I woke up like any other day. The birds were doing what they usually do, Ponies were moving in every direction. Everything felt like it was in a state of balance. But as I was getting my breakfast, I heard a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting Button Down at this hour. It felt random. But I was curious so I opened the door.
"Ms. Treatment, what an unexpected visit."
"Oh I know, but I have come here to give you something."
"Really? What could that be?" Royal Treatment then gave me a poster.
"There is going to be an audition this afternoon. I put in a good word for you."
"But this is--"
"The most prestigious auditorium in Canterlot." She interrupted. "Ever since you played at my house last night, I couldn't let raw talent such as yours go to waste."
"But it says here to sign up." I stated.
"Already taken cared of."
I was astonished that I couldn't find the words. All I could say was--
"Thank you Ms. Treatment. For this wonderous opportunity."
"You are very much welcome dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I have somewhere to be." She started walking away with me closing the door. I couldn't believe, after all these years it finally paid off. The auditions were at 5:00 PM, it's 9:30 AM right now so I have time.
With piano playing not being sustainable for living I went and got a job. I work at Button Down's Suits for Stallions. It's been this way since I played at my first house party. Button Down opened his shop ever since hr graduated from school and has been making a living from his attire. Though lately it's been a struggle for him. Stallions were looking else where for amazing wears and at a cheaper price. There are those who do walk in requesting a suit but those are few and far between. It didn't help that Rarity's Boutique opened up across from his shop. Every so often he would look out the window seeing mares and stallions walking by without even looking at his clothes.
"Piano, do you think that this store has been stale?" He questioned.
I didn't know what to say at first, I just shrugged. "It has been a while since you got a customer."
"I just don't get it, I make the most amazing suits in all of Equestria and not one stallion has ever walked through these doors for several months!" He said. It was clear that he was frustrated and looking around, it did have the same appearance.
"Maybe you should make suits a little bit more differently."
Button Down perked his ears and looked straight at me. "How so?"
"Well, look at Rarity's Boutique. They have dresses of every color, for every season, and yet you sell the same suit in different sizes. Maybe design a suit a bit differently."
He stood where he was, pondering about the whole idea. He then walked over to one of his suits and inspected it intensely.
"Hmm... Alright, I'll do just that. But it's going to take a while." He said as he went into another room behind the counter. "By the way, has anything interesting happen today?" He said peeking out from the corner.
"Actually, yes. Royal Treatment came to my door and gave me this poster" I reached into my bags and pulled out the poster and gave it to."
"This is amazing!"
"I know!" I said excitedly. "The Canterlot Orchestra, the most prestigious orchestra in Canterlot."
"As well as being the most strict music group in Canterlot."
"Yeah. But I think I have a chance."
"It's going to be an up hill battle Piano." He replied.
"I am aware Button, by the way, what time is it?"
Button Down looked at the clock. "It's 2:00 PM"
"Oh! I better get ready, I'll be leaving early today."
"I know Piano. Good luck!" I returned home and got myself to look presentable.
It took me two hours to get to the auditorium where the auditions were taken place. When I entered, all of the ponies there were unicorns waiting to be called up. I got my name tag and sat down till they called my name.
"Piano Keys?"
"That's me." I replied.
"This way, follow me." She said holding the door open.
I walked through the door and saw many instruments all in a cluster with a table by the stage with three ponies sitting there. They seem to be the judges. I approached the table and stood on stage.
"Piano Keys, am I correct?" Said one of the judges.
"Yes, that is correct."
"Bring out the Piano!" Hollered the same judge.
A stallion brought in a grand piano onto the stage with grace and elegance.
"Play" said the same judge.
I approached the piano and geared myself to play. I decided to play something well known. I played Impromptu in C Sharp Minor. I was getting myself in the zone when all of a sudden.
"You can stop." said the same judge.
I cut the song short. It felt unnatural that I had to cut the song short, especially so soon. But I kept my head held high.
"Play the scales." said the same judge.
I sat there confused but I played the scales as requested. It was very sterile for me to play the scales honestly. I'd rather play something more up to my speed. I finished the scales and looked toward the judges.
"Play a song of your choice."
Finally, I got a chance to play what I want! I chose Polonaise in A Major and played with all my heart. It was amazing. But then--
"That's enough."
I stopped once more. Now I'm annoyed. I was anticipating another request from the judges but that wasn't the case.
"You leave now, wait in the lobby and wait for your name to be called."
That was it, my audition was done, and it was so short too. The stallion came back and took the piano away, I walked off stage and entered the lobby. I sat down and waited. Seconds became minutes and minutes became hours. I was in the lobby for several hours waiting for that call. One by one ponies walked into the auditorium with excitement in their eyes while I was vexed at the whole situation. It got to the point where I was the only one in the lobby. But then one of the staff here walked out into the lobby.
"Every- Oh! you're the only one here."
"Yup."I said vexed with hooves crossed.
"Ahem, you didn't get the part."
"What? Why?!"
"Well you see, uh..."
At that moment one of the judges walked out ready to go home and saw what was going on and finished the pony's sentence.
"You didn't make the cut because you are not a unicorn."
"What?" I said perplexed.
"Every pony here that auditioned was a unicorn, we don't hire any other ponies who can't juggle more than one instrument."
"I see." I said disappointed.
"You are a talented individual, but you don't fulfill the requirements to join this orchestra."
"Alright." I then left the lobby and headed home.
Do you know that feeling that you were dreaming of something for so long that once you got the chance to fulfill only for it to be dashed in your face. I felt like rubbish that day. I walked along side the illuminated streets all the way home. I made myself dinner and got ready for bed. By the time I reached my bed, I broke down crying. As if all the pent up frustration from all these years suddenly came out in a sea of tears. All that time practicing my craft, all that time working, all that time playing the piano. Wasted. That night, I cried myself to sleep.