The next day, Lightning Dust walks over to Rarity’s house. She is very confused about that paper she was given.
I wonder why Rarity gave me that notice. Lightning thought. I don’t think this is for me.
Lightning approached Rarity’s house. Before she can ring the doorbell, Rarity comes out.
“Lightning, darling.” Rarity greeted. “I’ve been expecting you. Come in.”
Lightning goes into the house. She and Rarity sit on the couch to discuss this part of Lightning’s redemption.
“You received the invitation to a social gathering at Canterlot Park. Have you not?”
Rarity wondered.
“I sure have.” Lightning answered. “But, why? I’m not sure if I can get along with your sophisticated friends.”
“Don’t you worry, Lightning. I’ll help you out. If Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy can help you, I will too.”
Lightning Dust was still a little worried. “How can I behave in this event?”
“You’ll learn as the day goes on.” Rarity answered. “For now, let’s find you something nice to wear.”
The two girls go through Rarity’s big closet in her bedroom. The socialite gives Lightning Dust some advice. “I have worn many of these outfits. Surely one of these can fit you best.”
The soccer girl sees something that caught her attention. She saw a sea foam green silk shirt, a deep teal vest, and a bright blue skirt and sky blue shoes. She looked at it and gave a response. “This looks like it’s my style.”
Going into another room, Lightning Dust changed clothes. When she came out, Rarity was shocked.
“Oh my goodness!” Rarity yelped. “That outfit looks beautiful on you.”
Lightning looked at herself in the mirror. Even she was surprised. “Wow! I never thought I would have something like this on. I like it!”
Rarity presented her with a red blazer and a black tie. “Put these on too. This could complete your transformation.”
Lightning Dust put on and straightened out her tie, slipped on the blazer, and looked in the mirror again. “You’re right! Now, I look completely dignified. When is this event?”
“It begins in forty five minutes.” Rarity answered. “Gives me time to change clothes too.”
Later, the two girls arrived at Canterlot Park. Lightning has her outfit on. Rarity has on a long yellow long sleeve gown and black shoes.
“Now, don’t panic, Lightning Dust.” Rarity advised. “I’ll help you get through this. Shall we proceed, my dear?”
“By all means, Madam.” Lightning answered elegantly.
The two ladies entered the park and saw the area set up as a social event. Tables with food are set up, music being played by local musicians, and at the center is an ice sculpture in the shape of a swan.
“Wow!” Lightning cooed. “This ice sculpture is beautiful.”
“Indeed.” Rarity added. “It was just taken out a minute before we got here.”
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. Even I like this.”
“See, Lightning. I told you that you’d adjust.”
Soon, avid photographer Photo Finish arrived to meet Rarity.
“Photo Finish!” Rarity yelped with surprise.
“Hello, Rarity.” Photo greeted.
The two girls embraced each other as Lightning looks on. Photo turns to see the soccer girl. “Lightning Dust, I presume.”
“Pleasure to see you, Photo Finish.” Lightning Dust replied. She gave a gentle bow to the photographer.
“That is a nice outfit, my friend.” Photo said.
“Thank you.” Lightning replied. “For an event like this, even I have to dress accordingly.”
Soon, Photo got an idea. “How about posing next to the ice sculpture?”
“That’s a good idea.”
Lightning walked elegantly to the swan sculpture. She stood with her hands in front of her as Photo took her picture.
“Once I develop this picture,” Photo whispered to Rarity, “I’ll send it to you so you can give it to her.”
Photo leaves as Lightning returns to Rarity.
“See, LD,” Rarity explained, “being elegant is rewarding.”
“I guess it is.” Lightning replied.
As the day lingers on, Lightning Dust starts to feel better about the event. Soon, one of Rarity’s other friends, Sassy Saddles arrives.
“Hello, Sassy.” Rarity greeted.
“Rarity, my friend.” Sassy replied. “Nice to see you.”
The two embraced each other with a hug. Sassy then saw Lightning, and was surprised. “Soccer player Lightning Dust? I didn’t expect you here. And, with a charming looking outfit too.”
“I didn’t expect to be here either.” Lightning replied. “But, Rarity insisted I join her. And, I’m having a good time.”
Sassy gave Lightning a sweet hug. “I’m glad to hear that. Rarity sure made a proper lady out of you.”
Lightning Dust blushed hearing that comment. Rarity looks on.
“I told you there was nothing to worry about, darling.” Rarity said as she presents her guest a submarine sandwich. “Something to eat?”
Lightning Dust saw the sandwich, politely takes it, and is ready to eat. “Thank you, my dear.”
Going to a table to sit down, Lightning Dust enjoys her sandwich. She is eating it slowly, so it not to offend anyone. Soon, Canterlot City’s well known socialite, Hoity Toity, approaches her carrying a bottle of water with him.
“Some water to wash it down, Madam?”
Hoity Toity greeted.
Lightning Dust was surprised to see the socialite. Putting down the sandwich, she is given the water. After a few sips, she turns to her host. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.” Hoity Toity replied. “Rarity said you are more dignified than you usually are.”
Just then, a brawny brown colored young man, stormed in. And, he approached Lightning Dust.
“Hoops?” Lightning yelped. “What are you doing here?”
Hoops looks at here, and got mad. “You don’t belong here, Lightning. You’re reckless, you hurt people during practice, and nobody trusts you!”
As Hoops starts to turn red with anger, Hoity Toity confronts him. “Causing trouble, young man? I’ll have to call in the bouncer.”
He then calls for someone. “Bulk Biceps, I call upon you.”
Then, the muscular Bulk Biceps appears, wearing a basic tuxedo. Even Lightning Dust is impressed.
“At your service, Mr. Hoity Toity.” Bulk Biceps responded. “How can I help you, sir?”
A minute later, Hoops gets tossed out of the park, and lands on the street next to a garbage can. As he recovers, a little dog comes along and licks his face. But, the little dog spits out, walking angrily away from Hoops. Later that day, Lightning talks to her mom about that day.
“And, Mr. Hoity Toity had Bulk Biceps throw Hoops out of the park.” Lightning said as she finishes her story.
“I’m very proud of you, Lightning Dust.”
The mother praised. “So far, you’re becoming a more mature young lady.”
“Thanks, mom.”
Then, Lightning’s phone rang. Seeing who it is, she takes the call. “Hello, Pinkie Pie. What can I do for you?”
TO BE CONTINUED...