Forte stepped off the bus that had just arrived at Central Station, the main bus terminal adjacent to Canterlot Piccadilly Train Station. The two hundred year old Neo-Gothic structure of the train station stood in stark contrast to the modern glass and steel bus station. The sun shone brightly through the glass walls giving the station foyer an airy feel despite the hustle and bustle of commuters.
He'd be meeting his mother later at lunch time. His mother was going to take him into town herself but she had a few errands to run first. He made his way out of the station and towards Keeper's Gate. The part of town where most of the shops are and where most visitors/tourists go to. There was a huge range of shops to visit that could test the limit of even the deepest of pockets.
After a short time browsing various stores he eventually found the book store. Spread over two floors and dozens of bookshelves, there was something here for everyone. Though he would likely get given textbooks at CHS, he still felt it prudent to have his own. He picked out several books that were related to the subjects he chose. In addition to the mandatory Equish (English), Maths, Science, History, ICT and Physical Education, he could choose other subjects to fill out his curriculum. The subjects he chose were Music, Art, Media Studies and Food Technology.
He picked out several books for Music, Food Technology, Science and Media. He already had a few books on these subjects plus a few others but he didn't see anything wrong with getting a few more.
He was walking over to the tills to pay, heavy basket in hand, when he turned around the corner and bumped into someone, causing them to drop their bag.
"Sorry about that I didn't mean to bump into you," Forte said to the white skinned, purple haired girl.
Forte extended his hand and helped the girl up.
"Thank you," she said.
"Again, sorry for bumping in to you," he said.
"Don't worry about it darling. I'm Rarity by the way," she said extending her hand.
"I'm Forte," he replied shaking her hand, “Oh and here’s your bag.”
"Thank you darling. Such a gentleman, and I must say I've not seen you here before, are you new here?"
"Yes. I just recently moved here. I'll be starting at Canterlot High on Monday."
Rarity's eyes lit up, "Canterlot High you say, myself and my friends go there."
"Really? Then I hope I meet you again. I've been told I'll have a chaperone for the day, Sunset Shimmer's her name."
Rarity perked up, "Sunset Shimmer?"
"Yeah, you know her?"
"She's one of my friends."
Forte was slightly startled. What were the chances of meeting the friend of your chaperone in a random encounter.
"Oh, well in that case it's nice to meet you," he said a little sheepishly.
Rarity, sensing his nervousness thought of a way to ease his nerves, "Don't be so nervous darling. It's always nice to meet new people. In fact, once we're done here why don't we go and get a coffee, get to know each other a little better before school starts again on Monday?"
Forte was a little lost for words. He didn't expect a girl, and a nice looking one at that, to ask him to go for coffee. Granted it was just to get to know him but it was something no girl had ever asked him before. It would be a good idea to go he though. If he could make a friend before he starts, a friend of his chaperone, it would help settling in at CHS all the more easier and less stressful.
"Sure. Are there any good coffee shops around here?"
"I know of one," replied Rarity with a knowing smile.
"Where is it?"
"Now now darling, that would be telling."
The two of them spent a bit more time looking at books. Rarity it turns out is a fashionista and as such bought several fashion books. Fashion wasn't really Forte's thing. Yes he liked to look good but as a passion, fashion didn't do anything for him nor did he know about the latest trends.
As he walked with her through the streets they stopped by a fashion boutique. They entered the store where Rarity went out of sight upstairs, leaving a confused and panicked Forte on the shop floor.
He looked around wondering where the owner was when Rarity came back down minus her shopping. Looking up she saw an apprehensive looking Forte.
“Forte what’s wrong?”
Hesitating before answering he stammered out a response, “You just went upstairs in this guy’s or woman’s shop.”
Rarity giggled, “Yes I did.”
“Why? You can’t do that!”
“You mean to say I’m not allowed to enter my own apartment?” she asked with mock anger.
Forte looked like a rabbit in headlights.
“Your apartment?” he squeaked out.
“Yes. My apartment,” she replied with mock indignity.
Forte felt the colour drain from his face, “Ooooooooooooooh ffffffu-”
Before he could continue Rarity burst out laughing.
Forte looked at Rarity in confusion. Had he missed something?
Rarity composed herself after a few seconds and took note of Forte’s face, “Sorry darling but I couldn’t resist. You look rather cute when you’re terrified.”
Forte babbled out a response, “O-o-o-oh thanks erm, Rarity. That’s really nice of you.”
“You’re welcome darling. But yes, I live in the apartment above and I work here.”
“Fashion designer?”
“Amongst other things,” Rarity replied, “Now come on darling, let’s go for our coffee.”
Rarity and Forte continued on their way and continued their conversation. Forte took the opportunity to find out more about CHS.
“So Rarity, what’s it like at CHS?”
“It’s a really great school to attend. Everyone is so friendly and helpful to one another. I’m certainly proud to say I’m a Canterlot Wondercolt and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way in no time.”
“What's Principal Celestia like?”
“She’s without doubt a brilliant head teacher who looks out for each and every one of her students, if you’re having problems she’ll help you, she’ll listen to you…….she’s simply a wonderful person to know.”
“That’s reassuring to hear. It’s just that I’ve been dreading coming here. I couldn’t help but feel that this Principal Celestia would be like other Principals that suck the joy out of learning and make school a dreary place to go to.”
Rarity smiled and hooked her arm around Forte’s arm, “I assure you darling, Principal Celestia is nothing like that. She knows how to make learning and school and enjoyable experience.”
“So I’m worrying over nothing?”
“Yes darling. You have nothing to worry about.”
Forte felt like a great weight had been lifted, he had been pre-occupied worrying starting at CHS. So much so that his mother was concerned. Rarity however, spoke positively about her school and no indication she was exaggerating about it.
“Thanks Rarity. I guess I don’t need to worry about it now.”
“No you don’t. Ah, we’re here.”
Sugar Cube Corner.
According to Rarity it was highly popular with students from CHS. So popular in fact that CHS students can use their CHS ID card to get a special discount.
Forte walked into the café with Rarity when without warning a Pink girl appeared out of thin air.
"Hiya Rarity!"
"Pinkie darling it's good to see you."
Pinkie looked over to and noticed someone she hadn't me before.
"Who's your new friend?"
"This is Forte. He'll be starting at CHS on Monday."
Pinkie suddenly put on a huge toothy grin.
"You're new here. That means you get a complimentary ice cream and milkshake. What flavour would you like?"
Forte just looked at her dumbfounded, "Eh?"
"Oh how could I forget. You want Mint Choc Chip ice cream and a banana milkshake. They're your favourites."
Forte looked at Pinkie with wide eyes, "How did you know that?"
"She's Pinkie Pie darling," replied Rarity, "It's best not to question her insight, just go along with it. I'll have the usual Pinkie."
Forte simply nodded his head. Pinkie went off to start the desert while Forte and Rarity went to a window table and sat down.
"So what else do you have planned today?" asked Rarity.
"My mum's meeting me later. She would have taken me into town earlier but she had a few errands to run."
"What does your mum do?" asked Rarity.
"She's a musician."
"What's her name?" asked an intrigued Rarity.
Forte responded a little hesitantly, "Fioritura."
Rarity's eyes widened in the extreme, "Your mum's Fioritura?"
Forte nodded, "As in thee Fioritura."
Forte's mother was a respected singer, songwriter and composer. She had written the scores for several films and had even written a few songs for Countess Coloratura during her early days, Coloratura's early days that is. She had even performed for King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis for their Silver Jubilee. She was able to continue her career despite following her husband when he got sent overseas. The internet made things easier as it allowed her to send manuscripts electronically. When overseas with her husband she would work with local musicians and organise music festivals.
"Try not to tell anyone though," Forte added, "I don't want everyone knowing I'm her son. I don't like the attention."
"Of course darling, "she replied smiling, "I Pinkie Promise."
"Pinkie Promise?"
Pinkie appeared out of nowhere and placed the orders on the table. She looked at Forte with a very serious face, "No-one breaks a Pinkie Promise."
She walked backwards away from Forte and out of view. Looking to Rarity he asked an understandable question.
"What just happened?"
"Pinkie happened darling, you'll get used to it."
The two started their ice creams just as Forte's phone went off. He got his phone out and looked to see he got a text message off is mum.
Forte, I've finished those errands. I'm on my way to a place called Sugar Cube Corner. Meet me there. It's on the corner of Manehatten Street and Selena Boulevard. See you soon.
Forte texted back stating he was already there. His mother replied saying she would be about fifteen minutes.
"Who was that?" asked Rarity.
"Just my mum. She'll be here in about fifteen minutes."
The two chatted a little more about there respective interests. Forte was relieved to hear that music was popular at CHS and that Rarity would talk to another friend about joining their band. Rarity mentioned there was some other musicians at CHS that were quite talented and that she would introduce him to them.
The door chime went off indicating someone coming in. It was Fioritura.
"Hi Mum."
"Hi sweetie," she replied before noticing a girl sat with him, "Who's your friend?"
"Mum this is Rarity. Rarity this is my mum, Fioritura Heldentenor."
"Pleasure to meet you Mrs Heldentenor."
"Please, just call me Fioritura, it's nice to meet you Rarity."
"Are you joining us?" asked Rarity.
"Thank you."
In the next instant Pinkie appeared with another Mint Choc Chip ice cream dish.
"Here you are, your favourite dessert. Enjoy."
She disappeared as quickly as she arrived.
An understandably confused Fioritura looked at Rarity, "What just happened and how did she know?"
"Pinkie is my friend. Believe me when I say it's best to just accept Pinkie and not question her antics."
Fioritura felt inclined to agree.
Forte showed his mother the books he got which she seemed impressed with. She was surprised and not surprised at Forte being with a girl. Not surprised in helping her up like a gentleman, but very surprised at him accepting in going to a café. She would have expected him to shy away from being with a girl but here he was openly being with a girl and seemingly enjoying himself.
"So Rarity," Fioritura started, "Do you live in Canterlot?"
"Yes I do. Canterlot born and bred."
"Which school do you go to?"
"Canterlot High School. I've already told Forte that I'll help him settle in. In fact, his chaperone happens to be one of my friends."
"That's very kind of you. My son may be quiet at first but once he opens up to you he's a real sweetie."
"MUM!"
Fioritura and Rarity giggled at his expense.
"Don't worry darling, I'm only teasing you," replied his mother.
Forte wasn't angry, just a little embarrassed. His mother though would never intentionally humiliate or demean him. The conversation between the trio lasted for about an hour before Rarity had to leave to finish off some school work. It was Autumn half-term break so he would have a few weeks to catch up on.
They didn't talk about much only that Forte would have all the support he needs to settle in and that Rarity would talk to her friends and get them to help out. Before she left though she reached into her hand bag and got something out.
"Here you are darling," she said as she placed something on his head.
"They're fake pony ears. CHS has recently undergone what you could call a renaissance and pride in the school has shown itself publically again. It's also somewhat of a tradition for new CHS students to wear them on their first day. Some students wear them sometimes but nobody minds."
Rarity got out a small mirror and held it in front of him. He looked the blue headband and bright yellow ears. It sat well with his dark blue/electric blue spiky hair though his cheeks did redden a little. Forte wasn't really the type to wear these kind of things but Rarity had been so friendly and helpful he felt it would be rude to rebuff her. They were made from hardened silicone rubber, were very sturdy, well made with a firm hold of his head. They weren't cheap plastic knock-offs.
"Thanks Rarity. "
"Before we used cheaper flimsy ones that broke easily. But after seeing an upsurge in pride at CHS, the school had hundreds of these high quality ones made, enough to give one to each student. Plus plenty of spares just in case."
"Are these ones yours?" he asked poking the ears.
"No darling," she replied with a small giggle, "I always carry a spare pair, just in case."
"Oh, well thanks. They look great."
"I knew you'd like them darling, you look simply adorable in them."
Forte blushed profusely. He went even redder when Rarity hugged him.
"I'll see you on Monday Forte. Bye now," she said jubilantly as she released him from her hug.
"Bye Rarity."
He watched as she walked out if the café and down the street out of view. He looked back to his mum who was looking at him with a content smile, Forte's cheeks still redder than beetroot.
"Erm...yeah. She's a nice girl."
Fioritura gave a small giggle, "If you say so sweetie. Now come on. Let's be going, your dad's getting back earlier than expected. He'll be home tonight."
"Sure. Just a sec though, I'll just say bye to Pinkie."
Forte went over to the counter where Pinkie appeared a moment later.
"Hiya Forte," she said excitedly, "WOW! You look super terrific in those pony ears."
Forte laughed nervously, "Yeah, Rarity gave them to me. Anyway, I have to go now but I'll definitely come back here again."
"Of course you will silly. Just about every CHS student comes here."
"You're a laugh Pinkie, I'll see you later."
"See yah later alligator," she said before giving Forte a bone crushing hug.
She let go of Forte and bounced back into the kitchen, leaving Forte just standing there.
"Forte," said Fioritura, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Time to go sweetie."
Forte went with his mother out of the café, picking up his shopping, and back to the car. He put the shopping in the boot with some shopping his mother got earlier, a few bottles of wine. The minimum legal drinking age is 16, and as such Forte can now enjoy the liquid goodness that is alcohol.
Forte sat in the passenger seat on the drive back, forgetting he's still wearing pony ears, when the weather decided it would start raining. Within minutes it turned into a torrential downpour. It took a little longer to get home due to the rain but they made it back eventually. His mother pulled into the drive and Forte did the honours by opening the garage door with the remote control. They slowly drove into the garage and closed the door, avoiding the cold weather and the rain. The garage was fairly big and could easily hold three cars.
So far there was only two that occupied it. Fioritura's Jaguar XJR 5L V8 and Travertine's Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG. Forte planned on getting a Citroen DS 3 after he passed his test.
Forte took his shopping inside while his mother dealt with the wine bottles. He took his books and new school supplies up to his room and placed the books on the bookshelf, and his school supplies in a messenger laptop bag. The bag was big enough for a few books and his laptop without needing to cram things in.
He went downstairs to see if his mum needed any help with anything. Making his way into the kitchen he could see his mum starting to cut vegetables. The kitchen TV was switched on providing background noise to the room, whilst the kitchen lights brightened up the room against the dull, grey clouds outside giving the room a warm cosy feeling.
"Hey, would you like any help?"
"Hi Sweetie, and yes, I would like help. Just start by skinning the potatoes and then cutting them into quarters, we're having roast potatoes tonight amongst other things."
Forte, after putting on an apron, walked over to a kitchen drawer and took out a potato skin peeler and veg knife. He washed his hands at the kitchen sink, taking his time to lather the hand-wash over his hands making sure his hands were clean. He walked over to the centre counter and started peeling.
"When exactly does dad get back?" asked Forte.
"About six o'clock. Tea will be ready by then."
"Can I have a glass of wine with it?"
Though he was legally old enough, he still felt it better to ask. It is his mother's wine after all.
"Of course you can so long as you don't drink too much."
"Don't worry mum I won't get drunk."
"I know you won't sweetie, I just don't want you to go overboard."
The two continued to cut the vegetables and have a chat. After they finished cutting the veg, Fioritura seasoned the chicken breast and placed it in the oven while Forte put the veges in individual pans and stacked them on top of one another on the hob. Fioritura made hot chocolate for them both and they sat down on kitchen stools and watched the news. One of the bulletins was the announcement of Wonderbolts' new 90,000 all seater stadium that would cost an estimated E$400 million to construct and three years to build. Forte's farther, Travertine, was one of the designers and was appointed Chief Civil Engineer for the project. The reason he was transferred to Canterlot.
Forte was absolutely delighted. His dad was the Chief Civil Engineer of the new stadium of the biggest football club in the world, the club he supported. That just happened to be a local team. If his new school mates were to find out, he may become quite popular.
Forte though had no intentions of blurting it out. He wanted people to like him for him, not for who his dad is.
A few minutes later the front door could be heard opening.
"I'M HOME!" Travertine shouted out.
Travertine, smelling food, walked into the kitchen and saw his wife and son sat at the kitchen bar watching the TV.
"Something smells good, have you two been cooking?"
"It'll be nearly ready darling," replied his wife, "Forte helped me with it."
Travertine looked over to his son, "That's good to hear, you OK son?"
"Hi dad, yeah I'm OK," he said as he walked over to his dad.
Travertine gave his son a bone-crushing man hug, his 6ft 6 height dwarfing his 5ft 6 son. He had rust coloured skin, a chiselled jawline and slicked back, obsidian hair.
"Dad........can't breath," he wheezed out.
His dad let go of Forte, giving out a small laugh, and took notice of something.
"What's with the ears?"
Forte went wide eyed as he realised he was still wearing the pony-ears headband Rarity gave him. He realised he must've been wearing them since they left the café a few hours ago. His cheeks visibly reddened.
"Oh...well, you...I....the thing is...."
Fortunately, his mother saved him, "A new friend he made gave them to him. Rarity her name was. She goes to Canterlot High and said she'd help Forte settle in."
Travertine gave a hearty laugh, "Ha ha, my boy's not even started at that school and already he's catching the girls."
"She's just a friend."
"Of course she is my boy," Travertine said grinning, "For now."
Travertine ruffled his sons' hair and went and sat down in the living room.
"Tea will be ready soon so don't make yourself too comfortable," his wife called out to him.
"I won't," he called back.
Ten minutes passed when Travertine was summoned to the kitchen for his tea. Fioritura handed took the dishes containing the vegetables over to the dining table and put them down. Forte brought over the tray with all the pieces of roast chicken. Fioritura had also done some pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon). A favourite of the Heldentenor family and bacon lovers everywhere.
Fioritura poured her two boys a glass of wine each before pouring her own, Prench Dry White Wine it was. Forte and Travertine helped themselves to the food on the table, steam billowing off the mouth-watering collection of meat and vegetables.
"Dad, I heard you're starting a new project."
Travertine, mind as sharp as an army bayonet, knew what his son was getting at.
"I take it your pleased then?"
"Pleased? I'm ecstatic about it. You will be overseeing the construction of the new Wonderbolt stadium!"
Travertine laughed, "I had a feeling you'd be pleased."
"Definitely."
"Are you looking forward to school?"
"A bit. Rarity said she'd help me so that'll make things easier."
"Well if you ever need any help you only need to ask."
The rest of the meal went by reasonably quickly with a conversation on the recent horse meat scandal, where horse meat was found in frozen beef burgers at some supermarkets. Fortunately, very few people and stores were affected.
They finished their meal and it was followed by hot chocolate fudge cake with hot chocolate sauce, baked by Fioritura herself. She, like her son, was a foodie.
The fudge cake was, needless to say, exquisite. Fioritura's cooking/baking usually was. They finished the cake and put the dirty pots in the dishwasher, as none of them could be bothered to wash them themselves, and sat down in front of the idiots' lantern to watch the football that would be starting soon. The match in question was Cloudsdale Athletic vs Wonderbolts. Forte predicted a 3-1 win for Wonderbolts whilst his dad predicted a 2-1 win for Cloudsdale. They placed a E$5 bet on it with loser paying double if a correct score was guessed.
Forte was E$10 richer at the end of the match.
The match was a good one. Cloudsdale went ahead in the 5th minute with a spectacular volley from 20-yards before Wonderbolts pulled it back to 1-1 five minutes later with a penalty. Cloudsdale had a goal correctly ruled out for offside in the 41st minute before a quick fire double from Wonderbolts in the 78th and 79th minutes took them to a 3-1 lead.
Travertine paid up with mock annoyance.
Though the current Wonderbolts team were in their prime, there was an upcoming batch of highly rated youngsters at CHS that were tipped for greatness. The CHS football team, Wondercolts, was Wonderbolts' school team that played in the School League. The league was specifically created for the schools in the region to allow the youngsters to hone their skills in a competitive environment. Some of these matches were even televised. The one match everyone wanted to see was Wondercolts vs Shadowbolts. Some of the highly rated youngsters were Team Captain Spitfire, Team Vice Captain Soarin, Fleetfoot, Misty Fly and Blaze.
After the match Forte went up to his room to get ready for a shower. He remembered remove the pony-headband after seeing his reflection in the mirror in the downstairs hallway. He placed them on his beside table, got out some nightwear and went into the bathroom.
He didn't take too long getting a shower, about five minutes, but it was long enough to leave him feeling refreshed and clean. It was about 9.45pm so he decided to switch on his Xbox One. After about half an hour of shooting things his mum came into the room with some Angel slices and banana milkshake.
"Here you are Sweetie, I brought these for you," she said as she placed the on the other bedside table.
"Thanks mum."
"You're welcome."
She left the room and noticing the time Forte realised it was time for one of his favourite TV shows. A satirical news quiz show that mocked the current affairs of the week. The comedian host though was in fact a respected mathematician.
He switched the console off and switched over to the TV channels. He had his own satellite box in his room giving him hundreds of channels of programming he would never watch.
He had switched to the required channel just as the programme was starting and with the banana milkshake and Angel slices his mum brought up, he was all set for the night. The banana milkshake was made by his mum and tasted really good, the fresh fruity concoction brining his taste buds to life as the yellow liquid goodness flooded his tongue.
The Angel slices were the store bought ones from yesterday. Soft and moist it was a pleasant addition to the milkshake and a fitting night time snack as far as Forte was concerned.
Forte's programme had finished and it was one of the funniest he'd ever seen. It would definitely be shown on that TV channel known for showing repeats of other TV shows.
He continued to watch TV until about midnight when he started to feel fatigued. He was still a little apprehensive about starting at CHS but after the days events, meeting Rarity and Pinkie, he didn't feel he had anything to worry about. He was almost looking forward to it and if the other students were as friendly as Rarity and Pinkie, he will be wondering what he was so nervous about.
But he had the weekend to get through first. His dad was taking him to watch the football at Pegasopolis, the current 50,000 seater home ground of Wonderbolts. It was the big derby match against Shadowbolts. Because his dad was who he is, Forte would be going with him in the VIP section and get all the full match day experience from an executive box.
He couldn't wait. Hopefully Wonderbolts would win. They had to. Losing to Shadowbolts was absolutely intolerable and unacceptable.
He had a feeling things would go well for him. Christmas wasn't too far away and it would be nice to have friends over at Christmas.
Hopefully nothing would ruin that chance.