//------------------------------// // Chapter 40: The Mall // Story: Scars of Our Past // by JWolfSilver //------------------------------// Sunset’s first few days back at school were better than she expected. For the most part, unless someone referred to the formal, everyone pretty much ignored her. It was surprisingly comforting to know that, though the students still didn’t particularity like her, they left her alone. It most likely had a lot to do with what happened in the cafeteria the week Sunset was still in a coma. Saturday morning, Sunset woke with a start, gasping for air. Another nightmare plagued her dreams. Now though it was of Sunset, yet again taking advantage of magic, her friends magic. All it resulted in was the demon inside her taking over. After a few moments, she shook the thoughts from her head and looked around her room. She was still having trouble believing it was truly hers. It was almost like a dream that she would wake up from at any moment. Sunset walked into the kitchen and found Celestia doing some work on her laptop, already fully dressed. When the older woman saw her, they exchanged smiles as Sunset put some bread in the toaster and sat across from her. “How did you sleep?” Celestia asked. “Good.” Sunset said, choosing not to tell Celestia about her nightmare. “I’m glad to hear.” Celestia smiled. When the toaster popped, Sunset grabbed the cream cheese form the fridge and spread it on the toast then returned to the table where she began to munch on her breakfast. “So,” Celestia said as she saved her document and closed the computer, “Do you have anything planned with your friends today?” Sunset swallowed her bite and shook her head, “No, why?” “Well, I thought you and I could take that trip to the mall.” Celestia said, “I would like to get you some new clothes. A lot of the ones you have now are old and tearing…or charred.” Sunset’s eyes widened, “You, uh, don’t have to do that. When I go back to work, I can buy my own clothes.” Celestia looked softly at Sunset, “I want to. I know most girls your age buys their own clothes but, this is more of a necessity than a luxury. When was the last time you had new clothes?” “I generally go to the thrift store.” Sunset explained, “Since coming here, I’ve been growing too fast to warrant new clothes every three or four months.” Celestia placed a finger to her chin in thought, “Well in this world, most teenage girls, for the most part, start to slow down in their growth by now. Besides, you need warmer clothes all together. It’s the middle of winter and wearing only your skirts are going to get you sick.” “But I can pay for them myself.” Sunset pouted. Little did they realize, Luna had been standing at the entryway, listening to their entire conversation. She sighed at Sunset’s resistance and maturity that, in all honesty, was well beyond her years. Eventually, she intervened, “Stop arguing with her. My sister has made up her mind.” Sunset studied Celestia’s adamant, authoritative gaze and sighed, “OK, fine.” Celestia smiled then sent the teen upstairs to get ready. Luna sat where Sunset had been and looked her sister in the eyes, “Tia, I think you need to make her understand her knew situation. I do not think she will come to the conclusion on her own.” Celestia sighed, “I know, but if I out right tell her, I’m afraid she might distance herself. She’s only been here a week.” Luna raised a brow, “Yes and in that week, she’s already dropped her guard, she’s allowed herself to have full reign of the kitchen, even indulges herself in a snack when she’s studying and lest we forget that her and I were lying in her bed watching ‘The Incredible Hulk’.” “Yes, but she still feels nervous at dinner and us giving her things in the first place.” Celestia said. “That’s because she’s still partially acting as if she’s still a guest and we’ll throw her out if she does anything wrong.” Luna rebuked. Celestia massaged her forehead, “No doubt some leftover feelings from the Princess.” “I think you just need to have an honest conversation with her.” Luna suggested. Celestia nodded and gave her sister an understanding look as she heard footsteps coming down the steps, soon followed by Sunset walking back into the kitchen then stood awkwardly. Luna glanced behind her at the awkward teen then turned back to her sister and gave Celestia a ‘see?’ look. Celestia nodded again and walked towards Sunset. “OK, let’s be off.” She said as Sunset followed her to the door, giving a small wave to Luna. While in the car, Sunset fiddled nervously with the zipper on her new winter jacket. Celestia noticed Sunset’s nervousness and bit her lip. I hope this goes well. Celestia thought to herself, Let’s shop for a bit and if she still seems nervous, take a break and talk to her. Arriving at the mall, Celestia and Sunset walked in the giant sliding doors. To this day, Sunset was still shocked every time she went to the mall. In Equestria, malls weren’t even a thing and then upon coming to the human world, it was quite the culture shock. “So, um…” Sunset started, looking confused and a little overwhelmed, “What do we do?” Celestia smiled, “We wander through clothing stores until you find something you like.” Sunset nodded as Celestia lead her to the first store. They didn’t get very far past the entrance before immediately realizing that pink isn’t really Sunset’s style. They continued on and found a store more towards Sunset’s tastes. They wandered through and Celestia had to pay attention to Sunset because she kept disregarding things that peaked her interest and encourage her to try things. It took about an hour but Celestia finally got Sunset actually trying things on and even walked out of a couple of stores with new purchases. However, as it got closer to dinner time, Sunset stopped suddenly when her stomach growled. “Um,” Sunset nervously rubbed at her neck, “Would it be alright if we got something to eat?” Celestia smiled, “Of course, it’s getting close to supper.” Sunset smiled as Celestia lead the way to the food court. Luckily, Celestia didn’t have to get Sunset to look around to find something because Sunset knew exactly what she was in the mood for. Celestia bought Sunset her teriyaki chicken noodle bowl from a Japanese chain restaurant while Celestia grabbed a personal pizza. They found a booth sequestered in a small corner by a fireplace. Celestia found their seclusion a decent place to talk to Sunset. “How are you doing, Sunset?” Celestia asked. “Good, ribs don’t hurt as much anymore.” She replied. Celestia shook her head, “I meant about this shopping trip.” Sunset put down her chopsticks, “It’s fun once I got over the weirdness of it. I’m not used to other people paying for things, much less with you.” “That’s actually something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” Celestia said, getting Sunset’s attention. “Sunset, I understand that you had to depend solely on yourself for a long time now. You were forced into growing up and acting like an adult from a very young age and I don’t think you realize that you missed a lot of your childhood because of it.” Sunset looked down at her half empty bowl, “I know. It’s just… I don’t know. I’ve pushed myself my entire life and I guess, in my blind ambition, I shoved my childhood to the side. Even after I had started to abandon my original goal, I still had to push it aside in order to actually survive and hold a job.” Celestia frowned but nodded, “I know what you’re saying but, you need to stop trying to be older than you actually are.” This got Sunset’s attention. The young girl snapped her head up, skeptical eyebrow. “I know you have been on your own for a long time and have taken on a lot of adult responsibilities at a young age but that doesn’t change the fact that you are still a child. You shouldn’t have to be braving the world on your own.” Celestia said. Sunset crossed her arms defensively, “I’m not a child.” “You’re a minor, so in the eyes of the law, yes, you are still a child.” Celestia said sternly, leaving no room for Sunset to argue. “And as a child, you require an adult to look after you until you become one yourself. Now that you are living with Luna and I, I want you to stop acting like you’re inconveniencing us. If you were, I would have never taken you in. You’re not alone anymore, Sunset.” Sunset looked up at Celestia then averted her eyes and fidgeted in her seat. That was something the Princess had never told her before she abandoned her studies. Despite the nice memories she had of the Princess, they were few in number and far between. The most she could remember was Celestia constantly pushing her to try her best but never actually made her feel like she belonged someplace. “I’m sorry, it’s just, a lot of the ponies in my life never really made me feel like I wasn’t alone.” Sunset went on, “The older I got, the more estranged I became. Even as a filly I never learned any actual social skill so, I often came off as rude or uncaring. I had to teach myself those skills on my own. Even now, I can read people but I have trouble reading myself and the situation. Usually, the logic I learned from psychology books were inaccurate. Emotions tend to be more complex than I ca-” Sunset paused, “Sorry, I’m rambling.” “It’s alright, Sunset.” Celestia smiled, “I’ve just come to realize this morning that you do not really understand your new situation with Luna and I.” “What do you mean?” Sunset questioned, “As I understood it, you took me in because I am an underaged orphan and you wanted to be sure that I was safe.” “Yes, but not exactly.” Celestia said, “Being your caretaker was a quick stitch effort so the hospital wouldn’t try to find your parents. If that happened, they would eventually figure out that you didn’t have any and take you away.” Sunset stared at her, unable to find a response to the realization of what might have happened. Worst case scenario, the government would find Equestria and Sunset would be taken to a government facility. Celestia continued, “Since the formal, there has been a great change in the way you carry yourself and, after talking to you so many times, I saw a girl with so much potential, being faced with horrible circumstances.” Sunset went to protest but Celestia held a hand up as she kept talking, “It doesn’t matter if your actions were the things that lead you to that position in the first place. You were a child being forced into responsibilities you were not yet ready for. You deserved a second chance.” Sunset kept looking down at her hands but Celestia could still see the tears brimming her eyes, “What exactly is it you’re trying to say?” Celestia knew Sunset had a pretty good idea of what she was getting at but didn’t want to say it in case she got it wrong. “Sunset,” Celestia said, “Before the accident, I had Chrysalis begin to draw up custody papers for you. I know it might be too soon to tell you but I need you to understand exactly what has been going on.” The teen looked at Celestia, taking in this information. “The only responsibilities you have now, Sunset, is school and just being a regular teenager, Chrysalis, Luna and myself worked hard to make sure you got the chance at life in this world that you truly deserve.” Celestia finished. Celestia gave Sunset a few minutes to let everything sink in while she excused herself to put their empty food containers in the garbage. Did I tell her too much at once? Oh, I hope I didn’t scare her away. She went back towards the table to see Sunset now standing in front of the fireplace, watching the flames with her hair obscuring her face. Celestia cautiously laid a hand on Sunset’s shoulder and positioned herself so she could just see her face. Sunset flinched at the sudden contact but didn’t make a move otherwise as she continued to stare at the fire. There were now streaks of tears down Sunset’s face so Celestia bent down so she would be eye level with her. “Sunset? Are you alright?” Celestia asked tenderly, concern evident in her voice, “I’m sorry I made that move without consulting you first. I just didn’t want to see you alone like that. Sunset wiped her tears with her sleeve, then, without warning, almost tackled Celestia with a hug, burying her face in her shoulder, “Thank you.” Sunset said quietly into the older woman’s shirt. She pulled away and wiped her tears again, looking Celestia in the eyes, “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for someone to care about me just for who I am.” Celestia gave her another hug and smiled, “I’m just glad you didn’t run away.” Sunset pulled out of the hug with a raised eyebrow, “Why would I do that?” “Well…um…you know what? Never mind.” Sunset and Celestia laughed and after drying their tears, continued on their shopping escapade. The teen was now a lot more comfortable with the whole thing though, she was still a little uneasy but Celestia never expected her to change right away but it was a step into the right direction.