Sun was shining down on the school, it was a cheerful day. However four girls were dreading the day for different reasons but from the same root cause.
-*-
Sunset wasn't eager to go to school today but she wasn't going to stay away. Early as ever, arriving with her mother, she followed Celestia into the school. “Do you mind if I wait with you in the office?” She asked.
“It won't be a problem.” Celestia let them into the ante-room and nodded a greeting to Raven. “Would you like a tea or a coffee?” She let Sunset into her private office and the teen took a seat. She was glad to be out of the main school population for a while.
“Tea please. Thanks.” Sunset was not scared to see her friends, but she was a little worried about their reactions to yesterday's outburst. They were words she'd not intended to share, not like that. Today she would have to face the results.
“You can stay until the bell, okay?” Celestia returned with a cup of tea. “But if you feel like it would be better to go home, any time in the day, you just let me know.” She handed the tea to Sunset with care. She was glad that Sunset had wanted to go to school today, but if her daughter needed it, she could leave for the day.
“Thanks Mom.” Sunset took the tea gratefully.. She'd see her friends soon and find out how things would go. For now she was enjoying the tea and the peace of the office,, settled into one of the more comfortable seats that Celestia had in the office for meetings and visiting guests.
-*-
Outside the school, by a still empty plinth, stood three girls and their juniors. The elder sisters and sister in spirit of the young trio were talking in hushed tones. “Did you speak to your sister Applejack?” Rarity asked quietly. She looked tired, a little drained even. “I had a word with Sweetie Belle last night. I thought it would be more effective for the three of us to speak with the three of them.”
“Ah did speak a little with 'Bloom.” Applejack was fiddling with the brim of her hat. “ But it involved all three of them, so all three need a talking too.”
“I sent Scootaloo a text, I didn't have a chance to see her.” Rainbow was the most affected this morning, she had clearly not slept well if at all. The athlete was also fidgety and restless.
“Are you alright darling?” Rarity looked on, concerned for her friend.
“I just didn't sleep is all.” Rainbow shrugged and shifted on the spot a little. “All I could think about was letting Sunset down so badly. Then whenever I did sleep all I could see was us without her.” Rainbow stressed the last words, knowing the other two would understand the meaning.
“Ah can't say I wasn't thinking along those lines myself.” Applejack said, letting go of the brim of her hat and looking across to her sister. Apple Bloom was in a huddle with her friends, none of them seemed quite so energetic this morning.
“D'you know what they want to talk to us about?” Scootaloo whispered. She had only a text to go on.
“Its serious.” Apple Bloom said, she had been told some of the details but her older sister. Applejack had sounded grave as she'd spoken the night before.
“We hurt Sunset a lot.” Sweetie Belle said, she wasn't quite crying but was near to. Rarity had sat her down and they had talked to her a long while. She had heard about Sunset's breakdown the day before. She had heard of the reasons.
“Girls.” Rarity cut into their conversation, she was flanked by Applejack and Rainbow. “I suppose it has fallen to me to get you all on the same page.” She didn't mention that Rainbow would probably choke on her words and Applejack was likely to shout. “Come along to the music room, it is quieter there and none of the others will be using it.”
Six girls made their way to the room, through the few students in the school hallways. The three younger friends sat, but Rarity chose to stand. In front the seat that Sunset had been in, to remind herself. “I know I have told Sweetie some of this already. But I will repeat myself.” She began, checking they were paying attention.
“Last night we were pressing Sunset on a matter. To us it seemed almost trivial, but we were thoughtless with our words and inconsiderate to her feelings.” Rarity shook her head. “In the winter, during the period of your regrettable actions, Sunset hit rather a dark point in a very low time of her life.” She paused, wording the next part was tricky. “Your efforts to discredit her and our abandonment of our friend led to Sunset very nearly taking her own life.”
“What!” Scootaloo shouted, alarmed to hear it. The others around her all nodded. Apple Bloom had been told by her sister that Sunset had wanted to “end it” and Sweetie had heard an even more emotional telling from Rarity.
“Yes. We were all she had and her only island of hope amongst an ocean of guilt and self loathing.” Rarity took a breath, keeping her emotions in check. “We abandoned her and the student body as a whole abused her. All because you took out your ire on our friend.” Putting up a hand to stop any interruption, Rarity sighed. “Now, quite rightly, she faces significant anxiety over events and outings in your company. Sunset worries that anything she might do could set you to undermining her again.”
“We never meant it to be so bad.” Sweetie said softly. “It was just to get our own back on you leaving us out of things.”
“Stealing Rarity's chocolate stash is getting even.” Rainbow said, her first words since they had entered. “Not victimising one of her friends.” She looked at the three younger girls and was glad to see they weren't trying pouts or puppy-dog eyes. “I spend a lot of time with Fluttershy, with Pinkie Pie. You never wanted to get back at them for that.”
“But... Sunset had been a bully.” Scootaloo said quietly.
“Rainbow can be a little overbearing too at times.” Rarity said, standing closer to her friend to take any sting from her words. For her part, the athlete nodded, a touch sheepish.
“Heck, we outright compete an' get down to fighting!” Applejack said, “You never wanted us to stop spending time with each other.” She had managed to dial down her anger. It was her sister who started it all and Applejack felt responsible in a way.
“We didn't want to trust her.” Apple Bloom said. “It was easier to put the blame on her. You spent a lot of time with me when you weren't all friends...”
“Apple Bloom, you should've just talked to me!” Applejack didn't shout, but her sister flinched like she had. “We're family, but Sunset is important to me too. Ah didn't and Ah don't plan on putting one over the other.”
“I know...” Apple Bloom looked down. Avoiding the disappointed gaze.
“I understand you girls enjoy spending time with us, but we do sometime wish to spend time with friends. Would you want us to spend all our time with you, even when you wanted to spend time with your friends?” Rarity looked to Sweetie.
“No, not really.” Sweetie said. “It was a really mean thing to do.”
“I made it worse.” Scootaloo said quietly. “It was my idea to share the other things, the ones that people sent us. I wanted to get back at all the bullies.”
“And everyone else.” Rainbow added. “Look, it was us that abandoned Sunset and we've got to say sorry, apologise to her properly.” She ruffled Scootaloo's hair. “But you guys have to say sorry too, let Sunset know that you aren't looking to tear her down again.”
“Can we tell her right away?” Sweetie said, looking hopeful. “We did a horrid thing to her and it still hurts her. I want her to know right away that I never ever want to do anything like it again.”
Apple Bloom nodded in agreement with her friends. “I was just so glad that you didn't hate me that I didn't really think on it longer.”
“I feel like the worst.” Scootaloo said, scuffing her shoe on the floor. “When you didn't send me away, I was too happy to risk saying anything more.” She looked to Rainbow, “Please can you ask Sunset to let us talk to her?”
“We're going to try. Maybe at lunch, maybe after class.” Applejack said. She knew Sunset might be keeping out of the way a while, she was usually at the plinth awaiting her friends but hadn't been there this morning.
“It will be time for class soon now girls, but we will try and arrange something and let you know what is going on.” Rarity ushered the younger three along, Applejack and Rainbow with her. Bidding the girls goodbye and to behave, she waited for them to be out of earshot.
“You think this will work?” Rainbow asked, arms folded as she slumped a little.
“Hopefully?” Rarity said. “If they are sincere and Sunset can see that, then we should be part way there.”
There were some classes to go, but soon they would have a chance to fix things with their friend.
-*-
Bell went for home room and Sunset realised she had been sitting in silence a while now, in fact she was running late. The bell had made her jump. “Don't worry. Luna will escort you. I would, but I have a meeting to prepare for.” Celestia said, anticipating Sunset's concern.
On cue the office door opened. “Come on, you can't be too late for roll-call.” Luna smiled encouragingly. She too was being as supportive as possible. With the addition of fellow feeling, she had offered up her office as a refuge too.
“Thanks. See you later Mom.” Sunset was feeling a bit more confident. Family support meant a lot for certain. Not for the first time, she wondered how things would have been in the winter if she'd had this kind of back-up.
“We don't have to hurry, S is a long way down the list.” Luna joked as they walked from the offices to the classroom. “If you need some time out, or to go home early then come by the office. Celestia has a meeting, but I'll be free.”
“I'll keep that in mind.” Sunset said, getting a reassuring grip on her shoulder as they reached the door to her home room. The door was swung open and all eyes were on her.
“I just had Sunset helping me in the office.” Luna said airily, letting the teen into the class. With a smile and a wave to the teacher at the head of the class. While most of the students weren't aware that she was now the girl's aunt, the other teachers knew and most were happy for Celestia on achieving something she'd long desired.
“Take a seat Sunset, we were just about to start roll-call.” The teacher greeted. Sunset complied quickly, slipping into the seat beside Twilight that her friend had saved for her. A warm hand took hers once she was seated and Twilight gave her a look that radiated concern and care.
Sunset returned the smile, albeit weakly. The hand holding hers gripped a little tighter. Then Sunset knew. Today plenty of people were by her side.
-*-
By the time a break arrived, Sunset wasn't feeling too bad. She wasn't fooling herself into thinking she needn't tell her doctor about this episode, but she was hopeful that it was a sign of her improving mental health.
“Do you want to go somewhere quieter, or are you okay to say around the school building?” Twilight asked. She'd stuck by Sunset, joined by Fluttershy in their shared classes and now that they were free for a short break.
“I don't really mind. What do you feel like doing?” Sunset looked between the pair. She honestly felt a little odd with the other girls not around. Part of her was scared that they had been chased off by her meltdown while another was busy chastising her for being silly.
“Cupcake?” Pinkie Pie offered, appearing in her usual abrupt manner. She had a box of carefully decorated treats. The bakers dozen were topped in a sunny bright orange-yellow shade with a little design picked out in red, abstract swirls making a contrast to the orange-yellow.
“What kind are they?” Sunset picked one up and got a waft of baked-goodness, tropical fruit and a hint of something spicy.
“They're Mango Masala Muffins really, but I made them look like cupcakes.” Pinkie grinned and picked one out herself. “I wanted to say sorry with cake and I was thinking about colours and flavours and I just had to try making these. My friend Saffron gave me all these great ideas.”
Shrugging, Sunset took a bite. The plain muffin was flavoured from the topping, and indeed it was mango and curry flavour, though mostly the sweet fruit. “This is good.” Sunset spoke around her muffin. Twilight and Fluttershy each took one at the positive assessment.
“Yay!” Pinkie grinned. “I like to say sorry with cake and these are to say sorry about what a great big meanie-pants I was during the holidays and for not realising all the nasty things that were hurting you all this time.”
“Thanks Pinkie. I know I kept it in too long, but I didn't want to hurt your feelings either.” Sunset reached around to hug her friend. “I think I've realised that it is a bad idea.”
“Never hide the sad behind a pretend smile.” Pinkie said, leaning into the embrace. “I want to really cheer you up. So share next time, okay?” The baker seemed a quite serious with her words and Sunset knew it was from real care, not some flippant whim.
“I'm working on that.” Sunset allowed, it was sometimes difficult for her but her friends were certainly helping.
“Good.” Pinkie nodded once, firmly, and then sprung back to her usual carefree self. “Here is and extra muffin.” She handed over another treat, “Now, I've got a few people to share these with. See you later!” She bounced off.
“I'm glad she figured out what to bake.” Fluttershy said quietly. “She was messaging me last night to share her ideas.” Fluttershy smiled. “She wanted to invent a whole new cake to say sorry with.”
“And she said she was sorry. Properly.” Twilight didn't quite bristle, Sunset had talked her out of outrage-on-her-behalf but the most recent addition to their group was still quite protective of her.
“Twi' it isn't all that bad.” Sunset gave a wry smile, “I could have gone some towards sharing how I felt.” Twilight made a non-committal noise and stood closer to Sunset.
“I was worried for you, all night.” Twilight was very quiet.
“Twilight...” Sunset began, but a genteel cough interrupted. Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow were stood a little way ahead of them.
“I know we're interrupting and I am very sorry to do so. However we were hoping to speak with you.” Rarity said. “We all have a free period, would you mind joining us for a while?”
“Of course not Rarity. We're friends.” Sunset pushed enthusiasm into her voice. She did not want her friends to treat her differently after yesterday's incident.
“Thank you Sunset.” Rarity looked to Applejack and Rainbow, then to Twilight and Fluttershy. “The weather is fine. Would sitting outside be okay?”
“Sounds fine with me.” Sunset said, the others agreed too.
-*-
There were picnic tables and benches scattered in nice spots across the school grounds. The seven friends, Pinkie had been grabbed on the way, took seats. “You want to talk?” Sunset decided to make the start.
“We screwed up.” Rainbow said, scrubbing her hair. “I'm really sorry, just, so sorry. For all of it.”
“Ah should have trusted you then and considered how it hurt you after.” Applejack had her hat in her hands. “I am truly sorry Sunset, for the hurt me and mine caused.”
“I meant it when I said it darling, I cannot express how sorry I am.” Rarity clasped her hands on the table top.
“It is in the past.” Sunset said, a small smile for her friends. “You forgave my three year reign of terror. I can forgive you. I have forgiven you.” Her smile fell a little though. “It still hurts, but that is wrapped up with the guilt and worry. I'm seeing a doctor, for all of it... So I'm dealing with it.”
“Which is the right and strong thing to do.” Fluttershy said with as much confidence she could muster. Twilight nodded in agreement.
“I'm glad this isn't going to hang around between us.” Rarity looked relieved, “We also had a word with the girls. Sweetie, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo would like to speak with you, to apologise and hopefully reassure you that they have learned their lesson.”
“I...” Sunset paused. “Will you be there? All of you?” She looked around at the girls. “I need, I'd like people there too.”
“Of course we will be with you.” Rarity said, reaching across to take Sunset's hand. “They are honestly sorry and so are we.”
“All of us will be there.” Twilight added.
“At lunch, after we've eaten. I don't think anyone can hold on until the end of the day.” Rainbow suggested. “I know I can't.”
“Alright then. Lunch time, we'll eat and then come back here, it is pretty quite.” Sunset liked the fresh air and greenery, it was a comfort from time to time.
A bell rang signalling the end of the period and the seven returned to the school building. There was less tension between them. Sunset wasn't anxious, or feeling upset, in fact she felt better about the subject than she had since the winter. They were resolving the issues, working towards the closure everyone, especially herself, needed.
-*-
Lunch arrived, time had passed quite quickly for Sunset, engrossed in her lessons. Since turning over a new leaf and gaining an intellectual competitor in the form of Twilight she had found lessons a lot more engaging. Learning was enjoyable, not just a way to mark her scores and achievements.
They took their usual seats in the school canteen. Twilight and Sunset often had different classes to their friends, between electives and placements, the others never took too long to join them. “I caught Scoots before lunch. She'll meet us after we eat.” Rainbow skipped the greeting, she dropped into her seat, still looking tired.
“Are you alright Rainbow?” Sunset reached out for her friend, it was odd to see Rainbow so out of sorts.
“I didn't get any sleep last night. It was difficult, knowing how badly I let you down and how you nearly, y'know, left.” Rainbow took a forkful of lunch, a little listlessly, “I'm just really tired now.”
“Yeah, nightmares suck.” Sunset grimaced. “Sorry it was on my account.”
Rainbow waved off the apology. “You don't need to say sorry. I said sorry to you, things are square now right?” When Sunset nodded Rainbow grinned. “So I should sleep fine tonight.”
“Alright then.” Sunset nodded again and took another bite of her lunch. The others joined them and they ate and talked. No one really brought up what was to come, but conversation was not stilted or awkward.
With everyone finished eating, Sunset became aware of three pairs of eyes looking across at them. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were also finished with their lunch and were sat around, looking to their sisters and friends.
“Should we go now?” Applejack spoke up. A round of agreement meant they stood and saw the three younger girls stand from their spot across the room. Leaving the canteen, it didn't take long for the girls to meet them.
“Hi.” Sunset greeted them, hoping to put them at ease. They had looked tense when they had met the older girls, she hoped it wasn't any fear of her. She only received a few mumbled in reply.
The tables they had spoken at earlier were not occupied, the group could sit ad talk in peace. It hadn't been intentional, but they took seats that placed the girls and their elders opposite Sunset and Twilight. “I'd like to start if it is okay.” Sunset said, not receiving any objections. “I think the girls have given you the gist of it, but I think you need to hear it from me.”
Sunset took a steadying breath and looked at the girls. “I had nothing, nothing at all but my friends. I was technically homeless. My driving force for the past six years, an ambition for power, had been burned out of me leaving only guilt over my past sins. I was working so hard to prove myself to be changed. I thought I had managed it by helping beat back a new threat to the school. For the first time in a long time I was enjoying my life with my friends.” Her voice quavered a little, “But you took that away, turned blame and hate onto me again when I was not equipped to deal with it.” Sunset focused on the three again. “I was so sad, so alone. I wanted it to end... I wanted to die.” She halted then, finding words hard to share.
“I'm so scared that you'll decide I've done something else, that you'll do something again. That I'll lose my friends again.” Sunset barely whispered.
The girls were different in their reactions. Sweetie Belle was crying, an earnest sadness that didn't seem self centred, simply from her unwavering focus on Sunset. Apple Bloom looked stricken, angry at herself. Scootaloo was gripping the tabletop.
“I never wanted you to feel like that.” Scootaloo spoke first. “I just wanted more chances to spend time with Rainbow, but she was always spending time with you girls... It was easy to blame you.” She looked at Sunset. “I'm sorry. For what it's worth. I didn't think and then I enjoyed the attention, thought I could get even with all the bullies.” She laughed, a touch of bitterness to it, “I'm sorry Sunset.”
“Ah should never have made that profile.” Apple Bloom said, remorse clear in her voice. “Ah forgot that Applejack had spent time with friends before, Ah just saw her spending time with you and not me.” She leaned over. “Sorry for all the hurt I put on you. Sorry for being so stupid headed. Apple's honest truth. Ah'm sorry.”
Sweetie Belle was around the table and throwing her arms around a surprised Sunset. “I'm so sorry. I should have never taken your phone and uploaded the photos. That was what made everyone sure it was you! I only wanted Rarity to let me join in and I should have thought about how much it could hurt everyone...” She gripped her arms around the older girl, trying to keep her nerve. Fortunately and arm went around her shoulders.
“You're all sorry. Will you not do it again?” Sunset didn't mind the hug from Sweetie, it was sincere and she was clearly apologetic.
“We learned out lesson big time. Between school and home, we're pretty punished as it is.” Scootaloo said, scratching her head. “Once I heard how it hurt you though? I don't ever want to make people feel like that.”
“Ah think none of us will ever do that again. Ah never wanted to hurt you.” Apple Bloom added.
“Please don't hate us?” Sweetie asked quietly, returning to her seat.
“I'm done with hate.” Sunset said to the three girls, making a point of looking at each of them. “I can see you are sorry. You're kids still, you made a mistake. I made a lot of mistakes when I was your age.” Sunset shook her head. I forgive you, but I think I might need a little time to get over the stuff that is still hanging on.” She held her hands together, a calming measure. “I'll get over this though, I want to and I am working towards it.” She smiled a little. “Thank you for sharing a true apology. It really has helped.”
The bell rang, lunch was over. The girls parted ways to home room and classes. It had been a slightly emotional period for a break, but Sunset had to admit; she felt a lot lighter now.