“Rarity? Are you alright?” Rarity startled out of her zoned-out state; making just the softest of gasps. Her left hand clenched at the table before she regained her senses.
Fluttershy timidly removed her hand from the shoulder. “Sorry, I was worried you weren’t well.” The deli was quiet at that hour, providing them with plenty of space to converse freely, and very few ways to break inevitable moments of silence. Both were content to eat with little conversation, though Rarity had barely touched her salad since purchasing it. It caught Fluttershy’s concern. “Are things okay, back home? You haven’t really talked about living with Dash much since she first moved in.”
An almost dreamy sigh escaped Rarity’s pale lips. Rainbow Dash. The initial offer to move in so they could share bills had ended on a very embarrassing note. Actually making it work was arguably worse. There was only one bedroom, and she outright refused to consider making Rainbow Dash sleep downstairs on a lounge. Having to share her bed wasn’t a problem in itself. It was the simple fact that she was lying mere centimetres from a girl she had a very strange attraction to, every single night. The bed was lined in silk, and Rainbow Dash often wore a simple tank top and underwear when sleeping. Everything pointed towards one terribly awkward night that could only end badly for both of them. If she didn’t watch herself.
“Everything is fine. She hasn’t taken her shirt off in front of me in the two months since, and there haven’t been any ‘unannounced’ parties. I’d say that I’ve been pretty lucky as far as roommates go.”
Fluttershy bit down on a piece of lettuce. The crunch seemed louder than usual.
Rarity shuddered. “Fluttershy, you know that I trust in your discretion fully. I can assure you that there is no relationship between myself and Rainbow Dash. And before you ask, that look of ‘Is my friend doing something she’s hiding from me?’ is plastered all over your face. It’s not a nice look dear.”
A lettuce leaf dropped back into the container. Fluttershy sat back against the seat in surprise at her statement. “Oh, I didn’t mean to imply anything. Really.”
Rarity watched as her friend sank further down into the seat.
“Please, don’t be mad.” Rarity sighed, firmly taking hold of Fluttershy’s hand to pull her back up.
“Fluttershy, I’m not mad. I shouldn’t have been so blunt with my point. What matters is making sure you’re not constantly worrying about everything. Alright?” It took a while for Fluttershy to resume eating. Rarity continued to stare down at her own Caesar salad. It didn’t hold quite the same appeal as it had before. “I feel like our lunches together are doomed to interruption; sorry, Fluttershy.” With one hand, she placed the lid on her salad. The other hand reached for her phone, saved from being returned to the store by the grace of bill sharing. “I’ll be by the animal shelter tomorrow. And you will come to the party preparations next week, won’t you? Pinkie Pie is looking forward to it already, nevermind the party itself.”
Fluttershy nodded, picking up her backpack and sliding it on. “I would never miss your eighteenth birthday party. Will there be... hard cider?”
Rarity shook her head.
“I know it’s a silly question, but...” She breathed out as Rarity took hold of her hand gently.
“No hard drinks of any kind, I promise. I’m not afraid to admit that I expect a certain level of decency from party guests. Pinkie Pie agrees with me on the matter anyway, so you need not worry.” Rarity returned her attention to the phone. Among the text messages waiting for her, a note from Rainbow Dash stood out. She was home, apparently waiting to discuss something with her. “Anyway, it seems that my presence is desired back home. Again, I apologize for breaking this lunch date off.”
“It’s alright, Rarity. We got to talk at least, and that’s the important thing.” Rarity hugged Fluttershy gently. It was a great comfort to have someone she could confide in so easily. As they released each other, she held onto the soft hand a little longer. “Oh, could you tell Dash that I can make it to the baseball game on Friday. I got the day off from work, and I haven’t gotten a chance to tell her in person.” Rarity released her hands, bending down to pick up her handbag.
“I will. Tomorrow at the animal shelter, Friday at Canterlot Baseball Stadium, and Monday at school for the party preparations. What a busy week.” Rarity departed with one last smile at Fluttershy, who was headed in the opposite direction. “Do take care, Dear!” She turned back to make the short walk back to the boutique. A few cars passed by, as well as a motorbike. The latter in particular encouraged her further away from the roadside through painful noise.
The bell rang as she entered her shop. “Just me. No need to hurry downstairs to try pretending you actually know something about clothes.” She set her handbag down beside the main lounge, slipping onto the soft surface once her shoes were removed from her feet. Her appropriately themed laptop was retrieved from a table in front of her. There wasn’t any sound from upstairs to suggest Rainbow Dash was heading down. “Probably having one of her usual naps. How typical.” Before she could begin checking up on emails, something passed between her and the main light of the room. “Rainbow Dash, I hope you realize I meant no offence with that silly remark about your naps, right?”
Rainbow Dash looked down at her for a long moment. “Rarity, mind standing up?” Rarity looked up at her as she set the laptop to the side, confused. Loose blue shirt, dark training shorts, nearly knee length white socks. A little different from her usual choice of attire. “Now, when you’re done checking me out, repeat after me.”
That made Rarity wrinkle her nose.
Before she could protest, Dash continued. “I, Rarity, do not deserve anything less than half of everything we have. I pay for half of everything, and I will not cut back on what I use because I feel guilty. And Rainbow Dash is awesome.”
The speech was met with a long eye roll. “Don’t you think you’re getting a little egotistical there?”
Rainbow Dash poked her in the rib.
“Ow. Fine...” She poked her back before starting. “I, Rarity, do not deserve anything less than half of what we apparently have together because of some agreement I don’t remember making. I pay for half of everything, and I will not cut back on what I use because Rainbow Dash poked me in the ribs. And while I love her with all my heart, she can be one of the most annoying roommates I have ever met.”
Rarity sat back down. Dash attempted to sit on her, without a great deal of success. Instead, she sat on the other side of the lounge and continued. “Seriously, though, I really don’t want to be worrying about you with the baseball game coming up. But if it comes to it, you’re my friend, and I’d much rather spend the whole day trying to cheer you up than go to the game.”
Rarity’s cheeks flushed. With the way Dash was sitting, it was impossible to hide. No giggles came. Not even a single teasing remark with another jab to sound it off followed. “Come on, Rare, I am serious. Well, sort of. You’ve got me around now, and I’m awesome. Anybody else would be excited to have me for a roommate.”
It stuck deep into Rarity’s conscious thoughts. Things could have been far worse, and she was very lucky to have Rainbow Dash for a roommate. Their other friends all had their own places and occupations to take care of on a daily basis. But athletes had a very different schedule.
“You’re right; I haven’t truly come to appreciate just how lucky I am to have you. Around, that is.” For once, she had no hesitation in wrapping her arms around Rainbow Dash to hug her tightly. The hug itself brought a warm feeling that she sorely missed. The sort of comfort she had often felt before the constant paranoia of getting too close to Dash. One moment of peace in an ever-turbulent life.
*
Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy were leaning right over the edge of the guest box to congratulate the Wondercolts as they walked past, victory on their shoulders. Rarity was waiting outside the team area entryway, visibly nervous from the trembling in her knees, and the shaky hands she kept tightly pressed against her collarbones. Tension was high. One by one, the Wondercolts passed. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, High Winds, Soarin’, Lightning Dust, Rapidfire, Surprise, Misty Fly, and...
“Rainbow Dash.” She watched silently as Dash was released from a trio of embraces. The dry feeling forming in her throat began to spread to her mouth. Despite self-reassurance about remaining calm, Rarity could feel her whole composure was deteriorating.
The moment arrived. Dash had stopped just in front of her, blinking once as their eyes met. A few traces of sweat were clenched tightly in Rarity’s hands. “I just wanted to... congratulate you.” Her lips trembled. So much emotion was building up. A simple congratulations for winning the game wasn’t nearly enough to repay Rainbow Dash for saving her livelihood. “And, uh...” The fierce throbbing in her chest grew wild. Out of the blue, she lunged forward,, grabbing hold of Rainbow Dash’s uniform to pull her in for an abrupt kiss.
Immediately after making contact, Rarity stumbled back into the wall, her sweaty hands slipping off Dash’s equally sweaty jersey. Apologies struggled to make it past her mouth. In that moment, she was actually hoping Rainbow Dash would slap her for being so forward, if only for a way of regaining her senses.
“Well, that’s one way of congratulating a girl. Not bad.” Spitfire nudged Dash’s shoulder lightly.
“Come on, Spits, you know as well as the others there’s nothing between us. I did her a few little favours, nothing special.”
Rarity blushed quite heavily. It wasn’t like Dash to play down things at all, quite the opposite in fact. Modesty wasn’t a word anyone would use to describe her in any context.
“Anyway, I promised her a tour of the place. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Dash was met with a smirk from Spitfire, who departed for the locker room afterwards. “Rare, you’re really going to struggle in life if you get knocked flat over one kiss that you give. Chill out already. Besides, I do need to change.”
For the next minute, Rarity followed Rainbow Dash all the way to the locker room without much conscious thought. It wasn’t until they were greeted by a chorus of ‘oohs’ that she finally noticed Dash’s arm around her waist. “One: she’s mine. And two: she’s mine platonically. Oh, and yes I do know big words.”
“So, you’re just carrying her through the day then?”
Spitfire snickered while taking off her jersey.
Lightning Dust leaned against her locker. “You’re living together, you eat together, and I’m going to take a guess that you technically sleep together. Are you sure there isn’t something else going on?”
Rainbow Dash squeezed Rarity’s waist gently. “You know me; I’m pretty easy going with that sort of stuff. Besides, if Rarity actually had a crush on me, I know for a fact that she’d be up front about it. She doesn’t keep secrets like that.”
Rarity’s stomach turned at that moment. It had to be some sort of trick to get her to admit what had been weighing on her mind. So lost in the overwhelming guilt, she didn’t even notice as Dash nudged her again, this time out of concern. “Hey, Rare. You okay? No offence, but you’ve been a bit spaced out.” She paused to think. “Did my lips taste funny? Or do I just suck at getting the right amount of smoochy stuff?”
Rarity finally regained control of her body. All of the female Wondercolts were staring at her. Dash was standing in front of her. Words began to stumble out. “I’m... fine.” Her eyes wandered around the room. “Sorry, the steam is a bit much for me. I think I’ll go outside for some fresh air.”
Every clap of her heels echoed in the corridor. The ambience hit her as she exited the building. It was hardly the refreshing breath of air she had been hoping for.
A few minutes passed, another set of footsteps their way to the opening. Rarity watched Rainbow Dash pause at the doorway, bite her lip, and finally clench her right hand before exiting. At last, she circled around. “What happened back there? All you had to say was that you didn’t want to come in, and that would have been fine. I’m not going to start crying because you won’t go into a locker room.” She chewed her lip for a moment as she reconsidered her words. “I just want to know you’re alright. I know turning eighteen is intimidating, it was for me at least, though don’t tell anyone I said that.”
Rarity kept her gaze focused on the ground. The small lumps in the wall behind her dug into her hands as she pressed them firmly into the hard surface. “I...” She looked up at Dash again. “I never told you... just how much it means to have someone who really cares that much. After that whole incident years back...” The words began to stumble in her throat, catching with each breath. “I didn’t think I’d ever get over Sunset, especially after what she did.”
There was another long period of silence. Rainbow Dash leaned back against the wall beside Rarity. “I tried calling her before the game, Fluttershy too. She didn’t call back, so we decided to give her time. But if you like, I’ll drive you to her place.”
Rarity inhaled, another shudder rolling through her body. She had been in a close relationship with Sunset Shimmer before the Spring Fair, and it had hurt deeply for some time. And now, she was using Sunset to avoid questions she didn’t want to answer. “Tomorrow. Right now, you’ve got the Canterlot Times to meet.”
*
It was raining. Rarity didn’t have the nerve to face Sunset the following day. In fact, she hadn’t gone by the day after either. Now it was Monday, the day of the party preparations.
Rainbow Dash had parked them outside Sunset’s place twenty minutes earlier. Neither of them spoke for most of that time. Eventually, she decided to give the necessary prompt. “I’ll be right here. Besides, if we take too long, people might get ideas.”
Rarity took hold of Dash’s hand, gripping it tightly for a moment to reassure herself. “Alright. I think I’m ready.” With a breath of determination, she pushed the door open. Immediately, rain began to seep into her hair.
“Good luck.”
The door closed with a soft thud. So much rain had fallen earlier that the lawn was in danger of drowning. Worse, the likelihood of getting her shoes muddy was much higher than she would have liked. The place itself wasn’t exactly welcoming; curtains were drawn, paint was starting to peel, dirt had begun to collect in the corners. Even the porch light flickered as she stepped up to the faded door. After a quick whisper to herself, she pressed the doorbell
Tedious minutes of silence passed before the door opened. The footsteps had ceased after three. Sunset had a loose magenta top and dark jeans on. Her hair looked unwashed, heavily tangled, and dull.
Rarity bit her lip. “I just wanted to talk. And you don’t have to let me in, what I have to say is brief.” Sunset leaned against the doorway, contempt. “I realize it’s been nearly six months since… that whole incident with Twilight Sparkle, and I am sorry that I haven’t been here to help you recover. But that’s only because of personal problems I’ve had to overcome.”
The silence she received in return put her on edge.
“What happened years ago wasn’t nice, but I’ve come to accept that it shouldn’t stop us from moving on.” Sunset’s half-painted fingernails tapped against the doorframe. “Sunset, can we at least go back to being friends? Now that things have finally turned around for me, I want to know that things will get better for you as well.”
Again, she was met with a long silence.
Sunset flicked her hair back, glaring at Rarity once her face was clear. “So, that’s it? Don’t talk to me for months, don’t invite me to the Wondercolts game, don’t even call to see how I’m doing, and then walk up here to say ‘Hey, my life is much better now, can I make yours better too?’” Her lips pressed firmly together.
“Yes, I’ve been self-centred. Can you blame me when I was in danger of losing everything though?”
Sunset stood up again, stepping out from the warmth of her home.
“You hurt me pretty bad at the Spring Fair, and look where that got both of us. I was left miserable, and you had no one to tell you when enough was enough.”
“Oh, so now I’m the one who needs your charity, because you’re all guilty about sucking up the money the Wondercolts gave you, is that it?” Sunset yanked the door shut. “But I forget, you’re the Element of Generosity. Or have you forgotten that I don’t even belong here, that I don’t give a crap about your stupid problems!”
Rarity didn’t recall ever letting anger get the best of her before in her life. But it was definitely anger that caused her to grab Sunset’s arms and shove her back against the door. “Like it or not, we were girlfriends once. And that may not mean much to a stuck up pony-princess-wannabe in a human body, but it really means a lot to me!” The fierceness of the moment faded, leaving determination behind. “I want to move on, but I can’t until I am sure you will be absolutely fine.”
A thunder crack broke the tension of the moment. Sunset finally breathed out. “You know what... fine. I’m not ready to turn around and apologize for what happened, but if you’re serious about making things right… Then what do I have left to lose?”
The sigh of relief from Rarity “Tomorrow night is my eighteenth. I’ll pick you up at eight. Otherwise, call me and I’ll work something out.” Her lip tightened. “I’ll admit, I did have a small hope that you would come, even before today.”
Sunset looked down before embracing her warmly, pressing tighter than Rarity would have preferred. “I’ll come.”
Rarity was first to release the hold, staring at the door while she waited for Sunset. As her arms moved back, she felt something odd on Sunset’s wrists. A quick glimpse allowed her to see scars, roughly hatched across the skin.
“I forgot what it was like, letting go of petty differences years back. Thanks for helping me remember.”
Rarity forced herself to smile. The scars had her worried, but trying to talk about them could easily cause Sunset to return to her apathetic mood earlier. It was harder still to remain quiet as her lips were suddenly in contact with Sunset’s mouth. A peck.
“Take care of yourself.”
The walk back to the car left Rarity visibly shaking, and not just because of the rain pouring down her back. It didn’t help one bit to hear Rainbow Dash joking about the kiss as soon as the door opened.
“Two for two ain’t bad. Though you might wanna cut back on exploring other girls’ mouths; people might get ideas.”
Rarity didn’t have the determination to nudge Dash. At the forefront of her mind, the idea that Sunset Shimmer had gotten the wrong impression just then was eating away at her. And yet, she didn’t have the determination to go back and clarify things either.
“So, are you hooking up with her again?”
Rarity stared out the window as the car hummed into life again.
“Come on, you’re a cute couple. And besides, it doesn’t mean we have to stop being roommates, right? I like what we’ve got going, and it’ll give you more time with her.”
The guilt pang started up in her stomach again, a low pain that liked to make her insides scrunch up. Resolving her differences with Sunset had helped alleviate them, until then.
Her eyes peeled away from the window to look at Dash. “No. But maybe... she thought differently.” They reached a set of traffic lights. The rainfall had picked up again, obscuring her view out the window. “I really don’t think I could rekindle my relationship with her. We’ve both changed too much. Now I’m worried that she isn’t thinking the same way.” The car lurched forward with enough suddenness to make her yelp.
Rainbow Dash didn’t say much. Her concentration was on the road, obvious by the way she barely blinked, and gripped the wheel tightly at every turn. She relaxed at the tunnel. “If you’re really that worried, you should tell her in person tomorrow. It’s not gonna end well if you’re not honest with her.”
A cough came from Rarity’s direction as she squirmed in her seat. Yet again, it felt like everything was guilting her into coming out with the truth, and not with Sunset either.
Rain was flowing down either side of the car park awning above their heads. “Come on, Rare, we’ve got a lot of stuff to do. And from the looks of it, Pinkie and the Cakes are already here.” The pink catering van was backed up to the gym doors. Dash looked back at her after receiving no reply “On the other hand, if you’d like to nap, I’ll just let them know, okay?”
Rarity moved her hand to let Rainbow Dash do just that. With a tap on the wet roof, she headed on to the open doors. “Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll tell her, and I’ll tell you. I promise.” Her eyes closed, picturing the scene. Sunset was a tough girl, despite her earlier moment of softness. She would understand, and Rainbow Dash had said herself that having romantic feelings were nothing to be ashamed of.
*
The novelty of the effects strobing lights had on Rainbow Dash’s hair was lost in the flurry of movement that filled the main floor. On the right side, Applejack was doing her best to coax Fluttershy into joining in with the dance.
“Come on, Flutters, you danced in the cafeteria with us, and then at the Fall Formal. Besides, it’s Rarity’s birthday.” Fluttershy clutched the chair.
Rarity knelt down to take her turn at persuasion. “Fluttershy dear, you’ve been sitting here for the past half hour, looking quite sad. I want you to enjoy yourself.” She looked up as Rainbow Dash joined them.
“Pinkie Pie has balloon animals over by the stage. And I’m pretty sure she knows how to make one into a bunny…” Fluttershy’s face lit up right before she hurried over to Pinkie Pie. Applejack soon rejoined the dance.
“Thank you, Dash.” Rarity folded her arms, grateful she now had a brief moment with Dash to herself. “I’m still worried about Sunset. It’s been over an hour since we stopped by, and I still haven’t seen her here.”
She looked around the hall, standing right up on her toes to little avail. “For that matter, Miss Cheerilee and the girls haven’t turned up either.”
A phone message beep interrupted Dash before she could speak. It was quickly removed from her back pocket, the dim light of the screen casting a glow on her face. “Sunset. She’s on her way from the psychiatrist. Seems like your little chat made her feel a lot better about life. Nice work.”
Rarity winced as Dash nudged her in the side again. Her already fluttering stomach felt worse as she continued to ponder how exactly to explain herself.
“I’m gonna grab some punch before Pinkie downs the whole thing herself. Want one?” She nodded, grasping her left elbow. Dash didn’t seem to notice the trembling in her arms before moving over to the drinks table.
“It’s simple, Rarity. Just tell her that you were hesitant about admitting you had a crush, because of Sunset, and now that’s resolved, you’re free to pursue a relationship. No need to bring up the silly business about being too young.” There were two cups of punch poured out when she arrived at the table. “Sunset will understand. I made it clear that we had to move on, not get back together.” Her eyes followed the return. “Whatever happens, happens.”
She took the cup that Rainbow Dash offered, taking a long sip. In her usual way, Dash knocked back the whole drink in one go. “Rainbow, darling...” Rarity took another sip. It did little to quell her unsettled stomach. “I’m afraid to say that I haven’t been quite as honest with you as I should have been.” The ambience of the party began to blur. Her stomach churned on itself, causing a small cough to emerge. “I was scared of admitting this before, partly because of Sunset...” She bit down on her lip. “And partly because I was worried about how you would react.”
Dash folded her arms. “Rarity, you have got to be the only person I know who takes a full minute to just get around to admitting she has a crush. And no offence, but you really had me fooled this whole time. Is liking me really that bad to you?”
Everything slowed down around them. At last, Rarity closed the distance with a close hug. “I didn’t want to take advantage of just how much you’ve done to turn my life back around. I wanted to be sure it wasn’t just some passing fascination.” She leaned into Dash’s chest, staring at her pink eyes. “There isn’t really any way I can say just how happy I am to have you in my life.” With just a moment of hesitation, she leaned in closer. “It’s a bit early to propose, so… Girlfriends?”
For a moment, Dash pondered the question. “Hmm, I dunno...” The entire room inhaled. Panic crossed Rarity’s face. “Sure, why not.” She proceeded to enact the one thing Rarity could have hoped for: being literally swept off her feet for a passionate kiss. In stark contrast to their previous encounter, there was no build-up of nervousness, no regrets, and especially no embarrassment. Pure bliss, just like she had always wanted her first true kiss to be like.
Rarity found herself being pulled back up unexpectedly. The first thing she noticed was the undeniable look of worry on Rainbow Dash’s face, one shared by many of the onlookers. “What’s wrong?” Her eyes trailed around the room until she had turned a half circle. At that moment, her heart jumped. Sunset had a bouquet of roses clutched tightly in her right hand. “Sunset, I thought I made it clear...” She expected to have the flowers thrown in her face, or a violent outburst.
Sunset started crying, the very emotional, tear-flowing type of crying. The bouquet fell from her hand to hit the floor with a crunch of plastic. The pounding in Rarity’s chest grew fierce as panic overwhelmed her whole body. She took a step forward. “Before you—” A very loud thunderbolt cracked overhead, blowing out most of the hall lights, and leaving the rest in a rapidly blinking state. In the confusion, a door opened and closed to the outside.
“Come on, Rare!” Someone grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the nearest door. After struggling through panicking teenagers and the frantic directions of Mr Cake, Rarity found herself in the rain with Dash.
Water sprayed everywhere as Sunset rushed past in her car. A passing car screeched, then beeped loudly as she cut him off with a hard exit.
“She’s gonna have an accident, come on.”
Even more muddy water splashed up Rarity’s legs as she did her best to run to Dash’s car. Through the pounding that had migrated up to her head, she could barely hear herself spouting apologies and regrets. “This is my fault.” The click of her seatbelt cut through. “I should’ve made sure that she was alright first.” White noise from the radio spurted back at them. “Why? Why did I have to be so sure of everything?” A hand grabbed hers again, bringing an end to the trembling.
“This isn’t your fault. Whatever happens, things are gonna work out.” Dash turned her attention to the car’s clock. “9:12. Keep an eye on the time; we may have to recall the time stuff happened if cops get involved.” Rarity yanked her shoes off as the warm air began to flow down over them. Rainbow Dash eased out of the car park before accelerating to gut-wrenching speed. “Start calling her, and if you get through, try to calm her down. I doubt she’s gonna pull over though.”
9:20
“Sunset, I know you’re there. Pick up before you get into a serious accident, please!” They rushed past the Boutique. Rarity dropped the phone into her lap with a huff of frustration. “That’s the ninth call, and she still hasn’t picked up.” Rain continued to belt down at the windows. The wipers had trouble enough keeping up against the onslaught.
“Give it a few minutes then. Hopefully somebody will stop her, because I really don’t know how we’re going to catch up.”
9:29
The late night shops of North Canterlot crawled by. Dash’s patience was clearly wearing thin as she tapped the wheel quite firmly. “Come on, this is the worst time for a traffic jam.”
Rarity gripped the phone in her hand tightly. Over twenty calls, and no response. Spending a good two minutes stuck behind the one particular car hadn’t helped her nerves at all.
“Look, Rare, while we’re stuck here, we might as well discuss the long term plan. I really don’t have a problem with you having a relationship with Sunset, even if it means we stay friends.”
Rarity barely held back her horror at the proposal.
“I know it’s not what you wanted, but it’s gotta be better than Sunset doing something really stupid. And it doesn’t even have to be permanent. Maybe she’ll get better on her own.”
“I really cannot believe that you’re proposing this at all.” The mere thought of spending time with Sunset just long enough for her to get better was horrible. Every moment would be spent silently waiting for the day she would be free of the burden. Sunset deserved far better than that. “I really don’t think I can go through with it. I’m not going to lie to her, not after tonight. We’ll just have to help her work through things like we should have from the start.”
The cars ahead moved forward again, clearing the view of several police cars and an ambulance. Paramedics had already wheeled someone into the back of their vehicle before Rarity could catch a glimpse. Her heart hit a low thud as she reached a dark connection. “You don’t think...” The very moment they were clear of the scene, Dash sped right up along the road.
9:33
“If they send her to jail, she’s not going to last long. Not in her state.” Her white knuckles were strained further from gripping the door handle very tightly.
“They’re not going to send her to jail. Hell, if they really wanted to, they would’ve already. She did blow up half our school after all.” Rain continued to pour, though not as bad as earlier on. They could see a good few metres ahead now. Drenched grass stood either side of that section of road, the left in particular dominated by the towering golf fence. “I don’t see anything up ahead.” They were nearly past the golf course when the brakes were shoved on again. A car was wrapped around a tree, having come from the opposite direction. Police and another ambulance had only just arrived.
Panic continued to rise. Rarity started clutching the door handle harder. “Hurry, please.” Very little attention was paid to them as they left a wide curve around the crash site. Yet again, they couldn’t catch a glimpse of the driver as they passed, the view obstructed by desperate attempts to free whoever it was. Potentially a second victim of a tragic mistake, that was ultimately her own.
9:40
The road was dark. They were outside North Canterlot now, close to the highway to Vanhoover. Once again, Rarity felt panic rise as she checked the phone once more. “Her signal is completely gone. I’m worried.” She didn’t need a response from Dash this time.
Eventually they slowed as a road sign passed by. “The t-section’s up ahead. Maybe she went north-east to get away from...” Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash went quiet as the headlights illuminated the road ahead. The rain had lightened up enough to give them a good look at what had happened. “Oh, shit.” She was quick on getting out of the car, despite the rain. Rarity followed. The one thing she noticed as she moved around was a faint pair of skid marks, leading right to a hole in the barrier.
“No, please no. She couldn’t have...” Dash grabbed her hand firmly, gradually walking with her to the gaping hole. Beyond, the rain pattered lake stretched out for a good distance. It was the rear end of Sunset’s car quickly sinking into the water that caused tears to begin joining the rainfall. Through the water soaked into their clothes, Rarity hid herself from the sight in Rainbow Dash’s hold. Her inconsideration had offered Sunset a new life, only to snatch it away. And this was the result of her selfishness.