//------------------------------// // Twilight Sparkle: Professional Matchmaker // Story: My Chemical Reaction // by MysteriousStranger //------------------------------// Twilight’s P.O.V. I’m usually happy on Mondays. But this time, I was smiling more than usual. My overjoy of hearing everything Aria did for me yesterday wouldn’t dissolve so quickly. My great mood was such, that I’m thinking about buying Aria a thank you gift. A meaningful one. But I still don’t know what it is. “What’s with the big smile, Twi?” Pinkie Pie asked with her eyes fixed on mine. She was grinning, as usual. We were at lunch. Sunset and I turned in our project earlier today and got an A+. Trixie, Sunset and Aria outdid themselves. “Is it because of getting another perfect score for your collection?” Pinkie asked, her grin growing wider. Rainbow Dash groaned. “Only you would be happy on a Monday.” “I’m happy too.” Sunset joined in. “Me too!” Pinkie Pie said. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Trixie nodded instead. “It’s the last week before Spring Break, sugarcube. There’s not much to do but take it easy since everyone finished all their homework and projects by now.” Applejack commented. Rarity crossed her arms and frowned at Rainbow Dash before speaking. “Everyone but you, darling. Maybe you would have been able to enjoy the week like the rest of us if you did your homework in time instead of waiting until the last time like you always do.” “Do you always have to scold me because of that? It's getting annoying, you know?” Our athletic friend looked away from us. “Maybe if you did your homework…” Sunset commented, before taking a bite of her spinach hamburger. Rainbow Dash pointed at Sunset with her index finger. “Hey!” The equestrian girl smiled while everyone else but Trixie, Fluttershy and me giggled. “How much homework do you have left, Rainbow?” I asked my friend. “Umm… I haven’t started with the essay for English and like twenty math problems? No wait, thirty.” I sighed as I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Rainbow Dash… there’s barely enough time to finish everything,” I looked at her with concerned eyes. “You have to turn in the math exercise on Wednesday, and then you have Wednesday afternoon and Thursday to write your essay. Your only hope is to get help.” “It’s settled, then!” Rainbow Dash smirked as she playfully punched my arm. “You’ll help me, right, egghead?” I sighed. “I love to teach and assist my friends, but I also love when people seek knowledge on their own. You rely on me too much, Rainbow. You’ll have to ask someone else.” I looked away from my athletic friend and continued with my meal. I am not planning on abandoning her; however, this time I will only interfere if it's absolutely necessary. I stared into space to focus on my thoughts. I wish I could make Rainbow Dash more interested in school responsibilities. At least just enough to take homework seriously. Take notes, brain. ‘How to get a jock invested in school’. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m always up for a mental challenge. “Trixie?” Rainbow Dash’s voice woke me up from my thoughts. I blinked several times and returned to reality. Trixie’s eyes widened. She finished chewing her food and swallowed before speaking. “M-Me?” I must have accidentally set my eyes on her while I was busy with my thoughts. “You’re in math class, aren’t you?” Rainbow asked with a strained smile. The magician shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I already have plans with Fuchsia Blush and Lavender Lace tomorrow. I can’t cancel them.” Rainbow Dash slammed her head on the table. “Unbelievable.” Her voice was barely audible. “I-I’m free.” Fluttershy said with her characteristic low voice. In a blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash sat straight, grinning. Her forehead was completely red. “Great! Let’s go to my home after school today!” The conversation changed to different topics where I mostly listened while I kept eating my lunch until I felt something on one of my arms. I glanced to that side and saw Sunset as the source. She nudged me with her elbow to catch my attention. Once she got it, she smiled at me and nodded. It’s time to tell everyone about Aria. After taking a sip from my drink, I cleared my throat to catch my friends’ attention. “Everyone, I have something to say.” My friends turned their heads towards me, but it was Applejack the one to speak. “Well, this sounds familiar. Are you goin' to say that you want to organize another sleepover?” Some of my friends chuckled and giggled. “I can hardly wait for it, darling.” Rarity smiled at me. “I’m looking forward to this weekend.” “I’m also excited.” I smiled as well. “Thanks to Pinkie, I’m all set to receive you guys. Since you mentioned the sleepover, I can mention that Pinkie Pie suggested to add a new theme.” “Which is…?” Applejack asked. “To welcome Trixie into our group! Woohoo!” Pinkie Pie cheered as she waved small flags around with Trixie's face on it. “Really?” Sunset asked, blinking in surprise. “Yuppers!” Pinkie Pie nodded excitedly and grinned. “I thought, since Trixie already had her lunch with us a few times, why not throw her a party right now?! Except, it won’t be my party, it will be Twilight’s! With my endorsement.” “I hope it’s okay…” I asked to Sunset and Trixie. The fiery girl smiled before speaking. “It’s up to Trixie.” We all turned our attention to Trixie, who swallowed before replying. “I suppose it’s okay…” “Yay!” The party girl rushed to hug Trixie tightly. “You’re going to love it!” “Can’t… breathe…!” The magician said with difficulty. “Alright, Pinkie, let her go,” Sunset ordered, Pinkie Pie quickly released Trixie. “Oopsie! Sorry!” Pinkie Pie giggled and returned to her seat. I waited for her to sit before speaking again. “However, that’s not what I want to talk about.” I took a deep breath before looking at each of my friends. Their eyes were all fixed on me. Sunset kept smiling at me to encourage me. Trixie was as curious as everyone else. She didn’t know what I was about to say. This is it. Time to reveal everyone who my secret friend is. “I won’t leave you in the dark any longer… My secret friend has allowed me to tell you who she is.” Some of my friends grinned, others widened their eyes. “About time!” Rainbow Dash was the one with the biggest smile. “Tell us who your ex is already! I’m ready to fist pump her for taking care of you before we met.” I blushed lightly. Since discovering my feelings on Aria, hearing the word ‘ex’ when talking about Aria had a bigger impact on me. “Th-The thing is, you already know who she is…” “Really?” Rainbow Dash blinked confused. “Is it, Muffins?” “Rainbow, don’t be ridiculous,” Rarity said, crossing her arms. “She’s from this school.” “Yeah!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Twilight’s friend goes to the CPA, Dashie!” Applejack joined in. “The only people we know from the CPA are the troublemakers who tormented Twilight, and a couple of kids who weren’t friendly with us either. Of course, there’s Cadence, but she’s obviously not a secret friend.” “You got it wrong, girls. She’s not a student from my former school.” I decided to step in before the conversation digressed any further. My friends turned to me again, confused. This time, Rarity was the one to speak. “She’s not? Then… who is it?” No more secrets. No more sneaky phone calls. Finally, the time for the truth has come. My heart was racing, my feelings were mixed. I was excited to tell them about my other friends, but I was also feeling anxious since I was warned that my friends would most likely not welcome the news. I still want to do it, though. I’ll do it. “I have made three more friends besides you… but the one I'm closest to is called… Aria.”  I did it. Even though I was told it would happen, I was still surprised to hear multiple gasping. Rainbow Dash, unfortunately, was drinking when I gave the news.   “D-Did you just say Aria?! As in, Aria Blaze?!” She spat all over me. Note to self. Next time, make sure Rainbow isn’t drinking before delivering big news. I removed my glasses to clean them while Sunset, who was sitting next to me, helped me to clean my face. I smiled at the fiery girl as I put my glasses back on. “Thank you, Sunset.” Sunset returned the smile. “You’re welcome.” “Wait a moment…” My athletic friend narrowed her eyes. “You said you have three more friends besides us… You’re hanging with The Dazzlings?!?” “The… Dazzlings?” I raised an eyebrow in confusion. “That’s what Aria and her sisters called themselves back when we met,” Sunset explained. “You should stay away from them,” Rainbow Dash frowned angrily. “Like, seriously. Did they hurt you?” “What?! No!” I stood up abruptly, placing both of my hands on the table. This is worse than I expected. I have to stand up for my other friends. “They’re nice people. Aria told me that they had a history with you, but she’s not ready to tell me the full story. I want to respect their privacy, so, please, whatever happened, I want to hear it from her first.” “I don’t give a damn about their privacy!” Rainbow Dash raised her voice. I never saw her this furious. Applejack stood up all of the sudden and pointed at our athletic friend. “Rainbow, stop yelling at Twilight!” “But, Applejack. Those Sirens… they-” Rainbow Dash was interrupted by an angry Sunset, who quickly jumped in to salvage the conversation before things escalated. “Rainbow, Twilight is serious about respecting her friends’ privacy. Don’t say a thing.” “Sunset- Wait, you too?” The rainbow-haired girl widened her eyes in surprise. “We have already met with Aria.” Trixie joined in. “You should trust Twilight on this. Aria is taking her friendship with Twilight seriously.” “You’re kidding…” Still confused, Rainbow Dash glanced towards me. I shook my head before speaking. “She was the one who stood up for me when I had to return to the Crystal Preparatory Academy. She’s a good friend to me. Her sisters are good too…” It was too much. My eyes started to get wet. I sobbed and cleaned my tears with an arm. “Oh, you poor thing…” Fluttershy rushed towards me to give me a comforting hug. I accepted and returned the embrace. “This is just magnificent-” Rarity said as she got on her feet, glaring at Rainbow Dash. “You just made Twilight cry. Satisfied?” My athletic friend looked at me into my eyes. Her anger became guilt when she realized how hurt I was. “N-No… I didn’t mean to-” She looked around and realized that we were causing a scene. Embarrassed, she got back on her seat and avoided my gaze. “I’m sorry, Twilight… I was just worried about you…” Pinkie Pie placed a hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder to comfort her. “I-I know…” I sobbed again but smiled lightly at my remorseful friend. “I’m grateful for that, but it still hurt…” Rarity walked towards me, holding a napkin. “Stay put, dear.” She said as she used the napkin to wipe the tears from my face. “Feeling better?” I nodded and beamed lightly. “Y-Yes. Thank you, Rarity.” “Don’t mention it.” The fashionista smiled at me before glaring at Rainbow Dash. “Shall we try this again? More civilized this time.” My athletic friend hesitated, but she eventually met my eyes with hers. I saw the shame on her face. “Y-Yeah, okay…” “Good.” Rarity smiled again and monitored me with her hands to sit down before she and Fluttershy returned to their seats. There was an awkward silence, one which was broken by Applejack. “So… how long have you been seein’ them?” Applejack asked. I internally sighed in relief. Thank you! “I met Aria and Sonata the weekend before transferring here. I didn’t see Adagio until I visited their house sometime later.” “You’ve been to their house?” Rarity asked. I nodded. “Yes, more than once. Aria and I watch movies on her VCR.” “VCR? I thought they got outdated long ago.” Rainbow Dash asked. “They did, but there’s still quite a few around.” I smiled. “I even got one for myself to study it.” “That sounds nice.” Fluttershy commented. “So, you just talk to them and watch movies together?” My athletic friend asked. I nodded at her in reply. “That’s so… normal.” “Sounds like you’re having fun with them.” Pinkie Pie commented. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy!” There were no more incidents for the rest of lunch nor afterwards. Even though they seem suspicious about my other friends, my friends from CHS seem to trust me about Aria and her sisters. Whatever happened between my friends, it looks like skepticism is still high and might not change any time soon. I don’t think I’ll be able to fix that until I know the whole story. Even so, I’m still happy that I don’t have to hide my other friends anymore. After school, my friends and I walked out together, chatting. I’ll say goodbye to them before going downtown for shopping. “Four days to go.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “It will be a long week for me.” “You better hurry home, Rainbow. You have a lot to do.” Applejack said. “Yeah, yeah, I know. No more lecturing, please, AJ.” Our athletic said, stretching, before smirking at Fluttershy. “Let’s go, Fluttershy. See ya, everyone!” “Y-Yes…” Our timid friend said before following Rainbow Dash. She turned to us and waved as she left. “Bye.” “Bye bye, you two!” Pinkie Pie waved at them with both of her arms. When they reached the corner, she sighed happily and glanced to us. “I would love to stay, but I must go to Sugarcube Corner.” “And I must leave as well.” Rarity said. “Sweetie Belle and her friends will go to the cinema, and I must take them.” “I have to meet with Lavender Lace and Fuchsia Flush.” Trixie and Sunset shared a goodbye kiss and our friends left on their separate ways. Applejack, Sunset and I remained. “I have to go too.” I said. “My printer is broken and I need to buy the spares to print some photos as gifts to Aria and her sisters at downtown.” “Mind if I join you?” Sunset asked. “Ah’m going downtown too to buy supplies for the farm. Ah’ll tag along, if ya don’t mind?” Applejack asked while keeping pace as we walked. “Sure!” I smiled at them as we started to walk. “What are you going to buy, Applejack?” “Ah need to buy seeds and corn for the chickens. We also ran out of nails and Winona needs a new tennis ball. Ah found her last ball scattered all over the field.” “She’s a fierce one, isn’t she?” Sunset commented with a smile. Applejack formed a proud smug grin. “It’s in the Apple blood.” She turned to Sunset. “What ‘bout you, sugarcube?” “I’m just accompanying Twilight, but I might buy something if anything catches my eye.” The fiery haired girl replied, smiling at me. With both of my friends looking at me, it was my turn to speak. “The stores we must go to aren’t close. If you want to go our separate ways afterwards, it’s okay.” “Nah, ah’ll stick with ya’ until we’re all done.” Applejack said, smiling. I glanced at me blonde friend before speaking again. “Applejack, we have never talked since we met. What's like growing up on a farm?” “Ah think it’s the most rewarding job to do.” My farmer friend said with a grin. “Wakin’ up early to feed the animals, take care of them, tending the farm and manual labor is what ah love. Let me tell you, Twilight, the apples taste much better when yer the one who worked hard to harvest them.” “Really?” I smiled as we reached the bus station. “I haven’t tried your apple pies yet.” “Granny Smith bakes them. Ah can take one to yer slumber party if you want,” Applejack suggested tantalizingly.  “Yes, please.” We laughed softly before my attention moved to a bus arriving. We got in the transport and found seats for all three of us. “About the sleepover…” Sunset looked at me as she spoke. “Have you thought on games? Or will we be doing a movie marathon?” “I think board games will be fun.” I said while I accommodated my glasses due to the movement of the bus. “I have a couple, but feel free to bring more if you want.” I held myself firmly as the bus turned around a corner. “Also, Pinkie Pie suggested a game called ‘Truth or Dare’, but I never heard of it. What is it?” “Truth or Dare is a classic sleepover game,” Sunset began to explain. “Basically, someone asks a participant to either answer a question honestly, or do a dare.” “What kind of dare?” I still didn’t fully understand the game. I would have asked Pinkie, but we were busy planning other things. “It can be anythin’” Applejack joined the conversation. “From doing push-ups singin’ ‘Wheels of the Bus’ to stuffing yer mouth with cookies. Whatever you can think of.” “Oh. It sounds simple and fun.” I smiled. “But I hope no one dares me to do something strange.” “Don’t worry, we’ll set some rules.” Sunset said. “It will be harmless fun.” We eventually got off the bus when we arrived to the downtown area. The stop was by a pet shop. How fortunate! “Look, Applejack. Maybe we’ll find a good ball there.” “Nice thinkin’, Twilight.” My farmer friend smirked. “Let’s take a quick look around.” “I could buy a little treat for Ray since I’m here.” Sunset smiled and followed Applejack and me inside. My friends headed in different directions. I followed Applejack to the dog section. “Lookin’ for somethin’ to give Spike?” My farmer friend glanced at me, smiling. “Yes. He was a good boy the past weekend when Aria looked after him. He will have his favorite food tonight.” Applejack’s expression changed abruptly to shock. She looked away from me. “Everything okay?” “Yeah, sorry.” My friend glanced back at me with a smile again. “Ah just have to get used to hearin’ that name again. That’s all.” “Oh, I see.” After what happened at lunch, I should have been more careful when mentioning Aria or her sisters. “So… you asked her to look after Spike?” I turned my head towards Applejack. She had her eyes fixed on the different balls in exposition. “Yes, while I was away visiting my grandparents. She did a nice job. Spike loves her.” “Ah’m glad to hear that. So, you really trust her, huh?” Applejack commented. “I trust her as I trust any of you. She’s a good friend. I took her to stargaze with me once. She was in awe.” I said, thinking fondly back on that night. “Was she always nice to you?” My farmer friend asked making eye contact with me as she made that question. I don’t think I have a reason to lie, especially not to the most honest person I know. “I want to forget about it, but…” I looked away from her. “Our first encounter wasn’t friendly. She was hard to read until she offered to go to Crystal Prep with me.” “Did she ever hurt you?” I made eye contact with my friend again. She was frowning. “Only with words, but like I said, it was before she became more open with me.” Applejack looked at me intensely. “If she wasn’t nice to you at the beginnin’, how did you become friends?” This was feeling like an interrogation. I was starting to feel uncomfortable. “Sh-She apologized for mistaking me for someone else and gave me a gift. I realized she wasn’t so bad since she regretted her actions, so I asked her to meet again.” “Hmm…” She kept glaring at me. I don’t know how much longer I can stand this. “And you say her sisters are good too?” I nodded. “Y-Yes. They actually received me with open arms the moment they met me.” A few moments of silence passed in which neither of us said anything, until Applejack smirked. “Okay, ah believe you. Sorry ‘bout that, but ah had to make absolutely sure that everythin’ was fine.” I sighed and smiled slightly. “It’s alright. You’re just looking out for me. I just hope no one else interrogates me like this when we’re alone.” “They might. Ah don’t know for sure.” Applejack picked up a tennis ball and turned to me. “Ah’ll talk to them later.” “Thank you.” Relieved, I was able to fully smile. “Found a tennis ball, Applejack?” I turned around to find Sunset, wearing a beaming smile. “Eeyup!” Our farmer friend said as she dribbled the ball. “Winona's goin’ to love this one.” My attention went to Sunset’s hands. She was holding a small tree on one hand and a sandbox on the other. “What do you have there?” I asked curiously. “Oh, this?” Sunset lifted the object she bought. “Ray loves exploring the apartment, but I feel like it’s too boring for him. I’ll give him more stuff to do and see.” “Oh, right. You told me about your pet.” I grinned. “I think he will love it!” The equestrian girl chuckled. “Thanks.” After getting Spike’s favorite food and paying for everything, we left the pet shop and continued to the electronics shop at the end of the block. Before walking to the counter, I took some moments to admire my surroundings. Speakers, radios, televisions. All kind of electronic devices of different generations welcomed me. I approached a home scanner and lifted the top. It was magnificent! I always wanted to know how it works. Calm down, Twilight, I reeled my thoughts back in. Finish with your current project first before thinking on the next. “Twilight! It’s always a pleasure to see you here. The attendant, an old acquaintance, received us. We were the only ones in the shop. “What can I do for you.” Smiling, I left the scanner alone and walked towards the counter. “Hello, Mr. Richards. I’m looking for a damper. It’s for an Epsilon Multifunction printer. Model ET-2650.” “Hmm… if I’m not mistaken, I think there’s a few left… let me check.” Mr. Richards walked into the back room, closing the door behind him. My friends stood next to me. “I take you’ve been here before.” Sunset commented. “Yeah,” I turned to the fiery girl. “I get most of my spares here. It’s actually here where I bought the VCR I’m working on.” “Ah don’t know how ah missed this shop.” Applejack commented. “The last time mah radio broke, ah looked everywhere for someone to repair it.” “If it happens again, let me know. I can repair it for you.” I said, smiling at my farmer friend. “Ah most certainly will, Twilight.” Applejack smiled back.  A few minutes later, Mr. Richards returned with the part I needed.  “Here you go, Twilight.” “Thank you.” I opened the box holding the new damper to check if everything was in one piece. “Great! Everything is in order.” I said before paying Mr. Richards. “We’ll be going now. Send Mrs. Richards my regards.” “Will do. Goodbye Twilight, and friends.” “Nice meeting you!” Sunset waved as we left the store. I’m all set to fix my printer! All I need now is to buy frames for the photos, and get a special gift for my crush. Half an hour later, Applejack and Sunset and I were heading to the bus station, when Sunset called for our attention. “Do you girls want to have a drink?” She asked pointing to a Italian themed café across the street with her thumb. “Ah don’t mind.” Applejack said. I considered it for a moment. I really wanted to head home to repair the printer so I could gift Aria and her sisters the photos we took yesterday, but I can’t turn down an invitation to spend more time with my friends. All I need to do is to replace the damper, which won’t take me long, so I guess I could stay for a little bit longer.  “Sure! Let’s go.” “Alright then.” Sunset guided us towards the café. We found an empty table and the waiter brought the menus to us. “Thanks.” Applejack said before checking the menu. “Ah think ah’m going to have black coffee and a cookie.” “I’ll have a cappuccino.” Sunset smiled. “I want milked coffee and vanilla muffin.” I put down the menu after deciding. When the waiter returned, we told him our order. He wrote everything down and took the menus to the counter with him. I followed him with my gaze, and I spotted a familiar face sitting alone nearby, with her table full of folders and papers. She was my English teacher!  “Sunset, Applejack… is that Miss Cheerilee?” My friends glanced towards where I was looking. “I think she is!” Sunset’s eyes widened. “I’m going to say hi!” I excitedly said as I stood up. “Wait, Twilight-!” Applejack called me but I ignored her. I was already by my teacher. “Miss Cheerilee, hello!” My teacher choked on her coffee and started to cough. Oops… The woman turned around when she recovered. “Hello, umm… Twilight?” She was surprised to see me here. I took a quick glance at her table again. She was holding a red pen. The papers were assignments, but I didn’t recognize them. They must be from the Elementary classes she also teaches. “Pardon my shock, but I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” “I should apologize too. I didn’t mean to scare you. My friends and I were shopping nearby and decided to take a break.” I smiled at my teacher. “Your friends?” Miss Cheerilee looked behind me. Applejack and Sunset waved awkwardly. “I see.” The woman glanced back at me, smiling. “My students usually run in the opposite direction when they see me outside of school. It’s the first time one of them has bothered to approach and greet me.” “That’s too bad. I actually admire all teachers.” My smile became wider. “You do?” My English teacher asked with curiosity. I nodded excitedly before grinning. “Teachers have the wonderful job of educating their students, guiding us on the path of knowledge and helping us to find our place in the world! I’m hoping to become a scientist myself, but becoming a teacher is definitely my second option. I would love to be a mentor to anyone with a desire to learn.” “Wow, that’s very noble of you, Twilight Sparkle.” Miss Cheerilee said with a smile. I opened my mouth to keep talking, but I felt a hand on one of my shoulders. I turned my head to find Sunset by my side. “Twilight, let’s go. Miss Cheerilee is busy at the moment.” She said to me before looking at the teacher. “I’m sorry for bothering you.” “No need for apologies. I was actually having a good time. Reading all these assignments can get dull. Miss Sparkle here actually gave me a much needed breather,” MIss Cheerilie said, smiling at us.  My eyes widened in surprise before smiling widely. “Oh, I’m glad to hear it!” I cleared my throat before continuing. “But Sunset has a point. You’re busy. I should leave so you can continue working.” The woman sighed. “You’re right, I’m afraid.” She smiled weakly at Sunset and me. “Have a nice day.” “You too, Miss Cheerilee.” I turned around after saying the last to return to my table. “Ah never met anyone excited to see a teacher.” Applejack commented as I sat down. “People should greet them more often. Learning is a wonderful experience,” I said sitting back down.  Our conversation changed to a different topic, and our orders arrived shortly afterwards. After finishing our drinks and paying, we walked out the café, where Sunset stretched her arms. “Well, that was fun.” The fiery girl said before looking at the bag she was carrying since we went to the pet shop. “But I have to head home to feed Ray and give him his gifts.” “Ah must go too. These ingredients ain’t going to deliver themselves. Ah also have to be home before Big Mac goes to meet with Sugar Belle.” I turned my head inside the café, where I saw Miss Cheerilee putting away her belongings, but struggling to do so. Some of the papers fell to the floor. “You girls go ahead. I’ll hang around for a little longer.” My friends followed my gaze and smiled. “Alright.” Sunset said. “See you tomorrow, Twilight.” “You too.” We hugged and Sunset headed to the bus station, alongside Applejack, while I walked into the café again and approached my teacher. “Need a hand?” The woman looked at me and smiled slightly. “Miss Twilight! You’re too kind.” I giggled. “It’s fine. I know a thing or two about carrying too many papers and books.” I said before ducking to take the papers on the floor. “It took me ten full minutes to properly put everything away after school. I really appreciate your help,” Cheeriliee  said kindly to me putting papers away. “You’re welcome, Miss Cheerilee.” I smiled at my teacher. “I’m looking forward to reading your essay. Your homework always leaves me in awe.” “I’m happy to hear that. If it weren’t for the word limit, I would write several pages for each of them.” The woman giggled softly. “There’s more than enough room within the limit for me to see how well written the essays are. Besides, if you were to exceed the word count, I wouldn’t have enough time to grade the rest of the homework.” “That’s true…” I sighed before smiling. “I also have to think about my other classes. The limit is a good thing.” I finished organizing the papers. After carefully putting them away, I gave them to Miss Cheerilee, who placed them inside her bag. “That’s about it.” “Yes. Thank you again for your help, Miss Twilight.” “It’s no problem, really.” Moments later finishing my sentence, I heard the café’s door opening. I turned to it, curiously, and was surprised by the person who walked in. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. It’s… it’s… “Twily!” My brother spotted me right away. He waved at me before rushing towards me to give me a big hug. “What a surprise to find you here!” “L-Likewise!” I giggled happily and returned the hug. “Not that I’m complaining, but what are you doing here, Shining Armor?” “My partner and I come here often to get coffee to go.” My brother replied as he released me from the embrace. “What brings you here, Twily?” “I was shopping with my friends. They left, but I remained behind with one of my teachers.” I said as I moved aside so Shining Armor could properly meet the woman beside me. “Shining, this is my English teacher, Miss Cheerilee. Cheerilee, Shining Armor, he’s my big brother best friend forever. B.B.B.F.F. for short.” I giggled playfully. It has been a while since I last called Shining Armor like that. “Uuuuh…” My teacher stared at my brother, her jaw dropped. “Cheerilee…?” I leaned my head in confusion. She was acting weird, which got me worried. “Are you okay?” “Uuuuh…” The woman’s behavior didn’t change. “H-Hi…” My brother raised a hand to greet the woman beside me. His voice sounded like if it cracked a bit. “M-Me Shrining Armor- I mean, Shining Armor! Rice to meet you- Nice to meet you!” My brother is acting weird too. And that look he has… wait. I glanced at my teacher. She had a similar look too! I know it… it’s the same look I give to Aria! They’re… they’re…! “Alright, I found a place to park the car.” A teal haired woman wearing a similar uniform to my brother's walked in as she talked. It was Shining’s partner, Chrysalis. “Have you ordered the coffees yet, Armor?” She added, glancing at my brother. “Armor?” Neither my brother nor Cheerilee were moving at all. While Chrysalis stared in confusion, I approached her. I placed my hand near my mouth and whispered to Shining’s partner. “They’re into each other but neither know how to make the first move.” “Oh, I see.” Chrysalis smirked before clearing her throat. “Hey, Armor! What’s up? Did you lose your tongue or something?” My brother remained in complete silence, still looking at my teacher. I returned to Cheerilee’s side. “Miss Cheerilee-” My tone was almost a whisper. “He’s a nice guy. You should ask him out.” My teacher’s face became completely red. She turned her head towards me and whispered back. “Wh-What?! B-But I… and you… h-he’s your brother…!” “I don’t mind.” I smiled at her. “Really, you should go for it.” “Shining Armor has a day off this Friday.” Chrysalis said. My brother turned his head towards his partner, eyes widened. “How about he meets you here, let’s say, 4:30PM?” “Chrysalis!” Shining exclaimed. His partner chuckled. “She would love to!” I spoke up, grinning. “Miss Sparkle!” My teacher widened her eyes as she turned to me. “Just give him a chance, Miss Cheerilee.” I kept smiling. “Unless you already have other plans…” “W-Well, n-no, but-” My teacher stuttered blushing profusely.  “Then it’s a date!” Chrysalis interrupted her, clasping her hands together smirking again. “D-Date?!” My brother turned to me, shocked and blushing madly. I nodded at him and giving him a thumbs up. He glanced back to my teacher. Shining Armor cleared his throat and adopted a serious face. “Very well. I’ll see you this Friday, miss.” He said before confidently walking out the café. “Armor, the coffee!” Chrysalis’ request was ignored, though. Seeing from the window how my brother walked away, she sighed and headed towards the cashier. “It was supposed to be his turn… he doesn’t even know where I parked.” She said to herself as she walked after him. With everything settled, Miss Cheerilee took a deep breath and glared at me. I hope it doesn’t mean that I crossed the line… “Miss Sparkle…” Her tone was serious. Uh, oh… “Do you mind if I hug you…?” “Miss Cheerilee, I’m so sorry! I thought- wait, what?” I was dumbfounded as my teacher slowly smiled. “I’m usually speechless when I meet someone I like, which is why I rarely have dates. I’m thankful for what you did.” “You can hug me, Miss. Cheerilee. It’s okay.” I smiled. My teacher quickly hugged me and I returned it. “For a moment I thought you would get mad at me.” “It probably wasn’t appropriate.” The woman said before releasing me from the hug. “But your heart was in the right place. Are you sure you don’t mind me seeing your brother?” “Absolutely.” I smiled widely. “My brother’s job keeps him busy and it’s hard for him to find a date. This will be good for the both of you.” I pulled out my phone to check the time. “I have to go. There’s one more thing I must buy before going home.” “Alright. Goodbye, Miss Sparkle. I’ll see you after spring break.” I nodded. “Good luck this Friday! I’ll call my brother to ask how the date goes, if he doesn’t call me first.” My teacher giggled softly and blushed. I waved at her and walked out of the café. There’s one more gift I want to give Aria for being such a good friend to me, and I just thought on what to give her. I’ll need to head towards the mall, though. Two hours later, I was heading towards Aria’s house. With my printer fixed, I could print and frame the photos. I have them inside the bag I was carrying, alongside the special gift I got for my crush. I can’t wait to see the faces her and her sisters will make when the unwrap them! I was in a good mood, so I hummed as I approached the sirens’ front door. I knocked on the door and waited. A few seconds later, the door opened, with Sonata on the other side. “Twilight, hi!” The joyful siren said before hugging me tightly. “You came to visit me? How kind of you!” “Hi, Sonata.” I returned the embrace. Her hug felt tighter than Pinkie Pie’s. “I actually came to visit all of you. Are Aria and Adagio here?” “Nope! They went to the convenience store!” Sonata released me from the hug. “They should be here soon. Come watch T.V. with me! I’m watching ‘Stuart Small’” “Okay.” Smiling, I followed her inside and sat on the couch with her. The movie showed a talking mouse, living with a human family. It was strange, but it would probably make sense if I were to watch it from the beginning.