Twilight’s P.O.V.
I had so much fun with Aria yesterday, but I think I lost my composure a few times. More than a few times. I-I couldn’t help it, I just got too nervous around my crush. Thinking on that word made me giggle a bit. A crush. My heart was beating so fast with Aria around. In fact, I think it’s already getting worse. In multiple occasions, I was tempted to hug her out of nowhere and hold her hand. I was also tempted to close the distance between us. But I was able to hold myself. Just barely. I had to keep reminding myself that I’m Aria’s only friend. I shouldn’t overwhelm her. I have to take it slow, but my heart is demanding action now. My own body is against me. Brilliant.
At least I can distract myself for now with my English class. Rainbow Dash asked for help, again, and I’m happy to help her any time. I just wish she would pay attention more in class, if not for her own sake.
“Rainbow, ‘their’ is for possession, like ‘It’s their car’. ‘They’re’ is for talking about a group, like ‘They're outstanding’. See? Like this.” My friend was massaging her forehead with both of her hands.
Rainbow Dash groaned. She was uneasy. “Oh, man, how do you know all this stuff?”
“I study, Rainbow. I do it every day.” I smiled at her, but she did not share it.
“Lame! My time is too valuable to waste it studying!” My friend exclaimed.
In her usual over the top exaggeration, style Rainbow flopped over leaning back into her chair like nothing mattered in the world. I was about to argue back when a shadow loomed over us making me look up. Miss Cheerilee was right in front of us.
“Rainbow Dash, you should listen to your friend. Studying won’t kill you,” Our teacher had a warm smile.
“I don’t want to find out if that’s true.” Rainbow Dash said, making Miss Cheerilee frown.
Before the teacher could say something else, the bell for recess rang. All my classmates started to stand from their chairs. “Remember, students, that you have an essay due to Friday of next week, just before Spring Break. If you don’t deliver it, your grades will be severely affected!”
No one replied to her. I smiled to our teacher as I walked past her and joined Rainbow, who was waiting for me outside. Her eyes were wide with worry. “Essay? What essay?” She asked, nervously fidgeting.
“The one Miss Cheerilee assigned us a week ago?” I glanced at her. “Rainbow, please, don’t tell me that you fell asleep again during class?”
“I… might have?” My friend stared at the ceiling. “I don’t remember. I fall asleep in a lot of classes.”
I sighed. “Rainbow…”
“Why don’t you tell me about what’s the essay about?” She smiled at me, showing no signs of worry anymore. How can she be so calm? This will affect her grades astronomically and she’s acting like it’s nothing! I don’t understand what goes on in that head of hers, but she’s a good person and that’s more than enough for me. I do wish she’d at least try to pay more attention in classes though.
“Yes, but first I have to go to the bathroom,” I said turning the other way.
“Awesome! I’ll be by your locker!” Rainbow Dash said before running off. As for me, I walked in a fast pace to the nearest bathroom.
I think I drank too much water this morning. I washed my hands after I was done with my business and walked out of the bathroom to meet with Rainbow Dash, but I bumped into someone.
“Oops, I’m so sorry!” The person I bumped into turned around and I recognized her. “Trixie? I-I didn’t see you there.”
“I hardly believe that. The Great and Powerful Trixie always stands out.” Trixie puffed her chest and placed her hand on it, showing her boisterous pride.
“I was looking to a different direction. I need to meet with Rainbow Dash.”
“Hmph!” Trixie closed her eyes and grunted. “Very well. Carry on.” She turned her head away from me.
“Okay…” Her attitude still has me puzzled. I resumed my walk but Trixie called me shortly after.
“Twilight, wait!” I stood still and looked around. Trixie’s arrogance was gone. Instead she seemed… concerned? She checked the surrounding make sure no one else was around before approaching me. I had no idea what’s going on. “Do you really think that I’m kind?”
“What?” I blinked several times. I’m so confused right now.
“The other day, Sunset thanked me for being nice to you on your first day. D-Did you mean it?”
“Oh, that?” I smiled warmly. “Of course. You made me feel welcome, in your own way.”
“I just gave you directions…” Trixie frowned.
“All my life, whenever I asked a stranger something, I would usually receive negative responses, like ‘get lost!’ or ‘don’t bother me’! You, and the rest of my friends didn’t do such thing.”
“Rest of your friends?” Trixie’s eyes widened. “You consider me a friend?”
I nodded, still smiling. “Yes, I do, but I wonder why you don’t sit with us during lunch?”
“Do you think I don’t want to?” My friend crossed her arms. “Trixie’s fine with you and Sunset, but she still doesn’t feel welcome with the rest.”
I can understand how Trixie feels. All my life I've never felt welcome or accepted anywhere outside my family and Cadence. That is, until I met Aria and I began to meet new people. If I learned one thing from my time with Aria, is that you can't judge a book by its cover. Sure Trixie may seem arrogant and rude at first glance, but once I got to know her through my interactions with her and Sunset, I know she's a good person underneath. She just needs a little boost.
“The only one who has any doubts about you is Rainbow Dash," I said while tapping my fingers on my notebook. "Why not join us for lunch, and prove her wrong?”
Trixie sighed. “Sunset said the same thing…”
“What’s stopping you?” I asked bluntly.
Trixie frowned at me again. I got worried by her hostile response. Did I say something I shouldn’t? “My inner circle has always been small. I never tried to get along with so many people at once. I’m…” Trixie hesitated. I doubt she’s going to say something else, so I stepped in.
“Nervous?”
My friend placed her hands on her hips and looked away from me. “Trixie Lulamoon is never nervous!” once again she acted arrogant, rising the tone of her voice a little. But then, her tone softened. “But she won’t say no to your assistance.”
I walked closer to Trixie, clasping my hands together on my chest level. “You won’t regret it, Trixie. I pinky promise.” My friend raised an eyebrow at me and I giggled. “You’ll get used to it.” Trixie gave me a smug smile. Our conversation was cut short when the speaker turned on all of the sudden. Principal Celestia’s voice could then be heard.
“Attention, my students. Please head towards the auditorium at once. There’s an important message I must deliver. Thank you.” The Principal turned off the speaker after she finished.
“That’s weird. She rarely gathers all of us without notice.” Trixie commented. Her eyes were fixed on the nearest speaker.
I glanced at my friend before speaking. “We better don’t keep her waiting, then.” Trixie nodded at me and we headed towards the auditorium together.
We had to squeeze into the auditorium. Once inside, I started to scan the room, looking for my friends.
“I found my friends over there.” Trixie said. Her eyes were fixed a particular side of the auditorium.
“Okay. Catch with you later?” Trixie made eye contact with me after I spoke. She nodded at me and walked away. I looked around the room again, until I heard a familiar voice calling me.
“Twi, over here!” I followed the direction of the voice and spotted Pinkie Pie, standing up and waving at me to catch my attention. I smiled and waved back before walking towards where they were. “We saved a seat just for you!” Pinkie Pie said as soon as I reached them.
“Thank you, girls.” I smiled and sat down. Sunset glanced at me as soon as I did so.
“Was that Trixie you were talking to?” Sunset asked, smiling warmly.
I nodded. “Yeah, we met on the hall and chatted until Principal Celestia gathered us all here.”
“Weren’t you going to meet with me?” Rainbow Dash frowned at me.
“That was the plan, but I bumped into her.” I smiled at my athletic friend, but she didn’t say anything else.
“Is Rainbow having problems with English class again?” Sunset leaned forward to join the conversation.
“Yes. She also found out about an essay we have due Friday of the next week today,” I replied, glancing from Sunset to Rainbow Dash.
“Really?” Sunset turned her head to our lazy friend. “Rainbow, you won’t make it far if you don’t pay attention and study.”
Rainbow Dash groaned. “I’m fine with a C-. What’s the point of getting a higher grade? It’s waste of effort.”
Sunset was about to speak again, but Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder. “Principal Celestia is here. Scold her later.”
My friends and I turned our attention to the stage, where the principal was testing the microphone.
“Good morning, my dear students. I gathered you all here because I have news. I know that many of you are excited about Spring Break and the trip to Everfree Camp-” The principal was interrupted by screams of excitement and applauses. “-but I’m afraid the camp has been moved.”
“What?!” Many students, including some of my friends, asked in unison. The rest gasped.
Principal Celestia took a deep breath before continuing. “I was just informed that the brother of our hostess, Gloriosa Daisy, has passed on due to an unfortunate accident. She won’t be able to receive anyone for the time being.”
“Oh, poor guy…”
“Poor girl…” Everyone made sad comments about the situation. I can’t possibly imagine how it must feel to lose someone close to you. What would happen if I lost Shining Armor? My parents? Spike? My friends? Just to think about it fills me with sorrow.
“I have already sent her our condolences.” Principal Celestia continued. Everyone fell silent. “Gloriosa Daisy said she will move the date to early July. You shall receive an e-mail when she’s ready to receive you.”
While every student talked with each other in whispers, Rainbow Dash spoke.
“So… yikes… that just happened…”
“Yeah…” Sunset joined in. “At moments like this, she needs support. I hope she has friends or relatives that can help her.”
“And that poor girl says she will be ready to receive us in Summer? I would need more time.” Rarity commented. “She seems strong.”
“I would understand if she cancels the camp altogether.” I said. “If they were close, a few months won’t be enough.”
Applejack sighed before speaking. “Ah can relate. When mah parents died, it took me a while to recover. Ah still dream with them sometimes, which usually leads to tears when ah wake up.” My farmer friend looked away after falling silent. Seeing this, Rarity placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Applejack thanked her with a smile.
Principal Celestia cleared her throat on the microphone to call our attention. “I shall take no more of your time, my dear students. I conclude this meeting. Please, be organized when leaving. No pushing nor running.”
At lunchtime, I waited by the door of the cafeteria for Trixie. She didn’t take long to arrive.
“Hi, Trixie!” I greeted her with a smile.
“Hey.” She didn’t return the smile. She met me with her eyes briefly but then looked away. She still refuses to admit how nervous she is.
“Don't worry, Trixie. Like I said, the only person you might not get along right away could be Rainbow Dash. Everyone else is really nice, you’ll see.” As soon as I finished speaking, I took Trixie by her wrist.
“T-Twilight, I’m not re---!” Before she could say anything else, we walked into the cafeteria. I headed the line to order food. I glanced towards where my friends and I usually sit and saw them talking lightheartedly. “So, what are we going to do?” I turned my head towards Trixie when she spoke.
“Simple. We’ll go over there and sit. We have a seat for one more,” I said, pointing at a table with my head.
“You make it sound easy.” The line moved a few steps.
“Well. Isn’t it?”
“You don’t understand,” My friend sighed. “I never exactly got along with your friends. Asking to sit with them all of the sudden is… odd.”
“I’ll support you, Trixie. And not just me. Sunset will obviously back you up as well. You’ll be fine. Just be yourself.” The line moved again.
“Being myself is what they dislike about me.” Trixie frowned.
“Well, Sunset likes you. If you managed to date her, I’m sure our friends will welcome you in no time.” Trixie opened her mouth to argue back, but she then closed it. Meanwhile, we arrived to the tray line, so we each took a tray. My friend remained silent for a few more seconds before clearing her throat.
“Trixie has a question for you.”
“Umm, sure? Go ahead. I’m all ears.” I replied to my friend.
“Why are you buying lunch here?” She asked me.
“What do you mean?” I blinked back in confusion.
“You have money, everyone knows that. Why don’t you bring your lunch from home? Food made by your butler?” Trixie asked.
“Oh.” I smiled and accommodated my glasses. “I don’t like to brag about it. Besides, I like the food they serve here. Also, we don’t have a butler. We cook by ourselves.”
“What’s the point of having money if you won’t hire a butler?!” Trixie sighed loudly and looked away. I giggled at her reaction. As the tray line kept moving, I noticed that Trixie had a thoughtful expression.
“Is there something else you want to ask me?”
My friend’s eyes widened “N-No! Well, yes! I mean, maybe…?” Trixie glanced at the table my friends were before sighing and looking back at me. “Sunset might not approve of me telling you this, but… we encountered your twin-tails friend the other day…”
“Oh?” I opened my eyes as wide as I could. “You did?” They met Aria? I hope they weren’t too much for her. I opened my mouth to try to get more information, but our turn arrived.
After getting our food, we started to walk towards my friends. Now’s not the time. I’ll leave the Aria subject for later. I have to help Trixie with my friends first.
Speaking of which, I checked on her as we approached to the table. She was shaking a bit. When she realized I was looking at her, I gave her a reassuring smile and Trixie’s cheeks got slightly pink. She turned her head away right afterwards. It must have been embarrassment. Was it wrong that it made me chuckle?
I glanced back ahead until we reached the table with my friends. They were still immersed in their conversation, so I cleared my throat to catch her attention. Pinkie Pie was the one who made eye contact with me.
“Hi, Twilight! And, company?” The rest of my friends turned around when Pinkie acknowledged Trixie. They were all surprised.
“Trixie?” Sunset was the first to speak after Pinkie.
Trixie hesitated to speak. She opened and closed her mouth several times. I softly bumped her arm with my elbow to encourage her. She took a deep breath and then she finally spoke. “Does anyone mind if… I join you?”
Rainbow Dash frowned but remained silent. Sunset smiled warmly and nodded. “Sure, we have space for one more. You can sit between Twilight and me.”
“Thank you.” The magician walked towards the seat and sat down, placing her tray on the table. I sat next to her. An awkward silence ruled for some moments. A silence which was broken when Sunset cleared her throat.
“So, Twilight, about the project we have due next week…”
“The animal cell model?” I looked at Sunset. “Were you able to make progress since we gathered last Saturday?”
“I did. In fact, it’s almost ready.” Sunset smiled. “I’ll try to find something to transport it to your place tomorrow so you can give it the final touches.”
“We’ll have it ready by the weekend. Working on it is so much fun!” I grinned and chuckled. Sunset joined me. Then I saw Applejack crossing her arms.
“Ah wish ah could say the same. The project ah have to do with Rarity is no fun at all.”
“Come on, AJ, you just need to look after an egg. That’s the easiest task to do!” Rainbow Dash commented.
“Looking after the egg is simple, but Rarity is taking it way too seriously.”
“Darling, I don’t know why you are complaining.” Rarity didn’t look offended. “There’s nothing wrong with having some fun while looking after our daughter.”
“It’s… an egg…” Applejack said between her teeth before covering her face with a hand. “And, please, stop calling her ‘our daughter’.”
The fashionista gasped. “Applejack! You’re going to hurt her feelings if she hears you!”
“Hear me-?” Applejack glared at Rarity. “Please, don’t tell me you brought it here…”
“Of course I did!” Rarity said before searching in her purse. Moments later, she pulled an egg from it and placed it on the table. “Everyone, this, is Annabelle.”
No one said anything. Except for Rainbow Dash. She burst out laughing. The egg was wearing an outfit. A tutu to be precise, and even had a tiny bow. I found it cute, actually. I glanced at Applejack. She was now covering her face with her hat, but even so, I could notice how red her face was.
“Why is it here…?” Applejack’s voice was barely audible.
“I think you mean ‘her’, darling.” Rarity said with seriousness before softening her expression. “And what else was I supposed to do? We have no babysitter. My parents are working and my sister is here, at school. Our poor Annabelle could get hurt on her own.” She said the last with a tone people usually use when talking to babies.
“Again, it’s just an egg, Rarity… it doesn’t move on its own…” Our farmer friend was losing her patience. She massaged the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index finger.
“The project is about looking after her, Applejack. We can’t just leave her lying around anywhere. What if Opalescence drops her into the floor?”
Applejack sighed. “Y-Yer right, but--” Rarity raised a finger to ask for silence.
“Another thing…” The fashionista frowned. “Whenever you have to look after Anabelle, you’re working. You should really make some time for us.”
“You know how important the farm is, Rarity. Ah need it to support our family—ah mean, mah family!” Applejack facepalmed. “Now it’s getting to me. You see what ah mean?” The farmer girl asked to us in general.
“Actually… I think it’s cute…” Fluttershy said with her usual quiet tone.
“Say what?” Applejack turned to Fluttershy, but Pinkie Pie quickly piped in.
“I agree with Fluttershy! Besides, if you have fun with your project, you’ll do a better job with it, right?!” Pinkie Pie grinned.
“That’s a good point, actually.” Trixie spoke all of the sudden. We all turned our attention to her, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. “I-I’m just saying, having fun with an assigned project usually gets you a good grade.” Trixie turned her head from side to side to see each of us. “Right?”
“That might be true.” Applejack continued after a short silence. “But Rarity is taking it to the extreme.” She said before turning her attention of the fashionista again, who was scratching the egg like if she was tickling it. “Rarity, please. We’re not married. We’re not even datin’! Ah don’t mind if you want to play mom, but ah don’t want to do that.”
“But Applejack, dear, we used to play house all the time before, remember? You adored it.”
The farmer’s face turned completely red again. “W-We were kids! It’s an innocent game.”
“And this is innocent too, darling.” Rarity calmly said. “The only one who is taking it too seriously is you, Applejack. What’s wrong with me having fun with our project? I enjoy dressing up Anabelle and applying makeup to her. So what if you don’t?”
“Ah-ah…” Applejack was speechless. She relaxed her body and stared into the table.
“Looks like your wife got you good, AJ!” Rainbow Dash said before laughing again, until Applejack glared at her. Rainbow stopped laughing and looked away. Our farmer friend sighed before speaking.
“Ah’m sorry, Rarity… ah shouldn’t have acted in the way ah did…”
“No harm done.” Rarity smiled warmly and handed Anabelle to Applejack. “Can you look after her for the next few days? You hardly touched her since the project began.”
Applejack smirked and carefully took the egg. “Sure thing, Rarity. She’s in good hands.”
“I know.” The fashionista said as she placed her hand on top of Applejack. They smiled into each other, until our athletic friend broke the silence… again.
“Kiss, kiss, kiss!”
“Rainbow, ah'm warning you…” Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash again. Rainbow then crossed her arms and stared into the table.
“You’re no fun, Applejack.”
The blonde girl removed her hand from Rarity’s before turning to us. “Could someone please change the subject?”
Another moment of awkward silence followed. No one brought up another conversation topic. I glanced to each of my friends. Everyone was either eating or drinking. I think this is as good as a time as any. I cleared my throat as I stood up. That called everyone’s attention. “I-I have something to say…”
“Sure thing, Twilight.” Sunset said.
“I… want to do something for you, guys. Something to show my appreciation towards your hospitality. You received me with open arms since day one. You all ask me to spend time with you, both inside and outside school. It’s because of all of you that I wake up with a smile every single day. So… umm… I…”
“Twilight-” I glanced at Applejack when she spoke. “You don’t have to do anythin’ for us. We’re happy to have you as a friend. We’re not expectin’ a reward for it. This is what friendship is ‘bout.”
“But you’re always the ones who call me to hang out-” I continued with my speech. “I never asked any of you guys to do any activity. I want to do it.”
“I think it’s a marvelous idea, Twilight.” I smiled at Rarity when she approved of my idea.
“I’m cool with the idea too.” Rainbow Dash said. “What do you have in mind, egghead?”
My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. I just realized I didn’t have anything in mind. “I… don’t know.” I said as I sat back on my seat.
“I have an idea!” Pinkie Pie grinned. “We could have a sleepover!”
I recovered my smile, only to lose it right afterwards. “Wait, if it’s your idea, wouldn’t it be you who organizes everything and me the invited one.”
My party friend giggled. “Not if we do it at your place, silly!"
“What?” the suggestion got me by surprise.
“You know, that’s not a bad idea.” Sunset smiled at me.
“Ah can get behind that.” Applejack said.
“Me too. I’ll be there.” The fashionista nodded.
“I’ll go too.” Fluttershy quietly said.
“There’s no way I’m saying no to that.” Rainbow Dash smirked.
I felt like if my eyes were shining. A grin was impossible to contain. “Oh, thank you, thank you!”
“That sounds fun. I hope you all have a good time.” Trixie was the one to speak this time. I glanced at her and saw her using her fork to play with her food. Trixie’s commentary confused me, so I decided to ask her about it.
“Won't you come, Trixie?” The magician looked at me with both of her eyebrows risen.
“Do you want me to go?”
I smiled at her. “Of course! I said I wanted to do something for my friends, and you’re one of them.” Trixie glanced at my friends. Sunset and the rest glanced at each other. They nodded, and then turned to Rainbow Dash, whose arms were crossed. She didn’t seem happy. But seeing that she was outnumbered, she groaned and closed her eyes.
“Alright, since Twilight wants her to be there, she can join us.” Rainbow said in a low tone.
“Thank you, Rainbow.” Sunset was the one who spoke. I just smiled.
“Then so be it.” The magician spoke again, showing a faint smile. “Trixie will be there. Just tell her the address.”
“I’ll write it for you after school. I just need to check the calendar to find the most fitting day to do it. I need time to plan the activities and get the food. I also need to do some research about-” I was interrupted by Sunset placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Relax, it’s just a sleepover. There’s no need to think much about it.” She said with a soft tone of voice. I sighed and rested my forehead on the table.
“I’m sorry…” I said before rising my head. “I’m just… excited. I never had a sleepover before.”
“I can help you!” Pinkie Pie grinned. “I can give you tips later if you want.”
“That… would be great.” I smiled, relieved. “Thank you, Pinkie.”
“No problem, Twi!” Pinkie Pie, and everyone else, returned to their meals. I did the same. With the sleepover out of the way, I was able to get more relaxed. For the moment, at least.
I remembered that Trixie said that she and Sunset have met with Aria. My crush didn’t bring up the subject when she was over my house, but I still have to make sure everything’s fine. I looked at Sunset as I ate. I must speak to her about this. My friends haven’t made plans for today, so I can talk to her after school.
When the last bell rang, I walked outside alongside my friends. They started to take different directions, so I gave my goodbyes to them. I spotted Sunset and Trixie with their hands intertwined walking not so far from me, so I ran to catch up with them.
“Hi, girls! Mind if I join you?” when I reached them, I walked at their pace, with my hands on the back. “But if you wish to be alone, I’ll understand.”
Sunset smiled at me. “It’s okay, Twilight. I’m just walking Trixie to the corner of the street. I don’t mind if you accompany me to my home afterwards.”
“That sounds good.” It wasn’t easy to hide my worries. I had my entire mind focusing on keep my smile.
Upon reaching the corner, the couple looked at each other. Sunset smiled at Trixie, but the later turned her head away to avoid her gaze. Both of them were blushing.
“Still having problems to keep eye contact with me?” Sunset said, turning her smile into a smug smile.
“Trixie’s working on it! You’re… too pretty.”
Sunset giggled and kissed Trixie on her cheek. Their blushes became even more noticeable. “Don’t give up. You’re doing great.”
The magician gazed into Sunset’s eyes with her jaw half dropped. Then, she looked at me and cleared her throat. “Y-Yes, thank you…” she released Sunset’s hand. “Trixie will be seeing you two tomorrow. Goodbye.”
“See you later, Trix.” The equestrian girl waved at her.
“Bye!” I gave Trixie my farewell before turning to my remaining friend. Her cheeks were returning to its natural color.
“Shall we?” Sunset smiled at me. I nodded and crossed the street with her. “Sorry about earlier. Trixie’s not used to me being affectionate unless we’re alone.”
“There’s nothing to apologize. I’m no expert in love, but, don’t some people prefer it that way?” I commented.
“That’s true, but I can’t be always dividing my time between Trixie and our friends. She will have to adapt. Which reminds me..." She smiled at me. "thank you for inviting her to have lunch with us. I was happy to see everyone I care about on the same table.”
“I did what I had to do. I want her to be closer to us too.” My friend nodded and remained silent. I think I should talk to her a little before asking her about Aria. “So… everything seems to be going well with Trixie then, huh?”
Sunset looked at me. Her cheeks got slightly pink again. “Yeah. These past two weeks have been great. I actually met her mother last weekend.”
“Oh, really?” I smiled at her. “What is she like?”
“Trixie wasn’t planning me to meet her yet. She returned home early.” My friend placed her fist on her mouth and giggled. “I’m sorry. I remembered how uneasy Trixie was when her mother arrived. I probably shouldn’t be laughing, but it was… cute.” Sunset made eye contact with me and realized she didn’t answer my question. Her cheeks became deep red. “A-Anyway, her mother is quite friendly. As soon as Trixie introduced us, she hugged me and started to say how happy she was that her daughter was dating me. I think I made a good first impression.”
I giggled softly. “I would say so.”
My friend cleared her throat. “S-So, I don’t want to bore you by just talking about myself. Let’s talk about something else. Like the sleepover you want to do. Are you nervous?”
“I would be lying if I say I’m not.” I said after a long sigh. “I know Pinkie Pie offered to help me, but I still wonder if I’ll be able to pull it off.”
“Don’t be shy about asking Pinkie what to do. She’s an expert,” Sunset said before placing a hand on my shoulder. “We can all help you.”
My head turned towards my friend. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, we can all bring something. Before the sleepover, we can have a meeting and choose who will bring snacks, who will bring the drinks, and who will bring board games. You don’t have to do everything on your own just because you’re organizing it.”
I frowned slightly. “Isn’t that cheating?”
“Not at all.” Sunset grinned. “We have done it before. Don’t worry, everything will turn out okay. I promise. We’re all friends. Even if something goes wrong, we won’t point it out.”
“Y-You’re right…” I sighed. “I shouldn’t think too much about it. Everything will be fine.”
Sunset nodded before hugging me. “I’m glad to hear that.”
My friend pulled away, but she kept her hands on my arms. She glanced towards a side and I followed her gaze. We have arrived. “I almost kept going,” I said, smiling.
My friend chuckled and looked at me. “Thank you for walking with me.”
“No problem.” I grinned. Sunset walked towards the door and started to look for her key. This is it. If you’re going to say something, now’s the time, Twilight. “Sunset, wait!”
“Huh?” my friend turned her head towards me. She was confused. “What’s up?”
“Before Trixie and I joined you guys for lunch…” I hesitated, but I had to know what happened. “She told me you two met Aria…”
Sunset’s eyes widened and she lost the grip of her keys. They dropped to the ground. My friend and I stared each other for a long time without saying a word until, suddenly, Sunset cleared her throat. “Oh, so she did… huh?” She smiled weirdly before sighing. “I suppose I should have asked her to not say anything…”
“Why?” I blinked in confusion.
My friend looked away and took a deep breath before glancing towards me again. “Aria and her sisters have… a history with us.”
“Oh…?” Now I was the one to widen my eyes. They have met before? Wait… I knew that already, didn’t I? Sonata apologized for trying to dominate the world when we first met, right? Yes, she did that. I better not ask Sunset about this. If Aria wanted me to know, she would have told me already. Whatever happened before, Aria doesn’t seem to want to reminisce it. “Looking back, I should have suspected it…”
“Huh?” Sunset kept her full attention on me.
“When we first met, she mistook me for the other me.” Sunset frowned. "I-It's fine! Aria was rude at first, but later she apologized and hasn't been mean to me since then, I swear! She truly regretted being hostile towards me."
My friend looked away as she processed my words. I waited patiently. On the outside, I remained calm, but on the inside, I was getting more and more anxious each moment that passed. It felt like an eternity passed when Sunset spoke again. “You said that at Crystal Prep only Spike and Dean Cadence were your friends, everyone else mistreated you. Aria mistreated you as well.” Sunset crossed her arms. “What made you want to start over with her?”
So far so good, I think. “W-Well, like I said, she ran to catch up with me and apologize. On top of that, she gifted me the book wqe both wanted. It was the last in stock and we both desired it. It’s then that I realized she wasn’t a bad person after all.”
“Wait, wait, wait…” Sunset raised her hand. “Book? What book?”
I covered my mouth with both of my hands. The words just slipped. “Oh, no… I shouldn’t have said that!”
My friend’s eyes widened in surprise by my sudden reaction. “Twilight…?”
I clasped both of my hands together in front of me to pledge. “Please, please, don’t tell anyone! Especially Aria! I would never forgive myself if our friendship is destroyed because of this!”
“Alright, let’s take a deep breath.” Sunset raised both of her hands. I followed her advice and controlled my breath. When my friend saw that I had calmed down, she spoke again. “I won’t be telling anyone, you have my word, but I’m curious about the book you mentioned. What is it about?”
I analyzed Sunset’s expression. Her curiosity was genuine. There was no way I could say no. “The book is called: Young Sorceress Academia.” I smiled as I continued. “It’s about a teen Japanese girl who has magic abilities and so attends a school in England. The plot has to do with friendship and magic, but mostly friendship. The main character isn’t skilled, so there’s the constant possibility of her grades not being enough and getting expelled. But she’s not alone. She has friends, and a rival, although the rivalry is one-sided. I love the story. I can appreciate it more now that I have real friends.”
“It does sound good.” Sunset smiled, although briefly. She raised an eyebrow and adopted a slight confused face. “And you say Aria wanted this book as much as you did?”
I nodded. “Y-Yes. I know that on the outside she acts tough and is serious, but on the inside, she’s not that bad. Not bad at all, actually. She makes jokes, although I don’t always get them. Of course, she didn't want to open up at first, but eventually we became friends. And she really cares about me. The moment she knew about my bullying and that I had to return to my former school, she offered to go with me, despite us not knowing each other for very long. She shows interest in my hobbies and always listens. She’s also cute, especially when she does that smirk of hers. And her determination when she stood up for me, and her eyes. Not to mention her hair-” I stopped talking when I felt a familiar warmth in my cheeks. I slowly glanced towards Sunset to see her jaw dropped. “I… said too much, didn’t I…?” My heart was pounding hard. It almost seemed like it was about to burst off my chest.
Without changing her expression, Sunset slowly raised a hand, with her index finger pointing at me. “You have a crush on her…”
“Uhh…” I was barely feeling my legs. I don’t know how I was still standing. To make things worse, my cell phone started to ring. I gasped and took my phone, checking who my caller was first. “I-It’s Aria…” My eyes couldn’t be any wider.
Sunset raised both of her hands and gave one step back. “Go ahead, I’ll be in silence.”
“Th-Thank you…” Glancing at my phone again, I accepted the call and placed it on my ear. “Hello?”
“Hey, Cub. How are you?” She sounded like if she was in a good mood.
“I’m doing great.” A smile automatically appeared on my face. I loved that nickname. My eyes shifted to Sunset. Her expression was neutral and hard to read, but I could tell she was paying close attention to what I was saying. “How about you? Have you caught up with me with the reading?”
“Almost. I have been kind of busy today. Adagio asked for help to clean the whole house. All three of us had chores to do. It was boring, but at least we’re done. To celebrate, how about you come tomorrow to watch a movie? I just came from the video store and guess what I rented?”
“Could it be… ‘Wraithbusters II?’” My smile became wider.
“Yup! That’s the one. I can’t believe I’m going to contaminate my VCR with that movie. I might have to throw it away afterwards.”
I chuckled. “Come on, Aria, it can’t be so bad… right?”
“Just watch the movie. I’ll be ready to tell you that I told you so. So, you’re in?” Aria asked.
“I’d be delighted. See you tomorrow.”
“Come after you’re done with that school of yours. See ya.”
“Goodbye, Aria!” I said with a squeal of delight. “I’m so excited! I have been looking forward to this movie since we watched the first one!”
Aria chuckled. “That’s about to change, trust me. Cheers.”
I hung up after Aria did and turned to face my friend with a grin. Sunset crossed her arms as she raised an eyebrow. “Is that how you usually talk with her?”
“More or less. I’m going to her house to watch a movie tomorrow after school.”
“Her house, huh?” My friend raised an eyebrow.
I nodded. “I’ve been there before. It’s a nice home. She actually owns a functional VCR. The quality of the movies is amazing! For its time, I mean.”
“And you’re going to watch Wraithbusters II?” Sunset smirked. “You know, there’s lots of good movies out there. Save your eyes from that awful mistake.”
“First Aria now you.” I shook my head then smiled at my friend. “Even if it’s as bad as you say, I still want to watch it. To judge it by myself.”
Sunset closed her eyes and raised both of her hands, as in defeat. “Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you.” She said before placing a hand on her hip and looking at me. “And if you're really going to watch 'Wraithbusters II'? You'll need to watch a good movie next to get over that one. Like 'Back to Tomorrow’. It’s actually kind of funny. When the second movie was made, it had the future setting of 2015. But now, the whole trilogy takes place in the past. Those movies defined the 80’s.”
“Now I must watch them! I’ll tell Aria. Maybe she has them already. Thank you, Sunset!”
“You’re welcome Twilight.” Sunset turned her attention to the door of the Apartment complex she lives in. “I’ll look for a box or a basket to take our project to your home. If you’re still at Aria’s place, I’ll ask your parents’ permission to take it to your room. I don’t want you to change your plans.”
“Thank you, Sunset.”
My friend knelt to take her keys from the floor. “Have fun tomorrow, Twi. And… good luck with your crush. If Aria is truly a better person now, then I have no objections.”
My cheeks became crimson red. “U-Umm…”
Sunset giggled. “Trust me, I know the feeling. See you later, Twilight.”
“G-Goodbye, Sunset…” I watched as my friend opened the door and waved at me before walking into the building. I rested my back against the wall and released a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Here we go again. I’ll be alone with Aria one more time. I can barely control my emotions. Hopefully, I won’t make a fool of myself. After resting for a few more moments, I began my way towards my home.
My friends aren’t in good terms with Aria and her sisters, huh? I don’t think this is like the problem they had with Trixie. Having them meet up won’t do. I must be smart and keep Aria separated from the rest of my friends, for now at least. My crush isn’t a people person, anyway.
Minutes after I left Sunset’s home, my phone started to ring again. This time, I didn’t panic as I picked it up. Seeing who the caller was made me smile wide. “Shining Armor! I’m so happy to hear from you again.”
“Twily! I’m sorry for not being able to call you sooner. You wouldn’t believe how crazy things has been in the force these last weeks. Just now I was able to make time for you.”
“You don’t need to apologize, Shining. I understand. I can’t force you to be a bad police officer and call me in the middle of a stake out, can I?”
My brother chuckled. “My partner wouldn’t be happy if I gave away our position. Listen, Twilight, I have good news. I actually just spoke with mom and dad.”
“Aaaand…?” I liked where this was going.
“And, I’m free this weekend! Mom and dad want to visit our grandparents and I’ll be able to go.”
I gasped. “A whole weekend as a family?! Yay! It will be so exciting!”
My brother laughed softly. “I’m excited too. I wish we could take Spike, though. I wanted to see that little guy again.”
“Yes, I know… if only grandpa wasn’t allergic to dogs, we could take him with us…” It always saddened me that I could never bring Spike with me. My grandparents have a big yard and he would love it.
“Will Cadence be able to look after him?” My brother asked.
“I don’t want to bother her now that I have more friends, so I can ask one of them.”
“Did I hear it right? Twilight, have you finally made some friends?”
“Yes, I did.” I grinned. There’s so much to tell my big brother! “Shining Armor, I’m dying to tell you all about them, but I would rather do it in person. Can you be patient?”
“I’ll try, but I can’t make any promise.” When my brother stopped speaking, I heard a female voice on the background.
“Shining Armor, the captain has finished reading our report. We have to go.”
“Yes, Chrysalis. I’m on my way.” My brother replied to the officer who talked to him before turning to the phone again. “That was my partner. Sorry, Twily, but I have to go. I’ll see you next weekend!”
“Goodbye, big brother, and good luck!”
“Thanks. You too.“ My brother hung up and I put away my phone. Poor Shining Armor. Good thing he managed to get the weekend off. He really needs to relax. I have to make him a gift. Oh, I know! I can take a picture with Spike! I’m sure he’ll love it!
I rushed my way back home. In addition to the photo I want to take with Spike, I also want to go to the store. I want to buy snacks to watch the movie tomorrow.