//------------------------------// // Drop Dead Gorgeous (part 1) // Story: The Truth About Girls (Vol. 3) // by TheMareWhoSaysNi //------------------------------// Glancing at her calendar, Rarity realized today was the first day of the last school holidays before summer. Time had spent so fast… It undoubtedly meant she could expect to see her little sister Sweetie Belle accompanied by her two lovely friends, and that the young teenage girl would be under her feet all week long. Until she would decide to do her homework. Rarity liked to spend time with the young girl but she hoped the latter wouldn’t come and mess her fabrics up or steal her sewing scissors for her latest artistic creation. Anyway, she was going to be very busy for days and Sassy was ordered not to let Sweetie Belle enter into her workshop in her absence. She fit the black muslin, laces and taffeta dress one last time on the foam mannequin and took one step back in order to admire her latest creation. Perfect. She was sure Hoity Toity wouldn’t believe his eyes. If he didn’t, then Rarity swore she wasn’t Rarity anymore! This preliminary phase for the election of Miss Teen Equestria was a chance the young fashion designer didn’t want to miss for anything in the world. With the famous couturier as a member of the jury, it could only benefit her career. Of course, she was going to have competition but Rarity trusted her talent. After all, Vogue Equestria already wrote an article about her, and the local fashion bloggers swore only by her. She even been elected “newcomer with the greatest potential” by the magazine and in the editorial that matched pictures of some of her finest creations, it was written that if one day she decided to do prêt-à-porter, she would probably become a fashion icon. Rarity couldn’t dream of anything than starting an international business, but it demanded a lot of money, and although she earned a satisfying living, it wasn’t enough to start something this big. When this young woman named Bell Perin had entered the boutique, asking her whether she could become her personal stylist for the Canterlot preliminary phase of Miss Teen Equestria, Rarity had immediately identified the potential and said yes, since she’d read a bit earlier that the famous couturier Hoity Toity would be there. For the occasion, she had created a total of four dresses plus one swimming suit demanded by the Organization Committee, though she thought this order was a little immoral since this was a beauty pageant for teenage girls. Rarity was satisfied of her work. Each of her creations had a different style, from chic to modern, and, she was sure, they would highlight the young woman’s physical characteristics, like her gorgeous curly hair and her beautiful blue eyes. She lifted her dress’s sleeve, and looked at her watch. Bell Perin would soon arrive to give her opinion on the outfits she’d wear during the contest which would take place in three days. She still had a little bit of time left to prepare tea and biscuits… While she was in the stairs going to her apartment above her workshop, Rarity heard her landline phone ring and dashed upstairs to pick it up. Two days before she’d ordered pearls and she didn’t want to miss any call, in case there would be a problem with her delivery. “Hello?” she said, almost breathless. “Miss Rarity?” a female voice questioned at the end of the line. She was calling home, who else did she think would pick up the phone? “Oh, hello, Bell Perin! I was just starting to prepare everything for your arrival.” “That’s why I’m calling…” “Is there a problem?” Rarity asked, thinking she’d heard the young woman coughing in a muffled way. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to compete for the pageant!” A short moment of silence floated between them, so that Rarity, her hands clenched around the receiver, could take into accounts all the parameters of what it meant for her… Well, Bell Perin probably had a good reason. Or at least, she hoped she did or the young designer wouldn’t take it graciously. “What’s wrong?” Rarity hoped her voice didn’t sound too upset. She might not since her correspondent went on with a voice that was disarming of sincerity and regrets. “I’ve caught chickenpox while babysitting! There are spots all over my body and my face and I’m feeling sore. It was the last occasion for me to take part in the pageant, that’s so unfair!” Yes, unfair… Or a bit stupid. When you knew you didn’t get chickenpox in your childhood, you didn’t babysit children without cautious, especially a few weeks before such an important event. Of course Rarity, who barely knew Bell Perin, kept her opinion to herself. She only sympathized with her and gave away words of comfort, although she thought she was the one who needed them the most right now. The teenage girl could still take part in pageants as an adult, but she would get no other opportunities like this one. And what was she going to do with the dresses she had created especially for the occasion? Sell them in her boutique? Even if it was a possibility, it also was a very little comfort. She had chosen the design of these dresses for the purpose matching the stakes. It almost felt like trying to sell outfits for figure skaters mainstream. Possible, but somewhat strange. When hanging up, Rarity took a glimpse around her, a bit beaten by this disappointment. It was a knock, and if she’ll probably get over it, she also knew it would take a much longer road to get what the pageant could have brought her in a couple of hours. As her eyes fell on a picture of her and her friends that was pinned above her TV set, her eyes brightened up. Everything wasn’t lost… Bell Perin couldn’t participate and so, what? This city was full of teenage girls as pretty as pictures who wouldn’t refuse her such a favor, in exchange of free outfits. That was a piece of luck, since she knew six of them personally. They all were pretty their own way, and by fitting her outfits to the size and style of one of them, Rarity didn’t doubt she could take part in the contest of the Canterlot preliminary phase of Miss Teen Equestria. All she had to do was to ask them and see which one of them will be OK to try. They could do that for her, after all, they were her friends and they loved her and wanted her to succeed. Didn’t they? -------------------------------------------- It was rather unusual for Rarity to invite them to come by after school. Especially without warning. Basically, they would see each other on weekends, or they had an appointment at least one week in advance. Even if, technically, Friday evening could count as the weekend. She’d prepared Earl Grey tea and cucumber sandwiches; the way she did when she wanted to cause a sensation. From this, the six friends draw the conclusion that something important was going on. Maybe she wanted to tell them Sapphire Shore had once again asked for her assistance. It would undoubtedly be a great step for Rarity. It could mean she’d been able to keep her famous patron’s faithfulness and that her creations would gain even more visibility. If it was the case, Pinkie Pie was thinking this was too nice of a party. This event should have been celebrated in pomp and circumstance. So, either it was something else, either Rarity was acting humble. In either way, she’d do her best to fix this. “Well… I’d like to display patience but I think it’s better to get to the heart of the matter. I summoned you because I need your help.” They immediately all thought their hunch about Sapphire Shore was confirmed. They bet the singer had ordered new outfits for a new tour, or maybe for some music video, or for televised awards, and Rarity thought she could ask them to assist her the way they did last winter. Though they weren’t professionals of sewing, the young woman had been satisfied with their work. And, she knows they were on holidays and that, technically speaking, they had time. “In three days, will be held the Canterlot preliminaries of Miss Teen Equestria beauty pageant in which the famous couturier Hoity Toity will take part as a member of the jury. I was supposed to be this young girl, Bell Perin, stylist, but she had to withdraw from the competition, and here I am in a dead-end. It would have been a golden opportunity for me to finally get noticed.” Alright. The six friends looked at each other, unsure of what their friend was exactly expecting from them. They wouldn’t force Hoity Toity to come and check out Rarity’s creations, and he would probably not give a single care about what a bunch of teenage girls had to say to him. “Oh, I know!” Pinkie Pie claimed, putting her hand up as if she were being questioned in school. “You want us to plan a fashion show for this Sir!” “How could it even be possible? Mr. Hoity Toity is a very busy man, it’s already very nice of him to come and be here for the preliminary phase of such a pageant.” “Then I have no idea of what you want.” Rarity took a glimpse at Twilight who answered by shrugging. Really… Where their reasoning was? Was it homework that made them unable to decipher her? Yet, it seemed the young woman the favor she wanted to ask them was clear. But since, in all likelihood, it wasn’t the case, then too bad. She would just tell them. “I need one of you to take part in the pageant and so, I could show my creations the way I should have. All it would take are a few little changes. What do you think?” Amazement let way to surprise. It was so simple none of them had guessed. And most importantly, if Rarity thought this favor was nothing at all, they all realized what it implied. In front of this lack of enthusiastic answer, Rarity bridled her excitement and displayed an upset face, clearing her throat while fingering her blouse’s collar. “Well, I know you girls are on holidays but I was expecting something else. You don’t want to help me to make my dream come true, that’s fine, I take note.” “Oh, don’t think that, Rarity”, Fluttershy started. “I’d love to do this favor for you but… a pageant, in front of people, I could never do that.” “Yes, obviously”, the woman in question answered, now a bit less upset. “That’s a pity since I’m sure you would be dazzling in such a contest.” “Same for me here, I’d have participated with pleasure to help you, but during holidays I have to be at the tattoo workshop every day and I can’t allow myself not to come. I save this money for College.” “Don’t worry, I understand. Thanks, Sunset Shimmer… Twilight, maybe it could be interesting for you? This would be a good way to perfect your talents as a speaker.” “It’s nice of you but I don’t think I have the researched “profile” for such a contest. Plus, I have tons of reviewing to do. You know this is almost homestretch and I have to maintain my level if I want to get this Royal Scholarship.” There were only three persons left, among which two hadn’t said anything yet. Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy and Twilight all had really good reasons, and she couldn’t oblige them to cast aside what was the most important for them in order to help her. It was their future, after all… Although in Fluttershy’s case, the problem rather was Fluttershy herself. A wide smile on her face, Rarity turned to the three winners, curious to see which one would sacrifice on behalf of their friendship. For each, she could already envision what changes to do to the dresses. They all represented a different kind of charm which, undoubtedly, would let no judge indifferent. Especially if highlighted by her care. “Oh, easy now! Am already the image of my family’s products, Ah can’t be a Miss. My sponsors won’t like it.” “Please, your sponsors will hit the roof once they’ll learn and see all the money it would give them. You should do it, AJ.” “And why wouldn’t it be ya instead, Dash? Would do good to yar image.” “Because… Because… Because… I haven’t grown big enough boobs! Pinkie Pie is better equipped than me.” “It’s true! Hey, wait a minute! No. Beauty pageants aren’t fun, you have to stay for a looong while without moving and I’m unable to do this. Applejack knows this by heart.” “Staying to hear the announcement of the winners in rodeo contests doesn’t count, Pinkie. Dash, on the other hand, really love to strut and swagger.” “I love winning; it isn’t strutting at all! Can you picture me smiling like a dimwit for two hours? Ugh!” “So ya see me best at it, then?” “Yeah. Just sacrifice yourself in the name of friendship.” “We could say the same thing about you, AJ.” “ENOUGH!” Rarity yelled, tired of hearing them argue about who wouldn’t go. “None of you want to help me, I got it. Drink up your tea and shut up, for Heaven’s sake.” The three friends looked at each other, aware that this time, their argument had been no fun to watch and hear, especially not for the person it concerned. Maybe they had shown their reluctance too vehemently and now, they had upset Rarity who yet was always there to help them. Guilt took over them and at first, they only drank up their cups of tea like ordered, without a word or a glance at anyone. Well, after all, this was only a beauty pageant, nothing harmful. They weren’t even asked to win but only to participate. And it wasn’t a favor asked by anyone… They had to find a solution in order to help her. “Since we don’t seem to agree, Ah offer that we draw straws to decide who’d go.” “Oh yeah, it’s a really good idea, AJ, I love this game.” “No kidding? It’s just taking things in the middle of other things…” “I just love things.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes then, still reluctant, agreed with Applejack. Rarity’s displayed expression was much cheerier than a few minutes before, and it’s almost bouncing around she went and picked up the wooden chopsticks she kept in her drawers in order to eat her favorite tofu noodles from Minako’s, the Silk Street’s Japanese restaurant. None really were of the same length, although it was sometimes subtle. It didn’t matter… This would do the trick. To guarantee the game’s impartiality, Twilight was chosen to hold the chopsticks together while the girls were drawing theirs all at the same time. And so, the risks of cheating were limited, especially coming from one of them who, sometimes, didn’t hesitate to manipulate the rules. Although usually, she would do it in order to win, not to lose. Unfortunately for this person in question, when the three girls compared their chopstick, she was the one who had drew the shortest. Her friends looked at Rainbow Dash in a devilish way that immediately had her panic. “Oh no. No, no, no, no, no, no. No! I’m sorry, Rarity, I love you but this… is too much, I just can’t.” “You can’t help it”, Pinkie Pie giggled. “These are the rules of the game.” “Have mercy. Not this. Beauty pageants are… a ninny type of thing! All the girls doing them are… Like, they can only talk about nail polish and trendy actors. I can’t do that, it’s beyond me.” She was only half-joking. These kind of things were the complete antithesis of awesomeness, the opposite of what she regarded as fascinating. And, she wasn’t good-looking enough for that. She was small, she couldn’t put eyeliner on, she couldn’t walk with high-heel shoes. In reality, she could, but the more she avoided to do it, the better she was feeling. “So, you don’t want to help me, do you?” “I do, but… not this, Rarity, I beg of you.” Applejack saw the fashion designer was about to give in. She probably didn’t want to make her friend suffer from something that unbearable, the same way she didn’t insist when Fluttershy explained her the prospect of taking part in a beauty pageant scared her to death. It would be such a pity. Rainbow Dash was full of prejudices about some representative of the female gender and maybe it would do her good to move out of her preconceived opinions. And most importantly, it would prevent herself from being oblige to draw straw again, this time against Pinkie Pie alone. “Ah though ya weren’t scare of nothin’?” “You mean except planes… and switchblades?” As far as planes were concerned, she wasn’t often confronted to the big machines, except when taking into account all her viewings of the silent movie “Wings” (and she couldn’t help looking away during some of the scenes). On the other hand, when it came to switchblades, her fears often were counterbalanced by her pride and her ego, and most of the time she acted as if it didn’t make her do nightmares, even grabbing some from her fingertips in order to get rid of them. And that precisely was to her cumbersome ego Applejack wanted to appeal. “Well, except planes and switchblades, Ah thought ya weren’t afraid of anythin’! Since when did ya turn into such a chicken?” “I’m no chicken! It’s opposite to my social values and Mommy always taught me integrity.” “What is opposite to yar social values? Struttin’ with a smile on? Or helpin’ yar best friend to make her dream come true? All your lovely lil’ speeches about friendship were all show!” “It wasn’t all show, OK? I’d do anything for my friends, even strutting like a ninny for a ninny crown! The others are the ones that should be afraid, because I’m going to crush them all. Rainbow Dash never refuses a good challenge.” Applejack displayed a satisfied smile, and even before she realized which trap she’d just fallen into, Rainbow Dash was grabbed by Rarity, holding her so tight she almost felt like choking and wondered whether she didn’t have a secret familial connection with Pinkie Pie. Mentally, she wanted to put her palm on her face. Like the stupid girl she was, she had just agreed to take part in one of the stupidest form of contest that existed, only based on physical traits. For her, there was nothing more superficial than this kind of competition… Yet, she’d willingly walk into the lion’s den, without weighing the consequences of her words. Now it was too late to turn back, risking to disappoint Rarity. And this was something Rainbow Dash refused to do.