//------------------------------// // It’s You! // Story: It’s a Mystery // by Rose Quill //------------------------------// I love skipping. There just something about it that just makes your cares go away. Like, for example, I was totally worried that I wasn’t going to make this meeting. After deciding on this dress - which was totally awesome despite having to hold the skirt to skip in - Rarity had insisted on helping get me ready even though I don’t really do makeup. Or my hair. It’s curly so it’s not like there’s much you can do with it sometimes. Which is why I’m amazed she managed to work a small braid running down one side and had a clip that looked like a balloon in her bag. It was simple but I felt amazing because of it. Now just to make it to the park. I like the park, it’s just one of those places that always seems peaceful. I like to come here when things are wild and crazy and I just need a bit of quiet. I’ve planned and held some of my bestest parties here, like Sunset’s “Welcome to the Group We’re glad you’re not Evil Anymore” party, or Twilight’s “Welcome to CHS” party. Those were good times. It’s hard to mix a cake that tastes like dandelions, but the smile on Sunny’s face when she took a bite was worth the effort. It was kind of a light day for traffic. A few people jogging, some walking their dogs, and some that were just enjoying the sunshine. I saw one person in particular and waved as I walked by. “Hi Wallflower!” The girl blushed and ducked back behind her book after waving back. I’m so glad things were back to normal. It was horrible realizing that I had forgotten all the awesome times we had spent with Sunset, simply awful! I Pinkie Promised to never forget her again, and to be her friend fiveever. It’s longer than forever, after all. I rounded the path and came up on the picnic grounds which were empty save for a girl across the way wearing a pair of jeans and a baby blue shirt. As I came up to her I saw the basket on the ground by her feet and realized I knew her! This was awesome! She turned and smiled shyly at me. “Hi, Pinkie,” she whispered as she fiddles with her ponytail. I grinned and stepped forward to hug her. “Hi, Sonata!” I chirped. “Didn’t think I’d see you again.” Oh, you didn’t know? I suppose it makes sense, after all. You see, just before our trip to the beach we had run into the Siren-turned-girl and she had actually apologized. Her... sisters? Broodmates? I’m not sure what their relationship is called, actually. If they all hatched at the same time wouldn’t they be sisters? But what if their eggs were laid by different Sirens? Did Sirens lay eggs? Anyway, her sisters had ditched town shortly after the Battle and she stayed behind for reasons. No, I don’t remember what she said, because she said reasons. Stop skipping ahead! “I was surprised to hear you started going to Crystal Prep,” I said as we spread the blanket she had brought. “Why did you decide to stay?” The Siren shrugged. “We’ve been on this world for a long time, Pinkie,” she said hesitantly. “But we never really did anything to learn about it. Now that we’re..” she reached up and fingered a pendant of a heart with a eight note engraved in it. “Well, you know. Dagi and Aria thought we might be able to keep getting on like we had but I was tired of always running.” She eased to the ground, reaching into the basket and pulling out a thermos. “I figured the best way to adjust to this new life was to do what teenagers do and go to school.” “But why Crystal Prep?” I asked as she handed me a paper plate. “Why not CHS?” She gave me a sad smile, tilting her head a touch. “After what we did,” she replied. “I doubted anyone would have put up with me there. And Crystal Prep has held a scholarship contest for music. I may not be able to sing anymore, but I did pick up the viola about a hundred years ago or so. I like the way it sounds.” I gasped. “You can play the viola?” I couldn’t believe how much there was to this girl I didn’t know. Then again, she didn’t go to CHS and that’s where I gathered most of my party files. I only had five for Crystal Prep and they were still sadly thin. I’d have to fix that. “So, what kind of scrumdiddlyumptious treat did you make?” I asked, leaning forward to glance inside the basket. “Well, I didn’t really make it,” she giggled. “I’m not all that great a cook. But there was a good place down the street from my job at a taco shop that offers preplanned picnic lunches.” She pulled out a package of cold fried chicken and a small container of what looked like Mac and cheese. “I thought we could warm them up on one of the grills, but I forgot to get matches.” I grinned and reached up to feel the geode around my neck. “Don’t worry, I got you covered,” I said slyly. “Besides, cold chicken is just as good.” She smiled with relief and set the chicken down, opening the thermos and pouring out some lemonade. “I’m glad you decided to come,” she said. “I was kind of worried you wouldn’t.” “Well, I just had to find out who it was!” I exclaimed. “I never had a secret admirer before, and the guessing game was super fun even though I didn’t have anything to help me with since I don’t really have a lot of information on you or your classmates.” She started laughing. It was one of the best sounds I had ever heard from her and the smile was without maliciousness, just happiness. And I live for smiles like that. “I think you’re really cool, Pinkie,” she gasped as she caught her breath. “And even if nothing come from this, I’d really like to be your friend.” “Of course!” I grinned. “But why me, if I can ask?” “I... like they way you smile,” she blushed harder than Wallflower ever did. “And the energy you have. And your laughter. It’s infectious. I was a spectator at the Friendship Games, and I think that was when I started feeling... well,” “A crush?” She nodded silently. I reached over and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Nata,” I told her. “I think this is going to be fun.”