Hello there. Holy heck, its been past a month? I'm terribly sorry guys, I really am. It's just I've been busy with school there's alot going on right now. But it seems to be toning down for the most part. Which is why I've gotten this chapter out. Please leave a review and tell me what you think. I also wanted to thank all of you for continuing to read my story, it really helps. Thank you. To those of you who found the Train Ride I'm going to start working on that one again to. So, woth out a further word enjoy.
"Alright, so first is the conference with Mr. Buck, then afterwards lunch with Executive Anderson." Ditzy said to herself.
She was going through her list of appointments that she had today. Living as a business mare was a busy life after all.
There was a ding at the oven and Ditzy trotted over and took a out a batch of freshly made blueberry muffins. The wonderful aroma of the blueberries and cinnamon filled the small kitchen and made Ditzy's mouth water. She was already tempted to take one and eat it. But she stopped herself and continued making preparations for the hard-pressed day ahead.
She poured out a cup of coffee and opened a cabinet to get the sugar and creamer. But there unfortunately there was only sugar.
"Oh boy, I'll have to make a trip to the store soon enough." Ditzy noted. She went to the fridge and got out the milk she used as a substitute for the creamer.
"Ok let's see. Keys, check. Purse, check. Planner, check. Coffee." She paused and took a sip. The warm semi-sweet taste was an enjoyable sensation that gave a boost of energy to Ditzy. "Check."
She exited her apartment and started walking towards Manehatten Real Estate. One of the most prominent companies in Manehatten, it provided the finest houses and land tracts for sale. A job there paid eight bits an hour with overtime and paid vacation.
But a position with such sweet rewards comes with some requirements. One, the employee must have graduated from college with at least an undergraduate's in Real Estate. Two, you must be single to fully devote yourself to the company. And finally three, the employee must be male.
Now this was a point of major controversy in the company. Many newspapers and journals have covered this topic and some have even tried to file discrimination charges against it. But this is a big time corporation and as with all big time corporations they give some screwball reason for their requirements and with their money and reputation who could really fight them?
But that didn't stop the public from breathing down their necks. So, when a certain blonde maned mare scored a perfect 100 on the application and had a Masters in Real Estate they decided to let her in to calm the majority. It worked, after a while they thought about letting the mare go and going back to their male only rule but they soon decided against it.
In the first two weeks of her job this mare had raked in 4 clients and had sold some high end property to each of them. That was a company record. She soon proved herself to be an indispensable employee that had a two fold keep the general public back and to add to the prestige and wealth of the company.
Of course, that doesn't mean every pony liked it.
The stallion employees were appalled that their male dominated company had accepted a mare onto its ranks. The workers were disgusted. But the higher-ups wouldn't have it. So, the chauvinist bastards decided on plan B.
Making her time working there as miserable as possible.
They would bump into her making her fall to the ground. Giving her confusing directions on company procedures, picking on her for no reason, telling her she was needed somewhere away from the office only to find herself sometimes in some part of the downtown. Basically being bullies and jerks.
All this affected Ditzy, she became increasingly shy and reserved. She talked only when necessary and didn't believe in herself as much as she should. But there was one think that they couldn't take out of her no matter how much they tried. It was her determination, her drive.
When it came to work she was dedicated and focused and she wouldn't let anyone stop her or distract her. She was an honest agent whom many of the population of Manehatten knew well. If she pitched them a house she would mention not just the ups but the downs as well. If it needed repairs in some places such as plumbing for example she gave them a business card of a plumber she knew. Not a plumber that was hired by the company.
Therefore she was liked by both middle and high class ponies alike. One could say she was popular, which drove her co-workers mad.
So, her job had its benefits but not with out some repercussions. But its what pays the bills and keeps her fed. With a generous amount to save on the side, when she's saved up enough she wants to move away from Manehatten. She doesn't know where to yet, but she's been looking around and has been interested in a place called Ponyville.
Ditzy moved along with the crowd of ponies down Trot Avenue, lined with cafes and fashion shops Ditzy always liked going down this way to window shop. She looked at all the pretty dresses and the lavish furniture along with some fancy home decorations such as paintings or those overly ornate clocks. But what she really wanted to see and buy were these golden muffin earrings that were at a jewelry shop at the corner of the street.
She would pass by everyday to make sure the earrings were still there and would think about how she would look in them. She could buy a nice dress from one of the many famous fashion shops on the same street. There was one she liked in particular. What was it… Rarity's Diamond Fashion? They sold original designs and made custom ones as well. Very successful business.
She turned left from Trot and entered Carriage Drive. Lines of horse drawn carriages were waiting for a potential customer to ask for a ride through the city or to certain destination, henceforth the title. The charge was 10 bits per ride to any destination and 15 bits for a tour.
They were a peculiar bunch though. You see they didn't have a boss necessarily, they just worked as a collective. What ever they got payed they kept it and changed shifts to make sure everyone got a fair chance. Another thing was that unlike Manehatten Real Estate they didn't car if you were a mare. As long as you could pull the required load you could sign on.
Ditzy had once saved up enough bits to get a tour at night. She was driven by a mare by the name of Carrot Top. She was a nice pony. Sorta gruff at first but once you get to know her she's really sweet. After her ride was over she gave Carrot Top a tip and talked with her a bit. They still keep in touch, it was the only friendship Ditzy actually had.
After taking a right and merging onto Mane Street, she saw a homeless stallion who was begging for alms, poor thing looked like he was about to starve to death. Dozens of ponies were passing by and none even payed attention. Ditzy went over and took out 12 bits and gave them to the stallion.
"Oh my goodness. Thank you! Thank you! Bless your soul!" He said gratefully, tears welling up in his eyes.
"It's the least I can do, good luck." Ditzy replied softly, she gave him a hug and went on her way.
She finally arrived at Manehatten Real Estate, the building was a massive skyscraper with office cubicles and conference rooms being seen on every floor from the outside. She went through the revolving door and went straight to the front desk to clock in.
"Hello, ? Having a nice morning?" Asked Rob, even the desk clerk was a stallion. But he was alright, practically the only stallion that wasn't hostile towards her.
"Same as every morning Rob." Ditzy answered kindly.
"Well, thats good. Oh and good luck on that promotion today!" He called out.
"Thanks!" Ditzy said with a sole as she walked towards the staircase.
She liked taking the stairs better than the elevators. For one every time she was about to step in the other stallions would rush past her fill up the elevator and leave her standing there ruffled and sometimes bruised. Even if she did get in they crowded her to the point where she couldn't breath or move. At least this way she could move with freedom and get some exercise all the while, besides her office was only on floor five.
She opened the door and the sound of telephones ringing and fax machines sending business proposals rushed into Ditzy's ears. She bee lined straight for her cubicle as quickly as she could, trying not to be noticed. She succeeded and got to her office space and settled in.
She only had two hours until her first meeting, from there she would be out of the office for the rest of the day. She first started off with some paperwork from yesterday, she had two new potential buyers on her hoof. A newly wed couple and a single mare.
She looked up some potential places of interest for the couple. A nice home in the suburbs if they wanted to raise a family, a roomy apartment near the city center if they were work-a-holics, or a small house between the previous two if they wanted t live close to the city but not directly in it.
She would take them on a tour in each of the houses first, which would occupy the first day. If they liked the neighborhood but not the particular house then Ditzy would look up any more vacant houses in that area and be back the next day with more options from that choice.
This is why she was such an invaluable employee. She had her own approach to buyers that was unique and friendly. Her four years of studying real estate has not gone in vain.
"Well, if it isn't Derpy? How are you today?" Asked a golden maned stallion in a very sarcastic manner.
Derpy was the name the office workers had designated to Ditzy in another pathetic attempt to bully her.
"I'm doing fine Bill, I hope your doing okay?" Ditzy responded with a smile, she made the effort to be nice but deep down she wish she could punch his teeth in. Why did they have to be so mean?
"Well, I'm doing great. As you know I'm having my annual office party tonight but sad to say you'll be working late. Again! Ha ha ha." He laughed evilly as he walked away.
Like I'd want to go. Ditzy thought bitterly.
Well, the good news was that it was time for the conference with . He wanted to discuss how sales have been among rural and urban areas. So, without saying a word Ditzy grabbed her purse some files and headed off to the elevator to the top floor where the executives worked.
The elevator ride up was, thankfully, a peaceful one. No pony else was with Ditzy so she got to ride alone, the elevator ride didn't stop for any pony, and they were playing a nice tune from a famous orchestra directed by Canterlot's very own Octavia Melody.
There was a loud ding! as the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open revealing a much more lavish office complex. There was a secretary at the front desk that was surrounded by a few tropical plants. The inside of the complex itself had commodities such as an integrated lounge complete with a portable oven and small fridge, and luxury couches. The office itself was much more spacious and quiet than the ones below. Ditzy didn't know how the stallions were on this floor mostly because she's not here often enough to know.
She approached the secretary.
"How may I help you?" He asked.
"I have a conference with ." Ditzy responded politely.
"Name, please?" The stallion inquired while he looked for a list.
"Ditzy Doo." She answered.
"Ah yes, you're expected. Go ahead, conference room is the second door on the right." He explained.
"Thank you." She said, to her surprise he smiled in reply and went back to work.
She entered the office and instead of the busy and distracting noises of her complex there was a soft tropical island ambience playing in the background. And for the strangest reason a warm feeling rushed over her being, she felt as if she was returned to her long lost home. She shrugged it off.
Perhaps it's because of those dreams I've been having, they all seem to happen on an island. Ditzy reasoned. She came to the conference room and entered, inside was and a couple other executives and associates.
"Ah, good. is here. Now gentleman we can begin." Mr. Buck said.
Ditzy gave her sales report on how the rate of families and couples buying rural and urban homes has been steadily increasing over the past 2 months. By her calculations there won't be anymore houses for sale in the next month.
"Ponies are coming from all over Equestria to buy a home here. The location is prime and the neighborhoods are very family friendly." Ditzy explained, she wanted to make a suggestion but she was hesitant to give it.
saw right through her and asked. "Is there something you wanted to say?"
"Well, I just wanted to make a suggestion. If you don't mind." Ditzy said rather timidly.
"Go right ahead dear. We're all ears." encouraged and most of the executives leaned forward eager to hear what the only mare in the company had to say.
Ditzy was nervous, she wasn't used to this kind of attention. But she had to prove he was just as good as them. So, she silently regained her composure and said.
"I just wanted to advise you to consider investing in making new houses in the available spots." She said confidently.
"And why would we do that?" A grey maned executive asked sternly. Construction of new homes was a very costly service, one Manehatten Real Estate would avoid if it could.
Ditzy flinched but she shook it off. No, I can't back down. She fought. This was her moment to shine.
"Because if we don't, the other companies will. They don't know the rising market for urban and rural homes yet but they'll soon find out. Therefore handing our potential customers over to our competition." Ditzy expanded.
Every pony in the conference room was shocked. None of them had thought about this what so ever. Yet here was this mare who had analyzed and planned everything in advance. They were thoroughly impressed.
"Ahem, well. We will certainly take that suggestion into definite consideration. Thank you very much ." finally said, breaking the silence.
And with that the meeting was concluded. Every pony walked out of the conference impressed by the mare and made a note to remember her name.
Ditzy walked out of the room and started for the elevator when some pony called out.
" !" It was the grey executive who had questioned Ditzy.
"Yes sir?" Ditzy replied as she trotted over.
"How about you stay up here with us for a while, hm?" He offered.
"Oh, I truly appreciate the offer but I must get back to work." Ditzy declined, although she wanted desperately to say yes, but Bill would berate her if she was behind on even the most trivial of paperwork.
"Ho ho! A truly dedicated employee, I like that. But I must insist. Tell me your manager's name and if gives you any gruff send him straight to me." He proposed again.
"Oh, ok then. Thank you very much." Ditzy said grateful. This must be her lucky day!
"No, thank you! I'm sure you saved us from making a miscalculation that would've cost us dearly. Name is Norman by the way." said.
For the next couple hours Ditzy got to hang with the big do- er ponies. They asked her where she went for University, how she came up with her unique approach to sales pitch, and how she got in the company.
It was a little past noon when Ditzy remembered her lunch with .
"Ah, ? I'm sorry to say that I have to leave." Ditzy said.
"What for?" Asked the curious executive.
"I have an appointment with in a couple minutes." Ditzy said as she gathered her files and paperwork.
"Ah, . Quite the pony he is." said to no one in particular.
"What does that mean?" Ditzy asked confused.
"Hm? Oh nothing. I best believe you should go then. Do stop by when you get the chance, we would love to have your company again." said as he got up and headed for his office.
With out another word Ditzy went straight for the stairs. She didn't have time for an elevator. She went down several flights of stairs until she got to the second floor. She stepped out into the second floor office and went straight to 's office.
As she got to the door she saw him filling out some paperwork while he was on the phone. She waited until he put down the phone and knocked on the door. The stallion looked up and motioned for Ditzy to come in. She entered the rather small office space reserved for the manager of the floor.
"I'm terribly sorry , I completely forgot about our appointment today and as you can see I'm terribly behind on my work here." said as he wrote his signature on a contract.
"Oh, thats okay." Ditzy said disappointed. That means she could go back to her cubicle. "I'll just be on my way."
"Actually if you don't mind me working while I talk I'd still like to give you the news."
"O-Ok then." Ditzy replied in relief and surprise.
"You've been working at this company for a couple years now and have most definitely proven your worth. I know a lot of the office grunts here hate your guts but the executives like you. Tell me, how did your conference with go?" He asked, him and Ditzy worked closely together. He was in charge of contracts and paperwork. So, they kept in touch.
"It was great. I actually impressed them so much an executive named Norman invited me to stay up and talk with them!" Ditzy said trying to keep her excitement under a lid.
stopped writing for a moment.
"Norman? Norman Smith? Grey mane and black coat?" He asked.
"Y-yeah. Do you two know each other?" She asked curiously.
"You could say that." He replied vaguely and continued writing his signature, "Anyhow, whether you know it or not you have definitely helped this company in more ways than one. What with the public demonstrations about Manehatten Real Estate denying mare employees and all."
"Ah, yes. That." Ditzy said quietly, it was a sensitive subject for her. It only made her feel more alone and singled out.
"So, for the past three months the higher-ups have been going back and forth on your possible promotion." explained.
"P-Promotion?" Ditzy stammered. She never dreamed they would promote her.
"Yes. And I am happy to say that as of tomorrow yo will start working at the top floor as a Financial Associate. You are to clear your cubicle today and move in tomorrow." concluded.
He was expecting for Ditzy to burst out in happiness at any moment but it never came. He looked up and saw Ditzy as white as a ghost with her mouth hanging open.
"Ditzy? Are you all right?" asked worriedly. He was reaching for the phone before Ditzy said.
"Stop. I'm F-Fine. I just… whew!" She exclaimed. She was speechless, happy, shocked, and nervous all at the same time. She felt numb and a little dizzy.
"Are you sure? You look like you're about to pass out." persisted.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Really. I'm just…" Ditzy was at a loss for words.
"Nervouscited?" suggested.
"Y-yeah." Ditzy said, partially understanding what the word meant.
"Hm, well how about you take the day off. According to records you've never taken one before and you tend to work overtime often." He told her.
"Are you sure? Won't that make a bad impression?" Ditzy asked.
"Don't worry whenever you get a promotion at this company you're practically entitled to a day off. Heck, I did it when I was promoted. Just be sure to clear your cubicle first."
Ditzy couldn't hold it in any longer. She hugged and said, "Oh thank you so much!"
didn't know what to do. He was kinda apply he was getting hugged but sort of awkward at the same time.
"Um, don't thank me. After all, I'm not the executive who gave the promotion. But I'm still happy for you all the same." He said as he patted Ditzy on the back.
So, she left 's office and trotted back upstairs to her floor and began clearing out her cubicle.
"What do you think you're doing? Finally smartened up and quit?" Bill sneered. Some other stallions near by snickered.
"On the contrary Bill I've been promoted. Now I'm finally free of you and your cronies low life scumbag ways." Ditzy said happily, giving Bill a metaphorical slap in the face. Later on when Bill called and argued as to why a mare was promoted instead of him not only did berate him, giving him a taste of his own medicine, but his paycheck was to be bumped down by three bits.
That night Ditzy went out with Carrot Top to celebrate her promotion at a club called The Scratch, owned by a pony named DJ PON3. Afterwards she walked back to her apartment a little woozy because of the apple cider she had drunk.
After taking a hot shower and stumbling into bed she had the most wonderful dream yet with her mysterious brown stallion.
"Well, I'm just a boring old mail-mare. I'm sure you wouldn't want to spend your last moments with me." Her voice cracking and tears falling freely from her face.
"Ditzy, there is no other mare in the universe that I'd rather spend my last moments with than you." The handsome stallion said.
Then he pulled Ditzy into the most wonderful kiss she ever had. At first she was surprised but she soon melted into it. Pouring all her emotions into it. After separating for air the mare and stallion looked into each others eyes in silence.
"Now do you believe me?" He asked.
Ditzy couldn't say anything but she believed him with all her heart.
"Mhm." Was all she could reply with.