“What about tonight at dinner?”
“We’re not going to dinner tonight. Octavia has her first solo concert tonight and we have to be there. We could do it the next night.”
We were in the personal breakfast nook waiting for our food. Cadence had left early to help Octavia get ready and I didn’t really care where Blueblood was. He could have walked in right there and I would have bragged about everything.
“I almost forgot about the concert. We could tell them afterwards, but it’s her night, not ours. Ugh, why is this so hard to figure out?”
“Good morning you two,” Celestia said when she entered the room. Celestia wasn’t a fool. She could obviously read between the lines. I’m almost positive that she figured it out when I told her when Angel first came to Canterlot, but she doesn’t really pry into my personal life. She even told me that if I didn’t want her to know, she won’t ask. “So, what’s on your minds?”
“Do you want to tell her?” Angel asked. I was surprised a bit. I thought that she might have wanted to be a little more secretive when it came to adults, but I guess not.
“What do you think?”
“Might as well, I wrote to my parents about us weeks ago. I think it’s fair that your mom should know.”
“Is somepony going to tell me?” Princess Celestia said, although she already knew what I was about to say.
“Angel and I decided to make it official. She’s my mare-friend.” I said with a smile. I looked at her and she smiled back.
“And he’s my colt-friend.” Angel said
“What about Blueblood?” Celestia asked, but she was just doing it out of kindness and was really happy for us.
“We broke up last night. He wasn’t the gentle-stallion that you raised.”
“Well, that’s good to hear. It’s always nice to see young love. I must warn you of one thing. There are many ponies who think they’re in love, especially at your age. There are ponies who make plans for years to come and never think of anything else, only to find out that they were not meant to be. I, however, look at you two and see the opposite. I see two ponies who found each other at a young age and will be happy to wake up next to each other in the morning. I see two ponies who will always think of each other in their times of need. I see two ponies that will be very happy for a long, long time.”
“Thanks mom.”
“My pleasure dear. I’m going to let you two enjoy each other’s company. But before I go…” Celestia licked her thumb and started to rub my cheek with it. “You’ve got a little smug on your cheek.”
“Mom…” Angel started giggling, but I would too if I was in her hooves.
Angel and I talked a little more, but couldn’t really come up with a good time to tell my friends. We decided to just wait for the right time. We figured that we would know the right time. We went to the park to meet up and play with Twilight and Shining.
Angel and Twilight got along like sisters. Angel didn’t mind playing dolls, dress-up, and a few other things that took Shining some convincing to do. She did have a little sister in Fillydelpha who was almost exactly like Twilight, or so we’re told. It was refreshing to see somepony who was willing to take the time just to make sure that a young filly was happy.
We played for a while, but had to go back to get ready for the concert. After a shower, I put on the suit I wore for homecoming. The only difference this time was a pink bow tie that the castle’s tailor made by accident. She mixed up the colors between the bow tie and Spitfire’s dress. I ended up just wearing a regular black tie, which ended matching Shining’s. I kept the bow tie because Octavia thought it was cute and almost begged me to keep it.
Angel decided to wear the same dress she wore on the first day. It looked just as beautiful as before. It was a green dress that, again, hugged her curves. It was strapless and stopped above the ankles. Her makeup and mane were done perfectly. I wasn’t sure if the castle’s personal mane dresser and makeup specialist had anything to do with it, but I didn’t really care. It reminded me of when I saw Octavia in her dress. They were obviously different and the ponies wearing the dress had two different personalities, but there was something similar.
“You look stunning,” I said after getting a good look at her.
“You don’t look too bad yourself, Mister Bow Tie.”
We walked to the theater where Octavia was playing. It was a short walk, as was every important building in Canterlot. You could really walk towards the castle and take, at the most, ten minutes to get there. The theater was thankfully around the corner. Angel wanted to show off a bit, so she didn’t mind walking.
The lobby was packed with ponies. Some of them were ponies everypony should know, like Velvet Gown, the most successful dress maker in Equestria. Some were scholars and philosophers. Most were elite ponies who I’ve recognized as Princess Celestia’s personal dinner guests. Finally there was the few that were lucky to get tickets and of course Octavia’s personal guests.
As I looked around, I realized that this was Octavia’s first public performance. She has played for the school and other small functions, such as birthdays, but she has never played for this many ponies. Not only this many ponies, but ponies of such importance. These were the ponies that could make or break her future.
“Oh good,” Cadence said when she found us. She too was wearing her dress from Homecoming. “Octavia needs you. Come with me.”
Cadence took us back stage. Vinyl was back there banging on Octavia’s dressing room door. Shining and Spitfire were there, trying to explain to Twilight what was happening.
“Come on, Octavia! Let me in! We’re here to help!” Vinyl said while she continued to bang on the door.
“What’s wrong?” Angel asked.
“Octavia is getting last minute stage fright,” Cadence started to explain to us, “She doesn’t want to go out and play. We need to get her out there in five minutes or else she’s done.”
“She doesn’t seem like the pony to get stage fright,” Angel said.
“She’s not.” I moved Vinyl out of the way and knocked on the door myself. “Octavia, it’s Golden.” There was silence at first. “We just want to help. Please Octavia.” I heard the door unlock and everypony’s face lit up with excitement. The door didn’t open completely and we didn’t see her face. She quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me in. She slammed the door shut and locked it and started to hug me. This was done in all one slick motion, which would have impressed me if I knew something was wrong.
“I can’t go out there, Golden. I just can’t do it.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” I started to hug her back.
“There are too many ponies and I’m not good enough. They’re going to hate me.”
“What makes you think that?”
She sat down at her vanity and look at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a new dress. It was the same purple that matched her eyes and the same elbow high gloves as Homecoming, but the dress was longer and limited the walking. She tried not to cry, as she was already in full makeup and didn’t want to ruin her mascara.
“All day when I was practicing, nothing was good. I kept playing the wrong note or I just didn’t like it. And if there is something that my parents have taught me, it’s that no pony will like unless you do. I can’t go out there Golden. I’m going to be the laughing stalk of Canterlot.”
There was a bit of silence as I tried to come up with something to say to her. This has never really happened to her before, but she has never really played in front of this many ponies.
“Octavia, you are good enough. Do you remember when I was sick and you played a personal concert for in my room. I thought that there was no way for you to be any better than that performance. I thought that no matter how hard you practiced, that would be your best performance ever. Every time you pick up a cello, you prove me wrong. I’m glad that you do, Octavia.”
“Thanks for trying, Golden, but I still can’t do it. I can play for just you guys. You are all my best friends and if I mess up in front of you, then you won’t judge me that much and I can just keep playing. If I mess up out there, than my entire career could be over before it ever starts. I just can’t do it Golden. Please, go out there and tell them that it’s over.”
“Octavia, you have to try. Sure you could mess up, but you won’t. You’re Octavia Melody, the best cello player in all of Equestria and tonight is the night to prove it. I’ve never known you to run away from a challenge before and I don’t know why would now. And don’t think of these ponies ‘ruining’ your career. You’re not here for them. You’re not here for me. You’re not here for Vinyl or Cadence or anypony outside that door. You’re doing it for you. You’re right, Octavia, you’re here to make your career.”
There was a moment of silence again. She really let what I said sink in and took a moment to think about it. She then hugged me again.
“Thank you for trying, but I still can’t get out there. I just can’t shake this feeling that I’m going to mess up.”
“Okay, here’s what I’m going to do.” I took off my bow tie and tied it around her arm. She looked confused. “Whenever you feel like you’re going to mess up, think of this bow tie. I want you to remember that no matter what happens, no matter if you do mess up, I will still love everything you do.”
“Wow, thank you Golden. I think this is the nicest thing you have ever done for me.” She started to look at me with a look that I’ve never seen before. There was a knock at the door that broke her trance.
“Miss Octavia, are you ready?” said a muffled voice.
“I’ll be out in a minute. You should go find your seat.”
I left the room and saw that the others had already left. I made my way to the seats and quickly found where my friends were sitting. Spitfire and Shining were on the ends. Angel and Vinyl were sitting next to an empty seat, which was my seat.
“Where’s your bow tie?” Angel asked as I sat down.
“Octavia needed it more than I did.” The lights went down and there was a small applause as the show started.
Octavia walked out onto stage. The lights made her dress shimmer, but nothing stood out more than my bow tie. It didn’t matter though, everypony was still in awe of the dress itself. She sat down, took in a deep breath, and started playing. She started off with Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. I thought it was a special thank you to me, but I couldn’t be sure. The rest of her set was similar to the one that she played for me when I was sick. She started going off that set and transitioned into a recent pop song. I noticed ponies, even Angel, tapping their hooves and trying to sing along. The concert ended with a song that she made herself. There was roar of applause when she finished. Ponies were cheering for an encore or throwing flowers on the stage. Octavia took a bow.
“Thank you, everypony,” She said when she was handed a microphone. “This is a dream come true, and I’m so excited that it happened at such a young age. There are a few ponies I want to recognize for helping me reach this dream. First, my parents for giving this opportunity. You two love and support me so much and I just want to say thank you. A big thanks to all of my friends. Thank you for putting up with me today and listening to my many mistakes. Finally, I want to give my biggest thank you to Prince Golden Shield. If it wasn’t for you, Golden, I wouldn’t have played tonight.”
There was another, much louder round of applause as Octavia took another bow and walked off the stage and to her dressing room. Shining had to leave immediately to take Twilight home and Spitfire decided to tag along. The rest of us went backstage to meet up with Octavia. We knocked on her door and she answered immediately, still wearing her dress.
“That was amazing, Octavia!” Vinyl said as she gave her a hug and picked her up.
“Thanks…Vinyl.” Octavia was trying to get a breath of air.
“You might want to let her breathe, Vinyl,” I said.
“Sorry. I’m just so proud of her.” Vinyl put Octavia down and we spent most of the night in her dressing room. We sat, joked around and just talked. Angel and I were able to keep our big news to ourselves. She did tell that she broke up with Blueblood. The mares congratulated her as they told her everything wrong with him, which she already knew. Vinyl was the first to leave. Cadence and Angel went to the restroom together shortly after. I never understood why mares always go to the restroom together. This left me and Octavia alone in her room, something that I wanted to avoid.
I’m not an idiot or blind. Octavia had started to like me. She has never really liked anypony to the point where you could call it an attraction. I put it all together and made the connection. I’ve thought about it before. Octavia is very beautiful, that’s something that no pony can deny, and we get along well, but I’ve never really been that attracted to her.
“I guess I should give this back,” Octavia said as she started to untie the bow tie. I had almost completely forgotten about it.
“You keep it,” I said before she was able to undo the bow, “It looks better on you.” She started to blush and I was kicking myself for saying that.
“Golden, we need to talk about us.”
Please walk through that door, Angel.
“I know that you know that I’m might be developing some sort of love towards you,”
Please tell me that Vinyl left her sunglass and she’s about to get them back.
“We’ve talked about this before and…”
I’ll even settle for Blueblood. I’m not kidding, that’s how desperate I am.
“I need to know something and I need the truth from you.”
Should I fake a stomach ace? Say I should go? Do I need to use the restroom? I just need something that will stop this conversation.
“Are you in love with Angel?”
“What?”
“I need to know if you’re in love with Angel. If you’re in love with another pony, then I’ll know that I can’t have you and all romantic feeling will die. Are you in love with Angel?”
“Yes,” I said softly. The tension in the room was almost tangible. There was an uncomfortable silence. I noticed a tear run down Octavia’s face, but she was smiling at the same time. Octavia started laughing, but I didn’t understand why.
“Thank you, Golden.” We didn’t really talk about anything important after that. It was just Octavia’s chance to fix any make-up she needed to.
When they came back, Cadence was laughing and Angel was smiling and glowing a bit.
“Sorry Golden, but I couldn’t keep it in. I just had to tell her,” Angel said.
“Tell her what? Octavia asked. Angel took a seat next to me. Octavia didn’t need me to say it. She could obviously see the attraction between us. I like to think that she always knew. Like I said before, Octavia knows when to strike. She was just a little late this time.
We told Cadence and Octavia everything. The first night, how many times we snuck off, even what happened last night. It was nice to know that my friends accepted our relationship.
Octavia’s parents walked her home and Angel, Cadence, and I were able to walk home by ourselves. Angel and I held hands the entire way, and I never wanted to let it go. I didn’t want that entire walk to end. Angel and I kissed each other good night and I tried to go to sleep, tried being the key work.
I had this big ball of guilt in me. Even if it was only for a few hours, Octavia had genuine feelings for me and I’m almost positive that she still does. It must kill her to find out that I’m not available. Then again, this could all just be in my head and I could just be feeding my ego. I did eventually fall asleep, but not without a lump in my stomach.
When I woke up, I still had the lump in my stomach. I took a shower and got ready for the day. It was still pretty early, so I just sat in my room re-reading The Great Gallopsby. I’m not really sure why, but I just felt compelled to read it again. There was a knock at my door and Chef Celery Stalk let herself in.
“Bonjour, Prince Golden Shield,” she was pushing in a chef’s cart. Chef Celery Stalk is the youngest member on staff. She was born and raised in Mareseille, which is the food capital of Equestria. She quickly mastered the kitchen and entered culinary school at 14. Her final, four years later, just happened to be cook for the Princess Celestia. Celestia hired her on the spot and took her to Canterlot. On her way back, Celestia had to stop in Ponyville. I think you know the rest.
“Good morning, chef. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“La princess has asked me to make you breakfast in bed for your, how you say,… birthday.” In all that has been happening I had completely forgot that today was the day Celestia found me. Everything had come into perspective. Everything from Angel and Blueblood’s arrival to Octavia’s concert happened within a month and a half. And then it hit me, Angel has to leave soon.
I stopped thinking about that and decided to enjoy today. I put down my book and watched the chef prepare my breakfast. It was amazing watching her cook. She made the food dance inside the pan. The food itself was amazing, but I expected that. Chef Celery Stalk never disappoints. She took my plate, wished me a “bon anniversaire”, and left my room. I followed her shortly after and was immediately tackled and picked up by Shining.
“That’s one,” Shining said after he punched me in the arm.
“And that’s two,” Vinyl said as she did the same.
“There’s three,” Spitfire said
“And that’s four.” Blueblood had walked by and snuck in a shot. While Shining and Vinyl’s were pretty soft, Blueblood’s hurt a little.
“Aren’t you going to wish him a happy birthday, Bluey?” Cadence yelled at him trying to get his attention.
“It’s his birthday?” Blueblood didn’t stop walking, and soon we couldn’t even hear him. I just rolled my eyes.
“What’s going on?” Angel asked as she walked out of her room.
“Today is Golden’s Birthday!” Twilight said.
“Well, this is one.” She kissed me on the cheek. Vinyl, Spitfire, and Shining’s eyes grew wide. Octavia and Cadence were laughing at their reaction.
“Looks like the plot thickens,” Spitfire said.
Angel and I told the other three about everything. We were a little hesitant to talk about this in front of Twilight, but we soon figured out that she didn’t even know what we were talking about, let alone care. When we finished, Angel leaned in and gave me another kiss.
The rest of the day was exciting. We started off by going to café, were the barista gave us free coffee. Next was Octavia’s house for her gift. It was a private concert from all of us. It was amazing, even better that last night. Next was Vinyl’s gift, which was a stuffed bear named Boopie. I originally got it for her when she was sick. Whenever I either of us had to give another one a gift, we would give each other Boopie. The punches in the arm were Shining and Spitfire’s gift and Twilight drew me a picture.
That night’s dinner is something that I would never forget. It started off like all the others. Our group having our own table and Blueblood taking over the foal table. I actually didn’t think about him all day. We talked as we waited for the meals, Spitfire and Shining finished off my 16 punches. Right before desert, Celestia clapped her hands. It was a booming clap, loud enough to wake anypony sleeping the castle. The doors flung open and phoenix flew in. It performed an amazing act in the air. Tailspins, barrel rolls, and many other tricks. What put everything over the top was the short trail of fire that followed the phoenix. If finally landed on my shoulder.
“Ladies and Gentlecolts,” Celestia said with a voice that matched the clap, “Twelve years ago today, I made a stop in Ponyville that changed my life. In the middle of a storm in the dead of night, I saw a light coming from the Everfree Forest. I decided to investigate and found a young colt all alone. I tried to find somepony who knew him in both Ponyville and here in Canterlot, but no pony came forward. I didn’t stop there. I spent two years looking for his mother, but it was all pointless. I didn’t know it at the time, but I have always know his mother and that became obvious to him sooner than me. To this day, I am overjoyed to call this young stallion my son. Please join me in wishing my son, Prince Golden Shied, a happy birthday. And help me welcome the newest member of our family, his new pet phoenix.”
There was a roar of applause, but that couldn’t even come close to Celestia’s voice.
“What are you going to name her?” A random voice from the crowed asked. I was still blown away from the fact that there is a phoenix on my shoulder. Celestia’s speech didn’t even register with me. I went back to the day Angel first arrived and she gave me names for what I should name the baby phoenix when it hatched.
“Philomena!” I shouted. There was another round of applause and I looked towards Angel. She was smiling and showing off her pearly white teeth. Dinner went on with the deserts, white chocolate mousse with different fruit toppings. Philomena was taken to my room to get used to her new living arrangements. Towards the end, about the time Blueblood leaves for the night, Giles came to our table.
“Sir Blueblood has a message for Mrs. Angel.” Giles put on his reading glasses and unfolded a piece of paper.
“I have noticed that you have taken a liking to that porter,” Giles read, “I believe that you are a princess and you deserve a prince. This will be your last chance. Leave with me now, or stay and face my wrath. I don’t believe I need to remind you of the last pony that chose the ladder.”
We looked over to the door and saw Blueblood standing next to the door. He had an impatient look on his face. It would have been entertaining if I didn’t know what would happen should Angel not join him. I looked over to Angel and she was doing exactly as I wanted her to do: nothing. It was like she didn’t even hear the message or was afraid of what would happen next.
“Thank you, Giles,” she said after a short pause after the message, “You are dismissed.”
“Very well. I will inform Sir Blueblood of your decision.” Giles spun on his heel and started to walk back towards Blueblood.
“I better make sure that Bluey doesn’t do something that he’ll regret,” Cadence said. She shot out of her chair and ran towards Blueblood.
“Son,” Captain Iron Side said as put his hand on my shoulder, “I think it’s time for my gift.” He signaled me to follow him. I gave Angel kiss 15 and told her that I’ll be back soon.
Captain Iron Side started to lead me down a few hallways towards his office.
“Now son, I see how angry Blueblood makes you and seeing as how it’s not good to bottle up your anger, I want to give you an outlet.” He opened a door and inside was just a heavy bag. “I’m going to teach you how to box.” By the end of the summer I could have gone pro, but I only wanted to do it to relive stress. Every time I hit the bag, all I pictured was Blueblood’s face.
That night, Angel was waiting outside my door. When she saw me, she threw her arms around me and gave me the most passionate kiss of the day.
“And that’s sixteen,” she said when our lips finally broke apart.
“What did I miss?” I said
“Cadence tried to calm him down, but he still tried to go on his tirade. Before he can do anything, I stood up and just went all out on him. You should have been there, you would have loved it the most.”
“And that is why I love you,” I said after giving her another kiss. We didn’t talk for much longer, as we were tired. I went to bed feeling great and I could say that this was the best birthday I’ve ever had.
I was woken up by two a high-pitched scream the next morning. I ran out of my room and tried to find were the scream came from. I ended up in the main hall where Cadence and Angel were laughing and jumping with their wings fully extended. Celestia was right next to them, smiling.
“What’s going on?” I asked
“OhmygodGoldenyournotgoingtobelievewahtAuntieCelestiajusttoldme,” Cadence said as fast as she could. Angel tried to explain it, but I couldn’t even understand her.
“What?”
“I just told Cadence that the Grand Galloping Gala is going to be on her birthday,” Celestia said. Both the girls screamed again, louder than last time.
The Gala was always awful and boring. It might be fun if you are an elitist or anything like Blueblood, but not for somepony like Cadence. Even Octavia wouldn’t enjoy herself there Two years ago, between seventh and eighth grade, Celestia let us hold a younger version of the gala. She leaves it up to us to plan everything out. The first one was planned to be just between me, Cadence, Octavia, Vinyl, and Shining, but word quickly got out and the whole thing quickly got out and the whole thing blew up. There were ponies that we never met at that party. We did the same thing next year and it got even bigger. Who knows how big this one will be now that we’re in High School.
“I would get to planning if I were you two. The gala is in a week,” Celestia said as she walked off.
“I can’t believe that I’m going to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Angel said
“Well, we’re not going to the gala you’re thinking of,” I said
“Trust us, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. Celestia lets us throw our own gala, just for ponies still in school,” Cadence said.
“You’re going to love it, and let me take care of everything, Cadence.”
“Are you sure? I could…”
“No, this is your birthday party. I don’t want you to lift a hand trying to plan anything.”
“Alright, if you say so.”
Our group met up so we could tell them the good news. Plus, I couldn’t plan the whole thing myself. There are just too many elements for me to handle.
“Alright ponies, we only have two weeks to put together Cadence’s party. Shining and Spitfire, I need you two to get the word out. The more ponies, the better.”
“Yes, sir!” They said. I picked those two because they were probably the most popular out the group, besides Cadence.
“Vinyl,” She saluted me, “Vary funny. Pick your job: Find someone to DJ or crate an awesome playlist.”
“Yeah! This party’s goin’ be super sweet!”
“Angel, Octavia, I need you two to pick out outfits. I don’t care if their color coded or if they match our individual styles. Pick out something for each of us. Do you think you could do it?”
“In my sleep,” Angel said.
“Anything for Cadence,” Octavia followed
“What can I do, Golden?” Twilight asked. She had stars in her eyes and looked excited to do anything for the party.
“I have a special task for you. You get to help me pick out the treats.” Twilight had the biggest smile on her face after I said it. I felt bad that she was too young to actually go to the party, but we always snuck her some treats and she would play with her friends in the Castle’s play room.
“Finally, all of us have to help set up. Everything from theme to decoration. I need everypony’s help to get this done on time.”
The next two weeks were hectic, well for me at least. Shining and Spitfire just have to tell one pony each. Then that pony tells two ponies, and every teen in Canterlot will know in a matter of hours. Vinyl found a group of DJ that were willing to do it, so long as they could socialize when they’re not playing their set. I met with Chef Fasnacht, a pastry chef from Saddlen which north of Mareseille. He was hired specifically for deserts and constantly battling chef Celery Stalk for head chef. Everything he made was perfect and even made smaller portions for Twilight. Octavia and Angel had the biggest problems. While they found outfits for most of us, Angel couldn’t find a thing that she liked. I decided to take her to the castle’s closet.
“Oh…my…” Angel said as she looked around.
“You can pick anything you want.”
“Just when I thought that this castle couldn’t get more amazing, you show me this. This is unbelievable.”
“Let me show you what we have.” We started walking around looking for the dresses. We ended up near the dress shirts. For some reason, I felt compelled to show them off. I started taking them off the shelves, throwing them all over the place, and started to name off where they were from. Fillydelpha, Las Pegasus, Saddle Arabia, Trontonto, and anywhere else you can think of that has an elite fashion designer. I stopped when I noticed that Angel was crying.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”
I realized why I felt like reading Gallopsby. I was Jay Gallopsby. Much of the summer has been reminiscent of the book. While I do enjoy the book, I really don’t want the ending to be the same. I hugged Angel and helped her stop crying. We found the dresses and she picked out the one that spoke to her. It was a golden dress covered with diamonds. It worked prefect with the rest of ours.
The party was amazing. Every teen that even heard of Cadence was there. Every part of it was at least fifty times better than the actual gala. Chef Fasnacht’s food was a hit and it was gone almost immediately. Vinyl and her friends played amazing set that everyone danced to. There was only one thing that ruined the whole thing. While dancing, I just happened to glance at one of the doors. I watched Blueblood take Angel outside.