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Post by Cheerilee on Oct 27, 2011 19:59:25 GMT -5
Ponyville's only schoolhouse teacher heaved a great sigh and trotted up to the door of the library. She had had a rather long day, and she had meant to stop by the library on her lunch break. However, she hadn't managed to do so until now - and it was six o'clock now. She had had a conference with Rarity and Sweetie Belle regarding the former's behavior; while it was true that she had, indeed, misbehaved, this failed to cause any lowering in opinion of her by the schoolteacher. It drew heavily from her easy attachment to her students - she often, in fact, found it difficult to find fault with any of them. However, when such brutish rhetoric was used in Cheerilee's company, she could give no advocate towards the user. Having been as occupied as she was with the verdant filly and her sibling, she had all but forgotten her prior appointments until late in the eve.
The soft clopping of her hooves upon the obdurate worn stones that pointed the way to the ancient tree-library seemed obnoxiously loud to Cheerilee. Whether this was because of the inner turmoil that boiled inside of her or simply because it was growing late in Ponyville was unclear. She could simply not block out her thoughts, if even for a moment, even as strongly as she desired. She was thirty four years old and had lacked for romance for the most recent ten of those years. Was she simply growing past her ripe, blooming prime? She was not vain; however, she was of the opinion that she wasn't exactly unattractive. Perhaps it was time she reevaluate her physical qualities, she considered? Or perhaps it was something in her character or personality that was unappealing to a potential lover? Whichever was true, she was determined to find a remedy for her romantic woes. The library presented the perfect opportunity. Cheerilee lifted her magenta hoof and softly clopped on the door once, twice, thrice. She checked her coat – all down and rather nicely combed out. Her mane fell loosely about her shoulders. She smelled faintly of cherries and vanilla, these scents being the perfumes she preferred the most.
“Hello? Twilight Sparkle?” She called out in her gentle alto. She had met Ponyville’s newest resident a long while ago and had become acquainted with her promptly. She wouldn’t consider their relationship a friendship just yet. However, they were more than adequately on speaking terms. “Are you there? Is it too later to look for a book?” She very much hoped she wasn’t disturbing her dinner. She silently cursed herself for not having considered the hour before arriving unexpected.
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Oct 27, 2011 20:58:48 GMT -5
Twilight had indeed been eating, and the library had closed half an hour ago. She was just about to clean her plate when she heard a familiar voice at the door. She hadn't heard exactly what was said, but she could somewhat tell who it was. "Hello Cheerilee!" She said as she opened the door.
"Come in." She spoke gesturing inside. She had often made exceptions for ponies coming late to the library. Unless, of course, if she wasn't in a very good mood. She closed the door behind Cheerilee, guiding her in to the warm tree house and asking "Is there something you need? A book? Some advice? I have both." She said with a reassuring smile.
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Post by Cheerilee on Oct 29, 2011 12:18:08 GMT -5
Cheerilee felt a growing urge to confide all of her pains in Twilight; she had yet to tell anypony about her emotional and romantic troubles. She supposed it was fine - after all, wasn't it rather unprofessional as a teacher to include others in her personal business? She gave a fond smile to Twilight, retaining a composed demeanor for the time being.
"Ah! Hello, Twilight...I was wondering if...well, I'm just here to look for a book or two, if that's fine with you." she said with a smile; she assumed Twilight would be there to help her find what she needed. On a normal day, this is exactly what Cheerilee would have preferred. However, with something so personal...maybe she wished Twilight wasn't quite as helpful.
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Oct 29, 2011 16:42:21 GMT -5
Twilight looked at Cheerilee. She seemed... preoccupied. Cheerilee was normally very upbeat and happy, but today her smile was just there to hide the unrest in her eyes. Nonetheless Twilight was here to help her find a book, not to council her. "Any genre you want? A story book for the foals maybe?" She asked inquisitively. Cheerilee had visited the library a few other times before. Twilight knew the drill.
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Post by Cheerilee on Oct 30, 2011 20:31:23 GMT -5
Cheerilee shook her head solemnly at Twilight's question; if only she was here to get a book to read to the foals; she had often come here and asked Twilight for suggestions on stories that would stimulate their young minds but still be able to follow easily; she had lacked quite a bit in that category, and Twilight had been just the pony she had needed for help.
"Actually...no. I was looking for some books on romance! Not...not a fantasy. Self-help books, I suppose." She said, blushing a little lowering her head - she knew Twilight was intuitive enough to figure out quite a bit about her feelings just by her request.
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Oct 31, 2011 3:25:33 GMT -5
Twilight looked deep into the mares eyes. The problem hit home with her, so she was somewhat surprised by it all. She nodded to Cheerilee saying "Its okay, I understand." That was all she could say. She walked over to a shelf and gestured to books she had read only days ago for herself. If she felt lacking, how did Cheerilee feel? She felt pity for her.
A nagging feeling tugged at Twilights heart. She knew it would be best not to but into her affairs, but she wanted to help. Then again she wanted to help DuMourne and that had got her nowhere quick. Still, she found herself blurting out "Do you want to talk, Cheerilee? Im here if you need me, you know." She said looking sincerely at the pony.
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Post by Cheerilee on Oct 31, 2011 18:59:23 GMT -5
Cheerilee met Twilight's gaze - the look in her eyes was so sincere and honest, traits that Twilight Sparkle had been known for. She gave her a solemn look and a gentle smile of her own. "Well...I know that, Twilight Sparkle. You'd understand if you were my age..." She said; after all, she was 34 years old. She didn't mean to sound patronizing, but when she was this old and hadn't been in a relationship in nearly ten years she began to question her physical attractiveness as well as her personality.
"Well..I've just been feeling very lonely, you know. Romantically." She said with a little blush. "Got any books...or perhaps, advice?" The pony blushed and looked away, beginning to feel a bit self-conscious. She was the older one; shouldn't she be the one giving advice?
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Nov 1, 2011 17:12:17 GMT -5
Twilight looked up at the mare. "That makes two of us Cheerilee..." A lump began to grow in her throat. It wasn't something she was used to talking about. She tried her best to maintain eye contact and good posture. "Cheerilee, i've learned that the best experience in this field doesn't come from books. You need to approach somepony. Get to know them, and if the conditions are right.... Maybe even ask them out on a date." She began to blush as well.
"A-anyway, im not exactly the best pony to be asking... Just remember, not succeeding isn't failure. Failure is when you give up. I guess thats the best advice I have..." She ended the last sentence almost timidly. I probably sound like Fluttershy right now, she remarked in thought. She wasn't sure of just where the conversation would go at this point.
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Post by Cheerilee on Nov 3, 2011 6:27:10 GMT -5
Cheerilee was intuitive enough to understand Twilight's uncertainty about the matter - after all, she was a young mare compared to Cheerilee's age, and had plenty of years ahead of her to find a suitable coltfriend. Of course, Cheerilee wasn't necessarily looking for a coltfriend, either; she wouldn't mind being with another mare, though it might not be conducive to her job as a teacher. Still, she was sick of silly little flings with the cutest stallion or mare that came her way. That wasn't love, in her eyes. She wanted somepony she could trust with her life, somepony who would always be there for her to support her.
Her words on failure were somewhat encouraging, she supposed, but she felt that maybe she could still use a book that could give her some tips.
"You too, Twilight Sparkle?" She asked with a blush, looking away from her; the taller mare shifted a little uncomfortably, not sure how to take things. Normally she was pretty confident. But when it came to speaking of such sensitive matters she was hardly the best pony to talk to. "...Maybe we should...figure out these sort of things....together? What's been bothering you, of late?" She asked. "Er...do you mind if I take a seat?" she added as an afterthought.
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Nov 3, 2011 19:20:45 GMT -5
Twilight nodded to Cheerilee and in turn sat down herself. Since Cheerilee asked her what had been bothering her, she wasn't going to hold back. Where to start, she thought... "Well, I was never approached by anypony when I was younger. For awhile I didn't mind, I actually liked the solitude, but as of late I started feeling..." She paused looking for the appropriate word. "Lonely, I guess. I started reading books about dating just in case I found the right pony, then I asked a few friends about it who told me most of what the books say about dating is wrong..." Twilight noticed the similarities in both her and Cheerilee's situations.
"And then," She continued, "This colt started flirting with me. Before I could even gather my thoughts, another colt showed he liked me. I don't know which one I like honestly. In fact, im not sure I know if I like either of them yet. I haven't really ever had anypony like me much less two at the same time. I guess I should be glad atleast I have ponies liking me. What about you Cheerilee?" She asked.
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Post by Cheerilee on Nov 4, 2011 15:48:42 GMT -5
Cheerilee nodded as she considered Twilight Sparkle's story. She had been in just the same position before, herself, and right around the age Twilight was now, in fact. She smiled - if only she was in that position now. At least that way she would have more of a selection available to her. She opened her mouth a little to begin speaking, but stopped, considering for a moment, before, with more certainty, she began again.
"Well...when you get to my age...I'm only 34, but colts start to lose interest...in particular when I'm a schoolteacher. It makes it hard to have time for dates and committed relationships, you see...not that I've gotten many offers." Her blush was barely visible on her violet coat, but visible it was. "I just...feel really lonely. Most other mares my age are in committed relationships. Have foals of their own. I just...I let my job take hold of me. And one day, I look up, and I'm 34...." She sighed, covering her face with her hooves and taking a deep breath; she tried not to let her eyes water up...
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Nov 4, 2011 21:28:06 GMT -5
Twilight felt a soft pang in her heart. For a moment she could imagine herself in Cheerilee's position. It wasn't impossible for the same to happen to her. She felt speechless. She wanted a way to tell Cheerilee it would be alright, but would it? Could Twilight really just promise away all of her problems? Twilight moved over by Cheerilee and pulled her into a hug. It was all she could think to do.
For some reason or another, she felt her face redden. Twilight paid it no mind however, all that mattered was that she could comfort her friend. Were they friends? Of course they were. They might not know each other as well as she knew her other friends, but Twilight still cared enough about her to want her to be happy. As they say, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
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Post by Cheerilee on Nov 6, 2011 20:11:33 GMT -5
Cheerilee couldn't believe it; here she was, with this young unicorn gently hugging her, trying to comfort her in the only way she knew how. Sometimes, Cheerilee mused to herself, words were simply not enough. this was one such case, it seemed. Twilight had tried to comfort her with words - it had worked, to an extent. But when the other mare hugged her close, she felt as if all of her pain and worries were lifted away. There was still a sort of loneliness, but she knew Twilight felt the same things she did, and so after a moment she wrapped her own hooves around the other mare, trying to hide her watering green eyes to no avail. She buried her head in the other girl's mane, sobbing as quietly as she could manage.
After a moment, she managed to compose herself somewhat. Pulling back, she looked into Twilight's eyes. She gave a weak smile - her own were a little red and wet from the tears she had spilled. "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle...." She said with a genuine smile at the other mare. "I....I'm just...I don't know. I'm not myself...."
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Post by Twilight Sparkle on Nov 6, 2011 20:28:02 GMT -5
When Cheerilee suddenly pulled her close, she was surprised, but then continued hugging her. After some time passed, Twilight didn't know how long she just knew time did indeed pass, Cheerilee finally removed herself from the warm embrace. Twilight felt close to shivering. Was it cold? No, it wasn't. Still, she just dismissed it. Twilight was still somewhat unknowing of what to say.
After a short pause, she manage a smile to encourage the mare before her as she said "I admit, don't know how you feel. I just can't know exactly how you feel, but I do know one thing: I don't want you to feel bad. Cheerilee, I want you to know if there's anything you need from me, just ask." She said, in a sweet and comforting tone. Twilight was still close to the mare, just in case she lost it again and needed a shoulder to cry on.
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Post by Cheerilee on Nov 7, 2011 21:19:20 GMT -5
Cheerilee nuzzled the younger mare a while longer - she was clearly reluctant to leave her embrace; whether this was for simple emotional support or something else entirely, she wasn't even sure of herself. Either way, she desired Twilight's closeness right now.She said she would do anything to try and make the older mare feel better. She said that if there was anything she needed, Twilight could give it. She blushed a little. She knew she would be out drinking tonight, trying to drown her sadness in alcohol.
"..Well." She began. She closed her eyes, the pretty green orbs already starting to water again. She steeled herself. She was going to say this. She was going to open her mouth, the words would come out of her mouth, and she would wait. Yes. She opened her mouth to speak.
"...How about a date?" She asked shortly, lowering her eyes. Now all there was to it was to wait for the inevitable answer.
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