Monday, December 7, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
2015
Today's Horoscope (Virgo): It's okay to put others first, so long as you don't neglect yourself.
Morning
Five minutes after the bell during homeroom, Principal Celestia makes an announcement over the PA.
"Good morning and happy Monday. I just want to remind everyone that exams are next week. There will be no club or team activities this week or next week, so that all of you may concentrate on the exams. Do your best!"
"You heard her, class," Mr. Turner says. "Now, we're going to spend this week reviewing..."
Groans meet this statement...
After School
I'm driving Vinyl to the eye doctor today.
Waiting at the school entrance, I see Vinyl headed my way, with Octavia steadying her. "Is everything alright?" I ask.
"Havin' a grayout," Vinyl says. "It happens...thanks, Tavi."
Octavia frowns. "I wish I could take you myself, but I've got—"
"It's cool," Vinyl says. "Besides, I..." She trails off, digging through her bag and pulling out her keys, which she hands to me. "Let's roll," she says.
I share a look with Octavia, who seems concerned...and somewhat hesitant. She nods to me, then turns and leaves.
On the drive to the eye clinic, I ask, "How are things going with Octavia?"
Vinyl grimaces. "Frosty," she says. "She says she wants to give me a shot, but...she's scared, you know? I don't blame her."
"She does seem to care about you."
"Yeah...but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get friendzoned." Vinyl sighs. "And these grayouts aren't helpin'."
"I'm...not sure what a grayout is," I admit.
Vinyl sighs again. "Everything's gray. All I can see is blurs."
Ouch.
When we arrive, I help her inside, then sign in for her. The receptionist gives her a concerned look. "Vinyl? Are you alright?"
"Grayout," Vinyl says.
The receptionist pales. "I'll let the doctor know. We'll get you right in."
Before I can even guide Vinyl to a seat, the nurse bursts through the door and leads Vinyl to the exam room. I look around the waiting room...
Chrysalis is sitting there with one of her younger children. She notices me and gives me a nod. I decide to sit down beside her.
"We meet again," she says. "Here you are, once again at the eye doctor with your 'just a friend'."
"She really is just a friend," I say. "I have a girlfriend. So does she."
Chrysalis' eyes widen in surprise. "Oh."
"How's it going?" I ask.
Chrysalis sighs. "Bad," she says. "I called in every favor I have left with everyone on the board, but all I've done is buy myself another month at best. The board doesn't like to make major changes in the fourth quarter to begin with, so..." She shrugs. "Come January, February at the latest, my neck will be on the block."
"That's harsh."
Chrysalis nods. "I'm going to give my children the best Christmas I can this year, and Skeeter can complain all he wants...my family comes first."
We chat for a little while. I learn that the boy sitting next to her is her youngest son, Gnat. Apart from her oldest, whose names I already know from the time I ran into her family at the pizza place, her twin daughters are named Cricket and Katydid, her second-oldest son is named Ant, and her youngest daughter is Flea.
"So, what are your dreams and plans?" Chrysalis asks.
I shrug. "I haven't really made any yet. The only thing I'm really good at is playing guitar, so I'll probably do something with that."
"Hmm...music careers often are not the most stable..."
"Right now, I just want to survive high school and enjoy being with my girlfriend."
Chrysalis smiles. "I envy you, if that's all you have to worry about..."
If only she knew...
The Disgraced Executive Social Link of the Tower Arcana has reached rank 2!
Your power to create Personas of the Tower Arcana has grown!
After a short while, Chrysalis and Gnat are called back to the exam room. I sit reading a magazine until Vinyl is led out by the nurse. I guide her out to the car and drive her home.
Once we arrive at her house, I help her sit down in the living room, then get her something to drink. "What did the doctor say?" I ask.
Vinyl frowns. "It's getting worse," she says. "A few months ago, they said there was a chance I might be able to last until after graduation. Now..." She sighs. "I might not make it to next summer." She shakes her head. "It's just goin' faster than they can keep up with."
"I'm sorry..."
"Eh. It's not like it matters when I go blind," Vinyl says. "I mean...there's no stoppin' it no matter what." She takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes. "Hey...I hate to ask, but...do you mind stayin' a little while? At least until Mom comes home?"
"Of course," I say. I text Twilight to let her know what's up, then Vinyl and I spend the rest of the day studying.
The Disc Jockey Social Link of the Sun Arcana has reached rank 6!
Your power to create Personas of the Sun Arcana has grown!
It's late when her mother comes home. "So, you're the young man who's been driving Vi to her appointments," she says. "I appreciate it. I've been trying to arrange more time off from work, but..."
"I don't mind at all," I say. "I...might not be available for the next one, though. I mean, winter break and all..."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Vinyl's mother says. "I'm using some vacation time I've saved up."
She invites me to stay for dinner, but I need to get back to the dorm...
Evening
It's pretty late by the time the cab drops me off at the dorm. I walk in right in the middle of dinner.
"Good evening, Flash!" Celestia calls. I'd forgotten it was her week at the dorm...
"You were out late," Rainbow remarks. With a sly grin, she adds, "Hot date?"
"Rainbow!" Twilight chides.
"I was helping Vinyl study until her mom got home," I say. "She's having trouble with her eyes. Didn't seem like a good idea to leave her alone."
"Goodness...I hope she's going to be alright," Fluttershy says.
"That poor girl," Celestia says.
I fix myself a plate and sit down. After dinner, I head up to my room; I've studied enough for one day, so I spend some time reading before bed.