My Little Pony: Memories are Magic

by MaronaPossessed

A Sugarcube Around The Corner Part 2

A Sugarcube Around the Corner Part 2

The second part of parties and fun! Will Pinkie be able to get past Memoire's outburst?

RRRIIIIIINNNNG!!!

My eyes flipped wide open with the clock that was by the door. I gave a huge yawn and got up. First things first...got to stop that annoying clock. I knocked the side with my hoof and it stopped. I wish I could sleep longer, but then I realized that yesterday night I was told to be up at this time.

I walked to the window and looked outside. The sky was a beautiful violet with the brilliant orange appearing above it. The birds started tweeting. A few early ponies are taking a stroll...maybe going to work or doing their errands. I walked out of the room and headed straight to the bathroom.

The bathroom was empty. I walked in and closed the door and flipped the light on. I looked at my reflection...ugh...I look terrible. My mane is all messy, and my eyes have some wear too. I flipped the faucet on, took a rag from below the sink, dunked it in the filled sink, and wiped my face.

"Brrrrrr!" I shook my head to get all the water off. That feels so much better. My mane was still messy...I flattened it out the best I could with my hooves, and my style started looking normal. Yeah...that will do. I flipped the switch off and walked out of the bathroom, heading downstairs.

It seemed a bit different yesterday...maybe because only a few lights are on. There was nopony around. "Uh...Mr. Cake?" I started walking around, heading to the register. I looked behind and even by the entrance. No pony there... "Um...Mrs. Cake?" No response either. I went into a huge empty room...the lights were off, but I could notice some catering tables here and there. "Pinkie Pie-"

PINKIE PIE!!! I NEARLY FORGOT! NO, I TOTALLY FORGOT! All those things I said to her yesterday! What if she hates me now for it? What if she'll be sad forever because of what I said? Oh man...hope she didn't run away or anything...what would her parents say?! They would put the blame on me, of course!

I could picture the grim scenario that would come..."Memoire! This is all your fault! We can't find Pinkie anywhere!" Mrs. Cake was yelling at me. "Get out of here! You're not welcomed into our store anymore! In fact...you're not welcomed to Ponyville!" Mr. Cake walked towards me with an angry look.

My puff of imagination was gone. I ran around panicking. I didn't yell for her name or anything. I don't know if they're still asleep or anything and-...Hey, the kitchen is fully lit...I walked in and there was a smaller table in the back...and a figure sitting there. It looked like Pinkie Pie...only her hair is straight...wait...

That is Pinkie Pie...An awkward chill filled inside of me. My heart sank, feeling guilty. It doesn't seem right...ever since I came here, I'm so used to her bouncing around and her gleeful attitude. I walked slowly to her, hoping not to make a sound. She was just facing the wall...hiding her face.

With the long table and kitchen counter they have, it felt like an eternity walking to her. It felt like each second took five. It’s even hard for me to walk to where she is. I couldn't even feel my hooves walking...

I'm scared...what should I say? I'm sorry I was a complete jerk? I'm sorry for you being so nice to me? All these thoughts...it's killing me, like I could feel something stabbing me in the back.

The tablecloth was a beautiful yellow, which could describe just about what kind of pony she is: an always happy one and making it a sunshiny day...and I blew it. I was right behind her...Well...here I go...I took a deep breath.

"Pinkie Pie...I-"

Pinkie suddenly turned around and was still having that sorrowful smile. "I'm so sorry, Memoire! I didn't mean to make you feel that way! I noticed you were new to Ponyville and-"

"Pinkie..."

"And I just wanted to be sure you at least had a friend! I don't like seeing any pony alone!-"

"Pinkie Pie..."

"And I wanted you to feel welcomed to Ponyville! I know how awkward it can be in a new place and-"

"PINKIE!!!" I yelled. Pinkie then backed away with the chair, in shock. "I'm sorry too." Pinkie Pie looked at me, confused, and still with those watery-looking eyes. "What?"

Wait...I started that wrong. "No...you don't have to be sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry...I take back what I said to you last night." My words were starting to stutter a bit. I just feel so guilty and scared...and I don't want her to be sad, mad, or even scared of me. "Pinkie... I... I was wrong. Ever since I came into Ponyville, you welcomed me with open hooves...open hooves to a complete stranger! No one has ever done something like that for me. I admit the party was too much and you were different than the other ponies... but back in Canterlot, no pony was ever like that!"

"R-really?" A smile was about to form. I smiled back. "Yeah, Pinkie. I admit you do a tad bit much welcoming a pony like me into Ponyville and suddenly become my friend...but back in Canterlot...I had no friends. What you did, even without my permission, you became my friend. Just like that."

Her smile got bigger. "F-friend?" I nodded. "Yeah... I hope you will forgive me for what I said...and...in fact, I hope you can be my friend! Can we...start over maybe? I mean...we are going work together in Sugarcube Corner, aren't we?"

I could see her teeth showing with that big smile of hers, and for some weird reason, her hair popped up to be all curly again. "Yaaaay!!" she bounced around. "I'm SUPER-DUPER happy you’re my friend again!" and she peeked at me from behind. "And why would nopony want to be friends with you? Well, from this day forward, Pinkamena Diane Pie will show you what it is like to have a friend in Ponyville! Yahoo!" she said and she jumped over me. Pinkamena...Diane...Pie? Is that her whole name? Sounds a little weird to me. I'll stick with Pinkie or Pinkie Pie.

"Are you two going to sit there, or will you come over and have your breakfast?" I heard Mrs. Cake's voice. There she was, on the other side of the long table with her husband. Wait...how long have they been standing there? I noticed extra visitors though...There were two highchairs. One had a baby pegasus...it had a blue bib on it so I assume it-err...is a he. One had a baby unicorn...a pink bib so I assume it-err...is a she. The room I was sleeping in was a nursery, so it must be their children. Heh...I must say they are adorable. If they want something, I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to them!

"'Morning Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" Pinkie Pie bounced to them, ducked, and appeared in between the two babies. "And good morning to you Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake!" they giggled. With Pinkie's head moving while referring to them, I know who is who now. "Pinkie" Pound said. "Pie!" Pumpkin finished, then they giggled again.

"Oh, you two were so sleepy and tired yesterday! I didn't even introduce you to my new friend!" Pinkie said. "Say hello to Memoire Lane!" she showed me off with her hoof.

They just stared at me. I just continued smiling...for a weird five seconds...

"Girly..." Pound said.

"Name..." Pumpkin said. And they both giggled. Them too as well? Great...Pinkie Pie just laughed and appeared right by me. "Hehe...they think your name is girly...my nickname is up for grabs still, if you're ever interested!" I then responded. "I'll think about it." I couldn't help but give a slight laugh.

Mrs. Cake then started to pass down bowls to each of us. I find it weird to have one of my bosses to serve me breakfast...but I guess they understand since I just slept in their own building. I looked down in the bowl...it appears to have some flowers and hay with some milk in it. I couldn't help but looking disgusted with it...I was hoping for a big breakfast. "Oh, I know that look, dearie. Always start with a small, nutritious breakfast! You don't want a stomache ache now would you?" Mr. Cake then responded. "That's right! Plus, we always test our goodies before we package them and put them up for sale! Oh, which reminds me! Pinkie, would you be willing to teach Memoire some of our store's famous recipes?"

Pinkie Pie did a jump. "I’d LOVE to! And I know just the perfect recipe to start with!" THWACK! Ow! A small spoon was thrown to me, right in my face. While rubbing my face, I could hear Mrs. Cake's voice. "Pound Cake! Silverware to yourself, mister!" she scolded. I then looked at him. Looks like that one is a hitter...and Pumpkin Cake? She already finished her breakfast too... even trying to eat the bowl! That one... is, an eater...that's for sure.

"Anyways, speaking of recipes, I would like to see how things are made. Everything you sell looks irresistible!" I said. Oh, and I said that because I was sort of expecting to have their jam, streusel cake, and some savory fruit to go with it. I wonder if I'll be taste testing some of those. Praise Celestia if I do!

...

After finishing our breakfast, we headed to the main part of the shop. I could see Pound and Pumpkin sitting on a rug near an empty shelf, playing with their toys. I couldn't help but thinking that it was adorable. Mrs. and Mr. Cake stood there, about to discuss the things I will be doing.

"Alright then, No deliveries expected so far this morning, so Pinkie Pie will teach you a couple of our recipes. Just be sure not to... uh... burn the building down-"

"HONEY!" Mrs. Cake shoved a hoof on the side. "What Carrot means...is...uh..." I just laughed as Mrs. Cake was embarrassed. "Don't worry. I used to work in a cafe back in Canterlot. Most of the appliances you have are very familiar to me. I'll just need Pinkie Pie to give me a walk through it."

"Speaking of Pinkie Pie, she should be almost done-"

"I'm done!" Pinkie Pie jumped from behind the couple. "...prepping the ingredients and pans..." Mr. Cake finished. "Thank you for doing this for us, Pinkie Pie. We figured you would explain it much better than us." Mrs. Cake said then glared at the nervous Mr. Cake. "No problemo! I love to make and bake treats for everyone!" Hearing Pinkie Pie saying that made me comfortable. With her, I could ace this!

"Alright you two, we'll be managing the storefront while you start making your de-licious treats!" Mrs. Cake said with glee. Mr. Cakes was showing a nervous smile. Pinkie Pie just took my hoof with hers and pulled me, heading into the kitchen. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come on, slowey pokey!" she said. With that, we went into the kitchen.

...

On the long table, I noticed it was packed with a bag of flour, bag of sugar, some small bottles, one big bottle of buttermilk, three mixing bowls with whisks, wooden spoons, and two cupcake pans. I also noticed there was a wooden basket with a bunch of bananas in it. Looks like the recipe will be banana cupcakes. This looks exciting and sounds delicious...but with Mr. Cake just blurting out for me not to burn the building down intrigues me. Someone who seems humble sure seems...very paranoid.

Pinkie Pie was heading to the mixing bowls. I had to fill my curiosity, so I asked. "Hey Pinkie...what was with Mr. Cake back there?" Pinkie Pie looked both ways, and used her hoof as sign language for me to come closer.

I walked closer. She signaled me again.

I walked even closer. Again, she signaled me.

I walked even-

"Oh come on!" I said, showing her I was a tad bit annoyed. She just giggled. "I'm just playing with ya, silly!" Pinkie then began. "You see, before I came into Sugarcube Corner, Mrs. Cake had an accident with one of the ovens. She actually put the temperature higher than normal, a big, BIG mistake! The smoke filled the building so much, you could see it seep out of the windows!"

"Wow...did the building burn down?" I asked worriedly.

She giggled. "Nah, she burnt a razzleberry pie." Whew...thank goodness...but I still can't understand why- "Oh and well...it took a lot of trust for Mr. Cake to give to those who use the ovens and stoves. He even said the same thing to me: "Don't burn the building down." on my first try for cooking! He's always afraid those who use it will start a fire or something...but he's just so silly and worried. That won't EVER happen!"

That seems very understandable. I could imagine that he would have the memory of the smell of the smoke and the watery of his eyes coming back to him. I remember at the cafe I worked at...someone started a fire on the stove. Now, that wasn't a pretty sight. If Mr. Cakes worked- err...owned that place, he would have probably not let a single pony even stare at the stove!

"Come on! Let's get started! We’re gonna make lots and lots of batches of our famous recipe!" Pinkie Pie jumped as she talked. As I walked closer to the table-wait...I just stepped on something. I looked on the floor and saw a worn out chef hat...heh...I don't mind playing dress up in this case! I took the chef hat, put it on, and went to Pinkie Pie. She giggled a bit, "You think you're a chef already? You haven’t even started on the cupcakes yet!" I stated, "Well...would be nice if I were famous just like Gustave LeGrand." She joked, "Just don't get that funny accent!" We both let out a loud laugh.

I looked at Pinkie Pie. "Alrighty then! First, put in two and three-fourths cup of flour." I grabbed a mixing bowl that looked red. I looked for the measuring cup...there was a huge one, so I took that and measured approximately that...maybe it was right below three cups, give or take a couple of grains, but that will do. "Great! Now one and one-fourth teaspoons of baking powder." I kinda missed a part there..."That's one and one-fourth, correct?" She nodded. "Yep! Absolutely tutely!"

"Alright, what's next?" I asked. "One teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt!" I did just that. I figured there would be salt in this...it's a secret ingredient for all sweets. "Okey dokey! Now let's mix the other part!" ...wait there's more? "The...other part?" I asked. "Yup! A stick of butter, and a fourth cup of shortening!" Since it is 'another part', I assumed we had to seperate the bowls, so I grabbed the green mixing bowl and where is that shortening... shortening... yeah there it is. I can see why it's so easy to mix up all this...they're nearly the same shade of white! Good thing everything is labeled accordingly. I could see all the opened containers of stuff all around me.

"Alright now stir all that up! And I'll help you with the next part!"

"The...next part?" My brain was almost wore out...Pinkie Pie went below the table, grabbed a bag of sugar, and dumped it in the mixing bowl with her eyes glittering. I could tell that was one of her favorite parts. It looked as bright as snow! "Why can't snow taste like sugar?" I asked in hopes. She responded. "Well, I had rain that tasted like chocolate milk!" Wait...she did? ...Nah, knowing Pinkie so far, it's probably one of her crazy dreams...crazy dreams I wish I had now since it had chocolate rain! Why does this remind me of a song? Weird...

Then, speaking of songs, I noticed something...Pinkie Pie started humming a song. It's none of the songs I've ever heard on the radio or in Canterlot. It seemed very happy. "Hey Pinkie...what are you humming?" I asked. "Oh, just one of my songs my friends like!" she continued humming as she put some ingredients for icing in a white mixing bowl. "I've never heard of that one, wait...YOUR song?" Pinkie Pie nodded excitedly. "Yeah, you wanna hear it? I always love singing!"

"It's kind of tense here listening to all of what we're doing...so go ahead." I smiled. As we were continuing our recipe, she started singing:

"All you have to do is take a cup of flour! Add it to the mix!"

"Now just take a little something sweet, not sour! A bit of salt, just a pinch!"

"Baking these treats is such a cinch! Add a teaspoon of vanilla!"

"Add a little more, and you count to four, And you never get your fill of..."

"Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!"

...

DING!

It actually went pretty fast for just having one cupcake as a test in the oven. I took a hoofmit, opened the oven, and pulled out the cupcake pan that held a lonely cupcake. I shook the cupcake on the counter and it flopped off cleanly from the pan. Pinkie Pie then took a knife and split the cupcake between us. We both took a bite...

To me, it tasted decent. I could taste the banana and the slight sweetness of the sugar, but there was something missing..."Hmm..." Pinkie Pie went. I think she had the same idea. "It's just...something is missing. Weird, but I never experienced a cupcake like that!"

"Maybe we need to add the icing to it?"

"No! Icing is just an add-on flavor, not a blending flavor!" Pinkie Pie stated. Right...of course. It's like ice cream and apple pie. Each taste what it's suppose to on their own, but it is superb when joined together. Pinkie Pie was holding a different cupcake. Must be one that was made a day ago or so. She took a bite of it. She took a piece of it on the other side and threw it at me. I caught it with my mouth and tasted it.

Then a light bulb clicked on for me. It was obvious! "What's missing, what's missing, what's missing? I just can't put my hoof on it!" Pinkie Pie said as she was in thinking mode. I ended her thinking mode by saying "Moistness!"

"Huh?"

"The moistness of the cupcake! Maybe the extra bits of flour made it dry up a bit." I stated.

"Yeah...you really, really need to be careful on the flour!" She said. "Well, at least we agreed on making only one cupcake first, huh?" I gave a proud smile. Pinkie Pie laughed. "Hey, when you first mentioned it, I thought the same thing!"

"Sure you did...sure..." I rolled my eyes. "No time to gloat, you shmoat!" Shmoat? Is that even a word?! "We gotta figure out what to add to help with the moistness! I'd hate to add more butter...it would be too buttery! I'd hate to add more milk...it would be too milky!" I then continued after her. "Yeah, and adding more banana would just make it taste like eating a banana..." Pinkie Pie opened the top cupboards to see if she could find anything. I decided to assist her just to see if we had any ideas.

I walked to the huge fridge in the kitchen. Wow...look at all the butter, buttermilk, milk, cream-...cream...maybe that will help! "Pinkie Pie, how about adding some cream to it?"

"Nooo, then it would be too creamy!...Wait...that's it! You're a genius! Well, I'm a genius too because I said "It would be too creamy" and that would be perfect!"

"Yeah, the batter seems to be at a perfect liquid, so maybe two or three tablespoons?" I turned to Pinkie Pie, who was inspecting the batter in the pink bowl. "Hmm...okey dokey! Three should just be enough and no more!"

...

DING!

The lone cupcake came out of the oven as I took the pan while wearing my hoofmit. As before, I plopped it on the counter and Pinkie sliced a half for each of us. We both took a bite...

..."Ahhh"...and fainted from the deliciousness of the cupcake. It was divine...Pinkie Pie then jumped "It tastes perfect! That was a super, duper, awesome idea, Memoire! I'll add it to memo-err... a note." Pinkie gave an embarrassing smile, as I noticed she was joking with my name again. "Yeah, that's actually a good idea...PinkaMEANa." I countered. She laughed and I laughed as well.

I just realized as I looked at the kitchen clock at the exit: two hours passed after we joked around and perfected the batter! "Err...I think we should hurry up and put all of the batter in the cupcake pans." I said as I grabbed the cupcake pans. Pinkie Pie nodded. "Alrighty!" she grabbed the pink bowl and I held the cupcake pan steady. She poured the batter evenly in each hole. As I can tell from her tongue and the stare of her eyes, she's really passionate about baking treats!

"Hey, Pinkie Pie. What made you start baking treats in the first place?"

"Well, I love the taste of them, and each time I eat them, I feel all warm and fuzzy and happy! I always like to feel that way!" She replied, continuing her concentration on the batter. Weird...I figured it would probably because it was either fun or just the taste. Then again, everything seems 'fun' to Pinkie Pie so far, even if I only saw her do a few things. She is right though, there is always a nice, comfortable feel when you eat something so delicious and it feels like you're welcomed with open hooves to the place. No one likes to feel the opposite...okay you got me from before with me thinking she was a stalker... but now I know better!

Alright, we have the batter in the pans. I passed them to her from the table and into the oven with the closed door. She started setting the timer and now...we wait.

"That was actually pretty fun. Wish my other jobs were as fun as that." I sighed. "Yeah, you never told us about the places you worked at, Memoire! What were they like? Oh, you said they weren't as fun as this. What made you say that?"

"Well..."

...

Time passed and we took the cupcakes out of the oven to cool before we were going to ice them. "No way! I thought it was some sort of ninja skills for you to pop up at random places like that!" I stated as Pinkie was telling me her secret to popping up at random places. She giggled. "Nah, that's all there is too it! You better not tell anyone though, it's my Pinkie Power! Well, one of them." I laughed.

During the next hour, while the next batch of cupcakes was baking, I told Pinkie Pie how things were in Canterlot, as well as my boring and stressful jobs. She also talked to me about her other good friends. Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity, who I delivered the eclairs to. They seemed to have great times together. Although they're girls, I would like to meet them sometime. Finally, I asked her how she was able to pop up in the unexpected places. I was shocked to find out the answer. As we were icing the cupcakes...

"Hello, dearies! Are the cupcakes done? You two took quite a while!" Mrs. Cake came in, with her always cheerful attitude. She then looked at me, holding her laugh. "Where did you find that hat, Mr. Lane?" I just noticed that I was still wearing the old chef hat! I took it off and hid it behind me...I think my face even started turning red. "Ahem, we're done. Pinkie and I are just finishing icing the cupcakes!" Pinkie and I split up icing the cupcakes and also placing one banana slice on top of each.

"Good job! I bet, thanks to Pinkie, you've already gotten the hang of it!" Well, it was my first try. I think one or two more times would have me ace at it like Pinkie. "Yup, and we both had a super fantastic fun time making them!" Pinkie hopped.

I noticed Mr. Cake walked in, and as he looked around, he sighed in relief. At least for now he trusts me, I hope. "Memoire, after you and Pinkie are finished with the cupcakes, I'm going to the carpentry store to find a new cart for our delivery service." he said as he walked up to me. "I would like your opinion since you may be doing most of the delivery."

I nodded. "Of course, sir. We're almost finished." I said as Pinkie and I continued our icing job. I then heard his voice. "Hey...is that my old hat?" Well, that explains everything.

...

It was the afternoon. It took half an hour to get there, since the carpentry shop was in the outskirts of Ponyville. It was a bit bigger than the other local businesses. I suppose they house the huge stuff, such as carts. We noticed outside they had some loose wood, farm tools, and some used products. One of the used products being a cart.

"Hey, there's one!" Mr. Cake pointed. I then stated. "Mrs. Cake wanted a brand new one. As I quote:"

"No ifs, ands, or buts about it Carrot! I'm not having another cart drag splinters inside our home!" Mrs. Cake said as my flashback spoke.

"Right...Of course. Heh, didn't forget that!" He said and we both headed inside.

There we're only a few stallions inside, looking through separate areas of the store. It was surprisingly quiet, saved for a small voice I heard from ahead, where I noticed some newly built bird houses and two birds flapping around. There was a pegasus there, with long pink hair that contrasts to Pinkie's puffy bubblegum style and bright yellow fur.

"Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Songswirl, these are the best bird houses in all of Ponyville." Said the pegasus. "Now, why don't you take a look inside of each and see which one is just right for you?"

What gets me is how low she talks and how gentle she was. And communicating with the birds? That's a first I've seen... "Oh, that's Fluttershy over there. I'd never seen her come in this store." Mr. Cake stated. "Let's go over and see her." Actually I was thinking of just passing her by-...wait...Fluttershy? That's one of Pinkie's friends! I followed Mr. Cake to her.

"Hello, Fluttershy. What brings you in this store?" Mr. Cake said. The pegasus looked up with a smile. "Oh, hello Mr. Cake. Well, it was on short notice. You see, Mr. and Mrs. Songswirl's bird house fell off of the tree and it was destroyed. I couldn't build one that fast for the night...so I decided to bring them here to find their perfect home."

I watched the birds, specifically a pair of robins, going into each bird house that was around. It looked like it might take a while. I'm sure birds have specifics as well as us ponies! Then, she looked at me. Her smile became a little, shy frown and she backed away. It looked like she wasn't going to start a conversation with me, and she looks really sensitive...so...

"Hi. Pinkie Pie told me about you. You're Fluttershy, right?" I asked. She then looked at me. "Y-yes? Oh, you're friends with Pinkie Pie too?"

It looks like the conversation started smoothly. It's a good thing I mentioned Pinkie Pie. "Yes. My name is Memoire. Memoire Lane. I came into Ponyville and found a job at Sugarcube Corner. We're actually here to find a cart to start the delivery service." Her smile showed. "N-nice to meet you Memoire! Pinkie Pie is a great friend. She always puts a smile on everypony."

I heard the birds made a loud tweet. "Oh, is this the one you decided on?" She said and the birds tweeted back. "Yes, I think it looks beautiful as well. I'll make sure to hook it up to the tree very well this time." She grabbed the perch of the bird house with her mouth and flipped it onto her back. "We'd better get going. It's very nice to see you again Mr. Cake-oh, and nice to meet you Memoire." She gave that sweet smile again. "Bye, Fluttershy. Hope the birds will have a pleasant stay in the new bird house." I waved as Mr. Cake waved and Fluttershy waved back, heading to the register that was at the front of the door.

"Hm...now where were those carts again..." Mr. Cake looked around. I looked to the ceiling, and straight ahead, there was a sign with a picture of a cart on it. "The carts must be over there." I pointed with my hoof. With that, we headed to the back of the store.

There were seven carts: three small ones that were the size of a little filly, two medium ones which were the size of me and a bit smaller than Mr. Cake, and two large ones...wow they're big as a griffin or the tallest stallion in Ponyville!

"Oh, this one will be great!" Mr. Cake pointed at one of the large ones, which was painted white and had a roof over it. "Err...no offense, but I won't be willing to pull that huge thing." I stated. My eyes were mostly sighted on the medium-sized carts.

"If you ask me, I think this size would be perfect. It could hold enough even on a busy day." I said, giving my opinion on the carts. I continued inspecting the two carts. One cart was painted white and the other was not painted, but beautifully furnished. The white cart had no roof, but the furnished one had one. This would be perfect in case the sun would be too bright. It wouldn't be able to melt the sweets, and since it is in a plain wood color, there's room to customize it.

"Hmm, I think the one with the roof would be perfect." Mr. Cake said, pointing his hoof on the one I was agreeing with. I nodded. "I agree. That's perfect!"

...

We walked outside and the sun began to set. Ah, the sunsets of Ponyville are always beautiful. It feels like I'm forgetting something though. Mr. Cake hooked the cart to himself to take back to Sugarcube Corner. There was a stand ahead that was serving some fruit. Some cherries, apples, blueberries, and bananas. He was kind enough to treat me to the stand for supper. I grabbed two apples, three cherries, and five blueberries into one pouch the pony and stallion provided. I took the pouch and put it on my back. As he started heading back, he reminded me of something that I forgot.

"Memoire, why don't you check out the two hotels that are in Ponyville and see if you can get a room this time? I'll just head back to Sugarcube Corner with this cart." He said. The hotels! That's true! I can still make it this time!

"I almost forgot! Thanks Mr. Cake!" I ran off heading to the opposite direction of Mr. Cake.

"Uh...the first one is that way." He pointed with his hoof. I looked back and heading to that direction. "Right! Of course! Thanks!"

"Oh, and come back to let us know how it went!" Mr. Cake said. I didn't respond to that because my mind was filled with what would happen if I couldn't get one in time! Great, I think I dropped one of my cherries...As I ran far, I could hear a fading voice. "Such a nice young stallion."

...

At the desk of one hotel, I looked at the stallion who was wearing a monocle and had gray fur and a white mane. Sadly...I got these last words.

"Sorry. No vacancy...and we don't know when we will have room." He stated.

"No vacancy...okay...thank you..."I sighed and walked out.

...

I walked to the other hotel of Ponyville, thanks to some kind ponies who gave me directions. I saw a building like the others, only bigger...and sort of torn apart...I then noticed the sign on the door:

Closed for remodeling. Opening in winter.

...

The night was approaching as the sun's light was diminishing. I sighed...feeling depressed. I don't know if I can find another place to stay. Though, for a place much smaller than Canterlot, I can't really complain. I should just camp out. I'm sure I can find some shack or something...Ugh I can't even get my hooves to move onto the steps of Sugarcube Corner!

I decided to sit down a bit and just collect my thoughts. I forgot I had a pouch of fruit on my back hooked to me. I decided to treasure my last meal and ate slowly. It just looks like regular dinner, but if I were out on my own, I'd call it a feast.

...I'll just tell them I came to check on the cart and I'll be on my way...somewhere. I don't want to mooch even more from them. They gave me a free meal after my trip from Canterlot, Pinkie Pie threw me a welcoming party, even though I messed that up, they let me stay for one night, and they even gave me free breakfast. Most importantly, they gave me a job. That's really all I wanted and...oh I just can't take it. I don't want to ask...but I can't stand outside of Sugarcube Corner any longer.

I walked in and noticed some night time customers. I saw Mrs. Cake at the register, waving. "Oh, Memoire! Your and Pinkie's cupcakes were a sudden hit for the afternoon shoppers!" I then noticed two ponies eating the cupcakes they had purchased.

"Ah..." they fainted. Heh, couldn't help but snicker at that. That was the same reaction Pinkie Pie and I had!

"Memoire, why don't you come here? I have something to give you." Mrs. Cake asked. I approached her, and then she handed me a small, blue velvet pouch. I could hear some jingling in it. "What is it?" I asked.

"Your first paycheck of course, dearie!" Mrs. Cake smiled. I looked into it...there were bits in it...I counted exactly five. "I hope a daily paycheck is suitable for you. I wasn't sure if you wanted weekly or monthly." I smiled, yet the smile I showed had some sadness in it. "Daily is fine. Thank you very much Mrs. Cake."

"Oh no, thank you! I'd never had cupcakes sell out that fast in one whole afternoon! This makes business even greater!" she said excitedly. I never expected that one change in a recipe could make those cupcakes be THAT delectable. I watch the ponies leave with a wave. I guess that's my cue to get out. I turned my back.

"Well, I better head to sleep. Good night."

I then heard some hoofsteps...that could hold two ponies. I heard Mr. Cake voice.

"Oh Memoire! You're back! Did you find a room in one of the hotels?" He asked.

I quivered and turned around. I could feel sweat trickle down from my mane, and I tried to hide my nervousness with a smile. I also saw Pinkie Pie right there by Mr. Cake. I suppose she was helping him with the cart. "Memoire, are you okay? You look kinda...jumpy..." Pinkie Pie said. Thanks, Pinkie. Couldn't have described it better. Mrs. Cake went and stand by the two, all of them looking concerned.

I don't want to take advantage of them! I don't want to be a moocher! They...they've been so kind...then again...it's best to pay the kindness with honesty. I'm sure they do not like lies...and so with a sigh...

"No...there wasn't any room, Mr. Cake. One hotel was full, and the other was closed for remodeling. The sign said it would be opened again in winter." I paused after that and turned my back again.

"Now, where are you going, mister?" I heard a stern voice. I turned around and Mrs. Cake glared at me. Oh no...she will think I'm a moocher and she'll just...I don't even want to think? I don't even think what she is thinking and I think...okay that's too many thinks, Memoire.

"I...was...going to find some place to sleep."

"Now Memoire, you don't expect us to kick you out like that do you?" Mr. Cake looked concerned as he spoke. Pinkie looked concerned as well. Wait...I don't want Pinkie sad again! Or maybe she's following them...not sure.

I sighed and looked at them. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake...Pinkie...You gave me so much when I came from Canterlot. Mrs. Cake...you gave me a free meal and a stay for the night." Mr. Cakes then smiled. I continued. "Pinkie...even when I messed up, you threw a welcoming party for me. You forgave me and became my friend anyway...that was a lot to me!" Pinkie Pie smiled as well. I continued. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake...you gave me free breakfast...and to cover all that you ponies did for me, I have a new job! That's...that's too much to take! I don't want to take advantage of you ponies!"

They looked at each other...and Pinkie laughed. "Hehe! He thinks we're gonna kick him out! He's silly!"

"Pinkie's right, Memoire." Mr. Cake said. "Honey, you can stay here as long as you need to, job or not. We don't want to leave anypony behind, and not even you since you are starting to become a part of our family." she smiled.

"F-family?"

Mrs. Cake fanned herself with her hoof. "Ah heh...What I mean is, I know you have a family back in Canterlot and we don't want to change that at all. To put it short...let us be your family in Ponyville while you are here."

Family.

That was the one word I never expected them to consider me as. Employee, guest, and stranger could be those words...but family...wow. No pony ever considered me like that...well...except for my father. They do look family material...picture perfect, except for the little ones who are probably asleep. I felt a tear come out of my eye and rubbed my eyes with a hoof.

Pinkie Pie jumped behind me. "Are you crying?"

"W-what? N-no! I'm not crying!"

"You're crying! Haha! Why are you crying! There's no need to cry, silly!" Pinkie hopped around me. "I'm gonna make the face that you're making now if you don't stop crying! One...two...here it comes-" I playfully pushed her away before she did and couldn't help but laugh. Fluttershy was right...she sure has a way of putting a smile on anypony in any situation.

"Well, you know the drill, Memoire. Go on upstairs and get some well-deserved sleep, and be sure to be up at seven o'clock!"

"R-right...good night everypony...and thanks again." I headed upstairs and Pinkie Pie was hopping by my side with a huge smile. I stopped and rolled my eyes, with a smile of course, noticing how silly she was. Pinkie Pie just laughed and backed away. "Good nighty-whitey!"

"Good night, Pinkie." I said and headed upstairs...

...

After freshening up, I headed into my temporary-err...possible permanent room which was the nursery. The mattress was still there, the pillows were placed like before, and the blankets were neat. I could be embarrassed right now that my room could permanently be the nursery, but I was thankful at least to have a room to sleep in. I lied down on my side and covered myself up with the blankets.

Speaking of family, I should write a letter to my father back in Canterlot. I'm sure he is curious, or at least worried, about how things are going in Ponyville. At least the letter will be a happy one. To me in two days, well...one and a half day...a lot has happened. Finding a job, finding a friend, and finding even a family to welcome me in their own home!

Since Mr. Cake and I brought that new cart, I think the delivery service will start tomorrow. I better not slack off and I'd be sure to put my best hoof forward!

...But now...I wanna sleep...

Author's Note:

The cupcake recipe refers to this one...I bet Derpy approves! Banana Cupcakes with Vanilla Pastry Cream *mouth waters*

"Well, I had rain that tasted like chocolate milk!" Wait...she did? ...Nah, knowing Pinkie so far, it's probably one of her crazy dreams...crazy dreams I wish I had now since it had chocolate rain! Why does this remind me of a song? Weird... - Figured I put a joke about the actual song...I mean seriously, who didn't see that song coming after that first episode of season 2? XD