The City of Dreams

by maxxxxxx

A New Life

The train rumbled under hoof as Morning Rose walked down the aisle, lost in thought. We'll be arriving soon. Manehattan, my new home, at least for the next year. My fist home away from my mom... In her rumination she failed to notice a mare had stepped into the aisle, right up until she slammed into her, nearly knocking the air out of her lungs. She looked up from the floor just as the clatter of luggage falling onto the floor drew the attention of the other passengers. She was a light brown earth pony who looked older than Morning Rose by several years. Her mane was a vivid violet tied up in the back with a hair pin shaped like a daisy. Despite being tied back her hair still stuck out wildly around it almost looking like a pinwheel.

“I- I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention and I...” The mare began nervously before stopping mid sentence as she stared wide eyed at Morning Rose who nervously turned her head, angling it away from the mares gaze.

She's just staring at me. Did she see? Is it that bad? I didn't have time to check. Calm Down Rose, just say something.

“I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention either...” She said softly. Glancing up, she saw that she was still being stared at as though she were some exotic oddity. She lowed her head, feeling anxious tension building withing her as though she were being scrutinized. Come on! Think of something, something to distract her... A scattered mess on the floor behind her new acquaintance caught her eye.

“Oh your bag, I'm sorry. Here, let me help you.” As she spoke a light green glow surrounded her horn and enveloped the mares belongings. I was hoping I could avoid everypony on this ride. I don't want to be seen like this.

“Oh, no, it's my fault! I'll take care of it!” She said apologetically finally seeming to come back to reality. By the time she had spun around to get her things, Morning Rose already had them suspended in her magic. The spilled contents of her bag were placed carefully back in place as Rose strained her magic. This is a bit out of my element, but it should be doable. Now, all that's left is to reconnect the strap. She shut her eyes tightly as she weaved one end of the strap into the plastic brace on the other until they were secured. With a sigh of relief she placed the bag back over the mare's shoulder.

“That was amazing!” She exclaimed excitedly, completely ignorant of the attention she was drawing to the two of them. Morning Rose couldn't help but be taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm towards her. Her eyes glistened with amazement as she beamed at Rose. She almost blushed at the attention, unused to such praise by anypony other than a teacher.

“It was nothing really. Haven't you ever seen unicorn magic?” Rose said composing herself.

“Not really, can't say we have many unicorns where I'm from. Just the occasional passerby stopping at Mom and Pa's bakery and they don't really show off any magic, and I was usually in the back anyhow.” She said, her excitement giving way to a calmer but none the less friendly smile. Morning Rose couldn't help but feel more at ease as she listened to the mare speak. She's strange. It's hard to place, but she has a very honest and even childlike air about her. It's rather calming.

“Oh, I see. You must be from a small town then. What brings you to Manehattan? Relatives perhaps?” Morning Rose spoke amiably, reflecting her acquaintance's demeanor.

“No, I'm moving out here all on my own. I got an amazing offer to work and study under one of the best chefs in all of Equestria. I just couldn't refuse so here I am.” She said proudly, even puffing out her chest slightly. Rose was did not share her enthusiasm. Somepony like her in the big city, all alone for the first time. She looks like she's had a pretty comfortable life with a good family. She's going to have a hard time in Manehattan. She'll learn, then she'll be just like everypony else... Miserable... It's so unfair.

“Wow, it must be quite a change for you.” She said trying to sound as neutral as she could, though in her effort to not sound unconfident her voice sounded almost as though she were impressed.

“It'll be hard, no doubt about that that, but my folks believe in me and I know they're proud.” She said smiling nostalgically. Morning Rose felt a pang of sadness and regret as she saw the happiness in the mare's eyes. Then her glistening euphoric eyes turned somber and sympathetic.

“What happened there? On your lip?” She spoke softly. Morning Rose's eyes widened and her body felt like it was heating up with suppressed panic as she struggled against her fight or flight instinct. She bit back at her lip, feeling the deep, fresh gash with her tongue. She saw. How noticeable is it? I- I need to go. She forced a smile as best she could while keeping her lip bit back.

“Well, as you saw, I can be a bit of a klutz. I walked into a pole while I was getting to the station.” She said calmly with a smile.

“Oh, that must have hurt, you gonna be alright?” Her voice was heavy with concern. Increasingly, Rose felt more and more cornered. Does she know? How could she know? The way she's looking at me... I really don't think she believes that I walked into a pole. I need to get away from her! I- I just need to be alone.

“Oh yes, I'll be alright, I forgot it was even there. Um, If you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” Please just let me go! don't ask if I'm alright. don't ask what happened.

“Well don't let me keep you. Anyway it was nice meeting you.” Her amiable smile returning. Rose breathed a mental sigh of relief.

“Of course, and you as well.” She said politely as the mare stepped aside allowing her passage which she quickly took. Though she only got half way to the other end of the car before the now familiar voice called out to her.

“Hey, what's your name?! Mine's Honeybun!”

Morning Rose came to a dead stop in the middle of the aisle. Don't cry, not yet, just hold it in a little longer. Please, just leave me alone. I don't want her to see, I don't want to talk about it! Calm down Rose, calm down. She took a deep steadying breath- Just act normal and you wont have to.- and released it. Her throat was tight as she fought the urge to cry and her eyes her were sore. Still, she turned towards Honeybun with as warm a smile as she could fake.

“Morning Rose. My name is Morning Rose. It's nice to meet you Ms. Honeybun. I hope we meet again.” Without awaiting a response she cantered to the restroom and softly shut to door behind her and locked it. Staggering to the sink she looked in the mirror, her forelegs bearing her weight against the wall. Finally, she was alone. Tears that had been building her her eyes began to flow down her cheeks, leaving trails soaking into her fur. A soft whimper escaped her lips as she placed her forehead against the cool glass. I- I thought I would be free of this. I thought I wouldn't have to hide away and cry any more. Her hot breath fogged the mirror as her throat and chest spasmed with silenced sobs. She was trembling so violently that she could feel a change in the shaking of the glass from the trains mechanical vibrations. Stop it! I'm alone now! You can't do this to me anymore! I'm free! I'm free... Pulling back from the mirror she opened her eyes, blinking away the tears that hindered her vision. Pulling a hoof from the wall she wiped her nose and eyes.

“It looks pretty bad.” She whispered to herself as she examined the laceration in her lip. The bleeding had stopped an hour ago but she could still taste the blood somehow. With a heavy sigh she relaxed her body, stemming the flow of tears.

“That's right, I'm free now...” Suddenly the train came grinding to a stop. Morning Rose looked to the door. I'm here, Manehattan. The city where my dream will come true. This is the start of my life, and the end of my old one.