After God knows how long, I can finally get some peace and quiet. I swear being Pinkie's friend has caused a chain reaction of me having to go out more. It was enjoyable I have to admit, but I am just so drained, but at least now I can relax at home. I was currently relaxing in my room without a care in the world.

My room was filled with various artist products. I had a couple easels in the corner and a ton of buckets of paint in my closet. My desk was scattered with various notebooks, filled with different drawings I have done over the years. I grabbed a notebook and skimmed through it for an empty page. After finding one I opened a drawer, revealing a few boxes of colored pencils, crayons, and markers, but before I could grab a box of colored pencils, I was interrupted.

"Hey son."

"Yes, Dad?" I asked before closing the notebook.

"I have been thinking. You have been feeling lonely here, right?"

"Not really."

"I know lately you have been leaving the house more often and that you made some more friends," He began before entering my room, "But I'm sure you want another kind of company."

"What do you mean?"

"How would you like a pet?"

A pet? I have to admit I wouldn't mind having one, but I find it odd that my father would offer to get me one out of the blue.

"I guess I wouldn't mind getting one. Why do you ask?"

"I think more company will help you out."

I don't see how getting one would help with my social skills, but if he thinks it will help.

"Ok."

I took a relaxing breath as I stood near the animal shelter. Father wanted me to choose and buy a pet on my own. It seems getting the pet is what he meant by helping me be more social. Alright stop wasting time and just do it. I entered the pet shelter while taking another deep breath. Inside I saw a familiar light-yellow skinned girl around my age with long pink hair. Figures she would be here from what Pinkie told me about her.

"Oh Hello," She began in a barely audible tone, "Are you here to adopt?"

Fluttershy has an air of shyness that could rival the one I had during my elementary school days. The only thing Pinkie told me about her was her love of countless animals.

"Not sure. Maybe if I find the right one for me," I answered.

I most likely will. Maybe taking care of a pet will help take my mind off certain things.

"Ok. Well..." She paused before her eyes widened in realization, "Oh it's you. Marcus right."

"Uh yeah," I began awkwardly, "You know me?"

"Pinkie talks about you," She answered, "Anyway, shall I show you the animals we have."

"Lead the way."

I always thought those emotional commercials with sad animals in shelters were hugely exaggerating, but they actually weren't. Well, not by much anyway. Seeing all these poor animals without a good home and as much as I want to, I can't take more than one home. Such harsh reality.

"Feel free to look around," Fluttershy told me.

I simply nodded as I moved along the various cages. Some dogs or cats were sleeping surprisingly peacefully, but the ones awake seemed excited to see a new face. Like they were hopeful another might get taken to a better home. God this is tough. Who to pick?

"Hey come back!" I heard Fluttershy shout.

Surprised by the action I turned to see what was going on, when I noticed a dog out of its cage. He was an excited little pup with light brown fur. I quickly moved in front of him and held out my hands. He excitedly jumped into them and began licking my face when I brought him closer. Fluttershy walked up to us looking relieved.

"Good you caught him."

"Why was he out?" I asked.

"Well," She began nervously with a guilty expression, "I just like to take as many animals as possible out and give them some affection whenever I can. It's just too sad seeing them here without a good home."

"Hey, you don't have to justify your actions to me. I get it. I think it's amazing of you to risk getting in trouble to do that."

"Oh. Thank you," She told me with lightly blushing cheeks, "I guess I better put him back."

I looked at the happy excited pup for a second before shaking my head.

"No need. I'll adopt him."

"He does seem to like you. Are you sure?" She asked me.

I nodded, "Yeah I was having trouble deciding so I think This is fate's way of doing it for me."

I left the animal shelter with a now sleeping pup in my hands. Well, that wasn't so bad. Maybe having him to take care of will make things better and more exciting. I just wished Dad took me. It's annoying having to drop him off home and going back out to get some food and other things for him. Oh well no use crying over spilled milk. The sooner I can relax the better I will be able to deal with the upcoming party.

A shorter chapter to relax bit before we get into longer and more serious events.

Next chapter: As the fancy party approaches Marcus tries his best to prepare and end up spending time with a few people.