At any other time, the planetarium would fall quiet and still as visitors explored the many intricate displays, learning about the wonders of the known universe.
 
But not tonight! Lively music and colorful decor filled the great room as doctors and professors, students and colleagues came together for the Canterlot Celestial Society Members’ Social. And Twilight was more than happy with the big turn out.
 
Of course, none of this could’ve been done without the help of Pinkie Pie. Though she couldn’t make it tonight for whatever reason, Twilight couldn’t thank her enough for having pulled this off. But as impressive as this gathering was, for Twilight, there was one thing that couldn’t be topped… Actually, two things…
 
First was the delicious spread of freshly-baked pastries that filled the tables. Twilight knew in the back of her mind that she shouldn’t be eating so much of it. But as the night went on, her new dress grew tighter around her bulging belly. All the while, an occasional number of guests would stop and stare as the largest girl in the room continually filled and refilled her plate over and over again.
 
Unfortunately, she just couldn’t help herself. Not only was the food impossible for her to resist, it also didn’t help that a second and far more exciting aspect of the night was keeping her distracted.
 
“I have say, Twilight, it’s been so enlightening getting to speak with you tonight,” Dr. Rosette Nebula said with a kind, earnest tone.
 
Swallowing down a mouthful of cake to stop herself from fangirling, Twilight smiled back. “I could say the same about you! I must sound like a broken record by now, but it really is such an honor to meet you. It was because of your first book that I became interested in astrophysics.”
 
“That’s great to hear! But you did say you were planning to study computer science and education over at the University of Manehatten, right?” The doctor asked as she took a small bite of her own slice.
 
Twilight’s eyes widened a bit, mostly surprised that Dr. Nebula actually remembered that little bit of offhanded trivia. “I am, but… I don’t know. I would study astrophysics, but I just wanted to be ready for whatever happens after I graduate. So I chose to do something safe for now.”
 
“Well, I think you’re far too brilliant to just do something safe for now. You clearly have a passion for this, especially if you read through my first book,” the young scientist smirked as she jokingly rolled her eyes back. “For goodness sake, nobody read it!”
 
Twilight laughed along as she looked down at her filled-to-the-brim plate, then noticing her jolly belly. It took her a split second before realizing how notably bigger it looked, and much more heavier too.
 
As a sense of whiplash suddenly hit, she turned towards the dessert table only to find it completely emptied out except for a half-eaten cake. “Oh, my gosh! Did I really eat everything off this table?”
 
“Oh, well, most of it you did.” Rosette said rather bluntly, though still caught off guard by the sudden question. “A few people were able to grab some food before you ate the rest of it. I was even able to sneak away a slice or two myself. Did you not notice?”
 
“I’m so sorry!” Twilight explained as her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, “I usually don’t do that. I must’ve been distracted and gotten carried away.”
 
The doctor, however, simply chuckled before continuing in a reassuring tone. “Twilight, it’s fine. I completely understand. I used to stress eat all the time when I was your age.”
 
“Stress eat? Oh, no, no, no! I just have this thing where I…”
 
But before Twilight could explain, Rosette’s phone suddenly rang. Checking to see who it was, she muttered to herself. “Damn it, I need to take this.” She then turned her attention back to Twilight, smiling once again. “Sorry. I enjoyed talking with you, Twilight. But I should get going.”
 
“Right,” Twilight nodded, feeling a slight disappointment, “Of course.”
 
“Oh, but please get in touch if you change your mind about studying astrophysics.” Rosette reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a pair of business cards. “I’m starting a new program at the university and I think you can bring a lot to the team.”
 
Taking the card, Twilight beamed back with joy. “Oh! Thank you so much for this!”
 
“Oh, and here is the number of my nutritionist. Her name is Aqua, and she is an excellent trainer. She’ll be able to help you overcome your eating habits and get you back into shape.”
 
“Right,” Twilight winced with a grin. “Of course.”