Chapter 4: Rainbow's First Christmas
(Rainbow Dash's Point of View)
That was a pretty good trip I had. Thanksgiving was a pretty good family holiday. I can't believe they make a big deal out of everything they're grateful for. But, apparently, when I first started out here, my stomach felt weak. Sharon said it was due to a lack of protein. The tofu I was eating wasn't really cutting it. So... I kinda had to give meat a try. If I get back to Equestria, I'm gonna leave that part out when I tell Fluttershy. She wouldn't take it well.
Anyway, when we got back to Los Angeles, Sharon said that there was another holiday coming up. A holiday called Christmas. I didn't know what it was, but when it was explained to me by Rick, it sounded a lot like Hearth's Warming. I explained how Hearth's Warming is. They understood how we do things in Equestria.
Also, when we got back, apparently, Principal Rogers has been stealing money from other schools for years. All of the schools he went to went bankrupt. And when they did, he just left, leaving the school he was running go under demolition. Basically, we were rewarded with a huge amount of money. I Also, Rick and I told Sharon that he and I have fallen in love with each other. Sharon was a little surprised, but she thought if Rick was happy, she would accept it and be happy for him.
"I'm glad that you've found someone, Rick," said Sharon. "She might not be from our world, but I'm glad you have fallen in love with someone."
"But, there is the thing if she goes back to where she belongs," Rick said. "I wish she didn't have to go."
"I know," said Sharon. "But, until then, just be happy. You two make such a cute couple."
That comment made both me and Rick blush. I didn't have family here, and Rick really wants me to be with him. I feel the same way.
Things have been going well when I got here. The school got a new, and better, principal. And she has brought back the arts and other activities back at that high school. She allowed us to choose our own classes. Rick was happy to be taking some art classes again. He and I also got into something called drama class. It was basically acting, since I did some acting for the Heath's Warming Pageant back in Equestria. When the next semester starts, I'm gonna be a bit happier.
The semester doesn't end until the Friday before the week of Christmas, so I had to be patient. And, I wanted to get Rick something for Christmas. Something really special, so he knows how much I care for him. So, I decided to ask Sharon what to get Rick.
"Hey, Sharon. You mind if I ask you something?" I asked her.
"Go ahead, Rainbow," Sharon replied.
"I was hoping to get Rick something special for Christmas," I said. "Do you think you can help me with that?"
Sharon turned towards me in surprise and said, "Really? Wow. I didn't expect this. How about this weekend, we head over to the shopping district and get him something special."
"I would like that," I said. "But, I don't want Rick to find out what I'm going to get him until Christmas."
"Don't worry, Rainbow," Sharon said, putting her right hand on my left shoulder. "We won't let Rick find out about what we're doing. He'll be unaware."
I nodded in response. This was going to be an interesting holiday for me. And more importantly, for Rick.
That weekend, I had no work to get to. Sharon and I went to a place called Hobby Lobby to get a bunch of art supplies for Rick. Sharon and I saw an adjustable drawing table. Sharon and I went halves on it. We then got a bunch of art supplies to go with it. We decided to take the artist desk back to the house, and hide it under my bed. It was lunch time, so we decided to pick up Rick and go out for lunch. I'm surprised that he got called in for extra hours at Big 5. I wonder why.
(Rick's Point of View)
I had to make up an excuse to get out of the house. I want to get something special for Rainbow Dash for her first Christmas. I told Mom and Dash that I was scheduled for extra hours on Saturday. But, I did go to Big 5 to talk to Joe. He knows a guy who makes custom made jewelry. His brother Moe. It was kinda funny when he said that. He took me from Big 5 to the jewelry store so I can tell Moe what to make.
I designed a necklace with three pieces that had Rainbow Dash's Cutie Mark, and two pieces that are slightly bigger, and are red lightning bolts. She's going to love it. I also want to make this perfect for Rainbow Dash. Plus, this year, we're hosting Christmas. So, I better make this fast.
"Alright there, Rick," said Moe. "It's all finished. Your girlfriend is going to love it."
"Thank you, Moe," I said. "And the matching earrings?"
"Of course," said Moe. He then grabbed a box with earrings that also match Rainbow Dash's Cutie Marks. He then placed the necklace in the same box, and he handed it to me. "Your girlfriend is going to love it."
"I know she will," I said. "So, how much do I owe you?"
"Usually, $500," said Moe. "But, since you're a friend of my brother, I'll charge you half. $250."
"Deal," I said, paying him. After we left, Joe and I went back to Big 5. Mom called me and was going to pick me up for lunch at Mel's Drive-In in Hollywood. Joe took me, and I got on my uniform, and Joe sprayed some water on me, to make me look like I was working hard. I put Rainbow's gift in the backpack I had, and when I saw my mom pull up in front of the store, I headed out. Hopefully, I can give it to her on Christmas.
(Rainbow Dash's Point of View)
It's December 24th, as Rick and Sharon call it, Christmas Eve. Rick's family have arrived here, and are staying in a hotel near this house. They came in for Christmas Eve Dinner, and we all had some good times. Rick's family was basically him, his mom, his grandparents, his uncle Henry, his aunt Erica, and his cousin Enos.
We all sat in the dining room at a long table that fits his whole family. Especially, one seat that might have been for Rick's father, but since he died, I sat in place. We had dinner, we played some games, and had a good time. Apparently, each part of Rick's family brought a huge sack to bring their presents back with them to their homes.
The next day, we had a nice breakfast, and the family opened up their presents. I was a little upset. I miss my family and my friends back home. But then, I felt a tapping on my shoulder. I saw Rick standing there.
"What's up, Rick?" I asked.
"Everyone deserves a gift during the holidays," Rick said. He then pulled a small box, and handed it to me. I took it and I was surprised on what was inside. It was a necklace and a pair of earrings. I normally don't like these sort of things, but when I saw that the emblems on the necklace and earrings resemble my Cutie Mark and my Element of Harmony, I was astonished. This made me really happy. I hugged Rick tightly.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I said really quickly when hugging him.
"You're welcome," Rick said to me.
Then I just realized something. I said, "Oh, I just remembered. Wait right here."
Then I headed to the room where I was staying. Sharon followed me. We pulled out the art desk from under my bed, along with the art supplies, and brought it out to the living room. Rick was astonished at what Sharon and I brought out.
"You got me an artist's desk?" Rick asked.
"Yep," I said. "Since you like art, I thought you deserved an artist's table."
"Thank you, Rainbow," Rick said, giving gratitude. When Rick used my real name, the rest of his family thought it was weird. But then they just assumed it was a nickname because of my mane. Er, hair. Still need to work on my lexicon when I'm here. We then went out to see a movie. I wonder why some humans here would want to work on a family holiday. It's supposed to be a holiday where everyone should be with their families. But, the movie we went to wasn't that bad. I'm guessing that Rick is a fan of adventure movies and stories.
I don't know if there are many adventures in this world, but as long as I'm with Rick, it'll be a lot better.