A Third Gem

      Rarity was absolutely ruined. Her parents were dead, and she'd have to raise her dear sister, all on her own. Not that she hated her sister. She adored her younger sibling, and loved her with every ounce of her heart. Yet, whenever she looked into her eyes, she always saw... No. She was not going to think of her. Why mother had done it was beyond her, but she didn't want to think of the potential family that had been wasted.

     "Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called out, "I'm home!"

     "That's great, darling." Rarity said, "How was school?"

     "Good. Pinkie told me to tell you that we're invited to a party for a new pony in town."

     "Really, who for?"

     "I think she said... Gem Leaf?"

      Rarity was astonished. Gem Leaf? No, that can't be right. She was gone. Gem Leaf was gone.

     "Marvelous. Later today?" Rarity asked.

     "Yup!" Sweetie Belle replied.

       A lot of ponies were at Sugarcube Corner, waiting for Gem Leaf. When Rarity first saw her, she knew this was Gem Leaf. Her lilac mane, green eyes, and white coat said it all. Her cutie mark was a firework.

     "Twilight," Rarity asked, "Can I have a word with you?"

     "Sure, Rarity." Twilight said, "What's wrong."

     "I'm trusting you not to tell anypony this. Promise me you won't."

     "Rarity, what could be so horrible that-"

     "Promise!"

     "I promise I won't tell another soul."

     "Alright. I have a younger sister about two years older than Sweetie Belle. When she was a baby, my mother put her in an orphanage. I think Gem Leaf may be her."

     "Rarity. I-I don't know what to say."

     "It's quit alright, dear. But if you tell another soul you will never hear the end of it."

       The elements of generosity and magic simply walked away. Rarity, deep in her heart, wanted it to be Gem Leaf. But what would she do then? Would she raise two foals, or simply leave her? Rarity wanted her little sisters, but she wondered how Sweetie Belle would adjust to having two older sisters, and Gem Leaf to having any.

       Rarity needed both her sisters.