//------------------------------// // Beatrix // Story: 7DSJ: Treasure // by Shinzakura //------------------------------// Second grade. Mr. Ruler’s class. A young girl, sitting at her desk, alone in the classroom, eating lunch. All the other students were out playing, but not the young girl with Alice-blue hair in pigtails had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in one hand, and a Capri Sun in the other, while she intently looked at the book on the table. “Beatrix?” The girl looked up to see her teacher sitting there at the desk, looking at her with a kind but concerned face. “You should be outside playing with all the other children.” She smiled. “But I hafta learn this!” she said, flashing a smile that showed a recently lost baby tooth. “My Uncle Presto just wowed them with a new trick at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and I promised him that if he could learn it, I can learn it!” “I’m sure you can,” he told her, “but you have to remember: you are still a little girl and little girls need friends.” “I can always get friends later,” she replied. “Besides…I know the other kids don’t like me.” “Beatrix, I’m sure they’d like you if you gave them a chance. You just have to believe in yourself.” It was that point that a woman showed up at the classroom door with another little girl in tow. “Mr. Ruler? I have the new student here for you; her parents just finished checking her into the school an hour ago.” “Odd, but beggars can’t be choosers. Thanks, Ms. Sunshower; I’ll take it from here.” The teacher got up from the desk and went over to the new girl, who seemed to be shaking. She had long celeste-and-ivory hair, and her citrine-colored eyes showed both fear and worry. “What’s your name?” the teacher asked. “Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings,” she said nervously. Mr. Ruler was about to say something, when all of a sudden he saw something he never expected to pass: Beatrix looked at the nervous girl, then got up from her chair and went over to the girl. “It’s okay,” Beatrix told her. “This class is fun and Mr. Ruler is a fun teacher.” Lyra looked up at the newcomer with interest. “Really?” “Uh-huh. What’s your name?” “It’s Lyra. Lyra Heartstrings.” Beatrix waved. “Hi, I’m Beatrix Lulamoon.” “Loolamoon?” Lyra pronounced, tripping somewhat over the name. But a second later, recognition dawned. “Lulamoon? Like The Magnificent Presto Lulamoon?” Beatrix thrust a thumb at her chest proudly. “He’s my uncle!” “Wow – I saw him on TV last night! He was awesome! Can you do magic?” “I’m trying. I have a book over there that my uncle sent me. Wanna see?” “Yeah!” Needing no further prodding, Lyra raced over to Beatrix’s desk, pulling her desk over to her new friend’s. “Is this okay, Mr. Ruler?” both Beatrix and Lyra asked at once. Mr. Ruler was pleased to see that Beatrix had finally found a friend; hopefully this would last. “Of course. But don’t forget we have Reading next period.” “Okay!” both girls said at once. Eight years later, the Alice-blue-haired girl sat in a café, watching the snowfall and trying not to let it bother her. Unlike most who lived here in Canterlot, she never liked the snow, nor December, nor anything that ever went with it. However, today was the one day out of the month that she cherished even more than Christmas, though people never really believed that. However, the other half of the equation wasn’t here. She reached into her purse for her phone again, but then thought better of it; the other person was unreliable – which probably meant she lost her phone again – irresponsible – which meant that she had her phone, but it wasn’t charged – or flighty – which probably meant that she was at her paramour’s home right now instead of here. Even still, throughout the years, she’d never forgot the promise she made. And throughout the years, despite the other person’s flaws, when the word was said, the Alice-haired girl knew it was as good as bond – better, even. But sometimes the loneliness and the quiet sank in, and even after all these years, she still shrunk into her chair, afraid of the world, so much so that she’d crafted a public persona that was boisterous and brash, with only those closest to her or smart enough to figure it out. But there were times when it was hard to hold that persona up, and the still-frightened eight-year-old at her core was still there, afraid of the whole world. And right now she was having one of those moments and it took all her willpower to stay in the chair, drink her peppermint white chocolate mocha and keep her promise. Because she knew that the Promise was always kept in the end. Right? Right? It was the night of the talent show, and if there was one girl emblematic of the whole nervousness of Mr. Ruler’s Second Grade class, it was Beatrix Lulamoon. Currently on-stage were Tippity-Tap and her recorder performance, with the girl and her two friends playing a very halting, off-key rendition of “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider”. After that, would be Greengrass and his equally off-key singing of “My Little Buttercup” and then after that, it would be showtime. It would be Beatrix’ first showtime – her very first showtime. She wasn’t sure if she’d memorized all the magic tricks in the book her uncle Presto had sent. Or if her outfit looked good – she was wearing a special hat and cape that her aunt, the equally-famous magician Star Swirl the Braided had made during her tour in Singapore last month. C’mon, Beatrix, you’ll be okay, she insisted. You come from a family of magicians, right? Except…she wasn’t. Her father was the “black sheep” of the family, more concerned about his accounting career than the family trade. And as for her mother…well, she loved her mother, but Harmonic Convergence, to Beatrix’ eyes, was weird with a capital weird. “You’ll be fine, Beatrix!” Thankfully for small mercies, Lyra was there. In the two months the two had known each other, they’d become as thick as thieves. Lyra, unlike Beatrix, was happily brave. After all, her family had moved here all the way from Cleveland; Beatrix didn’t know how far that was, but it must’ve been really far to make Lyra as brave as she was. Even now, Lyra had offered to help be Beatrix’ stage hand, so that she could concentrate on the tricks and not be as nervous. “I’m scared,” she admitted. To Lyra, Beatrix could admit anything. They were the best of friends, the one kid in the school Beatrix knew would never make fun of her. “You don’t have to be scared. You just have to be magic. I even know how you can be magic!” “Really?” she asked as she watched the Tippity-Tap Trio walk off the stage, replaced by Greengrass. “Uh-huh,” Lyra nodded, strong enough to make her appearance seem like a bobblehead doll. “I was watching cartoons with my brother yesterday and Harper was watching one called Speed Racer. In it, there’s a girl named Trixie.” “Trixie? But my name’s not Trixie, it’s Beatrix.” Beatrix knew her name was special; her father had told her that it was Latin, a really really really old language, and the name meant “traveler.” He said it meant that Beatrix would be destined for great things someday and would travel far and wide, befitting her name. “Well, Harper helped me look up the name afterwards because it sounded interesting, and I found out it’s short for ‘Beatrix’. Also, because you can do magic tricks, that definitely makes you a Trixie!” “Really?” “Yup!” Lyra beamed, certain as the moon shone in the evening. “Girls, you’re on!” Mrs. Long Division, the Fourth Grade teacher, said. “Let me go first,” Lyra insisted. “I know just what to do.” When Beatrix nodded, Lyra walked on stage first, bowed and said, “Ladies and gemtlemen! Prepare to be amazed by the magical tricks of…Trixie Lulamoon!” Opening her eyes slightly, Lyra Heartstrings breathed in a sigh of exhaustion and peace. She could still smell the rose soap scent that covered Bon-Bon’s body, see the slight sheen of sweat from their afternoon pursuits. Turning her head, she could see the cobalt and fuchsia colors of her lover’s hair, and watch the rise and fall of her toned body as she dozed. Things were perfect for the two lovers right now, and it couldn’t get any better. That is, until Lyra turned her head and just happened to look at the calendar and the sudden realization that…. “OH, FUCK!” She practically pulled Bon-Bon off the bed by accident while leaping off. Unfortunately, the graceful move was anything but and she ended up colliding against the plush carpeting of the floor, banging her head against the side of the nightstand. “Lyra?” Bon-Bon asked, waking up to find her girlfriend running around, trying to slip her underwear on while trying to reach her phone at the same time. The effect would’ve been comical had it not been for the fact that Lyra looked seriously worried. “Fuckfuckfuckfuck oh, fuck me! No, wait, that’s a figure of speech, not an invitation to…well, you know…again,” Lyra said, looking irritably at her phone while still fruitlessly trying to slide her rolled-up panties on with one hand. “Knew I should’ve gotten a new phone last month, but noooooo….” “Honey, what’s wrong?” “Fuck, I still have to go to the Emporium, then get my ass over to Brews & Bakes, and then hope she doesn’t fucking kill me!” Lyra finally had the sense of mind to pull her underwear up, then reached for the nearest bra. “Shit, did I fuck up and how….” Bon-Bon reached over and pulled the bra out of Lyra’s hand. That’s mine, sweet stuff, not yours. “Now do you want to explain?” Lyra explained. Five seconds later, Bon-Bon tried not to do the facepalm of the gods. “Lyra? I love you more than I can say…but that was stupid.” “I know! I’m going to hate me later!” Lyra cried. “There’s no fucking way I’m going to make it to the Emporium and then to Brews & Bakes before she kills me oh my God shesgoigntokillmeandthenmyparentsaregoingtogroundmycorpseandwewontbeabletoseeeachotheruntilwere57—” Bon-Bon stopped Lyra’s panic by placing a soft finger on her lips. “Did you drive here?” “No, actually, rode my skateboard.” “You rode your skateboard.” Lyra shrugged. “The roads were clear at the time.” That need to facepalm through her head came to Bon-Bon again. “Love is blind,” she said to herself. “Okay, let me see if I can borrow my sister’s car. She’s in town from college and she usually lets me. You get dressed,” she told Lyra as she slipped on a t-shirt and pair of shorts, “and I’ll go talk to Burgundy.” As Lyra put her clothing on, Bon-Bon stepped out of the room. A few minutes later, she was back. “Burgundy said it’s cool.” “Thanks, Bonnie! Knew I could count on you!” “Burgundy also says, and I quote, ‘Bạn là một thằng ngốc.’” “I’m guessing that’s not good.” “It means, ‘You’re an idiot.’” “Oh.” This was the greatest day of Trixie’s life. She’d turned thirteen two days ago, and as a present, her uncle Presto had got her the finest thing a girl could ever want…or at least a girl like Trixie: Membership in the Junior Group of the Academy of Magical Arts…and a chance to perform last night at The Magic Castle itself! She’d wowed the audience as The Great and Powerful Trixie, being hailed as the latest member of the storied Lulamoon line. Moreover, both her uncle Presto, her aunt Star Swirl and her grandfather Alakazam were in the audience and she’d amazed them with a trick even they had never seen before. It had been, quite simply, the greatest moment of her life, and she’d been able to share it with her best friend, Lyra, who had always been there for her. Lyra had feigned feeling ill and went back to the hotel while Trixie spent the rest of the night fending off the attentions of several boys her age who wanted to get to know her very well, both for her magic talents and her budding body. But the day was over now, and Trixie was in the hotel room she shared with Lyra…holding a crying Lyra who seemed as terrified as Trixie usually felt. It was unnerving, she had to admit, seeing their roles reversed, but it didn’t matter. Lyra needed her, and Trixie asked her uncle to cancel her engagements for the day because of that need. The two held each other for who knew how long before Trixie ventured to speak. “Do you want to talk about it?” “Yes,” Lyra said, “but you’ll hate me afterwards.” “You know me better than that, Lyra. C’mon, what’s up?” “I…lied last night about being sick. Do you know the girl that performed an hour before you?” Trixie tried to remember her name. Abby Cadabra or something like that; it wasn’t really memorable, and she was a lousy magician, though she clearly had the kind of body that any girl wished she had. “What about her?” “Well, the truth is that…I spent the night in Abby’s room. We…we made out. I slept with her. I gave my virginity to her.” “Lyra, I—” “Look, I’m going to spell it out, okay? I’m a lesbian, Trixie! I like girls! I just screwed a girl last night – I lied to you about being sick, because I spent the night in bed with that girl!” “I see.” Trixie processed the information, then said, “So should I just slap you now, or are you going to explain?” “There’s nothing to explain, Trixie! You probably hate me and want me out of your life so you don’t think I’m going to put the moves on you. God, all the times we’ve borrowed each other’s clothing and stuff like that…you probably think I was leering at you or something!” At that, Trixie laughed, then cut it off sharply as a stern look came over her face. “You listen to me, Lyra Heartstrings, because I should only need to say this once: I love you like a sister – you are the closest thing I’m ever going to have, since all my cousins are way older or younger than me and we’ve been together since we were kids! I would never – could never – hate you, got that? But what I am angry is that you felt that you couldn’t trust me, or that you felt you had to lie to me.” Lyra looked as though she was shocked. “You mean that? Hell, my parents are still dealing with it when I told them last month!” “Yes, I mean it – and if your parents ever do anything to you, you know you’ll always have a place with my family.” Lyra embraced Trixie once again, tears falling once again, but for a different reason. “I love you, Trixie. You’re the best friend a girl could ever have.” Trixie hugged her best friend back. “What are friends for?” “Is this seat taken?” a guy asked. Trixie nodded yes, nervously, but the guy ignored it and sat down anyway. “Y’know, I was just watching you from across the way and beautiful girl like you? Doesn’t deserve to be here alone in this weather. Whatcha say that we go to the movies? Or maybe my place?” “I-I’m waiting for a friend,” Trixie stammered. She hated this. She felt abandoned. Lyra was supposed to be here two hours ago, and she’d never been late before – not like this. It was a Promise she’d made to Trixie years ago, and now with Lyra spending more and more time with her girlfriend, maybe there was no more time for Trixie. Maybe I really have been abandoned, she thought to herself. “So, your place or mine, cutie?” the guy asked. “How about ‘no fucking way’ and ‘go to hell, playa’?” Lyra said from behind him. Hearing her voice, Trixie’s heart soared. She hadn’t forgotten! “And you are?” the guy said, turning to look at Lyra. “The girl who’s going to let the martial arts blackbelt kick your ass,” Lyra commented, hooking a thumb at Bon-Bon, who took the cue and punched her fist in her hand. “So, I’m guessing you’re college age, right? You usually troll for teenagers?” “You’re a teen?” the guy said. Trixie leaned forward. “Seventeen in five days,” she said, matter-of-factly. “Fuck. Well, sorry,” the guy said, getting out of the seat. “Uh, Merry Christmas and stuff.” Without a word further, he bailed, leaving Lyra and Bon-Bon to slide into the booth. “Sorry I’m late,” Lyra said off-handedly, “but Bonnie couldn’t keep her hands off me.” At that point, Bon-Bon finally succumbed to the facepalm instinct and muttered, “Bạn nên đi để trả tiền cho rằng ....” “I thought you forgot!” Trixie said. Lyra gave her best friend a genuine smile. “What kind of a best friend would I be if I forgot the Promise?” she said in a soft voice. Then, reaching into a backpack she brought with her, she fished out a small cake with a LED candle on it, and a wrapped gift. “Happy Birthday, Trixie.” Trixie’s eyes began to water. The cake was clearly from the coffee shop’s special bakery, festooned with magic-style runes on it and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEATRIX! on it. She had no idea what the present was, but knowing Lyra, it was something from the Magic Emporium over on 11th Street. “Thank you,” Trixie said in a soft, emotionally overcome voice. “Hey,” Lyra said, her own eyes watering, “what are sisters for?” Watching the two, Bon-Bon felt both a flash of envy and joy. A flash of unreasonable envy, because there would always be a love between the two girls that Lyra could never share with Bon-Bon, not that she had that right to it in any case. And unbridled joy as she watched the two girls, practically sisters in all but blood, and the Promise one made to the other…. …a promise that because Beatrix Lulamoon was born on Christmas Day, that meant that obviously she would only get one present a year, and to a nine-year-old Lyra Heartstrings, that was cosmically unfair. And that year, Lyra promised Trixie that they would always celebrate Trixie’s birthday on the 20th, if only so that the birthday girl would get more than one gift. A promise that Lyra considered sacred to the point that she’d felt genuine regret earlier today when she’d lost track of the time. The three girls talked until the shop called closing hours, pausing only to sing “Happy Birthday” to a girl whose birthday wouldn’t actually be for another five days…and who felt like the luckiest person in the world at that moment.