//------------------------------// // Chapter V // Story: Friends Help Friends // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// Junebug I gave a sigh and shut my door as I trotted outside. I barely went outside, mainly because ponies found my stutter funny. I didn’t really like most of the town, but it’s necessary to get groceries. Especially since Golden Harvest and the others were busy. Having more than one pony to provide for at home made things stressful. Not that I would ever tell Golden or Noi that. I didn’t get visitors often, unless they were my few friends. I sighed again as I timidly trotted down the street. “Well, well, well. Look who it is!” I froze as two fillies appeared in front of me. “The town freak!” “I know right, Diamond Tiara?” Silver Spoon grumbled as she examined me. “Cat got your tongue? Speak!” “W-w-hy?” I asked as the two looked at each other and laughed. “B-b-because!” Diamond Tiara fake stuttered as she laughed again. I didn’t like these two. They also found me and bullied me. “You’re so lame!” “That’s enough,” we all turned around to a angry looking orange pegasus. “Leave her alone Diamond Tiara.” “Oh hey it’s the chicken. What kind of pegasus can’t fly?” Silver Spoon mocked as I sat down on my haunches nervously. "Blank flank." “That ain’t right to say,” a yellow filly with a red bow in her hair growled and stepped forward. “Ah reckon ya should apologize, before ah get mah big sis to straighten yall out.” “Oh shut it Apple Bloom,” Silver Spoon rolled her eyes and smirked. “Shouldn’t you be rolling in the mud with your pigs?” “That’s not nice to say,” I flicked my eyes over to a white unicorn stand behind Apple Bloom. “Niceness doesn’t get you anywhere. But nor does your sisters freakouts! Where’s my fainting couch, anypony?” Diamond Tiara said frantically and looked around before laughing as I glared at her. “Oh Stutter wants to speak. Go on, do it!” “That’s enough,” a voice said as a purple hoof slammed into the dirt on front of me and we all looked up slowly at an angry looking unicorn. I forgot her name but I do remember Rainbow Dash hanging out with her often. “I don’t think bullying is what the two of you should be getting up.” Diamond Tiara whispered some unintelligible words into Silver Spoons ear as the grey fillys eyes widened. “Don’t worry Miss. We were just having fun with our friends. We are leaving now,” Diamond Tiara said as she gave me a dirty look and trotted off with her friend. “Are you girls okay?” The unicorn asked and turned around to look at the three fillies. They had already ran off and I heard something about cutie marks. The mare sighed and turned to me. “Well, that solves them I guess. And you?” I quietly nodded as she extended a hoof and I nervously accepted it as she pulled me up on all fours. “What’s your name?” “J-j-Junebug,” I said softly as she smiled. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. Please, walk with me,” Twilight said as she started to trot away and looked over her shoulder. “Come with me. Let’s go get some tea at my house.” I gave a shrug and followed her. “What would like with your tea?” Twilight asked as I sat in her library and looked around curiously. “H-h-honey is fine. Thank you,” I bowed my head slightly as she levitated two cups on the table and poured honey in mine. She sat across from me and smiled at me. “So Junebug, have you lived in Ponyville long?” Twilight asked curiously as I took a cautious sip of my tea. “M-m-my whole life. I went to school with Cheerilee and Berry Punch and Golden Harvest along with Cherry Berry,” I answered as Twilight nodded. “I know Cheerilee. Nice mare. Berry Punch is unique,” Twilight admitted as I giggled. “Golden Harvest is the carrot seller, correct?” “Y-y-yes.” “I don’t think I know who Cherry Berry is though. Does she happen to be the other sister of Cheerilees?” “Y-y-yes. Balloon mare, often goes flying around Ponyville and giving tours from the sky,” I answered as Twilight nodded again. I had always found it slightly intriguing that Cherry Berry prefer air to walking. “She’s a nice pony.” “And so are you,” Twilight said as she leaned forward. “Do you know who I am?” I shook my head as she shifted her weight. “I’m Princess Celestia’s student, sent here to learn about friendship.” “O-o-oh,” I said in surprise and knelt down in front of her. “I didn’t know that.” “Please, none of that,” Twilight smirked faintly as she levitated me back to my seat. “I’m nothing special, I’m just like you. No need to bow or anything.” “S-s-sorry. What exactly do you need me for? I’m just another face in the crowd after all,” I said shyly and brushed my mane away from my eyes. “Not to me,” Twilight said adamantly. “To me, everypony matters. It may have taken me too long to see that but I do now. And I would like to be your friend, if you wish.” I sat in stunned silence as Twilight watched me curiously. I always thought I was just another flower pony, another face in the crowd. I usually worked with the flower sisters, Roseluck, Daisy and Lily when I did step outside. I did need bits after all but I wasn’t sure if they called me a friend. “I-I-I’d like that a lot Twilight. I don’t have many friends, just the few I grew up with,” I said and rested a hoof on the table. “Are you sure you want to be my friend? I don’t know if you noticed, but I kind of have a stutter and all.” “I noticed and I’m perfectly okay with it. We all have our small problems that make us unique and I quite enjoy yours. I’m a neat freak and obsessed with books,” Twilight said as she reached out and patted my hoof. “Trust me, you’re probably one of the most normal ponies in town.” I faintly turned red as we smiled at each other. I bit my lip as I remembered my shopping list. “M-m-my groceries!” I exclaimed and stood up hastily. “Easy. I found your list and asked Spike to collect everything for you. He dropped it off at your house and should have put everything away,” Twilight said and I slowly sat back down. “And Junebug?” “Y-y-yes?” “I see how the others treat you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. And my door is always open if you need it.” “T-t-thank you Twilight.” I took a deep breath and hugged her as she chuckled and hugged me back. It was kinda nice to have more than five or so friends.