In the study, Celestia found she was having trouble getting anything done. Her mind kept wandering to Sunset’s small outburst in the mall. She had originally brushed it off because it was clear that even Sunset didn’t really want to discuss her comment in such a public place. Originally, it had caught her off guard because she never considered how Sunset would feel meeting Celestia and Luna’s family. To Sunset, they were strangers.
Should I talk to Mom and Dad and make a day trip? Celestia questioned, No, that wouldn’t be fair to them. Besides, they’ve been supportive with me taking in Sunset. I don’t want to stress her out though, Christmas is supposed to be fun and it’s about bonding with your family. It was then that Celestia realized what the real issue was.
Though Sunset knew that Celestia and Luna both cared about her and she was a part of the house hold, it didn’t necessarily mean that she was a part of their family. Then, something Sunset had said earlier surfaced in her thoughts:
‘You’re basically my mom!’ She had said.
Her mom? Celestia thought.
It only took a few seconds for Celestia to realized how accurate that statement was. Since finding out how Sunset was living, she’d been nothing but caring towards the girl. It started with Just being an emergency contact and counseling. Then, giving the girl her personal number in case she needed help. It didn’t take long for it to escalate to figuring out a way to get Sunset under her care. Just a couple weeks ago; Celestia was lecturing Sunset about being a teenager.
Celestia leaned back in her chair, eyes cast down in dumb found thought.
“What is the matter, Sister?” Luna asked.
Celestia looked up to her sister, “It’s something Sunset said today.”
Luna raised a brow.
“Luna,” Celestia started, “What kind of relationship do you see with me regarding Sunset?”
Luna snorted then it only escalated into a full-blown laugh, “Do-do you e-even have to ask?” She said between giggles.
“It was a serious question, Luna.” Celestia deadpanned.
“I know, I know.” She said as she calmed down, “Look, I believe you already know the answer. What did Sunset say?”
“That I am ‘basically her Mom.’” Celestia said. When she saw her sister’s jaw drop, she rolled her eyes, “She was ranting because she was nervous about meeting Mom and Dad. I’m not even sure she realized she said it.”
“But still...” Luna said in thought, “She has a point. Chrys and I said it after she met Sunset in the hospital, we can see it in your eyes. Same goes for Sunset. That girl trusts you and judging by that day you two went clothes shopping, she cares deeply about your opinion of her.”
Celestia bit the inside of her cheek, “I know and in the short time that I’ve known her, I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her. It’s almost like…”
“She’s your own?” Luna offered.
Celestia nodded.
“You should discuss this with her.” Luna stated.
“I will.” Celestia said, getting out of her chair. “Eventually. First, I want to make sure she doesn’t have a panic attack on Christmas Eve.”
Luna chuckled, “Good idea.”
Celestia smiled and left the study.
Luna shook her head once Celestia was gone, “Took you long enough.”
***
Sunset lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling while music played from her phone. She was just listening, trying to clear her head but nothing was working. Growling, she sat up and ran her fingers through her hair. She was still incredibly nervous about going to Celestia and Luna’s parents and the whole, ‘you’re basically my mom’ comment wasn’t helping her nerves.
There was a knock on her door and when she told them to enter, Celestia poked her head in.
“You OK, Sunset?” Celestia asked.
Sunset averted her gaze which was all the answer she needed.
Celestia shut the door went to the other side of the bed and sat down next to Sunset. The teen shut the music off, leaving them in utter silence.
“Are you still worried about going to my parent’s?” Celestia asked despite already knowing the answer.
Sunset nodded and sighed, “I know they’re your family but they’re just strangers to me. What if I make a bad impression?”
“I doubt you could make a worse first impression than Chrysalis.” Celestia said.
Sunset looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“When Luna first brought Chrysalis over, it was a complete disaster. For one, my father didn’t like that they pulled up on a motorcycle. Then, she broke several plates, and knocked over my mother’s stack of papers.” Celestia listed off, “I also can’t forget the language she used.” She paused, “And her sense of humor certainly didn’t help.”
Sunset chuckled, “Yeah that’s pretty bad.” She thought for a moment, “But you said your parent’s love Chrys.”
“They do.” Celestia smiled, “None of us were exactly model citizens as teenagers so, it’s not like she had much to live up to. The part that my parents really fell in love with was the effect she had on Luna. She was always two years ahead of kids her own age so we were in the same grade in high school.”
“Really? Luna was that smart?” Sunset questioned.
Celestia nodded, “She’s been working on computers since she was four.” She gave Sunset a couple of seconds to let it sink in before continuing, “Since she was always more intelligent than the other kids her age, she tended to isolate herself and never had any friends. Then, I believe it was our second week when Chrys approached her at lunch. After that, Luna couldn’t quite shake her and eventually, Luna started to come out of her shell and out of the house.”
“It’s actually really nice that she found someone that could do that for her.” Sunset commented.
“Yes, and since then, Chrysalis has been a part of the family.” Celestia said, “Besides, Chrys had always been the more level headed of our friends and she learned how to act around our parents after a while.”
Celestia looked over to Sunset to see her in deep thought.
“You know,” Celestia said after a while, “You have people like that too.”
Sunset looked at Celestia.
“You avoided those five girls for two weeks before you finally gave in.” Celestia reminded her, “All it takes is for someone to give you a chance.”
Sunset smiled, “Honestly, I think you have given me the best chance anyone could have give me.”
Celestia gave her a warm smile and lay a hand on the younger girl’s shoulder, “I know meeting my family is nerve-wracking but I know they are going to adore you. You’re a smart, kind girl with better table manners than Chrysalis and Luna.”
Sunset laughed.
“And,” Celestia continued, “Whether you realize it or not; you’re a part of this family now too.”
That last part made Sunset tense, A part of…their family? Do they really think of me like that?
“It’s only been a few weeks.” Sunset said as she pulled her legs up to her chest.
“There is something that I’ve learned over the years.” Celestia said, “People always say that you can’t choose your family, but in reality, you can.”
Sunset looked at Celestia with a confused expression.
“Family isn’t about blood relations or marriage. It’s about how much you care about each other.” Celestia said, “My family has never been very large. We do not get along with the rest of my relatives and never considered them a part of our family. So, for my entire life, it was just my parents, sister and myself. Then it grew to include Chrysalis and…” she frowned, “Star Swirl when he was alive. Now, that includes you as well.”
“I like how you put that.” Sunset said, “It makes sense to me. At least, this way, if your family chooses you and you chose it, you know you’re actually accepted.” Sunset snickered at a thought she had, “You parents and/or siblings are just a baseline.”
Celestia laughed, “I suppose that’s one way of putting it.”
Sunset smiled and contemplated her next move for a moment before uncurling herself and hugged Celestia. No words were spoken as Celestia instinctively started petting Sunset’s hair, something her mother did and still does when she needed comfort.
When they pulled a part, Celestia looked at the clock, “Oh, I didn’t realize it was so late. You should probably go to sleep.”
Sunset looked at the clock and nodded, getting out of bed and grabbing a pair of pajamas from her drawer.
Celestia headed out the door to let Sunset get changed in privacy. She sat on the couch to read for a bit and, after an hour, went upstairs to see Sunset ‘s lights off. She peeked her head in and saw that Sunset was already fast asleep on her stomach.
The older woman smiled at how comfortable and safe she looked. That building collapsing was almost a blessing in disguise. She walked in the room and pulled the covers up to Sunset’s neck and then on a whim, kissed the top of the young girl’s head just as she had done in the hospital a little over a month ago.
“Goodnight, Sunset.” Celestia whispered before leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.