Pristine Melody and Cursive Quill had always wanted a home of their own, ever since they first started dating. While grateful for the hospitality of the Apples, who had let them live in their farmhouse since Mel had moved out of her ex’s home, they did want a little more privacy. While they had the financial means to buy a home, it was surprisingly hard to find the right house to suit their needs.

But now, after over a year of marriage, they had found that house. It was a recently-vacated place in Ponyville, small enough for two but big enough for guests to stay over. The best part was that Mel and Cursive would finally have a place to themselves, a home to call their own and live their life in without disturbing anypony else. It was the perfect place for a couple like them.

First, they had to do lots of packing and cleaning. It was a hassle, but it would be worth it in the end. Mel had put herself in charge of clearing her old stuff out of the attic, and she was doing just that one cloudy afternoon.

The mare climbed up the ladder to the rarely-visited top floor, sneezing at the copious amounts of dust that met her. It was filthy up here, but there was stuff she had to find and pack before moving out. On the bright side, there was the chance she might find something valuable in the old attic. One never knows what treasures they might find.

Mel switched on the small light and looked around at all the old boxes scattered around. Luckily, her family had made a point of labeling everything, so navigating it should be no problem. This would take no time at all!

But as Mel rummaged through each box that might be of use to her, she found herself taking a sudden trip down memory lane. Everything from old trinkets of her fillyhood, to photo albums, family heirlooms, and other belongings she’d forgot about, the mare soon lost track of time as she explored the treasure trove of memories. So many things she’d lost track of in past years, yet wanted to include in her new life. So many more boxes to lug to the new house. Mel chuckled. Funny how one lil’ trip to the attic can do that to a mare.

Just when she was about to take her stuff and go back downstairs, however, something caught Mel’s eye. It was another box, one she apparently hadn’t opened, hidden away in the corner. It was labeled “MUSIC VIDEOS” in big letters. Celestia, she hadn’t seen these in forever! Her music was her pride and joy; she couldn’t believe she hadn’t gone back and watched her old shows more often.

Mel opened up the box and marveled at all the VHS tapes packed inside. She’d have to show these to Quilly!

”I remember this,” she muttered to herself, picking one out and reading the label. All of them were familiar, she realized as she inspected each and every one of them. Except for one, tucked in near the bottom.

”My Best Friend”, it read, in Mel’s fancy cursive hoofwriting. It was a song she wrote long, long ago…and one of Quilly’s favorites too. But she was curious to see the original concert that went with it, so she slipped it into the old TV in the corner and sat down to watch it.

*****

Mistress Melodious stood upon her stage, looking out at her fans and waving in response to their loud cheers. But instead of a confident grin on her face, she wore a soft smile. And instead of her signature dress, she was almost naked, presenting herself as Pristine Melody.

”Alright, alright, simmer down y’all. This next one…is an extra special one. Y’see, I wrote this for an extra special pony in my life. One who means the world to me…so much that I asked her to spend the rest of my life with me. And she doesn’t know that I wrote this yet, so it’s a surprise. This is for you, Turq.”

The mare picked up her guitar and began to sing.

“There she goes, she’s the one for me

We got the kind of love

That a blind mare can see

She is my all and all

And she’s my everything

She’s my seasons and my reasons

She’s my summer

She’s my winter

She’s my spring

That’s why

I’m in love with my best friend

I will love her, ooh

I will love her

‘Til the whole world ends

I’m in love with my best friend

I will love her, ooh

I will love her

Til the whole world ends!

She is my, oooh…”

Pristine Melody stood up and reached a hoof out, as the camera panned to the audience. Right in the front row, under the spotlight, a lovestruck blue pegasus beamed. She looked nearly in tears as the singer pulled her up onto the stage.

The two mares stared into each other’s eyes as Pristine Melody lovingly harmonized for her. They looked so happy together, especially with the glittering diamond rings they both donned. The audience erupted into applause as the song ended and they both leaned in for a kiss…

*****

Mel shut the TV off.

She ripped the VHS out and sat in shock, a million thoughts running through her head. Oh Celestia, she thought. How could I have forgotten? I wrote that for her!

Turquoise Edge. Mel’s mind flashed back to the last time the mare had visited. How awkward she felt seeing her ex, how she’d immediately introduced her to her husband. And how she’d let Quilly unwittingly take away what was once theirs, right in front of her.

How could she have been so stupid? How could she have been so oblivious? It was all clear now. She knew Turq better than this. She didn’t come to buy apples, especially not when she’d found that exact basket scattered on the ground just hours later. No, her father had just died. And Mel knew how much he had meant to her. She was probably there looking for comfort in her hard times. And maybe…she was coming to make amends. But Mel didn’t even give her the chance.

She should’ve seen it in the look on Turq’s face. Turq was never one to be open with her feelings, but Mel knew her well enough to see past that tough-mare facade. And on that day, behind the strained smile, was pain. It was crystal clear, in the pained look in her eyes and the way her voice cracked when she said goodbye. They were the telltale signs of a mare who was trying her darndest not to burst into tears right then and there. And Turq hardly ever cried. What had Mel done? How could she have ignored how much she was hurting? Because of her?

Mel stood up with a new resolve. She had made a terrible mistake. She had hurt the pony she once loved with all her heart. But an Apple doesn’t live without making up for their wrongdoings, and she wouldn’t either.

She owed Turq an apology.