Scootaloo had every reason to be excited. Just around the bend was a big day. It wasn't her Cutesinera... that the 6 had let rest. Instead it was her birthday! She was ready to turn 9, a respectable age for a young filly no longer a Blank Flank.

Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle were put in charge of planning. Pinkie went to work envisioning the perfect party for Scootaloo while Twilight passed out invitations and coordinated with other ponies. It was going smoothly, and all welcomed that.

Much to the purple Unicorn's surprise, Apple Bloom checked Yes on her RSVP. She asked her farm pony friend if she'd coerced AB someway into coming. Apple Jack had a quick response:

"It took a little doin' and a lot of discussion, but Ah managed to get her to change her mind. She's still got a lotta resentment towards Scootaloo, though. A lot."

"Are you sure this is such a good idea then?"

"Well, I want to see 'em together again as the next pony, but if it's not meant to be there's not a whole lot Ah reckon we can do. Seeing how we're be gonna be having Babs during that time, if the two don't get along they can always head for the Acres together without ruining the party."

"Smart planning, AJ."

There was one pony Twilight passed an invitation to who had been too busy to do much of anything social, yet had still checked a resounding Maybe on her RSVP. This Unicorn in particular had endured a recent tragedy:

"Uh, Rarity... the party's in a few days. Are you going to be able to make it?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Twilight," the seamstress replied, not taking her eyes off her sewing machine. "I'm just now putting the finishing touches on an ensemble I've been working on for Hoity-toity due tomorrow evening; then there's the family heirloom Cherilee wants me to recondition; oh, and then Peachy Pie's sister's getting married next month and I have a large order for 5 custom Bride's Maid dresses."

"It's okay, Rarity," Twilight said, placing her hoof on her friend's shoulder. "I guess we can save you some cake, if you'd like."

"But I have to watch my figure!"

Twilight took a good, hard look at her friend. She wasn't a skinny pony when the two first met, but she wasn't exactly a plump one either. During the past 5 months Rarity had lost over 20 lbs. Twilight noted that she was not eating often in front of others, so she couldn't gauge her habits. The purple Unicorn could see that, if she continued to lose weight, she'd start looking like she had a serious problem. 5 of Rarity's best friends already felt one developing... yet there was no way to prove it and get her help.

Just at that time, Opalescence rubbed up against Rarity's hoof by the floor, softly purring. Twilight looked down to see that at least the cat looked well-fed, reassuring her that perhaps Rarity was just stressed from overwork and the loss of her sister.

"Okay, Rarity." She said, preparing to leave. "We'd love to have you. It's been so long since we all were together."

The ivory Unicorn did not answer, but instead focused on the flashy design in front of her. Twilight walked away, looking back briefly as the door opened to see Rarity still intently focused.

There'd been a pattern over the past few months Twilight wanted to see if she could break -- she'd say good-bye first, and then Rarity would reply. This time she waited... and waited... and waited. When she realized there wasn't going to be a good-bye, she slammed the door in frustration. Though it felt good at the time, she felt pretty bad about doing that later on.