Hearts and Hooves Day
Chapter 9: You got mail
When I got to Market Square, I can see my destination down my path. It was a building that reminds me of a gingerbread house from the story of Hansel and Gretel, complete with a cupcake, shaped tower on the top with birthday candles. I mostly come to this place to buy brownies, cookies, Colta Cola, or any sugary food. Other times, I come to this place to hang out with a few friends of mine or on some occasions have our Earth Brothers Meeting here whenever Richard has it scheduled for an evening time.
However, my visit to Sugarcube Corner is more of a serious manner than just dining and socializing. I have an objective to do and I won't let it slip out of my hands. I approached the entrance door to Sugarcube Corner and opened it as the bell above the door rang to let the owners know that they have a customer. As I entered, I was expecting possibly a jam packed bakery where ponies and humans were spending their bits on junk food but to my surprise, it was deserted. I have to confess that I like the interior décor than the outside. I love the peppermint-styled columns that support the establishment and the random plastic candy pieces on the walls like lollipops and cupcakes. There was a table next to the stairway to my left where it leads to the living quarters of the Cake family and their employee Pinkie Pie. On that table was a message to customers that entered about the Cake family closing the store this Saturday due to the Hearts and Hooves Day Ball at Canterlot Castle. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Carrot Cake and his wife, Cup Cake, will be too busy making all kinds of sweets for the event. I mean, a WHOLE lot of sweets for all ponies and humans attending! Well, at least they'll catch a break during the Couples Dance during the ball before the closing ceremonies.
I approached the counter while letting my gym bag down and let my right hand hit the order bell twice to get anyponies attention. It was quiet for a few minutes until I heard a bunch of rushing hoovesteps coming out of the kitchen in the back. The sounds got closer to the saloon doors behind the counter as I witness them opened from the inside to reveal one of the owners of the bakery: a very light, cerulean mare with light crimson mane with a cutie mark of three cupcakes named...well...Cup Cake. What else would you name pony by it's cutie mark? She sees me standing at the counter and greets me with a cheerful smile.
"Hello, Frank Archer." Cup Cake welcomed. "How may I help you today? Would you like to try our brand new vanilla cakes that we baked fresh today?"
"No thank you, Mrs. Cake." I replied. "I would like to buy something."
"Oh, let me guess: two chocolate chunk brownies! Made fresh! Right?"
I chuckled. "Oh not today. I would rather have that later this week. However, I would like to purchase a dozen blueberry muffins to go, please. How much is it?"
"It's ten bits but I would have to cook a fresh batch of them since the last one I had in stock had expired an hour ago."
The female chef let out an exhausted sigh as she turned away from the counter to the kitchen. "I told Pinkie Pie to watch over the food as I took care of my children upstairs but she was too busy bouncing around and playing with her pet alligator as angry customers came in asking for service. In the next minute, I had to come down and take over as I relieved Pinkie of her duties and tell her to watch Pumpkin and Pound. I've been such a busy, tiring mare all day."
I felt kind of bad for Mrs. Cake for being this way. "I'm sorry to hear that. I understand Pinkie is hyperactive and happy all the time but you can't blame her for her actions around this place after she discovered her cutie mark when she was a filly. You may not like how her personality is like but Pinkie knows better not to screw things up on purpose."
"It's not that!" Mrs. Cake disagreed. "I'm just afraid of losing business and customers since Carrot Cake and I have been receiving complaints about Pinkie'a behavior. I just don't know if I can deal with it anymore."
"Mrs. Cake, I hate to break it up to you but that's how Pinkie is." I argued. "You've known that for years when she took up residence here. If you fire her, then who will be spreading happiness and joy around Equestria? Who else wants to make ponies and humans smile with her silliness? More so, who else will be throwing the best parties ever? I got to tell you, when I came here and when she threw me a Welcome Party, it was fun and the treats she made were great. Pinkie may act a hyperactive 5-year-old at a McDonald's Playland but deep down inside of you, you love her the same way as you love your children. She is more like a daughter to you and your kids think Pinkie as a big sister to them."
Mrs. Cupcake looks at me with a blank face for a few seconds but within a minute, she lowers head down and looks at the wooden floor. Was it something I said? She then raised her head up from the floor but this time with a joyful smile.
"You're right." Mrs. Cupcake said. "She may be a trouble maker but no matter what, I still love her very much."
"Yeah, so don't worry about what the other ponies stated." I told her. "Just continue on what you do. By the way, where is Pinkie anyway?"
"Oh, she's at Canterlot castle with my husband decorating the ball room for the Hearts and Hooves Day Ball this weekend. They won't be back until later."
"Sounds great." I said. "I can't wait to see what it looks like this Saturday."
"What?" She questioned. "I thought you said you don't celebrate Hearts and Hooves Day?"
"Well," I replied. "Let me say that a certain mare asked me to give the holiday a chance. So I decided to just go with it and...give it a shot, if you know what I mean."
She nods. "Of course you should, dear. I'm proud that you are in getting into the spirit of Hearts and Hooves Day and understand why it's a great holiday. Anyway, I'll get started on those muffins you requested about earlier. By the way, you don't have to pay because this one is going to be on the house from me. Oh, I'll give you your chocolate chunk brownies for free as a bonus."
I smiled back at her. "I appreciate it. Though, I'll leave a 10 bit tip in your tip jar as my way of saying 'thanks.' Oh by the way, Mrs. Cake, may I borrow a sheet of notebook paper and pencil? I have to write a letter."
"Okay." The mare replied. "Let me check the kitchen and get it for you."
She walks away and goes back into the kitchen. Within a minute, she comes right back holding a sheet of paper and a pencil with her teeth and sets it down on the counter. I took both items as she goes back to the kitchen to make the muffins for me. Meanwhile, I opened my gym bag, took out my bag of bits, and dropped 10 inside of the tip jar on the counter. I took my stuff to the table near the stairway, set the paper down, and start writing.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I am writing you this letter to let you know that there is a problem here in Ponyville. However, I am requesting that this sort of problem should be discussed privately for safety reasons at my apartment. I just fear for my life and somepony elses though I won't tell you. Please respond as soon as possible!
Sincerely,
Frank Archer
After twenty minutes of getting a box of muffins, my two brownies, and thanking Mrs. Cake, I began to walk towards Ponyville Central Park. Reason why is that I heard that said pegasus I had in mind earlier loves to go to the park on a Saturday afternoon, mostly every week. I munched on one of my chocolate chunk brownies as I passed a lot of ponies going by in separate directions. I did spot a few of my fellow human friends waving and greeting me as I walked by so I went ahead waved back but didn't have time to stop and talk. I have to get to the park before that muffin crazed mare leaves.
As I approached my destination, I can see it wasn't all active since it is the weekends here in this equine world. I saw about three humans with their own special somepony spending time together. One couple was having a picnic while the other were sitting at a park bench talking romantically and the third were playing frisbee. I saw birds chirping and singing in rhythm on several branches on different trees that are separated from each other. Meanwhile, across from the center fountain of the park was a playground filled with colts and fillies having fun time swinging on the swings, making sandcastles, playing hide and go seek; etc. as their own parents supervised them. What a wonderful day this turned out to be...for some that is.
Passing the fountain and going down another path, I ended up taking a short route to the pond on the westside of the park. I had a hunch that I'll bump into that blonde headed pegasus who is looking at the ducks paddling in the water or could be at the nearby gazebo overlooking it on a hill. I just hope she doesn't leave before I get there. Otherwise, these muffins would be a waste. This comes to mind when I ask the one question: why aren't cell phones invented yet?!
I got to the pond and...holy Celestia, there she was! Derpy Hooves, throwing bread crumbs from a bag to a small group of ducks in the pond. I ran up to her while carrying my gymbag and the box of muffins with me. The grey pegasus turns her head towards my directions after hearing my footsteps hitting the grass and greets me with a smile.
"Oh, hiya Frank!" Derpy happily said.
"Hi Derpy." I replied. "How you been?"
"Oh doing good. Just feeding the duckies and seeing them fly off into the clouds."
I nodded. "That's good to hear. I'm glad that you are having a good day."
"Well...sorta." Derpy said in a disappointed tone. "My coltfriend, Dr. Hooves, was too busy to spend time with me because he had something really important to do in his line of work."
"Wha? Why?"
"He wouldn't tell me because it was a secret. So, I came here to the park on my own and just play with the ducks and feed them."
"Well, don't be sad about it." I said in a honest way. "He'll spend time with you before Saturday rolls up."
After my words slipped out of my mouth and seeing a nod from her, the both of us stood near the pond in complete silence for a few seconds, not knowing what to say next. I remember holding her favorite pastries in my hand and just get to the point.
"Hey Derpy." I said to her. "Would you do me a favor please?"
"Um...okay." Derpy replied awkwardly. "What?"
"I have a letter for Princess Celestia and I need you to deliver it to her like right now. Would you do it for me please?"
"Frank, it's my day off!" Derpy scolded. "I don't have time for this! Can't you wait until Monday?"
"I know it's your day off from mail service but this is an emergency and I need it done now!"
"Well, I'm sorry. I'm not doing it! Just let me have my time of relaxation!"
She turns her back against me and looks at the other direction as to ignore me. I was losing my patience with her. Maybe if I brought up her favorite snack, it will convince her.
"Look," I continued. "Just this once please. I'll...I'll make you deal if you agree to deliver my letter."
She turns to look back at me again but still keeping a face of annoyance. "What deal?"
I put my gymbag down and use my free hand to open up the box. Once I did, the smell of fresh baked muffins filled up the air space between Derpy and I. I used my free hand and took out one muffin.
"Would you do it for a muffin?" I asked.
She raised her left eyebrow. "Are you bribing me for a muffin?"
"Well they're favorite." I assured her.
"Yeah...but...th...tha...that doesn't mean I'm going to do it."
Okay, Frank. Time for Plan B. "How about two muffins?!"
"Nope!" Derpy replied.
"Three muffins! Final Offer!"
The grey pegasus put a hoof to her chin and ponders for a minute. "How about six muffins?!"
I took out six muffins from the box and handed them to her. "It's a deal!"
In a swoop, she opens up her mouth and gobbles up all six muffins in less than a micro second. Wow! That must be a new world record I admit! As for the rest of the muffins, I just kept them close to me while I watched Derpy chew the remaining bits and crumbs of each muffin she swallowed and see her lick her lips when she was done.
"So...would you do it?" I asked her once more.
"Okay." She said in a clam manner. "Give me the letter and I'll drop it off for you."
"Great! When you get a response from the Princess, send it to my apartment address. Alright?"
"Sure! I know where it is so I'll be back in a flash."
I opened up my gymbag and took out the letter to Celestia. I hand it over to Derpy and she grabbed it with her teeth gently. I took a step back as she stretched her wings out, flap them in unison, and fly off to the north towards Canterlot in the far distance of Ponyville. I went over to pick up my bag while still carrying the remaining the box of muffins. Once I got all of my things, it was time for me to head back home and enjoy my own relaxation time. As I began to leave the park, I try to think of what I'm going to do for the rest of the day before nightfall. Maybe play video games or watch a movie? I don't know, I'll think of something. However, what I'm really worried about is that Celestia would read my letter and that she can help me out on what's going on. I need to know about Daryl and why was he abusive to Aloe from last night and this morning. Plus, what is it with Lotus and Dru telling me that Daryl's a "nice guy" when I saw him not being one? I just hoping that this situation gets sorted out immediately.
WrestleMania X8
Match results
Test vs Booker T
RVD/Jericho vs Bubba Ray/D-Von
Kane/Undertaker vs Edge/Christian
Kurt Angle vs Kevin Nash
Hulk Hogan vs Triple H vs The Rock
Audience: 51388
Satisfaction: 67
Total points: 34371
Press A to continue
* CLICK *
Vince McMahon: WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?! I should have you fired! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!
"AAHH SCREW YOU, VINCE!" I yelled in a venomous tone at my GBA screen. "LIKE YOU EVEN KNOW HOW TO BOOK A BETTER PPV SHOW THAN I CAN!"
I shut off my purple GBA and threw it to the side of me on my couch. Man, was I pissed off of playing PPV mode of Road to WrestleMania X8. I spent a half an hour trying to get a high score and get a large attendance record on the game in order to unlock the WrestleMania X8 DVD for the ShopZone in the Data menu. Now, I 'm just sitting here doing a double facepalm of frustration and trying to think of what I did wrong that didn't impress that still image, cutscene of the guy who bought out other wrestling promotions. I shook my head in disappointmet and stood up from my couch, ready to turn on my PS3. As I did, I heard my stomach rumble beneath me. Instead of playing another video game, I rather just get some lunch.
"Geez," I sighed. "I need to eat something real quick."
I went to the kitchen to see what I can eat, that's when I remembered I had pizza last night. I opened up the stove to see the pizza box with the remaining slices of popcorn pizza that I somehow shared with Princess Celestia. I took out two slices and put them in the microwave, leaving the last ones in the box for later. As I heated up my food, I heard my front door knocking.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"I hope that's Derpy." I said to myself as I went to the door.
I reached the handle and opened it. As I did, what I said a second ago did in fact came true. It was Derpy Hooves, holding a scroll in her mouth.
"Hiya, Frank!" Derpy greeted. "I got a response from the Princess."
"Oh thanks, Derpy!" I said while I cheered happily in my head. "You mind if you wait a minute in case I need to write a response?"
"Uhh...Okay..." The pegasus answered. "But it's going to cost you another muffin."
She gives me the scroll as I unrolled it and began to read:
Dear Frank Archer,
I am sorry to say this but my aunties, Princess Celestia and Luna, are not available at this time. They went to Filly Delphia for a meeting with the Royal Alicorn Society and will not return until Friday. However, whatever problem you're having I may assist you with it but it's best for you to come to Canterlot since I can't leave the castle. Respond to this letter if you accept to meet me in general instead of it being privately.
Sincerely,
Princess Cadance
What the freak-a-noid?! Cadance is in Canterlot?! Isn't she supposed to be looking over the Crystal Empire?! Why is she here?! Well, according to the letter as I read it, Celestia and Luna are out of town so I'm guessing in my head that the two sisters have their niece look after the castle – and maybe Shining Armor and Princess Twilight Sparkle are there as well but who knows.
I looked at Derpy who was still standing at the doorway. "Derpy, I'm going to ask you to do me one last favor: I'm going to write a response and give you the rest of the muffins. However, when you get back to Canterlot and if the Princess says anything about writing back, just tell her that I'm on my way tomorrow. Got it?"
Derpy nods. "Sure. I'll let her know."
I smiled at her and went to one of my drawers in the kitchen. I took out a small notepad, a pencil, and started writing.
Dear Princess Cadance,
Alright! You can help me out tomorrow after I'm done with my Earth Brothers Meeting at Barns and No Bell. I'll be there at 6 PM sharp!
Sincerely,
Frank Archer
After writing my next letter, I grabbed the box of remaining muffins and placed the letter on top of it. I walked back to Derpy Hooves and gave the items to her. She grabs my response letter with her teeth while I placed the box on her back. Derpy gallops out of the apartment hall and flys off once more to Canterlot as I closed the door behind. I went back to the kitchen to eat my popcorn pizza while I had more thoughts going through my head. I just hope Cadance can help me out tomorrow.
