Later that night, Lightning Dust laid down in her bed. She thought about what she went through.
I can’t believe these girls are helping me. Lightning thought. I guess Trixie was really concerned about me. That’s why she told Twilight and her friends about my situation.
So far, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity helped me. Makes me wonder what Pinkie Pie has in store for me.
Soon, Lightning Dust fell asleep. The next morning, she woke up, got dressed, and headed out.
“Going to see Pinkie Pie?” The mother asked.
“I sure am.” Lightning answered. “This time, it’s her turn to help me.”
“Okay, Lightning. I heard she got over a problem of her own.”
Lightning was confused to hear that. Minutes later, she arrived at Pinkie’s house. She was greeted by the eldest Pie sister, Limestone Pie. “Lightning Dust! This is an unexpected surprise.”
“Hi, Limestone.” Lightning replied. “Pinkie was expecting me.”
“Oh, yeah. Pinkie said she was expecting someone. I didn’t think it was you. Come in.”
Lightning walks into the house. Then, she got showered by confetti. “What the heck?!”
Limestone saw the confetti, and chuckled. “Pinkie and her confetti cannon! Always a way to make a big entrance.”
Pinkie soon jumped from inside a closet. “Hi, Lightning Dust!”
“Hi, Pinkie.” Lightning replied, shaking the confetti off her clothes.
Lightning Dust goes to Pinkie’s room. Limestone shakes with silent laughter. “That’s what I like about my sister. Always full of surprises.”
Lightning and Pinkie got together to talk.
“So, it’s your turn to cheer me up.” Lightning said.
“That’s right.” Pinkie replied. “I’m glad that I have someone to talk with. Also, I’m getting over a situation I was in myself.”
“What problem was that?”
Pinkie told Lightning a frightening story. “One time, this boy named Vermillion Torch keeps coming to me. He keeps yelling, pushing me around, and he even slapped me around. He said that my father and Limestone approved his actions.”
Lightning was shocked to hear that. “Igneous Rock and Limestone wouldn’t do that!”
“I know that. But, back then, I didn’t know that!”
Pinkie was starting to panic a little. “My whole family was worried about me. Especially Limestone and my father. I was so upset, my younger sister, Marble, strapped a straitjacket on me. As that night rolled on, Limestone assured that nobody wants me to be hurt.”
“And, you got over that problem you had?” Lightning inquired.
“Yep. I felt better knowing that my family cares about me, especially dad.”
A thought came into Lightning’s head. “What happened to that bully?”
“You won’t see him for a long time.” Pinkie answered. “Vermillion Torch, also known as Tangelo Lava, not only hurt me. But, it’s been reported that he did the same to two other girls in Baltimare. So, instead of community service, that creep got ten years in jail.”
“That’s good. I’ll bet your family is happy about that.”
The two friends hugged each other as Pinkie has an idea. “How about we go to the pizza place for lunch?”
“Pizza?” Lightning blurted. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. Somebody has to help you get your spirits up.”
Lightning Dust was impressed that now Pinkie wants to cheer her up. Later that day, the two girls enjoy each other’s company as they munch on pizza.
“Thanks for treating me to lunch, Pinkie.” Lightning said. “I was about to pay my own way.”
“No problem, LD.” Pinkie replied. Then, she thought about something else. “Are you interested in a summer job?”
Lightning’s eyes widened hearing about getting a job. “You know, my mom was just talking to me about finding some work for the summer. Mowing lawns once and a while is just not cutting it these days.”
Pinkie’s eyes widened as she made a suggestion. “The diner where I work is looking for some new people. They might need someone like you.”
“Really?” Lightning wondered. “Do you really think I might be welcomed on their team.”
“As soon as we finish our lunch, we’ll head for the diner and find out.”
Later, Pinkie and Lightning went over to the diner. Pinkie asked her fellow waitress, Sunny Sugarsocks, about Lightning working for the summer.
“Lightning Dust? Work with us?” Sunny blurted. “I wonder if it’s a good idea.”
“Lightning is getting over her reckless behavior, Sunny.” Pinkie assured.
Meanwhile, Lightning sits at one of the tables. She looks around, and sees some of the girls who helped her this week. Just then, she spotted Spitfire looking at her menu, but not opening it. Lightning decides to see what’s wrong.
“Hi, Spitfire.” Lightning Dust greeted. “Getting nervous about the upcoming soccer season?”
“Yes, I am.” Spitfire answered. She was shocked to hear Lightning ask that question. “How did you know?”
Lightning Dust gave her the answer. “When you get nervous, you get a little hasty about opening your menu. Hold up. I’ll be right back.”
Lightning leaves the table. Comes back with Fluttershy. “Maybe Fluttershy can help you. Perhaps her calm nature can help you relax. She helped me.”
As Lightning Dust left, Fluttershy talked to Spitfire. “Don’t worry, Spitfire. I’ll help you with the menu.”
Lightning was soon approached by Sunny. “You were very helpful to your friend, Lightning Dust.”
The soccer girl blushed a little. “Wow! Thanks.”
“How about you talk to your mother when you get home? We might let you work for us like Pinkie suggested.”
Lightning Dust was surprised to hear that news. Pinkie approached her. “I told you Sunny and I can help you.”
“Thanks, Pinkie.” Lightning cooed.
Later, Lightning laid down on her bed. She was happy that she was offered a job at the diner.
“The time you spent with Pinkie was worth it.” Her mother said as she came in to the room.
“It sure was.” Lightning Dust replied. She gave her mom a sweet hug. “Now, I can earn good money this summer.”
The mother was pleased. “That’s good to know. By the way, Lightning. Rainbow Dash called. Sounds like it’s her time to continue your redemption.”
TO BE CONTINUED.....