-Chapter One-

Outside the cracked and dusty window, rain pattered down on the gravel roads, and leaked into the old building that now creaked in the howling winds. Rhaine sat at the old splintered chair by the window, wondering when Holly Frost would be back. Truly, Holly Frost could be back any time that Rhaine wanted, but if she were back now, there would be no fun spent waiting for her. Holly Frost, after all, was imaginary, yet to Rhaine, she was far more real than any other pony she had met. A dim grey light fought it's way through the clouds and sky and dusty window to cast feint shadows in the corners of the near empty room. Broken from her thoughts by a knock on the door, Rhaine slowly got up and just as slowly, walked solemnly to the door. Her eyes, though focused on the eyes of Lemondrop, the assistant director of Shady Hills Orphanage, where paying no heed to those eyes that glared back at her. Rhaine hated Lemondrop. Yes she hated her more than anypony, even more than her negligent parents how dropped her here. And Rhaine hated her for one reason: because Lemondrop hated Holly Frost

"What are you, stupid? Why aren't you doing your chores!? You shouldn't be wasting time like this!" She snapped irritably, "How am I supposed to keep this place in shape by myself?" Lemondrop questioned, her eyes gleaming with hatred at the young mare. However, in Rhaine's vivid world, she was still focused on Holly was asking where Holly Frost was, her voice sounded worried and concerned for Holly. "Holly Frost isn't here right now Ms. Lemondrop. She went out to get some tea, I think." Rhaine replied blankly, half her mind focused on visualizing Holly Frost coming back, cold and soaked, with warm gingersnap tea. Rhaine nodded her head slowly, Lemondrop wouldn't normally show so much consideration towards Holly Frost. Rolling her eyes, Lemondrop grabbed Rhaine's arm tightly, as she began yanking her down the narrow hallway. Floor boards moaned and creaked as they turned a corner and made their way into the seemingly ancient lobby.

Dust floated around in the damp air of the lobby. The fowl scent of rotting wood and mold hung in the still,stagnant air. Howling winds blew rain through one of the broken windows, creating a puddle where it landed. A thin slime like substance was beginning to form where the rain splattered. Lemondrop let go of Rhaines arm, and snatched up a broom, it's bristles frayed and bent. Chipped paint covered the wooden handle. As she began speaking, she handed Rhaine the broom. "Begin sweeping up all this filth, NOW." She said forcefully, emphasizing the last word. Rhaine stared down at the sagging floor, than looked back up at Lemondrop, her eyes filled with innocence and confusion "B- but I can't focus, not until Holly Frost gets back..." Her voice trailed off as she dropped the broom at the sound of footsteps on the porch. Holly Frost was back.

As Holly Frost peered through the grimy window, Rhaine shook her head at Holly, signaling for her to not enter until Lemondrop left.