“Thank you so much for taking care of them Rarity, I really do appreciate it.”

Rarity turned to give her longtime friend Fluttershy a smile as she set down a pile of slightly tattered dresses. “It’s no problem at all darling, I’m always willing to help a friend in need, and a dress in need. What did you say happened to them again?”

“Oh, some of the animals got into a little argument, and they accidentally tore them up in the heat of it all. But they’ve promised never to fight with each other again, so I forgive them.”

“Use the old stare on them, did you Fluttershy?” Rarity asked, chuckling as the image of Fluttershy using her trademark stare on the animal’s responsible coming to her mind.

Fluttershy shook her head. “Not at all, I just told them how very disappointed I was that they couldn’t solve their problem politely and nicely.”

Rarity smiled at that, as she replied “Oh, I’m sure those little friends of yours won’t be fighting anytime soon. So, is there any time you need these dresses back by?”

Fluttershy shook her head as the sound of a door opening and closing downstairs floated up to Rarity’s workshop. “Well, it’d be nice if you could get the bridesmaid gown fixed by this Thursday that would be oh so wonderful.”

Rarity cocked an eyebrow up at her friend, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she asked “Hmm…Fluttershy darling, have you finally found your special somepony? I’ve got far better dresses than that old thing if you’re looking to impress... as well as other more, erotic choices for afterwards.”

Fluttershy went beet red at Rarity’s words, and she started shaking her head and stuttering “Oh noo, that’s not it at all-”

Rarity shook her head, giggling slightly as she walked over and placed a hoof on her friend’s back. “I was just teasing you darling, no need to get so worked up. But I am curious, why do you need that gown fixed so soon?”

Fluttershy was still a bit too flustered to say anything, taking in deep breaths as she tried to calm herself down. Knowing it would be a moment before her friend could reply, Rarity went to the dresses and started looking each of them over, paying attention to bridesmaid gown. As she was doing that, the door to her workshop opened and a cheerful voice called out “I’m home Rarity-Oh, hiya Fluttershy!”

“Hello Sweetie Belle, I trust you had a nice day at school?” Rarity said as she turned and smiled at Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle returned the smile, rushing up to embrace her in a quick hug as she nodded her head.

“It was okay, definitively better than yesterday. I know it’s not nice to say, but I’m glad Diamond Tiara was sick at home today. Say, is Fluttershy okay? She looks a little stressed…”

“Oh, I was just teasing her a bit, but I guess I went a little too far. She’ll be fine in a few minutes though.” Rarity said, sending Fluttershy an apologetic smile to which Fluttershy simply nodded. She was about to say more, but there was a loud ringing sound from downstairs.

“I’ll get it!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, heading out the door and downstairs, leaving Rarity with the now calmed Fluttershy.

“I really am sorry Fluttershy, I forgot how easily flustered such conversation can make you.”

Fluttershy smiled as she pushed her mane out of the way so she could see Rarity clearly. “It’s alright, I do need to learn not to get so bothered by…naughty things.” Her face flushed briefly when she said that, but she continued “But that’s not why I want the gown by Thursday. My cousin Cloudburst is getting married on Thursday, and I just wanted something really nice to wear when I go.”

“Oh, so she’s finally found someone? Well, when you see her, give her my sincere wishes that it lasts this time, I remember what you told me about her last marriage…”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a shout from Sweetie Belle.

“Rarity! The calls for you!”

 Rarity walked over to the door, opening it as she called out, “I’ll be there in a second Sweetie Belle, please tell them to hold on just a moment.” She turned back to Fluttershy as she said “Well Fluttershy darling, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll have that dress fixed by the end of the-”

“But Mister Fancy Schmancy says it’s really important!”

Rarity stopped mid-sentence as she recognized that name, and her eyes went as wide as saucers as she stuttered out “Ahahah…e-excuse me for a moment Fluttershy.” A second later, she was racing down the stairs, heading for the kitchen where she kept the phone. She heard a small screech as she turned a corner, and she called out, “Sorry Opalesence! I’ll make it up to you later!” before reaching the kitchen, sliding to a halt next to Sweetie Belle.

“Thank you for answering the phone Sweetie Belle, why don’t you go along and play while I talk with Mr. Schmancy.” Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded, turning and trotting off. Rarity picked up the phone and said into it “Hello, this is Rarity, how may I help you?” The conversation went on for several minutes, and with each passing minute it became more difficult for Rarity to contain her excitement and retain her composure.

“…I trust we shall both benefit from this arrangent.” Fancy Schmancy said from his line, and despite the fact that he wasn’t there to see it, she nodded.

“Oh yes, I’m sure we shall. The train you’ve booked leaves at eight in the evening correct?” Receiving an affirmative, she finished “Than I shall see you tonight, and you can tell her that Rarity will make sure she has the best dresses she will ever wear!” With that, she hung the phone back on its pedestal and stood there for a moment in silence. It didn’t last long, as a squeal of joy erupted from her throat and she shouted “Yes yes yes yes!”

“Oh my, is everything okay Rarity?” Rairty turned her head to see Fluttershy floating down the steps towards her.

“Everything is more than fine Fluttershy! That was Fancy Schmancy, the owner of the Golden Grain in Manehatten.”

Fluttershy gasped. “The Golden Grain? Isn’t that one of Equestria’s most famous hotels?”

Rarity nodded. “The very same. And its owner, Fancy Schmancy, just called me telling me his wife Emerald Shine, wants me to come down to Manehatten to make his wife a whole line of dresses! And since Emerald Shine is the head of Fashion Monthly,…”

“If you make wonderful dresses for her, she’s sure to put them in her magazine. My Rarity, this is an amazing opportunity.”

“Which is exactly why I need to get straight to work on your gown, I’m going to be staying at the Golden Grain for a week while working on Emerald Shine’s dresses. If you’ll just follow me up stairs, I’ll get it fixed up right away.”

“What about me Rarity?”

Rarity and Fluttershy turned to see Sweetie Belle looking up at them. Rarity frowned, than gasped as she said “That’s right, our parents are out of town for the next two weeks, and I can’t leave you here all by yourself…oh how could I have forgotten about something so important?”

“She could stay at my house for a week.” Fluttershy suggested, getting an enthusiastic look from Sweetie Belle and a reluctant look from Rarity.

“Well…I know I don’t have many choices. The only other option would be to bring her with me, and I won’t have the time to keep a proper eye on her…but are you sure you could handle her for a week?”

“I did well enough when her and her friends stayed at my house for a night.” Fluttershy replied.

“I know that Fluttershy, but that’s just it, it was only one day.”

“I’ll be good Rarity, I promise.” Sweetie Belle piped up, adding “Besides, maybe Fluttershy can help me find my Cutie Mark!”

Rarity bit her lip, but then smiled and nodded her head “Alright, if you’re willing to take her for the week Fluttershy, I would really appreciate that.”

“It would be my pleasure Rarity. Sweetie Belle’s such a good filly, I’m sure there will be no problems whatsoever.”

“Well then Sweetie Belle, you best go gather your things while I go fix Fluttershy’s dress. After that, we’ll find something fun to do before I have to catch my train.” Rarity said, making her way towards the stairs and her workshop. She saw Sweetie Belle nodding before she vanished off, Fluttershy following her, no doubt to help the filly with her packing.

Once back in her workshop, she stopped for a moment to giggle in excitement, clapping her hooves together as she thought about the trip she was about to go on. Maybe this would finally be the big break she was looking for, the chance to really and truly strike it rich. Sure, she had thought that after Hoity Toity had approved of her dresses, she’d make it big, and she had gotten a boost from both Fancy Pants’s patronage and the dresses she’d made for Princess Cadence’s wedding, but somehow she had yet to truly be recognized as one of the best fashionista’s of all Equestria.

But if I work hard, maybe this time, this time will be the big moment! With this thought in mind, Rarity trotted over to her sewing machine and set to work on fixing Fluttershy’s gown, her mind whirling with designs and patterns as she imagined her next line of perfect dresses.

-*-

Laughter.

It was everywhere, surrounding her, penetrating deep into her mind as she put on a fake smile and bowed awkwardly to the packed theatre. It wasn’t the kind laughter one received from a good joke, or the light-hearted kind shared between friends when something embarrassing happened. No, this was the same type of laughter that she had been forced to become accustomed to ever since that horrid night. It was a cruel laughter, the sort of laughter one heard after being pushed into the mud, or in her case, making yet another mistake during a performance.

She kept the smile plastered to her face until the curtain slid closed, hiding the audience from her sight, the sound of their laughter dulling somewhat but only by a thin margin. She dropped the smile, replaced by a look of frustration mixed with disappointment as she stomped a hoof on the wooden stage below her.

Why? Why does this keep happening to me? Why can’t I get through a performance without messing up?

This was not the first performance she had ruined, and somehow, as much as it troubled her to even consider, it would not be the last. At least this time she hadn’t set anything on fire.

“Trixie!” A voice called out, and Trixie turned to see Thunderjack, a pegasus responsible for any weather effects a performance required, standing near right side of the stage. His eyes simmered with a mixture of boredom and annoyance as he said “Starshine wants to see you in his office, pronto.”

She sighed as she stood up, taking in a deep breath as she walked past Thunderjack and into the backstage. Ponies wandered back and forth, most cleaning things up or packing up to head home. A select few stayed however, preparing for their late night performances by practicing or catching a few z’s. Some waved at her as she passed, to which she half-heartedly returned, while others smirked or chuckled at her. One particular actor who had on more than one occasion annoyed Trixie got a bucket full of water poured on her head after she started laughing as she passed by. She wasn’t laughing now.

Such acts had stopped bringing the same satisfaction they had brought in the past. True, it was all an act, a part of the show to humiliate those who doubted her skills and abilities, but she wouldn’t say she didn’t enjoy it on occasion, especially when the pony deserved it. But ever since that night…

She tried not to think about that night, trying to bury it deep down inside her mind like she had tried during her performance. She had failed then, and she was failing now. So with the memory of that night playing through her mind, she walked into the theatre manager’s office with a scowl plastered across her face.

Entering the cluttered office, she saw Starshine sifting through various pieces of paperwork, but the instant she stepped in, his head snapped up to gaze at her, his eyes showing no emotion as he gestured her to a seat. She worked to bring her emotions under control, knowing that getting angry or upset in front of Starshine wouldn’t do her any good. So, schooling her face into as blank an expression as she could, she took the offered seat and waited for him to start.

He didn’t wait long. “Trixie, Trixie, Trixie.” He said, shaking his head as he did so. “Where should I begin?” Trixie tried to open her mouth to say something, but he held up a hoof, stopping her. “I’ve watched you practice, and I’ve watched you perform. It’s obvious you're skilled at magic, but…I just can’t keep you here if you’re going to keep messing up every one of your performances.”

Trixie fumed, her anger rising within her at his words, even though she knew they were true. Still, she had to try to convince him to give her one more chance. “But more ponies have been coming here ever since I started performing! We’ve had a full house every night for this entire week!”

Starshine was unfazed by her raised voice, or the frustrated expression on her face. He simply picked up a piece of paper on his desk and hoofed it over to her. “Why don’t you take a look at that for a moment.”

Trixie harrumphed, but did as he asked, using her magic to hold it up in the air as she looked at it. It was a sheet listing how many seats had been filled during the various performances the theatre held. Most of the numbers were about the same, and she quickly found performance time on the list and looked at each night. As she had said, the last week she had been drawing in huge crowds during her performances, despite the mistakes she had made in each one (or perhaps because of them but she didn’t want to accept that thought). But as she scrolled across the sheet and reached the numbers for this nights performance…her face fell.

“So you see my problem. I know you may not like to hear it, but the numbers clearly state what you may not wish to fully accept. Your mistakes drew in crowds initially, plenty have heard of you after all, and the idea of watching someone so famous fail is entertaining to some. But the novelty is wearing off. Soon, the only ponies who will buy a ticket to see you peform are those who get a jolly from watching others do badly, and that’s not the type of theatre I run.” The briefest hint of sadness came to his eyes as he added “I know your situation, and that’s why I’ve been so understanding, but…”

Trixie wanted to cry, but her pride kept her from doing so. So instead, she pleaded “Please Starshine… just give me one more chance. Just one, and if I mess it up, I’ll leave without a word. But please, just give me one last chance.”

Starshine closed his eyes and sat in thought for a moment, long enough to make Trixie worry that he might say no. Her fears were soon confirmed when he began to shake his head, and he murmured “I’m sorry Trixie, but I can’t keep you.”

Trixie felt her chest tightening up as she heard those words. “So that’s it then…I’m done here?”

Starshine nodded, pulling out a small bag of bits and hoofing them over to her. “Yes, and you should be glad that I understand what you’re going through, otherwise I wouldn’t be giving you this. It’s your pay for this week, minus some for the damage you caused when you set the stage on fire.”

Trixie took the bag, opening it and glancing inside. It was barely enough to get a cheap motel room, and after that she doubted there’d be enough to get anything more than a slice of bread.

“I really am sorry Trixie…”

“No, you’re not.” Trixie mumbled, taking the bag and turning as she made her way to her locker, grabbing what few meager belongings she still had before making her way out of the theatre. She didn’t say anything to anyone as she went, merely kept her eyes down on the sidewalk as she wandered through Manehatten, her mind a jumbled mess of conflicting feelings and thoughts.

Eventually, she made her way into Central Park, only realizing such when she accidentally bumped into a tree. Rubbing her snout, she looked around and saw that she was standing next to a large willow tree, with a small white stone bench sitting nearby. Nopony was near her, the only company the soft light of the moon wafting through the slowly moving willow branches.

Without realizing it, she lay down on the ground next to the tree and began to cry. Losing this latest job, combined everything else that had happened since that night back in Ponyville… it was just too much, and she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

As the tears began to slow and her mind began to tire, she glanced up at the moon, and sent a silent prayer its way as she set her head down on the soft grass.

Please Luna…please show me the way…guide me off this path I have tread upon. Give me the light I need to break through this dark time in my life…

With that thought, she closed her eyes and drifted off into an uneasy sleep under the shade of the willow tree.