//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving... // Story: A Song Worth Singing... // by LoveandEdify //------------------------------// A Song Worth Singing... Chapter 2: An Effort Worth Giving... Rapid Crest’s POV Luckily for me, Stalwart had two more challenges. Challenge Number 2: Be The One Doing Her Part... This one was easy, because it simply meant, “Try being the one doing all the observing, researching and being her biggest fan that she was being.” However, it was the third and final one that stumped me. Challenge Number 3: Don’t Trust Sonata, Have Faith in Her Instead... Now, I know what he told me what it meant; but by the time he told me most of it, I asked him to just hurry and pick us up. I didn’t mean to brush him off like that, but you try sitting around patiently in the cold waiting 20 minutes for some numbskull to get off their phone on a cold winter day and tell me how it feels. Go on, go ahead. Try it. Didn’t like it too much? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Anyway, I didn’t want my friends to feel as if they were waiting for nothing to happen, so I decided to just have Stalwart pick us up instead. “So, who’s this ‘Stalwart’ person you were talking to?” Sonata asked, curiously. Part of me knew that this was a good opportunity to accomplish the third challenge; but on the other hand, I’ve seen people also act absolutely flaky around people who have been blessed the way I have been. Not that I thought Sonata would have judged right off the bat, but I’d rather not rush into the personal details right away. So I was honest with her. “He’s an old friend of mine. A very close friend.” I told her, which indeed was true. Sonata put her smooth, soft, gloved left hand on my right shoulder and gave me a small smile. “It’s awesome that you have so many amazing friends for realsies. 😁😁😁” she squealed happily, “I wonder who else gets to be such awesome friendsies with somebody like you?” As if on cue, Pinkie slid next to Sonata with a friendly left arm on Sonata’s right shoulder and winked and smiled at me. Sonata then turned and ruffled Pinkie’s naturally curly, boingy hair. “Present company excluded of course.” she said, happily looking at Pinkie before the two engaged in a friendly tickle fight. It was then I realized something I had observed many times, but now realized the gravity of. Sonata was always shunned by someone (or something) every day. Although I wasn’t obnoxiously fanboyish about her as she was of me, I did see her enough to know that she was never around too many other people besides me. Now I felt terrible for pushing her off, and writing her down as nothing over as a stereotypical villain was totsilly a bad call. (Dang, now it’s rubbing off on me already.) But the one thing I’ve learned about friendships is that they always take time, and whether I meant to or not, I never really taken the time given to me in the first place. She was always reaching. Waiting. For someone to take her hand and walk through life with her. And for some weird, unexplainable reason she chose me. And the only thing I wanted to know from her, whether it would be sooner or later down the line, was why. 5 minutes later... Normal POV Right after getting picked up by Stalwart in what was an incredibly high-tech, high end SUV, the trio were finally on their way to Sugarcube Corner. Normally a 10 minute drive from the school, turned out to possibly longer due to weather reports of ice on the roads and a few minutes stall time to put the chains on the tires. After Rapid had Pinkie and Sonata decide amongst themselves as to who would take shotgun, Pinkie agreed to flip a coin to see who would sit there and on the way back. The coin seemed to favor Pinkie sitting in the back with Rapid the first go-around and have Sonata sit with him on the way back. Pinkie jumped up and down in excitement, almost forgetting that shaking the car while it was on icy roads probably wasn’t the best idea. Meanwhile, a much quieter scene was unfolding in the front seat with Sonata and Stalwart. Either way, seeing that their ride was going to be delayed; both groups made the most of their time in their own way, as the private, soundproof shade effectively divided the two sections. “Yes Mrs. Sonata, as you can clearly see; this car’s one of the most high-end all-terrain vehicles of its time. All purpose tires, amazing torque/mpg ratio, all-wheel-drive; and even all the bells and whistles you young bucks can dream of.” Stalwart bragged, clearly proud of the machine he piloted. “Does it make tacos, too?!?” Sonata asked excitedly, curious as to what exactly the limit was for the car they were in. Stalwart let out a hearty, good-natured chuckle in response. “Not quite that impressive, but it can tell you wear the nearest restaurant or stand is based off of review ratings, vegan-options, comments from your social media...” Stalwart explained, before being quickly interrupted by a joyfully squealing Sonata Dusk. “OMGoodness, SLAM THE FRONT DOOR!!!” she yelled, almost loud enough to catch the driver off guard. However, being experienced as he was; he was able to shrug off the noise and keep his focus on the road. “Sorry,” she awkwardly apologized, “It’s just that I really love tacos!!! They’re my favorite basic food group for realsies ever!!! 😁😁” Stalwart couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s quite alright, Sonata. Rapid’s little brother was the same way when he was around.” Stalwart chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Sonata, on the other hand, turned her head towards him, with a more serious, searching gaze on her face. “Wait. Was around?” she asked, sympathetically. Hoping that nothing too bad happened to Rapid. She didn't mind not knowing some things until it was time, and was content to let Rapid be the one setting the pace. But sometimes, she also couldn’t help but wonder what went on behind the scenes of other’s lives. Not knowing what else to say, Stalwart softly and solemnly said, “I’m sure he’d rather tell you the whole story himself when he’s ready, but his family died in a horrible accident.” This made Sonata’s heart start to crack. How could she have possibly guessed that this was going on inside her idol’s heart and soul? “Oh no. That must be totally be not so goodsies for him.” she consoled, hoping that she didn’t greatly upset the driver. She turned to gaze out the window thoughtfully for a few minutes, then turned back to the driver, who wore a friendly smile on his face. “It’s alright, Sonata. That’s why I’m glad he has such great friends.” he replied, then he smirked, “Speaking of, some little birdy’s been telling me that you have quite a thing for my boy Rapid Crest, am I right?” At that, Sonata became her normal, cheery self once again. “Only always!!!” she cheered, ecstatically and joyfully, “I know I sound like a creeper when I’m around him, but he’s got the most amazaingest, pure heart I have ever seen. And of course he has the cutest passion about him that just brightens up the room. Oh, and also, he’s just the greatest, no, the bestiest when it comes to how he treats the people around him...” 30 Minutes Later... While Sonata and Stalwart were chatting around up front, Pinkie and Rapid were checking their phones to find some terrible news. “Aw nuts, I should have known this would happen.” Rapid moaned, as both he and Pinkie checked their texts. “Well, at least our friends decided to stay home where it’s nice, warm and safe instead of possibly wrecking their cars and getting into accidents and us having to show up in the hospital and...” Pinkie’s repetitive rambling was interrupted by Rapid putting a finger to her lips. “Ok, I get it, Pinks.” he huffed out of annoyance, “I’d rather my friends be safe too; but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck that they can’t come.” Pinkie just looked out the window empathetically, “Yeah, you do have a point there.” she said, feeling for her friend. She then perked up, “Well look on the bright side though, it’ll be you, me, Sonata and Stalwart alltogether at the Corner!!! ” “First off, Stalwart agreed to pick us up because it was on his way to the Sporting Goods Convention in Fillydelphia for the next few days.” Rapid replied, matter of factly, “And second, I hardly even know Sonata. Besides, doesn’t this seem a little too much like a ‘date’ setting to you?” he asked, nervously. Pinkie simply chuckled at that statement. “Oh Rapid, you can be verrrrrrrry silly sometimes, you know that?” Pinkie informed, “It doesn’t have to be a date when there’s three of us around, ri-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ght? Besides, this is the PERFECT chance for you to get to know Sonata better. I mean, that is why Stalwart sent those challenges to you, ri-i-i-i-i-i-ight, Rapid? ”Rapid just stared at her, completely confused, “Wait, how did you know that...” he started, then let his demeanor go from flustered to calm as he stared at his friend’s small, closed-mouth, yet smiling and welcoming face so that he could let the situation de-escelate around him. “Oh I get it now, you heard into our little conversation on the phone earlier. Didn’t you?” Pinkie simply smirked. “Well there’s that...” Pinkie confirmed, “and the fact that I’ve seen forces that are about 5’9, skinny-fat, amazing intellect...” Moving on, now... “What are you babbling about, this time?!” Rapid asked, calmly yet confused about yet another one of his friend’s seemingly random ramblings about a “creator”. Pinkie just shrugged. “Oh, nothing.” Pinkie innocently claimed. “But you probably should tell Sonata the news real quick.” She reminded. “Ah, right. Thanks for the reminder, Pinkie-Pie.” he thanked, slightly embarrassed that in his stress about Sonata, he neglected to be as sharp and concise as he normally was. He deeply exhaled the negative stress inside of him, then refocused on making the most of this, more or less, unplanned situation. After explaining the change of plans to Sonata and Stalwart, everything was finally set. Stalwart offered to leave Rapid the car and that he could just get a Hoofer to get to the airport; but Rapid told him that he could summon the Silver Stallion to take his friends back to their houses so that he wouldn’t have to worry about it. After the two agreed about the deal, Stalwart gave Rapid a warm hug and told him that he should be home within a couple days. He then went over to Rapid’s friends. “Well, hope you two have fun tonight. Promise to keep my boy Rapid out of trouble, alright?” Stalwart asked, with a teasing tone in his voice. “Sure thing, Stalwart sir!!!” Pinkie-Pie affirmed, with a small soldier salute. Contrastingly, Sonata just simply nodded along with Pinkie. “Alright then, have a great time my lovelies.” he said, first giving Pinkie a hug and then spinning her around for a loop. Then he walked over to Sonata for a hug as well. She initially back away, still feeling a bit anxious about the whole ordeal. “Hey, it’s gonna be all right, Sonata darling.” he said tenderly, “Just enjoy yourself tonight, and if you wanna ask my boy Rapid some questions or try knowing him better, I say go for it. Nothing bad’s gonna happen if you sit still; but that’s just gonna mean nothing’s gonna happen at all.” Sonata had to let out a small giggle at that statement, then hugged Stalwart as he sent himself out back to the car to leave for the airport. While her time with Stalwart definitely helped calm her nerves, and it did help her with information about her Rapid; that didn’t mean that she wasn’t nervous nonetheless. Still, it was fun to enjoy the opportunity to hang out with what would hopefully be two very close friends. Though, in her heart, she was hoping that one would eventually become closer than the other. “No no, Sonata” she scolded internally to herself. “You can’t even think about that until you win a chance to become friends with him!!!” “You two ready to go in?” Rapid asked politely, holding the door open for both of them. “Come on, Sonata. It’ll be fun.” Pinkie encouraged. Sonata walked through with her; but it became obvious that their two airs were different; with Pinkie’s being one quick with joy, while Sonata’s was quick out of nervous anticipation. Finally, the three friends were ready to settle in and eat. Luckily for Rapid, he found three booth seats right in front of the ice-cream parlor part of the store. “OooooohIjustremembered!!! Ihavetocoverafriend’sshifttodaybecauseshehadtogoto, uh... thedoctor, yeah!!! It’sliterallyonlyforonehourbecauseIcoveredherotheronesearlierandIalsoaccidentallyleftmywalletinthefridge!!! See ya!!! ” Before Rapid could say, “Pinkie, get back here!!!” her friend already ducked behind the employees desk, giggling all the way. “Why would you leave your wallet in the fridge?!” Rapid asked out loud, both ticked off at his friend’s “excuse” that left him and Sonata alone. “Wait. How could you understand what she’s saying?” Sonata asked, clearly impressed and baffled at the same time. Rapid just shrugged in response. “Well, when you get to be good friends with somebody; you just know them to the point where you kinda get everything they’re saying. Even when it sounds a little, well... Pinkie.” Rapid then tried to explain. It wasn’t that Sonata wasn’t at all interested in what Rapid was saying. Quite the opposite, actually. She was just into Rapid himself. The way that his eyes were like reflective mirrors in which she can see the very best of the two of them, the way he calmly explained things to his friends, the way he... “Nonono, focus now, Sonata!!!” she scolded herself internally, attempting to show more dignity and respect. Luckily, she actually did hear what Rapid said amidst the lovestruck nonsense so she could respond. “Oh yeah, that makes sense.” she agreed, “I wish more people were more like that in general. Wanting to get to know people instead of make the worst possible assumptions about them.” Sonata rambled, then facepalmed in frustration. If there was something else other than being a love-centered mess that she didn’t want to be tonight, it was to be an overtly open book. “I mean, heh-heh-heh...” she quickly and awkwardly recovered, not knowing how else to respond. Rapid just chuckled and smiled, “It’s alright, I get what you mean. It’s great that you’re wanting to turn over a new leaf after all this time. I just hope others will see it soon too.” This was one of Rapid’s many abilities, being able to find out what exactly the best thing to say in “clutch” situations when they arise. He thoroughly analyzed Sonata, who seemed to be at ease with that statement. While he himself was tense with the two being together; he knew that this was also the perfect opportunity to help lead Sonata into the right path and hopefully she would be strong enough on her own later down the line. “Awe gee, thanks Rapid.” Sonata gratefully responded. She couldn’t help but blush slightly at the compliment. “Speaking of, there’s something I wanted to ask you, Sonata.” Rapid asked calmly, quickly shuffling which of the many questions he had for Sonata. “Oh, of course.” Sonata responded. She was nervous about which of the many questions that Rapid might have had for her (or how few, knowing her undesirable past) “I know that you’ve only been to this school for a couple of months, and I know that you’ve been following me like a hawk...” Rapid started, but then was interrupted by a re-nerved Sonata. “Oh, it’s the stalking, isn’t it?!” Sonata asked jitterishly. Rapid couldn’t help but sigh. “No, that’s not it at all.” Rapid tried to reassure her; but you might as well have tossed an oil tanker before Sonata’s eyes and she wouldn’t have lost her concentration in her rambling. “Look, I’m so very sorry about the stalking; but I just want you to know that I like you very very much and...” “Sonata?” “... and I think that you’re super awesome, you’re funny, you play awesome sports and you’re this completely awesome...” “Sonata?!” “...guy. Not that nobody else is awesome, and I know that you don’t like bragging or anything like that; but you just gotta know that I...” Rapid knew that he had to get Sonata’s attention fast, so he went in for a quick hug and massaged her shoulders, then released. Hoping that Sonata would calm down a bit. If this was going to be one of the probably many times he was going to hang out with Sonata, he at least wanted to get a few basic questions out of the way beforehand so that he would know a little more about what to expect. “Sorry. I just get SO excited when I see you.” Sonata apologized, trying to scoot past her inherent awkwardness. Rapid just put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine, Sonata.” he gently affirmed, “Now, back to what I was trying to ask you. How did you first find out about me?” he namesakedly asked, before Sonata drove her train off the rails again. He was relieved to discover that, while she wasn’t nervous, anxious or agitated as she was before; she was still excited to answer. “Oh, that’s supeity-dupity easyios. 😁😁😁 So right after I enrolled in the school, I wanted to see if there was anyone else out there I could be friends with and that actually wanted to be friendly with. Except not too many people wanted to be around me because of my past and everything; I didn’t even wanna think about asking the Rainbooms after all of those shenanigans I pulled on them. Then I saw this random poster for a community taco drive for the Donation Center, and when I went to help with that, I took a look at the boss and I was all like, ‘Uh, that dude looks familiar...’” Sonata rambled, as Rapid honed in and listened with intentional detail, “So I find the closest tolerable co-worker I found, I think her name was Fizzlepop Berrytwist” “Oh, I know her. She helps me with community projects every once in a while and we get together sometimes on the weekends.” Rapid briefly interrupted, in remembrance. “Yeah,” Sonata resumed, “Anyhow, she told me that the boss’s name was Rapid Crest and that he was like, the coolest guy ever. 😄😄😄” “Oh she did, did she?” Rapid asked, playfully; letting the delight of the moment overcome him. “Yeah,” she affirmed, but then struggled for words. She knew that whatever she would say next could alter her chances at friendship, much less what she secretly desired for her and Rapid. “It’s just... I really wish everyone knew how awesome you are.” Although Rapid was very beloved Canterlot High; Sonata’s statement was correct. Popularity, a very good thing for those who use it responsibly, was mainly given to Rapid’s good friends, The Rainbooms. Besides being at the school longer than Rapid; the success by his friends was very well-deserved. But unlike most people who would’ve been jealous or envious in these scenarios; Rapid was genuinely content with the status he had, and felt honored and privileged to be a friend of the Rainbooms and a member of Canterlot High. It was for these reasons that he wanted to help give back to his new home city of Canterlot; especially after what happened to his family, helped solidify already concrete core values of service, community, humility and gratitude. “I don’t know about that, Sonata.” Rapid explained, playful yet genuine, “I’ve got great friends in the Rainbooms, I got great sets of friends in class, I’ve got great people in the community. Plus, this funny little fangirl who keeps following me around.” he puncuated, which rewarded him with a slight blush from his sweet little fan. “So yeah, I think I’m good.” he confirmed, with the sort of gleam in his eye that would have made you think that he was currently on a luscious, warm, tropical beach with an iced-lemonade in a fancy glass in his hand with the sunset gleaming over him with the calming sounds of gentle waves crashing over the crest of the sandy beach. He was still thinking about sandy beaches, when Sonata let out an adorable squeal. Rapid awoke from his dream to see himself with a literal lemonade in his hand, a beach hat on his head, and Pinkie-Pie offering him a small wave before quickly ducking back behind the booth. The two friends both couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, Pinkie.” he sighed in sarcastic annoyance before giggling again.