//------------------------------// // Chapter Twelve // Story: Hearts of Class II: Lights of Love // by ImAPonyXY //------------------------------// Sweetiebelle's 15th Birthday Over the next couple of days that led up to Sweetie’s birthday, Spike and her attended the local Ponyville High-School. The work load and ethics standard was considerably lower than Canterlot School of Equestria’s Gifted meaning that they could relax in their spare time and not have to spend it on homework. Their teacher was Miss Cheerilee who had her hands full since she was now teaching teenagers and not children anymore. As well as going to school, Spike spent his time after school trying to find a perfect present for Sweetiebelle and only a few days before her birthday did he find one that he knew would surpass any expectations. On top of that, they received a letter from Lyvia saying that she arrived safely and has found an abandoned home that’s he could call home. They also sent a few letters to Lil’ Dew and replied to Lyvia’s one of course. Sweetiebelle felt so happy that she was able to keep in touch of her friends that she didn’t know whether or not she would see again. Another thing that happened that was important to Spike was the return of Twilight. She had only just gotten back on the day before Sweetiebelle’s birthday and Spike was too busy to ask Twilight what the princess wanted to speak to her about. He figured that he would ask her after the party. With that said, it was time for Sweetie’s birthday and she was getting ready for her big day. It was around ten in the morning and she was wearing an elegant, blue, dress and she had tied her hair back slightly so she had a small ponytail. “Sweetiebelle, darling. Can you help me put up those balloons?” Rarity asked and pointed to a small collection of around 12 balloons. “Sure, sis. Where do you want them?” Sweetiebelle wondered as she picked a few of them up. “Just attach them to tables or chairs for now, Sweetie.” Rarity replied. “Okie dokie,” she was so glad that it was her birthday; she had already received her present from Rarity. It was a pure diamond and silver bracelet that she was wearing now. It was little heavy but it was simply gorgeous. With that, Sweetiebelle hung the balloons where they were to be and it took a little longer than thought, as the balloons just wouldn’t stay on the string; she wasn’t too good at tying knots. After an hour or so of tedious tasks of preparing the party that included of cooking, cleaning and hanging of balloons and streams, did guests start to arrive. The first was a fairly sturdy build of a yellow girl with red hair and a stunningly large bow, it was Sweetie’s best friend Applebloom. The next guest was the orange Pegasus that her, Spike and Lyvia raced against, Scootaloo. Other people also soon came along such as, Button Mash, Pip Squeak, Feather Weight and a girl named Cinder who had a golden mane and light yellow fur with amber coloured eyes. Lastly to arrive was Spike, but he had a good reason. He has spent a lot of time this morning trying to make himself look handsome enough to be a stand out in the crowd of friends. Clutched in his hands was a present wrapped in pink with a red bow tying it off. “Spike, you’re here!” Sweetiebelle rushed up and hugged him. Spike chuckled, “Of course I am, what kind of boyfriend would miss his girlfriend’s birthday.” he hugged back then presented her the gift. “Thanks Spiky!” she took the present and slowly pulled away the bow on the top. From there she peeled away the tape and tugged off the wrapping paper to reveal a diary surrounded by the insignia of butterflies and flowers. “I didn’t really know what to give you, so I got you something that you could do anything with. Twilight’s taught me that you can do so much with books.” he smiled, “but you should open it up and see what’s inside.” “Okay?” Sweetie said uncertainly and grabbed the book’s hard cover and carefully opening it. When it was open the first thing to happen was a small envelope of Bits to fall out; she picked it, “Aww thanks Spiky.” “That’s not all though, keep looking.” he said and Sweetiebelle flicked through some of the pages to see that on the first few pages was nothing but love messages from Spike as well as photos to accompany them. Sweetiebelle looked on the photos and messages with clear glee and she squealed to herself. “Thank you Spiky!” she hugged him tightly again, “I love it!” “You’re welcome, Sweetie.” he replied as he hugged her back, equally as tight. “You look very beautiful today.” She smiled and felt a soft wave of blush flushed over her cheeks, she loved it when Spike held her as he did. The hug broke away when a crackly, young voice broke through the silence. “Hey, Love Birds! How about we get the cake?” the voice belonged to the orange Pegasus, Scootaloo. Sweetiebelle nodded and walked over to the cake that was placed in the centre of them room on a glorious silver plate. The cake was large with two layers of creamy, spongy and chocolaty goodness. As you may have guessed by now, the cake was a large chocolate sponge cake with white coloured icing cream coating the edge Along the sides were pieces of candy in the shape and colour of diamonds. Underneath the table where the cake was sat upon was a pile of nicely wrapped presents that soon ended up as a simple pile of crunched paper. She had received a variety of presents, whether it be from family or friends, some of them were as simple as money or as valuable as a jewelled piece of jewellery. After the presents, Sweetie decided to abide by Scoot’s suggestion and gave everyone a piece of the delicious sponge cake. That melted in their mouths and soon enough, most of the guests were hyped up on sugar. The excitement and energy made the party more entertaining and enjoyable for everyone, except Rarity who would have to clean everything up. However, the fun was soon called to a halt when the light yellow mare names Cinder spewed up and the chunks of puke sat on the floor. “So Sorry, Sweetiebelle...” she apologised quietly and lowered her head in embarrassment. Sweetiebelle had met Cinder only recently within the week and they instantly became rather good friends due to the fact that Cinder loved singing and fashion, which were pretty much some of Sweetie’s favourite things too. “It’s alright Cinder, just take a seat and relax for a while.” Sweetiebelle smiled and lead her over to the sofa that was cover in streamers and pizza crumbs. “You’ve just eaten too much cake I think.” Cinder laid down on the couch and Rarity placed a bucket next to her, she groaned and closed her eyes. Sweetiebelle then went away and over to Spike. “Who was that?” he asked curiously. “That was Cinder, I met her a few days ago. I... don’t think she’s very good with sugar rich food.” Sweetiebelle explained, looking over her should at Cinder with a concerned expression and tone. “I see. Will she be okay?” “Yeah I think so. I think she just needs water and some time to relax.” Sweetiebelle continued, “She’s a little embarrassed so try not to bring it up if you speak to her.” “Alright, I won’t bring it up... does she need anything though, like more water or some comfort?” he asked politely. “I think she’ll be alright, Rarity’s with her now.” Sweetie replied. Progressively over the next few hours and after dozens of bottle of water did Cinder begin to feel better. She was feeling well enough to begin partying again but she was going to take it easier than before. After that, she was spotted dancing with Button Mash on occasion. Spike and Sweetiebelle also danced together too, whether it was a slow paced song or fast paced, they had fun for hours and eventually it came to the time where people had to picked up and leave the party. It had been a fun day and no one had any regrets, except for Cinder who regretted eating so much cake and candy. In fact, she was one of the first to leave as Rarity had contacted her parents early. It may have only been 5 pm but since it was Sunday, there was school tomorrow and Rarity didn’t want to keep it going too late. Sweetiebelle had loved every part of the day, the dancing, the presents, the guests and of course the cake. She was so happy that everyone was able to make it and that herself and Spike were able to dance with each other; to her, it was so romantic. Eventually, everyone had left and Spike was to head home too, he kissed her good bye and left Carousel Boutique. “I’ll see you tomorrow Spike!” Sweetiebelle called out and waved him goodbye. As he began to walk away, Sweetie went back inside and immediately saw Spike’s black jacket. She walked over and picked it up, deciding that it would be a good idea to return it to him. She didn’t think that he would be too far away, probably not even across the road yet. She ran outside, calling. “Spike!” What she saw next was horrifying. Spike was halfway across the road and the last things that were heard before chaos broke out was the screeches of a panicking car and the screams of pain from a mangled purple dragon... “SPIKE!!!”