A/N : This is just a small test, and I don't know if I'll continue this. No prereaders on this one, anyways, feedback would be nice!
My name is Bailey. I am a simple earth pony living in Ponyville.
How’s my life? That depends on your point of view. If you compare me with the rich and famous ponies in Canterlot, I am probably leading a very pathetic life. However, if you compare my life with a pony that has not been emotionally fulfilled, then my life cannot be more perfect.
My point of view?
Frankly, until I voice it out now, I have never thought of that question. So, I do not have much of an idea. Like any other ponies, I have a dream. It sounds out of reach, but I tell myself that it is not impossible. I wish that one day I could be a hero, somepony who would save the world. Sounds immature? But, I believe that the best dreams usually spring from passion. I once wondered if this silly dream of mine will fade off, but oddly, it grew more intense over time.
I was brought up single-hoofedly by my mother. For the longest time, I did not know what happened to my father. Mum has always told me that he died in a car accident when I was still a foal. I left it at that. I did not bring up the issue ever again for fear that it might upset my mum.
Bad things usually collide in full force in a series. A few years after my father’s demise, my mum began to encounter serious problems with her kidneys. The doctors told us that it was a serious case of kidney failure. After her first operation, my mother was prescribed with oral medication. But, over time, her condition visibly deteriorated. Eventually, she was instructed to go for kidney dialysis three times per week.
My mother would cry silently in her room everyday since then. As always, whenever I open the door, she would try to wipe away her tears. But, her red eyes always give her away. I have always yearned to lessen her pain. Since I was young, I had wanted to quit school to work. But, she turned livid at my suggestion and told me she would never allow that to happen.
And so, life went on like before. We tried our best to skimp and save, spending our money mainly on food. I rejected every social invitation from my friends because I knew that involved too much money. Of course, I came up with a horde of excuses: I need to stay home to finish my homework, my mum grounded me… Any excuse that you can think of, I would have used it before.
I secretly started work as a part-time waiter in a restaurant. I only told my mum much later. She was unhappy, but had to accept it. Around that time, I made it into the Music Stream in the Ponyville College. Thus, it became an after-school routine to rush to work, neglecting my friends and homework.
What does every teenage pony do with their money? They would probably go clubbing, buy the most ‘in’ fashion, smoke and drink. What about me? I buy bread, apples, occasionally some cupcakes and settle the household bills...
Life has always been tough. Every minute, I would ponder over what might happen next because I never have enough money for three decent meals.
I did apply for a bursary, but was rejected because I dropped out of school.
Somehow, every life has a turning point. I never expected mine to come when I met a lavender unicorn one fine day.
~~~~
That day, was like any other, Celestia’s sun was high up in the air.
Lessons ended late that day. It would be a twenty minute walk to get to the diner. Walking has always been a relaxing hobby of mine, I liked letting thoughts run through my mind as I walk.
Just my luck. Upon arriving at the diner, my boss said that I was not needed that day since they had a special last-minute function and needed banquet workers only. Naturally, I volunteered for it. Unfortunately, I was rejected because I was untrained.
With a dazed mind, fuming over all the spare time I suddenly had, I decided to take a small walk on the cliff that overlooked Ponyville. I made my way to the top, to find some respite.
I surveyed the cliff. All I saw was the unfinished road, a few bushes and rocks. There was nothing exciting up here.
Just as I was about to settle for a quiet spot, I caught sight of a figure at the edge of the cliff. It seemed to be a mare. Upon closer scrutiny, I could tell she had a horn protruding from her forehead. Her purple mane was staging a wild dance in the wind.
Curiosity piqued, I inspected her every movement, listening to every sound that came from her direction. I swore that I heard a soft sobbing earlier on.
I watched her take a step closer to the cliff with every passing moment, gazing skywards.
“No!” I screamed.
Trembling, she turned to face me directly. Her eyes were large and round, expressing nothing but shock. Wow! She sure was beautiful.
Tears were falling copiously from her red swollen eyes.
“Who are you?” she asked, her voice as sweet as she looked.
Her question left a big question mark on my mind. How should I answer? Was I supposed to say my name, or just tell her that I was a mere passerby?
“My name is Bailey. I’m just passing by.” I said both.
“What do you want?” her voice was now shrill.
“What do you want?” I shot back.
Interesting.
She glanced at me for a long time, expecting me to answer my own question.
Then, with a sweep of her hooves, she shrieked, “Go away!”
“I won’t. I’d never leave a mare to die like this.”
She inhaled deeply and then froze and, for a moment, I thought she was going to explode.
“What do you want?” she repeated, apparently confused.
I inched forward.
“Let me help.” I offered, lifting my hooves up.
“No… You won’t understand.”
She cupped her face with her hooves and wailed.
Then, without any warning, she repeated loudly, “You won’t understand!”
“If you don’t even try, how would you know?”
I fought an internal battle to stay calm. The worst thing to what could happen now was to see the mare jump off right before my eyes.
“Nopony can help me.”
“That’s because you refuse to let others help you.” I insisted, my tone so serious that even I was surprised.
“If you’re willing to let others help you, there is hope yet. Trust me.”
An anxious silence ensued.
“So, how old are you?”
Ah, shit! Mares hated ponies to ask about their age… But, it was too late! The words had already been spoken.
With a tinge of playfulness, she replied curtly, “Don’t you know a mare’s age is always a secret?”
Without her knowing, I had took a few steps forward. Two more steps, and I would be standing close to her.
“I’m sorry.” I apologised sheepishly.
I realized she had stopped crying.
“It’s okay..” she replied nonchalantly.
One more step.
“I see.”
With lightning-quick speed, I grabbed her hind legs. As expected, she struggled to break free from my grasp. But, her strength was no match for my will power to control her.
“Let me help!” I commanded as loudly as I could.
She stopped struggling as her eyes closed in on mine.
“Who do you think you are? You really think you can help?”
“Look! I’ve taken a lot of steps to reach you. And, I’m not letting you go unless you accept my help.”
She started sobbing again.
Just as I fumbled for a hooferchief, she lurched forward to hug me, all of a sudden.
~~~~
We sat at a table in Sugarcube Corner in silence. The air was laced with the smell of freshly baked goods, a few other ponies scattered around enjoying a small break from their day.
She never said anything.
I said nothing, as well.
Occasionally, I stole peeks at her.
Without a word, she stood up and headed for the counter.
Within minutes, she was back levitating two cupcakes. She swayed them unsteadily and looked as if she was going to smash them on my face.
“Just kidding!” she bellowed, as she sat down, gracefully landing them on the table.
I took a bite of the cupcake. Sweet.
In between small bites, she continued softly, “You’ve changed my thinking.”
Actually, I still had the burning question: Why does she want to commit suicide? She looks so pretty, so healthy… what could have driven her to the edge?
As if sensing my thoughts, she shook her head vehemently.
“Don’t ask me why, okay?”
“I didn’t ask.” I muttered, taking my another bite of my cupcake.
She nodded, and then tossed her head from side to side, as if she was trying to figure out something.
“You look and talk pretty mature.”
I blushed, taking it as a compliment.
There was nothing much to add. I did not know what to add, and neither did she. We continued eating in silence, each eyeing the surroundings and trying not to make eye contact.
“Aren’t you going to ask anything about me?” she remarked out of the blue.
“Well, erm…” I began with the basics. “What’s your name?”
“Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.” she answered. “You’re Bailey, right? I remember your name.”
“Yep.”
While I picked my brains for the next question, she cut in, “So what are you doing at the cliff?”
“I… erm… I was just passing by.” I stammered, wondering if it sounded weird.
She laughed out loud. “Passing by the cliff? Hmm…”
Awkward silince.
Not knowing what to do, I decided to divert my attention to the long line of customers queuing up.
“Looking for your marefriend?” she teased.
“I’ve got no marefriend!” I protested.
“I’ve got no coltfriend, as well.” she answered quickly.
Now, I was getting more interested.
“Why?” I asked, a little too eagerly.
“Because destiny has written my life.”
I had no idea what she was hinting at.
“I see.” I took another bite while considering what to say.
“Do you believe in destiny?” she asked meekly.
“I believe we write our own destiny.” I said dryly.
She hung her head low, as if she was trying to digest my answer.
“Hey, Bailey, thanks for everything.”
This time, I could feel the sincerity in her voice. “You’re a nice colt.”
With that, she stood up.
“I’d better be going. Bye.”
I nodded in compliance.
She walked off, leaving me alone in the pastry shop. As I watched her disappear into the distance, I was devoured by this intense feeling… It is that feeling that eats into you when you miss someone.
Was I missing her?
Buck!
She was just a mare I barely knew. To make matters worse, she was a unicorn!
Impossible!
It was until I lay in bed that night then, I realized her image still haunted my mind. I did miss her, after all.
A/N : This started out as a test, so I don’t know how this will go. Oh well!
When I reached home minutes after, I saw my surprised mum reclining on the couch. She was capping toys, where she inserted several tiny plastic parts into a rubber shell.
That was the only job my mum had. Due to her poor health, nopony was willing to employ her. Coupled with the fact that she only possessed primary education and had limited work experience, getting a job was next to impossible. In any case, her job brought in a steady income. She earned over three hundred bits per month, spending it all on the bare necessities we needed.
She wore a concerned look as she asked, “Home so early? Are you okay? I thought you’ve got to work till evening.”
“I’m okay, Mum. The diner doesn’t need me today. The bosses specifically wanted skilled workers for their banquet tonight.” I reassured her.
It had been a long time since I got home this early. Six hours less of work meant six hours more of pay deducted.
My mum nodded with a faint smile, and then hung her head low to continue with her work.
Quietly, I made my way towards the kitchen. We were not the kind of mother and son who could chat like good friends. Our conversations were few and far in between, but I know in my heart that we care for each other a lot.
I filled a cup with running water from the tap and gulped it down. It has always been my habit to use pure plain water as a substitute for food. Cheaper and well… healthier, too.
Using the mirror on the bathroom wall, I carefully studied my reflection. My weather-beaten face was considerably lean, probably, due to my weak constitution. Till now, I keep my mane short and spiky, and I never have to comb. All I do is wet it with water and give it a tousle. This has saved me time and money.
The same question raided my mind: What could make a mare like Twilight contemplate suicide?
I considered the matters of the heart. But, I recalled her saying that she had no coltfriend.
Financial difficulties? Then, I should jump off the cliff, not her.
I tried to erase my thoughts about her, but I just could not. I had never been in a relationship before. My many crushes did not count. Besides, those crushes had never tormented me so badly. Twilight… she just came and had never left my mind since.
I showered, hoping to shake off the image. However, new questions kept popping out. Why does she change her mind, all of a sudden? Why does she think that nobody could understand her? Why does she attract me so much? So many questions, yet I had no answers for any of them.
I pondered over her words. She sure said the strangest things.
Destiny?
What did she mean, really?
She was a young unicorn mare, and she looked perfectly healthy. Also, what’s with her and destiny? Did destiny prevent her from getting a coltfriend too? I combined all the bits and pieces together, and was left with nothing but more puzzles that led to more questions.
One question struck me…
Why was I so interested in her affairs?
~~~~
The reason why I have always refused to hang out with my friends is because of my financial difficulties. They often go to places that would put a strain on my budget: Pubs, pools, restaurants… Personally, I do not need these treats. What I have always hankered after is just a regular slice of bread and an apple.
I have this good unicorn friend, Pierre, who loves hanging out at the library. The library is not my cup of tea, but once in a while, I will accompany him, just to fulfil my obligations as a friend.
Other than the local library, Pierre usually hangs out at bookstores. He has also created his own mini-library at home, with shelves stacked with all kinds of novels. Horror, science fiction, fan fiction, thriller… you name it, he’s got it.
Big-sized and tan brown, with eyes as small as sesame seeds, he has a stack of books for a cutie mark. He wears his hair in an Afro-style and occasionally dyes it a different color. He talks in a funny sing-song voice. Not those nice songs, though. And, when he gets the books he likes, he blabbers on non-stop. And, the only way to stop him is… well, no, I don’t think there is a way.
He would never fail to invite me every week, forcing me to go out with him. No one else is willing to go to the library with him. To most teenage ponies, the library is just not a happening place.
It had been over a week since I last saw Twilight. At the back of my mind, I kept on wondering how she was doing. The weirdest thing I did was to check the papers everyday; to check if a girl had committed suicide.
That day, I finally agreed to meet Pierre, as I was bored out of my wits. He was naturally glad and walked me from my home to our meeting place. It was only a five minutes’ walk, but he said he hated being out in the open, at the mercy of Ponyville’s weather. He was the one who told me that, one of these days, Celestia’s sun would melt us into a sticky mess on the pavement. Well, juvenile thinking it may be, but I have to agree with him. Sometimes, the sun is too damn hot.
We reached the library at early afternoon. It was a really unique place for a library; a tree house. I went in, and as expected, it was full of thick tomes. But I also realized there was a door to a kitchen and a bed on the second floor. I wondered who on Equestria would be lifeless enough to
spend so much bits on the useless books.
Pierre was roaming the library like a child in a candy store. I found myself a seat and started scanning around for recognisable faces. When I asked myself whom I was searching for, I realised there might only be one answer.
Twilight?
I just wanted to know more about her. Maybe it was just plain curiosity.
Pierre came back that instant with a pile of thick novels, evidently thrilled by his find. He sat beside me, looking all ready to enter his fantasy world. But, he turned to ask, “Aren’t you going to get some books?”
“Don’t you know me? Since when have you ever seen me reading?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“Nuts! You never read, you never club, and you never go out… All you do is just work and study. No! Just work and go to school. You don’t study either.”
I did not choose my kind of life: I might love clubbing and dining at fine restaurants, or simply live the life of the average teenager in Ponyville. But, how could I do all that when I have problems staying alive?
As if on cue, we stopped talking. Pierre concentrated on his novels once more while I darted my eyes around again. Why has Twilight created such a disturbance to my otherwise peaceful life? Since knowing her, I had questions that kept on multiplying themselves, driving me insane. I sighed and glanced around.
In that split second, I saw a vision that made my heart leap right to my throat. It must be a figment of my imagination.
Twilight!
It was her alright. She was holding up a big book, scanning the contents, using her magic to flip the pages.
It must be an illusion. Or, is it coincidence?
I stood up instantly, toppling over my chair. This made Pierre growl at me. I ignored him and made my way towards Destiny, wishing it was not an illusion that would vanish all at once.
She turned and, upon seeing me, dropped the book on the floor with a thump. I watched her astonished eyes inspecting me from head to toe, just like the first time we met.
But, coolly, she looked to her left and right then turned right back at me; looking as though she did not recognise me. I stood right next to her, as I picked up the book to place it back in her open hooves.
As if searching for my name, she knitted her eyebrows, and inhaled deeply.
“Bailey?”
I smiled, pleased that she remembered me.
“Hello, Twilight.” I greeted her back, unable to stop the grin stretching across my face.
She asked, as cool as a cucumber, “What are you doing here?”
I turned over my shoulder to scan for Pierre, but he was nowhere to be seen.
“Erm… borrow- borrowing boo-ooks. You?” I stuttered.
She giggled and added sarcastically, “You don’t look like someone who reads.”
I was unsure of how to respond to that.
“I may have perfect eyesight, but I am a closet bookworm.” I adjusted my imaginary glasses theatrically. “Oh, I’m searching for some non-fiction novels.”
“I’m searching for some very important novels, too.” she explained in a pompous manner.
I scanned the nearest shelf where we were standing. It was the non-fiction corner.
“What a coincidence. It must be destiny.” she said.
I disagreed. “Coincidence, maybe.”
“Isn’t ‘coincidence’ just another word for ‘fate’?” she rebutted so loudly that some people turned to glare at us.
I smiled, although I was perplexed by her terminology.
“So, what books do you read?” she asked, almost in a challenging tone.
I tried to recall the authors that I had heard of. But, my nervousness erased all the names. In panic, I could only manage a stupid answer. “I always read books with stories in them.”
In a bid to shift the unwanted attention, I asked, “What about you?”
She hesitated, as if considering what I had asked.
“I often read books with stories in them, too.” she laughed out loud and then added, “So, any recommendations?”
“No,” I answered flatly. “You? You seem to read a lot. Recommend me a novel.”
“ ‘Of Mice and Ponies’.” she answered instantly.
I was about to say something, when I was interrupted by that familiar voice behind me.
“Hey, Bailey! What a coincidence!”
It was Pierre grinning mischievously at me.
“Your fillyfriend?” he asked, evidently trying to embarrass me.
Holy mule!
From the corner of my eyes, I could see Twilight stifling a laugh.
“No.” I said. “Not yet!”
What!?
“No” would be okay… but “Not yet”? What the hay? I froze, completely stunned by my own squeaky voice and wrong words.
Not yet?
Not yet!
Not yet…
I dared not look at Twilight’s eyes. Instead, I just said, “Hey, Twilight, I’ve got something on. See you around.”
I fished a book randomly off the shelf and made my hasty retreat.
“Hey!” A small purple dragon stopped me right in front of the door.
I froze on the spot, staring at the book in my clammy hooves.
‘A Mare’s Guide to Loving Your Stallion!’
“Erm, are you going to borrow that? You could have at least told us, first.”
In a rushed moment, I dropped the book of the floor and ran out of the library, as I tried my best to avoid being seen by Twilight. Oh Celestia, what would she think of me now?
~~~~
My embarrassment turned into total despair when I reached home. All the way back, I cursed Pierre and his big bloody mouth.
I walked home, willing myself to focus on what had just happened. I kept on replaying Twilight’s expression throughout our short conversation.
I would not dare to face Twilight again. After all, I did not say anything after the “Not yet!”. I had forgot to borrow the book, and I just dropped it on the floor and left!
When I said “Not yet!”, did I mean it?
In a daze, I unlocked my front door.
Good grief!
My mum was lying motionless on the floor! The toys surrounded her in a heap, like an army of tiny soldiers.
In panic, I checked her heartbeat, resting my ear on her chest. Fortunately, she was still breathing.
I held on to her cold hands, as relief washed through me.
Willing myself to stay calm, I gently shifted her on my back, and sprinted to the Ponyville Emergency centre.
Along the way, through all the chaotic thoughts rummaging my mind, I made quick desperate prayers to Princess Celestia.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached there. A nurse brought her to the intensive care unit. I was out of breathe from all the running, but that was not the thing that was bothering me. All I wanted was my mum to be okay.
And, for the first time since I met Twilight, she was gone from my mind.
