//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Love From Loneliness // by Robobrony //------------------------------// Chapter 3 As Onyx rose from his bed, something felt...different. Like there was a kind of weight on him now. He looked to the side where the pony apparition had appeared to see nothing there. Onyx gave a heavy sigh after and went about his usual morning routine. Only this time he was slower about it. His mind was heavily weighed about recent events. The necklace, the ghost pony that keeps appearing in his bed….his talks with Petal. All this going through his mind as he left his house and walked towards his shop. As soon as Petal appeared in his mind again, he couldn’t help but feel something inside him. He wasn’t sure what it was or what to make of it. He couldn’t stop thinking about her smile, the sound of her voice, the way she looked, even how she looked at him. “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get her out of my head?” Onyx thought to himself. “Onyx, there you are.” Petal’s voice sounded. Onyx’s head immediately shot up and looked to the source. Standing in front of his shop was the very mare he was having trouble getting out of his mind. “You do realize you’re a little late opening up right?” She questioned with a smile and a giggle. “Uh, yeah….sorry.” Onyx said a bit quietly. Petal gave a concerned look. “Are you okay? Is anything wrong?” Onyx shook his head. “No, I’m fine. I just….have a lot on my mind at the moment.” He hoped she would drop the subject. However, the fact she showed any concern for him seemed to bring back that feeling he had before when he was thinking about her, only now, being in her presence, the feeling seemed a little stronger. He tried to ignore it as he came up to his shop and unlocked the door to open it. “Come on in. So what flower are you after today Petal?” As they walked in, Petal scanned the shop with her eyes before answering. “I’m looking to purchase some dandelions this time if you please.” “Right, just a moment.” Onyx went behind his counter this time and to the back of his shop. He emerged moments later with a planter pot of four fresh looking and smelling dandelions. “Just got em in yesterday.” “They look wonderful.” Petal gave them a good sniff. “And they smell beautiful too. How much?” “Twelve bits.” Petal levitated out a small pouch of bits and took out twelve. “Here you go, thank you.” She took the flowers in her aura and set them in her saddle bag. “So anything new going on?” She asked cheerfully. “Nothing really.” Onyx said plainly. “Ask her to join you for lunch.” A strange thought entered his mind. His face contorted into confusion as he had no idea where it came from. “Was that…..my thought?” He questioned again. “Onyx, are you sure you’re okay?” Petal asked looking concerned. Onyx snapped out of his thoughts. “Huh, oh uh, yeah, I’m fine, really.” “If you’re sure, I guess I’ll just be going now, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Petal started making for the door. “Yeah, tomorrow.” “Ask her!” The thought came again. He wasn’t sure why, but he suddenly called out to her. “Hey Petal.” Petal froze at the door just as she was about to make her exit. She looked to Onyx with her smile. “Yes Onyx? What is it?” Onyx drew back. “Um….I….uh….” He stuttered and had trouble forming the words. Petal turned to fully face Onyx. “Yes, go on?” She encouraged with her smile. Somehow, seeing Petal’s smile helped Onyx form the words if a bit jumbled. “Well….you see….I was...kind of wondering if...maybe…” He rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Yes, what? I’m listening.” “That is….um.” He finally blurted it out as one word. “Would you care to join me for lunch!?” Petal was taken back by this as she rose her right hoof off the ground and flinched back slightly with a surprised look. It was soon replaced with a smile as she placed her hoof back down. “Why Onyx, I would love to. I’ll come by around noon then and we can go somewhere.” “Sure...no..no problem.” Onyx said nervously. Petal giggled and turned to leave. “See you then.” Once Petal was gone, Onyx muttered to himself. “Did I seriously just do that?” Onyx slowly shook his head and went to work getting everything else ready for the day. Nothing of importance happened from then till noon rolled around. Petal trotted in with a smile on her muzzle. “Hello Onyx, I’m ready for our lunch date.” Onyx looked up from his counter and his eyes slowly widened as he looked Petal over. Her bright pink coat and dark red mane and tail seemed to shimmer and sparkle. She was wearing a yellow saddle with a light blue fluffy fringe and yellow skirt. Her eyes sparkled and her smile seemed radiant. “Wow...um….you look….great.” Onyx said without realizing it. Petal giggled at his response and the look on his face. “Thanks. I just thought I should...look nice for this. You don’t mind do you?” “Uh, no no, you look great. Um...I’m just going to close up shop for the time and we’ll go.” Onyx began cleaning up a bit and walked out the door to lock it behind him. “So...did you have someplace in mind?” “I thought about it before coming here and I think I know of a nice little bistro that would be perfect close by.” She started walking with Onyx to a little place just around the corner with an outdoor patio. They took a seat once a waiter gave them menus and began looking over the drink selections first. They both ordered tea and the waiter left them to decide on what to eat. Petal looked to Onyx and waited for him to speak first. He was busy looking over the menu at the moment though and said nothing. After nearly half a minute, Petal rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. “*Ahem* Onyx?” Onyx looked up from the menu to Petal. “Hmm? Oh, uh, yes?” “Onyx, why don’t you tell me a bit more about yourself.” Petal offered. Onyx looked to the side as he rubbed the back of his head. “Eh, I don’t know. I’ve...never done something like this before.” He faced forward again. “I’ve never….been with any pony before until now. You’re...the first one I’ve asked to join me for lunch. Are you sure you want me to tell you about something boring?” Petal smiled kindly. “I don’t think you’re boring. Your social skills could use some improvement, but that’s about it as far as I can see.” Onyx was silent a moment before speaking. “All right, but...there isn’t much to tell. Like I said before, my parents weren’t all that tentative. I was pretty much on my own. That’s how it was in school too growing up. I was always the odd colt out. I tried to make friends before in my younger days of school but it never worked out. So I gave up on having friends and have been by myself ever since. That’s pretty much all there is to it.” Petal frowned at the short story. “I’m sorry Onyx, it must have been hard for you to be alone like that.” She reached over and placed her hoof on his. Onyx looked to Petal’s hoof with wide eyes. He felt his cheeks grow warm for some reason. He then looked to Petal to see her giving him a smile. “Uh….” He wasn’t sure how to respond. Petal let out a giggle just as their drinks arrived. They both ordered a large salad. “So Onyx, do you have anything you want to ask me?” Petal said after the waiter left again. “Um...not that I can…” “Ask her about herself.” A thought cut off his words. “Well...what about you? What’s your life story?” Petal smiled. “My mother and father were very caring and did what they could to take care of me. I grew up in a happy home and, like you, I took up gardening as a hobby. My mom helped me with it a bit and I started to get really good at it. Eventually, that’s how I got my cutie mark. And while gardening is my special talent, it’s got nothing to do with my job. I’m currently working as a cashier at a dress shop.” “A dress shop huh?” Onyx questioned. “Mmhmm, we kind a few odd ponies now and then so that keeps it interesting at least.” Petal giggled a bit again. “My life growing up was normal. Normal school life, normal friends, normal everything really.” She paused and her smile fell slightly. “I’m sorry, I hope I’m not making you jealous.” Onyx waved it off. “Nah, I’m fine with how my life turned out. I realize there are ponies out there who had a more joy filled life than me and I accept that.” Petal’s smile grew more. “Wow Onyx, you really are an amazing pony.” Onyx gave a curious look. “What do you mean by that?” “Despite how your life turned out, you should have ended up as some bitter stallion that hates every pony. But instead, you became better than that. Sure you shut yourself from others but not completely. You started a flower shop to sell flowers to others. That means you have to be out there talking with them. That shows you have great strength in you.” “I...do?” Onyx questioned with a raised brow.” “Of course, I like that about you. You really are quit the pony.” Onyx felt his cheeks getting warm again. “Um...th-thank you Petal. I….I appreciate that.” Petal merely smiled with closed eyes in return. Their food soon arrived and they began to eat. The meal went on without much going on. They merely talked and chatted about other things until lunch was over. Onyx paid for both their meals. They walked together back to Onyx’s shop. “Onyx, I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you for taking me to lunch.” “No problem. To be honest, I’m not really sure why I did it.” Onyx admitted. Petal giggled. “Well, whatever the reason, I had fun. Thank you.” She leaned in and gave Onyx a peck on the cheek. There was that feeling again only much stronger. He wasn’t sure what to make of it still as he had never felt this way before. “Yeah...me too. Guess I’ll...see you tomorrow?” “Count on it. Bye Onyx.” Petal waved and trotted off. Onyx was left standing stock still in a bit of awe at what happened. Eventually, he snapped out of it and reopened his shop. Later that afternoon, Petal was just arriving at her house when her neighbor and good friend stopped her and called over to her from over the fence that separated their houses. “Petal, hey Petal!” The mare called. She was a light blue pegasus with a dark blue mane and tail with a pair of clouds and the sun peeking out between them. She waved at Petal happily. “Hey Crystal Cloud, what’s up?” Petal trotted over to the fence with a smile as she greeted her friend. “So, how did things go with that stallion you told me about? Anything new happen today?” Petal smiled more. “He made quite a big step today. You see, when I went by his shop this morning, he...he actually asked me to join him for lunch.” Crystal’s eyes widened. “Wow, really? That is big. So how was your first date with him?” She gave a side smirk. Petal giggled. “It wasn’t a date silly, we were just hanging out and talking is all.” “I don’t know, sounds like a date to me.” Crystal clouds practically sang out. Petal rolled her eyes. “By the way, where’s that necklace I got you some time ago? I haven’t seen you wearing it in a while?” Crystal suddenly asked. “Oh that, I’m saving it for special occasions. It’s just too nice to wear every day.” Petal said. “Fine, suit yourself.” Crystal said. “I’ll let you go rest now then. I imagine you’re pretty tired by now after your work day.” “A little, but I do need to go plant these dandelions I bought.” She gestured to her saddle bag that held the flowers. “I’ll see you later Crystal Cloud.” “Later Petal.” The two friends parted ways and headed for their respective homes. Petal made her way to her back yard where she had a lovely garden in the making with quite a few beautiful flowers. All of which were from Onyx’s shop. She removed the flowers from her saddle bag, used a spade to dig a hole and planted the flowers neatly. Once in the ground, Petal smiled at her work and headed inside. Petal went about her usual afternoon routine of making dinner then reading the paper for while before Crystal cloud came over to keep her company until the sun set and it was time for bed. Petal went to her room near the back of her house, took a shower, brushed her teeth and combed her mane and tail, then went to her dresser and opened the drawer. Ther, lying in the drawer, was a necklace just like the one Onyx wore. Petal gave a small smile as she looked at it. “Onyx, I hope I can help you with your loneliness. I would very much like to see you smile at least once.” She took the necklace out and set it on top of the dresser before climbing into bed and laying her head down. Shortly after, she received an expected visitor as a shadowed hoof rested on her shoulder. “Hello again Onyx.” At Onyx’s home, he lay in his bed like he always does. And just like the other times, he felt a hoof rest over his shoulder and heard that voice again. “Are you lonely?” Onyx was silent a moment. Everything that had happened up to this point had been so strange. He was so sure he was fine with being alone. But then he found that necklace and bought it. He met a wonderful friendly mare and even asked her to join him for lunch. These thoughts were what made him choose the answer he gave. He closed his eyes as he did. “Yes...I am. For the longest time, I thought I was fine with how I was living my life. No friends, no ponies to bug me or talk to. But….after everything that’s happened...I...I realize that I am lonely. Now….ever since I met Petal, I’ve had these weird feelings pop up inside me and I don’t know what they are. I like them but...at the same time I’m afraid.” Petal: “I’m afraid.” Onyx’s voice said through the shadow. “I have these feelings pop up inside of me when I was with you and I don’t know what they are. I’m afraid.” “It’s called happiness silly.” Petal said. Onyx: “It’s called happiness.” The apparition said to Onyx. “Happiness? That’s what being happy feels like?” Onyx asked. Petal: “So that’s what happiness feels like.” The ghost Onyx said. “Yes, it is. It’s what you feel when something good happens in your life.” Petal said. “Good?” Ghost Onyx asked. Onyx: “So...being with Petal...makes me happy?” Onyx asked. “Yes, it would seem so. She cares about you and wants you to be happy. That’s why she comes by your shop every day to buy your flowers. She really does like them though, and she wants to help you. She wants to see you smile at least once.” “I’ve...never smiled before. But then...I guess I’ve never had a reason to smile.” Petal: “I’ve never had a reason to smile.” Ghost Onyx said. “Don’t you think you have one now? Being with me?” Petal asked. Onyx: “I...I think so.” Onyx said. “Then...I think it’s time you saw me.” The apparition said. Onyx looked up at the hoof. He slowly began to sit up as the hoof withdrew from his shoulder. He looked over to his side and saw the figure before him. “P-Petal? But….h-how?” Petal smiled up at Onyx as she lay in his bed next to him. “Hello Onyx. I’m glad to hear you say that. That you think being with me will make you smile, that I can make you happy.” Onyx rubbed his eyes, thinking he was dreaming. He looked again and blinked to see Petal was still there. “Are….are you...real? Like, really here?” “Yes, I am. I know this is weird, but...I think our necklaces brought us together.” Petal said. “Our necklaces, what do you mean?” “We both have the same necklace Onyx. Weren’t you told of the story behind them?” “Well...yeah but...it was just a story right?” “It’s more than that. About three days ago, my friend bought me this piece of jewelry she said had a romantic story behind it and figured it would help me find my special somepony. I didn’t believe it at first, but on the night of the day I first got it, I started hearing your voice and seeing your hoof. Well….sort of. I wasn’t sure who it was I was hearing and whos hoof I was feeling. But when they spoke, I could hear the loneliness in it. I wanted to help cure them of the loneliness. The pony said I could find him in a flower shop and told me which one. When I saw you behind the counter wearing that same necklace and heard you speak. I knew you were the one I started seeing. I want to help you Onyx.” She placed her hoof over his. “Petal...I…” Onyx blushed. “Why? Why me?” “No pony should be alone. Let me in Onyx. I know I can make you happy. I have so far haven’t I?” Petal asked while keeping her smile. “I….I…” Onyx fell silent a moment and thought. He soon spoke. “You...you have. I...I think I understand now. You said these feelings I’ve been feeling since meeting you was happiness. I like that feeling. But….I’m afraid.” Onyx looked away. Petal looked concerned. “Afraid of what?” “I’m afraid of getting hurt. Afraid you’ll leave me and I’ll be alone again. Now that I know what it’s like to have a friend, I….I don’t want to go back to being alone. I don’t want to feel that emptiness.” Petal sat up more and took Onyx in a hug. “Onyx, I promise I’ll never leave you alone. We’re friends now. And friends always stick together no matter what.” “Thank you Petal.” Onyx carefully returned the hug. “Though...I think...what I was feeling for you is….something more than friendship. It’s….I don’t know. I think...it’s more than that.” Petal pulled back from the hug and smiled at Onyx. “That would be called love. It’s something two ponies feel for each other when they really care about one another.” “Love.” Onyx said to let the word roll around in his head and get a taste for it. It sounded so alien yet….so wonderful. Much better than friendship. “Petal, you were the first mare to try and help me with this. You were the first one to ever try to be my friend. You are beautiful, kind, sweet, and you have such a lovely voice. You’ve tried to help me and I really appreciate that. I...I think...I do love you.” For the first time ever, the corners of Onyx’s mouth began to rise up his face and formed his very first smile. Petal gasped. “Onyx, you’re face.” “What, what’s wrong?” “You’re...smiling. And it looks great on you.” Petal said with her smile. “I am? Huh, I am...I’m...I’m happy.” Petal leaned in and gave onyx another first. His first kiss on the lips. It lasted a second, but for him, it was like an eternity in heaven. “Petal...this is...probably way ahead of how relationships go but….could you stay with me tonight? I...I don’t want to be alone.” “Of course. Let’s get some sleep.” Petal said. With that, they both lay down in Onyx’s bed in a hug. The next morning. Onyx’s eyes slowly fluttered open with a yawn. He stared into a set of beautiful sparkling yellow eyes. “Good morning Onyx.” Petal’s voice greeted his ears. “Petal? You’re...you’re here?” Petal giggled. “Of course I am silly. I did promise I wouldn’t leave you alone didn’t I?” Onyx sat up in bed. “Then….last night wasn’t a dream.” “No, it wasn’t. It was all real. The talk we had, the kiss we shared, you smiling.” Onyx looked to Petal. “Smile….I...smiled.” That warm feeling he felt before came back as he gazed at Petal and found himself smiling again. “There it is again. It looks good on you.” “Thanks, I never imagined I could feel this good. So...does this mean you and I are…” ONyx trailed off. “If you mean you’re my colt friend and I’m your marefriend, then yes, it does.” Onyx smiled again. “Thank you Petal….for everything.” Petal took Onyx in a hug. “I’m glad I could help, and you’re welcome.” On the dresser next to Onyx’s bed, two necklaces exactly alike lay next to each other and sparkled for a brief moment. From that day on, Onyx found himself smiling every day with his new marefriend and hired her on to help him with his shop. Their love for each other only grew from then on and Onyx managed to make other friends. He never had to feel lonely again. The End.