Ponies in Canterlot always needs to be somewhere, always making an effort to present themselves to those who are higher on the social hierarchy. I learned this pretty quick when my family moved to Canterlot. Though we lived in the small part of town we still made an effort to be excepted by those who put us down. Every day we would do the same thing: Wake up, get ready, and walk out while still looking presentable and head home. Of course being an earth pony in a sea of unicorns can be pretty tough. You don't have a lot of opportunities without magic. It was rough on my family and I but we persevered with what we had. However that all changed when I made my first friend. I can still remember what he said.
"You don't have to be like everypony here. Why not try being comfortable with who you are."
Ever since that day I became comfortable with myself.
I was always an avid piano player. Ever since I was a filly I've played at every party playing whatever felt natural. I've improved throughout my life going into other genres of music. But playing classics is what I love to play the most. Because of this I got myself a reputation for being the only earth pony to play piano, since all the other musically talented ponies were unicorns. I was even hired to play music at house parties. Though I never planned to make it a permanent job. I always wanted to play on stage whether it is a play or an orchestra. To show Canterlot what I can do. Though I tried, I was never successful. But I remain optimistic and I will make my dream come true.
I moved out of my parents home for some time and I still live in the lower ranking houses but I make the most of it. The house I live in is simple with a minimalist look. It's nothing eye catching but it works for me. I was in my living room playing my piano when I heard the door knock. I leaped from the piano bench and trotted to the door. I opened it to see it was my best friend.
"Button Down! How are you doing today?" I said pleasantly.
Button Down is a tall light blue unicorn with black swept back mane and a sewing needle with thread as his cutie mark. He was my friend since school, we've kept in touch since we graduated and he has been giving me jobs at parties ever since. He makes shirts for stallions that are both practical and fashionable. Because of this, he has garnered respect from the higher ranking ponies.
"Piano Keys! I'm doing just fine." He replied. "I came over if you were interested in playing at a party tonight."
"Always, when does it start?"
"8:30 on the corner of 31st Street."
"31st Street? But that's the high ranking estate. Are you sure I'm the best musician for the job Button?" He looked at me with a reassuring grin on his face.
"I know you are the best pick, I have seen you play at the other parties you have been to."
"Well, alright, I'll see you then." I said confidently.
"Glad to hear it."
While I closed the door I looked at the clock, It was 7:30!
"Oh no!, the party starts in one hour! Argh! Why haven't you told me earlier Thimble!" I made a mad dash to my room hastily getting ready and putting on my best dress. I left my house and raced to to the party.
I managed to reach the house where the party was taking place. I got myself reoriented and entered the house. "I'm hear!" I said not knowing the amount of ponies that have shown up.
"Are you Ms. Keys by any chance?" A unicorn mare with a light purple coat and long indigo hair wearing a gaudy outfit that approaches me.
"Yes ma'me, that's me." I replied. The mare just stood there inspecting me. After that she went over to Button Down and talked to him. I can only guess that she's the host of the party. She walked back to me with a dismissive expression.
"Come with me." She said waving her hoof to me. She took me to a room with a piano that stood on the right side. The room itself was heavily decorated with some Faberge Eggs and expensive looking paintings. Some of the decorations were on the piano itself. She levitated the decorations off the piano and opened the lid.
"Here." she said dismissively
"Uh, is there any song you want me to play?"
Her face then got a look of disgust when I said that. She probably thought I already knew what to do. She levitated some music sheets and placed them on the music stand.
"Play what is on the sheets" She said mildly frustrated. She then walked over to the crowd of unicorns and continued socializing.
I sat down on the bench and started playing. The song was really complicated with various dramatic points. It was really unfitting for the party. By the time I finished I looked around and saw many curious faces. Then all at once they were clapping at my performance. They were impressed that an earth pony could play such a song.
"Does anypony have any requests?" I said nervously.
"Can you play some Beethooven by any chance?" said a random unicorn in the crowd?
"Of course." I decided to play Moonlight Sonata. Throughout the night, I played the song. Ponies continued socializing around me but I was getting myself in the zone. Soon, the many chatters of the ponies became silent and all I could hear was the piano. It was like I was in a dark room with only one light shining above that illuminated the piano. I got into it quickly even bobbing up and down to the song as I played. It wasn't until a hoof landed on my shoulder did I break out of the trance. I looked over my shoulder and saw Button Down.
"Great job Piano Keys, you really livened up the party." He said.
I saw that all the guests left and all that were left was Button Down, me, and the host. Guess I got carried away with the song.
The host approached me again whilst I was getting off the bench. She was impressed by my piano playing and gave me a pouch.
"Here, forty bits should suffice." she said approvingly
"T-Thank you, thank you very much Ms, uh..."
"Treatment, Royale Treatment" she answered.
"Thank you Ms. Treatment."
"You are very much welcome. It is not everyday that you see an earth pony with such raw talent towards music." She walked away, probably to clean up since the party ended.
I tied the pouch to my waist and walked out the door with Button Down following suit.
"You were amazing back there you know." Button Down said as we walked down the street at night.
"That's what I hear. Thanks for inviting me, though you could've told me earlier. I had scramble just to get ready."
"I know, but it was last minute. The previous player could not come due tohim being hired elsewhere leaving the party was left without music and you can't have a party without music." He explained. "I'll notify you early next time."
"Which is going to be a while. I mean, no pony does house parties anymore. At least the lower ranking ponies don't." I replied.
Lately house parties became less and less abundant. When I was starting out there were house parties on every corner but now, ponies don't want to put in the effort to plan for one.
"I know, but who knows, maybe you will get a chance to play on stage."
"How so?"
"Well, Royal Treatment is a well renowned unicorn with many connections." He said. "I'm sure she knows at least one musician."
"Really!?" I said with a surprised look.
"Really." He said confidently.
"Thank you Button Down."
"Your welcome, Piano Keys." He said as we arrived to my house. "See you later Piano Keys."
Button Down left me walking away to return home. I entered my house and got ready for bed. At this moment I was really anxious about the whole idea that I might be recommended by Royal Treatment. What I didn't know was who that pony would be and his or her social ranking. Though, I wouldn't have known if I didn't get another job by tomorrow.
To Be Continued...