A Special Surprise by Chloe Ryder Page A

hair.
    ‘I’ve missed you,’ she said. ‘You’re my best ever friend. I knew you wouldn’t forget my birthday.’
    ‘Who forgot?’ asked Pippa.
    ‘Everyone!’ Stardust turned pink. ‘It was just like any other normal day. Last year my entire family surprised me at breakfast by singing “Happy Birthday” but this year, nothing. No cards, no presents, no cake or candles.’
    ‘Oh!’ Pippa was speechless. Even though she’d been taught not to expect cards and presents, her family and friends always gave her things on her birthday. She knew she’d be as disappointed as Stardust if they didn’t. ‘Maybe everyone was in a rush. Perhaps they’ll make a fuss of you at dinner time?’
    Stardust shook her head.
    ‘Mum and Dad went out for the day. They won’t be back until late. I was so upset that after school finished I went down to the beach. Cloud was flying past. When she saw me, I jumped up on my hind hooves and rubbed noses with her, giving me wings so that I could fly wherever I wanted to. I flew straight here to see you.’
    Cloud was one of Stardust’s sisters. She had special magical powers that enabled her to fly. She used them to rescue ponies in distress and then take them to Chevalia. Any horse that rubbed noses with Cloud grew wings too but the moment their hooves touched the ground the wings disappeared.
    ‘Cloud gave you a present then,’ said Pippa.
    ‘I suppose so.’ Stardust looked shocked suddenly. ‘But I’ve wasted the present by touching the ground. Now we can’t go flying together.’
    ‘That would have been fun but it’s almost my bedtime,’ said Pippa.
    ‘Bedtime? It was the afternoon when I left Chevalia.’
    ‘Well, it’s bedtime here,’ said Pippa. ‘Remember that Chevalia is in a magic time bubble. When I came to the island, no time passed in my world while I was there so that I wasn’t missed by my family. Perhaps it’s the same for you?’
    ‘Perhaps. Not that my friends and family would miss me anyway. I’m just the foal. They’ve got far more important things to do than worry about me, or celebrate my birthday.’ Stardust’s brown eyes were bright with unshed tears.
    ‘That’s not true,’ said Pippa, stroking her neck. ‘I’ll celebrate your birthday with you if you like.’
    Stardust brightened.
    ‘Really? Let’s have a birthday sleepover then. We could decorate your bedroom and have a midnight feast of honey-covered oats and sugar-dipped carrots.’
    Pippa felt her face flush.
    ‘That would be fun,’ she said carefully. ‘But we can’t. The holiday cottage is too tiny. There isn’t room for you, me and Miranda in our shared bedroom. You can stay the night, though.’ She scrunched her eyes shut while she thought about where Stardust could sleep. ‘I’ll take you to the riding school. They’ve got an empty stable.’
    ‘A riding school ! How exciting! I’d love that. Thanks, Pippa. You really are my best girl friend.’
    Pippa looked at her watch. ‘It’s not far. I’ll need to ask Mum if I can go for a walk first.’ She whizzed inside and was back a minute later. ‘I have to be back in half an hour.’
    ‘Would you like to ride me?’ asked Stardust. ‘It’ll be much quicker.’
    ‘Yes please.’ Pippa wrapped her hands in Stardust’s soft, white mane then vaulted on to her back. ‘I’ve missed you,’ she said, stroking Stardust’s neck.
    ‘I’ve missed you too,’ Stardust whinnied happily as she trotted along the garden path.

Chapter 2
     
    Pippa guided Stardust round the edge of a field of ripening barley, speckled with poppies.
    ‘This reminds me of the Grasslands back in Chevalia,’ said Stardust.
    The golden barley rustled as they trotted by. Butterflies and bees fluttered around the red poppies. Hidden crickets chirruped loudly, falling silent as Pippa and Stardust drew near.
    ‘Are you sure this is the right way?’ asked Stardust. ‘All I can see is more fields.’
    ‘It’s not far now,’ said Pippa.