//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: That's the Way the Cookie Crumbles // by grannysmith //------------------------------// I yawned and refrained from stretching out my arms. I had long since learned that my arm would feel as if its being pried off. So I didn't. I eased myself into my wheelchair and rolled myself down the stairs. I was so groggy I almost forgot it was stairs. I went to Twilights room and asked for some assistance. Twilight groaned and stumbled to the stairs. I felt myself lift off the ground. But she was too tired. She lowered me down next to the stairs. I was falling to the ground! I almost died of fright, gathering my legs into my chair. I landed softly, and quickly wheeled myself to the door, leaving Twilight to her sleep. I decided to visit Sugarcube corner. I checked my watch and realized why the streets were empty. It was 6:30 in the morning. I decided to catch up on some extra Zzzzz's while waiting for the story to open when Pinkie whispered "Hi!" I turned and saw her behind me. "Pinkie, you can talk normally around me now." I said, hoping she wouldn't take my words to literally. "Oh, really? Phew! I was getting tired of whispering, but if it would help you, I would do anything! Anyways, if you can hear now, I need to have another party! The other one wasn't as great as my usual parties. It needs to be spectacular! I'll get Gummy to sort out the guest list and-" "Pinkie!" I exclaimed. "I still can't handle TOO much. You can't yell. Just speak normally. " "Oh. Ok. Would you like a cupcake? The special today is cider and zap apple, based off of Applejacks special annual events." I nodded, and she ran in and back out carrying a tray of cupcakes. I grabbed two and stashed them in my cup holders. "Could I also get a Hot Strawcolate?" I asked. She hurried in and came back with a steaming take our cup. I thanked her and wheeled over to a nice spot under a tree with a lakeside view. I pulled out the second newest Daring Do book and enjoyed a wonderful, peaceful morning to myself. When it was 9:00 and most everyone was waking up (and more importantly, I was done my food and the book.), I rolled back to Sugarcube corner and paid for my breakfast. "Oh, Rainbow? I visited your house yesterday to tell your parents about how you crashed, and no one was there. Come to think of it, I've never met Fluttershy's parents either. Rainbow?" She called out to me as I wheeled away to Fluttershy's cottage. We needed to talk. I knocked, then rehearsed what I was going to say, but I kept getting distracted by the millions of animals dancing around my feet. "Shoo. No, no, not the book. No, go away. No, LEAVE!" I screamed, almost pulling out tufts of my hair. The animals scattered loud and obnoxious noises when Fluttershy opened the door. "WE need to talk about our parents." I said. She whimpered as I pushed my way into the house. "Would you like a cup of tea?" she stuttered nervously. I nodded, and she started the kettle. "So, earlier today, Pinkie asked me about my parents. I just left. But I feel like we need to come up with a credible lie. Not, we're living on our own. We can't even tell them we're sisters. We need to think of something. After all, they have reasons for us not being able to meet there parents. We need something just as good." I proposed. She almost spilled the tea she was pouring because of shaky hooves. She brought two cups of tea with sugar cubes and cream. "Maybe we could just tell them the truth? I mean, they deserve to know. We know about Pinkie's parents..." She broke off, wiping away a tear, "We know about all of their biggest secrets. We can trust them, right?" she said timidly. "Are you kidding me? This needs to stay between us. If it gets out, who knows what'll happen? Listen, we've had a pretty good life so far. If our parentage is revealed, none of what we've done or accomplished will matter. We'll be outcasts." I said. Fluttershy sipped her tea. "I just don't know. Plus, you're hiding much more than you let on. I can tell. Of all people, tell me. You know, if that's ok with you." she squeaked. I bit my lip and looked down. "I'd rather not. But think on that idea. Once you have what you think is a winner, come over to Twilight's and we'll talk." I said. She nodded and I showed my self off. Deep in thought, I wheeled myself over to Sweet Apple Acres. "Well Rainbow, Ah know you love our cider, but Ah never knew you'd come this early for a cup. It's not gonna happen for nother week now, isn't that right Big Mac?" she said. "Eeyup. But considering you never get any, we'll save a few mugs for ya." he slowly said in his deep voice. "Don't worry. I promise you I'll be first in line." Rainbow said. "Anyways, we have a special treat this year. Ah'll give you a hint. We've recruited Pinkie." Applejack whispered secretively. "Oh! I remember now! You're gonna be selling Zap apple jam too aren't you? The dates align this year. Awesome! And I bet she's making some muffins too, isn't she?" I said excitedly. "Eeyup. I reckon this year we're gonna have twice the line. If you really think you can get here first, you try." Big Mac pieced together the longest sentence we've ever heard him utter. "You know what? Why don't you save me some?" I said. Applejack looked around before hoisting open her saddlebag with her teeth and handing me a large sack. "This'll be for in case you miss out." Applejack whispered. "Eeyup." Big Mac said. I quickly hid it in my storage compartment and rolled away. I met Twilight at the door. She was about to leave on her errands. "Hey, Twilight, why don't you let me run the errands?" I asked. I needed to be out and about. She handed me a pouchful of bits which I put in my cup holder and I wheeled away. I rolled up to the bookstore and came out with a stack of books. I peered around the stack at the list and bought some Hot Strawcolate powder, a boxful of sandwiches, and a chest of gems. I came back and dumped everything on the ground. I quickly grabbed the newest Daring Do book from the stack and started reading. My, was this a productive day! Like I said, I've got a pretty sweet deal in this life.