Sweetie's concern for Silver was apparent as she followed the grey mare. The mare hadn't spoken much on the train ride, other than to tell Sweetie she didn't want to talk about Diamond Tiara. Now that they were back in Canterlot, Sweetie hoped her friend would open up some. They had just crossed the threshold onto the school campus when Sweetie's history professor met them.

He had a barrage of questions for Sweetie about her trip. As always, he was very interested in the Elements of Harmony. She answered his questions as best she could, but her attention was mostly on Silver Spoon. The mare hadn't made any sort of acknowledgement to the professor. Silver led the way as he walked them all the way to their dorm, where Sweetie told him she would see him in class on Friday as they walked into the building.

Silver sped into her room, not giving Tish a second look as she said hello. Sweetie smiled and shrugged at Tish, shaking her head. She wasn't sure what to say about Silver's behavior.  Silver was already lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling by the time Sweetie made it into the dorm.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?" Sweetie asked.

Silver didn't say a word. She didn't so much as move her eyes toward Sweetie. She simply stared at the ceiling.

Five days later, Silver hadn't changed much.

Sweetie flipped another page in her unicorn development book, studying the stages of magical development. When a unicorn foal is first born, they will have access to a great amount of weak magic. Foals usually release some of that great amount of energy in a process called premature activation of magical resources or PAMR. Researchers believe this is due to survival needs of the caveponies, since today foals are more well protected by the parents. She sighed, and looked out the window. A small smile formed on her lips as she thought of the throwing the textbook out. Of course, that wouldn't help her bring her grades up to par. She had barely made a seventy on the second test, and that was her highest grade in the class.

Looking back down at the textbook with a sigh, Sweetie concentrated on reading again. However, she hadn't read two sentences before Silver's voice caused her to look up.

"So, Sweetie, about those double dates."

"Yeah?"

"Glimpse is in your history class, right? So you're going to set them up today?" Silver looked at her expectantly.

Sweetie grinned. "Yeah, I can, if you still want to."

"I do," Silver said. "It would be a distraction, at least."

Unsure if the last statement was meant for her to hear, Sweetie ignored it. Now that Silver had spoken, though, she was having trouble concentrating on the early learning stages of a unicorn. Sweetie sighed, closed the book and turned in her chair, studying Silver instead.

Silver Spoon’s slender body remained almost motionless except for the heaving of her chest. The slow, rhythmic movement up and down almost hypnotized her. Sweetie Belle’s gaze wandered to Silver’s eyes; the blue glasses framed the purple irises very nicely. Sweetie Belle watched them stare at the ceiling, completely focused.

"Is there a reason you're staring at me?"

Sweetie shook her head, quickly averting her gaze. "I was just thinking." She felt the heat rush to her cheeks.

Silver's brow furrowed for a second before she smirked. "Thinking about what?"

Sweetie flailed for an answer. "Diamond," she finally blurted out. "You and Diamond."

Silver deflated. "Oh. That."

Sweetie moved from her chair to Silver's bed. "You know, you can tell me what you were fighting about if you want."

Silver snorted. "You just wouldn't understand, Sweetie. Diamond and I…she's my best friend. She knows so much about me and…" she trailed off. Silver sighed. "My family is very different from yours, Sweetie. Do you know what my special talent is?"

"No, no really," Sweetie said, shaking her head.

"I'm good at talking, at convincing people of things.  Why do you think we rarely got in trouble with Miss Cheerilee or any of our other teachers? It was so easy just to say the right words and talk my way out of any situation. Of course, it could never work on my family.” Silver snorted, almost resentfully.

“What do you mean?” Sweetie asked.

Silver took a deep breath. "Well, my father had his perfect plan for my sister and I, even before we understood what anything meant. Precious just goes along with it, of course... Doing everything they've told her to do--she's a model." She rolled her eyes. "But I don't want that. I want to make my own path! And Diamond is no better, she's just taking it. Just like Precious." Hitting the mattress with a determined hoof, the grey mare declared, "I never wanted to have anything to do with business! Never! I don't want to be the type of pony that only cares what purpose or advantage her friends can provide. I want to be me!"

Silver took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Sweetie bit her lip and hesitated momentarily before she wrapped her hooves around Silver's neck. The small action seemed to spur her to speak again. "I chose mass communications because I know I'll be good at it. Going out, getting a story and writing it up. It just feels right, you know? Dad was furious I deviated from his plan.” Silver let out an unamused snort. “I was supposed to be a business major and work in his stupid company. It came down to me choosing to get kicked out, really," Silver said, her head still on Sweetie's shoulder. "It was either 'get my head on straight or get out'. I informed them my head was on straight."

Sweetie felt something wet hit her fur and didn't have to look down to know Silver was crying. "How are you going to pay for school?" It probably wasn't the right thing to say, but for that second it was the only thing she could think of.

"They are still paying for it. They think I'll cave in and go back to business if they do. But I won't." Silver's voice didn't hold a hint of tears, though another droplet fell onto Sweetie's shoulder.

Almost without thinking, Sweetie started stroking Silver's mane. "And what about Diamond?"

Silver snorted. "Her family is much the same. Only Mr. Rich has her convinced this is what she wants. She…she thinks I've betrayed everything we stand for by switching majors. She hasn't made a single friend at her new school because she thinks they're all beneath her, and now I’ve betrayed her by becoming your friend." Silver's tears had slowly been affecting her voice. "She--" she started, her voice breaking,"she was my best friend. And then she says I…I'm…" The sobs began then, as Silver wrapped both hooves around Sweetie's neck.

Sweetie returned the embrace, continuing to stroke Silver's mane. "Hey, shh, it's okay," she said softly. "I'm here." It took a while, but Silver stopped crying and straightened up.

She had an embarrassed look on her face. "I'm sorry. I cried all over you, did I? Oh, I do feel foolish." She started to stand when Sweetie grabbed her hoof, stopping her.

"You know I'm here for you, don't you?" Sweetie asked. "I know we aren't as close as you and Diamond were, but I'm still your friend."

Sweetie couldn't read the look on Silver's face. "Sweetie, is that a--" a knock on the door interrupted her.

"Hold that thought." Sweetie opened the door to see Karat. The red pegasus smiled at the two mares.

"Hey guys," she greeted. "I was just checking if you were going to class today. I mean, it starts in ten minutes and I thought we could walk together. Silver’s econ class is on the way, right?"

Sweetie bit her lip, looking back at Silver. The earth pony shook her head. "No, I think I'm going to skip this class, you guys go ahead."

Sweetie retrieved her saddlebags from her bed and walked back over to Karat. "I'll see you after class then." She offered Silver one last smile before leaving for history.

"So," Karat said as they walked out of the dorm building. "How was your weekend?"

Sweetie smiled. “It was pretty good for the most part. My sister planned a huge welcome for me. It was a little embarrassing, you know, but I don’t really mind. She means well, but I don’t need everyone there to greet me, you know? She had all her friends there, and mine too. My friend Scootaloo was even there.”

“Scootaloo... the pegasus, right?”

“Yeah. Actually, when we first met, you reminded me of her so much. All the way to the whole Rainbow Dash worship.”

Karat rolled her eyes and gave an impolite snort.

“What’s that about?” Sweetie asked, playfully pushing Karat.

Karat shook her head. “Nothing.” The walk in silence for a while. Sweetie’s mind drifted back to worrying about Silver. She wasn’t sure how to cheer her friend up, especially after a fight like that. She could only imagine what it would feel like had she been in Silver’s place, and Apple Bloom or Scootaloo in Diamond Tiara’s. Karat spoke again, breaking her thoughts. “She likes Rainbow Dash too, huh?”

Sweetie shrugged. “She did. Dash was her idol when we were fillies. There was no pony better. We always had to watched her practice and stuff. She has sorta grown out of it though.”

“Like watching her practice was that bad? She is the most awesome pegasus in Equestria.” Karat shoved Sweetie a bit too hard to be considered playful.

“Hey, that hurt.” Frowning, Sweetie continued. “It wasn’t really bad. I just didn’t see what the big deal was. I still don’t, to be honest. She’s just Dash.” Again, Sweetie shrugged.

Karak shook her head, wearing an incredulous expression. “ ‘Just Dash.’ She is the best pony ever! How could she just ‘grow out of it’? Why would you even want to? It’s not like you guys have done anything noteworthy.”

Sweetie stopped walking and turned to face Karat. “What? Sure, she’s cool. But she’s still just Dash, one of my sister's friends. She was on the Ponyville weather team for years. I’ve known her since I was a filly. And...we just grew up. Sure, Scoot still looks up to her, but dear gods above, I wanted to be just like my sister and would watch her sew for hours but I grew out of that. I...what are you even talking about?”

“I’m just saying, you act like it’s no big deal to know her. I mean, Dash is a Wonderbolt. And she’s performed a Rainboom how many times now? You should consider yourself lucky to even know her.” Karat moved in to where she was an inch from Sweetie’s face. “You and all your lame friends.”

“What even...Yeah, okay, I am lucky. You know why? Because I’ve had Scoot by my side since I’ve been a filly. All through the Cutie Mark Crusaders, through nearly getting turned to stone by a cockatrice, my first break up, everything. She is way more important to me than Dash will ever be. Dash is just my sister’s friend. I mean...argh.” Sweetie stomped her hoof on the ground.

“Whatever.” Karat snorted. “Dash is a legend. You’re just riding on her updraft. I mean, what the heck is that cutie mark even for? I’ve certainly never hear you sing. No matter what your little lackey says. You’re both pretty worthless.”

Sweetie blinked, unsure of whether she wanted to cry or punch the mare in front of her in the face. “I...you...” Karat was supposed to have been her friend. As her anger won out, her nostrils flared and she narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, okay, so I haven’t been singing around campus every blasted day. That doesn’t mean anything. And as far as cutie marks go, yours seems pretty useless, too.” Sweetie’s voice was very calm, but cold.

Sweetie started to turn away, but before she so much as moved a hoof she was slammed into a wall. “Don’t you dare talk about me that way,” Karat hissed through gritted teeth.

Sweetie pushed Karat off and shook her head. “You’re crazy!”

Before Sweetie knew what was happening, Karat’s hoof smacked into the side of her face. Using her wings for speed, Karat leaped at Sweetie. Eyes wide, Sweetie ducked, but not quickly enough. As Karat forced her to the ground and straddled her, Sweetie bucked and bit at everything she could touch.

Suddenly, Karat was off of her. Sweetie sat up, breathing heavily. Glimpse was by her side in an instant, helping her up. Looking around, she saw Karat flying through the air toward the hoofball fields.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked, a hoof reaching out to brush her mane from her face. “Let’s get you to the nurse,” he turned, starting to lead the way.

“I’d rather not. I’m fine, really. It’s just a few bruises.” She gave him a winning smile, so he shrugged. He couldn’t make her go, after all.

“Why didn’t you just blast her into oblivion?”  He tapped her horn lightly.

Sweetie shook her head. “I didn’t think about it. I just...” She was trembling slightly.

Glimpse nudged her. "You know, at least you didn't just sit and take it." Noticing Sweetie's grimace, he changed tactics. "Why don't we get some lunch?"

“I don’t know,” Sweetie said.

“Missing one class isn't going to hurt us, and I won’t take no for an answer. Come on, I’ll pay.” He smiled reassuringly at her.

Sweetie nodded and followed him. After a few moments walking, she had stopped shaking and her breathing was back to normal.

“Wanna talk about what happened?” He glanced over at her, his grey eyes showing concern.

Sweetie shook her head. “I don’t even know. One second I was telling Karat about my weekend and then we were arguing over the importance of Rainbow Dash. I don’t even...” she trailed off and sighed. “I thought she was my friend.”

Glimpse moved as if he was going to hug Sweetie, but thought better of it. “I’m sorry,” he said.

They walked silently to the campus restaurant. There wasn’t a line, so their order of daisy sandwiches and milkshakes came quickly. The moved back out into the courtyard and sat on a bench with their food. "So," Glimpse said after they took a seat. Sweetie waited for him to continue, but he didn't.

"So," Sweetie replied. It seemed that was all he was going to say. She looked around again. It really was a lovely day, with only white fluffy clouds floating lazily in the sky. With everything she had been thinking about, Sweetie had just noticed the changing of the leaves. Piles of red, orange, and yellow were everywhere.  

The silence stretched on for another moment before Sweetie spoke. "Thanks for lunch." She gestured down to her already half-finished sandwich.

"No problem," he said with a smile.

Sweetie was silent for a moment, pondering over how to approach the subject. She had been asked out before, but to ask somepony out was a new experience. Glimpse had been so casual about it when he asked; maybe she should try that approach. "So, I was talking to Silver, and I've decided something," Sweetie said, flashing Glimpse a smile. "I’d like to go on a date.”

Glimpse barely stopped himself from spitting his milkshake all over Sweetie. “Really?” His voice cracked; he cleared his throat. “I mean, yeah, naturally.” He quickly changed his surprise to a more laid-back tone.

Sweetie giggled. “There is one condition.”

“Of course there is,” Glimpse sighed.

“You have to find my friend a date too.”

Glimpse nodded slowly. “So, you want to go on a double date. With me.” Sweetie nodded. “When?” Glimpse asked.

“Tonight? You can pick us up around seven.”

“Tonight... yeah. That’s great!”Glimpse stood, a huge grin splitting his face. “I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Yeah. Oh, and Glimpse? Do make sure whoever it is looks good,” Sweetie added with a smirk.

Glimpse raised his eyebrows. "Yes, cap'n."

Silver would be so excited, Sweetie just knew it. They were going out that night with Glimpse and one of his friends. "Silver, I got us dates!" Sweetie called as she opened the door of their dorm with a grin. She had expected some sort of response, but none came.

The grin on her face fell quickly when she saw the grey mare laying on her bed, asleep. Sweetie sighed. It looked as though Silver had cried herself to sleep.  Maybe this would cheer Silver up, at least.

Sweetie was about to wake Silver up when some papers lying in the floor caught her eye. She picked them up and read them, to see what they were. Her newfound good mood sank as she read the letters.

The first one was hastily scrawled.

Silver,

I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that, and I'm sorry. We both know I didn't want to say it. Please forgive me. You aren't worthless or a whore or any of the other stuff I said. I'm sorry Silver. I was angry and I regret it. I don't know what else to say. We've never had these problems before and I don't know how to handle this. You're my only friend. Don't do this.

-DT

Sweetie knew she should put the letters down, but she had to know what the other said.  A glance over a Silver confirmed the earth pony was still dead to the world, so Sweetie read the other letter. This one was written at a much calmer pace and had been carefully folded.

I don't even care anymore. Forget it. I am not going to accept them, and if you're going to wallow in manure, then that is fine with me. I can find someone so much better than you. You will regret the day you ever said that at the train station. I did say some things and I am sorry for them, but I think you were right. We are too different now. So goodbye Silver. Have a good life in the slums.

-DT

Sweetie felt like she was missing so much, but she knew if Silver had read these letters, the pony would be a wreck. She thought about what Rarity would do in this situation if she were Sweetie. Well, that doesn't help much. Rarity would either talk to AJ or Scoot’s parents or my friends themselves.

She walked over to Silver and just observed her for a few moments. Sighing, Sweetie shook the mare awake.

Silver groaned and swatted at Sweetie’s hoof. “Just five more minutes,” she whined. Sweetie shook her once more and Silver sat up. “What, Sweetie?”

Sweetie smiled at Silver. “We have dates tonight. I thought you’d like some time to get ready.”

Silver didn’t grin like Sweetie had expected, nor was there an obvious change in her emotions at all. But she did move off her bed and into the bathroom to shower, which was something.

Sweetie and Silver went about preparing for their dates. They fixed each other's hair and makeup, and chatted as they did so.  Silver suggested Sweetie wear the light purple scarf Rarity had made her the fall before, while Silver decided to wear a diamond necklace.

After what felt like a lifetime of preparing, Sweetie adjusted the knot on her scarf a final time. She and Silver turned to face each other. Sweetie smiled at Silver, who smiled back. “This will be fun,” Sweetie told her.

“Hopefully. Do you think my date will like me?” The apprehension in her voice was obvious.

"Of course. Put on that beautiful smile and show them you are amazing." Sweetie smiled, hoping to encourage her friend.

A genuine smile, albeit a small one, graced Silver's lips. She was about to say something to Sweetie when a knock at the door interrupted her.

Their dates had arrived.

Next Chapter: XIII: Double Dating Estimated time remaining: 51 Minutes