Sunny Flare opened her eyes. Well, today's the day. she thought with a heavy sigh. Better power through it and thank the universe I'm not an alcoholic. She trudged out of her room in her uniform, sighing again.
"Hi." Sunny said flatly as she entered the kitchen.
"Hey, sweetie." said her mother as she gave Sunny a hug. Sunny fought back the tears she could already feel coming until her father joined in the hug, which broke her as she buried her head into her mother's chest.
"I know, I know..." said Stellar. "It's not fair. We can all agree on that." Glaze felt Sunny nod her head against her chest as the muffled sobs continued from her mourning daughter. A few minutes later Sunny calmed down and broke the hug.
She sighed deeply and rolled her eyes. "Well, that's the first of many for today." she said, bitterness in her voice.
"You'll get through this." said Stellar.
"I know." said Sunny. "Pardon my French, but the healing process can be a real bitch."
"Amen to that, Sunny. Amen to that." said Glaze.
Sunny took a deep breath and exhaled. "Well...here I go." she said, then left home.
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The bus ride to Crystal Prep was uneventful, save for her fellow students chattering on and on about the Friendship Games. Well, that was fine by Sunny. At this point she'd welcome almost any kind of distraction. The bus stopped in front of Crystal Prep, and Sunny exited the vehicle.
Sunny walked to the entrance, keeping her eyes peeled for Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Sugarcoat, but most of all Lemon Zest. She still couldn't believe Lemon knew about her boyfriend and the incident! We're all going to play nice together during the Friendship Games, but after that, she is fucking dead. Sunny thought, letting her anger take hold of her momentarily before sighing. I don't want to see her or any of the other Shadowbolts today if I can help it.
The warning bell for the first period of the day rang, bringing Sunny Flare out of her thoughts. One thing at a time, she told herself. Schoolwork calls.
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After first period, Sunny left the classroom and again kept her eyes open for any of her teammates before nearly bumping into someone. Sunny yelped as she noticed someone in front of her, before calming down when she looked at Dean Cadence's face.
"Good morning, Sunny." said Cadence, a smile on her face.
"Hi." Sunny said, practically monotone.
Cadence looked at Sunny with concern. "Is everything okay?"
Sunny sighed deeply. "No."
"What's wrong?" Cadence asked.
Sunny looked into Cadence's eyes for several moments before taking a deep breath and exhaling. "The funeral is tonight." Sunny said, averting her eyes from the Dean.
"I can only imagine what you must be feeling right now." Cadence said, with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Better to imagine than to feel what I'm feeling right now." Sunny said. "I almost want to trade places with you, just so I don't feel pain over this loss any more."
Cadence put her arms on Sunny's shoulders. "Sunny Flare." she said. "Loss and death are a part of life. It happens to everyone. Besides..." she said. "I don't think you'd want to trade places with me." A lone tear fell from Cadence's eyes, shocking Sunny.
"Dean Cadence..." Sunny said. "Are you okay?"
Cadence wiped the tear from her eye. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Just an old memory passing through my mind. But enough about that." she said, rather eager to change the subject. "Have you made a decision on the medication?"
It's probably best not to push the issue with her. Sunny thought. "I have. I decided that I'm going to take the medication." Sunny smiled sadly. "Besides, I've had more than enough pain to go around lately."
"Wonderful." Cadence said, smiling. "I'll get in touch with the nurse's office during your second period class and you can pick it up afterwards."
"Discreetly?" asked Sunny.
"If you so wish. I understand how personal this issue is for you, Sunny Flare, and you have my condolences. Give my regards to your parents, won't you?" said Cadence.
Sunny nodded. "Of course I will. Thank you, Dean Cadence."
"You're quite welcome." Cadence said, giving Sunny a hug. The warning bell for second period rang and the hug broke. "Now off to class with you." Cadence said gently, with a smile.
Sunny waved goodbye to the Dean, then headed towards her second period class, smiling earnestly for the first time in what felt like a long time.
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Second period had ended, and Sunny made her way to the nurse's office to pick up the medication. She made sure that nobody she recognized saw her, as she wanted to avoid any and all questions that might come from witnessing her leave the office while putting something in her pocket. The third period warning bell rang, prompting Sunny to rush to her next class.
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As she left her third period class, Sunny found herself reflecting on Dean Cadence. That's going to bother me. I haven't seen her cry before, and she's always been a calm and collected sort of person. She shoved the issue to the back of her mind. But that's her business, not mine. she thought. Still...I can't help but worry about her. Sunny arrived at her fourth period class early.
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Fourth period was uneventful, and Sunny Flare knew lunch was just around the corner. That meant she'd have to be extra wary and double her efforts to steer clear of her teammates. I'm not in the mood for interacting with any of them if I can help it. she thought, continuously scanning the hallways until she reached her Fifth period class.
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It was now lunch time, and while Sunny was hungry, she kept her eyes peeled for her teammates. At this point, I don't care if I look like a paranoid lunatic. I'd rather play it safe than-
"Sunny." said a familiar voice.
Sunny yelped, then sighed deeply as she saw the owner of the voice.
"Come with me. Principal Cinch wants the team to meet." said Sour Sweet.