I do believe it's safe to say that this is going to be one of the best days of my life!  I was finally able to get a job after a year and a half, and what better than a Hearths Warming Eve soiree hosted by Fancy Pants himself!  I am still in disbelief even now and still think this is all a dream.  What luck to come of me that the noble stallion just so happened to come along while Vinyl and I were playing our cellos and to offer me a cellist position at his event!

Life is being so good to me now.  First I get Vinyl as a marefriend, then my career as a cellist goes back up and running.  What's next?  I become famous again?  I become rich again?  I pray to Celestia that those hopes come true.  I could spend the rest of my life with Vinyl by my side as we rule both the classical and modern musical industries.  

I looked up at the clock.  If I leave now, I'll make it there with one hour to mingle before I play.  Making sure I am all packed and ready; my cello packed up with my bow, my mane is sleek and my cravat is on straight.  Alright, it looks like I'm ready.  This is it, my first performance in over a year, and who better to perform to then Fancy Pants!  I am more than ready for this.  I've waited so long to finally be able to raise my bow to a crowd!

Before I left, I went to find Vinyl to say goodbye.  However, the filly was nowhere to be found.  Not in her room, not in the garage, not even in her studio.  Huh...I don't recall having her tell me she had something going on tonight.  Her next performance, or gig should I say, is in two days.  I guess I'll just leave a note and write something cute on it.

Right as I was about to enter her studio where I knew a printer was present, I came across a light grunting noise from the bathroom.  "Vinyl, are you ok?"  I called out.

"...Just...*grunt* one second!"  Right after she spoke I heard the sound of what I believe is a zipper.  Seconds later she came out of the bathroom.  

My jaw smashed through the floor.

Vinyl.  Vinyl Scratch, the famous DJ known throughout the world...Is wearing the most beautiful dress I have ever laid eyes on.  I am not over exaggerating in the slightest.  Its main color was a deep navy blue, while the band that ran around the middle was a lighter shade of blue, just like the colors in her mane. A lacy white frill draped over the back of the dress, while the torso was covered in sequins. The bottom showed off a row of white diamonds, and smaller diamonds also graced the band and upper straps. They were cast perfectly so that the dress cast a gleam from any angle.

My mind had literally jumped through a portal and escaped into a different world.  It didn't even exist anymore.  Nothing makes sense, everything is a lie!  This has to be some sort of dream!  Vinyl would be the very last pony I would ever expect to even go near a dress.  Look at her now, gorgeous dress, nicely combed mane, and...oh my Celestia...Is she wearing color contacts?!  And wait...her mane...is solid blue?!  Yes you heard me right, cyan blue color contacts adorned her eyes, replacing her deviant scarlet ones, and she used dark blue dye to erase the light blue streaks in her mane.

Vinyl started giggling at my apparent slack jawed expression.  She then extended her hoof forward and booped me on the nose, snapping me out of my momentary shock.  "Helloooooo, Taviiiiiii?"

I shook my head.  "Vinyl, what is that gorgeous, but blasphemous article of formal clothing currently adorning your body?"

Vinyl stared back at me blankly, idly repeating the sentence I uttered in a mumble.  I mentally kicked myself for forgetting to lighten my vocabulary.  Either that or I need to give Vinyl a lesson in English.  

A lightbulb suddenly appeared over her head.  "Oh you mean the dress!"  Well, at least she can identify context.  "Yea, Uncle Crosley gave this to me a few years back before he died.  I've only worn it once.  Do you like it?"

As a response, I leaned in a gave a quick, passion filled kiss on her lips, eliciting a blush from both of us.  "You look absolutely beautiful in that dress.  Though I have to ask, why the color contacts and mane dye?"

She idly ran a hoof through her mane.  "Well, when we go to your soi...srow...sour...fancy party, I wanted to look all fancy like, and also I don't want anypony to recognize me."  The last sentence was uttered more quietly.

"Wait a second...You want to come with me?!  Where have you taken the real Vinyl?!"  Vinyl...I swear you change everyday.  It's like one day you go out to your parties and turn into a ruffian, then all of a sudden you start wanting to be a gentlemare.

"Oh yeah, the real Vinyl is tied up and stuffed in the back of a moving truck heading to Stalliongrad.  I'm her twin sister who was always jealous that she got more fame and fortune than me!"  You know, this would be more believable, except for the fact that she is laughing hysterically while talking.

But it's still fun to humor her.  "Alright then, so then what is your name?"

She stared at me with a blank face for a little over a minute.  "Shellac Staccato?"  She said, stretching her voice out.

I smiled.  "Well, what a shame.  If Vinyl is in a truck to Stalliongrad by now, than I guess that means we can't be in a relationship anymore."

"Well, you know."  'Shellac' said as she looked at me with a sultry gaze.  "I'm available."

I returned the gaze.  "So it seems."  Both of us leaned in until our lips connected.  We stayed locked together for a few short seconds.  I wish it could have lasted longer, but I am short on time at the moment.  "In all seriousness, though."  I started after we broke the kiss.  "Why do you want to come with me?  I think you will find it rather boring."

Vinyl shrugged.  "Maybe, but I wanted to be there for you for your first performance since last year."

I smiled and nuzzled her cheek.  "You are so sweet, Vinyl.  Although, I do have to give you a run down on how to be a proper lady whilst at the soiree."

"Like what?"

"Oh, just some basics..."

(\/);,;(\/)

After a nice walk through the cool and breezy streets of Canterlot, we made it to Fancy Pant's Hearths Warming Eve party with a little over an hour before I go onstage.  The Canterlot Castle Gardens are beautiful even in winter.  A thin layer of snow blanketed the grass, and icicles hung from the tree branches.  All across the gardens hung wonderful Hearths Warming decorations.  Colorful lights and wreaths adorned the stage where I will play my cello, more lights surrounded the castle as well as the statues in the garden.

Even Vinyl was impressed.  She couldn't tear her eyes away from the mesmerizing lights.  I had to guide her away from obstructions while we were walking.  Once we made it to the center, a large crowd of noble ponies stood and mingled with one another.  I feel so alive, so welcome!  This is where I belong; at high class parties with noble ponies, not laying waste on the streets.  I feel so at home here.

I lead Vinyl over to the group.  Once I was close enough, the entire group stared at me.  Their expressions are of shock and amazement.  I started to feel worried, am I not welcome here?  Do these ponies believe all the lies from my manager?  Even though I am melting down on the inside, I was able to keep a straight face, another trait that just runs in the family.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, they all began to smile and cheer for me.  All at once, everypony present rushed to my side and started to frantically greet me or try to ask questions.  I wasn't able to single out any in particular due to the amount of talking from all of them at once.  I tried effortlessly to back up and give Vinyl and I some space from the horde of nobles.  It was to no avail as we both were trampled by dress wearing mares and suit wearing stallions.  They all bore huge grins as they rambled on about questions for me and the like.  

I tried to politely get them to quiet down, but my words fell upon deaf ears.  It was when Fancy Pants showed up with his wife, Fluer de Lis, did the crowd finally settle down.  "Gentleponies, please!"  Fancy Pants said in a commanding, yet elegant voice.  "I assure you you will all get a chance to meet Ms. Harmonious.  But please, try not to hound the poor filly."

The group mumbled something between themselves and one by one they left the area.  Fancy Pants turned to me with an amused smile.  "My sincerest apologies, Ms. Harmonious."

I smiled back at him.  "All well and good, I suppose.  I am surprised that all these ponies still adore me as if I was famous again."

"Well, who says you're not famous?  I am most certain that everypony here at least knows your name, if not your appearance."

I sighed happily.  Knowing that I am still known and loved just lifts my spirits.  I can't help but feel all giddy like a schoolfilly!  Good thing I know how to keep a straight appearance, lest I stand out and just embarrass myself.  I looked back at the group of ponies who were currently mingling with each other, patiently awaiting their turn to have an audience with me.  I can already tell this will be a fun night.

"So who might I ask is your lovely acquaintance here?"  Fancy Pants continued, motioning towards Vinyl.

"This is my friend,"  Wait a second...Vinyl said she wanted to keep her identity a secret...what could I use for a name--Oh, yes!  "Shellac Staccato."

Vinyl gave me quick nod that told me she approved of my introduction.  Then, Fancy Pants took Vinyl's hoof in his own and kissed it.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Staccato.  Say, were you the one who was with Ms. Harmonious yesterday when we met?"

Vinyl replied with a smile and a slight shake of her head.  "Oh no, that wasn't me.  That was my sister, Vinyl.  We are twins and are at times confused.  I do apologize for the incon...inconveni..." She cleared her throat.  "Excuse me.  For the confusion."  Nice save, Vinyl.  If I hadn't known better, I would think that Vinyl...or should I say 'Shellac', hehe, is a high class sophisticated pony.  Even though I only taught her basic rules and standards for being a noble, she picked up quite well on it.  

Fancy Pants reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a pocket watch.  "Well then Ms Harmonious, your time to shine is in an hour.  I do hope you enjoy your time here, as for you Ms. Staccato."  He bowed to both of us respectfully before leaving.

Once he was out of sight, and once I was able to lead Vinyl to somewhere where there were no other ponies, I swiftly kissed her on the cheek, making her blush.  She turned to me a giggled.  "What was that for?"  

"You were so excellent out there, dear.  You sounded like a true noble!"

The redness that adorned her cheeks spread until it formed a line above her nose.  "Oh, I was just...trying to sound like you was all..."

I smirked.  "Well, I could see that.  Your accent was a little...Scratchie."

As expected, Vinyl rolled her eyes, then smirked.  "Whatever you say, Octy."

She did not just call me 'Octy'!  Ohhhh....she knows how much I hate that name!  Even after I constantly tell her to stop she continues to annoy me just for the fun of it!  Just listen to it, Octy...it sounds like a pet name for an octopus!  Do I look like an eight limned fish creature?!

I shot her a quick glare that said 'Do not ever mention that name again or else I will throw you into a volcano.'  "Just follow me before I regret bringing you here."

(\/);,;(\/)

There is about thirty more minutes to kill before I go onstage.  During the first thirty minutes that I was here, almost everypony at the party wanted an audience with me.  I couldn't keep track of how many ponies hounded me all at once.  I was able to survive the more fanatic guests, and now it has calmed down enough to where Vinyl and I can just have a seat at a table and enjoy some food without interruption.

Dinner was supposed to be served during my performance, but Fancy Pants made an exception for Vinyl and I due to the fact that I had to be onstage for at least two hours.  During this time, we fancied a little small talk to pass the time.  I, being very over dramatic at times, started to practically hyperventilate over having my career back up and running.  I started to daydream about what other performances may come in the future.  Eventually, Vinyl got me to calm down enough to where I didn't look like a schoolfilly who's crush had just asked them out to the prom.  

"So anyways, are you enjoying yourself here Vinyl?"  I asked after a moment of silence.

Vinyl struck a dramatic pose and pointed her nose to the sky.  She spoke with an accent similar to mine.  "Why, tonight has been simply divine.  Such a lux...ur...ious night.  Luxurious.  Got it!  Take that fancy words!"

I giggled.  "Glad to see your vocabulary has expanded.  So tonight wasn't a drag or boring?"

With her normal voice, she stated.  "Eh, not too bad.  Just as long as I'm here with you."

I smiled and leaned close to her.  "You are so cliche.  You're lucky you're adorable."  After gracing her with a peck on the cheek, I sat back in my chair like normally.  Relaxing in contempt while sipping my jasmine tea, I scanned the area around us.  Not really looking for somepony in particular, I happened to lock on to a particular stallion in the distance.  Wait a minute...that couldn't be...no...NO...please Celestia NOT HIM!  I turned my head back to Vinyl and ducked underneath the backrest.

I started to panic, beads of sweat formed on my face as I anxiously looked around as if he would jump out at any second.  "Vinyl!"  I said in a hoarse whisper.  "We need to leave, now!"

She furrowed her brow at me.  "Why?  You perform in like, twenty minutes."

"No, I mean we need to go home!"

She stared at me with wide eyes.  "What?!  Why?!  I thought you were so excited and happy being here?!"

I looked back over my shoulder...Bloody hell, he's gone!  Where did he go?!  "I can't explain, but we need to leave right this instant!"

"Octavia?  Is that you?"

My blood ran cold, practically freezing my veins and turning me into a ice sculpture.  The only amount of movement I was able to do was slowly turn my head to the voice who called my name.  He came into my field of vision, staring at me with a stern face.  But I could tell he was deeply surprised.  The stallion beside me was almost a spitting image of me.  Slate gray coat, sleek black mane.  The only difference was that he was a unicorn.  And by the gods, if I was a unicorn I would've teleported out of there and probably to Manehatten.

"...Octavia..."

I knew I was defeated.  After years of running and hiding from my problems, they came back to me and smacked me in the face.  Why I thought that I could escape these problems, I don't even know.  But here they are, staring me in the face, two years of running and cowering all unearthed.

I sighed deeply and long, as if thinking that it will delay the inevitable.  But no, there's no running away now.  "Hello...Father."  I finally said, not daring to make eye contact.

Absolutely the most dead, eerie, so-much-tension-a-knife-could-cut-it silence cascaded the whole of the party.  Time stopped, nopony moved, nopony dared to even breathe.  Why?  Why out of all places he had to be HERE?!  Why couldn't I just play my cello, and be loved again in peace?!  But noooo, my Father just happened to be here.  Damn my luck, damn karma, damn every damn thing!

I noticed two things at this point.  Vinyl had disappeared, and the nearby noble ponies in the vicinity also dispersed.  It is just my father and I.  I couldn't bring myself up to say anything to him.  I don't know what's wrong with me, but all I could do was stare at the ground.

Soon enough, my father eventually sat down and spoke to me.  "Octavia, after so long I finally found you."

Oh, so he was looking for me?  Why?  To yell in my face how much of a disgrace I am?  Or how much a failure I am?  I didn't respond to him, but instead kept gazing at the grass below me.

"Where have you been all this time?"

And here comes the interrogation.  "Nowhere,"  I mutter under my breath, hoping to drive him away by keeping the conversation terse.

"What do you mean 'nowhere?'"

My teeth clench harder; I didn't answer him.

"Why didn't you come home?"

I started to feel something warm and wet make a line down my cheek.  No, Octavia, don't cry!  Don't let him see you cry!  "B-because...I couldn't."

He looks at me with pain in his eyes.  "Why on Earth not?"

I start to sniffle.  The dam in my head blocking my tears can't take much more of a pounding.  I know I am only seconds away from bursting into tears.  I have to get out of here.  Somewhere where there's not a pony in sight to see me cry.  I got up from the table and trotted quickly to a secluded part of the gardens: the maze.  I couldn't think clearly, all my emotions were at a civil war again.  I galloped through the maze, not caring if I got lost.  I finally stop and collapse on the dirt, crying into my hooves.

Out of all the times, he just had to show up now!  Why?  Because the gods just love to buck around with me!  Damnit Vinyl, I'm starting to pick up bad speaking habits from you.  But really, I have no doubt that the gods are just laughing it up at my misfortune.  Cruel, cruel life.

My ears perked up as I heard my name being called from a distance, no doubt my father.  Someday, I knew I had to face him again, and there is no use running anymore.  I collected myself and made way for the nearest gap in the hedges.  It took all of five minutes of weaving left and right to realize that I was getting nowhere, and that this is a hedge, meaning I could just walk right through it.  After a few uneasy travels through dense leaves, I made it to the exit, where my father was trotting around the gardens trying to find me.

Our eyes locked, and I took my time to make my way over to him.  Every step felt like I was drawing near to the gates of Tartarus.  My hooves grew heavy, and my sight started to haze from the new tears in my eyes.  We were getting closer, and closer, and closer, until I found myself right at his side.

And there it went.  The dam in my head finally shattered, allowing rivers of tears to escape through my eyes.  I lunged at my father and wrapped my hooves tightly around his neck whilst burying my face in his chest.  In response, he gingerly wrapped his hooves around my back, pulling me into a tighter hug.

My crying subsided in due time.  I was finally able to look up to my father.  He bore an expressionless look on his face, and being my father, I was unable to read him.

I decided to speak first after such a long silence.  "I'm...I'm so sorry, father."

He hesitated to answer.  "There there, Octavia.  There's no need to apologize.  I just want to know: why didn't you come home?"

I rested my forehead on his chest again.  "I just...couldn't."

"Why not?"

"Because, father...I...I'm a failure!"

My father seemed taken aback at this as he placed his hoof under my chin and raised my head to his.  "Why would you ever think that way towards yourself?"

I peel my gaze away from his, "Look at me!  Look at all that I've done!  All that I was!  Now I am hardly anything anymore!  I lived in the slums for a year because I couldn't come back to you.  I couldn't stand the thought of you knowing I was a failure, and having me being in the same house as you!  I failed you, father."

We stayed silent for another moment.  The only sound was my gentle sobs.  "And you think that I don't love you anymore because of all this?"

I seal my lips and nod.

"Where on Earth did you get that ridiculous idea?  Octavia, look at me.  I don't care what happened to you over the past years.  You are still my daughter whom I love unquestionably.  You didn't fail me Octavia; you will never fail me.  And still, none of this was your fault.  That damn manager of yours screwed you over a thousand times.  But forget about all that!  I heard that you were going to be playing here tonight, correct?"  I nod.  "Do you see that as a failure?  You were able to get Fancy Pants, Fancy Pants of all ponies, to ask you to play!  That doesn't sound like a failure to me.  Do you know how proud I was of you when you became the top of all classical music in Equestria?  None of that pride has ever left my mind.  Even now, I am still proud of you, Octavia.  And do you know why?  I'm proud of you because you are my daughter, and you never gave up, never forget that."

When the new wave of tears washed out of my eyes, they weren't of sorrow.  I look at my father and allow every word to sink in.  He was always proud of me?  He never saw me as a failure?  He still loves me?  I couldn't help but kick myself at how I thought he wouldn't love me anymore.  I smile up at him and hug him with new found joy.  Hearing these words from my father settled the last problem probing at the back of my mind.

"You are all that I have left in this world, Octavia."  He continues, and I could have sworn he sniffled.  "And I don't intend on losing you, ever.  I love you."

"I love you too, daddy."

And so the two of us sat in content silence.  Minutes passed by unknowingly, for the only thing I set my focus on was just hugging my father and basking in his presence.  Ever since I was a foal, I was considered a 'daddy's filly'.  I always sought his approval and never went against his word.  I charged myself with making him proud each and every day.  When the time came that I was thrown into the ghetto, I couldn't bare the thought of knowing that I failed him.  Now, however, I don't have to worry about that anymore.  

I'm such an idiot.

"Octavia?"  My father asks.

"Yes, daddy?"  I reply without looking up.

"Don't you have to play in a few minutes?"

I snap my eyes open in panic.  Sweet Celestia, what time is it?!  I grab my father's pocket watch and see that I have five minutes before I have to go onstage!

"Okthankyoudaddygottogobye!"  I said in a hurry before kissing my father on the cheek and galloping towards where I left my cello.

"Good luck, sweetheart!"  

(\/);,;(\/)

Here it is.  My time to once again shine upon the crowds of ponies gathered around to hear me play.  I took a deep breath, tuned the last string on my instrument, and hold my bow tightly.  I look upon the other musicians that will be playing with me tonight.  I don't recognize any of these faces... good.  I'm not sure what my old ensemble thinks about me, and playing with them tonight after so long would be kind of awkward.  

I look upon the crowd.  There, about forty tables were set up with six chairs adorning them.  My father sat at one table with Vinyl next to him at the back.  They seem to be chatting to each other.  Vinyl, I swear, if you embarrass me in front of my father without me being there, I will replace the needles on your turntables with your horn!  Once the lights dimmed, the two unicorns stopped talking and turned their attention to me.  They smiled at me.  My father waved at me and lipped 'Good luck' while Vinyl blew me a kiss.

It is time.  I raise my bow and once the first key was emitted from the violinist, I start.  These other ponies aren't half bad.  After just meeting them, and with no practice between us, we sound pretty good.  The notes were played in such a manor that soothed to the core.  My eyes were closed as I attuned myself with my cello, becoming one and playing music like an angel.  

I have a house, a wonderful marefriend, a loving and proud father, and my job back.  Life is good.