I've seen ponies busy, but never like this. But I should of expected this, I mean, tomorrow there's going to be a party at Filthy Rich's mansion. I'm actually on my way there right now while trying to avoid bumping into other ponies. He has so much to do, he asked me personally to help organize and supervise the preparations. He said he was very impressed with me organizing a wedding one day.
I was really happy when Matilda asked me to organize her wedding. Even at the reception, ponies complimented me on what a good job I did. It made me feel like I was appreciated and like I was special, so I decided to help organize events and other things in Ponyville more often. And helping organize Filthy Rich's party will help me do just that while impressing other ponies. While on my way to the mansion, I heard the sound of a huge bell. When I looked to see what made the sound, I saw the clock tower and looked at the time.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late for my meeting with Filthy Rich." I exclaimed. I then ran as fast as I could, trying not to be tardy and crashing into ponies. As I was rushing to be on time, I accidently bumped into a two mares, causing them to make a few other ponies tumble like a row of dominoes into Applejack's apple stand. I gasped and rushed to the fallen apple stand while apologizing to the ponies I made fall over.
"Applejack, I'm so sorry. I was just in a hurry and wasn't looking where I was going." I apologized.
"It's ok, Sparkler." said Applejack ", But if ya don't mind, can ya help me pick up all the apples that fell ?"
I looked at the clock tower once more, I really didn't want to be late for my meeting, but it was my fault that Applejack's apple cart fallen over. I might as well help her and show I'm sorry, "Sure."
I started helping by levitating the decent apples into one barrel while Applejack put the squished apples in another. There were a lot of apples to pick up so tried to pick up the pace so I could still could make to my meeting. "So, Matilda told me that you really did a good job help' in her with her wedding last week." mentioned Applejack.
"Gee thanks, Applejack." I acknowledged " By the way, I didn't see you there, didn't you get invited."
"Oh I did, lets just say I got an outside view."
We both laughed. I haven't really talked to Applejack this much. I just know her for the best athlete in Ponyville and helping her friends save Equestria a dozen times. I haven't really expected us to get along or become friends. After all, Applejack doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. And I'm a perfectionist and I want to be taken seriously, I mean , who doesn't.
I shook my head, remembering about my meeting with Filthy Rich so I hurried as fast as I could with levitating the rest of the apples. While Applejack and I sorted out the apples, we started to talk to make time go by faster. Just because I'm helping Applejack, doesn't mean we can't talk while we do it. Finally, we finished picking up the fallen apples. And as a bonus, I organized them by color and put the squished ones in another barrel. I can't help but be organized and neat with everything I do.
"Thanks Sparkler, I would of been here all day if it weren't for ya." Applejack said.
"It was no problem, Applejack. After all, it was my fault." I said.
"As I said before, it's ok." Applejack assured while giving me a smile ", Well I'd better head back to farm, it's getting late."
"I better go to, I'm beyond late with a meeting."
"See ya." Applejack waved while walking off to her home as we went our separate ways.
When I made to the door of Filthy Rich's home, I rang the doorbell which made the sound of the finest bells that would be played at a church. When the bells ceased their ringing, The household's butler, Randolph opened the grand door and said ", Yes, what may I help you with?"
"Um yes, I'm Sparkler and I was supposed to have a meeting with Filthy Rich," I answered ", May I speak with..."
"Randolph, who's at the door?" a voice interrupted.
"It's a mare that claims herself to be Ms.Sparkler, sir," Randolph replied ", She wishes to speak with you."
There was a short silence, but it ended when Filthy Rich said ", Send her in." Randolph moved aside in order to let me in. I walked through the doorway and when I passed it, I say Filthy Rich with an annoyed look on his face. When I saw his annoyed look was looking in my direction, I knew this meeting wouldn't end well. The first thing I thought to do was apologize to him and explain why I was late.
"Filthy Rich, I'm sorry that I've arrived late, but I was busy helping a friend and guess I just loss track of time," I apologized.",Please forgive me."
Filthy Rich sighed ", Ms. Sparkler, I understand helping a friend is important to you but when it comes to business, you must be punctual and keep your promise to the ponies you're doing business. Luckily, Princess Twilight wasn't too busy today and was able to help me organize my daughter's birthday invitations."
'This is embarrassing,' I thought to myself ',First, I blow my chance at getting hired by someone ever again, then I'm showed up by Twilight Sparkle, again!'
"That will be all, Ms. Sparkler. Randolph, if you'll escort out guest out of the mansion ?"
"Yes, sir," Randolph looked at me and said "After you."
Randolph stepped aside, letting me go first. When I passed the door way and before Randolph closed the door, he said:
"Good day."
It was pouring outside on the streets of Ponyville and the cold wind blew hard. But none of that mattered to me after what just happened. Everything that was happening around me didn't matter. All that mattered to me was just to get home and try to forget this whole day. But Filthy Rich was right about something. I mean, I can't put a big opportunity behind just for anything. But a voice out of nowhere broke me out of my thoughts.
"Sparkler, wait." the voice called out.
I turned my head to find out who the voice belonged to. When I did, I saw my friend Octavia. We've been friends ever since she moved to Ponyville. We sometimes take trips to Canterlot or we'd go to parties at Celestia and Luna's castle. Since Octavia performed concerts there or played at the grand galloping gala, she's able to pull a few strings.
"Sparkler, what are you doing out here in the rain?" she asked.
"Oh, hello Octavia," I said trying to sound happy ",I am just on my way home. What are you doing here?"
"I was just coming from Doctor Hooves' house," she answered ",He invited me over for a good game of chess."
"Oh, that's nice." Octavia looked at me with suspicion. She must of new some thing was wrong.
"Sparkler, is there something wrong?" I looked in Octavia's eyes and saw concern in them. I tried to hide my sadness and pretend to look happy, but I was doing a bad job since Octavia didn't look convinced. I don't like to share some of my problems with my friends, I wouldn't want to trouble them with my problems.
"Nothing's wrong, I'm fine," I lied "And even if there was, I wouldn't want to bother you with my problems."
Octavia sighed. "Sparkler, there is nothing wrong with sharing how you feel with your friends," she assured ", Maybe if you come to my home and talk about it, you'll feel better."
That's why I like Octavia. She tries to stay positive help anyway she can. Maybe she's right, maybe I could use a friend right now. It would be good to let it all out. "Ok, lets go, I could use a break from this rain."
Octavia gave me a warm smile, tilting her head towards her umbrella. I went under the umbrella with her and we walked along the path to her home.
Hot steam rose from my tea cup, which Octavia was pouring tea in and she set the tea pot down gently on the coffee table. Softly, I blew over the hot cup of tea, cooling it and cautiously took a short sip. Octavia strived to remove the piles paper off sofa and floor, also while putting some of the crumpled up ones in a near by wastebasket. She then sighed and then started to prepare her cup of tea.
"Sorry for the mess," apologized Octavia ", I've been trying to decide what orchestra concerts to perform at next month."
"It's fine, really." I assured her. I looked around on Octavia's side of the house seeing mountains of either paper or emptied coffee cups. I could tell just by the room's condition, Octavia is struggling with her work and staying awake. Maybe I can help her with at least the mess around here and her dilemma with the concert choices.
"You know, a good way to keep track and neaten things up around here is organize your ," I suggested ", For instance, you can make folders and label them with the concerts you're considering and the ones you're not." Octavia smiled at my suggestive advice, which I think that she agrees.
"That's a positively, excellent, good idea. Why didn't I think of that?" she said "Thank you, Sparkler. Have you considered doing that for a living ?" To be honest, when she asked me that, I didn't understand what she meant. "Doing what ?" I asked.
"Being a planner," she replied "you know, being a pony who helps regulates events, like concerts or conferences."
"Oh," I said now understanding "well a little, I tried to help organize Filthy Rich's daughter's party invitations."
"And how did that go ?" my muzzle began to turn into a frown. Octavia, seeing this, began to have a concerned look on her face. "What's wrong, did anything happen when you went to help Filthy Rich ?"
I can tell by the worried look on Octavia's face that she probably won't let this go. That was the last thing I wanted to happen. I just don't want to get Octavia involved with my situation. I wouldn't want to put her focus on what goes on in my life. She already has so much going on in hers. Also, I don't think she'll be able to do much even if I tell her.
"Sparkler, I know something's wrong. It's ok, you can tell me, that's what friends are here for."
I sighed "Well, if you really think you can help, then I'll spill the beans."
After telling Octavia what happened, I looked at her, waiting for her to say something or give a reaction. "So what do you think I should do?" Sparkler asked. "I messed up my chance at actually showing ponies what I am capable of when it comes to helping organize events."
"You didn't mess up anything, Sparkler." Octavia assured "There are going to be other opportunities in the future. This one just wasn't the one." She did have a point there. I never really thought to stop and think about how this was one hit and miss and there will be other chances. But even thought Octavia is right about other contingencies, there's no telling if Twilight Sparkle will best me in my own game and steal my reputation as Ponyville's best organizer.
"But what do I do if ponies don't want me to help from me because of, a certain somepony." I should probably tell Octavia my frustration of Twilight beating me in something I love to do, but I have no idea on what she'll say and how she'll react. But, in order to get help, I can't hide my feelings anymore.
"What do you mean by, a certain somepony ?" she questioned with curiosity.
"Um...well it's just that...ever since Twilight Sparkle has come to Ponyville, she's been known as Ponyville's favorite organizer. It just angers me on how I just seem invisible, especially when Twilight fixed last year's winter wrap up. I guess that it's hard when you try to do something you love but someone does it better." I tried hard not to tear up while confessing all of this, but the tears escaped my eyes and dripped slowly to the wooden floor.
Octavia looked at me with pity and condolence. "Is this the first time you've talked to everyone about this ?" I stayed silent and avoided my gaze towards her. That gave Octavia the answer she was looking for. "Sparkler, it's understandable of your feelings toward the situation you're in, but do you know if Twilight is trying to sabotage you ?"
"Well I...no actually." I answered in realization " I guess I just assumed that she was trying to do what I accused her of."
"Maybe you should take the time to tell her how you feel. I mean, Twilight has had many experiences when it comes with friendship."
"Do you really think she'll understand ?" I asked with doubt
"Well, you'll never know until you try." Octavia gave an encouraging smile.
I gave Octavia a thankful smile. I had no idea Octavia was so good at giving advice. Not that I thought she was bad at it before. I guess she's right. It can't hurt to share how I truly feel to the ones I care for. I have to admit, it felt good telling Octavia how I felt instead of keeping my feelings bottled up.
"Thank you, Octavia." I said gratefully. Octavia gave a nod in reply. I left Octavia's, myself now filled with confidence as I made my way to the princess of friendship's castle.
"Sparkler, I had no idea you've felt this way." Twilight said with guilt "Why haven't you've told me sooner."
"I was too afraid to see your reaction and thought you wouldn't understand." I confessed "But a friend has convinced me that there's nothing with telling friends how you feel."
"Well that friend was right." she agreed. Twilight then paused in a train of thought. I stared at her with a confused look on my face, wondering what she could be possibly thinking about. Then she entered back into reality, and wide eyes and a bright smile formed on her face. "I have an idea! Pinkie Pie recently told me that in two months, Countess Coloratura will be performing a concert here in Ponyville."
"Countess Coloratura?! The Countess Coloratura ?" I exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes, I had the same reaction as you. I couldn't believe it myself. Anyway, if you want, you can help my friends and I organize the concert. We could really use some extra hooves. And I hear your the best organizer in town."
My face lite up in excitement. I get another chance at showing my skills in organization to other ponies. How could I pass up an opportunity lie this ?
"I'll do it."