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// Chapter 8 
// Story: A Hoof Heights Story: Sapphire Shores and Jill Jewel 
// by lyra_lover777 
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	That night Sapphire walked home alone because Fashion and Star Dust had left earlier. A few other ponies were left, mostly younger ponies Jill's age, but Jill was not among them, probably having left already. Sapphire was pondering what Jill had said. Was she ready to take off the mask and the clothes and the voice? Was she ready to truly be herself? But if that was what Jill needed for her to love her, than she would do it.
Sapphire finally arrived at Fashion's house and collapsed onto the fluffy mattress, quickly drifting into the realm of dreams.
Sapphire stretched in the morning when she awoke, quickly combing her hair and putting on a stunning dress that was purple with obsidian fringe. Sapphire wasn't ready to reveal her true self...yet.
The mare walked into the kitchen. A note was attached to the fridge. Sapphire took the note off the fridge and read it quickly and quietly. 
The note read: I am very sorry to have left but I had to go to Dodge Junction to visit a sick cousin named Cheery Drop. You might have met her once before. Anyways I won't be home until tonight. Very sorry and enjoy your day! From, Fashion.
Sapphire put the note on the table. Today was her last full day in Hoof Heights. Tomorrow she would leave at lunch time and the next day she would be back in Manehattan starting off her world tour that would last a year and a half. There would be one concert here at the amphitheater, but she wouldn't have time to say anything to Jill.
She ate some oats and milk and headed out the door. She knew Fashion wouldn't want her to work the shop, but she headed over there anyways to man it. 
But when she got there she found ten locks over the door and she knew only Fashion would have the keys, probably all on the same key ring and clipped to her luggage.
Sapphire shook her head and then saw something hanging from the light post outside the store. A yellow flyer for monthly fireworks in the park that were put on by a pony named Big Flare. His picture was on the flyer. He was a male pegasus with a short, red mane and tail. His coat was a slate gray. His eyes were green and his cutie mark was an orange firework.
Sapphire read the flyer once more and thought of something. She could ask Jill if she wanted to go to the firework show! It would be the perfect place to tell Jill her feelings, in the dark with beautiful lights flashing everywhere.
Sapphire cantered all the way to Jill's shop. When she got there she was out of breath from running so hard. The flyer was clenched between her teeth.
Sapphire pushed open the door of the shop. Jill was in one corner polishing a glass case. She turned around when she heard Sapphire.
"Hi. Seems somepony forgot my advice," Jill said, a little bit of disgust rising onto her features as she saw Sapphire's clothed body.
"I-i didn't, Jill. I'm j-just not ready. Maybe some day, but not today." Jill nodded absentmindedly as she continued to polish the case
"S-so I was w-wondering if you wanted to g-go see the fireworks tonight. They sound beautiful." Just like you. thought Sapphire.
Jill smiled warmly. "I'd love to. Sorry if I seem a little down in the dumps and a little snappy, it's just that I ran into one of my old special someponies last night."
Sapphire nodded thoughtfully. Was that old special sompony possibly...a mare?
The two chatted a bit but then Jill had to get back to work. Sapphire waved goodbye as she trotted out of the store, a spring in her trot. She headed back to Fashion's and sat, down to read for awhile.
Sapphire awoke in a chair in Fashion's living room, her book laying on the floor. Sh must of drifted off. She looked up at the clock on th wall and saw that it was 6:00! She was supposed to meet Jill at 6:15 with dinner in a basket!
Sapphire flew into the kitchen and finished the dinner of daisy sandwiches, pumpkin soup, and salad in a inpony time, ten minutes. She then cantered as fast as she could to Jill's shop. When she got there, Jillwas just locking the door. Sapphire panted as Jill waved and smiled warmly. 
The pair trotted off to the park where the fireworks would be shown, idle chat starting up. When they reached the park they fell silent as the waited in line to get in. 
"The whole town must be here." remarked Sapphire.
"They probably are," said Jill. "It is one of the most important traditions in Hoof Heights that started when Big Flare moved here three years ago."
Sapphire nodded as she surveyed the stallion in front of her. He was a unicorn with a marine blue coat. His mane and tail were short and black, but not greased back like Solo Clef's. He also was much younger than Solo, probably a little older than Jill. He could be who she would marry if she's not into me or mares at all. thought Sapphire. She looked at her competitor, who had gray eyes and black glasses. His cutie mark was a pink brain with a golden plus and minus sign on it. When Sapphire asked, Jill said his name was Brian Brain. Brian finished paying for his ticket and trotted into the park. Jill floated two bits into the waiting hooves of Big Flare, who was collecting money.
The pair trotted into the park and put down their blanket near the pond, taking out the food and eating it. The happily talked while night began to fall.
Around 9:00 p.m., Big Flare announced that the fireworks would be starting. He then flew away. A minute later the first firework exploded. It was a red and blue one. 
After a few more fireworks, Sapphire began to move close to Jill. After a few minutes they were almost touching.
"Ummm, uh, J-jill?" asked Sapphire.
"Huh?" asked Jill quietly as her eyes remained riveted to the display of fireworks.
"-i j-just want you t-to know that I-i lo-"
All of the sudden a strong wind blew, setting a firework off course. It hit a grove of trees near the pond. Many ponies screamed as the fire quickly spread. Jill got up quickly with most of the stallions and a few other mares who were running towards the fire.
"Where are you going?" asked Sapphire as she quickly wrapped up the blanket and placed it on her back, and also picking up the now empty picnic basket in her mouth.
"I'm a volunteer firefighter." was all Jill said before cantering towards the flames, picking up some pond water in her aura and sending it hurtling towards the fire.
Sapphire looked around at the fleeing mares and foals, who weaved around her to get out of the fire's way. It was still creeping closer despite the firefighters best efforts.
Sapphire finally got a hold of herself and reared, cantering away from the fire that was only inches away from her. After reaching the entrance of the park, she looked back.The firefighters had taken control of the fire and were pushing it back while several unicorns were bringing up new grass and reviving the dead and burnt trees with their magic.
As Sapphire trotted back to Fashion's house, she realized something. Had she just missed her one and only chance to confess her feelings to Jill? After all, she was leaving at noon tomorrow.