When leaving the school after a long day of teaching and doing paperwork, Cheerilee catches a student sleeping outside in a bush and takes her home. It goes further than either of them thought. Follow this adventure.
Cheerilee is a kind hearted teacher who cares about her students and their well-being. When she catches one sleeping outside the school in a bush, she decides to take the young girl home and give her a roof over her head and maybe even more.
I gave a groan as I stretched my legs out and spun around my chair. To say today was exhausting would be an understatement. Dealing with rowdy kids and such can do that to a person. With that being said though, I wouldn’t have any other job. Teaching is so fulfilling for me. I can help shape young minds. Encourage them to follow a creative path. And to follow their dreams. I know there’s a lot of dislike towards teachers right now because most don’t encourage creativity in their students, but that’s because the teachers don’t understand their students needs like I do. Each and everyone learns different and I make it my job each year to learn how my new students learn. I learned best hands on so classes like art was my favorite. I quit spinning around and stared at my computer. The grades of my students was brought up and I smiled. My best student was Sunset Shimmer. She’s focused, answers all my questions and gets her homework done on time. For the past two years, she’s been in the top of my classes. Not even Octavia had better grades than her and Octavia came from a very strict women.
That women was so boring in my personal opinion. I wouldn’t ever say that to her face or outside the teachers lounge but it was the honest truth. I bet even Harshwhinny would get bored of her and that is the most boring teacher we have. She’s one of the bad teachers I referenced earlier. She just doesn’t connect with her students and does all her classes as hour long lectures till next hour. And she wonders why people fall asleep in her class all the time. I overheard Mr. Whooves and Granny Smith talking about her the other day. I know you’re probably thinking it’s unprofessional for two staff to talk bad about a colleague but this is like any other job. People are gonna talk. I’m sometimes talked about myself but it’s never negative. I’m only twenty three and graduated college a few years ago. I’m already on the fast track for receiving an award the state gives teachers for their teaching skills. I’m the youngest staff member here and that does get some of the older staff complaining. I mainly mean Mr. Cranky. Excuse my language, but he is a major bitch. Anyway, back to the topic of Sunset Shimmer.
I think there’s something going on with her. I always see her wearing the same clothes, the same socks and her hair is almost always a mess. I’ve caught her countless times washing up in the women’s locker room when she thinks no one is going to come in. I try to stay on top of students skipping class and the women’s locker room is usually the first place I check. I don’t know what it is, but something feels off about this whole situation. I trust my gut instincts. I’ve also heard a few rumors from students that Sunset bullies them constantly and such. I know I speak very highly of the girl, but if those rumors got confirmed, I would punish her the same as I would any other student. I believe in equality and punishing students the same with detention and suspensions is the most way to be equal. Despite my views of that, I’m still the most loved teacher in the building. I work after school individually with students after school and sometimes before and I host the games club on Wednesday, photography on Friday. The only person here more loved than me was Celestia. She just had a way about her made almost everyone open up to her about anything on their mind.
She’s just got such a warm and welcoming personality that you can’t help but like her. Unfortunately, her sister Luna isn’t so much liked. Luna is the disciplinarian of the two and takes that role very seriously. She’s a nice women when you get to know her but most don’t give her that chance. I glanced at the clock and jumped. I didn’t even know I had been musing to myself for so long. I looked out the window and let out a long, drawn out sigh. The snow was starting to fall slowly and while it was very beautiful it also meant tonight would be very cold. If you hadn’t seen a Canterlot winter, you don’t know the definition of cold. And tonight was meant to be the coldest day in Canterlot history. I don’t know about you but I was certainly looking forward to getting cozy under a blanket in front of the TV with a nice cup of hot chocolate. I pushed my chair back and stood up, stretching. I reached to the coat rack and slipped my coat off. I shrugged it on and smiled at the instant warmth, putting my hat on next.
I logged out of my computer and shut it off, picking up my bag and lesson plans. I stepped to the door and only paused to shut the light off and double check I had my keys. Wouldn’t want to be stuck outside and I gave a reassured smile at the feeling of them in my coat pocket. I shut the door and locked it, counting my steps in my head before I reached the door and braced myself for the cold wind. I pushed the door open and immediately shivered from the cold. Thank God I had my coat. My thoughts immediately went out to the poor homeless people out there in this weather and hopefully they have a place to go. Maybe one of the many homeless shelters we have in Canterlot. I brushed a strand of my dark purple hair out of my eyes the wind had pushed. With a sigh, I fumbled for my keys and froze when I heard a cough. I glanced around and heard the cough again. It appeared to be coming from a large bush in front of the school. I hesitantly took a step to it.
“Hello?” I called out. The movement in the bush froze but I was certain there was a person inside. And they needed my help if they were going to survive tonight. “I’m coming in.” I spread the bush open a bit and crawled inside. If only mom and dad were here to see me now, they’d be laughing their asses off the sight of me crawling into a bush outside my job in the falling snow. My jaw dropped at what I saw. Sunset was curled up into a ball, shaking using her backpack as a pillow.
“S-sunset?” I stammered out. I didn’t know what to think. Maybe it’s the cold, maybe it’s the shock.
“H-hey Miss Cheerilee!” Sunset coughed out and forced a grin on her face. “How can I help you?”
“I think the better question is how can I help you? Why are you sleeping in a bush?” I wanted to know.
“Uh I wanted to go camping!” Sunset smiled. “I enjoy nature!” I sighed and raised an eyebrow and she groaned. “Fine. I live here.”
“What on earth do you mean you live in a bush?” I demanded.
“I mean I have no where to go so I’m making the best out of a bad situation. The bush protects me from the cold and wind and snow. I can keep my food cold in the snow. I survive,” Sunset explained with chattering teeth.
“Where are you parents? Don’t you live with them?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t have any parents. I have me,” Sunset grumbled. This wasn’t going to stand. I had to do something. I’ll be damned if I leave her here to freeze to death.
“Then you’re coming with me home,” I decided. I wasn’t technically supposed to do this but I had no other alternative at the moment.
“I’m good,” Sunset shook her head. “I like being independent.”
“Sunset dear. It’s going to be negative thirty degrees tonight. The coldest night in history. You’ll freeze to death,” I pleaded. “Please just come home with me. It’s warm, I have hot chocolate, movies, a spare bed, warm clothes and blankets. And warm food.” Sunset sighed and looked around and I knew I was getting somewhere.
“Okay,” Sunset announced. “I’ll go.” I gave a satisfied smile and crawled out of the bush. Sunset hesitated before following me out and I held my hand out.
Sunset sat on my couch wrapped in three or four blankets. Her shivering and shaking had almost stopped entirely to my relief. She tried her hardest to keep it hidden but I could easily see it. Her hands were wrapped around a steaming cup of hot chocolate and she gave a sigh. I knelt down in front of her with another steaming bowl, this one with soup I had made.
“Eat,” I coaxed with a smile. “You might have a cold based on the coughs. How long have you been sleeping there?”
“Ever since I’ve been going to school,” Sunset sipped her chocolate. She set her cup down and peered into the soup before shrugging and accepting the spoon. She bit into a chunk of chicken and swallowed it. “What is this? It’s really good.” I gave a smug smile her way.
“It’s chicken noodle soup. I make it myself,” I smiled. My smile disappeared at Sunset’s horrified expression. “Something wrong?”
“I’m vegetarian,” Sunset explained and stared into the soup. My eyes widened and I suddenly wanted to slap myself. I completely forgot that I’ve only ever seen her with salads.
“I can make something else,” I stood up quickly. “My apologies.” Sunset slowly shook her head.
“I can not believe I’m about to say this, but it’s pretty good for meat. Never tried it before,” Sunset admitted before eating some more. I watched her eat quietly as a million thoughts ran through my head. Mainly how long she had been homeless and how stupid I was to not have realized it. I wonder if any of the other teachers know she is. Or if Celestia herself knows. I glanced outside and shuddered at the thick snow. It was only October, the middle of fall and it was still snowing. We typically get our first snowfall in November or October. The thought that the girl in front of me was absolutely convinced she could survive this was beyond me. I just hope I can get out of my house and driveway for work tomorrow if it isn’t canceled. I know students love snowdays but we teachers hate them. I plan out my teaching lessons based on each day. If we have a snow day, that messes up all my lessons I have planned for the year. I remember as a kid absolutely loving snowdays. A faint laugh escaped me as I remembered snowball fights with dad and building snowmen with mom.
“What’s funny?” Sunset broke me from my thoughts. She stared at me curiously with an empty bowl. I don’t know when she finished eating.
“Nothing. Just remembering things,” I smiled. “Where are you from that your parents couldn’t be here?” A flicker of frustration crossed Sunset’s face so fast I wasn’t sure if it was even there to begin with. Sunset gave a faint laugh.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” she replied. Well that totally wasn’t mysterious at all. “Let’s just say it’s a far away place. Very far from here.”
“How far away are we talking?” I really hoped this wasn’t a runaway from places like Manehatten or Baltimare. Those were some pretty strange names now that I think about it. Sounded horse related but I’m assuming the people who named the cities loved horses. Hell, I love horses but they still scare me. The thought of falling off and getting trampled scares me. Have you ever seen videos of some idiot standing behind a horse and getting kicked? I’d accidentally be that idiot and die and I have better things to do than get my skull caved in by a well placed hoof to the head.
“Not sure,” Sunset shrugged. “All I know is that it’s far away.” I had a feeling I wasn’t going to be getting any answers from her about so I might as well stop pressing. For tonight at least.
“It’s getting late. I have the spare room already made just in case I have guests over,” I looked at my phone. “I suggest we turn in for the night.”
“I can sleep on the couch or floor,” Sunset frowned. The entire car ride here she had been saying she was independent and could survive on her own and would sleep on the floor instead of any bed. I rolled my eyes and picked up her bowl.
“I recommend the bed. It’s more comfortable than my couch. It’s certainly more comfortable than the wooden floor.”
“I’m only going to agree because I’m tired and I value good sleep,” Sunset warned and stood up. “I’ll follow you.” I gave a brief nod and stepped inside the kitchen to place her bowl on the counter next to the sink. I made a mental note to wash the dishes before I went to sleep tonight.
“Right this way,” I gestured cheerfully for her to follow me up the stairs. It wasn’t the biggest house on earth but it was nice. Two bathrooms, three bedrooms and a nice garage for my car. Sure I could buy a bigger one with my funds but what’s the point? Being alone in a big house would be well lonely. I’ve already done that once and I don’t want to do it again. I stepped inside a decent sized room and gestured to the bed. “This is your room. Bathroom is down the hall if you wish to take a shower. Spare unopened hairbrushes and toothbrush are on the towel shelf if you want to use it.”
“Are all houses usually this big?” Sunset looked around curiously, trying to hide her interest but I could easily see through it. Maybe because she’s sick and wasn’t trying as hard as she normally did.
“Not really,” I admitted. “Some are and some aren’t. This is a medium sized house to most people.”
“It’s massive!” Sunset announced before turning red. “I mean, it’s decent.” I gave a grin her way. That was the most energetic I’ve seen her all night. I looked her over and my grin turned into a frown.
“You don’t have a coat do you?” I asked even though I already knew the answer.
“No. Why?” Sunset gazed at me warily. I’ve only ever seen her in jeans and a tshirt.
“We can go looking for one next week,” I told her with a smile. “It’s too cold for you to not wear one.”
“I’ll be fine. I survived this long,” Sunset retorted. I had never know she was this stubborn. I rolled my eyes and sighed.
“I insist. In the mean time, I have a jacket you can use. It’s not much but it’s warm,” I stepped to the closet and opened it, thumbing my way through the clothes hanging up. “Here it is.” I pulled out a leather jacket and held it out. Sunset carefully picked it up and stared at if.
“It’s nice,” she finally said and slipped it on. “Why do you have a leather jacket in your closet? Doesn’t seem like the thing you would wear.”
“I was a kid once too. They were going out of style when I was growing up but I still had one,” I chuckled at the memory of teenage Cheerilee with her leather jacket. “I remember one year I was going through a disco music phase for some reason and my hair was absolutely crazy and I wore that jacket. I have the picture around here somewhere.” Sunset stepped in front of a mirror and admired herself for a few moments.
“I like it,” she admitted. “I’ll give it back after I buy my own jacket.”
“Keep it. With you wearing it, it’s actually getting some proper use instead of just sitting in my closet gathering dust,” I shook my head. “It’s yours now.”
“Thank you Miss Cheerilee.”
“Cheerilee is fine at home. You don’t have to call me Miss Cheerilee,” I told her. “Goodnight Sunset.” I stepped out of the room and shut the door carefully. My phone rang and I rolled my eyes. I fished it out of my pocket and pressed answer. “Cheerilee speaking.”
”Hello Miss Cheerilee,” Celestia said cheerfully.
“Principal Celestia. How may I help you?” I hoped she didn’t find out I brought a student home.
”I’m calling to make you aware tomorrow is a snow day so you don’t have to worry about coming in,” Celestia sounded a bit disappointed herself at the fact.
“Okay. Thanks for calling and telling me,” I sighed. “Have a good night.”
”Have a goodnight,” Celestia hung up and I groaned. I stepped back to Sunset’s room and knocked. Sunset opened the door and stared at me.
“Why are you knocking in your own house?”
“Because I hated when people came into my room when I was your age without knocking first,” I shrugged. “Anyway, Celestia just called. School is canceled for tomorrow. Wanna watch a movie?” Sunset appeared to be debating with her self internally before shrugging and nodding briefly.
“Rainbow Dash! Please wake up,” I stopped at her desk and stared down at the snoring girl. She jumped and looked around.
“What’s happening?” She mumbled and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes before settling on me and her eyes widened. “H-hey Miss Cheerilee! What’s up?”
“Is there any reason you’re sleeping in my class, Rainbow?” I crossed my arms sternly. She typically doesn’t sleep in my class. She just cheats off Fluttershy or Vinyl. Most of the time at least.
“Sorry Miss Cheerilee. I didn’t get much sleep last night after the soccer game and gym class was pretty wild today,” Rainbow mumbled sheepishly.
“I understand just try to stay awake. These notes are very important for the upcoming exam,” I chided. I stepped back to the front of the class. “Alright, who can tell me what two countries were already involved in a military conflict before the start of World War Two?” I looked around at the raised hands and I pointed at Bon Bon.
“Uhhh Japan and India?” She asked hopefully.
“Sorry Bon Bon but that’s incorrect. Go ahead Sunset.” Bon Bon faceplanted into her desk.
“Don’t worry Bonnie. You’ll get the next one right,” I faintly heard Lyra whisper to Bon Bon.
“Japan and China Miss Cheerilee,” Sunset gave a smug confident grin and relaxed in her chair. I gave her a big grin of my own.
“Correct Sunset. Great job!” I placed a golden star on the board next to her name. The star system was something I invented to encourage students to focus on their work. If they get twenty stars at the end of each month, I let them pick a movie we watch at the end of each month. As long as it’s school appropriate of course. I don’t need another student requesting fifty shades of grey.
“Thanks Miss Cheerilee,” Sunset smirked. Bon Bon lifted her head and sighed.
“What was the first action the Nazis took against the Jews?” I asked once I turned around. “Go ahead Rainbow.”
“Uh gas em?” She shrugged. “Isn’t that what they did to everyone?” I resisted the urge to facepalm.
“They did gas the Jews but that wasn’t the first thing they did. Go ahead Sunset.”
“Boycott Jewish businesses,” Sunset maintained her smug grin as she shot a look to Rainbow. “Everyone knows that. Except athletes of course.” Rainbow glared at her and turned red.
“Let’s not start any arguments please. Who can tell me what German battleship sunk the British HMS Hood and what was the sister ship of the German ship?”
“The Tirpitz?” Octavia asked. I gave her a warm smile.
“You got part of the question right Octavia. That’s the name of the sister ship. Who can answer the first part of the question? Go ahead Sunset.”
“The name of the ship is the Bismarck. It sunk the HMS Hood in the Battle of the Denmark Strait in nineteen forty one, killing one thousand, four hundred and fifteen of it’s sailors.” I gave a few quick excited claps. I loved when my students gave extra knowledge like she and Octavia did. I was honestly surprised Octavia talked. She was a very shy quiet girl who brought her cello everywhere. She reminded me more of Fluttershy to be honest.
“Correct. And since you both helped answer the question, you both get to pick a movie for us to watch this month. Stop by after class and I’ll look for your suggestion,” I announced as the bell rang. “That’s all the time we have together today. Enjoy the weekend!” Octavia and Sunset glared at each other before standing up. Those two had a very weird relationship going on. Very competitive with each other about answering all the questions in class and making sure they’re right. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that the two had something going on but I think Octavia was with Vinyl. At least that’s what I overheard from Daisy and Lily gossiping about it.
“So Miss Cheerilee,” Sunset glanced over her shoulder and gave Octavia a pointed look as she exited the class room. “How long do you want me to stay at your house?”
“Well considering it’s either you stay with me until you’re eighteen or I notify child protective services and they take matters from there and put you in a home. Up to you,” I shrugged as I started typing on my computer. I saw Sunset flinch out of the corner of my eye and I gave a hidden smile. She mainly stayed in the spare room, only coming out for food, bathroom and the shower.
“I’d rather avoid PPS if I could. I guess I can for a bit longer until I’m eighteen and then I’ll be gone. Besides I’m just being a chore,” Sunset scoffed. I cocked my head slightly and frowned at her.
“First off, you’re not being a chore. I care about my students and you are one of those. And secondly, what is PPS?” I asked curiously. She did sometimes speak using weird words. Words like everypony and such. Why, I’m not sure.
“Uhh I meant CPS. Definitely that,” Sunset said nervously. I raised my eyebrow but decided to not press it.
“Why don’t you bring some friends over Sunset? I wouldn’t object at all,” I decided to change the topic.
“I have no friends. Friend is another word for fool,” Sunset announced and I narrowed my eyes slightly.
“That’s not true at all Sunset. I have friends and I’m not a fool, am I?” I questioned sternly. A moment of silence passed.
“No you’re not,” Sunset admitted. “I still don’t need friends. I like being on my own.”
“Okay okay,” I held up a hand placatingly. “I won’t push it. Just think about it okay?” I really wanted her to get some friends. Maybe would get her out of the room sometime.
“I’ll think about it,” Sunset groaned. “No promises.”
“That’s all I ask for Sunset. I want you to have a decent highschool life. Mine was pretty decent but it could always have been better,” I sighed.
“What do you mean?” Sunset asked as she lazily sat across from me in a chair.
“Nothing,” I sighed. “It doesn’t mean anything don’t worry. We can head home after this. Got some grades to update and emails to send to some parents.”
“Sounds good,” Sunset shrugged and pulled her phone out and started to play on it. A knocking on the door frame made us both look up.
“Principal Celestia,” I stood up. “How may I help you?” Sunset watched us curiously with a smile that seemed off in a way.
“Can we talk, Miss Cheerilee?” Celestia stepped inside the room. She locked eyes with Sunset and cleared her throat. “Alone please.”
“Oh but of course Principal Celestia,” Sunset said in a sweet voice and stood up, stepping out of the room. Principal Celestia shut the door and sighed, sitting down across from me. I sat down in my chair and smoothed down my skirt.
“I’ll cut to the chase. Why is Sunset staying at your house?” Celestia asked. My eyes slightly widened and I sighed.
“I found her sleeping outside in a bush awhile ago. It was snowing and really cold that night. I couldn’t really just leave her to die so I took her in,” I admitted.
“You know it’s against the rules right. It’s unprofessional as a teacher to take a student home. If anyone found out, that would raise a lot of questions about what you two got up to in there,” Celestia chided. My eyes narrowed again and I glared at her.
“I am not having sex with my student! I am simply giving her a place to live for the time being. I do not like being accused of such a disgusting thing,” I folded my arms angrily.
“I didn’t mean to imply that. I know you aren’t having intercourse with Sunset but still. Just her being there could get you in trouble,” Celestia sighed.
“It still was implied. And if me doing what’s right is going to get me in trouble then so be it,” I scoffed. “I don’t regret my actions for a second.”
“I’m not saying you should. I’m just saying be careful okay? If you’re doing this because of-” I slammed my hand down on the desk angrily and she froze. I took a deep breath to calm down.
“This has nothing to do with her. Don’t you dare bring it up,” I warned quietly.
“Okay I won’t, I’m sorry. All I’ll say is it seems like you’re acting like a mom to her and going to adopt her. That’s all I have to say,” Celestia said hesitantly. I paused as the anger slowly left me.
“I’m not adopting her. I can’t even if I wanted to because she isn’t even in the system,” I pointed out. I never even really thought about that. She’s been around for three or four weeks already. Granted she mainly stayed hidden in her room but everytime I left, the dishes were always cleaned and the house swept.
“Okay. Just be careful and remember I’m a phone call away,” Celestia stood up. “I’m going to get out of your hair now.”
“Have a goodnight Principal,” I grumbled. She nodded as she opened the door snd stepped out. Sunset stepped inside and sat down again across from me.
“What was that about?” She asked me curiously as I went back to editing my grades. I was still going over what Celestia said and it left an imprint in my mind I was shocked to be mulling over. I gave Sunset a weak, forced smile.
“What’s first on the list?” Sunset asked as she leaned on the cart, looking around the grocery store with a bored expression. She had told me she didn’t really like shopping because it was boring but surprisingly agreed to come. Apparently she wanted to look at some things in the electronic part of the store.
“Carrots. Produce is in front of the store so that’s our first stop,” I picked up my sheet of paper and overlooked it. Minor things really we needed this week. At least it wasn’t like last week. Sunset is a pretty stealthy girl, I barely know when she’s eating or anything like that. Hell, if I didn’t see the dirty towels and clothes in the laundry basket, I would think she didn’t shower.
“Do you normally eat a lot of vegetables?” Sunset asked me curiously as she stepped back and observed the wall of stacked carrots.
“I mainly just like potatoes, carrots and broccoli. I don’t care for the rest,” I admitted. I absolutely hated stuff like cauliflower and asparagus. The most disgusting was kimchi and guacamole. Kimchi is just rotting cabbage. Who in their right mind would eat rotting cabbage? “What about you?”
“Hay, daisies, carrots, potatoes and broccoli. That’s about it,” Sunset shrugged as she picked up a bag of carrots. I tilted my head to the side curiously.
“Hay and daisies? What do you mean?” Add those to my list of weird things people shouldn’t eat.
“Oh uh nothing. Misspoke is all. Meant to say fries and dandelion greens,” Sunset gave a sheepish smile.
“Do you want me to buy some?” I offered curiously. I wanted to see if she would actually eat them or not.
“Maybe another time,” Sunset shrugged. “Fries aren’t a vegetable, are they?”
“I guess they are. They’re just cut up potatoes cooked and seasoned so,” I gave a shrug of my own. “I don’t see why not.”
“Fascinating,” Sunset mused as she wandered around. I grabbed some random fruits. Strawberries and blueberries are my favorite without a doubt. Nothing can compare to them. Don’t tell Applejack this, but strawberries are better than apples. I remember having to move her and Strawberry Sunrise from sitting next to each other because they constantly argued over it.
“Why are grocery stores this big?” Sunset asked in awe. She said in her town stores were outside and way more smaller than this so I can see why she would be surprised.
“Probably to hold all the stuff people buy,” I answered as we entered the cereal aisle. “Any types of cereal you want?” Sunset eagerly bounded down the aisle. One of her favorite things had been sugary cereals. We both bonded over our love of Sugar Crisp, Captain Crunch and Frosted Flakes. She had been really surprised I liked the sugary breakfast foods over anything. She quickly returned with four boxes of each.
“Got our favorites I see,” I chuckled and she added them to our slowly growing cart.
“Yeah. Is it okay?” Sunset asked cautiously. I sighed and rolled my eyes. I had thought we got over the whole thing about her not wanting to seem too dependent on me but I guess not.
“Don’t worry about it. I can afford it,” I reassured her. She raised an eyebrow and we started walking to electronics. “What do you wanna look at?”
“Laptops and a mouse. Makes my homework easier,” Sunset explained as we kept walking. “Better than the school computers. Saved up for months for one.”
“True. The school computers are pretty slow. How much have you saved up?” I will admit, I was pretty curious how she made money. I rarely saw her leave unless she climbed out the window and climbed back in it at night.
“About six hundred dollars,” Sunset said casually. I stared at her. How she thought that wasn’t a lot was beyond me. I shouldn’t talk considering how much I have.
“How do you get that much?” I asked curiously. “I rarely see you leave the house.”
“I’m quiet like that,” Sunset shrugged and browsed the laptops. I raised an eyebrow and watched amused. “Do you care if Flash comes over?”
“Your boyfriend?” I smirked at Sunset’s startled reaction.
“How do you know about that?” Sunset asked cautiously. “I never told you.”
“I’m a teacher and I hear loud high schoolers. Often talking about their fellow students and who they’re dating. It’s common,” I shrugged. “I’m fine with him coming over. Just keep the bedroom door open, no touching allowed. Please.”
“Okay mom,” Sunset grumbled. I felt oddly warm inside hearing her say that. “I pick this one.” Sunset held up a laptop and mouse. I gave a quick nod.
“Uh hi Miss Cheerilee,” Flash sat nervously on the other couch drinking some hot chocolate. I sat on the other one watching TV and Sunset. I really didn’t want anything happening in our house. I was a high schooler not too long ago myself after all. I remember getting into all sorts of trouble back then.
“You can call me Cheerilee, Flash. I’m outside of school and it’s perfectly fine,” I chided with a smile.
“Uhm okay. Why does Sunset live with you?” He asked nervously looking at us both. I had kind of assumed he would be uncomfortable with me here. Me and Sunset looked at each other and she was slightly shaking her head. Good thing I hadn’t planned on telling him she had been homeless sleeping outdoors.
“She’s my daughter,” I said immediately without thinking. Sunset raised an eyebrow and stared at me.
“When did that happen?” He looked once again at us, this time in shock.
“Uh awhile ago,” Sunset lied as she still stared at me. “It’s been great.”
“Yes it has,” I agreed. “How are you, Flash?”
“Pretty good. Ready for December to be here so it can be over. I hate Christmas,” he sighed and stirred his hot chocolate with a candy cane. If you haven’t tried that, try it. It’s amazing.
“Why?” I asked curiously. He never really talked about his home life before. Well, not to me at least.
“Dad is always at work for the police department and mom left years ago so it’s just me,” he sipped his hot chocolate. “Kinda boring but I got used to it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure Sunset wouldn’t mind you stopping by sometime during December,” I smirked at Sunset. She had a frustrated expression and I wasn’t sure why.
“Yeah sure,” Sunset gritted her teeth. “I’m going to bed.”
“Oh uh okay. Bye Sunset,” Flash muttered as he stood up to leave. I quickly stood up myself.
“I’ll walk you to the door,” I smiled as we started walking. “I’ll talk to her after you leave and see what’s up with her.”
“Thanks Cheerilee,” Flash frowned. “That’s so weird to say without Miss in front of it.”
“I can understand that. I’ll see you Friday for the Fall Formal,” I held the door open and smiled at him before he nodded and walked out. I shut the door and locked it behind him, sighing.
“What was with you calling me your daughter?” Sunset demanded and I spun to face her. I hadn’t even heard her walking up, she was quiet.
“Can we sit down and talk?” I asked and she gave a curt nod. I led her to the living room and we sat down. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Sunset. A lot.”
“I’m listening,” Sunset leaned back and stared at me. “Go on.”
“You see, I had a daughter once,” I admitted grudgingly. I really didn’t want to bring this up but here we go. Sunset looked around curiously.
“Well where is she? I don’t see her.” I sighed and inhaled.
“There was some complications with the pregnancy and she died before she could be born,” I admitted hesitantly. I really didn’t know if I should be telling her this but too late now. Sunset’s face slightly relaxed as she stared at me.
“I’m sorry to hear that. How does this relate to me though and you saying I was your daughter?” Sunset let her arms relax a bit on the couch.
“What do you think of me?” I asked her suddenly. “How do you view me?” Sunset shrugged and sighed.
“Caretaker I guess. I live here. You give me a house, bed, shower and food. I don’t know what else to say.”
“And what does a parent do?” I pressed.
“Give shelter?” Sunset guessed before her eyes slightly widened. “Are you seriously using me to replace your kid?”
“No! Nothing could ever replace Lilac Hearts. Nothing in the world,” I sighed.
“Where’s the father then?” Sunset asked.
“It’s uh complicated and embarrassing,” I blushed. “It was in college and I got drunk at a party. I don’t even really remember who it was. Only Celestia knows this story. Anyway, we came home and the rest is history.”
“I hate when that happens,” Sunset admitted.
“What does that mean?” I raised an eyebrow and stared at her sternly. She better not be getting drunk behind my back.
“I see a lot of stories online similar is all. What I didn’t expect was you getting drunk.” I turned red again at that comment.
“I’m still pretty young Sunset. I was your age once too. I’m only a few years older after all.” We got quiet for a bit and watched the tv.
“I’m still sorry about your daughter. If most people told me that story, I’d ignore them. But for some reason I feel bad,” Sunset admitted.
“Why is that?” I asked curiously.
“I don’t really care about other people. But for some reason, you’re different. You’re....important,” Sunset struggled with her words before settling on one.
“Everybody is important Sunset. No matter who they are,” I chided. We fell silent again and watched the snow outside. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Go for it.” I sighed and collected my thoughts. Celestia’s conversation came to mind and I took a deep breath.
“What’s your thoughts on adoption?” Sunset recoiled slightly and stared at me.
“Like you adopting me?” She asked incredulously and in a suspicious tone of voice. I gave a faint, nervous nod. Sunset stared at me and stood up. I watched her as she headed upstairs to I assume bed. I figured I wasn’t going to get an answer ever and sighed. Sunset spoke and startled me.
“Why is it so cold in this damn library?” Scootaloo mumbled. She sat with her two friends, both equally cold, all three wearing large coats. I sat at my desk in the library reading a book with my own equally heavy jacket.
“Ah don’t know. Probably because the heat ain’t working,” Apple Bloom pointed out with an eyeroll. “Ain’t the end of the world.”
“How anyone can survive in this infernal weather in Alaska and other countries is beyond me,” Sweetie shivered in her heavy coat.
“Please no cussing Scootaloo,” I announced as I turned a page of my book. “I don’t know when the heat in the school will be turned back on. I have hot chocolate if you four want some,” I acknowledged the purple girl wandering the library. Who she was, I have no idea.
“Oh uh thank you,” she gave me a weird smile. “That won’t be necessary, Cheerilee.” I raised an eyebrow and stared at her confused.
“How do you know my name?” I asked. I hadn’t told her my name. At least I don’t remember doing so.
“Uh you told me?” She offered weakly. Scootaloo shook her head.
“No she didn’t,” Scootaloo pointed out. “She’s been quiet this whole time, except for when we talked to her or greeting us.”
“Oh uh okay,” she muttered and started thumbing through some books. Snips snuck into the library and Snails crawled into the library on his stomach. How he could bend his body like that, I had no idea. All I know is that it looked painful as heck.
“What are you two doing?” I asked sternly. “Don’t you have class?”
“Uhh no?” Snips offered weakly. “It’s a free hour for us, just like the other girls and guys in here.”
“What’s a free hour?” Snails asked. I resisted the urge to facepalm. These two were pretty annoying and caused more problems than anything else.
“A free hour is for students who do good enough and get to have a free hour to do whatever they want. Study, read, or talk to their friends in the library,” I explained for the fiftieth time at least. I constantly have to explain the same thing to him but meh. Could be worse I suppose.
“Ohhh okay,” he nodded. Snips grabbed his arm and pulled him away.
“We got work to do. Come on.” I faintly heard. Now I was a bit worried, those two working together on something was almost always a recipe for disaster. My phone started vibrating in my pocket and I sighed. I completely forgot I had an appointment later.
“Cheerilee speaking.”
”Hey bestie!” I yanked the phone away from my ear and winced.
“Please don’t yell next time. That hurt my ears,” I said flatly. “Or at least warn me next time, Storm.”
”Sorry Cheerilee. I got the paperwork you asked for. Had to pull a few strings, but I got. I’ll drop it by later, Storm Rain said and I heard some desk drawers slamming shut.
“Awesome! Thank you. I owe ya one,” I grinned even though she couldn’t see it.
”Got that right,” she agreed.
“I gotta go back to work. See you later tonight when you drop it off if that works for,” I watched Snails fall on Snips and I rolled my eyes.
”Yeah that works for me. See later tonight Cheerilee.”
“See ya.” I slipped the phone back into my pocket and stood up, heading to the book cart I had near the computers. I had almost forgotten about them. I picked up a few books and started sliding them onto the shelf, ignoring the purple girl moving the monitor of the computer around.
“So I just press a button on this and it’ll appear on there?” She asked me. I sighed and took a deep breath.Breath Cheerilee. She’s just curious and probably doesnt have one back home. I shouldn’t judge. I forced a big smile on my face and turned around.
“That’s right dear,” I set the monitor down. I turned around and picked up another book.
“Maybe this world has magic after all,” she said excitedly and I rolled my eyes. She had been talking to me the past few hours about anything and everything this world has to offer. Those are her exact words for the record. She had been really confused by computers and such. Apparently they “don’t have them where she’s from”.
Now that I think about it, she and Sunset used similar words like everypony and nopony. She even asked me where the closest place to get a hayburger was at. Kinda weird really but she wasn’t exactly forthcoming when I asked what she meant. Loud music started playing and I jumped, glaring at the three girls playing the music from a computer.
“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. This is a library. No just....no!” I unplugged the speaker and the music stopped. “You can get it back after school from my classroom. And don’t even think about trying to steal it back Scootaloo. I’m going to be locking the drawer this time.” The three girls sighed as I walked away.
“I don’t think that’s what she meant,” I overheard the purple say as the three girls I just talked to run out the library and I sighed, rolling my eyes.
“Gah!” The purple girl shouted as she jumped and fell next to the photocopier.
“Quiet please! This is a library,” I chided as I heard giggling. I glanced over and stared at Snips and Snails recording it giggling. I sighed and stood up, standing over them. “And just what do you two think you’re doing?” They jumped and stared at me nervously.
“Nothing Miss Cheerilee!”
“Just working on our project!” They looked at me with smiles and I rolled my eyes. Whatever project they were doing was really disruptive. Probably a project Mr. Whooves had them do. He always was doing loud, explosive projects in his class. What it had to do with the girl, I had no clue.
“Oh yes,” Storm Rain moaned into my pillow. I gave a smirk and leaned in close.
“Do you want it lower?” I asked quietly. She gave a nod and moaned again. The bedroom door swung open and Sunset stared at us.
“What is going on in here?” She demanded. I rolled my eyes and kept pressing my hands into Storms back, working her muscles.
“This is my friend Storm Rain. I’m giving her a massage because she asked,” I explained as I moved my hands lower onto her spine and worked the muscles there. Storm lifted her head and lifted her head.
“Cheerilee gives the best massages. She should open a spa honestly but she likes teaching,” Storm sat up and pulled her shirt back on. “You’re Sunset, right?”
“Yeah. Why?” Sunset asked warily. Her eyes flicked between the two of us.
“Cheerilee has said a lot of good things. Nice to finally meet you,” Storm held out a hand and smiled as Sunset hesitantly took it and shook hands.
“Likewise,” Sunset said coolly. “I thought something else was going on in here.” Me and Storm looked at each other and laughed.
“Nothing like that was going on,” Storm reassured the girl. “Don’t worry. The paperwork is on the nightstand Cheerilee. Thanks for the massage. I got to get home and do more work.”
“Good luck,” I smiled and then frowned at Sunset. “Sit down. We have to talk.” I patted the bed and Sunset cautiously sat next to me.
“About what?” She asked. I sighed and pulled my phone out of my pocket and clicked play on a YouTube video.
“You want Twilight Sparkle to be your Fall Formal princess? What does it say about our school if we have someone like this as our Princess.” I paused the video and stared at Sunset.
“I’m disappointed in you. You’re using blackmail to harm that girls chances and it’s not right Sunset,” I said sternly. “You’re better than this.”
“So? I want it and I get what I want. I deserve it,” Sunset snapped. I was a bit taken back. This is a completely different Sunset than what I was used to. “Not like you can do anything about it.”
“Yes I can. You’re not going to the Fall Formal,” I said. “You’re staying in the house that night and will resign from the competition.” Sunset glared at me and stood up.
“Like hell I will. I’ve put too much work into my plans to be stopped now. I’m going to win and that’s all. I don’t have to stay here after all. You’re not even my mom or guardian,” Sunset ran out the door. I sighed and stood up, chasing after her.
“Sunset! Come back please!” I shouted as she flung the front door open and darted out it. “Stop now.” I grabbed my coat and slipped it on. I stepped outside and looked around. “Where did that girl go and how the hell is she so fast?” I trudged around the house in the thick snow, shivering. In my haste, I had forgotten my hat and scarf. I sighed and pulled out my phone once again. There was one person I could call. I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear.
“It’s been a few days we’ve been searching Cheerilee,” Celestia sighed as we sat in her car in the school parking lot. “And we haven’t found her. We will see her at the Fall Formal tonight, don’t worry.”
“That doesn’t help me at all. I’m going to worry regardless. I’ve checked everywhere. Every bridge, tunnel, homeless shelter. Nothing. No one’s seen her,” I sighed as I ran a hand through my hair. “I just hope she’s here tonight.”
“She will be. She wants to see if she won right?” Celestia inquired. I gave a quick nod and rubbed my chin in thought. “Then she will be there. And you can talk to her then.” I gave a sigh and stepped out of the car.
“I hope so. It’s scary how quick and quiet she is. It only took me about five seconds or so to grab my coat. When I went outside, she was gone. I don’t know where she went so fast. She should honestly join the track or soccer team,” I grumbled as I lifted my computer bag. “She still left the laptop and such at my house. Might be a good sign she will be back.” She left more than that behind too. I found a bunch of her clothes and a camera in the desk drawer. I still had to talk to her about the pictures on the camera. Mainly why it was full of blackmail pictures.
“I tried to recruit her. Apparently she doesn’t get along with Rainbow Dash,” Celestia shrugged as she stepped out too. “I’ll take you home too after work since you accidentally crashed on me and Luna’s couch.” I felt a faint warmth on my cheeks.
“Sorry about that. It was a busy night last night,” I admitted sheepishly. Celestia sighed and came to the other side of the car, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t worry. You’re panicking and you have every right to. Your daughter is missing,” Celestia smirked at me.
“She’s not my daughter. She doesn’t want to be adopted,” I muttered. “I won’t push it.” I don’t know why I wanted to. Ever since she started living with me, I felt happier I guess. Well, I’m always happy I suppose. My name is Cheerilee after all. Anyway, I don’t know. The house seems kind of quiet without Sunset around now. I hope she comes back.
“Makes sense. She is a very hard to understand girl somedays,” Celestia agreed as we started walking into the school.
“Oh trust me. You have absolutely no idea,” I chuckled. “And I thought Fluttershy was a hard girl to understand.”
“I don’t think Sunset likes me much,” Celestia held open the door and I gave a grateful nod as I stepped inside.
“I noticed that,” I admitted. “She seems uncomfortable whenever you’re around. Almost afraid in a way.” Any time Celestia had come around in the school, Sunset suddenly wanted to disappear. Whenever I found her, I was going to get an answer about it. “Hey there’s the new girl. What’s her name?” A purple girl came walking past us with Rainbow and Applejack. I didn’t know they had become friends again. Pinkie came running around the corner.
“Walk don’t run Pinkie,” Celestia chided. “Please and thank you.”
“Yes Principal Celestia,” Pinkie giggled as Fluttershy and Rarity rounded the corner.
“Her name is Twilight Sparkle. She’s running for Fall Formal Princess,” Celestia smiled. “Sunset might have some competition this year.” I had known her name of course but I don’t know why I acted like I didn’t.
“Interesting,” I mused as I approached my classroom. I stuck the key inside and turned it, opening the door.
“Have a good day. See you at the Fall Formal,” Celestia waved as she stepped away.
“Likewise,” I stepped inside and flicked the light on. I jumped slightly and stared at the girl curled into a ball sleeping on the floor. Sunset let out a mumble as she rolled over. I gave a faint smile as I knelt down and stroked her hair. How did she even get in here? Better yet, how didn’t I think to look in here first of all?
“Miss Cheerilee?” Lyra said hesitantly from behind me. I pressed a finger to my lips and shushed her quietly, nodding to Sunset. Lyra groaned and rolled her eyes but complied.
“Princess Celestia?” Sunset mumbled in her sleep. Me and Lyra looked at each in confusion.
“She knows her title is principal, right?” Lyra asked quietly as she kept a wary look on Sunset. I smiled faintly at Sunset. “I don’t think our country has ever had a Princess.” I stood up and sat down at my desk.
“I’m not sure. I’ll ask her about it when she wakes up. What can I do for you, Lyra?” I turned my computer on. Lyra nervously drummed her fingers on my desk.
“Do you have any clue why Sunset is so mad all the time?” Lyra finally asked, keeping her cautious gaze on Sunset’s sleeping form. She carefully sat down across from me at the desk.
“What do you mean?” I raised an eyebrow curiously.
“Like she has anger issues and is mean to a lot of the students,” Lyra admitted. “She ignores me and Bon Bon most of the time. She’s only yelled at us a few times but mostly ignored us.”
“I have no idea. I haven’t heard anything about that,” I admitted. “Why would I know?” Lyra finally took her gaze off Sunset and shrugged.
“Probably because she lives with you? And probably tells you everything?” Lyra said. I gave her a glare and rolled over to the door, shutting it quietly.
“How do you even know about that?” I demanded. “I told no one.”
“Uh Flash Sentry accidentally told me,” Lyra rubbed the back of her head. “Don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone and I won’t be.” I rolled back to my desk and gave a sigh of relief.
“Thanks for that. She hasn’t been sleeping at our house in a few days,” I sighed. “There was.....complications and that’s all I’ll say.” I really wasn’t in the mood to relieve the argument we had. I don’t even know how she got into the school and my classroom.
“She really needs to get a handle on her anger. It’s scary how mad she gets. It’s just as bad as Gilda was before she got expelled,” Lyra sighed. I gave a faint shudder at that.
“If we work things out, I’ll talk to her about it. She’s.....special to me,” I admitted with a smile. “I can’t explain it but she is. She makes my life complete I guess.”
“I can’t relate to that. I mean, maybe with Bon Bon but that’s it,” Lyra shrugged.
“You’re such a hypocrite. Tell me to make friends when you have none of you own.” We both glanced over at Sunset talking in her sleep again and we both raised an eyebrow. “I hate you.”
“What do you think she’s dreaming about?” Lyra asked curiously.
“I don’t know but it doesn’t sound good,” I admitted before standing up and walking over to her and knelt down, starting to shake her gently. “Hey Sunset. Wake up Sunset.” She slowly opened her eyes and jumped up.
“What the hell is going on here?” She stared nervously at me and Lyra. “What did you two do to me?”
“Nothing. I was helping Lyra figure out how to get extra credit,” I lied. I hated doing it but I didn’t want to admit Lyra was talking about her.
“Don’t talk to me. Either of you,” Sunset snapped as she stormed out of the room. With a groan, my head fell into my hands. Lyra hesitantly put a hand on my shoulder.
“What is that?” Watermelody screamed as I stared in confusion at this flying winged thing that vaguely resembled and sounded like Sunset.
“S-sunset?” I mumbled quietly to myself. I stepped forward hesitantly as the front of the school got ripped away and thrown aside. She flew inside the school and some people ran away. Whatever happened next I don’t remember. All I remember is standing at the edge of a crater looking down at a crying Sunset.
“Any power you once had in this world is gone. Tonight, you’ve shown everyone your true colors,” Twilight glared down at her with wings folded against her back. If I didn’t see it myself, I wouldn’t believe it. Sunset pulled herself up and I sighed at her expression.
“B-but I don’t know the first thing about friendship or where to even begin,” Sunset sobbed. Twilight surprised me by holding out her hand for Sunset to grab.
“I think they can help you,” Twilight nodded behind her to Rainbow Dash and the other girls. Sunset hesitated before accepting the hand and Twilight pulled her up. I pushed Twilight aside, startling her. Sunset stared into my neck in shock as I hugged her.
“What’s her punishment again?” I repeated in surprise and a mix of disgust. I really didn’t believe what I heard.
“Rebuild the school entrance with Snips and Snails,” Luna repeated. I glared at her, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Both sisters flinched at my outburst. And rightfully so I suppose. I rarely cuss at school or ever really. I have to be really mad to cuss. “She’s injured! And is just a kid. Same with Snips and Snails. We legally can’t make them do this!”
“So we just leave them with no punishment?” Celestia sighed. “Be realistic Cheerilee. We have to punish them somehow!” I fixed my glare on her instead.
“Suspend them. Give them detention or ban them from after school events for a year! They aren’t trained to build an entrance. If it falls apart because they built it and it kills someone, that’s on you two. Not on me or them. Secondly, neither of you have even told their parents. And thirdly, this is unpaid illegal labor of a minor,” I snapped.
“They are also getting detention and banned from all school events from a bit,” Luna explained.
“And we need a school entrance Cheerilee. We can’t just have a giant gaping hole in the wall!” Celestia sighed.
“Then I’ll pay someone to fix it. End of story,” I snapped.
“You don’t have to. It’s going to be fixed regardless,” Luna announced.
“Well Sunset isn’t doing this. Call Snips and Snails parents or I will. And you can take that as a promise,” I stepped out of the breakroom before they could reply and slammed the door shut. I stormed down the hallway. I stopped and stared at Sunset, Snips and Snails laying down bricks and sighed before continuing forward.
“Sunset, Snips and Snails,” I called out and the three slowly turned to face me.
“Yes Miss Cheerilee?” They all three asked in unison cautiously.
“Quit working. Snips and Snails, your parents are being called right now. Sunset, you’re coming with me,” I announced. The three gratefully set down their tools and sighed. Snips and Snails sat down while Sunset started to wander off. “Sunset. Come back. We’re taking you to the doctors to get checked out.” Sunset paused and shook her head slowly, tossing me a sad look.
I paced back and forth the foyer of my house worriedly. Glancing at the clock didn’t help. One a.m. The Fall Formal had ended hours ago and I still was worried about Sunset. The memories of tonight raced through my mind. Like I said before, if I didn’t see it all with my own two eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. Girls with wings, magical crowns and a world full of pastel colored ponies and a pony princess.
It was such a crazy night. When I became a teacher, I assumed it would be less chaotic. The most I assumed I would have to do was break up a few fist fights. Not become a mind controlled soldier to take over another world by a magical being. I had never even imagined this would happen. Not even in my crazy middle school years when I imagined anything was possible. Hell, I believed that robots could turn into cars and other appliances. Now that I think about it, if a world full of ponies existed, does any other planets have life? That would be groundbreaking. I kept pacing back and forth, listening to the rain pounding on my roof and glass windows. Only in Canterlot can it switch from snowing to raining in a month or so. A loud knocking sound came from my front door and I ran to it hopefully, unlocking it and swinging it open. My eyes widened at the sight in front of me. Sunset stood in front of me, clothes drenched with water and her hair flattened against her head from the rain.
“Uhm hi. Is it okay if I come inside?” Sunset whispered. I gave a quick nod and grabbed her, pulling her inside and shutting the door.
“Go into the bathroom and take your clothes off. Wrap yourself in a few warm towels and I’ll make some hot chocolate and food for us both. That way you don’t get a cold,” I told her sternly. She gave an unconvinced nod as she walked away. I whistled as I stepped into the kitchen and started pouring water and hot chocolate powder into the chocolate maker, turning it on. I quickly set two mugs down before turning to the fridge and grabbing some spaghetti from the fridge. I pulled two plates down and microwaved Sunset’s first before mine. I balanced our plates and cups in my hands before returning to the living room where Sunset was waiting.
“So where did you go?” I asked as I sat down. I slid her food and hot chocolate to her and she sighed, ignoring the food. She wrapped a hand around the mug.
“Fluttershy took me to the doctors. She refused to leave me alone,” Sunset admitted nervously. “She shouldn’t have even made me go.”
“And? What did they say?” I leaned forward, worried. I hope it wasn’t super serious.
“They gave me some pain medicine to take and bandaged up my injuries. I lied to cover up what had happened,” she wrapped her arms around her legs.
“Where are the medicine bottles at?” I asked as she patted her pocket and I nodded. “What was that all about, Sunset?” Sighing, she looked away.
“I was a bitch. I ran the school with an iron fist and bullied everyone. Blackmailed everyone to get what I wanted. I sabotaged Rarity and Lyra during the Fall Formal and Spring Fling respectively,” Sunset shoved her face into her lap and I sighed.
“You’re not a bitch. You just made a mistake. We all make them. It’s what makes us human,” I chided. “Don’t say that about yourself.”
“I could have killed Princess Twilight and the others. I enslaved you and the rest of the school to invade Equestria. And I turned into a demon,” Sunset said dryly. “That’s more than just a mistake. Not to mention the mistakes I made before. You don’t know anything about me.” We made eye contact before I broke it sighing.
“I want to know the real Sunset Shimmer. Tell me everything.” She gave a startled look my way before nodding.
“You know how Princess Twilight is from another world of ponies?” Sunset asked me.
“Yes.”
“I’m from that world too. I’m a unicorn in that world. I was a powerful one who was Princess Celestia’s prized pupil till we had a fight and I ran away, angry at her and the world. I jumped through a magical portal and ended up here. I abandoned everypony I cared about because I didn’t get made a Princess. I was selfish and stupid to demand that she make me a princess,” Sunset squeezed her legs tighter to her chest. She was quiet as I absorbed the information I just received.
“So hold on. Princess Celestia?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. She and Princess Luna ruled Equestria together. Princess Luna was banished to the moon for her crimes after she tried to kill her sister and take over all of Equestria,” Sunset explained. Now THAT was a lot to take in. I know they fight sometimes, but I don’t think Luna would try to kill Celestia. Then again, I didn’t think there was a portal to a different dimension in my jobs front yard either.
“Wow. What was the fight over?” I asked curiously. Sunset sighed again and wiped a tear away.
“I never cared for making friends. I didn’t know how and I only cared for studying. Princess Celestia ordered me to make friends and banned me from the library till I did. I tried so hard to do it but I just couldn’t. I snuck back into the library and started reading some books. She and two royal guards found me and she confronted me, mad. She said I didn’t even try to make friends. I called her a hypocrite and that she didn’t have any friends and that I hated her. I ran away and overpowered two royal guards who were guarding the room to the portal, flinging them against the wall till they were out of breath and jumped through the portal,” Sunset finished explaining, full blown crying this time. With a sigh, I stood up and sat next to her, hugging her. She hesitantly leaned into it.
“So that’s why you said you liked hay and daisies,” I smirked. “Makes a lot of sense now.” We sat in silence till I forced her to drink more of her hot chocolate.
“Can I ask a uh question?” Sunset’s eyes flicked up to me.
“Yes of course,” I nodded and drank from my own Best Teacher mug Derpy got me last year.
“Does this change you wanting to uh adopt me? This changes a lot,” Sunset mumbled and I had to strain to hear her.
“It does,” I sighed after a moments hesitation. Sunset’s eyes went wide and she wiped another tear away.
“O-okay. Sorry for asking. I’ll uh be going and get out of your hair then,” she slipped out of my hug and stepped to the door. I was slightly frustrated she just wrapped towels around herself and didn’t change her clothes. I could have phrased this a bit better. I quickly stood up myself and stood behind her.
“If you leave right now, I’m calling the police and reporting you as a runaway,” I said calmly. She froze with her hand on the door handle.
“Why?” She managed to get out. I took a deep breath.
“Because. I already signed the papers the other day. Storm Rain is a friend who works in the adoption agency and forged a bunch of papers so I could do this. That’s what the papers she dropped off were. To adopt you,” I said. “It’s already done,” I tapped on a folder of papers on the bookcase near the front door. “It’s all in here.” Sunset turned around, letting go of the door handle and picked the file up with shaky hands, opening it and reading the papers. She dropped them to floor and tackled me in a hug.
“Ow!” I mumbled, rubbing my head. I was gonna be feeling that in the morning.
“Sorry,” Sunset said softly. “Why did you do this?”
“Because you’re a smart, strong young women who deserves a chance. And you make my life so much better than it was before. And you make the house seem so much more lively,” I hugged her back.
“Thank you. Thank you so much,” Sunset mumbled into my neck and I felt warm liquid on my shirt. It was slightly uncomfortable because of how warm the tears were but eh. She’s worth it.
“Ready to go back to the living room?” I asked as she let go of me.
“Yeah.” We both climbed up from the floor and stepped into the living room, sitting in our respective chairs. Her eyes flicked to me as I ate some of the pasta, looking for a TV show. I quickly settled on Blue Bloods. Good cop show. Highly recommend.
“What do you want me to call you?” Sunset asked suddenly as I wiped my mouth with a napkin. I glanced over at her and was happy to see her eating finally.
“Cheerilee is fine. Anything you want to call me is fine really,” I smiled at her. She nodded at me before speaking. What she said next made everything inside feel warm.