HighTail University: Sera Pt. 05

From the equine facilities to the dorms was a surprisingly short walk up the back of the school and into the left wing, whose balconies overlooked the rolling emerald fields often populated with Ponygirls. One could argue that it was close for the sake of convenience. But 95% of ponies tended to take up residence in the barn. Custom stalls that they were allowed to customize and make their own while making sure they were nearby and available for activities, as well as able to be steeped in the lifestyle of a pony.

Perhaps it was this view that had shaped Sera's decision to accept her therapist's suggestion. Or one of the many other factors. Certainly not because she was constantly struggling to break free of her family's stranglehold over her life. Sometimes you'd think they were still living in the Victorian era. Go here, take this course, marry this person, do as you're told.

This point was driven home when she arrived home after her evening with Aurora. Splayed out on her bed and surprisingly exhausted for having done nothing physical. People could do that to you. But you know what else could?

Sera lay on the bed, her freshly washed hair fanned out around her like a curtain as she looked at her phone for the first time that evening.

[14 Missed Calls]

[19 Text Messages]

Sera wrinkled her nose.

"Ten guesses as to who they're all from." She mumbled to the empty air of her room.

Sera flipped open her phone and pressed the 'dial' button on her father's number.

It was nearly an hour and a half, one sore ear from being yelled at and two bottles of water drank with her medicine before she managed to slam her head into the pillow on her bed and pass out.

Such was her life.

But at least there was a spark.

Something different.

A path of her own?

Her. Own.

Sera dozed off with a small smile on her lips.

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[When do you think you might have a bit of time? - S.]

[Any evening except Thursday for obv. Reasons. - A.]

Sera spared a final glance at her phone before slipping into the office in which she'd been invited. It had been two days since her venture with Aurora, and it had dominated much of her mind as her follow-up appointment with Doctor Harlow loomed on the horizon.

"Ah, Miss Langford. You didn't miss your follow-up appointment. That's certainly an improvement on your part." Mused the brunette as she looked up from across her desk to Sera as the young woman settled into the overstuffed armchair she provided for her clients. Comfort was comforting after all.

Sera, blushing, reached up to rub at her cheeks. "Shocking, right?"

Ophelia chuckled, "Perhaps it would be. If I wasn't sure you had something on your mind."

Sera tilted her head, "What makes you say that?"

Ophelia chuckled, "You underestimate how quickly word travels in this school. Plus, you were kept safe under the wing of someone I am quite fond of." She steepled her fingers together on the desk in front of her.

"Ah, Aurora then?"

Ophelia nodded, "Her, as well as Another, who I see left her mark on you." She said with a chuckle, motioning to the few bits of glitter that Sera still had yet to be able to remove from the bangs of her rosy gold hair.

Sera huffed softly and flicked the now glitter-infused bangs framing her face, "Right. Please remind me to grumble at her about that. The amount of people that asked if I'd been at a strip club or something has been ridiculous!"

Ophelia raised an eyebrow, "Oh, so you intend to take another visit to the stables, do you?"

Sera blushed a slightly deeper shade of pink and nodded.

"Good. I'm proud of you for that. Even if others in your life deem it necessary to blow up my voicemail about your lack of progress." She frowned.

"I'm sorry about that. Father cares, I promise."

"Perhaps, but whether he cares about the right thing remains to be seen," Ophelia said bluntly before waving a dismissive hand.

"Regardless, you showed up for this appointment. What's on your mind?"

Sera leaned back and gathered her bag in her lap. "I was hoping you could tell me whether or not you think this whole thing is a good idea. I enjoyed myself with Aurora the other night, and I think it could be something I might enjoy. But... you know. My situation and all."

"Your happiness isn't determined by their approval. If you enjoyed yourself and were able to work through your anxieties during that session. I think it's a positive decision on your part." She leaned forwards and held up a finger in the air to make Sera focus on it, then quickly removed it so they were eye-to-eye, "Do what makes you happy. Because in the end, that's what matters. You only get one life, live it how YOU want to. The rest, the people in your life. Will all work themselves out."

"... But." Sera began.

"No buts. You felt what that spark of freedom and happiness feels like. Embrace it. That's my advice as your therapist, and I daresay as someone who cares about her patient's wellbeing."

Sera nodded, "Ok." She said almost too quietly for anyone to hear. Like a whisper lost on the wind.

"Off with you then, future Pony. My door is always open. And... if your activities get out. I will be here to help you handle that as well."

Sera climbed to her feet, dipped into a small curtsy, and smiled, "Thank you, Doctor Harlow."

Without further words, Sera parted ways with her therapist. Somehow she always managed to come out of Ophelia's office feeling a lot better than she went in. Though she supposed that was the job of a therapist, to make you feel better mentally.

Sera looked down at her phone as it beeped.

[Stop by any day after 4. Typically, I'm in the grooming area. No need to schedule or anything. Whenever you're ready. When it comes to this lifestyle, it's best not to rush. The sweetest fruits take time! ~