> Young Love
>  by Amethyst Flower
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Painting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Silver Rose had never really been that into "love" before. Sure, she read love novels and realized it was around her, but she never given it much thought, especially for herself. 

But that was all about to change...

One cheery summer morning, the young, artistic unicorn joined her friend, Rarity, on a trip to one of Canterlot's many art galleries. 

As they travelled in Rarity's carriage, Silver Rose smiled as she remembered how she first met Rarity. She had seen her around quite a bit, Rarity was quite popular in Ponyville, as were her close friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle. But Silver Rose hadn't properly met the fashionable mare until a couple days ago, when she had gone to Carousel Boutique to purchase some silver silk, for a dress she was making for her sister's award ceremony. 

"Oh, that color looks so flattering next to your blush colored coat," Rarity had said. 

It impressed Silver Rose very much, that Rarity had noticed the color of her coat. So, she introduced herself, and soon the two were talking about art and fashion, and next thing Silver Rose knew, she got invited to accompany Rarity on a trip to the gallery, 'Art from Around Equestria' . 

"Thank you so very much again for inviting me," Silver Rose said. 

"Oh it's nothing at all," Rarity replied in an off-hoofed manner. She gave Silver Rose a sweet smile. "I know we haven't been friends for very long, but I can guarantee that we will have the best time at the gallery." 

Silver Rose fluffed her short rose-red and crimson colored mane. She hoped she looked good enough for Canterlot. She had only been there once, and that was on a business trip with Roseluck, her older sister. 

"So, tell me about your cutie mark," Rarity requested, turning from the carriage window. "You mentioned receiving it only a little while ago."

The younger pony blushed, and looked down at the mark on her flank, which was the head of a silver rose. "Well, it's actually been around a year since I got my cutie mark." 

Rarity nodded, listening to Silver Rose with a charming smile. 

"I have always enjoyed drawing and creating things. Especially little pieces from nature. So, one day my sister, Roseluck, asked me if I could make her a special dress, since I had previously had sewing lessons. It was going to be her very first delivery of flowers for the Princess Celestia, herself. I knew she wanted it of scarlet red material, since that was the color of the roses she was delivering, so I worked with that. Then I decided that it needed an extra flare. I went into my room and stared at my paintings for hours, hoping for a droplet of inspiration. After waiting and sketching for hours, with nothing to show for, I decided to take a walk to clear my brain." 

Rarity's blue eyes were wide as she listened in rapture to Silver Rose's tale. 

Silver Rose continued, "That's when I saw a beautiful white rose with odd silver edging, just lying on the road in front of me. I picked up the rose, before rushing home. I then molded over it and painted it silver. It was the final touch that the dress needed. It was then that I knew what my talent was. I was to be an artist, whose inspiration came from nature itself." She smiled, her dark green eyes alive. "My cutie mark is pretty simple, just a plain silver rose. But it's mine." 

"I think it's unique," Rarity assured Silver Rose. "I like your story very much. I would be pleased if you told it to my younger sister, Sweetie Belle, sometime. She's a few years younger than you, and is struggling with discovering her special talent. She and her two friends are the only ones left in their class without their cutie marks." 

Silver Rose nodded. "It would be a pleasure to relate my tale to your sister. I know how it feels to be the only one without a cutie mark. But I've found that it's even more special receiving it later than sooner. Then you're not just "one of the crowd", and often times your talent turns out being even more special than the rest of your class's." 

"Oh, Sweetie Belle will be delighted to hear that," Rarity laughed. 

Suddenly the carriage lurched, causing Silver Rose to gasp in fright. "What's wrong?!" She asked, spinning around to see out of the small, door windows. 

Rarity reached out, from the seat across Silver Rose, and steadied the filly. "Calm down, darling, we've entered Canterlot. We stopped because when you first enter the city, there's some traffic." 

Silver Rose sank back into the plush, purple seat, with a relieved sigh. "Oh... I'm sorry..."

"You're not used to travelling are you?" Rarity asked, knowingly. 

Silver Rose shook her head. "No, I'm not," she admitted. 

"That's all right. There's a first for every pony." 

Silver Rose lit the soft, silvery aura around her horn and picked her pink purse up, off the carriage floor and put the contents, that had spilled out during the sudden halt, back inside. "So," she said, as she shut the purse with a nice little snap, "is there anything special I should know? The only time I've been here before was during a rushed business trip with my sister." 

"You've never been here during any of the holidays with your family?" Rarity asked. 

Silver Rose's lower lip trembled and a knot built up in her already queasy stomach. She didn't like talking about her family. They had a kind of messed up situation, and that was why she lived with her earth pony sister. 

"Oh, that's right, you said your family was a complicated ordeal," Rarity said with regret. "I am sorry."

Silver Rose shrugged it off, and waited for Rarity to answer her question. 

Rarity flipped her perfectly curled royal purple mane behind her withers. "Well, don't feel bad if you get rude looks from ponies who pass by. The citizens of Canterlot can be rather rude and judgemental at times -especially of appearances-." 

Silver Rose tried not to look as hurt as she felt. Did Rarity think her appearance wasn't 'Canterlot worthy'? It probably wasn't, but she could have said something before they arrived, if it was so bad. 

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry. I did not mean that how it sounds," Rarity hurriedly apologised. "Canterlot ponies are just judgemental no matter what. If you're not near royalty you most probably won't meet their quota." 

"Quota?" Silver Rose asked, embarrassed that she didn't know what the word meant. 

"You won't meet their standards," Rarity explained without a second thought. 

"Oh." Silver Rose nodded, now understanding. How could I not know what that means? Is that Canterlot talk, or am I just stupid? She wondered, already feeling like a simpleton.

"Also, if you don't know what a certain thing is, don't make it publicly known. Someone will most definitely mock you," Rarity advised. "Just whisper whatever question you have in my ear, okay?" 

Silver Rose considered the fact that she may have made a mistake coming along with the fancy white unicorn to this big city. She most probably wasn't the Canterlot type. And she wasn't sure she wanted to be, as rude as every pony sounded. 

It took them a whole half hour to get to the art gallery, because of traffic, and the entire time Rarity was talking about her Canterlot experiences. The more Rarity talked, the more worried Silver Rose became. She tried to stay positive and tell herself that she'd have fun, but after a while it wasn't working. 

Why was Canterlot known for its fine qualities if it was a place of terror? Rude ponies, changeling attacks, thieves, giant monsters... Silver Rose couldn't help but shudder. 

Rarity laughed. "Oh, don't worry, darling. Canterlot is a lot of fun on a normal day." 

Silver Rose nodded slowly. Sure it is, sure it is, she thought, nervously. 

When the carriage stopped in front of a large brick building, Rarity adjusted her large, feathery hat, that Silver Rose personally thought was a bit much, and announced, "We're here!" 

Silver Rose gulped, and picked up her purse with her magic. 

One of the stallions, who had been pulling the carriage, opened the carriage door and helped Rarity and then Silver Rose out. 

"Thank you, darling," Rarity said, using her magic to place a bit in the stallion's hoof. 

Silver Rose gasped as she stepped onto the grey cobblestone road. The tall buildings rose taller than any tree she had ever seen in the Everfree Forest, and you could see Celestia's castle and some tall sky scrapers in the distance, from where Silver Rose stood. The colors were so bright and the streets were crowded with top-class, fancily-dressed ponies. Compared to every pony else's outfits, Rarity's plume covered hat was a simple accessory. "Wow..." Silver Rose breathed. 

Rarity cleared her throat. "Darling." 

Silver Rose jerked her gaze away from her surroundings and turned to the white unicorn. "What?" she asked, confused. 

Rarity motioned towards the stallion, who had an odd smile on his face. Silver Rose wasn't sure if he was waiting for her to say something or just really needed a restroom. 

"Oh, sorry. Um, thank you," she said, giving him what she hoped was a gracious smile. 

He nodded and turned back to Rarity, "What time should we pick you up?" 

"In around two hours," Rarity said, adjusting her hat again. 

"Okay," he said, with a professional nod. 

Rarity smiled at Silver Rose and said, "Shall we go into the art gallery?" 

Silver Rose smiled back. "Well shall." She wrapped her one foreleg around Rarity's and the two walked into the art gallery. 

Silver Rose's eyes nearly bulged out of her head once the silver doors swung open. They stepped onto a silver and black glassy floor that looked squeaky clean. The walls were a perfect eggshell white, and the ceiling was a brilliant gold with swirls and other intricate designs. Red, velvet barrier ropes, blocked off the entrance.

A prestigious looking guard sat behind a desk that had to be mahogany. "Hello, welcome to Art from Around Equestria ," he greeted. "Do you have a paid reservation or have you come by invitation?" 

"Paid reservation," Rarity said. 

"Wait, paid.... you paid for this?" Silver Rose gasped, wondering how much a tour of an art gallery like this would cost. 

Rarity chuckled. "Why of course darling," she said. Then, lowering her voice to a whisper, she added, with a smile, "And what did I say about whispering your questions?" 

Silver Rose blushed, when she noticed the guards amused smile.

The unicorn guard used his magic to pick up a scroll. "Names?" he requested. 

"Rarity and Silver Rose from Ponyville," Rarity said, looking a little irritated as the guard scanned the list. She began to tap her one hind hoof. 

As they waited, Silver Rose tried to look past the guard into the gallery. She saw a lot of rich ponies judging beautiful sculptures, statues, and painting. She frowned. The canterlot ponies definitely looked judgmental. Very much so. 

"Oh, really, how many 'Rarity's from Ponyville' can there be?" Rarity asked, rolling her eyes as she tried to keep her temper. 

"Here it is!" The guard chuckled nervously. "I'm so sorry. I need to see a doctor about my eyes." He cleared his throat, then unhooked one of the velvety hooks and held it open with his magic. "Miss Rarity, Miss Silver Rose," he said, dipping his head slightly. 

The two unicorns walked passed the guard and into the gallery room. 

Silver Rose's jaw dropped as she looked around the large room. Everything in the room made Silver Rose realize why she had wanted to come in the first place. Canterlot may be filled with danger and rude ponies, but it had the best artwork that she had ever seen. Silver Rose rushed around the room, gasping and exclaiming over every piece. "Oh my Celestia, is this the original Luna Moon statue made by Starlight Fly over a thousand years ago?!" "Wait, is that... yes! Yes, it is! Rarity look! It's Celestia's first ever portrait! Aww! She's so tiny! Who knew Celestia was so cute as a filly!" "This is a copy, right? Tell me this is a copy. If this is the original Mona Lipizzan I'm going to literally die!!" 

Rarity couldn't help but let a giggle escape her lips. "Rosey, darling, remember what we talked about!" 

Silver Rose looked around and realized that now every pony, except for a select few who were still judging art, were all staring at her in either amusement or disgust. She blushed crimson and stumbled over to Rarity who was still standing near the entrance. "I'm sorry," she said. "I've just never been to an art gallery like this before," she whispered, like Rarity had advised. 

Rarity nodded. "I completely understand. But perhaps you would enjoy the art better if you walked around and observed the details, rather than dashing about." 

"Yes, of course," Silver Rose said. "Walk with me?" 

"Naturally. Now, shall we take a look at that original Mona Lipizzan?" Rarity suggested. 

Silver Rose agreed and the two walked along, acting like a part of the crowd. They discussed the pieces in hushed tones and pretended as though they were judging them to see if they were up to their standards. 

"I do believe this landscape could use a few more trees," Silver Rose said, turning her chin up, haughtily at a lovely, framed painting. "If you're trying to capture the nature of trees and flowers sharing a field why so little flowers if there are so little trees? Trees block the sunlight, causing less undergrowth;  but in this painting it's as if there are no flowers because there are no trees." 

Rarity giggled quietly. "I quite agree, darling. More trees! More trees, I say!" 

After the two finished judging a few more pieces of art, Silver Rose wandered into another, smaller room, to have a large painting catch her eye. It had an entire wall to itself, though the room was rather tiny, and it was framed in gold. Beneath it a golden plate read 'Le Jacques from Prance: The Story of Love '. 

"What are you staring at, darling?" Rarity asked, entering the room, to see Silver Rose's neck crained up. 

Silver Rose stared at the painting. It was set on a rainy day, in Prance, by the eiffel tower. The two ponies, who were staring at the glowing tower, shared a large red umbrella to keep from being soaked. They looked so happy and in love. Silver Rose had never known ponies could look so passionate. She had never really witnessed love in person. 

Her parents had never even married, and her dad had soon moved out after she was born. Then, several years ago, her mom had left Silver Rose with Roseluck, to go to Dodge Junction and start a cherry ranch. Silver Rose had always wondered what it would be like to have a normal family, like other ponies, but she hadn't thought about the love part. Now she couldn't help but feel that she had missed out on something. Something incredibly important. 

As Silver Rose stared into the painting, eyes wide, she suddenly realized that she wanted what those two ponies had. 

"Rosey, darling, are you okay?" Rarity asked, shaking the filly gently. 

Silver Rose shook herself out of the daze she had fallen into. "Yes, I'm sorry. I was just... thinking... This painting is very inspiring." 

Rarity looked up at the romantic painting and smiled. "It is, isn't it. I remember when I first saw it. I've never stopped dreaming of going to Prance, since." 

Silver Rose nodded, slowly, unable to avert her eyes from the painting. Something felt different. She wasn't sure if it was fate or magic, or something entirely different, but Silver Rose knew something had changed. 





Silver Rose and Rarity spent the rest of the day shopping in the colorful city. Rarity took her to a giant art store, where they had nearly every single color of paint and every size of brushes. There, the artistic pony purchased several acrylics: a dark blue, cherry red, and a light yellow.  

On their way back to Ponyville, the two unicorns discussed all they had seen in Canterlot. Silver Rose was having such a good time with Rarity, that she was sad when the older mare dropped her off at the cottage she shared with Roseluck. 

Once Silver Rose went inside of the simple Ponyville house, she immediately smelled the mouth watering aroma of Sunflower soup. She walked into the kitchen, that was connected to the living room,  to see Roseluck standing over the stove stirring a large pot full of soup. 

Roseluck looked a lot like Silver Rose, with her light yellow coat, dark raspberry and light raspberry colored mane and tail, and green eyes. She even had a rose cutie mark too. The only primary difference was that Roseluck was an earth pony, not a unicorn. 

"Hi, Lucky," Silver Rose said, as she set her bags down on the cedar table. 

Roseluck smiled. "Hi, Rosey. How was your day with Rarity?" she asked, as she opened the oven. "Oh, would you mind handing me that oven mitt there by you?" 

Silver Rose inhaled deeply. Mm,  she thought, Poppy seed muffins.  "It was great," she said, lighting her aura. She transported the red and white checkered oven mitt over to her sister. "I saw one painting at the art gallery that I especially liked. It was 'The Story of Love' by Le Jacques from Prance." 

"Sounds familiar," Roseluck said, as she took the first tray of muffins out of the oven. "Two ponies under the red umbrella?" 

"Yeah," Silver Rose said with a nod. She sighed thoughtfully. "Hey, do you think Mom and Dad will ever get back together?" she asked suddenly. 

The second tray of muffins clattered to tile floor. When Roseluck reached out with her uncovered hoof to pick up the tray she jerked back with a yelp. "Where did that come from?" she asked, as she waved her front hoof around to try and cool it off.

"I'll get you an ice pack," Silver Rose said quickly. She opened the freezer with her magic, and hovered the pack over Roseluck's burnt hoof. 

"Well?" Roseluck asked, waiting for an answer as she applied the ice pack. 

"I-I don't know... I guess I was just thinking..." Silver Rose said, with a shrug. 

"Try thinking a little less," Roseluck joked. She shut the oven with her mitt covered hoof then sat on the one kitchen chair. "Look, we talked about this before. Mom and Dad are never getting back together, and even if they would fall in love again, they'd be too selfish to go back. Dad is a prestigious unicorn that's a major part of Canterlot's society, and Mom runs Cherry Hill Ranch. They have their dreams, and unfortunately neither of those dreams includes the other one." 

"But... what about true love?" Silver Rose asked. 

Roseluck shrugged. "I don't know. That could be real or true love could be something that lonely ponies make up." 

Silver Rose stared down at the blue and yellow tile floor. She didn't know why, but for some reason, she really hoped true love was real. Her sudden thoughts may have had something to do with the painting she had seen, or it could have been a coincidence. Whatever the case, Silver Rose just couldn't seem to let it go. 

"Now," Roseluck said. "Can you help me clean up this mess? Lily and Daisy are coming over." 

Silver Rose helped pick up the hot tray and scattered muffins and then carried her bags up to her room, with the promise that she would be down in time for dinner. 

Once Silver Rose got to her room, she flung her bags onto her pink and white bed and turned to her canvas covered dresser. She looked through the paintings that she needed to hang up,  a painting for each flower themed room in the house. A large sunflower for the kitchen, a painting of a water lily afloat, on top of blue water, for the bathroom, A large bouquet of red roses for the living room, a field of yellow tulips for Roseluck's room, and a beautiful pink carnation for Silver Rose's room. 

Silver Rose took the carnation painting off the dresser, to make room for the new painting that was to come, and used her magic to hang it above her white bed headboard. Then, with a burst of energy, she performed a spell to make the painting stay on the wall. 

Next she took out her palette, brushes, and new paints. Then she placed a large canvas on her easel that stood by her window seat, and began to sketch out what she wanted to paint, with a piece of graphite. 

She wasn't entirely sure what had driven her to create this exact painting, but it felt right so she kept sketching. 

Once she was finished with the sketch, she began to mix paint. As soon as her brush hit the canvas, it was like a little burst of magic. The paint glided effortlessly onto the canvas and she didn't make a single mistake. The painting, of the light yellow earth pony mare with cherry colored mane and tail and the white unicorn stallion with dark blue mane and tail, would be done in no time at all.  
       
      

           
> Princess Cadance's Advice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 When Silver Rose went down to dinner, Roseluck and her flower friends, Lily and Daisy, were already eating at the table. As usual the three were all being dramatic. 

"And then, he broke the daffodil in half!" Daisy was exclaiming in her raspy voice. 

Lily gasped, and put her greyish raspberry hoof to her light amber colored mane covered forehead. "That is horrible!" she exclaimed. 

"Why would he do that?!" Roseluck shrieked. 

Daisy shook her head, sending her green mane flying. "I don't know, but it was terrible!" 

Silver Rose couldn't help but roll her eyes as she sat down at the table and picked up her spoon.

"So, how are you?" Lily asked, giving Silver Rose a sweet smile. 

"I'm good," Silver Rose said, eating a spoon of sunflower soup. "I went shopping with Rarity today." 

"Oh, you mean that lovely mare who runs carousel boutique?" Lily asked. 

Silver Rose nodded. 

"Where'd you go?" Daisy squeaked. 

"To Canterlot. We attended an art gallery and then went to some stores," Silver Rose said. 

"How lovely!" Lily said. 

"Were there flowers there?" Daisy chirped, as she ate her soup. 

Silver Rose scrunched up her face, confused as to why Daisy would ask a question like that. What is with these ponies and their obsession for flowers? she wondered. "Um, no. It was an art gallery, not a flower shop..." 

"I think she meant flower paintings," Roseluck said. 

"Oh," Silver Rose said. "Then yes." 

"Speaking of paintings, are you done with that lily of the valley painting, I said I'd pay you for?" Lily asked. 

Silver Rose gulped guiltily. She hadn't even started on the painting Lily had requested. She had spent all week working on the dress for Roseluck's award ceremony. She had been announced Equestria's florist of the month, and would be going to Canterlot for the ceremony. It was a big deal, and the dress had to be perfect. "Um, actually... I... I haven't started on it yet," Silver Rose admitted. 

Lily's eyes widened. "Oh, well, that's okay, I guess." 

"What for painting are you working on now?" Daisy asked. Roseluck's friends knew that Silver Rose was always working on some for project, and it was usually a painting. "A flower, a sunset, a forest?" 

"Actually, I'm working on something a little different this time," Silver Rose said, unsure of how much she should reveal to these mares. They weren't' exactly crazy about anything that didn't' have to do with nature. They were even a little unsure of how they felt about magic, even though it was something every unicorn possessed. 

The three flower ponies looked surprised. 

"Different can be good," Daisy said, as she was the most open-minded of the group. 

"It depends what kind of different is happens to be," Lily objected. "I personally find things a little frightening if they're too different." 

As the two continued to argue about whether different was a good or bad thing, Roseluck asked, "So have you been thinking about your goals for the upcoming school year. Last year you mostly just had your nose in a book." 

Silver Rose was surprised. She hadn't expected the subject of school to come up. "I actually haven't thought much on it," she said, truthfully. 

"Well, you should. You need to make some friends this year. You're not going to be in school much longer, and all these years, you still don't really know your classmates," Roseluck said. 

Silver Rose turned to look at Daisy and Lily as they bickered. She wasn't so sure that she wanted close friends. She had her best friend from school, Boysenberry, and she had just become friends with Rarity. Who else did she need? Weren't two friends enough? "I think I'm fine," she said, turning back to Roseluck. "You don't need to worry about me." 

"I'm serious, Rosey," Roseluck said. "You need to get out more." 

"I went to Canterlot with Rarity today. What more do you want?" Silver Rose asked, confused as to why her sister was bringing this up now. 

"Well, you obviously have a lot of time on your hooves if you're thinking so much about Mom and Dad."

Oh, so that was what this conversation was about. That made a lot more sense. 

Roseluck continued, "I'm just worried about you. A pony can't just spend all of their time painting in their room." 

"Does the fact that I just got back from Canterlot with Rarity mean nothing? Because I literally just got done saying that happened," Silver Rose pointed out. She was a little frustrated. She knew that Roseluck was just trying to look out for her, but why did it matter so much if she thought about their parents? It wasn't like they were banned or something. They just weren't living with their children. 

"I know you were with Rarity today. But it was at an art  gallery," Roseluck said. 

"So what if art's my life?" Silver Rose snapped. "Flowers are all you can think about!" 

Lily and Daisy stopped their arguing to turn and stare at the two sisters. "Did she really just say that?" Lily whispered. Daisy just gave a slow shrug. 

Roseluck gave Silver Rose a hurt look. 

"I'm sorry," Silver Rose sighed. "I didn't mean that. I guess I'm just tired." She got up from her chair. "I'll be in my room." 

"What about your sunflower soup?" Roseluck asked, once again looking out for her younger sister. 

"I'll eat it!" Daisy volunteered, reaching across the table to grab the bowl of soup. 

"She can have it," Silver Rose agreed, before dragging herself up the stairs. She would have prefered to teleport, but she didn't feel like making a scene in front of Roseluck's old fashioned friends. 

When she got to her room, she immediately began to work on her painting again. "Maybe Roseluck is right," she said aloud, as she gave her painting a sideways glance. "Perhaps I should work on being more friendly."  Sure, she had Boysenberry, but Silver Rose hardly ever got to hang out with her, as she was always so busy with her life and her other friends. This year is going to be different, Silver Rose promised herself. 



 

Wearing her fancy velvet forest green dress, that Rarity had made for her, Silver Rose sat patiently in Celestia's royal carriage, beside Roseluck. It was the day of Roseluck's award ceremony, that would be performed by Princess Celestia, herself. Apparently flowers were a big deal to the ruler of Equestria. 

Silver Rose couldn't believe that she was actually flying in one of Princess Celestia's carriages. It was golden with purple plush seats. Several times, Silver Rose had shrieked and clung to her sister, as she wasn't used to flying, and the carriage was open. 

"I absolutely love this dress you made for me," Roseluck said, as they flew into Canterlot. She giggled. "Now I'll look like I actually belong here, unlike last time." 

"Oh, it might not be quite that good," Silver Rose said, a little insecure. "Canterlot ponies are incredibly judgmental." 

Roseluck waved it off. "Well, I love it anyways." Suddenly she exclaimed, "Oh, look! We're about to land! Isn't this thrilling?!" 

Silver Rose swallowed nervously and tried to ignore the large knot that was building up in her stomach. "Um... yup... sure is." The truth was, Silver Rose hated heights. Sure, flying in Celestia's carriage, pulled by white pegasi guards, was awesome, if only it weren't quite so high up in the sky. She peaked down over the edge of the carriage and immediately wished she hadn't. Everything looked like a little map, with amber colored patches for fields, green for the forests, and grey for the towns. They were so high up that if something went wrong and they fell, they would surely die. 

Silver Rose's stomach lurched as she felt the carriage begin to dip down. We're gonna crash! We're going to crash and die! her brain screamed, as she squeezed her eyes shut. She wracked her brain for any possible elevation spell. Come on, I have to know something that could save Roseluck and me if we crash!  

Roseluck laughed. "Why do you look so worried?" Like always, Roseluck got lucky and seemed to be having the time of her life -and they weren't even in Canterlot yet.

"I - I h-hate heights..." Silver Rose managed to gulp.

"It's not that bad! Just throw your hooves up in the air, and shout Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!" Roseluck shouted as they flew down to land. 

"I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die, I'm gonna die!" Silver Rose whispered to herself. 

With a thud, the carriage hit the ground, in front of Celestia's castle. 

"You can open your eyes," Roseluck laughed. 

Silver Rose peeked one eye open, gave a sigh of relief, and opened her eyes completely. "Thank goodness," she breathed, as she slowly got out of the carriage. 

Celestia's castle was an awesome sight, and even though she had seen it before, Silver Rose couldn't help but stare in amazement. The brilliant white and gold towers, spiraled up wards. The occasional purple stripes and pink flags added an extra bit of color. She smiled when she saw the two golden flowers that were atop two tall peaks of the castle. 

"Remember when you said you wanted your own castle?" Roseluck asked, hopping out of the carriage. 

"I still do," Silver Rose laughed. 

"But you'd have to be a princess or at least married to a prince," Roseluck pointed out. 

Silver Rose smirked. "It could happen." She almost burst into laughter at the thought of her being a princess. When she had been a very little filly, she had often dreamed of it, but now she only joked about it. 

"Which one?" Roseluck asked, unable to control her laughter. Two Canterlot ponies, who were passing by, gave the two sisters critical stares. "You becoming a princess or marrying a prince?" 

Silver Rose shrugged. "Either one I guess." 

"We'll have to talk to Celestia about that, after the award ceremony," Roseluck joked as they walked up to the gates. To the guards, she said, "Roseluck the florist, with her sister Silver Rose, here to see the Princess Celestia." 

The unicorn guard nodded, and opened the gates. 

Silver Rose couldn't help but stare at his metal armor and wonder why he needed so much armor when he was just guarding the palace gates. He certainly looked handsome in his uniform, but was it really necessary? Well, I suppose Shining Armor, head of the guards, knows what he's doing, she decided, without giving it another thought. Her heart raced. Prince Shining Armor wouldn't be here would he? Everyone knew that he was the most dashing of all stallions, and Silver Rose had actually never seen him in person. It was only more perfect that he was married to the Princess of Love, Mi Amore Cadenza. It would be wonderful if Silver Rose could talk to her, especially with her new found interest in the subject of love. 

They walked to the castle gardens, where the award ceremony was going to be held. There, rows of wooden chairs were lined up on the grass. Princess Celestia was talking to some guards. 

Silver Rose couldn't quite get over how majestic the ruler of Equestria looked, with her white coat, flowing blue, green, and pink mane and tail, and angelic wings. 

Roseluck cleared her throat and bowed low when Princess Celestia turned around. 

Eyes wide with admiration, Silver Rose bowed with her sister. 

Celestia smiled. "Ah, Roseluck, welcome again." 

"Thank you, Princess Celestia," Roseluck said. 

"I see you have brought your younger sister along again," Celestia said, turning her eyes to Silver Rose. 

"She wouldn't have it any other way," Roseluck said. 

"She is proud of your work?" Celestia asked, with a warm smile. 

Silver Rose wondered if it were common for princesses to talk about ponies as if they weren't even there. 

"That and she loves castles. She wants one of her own," Roseluck said, shooting Silver Rose a teasing glance. 

Silver Rose blushed when Celestia laughed. It was like a peaceful river running over smooth rocks. 

Why did Roseluck have to bring that up?  Silver Rose wondered, ruefully. Is she trying to embarrass me?  

"Well, the guests and other florists should be arriving any moment," Celestia said. "You two make yourselves comfortable. You can sit in one of the front seats, if you'd like." 

Roseluck nodded, and walked over to one of the front wooden seats, with Silver Rose following her. 

Little by little, the guests began to trickle in through the gates, and took their seats. Silver Rose stared at all of the Canterlot ponies' fancy attire. It was a simple florist award ceremony, and they were going all out. You could tell which of the ponies were from different towns. Suddenly a tall white unicorn stallion with black mane and tail walked in. Silver Rose's jaw dropped a fraction before she quickly snapped it shut, remembering that she was in public. He was very handsome and rather young looking. 

"Who is that?" Silver Rose asked Roseluck.  

Roseluck turned around in her seat. "Who?" 

"That stallion," Silver Rose said, pointing quickly to the unicorn. 

"Oh, that's Black Marble. I think he's the son of one of Dad's business associates," Roseluck said, in an off-hoofed manner. 

"He's beautiful," Silver Rose whispered, not loud enough for anyone else to hear. Just then, a thought struck her. "Wait, is Dad going to be here?" she gasped. 

Roseluck's jaw tightened. "Probably. He needs to maintain his popular status, and not attending an award ceremony given by Princess Celestia wouldn't be good on his record. But... Silver Rose, if we do see him, I need to warn you about something. He -" 

She was cut off by Celestia who cleared her throat and tapped a mic that stood in front of her. It screeched a little, causing the princess to chuckle. "Welcome, every pony, to the Equestrian Florist of the Month Award Ceremony," she greeted. 

Silver Rose wondered what Roseluck needed to tell her. Deciding not to worry about it, she turned her head a fraction, to see Black Marble, who sat several rows away on the opposite side. She suddenly saw a white unicorn stallion with dark blue mane and tail and mustache. He wore a crisp black tuxedo and a monocle. 

She let out a gasp. Father! she thought excitedly. She hadn't seen him for quite a few years. He looked exactly how she remembered; fancy and rich. 

But wait. Who was that mare with him? 

Silver Rose felt her chest tighten. Beside her father stood a tall, elegant unicorn mare with a white coat, pale pink mane and tail, and a cutie mark of three fleurs-de-lis flowers. She let out a quiet giggle and leaned in to Fancy Pants. Silver Rose's teeth grinded together. Why is he with another mare?! her brain screamed. 

The two hurriedly took seats near the front right row.

Celestia continued with her speech, "This month's florist happens to be Miss Roseluck from Ponyville. Let's give her a round of applause for her outstanding floristry work!" 

Applause sounded from the crowd, as Roseluck stood and walked up to the front, beside Celestia. Roseluck was then presented with a large bouquet of white roses. "Thank you so much, ponies, for voting me this month's Equestrian Florist," she said, wiping tears with a dainty white hanky. "I cannot tell you how much of an honor this is."  

Silver Rose tried to smile and clap her hooves with the rest of the ponies, but she couldn't stop staring at her father with that model-like mare. 

After Celestia made a long speech about how flowers were a big part of Equestria, the ponies were excused to dine, from the tables that were set up, and mingle. 

Roseluck went over to Silver Rose. "I tried to warn you..." she said, regretfully. "I'm really sorry, Rosey." 

"Who is she?" Silver Rose asked, trying not to cry. This wasn't fair. Now her hopes of her parents getting back together would never happen. 

"She's a model named Fleur Dis Lee," Roseluck said. "Points that her cutie mark is a flower?" Her voice rose up to a high pitched squeak on 'flower'. 

"Yay," Silver Rose grumped. 

Roseluck sighed. "I wish there was something I could do." 

Silver Rose shook her head. "It's okay. This is your day. Enjoy it. No need to be dragged down by my useless hopes." She swallowed. "I'm going to go get some punch." She got up to head over to one of the refreshment tables. She was glad that she had chosen to, as Roseluck was soon surrounded by a swarm of ponies. 

"Punch please," Silver Rose said to the server pony. 

He nodded and scooped her a cup of blood red strawberry punch. 

Silver Rose took the small crystal glass and took a sip of the sweet drink, before nearly choking on it. 

Princess Cadance!  

"Oh dear, did I miss the ceremony?" Cadance asked, rushing over to Celestia, with Prince Shining Armor behind her. 

"I'm afraid so," Celestia said. "But you can still talk to the florist. She is over there... surrounded by that group of ponies." 

Princess Cadance laughed. "Perhaps I shall wait." 

Her laugh was different than Celestia's. It was more bubbly, like she was the happiest mare alive; but not Pinkie Pie bubbly. 

Her pink coat and blue crystal heart cutie mark made her look the love expert she was. Her gently curled purple, pink, and yellow mane and tail was flawless, and her golden crown shown bright.  

Shining Armor was just as swoon-worthy as every mare said. He was tall and had shaggy blue mane and tail. His bright blue eyes and armor suited him well. 

Cadance looked around. "Shining Armor, I think I would like some punch. Come with me?" she requested. 

Shining Armor smiled charmingly. "Of course, my dear." 

Silver Rose gulped nervously. The Princess of Love was going to stand right next to her and get some punch! Should she saw something? Should she bow, like she did with Celestia? The filly was so lost in her worries, that she barely heard Princess Cadance when she asked, "Is something troubling you, young mare?" 

Silver Rose's legs wobbled. "Um, n-no ma'am... uh, Princess Cadance... Well, um... actually... I..." she stammered lamely. 

"Cadance, are you teasing this filly?" Shining Armor asked, coming up, from behind Cadance. 

"No, of course not!" Cadance flashed a smile. 

Shining Armor looked to Silver Rose, causing her heart to beat so loudly, she didn't see how the whole party of ponies didn't hear it pounding. "N-no, s-sir... She just asked if something was t-troubling m-me..." 

"I can sense a pony in need of help when I come across one!" Cadance insisted. 

Shining Armor shrugged and got two glasses of punch. He used his magic to hand Cadance one cup, before he headed off to talk to some other ponies. 

Cadance took a sip of punch. "Now, dear, would you like to talk to me?" 

Silver Rose followed the princess over to a pink butterfly bush. "Can you really sense when a pony needs help?" she asked, finally managing to find her voice without stumbling over her words. 

Cadance nodded with a smile. "Part of it is just observation, and part of it is my love instincts." 

"Oh," Silver Rose said. She swallowed nervously as her face flushed red. "I actually really hoped to t-talk to you today," she admitted. 

"Is that so?" 

"Well, you're the princess of love... and lately I've been thinking a lot -my sister says too much- and I just thought maybe you could help me..." Silver Rose said, unable to believe that she was actually saying this. 

"Who is your sister?" Cadance asked, seeming genuinely interested. 

"Roseluck, the new Equestrian Florist of the Month," Silver Rose said, rather proudly. 

"Oh, how lovely. I would like to congratulate your sister sometime today, if I get a chance," Cadance said, glancing at the large crowd that surrounded Roseluck. She turned back to Silver Rose. "So what is your name?" 

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm Silver Rose." The young unicorn felt ashamed that she couldn't even think properly enough to give the princess her own name. 

"That is a beautiful name," Cadance said. "I love roses, they're so romantic." 

"Thank you," Silver Rose said. "And me too..." 

"Now," Cadance said, taking another sip of punch. "What can I help you with?" 

"Well, probably nothing... but, well, I've been thinking a lot about love lately. My parents parted a long time ago, and now they both lead separate lives. I was hoping that there was some way to maybe get them to love each other again, but today I saw my father with another mare," Silver Rose explained. She let out a small sigh. "And when I asked my sister about true love, she said she doesn't really think it actually exists."

"That's too bad," Cadance sympathised. "I'm sorry, I wish I could help you with that. Sometimes ponies are just selfish, and decide they don't want to live with each other anymore. But you know, that doesn't mean you should give up on love completely. I don't like to be rude, but I think your sister is wrong. I believe in true love, obviously, and I think that it's something any pony can have if they care enough." 

Silver Rose beamed happily. "Thank you, Princess Cadance. I'm glad I could talk to you." 

"I'm glad too. And remember, always pursue your dreams, no matter what any pony thinks," Cadance advised. She looked into the crowd and said, "Well, it looks like Shining Armor is motioning for me to come, so I must go, but it was nice being able to help in the little bit that I could." 

Silver Rose nodded, and watched the princess as she walked over to her husband. Princess Cadance is right,  Silver Rose decided. Just because love didn't work for Mom and Dad doesn't mean that it won't for me. I shouldn't give up my new found dream just because of the choices my parents made. 
  

 
    
> First Day Back
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Silver Rose couldn't wait to get back to school. After talking to both Roseluck and Princess Cadance, Silver Rose was determined to make this new school year a time to remember. 

A week before the new school year, Silver Rose had Boysenberry over so they could make their plans for the year. 

Boysenberry flipped her purple braid over her withers, as she studied a Cosmare magazine a while laying on Silver Rose's bed. "If I got lip gloss what color would match my coat?" she asked. 

Silver Rose looked at Boysenberry's light yellow coat, in the dresser mirror. "Uh, I don't know... Wait, you don't have lip gloss?" she asked in surprise. 

"No, my mom hasn't let me wear makeup yet," the country, earth pony said, absent-mindedly.

Silver Rose stared at her reflection. "Do you think I should do something with my mane?" she asked, fluffing her short red mane.  

"You just cut it this summer!" Boysenberry exclaimed. "What more do you want?" 

"I don't know, it just doesn't look quite stylish enough..." Silver Rose glanced down at the scissors that lay on her dresser. She lit her aura and took the scissors. With a couple of snips, she had elegant side-swept bangs. 

Boysenberry gasped. "What did you do?! Rosey?"  

Silver Rose took a deep breath and slowly turned around. "What do you think?" she asked nervously. 

Boysenberry's jaw dropped. "Oh my goodness, that's amazing! How did you do that?!" 

Silver Rose shrugged, a satisfied grin on her face. "I'm an artist. So do you think it screams 'I'm making a new start'?" 

Her best friend nodded. "Definitely! Oh, those side bangs remind me of my other friend's mane cut! She and I went to this beauty parlor in Canterlot, that her mother suggested, and we had the time of our lives! You wouldn't believe the mane styles they give there!" Boysenberry continued to ramble on about her amazing summer. 

Silver Rose turned back to the mirror with a sigh. It wasn't that she minded when Boysenberry talked all about her 'amazing' life -she had other friends, and was talkative at that, and was entitled to talk about her life outside of Silver Rose-, but the young unicorn, just wished that her friend would take the time to ask about her life too. 

Well, maybe this year I will make some friends who are actually willing to listen, she thought hopefully. 

As Boysenberry talked, Silver Rose began to clean her room. She piled some of her paintings into her neatly organized closet, and put a few scattered paint brushes back into their holders on her black desk. 

"You're listening, right?" Boysenberry asked, suddenly. 

Realizing that she must've zoned out, Silver Rose quickly replied, "Yes, yes, of course. Continue." 

Boysenberry gave her an odd look. "Okay, well, then Diamond Tiara was all like 'You can't be serious,' and I was like, 'Of course I am!'..." 

Wait, Diamond Tiara? Silver Rose remembered that Rarity had said that Diamond Tiara was a filly that treated Sweetie Belle rudely. Is Boysenberry friends with her?  She realized that she really hadn't ever been completely listening when Boysenberry started rambling about her other friends. Feeling guilty, she promised herself that she would do better at listening to her bestie this year. Let's just hope I stick to all these promises I'm making for this year. Silver Rose felt a large, ball like knot build up in her stomach.  




"What did you do to your mane?!" Roseluck gasped, after Boysenberry left, and Silver Rose came down stairs.

Silver Rose rolled her eyes. "I just gave myself side bangs! How did you even noticed?" 

Roseluck squinted. "I notice everything." 

Silver Rose cleared her throat. "Um. Okay. Well, I just wanted to look a little more fashionable for the new school year." 

"Oh, so are you taking what I said about making new friends to heart?" Roseluck asked, a delighted look on her face. 

"That and I decided to make a fresh start. You were right, I need to get out of my shell," Silver Rose said.

"I am so happy to hear you say that," Roseluck said, giving Silver Rose a hug. "I think this is a good year to make some changes." 

Silver Rose noticed an odd look in Roseluck's green eyes as her sister released her. "What do you mean?" she asked, confused.  

"Well, you won't believe this... but..." Roseluck blushed. "I-I found a colt friend..." 

Silver Rose's jaw dropped. "You're dating somepony?!" she gasped. "But... how....? When?" She was so shocked. Her sister had a special somepony? Why hadn't she told her before? She never even mentioned that she found anyone that appealed to her! 

"Well, he came to us Flower ponies' carts for a bouquet of flowers for his grandmother... and I don't know... we started talking and now we are going to go out on a date on Saturday," Roseluck sighed, dreamily. 

"And this happened when?" Silver Rose asked. She was thrilled for her sister, but she really wished that she would have told her before now. 

"Um, two days ago. I'm really sorry, Rosey. I would have told you sooner, but you were so busy preparing for school and working on your paintings that you're painting for ponies," Roseluck explained. 

Silver Rose nodded. "I understand. But you still could've told me. Just one question..." 

"Yes?" 

"I thought you didn't believe in true love..." Silver Rose said, hoping that Roseluck was changing her mind about that. 

"No one said this is true love," Roseluck said. "Besides, all I said was I don't know if it's real or not. The last stallion I liked wasn't exactly faithful, so you can see where I'm coming from." 

"I guess," Silver Rose said. Then she grinned. "What's his name? Where does he live? Tell me everything!" 

"How about over a pot of chamomile tea?" Roseluck suggested, heading to the kitchen. 

"Sold!" Silver Rose chirped, following her older sister. 



  
Silver Rose's black alarm clock blared early in the morning. She groaned and flipped the covers off of her before silencing the clock. She rubbed her eyes with her hooves and looked out her window. 

First day back to school! she realized suddenly. 

The unicorn jumped out of bed and immediately began to brush her mane and tail. She grabbed an ivory scarf and a black beret. She stared at her reflection in her dresser mirror. 

Artistic yet glam, Silver Rose thought, pleased. 

She lit her aura and took her neatly organized book bag off of her bedpost before heading down the stairs to the kitchen where Roseluck had breakfast laid out. 

Silver Rose sat down and began to eat her buttered toast. 

"Good morning!" Roseluck chirped. "Ready for your first day back to school?" 

"Totally!" Silver Rose grinned. 

"Wonderful. Now, apple or orange juice?" 

Silver Rose hesitated for a moment before choosing, "Orange." 

"Are you sure?" Roseluck asked, surprised. "I thought you didn't like orange juice." 

"I'm sure. What are brand new starts if you're not willing to try something new?" 

"Fair point. Orange juice it is!" She poured Silver Rose a glass of thick orange juice. "Here you go." 

Silver Rose frowned. Orange juice was just too stringy and thick for her to really swallow. Finally she took a swallow and her eyes widened in amazement. "This is good!" she exclaimed. She drank more. "Like, really, really good!" 

Roseluck smiled. "I started buying the original at the market instead of the country style." 

"I can't believe they have country style! Why would they make young fillies think they hate orange juice?" Silver Rose mock pouted. 

Laughing, Roseluck said, "Some ponies like the country orange juice." She glanced at the large clock on the sunflower covered kitchen wall. "Looks like you need to get to school! Do you want me to walk you there like before, or are you going to go by yourself?" 

"I'll go by myself, thank you. You can head to work," Silver Rose said, getting up.

"Whatever you say," Roseluck said, before grabbing her purse with her muzzle. She set it on the table then said, "Have a good day." 

Silver Rose picked up her bag and the rest of her toast and headed to the door. "You too!" She used her magic to open the door and headed out. 

As she walked along the road to the Ponyville school house, she inhaled deeply, bringing in the smell of autumn flowers, pumpkins, and spices.   

This is going to be a great day! Silver Rose decided. 

"Hi-ya filly! Would you like some cupcakes?!' a bubbly, high-pitched voice chirped. 

Silver Rose turned to see Pinkie Pie from Sugar Cube Corner holding a tray of freshly baked cupcakes. They looked scrumptious, but if she stopped to get one, she'd be late for school. "No, thank you," she said, giving the pink pony a smile. 

"Are you sure? They're delicious!" 

"I'm sure," Silver Rose said, continuing down the road. 

The school bell began to ring just as she reached the top of the hill on which the school house sat. She went into the school and immediately singled out Boysenberry, who was surrounded by her giggling friends. She started to head over to them, before she recognized Rarity's younger sister, Sweetie Belle. 

Silver Rose walked over to the white unicorn who was talking to an orange pegasus and a yellow earth pony who had a large pink bow in her mane. She cleared her throat. "Um, hi," she squeaked. She had tried to sound confident and friendly, but all that came out was a mouse like sound. 

The three fillies turned around. "Howdy," the earth pony greeted. "Hello," Sweetie Belle said. "'Sup?" the small-winged pegasus grunted. 

"Uh-um... I'm Silver Rose..." 

"We know," the earth pony said. "We've seen you in school before. You sit with the foals that are a grade above us." 

Rarity said Sweetie Belle was a couple years younger than me... not one, Silver Rose thought in surprise. It also amazed her that these fillies knew who she was, but she only faintly remembered seeing them last year. "I, um, I'm trying to make some new friends this year... and I thought that maybe I could introduce myself to you three." 

"Well, you've come to the right fillies!" Sweetie Belle said. "In case you don't know, I'm Sweetie Belle, that's Apple Bloom, and the pegasus is Scootaloo." 

"I see you have your cutie mark," Scootaloo pointed out, only to received a warning glare from Apple Bloom.  

Silver Rose nodded. "Um, yes, I do. I got it around a year ago." 

"Aren't you that filly that's friends with my older sister, Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh, well, I don't know who all Rarity is friends with, but yes, she's my friend, I guess," Silver Rose said, taking a deep breath. Why do I have to start every sentence with 'uh' or 'um'?!she wondered frustrated. Get it together, Silver Rose, get it together! You don't have to be afraid. They're fillies just like you.  She searched her brain for what else she could possibly say. 

"All right, my little ponies, time to take your seats," the teacher, Cheerilee, announced, saving Silver Rose from having to say anything more. 

Silver Rose sighed in relief and found the desk with her name on it. Thank you so much, Cheerilee!  Now she wouldn't have to say or do anything, non-school related, until recess. 

During the lessons, Silver Rose decided that today she was going to observe her classmates. As she looked around, she realized the school room was larger than she had remembered. It had to be to hold all the grades in Ponyville. 

Suddenly a light gold earth pony colt with blue mane and tail caught Silver Rose's eye. He had a bowling cutie mark and azure eyes. He looks interesting...she thought to herself. How come I've never seen him before?  

"Miss Silver Rose," Cheerilee said. "Are you listening?" 

"Huh? Oh, yes, of course," Silver Rose quickly recovered. Oh, yeah, that's why.  
***
When the foals rushed out of the school house for recess, Silver Rose gulped nervously. Who would she talk to? Would Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo let her hang out with them or not? Or would she be stuck by herself or, even worse, with Boysenberry and her group of friends? 

Feeling out of place, Silver Rose hung her head and walked over to a bench. Suddenly she stumbled into some pony. 

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" came an unfamiliar voice. 

Silver Rose looked up into the blue eyes of the colt that had stood out to her earlier. "Uh... y-yes..." She quickly collected herself and said. "I'm sorry for crashing into you, I wasn't watching where I was going." She noticed that that the colt was flanked by two other young colts, a blue pegasus and an orange earth pony. 

"That's okay," blue eyes said. "I'm Strike." 

"Um, I'm Silver Rose..." she nervously glanced around. For some reason Silver Rose always had a problem with eye contact. Perhaps it was because she was afraid that if ponies looked into her eyes they would be able to tell what she was thinking. Or maybe it was because the depth of the soul behind the eyes made her nervous. Whatever the case, she simply couldn't focus on his eyes and so decided to look at his muzzle, which she soon realized was also a mistake. 

Silver Rose cleared her throat. Well, this is awkward... 

"I've seen you around before; aren't you that florist pony's sister or something?" Strike asked, blinking thoughtfully. 

"Oh, yes... Roseluck... yes, she's my sister," Silver Rose stammered. "Do you have any siblings?" 

Strike shook his head. "No, I'm an only foal, unfortunately." 

"Hey, Strike, let's go play some soccer or something," the pegasus said, obviously bored. 

"Do you wanna play?" Strike asked. 

Silver Rose frowned. She was no good at sports, especially not soccer, but she desperately wanted to get to know Strike better. It was simply a choice between humiliating herself in front of the entire school to hang out with a cute colt, or waiting until another time to simply talk to him. "Uh, I'll pass." 

The pegasus snorted, "Like a filly could play a sport anyways!" 

Silver Rose turned red with anger. "Th-that's not  true!" she objected. 

"Hey, Chip Mint, don't be rude," Strike said to his friend, with a frown. 

Ignoring Strike, the pegasus -Chip Mint- smirked at Silver Rose. "Oh, okay. Sure. So, why don't you play then?" 

A knot twisted in Silver Rose's stomach. "Fine. Let's play," she said, sounding more confident than she felt. "Your four best colts against my four best fillies," she dared. What am I doing?! Silver Rose mentally screamed at herself. 

"Done, and done," Chip Mint said. 

Silver Rose found Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom and explained the situation -leaving out the part about Strike being cute, of course-. The three fillies agreed to help and said they could get another filly to help. 

Soon it was Silver Rose, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and a purple unicorn named Dinky Doo against Chip Mint, Strike, a brown earth pony named Lickity Split, and Strike's earth pony friend, First Base. 

Chip Mint was bouncing a soccer ball up and down with his hoof. "Prepare to die," he said, chuckling. 

"Uh... what?" Apple Bloom asked, looking worried. 

"I think he means prepare to be defeated," Sweetie Belle explained. 

"Oh, right," Apple Bloom nodded. Then to Chip Mint she yelled, "Ya'll will look like a bunch o' chickens by the time we're done with ya!" 

The colts burst into laughter. 

Silver Rose set her jaw. "Okay fillies, let's prepare to fight. Apple Bloom will help guard our goal, awhile Scootaloo and Dinky Doo will try to get the ball into the other goal and score the points. Sweetie Belle can be the back up with either guarding or "goaling"." 

"What about you?" Sweetie Belle asked. 

"I'll be the goalie," Silver Rose said, hoping that she had placed everyone correctly. "Does everyone concur?" 

The fillies stared at her, blank expressions on their faces. 

She shook her head. "Does everyone agree with my plan?" 

"Oh, yes, yes," everyone chorused. 

"Great, it's game time," Silver Rose said, glaring angrily at the colts. Please don't let us mess up, she begged mentally. 

***

The game hadn't started off so well, with the colts gaining all the points. But after Silver Rose had given herself a stern mental lecture, she began blocking the balls better, and then the fillies started scoring more goals. 

By the time the school bell rang, announcing the end of recess it was a tie at five to five. 

"We would've won if the school bell hadn't rung so soon!" Chip Mint snarked. 

"In your boyish dreams!" Scootaloo spat. 

"Fillies are just losers," Chip Mint said. 

Strike shook his head. "We tied, Chip Mint. That's got to prove something." 

"Come inside, my little ponies!" Cheerilee called. "It's time to get back to school!" 

With a satisfied smile on her face, Silver Rose skipped back into the schoolhouse. She had only been the goalie, but she had been better than she thought she would be. Thank Celestia that I didn't make myself look ridiculous! she thought, relived. Now, when she went home, she could tell Roseluck that she actually wasn't that terrible at sports, like she had previously believed. 

So far, this has been a pretty good first day back to school, Silver Rose decided as she sat back down in her seat.
 
 

    
> Can't Get Him Off My Mind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How was your first day back?" Roseluck asked, once Silver Rose had returned, late afternoon, from school. 

"It was pretty good," Silver Rose said happily. "I made friends with these three fillies who call themselves the cutie mark crusaders and I learned a lot in from the classes." 

"Well that's good," the earth pony said as she sat down at the table with a bunch of papers and bills. "What about Boysenberry." 

Silver Rose shrugged, trying to act like she couldn't care less. "Mainly she was just hanging out with her other friends." 

"I'm sorry, Rosey," Roseluck sympathized. "Sometimes friends just grow apart." 

"It's fine," Silver Rose sighed. "Besides, it's not like she said we're not friends anymore. She's just ignoring me a little..." She shook her head and cleared her throat. "So, how much did you sell today?" 

Roseluck looked down at the papers, that had information scrawled all over, and rubbed her forehead. "Two bouquets, one of roses and another assorted." She sighed. "And Lily sold a pot of mums." 

Silver Rose frowned. "Not such a good day, huh?" 

Roseluck shook her head. "Business is has been starting to lag." 

"But you've just been awarded as florist of the month. Why would your business be lagging?" Silver Rose asked, confused. 

"I don't know," Roseluck said with a shrug. She noticed the concerned look on her younger sister's face and quickly added, "But don't worry, I'm sure it'll pick up again soon." She shoved the papers aside and rose to put a kettle of water onto the stove. She turned around to give Silver Rose a smirk, as she waited for the water to boil. "So, did you meet any cute colts?" 

Silver Rose's eyes darted down to the floor and she blushed. "U-uh... Psh! No! What makes you say that...?" her voice rose up to a squeak. 

Roseluck stared Silver Rose directly in the eyes. "I know you, Rosey."    

"But I've never thought about boys before, so what makes you think I am now?" Silver Rose asked, forcing a critical look. 

"You're around the age when puberty hits," Roseluck said with a shrug. 

"Lucky!!" Silver Rose whined. 

Roseluck laughed. "Joking, joking. But seriously. I can tell by the look on your face. I've looked at stallions before, I know the feeling." As she grinned, Silver Rose knew she was thinking of her coltfriend, Cherry Fizzy. 

"Well... there was this one colt..." Silver Rose admitted, as she used her magic to get a white porcelain mug from the cabinet.

"See, I told you so!" Roseluck said, just as the tea kettle began to whistle. 

"Do you want me to tell you about him or not?" Silver Rose threatened. 

"Okay, okay, fine." 

Silver Rose filled up her mug with hot water and added a bag of peppermint tea. "Well, he's an earth pony, and his name is Strike..." 

"Ooh, an earth pony. Good choice." Roseluck said, choosing her chamomile tea. 

Silver Rose rolled her eyes and continued, "He has azure eyes, a blue and white mane and tail, and a yellow coat. Oh, and he has a bowling cutie mark. He's really good at sports and seems okay at school. I heard him make some jokes and he's pretty funny." She frowned. "He's a little short though." 

"Way to pay attention to details," Roseluck teased. 

Silver Rose shot her a glare and took a sip of her tea. She winced as the minty liquid was still too hot and it burnt her tongue. 

"Well, good luck with that," Roseluck said, setting her mug of tea down onto the counter top. "I need to go grocery shopping. Will you be fine here all by yourself?" 

Silver Rose nodded. "Yeah." 

"Great." Roseluck grabbed her purse and headed out to buy necessities. 

Silver Rose finished her tea and then cantered upstairs to do her homework. Or at least tried to. She couldn't help but fantasize about Strike. She had just met him, but already she needed to know more about him. 

*** 

The weekend came faster than Silver Rose had expected. Time had simply flown by when she got involved in her classes and... dreamed about Strike (though she would never admit it). She tried to convince herself that Strike was just a fantasy that her brain was making up. He would only ever be a friend, and she was silly to think anything different at her age -especially when she barely knew the colt. 

On Saturday, Roseluck was on her second date with Cherry Fizzy, so Silver Rose went to Carousel Boutique to hang out with Rarity and Sweetie Belle. She loved going to the pink and purple clothes shop. It was so pretty and artsy.

"I thought you'd be with the cutie mark crusaders at your clubhouse today," Silver Rose said to Sweetie Belle, once the unicorn arrived at Rarity and Sweetie Belle's place. 

Sweetie Belle shrugged. "Apple Bloom had a thing at the farm and Scootaloo is writing fanfic about her hero Rainbow Dash." 

"So I'm a third choice friend?" Silver Rose mock-pouted. 

Sweetie Belle suddenly gasped and sputtered to cover up. 

Silver Rose and Rarity both giggled. 

"She's teasing you, darling," Rarity said, with a smile, as she threaded a silver needle with her magic. 

Sweetie Belle looked from her older sister to Silver Rose. "You are?" 

Silver Rose nodded. "I know Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are your best friends, and I don't mind that. You've only known me for a week. Besides, we all have our special friends." 

"Do you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I mean, it's just, I haven't seen you really hanging out with anyone else." 

Silver Rose thought for a moment. "Well... Boysenberry and I have been best friends for forever and a half, but we've always kind of had this thing, where she has her friends at school and I... I dunno... I've never really participated in anything non-school related unless it had to do with art." 

"Not this year though!" Rarity chirped. Silver Rose had told her older friend about how she was making a new start. 

"Nope! I'm doing things differently this year," Silver Rose said, happily. 

"Well, I'm glad I can be a part of your change, even if I am younger than you," Sweetie Belle said. 

Silver Rose nodded. "Age has never really been an important thing to me." She looked up at Rarity, who looked like she was having a bit of a struggle with her sewing machine. "Is there anything I can help you with, Rarity?" she asked. 

Rarity shook her head and pushed her red spectacles up her muzzle. "No, I simply need to oil this machine once again," she said, with an exasperated sigh. "I've been shoving it off, as I hate that grimy stuff!" 

Silver Rose and Sweetie Belle smiled knowingly. Rarity hated getting her pearly white hooves dirty, even if it was necessary to accomplish something important. 

"So I've noticed you seem a little interested in Strike," Sweetie Belle said with a grin. 

Silver Rose blushed. Did everyone have to say something about Strike when she was trying to not think about him?! She noticed that now Rarity looked incredibly interested and curious. "Um... maybe," she squeaked. 

"That's cute," Sweetie Belle gushed. "I'm pretty sure that he likes you too!" 

"Yeah right! I've only talked to him a couple of times, and I've only just recently noticed that he's alive," Silver Rose objected, trying not burst into giggles. She got that way when ponies talked about the colt, for some reason. She had no idea why. 

"But still. Guys notice when girls notice them," Sweetie Belle pointed. 

Silver Rose frowned. "But I thought it was always the exact opposite." 

Sweetie Belle shrugged. "Like I would know!" She burst into a fit of giggles. 

Rarity smiled. "It all depends on what they're like. I agree, some are exceedingly dense and never notice a thing, and others are very observant." 

"Well Strike's definitely not stupid," Silver Rose quickly said. She smiled inwardly as she remembered all the times she saw him helping the younger foals with their school work. 

"No, not stupid. Just a little dense," Rarity corrected. "And I'm not saying he is, just a lot of colts and stallions are." She sighed, as she began to run material through her sewing machine. 

"What's with her?" Silver Rose asked Sweetie Belle quietly. 

"She's got her tail in a twist over another Canterlot stallion," Sweetie Belle whispered.

"Ohhh," Silver Rose said, with a nod. 


After spending a couple of hours at Carousel Boutique, Silver Rose went to Boysenberry's house to see if she could hang out. She still hadn't told her about Strike, and she felt she should since they were best friends. 

But when Silver Rose knocked on the door to have Boysenberry to open it, the earth pony told her that she was too busy with homework. 

Silver Rose left, hanging her head a little. Homework? On a Saturday?  She couldn't help but be a little suspicious, so she turned around and rushed back. She was about to knock on the door again, when she heard cheerful laughter and talking coming from the backyard. Feeling guilty for not trusting her best friend and spying, Silver Rose peeked around the edge of the white house and was shocked when she saw Boysenberry running and playing with several of her friends from school. 

She felt her stomach fall and she was afraid that she might be sick. Boysenberry had lied to her. Why couldn't she just have told her that she was already hanging out with her other friends? And even so, why couldn't she have invited Silver Rose to hang out with them? They had all played together before. What was going on? 

Tears streaming down from her face, Silver Rose galloped off. Some best friend! a little voice in the back of her mind said. As she ran across a bridge, she slipped on a rock and before she knew it she had fallen into the freezing cold river. 

"Aaah!" she shrieked, as she thrashed around in the bone-chilling water, trying to get to the surface. She knew from swimming in the river that it was a couple of inches above her head -just enough for her to drown. Don't panic! Don't panic! her brain commanded, as she emerged her head. You'll only make things worse! The river isn't rushing, and if you remain calm you'll be fine. 

"Oh my Celestia, are you okay?!" came a familiar voice from the bank. 

Silver Rose froze, causing herself to slip beneath the water again. She came back up coughing and spluttering. 

Strike looked scared for her as he stared into the water. "Do you need help?!" he asked, his voice filled with urgency. 

I can't believe he's seeing me like this! Silver Rose thought, angrily. She doggy paddled over to the bank -as she wasn't a very good swimmer yet- and managed to pull herself up onto dry land. "I-I'm f-fine," she stammered, her breath slightly wheezy. 

Strike reached out a hoof to Silver Rose but then quickly withdrew when a voice shouted, "Strike?! Strike! There you are!" First Base scurried over to them. "Strike, me and the boys are wanting to start up a game of baseball." When he saw Silver Rose he gasped. "Celestia! What happened to you?" 

Silver Rose shook the water from her mane and tail, causing both colts to take a couple steps back. She frowned. "I, um, I fell into the river..."

"Are you okay?" First Base asked, eyeing her up and down. 

She nodded. "Yes. Of course." Not really... I just found out my so called 'best friend' is a liar. But they don't need to know that... She shivered. The water had been chilly, as the Autumn nights were growing colder. "I'm fine." Silver Rose began to walk back on, to her home (as Roseluck was most definitely home by now), but she felt the colt's eyes on her. She turned her head, only to have Strike quickly look away, and First Base give him an odd look. Was Sweetie Belle right? she wondered. 

She shook the thought from her head and continued on to her house, where she knew Roseluck would be to comfort her and give her a cup of warming tea.   



 

"Class, this week we will be studying about how modern technology has helped Equestria," Cheerilee announced on Monday. "To go a long with the theme I want each of you to either team up with some pony or go on your own and create some sort of device that conducts electricity." 

Silver Rose lit her aura to pick up a pencil and sighed. Great, she thought to herself. What do I know about electricity? 

"Today I only want you to decide if you're going to partner up or strike out on your own and then write down any ideas you have," the school teacher continued. 

Strike out on your own?  Silver Rose thought, with a mental groan. Does everything have to remind me of him?!  She couldn't help but glance over at the creative colt. You could see the ideas already forming in his mind. 

Sweetie Belle got up from her desk, along with other foals, and walked over to Silver Rose's desk. "Do you want to be my partner?" she asked. 

Silver Rose's eyes widened. "You want to be my partner?" she asked, surprised. 

"Sure, why not?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You're my friend too you know." 

Silver Rose grinned. "Sure. Wanna meet up later to plan?" 

"Sure. How about your house? I haven't been there yet," Sweetie Belle suggested. 

"Okay," Silver Rose agreed. She glanced across the room at Boysenberry, but quickly looked away when their eyes met. She was still mad at her 'best friend' and would be until she apologized. Which probably won't be anytime soon, since she doesn't even know that I found out she lied to me,  Silver Rose thought. 

"Alright ponies, if you're done choosing your partners, please go back to your seats and sit down," Cheerilee commanded. Once her orders were issued out, she began her lesson. "First of all, we will be learning about atoms. Does any pony here know what an atom is?" 

A few of the older foals raised their hooves. 

"Okay. Well, for those of you who don't know, an atom is a basic unit of a chemical unit. They are the small particles that everything is made of..."  

As Cheerilee continued to talk about atoms and what they did, Silver Rose glanced at Strike again. He was jotting down notes, holding his pencil with his muzzle, but paused when he noticed Silver Rose looking at him. She quickly jerked her focus away, to her desk. We. Made. Eye contact!  she thought, feeling what Roseluck called butterflies in her stomach. 

She tried to focus on her lesson about atoms, matter, and newly discovered electricity, but she just couldn't get Strike off of her mind. Is this what it feels like to have your first crush? she wondered. If so, it's incredibly annoying!  She looked over at Strike for what felt like the hundredth time. But incredibly amazing...  

  
> Rosey's First Romantic Dinner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, I was thinking that we could make some sort of tinfoil heart with Christmas lights..." Sweetie Belle was saying, as she and Silver Rose laid on the pink covered bed in Silver Rose's room. 

Silver Rose sighed. They had just started planning, and already she was regretting this. Sweetie Belle was good at many things, but coming up with ideas and creating things were not on the list. This was a mistake, she thought, as she rubbed her eyes and yawned. I know Sweetie Belle is my friend, but I'd secretly be thrilled if I got to be Strike's partner. He's so smart and I'm sure he'd have brilliant ideas!

"Oh, are you tired?" Sweetie Belle asked, snapping Silver Rose out of her fantasizing.  

Silver Rose blinked. "Huh?" She realized that she must have zoned out. "Oh, sorry. Um, maybe a little. I was up painting late last night." 

Sweetie Belle smiled. "I understand. So, back to the project. What do you think?" 

"Well, I think that would be a cute idea. Not very complicated, but if we do one of the more complex wiring systems then I think it'll pass," she said. She cast Sweetie Belle a look, making sure she understood what she was saying. She was discovering more and more big words that she liked using, and sometimes other ponies had a hard time understanding her. 

Sweetie Belle didn't look too confused, so Silver Rose continued, "But I think that maybe before we finalize any plans we should learn a bit more." 

"I guess the cutie mark crusaders and I could do a little research or something," Sweetie Belle said. Suddenly she gasped, "Wait! What if we got our cutie marks in electricity!" She got a hopeful look in her green eyes. 

Silver Rose gave a little forced laugh. "Maybe," she said. But I seriously doubt it, she added mentally. 

Just then a knock sounded from downstairs. 

"Girls, Rarity's here!" Roseluck called. 

Silver Rose frowned, feeling a little sad that Rarity was here already to pick up Sweetie Belle. The filly might not have been very good at this project, but Silver Rose liked hanging out with her. She got a little lonely all by herself sometimes. She had Roseluck, but now all her older sister could seem to talk about was how amazing Cherry Fizzy was or how many flowers she sold. 

"Well, I've got to go," Sweetie Belle said, getting up. "I'll see you tomorrow." 

Silver Rose gave her friend a small smile. "Okay, bye," she said, using her magic to pick up the papers that were scattered on the bed. She handed Sweetie Belle her papers before the white filly left. 

Silver Rose looked around her painting filled room. Two creamy white and light red walls gave her painting space the rosey-carnation look that she loved. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the pink been bag that rested in a corner next to a white book shelf piled full of fiction and painting books. It was where she and Boysenberry often read books to each other. 

The white dresser, that she had finally cleaned paintings from, reminded her of the nights when she and her best friend would do make overs together. 

She leaped off of her bed and her hooves landed on the shaggy bright pink area rug. The rug that Boysenberry got her for her birthday. 

Silver Rose groaned. Did everything have to remind her of her 'best friend'?! She frowned as she realized that she needed to talk to Boysenberry about what had happened, but she hated awkward situations, and confronting some pony about lying was definitely high on the ranks of awkwardness. I'll do it whenever I work up the courage. I'll just go over to her house some weekend, when not every other pony is around, or something, she told herself. But wait,  her brain argued, What if she just lies about lying?! She wouldn't do that would she? Oh, I hope not, 'cause that would just make things even more complicated. Maybe I should talk to Roseluck about this! Or not... She has enough of her own problems. Like her business and always worrying if she's good enough for Cherry Fizzy or whatever. Maybe I could talk to the cutie mark crusaders about it? No... they're too busy trying to get their cutie marks. Maybe just Sweetie Belle? Or maybe Rarity? Or... 

Silver Rose laughed at herself. She was having a long discussion with her brain. How silly is that? she thought, giggling aloud. She suddenly frowned. Okay, now I'm just getting ridiculous. Stop talking to your brain! Stop! 

Now Silver Rose was just frustrated. Deciding that she spent too much time alone, she went downstairs. Being with Roseluck and hearing her go on and on about her coltfriend was better than being freaky and talking to herself in her head. 

"Roseluck!" Silver Rose called, as she descended the cherry wood stairs. She was just down here earlier,  she thought. Was my conversation with my brain really that long? She heard laughter coming  from the kitchen area. She leaned over the staircase railing to her right and recoiled when she saw Roseluck sitting at the kitchen table with a caramel colored earth pony stallion. She trotted quickly down the stairs. "Um, hello?" 

Roseluck bolted up. "Oh, dear, Silver Rose, you scared me. I didn't hear you." 

The stallion turned around in his seat and gave Silver Rose a megawatt smile. "Hello." 

Silver Rose cocked her head and gave her older sister a confused look. "Uh...?" She turned to the stallion. He had black mane and light green eyes. Either Roseluck is cheating on her coltfriend or this is the all famous Cherry Fizzy.

"Oh, Rosey, this is my coltfriend! Cherry Fizzy," Roseluck said, grinning from ear to ear.  

When the stallion stood, Silver Rose could see his cherry cutie mark. "I see that," she remarked, unsure about how she felt having her sister's colt friend here. "Um, hi," she said to Cherry Fizzy. "I'm Roseluck's sister, Silver Rose." 

"I know," he said, courtly. Roseluck talks a lot about you." 

"I could say the same about you," Silver Rose said, instantly regretting her words. 

Roseluck turned beat red as Cherry Fizzy shot her a charming smile.  She turned back to Silver Rose. "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you that Cherry Fizzy is staying for dinner. We'll be having Fettuccine Alfredo." 

Silver Rose turned her head a fraction to see the pasta that was laid out on the counter top. "Isn't the Fettuccine a little under cooked?" she teased, finally finding her voice. 

Roseluck spun around. "Oh! I forgot to prepare it!" 

Silver Rose and Cherry Fizzy both chuckled. 

Deciding to be kind Silver Rose offered, "Let me make the food for you. You just enjoy your coltfriend." She winked. 

"Are you sure?" Roseluck asked, a concerned look on her face. 

"Don't worry, I have the recipe memorized. Besides, I have nothing better to do," Silver Rose assured her older sister, heading over to the sink to fill the pan up with water. 

"Well, alright." Roseluck smiled. "Thank you, Rosey." She and Cherry Fizzy headed to the living room, leaving Silver Rose to prepare the meal.

Trying not to wonder what it would be like if Strike were her coltfriend, Silver Rose put the pasta on the stove and began to make the Alfredo sauce. She buttered the garlic bread and popped it into the oven before tossing a salad. She set the table with their fine china and lit two tall candles, all awhile smiling.

Her plan was to make the food, grab her plate, and then head upstairs. She may not be all that happy about meeting Cherry Fizzy today, when she was feeling rather down, but she could at least make this dinner a little romantic for the two love birds. Once they were finished with the food, she could wash the dishes and maybe get to know Cherry Fizzy a little. That should keep her distracted for the rest of the day. It was a way to make her sister happy, and keep her own mind off of her lying friend and first crush. 

Once everything was finished, Silver Rose set out the food, filled her own plate, and then turned the kitchen lights down. Just as she was about to call for Roseluck and Cherry Fizzy, something clicked in the back of her brain. Music! Every romantic Italian dinner needs music!  She looked around before remembering that she had a record player that she got for her birthday along with a few records in her closet upstairs. 

Silver Rose energized her horn and in a flash she was in her room. She dug through her closet, that was in bad need of organization, found her player and a record of romantic music and flashed back down stairs. Once she was back in the kitchen she shook her head. She wasn't very used to teleporting and it left her a little dizzy and her mane a little static. Shaking it off, she set up the record on a stool and set the pin down. 

"Dinner's ready!" she called, using her magic to grab her plate and fork from the counter. 

Roseluck and Cherry Fizzy moseyed into the kitchen, talking softly and chuckling a little. When they saw the table they stopped and gasped. 

Silver Rose had a little smirk on her face. "I hope you both like the food. I took the liberty to make a few changes to the... aura of the kitchen." 

"Wh-what...did you do?" Roseluck stammered looking around the kitchen. The light brown curtains were closed, a few rose petals were scattered around, and the candles created a flickering light. 

"You never told me your sister was a romantic," Cherry Fizzy said, chuckling a little. 

"If you don't like it I can totally redo it," Silver Rose said, suddenly growing a little worried. Maybe she had over done it a little. It was just dinner, not a proposal on hearts and hooves day. 

"No!" Roseluck quickly said, before catching herself. She cleared her throat. "Uh, I mean. No, it's lovely. You put a lot of hard work into this and you needn't redo it..." 

Silver Rose grinned. Oh who was she kidding? Her sister was a Rose. And the Roses loved romance. "You too have a good time. I'll be down to do the dishes then." 

"Oh, Rosey, you don't need to," Roseluck objected. 

Silver Rose shook her head. "Nonsense! You wouldn't do any less for me." She headed upstairs, being careful to walk softly. Once she got into her room, she sat down on her window seat and began eating. Rarity would be proud,  she told herself happily, thinking of how romantically inclined the white unicorn was.  

***

"Was this your first romantic dinner, or have you set up many?" Cherry Fizzy asked Silver Rose, as she washed the dishes. 

After the meal, both Roseluck and Cherry Fizzy had insisted to help Silver Rose with the dirty dishes, but she objected, saying they should sit back and relax themselves. 

"Nope, this was my first one," Silver Rose said proudly. She used her hooves to wash a plate and then transported it over to the drying rack with her magic. 

"Well, we loved it!" Roseluck said, from where she sat at the table, beside Cherry Fizzy. 

"You've told me that, like, five times already," Silver Rose said, rolling her eyes. 

"So what grade are you in at school?" Cherry Fizzy asked. 

"Well, I've started the fifth class this year, but I'm ahead in school, as I've always enjoyed reading and studying," Silver Rose said. 

"Oh, so then you're getting close to the end of your school," Cherry Fizzy said with surprise. "Will you be going to Canterlot for high academy -as they call it-?" 

"You know I've never really thought about that!" Silver Rose said. "I'm aspiring to become an artist, but the extra classes might be a fun learning experience." 

"It might be something we have to look into," Roseluck said, looking thoughtful. 

"What do you do for work?" Silver Rose asked Cherry Fizzy. If her sister was going to get serious with this stallion, he had to be suitable. 

"I am Mayor Mare's assistant. I also do some odd jobs helping ponies. Once in awhile I fill in for other ponies at stores," Cherry Fizzy said. 

Hm, Mayor Mare's assistant... not bad, Silver Rose thought approvingly. Her next question was going to be a little awkward, but she needed to know. "Previous dating life?" 

"Silver Rose!" Roseluck gasped.

Cherry Fizzy chuckled. "No, it's alright." He cleared his throat. "Well... I was previously dating Cherry Berry, but it just didn't work out." 

Silver Rose nodded. "Do you have any annoying family members?" 

Here the stallion burst into loud laughter. 

Silver Rose smiled, knowing the question seemed odd. She didn't mind that he didn't take her too seriously. In fact, that was a good thing. 

"What is with you?" Roseluck asked, flushing from probable embarrassment. 

"You need to know what you're getting yourself into," Silver Rose said, as she dried a sauce pan with a small hoof towel. 

"Your younger sister has a bit more sense than you do. She's wanting important details," Cherry Fizzy teased with a playful wink. He turned to Silver Rose. "And, well, I do have this one aunt. She's rather nit-picky. I love her, but everyone in the family has to agree that she is a hoof full." 

"Thank you, that is all I wanted to know," Silver Rose said, pleased that Cherry Fizzy actually answered her questions. Not a lot of stallions would. Either they thought they were too good or got embarrassed when she asked questions like that. 

"You're hilarious," Cherry Fizzy said, with a grin. 

"I'm just looking out for my sister," Silver Rose said. She used her magic to put some of the dried dishes up. 

"Don't worry, she's in good hooves," Cherry Fizzy said. 

There was a silence as Silver Rose finished up the dishes. Not an awkward silence, the three ponies were simply involved in their own thoughts. 

Breaking the quiet, Silver Rose announced that she was done with her dishes and was going to go work on some homework. "It's nice to have met you," she said to her sister's coltfriend. 

Cherry Fizzy smiled. "You too. And thank you again for the wonderful dinner. We might have to get you to create another date for us sometime." 

Roseluck nodded in agreement.

Silver Rose smiled, pleased that Cherry Fizzy and Roseluck had enjoyed their dinner date. Maybe I should do this sometime again, she decided, her brain developing plans. She shook her ideas out of her head as she headed back up the stairs again to complete her homework and maybe go to bed early, as she felt kind of foggy-minded. 


Once she finished her homework, she laid in her comfy bed and stared up at the ceiling. She wondered what her first dinner date would be like, and whom it would be with. 

There would be a bouquet of red roses, on top of a silk covered table, flanked by two tall, white candles. A bit of rose petals and glitter would be sprinkled on the table top. They would use crystal glasses and have small, heart shaped ice chunks in the glasses. Steaming vegetables and pasta would be served on plates of fine china, and the utensils would be real silver. Soft music would play in the background, and the lighting would be low... 

Silver Rose closed her eyes as she fell to sleep, dreaming about the day of her future first date.