Dawn was positively outraged by this unknown pony's accusations and absurd claims that Tom was her father. Tom was pissed Teddy had the gall to storm in here and screw up his life even further, and Rose just didn't understand her father's actions at all. Rose's temper tended to flare when she was faced with something that didn't make sense to her.
Amidst the raging tempers inside, Teddy thought he'd made a great escape through the front door at the other side of the house. But no, it couldn't possibly be that easy. Coming down the street was the entire gang, apparently on their way to some reunion of old friends or something together. It just had to be down this particular street at this very moment, didn't it? Was just a small, miniscule break too much to ask? What was this, National Humiliation Day?? He paused at the last step and glanced around, searching for a way out. Teddy decided he'd rather brave the storm inside than face all those people right now.
Naturally, Teddy hadn't escaped Sweetheart's keen eye before returning to the house. But that didn't really matter because the argument inside easily carried down the street to the ears of everyone else she was with. It had the same mysterious draw as that of the scene of an accident, especially since someone they all knew seemed to be involved. Their path veered toward the old white house, where all the excitement was centered.
"What's going on?" Bright Eyes wondered outloud.
"Why's Teddy back here? He doesn't live there anymore..." Sweetheart questioned.
"This is Teddy's house?" Starlight asked.
"Well, that explains alot." said Melody.
"Yeah, now we know his big mouth is just a family trait!" Patch laughed at her own attempt to lighten the situation.
"Patch!" Sweetheart scolded. Patch responded with her "I didn't do it" smile.
Inside, the volume of the three voices grew louder at Teddy's return. He was the main focus of everyone's anger once again, save Rose's, who was still just trying to steer the attention of her father toward her for a change. Tom had had enough, he pushed Dawn aside and grabbed Rose harshly, pulling her along with him toward the son he knew he had complete control over. "You've got alotta nerve coming back here, and with this disrespectful spoiled brat of a sister you have as well. How dare you attempt to ruin my life for a second time! I thought you'd learned your lesson from that incident with your mother!!"
"Ahhh, big mistake, I can't take this anymore!" Teddy backed away, the past few years disappeared from memory. He was just a frightened kid again, terrified of this monster he couldn't escape. He continued right back out the front door. He didn't care who saw him like this, as long as he could keep away from that man. Tom and his tormenting words continued to follow Teddy out the door and down the front steps to the house. He threw Rose down on the walkway, turning his attention back to the spirit he'd broken so long ago.
Teddy froze, feeling there was no where else to go. He suddenly became aware of the presence of his classmates behind and on either side of him. Sweetheart placed a reassuring hoof on his left shoulder, he looked over and saw Ace to his right. Rose was helped up by a few neighbors as they closed in to join the unit.
It was Tom who backed away nervously this time. He had no choice but to yield to the large defense Teddy had on his side for once. He reluctantly returned to the house, slamming the door in frustration.
Teddy stood silent for a moment while everyone else smiled and celebrated their small victory. What a rush they all felt from simply standing behind someone who desperately needed their help for a moment. For Teddy it was no small victory, and quite a big deal. He'd never had so many people do something so...nice for him before. And he, of course, had never done anything so nice for anyone else either. The others simply viewed it as no big deal, a "don't mention it" kinda thing. Which was kind of a good thing, since Teddy had no idea how he'd ever be able to thank them all for what they did.
"So, you guys wanna come hang out with us at the pizza parlour? We're on our way over there right now. I don't know about you, but I'm famished!" invited Bon Bon.
Rose and Teddy both smiled and accepted. Rose was introduced to everyone on their way over to the pizza parlour, and she was happy to have the nine new friends in a place where she didn't know anyone besides her family.
"You guys are twins, right? Then your birthdays are coming up soon! Hey, maybe we could have a little party here." Suggested Clover after they reached the parlour.
"An excellent idea Clover!" commended Bright Eyes.
Rose smiled at the kind thought by her new friends, "It's a date!"
The End!
