A Third Gem

     "So how was your night, Gem Leaf?" Rarity asked that morning at breakfast.

     Gem Leaf was shocked. Nopony had ever asked this question, she didn't know how to reply. "Just Leaf, please." Gem Leaf said, "And it was fine. The couch was much more comfortable than what I'm used to."

     Rarity was concerned by that last bit.

     "Sweetie Belle probably won't be awake for another couple hours." Rarity said, "You know, since it's a weekend, she likes to sleep in."

     Leaf levitated a glass of water to her mouth before speaking again.

     "Rarity?" she asked, "Who are Mom and Dad?"

      Rarity simply replied, "Well, our parents were both unicorns, like us. Their names were Pearl and Magnum. You would have liked them."

      "Where are they?"

      "They died a couple months ago."

      "Oh. Rarity, why was I in an orphanage?"

       Rarity decided to tell her the truth, "When mother found out you were sick, we didn't have the money to pay. We barely had the money to pay rent. We couldn't possibly pay for appointments then. I'm not sure why, but even when we had enough money for you to be around, Mom and Dad didn't look for you."

       "Oh."

       "Leaf, do not feel bad about it. They loved you with all their hearts, and you know it."

       Rarity was met by silence, Leaf didn't feel like talking.

       "So, dear," Rarity tried to pick the conversation back up, "Why don't you tell me about your cutie mark?"

       "Well, it appeared the first time I ever saw fireworks, which I didn't see until I was seven." Leaf said, happier.

       "I have to go, I promised I'd meet my friends at Sugar Cube Corner and I'm running late. Tell Sweetie where I am if she wakes up, okay?"

       "Alright." Gem Leaf said.

                                                                                            *********

       "Sorry I'm late." Rarity said, "Family matter. Anyways, I have something I want to tell you."

       "Your mother's a cyborg?!" Pinkie said, "No, your dad's a cyborg?!"

       "Ah doubt that's the case, Applejack told Pinkie.

       "I know!" Pinkie guessed again, "Gem Leaf just so happens to be the sister your mother gave up for adoption when she was a newborn because she couldn't afford to keep her?!"

       "Yeah, I don't think so." Ranbow said.

       "Actually," Rarity said, "That's it exactly."

       "Rarity, you have another sister?" Fluttershy said, "That's great news."

       "Im glad you told us." Twilight said, not letting on she'd known for a bit.

                                                                                            *********

       "Hey, Gem Leaf." Sweetie Bell said, "Where's Rarity?"

       "She went out to lunch with her friends, sleepy. And it's Leaf." Gem Leaf said.

       "Leaf, I have to ask. Where you happy in the orphanages?"

       Leaf grimaced at the memories, "Not at all."

       There was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." Sweetie Belle said. A moment later, Leaf heard, 'Hey guys! You won't believe it! Gem Leaf is my sister! I'll explain later, and I haven't had a meal yet. Cereal?" Two fillies came into the house.

       "Hi there, Leaf!" Scootaloo said.

       "Hey, Scootaloo. Hey Applebloom." Leaf replied, "Want some cereal?

       "Whaddya got?" Applebloom asked.

       "Um, Corn Flakes, Rice Trispies, and Crops."

       "Ah'll have Corn Flakes!" Applebloom said.

       "I'll have Rice Trispies!" Scootaloo said.

       "And I'll have Crops!" Sweetie Belle finished. A dark blue aura appeared around the cereals. They were levitated down to the counter. They were left there as three bowls and three spoons were also levitated down. Then, some milk. They were then combined to into three different cereals.

       "Thanks, Leaf." Sweetie Belle said, "But you really didn't have to do that."

       Leaf realized she'd messed up, "Sorry." she said, looking a bit worried. Her ears went flat. All she got were confused looks from the CMC.

       Sweetie Belle understood, and later told her friends it was just that she was scared, since she'd been raised harshly.

       Later that day, Rarity and Leaf returned home with a bed, mattress, sheets, covers, and pillows. The quickly set it up in her and Sweetie's bedroom. Then they moved a small bedside table from the attic into the same room.

       "I'll let you unpack your things." Rarity said, leaving Leaf alone. She placed a drawing and her bedside table, an old rag doll on the bed, and a variety of small knick knacks everywhere else. She then walked downstairs, and Rarity was waiting for her.

       "Leaf, is something bothering you?" she asked.

       "I'm not sure what you mean." Leaf said.

       "Sweetie said you apologized for making cereal for her."

       "Oh."

       "Darling, I want you to know, you're free to do more here than there. You're allowed to make mistakes, because you learn from them. You understand, right?"

       "Right." Leaf looked sad.

       "I'm not mad at you, dear. I'm worried about you." Rarity then pulled her sister in for a hug. "I'm really worried."