/emo/ Unstable Symphony, chp 4


                                            >You woke up early again, though you were little more tired.

                                            >At first you were concerned the energy you have had was lost.

                                            >But thankfully, it returned again.

                                            >Though you’re not as concerned as you should be about it.

                                            >Things will be fine, it shouldn’t be a problem.

                                            “Just have to make it through today and the next two concerts is all.”

                                            >The first concert is this evening, and you can’t wait.

                                            >So you practice some more, never hurts, right?

                                            “I will be better, though if I do say so myself, I think I’m nearly the best.”

                                            >After all, you got first chair.

                                            >You shift through some songs, but decide to pick one at random.

                                            >Adjusting the violin, you begin.

                                            >As you play, you imagine yourself before an audience.

                                            >A memory flashes before you.

                                            >The talent show where you got your cutiemark.

                                            >Your parents had pushed you to play, and even your friends did.

                                            >When you stepped onto that stage in front of all those ponies.

                                            >So much anxiety, but you played.

                                            >The roar of applause as you finished was unforgettable.

                                            >A flash of light caught your eye, and you saw the mark finally adorning your flank.

                                            >Your attention almost drifts too much, but you manage to focus again.

                                            >Though you finish the song, you play another.

                                            >It’s like you’re possessed, but you don’t care.

                                            >Another finished, and you stop to take a moment.

                                            “Suppose I should start getting ready.”

                                            >Getting up, you grab your dress for this evening.

                                            “It’s lovely, shame I only wear it for concerts.”

                                            >You set it aside for now, along with your violin and bags.

                                            >It hits you that you forgot to send out those letters.

                                            >You breath out a frustrated sigh.

                                            “Alright, then I’ll send them out when I leave to the concert.”

                                            >Looking to the clock you note it’s getting close to leaving.

                                            “Might as well leave early though, I can kill some time with the other members.”


                                            >Your excitement is at an all time high.

                                            >It’s just another concert, but it feels your first all over again.

                                            >A stray thought enters your mind.

                                            >Maybe you should see a doctor about these weird energy spikes you have.

                                            >After the third concert of course, don’t want to potentially stay home.

                                            “It’s probably nothing, but I can never be too safe.”

                                            >The evening brings out many ponies, so you have to get a taxi.

                                            >You hail one and climb in.

                                            >Along the way, you think some more.

                                            >Yesterday you snapped at Friedrich, and the day before, you nearly did.

                                            >It’s not like you hate him, sure he can be stuck up, but he isn’t a bad pony.

                                            >Not too mention buying those bracelets yesterday.

                                            >It’s not like you really needed one.

                                            >Plus Feather was uncomfortable with it.

                                            >Shouldn’t you be a little more concerned?

                                            >The cart stops, pulling you out of your thoughts and you pay the stallion before stepping to the curb.

                                            >Many ponies are entering the building, some of which you recognize.

                                            >Mostly Manehattan elite, but some are your fellow members.

                                            >You join them and enter the venue to the dressing room.

                                            >As you just finish getting into your dress, you see Feather.

                                            >She is wearing a beautiful dress like yourself.

                                            “Hey there, how are you feeling?”

                                            >Feather beams, you can already tell she is ready.

                                            >”Pretty good actually, I think you gave me the confidence I needed.”

                                            >It’s hard to contain your joy from hearing that.

                                            “That’s wonderful, I’m glad to hear that.”

                                            >The two of you make your way to the back stage.

                                            >You see Friedrich, and figure you should talk to him.

                                            “Just one moment Feather, I’ll be right back.”

                                            >She nods and you approach him.

                                            >He is wearing a tuxedo in addition to his bow tie.

                                            “Hello Friedrich, if you have a moment, I’d like to apologize for yesterday.”

                                            >He raises an eyebrow and nods.


                                            >”I do, and I accept your apology. Though you really cannot let things get to you. We have a job as professionals and must learn to keep a level head.”

                                            “Thank you, I’ll try to do better.”

                                            >He smiles and offers you a hoof shake.

                                            >That’s a little surprising, as it’s the first genuine smile you’ve seen from him.

                                            >Of course you shake his hoof, and hopefully this is all water under the bridge.

                                            >You head back to talk to Feather before you all have to take your places.

                                            “Sorry about that. Had to try to apologize.”

                                            >She looks a little confused, but nods.

                                            >”It’s okay, I saw you two were talking intensely yesterday. I’m guessing something was said?”

                                            >More like you overreacted.

                                            “It’s nothing, just a minor problem was all.”

                                            >Several members head off to the stage.

                                            “Show time, I’ll join you in a moment.”

                                            >She nods, and hurries off.

                                            >The others warm up and start to review the music.

                                            >Just remember, you can do this.

                                            >You have done this many times before, and each a success.

                                            >The only difference is you’re the concertmaster.

                                            >You join the others on stage and tune with the orchestra.

                                            >Shortly after, Maestro Quiet enters the stage and bows to the applauding audience.

                                            >She turns and begins the concert.

                                            >Gently you move with the music.

                                            >It’s a wonder how such works were crafted by a lone individual.

                                            >Can’t lose your focus now.

                                            >You shouldn’t have stray thoughts like this.

                                            >The first half finishes, and it’s time for intermission.

                                            >You’re certain that was great, but the second and final half is just as important.

                                            >Some of the members go use the restroom, others talk.

                                            >Like you’re doing now.

                                            “First half done Feather, are you doing alright?”

                                            >She closes her eyes and nods slowly.

                                            >”Yeah. Kinda feel like my heart is gonna burst from my chest.”

                                            >You give her a soft smile, you’ve been there before.


                                            “It’s no different than a small audience, you’ll get used to it.”

                                            >She snorts and quickly her eyes shoot open.

                                            >You can’t help but laugh.

                                            >Her face turns red.

                                            >”I didn’t mean to do that.”

                                            “It’s fine, not like you’re the only who has done that when they’re nervous.”

                                            >”Doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.”

                                            >You give her a reassure pat on the wither.

                                            “Like I said before, we all have been there. Intermission is just about over though, so let’s finish strong.”

                                            >Feather smiles and nods.

                                            >The remaining members take their seats and you all prepare once again.

                                            >Music picks up, and the final half guides you once more.

                                            >Such strong emotions evoke a response.

                                            >If you were in the audience, you’d have no doubt you would be on the edge of your seat.

                                            >The last piece finishes strongly, and you are certain now.

                                            >It is flawless, you knew it would be!

                                            >The roar of applause only further confirms it.

                                            >You all bow, though you’re almost moved to tears of joy.

                                            >All of you move off stage and back to the dressing rooms.

                                            >Along the way you talk with Feather.

                                            “That was fantastic! Don’t you agree?”

                                            >She beams with joy.

                                            >”I couldn’t agree more, I’m so happy to have made it through.”

                                            >Friedrich interrupts you two.

                                            >>”It was quite nice, I agree. However, do remember we have another two shows.”

                                            >You’re a little annoyed, but he is right.

                                            >Feather’s face loses a little color.

                                            “It will be fine, we made it through tonight, we can do it again.”

                                            >Friedrich replies just after you.

                                            >>”Just continue as you are, that is my advice.”

                                            >He enters the stallion’s dressing room, while you two enter the mares.

                                            >Looks like his words got to Feather, she looks worried now.

                                            “Don’t worry about it Feather, you can do this.”

                                            >She shakes her head, and looks at you.

                                            >”Yeah, yeah I can.”

                                            >You nod gently and get out of your dress.


                                            >As you’re putting away your things, you’re starting to feel tired.

                                            >Odd, you haven’t been feeling tired around this time.

                                            >The concert must have taken more out of you.

                                            >It will be fine.

                                            >Feather approaches you with a small smile.

                                            >”I’ll see you tomorrow Connie.”

                                            >You smile back.

                                            “Take care.”

                                            >She heads off and you yawn.

                                            “Guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

                                            >As you reach the streets of Manehattan, you start to trot home.

                                            >However, you’re starting to find yourself more tired.

                                            >So you hail a taxi.

                                            >A cart pulls up and you climb in.

                                            >Your mind wanders randomly.

                                            >It’s hard to focus.

                                            >The ride home feels longer.

                                            >Your eyes close for just a second and suddenly you’re jolted awake.

                                            >The driver is looking back at you.

                                            >”Hey, wake up, we’re here.”

                                            >You shake your head, how’d that happen?

                                            >Doesn’t matter, you pull out some bits and hoof them over.

                                            “Here you go, keep the change.”

                                            >He tips his hat and takes off.

                                            >Trotting up the stairs, you note how heavy you feel.

                                            “I haven’t been getting much sleep.”

                                            >Letting out another yawn, you reach your apartment at last.

                                            >You set your things aside and head to the bedroom.

                                            >Normally you would stay up for a little longer as it’s still early.

                                            “I’ll be fine, just need to get some rest.”

                                            >You get ready for bed and lay down.

                                            >For some reason, you feel a little sad.

                                            >You can’t discern why as you fall asleep.