{A heads up to all readers. As this is projected to be my endpoint, the format will be drastically different, with very large jumps. I wish I could do her whole life justice, but, honestly, that'd be years more writing. :C I wish I had the time.}
I have finally decided to make my way to Port Mane and try to find Chef Mignon. I have spent a couple years debating it, but I feel like I need to do this. I feel like it's only fair for both of us. Featherweight and I are going to Port Mane this afternoon.
After reaching Port Mane it wasn't too tough to find Chef Mignon. She has a new restaurant (well, it's a few years old, now, but it is not the same restaurant as before.) I have to say, things went rather well, although she felt horrible when I told her who I was. She was so thankful that I came to tell her how I felt, and that I wasn't mad at her. She said she has, in recent years, been far more cautious and local with her materials. She says she wants to be able to find out within hours if something is wrong, so she can scrap the materials before somepony gets hurt. It makes sense, but it's clearly something that still haunts her. She seemed almost scared talking about this, and it's been years since that happened. She still seems like it hurts her. I mean, she lost several clients she considered friends, and her whole business. I understand the fear, but it hurts to see somepony else hurting like this. I just hope that her hearing that I, the daughter of two of the victims, am not mad at her, means something to her.
Just to show her our trust, we ate at the new restaurant. It was fantastic. I will definitely tell others about this place. Great food. Great atmosphere, and the walkway outside is beautiful.
Before we headed home, we went to visit Ocean Breeze's parents. The two of them were happy to see us, and we talked for a while. Sandy Shores is happy to see that we're doing well, and hinted that by the time we graduate, she things Ocean Breeze is going to propose to Apple Bloom. She told me to keep it a secret, but I'm so excited for both of them. They're perfect for each other. She keeps him grounded, and he just lights her up more than anypony else. I've seen afternoons where she's happier than I've even seen her back at the clubhouse, years ago. I really think it's a perfect match, and I can't wait.
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I was more nervous than ever last night. Life is so different being an adult. It's odd. Spending the night in the past never crossed my mind as being so nuanced when I was young, it was hanging out with friends. Things are different now, and I'm happy with my decisions, but life is just so different.
I had to leave for work before Featherweight woke up, so I had to be really quiet. I'm glad I left my coat and stuff by the door, because I don't know how I would've gotten ready if I had to find all my junk before leaving. I forgot my diary on the table, my uniform was on the floor, my Pegasus Flight Training Vol. 3 I've been reading for work fell out of my saddlebag when I picked it up. My pens and supplies spilled everywhere. I'm glad I was downstairs by the door.
Mom has teased me all day at work. She came in to help out since it's a clear day, but she won't stop teasing me and asking about yesterday. Why's it matter? I know she's just being her, but it's almost annoying. She backed off when she saw I was getting irritated, I think, though. She's been quiet since I started lunch.
This little colt today, Violetear, reminds me of a young Pipsqueak with wings. He's short for his age, he's just a bit stocky, and he has the same enthusiasm for life. He wants to learn to fly, like right now. His mom even paid for two sessions because he insisted. He's already trying wing pushups and trying to keep his flapping controlled, not just wild fluttering. He's a bit younger than I think Pipsqueak was when he moved to town, but he reminds me of Pipsqueak so much.
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Violetear really insists he's going to fly this month. He's definitely picked things up quickly, so we'll see. He's awful young, but it's not unheard of. I'll be as supportive as possible.
This little book on therapy for wing sprains and breaks is tough to read, lots of pictures. Not fun pictures. I'm not even bothering during lunch. Some are rough. Not taking a chance.
Featherweight sprung this trip on me at the last moment. We're apparently going to Port Mane for dinner. He just kind of told me. He came to work. I hope nothing happened to Ocean Breeze's parents.
Okay, this is really odd. We're at my old house. Maple and Sandy's chef is making us dinner. This seems really strange. This is the first time I've eaten here in... well... a very long time.
The strawberry pie made this all the more unusual. It's bringing back fond memories, but it just feels so... odd. He said we were going to see my parents' grave, next. He said it's been a while, and he felt like I may want to visit them. It has been a few months. I didn't buy any flowers, though.
I can't believe it. I still don't know if this is real. Featherweight brought lavender and daffodils to place on their grave. So many of my friends and family were there. That's when it clicked, but it was still all like a dream. He proceeded to ask for permission to marry me. He proposed. He proposed in front of Mom and Dad, Mama and Papa, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Babs, Pip, and Ocean. I still am in a daze. If course I said yes. Wow.
{Time cut roughly seven months}
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Today is the day. Our wedding. I never thought much of it. I was happy with life however it went. This is all just so shocking. We had the ceremony at the elementary school, so Twist's foals and Shady Daze's colt could play around, plus it just felt right. It isn't going to be a huge reception, but Featherweight says he has one last surprise. This stallion drives me nuts sometimes.
It's still just surreal. Princess Luna was the one who carried out the ceremony. It was beautiful, even if it was small (which I still don't mind, in fact I'm happy it was just my closest friends and family.) The past few months still feel like a dream. I am always a bit nervous I'm going to wake up in a hospital from some coma or something. I would be sad, but I wouldn't be surprised, it just doesn't feel real.
We just finished putting away all our gifts and hanging up the photos. Shutter Speed and Shady Daze took some fantastic photos. Featherweight's house looks so much fuller. Lots more cooking stuff. I told him I'd have to learn to cook more so he's not doing basically all of it.
The throw pillows Rarity made are perfect for Featherweight's couch, perfect thickness, just the right color, go figure.
Twist and Apple Bloom made some great treats. I can't get enough of the Strawberry Apple Snaps they made. Mr. and Mrs. Cake made our wedding cake, of course. Who else would do it? Pinkie Pie planned everything for the party perfectly. Twilight gave us a photo album with memories she had collected from us over the years. Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith got us applewood chairs for the porch. Maple and Sandy got us a beautiful oak dining table. Big Mac and Maple had to help us move it in. Ocean Breeze helped Featherweight pay for my ring. They both spent way too much, but the orange diamond and purple gems look so beautiful on the platinum. It's way out of our league, though. I'm going to have a pretty long talk with Featherweight about this. There's no way we'll be able to pay Ocean back.
Sweetie Belle and Pipsqueak got us several large frames for our photos, including a framed photo of all of us in the clubhouse. I don't even remember it. Shady Daze told us he took it when we were at Ponyville Junior.
Fluttershy brought us a pet fox. She says she took a long time trying to figure out what pet would suit us the most. She said it was difficult since we both love animals, and all her animals loved us so much, but she decided on Vixie, because she seemed to have my loyalty and Featherweight's patience.
Mom and Dad got us train tickets and hotel for a honeymoon in Manehattan. Babs is going to be showing us the sights while we're there, and said she'd pay for everything. Not sure how I feel about her spending a bunch of money.
Blazemane got us crystal wine glasses. Even Princess Luna gave us a gift. A dreamcatcher, she says it's used to stop Nightmares from invading our dreams.
I love everything we received, but it still always bothers me when I get gifts. I feel guilty. I just hope I can pay everypony back somehow. This is all too much!
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Manehattan is beautiful. I can't believe I haven't gotten to tour it. We've been here for a couple things, surprising Babs with a party when she opened her Manehattan Bullying Support Clinic, and when she first introduced us to Sunnyside, but we were only in town a day or so each time, and we were on the edge of town. We're right in the middle of Manehattan, now. This is way different from home.
We went to Central Park for several hours. All the buildings and stores and atmosphere is great, but this is by far my favorite place. Street vendors, free street performers, and there's trees and flowers. It's the one thing I miss the most about home. Plants. So much gravel and stone and metal here.
Our room is bigger than my house was. I had to sell it to pay for part of the wedding (possibly that ring, I swear,) but I mostly lived at Featherweight's anyway by now. It's mostly where I kept stuff I hadn't moved yet. I liked that house, but Featherweight's house is home.
I have loved my time in Manehattan, and didn't get to write much about it since we've been so busy, but we didn't want to waste a minute, and by the time we got back to the hotel, we were both exhausted every night.
{Time cut roughly 2 months}
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I'm at the hospital. I'm pregnant. We found out at my checkup. I had no idea that's why I'd been so nauseous. I'm not sure whether to be nervous or excited. I wasn't really planning to have a foal so quick. We'll just have to see.
Featherweight is ecstatic. If anypony is going to be a perfect father, it's him. We told Mom and Dad, and they're both as excited as Featherweight. I guess I'm still just nervous. Will I be a good mother? I hope so. I really do. Jasmine Tea and Shutter Speed were also excited. All the excitement is starting to distract me I think. I just hope I am as good a mom as Mama or Mom was. Even half as good and I'd be satisfied.
Featherweight has been clung to me all night. He's been right by my side: asking if I need anything, debating names, nuzzling up to me. I feel like we started dating all over again. That same cautious adoration, although he's a lot more comfortable touching me. I think I'm still pretty overwhelmed.
{Time cut 3 months}
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We finally broke down and decided we'd figure out if it's a filly or a colt. We were going to wait, but the temptation is too much. We'll find out next week at my appointment.
Featherweight has already set up all the furniture, and we have a while before the foal is due. Half a year, really. He's had a joy as bright as the sun in him since we found out. I'm happy to see him so happy. He always brightened my day before, but now I can't leave for work without smiling.
When I got home, Featherweight had paint swatches everywhere. "What color pink? What color blue?" We finally decided no matter what we were going to do green. We just liked this green we found. Stapled is a paint swatch {that in computer terms is #66CD00}
We've decided if it's a filly, we're definitely naming her something Dash, and if it's a colt, we're naming him after Shutter Speed--F-Stop, Featherweight said.
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It's a filly! Every time I see her on the screen she's beautiful. I just never believe this is happening. I'm going to be a mom! I just want to be the best mom possible. I hope I can live up to that.
We still haven't decided what her full name will be. Possibly her fur color will decide it, or her mane. Regardless, Little Dash, we love you already. We love you more than you can even imagine.
Featherweight and I spent the whole afternoon on the couch looking at old photos. We've known each other so long. It's amazing. He was so adorable. Now he's so handsome. He's also so wonderful, there's nopony else I'd rather have as my filly's dad.
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Pipsqueak teased me today when I was at the market. He told me we better teach Little Dash that he's Uncle Pip. The goof. He's still excited for us, and it's not even his foal, though Sweetie Belle and him are trying. He's planning to propose any day.
Featherweight and I went to look at the old clubhouse and saw Apple Bloom helping collect the harvest. We're thinking about repairing it and having a place for all of our foals to enjoy someday. Obviously we still have a while, but we want it to be in better shape than it was when Applejack gave it to us. It was a bit dangerous with the rotted wood. Applejack helped us fix it, yeah, but we still want it safer.
Apple Bloom and Featherweight looked it over and decided we're going to have to replace a lot of wood. Termites got in the wood. The tree has suffered a bit as well, but it's still sturdy enough, Apple Bloom said. They'll have to get the bugs out, first, though.
{Time cut 6 months}
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Last night was the night. Little Amber Dash was born. I had to take the meds, because it just hurt so bad. But she's fine. She's perfect. She's more than perfect. Amber Dash, I love you more than life itself.
Everypony is looking at her in the window right now. I'm just trying to get some rest. That was quite an ordeal.
The only other mark on the page is a hoof print, with the words "Amber Dash, 10 hours old" printed below.
Afterword:
I want to stop this here, because as Mom aged, she lost her parents, Featherweight's parents, and others, but I want to end this on a happy note, all things considered.
Dad and I spent her last conscious night at the hospital with her. He and she held hooves while I bawled my eyes out. I told her I was sorry she was stuck in the hospital, knowing her dislike for the places, but she told me not to worry.
Her last words, before she fell asleep that night were "There's nowhere else I'd rather be, than with you two."
Mom, I know you can't read this, but you were a great mother. You were everything you wished of yourself. You inspired me. You motivated me. You picked me up when I was down. You had that spunk that always kept me going. Where Dad always was there to help me reason things out, you were always there to stand up for me, or teach me to stand up for myself. I wouldn't want anypony else as my mother. I love you. I adored you, and I hope I made you as proud as you made me happy.
You will be missed.