Diamond Tiara's POV

Just another day. Another day to tease blank flanks. Another day to harass the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Another—you know what, I don't have time for this. Stop writing this poetic yibber yabber, Yterbius.

I walked over to Apple Bloom, and I stared at her with a mean expression. She glared back at me with a mean expression as well. Eventually, the school bell rang, and we walked inside.

However, we all noticed right away that Ms. Cheerilee wasn't there. There was a pink pegasus stallion with a blond mane, and his cutie mark was a red electric guitar with wings.

"Hello there, young students. My name is Johnny, and I will be your substitute teacher until Ms. Cheerilee comes back in an undetermined amount of time."

"Mr. Johnny, what happened to Ms. Cheerilee?" I heard Silver Spoon's voice next to me.

Johnny got a little uncomfortable. "She, unfortunately, has the flu that's going around. That reminds me, I brought some hoof sanitizer with me, in case anypony needs."

I raised my hoof. "Mr. Johnny, do you know how long she'll be gone? And may we call you Mr. Johnson?"

"I don't know how long she'll be gone. And yes, you may call me Mr. Johnson."

Glad I got that out of the way, I thought. I hope Ms. Cheerilee comes back soon.

After he took attendance, he asked where a few classmates were. Featherweight was out with the flu, Snips and Snails were on vacation in Manehattan, and I told him Scootaloo's chariot broke down, so she was going to be late. Silver Spoon cast me a worried glance.

Later at lunchtime, Silver Spoon and the CMC questioned me.

"Diamond, you feeling okay?" "Y'all don't usually stand up fer other ponies lahke that." "Thanks for bailing me out, though." "Why did you save my friend's hide, Tiara?"

I was overwhelmed. "Well, if you three keep bugging me, I'll ruin it for you."

That shut them up. They immediately walked off together. I'll admit, I was hurt by that. They had each other, their families, their adventures, and I only got Silver Spoon to hang out with. I couldn't eat my lunch anymore, so I gave it to Pipsqueak, and walked back inside for the remainder of lunchtime.