//------------------------------//
// Winter Break 
// Story: A Ray of Sunlight 
// by BChunter426 
//------------------------------//

Sunset spent Sunday evening with the Sparkles, doing her best not to show how worried she was for the coming school day. After dinner the two of them were hanging out in Twilight's room, door open as per her parent's request. A movie was playing on the television set as they cuddled on her bed. 
    Sunset was miles away. Her mind coming up with endless scenarios for the next day. She imagined being pushed around and tripped. She imagined the rumors that would be spread behind her back. She didn't feel like she could say anything either. In her mind, everyone would just see it as a bully dishing it out but not able to take it. A bully getting what she deserved. She couldn't blame them for thinking that either.
    Twilight's hand waved in front of her face.
    "What? Sorry, I spaced out there for a minute." She reset her arms around Twilight's waist.
    "I was just wondering what you thought of the movie." Twilight said.
    Sunset looked at the screen where the hero was scaling the outside of a dizzyingly tall hotel with some kind of spy gloves that allowed him to stick to the glass. 
    "Yeah, it's pretty good." She replied.
    Twilight turned to face Sunset, narrowing her eyes.
    "Are you okay? You've seemed a little off tonight." Twilight said.
    Sunset only looked away.
    "Are you thinking about what happened at the dance?" 
    "N-no, I'm just getting tired." She lied.
    Twilight gently placed a hand on Sunset's cheek.
    "Hey, you know you can talk to me right? If something's bothering you or you're worried about something, please do talk to me."
    Sunset put her hand over Twilight's. "I'm fine, really. I'm just tired."
    Twilight looked at her uncertainly.
    She sighed. "Alright, but just remember what I said okay? I'm here for you whenever you need me."
    Sunset hugged Twilight to her again. "I know."
    After the movie Sunset drove home, her mind still conjuring possible scenes she could walk into tomorrow. When she got back to her room she threw herself onto the bed and grabbed a pillow before curled into a ball, falling into an uneasy sleep.
    She awoke to her alarm on her nightstand the next morning still wracked with worry. She looked at her phone only to stare at a blank screen. After a moment she realized she had fallen asleep before plugging it in. She attached it to the charger before going through her morning routine, still just as stressed as the night before. As she was showering her stomach flopped unpleasantly. 
    She checked her phone after she got dressed.
    "Shit." She said flatly.
    On her phone were two unread messages from Twilight and a missed call.
    "Hey, just making sure you got home safely."
    "Sunset?"
    She cursed herself. She always texted her when she got home. She should have let Twilight know she made it, it was snowing and the roads weren't the greatest. Luckily she had bought new tires so it wasn't a problem, but she knew Twilight would worry until she heard from her.
    "Hey Twi, sorry I didn't text you last night. I passed out as soon as I got home and my phone died at some point so I didn't get your texts or call." She texted.
    "You're good, I was worried when I didn't hear from you. I'll see you at school :)"
    Sunset's stomach flopped again when she read the text. She resumed getting ready, feeling more nauseous the whole time. She was unable to eat much, each bite made her stomach turn. She finished getting ready and went to walk out the door. 
    Her hand wouldn't turn the knob, she thought about walking into the school to face everyone. All the anger and judgement. Kneeling in front of the toilet she made the decision to stay home. 
    "Hey babe, I won't be making it in today. I just got really sick and almost threw up." She sent the message.
    "I'm sorry hon :( I hope you feel better." Twilight responded.
    She smiled. "I like hon much better than sugar lips ;)"
    "I'll keep that in mind. Get some rest, and I'll talk to you later."
    Sunset changed back into her pajamas and crawled back under the covers. Luckily there was only three days in this week before winter break started. The only important thing she had was to turn in an extra credit assignment in her science class tomorrow. She hadn't missed a single day this year, so she wasn't too worried about missing one day.
    Sunset took it easy, napping and watching TV, waiting for her stomach to stop turning circles. She started to feel better as the day went on, coming to the conclusion that she worried herself sick. She passed the rest of the day messaging Twilight and reading a new horror comedy book Twilight had bought for her the other week.
    "This book is really good!" She texted.
    "I'm glad you like it! I thought of you as soon as I read the synopsis." Twilight responded. 
    "I'm halfway through it already."
    "Sounds like you're enjoying it. How are you feeling?"
    "I'm starting to feel better. I think I just got too inside my own head about what happened and made myself sick."
    "I'm sorry hon. Is there anything I can do to help? Do you want me to stop by?"
    She thought for a minute.
    "No, just in case this is something more serious I don't want to run the risk of getting you sick too."
    "Ok, if you're sure. I hope to see you tomorrow."
    "I'll let you know how I'm feeling. How's class going?"
    Twilight was in gym class with Fluttershy, Rainbow and Applejack. She had opted to sit out since it was optional today. She sent a picture to Sunset of herself with Rainbow and AJ asleep leaned against each other in the background. Sunset laughed and requested a picture of just Twilight, citing that her smile had healing properties. Twilight happily obliged. They continued talking until Sunset went to bed. As she started drifting to sleep she was hopeful that tomorrow would be better.
    Unfortunately, no such luck was to be had for her. She didn't get as nauseous as she did the day before, but she still couldn't make herself open the door to go to school. She sat on her couch, frustrated with herself.
    What is wrong with me? She thought. This shouldn't be such a big deal!
    She messaged Twilight again, telling her that her stomach had acted up again. She felt bad about not telling her the real reason she was skipping again, but she didn't want to burden her with her problems. She was worried about not turning in her assignment since it would have taken her final grade to a "B-" rather than a "C".
    "C's get degrees." She quoted the old adage with a smirk and a shrug.
    She decided to be more productive today and get some grocery shopping done. While she was out she received another picture message from Twilight. This one had all of her friends clumped together to fit everyone in frame. There was a short message that accompanied the picture.
    "We hope you feel better soon." It read.
     "You guys are the best!" She responded.
    She finished her shopping and made her way back to the hotel. She stopped by her uncle's office to see about picking up an extra shift so she could afford Twilight's Christmas present.
    "Sure, that should be just fine." He checked his watch. "Shouldn't you be in school though?"
    "You know how it is the last week of the semester. Most of the teachers don't even take attendance."
    He narrowed his eyes at her. "Okay, but no more missing school after the break. You've been working too hard to stop going."
    "I know. I promise, no more after the break." She crossed her heart. "What floors do you want me to clean?"
    He gave her the list of rooms on the third and fourth floors that needed to be turned down. She immediately went to work, passing quickly between rooms. Luckily the guests were mostly tidy, so cleaning was a breeze. With a few exceptions she was able to finish her work by two-thirty. She retired back to her room, took a quick shower and settled in to read her book. 
    Her phone pinged with a new message a couple hours later.
    "Knock knock." Twilight's message read.
    Two quick raps at her door made her jump. She rose off the couch to open the door. Standing in the door frame was Twilight. She was holding a twenty ounce bottle of ginger ale and a bag with aromatic smells coming from within.
    Sunset smiled. "What are you doing here?" She embraced Twilight warmly. 
    "I got worried since you missed two days so I brought you something to help your stomach." 
    "Thank you Twilight." She took her hand and guided her in. "You didn't have to do this."
    "I know. I wanted to." She said simply.
    Sunset cleared off the couch to make room for both of them. Twilight joined her with the drink and bag, bringing a glass of ice water for herself. Twilight lifted the bag's contents out, revealing a styrofoam bowl of chicken soup and two turkey sandwiches.
    "You're too good to me." Sunset told her.
    They ate their food, talking about Twilight's day at school. Twilight cleaned up the meal, rejoining Sunset on the couch.
    "So are you ready to talk about what's bothering you?" Twilight said bluntly.
    "What? What are you talking about? I'm fine, I just got sick." She said, flustered.
    "I ran into Silver Dollar on my way up. He told me you decided to skip today since it's the last couple days before winter break."
    Sunset looked away awkwardly. "Okay, Yes, I skipped school."
    "Why though?" Twilight pressed.
    "Because... because I'm scared." She admitted. "Scared of facing everyone, scared of what they'll do when I go to school again. I know I can't let worry get the better of me, but I'm so scared Twilight."
    Twilight hugged her and rubbed her back the whole time she talked. She listened to her girlfriend's concerns and did her best to comfort her. 
    "I understand why you skipped these last two days. I don't blame you at all, I'd probably do the same thing. Just know, that you have six friends and one girlfriend who are going to be there for you."
    "I know, it's just so scary. I'm worried that I'll be the target of bullying. Which is ridiculous coming from me. I mean, I'd deserve it for what I've done."
    "No!" Twilight said suddenly. "You can't think that way. If someone starts bullying you I want you to tell someone. Just because you made mistakes, doesn't mean you deserve the same treatment."
    Sunset looked into Twilight's eyes. "How was I so lucky to find you?"
    Twilight wiped the tear from the corner of Sunset's eye. "I could ask the same question."
    The rest of the day was spent cuddling under a blanket and watching movies together. On the drive home Twilight told Sunset about the plans the others had made for tomorrow.
    "So we were all thinking about skipping tomorrow and going to the park for some sledding. Big Mac was going to take us, along with Applebloom and her friends."
    "Twilight Sparkle, what have I done to you?" Sunset placed the back of her hand to her forehead. "You're skipping school tomorrow? What would your parents think?"
    Twilight laughed at the dramatic display.
    "It's a less than half day tomorrow, most of my teachers encouraged us to take the day off. It's my one small rebellious thing, let me have this please."
    "You already ran it by them didn't you?" Sunset cocked her eyebrow.
    "As soon as I got home, yep." 
    Sunset chuckled. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I'll be there!" 
    They made plans for Sunset to pick Twilight up before heading to the Apple family farm. Sunset drove home in the falling snow, excited for the next morning. 

The night had brought a fresh layer of fine powder. With Twilight in the passenger seat Sunset rounded the bend and went up the road toward the Apple property. As they pulled up to the house they saw a car they had never seen before.
    Applejack and Big Mac were talking next to it when he handed her a set of keys. Sunset parked and the two exited the car.
    "Is that for you?" Twilight asked.
    "Yep, Granny Smith got it for me as an early christmas present. I've been practicing with Big Mac in his truck. He thinks I'm ready to drive it out."
    "You've got this sis." He saw the uncertainty on her face. "Wanna take a quick drive before the others get here?"
    "If ya don't mind." She said. "You two alright waitin'."
    They agreed and saw her off with words of encouragement. Applebloom came out shortly after to hang out. They helped her dig out the sleds from the barn and load them in Sunset's car. Applebloom disappeared for a moment and came back with a snowball. The three of them had a snowball fight until pinkie arrived with Cheese and the others. Pinkie had recently received her license and bought her first car, an older, used blue four door sedan.
    Pinkie immediately scooped up a handful of snow and joined in. Cheese was quick to join in as well. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sprinted from the back seat to tackle Applebloom into the snow with a hug. They were followed closely by Fluttershy, Rarity and Rainbow.
    "Were you all in the back seat?" Twilight asked incredulously.
    "Yeah, Pinkie insisted on picking everyone up at once so we could get started sooner." Fluttershy told her.
    "Weren't you worried about being pulled over?" Twilight asked her eccentric friend.
    "Nah, it's all about confidence. If you act like nothing's out of the ordinary, no one will think otherwise."
    Applejack returned with her brother, looking much more comfortable.
    "Hey babe! You ready to go?" Rainbow asked as she pulled AJ into a warm embrace.
    "Ah think so. Big Mac showed me how to handle winter driving a little easier."
    They loaded more sleds into the back of Applejack's car. Big Mac came out of the barn with two plywood ramps, one steeper than the other.
    "Mind taking these with you?" He asked Sunset.
    "This trip just got a lot more interesting." She said, opening the back hatch.
    The next few hours were spent sledding. They all pitched in to cover the ramps, to great success. Everyone, including the younger girls went off them. Fluttershy was hesitant at first, but after Rarity convinced her to go tandem off of it she was much more willing to go by herself. After several trips down the hill, Rainbow's eyes glinted.
    "What are you thin-" 
    Before Applejack could finish her question, Rainbow dashed forward. She hopped onto one of the sleds and rode it down the hill standing. She hit the steeper ramp, sailing through the air she let out a victorious cheer. The cheer, however, was cut short when the sled flew out from under her as she hit the ground.
    Applejack was already half way down the hill with Scootaloo hot on her heels. The others made their way down the hill. Rainbow was lying facedown on the ground, not moving. 
    "Rainbow, baby are you okay?" Applejack said with worry.
    "Rainbow Dash! Are you hurt?" Scootaloo cried.
    Applejack heard what sounded like crying. 
    "Where does it hurt?" She started to turn her onto her back.
    Rainbow turned the rest of the way. What AJ had taken for crying was actually laughter.
    "Oh man! Did that look as awesome as I thought it did?" She said after she regained control.
    "Dammit Rainbow Dash you scared me half to death!" Applejack rubbed snow in her face before falling on top of her and planting a kiss.
    "Oof, I may have bruised something. Other than that I'm fine." She assured them.
    Applejack and Scootaloo helped her to her feet. She rubbed the younger girl's head.
    "Thanks for checking on me kid."
    Everyone was getting tired after another hour of sledding so they packed up their sleds and the steep ramp.
    "Do you want us to grab the other one?" Twilight asked the eldest Apple.
    "Nah, I'll leave it for anyone else who wants to use it." He said. "I can make another one if I want to, they're pretty easy."
    They drove back to Sweet Apple Acres, where Granny Smith had hot cider and cocoa ready and waiting. The spiced cider warmed them all to their core and was the more popular of the two beverages. They fell into conversation, which eventually veered to where Sunset had been the last two days. She decided to be honest with them. She told them how she had worried herself sick and shared her fears of going back to school.
    "Don't worry too much, we'll have your back." Fluttershy said encouragingly.
    "Yeah, you'll always have us behind you." Rarity agreed.
    "Besides, ah'm sure most people will have moved on by time we start back up."
    "You really think so?" Sunset asked.
    "Yeah, and like Fluttershy said, if anyone gives you a hard time, we've got your back." Rainbow said.
    "Thanks you guys, I really appreciate it." She said with a smile.
    They hung out for a few more hours before calling it a night. They hugged and split up to go home. After Sunset dropped Twilight off she couldn't help but feel hopeful for her return to school. She felt truly blessed to have the friends she did, hoping AJ was correct and the others will have moved on by then.
    Maybe it won't be so bad. She thought as she drifted off to sleep.