With high school graduation approaching, Sunset begins wondering what she should do post-graduation.
Graduation is just around the corner and every senior is excited. Well, every senior except Sunset Shimmer, who has no idea what to expect or what to do once high school is over. In an effort to help their friend, the human 6 decide to show her each of their own plans to help her figure out her path. However, what starts out as a good idea soon turns into more trouble than what was originally intended.
Sunset Shimmer walked the halls of Canterlot High, with a slight skip in her step. Spring break had just recently finished and Sunset was eager to get the final half of the spring semester up and running. While her classes were enjoyable and she was achieving high marks in them, she was ready to play on the beaches, camp in the woods, and party at every festival this summer. Best of all, unhindered free time with her six best friends.
When Sunset arrived at her locker, she hums a random jingle as she diddles with the pad lock. After unlocking it, she opens the door to find the inside contents untouched. Her locker is adorned with several décor items, such as small posters of her favorite games, a few motivational quotes written on note cards, and some random stickers. The inside of her door has seven individual pictures of Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Flash Sentry. As Sunset sets her backpack inside and pulls out her books, Sunset glances over at the pictures and notices the picture of Flash. She leans up against the locker next to hers and gazes at the picture.
Ever since last year's trip to Camp Everfree, Sunset and Flash had begun to grow close once again. Unlike their previous relationship sophomore year, where Sunset only used Flash as means to elevate herself, they came together this time as mutual friends. At first it remained that way for a while, but with every walk down the hall, lunch, and coffee shop visit, Sunset's feelings began grow beyond friendship. While she wasn't 100% certain if the feeling is mutual, she could tell that Flash was also starting to feel the same way, he was always bad at hiding his feelings. It wasn't until a few months ago, at the beginning of the Spring Semester, that the two finally confessed their feelings for each other. The two had been dating again ever since. Now while Flash has been open about their relationship with his friends, Sunset is a different story. Her friends don't know about the nature of their relationship and she is hesitant tell them. Everyone already knows about the meltdown of their last relationship. What will her friend think if they find out she's been dating her ex--
"SUNSET," Pinkie cries from directly behind.
Sunset lets out a high pitched shriek as she slams her locker in a panic. "Pinkie--I--you scared--what are you--," before she can form a coherent sentence, Pinkie grabs her arm and pulls her up the hall.
"They just posted the announcement," Pinkie exclaims excitedly as she runs and screams with joy, all in one breath.
"What announcement? What's going on," Sunset asks, trying to keep feet going the same pace as Pinkie's. As they turn a corner, they run down the hall towards the principals office, where Sunset can see the rest of her friends at the end of the hall gathered around the bulletin board outside the office.
When they arrive at the end, Pinkie screeches to a halt, her shoes making a sound similar to that of a race car braking. Sunset, however, is launched face first on to the ground, a lot more momentum than she was expecting was delievered. The girls help Sunset off the ground, "oh my," said Fluttershy in her usual quiet voice, "are you ok, Sunset?"
Sunset shakes her head, "I'm fine, at least I don't have to worry about getting coffee from the caf today." The girls give a small chuckle. "So what's this all about," she asked.
"Look, look, look," said Pinkie as she jumped up and down, pointing at the bulletin.
Sunset walked up to the board to see what Pinkie was pointing at. The poster was of four students huddled together, looking at the audience. They were all wearing light blue graduation gowns and caps with bright yellow lapels. Below them was text in a faded white box, it said "Seniors of CHS, graduation is just around the corner. Don't forget to order your cap and gown." Below that, in smaller text, "Please visit the counselors office for an order form."
"Can you believe it," said Rarity, "only a few more weeks and we'll get to walk across the stage receiving our diplomas! We'll have finally graduated high school!"
"I can't wait to start training with the Cloudsdale Wonderbolts," exclaimed Rainbow Dash, "They've got the best women's college soccer team in the entire nation!"
"But not the best robotics team," interjected Twilight, "That honor belongs to the Manehattan Institute of Technology."
"Uh, girls," Applejack said while pointing at Sunset, who was still staring at the poster.
As Sunset looked over the poster again and again, her face projected a mixture of confusion and worry, Is this really happening? she thought.
Applejack stretched out her arm and tapped Sunset on the shoulder. Sunset broke her train of thought and turned around to see her friends, who all looked a little concerned. "Are you ok, sugar cube," asked Applejack.
"Well, I...umm," Sunset found herself at a loss for words.
"Feeling a little nervous about graduation," asked Fluttershy.
"I mean, I just never expected it to happen so...soon," said Sunset.
"Of course it was going to happen," said Pinkie, "we can't stay in high school forever."
"Sure did feel like we were," Sunset muttered under her breath.
"Sure it's seems scary our lives are about to drastically change, but so long as you have a plan, it won't be so bad," said Twilight. Sunset then gazed down at the floor, looking like she was hiding something.
"You do have a plan, right," asked Applejack.
Sunset's face began to blush from a mixture of embarrassment and guilt. "I, well...um...no," she said. The girls faces changed to show confusion and shock. Before they asked why, Sunset already had her explanation. "I never set apart any time to actually think about what would happen after high school. The first three years I was here, I spent retaining my power base, my focus was entirely on being the top dog at CHS. This past year, between the countless number of life or death situations we've found ourselves in, post graduation planning never really came to mind. Also, I have no idea what I want to do, I know I want it to be more than just serving sushi or streaming video games but I don't have much beyond that." Sunset leaned up against the wall and looked back down at the floor.
The six girls all began to look at each other, one by one a similar smile grew on their faces. A "we're all pretty much thinking the same thing" smile. Twilight stepped forward and put both her hands on Sunset's shoulders, "Well there's no time like the present to figure something out," said Twilight.
"And it's not like you gotta figure this out on your own," said Applejack
"Yeah, we're here to help in anyway we can," said Rainbow.
"In fact," said Fluttershy, "why don't you come with me to the animal shelter after school? The little critters do miss having you around, and I can share with you what I plan on doing after high school."
"We can each take a day to show you what our plans are," suggested Rarity, "it's better for you to get more than just one view."
"I call dibs on tomorrow," shouted Pinkie.
Sunset thought it over for a bit. Getting to know what all her friends plans are would give her a good idea on what to do. Plus, knowing them, she'll have plenty of opinions and views to draw from. It may be just what she needs. Sunset looked at her friends and delivered her answer, "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
"It's settled then," said Applejack.
"Hooray," said Fluttershy quietly, "let meet out front where the Wondercolts statue used to be once school is done."
After nodding in agreement, the bell began to ring, signaling it was time for the students to head to class. The girls bid each other a good day and walked away to head to their first block classrooms.
As Sunset walked to AP Literature, her mind began wondering about what life post-graduation is going to be. When she lived in Equestria, living an adult life seemed less scary. Unicorns who pursued magic either became magic teachers or researchers of new spells. Here though, living as a human adult seems a hundred times more frightening. Her entire life in the human world had been completely tied to CHS and her friends. What is she going to do once a big part of her identity is no longer apart of her?
Sunset turned a corner to see Flash waiting just outside the classroom for her. Maybe sometime admiring his new haircut would take her mind off this graduation. "Hey Sunset," said Flash when she arrived, "did you see the announcement for graduation?" Crap.
Sunset Shimmer walked out of the front school door along with a parade of other students. Today had been long and tiresome, with getting back into the school routine after a week long break and trying to avoid every reminder of that fateful day. Sunset's eyes were heavy and she walked at a slower pace than the other students, a nap and a round of Apex would be wonderful right now, she thought, but the day isn't over yet. She walked over to the pedestal of the old statue, sat down, and leaned up against a side that wasn't the portal. She thought about possibly droning off here but the noise of the students talking, car horns honking, and school buses passing by made it impossible for her sleep.
She looked around to see if Fluttershy could be found, she said to meet here after school, but alas she's no where to be found just yet. She decided to pass the time by catching up on the news. She reached into her bag's front most pocket to pull out her smart phone and a set of earbuds. She held the phone in her right hand and plugged in the earbubs as she opened up YouTube. Flipping through a few videos, she stopped on one, put her buds in her ears, and began to play it. The video showed two men in front of a wooden background. The man on the left was wearing a beige t-shirt with Japanese writing and the man of the right was wearing a black t-shirt with strange figure on it.
"Hey everyone," said the beige t-shirt man, "welcome back to Inside Gaming Daily for Monday!"
"It's Monday, we can clap for Monday," said the black t-shirt man as he began clapping.
Sunset watched the video till it's completion and then started another one. About thirty minutes went by before Sunset could hear footsteps walking towards her. She looked up to her right and saw Fluttershy not too far away from her. Sunset saw that Fluttershy had an annoyed look on her face, and there were only two people who can make her dawn that face.
"Hey Sunset," Fluttershy said in a monotone voice.
Sunset pulled out the earbuds to commit full attention to her friend. "Is everything ok, Flutters," asked Sunset, "Do you wanna talk about it on our way to the shelter?"
Fluttershy gave a heavy sigh, "that would be nice, yes."
Sunset put her phone away, got up, and swung the straps over her shoulders. The two girls began walking towards the direction of the animal shelter. Thankfully, it was only a short fifteen minute walk from the high school. As they walked for a few minutes, Sunset decided to initiate the conversation, "So, who was the trouble maker today, Mr. Discord or Zephyr?"
Mr. Discord is one of the substitute teachers for CHS. He's known mainly for his eccentric and wild character, his seemingly endless knowledge of pop culture references, and his odd teaching methods. His nickname around the student body is "the Lord of Chaos," as he tends to takes things in class off topic and can sometimes unintentionally hinder student's work. While popular among the lower classmen, the upper classmen hold a great amount of disdain for him, as they just want to get on with the day's lesson without interruption. Zephyr Breeze is Fluttershy's younger brother, who is a the hybrid product of a hippy and a hipster. Laid back, always wanting to be unique, and an ego that only Rainbow Dash can rival. He's garnered a reputation for refusing certain classroom and homework instructions simply because "it doesn't fit him." He's also known for convincing other students to do his work for him through expert manipulation, acquiring the nickname "Zephyr Sleaze." Both of these characters are the only ones who can truly bring out Fluttershy's annoyed state.
Fluttershy's eyebrows lowered as she gave a deep groan, "If you can believe it, both."
"Both," said Sunset with surprise, "oh dear Celestia."
"E'yup," responded Fluttershy, "Mr. Discord was subbing for Mrs. Cake today in Home Ed, and since Zephyr and I take that class together, the two of them got along like two old friends. Not a single person got anything done today."
"Oof," replied Sunset, "glad I only had to worry about my core classes this semester."
"Be grateful indeed," said Fluttershy, "just thinking about it makes me so...peeved!" Fluttershy raised both of her hands over her mouth, her eyes widened with shock and her cheeks blushing with embarrassment, "Oh, um, excuse my potty mouth."
"Hey, I read YouTube comments and play Overwatch," said Sunset with an amused smile, "I've heard and...said worse," her cheeks slightly blush.
"You mean like when we saw one of your streams," asked Fluttershy, "Where you talked about dragon--."
"OH LOOK WE'RE HERE," Sunset said cutting Fluttershy off from bringing up that embarrassing moment from last semester.
The two girls entered the shelter and were greeted by a young women behind the front desk with buttercup yellow skin, water blue and sky blue swirled hair, and wearing a white button up shirt and light khaki pants. "Hello girls," she said in a welcoming tone, "if you're here for volunteer work then you should know there isn't much to do today. We had a lot of adoptions last week and so there are only a few animals left to take care of."
"That's so good to hear, Dr. Fauna," said Fluttershy, "just tell us where you want us."
"Some of the empty cages still need to cleaned," Dr. Fauna directed to a door that leads to the back, "I've already cleaned the cages of the animals still here so you don't have to worry about cleaning theirs, but they do need to be fed. After that you can just play with the animals, like I said, not a whole lot to do today."
"You got it," Fluttershy turned to Sunset, "are you ready?"
"Yup, just so long as I get to feed them," said Sunset.
With that said, the two girls walk into the back room where the animals are kept. They enter a long room with two rows of cages stacked two high stretching the full the length of the room, roughly twenty cages on each side. Before the cages, there are two sets of different supplies on both sides, to the right is food for the animals and on the left is cleaning supplies for when the cages get dirty. When the girls enter, the noise in the room is a loud silence, only occasionally broken by a bark or a meow from the far end. Normally there would be a cacophony of noises that would make it nearly impossible to hear another person speaking, but not this time. "I guess Dr. Fauna wasn't kidding about last week," commented Sunset.
"Well we better get to work," said Fluttershy, "those cages aren't going to clean themselves, and I bet the little critters are eager for full bellies."
The two girls set their bags against the wall next to the door. Sunset walked over to the right and pulled out the trolley sitting next to the shelf of various animal feed. She turned her attention to the feed and pulls out two bags, one for dogs and one for cats, seeing as those were the only sounds she heard. She places the bags on the trolley, swings it around 180 degrees, and starts her way down the column.
Nearly all of the cages are empty except for the last three on the left. The bottom two have a chocolate brown dachshund and a puppy golden retriever, the top one has a grey manx kitten. "Hey guys," said Sunset, "you ready for some din-din?" All three of them have their front paws against the plexiglass screen, they can smell the food through the air holes, the dog's tails start wagging like crazy. "I'll take that as a yes." Sunset lifts the bag of dog food, sets it down on the floor, and opens the bag, now the dogs are beginning to drool. She kneels down and faces the cage with the retriever puppy inside. She moves her hand over to a small latch that keeps a slot closed on the plexiglass door. The slot is big enough for Sunset to put her hand in and pull out the dog bowl but small enough that the dog can't squeeze through and crawl out. She fills the bowl up with 2 cups of dry dog food and places the bowl back in the cage, shutting the slot. The dog tears into the food, "jeez, you're eating like this your first meal ever, guess you must have been pretty hungry." Sunset repeats the same process with the dachshund, who is more calm than the puppy partly due to her being a few years older. When the dogs are finally fed, Sunset closes the bag, gets up on her feet, and puts the bag on the trolley, now for the kitten.
Since the kitten was on the top shelf, there was no need for Sunset to get back on her knees. She opens up the slot on the cage, pulls out the bowl, and pours one cup of dry cat food into it's bowl. When Sunset proceeds to put the bowl back into the cage, the cat pounces forward and begins rubbing it's face against her hand, purring while it shows affection. Sunset's heart began to melt, "now I see why Fluttershy loves taking care of you guys. If only my apartment allowed dogs and cats, you'd all have a forever home." The cat finishes purring and begins to eat it's food. Sunset closes the slot, turns the trolley around, and heads back up to the food station.
"So what is your plan after graduation," asked Sunset while she and Fluttershy play with the animals on the floor in the shelter's animal play room. It's a small room with some toys, rugs, and climbing areas.
Fluttershy makes a small giggle, "I'm doing it right now."
Sunset looks at her with a perplexed look, "your plan is to play with animals?"
"Well yes and no," said Fluttershy, "you see, I plan on becoming a veterinarian like Dr. Fauna."
"That sound's like you'll be in school for a while," said Sunset.
"Three years of undergraduate studies and four years of veterinary school," said Fluttershy, "But it will all be worth it in the end."
"Yeah I bet," said Sunset, "you'll be making a lot of money before your 30." Fluttershy pinched the bridge of her nose, "is something wrong," asked Sunset.
"That's not why I want to become a veterinarian," Fluttershy explained, "it's never been about the money for me."
"I thought that was the reason why people here went to college," said Sunset, "to get a good paying job, so they can have financial security in life."
"Being secure and being happy are two different things," said Fluttershy, "Sunset, do you know who the most depressed people in the world are?" Sunset shook her head, "the ones who have everything. We live in a world where we are told that if we buy this or make x amount, then we'll be forever happy, but that's not true. Going to college shouldn't be about getting a job. It should be about learning more about what you love. One person loves teaching kids, so they go to learn to be a teacher; another loves to paint, so they go to learn more about art; Me, I love animals, so I'm going to learn how to properly treat animals. What about you Sunset, what do you love?"
"Well, I...um," Sunset rubbed the back of her neck, trying to think of some answers.
Before Sunset could say anything, Fluttershy got up onto her feet, "hold on," she said as she walked to the door. She left the room and headed towards the lobby.
As Sunset waited, she looked around to see where the animals went. She found them behind her, sleeping all together, they were tuckered out from playing for the past hour. Sunset could feel her heart begin to melt again. She took out her phone from her pocket and takes a picture. She closes the camera app, opens up her messages, and sends the photo to some of her friends, knowing they'll love to see this.
Fluttershy came back into the room holding a small notepad and a number two pencil. She sits down on the floor next to Sunset and hands her the pad and pencil. "Here, why don't you write down all the things you love or love to do. Then we can figure out your passion."
Sunset looks at the pad and taps the eraser against her mouth as she thinks, writing down the first thing that comes to her mind.
Hm let's see...oh I know I've gotta put this.
- video games
What else? Ah of course
- being with friends
Oh I can't forget this
- riding my motorcycle
I can't forget you too my wittle ray of sunshine
- my dragon Ray
And I especially can't forget you
- Flash Sen
NO, erase that you idiot, she can't know yet
- _____ ___
Whew, that was close, now there's gotta be one more...I got it!
- playing my guitar and singing
Ok, I think that's it.
Satisfied with the size of the list, she hands the pad back to Fluttershy, who looks over the list. "Alright, lets see what we've got here, hmmm, 'video games,' have you thought about going into video game development?"
Sunset shrugs, "I mean as much as I love video games, I'd rather just play them than make them."
"What about your streams," asked Fluttershy, "have you thought about going full time?"
"I like to stream every now and then but going full time doesn't sound like a pleasant experience," said Sunset, "I can only tolerate my...aggressive commenters and critiques for so long."
"Ok, what else is on the list," Fluttershy's eyes look down, "hm, 'being with friends,' perhaps family and human services, psychology, may be even sociology?" Sunset raised an eyebrow in disdain, "or perhaps not, let's move on, 'riding my motorcycle,' have you thought of mechanical engineering or perhaps competitive motorcycling?"
"I only know the basics when it comes to motorbike maintenance, any further in and I get confused," said Sunset, "also those competitive bikers are hardcore, and I don't have any desire to do something like that after the Friendship Games."
"Alright, what's next," said Fluttershy, "'my dragon Ray,' well not much to go off from that, unless you also want to be a vet?" Sunset just shook her head, "ok, and last but not least is 'playing my guitar and singing,' what about pursuing music?"
Sunset pressed her index finger on her lips, pondering that idea. "That has crossed my mind a few times today. It's something I'm good at and it's something that I love. Plus I can't see myself without my guitar and singing."
"Sunset Shimmer," said Fluttershy with confidence, "I think we just found your passion."
Just as Fluttershy was getting up and heading towards the door, Sunset spoke up, "but what if no one wants to hear my music? What if I fail at trying to nail a publishing deal? What if I end up on the street playing for tips in order get my next meal?"
"Sunset," Fluttershy said loud enough to get her attention but quiet enough as to not wake the animals, "you can't think about that. Let me tell you a story. When my uncle was in college, a small band came to his campus to play for their spring formal. The band was unknown at that time, they only had a small record deal but no big hits just yet, no one on campus knew who they were. You want to know what the name of that band was? Queen."
Sunset's eyes widen in amazement, "you mean, Queen, with Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon?"
Fluttershy nodded, "they were nobodies back then but they kept playing because they loved playing music and now look at what they are known for. So don't worry about the money, everything will work out well in the end, just keep doing what you love."
"So what do you think I should do," asked Sunset, "should I start making music after high school or go to college and study music?"
"The choice is ultimately up to you, Sunset," said Fluttershy, "but studying music in college wouldn't be a bad idea. What you learn there may give you an edge in the music business."
There conversation concluded when two separate chimes rang in their pockets. They pulled out their phones to see who was texting them. Fluttershy saw a text from her mom asking her when she was heading home, the time above the message read "5:26." Sunset saw a text from Flash asking if she wanted a ride from the shelter and that he thought the picture of the sleeping animals was adorable. They both responded to their messages.
I'm about to leave the shelter, will be home before 6:00, wrote Fluttershy.
Yes please, and can we stop to get something to eat? I'm starving, wrote Sunset.
"I guess we should better get going," said Fluttershy.
The two girls got up on their feet and began to gather up their things and clean up the toys around the room. As they were finishing up, Dr. Fauna entered the room to see how things were going. "You girls getting ready to head out," she asked.
"E'yup," Fluttershy responded, "do you need us to tuck the animals in for the night?"
The vet put her hand on her chest and projected a face of fake offense. "Fluttershy," Dr. Fauna said in an overly dramatic tone that only Rarity could rival, "you would dare rob me of my favorite part of my job?"
Fluttershy felt a rush of awkwardness and embarrassment. She shrunk her head, stroked a part of her hair, and her cheeks began to blush, "oh, I-I-I didn't mean--I w-was just," Fluttershy found herself at a lost for words.
"Fluttershy," said Sunset with a smile and raised eyebrow, "I think she's being sarcastic."
Dr. Fauna chuckled, "It's ok dear, I'm sorry if I scared you," she said, "you two girls run along, I can handle things from here."
Fluttershy breathed a heavy sigh of relief, "thank you for letting us work today, Dr. Fauna. I'll see you tomorrow."
The two girls walked through the door, waving goodbye to the vet. They walk through the shelter, making their way to the front exit. Once outside, they stopped on the sidewalk in front of the shelter to talk for a little bit. "Thanks for sharing all that with me Fluttershy," said Sunset, "you've definitely given me a starting line."
"Anything for a friend in need," said Fluttershy as she gave Sunset a friendly hug, "do you want to stay over at my place tonight, or are you going to head back to the school to take your bike home?"
"My bike is still stuck in the shop," said Sunset, "But I've got a ride coming to pick me up anyway."
"Oh really," a grin and cocked eyebrow of intrigue appeared on Fluttershy's face, "who's your chauffeur?"
Sunset's face began to blush, "oh, just...some...uber driver." Right on que, or with the worst possible timing in Sunset's case, a black Camaro that had a blue shield with a lighting streak decal on the hood pulled up and honked it's horn.
Fluttershy's look of intrigue grew as she knew exactly who the car belonged to, "just some uber driver huh," she said with a slight tease in her tone.
"Uh...yeah," said Sunset as she mentally cursed Flash, "oh boy, look at the time, I better get going, and you should two. Well I'll see you tomorrow." Sunset dashed to the car, threw her bag into the back seat, and hopped into the passenger.
The car drove off into the evening, leaving Fluttershy by herself, though she didn't mind, she was too giddy to care. She collected herself as she began to make a call. She dialed up a number and waited for the other line to pick up.
"Rainbow Dash here," the other line answered.
"Hey Dashie," Fluttershy said as she held back her excitement with every ounce of her body, "do you remember that bet we had about Sunset and Flash?"
"Yes," said Rainbow in a confused tone and a tinge of worry, "what about it?"
Fluttershy cleared her throat, took in a deep breath and said, "I win."
"WHAT," *click* Fluttershy ended the call before Rainbow Dash could say anything else. She then began her walk home, with a mile wide smile that Pinkie would be proud of.
Flash Sentry turns a corner in his car as he drives to Sunset's location. He sees her and her friend, Fluttershy, talking to each other just up the road. Hard to miss them with their bright colored hair. As he pulls up behind Sunset, he honks his horn to announce his arrival and unlocks all doors. Sunset doesn't move from her spot, though Fluttershy leans over and takes a look at his car with an intriguing look. What are they talking about, he thinks. The two continue to talk for a bit, Sunset hasn't even acknowledged his arrival. Come on Sunset, hurry up, I'm starting to get hungry myself. Flash moves his right hand over the center of his steering wheel, getting ready to honk again. Just before he can, Sunset dashes towards the car. She opens the back-right door and throws her stuff in, she then closes the door. She opens the passenger door and throws herself onto the seat. "Ha, about time you--," is what Flash manages to get out before he's cut off.
"Go go go," Sunset commands with urgency. Without thinking twice, Flash presses the gas pedal and drives off. Sunset takes in a deep breath and lets it out, "That was a close one."
Flash, befuddled by the random urgency, glances over at Sunset with much confusion. "Uh, you mind telling me what that was all about?" he asks.
Sunset puts on her seatbelt before she answers. "Oh, you know, I'm just really hungry and can't wait to get some dinner." She tries to sound convincing but, instead, comes off as the opposite. Her lying hasn't been what it used to be.
Flash raises his eyebrow in much skepticism. He and Sunset have been together long enough to know when she's telling the truth, and when she's not. This is one moment when she is not. There's no point in drawing out a full interrogation, he already knows the answer. Her hesitation to enter his car in front her friend, said friend glancing at his car with a look of intrigue, and her urgent desire to get out of dodge as quick as possible, all pointed to one conclusion. "You haven't told your friends about us yet, have you?" he asks.
"Whaaaat, nooo, of course I have," Sunset says, trying yet failing again to tell a convincing lie. Flash's eyebrow remains cocked into place, clearly showing that he isn't buying it. Sunset lets out a sigh of defeat, knowing there is no point in fighting an unwinnable battle. "Ok, yes I haven't told them about us," she admits.
Flash lowers his eyebrow and shakes his head a bit, trying to not break his focus on the road. "Sunset," he says in a slightly disappointed tone, "you know you're going to have to tell them eventually. You can't avoid this forever."
"I know," she says rubbing her temples, "I just...I'm not sure how to break it to them."
"Like this," Flash then attempts his best Sunset impression, "'Hey girls, guess what? Me and Flash have been dating each for the past three months, what do you think?'"
Sunset lightly punches his arm while giving him a look of playful annoyance. "I do not sound like that," she says, "and it's not that simple. What are they supposed to think when I tell them that I'm dating the guy I...um..." She hesitates to finish the sentence.
"Used to manipulate into dating because he was a great asset in boosting your social position," Flash finishes for her with a playful wink.
Sunset rubs the back of her neck. She makes a guilty smile and her cheeks begin to blush. "Uh...yeah, that, ha ha," she says sheepishly.
"Hey it's ok, what's in the past stays in the past," he says assuringly, "Besides, I highly doubt that your friends are going to object to us dating again. You're a far different and better person than you were back then. I'm dating you not because of some manipulation or trickery, but because I love you." Flash moves his right hand over and brushes some hair behind Sunset's ear. Her cheeks turn beet red and her heart flutters hearing his words and feeling his hand move her hair.
She kisses her index and middle finger together and lightly taps them against Flash's cheek. "How lucky am I to have ended up with you," she rhetorically asks.
"I have my moments," he says with a slight smug, causing Sunset to giggle a little. "Now, what doth my lady craveth at this moment," Flash says in a goofy Shakespearian accent, as they stop at an intersection.
Sunset, after a brief laugh, responds appropriately, "Thy lady politely request you taketh her to Taco Beuno."
"The lady's request shall be met," says Flash, "hop to Horatio!" Flash lifts his foot off the brake and hits the gas.
Sunset walks down the hall that leads towards the student parking lot. She's supposed to meet Pinkie Pie at her car after school, it's her turn today to explain to Sunset her plans after graduation. As she walks, she looks at her phone, scrolling through her Instahay home screen. Nothing interesting catches her eye, just selfies and some pictures of nature or food. The latter only serving to make Sunset hungry. Her scrolling is halted when she's a text notification from Pinkie Pie.
Sunset, Mrs. 🍰 needs help at SCC, gonna have to reschedule. I'm really really really sorry! 😞
Sunset texts back, It's ok Pinkie. We can reschedule to Thursday, RD wants to have tomorrow.
Pinkie responds, HOORAY😄!!! I'll make sure my schedule is clear on Thursday.
Sunset puts her phone away and walks through the door to the student parking lot. Most of the cars have already left, only those of the soccer and blitz ball teams still remain. She makes her way to the side walk between the lot and the street. She takes a left and begins her journey back home. Since her bike is still stuck in the garage, she would normally ask one of her friends for a ride. But since she was expecting to ride with Pinkie, she failed to set up a substitute ride should things not work out. She doesn't mind though, a little walking never killed anyone.
She walks for about ten minutes until she hears a car horn honk behind her. She looks behind and sees a dark blue mini-van pull up beside her. The passenger window roles down and she sees Twilight's head stick out. "Hey Sunset," greets Twilight, "I thought you and Pinkie Pie were leaving school together?"
"We were," Sunset replies, "but Pinkie had to leave early because Mrs. Cake needed help."
"Oh, well do you wanna come home with me then?" Twilight asks, "I'd be happy to show you what I have planned."
"Yeah, that sounds great," Sunset responds.
"Great, just hop in back," Twilight says. Sunset hops into the van, takes a seat behind Twilight, and buckles up. Once the door closes, the van drives off towards Twilight's home.
Sunset and Twilight enter her room and are followed by her mother. "Now you girls let me know if you need anything, ok?" Mrs. Sparkle says.
"Sure thing, Mrs. Sparkle," says Sunset.
"Thanks mom," says Twilight. Mrs. Sparkle closes the door as she leaves, giving the two girls some privacy.
"So Twilight," Sunset says, she sets her bag by Twilight's bed and she plops on top, "what have you got planned?"
Twilight sets her bag next to her desk. "Hold on, I need to get it from my closet," she says as she makes her way over there, "oh, I can't wait to show you!" Twilight walks into her closet and moves a few things around until she pulls out a small bulletin board. She walks out of her closet and holds up the board to Sunset. "This is my plan," Twilight declares.
"What is it?" Sunset asks. She leans towards the board to get a better look. On the board are slips of paper with a different major on each one. Computer science, physics, aerospace engineering, bioengineering and biomedical engineering, and biology.
"These are all the majors that MIT offers that I'm interested in," Twilight clarifies.
"I still don't understand how this is your plan," Sunset states with a tone of confusion.
Twilight sets the board on the desk, leaning it up against the wall. "Each one of these majors is related in some way to science and/or technology," she says, "My plan for my first year is I'm going to take a class from each of these majors and see which one I think I best belong in. That way, when I finally declare a major, I got an idea of what I'll be studying for the next three or four years."
"But shouldn't you go to college knowing what you want study?" Sunset asks.
"Oh no, I do know what I study," Twilight explains, "I'm just not sure exactly what I want to study."
"Shouldn't you?" Sunset asks.
"Look Sunset," Twilight says as she walks over and sits down on the bed next to Sunset, "not everyone is one hundred percent certain about what they want to study when they go to college. When my brother went to the University of Canterlot, he had a friend who changed his major twice. He started out as an engineering major, then switched to history his sophomore year, then he finally settled on graphic design his junior year. After he graduated, he started his own business making custom t-shirt and coffee mug graphics, and he's been pretty successful too. The point I'm trying to make is, you should have a general idea of what you like to do and what you want to study, but you don't need to settle on a specific major your first day of college. Take some classes in the field, or fields, you're interested in, test the waters a little bit, and once you're ready, make a decision."
Sunset gets up from the bed, walks a few steps forward, then turns to face her friend. "That's all well and good, Twilight," says Sunset, "but I don't need to do that. I already know exactly what I want to. I'm going to study my passion."
"Oh, you're going to studying counseling?" Twilight guesses.
"Nope, music," says Sunset. Twilight gives Sunset a look of confusion and skepticism. "What?" Sunset responds to the look, "It's what I'm good at and I love to play music."
"But is that really your passion?" Twilight asks. Sunset was about to respond but she becomes hesitant when she begins to really evaluate if music is her truly passion. "Sunset, I know you well enough that music really isn't your passion," says Twilight as she gets up and walks towards Sunset, "I love robotics but I wouldn't consider it my passion. I'm passionate about helping people through my knowledge of science and technology."
"Then what is my passion?" Sunset asks, "If I'm supposed to study what I love, then what do I study?"
Twilight places her hand on Sunset's shoulder. "Sunset, you've helped me, Wallflower, and many other students because of your empathy. You do it with out reward or recognition, you do it because you don't want others going down the same path you once did. You're passionate about guiding others through challenges and difficult moments in their life."
"But I'm not sure if I want to be a counselor or a therapist," Sunset says, "I'm not sure what I should do."
"Give it a try," says Twilight, "You don't have to go in as a counseling or as a music major. Just try out classes from both and see which one fits you the most."
"Ok Twilight," Sunset says nodding, "I'll...think about it."
Twilight and Sunset walk out the front door of the house together and walk down the edge of the pathway. A few hours have passed since their discussion. The sun is beginning to set below the horizon. "Thanks for letting me have dinner with your family, Twilight," Sunset says as she puts on her backpack, "and thanks for giving me more advice about post-graduation."
"Your welcome, Sunset, I hope you can work things out from here," says Twilight, "Are you sure you don't want us to drive you home?"
"Nah it's ok, I've got a friend coming to pick me up," says Sunset, "He should be here any minute now."
"Oh, he?" Twilight asks with a slight tease in her tone.
"Yes, a he," Sunset replies smiling and rolling her eyes, "There's um...actually something I've wanted to tell you girls about him." Suddenly, Flash's car pulls up in front of the house. Before he honks the horn, Sunset waves him over.
Flash gets out of his car and walks over to the two girls. He stops by Sunset's side and puts his arm around her shoulders. "What's going on," he asks, looking at Sunset.
"Flash, you remember Twilight Sparkle, right?" Sunset asks, "The Twilight of this world?"
Flash looks at Twilight, who's is lighting up brighter by the second. "Oh yeah I remember her," Flash says, "how is it going?" Twilight would respond, but her excitement at the news she knows she's about to hear keeps her from saying anything.
"So, um...Twilight," Sunset says, shifting Twilight's focus on her, "as you can probably guess, Flash and I are dating again. We've actually been dating for the past three months now. I've been kind of hesitant in telling you girls because I wasn't sure how you would react. So, what do you think?"
Twilight takes in a few deep breaths, trying to collect herself. Unfortunately, it doesn't work, "I THINK IT'S AMAZING," she shouts, causing Sunset and Flash to take a step back. "Sorry," she apologizes with red cheeks and a sheepish smile, "I had to get that out."
"Wait, so you're not concerned that I'm dating my ex again," Sunset asks in a confused tone.
"Are you kidding!?" Twilight exclaims, "I'm thrilled! Me and the rest of the girls we're wondering when the two of you were going to get back together, and now you are! We even had wager over how long it would take."
"So I'm guessing you won?" Flash asks.
"Oh, not by a long shot," Twilight says, "I'm just excited to see you two together! I got to tell the other girls, I'll see you tomorrow!" With that, Twilight runs back into her house, gleefully cheering with every step.
Sunset and Flash stare at the front door, still trying to process what just happened. "Well," Sunset breaks the silence, "that...just...happened."
"Uh huh," Flash says slowly nodding, "So...was that so hard?"
"Actually, no," Sunset says looking at Flash, smiling, "I'm kind of glad they know now."
"See, what did I tell you," Flash says as he rubs her arm, "everything worked out just fine."
"Yeah, yeah, ok," Sunset says rolling her eyes, "you were right this one time. Now you can take me home, thy lady doth requests it."
Flash laughs as the two walk over to his car. "My lady's requests, is my commandeth," he responds.
