Slight change of plans. Need to pick you up early. On my way now.

"Oh no!" Twilight cried out as she stared at the text. "Oh no, oh no!" Dropping the phone she ran for the closet. "She's coming! She's coming! She's on her way here right now. I'm not ready! I'm not ready!" She started digging through her clothes. "What to wear, what to wear."

"What are you getting so worked up about?" Spike asked from his spot on Twilight's bed. "I thought you knew what you were going to wear already."

The statement caused Twilight to stop, stepping away from her closet. Taking a deep breath, she slowly let it out and gave a nod.

"Yes," she said. "You're right, Spike. I did. Thanks for reminding me." She had gone through a similar situation when getting ready for her previous date. That was why she had planned her outfit ahead of time and had set it aside before taking a shower. Yet here she was, panicking over a single change to her entire schedule, and forgetting that very fact.

Setting her towel aside, Twilight grabbed a light blue bra and panties, quickly slipping them on. It was supposed to be a casual date -- just dinner and a show -- so she pulled on a pair of jeans. At the same time, it was a date -- a first date, no less -- and despite the "casual," she did want to look good. As such, she also put on a light blue blouse that matched her bra ("In case she takes you to a night club," Rarity had explained).

Giving herself one last look in the mirror, Twilight was satisfied with herself. After returning the towel to the bathroom, she made her way to the living room. It was not long before she got a message saying that Gilda was right outside.

As Twilight got into the car, she took a look at Gilda. The other girl was dressed in a shirt and jeans. She turned to look at Twilight as she sat down, eyes narrowing. Gilda gave a smirk and slight nod.

"Lookin' good."

"Thanks," Twilight said, smiling as she buckled her seat belt.

In the space between the seats was a small white bag with a receipt stapled to the top. A glance in the back seat, and Twilight saw a pair of shopping bags. It made her curious. Why would Gilda need to go shopping before a date? Why not earlier in the day? The week? Was Gilda actually going to be making them dinner instead of going out? That actually sounded kind of romantic. Although if that was the case, why would Gilda need to pick up Twilight earlier than planned?

"So, why the early pick up?" she asked.

Gilda held up the small white paper bag.

"One of Grandpa's prescriptions," she answered. "Pharmacy was nearby. It was either pick you up early, or rush through dinner."

Twilight gave a nod and moved to get a little more comfortable. She looked out the window, watching the sight of the town speeding by. Occasionally, she would look over at Gilda, taking in the relaxed focus the other girl had while behind the wheel. One hand on the wheel while the other held the gearshift. Twilight had never driven a manual shift car before. Actually, Twilight had never driven at all.

It did not seem to take long until they had reached Gilda's home, where she lived with her grandfather. The pair got out of the car, Gilda grabbing both the pharmacy bag, and the shopping bags. The muscles in her arm flexed as she lifted the two larger bags in one hand.

"Need any help?" Twilight asked.

"I got it," Gilda answered as she led the way to the door. Even with her hands full, she was able to open the door without any trouble and lead the way inside. Dropping the shopping bags in the kitchen, she made her way to the living room, tearing open the pharmacy bag.

In the living room sat Gilda's grandfather, "Grampa Gruff." He was a hunched over man, with dark gray skin and a bald head. Thick, bushy eyebrows were lowered in a perpetual scowl. His eyes, however, were surprisingly clear and sharp. When he looked at her, Twilight Sparkle felt like she was a mouse that had just been spotted by a hawk. Although one squinted as the other was wide, giving him a slight lopsided look.

"Okay, Gramps," Gilda said as held up an orange prescription bottle. "Here's your new medication."

Gruff let out a grunt.

"The directions say you are to take one pill twice a day, with food. So I'm going to put it on the dining room table for you. Take your first later tonight when you have dinner."

Grampa Gruff let out another grunt.

"I got you a salad with grilled chicken, and red wine vinegar for dressing."

"Salad?" he huffed out, turning his attention to Gilda. "I'm not some pony happy with munching a bunch of vegetable. I need real food." He pointed a finger at her. "And chicken shouldn't just be 'grilled' for a salad. If it's going to be 'grilled' it should be as proper barbecue, with a sauce on it, and served either on the bone or as a sandwich." He gave a shake of his head. "Could have at least gotten me one with some nice fried pieces on it, instead."

With a sigh and shake of her own head, Gilda headed for the dining room, where she put the pill bottle beside several others.

"You know what the doctor said," she started, but stopped.

"Doctors!" Gruff snapped, with Gilda mouthing along. "Bah!" He held up a hand, which Gilda mirrored. "Quacks! That's what they are. The whole lot of them." Gruff -- and Gilda -- made a fist. "Why, I remember when they thought shoving a cattle prod up your ass was good for you. 'Stimulate the organs,' they would claim. Think they know what's better for me than I do."

"They went to school specifically to know how a body works," Gilda said.

Gruff let out a huff. He looked at Gilda as she returned, standing in front of him and crossing her arms over her chest. The two glared at each other before Gilda sighed, sagging slightly. Closing her eyes, she rubbed at her head.

"Grampa," she said softly, "I get you don't like this, but the doctors say it's what's best for you. So it's what we're going to do."

With another huff, Grampa Gruff looked away. Moving toward him, Gilda put an arm around him and gave a kiss on his forehead.

"I'll see you when I get home."

"Don't get arrested," the old man said, getting a laugh from Gilda.

"I haven't been caught yet," she said as she made her way to Twilight, then the door.

"So, I take it that happens pretty often?" Twilight asked once they were outside.

"Yeah," Gilda answered. She gave a shrug. "He's just letting off steam. Complains a lot, but still takes his meds and watches his diet."

"'Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,'" Twilight quoted.

"Wouldn't quite go that far. Now come on. Let's get our date started."