> Friendship is...
>  by The Believer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> What is Friendship?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

																					Entry #1
Dear Diary,

My name is Diamond Tiara Rich, but most ponies call me Diamond Tiara. My close friends can call me DT, but I only have one of those. Otherwise it’s just silly.  

Ms. Cheerilee is having us write these stupid journals for class, of which she promises to not read but give us credit if she sees the number of entries are correct. I doubt she’ll even open them, and some stupid head is just going to not do it. But I will. Because I try my best at everything.

And if you are reading this, Ms. Cheerilee, please don’t. Like you said earlier, “A Diary is a pony’s special place to write down their thoughts and let their emotions go free,”

Whatever that means.

So let’s see… the assignment paper says that a good way to start a journal entry is to talk about how are day has been, so I guess I’ll do that.

Well, the day started as usual. I woke up to my alarm clock at 6:30 am, combed my mane and tail, got my signature tiara, then went down stairs for breakfast. Daddy is always gone for work by then, and I never know where my mom is unless I can see her. So I poured myself a bowl of Oaty-O’s and ate in silence.

Breakfast is my time to think, the time for me to plan for the day. I ran through a mental checklist in my head, like, “Did I finish my homework?” or “That’s in my bag, right?”. 

After breakfast, I opened the fridge to see if my Dad made lunch for me, like he does sometimes when he has time for that. I was really happy when I saw the brown paper bag with a heart on it, the heart only my Daddy puts on my lunch bags. He draws it on with a marker and writes a message inside it, like today’s, “I love you! I’ll be home early tonight!” with a little smiley face. 

My dad almost never has time for me, but it isn't because he doesn't want to. He’s just super busy, with him being a big time investor and loan-whatever and all. He has so many clients to meet with, and paper work, and a bunch of other things he has to get done. And he has really strict deadlines with tons of stuff to do. I don’t even know how he does it all, and still manages to be at the top of the game.

Anyway, after getting the lunch bag and putting it in my saddle bags, I headed off to school. I live fairly close, and like most things in Ponyville, I can pretty much walk there. It was like 7:10 by then, and school starts at 7:30. I had plenty of time.

Silver Spoon soon caught up to me, like she always does, and we walked to school together. She’s the close friend I talked about earlier, so she can call me DT. But only sometimes. 

She told me that the cutie mark disasters were trying something stupid again in the school yard, in a hopeless attempt to get their cutie marks. Those blank flanks will never learn, will they? Even I know that you can’t force something like a cutie mark to appear. Why do they think they’re so different? At my last school, I was the last one to get my cutie mark, and that was when I realized what my special talent was.

And yeah, it’s a diamond tiara like my name, but it represents the ability to discern between fake and real things, like diamonds. My daddy told me that diamonds can be exceptionally hard to tell which are real and which aren’t, but it comes pretty easy to me. My talent isn't only for diamonds though; it works pretty well for most things, like gold and stuff, but also for lies and honesty.

I’m still learning how to use it though, and diamonds are still the easiest for me. And yeah, the tiara is made with fake diamonds. I think real ones would make me look too flashy… or something like that.

So we made it to the school and sure enough, the three stooges were doing something stupid alright. I heard them shout, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Pest Control!” or something like that. There was a rabid raccoon in the yard, and they were trying to get it out of the area. I freaked. Not only was there a RABID RACCOON in the yard, the dumb heads were making it look like a game. Everypony was getting way too close, and I heard rabies is a really bad disease that a pony can die from.

I ran inside the school house and got Ms. Cheerilee, telling her that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell, and Scootaloo were playing with a raccoon with rabies, and that the other kids were starting to join in.  She ran outside as soon as I mentioned rabies. I turned around to look out the window, but saw that Silver Spoon instead. I guess she’d followed me, like she always does, but it kinda startled me. Probably just because of the raccoon, but still.

Then everypony else was ushered into the school house, the three dummies who’d been trying to tame the creature being the hardest to get inside. They really want their cutie marks, don’t they?

As they walked inside, they each gave me a dirty look. They probably found me a tattle tale, which I guess I was, because my Dad told me that the difference between being a tattle tale and telling an adult was either you’re telling on somepony to get them in trouble, or you’re telling an adult because you’re worried for them.

So I guess it was both, because I wanted them to get in trouble, but I also didn't want them or anypony else to die or anything.

The school day went on as normal, except for the long safety speech Ms. Cheerilee gave us, and the time that the real pest control came to apprehend the raccoon.

Twist asked where they were taking it, and Ms. Cheerilee said to the animal hospital.

But I know better. 

There are no animal hospitals in Ponyvilee, just a vet, and not even the critter mare can cure rabies that bad. Or at least I don’t think so.

Nopony really talked to me at lunch, because of me telling on them I guess, except for Silver Spoon. Silver Spoon is always there for me, and I guess that’s why she’s my friend. No matter how many times those cutie mark crusaders humiliate us, she always sticks by my side.

She walked home with me after school.

We had cookies and milk, courtesy of my part-time nanny who’s always there after school. She told me that my dad was going to take me out for dinner tonight, and that I could invite Silver Spoon if I wanted to. I really just wanted it to be me and my dad, but Silver Spoon was right there so I invited her anyway. She deserved to come if she wanted to, and she did.

We got into some cute dresses, mine silver and her’s black, and waited for him. In fact, I’m waiting for him now. He should be here any minute now.

Oh! There he is!

Bye!

-Diamond Tiara


-(o)-


Entry #2
Dear Diary,

Today was weird. Like, really weird. Silver Spoon wasn't at school today, because she’s sick, so I was by myself. Usually I can get Snips and Snails to do what I say, and most other kids, so it was ok. Actually, I don’t know what their cutie marks mean. I don’t think they’re fake, but seriously. What do they mean? Maybe snips will be a barber? But his mane is so… gross. And what would Snail’s be? A talent of being slow? No, that doesn't make sense. Maybe he’d good with bugs or something. 

Oh, whatever, who cares. 

The school day was normal, and we had our first Diary checks today. All she did was open it, then close it. And I was right about somepony not doing it! It was Snips. He didn't get to go to recess for that, and had to write the first entry during it. It was pretty funny.

I went home after school, and started doing my homework at the table. My nanny, Miss Sparkler, made me a snack and helped me with my work. Miss Sparkler is really pretty, much more pretty than my mom. In fact, she’d way better at being my mom than Mrs. Rich herself. My mom is an actress, and is almost always away. I see her a few times a month, but that’s about it.

I don’t think she likes my very much. She wanted me to be a child actress, but I didn’t want to be. I want to be like my Daddy when I grow up, and not do whatever keeps my mom away from us all the time. I don’t think it’s worth it. My Dad makes most the money anyway.

Miss Sparkler is a unicorn, just like my mom. I think that’s another reason she doesn’t like me. She wanted me to be a unicorn, I just know it. All I have is earth pony magic, something I don’t really use. I think it helps me with gems and jewels though, since they’re rocks and minerals. But that’s probably it.

I finished my other homework easily, just some math problems, and went to go read. But then Miss Sparkler came and told me that my mom was here, and wanted to know if I wanted to see her or not. I told her that she could tell her that I was home, since sometimes she lies for me, and went downstairs with her.

My mom is beautiful, one of the reasons she’s an actress. She has a white coat with deep blue eyes, and a creamy light yellow mane. She has the drama double mask symbol thing as her cutie mark, black against her white. She was wearing some sort of scarf, a puffy white one, and I wondered what animal died to make that. It probably came from the Griffon Kingdom, because I’m pretty sure only faux fur is allowed to be made in Equestria. And that fur was real.

She said some nice things, like how lady-like I looked and how precious it was that I still wore my tiara everywhere. I said hello, and asked her why she was here, and she said she was looking for Daddy. I told her that he wasn't home yet, so she’d said she would wait. It was kind of awkward, because I had to stay with her since leaving her alone would be rude.

I then realized that I was thinking of my mom as a guest, but I couldn't do anything about that. It wasn't my fault she was gone all the time. 

She shot some small talk my way, and I gave her simple answers, mostly yes or no’s. 

It seemed like eternity until my Dad got home, and as soon as he walked into the room, I jumped up and gave him a big hug.

It surprised him, because I don’t usually do that, but I’d been feeling kind of lonely all day and I was so happy to see him. 

Now that he was there, maybe it wouldn't be so awkward.

He then sent me upstairs, where I am now, because he said it was time for some adult talk or something.

But I can here yelling, and I’m scared.

I want to go downstairs and see what’s wrong, but I can’t. They’re having a fight, and they’d just get mad at me if I went downstairs.

Good Night,

-Diamond Tiara


-(o)-


Entry #3
Dear Diary,

I don't know if I should be happy or sad. My mom is gone. For good this time.

I can't believe it.

Are you a magic journal? This kind of thing only happens in story books; a young filly writing in her journal about her interesting life. Granted, life in Ponyville can be kinda weird, but my parents getting a divorce? This is crazy!

Apparently, she's been cheating on my dad for years. That explains why she's gone all the time. I think she was just pumping my dad for money until she was ready to go. Not like she was ever around, anyway.

I don't think I'll miss her, but I'm kind of sad that I never had a real relationship with my mom. I mean, even that ditsy Sweetie Belle has a mom to look out for her. I only have a dad, a loving, caring dad, but one who is always busy. He tries to spend time with me, and he does, but sometimes I can't help but feel a little lonely. 

I think I really realized that yesterday, when Silver Spoon wasn't there. And even when she is around, I can still feel it. It's almost like she's a ghost, and when we have fun she's there, and when we aren't she's faded away. But I'm not being fair. She has always been there for me, and I hope she always will. One of the few who always are. Her and Miss Sparkler.

Miss Sparkler is a College student, and only works here part time. She likes it here because I'm hardly any trouble to her, and she gets paid a LOT. Or that's what I heard her say at least. Daddy said it costs a lot to go to College, so I guess he's helping her stay there.

I think she said that she was trying to get a degree in Geology or something. Something with rocks, gems, and Diamonds. Like me! Her cutie mark shows three diamonds, so I've always like her. As far as I can tell, she's always honest and very nice, not like Ms. Cheerilee. Ms. Cheerilee is constantly stressed, especially towards the end of the day. No thanks to the Cutie Mark Bumblers. I'm pretty sure it's their fault. Everything is their fault, almost always.

Just like when they took Babs, the only cool blank flank I've ever met, away from me. She was almost my friend! And then Babs turned on us, and made us look like fools. I hated that; I was so embarrassed! Embarrassing things always happen when they're around. And it kind of hurt... just a little bit.

They're just stupid.

Anyway, today is Friday and I'm going to a party. It's Feather-weight's birthday, and everypony was invited. He may be geeky, but he's kinda cute in a dorky sort of way. And plus; why wouldn't I, Diamond Tiara, not go to a party? Silver Spoon and I are both going, because the only way we'd miss out on a party would be if it were ridiculously lame. But no party we go to is lame, unless we say so that is. 

Daddy made me promise to be nice to Apple Bloom and her friends, especially since what happened with Babs, but I think it's really because he wants to keep that Zap Apple deal with the Apples. But I promised, and I always keep his promises. No matter how much I don't want to. Basically, I'm just gonna avoid them so I don't really have to be nice. Because then they might get the idea that I actually like them.

Yuck.

My present is all wrapped up, nice and neat by Miss Sparkler, an expensive Camera and Camera bag with a few accessories. I'll have the best present at the party! I always do. I also got him some film, the nice kind. And when I say I, and mean my Dad. He got it for me without saying much of an "Ok, Princess,".

You might be wondering why my rich Daddy lives out in Ponyville in something that isn't a mansion. He could afford a mansion you know. He said he likes it out here, and said that it's a good atmosphere for a growing filly.

I don't understand how living right next to the Everfree is good for a filly, but I don't really care. These ponies barely know who they're dealing with, being quite a few levels down the economy chain from us. Dad could buy up this town in a minute, if it were legal. Is it? I should ask him.

That may have been an exaggeration, but still. His name isn't "Filthy Rich" for nothing.

Well, I'm off to the party!

-Diamond Tiara


-(o)-


Entry #4
Dear Diary,

I am so angry right now.

I... my present, the super expensive camera, is trash. 

I told Featherweight to either open mine first or last, for it to be the best surprise. He chose first, probably because he knew it'd be good, and was super happy when he opened it. He jumped a little, and couldn't believe that I'd gotten him something like that. He told me that he was going to wait for Hearth's Warming to ask the Hearth's Warming Spirit for it because his parents had told him that they couldn't afford it.

I felt really good about myself, because not only was my present super awesome, I know that the Spirit isn't real. He would have never gotten it if not for me.

So there I was, feeling awesome, when he goes and opens Apple Bloom's present.

It was a sculpture of some famous photographer, one she'd made herself. Then he forgot all about the camera, and was all about the crappy sculpture. It wasn't even that good! Clay is so not her special talent, and I was gonna say that he'd just been used as a "Cutie Mark Crusader Trash Can!", but I remembered my promise. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't. 

So I ran home.

Not crying.

I so wasn't crying.

And I'm not crying now.

Good night.

-Diamond Tiara


-(o)-


Entry #10
Dear Diary,

Snips got in trouble for not writing in his diary again.

It's like he's trying to get on Ms. Cheerilee's bad side, the idiot.

Speaking of Ms. Cheerilee, she's finally got a boy friend! Big Mac, Apple Bloom's hot big brother, started going out with her recently. I wish I had a hot brother. Then everypony would like me more! But no, the gift was given to little Apple Bloom, who hardly anypony gives their attention too. Except Ms. Cheerilee. She's lucky that she knows all her student's families, or she might have never met him.

I only knew he existed because of Daddy's deal with their family. At first I thought he was her dad, because she's so young. But no, he's just the oldest. I wonder where her parents are?

So yeah, they're going out, much to Apple Bloom's delight. I can't believe that they'd actually been right about something for once. Big Mac and Cheerilee are perfect for each other. They're so cute and dorky! 

Ms. Cheerilee has been a lot happier lately, and not the usual mask of a smile. 

By the rate their relationship is going, they should get married within the year! Maybe Silver Spoon and I can be the flower girls... that would be so much fun! 

Ok, so I guess they did something good this time, but I'm still mad at Apple Bloom because of... Stuff. 

I... I have to go now

Bye,

-Diamond Tiara