//------------------------------// // Chapter 41: Christmas Shopping // Story: Scars of Our Past // by JWolfSilver //------------------------------// Sunset took a seat next to Celestia in the consultation room and started to nervously drum on her phone with her fingers. She really did hate hospitals but this was a trip she hoped to leave unscathed. It’s been exactly six weeks since the accident and, the day before, Celestia thought it was time to check in with the hospital when she watched the younger girl trip over the couch and wacked her casted hand off the coffee table without so much as a complaint. “Calm down, Sunset.” Celestia comforted, “You’re OK.” She smiled up at Celestia, “I know but I just want to carry things properly and get hit in the stomach with dodgeballs!” Celestia laughed as Sunset was practically bouncing in her seat, “I don’t think I have ever heard that one before.” Sunset laughed as a doctor came around the corner and smiled at her, “Doctor Red Wing, Long time no see.” He chuckled, “You seem lively miss Shimmer. When I saw a doctor looking over your x-rays, I had to see how you were doing. You were quite the talk for a while after you left.” Sunset shrugged, “I try.” Both him and Celestia chuckled, “Well, I have to go. I’m not actually supposed to be in this section.” Sunset chuckled and waved as he went back to work. Not long after, Doctor Horse came back with her X-Rays and smiled. He set them up on the display and went through his routine explanation and comparison. In all honesty, Sunset didn’t listen to a word, just mentally compared the six sheets of plastic; two for her ribs and one for her wrist and hand. They were drastically different. You could definitely see the break in her bones, and, what she didn’t know, her wrist was broken in three different places. Now though, the new X-rays showed absolutely no abnormalities. Sunset tuned back in just as the Doctor said, “Let’s go get that cast off.” It was an interesting process involving a weird looking saw, weird looking tongs and medical scissors. Celestia had to calm Sunset down when he brought out the saw but he explained that it simply vibrated and it wouldn’t actually cut her so, Sunset reluctantly held her arm still. Celestia couldn’t help but quietly chuckle at Sunset’s curiosity and took pictures. Once the cast was off, Sunset was out of that chair faster than Rainbow Dash on game day. She only stayed long enough to say ‘thank you’ to the Doctor and navigate her way out of the building, Celestia not too far behind. In the car Sunset slammed her left fist into her rib cage then…laughed? “Don’t hurt yourself please.” Celestia begged. “Sorry.” Sunset said sheepishly, “Just making sure.” Celestia rolled her eyes and smiled as she drove home. “Why are we going home?” Sunset asked, “Aren’t we going back to the school for the afternoon?” Celestia pursed her lips, “I thought we could get some Christmas shopping done so Luna can’t spy on us.” “Christmas shopping?” Sunset questioned. “Yes, it’s two weeks from now.” Celestia told her. Sunset smacked her cheeks, “Pony feathers, I completely forgot!” “It’s fine Sunset, you’ve been through a lot in the last few months.” Celestia said in an attempt to console the girl. “I know but the girls and I drew for our secret Santa’s last week and I still have no idea what to get mine.” Sunset pouted. “Who did you get?” She asked, “Maybe I can help.” “Pinkie Pie.” Stated Sunset, “She’s super hyper, loves sweets and throwing parties and is one of the best baker’s I know. She also has this pet stuffed alligator named gummy.” “What about her family?” Celestia questioned. “The exact opposite of her.” Sunset sighed, “She is really close to her sister, Maud, though. She’s a big geology nut.” “That doesn’t seem helpful.” Celestia mused. “Told you.” Sunset said, “Wait, would I be cheap if I just drew her something?” Celestia shook her head, “Not at all. It’s probably one of the most personal things you could give someone.” Sunset Smiled, “Ok, thanks, Celestia.” They got to the mall and wandered store to store. It was the one-time Celestia was letting Sunset spend her own money on things that she picked out and, she made a mental note of stuff she could get for Celestia. Since Sunset was so new to the household, she could really only help Celestia shop for Luna and somewhat Chrysalis though, Celestia wasn’t even sure what to get the dark woman. “So, about Christmas.” Sunset said, “What do you and Luna usually do?” Celestia thought for a moment, “Well, I must warn you about the sweaters and the fact that Luna will drag you, me and Chrys to take a picture with Santa.” “Isn’t that just for kids?” Sunset questioned. “At this point, I’m pretty sure she is one.” Celestia smiled, “We bake cookies, and spend a couple days at my parents’. We usually get home in the evening of Christmas day.” “Does Chrysalis always spend the holidays with you guys?” Sunset asked. “Ever since we were teenagers.” Celestia nodded, “Her parents were good people but were hardly ever around, even around the holidays. So, since we met, she’s been spending holidays with us. She does it with her own parents in March when she goes to see them.” “So, Chrysalis is just extended family.” Sunset reasoned. “Essentially, yes.” Celestia said, “She’s like another annoying little sister to me.” Sunset giggled, “I’ve noticed.” They wandered around for a few more minutes before Sunset stopped, “Y-your parents?” Celestia turned to face Sunset, “Of course, we go every year. It only makes sense to include you now.” “But, d-do they even know that I’m living with you guys?” Celestia was about to speak but Sunset continued to ramble, “Well, of course she knows, Luna said you did last week. What if they don’t like me? I mean, I don’t blame them but still, I haven’t actually celebrated anything for six years! What if I mess something up and they hate me for it? That would reflect badly on you. I mean, you’re basically my mom!” Sunset flinched as she finished. A slip of the tongue and Sunset froze. Did I really just say that? I think I just called her my mom. No, I said basically my mom. Totally different. Who am I kidding” No it isn’t. I hope she didn’t notice. She looked a Celestia’s quizzical brow, Maybe? Was I talking too fast so she didn’t latch on to it? “Sunset, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much.” Celestia smiled. It did little to sate her trepidation but she smiled anyway, continuing her shopping excursion. I’m just a stranger to them. Sunset thought, I’ve only been living with them for three weeks. She sighed. Sunset knew that Celestia was happy to share their Christmas with her. She knew Celestia, Luna, and even Chrysalis, cared about movies. It all actually made Sunset feel like she truly belonged somewhere. She didn’t feel like she was disappointing anyone and, over the past few weeks, Sunset had gotten attached to the two women. Something she hasn’t been able to do in a very long time. After another couple hour, Sunset and Celestia brought their packages to the wrapping kiosk then went to grab something to eat from the food court. Sunset got a salad while Celestia decided to indulge herself in a bacon cheese burger. Sunset smiled, especially since she found a gift for Luna that she is almost positive that the Vice-Principal will like. She also thought to her previous comment. Almost like my mom. Celestia had taken her in, given her a home and even wanted to include her in her family Christmas celebration. Now that she thought about it, her earlier comment didn’t seem so far off. “Alright.” Celestia said as she stood, “Let’s get the presents and get going.” Sunset nodded and followed Celestia back to the kiosk where they had already finished wrapping their parcels. The lady at the counter smiled and wished them a happy holiday before they made their way out to the parking lot and drove home. Luna, was back from working when Sunset and Celestia returned, she immediately jumped off the couch to snoop at the boxes. However, Celestia wasn’t having it, “Oh, no you don’t. Back to the couch.” “Why?” Luna asked in mock innocence. Sunset struggled to suppress her laughter but got an idea to help Celestia out; “You know, if you peek, it would ruin the surprise and we’ll have to take it all back.” All the while, she managed to keep a straight face. “You wouldn’t dare.” Luna stated. “Try me.” Luna and Sunset stared each other down. Luna was searching for any tell that Sunset was kidding but found none. After a brief look of fear; Luna raised her hands in surrender, “I’ll be in the kitchen.” She said as she walked away. Sunset snickered when Luna was out of earshot. Celestia started waking up the stairs, trying to suppress her own laugh, “I don’t think I’ve seen her worried like that before.” “It was the only thing I could think of to stop her from snooping.” She said. “Well, I do appreciate it. Luna has always been the one to try to get a peek at her Christmas presents.” Celestia explained as they set the packages in the corner of Celestia’s room. “She wouldn’t dare come in here though.” “Why's that?” Sunset asked. “Then I go in her room and take her computer.” Celestia said simply. “Have you done it before?” Celestia laughed, “Yes, it was two weeks before Christmas and I caught her sneaking a peek in my room. So, I went into hers and took her computer.” “When did you give it back?” she asked. “Christmas morning.” Celestia told her, an amused smile on her face, “I wrapped it up and put it under the tree. Mom and Dad didn’t even try to get it back from me. They were just as tired of her snooping.” Sunset laughed, “I guess that’s one way to solve a problem.” They smiled and went off to do their own thing. Celestia and Luna took to the study to do their paper work while Sunset got to work on her drawing for Pinkie Pie.