Tick,
Tock,
Tick,
Tock.
The clock ticked its teasing little noise as Rainbow Dash sat in her seat, staring at the clock as if it were a staring contest. It was the seventh and final period and it was the only thing that stood in Rainbow’s way that separated her from spring break. The other students in the somewhat large history class felt the urge to jump up and bound for the door as much as Dash wanted to do so. Pinkie Pie, who sat about two seats in front of Rainbow, seemed to have the most trouble keeping her focus. She was so tense in waiting that she was shaking so much to where she was literally vibrating.
“Okay, since there’s only about four minutes left of class until spring break you can use your phones for now.”
Almost the whole class cheered and instantly pulled out their phones, some being Apple Smartphones, some being Androids, and the rest Nokias. Almost nobody in school had a normal flip phone or anything simple. It was the age of new technology, the age of touchscreen devices, selfies, and social media sites.
But unlike everyone else, Rainbow including Pinkie were both staring at the clock waiting for class to end, only taking their eyes off the clock to blink or to quickly glance at one another. The waiting was maddening and slow for Dash, who was so used to things moving in a fast pace. Those teasing sounds,
Tick,
Tock,
Tick,
Tock,
Nearly made Rainbow flip a table and run out the door. But instead, she knew that if she were to do that, she would have to stay even longer to explain her actions. Rainbow’s eyes strained and were desert dry from unblinking. Until finally, she heard something that was almost as beautiful as singing angels and church bells.
Before anyone else could recognize that the bell went off, Dash was already out the door and down the hall. Pinkie Pie, however, was already out the door, down the hall, out the main doors, down the road and three blocks down. Almost unlike Pinkie Pie, since she would always stay a little bit after school to meet up with Fluttershy, Rarity, and the others. But nothing could stop her from reaching her goal; her goal to get home faster than you could say "school’s out".
Rainbow exited the main doors and was bound towards her home. She was on spring break, the mini-version of summer break. Even if it was two weeks, Rainbow would take any time to have a day or two off.
School was out. Finished. Even if it was for only two weeks, she was free! And nothing would keep her from spending her spring break doing what she likes to do on her breaks.
1)Being Awesome
2)Relaxing
3)Using All Her Money
4)Having Fun
Or, B.R.U.H for short. Nothing, literally nothing, could ruin her perfect mood for the upcoming break.
~***~
Rainbow got home on Cloudsdale Road. She used her key to she rushed to the door and pulled out her keys from her backpack. She dropped her keys a couple times before she was able to insert the key into the keyhole, turn it, and open the door. With a swift move of her arm, she swung the door open and dropped her backpack next to the door. She walked towards the kitchen to get an after-school snack when she found a small note on the dining table.
After grabbing an apple from the fridge, she picked up the note while taking a bite out of the apple.
Dear Rainbow Dash, we went out to Vegas and won’t be back for a while, so please clean out the garage for us while we’re away.
Love, Mom.
Rainbow’s eyes widened but then relaxed after reasoning with herself.
“Pfft, like that’s gonna be hard. Dad already cleared out the garage last week for the yard sale. Half the stuff is gone anyways.” After taking another bite out of her apple she walked towards the hallway and opened the door that led to the garage.
Almost dropping her apple, her eyes widened to see the giant pile of boxes that almost takes up at least half the garage space. Rainbow turned around and quickly rubbed her eyes to make sure she didn't fall asleep in class again.
She then turned back around and was saddened to discover that she wasn't dreaming. She quickly went to the living room and picked up the home phone, and dialed up her mother’s number.
After some seconds of ringing, her mother picked up.
“Hello?” She heard her mom say just after picking up the phone.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hello, sweetie! How was your day?” Rainbow rolled her eyes. She was always embarrassed by her mother’s hyperactive responses.
“It was alright. You guys in Vegas yet?”
“We just checked into the hotel, we left a little bit after you left for school. Don’t you remember us telling you last night?”
“No” Rainbow replied dully.
“Called it!” A male voice tuned in.
“Hi Dad!” Rainbow shouted into the phone, knowing that her mother probably aimed the speaker towards Rainbow’s father.
“Anyway, did you get our note? I’m sorry we had to dump so much work on you on short notice. If you want, you can have some of your friends help you. Just no-” Rainbow’s mother was cut off by Rainbow’s voice.
“No Parties, no boys, and no going into Dad’s liquor cabinet.” Rainbow listed off while sticking up fingers to count them down.
“What about my liquor cabinet?” Rainbow’s father pitched in.
“Nothing Dad, just listing off the rules.” Rainbow said reassuring her father.
“Okay dear, just clean out the garage and you could do whatever you want. Well, everything but what we listed. Oh, and there’s some spending money waiting for you in your room.” Rainbow’s mother said sounding like she wanted to end the call.
“Wait, before you go I have to ask, didn't we have that big yard sale? Shouldn't half the boxes in the garage be gone now?” Rainbow asked, sounding annoyed.
“Well, you see-” Rainbow’s father cut Rainbow’s mother off.
“Well, the yard sale wasn't that successful. We did get some money but we didn't sell everything. If we didn't sell anything, you would be dealing with a completely full garage instead of a half full one. Always look on the brighter side, honey!” Rainbow’s dad exclaimed.
“Okay, Dad. Well, I guess I’ll get right on it. I’ll talk to you guys later.” With the goodbyes finished, Rainbow placed the phone on the receiver and went up the stairs to her room. She entered her room to find two twenty dollar bills on her dresser. She held it up and said,
“Wow, really went all out with this one, huh Dad?” She pulled out her wallet and placed the two bills in the slit. Luckily her parents paid her allowance two days ago so in total she had about sixty dollars saved. She began to get undressed and went into her bathroom to take a quick shower. As she bathed, she thought,
‘Who can help me? Pinkie? No, she was eager to get home. I don’t think she would be too eager to help out.
Applejack? She’ll be busy with the farm.
Rarity? No, I heard she’s heading out to the capital for vacation with her family.
Sunset could be a choice. She’s on the call list. Same with Fluttershy. I don’t think she’s doing anything.
After washing up, getting dry, and slipping on some shorts and a tank top she went downstairs to the phone and dialed up Sunset Shimmer to see if she could help.
After some ringing, Sunset answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey Sunset, it’s Rainbow!” Dash said enthusiastically.
“Oh, hey, Dash. What’s up?” Sunset asked.
“Oh, nothing much. I have to clean out the garage. Do you think you can drop by and lend some help?”
“Oh, uh… Sorry, Dash, I can’t really do that.” Sunset said, bracing herself for the incoming shouting.
“What? Why?”
“Well, Twilight invited me to Ponyville to meet her friends..."
“What? No offense to Twilight, but that sounds stupid! You technically already know her friends by knowing us. Why does she need you over there?”
“Look, I already know it sounds odd. She didn't even give me much detail. She just wrote to me that she wanted me there to meet her friends and to test something" Rainbow thought about what Sunset said as she she began to stifle her laughter.
“What? What’s so funny?” Sunset asked, sounded confused.
“Really? "Test something"? C’mon Sunset, she obviously wants you.”
A long pause fell over the conversation until Sunset began to stutter.
“W-What!? No! She probably just wants me to meet her friends and test out… Whatever she wants to test out.” Sunset reasoned.
“Okay, I bet you that when you get there, after you’re done meeting her friends you two will 'test something' in her bed!” Rainbow teased.
“You’re on! But she won’t! You watch!” With some goodbyes Rainbow hung up the phone, but then began to dial Fluttershy’s number. Some ringing went on until she heard a timid little voice answer,
“H-Hello?”
“Hey, Flutters, it’s Rainbow.” Rainbow said.
“Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. How are you?” Fluttershy replied, sounding almost cheerful that Rainbow had called.
“I’m fine. How’s Tank? Did the medication I give him work?” Fluttershy asked sounding concerned for the reptile.
“Yeah he’s fine. He’s eating better now. Hey, look, are you busy at all?”
“Uh, not at the moment...”
“Great! Because-” Rainbow was interrupted.
“I’m abou- Oh, sorry for interrupting. You go first.”
“No, it’s alright. Go right ahead.” Rainbow said reassuring her shy friend.
“O-Okay. I’m going camping with Pinkie Pie and Applejack and I’m about to leave.” Fluttershy said in her timid, yet cheerful tone.
“What!? Why didn't you guys invite me?” Dash asked sounding crushed.
“Oh, sorry Rainbow, I didn't know you would want to go. Applejack and Pinkie were the only ones who answered their phones and my parents were rushing me. Sorry, if you want we can see if we can make room for you.”
“No it’s fine. You go have fun.” Rainbow said sounding defeated.
“Are you sure Rainbow? We can make room, it’s no trouble at all.” Fluttershy said trying to cheer her friend up.
“No, it’s alright. I have some chores to do, anyway. But who’s gonna take care of your animals while you’re gone?” Rainbow asked trying to make small talk.
“Oh, I got Derpy to check on them every so often.”
“Really, Fluttershy? That feather brain can hardly take care of her own kid! How do you expect her to take care of animals?” Rainbow asked. Hearing a gasp from Fluttershy she knew she had said something wrong.
“Rainbow Dash! You know being a teen mom is hard for anyone! Sorry for yelling… But I’m sure she knows how to put animal food in a bowl.”
Rainbow now feeling disappointed in herself agreed with her friend. With some more talking, they said their goodbyes and Rainbow hung up the phone.
“Dammit! Who else can I call? There’s no way I can do all that by myself!” Rainbow scratched her scalp and thought. She thought and thought until she had an almost flawless idea of who to call. She picked up the phone and dialed up the phone. She put the phone to her ear and waited for an answer.
“Yeah?” A familiar voice answered.
“Hey, Scoots! Wanna help me out clean out my garage?” A long pause fell over the two, Rainbow without getting an answer asked,
“Squirt? Scoots? Hello?” Suddenly, she heard knocking on her door. She went to the front door and was surprised to find Scootaloo with a wide grin on her face.
“Yes. Yes I would!”
~***~
Rainbow was pleasantly surprised to see her #1 fan at her door looking so eager to help.
“Alright kid, come on in.” Rainbow gestured Scootaloo to follow her. They went inside the living room where Rainbow took a seat on the sofa while Scootaloo did the same. She knew that she could make herself at home since she has had sleepovers at Rainbow’s home before.
“So, we need to clean out the garage?” Scootaloo asked, sounding as if she needed the plan established.
“Yeah. That’s about it. Hey, my parents are out for the break do you wanna stay the night or something? No one else is free.” Rainbow said not making any eye contact with Scootaloo, always looking at the ceiling.
“Do I? Sure I’ll stay over!” Scootaloo answered sounding very excited at the invitation. After some time of small talk and joking around Rainbow figured they should start getting to work.
“Alright squirt, let’s get this over with so we don’t have to do anything else later yeah?” Rainbow said getting up from her seat and stretching out her arm.
“Sure! But, since we’re cleaning out your garage, shouldn't you wear some shoes or something?” Scootaloo asked, Rainbow looked down at her feet and shrugged.
“Eh, it’s alright. I don’t really care.” Rainbow said shrugging. Scootaloo nodded in agreement and got up from her seat. They went towards the door that led to the garage and opened it. Scootaloo let out a gasp, obviously surprised at the large stack of boxes that engulfed half the garage.
“Oh my god, Rainbow! That’s a lot of boxes! Do you think we can do it?” Scootaloo asked.
“Pfft, c’mon Scoots. You and me? Cleaning out this garage at the same time? Please, we’ll be done before 3:00 at the most.” Scootaloo’s eyes furrowed and she glanced at her watch.
“We’re gonna get this done in four minutes?” Scootaloo asked.
“I didn't mean literally, 'ya goon! Now lets get started.” With a loud clap of her hands, Rainbow began to open a box, shifted through it, closed it and pushed it to the side.
“Okay, so the plan is just look through these boxes, anything that looks important show it to me and I’ll decide if we need it or not. Got it?” Rainbow said while pointing at a box
“Got it!” Scootaloo answered cheerfully.
“Good, let’s get started!” As Rainbow said that, the two got to work on the boxes.
~***~
It had been an hour, and surprisingly, the two made a pretty big dent in the pile. There was still a bunch of boxes piled in the corner but the two made an impressive impact on the pile. Jokes, conversations, and life stories were passed between the two. If Rainbow could be honest, she actually had a great time with her 'sister' as they worked. But what surprised Rainbow the most was that Scootaloo did what she was told and nothing else. Scootaloo was known to cut corners on schemes and jobs to make it easier but instead, she did everything Rainbow told her without cutting the work in half.
After some time working, Rainbow said,
“Hm, I’m thirsty. You thirsty?” She glanced at Scootaloo who was busy going through a box of old jewelry and memorabilia. Scootaloo looked up and simply nodded with a small smile then went back to work. Rainbow got up and began to walk towards the door, she kept walking before she felt a sudden pain shoot through her foot.
“GODDAMN! SON OF A... DAMMIT!!” She yelled in pain.
“Rainbow! Rainbow are you OK!?” Scootaloo asked, sounding concerned.
“Yeah… Yeah I’m… No, no I’m not.” Rainbow sat down on the seat of a workout bench to check out her wound. She had stubbed her toe on the sharp edge of the workout bench she sat on. From what she and Scootaloo could see, the nail was split and it was bleeding.
“Crap... Ok, I’m gonna go to the bathroom and bandage this up. Just, work more on the boxes here OK?” Rainbow said pointing towards the boxes. She got up and limped her way to the hallway door. Without saying anything, Scootaloo got back to work. She had sat back down on to work more on her box. From her view, she could see some blood on the sharp edge that Rainbow had stubbed her toe on.
With a sigh, Scootaloo got back to work. When she was finished, she shoved the box to the side and looked at the pile for more smaller boxes. She got up and walked towards the pile. She moved some boxes to get a better view, she kept searching before a small brown, modest looking box caught her eye.
She picked it up and like some of the other boxes that were labeled “Jewelry”, “Clothes”, and “Kitchen Supplies” this one was labelled, 'RD’s Kid Stuff' Scootaloo looked towards the door and heard a groan and a scream,
“DAMMIT, THIS BURNS!!”
Scootaloo’s face grew into a sly grin and she began to open it. She found things that would be found in a toddlers room. Old toys, wooden puzzles, some books, then she found two things that made her snicker to herself.
A stuffed teddy bear, and a small stack of DVD cases that had a cover that read, "Peewee’s Playhouse".
Scootaloo picked up the small pile of DVDs and the teddy bear.
“This must’ve been her bear when she was young.” She gently placed the bear next to her in respect for her hero/sister. She then looked over the Peewee Herman discs. They read, 'Peewee’s Big Adventure, Peewee’s Holiday Special, and Peewee’s playhouse season 1 & 2'.
“Peewee Herman? Wow, Rainbow, never thought you were into Peewee.” Scootaloo laughed to herself. She kept laughing until she heard the familiar voice of her "sister".
“Hey Scoots, how are the boxes going?” Scootaloo snapped her head back to look at Rainbow. Rainbow’s face melted from a blank one, to a surprised, and almost startled, one.
A long, awkward pause fell over the two as they made eye contact. Rainbow raised her hand and pointed,
“Those aren't mine.” She said with wide eyes.
“Really? Then why does it say 'RD’s Kid Stuff', huh? C’mon, Dash, you don’t need to be embarrassed.” Scootaloo reassured.
“Scootaloo, can you please… Put those away. No, better yet, give ‘em here.” Scootaloo shrugged and looked at the discs, then at the bear.
“You want your bear, too?” Scootaloo teased picking up the bear.
“That’s not mine, either! Just give the discs and Mr. Fuzz- I mean, the bear, here.” Rainbow said with her hands out to grab onto them.
“Alright, fine, Rainbow. I don’t see why you’re so embarrassed by these. I mean, they’re from your childhood. You’re not embarrassed by your childhood are you?”
Scootaloo handed the objects to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow had a large blush covering her face.
“Oh my gosh, you are! Look, Rainbow, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I won’t tell anyone. But, Peewee Herman? Isn't he that guy who was caught in an adult cinema jer-”
“A man is allowed to pleasure himself if he wants!” Rainbow exclaimed defending the child star.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay Dash. Just, why Peewee Herman? I mean, throughout the 80’s and 90’s you could have liked other kid shows like He-man, The Thundercats... anything awesome. But Peewee Herman?”
“Well, I saw him when I was like three years old so, I liked him… I liked his show and his movies. So what?” Rainbow said trying her hardest to avoid eye contact with Scootaloo. Scootaloo took a moment to look at Rainbow Dash.
Her toe was bandaged up, both her hands clutched onto the small bear and she still had that embarrassed look on her face.
“My dad owned the film Peewee’s Big Adventure and when I was young he had the idea to show me the movie. I guess I liked it so much that he went on a hunt to find some Peewee Herman stuff. Surprisingly enough, it’s harder than it seems.”
Rainbow’s blush began to fade away since she told the truth about her childhood. Well, almost all of it.
“Look, you better not tell ANYONE this! Understand? Because if you do, and people ask me about it… I’ll… I’ll… I’ll do something!” Rainbow said pointing a finger.
“Okay, okay, Dash. Don’t worry about it, I won’t tell anyone!” Scootaloo replied.
“Good. Because, I still didn't tell you, everything… See, I really liked Peewee Herman until I was, like, nine. But during that time, whenever I wasn't fangirling over the Wonderbolts, I was watching Peewee Herman. When I was really young, like, three or five years old, I… I wished that he… He would be my real friend. He just seemed like such a fun guy that I wanted him as a friend.” After Rainbow’s explanation, she was back to her original stance of blushing, not making eye contact, and gently clutching the stuffed bear.
“I don’t see how that’s anything to be embarrassed about. You were a kid, Rainbow Dash, at least you’re over it now right?” Rainbow was still blushing and not making eye contact. She muttered something but Scootaloo couldn't make it out.
“Wait… If you’re over him, then why do you still have the movies?” Scootaloo asked, almost oblivious to the answer right in front of her.
“I… Still watch him…” Rainbow muttered.
“What? I couldn't hear that.” Scootaloo said squinting her eyes.
“I still… Watch him. Like, when I’m bored or something.” Rainbow answered
“So, you still watch Peewee Herman for a nostalgia rush?” Scootaloo asked, Rainbow didn't answer verbally but simply nodded.
“Well, that’s cool. I don’t see what’s so embarrassing about it. I mean, you watch it for nostalgia’s sake. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Scootaloo reasoned.
“I know, but now people think he’s just a little kid entertainer. If the everyone knew I still watch him, people would think I’m lame or something.” Rainbow said looking away.
“C’mon Dash, that won’t happen. I already promised that I wouldn't tell anyone.” After a pause, Scootaloo began again.
“Tell ya what, I’ll tell you my childhood friend. Since you already told me yours. I’ll tell you mine.” A grin grew on Rainbow’s face.
“Alright, tell me.” Rainbow said, regaining her cocky and proud attitude in an instant.
“Really? Uh… Well, when I was young… I watched Shrek a lot.” Rainbow giggled but stifled the rest of her laughter. She remembered a certain video she saw a few weeks ago.
"Oh, yeah?" Rainbow replied trying very hard not to laugh, still remembering the Shrek video.
"Well, when I was young I wanted Shrek to be real and to be my friend." After she said that, Rainbow couldn't help but begin laughing incredibly hard.
"What's so funny!?" Scootaloo asked in a defending tone.
"A-Are you over him now?" Rainbow asked putting a hand on her mouth.
"Yeah... Why?" Rainbow was almost crying she was laughing so hard.
"I-Is it... All ogre Now?" After Rainbow asked the question, she fell to the floor laughing.
"What? All ogre now?" Scootaloo asked, sounding very confused. After some more laughing, Rainbow got back up.
"I-I'll show you the video later. Let's clean all this up. Then we can chill." Rainbow said wiping a tear of laughter from her eye. Scootaloo shook her head in agreement but still had a face of confusion. They began their work and finished up in little time.
~***~
"And that's.... The last box!" Rainbow cheered. Scootaloo let out a whoop of success. She then sprung up and turned to Rainbow.
"So... Now what?" She asked, Rainbow's eyes squinted and she thought. She hadn't thought of anything to do after they finished work.
Then Scootaloo began laughing and pointed.
"Why don't we watch some Peewee Herman?" Scootaloo began laughing but kept looking at Rainbow. With a simple shrug Rainbow replied,
"Yeah, if you want." This halted Scootaloo's laughing and her face turned serious.
"Wait, really?" She asked. Rainbow nodded, looking proud.
"Yeah. I'm down with watching some Peewee Herman." Scootaloo was surprised to hear the answer from Rainbow but simply shrugged in agreement. With that, Rainbow grabbed one of the discs and led Scootaloo to the living room. She popped the disc in the DVD player and started the show.
The first episode of Peewee's playhouse began. As they watched some laughs were shared and short conversations played out.
Rainbow wouldn't say it out loud, but she was having so much fun watching her childhood show, and spending that time with her "sister"