Tapping my foot slightly impatiently as I waited next to the door. I was still a bit frazzled by yesterday's news.
"Man, what is taking so long," I whispered to myself as I waited.
I was waiting for Twilight to descend the stairs so we could go to Rarity's to see if she could make me a suit and tie for my interview on Monday. Twilight had gone upstairs to grab a book she had been reading, and that was almost 10 minutes ago. I nearly wanted to go and check on her to make sure she was ok, but I still had yet to go upstairs out of respect for her privacy and boundaries.
"Maybe I should ask Spike to check on her," I thought to myself as I crossed my arms.
Looking over to the kitchen, I saw Spike still washing dishes from this morning's breakfast. When I smacked my lips, I could still taste the blueberry crepes.
The sound of hoofs on the stairs caught my attention. I looked away from Spike to see Twilight descending the stairs with a book in her magic. As she reached the bottom, she walked to her saddlebags and started to place the book inside.
"What took you so long?" I asked concerningly as I uncrossed my arms.
Putting the book in her bag, she turned to look at me as she spoke, "I was looking for my book. I turned my room upside down, looking for it. Turns out it had wiggled its way into my pillowcase."
"Man, I nearly sent Spike up there to check on you," I said as Twilight put the saddle bags on her hips.
"Why would you send spike?" Twilight asked, looking towards me curiously before continuing. "You know I don't have a problem with you going upstairs. Especially if you're worried about me. Just knock on my bedroom door before entering."
"I-I…I'll think about it. That's your space. I don't want to intrude," I said nervously before continuing as Twilight was about to speak. "Uh, should we start walking towards Rarity's?"
"Hmm, yes, we should start walking. But don't think I have dropped the subject. Spike, Jack, and I are heading to Rarity's. See you at Sugar Cube Corner," Twilight yelled as she walked towards the door.
"Okay, see you two in a bit," Spike yelled back.
Twilight walked out the door, followed by me, giving Spike a wave as I closed the door behind us. Turning around, I could see the colorful town behind Twilight, who was standing waiting for me. Walking over to her, I gave Stonehenge a wave, which he returned as I reached Twilight, and we started to walk down the street. Other ponies walked by us, and Pegasus flew through the air as Twilight cleared her throat.
"So why don't you want to go up the stairs? I won't get angry at you if that's what you think will happen," Twilight said, turning to look at me.
"I know you won't get mad at me, Twilight. But like I said a moment ago, that is yours and Spike's area. I want to respect and don't want to intrude on that," I responded.
"I can see where you're coming from, but Spike and I have been in your room with your permission. I don't see why you can't do the same with me and Spike," Twilight said.
"I don't know. It is just how I was raised to think," I said as I ran my finger through my hair.
"Hm, well, we're going to have to unwind some of those thoughts here soon,' Twilight said as she looked away from me down the street.
"S-Sure… anyways, what's the big deal with that book you're reading? What is it about?" I asked, looking back at Twilight saddlebags.
"Oh, it is a book about myths and old legends. I have been trying to look into your father's name, which I have definitely seen before. I'm pretty sure I saw it in a book like one of these. I just can't remember which, though, " Twilight responded.
Looking away from the saddlebags and back to twilight, I spoke again, "Why would he be in a myths and old legends book? I mean, he didn't seem that old to me when I saw him. Unless time works differently wherever he is."
"I don't truly know the answer to either of those questions. Time could work differently from world to world, or even how you go from world to world. Let alone how the individuals from that world keep track of time, if they even do, to begin with. I mean, how long has your world been keeping track of time?" Twilight asked.
"Well, that depends on whether you mean humans or the universe. If you mean humans, we have been civilized for roughly six thousand years. On the other hand, the world and universe are expected to be billions of years old, if that," I said as I rubbed the back of my head.
"that's about the same time frame for us as well. Let's just assume that our universes started at the same time and are running side by side. Other humans have claimed they come from different times," Twilight said.
"Really?" I asked, a bit surprised.
"Yep, a human in Appleloosa claims to be from 1892. What year are you from, Jack?" Twilight asked.
"December 2020," I replied.
Twilight stopped in her tracks as she looked up at me with winded eyes at what I had just said as she started to mumble, "S-S-Say that again?"
"December 2020. Why is something wrong? What year is it, twilight?" I asked, starting to get worried.
"November 2011," Twilight replied.
I froze the moment I heard her say that. I knew that I had either gone forward or backward in time due to it not being December, but I didn't realize that I had gone back nearly nine years.
"Nine years," I said as I grabbed my head, feeling a bit nauseous.
We stood there for a few minutes as I leaned forward, catching my breath. Twilight stood by me, making sure I was not going to go into a panic attack. When I finally started to breathe properly, Twilight took notice, as some ponies started to notice.
"Jack, are you okay? Are you breathing normally?" twilight asked concerningly.
"Yeah. It's just… nine years into the past. 2011… God, this is so weird," I said as I stood up straight.
"Are you fine to walk?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah, I should be fine. Let's just head to Rarity's," I said as Twilight and I started to walk once more.
Twilight and I walked down the street, not saying much, as we both let this strange revelation properly set in. As we walked, I watched the Pegasus move the clouds around the light blue sky. Apparently, sometime after my interview with the school board, they were going to have it snow, so they were giving everyone one last day of decent weather.
As I watched the Pegasus, I wondered how it would feel to be able to fly like they could. To be able to float freely through the air, not having the weight of the world to physically drag me to the ground. As I watched the Pegasus soar, twilight cleared her throat, causing me to look at her.
"So… Jack, when you get hired and start getting paid, what are you going to do with the bits you get?" Twilight asked.
I let out a small chuckle at Twilight's attempt to change the subject, and I responded, "Honestly, one of two things. I need to buy decorations and furniture for my room. It's too bland as it is right now."
"OH. What do you want to get?" Twilight asked as her ears perked up a bit.
"A desk and a couch," I said, pausing for a second to think before blurting out. "Oh, and a rug and some paintings. Add some flare to my room."
"Well, all that seems easy to come by. What's the second thing you plan to do with the bits?" Twilight asked.
"The second one… well, that's a secret," I responded, giving a coy smile.
"Why would it be a secret? Does it involve me?" twilight asked cocking her head to the side.
"can't say," I responded as I metaphorically zipped my lips.
"Oh, come on. Please," Twilight said as she leaned in closer to me.
"Nope," I said as I shook my head in response to her plea.
Twilight continued to beg to know what I was going to do with the money I earned, which I continued to deflect. Truth be told, I had no idea what I could do for her. I know I wanted to pay her back for the bits she gave me, but I knew that was still not enough for all that she had done for me. I would have to do something special for her. Maybe getting her a gift or taking her out to dinner somewhere fancy. There are so many options, but which one is the best?
As we bickered back and forth, Rarity's Carousel Boutique came into view with its pinks, blues, and white frilly-looking external scenery. Yep, knowing Rarity better now, this definitely matched her personality. Walking to the front, twilight turned to me.
"Come on, let's head inside and get that suit made for you," Twilight said as she used her magic to push open the door.
Walking in behind her, we entered the main room of the Carousel Boutique. Mannequins of ponies and a single human took up one side of the room, while shelves full of materials and equipment filled the outer parts of the room. A large pile of clothing materials filled the center of the room, with no signs of Rarity.
"Where is she?" I asked, looking around the room for any signs of Rarity.
"I have no idea," Twilight responded, looking around the room before moving a hoof to her mouth and yelling. "Rarity, are you here?"
Silence filled the room before the sound of shuffling became apparent in the middle of the room. The material in the middle of the room started to shift before Rarity's head came poking out of the middle, looking away from us. Slowly, Rarity turned her head to face us.
"Twilight. Jack, to what do I owe the pleasure," Rarity said as she started to push the material off of her.
"Rarity, sorry to interrupt. Are you busy right now?" Twilight asked, walking over to assist Rarity in un-digging herself out of the fabric mound.
"Oh, not at all. I was just trying to find inspiration, but I got lost along the way. What brings you two to the Carousel Boutique?" Rarity asked as Twilight pulled on her hoof.
"Oh well, Jack wants a suit for a meeting he has on Monday. We thought we'd see if you could make him one," Twilight responded as she pulled Rarity out of the fabric.
"Oh, I could certainly try, but I must know what this meeting is about. Is it what I believe it to be?" Rarity asked, a coy smile appearing on her face.
"Yes… maybe," I responded, a bit confused, before shaking my head. "I have a meeting with the school board, and I want to look my best."
"Oh, how wonderful. I think you'll make a wonderful teacher," Rarity said as she used her magic to grab a tape measure. "Now I have to remeasure your Proportions without your outer clothes on, so strip."
"Wait, what? Why?" I asked, embarrassed and shocked.
"Well, I need to measure without anything possibly messing with the measurement. And that would include your shirt and pants. But you can leave your undergarments on. I know how you humans are when it comes to being well… you know," Rarity said as she unfolded the tape measure.
"You didn't make me get undressed when you made me my last set of clothes," I said, shielding my body.
"Well, that was more of a rush job to get you out of those tattered things Twilight found you in. Now that you want something fancy, we need to put in that extra work," Rarity responded with a sigh.
Twilight walked over to me before giving me a light shove. "It's fine, Jack. Rarity's changing room is right over there," Twilight said, pointing to a very small room with a mirror and a curtain as a door. It shouldn't take her too long to get you measurements, and then you can put your clothes back on."
Letting out a sigh, I walked over to the changing room, closing the curtains behind me. I slowly removed my shirt, exposing my pale snow-white skin to the room-temperature air. Next came my shoes, kicking them off so I could remove my pants. I untied the elastic string that held the pants up and stretched the waist. The pants slowly fell to my ankles, allowing me to step out of them.
Turning around, I looked at myself in the mirror. I noticed that I looked a bit skinnier than I had before arriving, probably due to the lack of processed food they had here. Walking a bit closer to the mirror, I noticed a bit of silver stubble on the lower half of my face. Taking a step back, I was about to leave the changing room when I noticed my underwear and leg.
My underwear had rolled up slightly, exposing the hole in my leg. It had gotten smaller again with what looked like a scab forming around the edges but had not fully sealed. It was healing slowly but still looked out of place compared to a scab. I was about to do something when a voice behind the curtain startled me.
"Jack, are you okay in there?" Twilight asked with a concerned tone.
I quickly fixed my underwear, hiding the scabbing hole, as I responded, "Yeah, I was just looking at myself in the mirror."
A bit of silence followed before Twilight responded, "Okay, just making sure."
Looking at myself in the mirror, the scab was fully hidden once again. Turning around, I slowly pulled open the curtain as Twilight and Rarity turned to look at me. Twilight's face became a bit flustered as Rarity motioned for me to approach. Taking a few steps into the main room, Rarity also started to walk to me.
"See, that wasn't so hard, right Twilight?" Rarity asked as she wrapped the tape measure around my leg.
Still flushed, Twilight shook her head in response, almost as if she were caught off guard. "Wha. O-O-Oh yeah, not so hard."
Rarity turned to look at Twilight before letting out a small chuckle as she turned back to me. " So, Jack, what color do you want your suit to be?"
I shrugged my shoulders in response as I spoke, "I actually don't know. I didn't think that far ahead. What do you think would look good on me?"
"Hmm. I think a few colors would look good on you," Rarity responded, not saying what they were.
"And what would they be?" I asked.
"Hmm. Oh sorry. Well, a light grey would certainly match your coat's lighter tones along with your mane. While something darker like black or maybe a navy blue would add color or some pizzazz," Rarity replied as she wrote a number down before moving to my arms.
"I see what you mean. Twilight, what do you think would look best on me?" I asked, turning my head to look at Twilight.
Twilight's face was less flustered as she looked at me and responded, "I think that the light grey would look the best for you."
"Hmm. I think I'll go with light grey then," I said with a smile as Rarity loosened the tape measure and wrote down another number.
"I can work with that. Now, hold still. I have to get your chest and your hips. Oh, and try not to suck in your tummy. It would skew the measurements," Rarity said as she wrapped the tape measure around my waist.
I held still as Rarity measured my waste before writing a number down. She did the same for both my stomach and chest before releasing the measuring tape. She moved the measuring tape back to where she had gotten it before speaking.
"You're free to move once more. You can also put your clothes back on. I have everything I need," Rarity said as she used her magic to grab a roll of nice-looking grey fabric and a pair of scissors.
"Okay, I'll be back in a second," I said as I walked back to the changing room.
Closing the curtain behind me, I grabbed my paints off the floor and returned them to their rightful place on my body before moving to my shirt. Shoving my arms and head through their respective holes, I place the shirt upon the top of my body before grabbing my shoes and slipping them on.
Looking back into the mirror, I gave myself a thumbs-up before turning around and pulling open the curtain. In the middle of the room was Rarity, with the human mannequin that used to be on the side of the room, a square of grey fabric, and a few sewing needles. Twilight was sitting on the floor on the side of the room, reading the book she had searched for. Walking over to her, I kneeled down and sat next to her.
"So, how far are you in that book?" I asked as I stretched out my legs.
Twilight turned to look at me, her face still a bit flushed, before turning back to her book and responding, "I only got through a few pages last night before falling asleep. Let's hope it is in this one, cause if not, I have to look through even more."
"Well, if anyone can find it, it would be you, Twilight," I said before letting out a yawn.
Letting out a small chuckle, Twilight responded," I know I can. But… thanks."
Rarity let out a small chuckle, causing me to look at her. She was still working, but she was staring at Twilight and me out of the corner of her eye. Shrugging my shoulder, I got comfortable. I had forgotten to bring anything to entertain myself as we waited. I wondered how long this was going to take, and I figured asking Rarity would be my best option.
"Hey, Rarity, I forgot to ask you, but how long do you think this will take you?" I asked as Rarity turned to look at me.
"Well, the most I can give you is I should be done sometime around when we have to go to Sugar Cube Corner," Rarity responded before turning back to the beginnings of my suit.
"Thanks," I said as I resumed leaning back on the wall.
"No problem, dear. Just sit back and relax while I work my magic," Rarity said as she continued to work.
Shrugging my shoulders, I looked at the ceiling as I thought of anything to do to pass the time. Leaning forward, I attempted to read the book along with Twilight, but she was a much faster reader than I was, so I quickly lost track and became disinterested before leaning back again, letting out another yawn.
Over the next ten minutes, I looked for anything to do that would pass the time, but there was little to nothing to do. Eventually, I lowered myself to the ground, laying my head on Twilight Side like I had done yesterday. Her heartbeat was faster than yesterday, but it was still soothing. Her fur tickled the back of my neck a little, but it was not irritating.
I let out another yawn as my eyelids felt heavier and heavier. As Twilight's heartbeat continued, I felt the world disappear around me, and I was pulled into the world of dreams.
I felt the wind in my hair as I opened my eyes to bright sunshine shining through leaves. As my eyes adjusted to the sun, I felt the softness of grass beneath me. Sitting up, I could see that I was on a small hill with a small oak tree with the girl's cutie marks carved in the wood. Around the hill, there was nothing but tall grass flowing in the wind for miles. Looking at the sky, I could see that even though it was day, there appeared to be an Aurora Borealis, the sun, and the moon all shining in the sky.
Standing to my feet, I noticed that I was barefoot, with my feet looking a bit smaller than normal. Looking at the rest of me, I was wearing brown shorts and a white T-shirt. Looking at my body, I saw I was still white like snow. Feeling a bit of relief that I was not in a nightmare, I started to laugh as I put my palm on my forehead only to feel a small nub.
"What the," I said to myself as I brought my fingers to the nub.
Feeling the small nub, I realized that it was the beginning of a horn. It felt more pointed than most of the ones that I had seen, and that was when I realized. There was a small layer of peach fuzz all around my arms and hands. Rubbing my fingers together, I felt the fuzz between my fingers as well. I looked at my legs and pulled up my shirt to see that they also had fuzz.
I even pulled up my pants to find the fuzz, but not only that. The hole in my leg had scabbed over properly. Poking the scab a bit, I felt a bit of pain and quickly decided not to mess with it anymore.
A bit of panic set in before I remembered that this was a dream. A figment of my subconscious, or at least I hoped. Pulling the shorts back down to normal, I looked around my surroundings a bit more.
"Where am I?" I asked myself as I continued to look around.
The large oak tree that shaded me also shaded a few items lying on the ground. Walking closer to the items, I quickly noticed that there was a smaller version of Stonehenge's core with the glowing gem atop it, along with a clear white gem. Laying next to the core was 'The Royal Book of Magic, Magical Artifacts, and Creatures.' And finally, there was a gift in a white box with a blue and green bow.
Bending down, I picked up my book and opened it, but I was only met with nothing. There was nothing on the pages, no chapters or words, just blank pages. Shrugging my shoulder, I set the book to the ground and moved on to the core and the gems.
"Why are you here? And what do the gems have to do with you?" I asked as I picked up the small magical core in one hand and the gems in another.
Looking over the core, I confirmed that it was, in fact, the same core that Stonehenge used with the exact same engravings. Looking at the two gems, I recognized the glowing gem as the ones from the castle stairway, but as for the other one, I had no idea. It was a clear gem that sparkled in the light. I knew that it was not a diamond but something else.
Not knowing what to do with the core and the gems, I went to put them down where I had found them when I felt a surge from my fingers as my hands started to glow blue. I braced myself for the same thing to happen the first time something like this happened, but as I waited, nothing happened. I began to lower my guard before I felt one final surge. The core started to glow blue, and the side of the core retracted itself.
Looking at the core, I brought it closer to my face, "What's up with you? Why did you do that?" I asked softly as I examined the core.
I continued to look inside the core, realizing there were eight thin metal cylinders in the center, four on top and four on the bottom before my attention was pulled from the core. I heard a loud slam next to me, causing me to jump. Looking around, I did not see anything before I realized I was hearing the sound of pages turning. Looking down, I saw 'The Royal Book of Magic, Magical Artifacts, and Creatures' was turning pages on its own.
"What the?" I said under my breath as I leaned closer to the book.
The book continued to flip pages before stopping abruptly as words started to form on the pages, "Put a gem in the core."
Blinking a few times, I was taken aback at the book, "Wha…wha…w-what? What are you? Why should I?"
The words disappeared from the pages before a new set of words appeared, "Place a gem in the middle and watch. It might help you."
"Very cryptic. Fine, I don't see what the worst that could happen," I said as I grabbed the clear gem.
Bringing my hand to the core, I held the gem between my fingers as I brought my hand closer to the eight cylinders. When it was about an inch away, I felt a strong pull as the gem was ripped from my finger. The gem was pulled to the middle of the cylinders, hovering in mid-air and began to spin. As I watched, the gem began to spin faster and faster before letting off a small pulse.
As the gem pulsed, I felt something between my hand and the core poking my palm. Adjusting my hand, I saw a clear rock growing from the core as another began to grow from the top and then the side. Looking at the rocks growing from the side, I realized that it was the same as the gem inside. Slowly, the gems began to cover every part of the core. Once finished, I was left with the gem covered core.
"Well, ain't that something," I said to myself before turning to the book. "But how is this supposed to help me?"
The words on the pages disappeared before new ones replaced them, "take the gem out of the core and watch."
"Uh... okay," I said as I reached inside the core.
I gripped the gem and attempted to pull it out, but it did not budge one bit. I used all my strength, but it was stuck inside. I looked at the book for guidance, as it seemed to know more than I did.
"Not with hands. With your birthright. With your magic." The book said as the words filled the pages.
"My birthright?" I questioned as I looked at my glowing hands.
Holding my hand up, I pulled on the gem with my magic, and it came flying out. Pulling the gem into my hand, I watched as the large clusters of the gems that were on the core began to start falling off, falling to the ground with a thud. Soon, the core was just as I found it. Looking over the core, I thought about putting the glowing gem inside, but I already knew what would happen, so I moved on to the gift box.
Picking up the gift box, I turned to the book, "What is this?"
The book did not respond for a moment before a response started to fill the pages, "A gift."
Pulling gently on the bow that kept the box sealed. Putting the strings to the side, I lifted the top of the white box, setting it next to the strings. Looking inside the box, I was met with a black ring. Picking up the black ring, I held it closer to my face and saw that it was some kind of black metal with floral engravings on the side. At the top of the ring was a green gemstone.
I looked away from the ring toward the book, "Who… are… you?"
The book did not respond to my question as it slammed shut. As the sound of the book echoed around me, I felt the ground begin to shake. Looking around, I instinctually shoved the ring into my pocket before I lost my balance, falling backward. As I felt the world disappear, leaving me in a black void as a gentle voice echoed in the distance.
"Jack."
The feeling of the floor, along with hooves gently rocking me back and forth, drew me back to reality.
"Jack. It's time to wake up," Twilight said softly as she continued to shake me.
Opening my eyes, I saw Twilight and Rarity staring down at me. Lifting the upper half of my body, I sat up, rubbing the side of my head as Twilight and Rarity took a step back. I continued to rub my head before I moved my hand to my forehead, only to realize that it was flat once more.
"How long was I asleep?" I asked as I rubbed my eyes.
"About an hour and a half," Twilight responded.
"That long," I said as I turned to Rarity. "Is the suit done?"
"Yes, it is in that purple bag over there," Rarity responded, pointing to a purple paper bag on a table next to the door. You'll have to wait to try it on. We have to start walking if we want to get to Sugar Cube Corner on time."
Nodding, I stood up, stretching my joints, allowing them to pop as Twilight, and Rarity walked over to the door. I followed them as they exited the Carousel Boutique, making sure to grab the paper bag as I did. Outside, I felt the cool air on my skin before the three of us started to walk.
Twilight turned to look at me as she began to speak, "So Jack, how was your little nap?"
I let out a small chuckle as I looked down at her and responded, "Honestly, it was probably one of the better sleeps that I have had since coming here."
"Why is that?" Rarity asked.
"He suffers really badly from nightmares. He says that Luna has even tried to help him," Twilight responded before turning to look at me again. "So, did you not have a nightmare?"
"Not this time. No forest. No snow. Just a wheat field and a hill with a tree," I responded, leaving out the book, core, and gift.
"That sounds peaceful," Twilight said.
We continued to walk down the dirt road as other ponies walked around us. It wasn't long before we came closer to Sugar Cube Corner when I saw Fluttershy and Applejack turn a corner, coming into view. Applejack seemed to notice us pretty easily as she gave us a wave as Fluttershy, and she stopped for us to catch up.
As we approached, Applejack began to speak, "Well hey there, you three. Just in time, Fluttershy and I were on the way to Sugar Cube. We can all walk the rest of the way."
"We sure can. I bet Pinkie and Rainbow Dash are waiting for us," Twilight said as we all started to walk.
"Probably Pinkie. I doubt Rainbow Dash is there yet. When have you known her not to be fashionably late," Rarity said.
"Ha. She has a point, Twilight. Even though Rainbow is quick and nimble, that don't mean she's punctual," Applejack said.
"Well, she has been going around acting like a hero lately. But she is helping others," Fluttershy said in her soft voice.
"We turned the corner to see the sugar cube corner in sight with Pinkie Pie waiting patiently outside. Noticing us, she began to trot over.
"Hopefully it isn't going to her, he…," Twilight said before a pair of screams cut her off.
Looking to our right, a balcony of older-looking ponies started to fall through the air toward the ground. Twilight's horn began to glow before a rainbow blur swooped in and slowed down the fall of the balcony. Rainbow Dash lowered the balcony to the ground as a crowd started to form around her, and Pinkie Pie caught up to us in the back of the crowd.
As the older ponies walked off the balcony, the crowd started to cheer Rainbow Dash's name. A huge smile appeared on Rainbow Dash's face as she flew into the air and started to egg on the crowd.
"I can't hear you!" Rainbow Dash yelled before she started to dance in mid-air.
The six of us watched Rainbow before Twilight spoke up, "Call me silly, but I think this whole hero thing might be going to Rainbow Dash's head."
"You may be right… Silly" Pinkie Pie said as a frown appeared on Twilight's face.
We watched as Rainbow Dash flew to Sugar Cube Corner, followed by a newly found crowd wearing Rainbow Dash wigs and merchandise. The rest of us walked over to Sugar Cube Corner, entering past Rainbow's Fanclub. We all took a table as Rainbow Dash was too caught up in the moment and did not realize we were even there. Pinkie Pie brought us all some food and drinks as we watched.
"You know we have to teach her a lesson is she gets too cocky," Applejack said as she took a bite of an apple cinnamon cupcake.
"But how would we do that?" Fluttershy asked softly.
"Well, if she wants to be a hero. Why not give her a bit of… anonymous competition," Twilight said as she took a drink of grape soda.
Not wanting to get involved, I took a drink of cream soda. As I moved my bag safely to the ground, I put my hand on my hips and watched the others talk about their plan. That was when I felt something digging into both my palm and my hip. Lifting my hand, I could feel something in my pocket. Confused, I put my hand in my pocket and pulled the thing out.
Keeping my hand under the table, I opened it to find the same ring that I had put in my pocket in my dream. It was the black ring with the green gemstone. My heart sank a bit as I realized what I was seeing. Looking around, I shoved the ring back in my pocket as the others were too wrapped up in conversation to see.
"Later," I thought to myself as I took another drink of the cream soda.