Our Last MLP Story Part 1
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own any of the ponies in this story. They belong to Hasbro. I do however own the Hartson girls, along with their Aunt Abby and their friends, Gloria, Min and Kathy. I also own Miss Elle and Miss Shannen, along with Uncle Mark and Aunt Kara. I also own Miss Pearlson. I also own Firefly’s special names for the Hartson girls as well as Megan’s special names for both of her little sisters. The only ponies I own are Baby Rainbow Star, Baby Shimmer Star and Baby Sunflyer. My friend I wrote this story with owns Frankie and Bob Rafelsen and Sadie. As for the Monkees, they are real people and a favorite of the person I wrote this story with. We also DO NOT own Valerie Cartwright. She was a real char on the “Monkees” TV Show.

A/N: This is the last official story my ex-writing partner and I wrote together, so I thought I would share it with everyone! I hope everyone enjoys this!


“Secrets”




Like most summer days in Ponyland, it was a warm, bright, sunny and clear one. Fizzy, Shady, and Molly were playing Bubble Catch. Julie was braiding Medley's tail. Megan was reading a new book she had bought on a recent trip over the Rainbow. Firefly was doing the Double Inside Out Loop, as usual, with Fluey on her back. Peter was watching Firefly, and worrying that Fluey was going to fall off her back, as usual. Surprise was organizing some party decorations, just for the heck of it. It appeared one of her famous surprises was in the making.
Mike was There as well, and he looked lost in thought.
"Mike, can you please talk to Firefly?" he asked. "She's making me nervous."
"What, Pete?" Mike asked, looking at his bandmate.
"Are you okay, Mike?" Surprise asked, looking up. "You seem kind of Out of it."
"Well, I am kinda out of it," Mike admitted.
"What's the matter?" Megan asked, looking up from her book.
The others stopped what they were doing and came over so they could Get the story. Mike took a deep breath and began.
"Well, you know us Monkees recently signed a record deal," he said. "And we've already released an album."
"I thought that would make you happy," Medley said.
"Oh don't get me wrong, Med, it does," Mike said. "It's just that . .. . . well, Bob's just kinda . . . . I dunno, uptight about everythin'
and . . . ."
"Hey, whoa, hold the phone a minute," Firefly said. "Who's Bob?"
"Their boss," Fluey said. "Mr. Rafelsen's nothing but a slave driver!"
"Oh, Fluey, he is not!" Peter shouted. "He's just . . . . a little
high strung, that's all."
"A little? Uncle Peter, I've met him, and all he ever does is yell at
you guys when he thinks something you've recorded isn't perfect, and he and Mike fight all the time!"
"Really, Mike?" Fizzy asked. "This Mr. Rafelsen guy must not be very nice."
"He is a nice guy, Fizzy," Peter assured the twinkle eyed unicorn.
"It's just that he and Mike don't get along."
"That's 'cause I don't take no lip from nobody," Mike said. "And ol' Bobby-baby gives me a lot of lip."
"It's a personality clash," Peter explained. "Mike's a high strung
perfectionist, Bob's a high strung perfectionist."
"Yeah, man," Fluey said with a nod. "You get two high strung
perfectionists together stuck in the same room for three hours, and all heck
breaks loose."
"If you don't like your boss, maybe you should find a new one," Julie
suggested.
"No, don't get me wrong, Julie-baby, I like the guy," Mike explained. "It's just . . . . I don't know, he works too hard, he never takes a break, and he never really hangs out. With him, it's work, work, work."
"I think I know what he needs!" Surprise shouted, happily. "A
vacation!"
"That's what I said to him yesterday," Mike said. "He fed me some line about not bein' able to take time off. Said he had too much do."
"But it sounds to me like he could really use a break," Surprise said. "I've got it! Bring him up here to Ponyland! That will relax him!"
"I'm not so sure that's a good idea, Surprise," Mike said. "You know how I am. If too many people find out about Ponyland, you ponies could be in big trouble."
"But our cousin Tommy tells everyone he knows," Molly said. "And everyone thinks he's just got a wild imagination."
"Yeah, Mike, and you know everyone thinks Mr. Rafelsen is sort Looney Tunes," Fluey commented. "If he says he went somewhere and saw a bunch of rainbow colored ponies, everyone'll think he needs more vacation time!"
Mike sighed. The others had a point, so he gave in.
The next day, Mike went to Bob's apartment with Paradise and Surprise. They waited outside on the deck. Bob lived on the ground floor of the building. Mike was inside, and he knocked on Bob's door. Bob answered it, and gave Mike a strange look.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Hello to you, too," Mike said, a bit curtly. "Look, my friends and I took a vote. You're goin' on vacation. Startin' now."
"Well, now's not a good time," Bob said. "I've got promotion to do, songs to get released, interviews to handle . . . ."
"Well, tough because you and I are goin' on a trip. Peter's gonna be up there, and you're gonna meet some of my other friends, and you gonna relax and get your mind off work, whether you like it or not!"
With that, Mike stormed into the apartment. The place was a mess. There were papers all over the place, clothes strewn all over the
furniture, empty pizza boxes, cartons of take-out Chinese food, and coffee cups all over the floor. Mike did a quick count of the cups and
"How much coffee do you drink per day?!" he shouted. "Man, your place is a pig sty! How can you live like this?"
Without giving Bob a chance to respond, Mike walked over to the patio window, pulled open the curtains, and opened the door. When Bob saw Paradise and Surprise standing there, his jaw nearly made a dent in the floor.
"Mike!" he shouted. "I . . . I can't be seeing this! I just can't be!
Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need a vacation! But there just can't be
a white horse with red hair and a white horse with green hair standing
on my deck!"
"These are Paradise and Surprise," Mike said. "They're ponies, horses. And they're gonna take us to Ponyland."
"Ponyland," Bob repeated. "Well . . . . okay, I guess . . . . they got
a chariot or something attached?"
"No, stupid, you gotta get on one of their backs and ride them!" shouted, losing his patients.
"Hey, Mike, I don't think that was necessary," Paradise said.
Mike looked over at Bob, who appeared to be frozen. He was just
staring at the two ponies, and he started to back up.
"What's the matter?" Mike asked.
"I-I-I-I . . . ." Bob stammered. "I don't know how to ride. I've never even been on a horse in my life! Not even on a merry-go-round!"
"Well, okay, we're not exactly gonna ride," Mike said.
"That's good," Bob said, sighing of relief.
"Mike's right," Surprise said. "We're gonna fly. Paradise and I are Pegasus ponies, and we have to go over the rainbow to get to Ponyland."
"WHAT?!" Bob shrieked. "Fly?! No, no way, absolutely not! I feet on the ground!"
"Look, I know you hate flyin', but it's the only way to get to
Ponyland," Mike said. "And Paradise is one of the most gentle flyers of the ponies."
"Maybe Medley should've come instead of me," Paradise commented. "She's the gentlest of us Pegasus ponies."
"What's the matter, Bobby-baby?" Mike teased. "Afraid of heights?"
"Of course not!" Bob yelled. "And don't ever call me Bobby! You know I can't stand to be called Bobby! I just don't like to fly. My ears
pop."
Somehow, Paradise didn't believe it, but she didn't say anything.
"Come on," Mike said. "We promise we won't let you fall off. go!"
Mike took Bob's hand, and practically dragged him over to Paradise. Nervously, Bob climbed on her back. Paradise flapped her off the ground. Bob let out a yelp, and grabbed Paradise's hair as
tightly as he could. He also bent down, buring his face in her neck, and
squeezing his eyes shut.
"Let me know when it's over!" he yelled.
"Bob, calm down, everything's fine," Paradise said.
"Boy, he needs this vacation more than I thought," Surprise said Mike climbed on her back. Then both ponies took to the air and flew to
Ponyland. Paradise wasn't sure of this, but she thought she could hear
Bob mumble "don't look down, don't look down, don't look down" under his breath.
They reached Ponyland shortly afterwards. Peter Fluey, Megan, Julie, Molly, and most of the ponies came out to greet them.
"It's okay, Bobbers," Mike said. "You can look. It's over, and on the ground."
Bob opened one eye and looked around. He slowly climbed off Paradise's back, and began backing away from this herd of multi-colored ponies he was suddenly face to face with.
"It's all right," Cupcake said, smiling. "You don't have to be afraid of us."
"I'm not afraid," Bob said. "It's just . . . . I, uhh . . . ."
"Hey, I know what you mean," Peter said, smiling his usual, wonderful smile. "I was a little nervous meeting a bunch of talking ponies for the first time, too."
"Yeh," Bob said, nodding. He looked around a moment, and saw Fluey standing there. "Mike, you didn't tell me the kid was gonna be up here."
"I thought that was implied when I said Peter was gonna be here," Mike said.
"The kid?" Fizzy asked, looking at Fluey. Fluey just shrugged.
"Well anyway," Mike said. "Bob, these are the little ponies, and are Megan, Julie, and Molly Hartson. Guys, this is my boss, Bob Rafelsen."
"Hi!" Molly said, cheerfully.
"Yeah, hi," he said, brushing past her, and the others, without even looking at them. "Listen, I need a minute by myself, you know, to
collect myself."
"Okay, sure," Megan said. "Just make yourself at home."
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Bob said, and he raced inside Paradise Estate without another word.
"Well, what's the matter with him?" Glory asked.
"He was kind of rude, wasn't he?" Julie asked.
"Don't take it personally," Fluey said. "We should've told you guys that Bob doesn't like kids much."
"Yeah, he threw a fit that day I brought Fluey to the recording studio," Peter explained. "But he wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Besides," Fizzy said. "He just needs some time to get used to the
idea. I'm sure he'll come around in time!"
Paradise nodded, but she wasn't quite so sure.
There were a few minutes of silence following Bob’s exit. After the silence had passed, everyone went back to what they had been doing before Bob’s arrival.
“Hey Molly!” Julie called from where she stood. She was hooking Scooter’s leash together. “Do you and Jewelhart want to take a walk with Scooter and me?”
Molly thought for a moment before answering. She didn’t want to leave Fizzy hanging like that.
“Is it okay if I go with Julie?” Molly asked, patting Fizzy’s mane gently. “We can finish the game later. I promise.”
Fizzy smiled and nuzzled Molly gently.
“Uh-huh. It’s okay. I need to go check on Baby Shimmerstar anyway.” With that, Fizzy left for the nursery.
Molly grinned as she called Jewelhart to her. Jewelhart didn’t need much coaxing to take a walk. She ran right over to Molly, wagging her tail happily.
Molly giggled as she hooked Jewelhart’s leash to her collar.
Once Jewelhart was settled, the girls were off.
“Be careful!” Megan called after her two little sisters.
“We will!” Julie called back as she and Molly rounded the corner of Paradise Estate.
It wasn’t often that Julie and Molly got to do things together and Julie missed spending time with Molly these past few days.
“So what do you think of Bob?” Julie asked as they stopped in a field to play fetch with their canine companions.
Molly shrugged.
“I’m not sure. He seems sort of quiet. Maybe he’s just a little afraid to be here. I know I was shy the first time Megan brought me to Ponyland.”
Julie thought about this for a minute. She remembered how scared she had been during her first trip to Ponyland as well.
“I was shy too, until I met Medley.” Julie told her sister.
Molly nodded as she threw Jewelhart’s blue ball for her to fetch.
“I thought Bob was kind of rude.” Julie admitted, throwing Scooter’s red and purple ball for him to fetch. “But maybe he’s just shy. Fizzy’s probably right. Once Bob’s here for awhile, he’ll get used to everyone and he’ll stop being shy.”
Molly smiled.
“Hey, Julie?” Molly asked, sitting down beside her sister on the grass.
“Yeah?” Julie answered, petting Scooter, who had just settled into her lap.
“How did you get Scooter?” She asked, her voice full of curiosity.
Julie thought for a moment as she continued to pet the for mentioned dog’s head. “I thought you heard that story before?”
Molly shook her head.
“Nope. I just thought Aunt Abby bought him for you.”
Julie shook her head.
“I found him at school back when I was in third grade.”
“Wow! Holy macanoli!” Molly exclaimed, making Julie giggle. “I was only in kindergarten then.”
Julie nodded. She smiled as she thought back to when she and Scooter had first met…


“Tag!” Julie’s best friend, Charlotte Martin called as she tagged Julie before running off in the other direction. “You’re it!”
Julie giggled as she ran to tag their friend, Lucy, who was near the sliding board.
The game continued for the next twenty minutes until the girls heard the bell ring, signaling the end of recess.
Julie and Charlotte ran to pick up their book bags and hurried into Miss Crystal’s line. Miss Crystal was their third grade teacher and she was very nice.
Upon reaching the line, Julie and Charlotte waved good bye to Kirsten. She was in another third grade class.
“Julie, are you okay?” Charlotte asked, noticing that Julie was holding her bag at a funny angle.
Julie nodded.
“Yeah. I’m fine. It’s just my bag feels a little heavy.”
“Did you bring your art kit today?” Charlotte asked. SHE knew her best friend preferred to use her own markers and art supplies, rather than the ones the school provided.
Julie shook her head. She had forgotten it that morning.
“No.” She said, just as Miss Crystal approached them.
Charlotte nodded and shrugged as they followed Lucy Hartson, a girl who sat in front of them, into the building. Lucy and Julie had the same last name, but they were not related. They were however really good friends.
After Julie and Charlotte had put their lunchboxes back into their cubbies, they returned to their desks.
Before they had reading time, Miss Crystal let them have a half an hour of free time. They could go about the room as they pleased, they just couldn’t get too wild.
“Do you want to read?” Julie asked, knowing reading time was coming up anyway.
Charlotte grinned.
“Sure!” She agreed. “Let’s get a book and sit over by the window.”
“Okay!” Julie agreed.
After the two friends had chosen their books, Julie and Charlotte headed over to a spot just underneath of the window. They sat on carpets and began to read.
As Julie turned the page in her book, she heard a strange whimpering sound coming from the coatroom. She strained her ears so she could hear better. Sure enough, there was whimpering coming from inside the coatroom.
Julie put her book down and got up from her spot.
“Julie, what are you doing?” Charlotte asked, also setting her book aside.
Julie put a finger to her lips and motioned for Charlotte to follow her.
Charlotte did so and managed to get into the coatroom without anyone noticing.
Once inside, Julie raced over to her book bag, realizing the sound was coming from inside. She knelt on her knees and opened it up. And what she found inside, made her gasp in surprise.
“Hey little guy.” Julie said, referring to the brown and white puppy that was now in her lap. “How did you get in there, huh? You sure are cute.” Julie giggled as the puppy nuzzled her arm before licking it.
“So that’s why your book bag was so heavy!” Charlotte guessed, smiling at the puppy.
Julie nodded as she stroked the puppy’s fur.
“I guess so.” She then turned her attention to the puppy in her lap. “Do you have a name little guy?”
The puppy whimpered as if to say no.
“Aw, poor little guy. Let’s see. What can I name you? Hmmm…..” Julie put a finger to her chin as she thought. She wanted the name to be special and unique. As the name came to her, she smiled. “How about Scooter! What do you think of your new name?” Julie asked, glancing down at the puppy.
The puppy, Scooter, barked and licked Julie’s cheek in agreement.
“I think he likes it!” Julie announced, giggling as she hugged Scooter close. “Don’t worry, Scooter. You have a home now. I’m going to take care of you now. You’ll see.” With that, Julie hugged Scooter close and kissed his head.
“Do you think your Aunt Abby will let you keep Scooter?” Charlotte asked.
Julie nodded.
“I’m pretty sure she will. She’s really nice about things like that. I just have to ask her first.”
Just then, Miss Crystal announced that free time was over and it was time for everyone to get back in their seats for reading time.
Julie didn’t want to leave Scooter, but she knew she had to. She gave him a kiss and made sure he had water before leaving the room.
For the rest of the school day, Julie checked on Scooter every chance she got. She even had Kimberly, a volunteer for the library, go and get Scooter a leash from a nearby pet store. It wasn’t far from the school.
At the end of the day, Aunt Abby came to pick Julie up from school. Megan wasn’t able to get her that day, due to a problem that had come up in Ponyland.
After Abby had assured Julie that Megan and Molly were okay, Abby turned her attention to Julie’s new friend.
“Aunt Abby, this is Scooter. I found him in my book bag before school today. Can I keep him, please? I promise I’ll take care of him! Please.”
Abby thought for a few minutes before nodding her head. She could see that Julie and Scooter had formed a close bond in the short amount of time they had been together and Aunt Abby didn’t want to break it up. Julie had already had enough abandonment in her life.
“Sure. But we need to make sure nobody is looking for him first, okay?”
Julie nodded. She grinned from ear to ear. She had a feeling that Scooter was going to stay with her for a very long time.
Two weeks later, Julie got the good news. Scooter was definitely a stray and nobody had called in about him to the local shelter.
Julie grinned as Scooter curled up to her in bed that night.
“I love you, Scooter. I love you so much boy. You’re safe now. You’re going to be loved from now on. I’m going to take good care of you. I will never hurt you and I’ll always love you. Good night, Scooter.” With that, Julie kissed Scooter’s head and petted his back before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
Before Julie fell asleep, she sent a silent prayer of thanks up to the Father, knowing He had been the one to help she and Scooter find one another.
Julie had never been more grateful to her Heavenly Father than she was at that very moment. Julie knew God loved her and that He would always protect her. He had helped Julie and her sisters be adopted by Aunt Abby after all.
Julie smiled as she fell asleep. She was glad she and her sisters were safe now and they actually had a home with someone who truly loved them. She knew Aunt Abby would NEVER hurt them and for once, Julie felt like she and her sisters belonged somewhere. Julie was also glad that she could show Scooter what having a true family was all about. She was going to love Scooter the same way she loved her kitten, Oliver and Molly loved Jewelhart….


Molly grinned at the conclusion of Julie’s story. She had enjoyed listening to it.
Julie grinned as well.
“So that’s the story.” She said, still petting Scooter.
“That was cool!” Molly replied before getting up from her spot.
“I’m glad you liked it.” Julie then glanced down at her watch and frowned up at the sky. “We better get back. It’s almost time for dinner.”
Molly nodded, although she had enjoyed being outside and spending time with Julie.
“Thanks.” Molly said as they rounded the corner to Paradise Estate.
“For what?” Julie asked, a little confused.
“For telling me the story.” Molly replied, smiling at her sister.
“You’re welcome.” Julie replied, as she unhooked Scooter’s leash and let him run around for a few minutes.
Just then, Megan came out of the Estate.
“Did you girls have fun?” She asked, smiling at both of her little sisters. She patted Molly’s shoulder and gave Julie a hug as her little sister wrapped her arms around her waist.
Molly grinned from ear to ear.
“We sure did! We played fetch with Jewelhart and Scooter and then Julie told me the story of how she adopted Scooter.”
Megan smiled.
“Well I’m glad you two had a good time. It’s almost time for dinner, so why don’t you guys go wash up, okay?”
Molly and Julie nodded and left to do so.
Scooter followed after Julie while Jewelhart ran after a butterfly that was near Posey’s garden. She was soon joined by Brandy, who was in pursuit of the same butterfly.
Megan shook her head as she went inside to get washed up herself. She was meaning to ask Mike what was up with Bob, but she figured that maybe Bob just needed some time to adjust.
Megan remembered how she had taken a little while to get used to Ponyland and her sisters had been the same way. Hopefully all Bob needed was some time as well.
When Megan reached the dining room, she sat across from Molly and Julie, who were sitting next to each other, with Medley on Julie’s right.
Megan was glad that Julie and Molly were spending more time together these days. She knew they were three years apart, but she also knew that for all the bickering they did, Julie loved Molly and vice versa.
After Megan had prayed, they all dug into dinner. Firefly had made her famous taco salad and broccoli casserole, which was a favorite of Fluey’s as well as the Hartson sisters.
During dinner, the group of friends talked about anything and everything. They tried to get Bob involved in the conversation, but he just sat there, picking at his food. He wasn’t used to being in a room with people he didn’t know. And the fact that little ponies occupied the room as well, made it harder for him to adjust.
As Bob was reaching over to get an extra napkin, Julie saw his struggle and took her opportunity to make Bob feel welcome. She was always one to help people.
“Here you go.” She said, handing Bob what he was looking for.
Bob nodded and took the napkin without a word.
Mike gave Bob a Look from across the table and Bob shrugged. HE got the message though and mumbled a thank you to Julie that was barely audible.
“I’m sorry,” Julie said, giving Bob a confused look. “What did you say? I didn’t hear you.”
“I said thank you.” He said, his tone short and to the point.
“You’re welcome.” Julie replied, trying to fight back tears. She was only trying to be nice. She didn’t understand what Bob’s problem was.
After Julie was done eating, she asked to be excused from the table and Megan let her go. She had watched the exchange between Bob and Julie and she knew Bob had upset her little one. She would have talked to Bob about it, but she decided to talk to Mike instead. Megan knew Mike knew Bob and Megan remembered that Bob didn’t like kids.
Megan waited until after dinner was over before talking to Mike. She was about to go into the living room, where she could hear Mike and Peter talking, but was stopped by Molly. Molly looked a little worried.
“Moll, what’s wrong, sweetie?” Megan asked, giving her baby sister a hug.
“Julie’s crying in her room.” Molly informed Megan. “I tried to help her, but she asked me to get you.”
“Okay, honey. Thanks. Why don’t you go see what Fizzy’s doing.” Megan suggested.
Molly nodded. She then gave Megan a concerned look.
“Will Julie be okay?” Molly asked.
“Yes.” Megan replied. “I promise. Julie’s going to be fine.” With that, she sent Molly off with a pat to her shoulder.
As Megan entered Julie’s room, she found her laying on her bed in tears. Scooter was snuggled in her arms, licking Julie’s face.
“Julie, can we talk, little one?” Megan asked, sitting down on the bed beside her little sister.
Julie glanced up at Megan as more tears coursed down her cheeks.
“Megan, I just wanted to help! I was just trying to be nice! Why was Bob so rude? The only reason I asked him to repeat himself was because I didn’t hear what he said!”
“I know, Jules, I know. Come here, sweetheart.” With that, Megan took Julie into her arms and rocked her gently. She stroked her hair and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I know Bob hurt your feelings, but I’m going to talk to Mike about it after you’re feeling better.”
Julie nodded. She rested her head against Megan’s shoulder and let out another sob. Her day had gone from good to bad and she didn’t like it. She was also feeling strange. She had a headache and her stomach was hurting, but it wasn’t like a normal stomachache. It was more like a dull cramping feeling. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she figured it would pass if she got some sleep. Little did Julie know how wrong she was.
“I missed you today.” Megan told her little sister. “But I’m glad you and Molly are spending some time together.”
Julie nodded.
“I think Scooter and Jewelhart enjoyed the walk too.” She let a small smile spread across her face as she tried to stop crying.
“Do you want to spend some time with me before I talk to Mike?” Megan offered.
Julie nodded.
“Can we play a game?” She asked, feeling a little bit better.
“Sure we can. What do you want to play?” Megan asked, making calming circles on Julie’s back.
Julie thought for a moment before answering Megan’s question.
“Can we play Candy Land?” She asked. “That way, Molly can play too if she wants.”
Megan smiled and ruffled Julie’s hair gently.
“Aw, you are so sweet you know that, Julia Carina Hartson?”
Julie nodded.
After Julie had washed her face, she and Megan went into the living room to set up the game. Molly joined them as did Fizzy and Mike.
“Hey Bob!” Mike called out as Bob passed by the living room just as the game was getting started. “Come play with us.”
“Yeah!” Fizzy chimed in. “It’ll be fun!”
Julie gave Bob a Look that wasn’t lost on Megan. She was still feeling hurt by what Bob had done to her.
Megan let Julie’s behavior go for the moment. She knew that Julie was still feeling bad about what had happened at dinner.
Bob shook his head.
“No thanks.” He said, directing his answer at Mike. “I think I’m just gonna go read for a little bit before I go to bed.”
“Are you sure?” Mike asked, trying to get Bob to join in the fun.
“I’m sure.” Bob replied, before disappearing down the hallway.
Mike shrugged as Molly started shuffling the cards.
After two games of Candy Land, Julie fell asleep in Megan’s lap while watching a movie.
Megan put both of her little sisters to bed before going to talk to Mike. She wanted answers and she wanted them now. She was going to be polite about it, but she still wanted to know why Bob had treated Julie that way.
“I love you, little one.” Megan said, putting her hand through Julie’s reddish blond hair. “Sweet dreams. Megan will see you in the morning.” With that, Megan went to check on Molly before going to talk to Mike.
After making sure that Molly was okay, she went to talk to Mike.
Megan found Mike engaged in a game of Go Fish with Cherries Jubilee.
“Mike, can we talk?” Megan asked, sitting down across from the two friends.
Mike nodded as he looked up.
“Sure thing, Megan baby. What’s up?”
Megan took a deep breath. She wasn’t exactly sure how to start the conversation. She closed her eyes for a minute, trying to gather her thoughts. She let her heart lead her and started the best way she knew how.
“Bob really hurt Julie’s feelings.” Megan started. “Julie was just being nice. She likes helping people.”
Mike sighed.
“I know. I’m not trying to say what Bob did was okay, because it wasn’t. But Bob isn’t used to bein’ around kids and he really doesn’t like anyone helping him with anything.”
Megan nodded.
“I know. And I know Bob needs to get used to being here, but I think he owes Julie an apology.”
Mike was in agreement with Megan, but he knew Ponyland would get wintertime early before Bob apologized to Julie.
“I’ll talk to him.” Mike promised. “I can get through to him usually.
Megan grinned at Mike.
“Thanks, Mike.”
“No problem, Megan baby. Now, do you want in on the game?”
Megan nodded.
“Sure.” With that, the two started to play.


The next morning, Megan was helping Firefly make breakfast while Fizzy was feeding Baby Shimmerstar and Molly was getting ready for school.
Even though they had a guest in the Estate, it was a normal school day for her and Julie. She had reading with Firefly first and then science with Posey. Molly LOVED science and enjoyed learning about flowers from Posey. SHE also liked reading and math with Mike, but she enjoyed science best of all.
After Molly was done getting ready, she went for the bathroom to brush her teeth. She opened the door and stepped in, all intentions of washing her hands and brushing her teeth.
Upon entering the bathroom however, Molly screamed in surprise and shock at what she found.
Julie was huddled against the wall, her knees pulled up to her chest. She looked like she was in pain.
“Julie? Julie! Are you okay?” Molly asked, regaining her voice.
“It hurts!” Julie replied, her voice full of pain. “Get Megan, please?”
“Okay. I’ll be right back. You’re gonna be okay.” With that, Molly left to get their older sister. But before she did so, she bent down to pat Julie’s shoulder and that’s when she saw it. Blood covered the bathroom floor. This worried Molly even more and she ran from the room to get Megan.
Molly found Megan in the kitchen, setting out the plates for breakfast.
“Megan! Megan, come quick! It’s Julie!” Molly announced, her tone full of fear and worry.
“What’s wrong, my little sunshine?” Megan asked, putting a comforting arm around Molly’s shoulders.
Molly took a deep breath before answering Megan’s question.
“It’s Julie! She’s hurt and… and she’s…she’s bleeding!”
"What?!" Megan shouted, and she ran for the bathroom.
When Julie saw her sister, she let out a sob, and flung herself at her.
"Shh, it's all right, little one," Megan said, stroking Julie's hair.
"It's all right. Can you tell me what happened?"
"I don't know!" Julie sobbed. "My tummy was hurting, and I went to the bathroom, and then . . . . then I started bleeding . . . . Megan, I'm scared! I don't know what's wrong!"
"I think I do," Megan said, and she gave Julie a big hug. She put a hand on Julie's stomach and moved it down a little. "Is this where your tummy's hurting?"
"Yes," Julie sniffled. "Am I going to have to go to the hospital to get a shot?"
"No," Megan said. "Everything's going to be just fine, little one.
You've just gotten your first period."
"My first what?"
"Period. All girls have it when they get older. It happens every month. Even I get it every month. It usually lasts for a week. Sometimes it can be longer, and sometimes, it can be shorter. It's just part of
growing up."
"Really?"
"Yep. Here, I'll show you what to do." With that, Megan helped Julie with her first "monthly visitor."
Then Megan went to the kitchen to get a bucket and a mop to clean up the bathroom floor. Right before she left the kitchen, a blood curdling shriek filled the Estate.
"YEEEAAAAAUUUGGGHHH!"
"Yipe!" Surprise shouted, nearly hitting the ceiling.
"What the heck was that?!" Fluey asked.
"I'll check it out," Mike said, getting up.
"I'll go with you," Megan said. "It sounded like it came from the
bathroom."
Megan and Mike walked down the hall to the bathroom. The door was open a crack, and Mike pushed it all the way open. Bob was pressed up against the wall, as if there was a poisonous snake slithering around the floor. The color was drained from his face, and he had a panic stricken look on his face.
"It's only Bob," Mike said. "What's the matter?"
Bob stammered something unintelligible and pointed to the blood on the floor. Mike looked, and began to feel a little nauseated himself. But he had to keep in control. He took a deep breath.
"What in the world happened in here?" he asked, once he composed himself.
"Oh, don't worry, it's okay," Megan said. "Julie's just, uhh, how
should I put this?"
"The monthly girl thing?" Mike said.
"That's one way of putting it," Megan nodded.
"Enough said," Mike said. Then he turned to Bob. "I'm curious to know what the heck you thought this was, Bob."
"I, uhh, I . . ." Bob said. "I . . . . uhhh . . . ."
"What a vocabulary this guy has, huh, Megan?" Mike teased. "What, you think someone was murdered or somethin'?"
"Uhhhh . . . ." Bob stammered.
Mike nodded. That said it all.
"Come on, Bobbers," he said. "Let's you and me talk."
Bob nodded, and walked off with Mike outside. Megan sighed, and filled the bucket with water. She had a feeling that this was going to be a long day.


Meanwhile outside the Estate, Mike sat down by a tree. Bob staid
standing.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Bob asked, feeling a little more comfortable since it was just him and Mike.
"Look, I know you don't like kids," Mike said. "But last night, with you and Julie . . . . man, you need to apologize to her."
"Mike, I can't," Bob said, turning away. "I . . . . I can't talk to
kids. You know that. You know how I always get on with . . . . Peter's
nephew."
"Peter's nephew has a name, you know."
"I know, but I can't bring myself to say it. It's too weird a name."
"So you gonna apologize to Julie?"
"I told you, Mike! I can't talk to kids! Especially girls. I just
can't look at a little girl without . . . ."
"Without what?"
Bob choked just then. He turned away, and began wringing his hands.
"Nothing, nothing," he said, voice rising in pitch slightly. "Nothing at all. Look, can't you tell her I said I was sorry for hurting her feelings? I can't do it myself. I just can't. Don't ask me why. Please?"
"I'll tell you what. I'll go with you to apologize. But you gotta tell
her yourself."
Bob took a deep breath, and nodded. He and Mike went back into the Estate and went to the kitchen. Julie and Molly were sitting at the table eating breakfast.
Bob stopped in the doorway. He looked at Mike as if to say "don't make me do this." But Mike wouldn't have any of it.
"Hey, Julie," he said. "Bob has somethin' he wants to tell you."
"Yeah," Bob said, slightly nervous. "Uhhh, I just wanted to say . . .. . uhhh . . . . well, that is . . . ."
"Come on, Bob, spit it out," Mike said.
"I'm s-s-s-sorry I hurt your feelings last night," Bob said,
struggling with the words while looking Julie in the eye.
"Okay," Julie said. "Thanks for apologizing to me, Bob."
"Excuse me?" Bob asked, suddenly. "But what did you just say to me?"
"She just thanked you for apologizin'," Mike said. "What's wrong with that?"
"She called me by my first name!" Bob shouted right in Mike's face. "I don't care what she calls you or Peter or anyone else, but she doesn't know me! Doesn't she know you don't call adults by their first names unless they say you can?! I don't recall telling these kids they could call me by my first name!"
"Hey, whoa, wait a minute," Mike said, but Bob wouldn't let him word in edgewise.
"I don't want these kids calling me by my first name!" he yelled.
"None of them! The ponies can, but they can't, and neither can the baby
ponies!"
With that, Bob stormed out of the room. Mike wanted to throttle him. He looked over at Julie, who looked like she was about ready to cry.
"Molly, go get Megan," Mike said. "I'll handle Bobbers."
"Okay," Molly said, and she ran from the room to get her sister.
Megan was just coming around the corner when Molly ran into her.
"Megan, we need you," she said.
"What's wrong, Moll?" Megan asked.
"Bob . . . . uhh, I mean Mike's boss just yelled at us because Julie
called him by his first name," Molly said. "He hurt Julie's feelings again. Mike's going to go talk to him."
Megan walked over to Julie, and hugged her. Julie began to cry.
"Why is he so mean?" she asked. "Mike and Peter let us call them by their first names. Why doesn't Mr. Rafelsen?"
"I don't know, Julie," Megan said, rubbing Julie's back. "I guess some grown ups don't like to be called by their first names from kids they don't know well."
A few minutes later, Mike and Bob returned to the room. Mike was practically dragging Bob into the room.
"Mike, I can't do this," Bob protested.
"Just say it," Mike said. "If you don't say it, I'm gonna do somethin' I shouldn't do in front of Molly and Julie. And Megan shouldn't see it, either!"
"Whoa," Molly said. "Mike must be REALLY mad!"
"Okay, okay," Bob said, and he turned to Julie and took a deep breath. "J-Julie . . . . I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I just don't like kids calling me by my first name. But I was wrong to yell the way I did, and I'm sorry."
Julie just nodded and buried her head in Megan's shoulder. She wasn't ready to forgive Bob just then. But Bob was satisfied with her reaction, and left. Mike shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Look, I'm really sorry about Bob," he told the girls. "Like I said. “he's not used to kids, and he's not used to bein' around them. But I'm sure he'll come around."
"I hope so," Megan said. “I really hope so.”


A little while later, Bob was walking around outside, looking around. Ponyland was pretty peaceful. It was a good place just to sit and
think. Bob figured he needed to do a lot of thinking. But before he could, he felt himself being lifted off the ground. He looked down, and
realized he was on the back of a pink pony with blue hair, and she was going higher and higher into the sky.
"Hiya!" Firefly shouted.
"Ack!" Bob shouted, wrapping his arms around Firefly's neck. "Wha you doing?!"
"I figure a good flight will relax you," Firefly said.
"No, no it won't! Please let me off!"
"Oh come on! Flying's a lot of fun! Now hold on. I'm gonna show you something that will definitely make you feel good!"
And with that, Firefly did her specialty. The Double Inside Out Loop.
Bob screamed, and squeezed his eyes shut. He held onto Firefly's mane so hard, his knuckles turned white.
"How'd you like that?" Firefly asked.
"I didn't!" Bob shouted.
"Maybe you should try it with your eyes open."
"NO! Please, please, please, let me down! Let me down!"
"Come on, just open your eyes and take a look around."
Bob opened one eye, and looked around. Of course, he happened to look down. He felt faint when he realized how high up they were, and he let out a moan. Then he screamed, and leaned against Firefly again.
"Please, please, please, please let me down!" he begged. "PLEASE!"
Firefly didn't understand it. Usually the Double Inside Out Loop worked wonders. But she landed and Bob staggered off her back. He put his hands over his nose and mouth and began taking deep breaths into them.
Firefly couldn't believe what she was seeing. Never in her life had
anyone started to hyperventilate when she did the Loop with them on her back!
"What's going on out here?" Medley asked as she and Peter came out of the Estate.
"I just did the Loop and he freaked," Firefly said.
"Don't be upset, Firefly," Peter said, as he started to lead Bob (who was still hyperventilating) into the Estate. "He hates flying."
"Now he tells us," Firefly grumbled.
Peter led Bob into the living room of the Estate, and got a paper bag from the kitchen. Bob began breathing into that until he started to
calm down.
"You okay?" Peter asked.
"Yeah," Bob said, nodding. "I'm fine. I'm okay. Uhh, look, Pete, I
think I'm just gonna take a nap, okay?"
"Sure," Peter said, smiling. "Sorry about Firefly. She tends to be a bit . . . . more outgoing than most ponies."
Bob nodded, and curled up on the couch. He figured he'd catch a quic nap before lunch, but such wasn't the case. He fell asleep fairly
quickly. Cupcake had wandered in and saw him sleeping. She told every to make too much noise inside, since he was sleeping. She was about to
go into the kitchen to get some baking done when she suddenly saw Bob
jerking his head from side to side and moaning.
"No . . . ." he moaned. "No, stop . . . . don't, please! I'm sorry . .
. . I'm sorry, please don't . . . . I'll be good, I promise I'll be
very, very good just don't . . . . no, no, no!"
"Bob?" Cupcake asked, nudging him in the shoulder. "Bob, wake You're dreaming!"
Bob flung his arm out, and hit Cupcake in the nose. Cupcake let yelp, which brought Fizzy into the room.
"Are you okay, Cupcake?" she asked.
"Fizzy, I'm glad you're here, I need help," Cupcake said. "Can a bubble in his face to wake him up?"
"Sure thing!"
Fizzy lit up her horn, and a bubble came out of it. It floated right
up to Bob's face, and it popped. Bob shot up, and looked around, wide
eyed and confused. For a minute, he didn't know where he was. He glanced at Cupcake and Fizzy, and then relaxed a minute.
"Are you all right?" Cupcake asked. "You were thrashing about and yelling."
"Another nightmare," Bob said, to no one in particular.
"What was it about?" Fizzy asked.
"Never mind," Bob said, quickly. "Don't worry about it."
"Well, now that you're up," Fizzy said. "Why don't you come outs and play with us?"
"No thanks," Bob said. "I don't really play."
"Oh come on, it'll be fun!"
Fizzy then took Bob's sleeve in her teeth, and pulled, but Bob pulled his arm back.
"No, I'd rather not," he said.
"But the fresh air will do you good," Fizzy said, trying to convince
him. She began pulling harder.
"I said no!" Bob shouted, yanking his arm back. His sleeve tore, and he fell against the couch. Fizzy stumbled backwards herself, and
crashed.
"Oh!" Cupcake shouted. "Oh, Fizzy, are you all right?"
"I'm okay," Fizzy said, and she then realized she just tore the sleev off Bob's short. "Oh my gosh! Oh, Bob, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean . . . ."
Fizzy stopped when she saw a large scab on Bob's shoulder. It was red, and about the size of a silver dollar. It was a burn scar Bob had
since he was nine years old, but Fizzy didn't know that. She gasped,
thinking she had bitten him.
"Oh!" she shouted. "Oh no! Oh, what have I done?! Oh Bob, I'm so sorry! I really didn't mean to . . . ."
Bob just looked at his shoulder, and ran off down the hall into the
Room he was staying in. Fizzy looked over at Cupcake, and began to cry.
"Oh Cupcake, what have I done?!" she sobbed.
“It wasn’t your fault, Fizzy.” Cupcake soothed, nuzzling her gently. “I promise. It was an accident. And besides, Bob pulled away from you, you didn’t bite him.”
Fizzy sighed, still not sure.
“What’s not Fizzy’s fault?” Molly asked, coming into the room just then. She saw the state Fizzy was in and rushed to her best pony friend’s side. She gave Fizzy a hug and stroked her mane gently. “Fizzy, what’s wrong? What happened?” Molly asked, her voice gentle and full of concern.
Fizzy tried to explain, but her voice was constricted with sobs, so Cupcake took over the explanation for her friend.
“Fizzy thinks she hurt Bob.” Cupcake explained.
“What!” Molly exclaimed in disbelief. “Fizzy would never hurt anyone! She’s the gentlest unicorn I know.”
Cupcake nodded in agreement.
“I told her it was an accident.”
“What happened?” Molly asked, more to Cupcake this time.
“Bob woke up from a nightmare and Fizzy asked him if he wanted to play. Bob said no, but Fizzy insisted. She came up to him and tried to pull him up, but he pulled away and…” Cupcake’s voice trailed off, the image of the mark still fresh in her mind.
“What happened then?” Molly asked, still comforting Fizzy.
“We saw a mark on his shoulder.” Cupcake replied. “It looked like a burn, but we’re not sure. That’s when Fizzy started crying, thinking she had hurt him. I think Fizzy thought she hurt him because when Bob pulled away from her, his sleeve tore off.”
Molly nodded, realization hitting her like the first rays of sunshine in the morning.
“Fizzy, you didn’t hurt Bob.” Molly assured her best friend. “You didn’t. I Promise. It was an accident.”
Fizzy sniffled, trying to calm down.
“How do you know?” Fizzy asked, her voice somewhat tearful.
Molly smiled.
“I know because you’re the gentlest unicorn I’ve ever known. You’ve never hurt me and you would NEVER hurt anyone on purpose.” Molly replied, giving Fizzy a hug before planting a kiss on her cheek. “I love you, Fizzy.”
Fizzy smiled a little and nuzzled Molly gently.
“I love you too.” Fizzy said, calming down considerably. “Thanks, Molly.”
Molly grinned.
“It’s my pleasure.” Molly said, a grin spreading across her face. “You’re my best friend and I would do anything for you. Besides, I know you wouldn’t hurt anyone. Come on, let’s go for a ride.” With that, Molly hopped on Fizzy’s back and held on to her mane gently.
Fizzy smiled at this. A ride with Molly was just what Fizzy needed to get her mind off of what had happened.
“Let’s ride!” Fizzy agreed, galloping towards the door of the Estate. With that, the two best friends were off. Another crisis was averted for the time being.
Cupcake sighed with relief. She was glad Fizzy was feeling better.


Meanwhile, outside, Megan was reading the book she had brought with her from her aunt’s house. She was almost done and she had enjoyed it, although it had been a little sad. The book was called “An Angel Named Kasie.”
It was about a little girl who despite her own problems, risks everything to save another little girl in need.
As Megan turned the page, she felt herself leaving the ground. The book slipped from her hands and she had to grab onto Firefly’s mane to prevent herself from falling. She giggled as she held on, knowing Firefly had only done it out of fun.
“Firefly!” Megan said, giggling still. “What was that for?”
Firefly shrugged as best she could with Megan on her back.
“What? I can’t spend time with my sweet girl?” She asked, mock hurt in her voice.
Megan giggled as she stroked Firefly’s mane.
“Aw, of course you can. So where do you want to go?” She asked, taking her hand off Firefly’s mane so that she would stop for a minute.
“It’s your choice, my sweet girl. Where would you like to go?”
Megan thought for a moment before replying.
“Can we take a flight around Ponyland, please?”
“Sure thing!” Firefly replied, taking off through the sky at top speed. She and Megan flew around for a few minutes, just enjoying each other’s company.
After the two best friends talked about fun things, Firefly asked Megan a question she wasn’t ready for.
“What do you think of Bob?” Firefly asked, catching Megan off guard.
Megan had to think for a moment, not sure how to answer her best friend. She didn’t think Bob was mean, but he certainly had to work on his treatment of kids.
Finally, after a few minutes, Megan gave Firefly her honest opinion.
“Bob’s okay. He’s quiet and a little short when it comes to talking to us kids, but other than that, he’s all right.”
“I know there’s something else.” Firefly said, knowing her sweet girl too well. “What’s on your mind, honey?”
Megan sighed. She really didn’t want to voice her other problem aloud. But at the same time, Megan knew Firefly would be able to help her, so she took the plunge.
“It’s Julie.” Megan started, a frown crossing her face. “She’s been really upset lately about everything that happened. I mean first Bob treats her non too nicely and then she gets her girl thing for the first time. This week has been really hard on her. I want her to have some fun. She needs a break.”
Firefly nodded. She had been thinking the same thing over the past few hours. Her Jules wasn’t herself and Firefly wanted to see her smile again.
“Now that you mention it, I have missed seeing Julie smile. Maybe a trip to see Charlotte would do it.” Firefly suggested, wanting to help Megan think of something.
Megan shook her head.
“Charlotte’s away with her sister, Stacey.” Megan explained. “They won’t be back for two weeks.”
Firefly nodded.
“Well doesn’t Julie have any other Human friends?” Firefly asked, knowing it wasn’t hard for Julie to make them.
Megan thought about this for a minute before her face broke into a grin. She didn’t know why she hadn’t thought about it before. But then again, Kathy had only just moved to Nebraska a month and a half ago, so Megan wasn’t sure how close she and Julie were.
“There is one other girl in Julie’s class who she is friends with. Her name is Kathy Burke. She just moved to Nebraska with her family. Kathy has a little sister named Min as well.”
Firefly grinned as they landed near Paradise Estate.
“Well, there you go.” Firefly said, grinning triumphantly. “Why don’t you ask Kathy and Min’s mother if Julie can stay there for the weekend. I’m sure Jules would LOVE it. But first, you need to ask Julie if she wants to go.”
Megan nodded. She knew Firefly spoke the truth.
“Okay. That does sound like a good idea. I’ll call Gloria tonight. But I have to talk to Julie first. Thanks Firefly!” With that, Megan gave Firefly a hug before going to find Julie. She just hoped and prayed that this trip would help Julie feel better.
Megan found Julie reading in the den. She sat beside her little sister and took her into her arms.
“Hey there, little one. I had a question for you.” Megan started, stroking Julie’s hair before planting a kiss on her cheek.
“Okay.” Julie said, laying her head against Megan’s shoulder. “What is it?”
“Would you like to go to Kathy and Min’s house to play?” Megan asked. “You could spend the weekend there and it would give you some time away from…” Megan’s voice trailed off as she tried to find the right words that wouldn’t sound rude. “…some time away from the chaos here.”
Julie nodded. She understood what Megan was saying and she agreed with her. She hadn’t seen Kathy for awhile and she missed spending time with her.
“Okay! That sounds like fun!” Julie said, a grin spreading across her face.
“Aw, I’m glad you think so. I’m going to call Kathy and Min’s mother tonight and see if it’s okay.”
Julie grinned. She gave Megan a hug.
“Thanks Megan!” Julie said, sincerely. “Thanks a lot.”
“Aw, you’re welcome, sweetheart. I know you’ll have fun.” With that, Megan and Julie spent some time together before dinnertime.


Meanwhile, Molly and Fizzy were playing some bubble ball outside. They had decided to play a little before dinner. Fizzy was feeling much better about everything and Molly was glad that Fizzy was smiling again.
Just then, Bob came out. He wanted to get some fresh air. He was really looking for Mike, but he was going to keep that bit of information to himself. He knew he had hurt Fizzy’s feelings, but he couldn’t bring himself to apologize to her.
As Bob walked around to Posey’s garden, he caught sight of Molly and Fizzy playing bubble ball. He kept walking, not wanting them to see him. He had been watching both Molly and Julie during the time he had been in Ponyland. They seemed like decent kids, but he still couldn’t bring himself to get to know them.
As Bob entered Posey’s garden, a ball came flying at his head. He covered his face with his hands and breathed a sigh of relief when the ball went over him and landed in the grass a few feet away.
Just then, Ember, along with Baby Rainbow Star, Baby Moondancer and Baby Cotton Candy came around the corner, running after the ball.
As Ember got closer to Bob, she stopped and gave him a sheepish look.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Rafelsen. Are you okay?” Ember asked, sincerity in her words.
Bob nodded, hoping that would be enough to satisfy Ember.
But Bob wasn’t that fortunate.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ember asked, wanting to make sure she hadn’t hurt him.
“I’m sure!” He snapped, making Ember blink back tears.
“Oh, okay.” Ember replied, before going after her friends and the ball. She hadn’t meant to offend Bob, but it looked like that’s what she had done.
Bob sighed with relief when he was once again alone. He wanted to find Mike so they could talk, but it seemed like Mike was nowhere to be found at the moment.
Sighing, Bob went back into the Estate to get some time alone. He wasn’t really in the mood to interact with the little ponies or their friends, even though Bob knew the Monkees and Fluey.


Later that night, Megan had called Gloria and it was okay for Julie to go over to her house. Megan had relayed the news to a very excited Julie, happy when a smile spread across her face.
“So Medley and I will take you down tomorrow.” Megan told her little sister. “And you’ll come home on Monday.”
Julie’s grin grew even wider. She knew Monday was a holiday and therefore, she and Molly didn’t have home school either.
For the rest of the night, Julie played a game with Molly and Megan before going to bed. She was excited about going over Kathy’s house and she knew she was going to have fun.


The next afternoon, Megan, Julie and Molly left on Firefly and Medley to go to the Burke house.
Earlier that morning, Julie woke up excited and in a very good mood. She bounded into the dining room and greeted everyone with a smile and a cheerful, “Good morning!”
Julie was so happy, she didn’t even mind when Bob didn’t acknowledge her greeting. She was just happy that she would be able to spend time with her other best friend.
As Julie downed her breakfast, Molly gave her a curious look.
“Julie, why are you eating so fast?” She asked, eyeing her sister suspiciously.
Julie swallowed her bite of cereal before answering Molly’s question.
“Because I’m going to spend the weekend with Kathy.” She replied. “Megan and my pretty Medley are taking me down after lunch.”
Molly nodded. She frowned at this and pushed her bowl away. She then got up and left the room, a frown on her face.
Julie frowned as she watched her sister leave. She hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings. She wanted to help her, but she knew she had to finish eating first.
After Julie was done eating, she got up and went to talk to Molly.
When Julie reached Molly’s room, she found her little sister crying on her bed. Jewelhart was there, snuggled next to her. “Molly?” Julie asked, her voice full of concern. “Can I come in?”
“Go away!” Molly replied tearfully.
“Why?” Julie asked, coming in anyway. She sat down on the bed and reached out to pat Molly’s shoulder, but her little sister pushed her away. “Molly, is something wrong?”
Molly nodded, but she didn’t answer at first.
“What is it?” Julie asked, wanting to help Molly feel better. “Are you mad at me?”
“You don’t love me anymore!” Molly sobbed, surprising Julie.
Julie shook her head.
“No, no, no. Of course I love you. Moll, I love you so much. Why would you think I didn’t?” Julie ventured, hoping Molly would give her a straight forward answer.
Molly let out a sob before answering Julie’s question.
“Be-because you’re leaving me to go see Kathy! I heard you talking to Megan! You said you wanted to get away from here!”
Julie’s eyes widened as realization hit her.
“Molly! Molly, I’m sorry if you thought I meant I wanted to get away from you. I didn’t mean you. I love you. I meant Mr. Rafelsen. He’s really getting on my nerves.”
Molly gazed up at Julie, her hazel eyes full of tears.
“So you didn’t mean me?” Molly asked, her voice full of hope. “You still love me?”
Julie nodded as she held her arms out to her little sister.
“Of course I do! I love you so much, Molly Shaianne Hartson! Don’t ever think differently or forget it.” Julie said, opening her arms to Molly.
Molly nodded as she let Julie hug her. She clung on and let the remaining tears fall.
“I was afraid I was making you mad!” Molly admitted. “I thought you didn’t want to spend time with me anymore!”
“No, no, no, Moll. Don’t ever think that. I love you, I love spending time with you, I don’t know what I would do without you.” Julie assured her, planting a kiss on Molly’s left cheek.
“I love you too, Julie.” Molly replied, calming down considerably. She then admitted something to her big sister that she had been keeping from Megan. “I’m mad at Mr. Rafelsen.”
“Why?” Julie asked, taken aback by Molly’s statement.
“Because he made you cry. He scared you! I don’t like it when you’re upset or afraid.”
Julie’s heart melted. She hugged Molly close and ruffled her hair gently.
“Tell you what.” Julie said, trying to cheer Molly up. “What if I ask Megan if you can come with me? That way, Min will have someone to play with. You remember Min, right?”
Molly nodded. She had played with Min a few times and the two were pretty close.
“You would do that for me?” Molly asked.
Julie nodded.
“Yup. I couldn’t have fun knowing you were here upset and lonely. Although I think Fizzy’s going to miss you.”
Molly smiled.
“Thanks, Julie.” She said, giving her sister another hug.
“You’re welcome. Do you feel better now?” Julie asked, hoping she had succeeded in cheering Molly up.
Molly nodded.
“I do now.”
“I’m glad.” Julie said, smiling down at Molly. With that, the two sisters went to find Megan.
In a matter of twenty minutes, Molly was allowed to go with Julie. She was happy about this and she was looking forward to it. At first, Molly had been afraid that she was going to spoil Julie’s time, but Julie assured her that she wouldn’t do that.
After the arrangements had been made, Megan sent Molly and Julie off to play while she talked to Mike. She had wanted to see why Ember had been crying yesterday.
Megan found Mike in the living room. He was playing a game of checkers with Fluey.
“Hey Megan baby!” Mike greeted, grinning from ear to ear. “Want to join us?”
Megan nodded. She sat down across from Mike and next to Fluey. She gave him a smile, which Fluey returned.
“Actually, I had a question for you.” Megan told Mike.
“Shoot.” Mike said, taking his turn in the game.
“Why was Ember crying yesterday?” Megan asked, her voice full of concern.
Mike shook his head.
“I don’t know. I think you’d have to ask Twilight about that.”
Megan nodded. She only had twenty minutes before she had to take Julie and Molly over the Rainbow. It was just enough time to talk to Twilight.
Megan found the unicorn in the nursery, reading to Baby Moondancer, Baby Cotton Candy and Baby Heartthrob.
When Baby Moondancer saw Megan, she jumped up and ran to her, wanting to be picked up.
“Aw, hi there, sweetheart. Come here.” With that, Megan picked Baby Moondancer up. She sat down near Twilight and gave her a smile. “Twilight, can I ask you something?” Megan asked, hoping she hadn’t interrupted anything.
Twilight nodded. She put the book down and turned her attention to Megan.
“What’s up?” Twilight asked.
“Why was Ember crying yesterday?” Megan asked, hoping she would be able to find an answer.
Twilight sighed.
“Mr. Rafelsen scared her.” Twilight replied. “Apparently, my little one and a few of the other baby ponies were playing ball. The ball hit Mr. Rafelsen in the head and Ember wanted to make sure he was okay. She asked him as much and he said yes. She then asked him again, to make sure he was all right and he snapped at her.”
Megan nodded and sighed. It looked like she was going to have another talk with Mike. But that would have to wait. It was almost time to take Julie and Molly to the Burkes’.
“Well, I’m gonna talk to Mike after I Get back from taking Molly and Julie over the Rainbow.” Megan told Twilight. She got up and put Baby Moondancer down. She gave Baby Moondancer’s mane a pat before leaving the room. Before Megan left, she turned her attention back to Twilight. “Is Ember okay?”
Twilight nodded.
“Yeah. She’s a little shaken, but she’ll be okay.”
Megan nodded. With that, she left to get Molly and Julie.