Psychology of the Fallen

>There she goes again.

>The most popular girl in school.

>That girl.

>That preppy one that everyone knows and everyone hates.

>The one that you hate.

>You are Anon.

>And that girl you hate with every fiber of your being is Pinamena Diane Pie.

>You hate how self righteous she is.

>You hate how she always tries to talk above people.

>You hate how she always has that posse of 5 "friends" that always follows her around.

>You hate how they shower with undeserved compliments.

>You knew they were just waiting for her to slip up.

>You knew they would take any chance they could to be top dog.

>You knew they were going to crush her if... when that moment arrived.

>It's a strange mixture of pity and hatred.

>Okay it was mostly hate, but you pitied her nonetheless.

>You weren't sure how you would feel when that inevitable downfall came about.

>But you weren't entirely sure if you'd be happy or sad.

"I guess we'll see when that day comes," you say.

>You sigh.

>You'll probably never see that day coming.

>But that's irrelevant at the moment.

>It's the last class period of the day.

>For you, that means psychology.

>You've always had an interest in reading people.

>Seeing what makes them tick.

>Learning how to break them psychologically.

>Oh, what fun!

>You get to the classroom just before the bell rings and take your seat.

>"All right, class take your seats. It's time we discussed depression. Now, who can tell me why causes depression?"

>The smart girl from Pinkamena's entourage raises her hand.

>"It's usually triggered by a traumatic event, but can be brought on by any number of factors."

>"Correct!"

>Egghead

>"You need to learn, students, that depression is a very serious thing. It's usually brought on, like Twilight said, by a traumatic event, such as the death of someone close to you. However, it can also be an intrapersonal issue such as a possible hormonal imbalance or even the loss of one's identity."

>Loss of one's identity?

>Huh.

>Intriguing.

>The rest of class goes off without a hitch.

>After the bit about identity the teacher just passed out a worksheet and it took nearly all class period.

>You put your pencil down just in time for the bell to ring.

>TGIF

>As soon as the bell rings you rush out the door trying to beat everyone else before the hallways get crowded.

>Too late.

>Within seconds the hallways become flooded with people.

>You sigh.

>So much for getting out of here fast.

>You say "Hi" to a couple of friends but aren't able to make conversation in the mess of people.

>Despite all the people you still make it to your car in one piece.

"Finally!"

>You start the car, plug in your phone, and start playing The Coup's "Pork and Beef" and drive out of the parking lot by the school's police officer.

>As you're homebound your phone rings.

>You pick it up.

"Hello?"

>"Anon can you pick up some groceries on your way home?"

>It's your mother.

"I guess, what do you need?"

>She gives you the longest grocery list in the history in man.

>Maybe you're exaggerating a little.

>It's still pretty long, though.

>Whatever, it is just groceries.

"Ok mom I'll get it done."

>"Thanks Anon, I'll see you the next time I'm home."

>That wouldn't be for a while.

>Home alone time is awesome.

>Except for that one time during Christmas when those two burglars broke in.

>You sure taught them a lesson though.

>You rub your hands maniacally as you remember their pitiful faces as the fell into trap after trap.

>And then the cops showing up!

>Classic.

>Driving around town you finally make it to the supermarket.

>Friday traffic is always awful.

>You get out of your car and feel your pants vibrate.

>You take out your phone and look at it.

>It's a text from your best bro, Dave.

>"Did you here what happened to Pinkamena?"

"No, what?"

>"She's been dethroned!"

>No way.

"By who?"

>"Egghead."

>There's no way Twalot Spackle, or whatever her name is, could uproot Pinkamena.

"How in the world did that happen?"

>"You know how we got our ACT scores from the school recently?"

"Yeah."

>"Pinkamena scored a 13 and Twilight just kept calling her stupid and it caught on fast. Now everyone thinks she's the stupidest girl in school and won't even talk to her."

"That's stupid."

>"I know, but you know how ruthless kids are nowadays."

>He says that like he's an adult.

"Well, thanks for telling me, I guess?"

>"No problem, bro."

>This was weird.

>The day you thought wouldn't see come, is here.

>And you finally knew how you felt.

>Sad.

>You just felt sad for the girl.

>To be tortured by an entire school...

>Sometimes it can a fate worse than death.

>Good thing it isn't your problem.

>You walk into the supermarket and get a cart.

>"Let's try to make this fast," you think to yourself.

>You hit the list isle by isle.

>Green beans? Check.

>Eggs? Check.

>Cereal? Check.

>As you exit the cereal isle you double take.

>Was that pink hair?

>There's only one girl you know with pink hair and she just lost her seat as head of the school.

>Should you say something?

>Naw, it's best just to let it go.

>It's none of your business, right?

>Sure she lost every friend she thought she had and you're probably the only person in the immediate area willing to give her your friendship if she'll accept it, but it isn't your problem...

>...right?

>You sigh.

>She desperately needs a friend.

>And, despite your better judgement telling you to drop the subject, you decide it should be you.

>You walk back down the isle, trying to be nonchalant, looking at cereal, being casual.

>So far so good.

>Eventually you reach the end of the isle where Pinkamena is staring at some Boo Berries.

>Wait, didn't her hair used to be curly?

>Now it's just straight.

>Did she straighten her hair in the time it took her to leave school and come here?

>Has it always been like that?

>Whatever, you're getting distracted by minor details.

>You finally decide to say hello.

"Oh, hello Pinkamena, I didn't see you there."

>So smooth.

>She slowly turns her head around and looks at you, then turns back.

>"Hello, Anonymous."

>That was so quiet you could barely hear it.

"Are you okay? You don't look so good."

>She looked healthy, just not good.

>Her face, for that brief moment you saw had the saddest, blankest expression you'd ever seen.

>It even made you a little concerned.

>She sighs

>"I don't think I am..."

>Her voice trails off at the end.

>You open your mouth to say something, but she cuts you off.

>"Have you ever had it all Anonymous?"

>Wut?

"What?"

>"Have you ever known what it's like to be at the top? To have no one to hold you back? To be that person that everybody knows... That person you think everyone wants to be. I was that person, Anonymous. I had it all. I was popular. I had who I thought were friends. I had the good life. But not anymore. It's all been taken from me in an instant. Just because I have test anxiety, and couldn't concentrate on one test."

"I'm sorry, Pinkamena."

>"I know, I am too. How could I believe that was a life worth living? Now I'm just some loser with no friends."

"No you're not."

>She turns her head halfway.

"I'll be your friend."

>She turns back again.

>"Because you pity me."

>There was a little anger in her voice.

"No. Because, you need to know what a real friend is."

>She turns completely around.

>She's surprised.

>You guess she wasn't expecting that.

>"I don't know."

>She looks down.

"Come on, it'll be fun."

>She sighs and smiles.

>"Okay then, lead the way."

>You abandon your shopping carts and head to the parking lot.

>You both get in your car and head for home.

>After navigating through an enormous traffic jam you reach your home.

>You invite her in and enter the living room.

"You can sit on the couch if you'd like."

>She does and you pull up a chair from the dining room.

>Time for that psychology class to come in handy.

"So Pinkamena tell me about yourself."

>You cross your legs and mesh your fingers together trying to look as professional as possible.

>"What do you mean?"

"What do you like to do for fun?"

>"Well, I like to throw parties."

>Pause

"Is... is that it?"

>"No"

"Well keep it coming."

>"I like to bake, too..."

"What do you like to bake?"

>"Cakes, cupcakes, pies, you name it."

"So do you bake often?"

>"I live with some family friends, the Cakes, they own a bakery so I help them a lot."

>You're trying to steer clear of the obvious question for the time being, but you continue to question her about baking, the Cakes, and the parties she's thrown.

>"...and when everybody saw that gummy had gotten into the punch bowl they all started spitting punch everywhere."

>You both laugh.

"Sounds like a lot of fun."

>"It was, trust me."

>You decide it's time.

"So how'd did you end up to be 'that girl?'"

>Her smiles fades a little.

>"Good question Anonymous."

"Call me Anon."

>"How about Nony?"

"How about no."

>It's stuck, you can tell,

>"Too late, I like it too much."

>Well, you should've seen that coming.

>Time to get back to business.

"You still haven't answered my question."

>She looks at you.

>She's smiling slightly, but you can tell she's still sad.

>"It all started when I was in middle school. I was in the seventh grade, and had just moved here. When I first started going to the middle school, the first thing I noticed was the popular girls. They all seemed like they had it all. Lots of friends, any guy they wanted, always in the spotlight. I wanted what they had because I thought it would get me what I wanted. Someone's friendship. I didn't have that many friends in my old town either and..."

>Tears begin to form in her eyes.

>"...I just wanted a friend for once."

>A single tears falls down her cheek.

>"So I did whatever it took to get to where they were. I bought the nice clothes, I didn't talk to the wrong people, I followed them around wherever they went and treated them like royalty. Before I knew it, I was one of them. Before I knew it, I was leading them. But only now that I realize it was all for nothing. I never even had one real friend."

>At this point the quaking in her voice is too much for her to continue.

>She breaks down into a bawl.

>You can't handle the sight of this.

>To see a girl who once seemed so happy come to this.

>So you just hug her.

>Through the pain she hugs you back.

>After a few minutes of calming down she speaks again.

>"Thank you Nony, I needed this."

"What?"

>"A friend... a real friend."

>You just sit there in the realization that the girl you despised so much this morning is now your newest friend.

>Strange how things work out.

>After she calms down more she relinquishes you from her grasp and you do the same.

>She thanks you for everything and then asks you to drive her home.

>You oblige and drop her off at her house.

>Before she enters, you just want to ask one thing of her.

"Hey Pinkamena."

>"Yeah, Nony?"

>That name is going to take some getting used to.

"Do you want to have lunch together on Monday, when we get back to school?"

>She smiles brightly at the question.

>"I'd like that."

>With that she gives one final wave and disappears into her house.

>You drive home and decide it's time for a little R&R.

>So you kick back on the couch, turn on the TV, and attempt to take a little snooze.

>Just before you reach a point of sound sleep, however, your eyes burst open at a sudden realization.

"I forgot the groceries!"

>Your mom's gonna be so peeved if you don't get those groceries.

>You rush into your car and drive to the supermarket, praying that you can get all the groceries before your mom gets home.

>You rush inside with the eyes of a mad man.

>Realizing all the weird stares you are recieving, you calm yourself down and proceed to the isle you met Pinkamena in.

>To your delite, all the groceries are still in the cart.

>As you grab onto the handle of the cart when a familiar voice graces your ears.

>"Well hello, Anon."

>You know who's behind you even before you turn around.

>It's that preppy girl that everyone hates.

>The one who, only recently, has taken her seat as top dog in school.

>That girl is Twilight Sparkle.

>You turn around slowly with a look of horror on your face.

>Twilight raises one eyebrow in response to your unexpected expression.

>"I-is there something wrong Anon?"

>You then come to the realization that the only people that know of your newfound friendship with Pinkamena are you and Pinkamena.

>Shaking the horrified look off your face you respond to Twilight.

"Um... no, nothing."

>"Ok then."

>An awkward silence descends.

>"So... doing some shopping?"

"Yes. That tends to be what people do here."

>She sighs

>"Thanks for making this as uncomfortable as possible Anon."

>That came out of nowhere.

"Well, what do you expect? We share a psychology class together. Outside of that you've never bothered to associate with me in any way whatsoever."

>Another sigh escapes her mouth.

>"Look, I'll cut to the chase. I know we haven't been the closest of friends..."

>If she can use that term to define our relationship.

"...but I need a favor."

>You give her a quizzical look.

>This can't end well.

"What do you want?"

>"We both have A's in psych, so you could say that we know a few things about psychology, right?"

"I suppose."

>"Well, what do you think about helping me perform a little experiment."

>Okay, now you know no good can come from this.

"What kind of experiment."

>"One where we test the limits of the human mind."

>Maybe this could be interesting.

"What did you have in mind?"

>"Oh, I don't know. Maybe performing a certain kind of negative reinforcement until a person snaps."

>nopenopenope

"I don't know, sounds pretty dangerous and/or unethical."

>"Oh come on, I already have the perfect test subject with a trigger and everything."

"Who?"

>"Someone I know you hate. Someone you've probably wanted gone for a long time."

"Spit it out, Twilight."

>"Pinkamena Diane Pie."

>No.

>You can't do this to her.

>Not after all she's been through.

>But the opportunity to break a person's mind.

>This could be your only chance to...

>No.

>You know better than this.

>You protect your friends, and that means keeping people like Twilight Sparkle from stepping all over them.

"No."

>"Oh come o-

"I said no! You can't do this to people Twilight, it's completely psychotic in itself!"

>"I didn't know you were such good friends with poor Pinkamena."

"Even if I wasn't, I still wouldn't go around mentally torturing the girl."

>She eases back.

>"Well I see your mind's made up then. I'll you leave you alone for now, but this isn't over between me and Pinkamena."

>She turns around and begins to walk away.

"What's your problem with her?"

>She stops and half turns her head.

>"As long as she's still around, there's a chance I wouldn't be able to remain where I am on the social ladder. If she's out of the picture, then I'm secure."

>She begins to walk away again.

>You think about telling her about all those under waiting for her to slip up so they can take her place, but you decide to let her find out for herself.

>With your precious, precious groceries in your basket, you pay and head for home.

>Unloading the groceries took a while, but once you were done you decided it was time to finally lay back on your couch and relax.

>As the darkness of sleep slowly closed in upon you, you reflected on the days events.

>Psychology class.

>Befriending Pinkie.

>Neglectful grocery shopping/recovery.

>That little proposal Twilight had.

>She sure was desperate to stay at the top.

>Popularity is a crazy thing in Highschool.

>You just feel bad for the people the real world will hurt the most.

>People like Twilight who so desperately hang on it.

>But maybe she'll be the one to fall someday.

>Maybe someday she'll be willing to accept some real friends.

>And maybe you'll be the one to show her that real friendship.

 

>Saturday and Sunday pass by as usual.

>Do nothing days.

>There's no feeling in the world like wasting two days of your life playing vidya with your friends over the Internet.

>But you couldn't stop thinking about Pinkamena and Twilight.

>This whole situation is more than skin deep.

>It goes deep within the psyche of the human mind to the primal instinct of teamwork, companionship...

>...friendship.

>You spoke to Pinkamena Sunday night before retiring to bed.

>She said she just wanted to talk so she looked up your number in the phonebook.

>Lucky for her, your parents still pay for a landline for a reason not even they understand.

>She tells you all about her weekend of baking for a big local wedding.

>You just listen, hanging on to every detail.

>Eventually she talks herself out and says goodnight.

>As you walk to your bedroom your thoughts are once again on Pinkamena.

>She remains in your mind until you fall asleep.

>But even as you sleep your thoughts have transcended into the world of dreams.

>Like most dreams though, you can't remember much.

>What you do remember is being with Pinkamena and being happy.

 

 

>Monday

>School starts once again.

>You really don't want to go, but federal and state law mandates your attendance.

"Why can't school start at 11?"

>You hit your alarm clock to stop it.

>Time to perform your morning rituals.

>Shower.

>Shave.

>You should stop refraining from shaving on the weekends.

>Not leaving the house for two days straight is no excuse neglecting personal hygiene.

>Put on Deoderant.

>Don't want to be stank.

>Put on clothes clothes.

>Eat Breakfast with no hog.

>Brush teeth.

>Grab shoes.

>Head out the door.

>You don't live too far from school, but it does take a few minutes to get there.

>You park in the student parking lot and walk towards the front entrance.

>You begin to open one of the front doors before you are stopped by a voice.

>"Hey, Nony, wait up!"

>It's Pinkamena.

>She looks happy to see you.

>She runs up and hugs you.

>Okay, she is happy see you.

>You release the door and return the hug.

"You didn't miss me now did you?"

>Your lowsy sarcasm is easy to pick up.

>"Well, duh, we are friends, aren't we?"

"Yeah."

>"Then why wouldn't I miss you?"

"Point taken. I missed you too."

>She smiles as you both release the hug.

>Uh oh.

>You're already getting stares from people.

>Kids are really shallow these days.

>You, however, are mature for your age, and don't bother playing the popularity game.

>Well, that, and the fact that it's pointless.

>Pinkamena notices the stares too, and loses her smile.

>Uninteligible whispers can be heard amongst the crowds of people.

"Don't worry about them, I got your back."

>Your words of encouragement seem to work on Pinkamena as her smile returns a little.

>You hold the door open for her and she enters.

>You enter as well.

>You both have different classes so this is where you both have to part ways.

"Are we still on for lunch?"

>"Of course!"

"I guess I'll see you then, then."

>"I wish we had classes together, Nony."

"Me too Pinkamena, me too."

>She walks off towards her class.

>You have no idea what it is and you don't care.

>As long as you see her at lunch, you'll be happy.

>"So there is something between you two, isn't there?" you here from behind you.

>You sigh and roll your eyes.

"Give it a rest Twilight, I already told you no."

>"That wasn't what I was getting at, Anonymous. Or should I call you Nony?"

>You turn around, angry.

"You don't have any right to call me that."

>"Aww, is that name exclusive to your little girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend, but she is the only one that can call me that."

>"Pity, we could've done great things together, Anonymous."

>She smiles seductively with bedroom eyes and pulls you in close by your tie.

>"Great... things."

>You pull back and straighten your tie.

>A bead of sweat runs down your face from your temple.

>You didn't know it was about that, too.

"Well like I said before, you can't just go around trying to mentally break people."

>"We'll see about that."

>She begins to walk away, but stops.

>"The offers still stands Anonymous."

>Offers?

>"If you get lonely, you know who to call."

>She walks off again.

>Man, hoes be thirsty.

>You walk off to class thinking nothing of it.

>Well, not nothing.

>It was all you could think about.

>Twilight wanted the Descartes.

>How long has this been going on?

>Has the popularity contest been standing between her and you?

>Was that why she was so desperate to get Pinkamena out of the way.

>Was she the only thing that stood between Twilight and you?

>Did she think that was the way to get you?

>All these questions are making your head spin.

>Not like Calculus class doesn't make your head spin, but since it doesn't affect your actual life because you don't want to be an astronomer, it makes a good distraction.

>Let's see, pi, derivatives.

>This is too complicated.

>You decide to zone out until the bell rings.

>Eventually, the bell rings to release you.

>Your next three classes are spent daydreaming and staring out windows, which is unlike you.

>You would be paying attention as usual but...

>Twilight

>Pinkamena

>There was so much to think about.

>Should you stay with Pinkie to show her friendship or should you go with Twilight and get something normal friendships don't offer?

>You knew you couldn't do both.

>So you make your decision.

>You had to stay with Pinkamena because no one else will.

>You want to stay with Pinkamena.

>She's just so...

>Undescribable.

>You couldn't tell what it was about her, but you just wanted to stay with her.

>You needed to stay with her.

>You'd developed a bond with her over the short time you've seriously known her.

>A bond that's almost inseparable at this point.

>But that doesn't mean Twilight won't do everything in her power to break that bond.

>Poor girl.

>She's just so delusional.

>A true narcissist.

>That didn't matter, though.

>She could come upon you two with the force of a hurricane and you'd still stay together.

>A friend is a friend til the end of the end.

>That's forever.

>And a day.

>The bell rings again.

>It's the time you've been looking forward to all day.

>Lunch.

>Nothing like disgusting excuses for nutrition to be fed to you as food.

>Seriously, prison food is technically more nutritious than this garbage.

>Oh well, you weren't here for the food.

>You were here for Pinkamena.

>After going through the lunch line and paying for what you think is a sloppy Joe, you look out for Pinkamena.

>There she is, sitting at a table in the center of the cafeteria, by herself.

>You take the seat across from her.

>"Hi, Nony!" she says through a mouth full of homecooked food.

"Hey Pinkamena, how's it going."

>She swallows her food to talk properly.

>"Pretty good, not as many people have been mocking me as I thought they would."

"But people are still making fun of you."

>"Well, yeah, but it's no big deal. I know who my real friend is and he can always cheer me up."

>She gives you a smile.

"People are still wrongfully mocking you for something out of your control."

>"I know, but what can you do?"

>She had a point.

>You just had to let it die down.

>You decide it's time to change the subject.

"So how's the baking coming along for that wedding?"

>Pinkamena perks up.

>"We're getting close to done, but not quite there yet. The wedding is tomorrow, but we're not sure whether or not we'll be completely done by then."

"Would it help things move along a little faster if I provided some help?"

>She smiles from ear to ear.

>"Oh, Nony, that'd be so super great! We can bake pie and cookies and cakes together and it'll be so much fun!"

"Is that a yes?"

>"Of course silly. Just come down to the bakery at around 5 and we can start!"

>This could be a lot of fun.

"Sounds good. I'll be there."

>"Thank you, Nony, this is going to be so much fun."

>"What sounds fun?"

>Twilight, again?

>You swear at this point she's stalking you.

>She pulls out the chair next to you out and sits in it, looking at you, and smiling.

"Nothing Twilight, nothing at all."

>"That's a shame, I really like fun."

>She turns to Pinkamena.

>"Hello. Pinkamena."

>Pinkamena turns her head downward, trying not to make eye contact with Twilight.

>"Hello, Twilight."

>She says it so quietly it's almost inaudible.

>And the look on her face...

>She's frightened.

>Twilight turns her attention back to you.

>"So Anon, I was wondering if you were free this afternoon. I have this extra ticket to..."

>You stopped her before she could finish.

"Sorry, not interested."

>"Oh, come on. Why not?"

>You glanced at Pinkamena for a brief moment, then looked away.

"I have a prior engagement."

>Even though it was for a short period, Twilight noticed you looking at Pinkamena.

>She glares at Pinkamena smugly.

>"Is this about her?"

>You look Twilight straight I'm the eye and say with the sternest tone possible:

"As a matter of fact, it is."

>Twilight backs up a little.

>Pinkamena also lifts her head for the first time since Twilight sat down.

>Twilight just stares at you for a second, her face filled with shock.

>Water starts to well up in her eyes, but she blinks and it goes away.

>She shakes her head.

>Now her expression has changed from shocked to irritated.

>"This isn't over."

>She gets up from her chair and walks back to her previous table.

>You turn back to Pinkamena.

>She's smiling a little.

>"Thank you, Anon."

"What else are friends for?"

>You both finish your lunches with idle conversation on the side.

>The bell rings shortly after and you're both forced to say your farewells.

>The rest of the day up until your last class went pretty normally.

>Now it was time for psychology.

>The only class you have with Twilight.

>You've been dreading this all day.

>What kind of sleezy trick will she have up her sleeve this time?

>You don't really want to find out.

>You have to go to class, though.

>You don't want a repeat of what happened the last time you skipped.

>Your class learned how to diagnose schizophrenia and had a test over it the next day.

>It's a miracle you're passing this class.

>You walk in the door and take your seat.

>Your teacher starts talking and you pay attention for the first few seconds, but make the fatal mistake of glancing over at Twilight.

>You don't even have to look at her to feel her eyes looking at you.

>Her stare seems to burn.

>You decide to glance over.

>She's still staring at you and licks her lips slowly.

>This has gone from weird to down right crazy.

>You can't even concentrate for the rest of class.

>All that runs through your mind the is what she might do to you.

>Or what she could do to Pinkamena.

>The girl's in such a fragile state that one good provocation could send her back into that depressive state.

>You hope that doesn't happen.

>By the end of the class you have your eyes closed, focused on trying to speed your perception of time up so the bell will come sooner.

>It's not working.

>Time's still moving as slow as it was before.

>The bell rings.

>Oh... well...

>Nevermind.

>You rush out of class faster than you did on Friday.

>You don't want to hear anything Twilight has to say after the last encounters you've had with her.

>Your rush out of school was quick and successful.

>You run out to your car as fast as you can, get in, start the engine, and peel out of there before Twilight could even think of following you.

>On the way home you glance in your rear view mirror every few seconds to make sure she isn't following you.

>You start to think you may be a little bit too paranoid and relax a little.

>You just don't want to talk to that girl anymore.

>She's just... crazy.

>And you don't need a psychology class to tell you that.

>You gradually calm yourself down as you ride home and by the time you reach your driveway you're almost completely calm.

>You get out of your car lock the door then go inside your house and lock the doorknob lock and deadbolt for good measure.

>You finally feel somewhat safe.

>One last peek outside the window blinds ought to do it.

>You raise one of the blinds and shift your eyes from left to right, looking for Twilight.

>She's nowhere to be found.

>Again it crosses your mind that all this may be a little extreme for trying to get away from a teenage girl.

>Yet you're reminded of her stare when you think about her, and remember why you just went through all those safety precautions.

>Now that you're in your home, though, safe and sound, it's time to relax a little before you have to venture out into the dangerous world Twilight is lurking in to help Pinkamena with the baking.

>Time for some TV.

>It's Seinfeld.

>You watch through about an hour's worth of Jewish observational comedy and a show about nothing before you decide it's time to head to the Cake's bakery.

>Then you realize something.

>You have no idea where this place is.

>One quick call to Pinkamena should fix that.

>You decide to look her up in the phonebook as she had done you on Sunday.

>She's staying with the cakes so she should be under C's.

>You flip to the C pages and begin searching them for Cake.

>Here it is, Cake.

>You dial the number into your phone.

>It begins to ring.

>You wait a few seconds before the phone is picked up.

>A woman with some sort of northern accent answers the phone.

>"Hello, sugarcube corner, Mrs. Cake speaking."

>You assume this is the family friend she's staying with.

"Yes, I was wondering if I could speak to Pinkamena, please."

>"Oh you mean Pinkie, you must be that Anon boy she's been going on about!"

>She talks about you?

>Wait, Pinkie?

>Must be a nickname.

>"Yes, well, I'll go fetch her for ya."

>You hear the phone being put down and then wait as you hear a short muffled conversation.

>It isn't anything you can make out.

>The phone is picked up.

>"Nony?"

"Yeah, Pinkie?"

>"So you learned my old nickname, eh?"

>You chuckle.

"Yeah, it's an interesting one."

>"So are you on your way over?"

"That's actually why I called, I don't know where the bakery is."

>"Oh, okay that's easy!"

>She gives you the address.

>"Do you know where that is?"

"Yeah, thanks."

>"Okay then Nony, I'll see you when you get here."

"Okay, see you."

>You both hang up.

>You look back at the phone book and realize the address was under the number the entire time.

>Talk about missing something right in front of your face.

>You got to talk to Pinkamena, though, so it isn't all bad.

>You just forget what's in a phonebook sometimes when you never use when because you live in the modern world.

>But enough about wired telephine technology, it's time to get going.

>You hop into your car, turn your head both ways in a quick look around, checking for Twilight.

>No sign of her.

>That means it's time to get going.

>You back up out of your driveway and go on your way.

>The roads are pretty clear so you arrive fairly quickly.

>You parallel park in a spot close to the downtown bakery, lock your car, and head inside the building.

>Your entrance is announced by a set of bells tied to the handle of the door that jingle when you open it.

>The bakery is colored brightly with tables and chairs, and a counter with a kitchen behind it.

>A woman with a noticeably large rump comes from behind the counter.

>"Hello, welcome to Sugar Cube Corner, how can I help ya?"

"I'm here to help Pinkamena with the baking for the wedding."

>"Oh so you're Anon. Goodness, Pinkie didn't mention you were so handsome."

>You blush.

>She motions you to come behind the counter.

>"Don't be shy, we need all the help we can get. Thank you again for volunteering."

"It's my pleasure, spending time with Pinkmena is always fun."

>"Oh, you can just call her Pinkie. Everyone does, dear."

"Well, of you insist."

>Time to get a little payback for the "Nony" name.

>It's not that you don't love it, it's just about getting a little even... and maybe a little deeper relationship.

>You walk behind the counter into the kitchen and are greeted by the smell of various sweets.

>It's, simply, intoxicating.

>You look around at all the ovens and refridgerators and see Pinkie by the sink.

>She's turned around so she doesn't see you.

>Mrs. Cake speaks up.

>"Now is this anyway to treat your company Pinkamena?"

>She turns around.

>As soon as she spots you a huge smile spreads across her face.

>"Hi, Nony."

>She greets you with a hug.

>That hug also greets your clothes with flour from the apron she's wearing.

>She releases you and looks down at her mistake.

>"Heh heh, oops. Let's het you in an apron before you get any messier."

>She opens a closet and begins searching.

>"You two have fun, now. I'm just going to check on Mr. cake and the twins."

>Mrs. Cake goes upstairs leaving you and Pinkie alone.

>Pinkie eventually emerges from the closet with an apron.

>"Found it!"

>She returns from the closet and presents to you a pink apron.

"Wow, it's, uh..."

>"'It's uh' what?"

"Pink."

>She gives you an "really?" look.

>"Well, duh. What's the big deal?"

"Nothing."

>You try to put the color past you.

>After all, real men wear pink.

>Right?

"So where do we start."

>"Well, we still need the last two layers in the cake and 4 dozen cookies."

"Woah. Where are we going to start."

>"The cake."

>You two spend the next two hours mixing eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and other various into the assorted batters and doughs required for your quota.

>This turns out to be incredibly hard work.

>Normally people think baking is easy, but with the constant mixing and kneading, this turned into a difficult job.

>Pinkie manages to do her part of the work without breaking a sweat.

>She obviously does this often, so you don't feel completely inadequate compared to her, despite her amazing talent for this.

>After several hours of mixing and baking, then about 10 minutes of frosting, you're finally complete.

>You're sweating and covered in various ingredients.

>The ovens really made the place hot.

>"Well that oughta do it!"

"That *pant* wasn't that hard."

>"See I told you it would fun."

"Yeah... fun."

>You did have fun, but that was awful.

"That's all the baking then, right?"

>"Yep, now all we have to do is deliver it to the wedding chapel."

"Good, that was exhausting."

>"Oh come on Nony, it wasn't that bad."

"Maybe not for you, but I don't do this everyday."

>"Well, thanks for your help Nony. I don't think I could've done it without you."

"Anytime, but a lighter load would be appretiated next time."

>"Don't worry, like I said before, the only work we have left is delivery."

"That, I can help with and be effective at"

>"I don't know, you already helped me out so much today. I don't want to impose."

"It's no imposition, so long as we're not baking."

>"Okay then, no baking. I guess you can come here at about the same time tomorrow."

"Sounds good, and are we on for lunch again tomorrow?"

>"Definetely. Hopefully mean, old Twilight won't try to butt in this time."

"Are you worried about her?"

>She begins to look a little uneasy.

>"She just seems a little desperate."

"I get what you're saying. She won't refuses to take a hint."

>"She was always kind of like that..."

>You assume she said that to herself.

>Better change the subject.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow. I gotta get going."

>"Okay, Nony. Thanks again."

>You begin to walk towards the door.

"Like I said before: it's no problem."

>You then exit the building, the jingling bells once again signaling the opening of the door.

>It's become dark since you first arrived.

>You almost can't see, the street lights are both few and far between, and dim.

>Your car being in front of the bakery made it easy to find, so that isn't a problem.

>You just get in, start the car and go home.

>You just want your bed.

>It's been a long day after all.

>But at this point in your life they all feel long.

>Long and tiring.

>Trying to stay awake is a challenge in itself.

>You manage it, though, fearing something like what happens in those educational videos they show you in Driver's Ed. might happen to you.

>You pull into your driveway and just sit there a moment, too tired to move.

>You do finally manage to turn off the car and get out of it.

>You slowly approach your door and sort through your keys looking for your house key.

>Suddenly, you here something rustle the bushes across the street.

>You turn around quickly, expecting something.

>Yet nothing appears.

>You reluctantly shrug it off as nothing and continue to look for your house key in the key ring.

>The door swings open suddenly.

>It's your mother.

>You didn't notice her car in the driveway before.

>You must've been too tired to look.

>She doesn't look happy.

>"Where have you been?"

>She asks sternly.

"I was helping a friend with some baking."

>She raises an eyebrow.

>"Is that what the the kids are calling it today?"

"Calling what?"

>"I'm not stupid Anon, I know you've injecting marijuanas with your hippy friends."

"I wasn't 'injecting marijuanas mom, that isn't even how you do it."

>"I'm sure you would know."

"Mom, I was just helping my friend Pinkamena with some baking she's doing for a wedding."

>She eases back a smiles a little.

>"Oh. It's a girl?"

>You sigh.

"It's not like that mom."

>"Sure, Anon, now get in the house. It's dangerous at night."

>Your mom must be some kind of genius to know that.

>But you decide to follow her instruction, anyway.

>You could tell whatever was in that bush, wasn't very friendly.

>Now that you're back in the house, you begin to realize how tired you are again.

>All you want is your bed.

>You slowly make your way to your bedroom.

>When you reach it you go inside, close the door and just jump on your bed.

>You don't even take off your clothes or get under the covers. >You just lay there until you fall asleep.

 

>Morning.

>Your alarm is buzzing, desperately trying to wake up the  mass lying on tour bed that is you.

>It takes a few seconds, but trying to sleep with that alarm going has proven impossible.

>So you role out of bed and shut it off.

>Then you just sit there on the edge of your bed resting.

>You know this is no time to rest, but a few minutes to get your head together would be nice.

>After collecting a few ounces of comprehension, you get up to perform your morning routine.

>Shower, breakfast, get dressed, in no particular order.

>After you're done you go out to your car and go off to school.

>You arrive at your usual time, and park in your usual spot.

>As you walk up to the front of the school you see Pinkie sitting on a bench.

>As soon as she spots you she gives you a smile as big as yesterday's.

>She runs up to you and hugs you.

>"Hi, Nony!"

>You hug her, too.

"Hey, Pinkie, how's it going?"

>"Great, now that you're here!"

"That's good."

>You both release each other's grip and begin walking towards the front of the school.

>"Are you ready for this afternoon?"

"Sure are, how about you?"

>"I'm as ready as ready can be!"

>You can tell her [hyping intensifies].

>You open the door for the both of you and enter the school where you must part ways.

"I'll see you at lunch, Pinkie."

>"Okay, Anon, I'll see you then."

>You both go your separate ways.

>As the day progresses and a few classes pass by, you notice something strange.

>You haven't seen Twilight all day.

>You don't have any classes with her until the end of the day, but you usually see her in the hallway frequently.

>You come to the conclusion that something isn't right.

>Even when you reach lunch, she doesn't attempt to intercede with you and Pinkie.

>You decide to ask Pinkie about her opinion on matter while at lunch.

"Have you seen Twilight at all today?"

>"You know, I've been having a pretty okay day today. So, no, I haven't Twilight at all."

>You chuckle at her joke but keep the matter on your mind.

>With how strangely Twilight has been acting lately there's no telling what this could mean for you and Pinkie.

>You try avoiding the subject but your curiosity jeeps pulling you back.

>After lunch you go through your last few classes.

>Still no Twilight in the halls or in psychology.

>Psychology had an interesting lesson today.

>Obsession.

>What really stood out to you, however, was the teachers description of an obsessed person.

>It matched Twilight's recent behavior, minus today, almost exactly.

>After school you decide to head home until you were needed at the bakery.

>You passed the few hours you had watching TV and wondering if your life was interesting enough to get your own TV show.

>It made sense.

>You had everything most reality television show had.

>Drama.

>Relationships.

>Evil characters.

>If you found the right producer you figure you could be a millionaire.

>This time passes quickly.

>Soon it's time to head to Suarcube Corner.

>It's a short ride to the little downtown bakery, as was the travel to most thing in town thanks to your houses central location.

>After you've parked your car you notice a cargo van in front of the bakery.

>The sign in the window says "closed" but you can see movement on the inside.

>As you look closer you can see Pinkie on the inside cleaning off tables that have food stained plates on them.

>You knock on the door and peer through the window.

>Pinkie looks up from her work and smiles as she sees you.

>She gently drops what she's doing and goes to the door.

>After hearing a few locks turn the door opens and you can hear the jingling of the bells.

>There before you stands Pinkie.

>"Come on in Nony, we don't bite."

>You enter the shop and she closes the door behind you.

>You begin to do a 360, examine the small dining area.

"Are you guys closed for this wedding?"

>"Yep, the catering's going to take all our manpower, so we won't be able to keep the shop open."

>Makes sense.

"So where do we go from here?"

>"Mr. And Mrs. Cake are in the kitchen getting the goodies ready to be loaded in the van."

>That answers what the van was for.

"Do they need any help?"

>"Probably. I'm just out here cleaning these last few tables from the day, then I was going to go to the kitchen to help them."

"I guess I'll help you with the tables and then we'll help them out."

>"Sounds good."

>She tosses you a spray bottle of blue liquid a rag then she goes to the kitchen and returns with one of each for her own.

>She points to a corner with three tables.

>"You get those over there, I get these and then we can help out Mr. And Mrs. Cake."

"Let's get to it."

>You both go to cleaning your tables and are soon finished."

>Once you are, you give your bottle and rag to Pinkie and follow her into the kitchen.

>She places the cleaning supplies in the closet she retrieved you lr apron from yesterday.

>The Cakes have noticed your entrance and greet you with their "howdy does."

>You now help them with the wrapping and various preparation of the assorted goodies.

>Cakes

>Cookies

>Pies

>All this food was making your stomach grumble.

>This was no time for eating, though. You knew what you signed up for, and the sacrifice of a meal it might have meant.

>After your wrapping comes loading.

>Slowly and carefully the sweets are loaded into the van until everything is all loaded up.

>Looking at the result of your combined labor, you feel slightly proud.

>The Cakes take the van to the park where the reception is being held.

>You volunteer to drive Pinkie there in your car because the van is designed to only hold two people.

>The park isn't anything special.

>It does, however, have some good trees for climbing scattered about and a well trimmed lawn.

>You park behind the Cake's van and help them set up the pastries and what have yous on the tables under the tents.

>You don't know why there were tents set up when there wasn't a cloud in the sky, but then again, asking questions isn't your job.

>Moving pastries for weddings isn't your job either, but that's besides the point.

>You begin to wonder who's wedding this is, so you decide to ask. Even though it wasn't your job to ask questions.

"Who's this wedding for Pinkie?"

>"I don't really know. All I've heard about I've overheard from the Cakes. I think it's between some girl named Cadence and some guy named something Armor."

>You decide this answer satisfies your question and refrain from asking anymore for the time being.

>Before long, people from the wedding start arriving.

>They pile in car after car into the nearby parking lot and soon the park is flooded with people.

>Pinkie excuses herself to check with the Cakes and make sure everything is alright.

>You start examining the various people that pass to and fro.

>Then, a voice grabs at your attention.

>"Hello, Anonymous."

>You know who it is before you even turn around.

>It's that girl that everyone hat-

>Okay that's gotten a little old.

>It's Twilight.

>You have no idea why she's here so you decode to ask her.

"What are you doing here Twilight?"

>"Can't a girl attend her own brother's wedding?"

"I suppose. Has this wedding been going on all day? Is that why you missed school."

>"Oh, Anon, you're so cute when you're clueless."

>Here this goes again.

>"No the wedding hasn't been going all day. Someone had decided it would be a good idea to have a rehersal breakfast instead of a dinner.

>She's glaring at someone behind you intensely.

>You turn around and see amongst a crowd of people a woman you assume because of her white dress is the bride.

>Some way to treat your new sister-in-law.

>You turn back around to see Twilight smiling at you seductively.

>"So Anon, I'll return the question, what brings you here?"

>This situation could get dangerous. You try to pick your words as carefully as possible.

"I was helping the Cakes here with their catering."

>"Ah, the ones Pinkamena lives with?"

>The jig is up, she knows.

"Yes."

>She walks around you examining your body.

>There is a DJ playing music and dancing has started.

>Twilight starts to smile.

>"Wanna dance?"

"No, not real-Ah!"

>She drags you into the center and begins to dance close to you."

>You feel uncomfortable not only because of the fact that you are the only one dressed for a casual occasion instead of a wedding, but also because you can't dance.

"Twilight I can't dance."

>"You don't have to know how to dance, just how to shake your groove thang."

>Groove thang?

>You begin to think this woman will probably be the death of you.

>You try to escape the mob of dancing people and just get out of there.

>Twilight grabs your arm and tries to drag you back in.

>"Where are you going? The party's just getting started!"

>She continues trying to dance while also attempting to pull you back in the crowd.

>You shake her loose and go back to your table.

>She follows you back.

>Now she's just being irritating.

>"You can't get rid of me that easily, Anon."

>You turn to face her.

"Believe me, I know. I've tried to get rid of you for quite some time now. All you've done is follow me around, harass my friend, and been a general embarassment. I'm sorry Twilight, but I don't like you the way you like me."

>"Is this about her?"

"Pinkamena? No, you need to get it through your head that it's never been her seperating you from me. The person that's been a problem between you and me is you!"

>You now notice that you've raised your voice a little.

>Some people started staring, but once you realized they were watching you and looked around they decided not to look anymore.

>You look towards Twilight.

>She looks heartbroken.

>Tears begin to well up in her eyes, but she wipes them away.

>"Okay, Anon. I'm sorry. It's just... you always seemed like such a nice guy and all. I'd never seen you say anything mean or hateful to anybody, and I just wanted an escape from what I saw amongst the people I hung out with everyday. I'm sorry for harassing Pinkamena and embarrassing you. I'll just go back to my business."

>With that she walks off.

>Pinkamena walks over not realizing what just happened.

>"Okay, Nony, the Cakes say they can handle from here and that it's okay if we go home."

"So you're ready to leave?"

>"Ready when you are."

>You both head out to your car.

>You drop Pinkie off at Sugar Cube Corner and say you goodbyes.

>After that you head home, a great weight lifted from your shoulders.

>It isn't late when you get home, but you decide to head to bed anyway.

>You take your clothes off, get under the covers, and just lay there.

>You can't help but think about Twilight though.

>You didn't want to mean to her, you just wanted her to stop.

>The thought of seeing her tear up because you yelled at her plagues you until you fall asleep.

 

>You're woken up by a text from your friend and social news correspondent, Dave.

>"Have you heard about Twilight?"

"No"

>"She got wasted at her brother's reception last night and did so much messed up stuff. The pictures are all over Facebook. She's a laughing stalk."

"Okay well thanks for telling me, I guess?"

>"No problem."

>You had no idea why he felt the need to bring these sorts of things to your attention, but then again you didn't mind it.

>It was nice to stay in the social loop every once in a while.

>You lay down your phone and perform your morning ritual.

>Shower, clothing, breakfast.

>You know

>The usual.

>After your morning ritual is complete you head off to school.

>You arrive after your usual short drive.

>Upon walking towards the school you see Pinkie waiting for you.

>She rushes up to you.

>"Hey, Anon, have you heard about Twilight?"

"Yeah pretty tragic."

>"I thought you didn't like her."

"Well there was another person who I thought I didn't like once who had a fall from glory. She turned out to be alright."

>She smiles.

"Do you know where she is?"

>She points to the bench where she was sitting yesterday.

>There sits a sad faced Twilight.

>You find it odd how she was just on top of the world yesterday. Now look at her.

>You approach her and Pinkie follows closely behind.

>You stop in front of her and extend your hand for shaking.

"Hey, Twilight."

>She looks up at you, surprised to see who it is.

"Need a friend?"

 

Fin