Lyra: Bon-Bon! Bonnie!

Bon-Bon: What? What’s wrong?

Lyra: Nothing! Have you heard about this Buckball thing?

Bon-Bon: Oh. Yeah.

Lyra: So you’re not interested?

Bon-Bon: It sounded alright, but I only heard about it in passing.

Lyra: The match is taking place in Appleloosa. They’re shuttling fans over for free!

Bon-Bon: Free? Well alright Buckball! Let’s go Team Ponyville!

Lyra: Yeah! Daycation! Woo!

Bon-Bon: I have made a terrible mistake…

Lyra: Haha! Wow! Is that off-season cider?! Non-alcoholic, I assume.

Bon-Bon: Well, of course. What do you take me for?

Lyra: Clearly “a hypocrite” would be asking too much. How about, “a pony“?

Bon-Bon: Why in Equestria did I hire Twist? I’ve never had an employee before! What do I do if she messes up?! I could never discipline her, let alone fire her! She’s just a filly, and she’s my friend! I taught her for a year! She looked up to me! It would crush her!

Lyra: Did she do anything wrong today?
Bon-Bon: Yes! Well, no. I don’t know!

Lyra: … Should I as-?
Bon-Bon: I returned to the shop to show Twist how to close and went into the back. I noticed a container of cinnamon misplaced. I asked Twist about it and she said her hooves were full carrying the cinnamon rock candy she made.

Lyra: … This is over something stupid, isn’t it?
Bon-Bon: She’s not supposed to be cooking without me!
Lyra: Alright alright! Did you tell her that?

Bon-Bon: I was about to… But she said she was replacing the supply that got bought out, just like I’d do it. And I tasted it, and it was just like I make it. So… So I don’t know!

Lyra: Not used to trusting somepony else, are you?

Bon-Bon: As long as I do it I know it’s done right.

Lyra: This will be a great learning experience for you then! Or the straw that breaks the pony’s back. One of the two, I’m sure.

Bon-Bon: So, that’s the offer… What do you think?

Twist: I think that’th a pretty big deal…

Bon-Bon: Yes… But…?

Twist: Ah-ah! Butt’th are for thitting, Mth. Bon-Bon. And I’d be happy to acthept!

Bon-Bon: You are?! That’s great! I mean, for you. I mean, thank you!

Twist: Of courthe! How could I thay no?

Bon-Bon: Now you understand this is serious business. You can’t just leave for no reason or not show up-
Twist: Of courthe, Mth. Bon-Bon.

Bon-Bon: I’m going to be scheduling things with your presence in mind-
Twist: Of courthe, Mth. Bon-Bon.

Bon-Bon: If you get sick or- heavens forbid- hurt, you may have to come in anyway until I can relieve you. U-unless it’s serious-!
Twist: Of courthe, Mth. Bon-Bon.

Bon-Bon: And we’re still going to have to figure out something once school starts back up-
Twist: Oh Mth. Bon-Bon! Of courthe!

Bon-Bon: Fantastic! Can you start tomorrow?

Twist: I had planned to thtop by anyway! I’ll be here with bellth on!

Bon-Bon: Oh Twist, you’re the best! … But don’t let it go to your head.

Twist: Yeth, Mth. Bon-Bon.

No! It’s okay. I mean, I wouldn’t get sad if I didn’t still care for him. I don’t want to forget about him… and I don’t want ponies to act like he didn’t happen.

It didn’t work out. I know we both tried, but we grew apart. There was no big fight and we didn’t split up on unfavorable terms. I mean, we hardly ever fought at all. There were a few times, and I won’t pretend they were small or insignificant. But we got through those.

We both thought it was meant to be, but… it just couldn’t stand up to time…

Life caught up to the both of us and… we were just so busy… Sometimes we didn’t talk for days or weeks. Then I turned around and… a whole year had passed…

[Sniff] … Part of me wishes we could have got married. But part of me is glad we didn’t. Not glad… terrified that if we had, this still would have happened. And things between us would have ended much worse. At least this way I can always love him and look back fondly on the time we shared.

… I’ve never mentioned this before… but shortly after we broke up, they changed the laws on interspecies marriage… Krastos and I… We could have… it just wasn’t meant to be…

Sweetie Belle! It’s… It’s you! I mean, not you but you you! Oh my gosh, it’s been so long since you even recognized me!

Me? I’m fine! We’re fine! Everythings… I mean it’s been years. A lot has changed. Do you know Twist? One of the fillies you go to school with? Bon-Bon has been training her in candy making for over a year now. I think she plans to offer her a summer job after this school year ends. If somepony else could watch the store for her, that’d give her more time to herself! Which would be pretty convenient since she and I have been traveling here and there lately.

Bon-Bon and I have… got ourselves involved in a sort-of project. I probably won’t go back to teaching once this year is over. Not that my working in a high school ever really effected you.

But how are you doing, Sweetie? I mean, I see you and your friends around town sometimes. Do you have your…? I mean, it caused quite a stir in the academic world when you three got them. But of course it’s okay if you don’t! It’s not a big deal or anything. It’s just… I’ve seen you helping others with their cutie marks. I just want to congratulate you personally if you… you know… have yours.

It’s so good to hear from you, Sweetie Belle. I don’t know how all this multi-dimensional stuff works, but it’s just good to know that you’re still out there somewhere.

Lyra: So… Uh. Did you ever hear anything back about that… um…

Bon-Bon: Hear back about what, Lyra?

Lyra: You know… That government grant?

Bon-Bon: Lyra, why would I hear back about something that doesn’t exist?

Lyra: Ah… Wh-? You…?

Bon-Bon: You know what really bothers me about that, Lyra? It’s not that you lied. I’m honored that you’d devote so much of your income toward my business. You knew I would never ask that of you, but you went out of your way to help me financially. That touches me, Lyra. It’s not even that you tried to keep the truth from me for so long. I mean, it’s not like it mattered. I found out the very next day. But let me ask you something, Lyra. Do you think I’m stupid?

Lyra: No! I was-

Bon-Bon: Did you think I would just take what was given to me at face-value? That I wouldn’t research this grant extensively? This is my business we’re talking about. For lack of a better phrase, this is my life. I wasn’t about to risk some loophole ruining everything. I would have read every clause- talked to lawyers, financial advisers. Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to get an audience with Princess Celestia, but you can bet your flank I would have tried! If anything I’m a little disappointed you didn’t put more effort in to cover your tracks. You’re a very lazy liar.

Lyra: So… You’re not mad?

Bon-Bon: Why would I be? You’ve given me something that few ponies ever have. Trust. That’s not something I take lightly. I feel like we’re really in this together, Lyra. I hope you understand how valuable that is to me.

Bon-Bon: Rebecca. I know you only want the best for me, but who I spend my days with is not your decision to make. And if you respect me for the things I’ve done, then you have to respect Lyra for the things she was forced to struggle through. That’s why I like spending time with her. Secret organizations, life-threatening situations, cloak-and-dagger; it may not have been my first choice, but it was still my choice. Lyra didn’t have that choice.

Bon-Bon: Besides, you think I want to be spoon-fed ambrosia from a silver bowl? I moved out here so I could be a normal mare. I like Lyra because she doesn’t treat me special. She never did. I didn’t do what I did for wealth or stature, I did it because it was the right thing. And we don’t do the right thing expecting something in return. We do it-
Ribbon: Because it’s right…

Bon-Bon: You’re my sister and I still love you, Rebecca. But this is it. If you do something like this again I can’t have you in my life anymore. I know when Mom gave up on me it put a lot of pressure on you, but you’re the one that choose to accept that pressure. And you’ve more than risen to her expectations! It’s ridiculous that I can trust you with my secret identity but not my everyday life.
Ribbon: But what about when she leaves? What about when you’re left here all alone?
Lyra: Why does everypony keep thinking I’m going somewhere?
Bon-Bon: We don’t live expecting the worst. We just enjoy what we have while we have it. It’s all we can do.
Ribbon: I’m… I’m sorry, Samantha! I’m sorry, Lyra!
Bon-Bon: I choose to believe you. Please don’t make that a mistake… And don’t call me Samantha.

Ribbon: I don’t… I mean I never…
Lyra: If you don’t know, I can tell you. It’s because I’m an orphan. Because I’m poor. I have no past and I might as well have no future.
Ribbon: That is not-!
Lyra: I don’t belong in your life unless I’m one of those poor ponies begging for your help: “They have to find me innocent, right?! I was never there! I don’t even know them!“ You can’t stand that you have no power over me!
Ribbon: Bonnie shouldn’t have to-!
Lyra: You act like it’s about her, but it’s all about you, isn’t it?! I’m not what you want! I’m just a street urchin, or a drifter, or some Romarei slur I know better than to repeat under such context!
Ribbon: Romarei?
Lyra: And if it’s not that then it’s just me! You despise everything I am! Nothing would please you more than to have me locked up or banished for the rest of my days! Anything to get me out of the way! You’d rather Bon-Bon spend time with anypony else in Equestria! Anypony but me!

Ribbon: YOU DON’T DESERVE HER! You’re a filthy, foul-mouthed, wretched creature!  And the very arrogance! You think it’s you? You think you’re anything special?! Ha! I’d have a line- A LINE- running out that door and around this little shack seven-times over on rich ponies alone! The Bohun family matched wits with the princesses and, even in defeat, still came out on top! We’re practically nobility! Ponies would kill to marry into our family! And if that were all… If you knew what she’s done for us all…
Bon-Bon: She knows, Rebecca.
Ribbon: She… does? Even the name?
Bon-Bon: Even the name.
Ribbon: And still? And still you swear in her presence!? Treat her like a commoner?! Equestria- the princesses- neigh, the entire world owes itself to Samantha, and that was before she joined the agency! Risked her life everyday! Saved thousands of lives a hundred times over! My sister deserves the hoof of a prince! Or a princess. Royalty and any rate! That’s why I only ever brought her the best! Dignitaries! CEOs! Diplomats! The Captain of the Wonderbolts-!

Lyra: Wait! Wait a minute! Spitfire? Spitfire was interested in Bon-Bon? You had a chance with Spitfire and turned it down?
Bon-Bon: She’s really not that great-
Lyra: Who else? Name names.
Ribbon: I- Uh… Emerald Beacon?
Lyra: Keep going.
Ribbon: Professor Hayton? Filthy Rich before he got back together with his wife, though even I’ll admit that was a poor judgement call on my part. Then Marigold Riverside, Spitfire, Fleur Dis Lee-
Lyra: The famous model?! She donates, like, thousands of bits a year!
Bon-Bon: And she’ll continue to do so with or without me- I think we’re losing focus here.

Ribbon: Thank you for inviting me over, Bonnie. I appreciate the opportunity to… to… You’re blocking the doorway.
Bon-Bon: You did not ask for permission to enter.

Ribbon: I see… May I come inside, sister?
Bon-Bon: You may. And you may have a seat.

Ribbon: Ah. I… did not realize Lyra would be here.
Lyra: Looks like you don’t quite know everything then, huh?
Ribbon: This suddenly feels like a bad time-
Bon-Bon: Sit. Down. This? This is ending now. No backward comments, no whispering under your breath. I’m tired of this between you two.

Lyra: I didn’t do any-!
Bon-Bon: Shut. Up. You might paint yourself as a saint on your blog, but I know better. Rebecca, say your piece.

Ribbon: Lyra, I’m sorry for-
Bon-Bon: Stop. If I was born yesterday, that would make you even younger than me. I don’t want to hear a bunch of fake apologies as you both go back to plotting behind each others’ back.
Lyra: I never-!
Bon-Bon: Shut! UP! … Rebecca, look at me. I am not sorry for what I said and what I did. I haven’t forgiven you and, even if Lyra does, I probably never will. Flaunting your money I didn’t mind. The suitors? I could deal with. But you attacked my friend and I want to know why. What possible reason could you have to go out of your way to try and ruin somepony’s life?

Bon-Bon: So? How was it?

Lyra: A lot of the kids I used to work with have either moved or graduated.

Bon-Bon: Oh… I’m so sorry.

Lyra: The staff is mostly the same, but some familiar faces are gone.

Bon-Bon: Well, at least most of them are still there.

Lyra: It’s a lot of work. I don’t think I was physically prepared.

Bon-Bon: I understand.

Lyra: I missed it so much, Bon-Bon. It’s not easy, and a lot has changed, but I never realized how much I missed being there! Why in Equestria did I ever leave?

Bon-Bon: I’m so relieved to hear you say that.

Lyra: I just feel so much more accomplished! And lighter! That job at the train station was so stressful!

Bon-Bon: I’m glad you feel that way.

Lyra: Are… you alright? I kinda thought you’d be more excited for me.

[Pause]

Lyra: What are you going to do about Ribbon?

Bon-Bon: I… I don’t know yet. Every time I forgive her she does this to me all over again. She just… I don’t know yet. I don’t.

Lyra: Hello?

Ribbon: I know I’m probably the last pony in Equestria you want to see right now, but if you can just give me a minute to talk to you… Please?

Lyra: … What do I care?

Ribbon: I know we don’t get along. And I’m beginning to understand that I’m the one largely to blame. I’m still not convinced what I did was wrong, yet… I love my husband, contrary to what you might believe. But Bonnie… My sister means everything to me. If I were forced to choose between them… It would not even be a decision. [Sniff] I cannot bare the thought of living without her…

Ribbon: I tried. I talked and persuaded, civilly, financially, and legally, but they would not even consider reversing your dismissal. I… cannot undo what I did to you… No matter how much I wish I could. But… I remember how you used to talk about the fillies and colts, at the school? You would sound pleased with yourself. Not always, but-

Lyra: You…?

Ribbon: It’s not permanent. It will only last until the end of the school year, but it was all that I could manage at that particular location. I held the position for you. You’re free to start back tomorrow, if you’d like.

Lyra: … Thank you.

Ribbon: That’s more than I deserve. I wouldn’t dare ask for your forgiveness. I… If you mean that much to her, I don’t want either of you to ever feel the regret I do now. Especially not because of something I did…

[Pause]

Ribbon: Tootsie… Liza misses both of you dearly.

Bon-Bon: How could you?!

Ribbon: I don’t see what she’s so broken up about. I did her a favor. She loathed that job. I half expected her to laugh in my face when I told her!

Bon-Bon: No… You knew. You knew how hard it is for her to get a job. And now you’ve not only hurt her, you’ve hurt me! Do you know how much debt we have right now? I’ve been depending on her paycheck!

Ribbon: Then I’ll give you the money you need. Let her have a vacation for all I care. It’s a non-issue. Or would that hurt your pride?

Bon-Bon: How… dare you! You take away our financial independence… and then have the nerve to insult me?!
Ribbon: I-
Bon-Bon: NO! Not another word! You crossed the line last time and I forgave you too soon! But this?! Y-You’re a traitor and a coward! You can tell Liza I’m sorry, but it would feel wrong for her to stay here where you’re no longer welcome.
Ribbon: What-?
Bon-Bon: Get out of my house! And don’t come back!

Ribbon: But-! Sister-!
Bon-Bon: I HAVE NO SISTER!

[Slam!]

Ribbon: Bonnie! … Bonnie…? What have I done…?

Ribbon: Hello, Lyra. How’s it going, Lyra?
Lyra: Ribbon? B-
Ribbon: I know Bon-Bon isn’t here. My revenge is against you, not her.
Lyra: W-what?

Ribbon: It’s a funny little thing you run. Your blog. You don’t always say the nicest things on there, do you? Hmm? But maybe that was just me. So I got to thinking, ‘Gee, perhaps I’m being unfair. Maybe I should ask for a second opinion…‘ Don’t quite follow yet? Some ponies who might feel like your image reflects their own?

Lyra: No…
Ribbon: No?

Lyra: Please.
Ribbon: Please?
Lyra: I’m begging you!
Ribbon: It’s too late for begging.
Lyra: [Gasp]
Ribbon: You’ll go into work tomorrow to a pink slip! I only came over see the look on your face! That’s what you get for crossing-…
Lyra: [Sob]

Ribbon: That’s… not quite…
Lyra: [Crying, fading into the distance]

Ribbon: I don’t… You were supposed to be angry… It’s just some lousy job you hated… Isn’t it?

Lyra: Ugh… I’m home…
Bon-Bon: Hi, Lyra!
Lyra: Hey, Bon-Bon…
Jacques: Bonsoir, Lyra.
Lyra: Hey, Ja-oh what the [omitted]…

Bon-Bon: Sit down and eat this.

Lyra: What is it?

Bon-Bon: It’s food. You put it in your mouth? I’m told sometimes you use a utensil to do this. … Well?

Lyra: I mean, it’s pretty good.

Bon-Bon: How good is pretty good?

Lyra: Not as good as last night.
Jacques: But of course.
Bon-Bon: But better than what you usually eat, right?

Lyra: Yeah, sure.

Bon-Bon: Jacques, tell the mare how much that cost to make.

Jacques: Three bits; as much as one of your microwavable freezer-burns.

Lyra: This? This only cost three bits?
Bon-Bon: Scaled down per portion, yes. We made more than just that. And in only twenty minutes.

Lyra: That’s… incredible.

Bon-Bon: That’s the mark of a real chef. When you have only the best ingredients, the food speaks for itself. It takes skill and experience to make do with less.
Jacques: Education and connections to cultivate as well.
Bon-Bon: This is what I wanted to show you. Economics. Not the best food, but for the cost? Well, you said it yourself: pretty good! This is my goal for you. I want you to be able to do this.

Lyra: I have just one question.
Bon-Bon: Yes?
Lyra: Who is this colt?!
Jacques: I am… Jacques.

Lyra: I don’t understand.

Bon-Bon: Why that was so much better than anything I’ve ever made? Because good food doesn’t just happen. It can’t be replicated, imitated, or mass-produced. Good food comes from good ingredients, and good ingredients require the best, natural environments to grow. That means they have to ship those ingredients from those environments all over the world.

Bon-Bon: But those good ingredients can still be divided into grades, and then the best quality within those grades. When you order an expensive pasta, you might be getting that year’s best tomatoes, but only some of that year’s best grains. Without grading? Can you imagine a subpar ingredient in an otherwise exquisite dish?

Bon-Bon: And as if that wasn’t complicated enough, it’s all on a timetable. “The longer it takes to reach your plate the more it loses its luster.” That best tomato will probably not be in its best condition by the time you order it. That’s why good food isn’t… you can’t just hold it in your hooves. It’s chance. A series of conditions. A circumstance. An experience.

Bon-Bon: That’s why it’s such a big industry. Why so much money is spent to harvest, test, grade, purchase- sometimes auction. Ship as quickly as possible, store and prepare as quickly as possible. Of course there’s a profit to be made, but it’s as much a service to the world as any other art. It can change you. And just like the first time you ever hear a song, it will never be the same.

Lyra: Ah… Actually I meant I don’t understand why Jacques came home with us.

Jacques: I will be your waiter for this evening.

Lyra: That’s alright. You can go home, Jacques.
Jacques: Oh, of course! After such a fine meal you wish to be alone together!
Lyra: You know what? Nevermind. Please stay Jacques. I don’t want you to go anywhere.
Jacques: Mé… ménage à trois?
Lyra: Okay now you can leave for real.