Strong as a Stone (a muffins fanfic fanfic)

Chapter 9

Coal Dust spent the entire morning thinking about what had happened last night, but ever since she knew about what was in "The Basement" Pinkie and Applebloom had been a bit.. relentless. "Soooo did you make up your mind Coal Dust?" The pink mare asked tippity tapping her hooves in excitement, when Coal shook her head Pinkie just shrugged "That's okay, you're not in a rush or anything. just take your time" She said winking at the filly "After all Minkie did say this was your choice."

In the afternoon while Coal was washing up for supper Applebloom leaned in close "Y'know we're harvestin tonight, wanna join?" Coal dust stopped washing her hooves for a moment and looked at Applebloom who was smiling.  Coal Dust shifted and rubbed her hooves together ""It's alright if you don't join but you honestly shouldn't knock it until you try it." 

The entire day was Pinkie and Applebloom trying to convince Coal to come and join them. Coal Dust honestly didn't want to do what they were doing, she hadn't seen what happened to the other ponies but whenever she thought about it ;it gave her a very sick feeling in her stomach. 

Derpy had even tried to convince her during lunch, "You should come see it Coal! It'll be so much fun! I'll teach you how to make cupcakes and other things too!" Coal Dust bit her lip, Minkie said she and Babs would be fine if she didn't do it; but what about the other's. Maybe she'd actually like it, like Applebloom said. 

During dinner, Coal Dust cleared her throat and nervously stood as the attention was laid on her. "I-i decided... to not join.. but watch.." She spoke quietly, a lump forming in her voice "I'd like to see it... before i make any final decisions..." Pinkie and the others clapped their hooves, except for Minkie and Babs. 

After dinner all of the bakers went to the basement except Minkie who pulled Coal Dust to the side.  "Before you go down there, are you 100% sure you want to go?" Coal Dust nodded but then shook her head. "Everypony was so excited when i said i would do it. Applebloom even told me to not knock it until you try it.." Coal Dust lowered her head, with Minkie's hoof gently bringing her face upwards  to face her. 

"As i said, you don't have to do it if you don't want to. and you shouldn't do it, just because others are doing it and are pressuring you to do it. I want you to make your own decisions, based on what you think and not what others tell you."

"Won't they hate me?" Coal asked Minkie shook her head "They wouldn't hate you, they'd be disappointed however, but they'd still love you no matter what." Minkie gave Coal Dust a hug "Now why don't you go ahead and go to bed." Coal Dust nodded went upstairs before Minkie made her way to the basement.