//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Fading Friendships 
// by future pegasister 
//------------------------------//

When I heard; Oh, darling, when I heard! A particularly big order form had come to me from Canterlot, stating that my designs would be worn in tonight's fashion show! I was head over heels at the news, positively hyper! Naturally, I spent my time during the storm getting ready and making sure every thing was perfect. My only problem was that I needed to see what my outfits looked like on other ponies; I needed a model. And what pony more suitable to try my Gem Collection than her? 

Of course, the blizzard outside was brutal; it would wreck my gorgeous mane in seconds, and after all, I didn't style it for five hours for nothing! But I couldn't ask her to go through the storm instead- that is the exact opposite of the Element I'm supposed to represent. Maybe I could arrange a different time when the blizzard outside was over... via the communication gem  I made with my magic. She had it's pair, and besides- it was much more efficient than a letter. 

I powered up my gem with my magic, and focused intently on her current place of residence. I waited for her to pick it up, but strangely, she didn't. She must be really busy, I thought. So I contented myself with making accessories to go with my outfits- a mane-band with amethysts here, a necklace with emeralds here. And when I got tired of that, I tried to make my dear Opal a small dress to go with her collar.

First things first: I had to measure my little sweetheart, bless her white fur; I chased her around the whole boutique five times before finally managing to do it. Opal is a plump little angel, even if some ponies refused to say more than "Get this fur-ball away from me, it gives me night mares!" when in her presence. But before I could finish, I saw the communication gem glow with an iridescent colour that told me it was a friend. Wasting no time, I picked it up in my magic.

"Rarity speaking," I said in a singsong voice; Opal hissed when I tried to measure him manually. 
"Hi Rarity, you called about an hour ago? Sorry that I couldn't answer then." 
"Ah, yes; No worries. You see, there's a fashion show on in Canterlot tonight and I was wondering if you could model some of my outfits for me? The seem quite...dull on a mannequin, you know. And they would go so well with your fabulous mane." I tried to reach for some cream coloured fabric with light blue swirls on it, but it was on the highest self.
"Erm- Rarity, I- I can't do it today. I'm really busy right now. As in, so busy that I don't even have the time to brush my mane." 
"Um- are you sure darling? Are you quite sure you can't take a small break right now? I mean, all that hard work is probably really tiring... I can't tempt you with a nice hot chocolate with those mini-marshmallows you really like?" I really hoped this would persuade her.
"Sorry Rarity; I can't take breaks. I don't have a lot of time." 
"That's what you always say," I mutter; If I couldn't get her to model them today, I'd have to wait until the show that evening.
"And it's always true." She answers.
"Oh come on- I'm sure it's not that important. Surely you could just come over for-"
"No. I cannot." I hear the sound of a stomped hoof. "Why do you always insist that whatever you have is more important than what I'm doing now?'
I don't say anything. 
"It's always you this, you that; have you ever considered stopping and not thinking about yourself for a second?"
Now that's out of character, coming from her. 
"Sometimes, I really can't believe that you are supposed to represent the Element of Generosity!" 
That was the last straw. 
"Good day." I said stiffly before hanging up.

At that, lightning flared, and I heard the sound of thunder not far off. I put the gem on my dressing table and continued to make Opals dress. I used my magic to bring down the roll of cream-and-blue-swirl fabric; I then rolled it out and drew the shapes needed for the dress on the under side (the side without the pattern) before cutting them out. Afterwards I stitched it together on Opal (I'm really grateful that I paid attention when we were doing immobilising spells in Unicorn School). I then added the beading (cobalt green, turquoise and clear beads go together very well). And after that, I replaced Opals usual collar with a cream one. Little Opal looked like such a cutie! 

I nearly screamed when a green fire ball came out of nowhere! But before anything got set on fire, it vanished and a scroll replaced it. I opened it and read the few words that were written:
RARITY! Help, please, Fluttershy's, pronto! Spike. 
It was hastily written and soaking wet. 

I wasted no time in dashing through the door and going into the storm; my mane was ruined, but I didn't care: this had to be important! I galloped to Fluttershy's at top speed, slipping and sliding on the slippery and cold ice. The cottage was a state; the roof was torn right off, the door was on it's hinges. Spike was clutching a tree branch in one hand and a paper bag into which he was breathing in another. He looked behind me and yelled;

Every thing else was happening in slow motion; I screamed as loud as my throat would let me. 
She was falling through the air  like a fallen angel, a peaceful ghost of a smile plastered to her face; her hair was billowing out in the cruel wind. 
I couldn't think right. The tears were stinging my face more than the wind; she was gone.
On the other edge of the town I heard a scream: "No! Not her! NOOOO!!!"
I ran into the hospital, looking around madly; Pinkie was there, her hair deflated and wearing a dark scowl. I tried to hug her, but she walked away.

We had a  short conversation. I lied to Pinkie about some things, and she knew. She accused me of being a heart-less and selfish pony. I stormed out of the hospital; the thing that stung me most was the she was right. 

Hearts Warming wasn't going to be a time of cheerfulness and celebration for me; nor would the rest of the Hearts Warming's of my life. I lost a friend that would never see the lights of Hearts Warming Eve; Ever.