink, separating spaghetti and water.

I’m at my wits end with her, since my husband, Rumble goes on business trips a lot and isn’t home that much to help out with Nova. I'm by myself most of the time with her. I kind of feel a like a single mom sometimes-.

“Mom”. A voice said behind me.

I turned to see Nova standing the kitchen, head low in defect. She actually came out of her room that’s a miracle in itself.

“Yes sweetie”.  I said. Taking in this rare moment.

“I think I'm ready to tell you what happens at school”. Nova said. Tears formed in her eyes. Her self-confidence has really gone hill down since the surgery. She’s no longer that happy little girl she once was.

“Okay, give me a minute to finish dinner and then we can talk it over while we eat”.  I said, putting the pasta back in the pot.

“Alright”. Nova sniffed. She left and went back to her room.

***

Supper was on the table. Nova sat at the far end, she stayed quiet glared it at her plate of food. She picked at her food, staying quiet as possible. Guess I'm the one who has to start the conversation (yet again).

“So Nova, what did you want to talk to me about?’ I asked from the other side of the table. Why did Rumble have to buy the biggest one they had at the store? I mean it takes up half of the living room!

For a moment Nova hesitated before an answer was given. “I'm just sick of everyone at school, everybody treats me like shit since I had the cancer and I had to have my wing removed”. Nova said. She went back to stare at the floor again, a nervous habit she developed over time. “It’s like no one cares about me anymore”.


***


A few months ago, Nova was diagnosed with cancer in her left wing. The cancer got bad so quickly that doctors acted and amputated the wing before could it spread. Nova was devastated that she wouldn't fly any longer. She cried and begged me not to let the doctors do this to her. I told her it would save her life and make her stronger. I loathed making her go through that but I had no choice. She could have died if I did nothing.

My husband was away at work on another business trip and I couldn’t get a hold of him. I called him several times with no answer. I had to face that on my own with her. It wasn’t only hard for Nova it was hard on me too.

When Nova was able to return to school. She was greeted by getting ignored by her best friends or being pushed into lockers by others. Nova used to tell me everything but when bullying started, she turned very shy and didn’t want to be close to anyone, she has changed a lot over a short period of time.


***


“Nova, no swearing at the dinner table, it’s not lady like”. I cautioned slightly. ‘And what do you mean when you think that no one cares”.

Nova sighed. “None of my friends have spoken to me after the operation, even if I go near them, they fly off together. They called me a one winged freak-”. Nova erupted into tears and brokedown. I got out of my chair and hugged her.

“Shh, It’s going to be fine”. I comforted her as I hugged her tighter.
Nova sniffed. “How do you know? You don’t understand what it’s like looking like a freak show all the time”.  Nova cried. “I’ll be a flightless loser for the rest of my life”.

I took in a deep breath to calm myself down. That brought back some bad memories and uncovered old wounds. “She doesn’t mean it, She's having a rough patch”. I told myself for another time. It still pains me to hear that my daughter thinks she’s a loser and I felt the same once as well.

“Nova, I know what you're going through and it isn’t easy, I wished you weren’t hurting so much but I had a very similar thing happen to me when I was your age”. I confessed.

Nova wiped her tears away. “What do you mean?”

[i
]***


Imagine not being able to be like everyone else. What it’s like seeing others do what you cannot. Something you were supposed to do at birth but for whatever the reasons are, you couldn’t. Going through a living nightmare each and every day.

No matter how much you want to scream and cry, you're not allowed too. No, you have to put on a brave face and live life to the fullest.  Be an Inspiration for everyone around as there’s always someone with it way worse than you. Show everyone you're not bothered by what your disabilities are.

That’s what I struggled with for years.

For the longest time I felt useless and a disgrace to my kind. I'm not like other Pegasi for I can’t fly due to a birth defect. My wings were too small for flight. I’ll never feel the wind in my purple mane while soaring in the sky or sleeping in a cloud. There have been countless nights where I cried myself to sleep.

I’m just a waste of space.

Then came the next morning where I completely act like nothing is wrong and go my merry way. Sure, I have the odd pony asking me if there’s anything up. But it always went the same way:


***


It was the first day of middle school. The change was stressful for me. 

“Hey Scoots”. Apple-Bloom and Sweetie Belle, happily greeted me in unison before school started.

“HI”. I said, in monotone. Like I usually do,

“Scoots, are you alright?” Apple-Bloom asked in her thick southern accent. To tell the truth, I wasn’t. I’ve been miserable and numb for years. But my friends don’t need to know that. I'm not going to be that much of a Debbie Downer.

“I’m fine”. I lied. With my great acting skills to the test, they couldn’t know,

“Umm… okay”. Apple-Bloom remarked.

“We should go to class now. Sweetie said.  Looking at the clock on the wall. “Can’t be late on the first day”.

“Okay”.


***


That was a lie I told every day. Who knew two simple words could cause me all this grief. It bothered me I was being two faced to my two best friends, but at the time I saw it as protecting them.

I thought they'd laugh at me if I told the truth and tell me to get over it. I didn’t want deal with that kind of crap. I don’t need to hear it from them. I don’t want to see the sorry faces, I have dealt with that enough.

When I was younger I used to think that if I tried my hardest and have patience that I would fly. Boy, I was so wrong, I trained for nearly five years without seeing any change. I was completely destroyed with the fact that I couldn't fly. I thought I was being punished for an unknown reason.

All the tears and sweat were not worth it. I just give up after that. No matter what I do I'm not seeing success and I was ready to quit for good. It all was falling apart and I was too.


***


All of the other Pegasi my age had been flying for years and I couldn’t. Was there something wrong with me? It was getting sad now, I was almost sixteen and I had never been in the sky.  

I'm hopeless; I’ll never fly, not in this lifetime.

I just wanted to end it all.

> Chapter 2 (with corrections) 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nova and I moved into the living room and began chatting on the couch. After her meltdown at dinner, I'd moved us here to have a brief heart to heart.  She'd finally calmed down and willingly joined me.  I even gave her a glass of red wine, deciding that it would calm her down a bit.  It was only a quarter of cup, so I didn't see the harm in it.  I hoped she wasn't a lightweight like her dad is.  Giving a minor a teensy bit of wine was one thing, but getting a minor drunk was an entirely different beast altogether.  

“So...are you ready to talk about what happened at school?" I asked her, taking a sip of wine. This should be good.

“I will after another glass of wine...pretty please?"  Nova gave me her signature "puppy eyes."  I wasn't impressed.  I'd seen better.

“Nice try.  You've had enough already, and besides...your father is going is to kill me if he finds out I let you drink any in the first place...”

“So don’t tell him. What he know doesn’t, won’t hurt him, right?"

“No more alcohol for you, girl.  You're only fifteen.  Now focus."

“Ugh...you’re such a buzz kill, mom. Fine.”  Nova rolled her blue eyes at me.

“Forgive me for not being "with it" or whatever you kids think is "cool" nowadays.  Now what did you do, missy?”  I was beginning to lose patience here.  I didn't feel like getting the run around right now.

“Okay okay!  I'll tell you...but you've got to promise you won't get mad."  

“Fine.  I promise.  Now what happened?"

“You've got to give me a "Pinkie Promise."  I put a hand to my forehead in exasperation.  I didn't have the patience for this right now.

"Whatever.  "Cross my heart, hope to fly.  Stick a cupcake in my eye."  Good enough for you?"  Nova nodded.
"Yep.  Okay...so this is what happened...."  Nova began telling her story.

[i
]***

Nova grabbed her history textbook out of her locker and closed it.  History was her last class for the day...and it was also her least favorite class. She looked around her in the crowded hallway full of students chatting in between periods.  She usually didn't mind the noise, but she had a bit of a short fuse today.  She decided to head straight to class.  She turned around...and suddenly bumped into something and heard a clamor as several books fell upon the linoleum floor.  It was a red-coated colt with a two-toned yellow and orange mane. She'd made him drop his textbooks by bumping into him.

“Oh, my bad!  Sorry 'bout that...didn’t you see there."  She went to pick up the books to help him. It was the least she could do after crashing into him like that.,,but then again...he was built pretty solidly.  She doubted she'd so much as bruised him.

“No, no, don't worry about it.  It’s fine. I got it," he said while picking the books up off the linoleum floor of the crowded hallway.

“No. I was the one who bumped in you, dude.  Lemme' help."  Nova stubbornly ignored his protests and continued to  “help."  Her militant politeness was to be refused by no one.  No one.

“You don’t need to.  Really."  The colt sighed in resignation after realizing that Nova was going to help him whether he liked it or not.  While the two of them gathered the textbooks off the floor, their hands touched briefly. They both blushed, and Nova frantically took her hand away.    

“S-sorry."  The crimson taint on Nova's cheeks darkened even further.  She couldn't help it.  He was cute.

“It’s cool.  Hey, I was skipping class, anyway. You wanna' join me?”

“Won't you get in trouble for that?”  The stallion rose to his full height. She was maybe five inches shorter then him.  He was pretty imposing and well-built.  

“Only if we get busted!  And we're not gonna' get busted.  Scout's honor!"  He winked at her.  Nova thought about his proposition for a second. History had never been her favorite subject, and there was someone actually talking to her.  In person.  Not many ponies had talked to her now after she'd had her surgery. They usually saw her as an outcast or a freak.  She couldn't blow this for herself.  Maybe the two of them could foster a closer relationship?  

“Okay, I'm game. History sucks anyway."

“Gym’s worse."  

"Huh.  Really?  I'm gonna' have to disagree with you there.  I'm Nova by the way."  Why would this guy hate gym class?  
He seemed pretty athletic, so it should be a breeze for him.  Nova, however, despised gym only slightly less than history.  Despite her slender build, she was pretty unfit.  She couldn't do a single pull or do anything more than dangle with her feet off the ground on the rope climb.  This guy shouldn't have any problem with either activity, though.  Maybe he just didn't like dressing out or showering with a bunch of dudes.  That last thought made Nova blush again.  She inwardly cursed her adolescent hormones for making her such a clumsy, amorous mess.

"Nice to meet you, Nova. I'm Crimson.  Ready to head out?"  "Crimson?"  "Crimson...what?"  She wondered what his full name was.
The two walked out the school doors as the bell rang. Crimson discreetly draped one of his arms around Nova as the two of them walked out into the warm sunshine.  She chose not to say anything about it.  In a weird way, she liked it...and she was desperate to have any sort of friend after her old "friends" had ditched her. She'd felt lonely for such a long while.  This was a nice change of pace.  And, hey...it wasn't like Crimson wasn't easy on the eyes or anything.  She could do a lot worse, right?  The big colt smiled at her.  She liked his smile.  He had a cute smile.  Today was turning out to be a pretty good day, after all.


***

With hands locked, Crimson took Nova to a small park across from the school. He brought over her a shady spot where trees hidden from any prying eyes. The big colt sat under a tree motioned Nova to join him. Nova took a seat on the ground but made sure she sat beside him where her single wing could put some distance between them.  She was nervous.  As much as she liked this guy, she wanted to take things slow.  She'd heard from a lot of ponies how relationships always turned sour when a couple rushed things.  But were they a couple?  A real, legit couple?  

“So...uh...do...do you come here often?” Nova asked. making a rather clumsy attempt at conversation.  Luckily, Crimson didn't seem to mind.  He seemed perfectly at ease in her company, though.  She wished she could say the same about herself.

“Just to cut gym class...which...I guess makes that all the time...maybe I should've just said that outright, huh?  Hehehe..."    

The big colt chuckled.  She wondered if it was a nervous chuckle...a part of her wished that he was feeling just as awkward as she was right now.  Was he nervous, too?  But after Crimson suddenly scooted a bit closer to her, she decided that he wasn't.  The two of them were barely two inches away from one another now...but the big guy wasn't putting any pressure on her, and he seemed to be taking things slow with her.  She smiled and grasped his hand in her own...she could feel the rough, callused texture of his hand.  It was so much different than her own foal-soft, smooth hand...and Crimson's hand was so big that it completely engulfed her own.  She blushed.  He was clearly pretty strong...but his grip on her hand was so gentle.  He was sweet.  This wasn't too bad.  She relaxed a little.  She was close enough to smell his cologne now...she also thought she could smell something else...tobacco?  She couldn't really tell for certain, seeing as to how she didn't hang around smokers enough to know the smell.  Not that she cared that much, though....it still smelled nice.  He smelled nice.  Masculine.  Should she tell him such a thing?  Would he take it as a compliment, or would he just think she was weird?  She forced herself to stop over-thinking the situation.  She took a deep breath and tried to relax again...    

“You skip Equestrian much?”  The big colt didn't seem the slightest bit ill at ease.  Had he done this with another filly before?  She felt a sudden pang of irrational jealousy.  She forced herself to stop over-thinking...yet again.  She hoped she wouldn't keep over-analyzing everything the two of them said and did.  It was getting kind of annoying at this old.  

“Not so much Equestrian.  Mostly just History...that stuff is mind-numbing, dude.  But...I don’t have anyone to skip class with...so...uh...*ahem*...I don't usually do this...but like I...this is pretty cool...I'll...I'll shut up now..."  Nova was inwardly kicking herself.  Why couldn't stop babbling and shut her big yap?!  

She wondered if she sounded like a dork?  Did he think she was a dork?  She hoped not.  Dorks didn't land coltfriends.  Dorky mares ended up fat and alone with their only solace in life being their occasional trip to the comic book store to buy the latest issue of Spidermane or Batmare...and to chat up the stallion working as the cashier as their sole means of male contact.  At least, that's what she thought happened to dorks...in the movies, anyway.  But what qualities made a filly a "dork," anyway?  She was starting to feel nervous again...  

“Ha!  Well, you do now, Nova!  Consider me your "go-to" from now on, if you ever wanna' skip with somepony.  But I actually kinda' dig History myself.  Equestrian history is pretty cool, if you try to get invested in it and stuff.  You learn all sorts of awesome stuff about the past that most ponies have forgotten about.  Some pretty crazy stuff went down in history, trust me.  Did you know Princess Celestia and Luna were originally from the Kingdom of Germaneigh?  It was like after they got exiled for speaking out against the king and stuff over eight hundred years ago.  After they got booted out, they went south and founded Equestria at the village of Dappleshore...it's pretty crazy to think how tiny we were back then as big as we are, huh?  Oh, and the Princesses had those funny accents and everything back then, too...hehehe..."  Nova groaned.  Great.  Just what she needed right now.  A history lecture.  But she didn't want him to think he was boring her.  

"Uh...wow...I didn't know that.  That's...that's neat."  "Neat?"  Did she just say "neat?!"  Nopony her age said "neat!"  What was she?  Eighty years old?!    

"Ah, I get it...I'm boring you.  Sorry.  I kinda' get carried away about all that stuff."  Uh oh.  He was on to her.  She pretty pull a quick save.
"Oh!  No, dude!  It's cool!  Y-you're not boring me or anything.  I...we can talk about history, if you want.  I like history, too...I just like...said all that stuff before to...to...uh..."  Crap!  Now she was babbling!  Her brain frantically searched for the right words to say to the handsome colt.  She didn't want him to think she despised his favorite subject in school!  But Crimson merely smiled at her in response.

"Hehehe...yeah...suuuuurrrreee.  Whatever you say, Nova.  C'mon.  You can't fool me.  I saw your eyes glazing over."  What should she say to him?  Should she be honest?  Or should she make something up?  Thankfully, Crimson  

"It's fine.  So what if you're not a history buff?  Big deal.  You can't help what you do and don't like.  Everypony's different.”  That was true.  He wasn't judging her.  She sighed a breath of relief and responded...  

“Well, no, it's not that I just...uh...like totally hate history or anything.  I guess I just don't like the teacher, Mrs. Winnie. All she does is put on movies and give homework. It’s really boring.  I think she hates her job.  Like...for example,  I saw her put her feet on her desk last week...she started texting the whole time we were watching this movie about the formation of the Equestrian diarchy or something.  And I think she puts scotch in her coffee, too."  Much to her surprise, Crimson started giggling.  Actually, giggling!  She didn't know colts giggled!  It was one of the cutest things she'd ever seen...she groaned to herself...she was acting like a complete tool.

“Hehehehehe!!....aw....man...she sounds like a model teacher," Crimson said, as he'd procured the items for which he'd been rummaging in his pack.

Crimson took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter...he lit up a smoke and took a heavy...he breathed out the blue-grey smoke in a big, nebulous cloud in front of the pair.  Nova merely stared at the smoking colt in pure disbelief.  She'd had no idea he smoked...but then again, his cologne had masked most of the tobacco's scent on his clothes.  Nova felt a pang of intense disappointment.  As a cancer survivor, she wanted nothing to do with smoking...or smokers.  Why did Crimson have to do one of the things she hated the most?  Did the one colt who actually took an interest in her really have to a smoker?  Why couldn't she just catch a break?  Was this all some sort of complex joke?  Did some cosmic being up above think messing with her every other day in some new and unique way was funny or something?  If so, then she hoped it was all worth it.  She hoped he was getting a good laugh out of all this, whoever he was.  A simple knock-knock joke was good enough for Nova, but nooooooooo!  This guy liked architecting these great, farcical tragedies that were absurdly complex and laden with all sorts of satire and irony!  

“Oh, did you want one?"  Crimson offered her a cigarette, dangling it in front of her face.  She grimaced.

“No, thanks," she said in a terse, no-nonsense voice.

"Oh.  Okay, then."  A thick waft of tobacco smoke entered Nova's nostrils, prompting her to sputter and cough.  

“*cough* *cough*  Blegh!  Could you please just...like put that out?  Please?  It's making me tear up, Crimson."  

The stench of the oily, acrid smoke was grossing her out.  She scoot away from him, as she sputtered and wheezed.  Why did some ponies think it was "cool" to smoke?  Were they trying to kill themselves?  Did they have a problem with breathing without an oxygen tank after they'd contracted emphysema?  Did they just like the smell or something?  Nova shook her head.  She just couldn't understand some ponies.

“Sorry...but could you just let me finish one first?  I'll stop after this one.  Promise."  

“Okay...*cough*...but no more...*cough*...jeez..."  Crimson's eyes softened.  He exhaled a final drag off his cigarette before flicking the lit cherry out onto the dirt by his boot.  He stomped out the cherry and put his cigarettes away.  He looked...apologetic...and embarrassed...Nova felt guilty.  She hadn't wanted to make the guy feel bad or anything.  She'd just wanted to breath air that didn't make her cough up a lung or something.

"Hey...I'm sorry.  I didn't know it bothered you so much.  Sorry."  She smiled at him.

"Don't worry about it.  It's not a big deal.  I just can't stand the smell...it makes me gag...ugh..."        

“Is that all?  Hehehe...well, that's why ponies invented body spray.  Cigarette smoke, I banish thee!"  Crimson procured a black can of body spray with a roguish grin and then proceeded to spray himself with the strong-smelling substance...

Nova decided that the body spray wasn't much a superior alternative smell to the stench of burning tobacco.  The caustic cloud of deodorant was starting to make Nova gag almost as much as the smoke had...in fact, it was actually worse!  She covered her nose and mouth to block out the smell.  Nova wretched and coughed as the body spray assailed her eyes, nose, and mouth all at once...like some sort of "bum's-rush" offensive maneuver intended to overwhelm with sheer intensity rather than any sort of defined strategy.  Why did colts think that girls liked the smell of that crap?!  It made you smell worse than before!  And why did the company that made the stuff think it was a good idea to make the smell so strong?!  It was like getting punched in the head with a huge fist holding a bunch of flowers that had been soaked in pine cleaner!  Nova covered her snout with her shirt to filter out the ordure.  She sighed in exasperation as Crimson continued to cluelessly pile on the cheap, vehement deodorant with a goofy smile on his face.  He actually thought he was helping...  
Great.  She couldn't believe that she'd ever miss the smell of cigarette smoke.    

***

A while after he had completely encompassed himself in a thick cloud of that awful, gag-inducing body stray and had put out his cigarette, Crimson spread his wings and took to the air.  He landed on a low-altitude cloud and quickly surveyed the distant school to see if class had let out or not.  Nova hoped the wind would blow some of that nasty stench off him.  Crimson flew back to the ground and sat back down next to her.  He had the look of a colt who had something awkward to ask/say.  And as he began speaking after what had seemed an eternity of uncomfortable silence, Nova understood why he had this look.

“Um...hey, Nova...can I ask you something?"  

"Yeah.  Sure.  What's up?"

"Do you like...d-do you have a boyfriend?  It's cool if you already do, though.  Just...you know...curious...*ahem*"  Nova's cheeks turned beet red.

“Um....n-no...not really, why?"  She was still reeling from her surprise.  

Nova had been taken completely off-guard by his question.  Why would he ask her about something like right out of the blue?!  Weren't you supposed to ease into asking questions like that?!  She wasn't even sure how she should answer him.  She barely knew him after all.  Although Nova had seen Crimson in the hallway quite a few times, neither of the two ponies had ever talked until today.  They didn't even have any classes together.  Why would Crimson take such an interest in a filly he barely knew?  But...apparently, she was doing something right, as Crimson put his arm around her again and pulled her in closer to him.  Nova was glad that the dreadful tobacco-body spray stench had been dissipated by wind...he didn't smell like an ashtray full of cologne anymore.    

“You don't?  Oh, cool.  I just figured a filly like you would have already...uh...you know..."  He pulled her even closer towards him.  But what had he meant by that last comment?

"What'd you mean by all that "a filly like you would have already, you know" business?"  He wasn't implying that she...she was "loose?"  Was he?

"Oh, uh...it's just that you're really pretty.  I just figured you already had a boyfriend is all."  She blushed again.  Her heart began beating a bit faster.  She had to answer him...she had to let him know that he hadn't flustered her.  She had to play it cool.

“T-thanks, dude.  You’re not so bad looking yourself.”  Yeah.  Like a boss.  If she hadn't stuttered a bit while saying "thanks," then she'd have almost sounded like a veritably sultry movie vixen.  

"Hehehe...thanks, Nova.  So...uh...what do you think of me?  Being your boyfriend, I mean?"  Nova felt Crimsom's hand slide down her back to her waist.  It was making her pretty uncomfortable, but she did nothing to stop it.  After all...wasn't this kind of stuff a part of dating?  Should she just go along with it?

"Uh...I...I'm not sure..."  What sort of answer was that?!  Would he take offense?

“Well...I think we'd good together, Nova...I've seen in around the school a bunch of times.  You're always by yourself...you always look so...well...lonesome.  I don't think that's right.  A pretty girl like yourself shouldn't be alone all the time...you deserve better..."  As sweet as his words seemed, Crimson's subsequent actions held an entirely different connotation.  

After he'd said this, Crimson began sensually running his hand down Nova's leg.  He pull her even closer...his hand began massaging her upper thigh.  That did it.  It was too much too soon.  Crimson had crossed the line.  He couldn't possibly think she'd do something like that, could he?  This wasn't even their first date technically!  Why would he even think doing such a thing this soon was reasonable?!  But...what if he didn't care?  That thought chilled Nova down to her very bones.  Alarm bells started going off in her head.  She needed to come up with a reason to get away from him.  Anything.  Now.

“I-I think I should go, Crimson.  S-sorry.  I have a lot of homework to do.  I'll see you around..."  She slung her bag over her shoulders and began briskly walking away from where Crimson sat.  She thought it'd be a pretty good idea right about now to put some distance between the two of them.  

"Nova!  W-wait a minute!!," he shouted after her.  Nova stopped suddenly in her tracks and turned to face him.  But why?  Why was she doing this?  She must be crazy.  She had to get out of here.
“Yeah?  What?"

"You forgot your textbook."  Crimson walked up to her and handed her the book.  She took it and put it in her bag.  She turned to leave again.

“Thanks.  Bye," she said in a terse, nervous voice.  But she couldn't leave for some reason.  She just stood there.  Her hand brush a single strand of her vibrant, purple mane away from her eyes, and she awkwardly stared at the while avoiding eye contact with the big colt.  He was the first to break the silence.

“Uh...so...d-do you wanna' hang out again sometime?"  His demeanor had changed entirely.  Now Nova understood.  Crimson had likely thought that putting on a cool face and being overly aggressive equated to "confidence."  She had misread his intentions.  He'd probably taken some bad dating advice about "being the alpha male" without understanding what that even meant.  He wasn't a creeper after all.  He'd tried to put on the “cool act”, but now Nova knew that he'd been every bit as nervous as she had.    

"What do you mean by "hang out?"

"Uh...yeah...sorry about that.  I didn't mean to freak you out or anything...I just...I really wanna' see you again, Nova."  

He was sorry.  He hadn't wanted to frighten her at all.  He was so unsure of himself.  Vulnerable.  This was the real Crimson.  He wasn't some "ladies colt" type guy at all.  He was inexperienced, too.  It was pretty adorable, she had to admit.  She was feeling a lot more comfortable around him now.  Maybe she should give him a second chance?  

“Hehehe....so...like...what?  Are you asking me out or something?"

“Maybe.  Maybe not.  Depends on how you answer."  Nova giggled.  He was trying to reclaim a little bit of his lost confidence.  But he couldn't fool her anymore.  She knew he was just a big softie inside.  Not a lecherous creep.  

“Yeah.  Okay, sure.  So, what'd you have in mind?"

“How 'bout a movie next Friday?"

“Which movie?"

“Well...you have to come to found out."  Crimson smirked at her like a mischievous colt.  

“Playing hardball, huh?  Alright, then.  It’s a date."  He beamed at her.  She liked his smile.  

"Okay.  Cool...so...what do we do now?"  Nova walked over to him and grasp his right hand in her left.  

"How 'bout we just walk around for a bit?  It's a nice day.  Shame to waste it, right?"  He nodded and intertwined his fingers with her own, taking care not grip her digits too tightly.  He was gentle.  Sweet.      

"Yeah.  You got a point, Nova.  Heard it might rain tomorrow, too."  The two ponies began walking away from the tree hand-in-hand.  She was feeling a lot more optimistic about the two of them.  

She smiled gently as she walked with him.  She was glad she'd given him a second chance.  


***

Nova ended her story there.

“Nova...did anything else happen after the "walk?”  I exhaled a deep sigh and set down my glass of wine.  I was worried that there was more to the story than what Nova had let on.

“No, that’s it.  We had coffee afterwards but nothing else, really."

“Then why did you come home so upset?  I'm confused."

“Well...I kinda' felt guilty for skipping class.  And...uh...and...I got beat up on my way home...”

“What?!"

"Jeez, mom!  Relax!  It's not that big a deal!  This is why I didn't wanna' tell you at first."  She wanted me to relax after hearing something like that?!  Had Nova lost her mind?!

"Are you kidding me?!  Of course, it's a big deal!  What happened?!"

"Mom...please...just..."

"Do you know who they were?  Were they kids from your school, or were they townies?  Whatever.  Doesn't matter.  I'm calling the school first thing in the morning."  No one was going to rough up my kid and get away with it.  I'd see to it personally if need be.  
“Mom!  C'mon!  You don't have to do that!  It happens all the time to some kids between classes."

"Yes, I do need to do this!  This is serious, Nova!  What if you'd really gotten hurt?!  What if you keep letting it happen to you, and you end up in the hospital?!"  

“Calm down!  Please!  I'm already embarrassed enough as it is!  The last thing I need is something else they can make fun of me for!  I don't fit in as it is already!"  

"Whoopty friggin' doo, Nova.  High school doesn't matter in the long scheme of things.  You grow out of it.  But someone putting their hands on you isn't something to take lightly.  In fact, it's illegal...does the word "assault" ring any bells?  We've got to do something about this."

"Just...please...please just drop the subject already.  Calling the school won't do any good, anyway...I shouldn't have even told you all this..."  

Wait...what?  What do mean "it won't do any good?"

“Remember Gemma from my last year's class?”  I did.  In fact, I knew the name well.  

***

Gemma was a girl who'd gone to Nova’s school last year and was regularly bullied just like Nova. Of course...the school had done nothing to stop it.  It had gone on for most of the year until one day...it went too far.  Gemma couldn't take the taunting anymore and committed suicide in her room one night after school.  Nova had been pretty broken up about it even though she and Gemma weren't all that close.  But I understood why.  Gemma's situation was almost identical to my daughter's.  But I'd be damned before I'd just sit idly by and let the same thing happen to Nova.

***

“I rather not gossip about this.  Can finish you what were tell about you not flying? How did Auntie Dash or your parents take it”. Rainbow Dash, my adoptive sister, she took me in where no one else would. She even walked me down the isle on my wedding day.
“Let’s just your auntie was there for me when no anybody else was”. I said.  To this day I won’t talk about my parents. Even my husband doesn’t know very much and I have married been to him for twenty years almost. Just something I don’t rather not to remember those times.


***

Not flying wasn’t the only thing that made me depressed. At home with my parents were horrible times and they put a lot of pressure on me to fly. They told I would be disowned if I didn’t. I wouldn't mean nothing to them if I didn't. My father used to come in my room and would tell me that I was a piece of shit Pegasus. My mother stood by and did nothing to stop it. Eventually I had enough. There was a night where he went too far. My own father hit me. That was the day I would take no more…

I ran away.

When my parents were sleep that same night, I went through the window in my room. I slept on a park bench in the cold of the night with a newspaper blanket.  I pulled down my sleeves as far as they go to keep myself warm. I eventually fell asleep with a tear rolling down my face.

***

“Scootaloo, what are you doing here?” I heard the voice just before a hand started shaking me.
“W-what,” I stuttered as I started to wake up. I saw a blue mare with rainbow hair. Near her was a stallion standing in the distance. The only thing I could tell was that he had light cyan hair.

It was Rainbow Dash. I’ve known her since I was in elementary school and I have looked up to her for just as long.

“I said why you are sleeping on a bench?” She repeated. “Won’t your parents be worried sick?” Rainbow got on her knees to my level.
“It’s fine,” I lied. “I just wanted to sleep under the stars.” It was a cloudy night and below zero in winter.  

“Do your parents know you’re here?” Rainbow questioned.

Dash, are going to be much longer? I'm freezing out here,” The stallion called out.

“Sorry Soarin, I just need another minute with her.” Dash rolled her eyes. “Go run for a bit to stay warm.”

“I'm not leaving you in the park alone this late!”

“Then quit complaining and stay close,” she retorted, a little annoyed.

“Who’s that?” I asked.

“My date. Don’t change the topic. Now answer the question.”

“No they don’t, and I'm not going back to that house ever again.” The tears now began to pour down my face. Rainbow stood back up and went in deep thought.

“Scootaloo, you can crash at my house for the night, but we’re going to have a talk about what happened with your parents, alight?”
I nodded. When I left, I didn’t take a jacket with me. That was a mistake on my part.

“Can we go now?” I shivered as I rubbed my hands together to try and keep myself warm. Rainbow took off her black scarf and handed it to me.

“Here,” She said, as she wrapped it around my neck.

“We should get you warm. Hey Soarin, I’m taking Scoots home with me.” Soarin was running around a bench to keep warm.

“What about our date?” Soarin asked. “I don’t know when I’ll be getting time off again.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Dash said. “I need to get her home. Look at her, she's freezing.”
Soarin agreed but didn’t seem that happy.
***
Rainbow and I walked back to her apartment with Soarin lagged along behind us. We all entered her place. Her tiny one-bedroom flat was just a little bit than the room at my parent’s house.

“Scoots, looks like you have the couch. I’ll get you a baggy shirt to sleep in, so I’ll be back in a bit.”  Rainbow hung her red parka in a hanger and put it the closet.

Soarin sat at the small table in the kitchen area. He honestly looked like he wanted to kill someone. It was probably me. I felt bad that their date was a bust because of me, but Dash did offer me to spend the night here and I was not to going to reject that proposal. I could have frozen to death if she didn’t come by when she did. I have been that cold before.

“So, how many dates have you been on with Dash?” I asked casually. It felt painful with the silence.
I saw Soarin counted on his fingers.

“Nine, I think,” He said.  

“That’s nice,” I commented. Aw, that’s so adorable. Dashie has a boyfriend.  

“Okay, Scoots. Here’s a shirt, a blanket, and a pillow,” Dash said as she threw the green shirt at me. Due to my slow reaction, it landed on my head.   Rainbow giggled at that.

“Is it that late already?” Soarin said as he stared at his watch. “I should get going now. Night Dash and Scootaloo.” It was practically two in the morning on a Friday night…

“You can just call me Scoots if you want,” I said.

“I’ll walk you out. Don’t fall asleep yet, Scoots. Remember we need to have our little talk first.” She grabbed her keys and put on her shoes. Soarin wrapped his arm tightly around her and headed out the door.

“Goodnight, Scoots,” Soarin said, as he closed the door.

“They sure make a cute couple.” I thought to myself as I laid down on the couch. It sure was better than outside on a cold night. I was exhausted and I wanted sleep, but Dash said not to. I bet my parents don’t care that I ran away, my father especially. I never want to see them again.


***


Dash returned to her apartment. She put the keys on the counter and put away her shoes in the closet.

“Scoots, are you still awake?”

‘’Yes,” I responded as I fought the urge to sleep. Dash joined me on the arm of the sofa.

“I did ruin your date with Soarin, didn’t I?” I felt so guilt-ridden; Dash seemed to like him a lot, enough to go in nine dates with him.

“No, it’s not a huge deal. He’ll get over it. Besides, I wasn’t going to leave you in the park! Its quite dangerous for you to be out that late by yourself,” Dash assured. “He just didn’t like how our time was cut short because he works so much.”
I felt relieved.

“Are going to see him again?”

Dash nodded. “Don’t worry about it. We’re good and he thinks it’s sweet how I'm helping you out.” Dash got off the sofa. “I can see your tired and I am too, so I won’t keep you any longer. Night.”

“Night Dash, and… thanks.” I rested my head on the pillow and closed my eyes

“Your welcome, Scoots,” She said as she headed into her room.

***


Next morning, I woke up to see Dash in the kitchen. She had made herself a bowl of cereal and was eating it at the table.

“Morning,”  I said blearily as I rubbed my eyes.

“Morning sleepy- Scootaloo, what’s with your eye?” Dash was in complete shock, so she dropped her spoon on the floor.

“What are you talking about?” I asked confused.  

“G-go look in the bathroom mirror now!” Dash said in terror.

I did as she said and went straight to the bathroom. When I saw my reflection, my right eye was black and swollen. It was my father’s handiwork. Weren’t parents supposed love their children?  Rivulets of tears formed in streaks down my face. There’s no way I'm going back. I hate them so much.

I heard a knock at the door. “Scootaloo, is everthing alright in there?” Dash called from the otherside.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine!” I hastily wiped away my tears. Don’t show any weakness. I opened the door and stood at the doorway.

“Scootaloo, w-what happened? Who did this to you?”

I couldn’t fake it any longer. There wasn’t a point in hiding it anymore. No longer would I pretend that everything was fine. All she wanted was to help me out.

“It was my dad.” It was all I managed before I broke down in heart clenching sobs.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nova had gone to bed. I still decided to stay up because Rumble would be home later today. I haven’t seen him for a week. He works as a co-manager with his brother, Thunder Lane, at the weather factory in Cloudsdale. Since neither Nova or I can fly, my husband bounces between Ponyville and Cloudsdale. He's only home on weekends.

He stays with his brother and his wife, Flitter, while at Cloudsdale. I do miss him when he’s at work but it’s easier for him to stay in Cloudsdale while working instead of him flying to work everyday. We talk on the phone regularly, I wish he was here more, However one of the perks of being your own boss, you can come and go as you please.

The door opened, I turned to see Rumble walk in, my hubby is finally home. “Hi Scoots”. He said, as he joined me in the living room. “Hey Rumble.” I said. He leaned in and kissed me.

“Has things with Nova gotten any better”? He asked, as he sits with me on the couch. Putting his wing around me as he poured himself a glass of wine. “Not really, she came home crying three times this week and skipped a class with a boy”. I mentioned.

“That’s too- WHAT, who’s the twerp?’ Rumble shouted, I laughed at his response.  It is too funny. I wanted to milk it a little more. I loved how he got protective over Nova going on a date, not her coming home crying or skipping class. No her being with a boy, the horror.

“Rumble, Nova’s sleeping, be quiet. He also asked her to the movies.” I smirked.

“Scootaloo, I don’t want Nova dating yet, she’s too young”. Rumble said. He poured more wine into his glass until it rested at the rim. “He could try things on her.”

“Rumble, would you relax it’s just the movies, She’s going to be sixteen in a few months and she deserves to have some fun after what she had to go through”.  I said as I topped off my drink while my husband starts having his classic freak out.

“Okay, she can go if I get to talk to him first.” Rumble said. “When are they going out?” He gulped down his wine.

“I think he suggested next Friday”. I said. “Don’t scare him off. Nova seems to really like him”.

Rumble rubbed his face. “I make no promises”.

I playfully hit him. “Then at least attempt to be nice.” I joked. “Anyway, I'm going to bed, coming?” It is almost 11 at night.

“In a bit, I need more wine.” Rumble said, as he filled his glass another time. “My little girl is growing up”.

I raised an eyebrow “She is, don’t get too drunk, lightweight,” I said.

“I'm not a lightweight”. Rumble slurred. I burst out laughing at that. He only had one drink, this is sad.  “Don’t be too long, Rumble”. I hinted.


***


Nova is in bed speaking to Crimson on the phone. When they both got to the coffee shop, Nova gave him her number for her cell. First it was texting then it switched to an old fashion phone call. As there fingers got tired from fast-paced typing. They have been talking over an hour now, like school, hobbies, interests, etc. Though, they had only knew each other for a short while, they clicked almost immediately.

She feels happy for a change She hasn’t laughed like that since her “friends” abandoned her. Ruby and Cara were her closest friends. From the time when she had her surgery that went to hell, after that they wanted nothing to do with her.


***


Nova woke up from the anesthesia haze in recovery. They had done it, they took her wing, the thought overwhelmed her; she’s never flying again. The tumors in her wing grew rapidly and the doctors said if they didn’t do what they did. She could have five or less years to live.

That horrified her, she was barely sixteen and she could have died at twenty-one. She turned to a large mirror in the room. Pulling back her hospital gown a bit. She saw her single wing and a huge bandage covering her back where her wing used to be.

“I'm a freak”. Nova whispered, as a teardrop fell from her face onto the bedding. She broke into a uncontrollable sob. She couldn’t help it; this was too much for her. In the past six months doctors only told her that the cancer would get worse and that there was nothing they could do other than amputating the wing.

“Nova, sweetie. What’s wrong?”  A voice called near her. She looked forward to where the doorway was. It was her mom, Scootaloo and her Auntie Dash were standing there.

“How are you feeling?” Auntie Dash asked. Sitting in a chair near the bed. Scootaloo sat in the one next to it.  “I'm fine”. Nova said. Wiping away her tears away.

“I'm glad you're fine, I was worried sick in the waiting room with your mom’, Auntie Dash said. You’re going to have one awesome scar”. That started up tears again. Nova cried yet another time. Scootaloo gave a burning glare to her sister and got up to comfort her daughter. “Really, Dash”? Disappointed in what she said. “You just had to bring that up right after her operation”.

“Sorry”. Dash nervously said. She said nothing else after that, in fear of upsetting her niece again.

“It’s alright Nova, your Aunt just has a big mouth sometimes.” Scootaloo soothed her daughter as she hugged her. ”You should be happy now. The doctors say that you’re completely cancer free and that you can go home in a few days”.

That seemed to calm her down a little. “Can Ruby and Cara see me?” Nova asked. Missing her good friends from school.
Yes, that could happen.” Scootaloo said. “I'm sure we can work something out”. 


***


Ruby and Cara never showed up at the hospital or at her home. Nova called them a couple of times without an answer or if one of them did pick up by mistake they would hang up quickly. Nova was still to weak to walk over to their houses and her parents wanted her to take it easy until she's able to go back to school. It had to wait awhile.


***


Two weeks later.

When Nova was allowed to return to school and she was ready to give her friends a ear-full for excluding her for no good reason. She marched up to where Cara’s locker was. Cara was getting books out of it and putting on some bright pink lipstick in the tiny mirror in her locker while Ruby was talking to her. Nova walked over, She managed to calm herself down enough not to rip her head off. 

“Hi Cara”. Nova said. Cara nearly jumped out of her skin.

“N-nova, h-hi, what’s up?” Cara said uneasily.

“Is your phone broken?” Nova said, holding back her anger the best she could.

“N-no, why do you ask?” Cara said nervously. As she closed her locker.

“Because I called you and Ruby both without hearing a word. While I was in the hospital getting my cancerous tumors removed. Asking you to come see me and give me some support”. Nova growled in a low voice. She didn’t want to make a scene.

“Nova, I'm sorry I need to go to class. We’ll talk later” Cara said as she looked for fast getaway.

“School doesn’t start for another fifteen minutes”. Nova said angrily, she had to remind herself to keep quiet as her rage slowly built up.

“Oh you're right. Our parents told us that we should stay away…” Cara paused for a second. “Because they didn’t want us to bother you while you were resting”. Nova didn’t believe that for a moment.

“Then why the hell when you picked up your phone, you hung up on me?” Nova pointed out.

“I-I thought you were a telemarketer “. Cara said.

“Seriously? That’s bullshit”. Nova said. “You had my number for years-“

“Would you shut up already?” Ruby intervened.

“Excuse me?” Nova said.

“We wanted nothing to do with a flightless Pegasus”. Ruby said.

“Fall off a cliff, you one winged freak:” Cara called after her.

Nova gave no answer as she was left in tears. In the bathroom, she called her mom to come and get her. She missed school for an extra week. Nova hadn’t spoken to them since.


***


“You still there?” Crimson asked.

Nova woke up from her trance. “Sorry, I zoned out there for a bit. What were you saying before?”

“I was asking if you wanted ditch the movie and go to a party instead”. Crimson said,

“Sure, whose house is it at?” Nova said.

“Do you know Cara March? It’s at her place, her parents are out of town or something like that”. Crimson replied. Nova felt sweat starting to form around her body and her throat felt tight. “Stay calm, just tell him the truth”. She thought to herself.

“Me and Cara used to be friends but we had a fight and now we’re not on speaking terms”. Nova said. “We don’t get along that great.

“Oh, that sucks I really wanted to go”. Crimson said disappointedly. Nova could hear sadness in his voice. She felt awkward now.

“Okay, I’ll go, but if Cara or anyone else starts with me, I'm gone”.  Nova compromised. “I'm not getting into a fight”.

“Thanks, it starts at 7 o’clock this Friday”. Crimson said. “I’ll pick you up at your house”.

“Sounds good, I’ll text you my address”. Nova said, as she slapped herself on the forehead for being insanely stupid. "I'm going to bed now, nighty night".

"Goodnight." Crimson said. They hung up after that. Nova knows this could only lead to disaster.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Friday night, Nova is getting ready for her date. She's in the bathroom, blow-drying her hair to preparing it to be curled, Crimson would be coming for her in any minute. She needed to put on some make up and get dressed.. My husband took the night off to be here. I'm waiting for him to break out the shotgun. He keeps asking me what time it is or if Crimson is here yet, even more than Nova.

“Scoots, do we have bullets?” Rumble asked me while I was washing dishes. I looked up at him, I'm not sure if he's joking or not. I
already feel sorry for Crimson and I haven’t even met him.

“No, we don’t even have a gun, dear." I said, scrubbing the pots in the sink.

“Maybe we should get one?” Rumble said.

"Or maybe you should relax a bit and go sit down before you have panic attack” I said. If this is how he acts when Nova is going on a simple date then I hate to see what he’ll be like on her wedding day. I fear that day.

At that moment, Nova entered the kitchen wearing a jean blue short skirt reached to her thighs. Paired with red V-neck halter top that showed too much of her 'goods’. She has a black smokey eye and bright red lips. Her hair is down and curled. I almost dropped the pot I was washing. Rumble looked at her like he was going to have a heart attack.

“Nova sweetie, why you put on some jeans and throw on a jacket?” I hinted, as my husband was going into cardiac arrest while looking at our daughter.

“I thought you were going to a movie." Rumble calmed down enough to say.
Nova grabbed a glass from the cabinets and filled it with water. “No, we decided to go to a party instead. I have to go now, he's outside.” Nova said, as she chugged down her drink and began to head for the front door, “Bye, be back later, and don’t wait up.”

“Nova Lane, go up back your room and change or your not going at all." Rumble barked.

“But he's been waiting for me for like 10 minutes." Nova groaned.

“He’ll wait the whole night if you go dressed like that." Rumble snapped. I'm staying out of this one.

“Oh my god, fine.” Nova said as she rolled her eyes at her dad. She marched up the stairs and came in a few minutes. Wearing acid washed jeans with holes and a black leather jacket in her arms. “Can I go now?” Nova said.

“That’s better, be back by 11: 30.” Rumble said.

“Bye." Nova said. After she went out and closed the door, my husband went to the window in the living room. I followed him. There was a red Jetta parked on the side of the road. Nova walked up to it and went in. Then they drove off.

***

Rumble sat down on the couch hands on his face.I joined him, sitting next to him. “Rumble, are you okay?” I said. Rubbing his back to comfort him. “You want a drink?”  He nodded yes.

“Good, I want one too." I said, as I went to the mini bar. Took out some wine glasses and a bottle of white wine. Rumble drank all of the red wine when I first him about Nova and the boy. I helped too.

“Did you see what she was wearing?” Rumble said, taking a glass from me.

“Yes I did, I was there too. Do you remember our first date?” I said, to take his mind off Nova’s date.

“Yes, it was at that bar in town you used to work at that closed down a few years ago." He said, pouring wine to the top of the cup and mine too but part way. “I had the decency to show up to at your old apartment and not wait on the side of the road.” I decided let him

vent, just get all out in the open.

“Yes, that was sweet of you." I said, as I zoned out a bit.

***

When Rumble and I first met when I was a freshman in collage.  I was taking few courses because I wanted to work as a dance instructor. I had always loved dancing and I took hip-hop in high school for years. It got me through the abuse at home.
Rumble sat in front of me. I thought he was cute, however we were causally dating at the time. I was too anxious to ask him out. I had graduated high school last summer with my class like I wanted to.

I was living with Dash full-time in a two bedroom apartment... I had no contact with my parents following after I confessed the truth to Dash. She got the police involved and my father was then arrestedand sentenced to ten years. My mother and I no longer had any sort of relationship. Child services wanted put me with a foster family, but Dash stepped in and said she would be my legal guardian.

Dash told me she only allowed me to stay with her and her fiancee, Soarin if I had a job and continued school. Although she didn’t have to since I was turned eighteen. She could have just kicked me out if she really desired. But she did say when she got married she wanted to look into moving out soon. I got a job as a waitress at the local bar. The drinking age is 18 in Pony ville I really aspired to live on my own. I had been saving for my own place.

***  

At school, Rumble and I were having lunch together before we went home. I was studying for collage exams, I had my textbook open
while I ate my tomato soup.

“Scootaloo, are doing anything on Saturday?” Rumble asked, he seemed so nervous for some reason.

“No, I was just going to study for the exam I guess." I said while my eyes remained on the page I was reading.  “Why do you ask?’

He took a deep breath. “I was thinking were we could do something then." I looked at him. “Like what?” I questioned.

“Drinks." He blushed. His cheeks were red enough to match my soup.

“Wait, are you asking me out on a date?” I joked, not taking it seriously at all.

That only got he redder that was answer enough for me, he wasn’t fooling one bit. I kind of had a crush on him since we were in high school but I never told him out of fear that I would ruin our friendship. I did feel the same way, perhaps it was worth the chance.

“Sure, I’ll go.” I said. “Where are we headed?”

***

On Saturday night at 8 o’clock, I was already to go and I was waiting for Rumble to come and get me. Dash and Soarin were in Cloudsdale visiting Soarin’s parent and were spending the night there. I had the place to myself, awesome.

I wore lilac tube top and a blue jean skirt that barely hit my knees. My hair was curled over the years I had turned a little girly. I got into make up in middle school. I gave up scooter stunts when I was told I couldn’t fly. My friend, Sweetie Belle gave me make up lessons once when I was sleeping over and I stuck with ever since.

I heard the landline ringing. “Hello?” I answered.

“Hey Scoots, it’s Rumble." He said.

“Oh hey, I’ll buzz you in." I said, as pressed “9” to let him in.

“Okay, see you in a bit.” He said.

**
*
“Knock, knock."

I opened the door to Rumble.

“Hey." He said.

“Hey." I said.

“Ready to go?” He asked.

“Yeah, let’s” I replied as I grabbed my black cross-body purse on the end table by the front door. I locked the door and walked with him to the Elevator. Rumble remained quiet until we reached his car parked near the apartment building.

***

At the bar, we went to called “Lucky Buck." I had worked there for only a few months as a cocktail waitress. Rumble and I walked and sat by the bar stools. A couple of my co-workers waved to me when they saw us.

“You want anything?” Rumble asked.

“We have really good cider. Wanna try?” I said, as I self-promoted my work place.

“Sure. You do work here so you know better then I do." Rumble said.

“Yep, trust me the cider is so good here. It could the Apple family out of business if it gets out.” I said.

***

Rumble and I drank away the night, I had four ciders or five, Rumble had trouble keeping up with me but he did a great job for being a first timer. We had a fun time as we laughed and talked together. It beat studying all night.  I glared at he clock on the wall. It was 1 o’clock in the morning and the pub was closing in half an hour.

“Rumble, want to get out of here?”  I slurred.

“Sure, it’s getting pretty late." Rumble said. “Want to split a cab?”

“Yeah, you probably shouldn’t driving anyway” I said. “What about your car?”

“My brother has spare keys he can drive it home." Rumble replied, getting up to find a payphone. “I’ll give him a call now and get us a taxi."

***

Rumble and I stumbled in my apartment. I hadn’t been this drunk in a long time and I was enjoying every second of it. Dash told me I wasn’t allow to come home drunk when I turned the legal drinking age but she wasn’t here. I some how managed to get to the couch without bumping into anything and sat on it. Rumble joined me, wrapping his arm around me. I rested my head on his shoulder.
We remained like that for what felt like hours. “Scoots, you look really nice." Rumble said.

“Oh, thanks cutie." I said. “Want another drink?”

“No, I'm good and I think you've had enough too." Rumble said. “You can barely even stand up."

“W-what I stand up and walk fine.." I disagreed.

“Then prove it, drunk-y." He challenged   “G-gladly." I said. I tried my hardest to stand without hurting myself. I stood up finally and walked around the room. S-see." I gloated. Just then I tripped on the leg of the coffee table and fell on Rumble. He and I busted out into laughter.

“Yup, you’re wasted.” He chuckled.  

“T-then I'm drunk, happy now?” I snickered.

Rumble didn’t say anything as he stared into my purple eyes. I blushed, my face hot from my burning red cheeks. He pulled me up on his lap and pressed his lips on mine. I was shocked at first however I got over it and wrapped my arms around his neck.

We made out on the couch for a few minutes before I broke the kiss. “R-r-rumble, let’s go to my room."

“Wait, are you sure. I mean you’re drunk, I don’t want to take advantage of you,” Rumble said.

“You're drunk too, now c’mon” I pulled off him and headed to the hallway to my bedroom was.

“Scoots, I don’t think this is a wise idea-,” He said but I interrupted by giving him another kiss. “I know what I'm doing and I want too."

That shut him up and he wrapped his arms around me, pressing himself hard against me, and pulling me closer.

“Okay, you win." Rumble said as he entered my room.

***

I lost my virginity to him that night. Rumble and I started dating after that. We were together for six years before we got engaged. He proposed to me on the edge of the Everfree forest when we were having a picnic there.

Rumble was acting off most of the day, to put it simply.  I just brushed it off not giving it much thought. Rumble was known to have random panic attacks and get stressed out for no reason. He had gotten better controlling them but he still had the odd slip.

After we had dinner, the sky was turned a pinky-orange color it was so beautiful. Sunsets were my favorite time of the day.  Something about them made me feel so calm. I could have the most hectic day at the dance studio where I teach my class of ten year old girls. Then stare up at the faded blue sky and completely forget why I was so tense in the first place.

***

“Scootaloo." Rumble called, he handed me a glass of red wine.

“Oh, thanks." I took it and give it a sip. Rumble for no known reason appeared quite uneasy. He kept looking around for something and stayed very quiet. Maybe one of his panic attacks was flaring up again.

“Scootaloo, there's something I need to tell you.” Rumble said, and before I had a chance to ask him, he was on one knee and had a small black box in his hands. “Will you marry me?”

I was in shock but I did not hesitate for more than a second or two before I gave my answer. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you." I said with tears of joy, I didn’t even look at the ring. I pounced on top of him then I kissed him. He put the sliver ring with a clear diamond on my finger.

> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So just wondering how do you know Cara?” Nova asked Crimson in the car.

“She’s kind of my step-sister”. He said, while on their way to the party at Cara’s house, she knows she shouldn’t go but Crimson really wanted to. And Nova couldn’t just bring herself to say no to him. She’s simply worried that a fight will break out and she isn’t exactly a black belt.

“Oh, I see but how she kind of your step-sister?” Nova asked.

“My dad is dating her mom for a couple years now. They're buying a bigger house and we’re all moving in together soon”. Crimson said.

'Great, I'm going to see Cara and her bitch mom, Diamond Tiara since I'm sort of seeing her step-son. This party is going to suck big time and be awkward.'  Nova thought. “Where are you moving to?”.

“Well we’re staying in Ponyville but they haven’t found a place yet”. Crimson said.

Since Cara and Ruby rejected her, she hasn’t made that many friends for fear of them doing the same. Nova doesn’t want to be like that anymore. She needs to snub the drama for a while and focus on having a great time with Crimson. Her and Crimson gotten closer in the last week.

Although her mother warned her about ditching class, she has been going to the park with him. Beats watching a boring movie in history class. She had more fun with him. The other day, Crimson and her were goofing off when:

***

Nova and Crimson were sitting in their usual “Skip Spot” as Nova calls it. Nova took a chocolate bar out of her bag.

“Can I have some?’ Crimson asked.

“I only have one piece left”. Nova teased. Though it was a brand new, unopened bar.

“Seriously, you have a whole bar. Just one bit c’mon”. Crimson said,

“You have to get it from me if you want some”. Nova taunted as she tore open the wrapper and took a big piece and ate it.  

“It’s on”. Crimson said, as reached over but Nova turned away from him.

“Nope”. She laughed as raised her arm up in the air. “C’mon quit hogging it, you're so immature”.  He sarcastically said. He leaned over to try and grab it but by accident Crimson slipped, and fell on top of Nova.

They stared onto each other eyes. Nova’s face turned red as she handed the chocolate bar to him. “Here have a piece”. She said. However he had another thought on his mind. Crimson drew Nova nearer to him. “What are you-“.

Before she knew it, Crimson and her were lip locked. She had thoughts of breaking the kiss but decided to just to go with it. However she actually liked it, after the shock wore off. She wrapped her arm around his neck and filled the tiny gap between them. Crimson gently laid her on the ground staying on top of her.

He pushed his lips harder as he stroked her hair. She felt a tug on her teal tank top; it was getting yanked up a few inches exposed her bra and his hands sliding down her pant leg. That was a bit much for her and they were in a public place, got to have some class. She shoved him off of her. In her mind she slapped him in the face.  They hadn’t even their real date yet.

“W-what was that for?” He said confused.

“We’re not doing this if you're not going to keep your hands to yourself” Nova barked, she pulled her shirt come back down to when it originally was to be.  

“Uhh, sorry, want to get some lunch? My treat.” Crimson said dumbfounded.
“It’s okay, sure I'm a bit hungry, let’s go”. Nova said. Decided to let it go, it wasn’t that bad. At least he stopped and apologized before things went too far.  

***

They arrived at the party. Nova and Crimson got out of the car then headed for the house

“Does Cara know I'm coming to the party?” Nova inquired, as Crimson rang the doorbell. She has a bad feeling about this.

“No actually I just told her I was bringing someone and she said it was fine. Why?” Crimson said.

“Well, it’s a long story but in short we were friends then we had really big fight and we haven’t really gotten along since.” Nova said. Crimson was about to say something but the door opened by the hostess.

“Hey Crimson” Cara smiled it disappeared when she saw Nova standing next to him. “And Nova, you’re here too”. Cara said it as if she wanted to throw up and gave Nova a death glare.  “Come in”. Nova said nothing because she didn’t want ruin her date and she’ll just have to ignore her rudeness for tonight.  But in normal situations she would given just as mean a comeback.

In the party house, ponies are chugging down beer or doing drinking games. There was one when if someone said the word “football” or if there is a touchdown the players have to take a shot of tequila as a game is on.  

“You want a drink?” Crimson asked.

“Yeah sure”. Nova said. Cara is glaring at her and she wanted to get away from her.  “I could use one”. She said as she tried to play it off as a joke but isn’t at the same time.

They walked in the kitchen where the cooler of beers are. He opened it the cooler and handed Nova one then took a can for himself. Crimson cracked opened the can and drank a bit. Nova opened hers too and drank it but hated the tang of the drink.  It had a weird after taste of fruit and made her throat hurt.

“I’ll finish that for you”. Crimson said when he observed Nova looking like she needed to gag.

“Aren’t you driving?” Nova said. Once she spitted it in sink and washed it.

“I’ll be fine, I can handle my booze”. Crimson said,

“Okay, but don’t get too drunk, you said you’ll drive me home later”. Nova said. She would have to keep a watch on his drinking.

“I won’t, I'm not that stupid. Anyway, want to play some darts?“ Crimson said.

“Yeah, that sounds fun”. Nova agreed. She hasn’t played darts in forever.

***

Darts scattered everywhere as they played in the den. Amazingly Nova is winning, so far she has every dart on target.  It began slowly picking at Crimson’s ego that his date was beating him at his own game; his cutie mark is a dartboard with a bull’s eye in the middle. He has to step up his game, he hasn’t lost a game yet and it isn’t starting today. Crimson grabbed the last dart; with all his might he threw it at the board.

Only to miss and hit the wall, putting a huge hole in it.

Crimson pulled put the dart and made the hole bigger. “Fuck”. Crimson whispered under his breath. His stepsister is going to slay him when she finds out. This party isn’t exactly parent approved. Nova laughed at his failed attempt. “Nice one, Cara might just kick you out for wracking the place” She teased.

In panic, Crimson snapped up a potted plant to cover the hole. “How does that look?” He asked.

“Looks tiny bit suspicious, like something is hidden”.  Nova said, she is quite amused by this.

“Dammit, your right. Let’s walk away and never speak of this again.” Crimson said.  

“Okay, if you’re done at sucking darts already, I could use another drink”. Nova gloated. Crimson rolled his eyes, she’s lucky she’s cute otherwise she probably wouldn't be getting away with it..

***

Nova and Crimson went the kitchen where the booze is.  Nova helped herself to another beer in the cooler then she tossed him one.  All of a sudden, Crimson drew Nova from behind, closer to him by her waist. “What are you up to? Nova giggled. “Wanted to be close to a beauty like yourself”. Crimson said, he moved down his hands her hips.

“That’s very sweet but let’s take things slow”. Nova said, she took his hands off her. She isn’t having him any ideas on the first date plus she hardly knows him.

“Okay, I’ll control myself”. Crimson said. As he ran his hands thorough her hair, Nova blushed at this. “You're really pretty by the way”.  

“T-thanks”. Nova shattered. She’s getting nervous but in a good way. A boy never gave her all this attention before. Nova turned herself around to face him, he towered over her, and he put his hand under her chin. Nova’s cheeks insisted on burning red. Without a word he softly pressed his lips to hers. She felt electricity coursing through her, it’s better then the first one, it felt more natural. The one they shared in the park was rushed in comparison.

“Hey Crimson”. Cara killed the moment by entering with Ruby next to her while they did not pay any attention to Nova. She seemed not to care that much when the “couple” broke the kiss as quickly as possible. “Can you come in the living room for a second?"

“I’m a bit busy”. He snapped at his stepsister with Nova in his embrace. “Is it that really that important?”

“Yep, and It won’t be that long”. Cara said. Ruby whispered in her friend’s ear. The two snickered at whatever Ruby said. Nova sighed at them, she don’t trust either of them. But since Cara is almost Crimson’s sister, she has more to say, as she hated to admit, she has to put up with this. “It’s okay, you can go, and I’ll wait for you”.

“You sure?” Crimson asked. “I think Cara could wait a bit”. He said to Nova.

“It’s fine, just go talk to her, I won’t leave with a tall dark stranger”.  Nova said.

"Damn straight, your not leaving or I'm kicking his ass”. Crimson joked.

“Who says it’ll be male?” Nova said. Crimson stared at her in confusion.

“Gotcha”. Nova said, as she stuck her tongue out at him. Crimson rolled his eyes at her, then joined Cara and Ruby in the other room. 

While she waited for his return, Nova took a sit at the table and opened her beer can. She began drinking it fast.

“BEEP, BEEP”. Her cellphone buzzed in her jean pocket. She grabbed it and looked it, she get a text.


“Unknown number-
Go hang yourself.
The cancer should have killed you a long time ago. No one likes a Pegasus who can’t even fly. Just make everyone happier and fall a cliff, you freak.
Z-.”


Nova has gotten these massages before. Since her surgery in fact, she gets texts telling her to kill herself or that she's fat and ugly from the unknown number. Nova hasn’t told her parents about the texts because she doesn’t think it’s a big deal. Nowadays she's at the point where doesn’t even get upset any longer. She now deletes them and forgets it ever happen.  
She tapped the “delete” button on the touchscreen and it vanished off the phone.

“Hey Nov”. A voice called to her, hearing her old nickname that everyone used to call her when she was younger, only one pony calls her that still. Nova glanced up from her phone and saw her friend, Ryder son of Apple Bloom and Pip.  They have known each other since they were newborns because their moms are best friends.

He was the only friend she had who visited her while she recovering from the surgery.

***

Couple months ago.

Nova was reading in her bed, she was discharged from the hospital a few days and was at home healing. Doctor’s orders instructed her to take it easy and she’s allowed to go back to school in a couple of weeks.  In her mom’s eyes that meant she wasn’t allow leave home at all and stay in bed.

Since she nothing better to do, her room had no room TV or computer because her parents won’t let her. She spends the next few days in her room, reading books, drawing in her sketchbook or writing stories in her notebook. It was how entertained herself without going insane. She heard from one of her friends before and after the operation but nothing following that. She had started to feel lonely and that no one cared.

“Nova”. Her mom called from downstairs. “You have a visitor”.

“Okay, I’ll come down in a minute.” Nova said, as she got out of bed and dashed to her dresser got out of her cat pajama pants that she was wearing.  She does shower everyday but since she doesn’t have plans to go anywhere she wears sweatpants and baggy shirts around the house. It’s comfy for her.

She threw on some skinny jeans and an oversized black sweater with a red heart on it. It hid her wing and the bandages around her body, Then she pulled her hair into a ponytail. She was ready to see her guest.

Nova left her room and walked down the stairs. She saw her friend Ryder in the hallway with a white envelope for a card. She smiled at him as joined him. He was like a brother she never had. Being an only child can be a bit lonesome at times.

“Hey Nov”.  Ryder said, as he gave Nova the envelope. “How are you? I heard the surgery was intense.”

“I’ll leave you two alone”.  Scootaloo said. She went to the kitchen and to start dinner.

“I’m fine”. Nova said, as she opened the envelope to find a cream colored card. She pulled it out and it read in big hot pink letters “Get Well Soon” on the front. She opened the card and read the hand written messages.

***

“Hope to see you at school soon. It sucks without you being there. Maybe you get back on the cheerleader team. They’re a mess now not having their captain. Only you can get them back in shape.
-Lily”

“See you when you get well. -Cara”

“Glad to see you didn’t die and you kicked the cancer’s ass. -Ruby”

“Happy to know your cancer-free. You had everyone worried about you. -Ryder”

***

Nova had been the captain of the cheerleader team at the start of the school year at her school. Lily was a teammate Nova gotten close with. They normally hung out separately for the reason Lily can’t stand to be around Cara or Ruby. Didn’t end well the time Nova had them all in the same room. It shall never to be spoken of ever again.

“Thanks for the card, I started to think you all forget about me. I haven’t heard from anyone since I got back”. Nova said, as she placed in the card the envelope again.

“Seriously, Ruby said she called you yesterday and Cara told me she visited you in the hospital”. Ryder said.

“Those bitches” Nova thought to herself.  “Nope, they haven’t’. Why would they lie to Ryder like that? Even Lily called her when she first got home and they weren’t that close yet though they’re getting to know each other better. But the point is at least Lily trying while Cara and Ruby weren’t. Wait… maybe Nova was being a bit harsh, might be a total misunderstanding.

“I don’t know what’s up with them lately. They didn’t even want to sign the card at first or come over here”.  Ryder said.  “Did you get in a fight with them or something?”

“What the hell. No we didn't no fight or anything”. Nova said. “How come Lily didn’t make it?”

“Her colt-friend broke up with her and said she was too upset to leave the house”. Ryder said.

“Her and Jock broke up again? That’s like the fourth time this month.” Nova rolled her eyes. Why was there always so much drama?

“I know, they’ll probably get back together by the end of the week”. Ryder said. “I should get going, I'm meeting Ruby at the movies”.

“Another date with her, how cute. Okay bye and thanks for coming by.”  Nova teased. This was might their fifth date. “See you around”.

“Bye”. Ryder said.

***

He's been dating Ruby for four months; Nova avoids him when she's with clinging to him in the hallway at school. Because Ruby makes rude remakes in front of him, Ryder tells Ruby to stop and then a fight breaks out between them. Nova feels guilty for causing them problems in their relationship. Since Nova wants nothing to with drama, she shuns him at school.

“Hi Ryder, haven’t seen in you forever”. Nova smiled. “How are you?” she is half expecting Ruby to pop up out of nowhere and yell at them both before she drags Ryder off to yell at him some more in private. She has some jealousy and controlling issues. How he puts up with it, she will never understand.

“I'm fine, I know but Ruby keeps me busy”. Ryder said, pulled out a chair and joined her. “Anyway, did you make up with Cara and Ruby?”

“No, we still hate each other. I'm here with my date, he's helping Cara with something”. Nova said, as she sips her beer.

“That’s too bad, how’s the lucky guy?”

“Crimson”. Nova said. Drinking her beer faster now.

“You mean Cara’s step-brother?” Ryder said.

“Yeah, That part sucks cause you know she’s not that nice but he’s a big sweetie.” Nova said. That moment Crimson returned to the kitchen. He seemed tired from something.  He sat next to Nova and wrapped his arm around her.

“What happened to you?” Nova said.

“These punks crashed the party, then got in a fight and Cara asked me to throw them out before something got broken. It was not a pretty scene.” Crimson said.

“Are you alright?” Nova said.

“I'm fine”. Crimson said. “It’s taken care of. It just took a lot of me, do you mind if I go have a smoke to calm my nerves?”

“If you use body spray right after and only have one.” Nova said.

“Thanks babe, be right back”. Crimson said. as he kissed her on the check.

Once Crimson left to a smoke. Ryder rolled his eyes. “Nov”?

“Yeah”. Nova answered, as she took a sip of her drink.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” Ryder snapped disappointed.

“What are you are talking about?” Nova said, clueless to what her friend meant.

“You had cancer in your wing removed because you had tumors in it and that almost killed you. You even said it ruined your life. Then you go in a date with smoker a few months right after your cancer free.  Are you for real? Plus he's too old for you”. Ryder scolded. Has his dear friend finally loss her mind?

Nova sighed, Ryder has always been a tad over protective with her ever since they were little. In a way Nova appreciated it but she wished he would back off. She could take care of herself. Though he is the closest thing she had to an actual sibling

“Ryder, he’s only two years older then me which isn’t that big of a deal.  I like him. It’s sweet how you're watching for me, but I can handle myself.” Nova said.

“He hasn't taken advantage of you? Have you told him that you’re a cancer survivor?” Ryder said.

“What? No, and I haven’t told him yet, for at least for now”. Nova said. Stared down at the floor. She really doesn’t want to bring up her cancer since it’s still a sensitive topic for her.  

“Ryder, How’s my sexy stud?”. A female drunk voice slurred. Ryder looked over to a light brown mare with a red mane. Wearing a short lilac skater dress.

“Hey Rubes, how have much to you had to drink?” Ryder said to his wasted mare-friend putting her arms around his neck. She pays no attention to Nova sitting across from them.

“A (hic) lot, Cara and me drank a whole of bottle (hic) of tequila for the hell of it..” Ruby slurred, as she nuzzled his face. “I (hic) think we have (hic) some alone time”.

“What? You're not serious?” Ryder said in disbelief,  cheeks turned bright red . Nova snicker a bit at Ryder’s reaction.  

“(Hic) There’s a guest room Cara doesn’t  (hic) use that much”. Ruby kissed her colt-friend down his neck. “C’mon, (hic) I know you want too”.

“Stop Ruby, Nova’s here and I'm taking you home. You’re way too drunk. Meet me by the front door, I’ll be there in a bit to drive you.” Ryder t said.  

“Who  (hic) cares? I'm fine and you're no fun, (hic) handsome”. Ruby said.

“Ruby, I think you should listen”. Nova said, taking her friend’s side. “You can barely stand up”.

“Fine”. Ruby said angry. She listened and attempted stumbled to the door then she tripped on a chair leg. Ryder slapped his forehead, watching Ruby make a fool of herself.

“I'm sorry Nova, I have to take her home before she hurts herself some more”.

“No, it’s fine, I understand. Go have some alone time”. Nova giggled. This is too funny.  

“Shut up. Nice seeing you again.” Ryder said. He got up and went help his mare-friend who's still on the floor. Nova couldn’t help but laugh at the scene. Poor Ryder, he’s going to have a hard time getting her home.

***

11:14 at night.

Rumble is pacing around the house like maniac. He keeps staring at the microwave clock to watch the time or checking the window for the red Jetta in search of Nova. At first, I didn’t say anything because I really wanted to stay out of it and I read a book in the living room to tune him out. His unstopping pacing is beginning to annoy me.

“Rumble, take a seat.“ I suggested. The signs for another panic on the way are clear. I'm amazed with myself that I put up with the freak outs for twenty plus years.  

“Where’s Nova? She should be back by now”. Rumble said. as he ignored me and kept pacing.

“Nova texted me, she said she’s on her way home”. That isn’t true, I haven’t anything from her since she left. Lying to my husband is wrong. However it the only thing I could do to calm Rumble down. I hate his panic attacks, his stress is quite contagious and I start to feel worry just by being in the same room as him.

“Okay”. Rumble said. He joined me on the couch. “Has Nova told you anything about the boy?’

“No, not that much, just that’s his name is Crimson and they met in the hallway. That’s all I got out of her”. I said. Nova hasn’t really told me about the fella she's seeing. To be fair when I was around her age I did the same.  I kept secrets from my parents all the time. It’s just a part of being a teenager I guess.

“Oh, you couldn’t try harder?” Rumble flatly said. Is he serious? Because my husband works all week, only coming on home weekends. I'm left with our daughter all on my own. When Nova decides she doesn’t want to talk a problem or a topic. It’s not going happen. I fought with her so much trying to her to talk but she won't. It has taken a toll on me. Rumble thinks it’s easy; oh he's in for it.

“You’re her father, ask her yourself”. I said.  

“I can't really because I have to more work and you quit your job as a dance teacher”.  Rumble complained. He did not just go there.

“I did that when Nova was diagnosed with cancer. I took care of her while you were in Cloudsdale. You weren’t there when she had to have her wing amputated. I had to call Dash to …” The door opened to a tall red colt standing behind Nova.

“Hi, I'm home”. Nova greeted us. She brought him in the living room with her. “Mom, Dad this Crimson”.
---

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a way I'm glad Nova came home when she did, the fight that Rumble and me was beginning to get ugly. We wound have to talk about it later for now, focus on Nova’s special someone.  Crimson towered over my husband and me. I suddenly feel short now but at least I'm still taller than Nova.  

“Sup." Crimson said. Nova gave him a burning glare and a gentle nudge in the shoulder. “ Its nice to meet you."  he continued.  He seemed a bit awkward, maybe Nova dragged him when he dropped her off. Yeah, my daughter would do something like this. She's known to be a little bossy occasionally. Must get that from her father’s side because I'm certainly not like that.

“It’s good meet to you too." I said. My husband said nothing and stared down Crimson while Nova looked away to take off her jacket without her noticing.  As if he’s waiting for a reason to kick him out of the house. Drama’s a brewing tonight.

“I should go, it’s pretty late." Crimson said nervously. “Bye." Rumble gives a subtle smile but again Nova doesn’t see it when she said her goodbyes to him. If she did she would give her dad an earful for embarrassing her.  

“I'm going outside for a sec." Nova said, before Rumble or I had a chance to say anything Nova and Crimson went out the door. I watch them from the window.  They both walked hand in hand to where his car is parked, on the side of the road, across from the house.

“What are they doing now?” Rumble asked. “I swear if he puts his hands on her. I'm getting my gun license and we’re having a “talk” in the backyard." I started laughing at him and how ridiculous he’s being. He is being a classic over protective father with his daughter dating. Every parent has to go through this.

“She’ll be fine. Let’s go give her privacy.” I said once I calmed down. “And I doubt the gun store is going to let you a gun just because your daughter has a colt-friend.”

“Alright Scoots, no guns. Can I at least yell him if he makes her cry?   Coming to bed?” He asked. I rolled my eyes at him and sighed.

“Sure but after I'm done with him first then he's all yours." I joked. Rumble and me made our way to bedroom upstairs.

Then it hit me  as I got in the bed. Nova appeared happy. She had this huge on her face while talking to Crimson standing nearby his car. I haven’t seen her smile or laugh in months. I began to think she lost the ability. After Nova’s surgery made her an easy target, she was depressed to the point where she quit the cheerleading team because she no longer had the passion. She gave up her social life and started staying home on the weekends.

It was hard to see my daughter just stop being her loving fun, goofball self. I wanted to her in counseling to help her dealt with whatever her were problems because she didn't to speak to me or really anyone about it. But Nova refused to go. She said therapy is for nut cases or weirdos and she didn't need it. I dropped it after fighting with her for weeks. It wasn't worth the battle to me. I still remember the upsetting phone call I got from her when she first returned to school after the surgery.

***

“Have a great first day back” I said as Nova snatched her backpack off the floor of the car.  She wore a purple baggy hoodie to cover the bandages around her back. Although I told her that it wasn't necessary because the stitches were taken out and the doctor said it was fine if she didn't wear them as the wing joint healed.

However she insisted she wanted to hide it and didn't the other ponies to see it. I sighed and allowed it since there was no need to fight about something so minor.

“Do I have to start today?” Nova said, as zipped up her sweater as high as it would go.
“Nova, you missed two weeks already and you constantly complained how bored you were. Now you can see your friends and return to the cheerleader team.” I said.
“
But Cara and Ruby didn't even come see me while I was away. It’s like they don’t even care." Nova pointed out.

I'm sure it’s just a misunderstanding. They were probably worried about you." I reassured her. “Also don’t forget your dad is picking you up at lunch for follow up appointment at Dr. Hatch." Nova was in the clear with not having the cancer come back however the doctor who performed the surgery. Said he wasn't taking any chances and wanted to see Nova bi-weekly to be on the safe side.

“Thanks." Nova said, as she closed the car door be hide her. I drove off and headed back home.

***

When I got home my husband was reading a newspaper in the living room. He didn't notice me as I walked in the same room where he was. He must be caught up in his reading again. I thought it was too good to pass up. I crept closer to where he sitting.

Then I put my hands on his shoulders. “Hey honey." Rumble almost jumped out of the chair.

“Dammit S-scoots, how many times do I have to tell you not to do that? I'm going to have a heart attack one day. Rumble said as slowed down his breathing.

“Quit being an easy target." I smirked. Rumble rolled his eyes. Scaring Rumble never gets old. His 
reactions were priceless.

“Anyway, how do you feel-“ My phone begun vibrating loudly in my purse by the front door, I placed 
down when I got home.

“Hold that thought my phone is going off." I said,  as I looked the caller ID it read “Nova." Why was she calling me? School hadn't started yet. Maybe she forget a textbook in her room. Hitting the “Accept” 
bottom on the screen , answering it.
“Hi Nova,,”
I heard quiet shuttle sounds on the other side. “H-hello?”

“Mom, can I come home?” Nova said, it like she had been crying.

“Why? What happened?”  I asked with concern.

“Cara and Ruby said they don’t want anything with one winged freak and I should fall off a cliff." Nova said with sadness in her voice.

“Well, that’s not very nice but you can’t miss class for that reason." I said while I tried to play hardball.

“I have art with Cara and I don’t want to see her right now. Please, I’ll go tomorrow." I heard Nova cry again, it broke my heart. I would hated my next decision.

“Sweetie, calm down. I’ll come get you. Meet me where I dropped you off." I gave in. “I’ll see you in a bit."

“Okay, bye." Nova said, as it seemed to relaxed her.

“Bye." I said and hung up.

“What was that about?” Rumble said from the room over, reading the newspaper;

“That was Nova and she asked to come home." I told him.

“Why? Did something happen? Rumble asked as put the newspaper the coffee table..

“She said Ruby and Cara told her that wanted nothing to do with her and said to fall off a cliff.." I said.  

“Seriously? I knew her being friends with Diamond and the town drunk daughters was a bad idea." Rumble ranted. “I mean Berry Punch has in rehab three times and had hospitalize twice for alcohol poisoning and don’t even me started on Diamond." When Rumble was in collage he dated Diamond briefly before me and lets just say it was short lived.

“Rumble, yes was a bad idea but there's nothing we can do. I need to go now; can you call the school for me and tell them Nova isn't going to be there?” I said.

“Sure." Rumble said.

I did a search for my car keys and left. “Thanks." I said as I stepped out of the door.

***

I parked on the side of the school and waited for my daughter to show up. I didn't wait long because I saw Nova slowly walking to the car. Her head kept low as she made her way. Her hoodie was zipped up as far it would go.
.
“Hi." Nova said in a low voice.

“Hi sweetie." I said trying to sound cheery. Nova looked on the verge of tears;. “Do you want to talk about it”?

“No can we go now?” Nova said, as tears filled her face.

Torn between what to do. Seeing her this dismayed crushed me and I wanted to go momma bear mood and teach Cara and Ruby some manners. I mean who tells a cancer survivor to fall off a cliff ? What was Diamond putting in her daughter’s head? Diamond had always been like this. When we were all in school her and I hated each other. She used to call me “Chicken Wing” all the time. She could always find a new brand way to pick a fight. One day I got so fed up with her bullshit, I punched her right the face. I was in huge trouble when Dash got word of it. But to me it was so worth getting suspended for three days. She didn't bother me or my friends anymore.

As for Berry, it was like she never disciplined Ruby or her other daughter, Ginger because she's too busy getting wasted. She allows her daughters to get drunk and stay the whole night out on a Thursday. According to Nova, Ruby skipped school the next day. Also she’s not the nicest to her colt-friend, Ryder. At least that’s what I hear.  All while Berry is passed out  somewhere from drinking too much. It’s unbelievable and irresponsible.

“Okay, we can go home but we’re talking about it later." I said.
“I'd rather not." Nova said, as she wiped tears from her face again.  I started up the car and begun to 
drove home.

“Sweetie might make you feel better." I said;

“I said I don’t want to talk about it." Nova snapped. “Can we just drop it?”  

“Alright, we’ll drop it." I said. I didn't want push her. If she talks about the problem then I’ll be there for her. It might be best for everyone to leave her alone.
***
But however I see glimmers of hope now with her. All I want is Nova to be happy again.

***

On a starry slightly chilly spring night, Crimson had Nova wrapped in his strong arms leaning on the 
fro of the car. He is using it as an excuse to keep her close

***

“… he then picked her up and walked out with her.” Nova said, “It was classic drunken shenanigans, I wished I filmed it." Nova filled him in with Ryder and Ruby what happen at the party

Crimson said. “I would have I had done it for you. By the way, your dad was giving me the stink eye whole time." He held her tighter in his arms.  Nova turned to face him, his hands are now on her waist.

"He thinks you’re a bad influence on little poor me." Nova flirted. he drew her nearer to him.
“He's right, I'm a horrible influence on you." Crimson said. He leaned down to Nova’s level near her face. 

“Just the worst.” Nova smiled and wrapped her hands his neck. No more words spoken after that, Crimson pressed his lips against hers.

For a moment, Nova is invested in the kiss, sharing a second for the night. She pushed harder into his lips. Everything feels a millions better now, that she met him. Crimson held her tightly in the short mare in his arms. Out of the clue, Nova broke the kiss, thinking it is getting late and must be close to midnight.  She doesn't want leave him but if she doesn't her dad might drag her kicking and screaming back to the house.

“i should go now,  I had a really good time tonight." Nova said.

“Me too, we should really do this again." Crimson replied. He gave her a quick kiss before he released her,

“I think I’d like that. Text me sometime.” Nova said. “Goodnight, Crimson."

“Goodnight Nova." Crimson said, as he slides off the car hood and got in. Nova waved bye to him as he drove off. Nova entered her house.
> Chapter 7 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning or afternoon because my daughter still hasn’t woken up yet, Nova loves her sleep. It’s actually quite a challenge to get her up, especially on morning Mondays, its complete hell. Just the thought makes me cringe.

Nova isn’t a morning pony and hates getting up early. She's very grumpy and has a short fuse that anything can set off.  It didn’t help once when I woke her up at 6:00 am on a Sunday thinking it was a Monday. Boy, she let me have It and I didn’t hear the end of it for a long time.  But wasn’t my fault because it was around day light savings and in Equestria instead of the time that is affected it’s the days of the week. It confuses me and takes me awhile to adjust.
But anyway, moving on.

My husband is taking a business call in his office. That’s going to keep him busy for a bit. Rumble is a definitely a workaholic.  Even on his days off, he’s working all day. My plans are to clean the house… yay… not, because company is coming for today and everyone just happens to disappears when I start asking for help. My good friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are coming for dinner and they’re bringing their husbands and kids.

There's still a lot to do and I haven’t gotten started. The kitchen is messy, the house should be vacuumed and I have to get Nova up because she needs help tidying up her room since Sweetie’s daughter, Pearl might want to hang there. I'm going to be kept busy for must of the day.

I should get the hardest thing over with; I make my way to my daughter’s room. As I said before Nova hates being woken up.

I knocked on the door. “Nova, wake up." I heard mumbles and some slight sickly groans. Is she okay? That doesn’t sound healthy. “Nova, I'm coming in." I heard some groans.
I opened the door. Nova is under her hot pink zebra bed sheets.  I stood in the doorway 

“Time to get up. It’s almost eleven."
“D-do I have to?” Nova complained under the sheets. She pulled them over her head a bit more.

“Yes, we have company coming over and your room is a mess. I told you this all last week." I said. I walked to the bed and sat on it.

“Why are you being so loud?” Nova nearly whined and used a pillow to cover her head, I really 
wanted to grab her mattress and toss her out but I'm not strong to lift it.

“I'm not. Come on, get up you." I’d nudged her shoulder

“Leave, you're too loud and my head hurts." Nova said. then I realized the signs. Does Nova have a hangover? I recognized the symptoms back in my college.  days. I used drink a lot when I was her age and that’s why Dash said I wasn’t allow to come home drunk. Because I was a pain to deal with, also I was only sixteen or seventeen at the time. Headaches, tiredness and dizziness all the signs Nova is showing.

“Nova, were you drinking at the party last night?” I said. I started to feel angry. My daughter knows she's only allow to drink if she's at home with me or her dad around on special occasions (like her birthday, holidays such as New Years or Hearts Warming Eve Etc.). Wait until I tell Rumble, she's in for a good grounding.  

“No, my head hurts and I feel dizzy." Nova denied. Great she's lying now and it’s not even a good lie. Did Crimson make her drink? If so she can forget about seeing him again and not to mention the trouble he's going to be in with my husband.

“That’s called a hangover and they’re caused by drinking alcoholic beverages." I scolded her.  

“I didn’t drink." Nova said. She’s a bad liar; worst then Applejack in fact and that’s quite an accomplishment to achieve.

“Nova, you get one last chance. Tell me the truth or you’re not going out for a decade. Did you drink or not."

“Fine, I had one beer." Nova groaned. Yeah right, like I believe that.

“I see, you’re grounded until farther notice and your not going out the next weekend” I said.

“Are you freaking serious? You’re totally overreacting.” Nova snapped.

“No I'm not, your lucky I found out and not your father. He would be yelling at you right now." I said, Rumble is a lot stricter with Nova then I am (when he's home). But I will crack down on her if I have to. “If you want lighter punishment. I suggest you get out of bed and help clean the house.”

Nova cursed under her breath. “Fine, whatever, can you go now”? I said nothing as I left the room but give me Celestia me strength. My daughter is going through her teenage rebellious phase. I feared this day since she first turned into a teen. Please be short and not as bad like Dash and Soarin had to go through with their two sons, Midnight and Stormy. Stormy was arrested for shoplifting gum that was only cost three bits at a drug store at fourteen. Midnight got expelled for getting in a fight in his senior year of high school.

I remember the phone calls I use to get. Dash completely freaking out and losing her mind when she and her husband paid bail get Stormy of the prison cell. I actually thought it was funny and laughed at her. Why did I do that? I should listen to her better. But at the time Nova was six and I wasn’t worried about her committing a petty crime.

However if Nova were to ever do something that stupid now. I say let her spent a night or two in jail. If that’s what it takes to beat some sense into her. Though I doubt it be she that reckless (I hope). But somewhat bad things did she was give me or Rumble back talk (mostly me) and keeps her room messy. Stormy has straightened up now nevertheless criminal record for the rest of his life.

I better get the house clean before it’s too late.

***

“MOM!” Nova yelled from downstairs and through the house.

I sighed. “Yes."

“Do I have to vacuum? My head still hurts." Nova complained. This house is never going to get cleaned at this rate. Since Nova keeps interrupting me and while Rumble hiding away in the den. Watching the football game because he thinks by staying out of it is helping. In other words he's being lazy.

***
Some time later


After the house is tidy… finally. Now my friends won’t think we’re a brunch of slobs. The guests haven’t arrived yet so that gives us time to get ready and look half decent. The only thing I have to do is get dinner in the oven but that can wait.

I quickly run upstairs to my bedroom. Heading to the private bathroom, I took out my make up bag and opened it. As taking out some items, I hear the doorbell ring.

“Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Pip are here” Rumble shouted.  Why do Apple Bloom and her husband have to be early all the time? She always shows up half an hour sooner then everyone else. And it has to be when I look my worst. It can be very annoying. Would it kill her to be a little late? And I won’t look like a bad hostess.

“Well, let them in, I'm still getting ready” I said as I put on some pink blush on my checks.

“Okay." He said. “Are you going to be long?”

“Maybe ten minutes." I said. As I grabbed rose-colored lipstick and spread across my lips,.

“Fine." Rumble said.  My husband will have to entertain them until I’m ready, I'm worried. Please don’t scare them off before I can join everyone. As always Nova is taking forever to get ready like most girls her age, she might have learnt that from me too, whoops.

***

Nova is in her room finishing up with a little make up for she heads downstairs. She’ll be done soon… at least that’s what she told herself forty-five minutes ago. Having a sense of time has never been her forte. Anyway she has a feeling she is this time, maybe.

“Nova, Ryder and Boomer are here." Her dad yelled from the stairs. “Come say hi, please."  Hearing that she probably should speed up a tad. Her head doesn’t hurt that much as it did in the morning, although Ryder’s younger brother can be unbelievably annoying sometimes and has a strange obsession with fire. He once tired to burned down a small apple tree on the farm last year because he was bored.  She might be able to keep her cool and not snap at him. If she could just make it through dinner.
“Okay, I’ll come down soon” Nova called back while she is brushing her purple mane.
***
“Hi." Nova said to the two brothers, once she came the stairs. One of them with giant bags under his eyes and trying stay awake. Dealing with Ruby last night must have been harder then expected. Might be a interesting story to tell if she can get it out of him.

“Hey Nov." Ryder and Boomer said in unison.

“Wanna watch TV?” Nova asked.

“Sure." They both said again at the time.

***

With greeting aside Nova lead Ryder and Boomer to the basement den. Nova took a seat on the large black “L” shaped couch, for the remote and presses the “on” bottom.  She flipped thorough some channels.  While Ryder is texting on his phone and Boomer is playing a mobile game.

“Ruby, leave me alone." Ryder muttered under his breath.  As he stared at his phone annoyed from something.

“Is anything up?’ Nova asked while her eyes don’t leave the music video on screen.
“Just Ruby being Ruby”, Ryder signed. “She's been bugging all day about happened yesterday. I'm really mad at her and I told we would talk tomorrow so there's time for me to cool off.”

“Was it that bad”? Nova said.

“Completely drunk, to the point when she..” Ryder begins to tell his story.

***

Ryder walked out with Ruby as everyone got at them. They barely made it to the front door and the whole party was watching them, at least that what it felt like to Ryder. Nasty remarks were being made to Ruby but she was not in the right mind of state to respond to her getting called “The Future Town Drunk." Ryder probably should say something and defend his mare-friend but he'd just get into a fight over it. The colts were twice his size, it was not worth getting a punch to face. Just smile and wave until they were both in the car.
As they headed out of Cara’s house, Ryder saw his dusty blue car parked in the driveway only three feet away. ”Okay that a lot easier then I thought I it would be, all I need to is get Ruby in the car and this nightmare is over." Ryder thought to himself.

Her eyes brighten at her colt- friend. “Fine (hic), let’s go have  (hic) some fun in your car."  
Ryder took a moment to figure out what she meant. It resulted a slight blush “Wha- no I mean I'm taking to get you home."

“Oh, (hic) you’re rejecting me again?” Ruby said.

Ryder stayed still from mild embarrassment. ‘We’ll continue this in the car”, He said as took her hand and lead her to the parked vehicle. It ended up to where he had to tightly hold to stop her from tripping yet again.

Ruby managed to enter the car without a hitch. Ruby dropped the topic they had at the party, however as soon they arrived Ruby’s small house that had a metal bar and had three heavy-duty locks on the door. Ryder parked in her driveway.

“I had a nice-“ Ruby begun to said but was interrupted with green chunks on the carpet. Ryder said nothing as slapped his forehead in defeat.

“I'm sorry” Ruby said.

“Just go now”, he snapped at her as she left the car.  Ruby looked hurt for an instant,  before she opened and exited.        

***

“Your kidding me, she was that drunk?” Nova said alongside a nervous laugh comes out.

“I'm not, she couldn’t even walk on her own." Ryder signed.

“And you wonder why mom and dad don’t like her’. Boomer said, joining the convocation now.

“Oh come on, she's not that bad." Ryder said. “She just got carried away with the tequila."

“She told dad to fuck off after he caught her smoking in the backyard while she was meeting us for the first time." Boomer pointed out.

“And also before she used to pick on Gemma and your cousin, Clover.” Nova said. “It was actually kind of messed up."

“First off, she apologized to dad and second, Nov, you and Cara joined in as while ." Ryder said. When Nova was still on Ruby and Cara’s good side. They weren’t do the nicest group at the middle school.  

“I was forced into it but I hated every second of it” Nova said. 
> Chapter 8 (Part 1 of 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One year ago, before Nova's surgery, she quite popular at school and was close friends Ruby and Cara. Although they weren’t always the nicest group to hang with, even to Nova sometimes, both Cara and Ruby used to boss around Nova and would threaten not to be her friends if she didn’t listen to hem. Nova blindly followed and allowed them to treat her like dirt.

She feared if she disobeyed she'd have no friends. So she went with it much to her dismay.  The only time she ever stood up to them, was when she returned to school after having her wing amputated. They had gone too far with ignoring her and not visiting her when she was recovering in the hospital and at home, then lying to her friend, Ryder about it. She would've let them have it but Ruby cut her off before she really got into her rant. After that Nova wanted nothing to do with them.

***

In the cafeteria, Nova was eating her lunch while she waited for her friends to get their food in line. She normally saved seats for Cara and Ruby because her mom refused to give her lunch money. Scootaloo said it was costly and they have all the same food at home.  But Nova still wanted to at least get from the cafeteria once in a while. The food wasn’t that bad after all. All of a sudden she heard a voice beside her.

“Hi, me and Clover were wondering if we sit with you? They’re aren’t that many tables left.” Gemma asked, a light tangerine mare with an earthy green mane. The cafeteria was full, leaving almost no seats for the hungry students. Blame it on Taco Tuesday.

Nova thought about it for moment. She knew if she said “yes” Cara and Ruby would be pretty mad at her.  They both can’t stand Gemma and Clover.  
They never really explained why however Nova didn’t desire to get involve. But at the same time she didn’t want to be rude, there really weren’t that many seats left. Gemma already gets picked on enough for being heavy and a fat cheerleader. Nova had never joined in the teasing if Gemma was there. Although if she was alone with her friends in her room , she joined in.

“I'm sorry, we’re expecting a huge group. Maybe you two can both join us next time”. Nova said.

“Okay. Gem, come on we’ll just have to eat outside again”. Clover said,  a creamy short  mare  then the average with a neon pink mane.  
“It’s raining today”, Nova pointed out

‘I know but we sit under the bleachers”. Gemma said. Suddenly Nova felt insanely guilty, they would get drenched and it in the middle of fall also be frozen if they go outside. She was sure if she told Cara and Ruby the deal, they would two of them understand.

“Actually I think we can make room”. Nova said remorseful.

“Thanks Nova”. Gemma said, as she pulled out a chair and sat down. Clover did the same.

“Nova, are you freaking kidding me?” A furious Cara said behind her while Ruby was next to her. “Why you are letting freak 1 and freak 2 sit with us?”  Nova was in for it now. Cara looked like she was going to kill her. It slightly scared her.

“They were just leaving, right?” Nova hinted. She hoped Clover and Gamma would heed her warning. If not she knew a fight could breakout any second. It wasn’t going to be pretty. She didn’t want to deal with the drama now. All she wanted was to eat her lunch in peace before her next class.

“Nova, are you serious? You told us we could sit with you”. Gemma snapped.

“What I don’t know what your talking, fatty”. Nova said. She regretted what was doing but she didn’t want to have Cara and Ruby mad at her again. After they just forgave her. Thought what they were angry with her wasn’t really her fault, her mom was late picking them up at the movies last Friday.
Gemma and Clover both looked insulted delayed before they snatched up their backpacks and got up from the table. Undoubtedly they could have longed for Nova to come to her senses.  She didn’t.

“Leave fatso and shorty.” Ruby mocked. Gemma stared at Nova in disbelief before turned away in tears. Clover followed suited.

“What was that about?” Cara asked as she put down her food tray. “Why were they sitting with us?”

“I don’t know, they’re so weird, they just sat down while I was waiting for you and talking about drugs”. Nova lied.

“Yeah they are, I can’t believe my mom wants me to be Gemma’s friend.  Because her mom and mine have been friends since they were really young. Like I'm ever going to be with a chubby ass. “ Cara ranted.

“Yeah, and Clover’s mom never talks to everyone and spends all her time with animals by that creepy forest. Also her dad knows maybe two words”. Ruby said. “I've never heard him say complete sentence”.

“Yeah much be dumb”, Nova joked.  The three of burst out in laugher at the rude remark and continued on their day.

***

Nova ended her story there as Boomer and Ryder both eyed at their long time friend in horror. Nether of said anything, they a moment to let everything to sank in. Ryder was the first to speak up

“What the hell, Nova? You know my uncle Mac isn’t dumb, he’s just really  shy and the same thing goes for my aunt Fluttershy”.  Ryder defended.  “It’s even in her name”.

“I know what I did wasn’t cool and wish I stood up for them but I didn’t want Ruby or Cara to gang up on me”. Nova said.
> Chapter 8 (Part 2 of 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I finished my make up and now I can join everyone in the living room. Rumble was hopefully keeping everybody entertained while I was getting ready.  I put my pinkish mane in a quick French braid then I can finally greet everybody like a good hostess should do.

“Hi”. I said as I entered the room. Before anyone could answer the doorbell rang.

I opened to Sweetie Belle and Button Mash with their daughter Pearl. Also Sweetie told me she’s bringing her niece, Lily because Rarity is out of town for the week. Doing “Fashion Week” in Canterlot.

“Hey Scoots”. Sweetie said as she hugged me. “How are you?"

“I'm fine”. I said as I stepped aside and let her and the others past me. Old habits die hard, I know from experience. “It’s been way too long, Sweetie”.

“It has been. How’s the family?” Sweetie asked, as Button said not a word and went in the living room. I always had the feeling he doesn’t like me but to be honest I don’t like him either.  To me, he still sometimes acts a foal with him playing all those video games. However I can’t really tell my dearest friend that.  

“Not much has happened with me lately but Nova went out on a date last night”. I said. Sad but true, being a stay at home mom can have some dull moments.  However I do have plans return to my job as a dance instructor soon, since Nova has made a full recovery. So there's no reason why I can't go back.

Lily and Pearl headed downstairs to where the other teens are. While both of us joined the adults are. “Oh really, who was the lucky colt?” Sweetie asked.

“I think his name's Crimson or something weird like that”. I said as I said next to Rumble.    

“She’s growing up so fast, I remember when both Rumble and Rainbow were teaching her to fly. ” Apple Bloom said. “Thanks for stating the obvious, AB”. I thought to myself. She was right though, it seemed like yesterday when Rumble and Dash taught her to fly for the first time.

Nova was three then, all she could do was hover three or four inches off the ground which typical for a filly her age. We didn’t have much time to teach her. With me not being to fly and Rumble working full-time at his job it was very difficult for us.  It was common for foals to learn some kind of flight method on their own but Nova still struggled with it. Getting her higher was the tricky part.  

***

“Nova, come to daddy, come on now”. Rumble called while two feet in the air.

We were the middle of a lesson in the backyard.  A small grey filly with large green bow in her black and purple mane, held her brown teddy bear, Chubby  tightly in her arms.  She stayed planted on the ground not at moving from the spot she stood. Dash and me were sat near by as we watched,    

“What if I fall?” Nova said as she griped her beloved bear with all her might. She back away from the edge of the lounger chair she stood on.

“Then I’ll catch you, c’mon now put down Chubby and fly up”. Rumble encouraged.

“I don’t want to”. Nova said as jumped off the chair with Chubby pressed up against her tiny body and her way to the table where Dash and me were seated. She climbed into my lap as she almost made me dropped the iced tea I drank.  She probably came to me because she thinks I’ll get out her of this but this mommy is no push over.

“Nova, I don’t think your flight lesson is over yet.” I said sweetly s I put my daughter back the ground. “Why you don’t finish…”

“NO, I DON’T WANT TO”. Nova whined and stomped her feet. Great, Nova’s having a tantrum there's no way she’ll stop.

“Nova that’s enough, you need to fly and if you don’t you’ll be in a time out” I said losing the softness in my voice.

“But I'm sleepy”. Nova whined yet again. She had just finished a nap an hour ago roughly.

Before I had a chance to response Dash spoke. “Hey Nova, come here I have something for you."

Nova walked over to Dash and she whispered something in her ear that I didn’t hear. But whatever it was it seemed to work as Nova handed me Chubby then and held Dash’s hand as they returned to the chair where Rumble was.  Getting Chubby away from Nova was a challenge since she never put down that bear. She didn’t even give it up so I could clean it. I once had to sneak in her room and use my ninja skills to take it to the laundry room.

“You ready to fly?” Rumble asked. Nova nodded with that Rumble lifted her on the chair. “Okay, remember if you fall I’ll catch you. Can you try now?”
Nova begun to flared her gray wings and hovered an inch off the lounger on her own. It may have not been much but it was progress. I was relieved to able to see her get off the ground.

“Good job but can you got to where I am?” Rumble said as he went three in the air. For moment Nova looked uncertain however she flew up slowly to her dad.  I was amazed, when I first found out that I pregnant my fear was that my foal wouldn’t be able to fly like me. That she had to go thorough what the nightmare I had. It worried me seeing Nova struggle with not flying that well.

“Nova, fly to mommy and back here”.  Rumble said. Nova paced her flying but she got to me.

“Mommy I'm flying”. Nova said with the biggest on her face. She was, I could be pounder. I never found out what Dash said to Nova but I thanked her. When I asked Dash giggled and smiled before she changed the topic.  It did bug me a bit however that’s just for them.
> Chapter 9 (unedited)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“…I wasn’t, you were shit-faced”. Ryder said as he talked on his phone to Ruby. After excessive calling from Ruby he gave in and answered her calls. He went in the hallway to talk to his mare-friend. 

Everyone in the next room can hear him fight with her. “…Ruby you have a drinking problem “

“So… Nova”. Lily said to cut the awkward silence and to distract everybody from the arguing in the background “I heard from a little birdie you went on a date last night”.

“…Ruby. I had it…” Ryder said, sounding angrier by the second.

“He was really nice and we had a great time”. Nova said. 

“…Bye, I’ll talk to you on Monday. Don’t talk to me until then”. Ryder signed as he hung up and rejoined everyone else on the couch. 
“Is everything okay with…” Boomer begun to ask but got cut off when his brother gave him a death stare. It is probably for the best not to bring it for now. 

“Anyway”. Nova went on. “We actually bumped into Ryder and R-“.

“Don’t say her name!” Ryder snapped.

“Umm okay, we saw Ryder and you-know-who there.” Nova said, surprise her friend’s reaction.  But I was saying my date had help out his stepsister break up a fight or something”. 


“There was a fight? Between who?” Pearl asked.

“I don’t know honestly but he seemed like he didn’t want to about it”. Nova said. 

“Who is he anyway?” Lily probed. 

“Crimson”. Nova said causally“

WHAT?” Pearl exclaimed.  “Why would go to Cara’s party after all the hell she and Ruby put you through? I mean she's so mean.”

“ Well… we weren’t going at first but he was told about it and really wanted to go.” Nova said. Wasn’t that bad really. She did answer the door in kind of a bitchy way”.


“Okay, just be careful, we want to see you hurt again’.  Lily said.

***

Monday 

Putting in the combination in the empty hallway, Nova looking up every now and again for Crimson. He should here any second to cut class. At least that’s what she's hoping. The bell is going to ring and she’ll be force to go that dreaded history class. Watching these awful historic films. All of a sudden Nova feels a tap on her shoulder.  She smiled to herself, he's finally here, and they can go grab food now  as per planned.

“There you are, I thought..” Nova begins to say before she turned around to face the pony behind her. Unexpectedly she is shoved into the open locker by unknown strength with a tight grip. 

“Oh great, not this again”.  Nova thought to herself.  

> Chapter 10 Unedited (final)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** 
Monday

I’m home alone doing the dishes in the sink. Rumble is away at work; he’ll be back on Friday. Nova should be on her way home from school. I decided not to ground her about the drinking at the party. Since she swore to me that she would never do it again, so I let her off with a warning.  However I'm still going have a long chat with Crimson for underage drinking when him and Nova and are going out. My daughter is only fifteen after all.

It’s not appropriate for a first date for teenagers.  I did the same when I was her age but I wasn’t …

“Crash”. 

The front door is forcedly slammed opened as Nova came home. “Not this yet again”. I thought. How hasn’t that door break off the hinges amazes me?  I should really see why she's upset now. It’s not that I don’t care but hearing the door getting smash every second day because my daughter is hurt is tire some , it breaks my heart every time I see her cry. But I've learnt when Nova does that it’s a forewarning to prepared for drama. 

“Nova, what have I told you about the door?”  I called from the kitchen as I repeated myself the 1000th time. I go in the hallway where she is.  “What’s-“.  I stopped when her stayed her head low, tears formed in her eyes

I didn’t even have a chance to finish my sentence when Nova rushed up the stairs to her room.  

“This again?”  I thought as I walked up to the bedroom door. “Nova, do you want to talk about it?”

“NO”. Nova yelled through the door.  

That does it, I'm sick of this.  I had enough of the yelling, tears and seeing Nova always shutting herself off from the world. It’s too much and I can’t do this anymore. Nova and I do this everyday almost, it is getting ridiculous also it’s starting to concern me.

“Nova, I'm coming in”.  I warned as I begun to creak open the door.  I make my way to her bed where she buries her in the white tear stained pillow. She doesn’t see me sit on the bed next to her.  I said her name again. “Nova”.  She doesn’t respond.

“Nova, can we talk about what's upsetting you? You’re constantly doing this. Because of Cara and Ruby. I know you were very close friends of yours. But you can’t let that stop you in making friends…”

“It wasn’t Cara or Ruby this time”. Nova stated, straightening up herself and sitting up now.

“Then who was it?”

“Crimson”. 

***

Putting in the combination in the almost empty hallway, Nova looked up every now and again for Crimson. He should here any second to cut class. At least that’s what she's hoped. The bell will ring soon and she’ll be force to go that dreaded history course. Watched those awful historic films. All of a sudden, Nova felt a tap on her shoulder.  She smiled to herself, he's finally here, and they can go grab food now as per planned…

“There you are, I thought...” Nova begins to say before she turned around to face the red pony behind her. He grabbed her by the waist and pressed his lips against hers. Nova grinned at Crimson and the adorable greeting that is becoming routine for them. He’s started this after their first kiss in the park.

“You ready to go now?” Crimson asked, as he holds in her a tight embrace. 

“ Yeah, usual spot?” 

“Nah, I was thinking of driving to “Stones Hill” and to cuddle or something”. Crimson said. Unknown to Nova, ‘Stones Hill” is a common hiking or picnic area, and hook ups.   She has no clue about the later plans.

“Okay, let’s go”.  She said and walked out of the school hand in hand with Crimson. 


The drive wasn’t that far, no more then ten minutes to the just the destination and a two minute walk from Nova’s house actually. She had been here many times as a filly to play on the playground. She hadn’t been here for years. Her parents used to take her after school to have some fun from a long day of learning. 

***
Without a notice, Nova felt a strong arm was dragging her closer; she turned her head around to Crimson brought her in for a cuddle with his forearm resting her left shoulder. Not giving it a thought, Nova pushed his arm away from her. She didn’t want Crimson to feel her missing wing or know about it. 

Now confused by that reaction.  “Novi (Nov-ee), is something wrong?” He asked. 

“It’s nothing.” Nova signed. 

“Alright, I guess”. He said still dumbfounded.

Why did she felt like she wanted to cry all of the sudden? She felt a few tears come down her face but she quickly wiped then before he saw. Thanks goodness. She was a one-winged freak after all; she had a huge scar and a small stub on her back from the surgery. She usually wears baggy sweater or a hoodie, anything to cover her defect. Nova hadn’t even told Crimson about her cancer yet. She was afraid that he would break things off with her if was she was honest…

But she should be. It couldn’t hurt, could it? “No just get it off your chest”. Nova thought. “I mean really what can happen? Crimson is so sweet, he wouldn’t dump me over this”. 

“Crimp, can I tell you something?” Nova asked.  

“Sure”. Crimson said. “What is it?”
Unsure on how to go about this, Nova bluntly let it out in a very unsubtle way. “I had cancer”.

“What?” Was all Crimson said, he still seemed flabbergasted. 

“Earlier this year I was diagnosed with cancer and I had to get my left wing amputated. Or it could have spread and got a lot worst. I actually could have died because of it.” Nova explained. Omitting the part where his stepsister and her friend ditched her fpr that reason. She didn’t desire from her colt-friend. 

Wait was he her colt-friend? They both only had the one real date however they spread almost everyday together. They had kissed, held hands and cuddled countless times. So were they or not? Did he even saw her like that? She preyed he did.

“So you only have one the wing?”  Crimson questioned as he glared at her.

“Yes I do”. Nova said.

“I see”.. Crimson said as he reached over her and opened the car door on her side. “Get out”. 

“What, why?” it was Nova’s turn to be confused. 

“I can’t go out with a Pegasus who cant fly. Don’t you know how that would make me look?” Crimson said. In shock Nova said nothing and just stated at him. Was he for real? She really hoped he was just doing a very unfunny prank on her.  

“Are you kidding me right now?” Recovering from the temporary silence.  Nova said angrily after a long pause. Finally able to get some words out, this wasn’t happening again? 

“Nope, I'm serous get out of my car now”. Crimson said coldly.  Without another word, Nova picked up her black schoolbag.

“You’re an asshole” She yelled as she slammed the door as hard as she could when she left to make a point. Turning away to walk off in anger, Nova allowed herself to cry little. Crimson started up his car and drove out of the parking lot as if he wanted to leave as fast as possible. She couldn’t go home, school didn’t let for another hour. Her mom would know that she has been playing hooky.  

Instead, Nova went in the public washroom and just let it all out. “Why does everyone hate me”? Nova sobbed in the bathroom stall. She stayed there until she had no choice but to go home. Tears kept pouring out. How stupid was she? No pony would ever want to be with a Pegasus that can’t get off the ground. 


Of course, Nova didn’t tell her mom all this, she’s not crazy. She just needs the basic details. Her mom will kill her if she told the truth ”Crimson and me broke up.”   She wept.

“Oh sorry to hear that”. Scootaloo said.