//------------------------------// // Chapter Six: Spaghetti! // Story: We'll Meet Again // by unipie //------------------------------// Chapter Six – Spaghetti! Six Elements of Harmony, a Mare in the Moon, a Draconequus, a Changeling Queen, an Evil King and many an adventure later. “I wish the waiter pony would hurry up already. I’m so hungry!” “Pinkie, you ate three cupcakes before we left!” “Oh, yeah … I forgot.” I chuckled to myself as Pinkie and Twilight continued their regular back and forth. However amusing, Twilight was right; the pink mare had indeed eaten three vanilla cupcakes before leaving for the restaurant. I was quite envious; she could probably eat an entire Canterlot buffet and not put on a pound. I, on the other hoof, would gain a stone from eating a whole grain cracker. Lucky mare. All this talk of food was making my stomach growl. The delay was due to the restaurant being absolutely packed. However, it was the finest in town, so naturally, everypony wanted to dine there. But I wanted my friends to experience the best. Plus, the wine was exquisite. We all sat around the table, enjoying the light snowfall outside. It was beautiful, just the view to sit and have lunch by. If they had only known how hard it had been to get a reservation around Hearth’s Warming Eve. Thankfully, I’d managed to pull a few strings and get a booking. The bustle of ponies and the clinking of glasses had distracted me from the conversation across the table. It wasn’t anything too refined, just something about Pinkie fitting six cupcakes in her mouth once. “You’re lying,” Rainbow snorted, rolling her eyes. Pinkie being Pinkie, enacted her cupcake eating technique, stretching her cheeks with both hooves. “I’m not, my mouth was like this!” she mumbled, her face resembling that of a piece of dough. The six of them laughed hysterically, causing the classy onlookers to perk their noses in disgust. Normally a situation like this would have mortified me. I would have insisted they “shush” or “be more civil”, reminding them how this was a refined establishment. But today, they could have set off ten party cannons and I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid. In all honestly, I would have joined them. The laughing ceased when the waiter coughed, looking slightly dishevelled and rather annoyed. Twilight took the lead and ordered, asking a detailed analysis of every dish, which the stallion wasn’t prepared for. Simultaneously, we all slumped into our chairs, well aware of how long this was going to take. “Rarity.” I nearly jumped ten feet when an all too familiar voice whispered in my ear, a breath skimming my fur. Goodness knows why, but I was on edge, worried even. This day was rather remarkable, but at the same time heartbreaking. With an awkward grin, I craned my neck round slowly towards Applejack sitting beside me.“Y-yes, darling,” I murmured softly back. “Will ya —” She fidgeted, holding the menu between us “— order fer me?” I sighed, taking the other side of the menu in a hoof. I don’t know why, but I thought she was going to ask something else. Don’t ask me what, because I didn’t know that either, she just seemed to be in a strange mood. I beamed, trying not to laugh at her sweet unawareness of everything elegant. “Oh, of course, dear.” I winked, scanning the menu for something my farmer friend would find delectable. “Thanks, sugarcube, I don’t understand all that fancy Istallian food, and ugh … words,” she groaned, looking anywhere but at me. “What are you two school fillies whispering about over there?” Rainbow snickered, over the sound of Twilight’s rambling. Applejack blushed alarmingly, her ears perking at the rainbow mare’s question. I raised an eyebrow, folding down the menu. That Rainbow Dash, she could never keep her nose out of another pony’s business. Sure, I loved gossip a little too much, but she could never let things lie. Reading Applejack’s expression, she seemed rather anxious about the situation. I didn’t understand. To defend the earth pony from any further embarrassment, I was quick to respond. “Oh, Rainbow, we were just discussing what you might look like in my new, winter line dress. It would make you look positively darling. You know, I still need a model for my shoot,” I purred, waving a hoof in emphasis. That made her shut her muzzle. Wide eyed, she backed away as if I’d offered to clip her wings. “What? No way, Rare. You know how I hate all that frilly dress-up stuff!” She could pretend all she wanted – that had obviously rustled some feathers. Twilight had finally finished her meal by meal examination, much to our satisfaction. The silence however, was very short lived. “Spaghetti!” Pinkie blurted, waving her hooves like the Wonderbolts had just done a fly by. Upon the waiter asking which spaghetti dish in particular, she continued to slam at the table, upsetting the cutlery. “Spa-spa-spaghetti! Spa-spa-spaghetti!” she sang, beaming at the waiter. “Alright, I get it,” he muttered. The ordering continued around the table. Fluttershy’s order I didn’t hear, and Rainbow rattled off a number of dishes, explaining how she “needed to keep her strength up”. Finally, he approached me with a gleam of hope in his eye; expecting my order to be “suitable for the establishment”. “I will have the mushroom risotto with rocket salad, but I want that on the side, and I don’t want the parmesan on the top, I want it on the side. If there is no parmesan then just the salad, but with red cabbage instead of rocket.” “Ugh … okay.” The waiter nodded sternly, trying his best to keep up. I felt Applejack huff in annoyance, lounging back into her chair. “And my —” I turned to her, smiling slightly “— good friend here will have the linguine with celery root, cream and apples, but do remove the onion would you, she’s allergic.” I floated over my menu, feeling hungrier than ever. “Oh, and your finest bottle of champagne.” He smiled contently, collecting the others menus. “H-hey,” Spike piped up, just as the waiter turned to leave. “And some hay fries, extra crispy!” “Of course, sir.” I’d only just turned to listen to Twilight’s newest book recommendation, when my neighbour disturbed me again, budging a hoof in my side. “Rare,” she uttered under her breath. I inched closer, still looking at Twilight. She’d been calling me that a lot lately, “Rare”. I was quite used to it, considering Rainbow would yell it at me often enough. Sometimes even Fluttershy would say it, but in a much nicer tone. Applejack, however, she never called me anything remotely close to a nickname. Okay, maybe “sugarcube”, but she said that to everypony. Was that what this was, a nickname? I dismissed the thought immediately, because that would insinuate we were “good pals”. At the moment, this was the last definition that came to mind. In our little circle of friends, we all had things we would do with one another, which is expected of any friendship group. Twilight and Rainbow read Daring Do. Applejack and Pinkie baked. Fluttershy and I went to the spa. Spike followed me around begging to be of assistance. Applejack and I, we argued. We’d gotten rather good at it actually. If the Equestrian Games ever considered making arguing an official sport we would win for sure. Usually, it was just the odd, mutual disagreement, a little clash of personality, I suppose. This, I was used to. Every friendship needs some healthy quarrels. But the last few months had been … difficult. It had become constant, like clockwork, and not just the odd, tame jest either. They had escalated in harshness and volume. Which left me feeling, well, hurt... I knew deep down she didn’t mean it, but her darned honest nature would get under my skin, just as I would undoubtedly get under hers. But do you know what the worst part was? The next day I’d go help her pick apples. Then, she’d return the favour and assist in some sewing or go to the fabric store with me, like nothing was wrong. Even now, I can’t make any sense of it. “Yes, darling,” I whispered softly, trying not to seem rude to the alicorn, still ranting on. “How’d ya know onions don’t agree with my gut?” she mumbled sternly, looking at Twilight also. “W-well.” How did I know? It was Applejack. I guess, I just knew. “You … told me, didn’t you?” “I don’t think so, I ain’t told many ponies jus’ encase Rainbow or Pinkie decided to pull some prank, and give me a onion cake or somethin’.” She snorted down the table at the pair, taking a sip of water. I contained my amusement at the absurd notion of Pinkie actually creating an onion cake. “I suppose I just know. You are my best friend after all,” I chirped, grinning brightly at the farmer. However, her response was slightly unnerving, as she spluttered on some water. “B-best friend?” she uttered, through her effort to regain her breath. As I tapped at her back with a hoof, my mind insisted that I had said nothing out of the ordinary. “Of course, darling. Why would you think any differently?” I couldn’t understand why she seemed so startled, everyone at that table I considered my best friends. The earth pony shifted uncomfortably in her seat, as she dug through her brain for a response. “I-I just —” “Your champagne, Mademoiselles,” the waiter announced, pushing over a silver tray with six glasses. My companions gave a collective cheer of admiration; as the waiter popped the cork and began to pour, liquid sloshing into each glass. Applejack sighed contently and gave me a weak smile, as our attention was drawn towards the stallion. “Ooo, bubbly.” Pinkie beamed, inspecting the wine glass, before lapping up some of its contents, thinking no-pony would notice. Twilight took a more civilised sip, nodding at me to show her approval of the favour. “I know you’re always treating us to gifts, Rarity, but this must have cost the best part of a hundred bits!” she said, wide-eyed. “Yeah, what’s the deal with the fancy shindig and the overpriced wine?” Rainbow scanned all our faces, taking a hearty gulp of her drink. I placed my glass down, tapping at it with a hoof. I guess it was time to tell them. No time like the present. All of them were looking at me with questioning expressions, as I glanced up for a second. “Yes, Rarity. What is all this for?” Fluttershy smiled sweetly. “Well.” I straightened my posture, preparing for their reactions. “It is kind of a celebration.” They each in turn gave a confused look, unsure of what I meant. All except Pinkie, who gasped in excitement, waving her forehooves. “You mean like a party! What’s it for? Tell me, tell me!” She rocked on her chair, eager to hear my explanation. The others joined her, leaning closer. I stared at their smiling faces, knowing that soon they would change to disappointed ones. “I-I … ugh … you’ve heard of Fancy Pants?” I began, trying to remain collected. There were a few nods and “huh-uh’s”. Rainbow scratched her mane, still unsure. “Fancy what?” she snorted. “Pants!” her pink neighbour blurted into her face. “You know, Rarity’s Canterlot coltfriend.” I groaned, drowning my embarrassment into my wine glass. For once could Pinkie think before she spoke? Just once. “He ain’t her coltfriend!” Applejack barked, slumping into her seat. Thank you, Applejack! At least somepony saw reason. “Exactly, he is more of an associate, if you will.” Rainbow flicked her mane, pushing Pinkie back into her own section of the table. “Alright, jeez, I remember.” “Yes … well, he is quite the entrepreneur. He wrote to me explaining how he was opening a new boutique in Manehattan, and insisted I attend the grand opening,” I explained, my stomach giving a barely tolerable lurch. “Like a date?” Pinkie smirked. The final drop of her drink dripped onto her tongue. “No!” I shot her a piercing stare. “As a guest. But, there was a slight dilemma and the store manager had to move back to Canterlot.” Fluttershy spoke from behind a curtain of pink mane. “Oh, dear. Why?” “I’m not sure, some kind of family emergency. Fancy didn’t go into much detail.” “So, why are we celebrating then?” Spike questioned, chomping on a piece of bread. “Ugh.” I could feel my chest tightening. The sudden complex combination of dread and excitement overwhelmed me. “Fancy, has … offered me the position as new store manager and designer.” There was a slight pause as my words seeped in. The tension continued to eat away at my confidence, and I found myself lost in thought about the sudden wave of rejection I was surely about to receive. However, I soon arrived back to reality, when the group exploded in an unexpected chorus of congratulations. “That’s great, Rarity,” Twilight exclaimed, gesturing her glass towards me. Fluttershy and Pinkie nodded in unison down the table. Rainbow flapped her wings enthusiastically. “Yeah, super awesome!” Applejack said nothing, continuing to slip at her wine. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing I’d lifted a heavy burden off my haunches. I was amazed at how understanding they all were. Surely they should have been angry or at the very least upset. I couldn’t believe it. Why had I worried? However, it wasn’t until Fluttershy asked, “For how long, Rarity?” did my serenity suddenly crash and burn. I took a huge glug of champagne, trying to rid my throat of a bulging lump. The dry, fizzy liquid was rather soothing as it went down. Maybe I could just get completely intoxicated, then I wouldn’t have to tell them. It wasn’t one of my most ingenious ideas, but it didn’t make me consider it any less. The bottom of the glass revealed itself, all covered in milky foam. They all stared, awaiting my answer. I continued to gape forward. It was impossible to meet their gaze. The glass bobbed inches from my lips as I spoke. “Indefinitely.” Every brow furrow and surprised gasp was a knife to my heart. The pain was no different to swallowing a box of sewing pins. In fact, that seemed like the more tolerable option. Anything to get me away from all those piercing stares. I knew it’d be hard, but not this hard. Each mare looked down into their drink, staying silent. I gave a melancholy sigh. This was the end of everything normal for them, for us, and … it was all my fault. “S-so … you’re leaving?” Spike looked up at me teary-eyed, some bread still clasped in his claw. I felt my heart breaking. “I’m afraid so,” I whispered, nodding sternly. Twilight soothed her assistant’s back with a hoof, giving me a small smile. “When do you leave?” Oh, Celestia, I was so stupid! They probably hated me now. Fancy Pants had only offered me the position last week, but I should have told them sooner. After hours of pacing around the workroom, I thought it best to wait before I sprung this news on them. I guess not. Don’t get me wrong, this was fantastic news too, but … it was a hard decision. I just hoped out of all ponies, my friends would understand. “In t-two days,” I croaked, finally looking at Twilight, then to the others. “Wow, I … just didn’t think it would be that soon.” Fluttershy sank into her chair, fumbling with a fork. Twilight nodded. “None of us did.” They all agreed, mumbling to one another. All except Applejack. I turned to my neighbour, attempting a winning grin. She huffed, leaning forward to pour more wine, so I couldn’t see her expression. I knew it, at least one of them was going to hate this. I just didn’t expect it to be her. “Jeez, guys,” Rainbow piped up, killing the silence. “I hope you’re all not going to act like this when I leave to join The Wonderbolts. This is a good thing!” She puffed out her chest, raising her glass. “You’re right, Rainbow Dash!” Spike wiped away a tear, holding up his glass also. Twilight floated her drink to the middle of the table. “Exactly!” I mouthed a “thank you” at Rainbow, beaming with happiness. She gave me a wink back. Yes, she was a brute, but goodness was she loyal. I lifted my glass to join the assortment of hooves linking into the table’s centre. Pinkie cleared her throat. “Ahem, here’s to Rarity! The most super, awesome, amazing, terrific, cool, stupendous, supercalafragalis —” “Pinkie Pie!” we all moaned. “Oh, right … sorry. Bestest friend a pony could have! Good luck, Rarity!” The glasses all gave a satisfying chink, while drops of wine pattered the table cloth. I felt an orange hoof graze against my own, as the final glass accompanied the others. “Cheers,” we shouted, before taking a swig. I sat and marvelled at their bright, grinning faces. I truly loved them all so much. “Hold on a second!” Pinkie gurgled, spraying champagne everywhere. “Three days time is New Year’s Eve! Don’t tell me you’re leaving before midnight.” I wanted to crawl into my fabric closet and hide. This was so difficult, not that I thought it was going to be easy in the first place. I could feel Pinkie’s eyes judging my every move. “Y-yes.” My lips quivered. I couldn’t take any more of their disappointment. It was unbearable. If only I knew an invisibility spell, anything to hide my humiliation. However, my only resolution was to slump down into my chair, holding my face in my hooves. “Aww, Rarity. I can’t believe you’ll miss the countdown,” Fluttershy said, slightly upset. Rainbow nodded frantically in agreement. “And the cider!” “I’m sorry, everypony,” I mumbled into the tablecloth, “but I have to leave first thing that morning. I will be missing the town square party.” Pinkie Pie gasped uncontrollably, raising her hooves to her muzzle. “No, you won’t!” she blurted. Oh, goodness. What was she thinking now? I glanced up, alarmed at what the pink mare was going to suggest. “I’ll throw you a New Year, leaving, super, combo, party extravaganza!” I huffed, resting my head in my hooves. “Pinkie, when are you going to find the time to do this? When am I going to find the time? I still have some things to pack and –” “Tonight at seven, Sugarcube Corner!” “But Pinkie it’s one o'clock now! I-I …” My brain was going to explode from the pressure. This roller coaster of emotion was getting far too intense for me. I wanted to get off. Pinkie giggled, slurping at a fresh glass of wine. “Oh, Rarity, you make it sound as if it’s going to be hard.” I shut my muzzle in defeat. Pinkie could whip up a party like a batch of cupcakes. Who was I to stop her? This brightened everypony’s mood, as we all grinned in excitement. “Ooh, let’s make it Manehattan themed. No, fashion! Oh, I can’t decide …” Pinkie continued to babble on, as the waiter arrived with our food. “Please, enjoy your meals.” The waiter bowed, before trotting off. “Spa-spa-spaghetti!” Pinkie stuck her face into her plate, covering herself in sauce. I levitated a forkful of risotto to my lips. It tasted divine, just as expected. I took a sideways glance at Applejack, as she rolled some pasta around her fork. “Darling,” I whispered from behind a hoof. She swallowed her mouthful of linguine as if eating sandpaper. Her eyes were wide and nervous when she looked at me. I frowned. I was sure she’d like the dish I picked for her. “Oh, sweetie, do you not like it? I’m sorry.” She gulped again, shaking her head wildly. “No … Yes … I-I mean …” She adjusted her hat, looking back to her meal. “So you do like it?” What the hay was wrong with her? My dumbfounded expression probably wasn’t the most reassuring, but she was being so darn strange. “Y-yes, it’s … amazing.” She smirked at me, blushing slightly. I sipped at my champagne, deep in thought. No matter how well you think you know somepony, they always manage to surprise you. I smiled brightly, turning back to my food. “Oh, wonderful.” I presumed she was still mad at me — that had to be it. While I chewed on a piece of lettuce, I decided it would be best to talk to her later. Perhaps, at the party. I needed to know if she was accepting of all this. “So, Rainbow Dash, you’re coming to the party, right?” Pinkie said with a mouth full of spaghetti. Dash leant back, folding her hooves. “Well, I was gonna watch paint dry,” she snickered, “but — are you kidding? I’m so there!” She enthusiastically hoof-bumped Pinkie. “Super-duper!” The party mare slurped up the last pasta strand protruding from her mouth. “Oh, Applejack, you’re coming too, right?” Pinkie beamed, as if finding one of her sisters’ diaries. I didn’t understand it, and by everypony else’s faces, neither did they. I just brushed it off as Pinkie nonsense. Applejack raised her eyebrow at the pink mare’s tone. Maybe it was just a secret joke between friends? I had no idea. However, my two earth pony companions weren’t usually like that. The farmer’s expression melted into a content grin. “Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t miss it fer the world.” My hooves jiggled a little, as the freezing, cold air nipped at my coat. I knocked at the front door to Sugarcube Corner for the third time, the raps echoing around the quiet street. It was a still, peaceful night, and there was no indication in the slightest that the town’s resident party mare was holding a soirée. Of course, I knew better. Only moments ago, when trotting over from the boutique, I had heard the windows rattling from speakers and the laughing of party guests. Upon my first knock at the door, the music died abruptly and an audible “shh” perked my ears. An all too familiar high pitched voice said, “Quick, everypony hide!” followed by the scramble of hooves. I rolled my eyes, while the clattering continued inside. My sigh turned into a white mist, drifting off in the breeze. This was ridiculous. Not only was I locked out of my own surprise leaving party, but it was in no way, shape or form a surprise. Once again, I found myself questioning Pinkie’s logic. When the door finally creaked open, Pinkie poked her head out, raising an eyebrow. “Ah, Rarity. I wasn’t expecting you.” She pushed the door open, upholding a serious expression. “Please, do come in.” I groaned, walking into the bakery, which was pitch black. Pinkie followed, letting the door slam shut, and the last of the light was swallowed in darkness. I couldn’t see a hoof in front of my face. I stood in place, awaiting whatever crazy fate Pinkie had bestowed upon me. The silence was unbearable. “Pink —” My eyes burned at the sudden burst of light, as Pinkie flicked the light switch. My vision became hazed in various shades of pink and blue, while I was continuously peppered with streamers and confetti cannons. “Surprise!” everypony shouted, jumping out from behind their obvious hiding places. I wiped away the array of streamers to be met with a face of pink. “Welcome to your Manehattan-fashion-pretty-pink-leaving-indefinitely surprise party!” She beamed, waving her hooves like some show mare. “Ugh, thank you, Pinkie, but —” “Come on, let’s get you some cake!” she announced, taking my scarf to hang on the coat rack. I turned to smile at everypony, noticing Twilight and the others emerging from behind a lamp and a small table. “Good evening,” I greeted, as they shuffled over awkwardly. “Turns out there’s not a lot of places to hide in an open plan bakery,” Twilight said, smiling sheepishly. “I figured. I couldn’t see you at all behind that lamp, Fluttershy.” I laughed, making the pegasus gave a small squeak in embarrassment. Pinkie bounced over to join the group. “Alrighty, let’s get this party started!” The music started up again and the guests went back to their chit-chat. A few smiled and nodded when I passed, as Pinkie led us to the drinks table. Practically the whole town was there. How did Pinkie manage to round up so many guests on such short notice? “Pinkie, you do realise that for a surprise party to have an actual effect, the guest of honour has to be unaware of the event.” I sighed, picking a nice cocktail glass from the table. “Ugh, yes?” She had no idea what I was going on about. Typical Pinkie Pie. The pink mare grabbed a muzzle full of candles, then leaped over the counter into the kitchen. “I’ll be right back with your cake, Rarity,” she mumbled. Twilight gulped, “I think I’d better go help, this could end in disaster.” She trotted off, unlatching a small fire extinguisher in her magic from behind the counter, before disappearing through a door. Rainbow nodded in agreement. “Oh, Celestia. Me too!” she yelled, flying after Twilight. I shook my head, focusing back on picking a drink. Pinkie had really outdone herself. There must have been about ten different types of punch, and countless bottles of spirits. I tapped my chin, confused. I never had issues with choosing a drink before, which wasn’t always a good thing “Here,” that familiar southern accent announced, “try this one.” I watched as Applejack poured a yellow-green liquid into my glass. I smiled, taking a closer look. “Oh, apple martini. Good choice,” I said, levitating the cocktail. The farmer walked around the table to make her own beverage. “Well, it is ya favourite.” I finished taking a sip, analysing the earth pony’s words. “H-how did you know that?” I asked, certain that I had led everypony to believe I was strictly a wine mare. “Ah, well, I guess I just know.” She smiled, taking a gulp of cider. Touché, Applejack. Touché. “Nopony can afford to drink champagne all the time, not even you. And … Granny told me you asked her what was the best apple to make em’ with.” She laughed, leaning on the table beside me. I chuckled also. “Oh … you got me.” As I savoured the delightful combination of flavours, my mind abandoned every worrying thought. I’d been apprehensive about this looming conversation I’d demanded myself to have. Leaving was devastating enough; the idea of Applejack being angry with me would have been the final blow. Though, once we joined together in that second of laughter, all those anxieties melted away. I couldn’t describe it. I turned to her and breathed, “Darling, you’re not … angry with me are you?” Oh, Celestia! I didn’t mean to blurt it out like that. Wincing, I slurped at my martini. I was positively the biggest idiot in Equestria. Wow, Rarity, so subtle. “W-what?” she spoke, looking utterly confused and panicked. “I ain’t mad at ya.” “Oh, thank goodness! But at dinner you j-just seemed —” “I was kinda shocked, but who ain’t?” She stared out across the party. I sulked at the floor, swirling my glass. “Yes, but … I waited so long to tell you – ugh, everypony. I feel positively awful!” “Look,” she said sternly, tipping her hat back so I could admire her bold, green eyes. My chest heaved when I stared into them. I didn’t know if I was uncomfortable or having a mini heart attack. My awkward smile was hardly convincing her that I wasn’t battling with some inner turmoil. “I understand. This is mighty big news and I bet it was hard t’ tell folk.” Her sharp sigh made my heart pang. I knew that everypony was too kind to admit that they didn’t want me to leave, especially Applejack. A raging battle between her conscience was probably stopping the earth pony from crying out the truth. Nopony wanted me to go. “I … we are happy for you.” I placed my glass down and joined her in a hug. We didn’t speak. Perhaps because we didn’t know what to say, but most likely, because we didn’t need to say anything at all. It was clear she and I were over the situation, no matter how saddening it was. Well, that’s what I urged myself to believe. “Ahem,” Fluttershy squeaked from behind me. I pushed away from Applejack’s soft form, noticing for a muscular built mare, she was pretty easy to hug. I turned away faster, when the plethora of stupid observant thoughts continued. “Ah, Fluttershy, I didn’t realise you were there,” I mumbled, my eyes shifting between the two. “Oh, well, I’m just here to tell you the cake is ready … I think.” She pointed a hoof towards the kitchen, smiling. I craned my neck to look towards the door. “Ooo, fantastic. “Oh, yeah, it’s really fantastic. Pinkie had me working fer two hours on that frosting,” Applejack grumbled, before smirking at her cider mug. “You helped?” She nodded at Fluttershy then me. “We all did. Even Pinkie Pie needs help with a party sometimes.” “Cake time!” Pinkie barged in pushing a seven tier cake with candles shoved into every available inch of space. The cake swayed uncontrollably, each tier resembling part of the Manehattan skyline. I analysed the intricate detail, from the buildings concocted from frosting to the mini, eatable ponies wandering around their delectable metropolis. Perched on the highest building was a white unicorn ornament, which I presumed was me. Spike shuffled over to my side, as I read the pink frosting that spelled out “Bye-Bye Rarity!” Pinkie could have at least picked a more appropriate goodbye message. “Rarity, do you like it? I-I put the statue on the top. Did you see?” he babbled, digging at the wood-paneled floor with a foot. I loved how he was so cute around me. However, now he would be treasuring each second I was in his presence. It was hard enough that I couldn’t return his feelings, but abandoning him as well. Oh, I could only imagine how his poor little heart was breaking. “Why yes, Spike. It is simply lovely,” I purred, before leaning to kiss his sweet, scaly head. “Thank you.” “I-I … ugh --” “Blow out the candles. Blow out the candles!” Pinkie screamed, reaching to light a huge, red sparkler next to my mini statue. Twilight stepped forward, extinguisher at the ready. “Pinkie are you sure this is –” “WEE!” The party mare jumped, lighting the wick with a match in her mouth. There was an almighty hiss, as the spark trailed down into the bowels of the confection. Applejack grabbed my side with both hooves. “I’d move back if I were you,” she whispered gently in my ear. I obeyed like cattle, and shuffled back. I gawked over my shoulder at her, dumbfounded. “What’s going to happen?” She continued to speak in hushed tones, sending a chill up my spine. “I ain’t gotta clue.” The hiss stopped and I prepared for the worst. Great, Pinkie was going to blow me up. Now I would never set hoof in Manehattan. There was small flicker of sparks, before the larger candle sunk down into the right side of the cake, now slightly melted. We all stopped recoiling to glance at the minimalistic display. “Is that it?” Rainbow barked, floating above me. Twilight threw down the extinguisher in disgust. “For pony’s sake, Pinkie. I took fire precautions for nothing!” “No! My baby, she’s melting!” Pinkie wailed, trying to fix her frosting covered bomb. I barely had time to roll my eyes, when the cake erupted in bright, shining sparks, which floated down softly. The many candles became illuminated by the small embers, all giving off a warm, orange glow. “It worked. It worked,” Pinkie announced, some of her mane slightly singed. There was a collective cheer as the final flashes and sparks faded. “Go blow out the candles, Rarity!” Pinkie had worked really hard on this party. Sure, the decorations were tacky and there were about ten noticeable colour clashes, but I didn’t mind. I was just welling up thinking about how this could be my last Sugarcube Corner party. “I know, why don’t we do it together?” I suggested. “There are quite a lot after all.” The group trotted over, each taking a side of the cake. “187 to be precise!” Pinkie hopped next to Twilight, beaming at me. Rainbow hovered overhead, waiting to flap a breeze at the higher candles. “Alright,” Spike said, climbing on Twilight’s back. The alicorn nodded to her assistant, as I waited for the signal. “Okay, ready … one,” Twilight began. I could tell she was eager to rid the bakery of the rolling fire hazard. Just as I was admiring the carefully crafted tiers, I spotted Applejack opposite me through a gap in the towers. “Two …” She smirked at me, not looking away. At least, that’s what I was sure she was doing. My vision was blurry with the towers fading in the foreground, while the earth pony became clearer to the eye. I then realised that I was definitely not going to look away either. What was she doing? Or the better question, what was I doing? For a second I felt time slow down. Either that or the sparkler fumes were making me dizzy. “Three!” My heart lurched rather abruptly, like when you trot down stairs and miss a step. It only lasted a heartbeat, but I was positive I’d skipped one. “Rarity.” I shook my head, tearing myself away to glance at Spike. “Huh, ugh?” “Three, you gotta blow some out,” he said, pointing at some candles in front of me still alight. I breathed on them as ladylike as possible, as everypony cheered and stomped. I stared at the cake wide-eyed. My mind went blank. “Bye, Cloudchaser. Bye, Bon Bon. Bye …” Pinkie continued to shout into the street. “Please say we’ll see you before you leave?” Twilight asked, a little worried. The six of us made our way to the door, where Pinkie was bouncing. “Oh, of course. Tomorrow I’ll just be packing the last of my things. Don’t you worry, Twilight,” I explained, wrapping my scarf with a wave of magic. “Oh, thank goodness,” uttered Fluttershy, who floated outside with Rainbow. I followed, shivering at the perishing cold. There was a light covering of snow and the sky was a clear, blue haze. We congregated at the bottom of the stairs. Pinkie leaned on the doorframe, grinning down at us all. “See you guys later!” Each mare and dragon turned to go their separate ways down the street. “Bye!” we all called out in our own time. I groaned, trying not to look back. Each step away we all moved was tearing at my heart. In that moment, I’m sure they were all feeling the exact same. “Hey, Applejack,” Pinkie yelled, bringing a hoof to her muzzle. “You know, it’s exactly 18 seconds faster to Sweet Apple Acres if you go that-away.” What where those crazy fillies talking about? While walking, I glanced back towards the bakery. Pinkie was pointing in my direction, with a huge, suspicious grin plastered to her face. I looked forward at the stone cobbles, barely able to hear. “Ugh ... thanks fer the tip, Pinkie,” Applejack mumbled, sounding as confused as I was. “Oh, no, it’s my pleasure,” The party mare purred, before I heard a door slam. I slowed down slightly, as clops of cantering hooves approached. “Rare, hold up,” Applejack called for me, trotting at my side. While I stared at the earth pony in confusion, she gave a weak grin. “Pinkie said this way’s faster or somethin’. I donno what goes on in that noggin’ o’ hers.” We continued down the middle of the street. Not a soul was around at this hour. I did enjoy Ponyville at night, as it was always so peaceful. “I doubt anypony knows,” I breathed, trying my best to stay warm. We stayed quiet just appreciating each other’s silence. I thought of asking about earlier at the party, about the cake. However, it was a terrible idea. She would just say it was nothing, and I completely agreed. But, it was at the very forefront of my mind. “Ugh … you know,” she began, as we neared the boutique, “if y-ya need a hoof packin’ tomorrow … I’m free. Just –” “You are?” We stopped at the crossroads. She nodded enthusiastically, adjusting her Stetson. “Yeah, sugarcube. It’s Big Mac’s turn t’ mind the market stall.” Admiring the stars for a second, I laughed quietly. “I’ll see you at 11 o’ clock then?” I said, before gazing into her bright eyes. She shifted on the spot. “Ah, well, if that’s –” “So, is that a yes?” I raised my eyebrow, obviously just teasing her. I loved to tease her. “Yes, ma’am,” she chirped, giving a mocking salute. We laughed for a wonderful moment, before turning to leave. I trotted away, wearing the biggest grin. I looked like a filly on their birthday. For somepony who was leaving her hometown and all her friends in two days, I wasn’t feeling that bad. I couldn’t understand it. “Oh, and Rarity!” I turned towards her voice, just a small tone being carried on the wind. I called back as best I could. “Yes?” “I’ll bring you an apple martini!”