//------------------------------// // Chapter Five // Story: Cross my heart // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// The trot home doesn't take long. As I make my approach I feel a small smile start to spread over my muzzle. The thought of seeing my daughter and Anon fills my heart with a certain feeling of content. However, as I walk through the door and into the living room. I feel my ears swivel towards a sound that makes my heart race. It sounds like Dinky is crying! I quickly shut the door behind me as I make my way towards the source of her cries. I fly up the stairs not caring if I were to fall or not. I land gently in front of her door. I raise my hoof to push the door open but feel myself stop as I take notice of another voice. It’s a very kind and soothing voice. “It’ll be alright, Dinky.” I hear Anon say. “Don't pay those kids any mind.” I feel as if I want to enter, but another part of me holds my hooves in place. Something about this situation causes me pause. So I decide to hold my ground and listen carefully. “B-But they said mean things about mom!” Dinky shouts as the sounds of her wails continue on. I can feel my heart ache at her pain. I never want to see my baby cry. “I know, I know.” Anon says. “Hey.” There’s a long pause in Dinky’s crying. “You and I both know that what they said isn't true. Your mother is smart, beautiful even. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.” I feel my cheeks redden some as I hear Anon say that. Does he really think i’m beautiful? My mind snaps out of it as I hear Dinky’s choked sobs. “I-It just hurts. Mom deals with so much as it is.” Dinky says. “She deserves better.” “You don't need to trouble yourself with thoughts like that, Dinky.” He says. “You just need to worry about kid stuff.” I feel my ears perk up a bit at the extended silence. “Will you stay? To help?” Dinky asks. I hear a certain catch of breath from Anon. Why would Dinky ask something like that? She knows Anon has his own life. “Dinky, you need to understand something. Your mother is a great mare. She took me in when I needed someone most. I won't ask her if I can stay here. I’ve already asked for too much as it is.” “I’ll ask her then!” Dinky shouts. “No you won't.” Anon says in a stern voice. “You and I both know that your mother wouldn't say no to you. She loves you too much and only wants what’s best for you.” “B-But..” “I’m sorry, Dinky. I don't want to cause your mother any trouble.” I hear Anon give a long sigh. “I better get dinner ready. Your mother will be back soon. Just, don’t take what those kids said seriously. As long as you know the truth, that’s all that matters.” I take a few steps back as the door opens gently. Anon looks down as his face shows surprise at seeing me here. I smile nervously as I rub the back of my head. He gently closes the door behind him. “How long where you standing there?” He asks. “A While.” I answer not looking at him. He chuckles nervously. “Kids. They always think some crazy stuff.” I shift on my hooves nervously. I look back up to Anon as he faces away from me. “Y-you know, I don-” “Derpy.” He cuts me off. “I-I can't ask that of you. You already have to take care of Dinky.” He tries to walk away but I feel my body move as I fly into the air and right in front of him. I can feel my anger build slightly inside of me. Ignoring me as if I were a filly! “Where would you go?” I ask with a certain fire building inside of me. “W-Well I’m not sure ye-” The fire steadily rises inside of me as I fly a little closer to him. “We both know you don't have enough money to buy a home and there aren't any hotels around here.” “Derpy, please. I’m not going to ask yo-” “You’re right.” I say cutting him off. He looks at me with a raised brow. “You’re not going to ask, because it’s not even a question. If you feel bad about staying here, well, then you can help out by paying rent.” I can see a defiant look in his eyes. As if he wants to protest, but he knows i'm right. Ponyville is still growing, and unlike the larger cities, Ponyville has no hotels or apartments. We were locked into each others eyes for what felt like an eternity. As if the two of us were having an internal battle of sorts. Anon closes his eyes as he lets out a very long sigh. I land in front of him so I wouldn't start to lose control and sway into a wall. “I’m not going to be a burden.” He looks back down to face me. “I intend to pay rent and whatever utilities I use.” I give an internal sigh of relief at that. “Alright.” I look back to the stairs. “I better get dinner ready.” I’m about to head on down but stop when I feel something rest on my withers. “I really think you should talk to Dinky. She seems to have a bully problem. I can handle dinner.” I give him a nod as I walk over to Dinky’s room. I feel that fire building inside of me again. The thought that my baby is being bullied sets my soul ablaze. I walk up to her door as I cast a brief glance to Anon as he descends the stairs. It’s nice to know that he is here to talk to her. If he wasn't here she would’ve been alone. I let out a sigh as I gently tap a hoof onto her door. “Who is it?” I hear a downtrodden voice. “Me, Dinky.” “Come in.” I watch as the handle of the door turns in the glow of Dinky’s magic. I push it open and see her face is buried in her pillow. I walk over to the side of her bed, she doesn't turn to acknowledge me. I rest my hoof on her back as she buries her head into her pillow harder. “What’s the matter, muffin?” “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were making fun of you.” She says sadly into her pillow. I feel my features soften some. I feel kinda glad they weren't directly making fun of her for anything. Yet, I still know how much it probably hurt her. “You don't need to worry what other ponies think.” I say as I rub her back to comfort her. She lifts her head up to face me, a few tears starting to build. “T-They said horrible things. They said you were retarded.” I wince slightly at that. I’ve heard that word more times than I can count. “We both know that isn’t true, right?” She nods her head slowly. “Just ignore them. They’ll eventually stop.” Dinky looks to me with slight anger. “But I don't want them to say things like that! Isn't there something I can do to make them stop?” I feel my mind flashback to when I was a filly. Asking my father if there was anything I could do to make the bullies stop picking on me. ”Derpy, you can't make everyone your friend. That’s the sad truth in life. Sometimes ponies just don't care enough to walk in the shoes of another.” He smiles down sadly at me. “I think it’s time I taught you how to take care of yourself.” I shake those memories away. That isn't what I want for Dinky. I will not teach her how to fight. If they were picking on her to the point where she was being physically harmed, that would be a different story. I won't teach her something like this because they are making fun of me. I’m use to it. I go back to facing her. “Just tell Ms. Cheerilee.” “She doesn't care.” Dinky mumbles. “She knows she can't do anything, so she doesn't even bother anymore.” I let out a sigh. “Dinky, just ignore them. Whatever they say will never be true. Chances are they only bully others because they’re trying to ignore some kind of pain in their life. That doesn't make what they do right, but know that their lives are probably harder than they may make it appear to be.” I lean onto the bed so I can nuzzle her. “You are my smart and brilliant daughter. I know it’ll be hard, but I know you can do it.” Dinky gives a slow nod. I feel myself smile as a thought of cheering her up comes to mind. “You know, Anon said he would be staying here for awhile.” She seems to brighten up at that. I lean down so I’m face to face with her. “He might not be here for good, Dinky. You know Anon really likes you and he doesn't want to make you sad. You need to remember though that he does have his own life. Eventually he will have to leave.” She looks sadden by this news. “Why can't he stay here forever?” I give her a sad smile. “He probably has big plans. Maybe he‘ll go to Canterlot or Las Pegasus. I can't tell you when or why he will leave. I just want you to be prepared when he does.” “Ok.” She says with her head hanging low. I nuzzle her gently. “It doesn't mean he is leaving tomorrow or the next day. Come on, let’s go have dinner.” That picks her spirit up a bit as she wipes her face from the tears and works her way out of bed. I walk behind her as we head down towards the stairs. My mind lingers on those words I said. It hurt me more than she will probably know. I would want nothing more than to keep Anon here with me. Yet, I know that isn't going to happen. As Dinky and I walk down the stairs, I find my mind wandering more than usual. However, I make sure my steps are calculated and controlled. I wouldn't want to trip and fall on Dinky while we head down the stairs. Dinky is now starting to get bullied. I knew it was only a matter of time till it happened. She herself has no flaws, but I do. If only I wasn't the way I am. I feel my eyes start to glisten some at that thought. My mind starts to settle as something catches my attention. Dinky and I are now on the ground floor, my muzzle in the air as I smell something rather pleasant. As Dinky and I enter into the kitchen, I feel my heart warm up as I spot Anon standing by the stove. Clearly he is hard at work making Dinky and I something. Your mother is smart, beautiful even. I feel my cheeks redden at that random thought. I gulp a little as I look Anon over as he concentrates at his task at hoof. My eye wanders his body some, a certain heat starting to fill my body. I freeze up as I see him turn around to face us. I quickly look away as he speaks. “Took you two long enough.” He says with a chuckle. “What are you making?” Dinky asks. I look over to see Anon is facing Dinky. I let out a silent thanks to the princess. It seems he didn't notice. “Just some grilled cheese. Nothing fancy.” Dinky beams at that. “My favorite!” “You two take your seats. It should be done in a few.” We both give him a nod as we take our seats. “I-I didn't know you could cook.” I say, trying to keep my eyes from wandering again. “It’s grilled cheese.” Anon chuckles. “Anyone can do it.” “Can I try?!” Dinky quickly jumps in. “Ask your mother.” Anon replies. Dinky looks to me with stars in her eyes. I shake my head some. “Not tonight, Dinky. You need to head to bed soon.” She looks a little sad as she gives me a small nod. “Don’t worry, Dinky. There’ll be plenty of time in the future.” Anon comes in. Anon quickly sets a plate down in front of Dinky and I. I lean my muzzle in and take in its scent. It definitely smells good. I look over and see Dinky is already eating with her magic. Anon sets his own plate down as he takes a seat. I try to focus on eating my meal, but I feel my one eye start to slowly look up towards Anon. He is looking at Dinky with a small smile. I feel that heat start to build up again as I think about various things. Mostly how much of a good father he would be. I wince some as I stop chewing and look down to my plate. I need to stop these feelings. Anon will never stay with me. No pony has even given me a chance. Anon is no exception either. I feel my heart ache at that thought. “Are you alright, Derpy?” I quickly look up to see Anon giving me a concerned look. “I didn't burn yours, did I?” I regain my composure as I shake my head some. “No, just something on my mind is all. You don't have to worry.” It looks like he wants to say something, but he doesn't as he gives me a small nod and goes back to eating. I lift my hoof up some and clear the tears that were building in my eyes. I look over and see Dinky is finished eating. She uses her magic to place her plate into the sink. “May I be excused?” She asks me. I give a nod. “Get ready for bed, muffin. I’ll be up in a few minutes.” “Ok.” She says as she walks away. As soon as she leaves I feel something rest on my hoof. I flinch slightly as I look over to what it could be. I find Anon is resting his hand on my hoof as his look of concern is back. “Are you sure you’re alright?” He looks past me for a second before he locks his eyes with mine. “Are you upset by what those kids said to Dinky?” I can't look him in the eyes as I look down to my plate. I guess a lie is best. “..Y-Yeah.” “I know none of that stuff is true.” He says in a more upbeat attitude. “You’re amazing.” I feel my eyes water some more. No pony other than my father has ever said something like that to me. I look up to see the genuine look on his face. “Do you really mean that?” “Of course.” He smiles at me. “I know,” His smile slips some. “I know ponies like to think the elements are the heroes around here.” His hand leaves my hoof as he rests in on my cheek. I feel him brush away the thin trail of tears rolling over my cheek. “But it’s ponies like you that are the real heros. Getting up everyday, working hard to take care of your daughter.” He removes his hand from my cheek and lays it onto the table. I use my hooves to wipe my face again. I look to Anon with a smile. “Thank you, Anon. That really means a lot to me.” “No problem.” I notice that something seems to cross his mind. “Oh, before I forget.” I watch as Anon reaches under the table for something. Soon his hand comes back out with a money sack in hand. He drops it onto the table. “Rent.” He says simply. I feel my eyes widen as I look to the table. I didn't even need to open the bag to know that this is a lot of bits. “I-I can't accept that much.” I say. I look over and find Anon isn't in his seat anymore. Something rests on my head as I look up to see Anon is standing next to me with a smile. “I wasn’t giving you a choice.” Is all he says as he walks away. I turn around in my seat and watch him as he ascends the stairs. I turn back around and look to the bag sitting there. I shakily move my hooves towards the bag. I push it over as a small pile of bits crash onto the table. I start to feel my eyes water again as I look to these bits. I’ll be able to pay the bills on time this month. I silently cry as I feel a certain weight lift off me. Bills were always a monthly problem for me, but with these bits, I’ll be able to pay them off. I gather all the bits back into their sack as I take the bag into my mouth. I walk it over to a small cupboard and place it inside. I look over to the clock hanging on the wall and see it’s almost bedtime. As I walk towards the stairs I feel as if my mind is still in shock. I need to find some way to repay Anon. He clearly is overpaying. I was only expecting a bit here and there. Never that much. I walk into Dinky’s room still in thought. I see she is already in bed waiting patiently. I clear my mind as I give her a smile. I walk over to her bedside and use my hooves to tuck in the sheats some. She gives a small yawn as I make sure she is all set. I lean on the bed some as I give her a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, muffin.” “Goodnight, mom.” As she closes her eyes I silently make my way out into the hallway. I look over to the guestroom door, it’s slightly open. I feel my nerves start up as I walk over and push the door open. I see Anon looking himself over in the mirror. He’s already dressed in pajamas. He looks over to me slightly startled. “Oh, um, hey, Derpy.” I feel my cheeks redden some. “I wanted to say thank you for the bits.” “No problem.” He says in a calmer voice. “To be honest, I never had to pay for anything when I lived with....” His face flashes pain, but goes back to neutral. “I got bits to spare.” “Still, it means a lot.” I say ignoring what he was going to say. “Goodnight, Anon.” He gives me a brief smile. “Goodnight, Derpy.” I leave him be as I close his door behind me. I finally feel the day catch up with me as my eyes start to fall heavily. I yawn a bit as I make my way towards my room. I open the door and quickly shut it behind me as I fly up and land onto my bed. I feel myself slowly drifting off, my mind only thinking about Dinky and Anon. Oh how I wish for this to never end.