[Adagio Dazzle’s P.O.V.]
I woke up and instantly sat up from the bed with gaping eyes. My stomach grumbled, and I rubbed it hard with both hands. I felt nauseous and had a splitting headache, like I’d been hit in the head with a heavy object. An uncomfortable feeling made its way up to my throat. I bolted out of my bed and ran into the bathroom, leaning my head down into the sink. I opened my mouth as I let the contents of my stomach gush out. I could feel the aftertaste of the stomach acid, making me throw up more. I raised myself up and stood there looking at myself in the mirror. I look like a total mess and it reeks in here, I thought.
I took in deep, clear breaths to calm myself down and to try to keep from feeling nauseous. I picked up my toothbrush and some toothpaste and began scrubbing my teeth as well as the inside of my mouth to rejuvenate my sense of taste. After brushing intensively, I went downstairs to the kitchen and decided to have some breakfast and coffee so I could get rid of this nasty aftertaste that lingered. I poured some hot water into a mug and mixed in the beans as I stirred it with a teaspoon. I brought it to my lips and took in the smell only to receive the same nauseous feeling. I set my mug down gently and took in another deep breath.
DING! DONG!
The bell rang, catching my attention. I went to the front and opened the door. It was the girls.
“Morning, Adagio,” they said in unison.
“Morning girls, come on in.” I opened the door fully. They stepped inside the house and took off their shoes as they made their way to the living room.
“Stay here for a second girls, I just need some coffee.” They nodded. I could hear the girls chattering lively from the living room as I entered the kitchen. Once again, I picked up my mug and brought it to my lips only to receive the same nauseating experience. What is going on? What is with this headache? And why do I feel like throwing up just because of coffee? I thought in frustration. Despite this, I brought the mug to my lips and forced myself to drink it. Unfortunately, my body’s urge to vomit spiked up. I placed my mug on the table and ran upstairs to my bathroom, to relieve my stomach. I heard the door open as I emptied my stomach.
“Adagio, are you alright?” a voice asked me as they patted my back comfortingly. It was Sunset. I raised myself up to face her.
“Hey. Yeah, I’m fine. Just feeling a little sick,” I said. The girls looked at me with concerned expressions.
“Ya probably ate too much yesterday, sugarcube,” Applejack said.
“Yeah, I guess,” I chuckled weakly.
“I don’t think you should come out today. Instead, you should lie down and get some rest,” Rarity suggested.
“No, I’m fine. Really,” I reassured them.
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked. I nodded at her. The girls looked hesitant but nodded reluctantly. I smiled at them.
“I’m sure. Thanks girls.” I quickly brushed my teeth again and left the bathroom, walking down the stairs to my living room, once again leaving them alone there while I returned to the kitchen. I opened the pantry and took a couple pieces of bread as I inserted them into the toaster. After a few minutes, the toasted pieces of bread popped up. I quickly grabbed them and switched off the toaster, eating hungrily like a wolf. I opened the fridge and grabbed a small bottle of water which I downed in seconds. I threw the empty bottle in the bin and returned to the living room. For some reason, my headache almost disappeared. It still hurt, but not as much as it used to.
“Hey, guys. Sorry about that. Just went to eat my breakfast,” I said.
“It’s okay. How’re you feeling?” Twilight asked. She patted an empty seat between her and Sunset. I walked over and sat between them with the rest of the girls.
“I’m feeling better now, don’t worry.” I dismissed them. They still held concerned looks but nodded hesitantly.
“So what happened? Did you feel anything?” she asked.
“Well, I just woke up and sat up on my bed. All of a sudden, my head started to hurt like someone was squishing my brain. After that, my stomach started to get cramps and I began to feel nauseous and ran into my bathroom, vomiting. Then I heard the doorbell ring, and here you are,” I explained. The girls looked amongst themselves in understanding.
“I see,” Twilight said.
“Perhaps it’s because you’ve been eating too much, darling?” Rarity suggested.
“Yeah, you have been eating a lot lately, especially sugar food,” Rainbow piped in.
“Oh! Sugar! Good idea!” Pinkie dug into her puffy pink hair and pulled out a cookie, breaking half of it off as she offered the other half to me. I wanted to decline but my instincts got the best of me. I accepted and took it from her, thanking her.
“Eeyup. There ya go eatin’ a cookie,” Applejack stated.
“Sorry, I’m just hungry,” I apologised.
“There’s nothing to be sorry for. What we’re trying to say is that maybe you threw up because you’ve been eating too much sweet food and not enough healthy things,” Twilight pointed out.
I sighed. “I hope you’re not thinking I’m such a pig,” I grumbled. Twilight shook her hands in denial.
“Of course not. I wouldn’t think that of you,” she reassured. The girls and I looked over to Rainbow.
“What?!” Rainbow called out, noticing the looks on our faces. We all giggled.
“Anyway, I think it would be best if you stayed in the house for today and get some rest,” Twilight suggested. I groaned in frustration. Great, I’ve been vomiting this morning and now the girls won’t even let me outside when I’m feeling fine. Can this day get any worse?
“Please, Adagio. It’s for your own good,” Twilight begged.
“No,” I refused, narrowing my eyes.
“We’re only concerned about your well-being, darling. We implore you,” Rarity said.
“No,” I grunted, crossing my arms under my chest.
“Can you stop whining and just lay down in bed?” Rainbow groaned. I gave Rainbow a grim expression.
“Rainbow, let me explain something to you,” I started. Rainbow raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth, only to close it again. She nodded and listened.
“Rainbow, think of this. If you were in my position and were told to stay in the house for the rest of the day, how would you feel?” I explained to her as reflective as I could.
“Ha! Of course I would… I would…,” Rainbow paused for a moment. Her boastful ego quickly transformed into a sigh. “I would feel really down,” she murmured.
I nodded. “That’s right. That’s how I feel right now.”
“Adagio, we’re not trying to keep ya trapped in the house. We’re only tryin’ to look out fer ya. We’re only worried,” Applejack said. I sighed deeply.
“I’m sorry, Applejack. I appreciate you and the girl’s concern for me and that’s saying something. But I don’t want to be stuck in the house for the whole day doing nothing. I’m fine now,” I dismissed.
“Pretty please?” a quiet voice said. I looked around and noticed Fluttershy’s bright teal eyes widen like a cute puppy, her hands clasped together. Awwww. She looks so adorable. How can I say no to that? I sighed, smiling. She can be quite persuasive in a unique way, even when she doesn’t realize it. All it takes is a little touch.
“Alright, Fluttershy. I’ll stay inside for the day,” I told her.
“Yay! Woohoo!” Fluttershy cheered quietly.
“Really? It took just Fluttershy to convince you?” Rainbow said in disbelief.
“Well, I can’t say no to Fluttershy,” I said. Rainbow grew a devious grin and decided to drop the rope on her. “But that does not mean any of you can ask and use her just so you can convince me,” I warned. Rainbow groaned as I smirked at her while the others nodded.
“Well, go on upstairs and rest, sugarcube. We’ll stay and look after ya. I got nothin’ to do down at the farm,” Applejack said.
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that. I don’t want to impose on any of you. Besides, I’ll be fine. I won’t be going anywhere.”
“We’ll look after you, Adagio. And we’ll make you feel better. Promise,” Fluttershy said, letting out a small smile.
“I appreciate the help. Thank you, but no thank you. I’m sure you all ha—” I dismissed. However, I stopped between my words. The girls were silent. I was silent. The room was silent. Fluttershy was silent. She was giving me “The Stare”. I felt beads of sweat trickling down my forehead as I felt under pressure from her unusually frightening gaze. For a cute girl like her, she can be scary. I don’t know why but “The Stare” just makes me uncomfortable, I thought, concerned. This wasn’t the first time Fluttershy’s done this before.
- Flashback -
The girls and I were sitting down on a patch of grass as we enjoyed the sunny weather today. I was laying on the grass with some of the girls whilst Rainbow was sitting straight up, bored out of her mind.
“Can we pleeeeease go now? I’m booooooored,” Rainbow whined.
“Oh, can’t we stay for a little longer?” Fluttershy begged. The girls and I had decided to take turns every day and choose where to go together outside, and today was Fluttershy’s turn. She decided that we would all go to the park and watch the butterflies while the sun was shining brightly in the sky. None of the girls nor I were fond of the idea of watching butterflies fly around all the time, but we agreed to it for Fluttershy’s sake.
“But we’ve been watching the butterflies for hooooouuuurs.”
“Oh give it a rest, Rainbow. It’s Fluttershy’s turn today,” I chided her. Rainbow frowned at me.
“How can you just lie there for hours and not get bored?” she asked.
“Bathing in the sun, I guess.”
“I concur. The weather is absolutely marvelous,” Rarity added.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going off to do something else.” Rainbow began to sit up but stopped halfway through shortly. The girls had fallen silent. I felt an uneasiness course through me.
“Why’s everyone quiet all of a sudden?” I asked. None of the girls gave a reply. I tilted my head and saw Rarity with her jaw open and eyes wide. I traced to where she was looking and saw Fluttershy staring at us. It was an intense stare, and it was making me feel uncomfortable. Woah, that’s… creepy, I thought.
“Stay,” Fluttershy commanded, eyes still fixed on Rainbow. Even if it weren’t directed at us, we stayed where we were, still as statues.
- Flashback Ends -
“I insist,” Fluttershy said with a deadpan expression. I couldn’t break my gaze from her stare as more sweat began to form on my eyebrows. All of a sudden, Fluttershy seemed to have shaken herself out of her state and returned to normal. I decided to give up and sighed in defeat.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. It just happens and I don’t have control over it,” Fluttershy whimpered in dismay. I held up a hand to silence her.
“No, it’s okay. I understand completely, and I’m sure the girls do as well. Right girls?” I dragged my gaze across them, their heads nodding in agreement. “Alright, you can all stay and look after me,” I grumbled.
“YAAAYYY!” Pinkie cheered. “I should hold a get-well-soon party after, but wait!” She released a loud, dramatic gasp. I could hold a looking-after-Adagio party right now!” she declared excitedly.
“Pinkie! We’re here to look after Adagio, not party!” Twilight scolded her.
“Awwww, why not?” Pinkie whined.
“Because parties aren’t going to help someone recover from being sick.”
“But parties always help someone feel better, and makes them happy!” Pinkie argued. Twilight facepalmed in frustration.
“Pinkie, that’s not what she meant. To clarify, we’re here to look after Adagio in a more appropriate manner. That means no parties,” Rarity simplified while Pinkie frowned. “We don’t want her headaches to get any worse from too much noise do we?,” Pinkie shook her head, but be that as it may be, Pinkie groaned in disappointment.
“Now go on upstairs sugarcube. Time fer ya to rest,” Applejack urged. I nodded and went upstairs as the girls followed closely behind. I went over to my bed and tucked myself under the covers. Unfortunately for the fashionista, she decided to straighten the bed for me and tuck me in neatly and properly, the ladylike way. I may be a lady, but not on the same level as Rarity, I groaned mentally, rolling my eyes.
“And there. All clean and organised without a spot,” Rarity finished.
“I don’t think Adagio looks keen on havin’ ya tuck her in, Rare. She can do it herself,” Applejack said.
Thank goodness, at least Applejack understands. She shot me a smirk which I returned.
“Oh please, I was just making sure Adagio was comfortable,” Rarity answered.
“Thank you, Rarity, but I’m sure I know how to tuck myself in,” I said. Rarity gave a sheepish smile.
“Sorry, darling.”
“It’s okay. I know you’re only doing what’s best for me. Still, ask next time, okay?” I noted for her. She nodded and gave a small smile.
I sat on my bed upright while the girls went downstairs. I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep, all the while I could hear the faint shuffling from the floor below me. The silence inside the room began to test my patience until I could no longer contain it. I released an irritated groan loud enough for one of the girls to hear. Sunset entered my room soon after.
“Adagio, are you okay?” she asked concernedly.
“I’m fine, thanks. I’m just bored,” I muttered.
“Oh. Is there anything I can get you to keep you busy?” she asked. I sat in thought.
Finally, an idea popped into my head. My phone!
“I must’ve left my phone in the kitchen. Is it okay if you can get it for me?” I asked politely.
“Sure! I’ll be right back,” she quickly left the room, leaving me alone again. Shortly, she returned with my phone in her hand. She held it out, and I took it.
“Thanks,” I said, smiling.
“No problem. If there’s anything else you need, just give us a shout. We’ll be downstairs to make you some food if you’re hungry,” she said. I nodded, once again left by myself. I switched on my phone and keyed in my password. The phone opened up to the main menu. I wondered what I could do.
‘I wonder how Clavier’s doing? I should check up on him.’ I tapped on the message app, instantly typing away.
“Morning love, how’re the sights in Prance?” - Adagio
I pressed ‘Send’ and sat there waiting for a reply. Time passed by as seconds began to feel like minutes. Clavier’s icon popped up to show he’d seen my recent message.
“Actually, it’s evening here right now. The landmarks are great but it doesn’t feel the same without you by my side” - Clavier
I silently let out an ‘awww’ under my breath at my boyfriend’s loving affection. I smiled and typed in reply.
“Awwww, I miss and love you so much, I wish you were here cuddling me in bed right now ;) XOXO” - Adagio
“Love you too! Um, are you implying anything by that? Just curious haha :p” - Clavier
“Only if you want me to ;)” - Adagio
“Someone’s feisty today :P” - Clavier
I was about to reply when Clavier sent another message.
“Twilight said you’re feeling unwell. Are you okay? What happened?” - Clavier
I raised an eyebrow. I wonder what Twilight said?
“I’m fine now, really. I just woke feeling nauseous, that’s all. Thanks for the concern. I love how much you care about me. :) I’m just stuck inside because the girls won’t let me out of the house and insist I should stay in for the day and rest” - Adagio
“I see. Well, they’re just doing it for your own good. I hope you get well soon. Say, how did the girls convince you? You’re normally not the one to give up so easily” - Clavier
I rubbed my chin with my other hand as I thought of how to explain things to him.
“Okay, you promise not to laugh?” - Adagio
“I promise” - Clavier
“Pinkie Promise?” - Adagio
“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” - Clavier
I took a deep breath and typed away.
“Fluttershy used the stare…” - Adagio
I sat there waiting for his reply, but Clavier seemed to be taking longer than usual.
“Are you still there? You better not be laughing! >:3” - Adagio
“No, of course not! Just lagged out there for a second” - Clavier
Somehow I doubt that…
“So, how did Fluttershy end up doing it?” - Clavier
“The girls tried to beg me to stay for today, even Fluttershy. So yeah, I kept refusing and that’s when she did it. Creepy” - Adagio
“I know. Makes me feel uneasy around her when she does that. She can’t control it when it happens though” - Clavier
“I know. I hope I’m not keeping you awake am I? What time is it there?” - Adagio
“It’s only 6PM and of course not. I’ll be here for you :)” - Clavier
“Awww, you’re the best XOXO” - Adagio
- An Hour Later -
Clavier and I had been chatting with each other for quite a long time. As much as we wanted to keep going, he unfortunately had to leave for dinner. I bid him goodnight with kisses and turned off my phone. I sighed in relief after successfully keeping my boredom at bay. Much to my dismay, it quickly caught up, which left me with nothing to do.
“Hmmm. I wonder what the girls are up to?” I muttered under my breath. “Sunset? Twilight? Girls?” I called down loudly. Not a moment too soon, I could hear the pounding of feet approaching. Sunset walked in.
“Hey, there. You okay? Is there anything I can do for you?” she asked.
“No, it’s okay. I was just wondering what you guys were doing. You’ve all been pretty quiet for some time,” I said.
“Oh, we’re just keeping ourselves busy downstairs, cooking and baking,” she reassured. I raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.
“Cooking and baking?” I groaned. “You guys didn’t have to do anything for me.”
“Oh, relax. We’re friends aren’t we? I don’t mind and I can guarantee the girls don’t mind,” she said. “Pinkie definitely won’t mind.” We both let out a chuckle.
“Thanks, Sunset. It means a lot to me that you and the girls are here for me even you didn’t need to,” I said.
“It’s no problem. Remember, we’re like sisters,” she answered, smiling. I gave her a smile of my own. “Would you like something to eat?”
I thought in silence, unable to decide. My stomach released a loud rumble, causing Sunset to giggle.
“I think that answers my question. I’ll be right back.” I nodded as she left the room.
“Adagio’s feeling hungry. Is the food ready?” I heard Sunset’s voice. I could hear the murmuring of replies from the girls which I was unable to make out. I sighed as the thought of food hit my mind. Hmmm. I could use some cake and cookies, I thought as I licked my lips. As if on cue, the girls walked in carrying a various range of food with the sweet aroma filling my nose.
“Did anybody say cake and cookies?” Pinkie asked happily.
“How did you know?” I asked.
“I just guessed,” she said, grinning widely. I shook my head, never understanding the hyper-crazed girl at all. Some things aren’t meant to be understood, I suppose. I looked at the plates that some of the girls were holding.
“Here’s your food, Adagio. I hope you like it,” Twilight said hopefully.
“Aww, thank you girls. You really didn’t have to do this.”
“It’s no problem. Now eat right up. We’ll leave the rest of your food here next to your bed. We’ll be downstairs if you need anything else, okay?” Twilight said. I nodded as the girls left the room once again. I tilted my head and grabbed the bowl of salad and a fork. I took a forkful and placed it into my mouth. I felt like I was going to be sick but I forced myself to eat it, not wanting the food to go to waste. After eating half of the bowl, I couldn’t stand it anymore and gave up. ‘Ugh, I feel like I’m going to throw up.’ I took in some deep breaths to keep my body calm. The nauseous feeling disappeared.
Next, I grabbed the plate of apple fritters made by none other than Applejack. I took a bite from it and moaned in delight. These are delish. The Apple family sure does live up to its name. I scarfed down the rest of the fritters and placed the empty plate on the bedside. Last of all was the plate of desserts made by none other than Pinkie. On it were brownies and chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips in them. I licked my lips and began to greedily consume the treats. Shortly, I dusted my hands of the crumbs and swiped them onto the floor.
I let out a loud belch. “Pardon me,” I excused to myself, giggling. Strangely, I was craving for more. I began to feel drowsy and fell back onto my pillow, falling into a deep sleep.
- Sometime Later -
I opened my eyes as I woke up from my slumber and let out a yawn. I sat up from my bed and stretched my arms out. I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It is now 6:30PM. ‘Woah! I’ve been asleep for that long? I wonder if the girls are still here?’ I thought.
“Girls?” I called out loudly. No response. “Girls?” I called out again. I could hear faint footsteps approaching until the door opened, revealing Rarity.
“Ah, darling, you’re awake? Did you sleep well?” she asked.
“I did, thank you,” I replied, nodding my head in appreciation. “Are the girls still here?” I asked.
“Applejack had to leave and go back to the farm. Fluttershy left for the animal shelter, Rainbow went off for soccer practice, and Pinkie was needed down at Sugarcube Corner,” Rarity explained. I nodded.
“That’s okay, I guess. You girls didn’t need to stay here for me though. What about Sunset and Twilight?”
“They’re downstairs watching TV.”
“And you?”
“I’ve got nothing to do at the boutique for today. I’m ahead of schedule with my orders,” she reassured.
“You can go home if you’d like, Rare. I can take care of myself,” I told her. I felt the urge to go to the toilet and stood up.
“Where’re you going?” she asked.
“Just going to the toilet. I also need to brush my teeth,” I answered. I put on my slippers and entered my bathroom, closing the door. I grabbed my toothbrush and some toothpaste and began scrubbing my teeth clean of cloying germs and other bits left from my food earlier. I rinsed my mouth, looked up, and smiled into the mirror, revealing pearly white teeth glinting from the light. Looking good, Dagi. Keep it that way, I thought to myself encouragingly. I opened the bathroom door with Rarity still there.
“I’m going downstairs. I can’t stay in my room any longer,” I said.
“Well, okay, but take it easy,” she warned. I walked out of my room with Rarity and trudged downstairs to my living room. I entered and saw Twilight and Sunset watching TV.
“Hope you two are having fun,” I said.
“Oh hey, Dagi. What’re you doing out of bed?” Sunset asked.
I frowned. “I don’t want to be stuck in my room all the time, you know,” I replied.
“Well, if you’d like to, you can join us,” Twilight offered. I nodded as she patted the seat next to her and Sunset. I walked over and sat down, pressing the lever below me for the leg support.
“That’s more like it,” I sighed in relief.
“I could’ve saved myself from losing blood circulation in my legs if I knew that,” Sunset groaned. I chuckled.
“Did you even check the side?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. Sunset leaned back as she fumbled along the side for the lever. The leg support on her side raised up the same as mine.
“Now I have,” she said sheepishly. We laughed.
“So what are you two watching?” I asked.
“Nothing at the moment. Twilight and I have been arguing what channel to pick. Unfortunately, she wants to watch something educational while I want to watch comedy,” she explained, rolling her eyes.
“Seriously? How about this?” I grabbed the remote from Sunset and flipped the channel to a musical orchestra. We stared at the screen.
“I like to listen or watch music on TV sometimes. It helps to calm my nerves.”
“Wow. Their voices are absolutely heavenly,” Rarity complimented.
“If I’m not mistaken, that’s your father and mother; Flux Tempo and Dulcet Euphony, right?” Twilight asked. I nodded to her in response.
“You look just like your mother, darling,” Rarity said. I smiled at her comparison. I do resemble my mother in almost every way, a spitting image of her younger self.
“Yeah, I’ve been told that on some occasions,” I said, sighing. Sunset caught notice.
“Are you okay?” she asked concernedly.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I just miss my parents, that’s all. I haven’t spent time with them as much as we used to, because of their touring,” I explained sadly.
“Oh, I know it’s hard on you dear, but fret not, the girls and I are here with you,” Rarity said comfortingly. I smiled and hugged her.
“Thanks, Rarity,” I mumbled. I pulled away from her and turned my eyes back to the TV.
“My stars. Your and Clavier’s parents attend performances together?” Rarity asked. I nodded in response.
“Yeah, they do. They’re some of the most highly respected individuals in Canterlot. I’m glad they’re not uptight and snobbish like the rest of the Canterlot elite,” I muttered, annoyed.
“I can’t stand them. Although, there are a good few, like Fancy Pants,” Sunset mentioned.
“Yeah, I’ve met him once when I was little. He sounds posh and all and you may think he’s like one of the rest, but he’s actually kind once you get to know him,” I said.
“I can vouch for that. Fancy Pants is truly a gentleman. He’s asked me to make some dresses for his business. They sold out as soon as they were made available,” Rarity said.
“That’s great, Rarity. I’m glad to hear you’ve had success towards your goal.” She smiled which I returned.
“Thank you. I’m glad to hear my work is appreciated. Not like Applejack, who deems them as too frou-frou,” she mumbled.
“Some people have different tastes compared to others. You understand that, right?” Sunset asked her.
“Of course! Although, it’s a shame. She does look quite the lady,” Rarity sighed. We continued to watch some more TV while switching to different channels on some occasions. After the moon had risen, bringing forth the evening, the girls and I stood up as they prepared to leave for home.
“Thanks again for staying guys. I appreciated it. Although, you didn’t have to stay for the whole day for me. I feel like I’m imposing and it seemed unnecessary for you all anyway,” I told them.
“It’s no problem at all, darling. I’m always here for a friend when they need me,” Rarity reassured, smiling.
“Aw, thanks, Rarity. You’re so generous,” I said, smiling back. “Okay, goodnight guys, and take care on the way back home.” They nodded and smiled, but not without giving each other a hug. I looked over to Sunset; she simply stood there. I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“Sunset, aren’t you going back home?” I asked.
She shook her head in response. “No, I’d like to stay here for the night if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, but what for?” I questioned. Sunset gave a deep sigh and returned her gaze back to me.
“Look, I know you’re not going to like this, but please listen and consider.” I looked at her for a moment in silence. I don’t know what Sunset’s going to ask but I might not like it. Still, it’s best to listen and find out before I judge. I nodded reluctantly.
“Okay, after the rest of the girls left and while you were asleep, Rarity, Twilight, and I were discussing things about you,” she started off. I raised an eyebrow out of curiosity.
“What was it about?” I questioned in confusion.
“The girls and I have been discussing whether one of us should stay here with you for the night to watch over you. You were sick this morning, after all, and we’re just looking out for you,” she explained. I frowned as I heard this.
“Sunset…” I sighed deeply. “How many times do I have to say this? I. Can. Take. Care. Of. Myself. I. Feel. Fine. Okay?” I sounded each word out of irritation.
“I know, I know, but please, please let us do this for you,” Sunset begged, placing a hand on my shoulder. I exhaled a deep sigh, unsure of what to consider. Should I turn her down or not? I don’t want to feel bad by declining when she’s being polite. Then again, it’s irritating not being able to do anything, I thought, pondering what decision to make. My sense of goodness overtook me, causing me to release another sigh as I looked back at Sunset.
“Alright, you can stay for the night,” I mumbled in defeat.
“Thank you for your consideration,” she said, smiling. I smiled back at her.
“Alright, I’m going into the living room and get some sleep. You should go back and get some rest,” she said.
“Wait!” I called out as she walked into the living room. “I have a spare room upstairs. Make yourself at home,” I offered.
“Oh no, the couch is fine for me, thanks. I don’t want to impose further,” she waved off.
“Sunset, you’re the one who requested to stay for the night. You’re my guest and I want you to be comfortable,” I argued.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be standing here offering,” I said, giggling. Sunset nodded with a smile and went upstairs. I followed behind and opened the guest room to the left, opposite of my room. I held the door open for her as she walked in. Sunset stood in astonishment.
“Wow… this room looks beautiful,” she muttered, dumbfounded. The spare room had a queen-sized bed that was big enough to fit a group of people as well a dresser with a mirror, a desk with a lamp, and its own bathroom.
“Thanks. I decorated this room myself just for my parents whenever they came to visit. You and the girls can sleep in here if you’d like to hold a slumber party sometime,” I suggested.
“That’d be great. Thanks again, Adagio,” she said with appreciation.
“It’s no problem at all for a friend,” I waved off.
“Okay, time for you to lay your sleepy head to bed,” Sunset cooed teasingly.
“Whatever, Mum,” I mocked back. Sunset chuckled as I walked back to my room and climbed into bed under the warmth of the covers.
“Alright, sleep well, and if you need anything, I’ll be in the other room,” she said.
“That’s if you’re still awake,” I smirked. She rolled her eyes.
“Whatever. Goodnight, Adagio. Rest and sleep well,” she wished goodnight,
“Goodnight, Sunset,” I bade back in return. Sunset switched off the lights and closed the door, engulfing me in darkness. My head started to throb painfully again, eyes closing as the blackness engulfed me.