| It was a lovely, sparkling
night as Fizzy and Tex silently ate their dinner. The moon was glowing
orange, bathing Paradise Estate in an eerie glow. There was a gentle
breeze, and Caramel Crunch had talked Peachy into letting her cook.
All was right with the world.
Or not! Fizzy thought nervously, nearly choking on the most scrumptious caramel chocolate pie ever concocted in Ponyland. Except for the two diners, the patio was deserted on this gorgeous night. And Fizzy knew exactly why -- everyone in Paradise Estate knew what Fizzy had to do tonight, and nobody wanted to be around. Although the "dirty deed" was being done in kindness, no one, least of all Fizzy, wanted to see sweet, shy, lovable Tex's heart shattered into a million pieces. She felt like she was about to cry. She just sat there, quiet as a mouse. Tex, on the other hand, was boiling over with excited conversation, creating an odd reversal of the pair's usual roles. His late vacant, pensive expression had been magically replaced with this strangely Fizzy-like outlook, characterized by the recurring theme that the whole world being a really neat place to live.
"Tex, I --" stammered
Fizzy, fumbling her spoon and tying her napkin in a knot.
Tex broke into hysterical laughter. "You know, huh? Haha! Might have known!" he chuckled. "Couldn't never keep nothin' from you, anyway! Well, I guess I have to tell you the news, then!" But Fizzy was determined not to lose her nerve, which was quickly ebbing anyway. "Tex, please! You have to be reasonable about Magic Star! You and she just cannot -- uh, what news?" Tex nearly exploded the sentence with sheer joy. "She's coming here!" he cried happily. "She wants to be a part of this herd because of me! She loves me, Fizzy! She said she loves me!" Fizzy gaped in disbelief. "Are you kidding?" she managed to spit out. "Can you imagine?" Tex continued, giggling. "Two ponies named Magic Star in one herd! How confusing is that going to be!" "Two ponies?!" Fizzy's voice cracked. A wave of shock and utter relief washed over her, nearly knocking her over. "Not our Magic Star?" "Shoot, no, Fiz. Our Magic Star's engaged!" Tex laughed at the notion. "The new Magic Star is so different. I met her in a chat room, and we've been talking to each other every night for the past month, and she's incredible, Fiz! She's like this perfect -- Fiz? Are you okay?" She had not heard a word. One doesn't when one has passed out on the floor.  |
