A Sparkle in the Sky

Twilight looked around her in awe. She hadn't had the luxury of being inside a home like this her entire life.

Actually, it was a mansion to her.

Here she was three days after her mothers murder, in Celestia's home once everything was approved by the police for Twilight staying with Celestia.

Twilight had been visited everyday by Celestia in the hospital, which was quite touching to the eight year old's heart. It really kept her going when she couldn't stop the grief from taking her again.

The reason she was kept so long in the hospital was because she was so weak from not eating healthy enough. Twilights vital signs were showing up as if she were a dying elderly person. She was beyond dehydrated, underfed, and dirty. Dirty meant she had infections in certain parts of her body from not being washed properly.

Now a couple days and baths later she was finally in her temporary home. She still cried over her mother, but with each visit from Celestia she was beginning to feel loved and safe. Things she never had all at once when she was living with her mother.

Celestia touched Twilight's shoulder lightly with her hand.

"I'm afraid I have to leave to work Soon.  I've arranged for a babysitter to watch you."

Twilight looked up at Celestia wearily. Celestia read her expression as if she had spoken out loud.

"It's ok, the chief of police recommended her. I heard she's the best sitter available on such short notice."

Twilight still frowned.

       "I'll get you a new book on astronomy if you behave?"

       Twilight smiled.

With a win win arranged, she turned around and looked around the house again, taking in every detail.

There was a spiral set of wooden stairs that led to a long hallway of bedrooms. To her left there was the front living room, it was covered in spotless white carpet.

The walls were clean, the floors shone proud from having only the utmost care. Straight ahead was the dining room where a large wooden table sat big enough to sit a whole family. Even all the wooden furniture in the house looked brand new, and was polished without a single piece of dust clouding the gleaming surfaces.

Twilight stared at everything in a trance and felt Celestia nudge her.

"Twilight? Would you like to see your room?"

Twilights jaw dropped. "There's more?"

Celestia giggled lightly and took her hand in hers.Twilight followed her up the tall staircase. Up close, Twilight could see the detail put into the metal railing of the stairs. There was a large sun, and next to it, the moon.

She loved it.

Celestia walked down to the end of the hallway and turned the knob of the last door before the master bedroom.

"Here you go, right next to me. I originally had this room decorated for someone.... But they never come to visit anymore. So it's yours to have until the police find someone to adopt you."

When the door swung open, Twilight could hardly believe her eyes.

The whole room was like walking into a beautiful night sky.

On the walls, stars and constellations were carefully painted according to their places in

the sky.

On the twin sized bed there was a starry comforter, complete with large crescent moon shaped pillows. Above the bed there were glow in the dark stickers in the shape of moons and stars stuck to the ceiling.

On the floor there were two huge blue bean bags. Twilight sat on one of them and sunk in to the cushion. She sighed from the comfiness off the bag until she spotted a book shelf to her right.

She jumped up and scuttled over to the towering shelf.

It was stuffed with books. All on astronomy and  more specifically; the moon.

"There are no words..."

She reached out and grabbed a big, thick book.

It was titled: So, Thou Wishes To Study The Moon.(A book about the moon and everything it is made of.) By Luna Heliopolis.

"Oh! I've read all of Luna Heliopolis's books! Have you read them?"

Celestia looked at Twilight like she had fallen from the sky. "I'm sorry, did you say you've read her books?"

"Every last one of them, she explains things so well! I only wish she was more popular... It seems like no one appreciates the stars anymore. Except for you! I mean look at this room." Twilight waved her small arm around the bedroom to prove her point.

Celestia gave Twilight a look of disbelief so Twilight said, "Have you read any of Luna Heliopolis's studies?"

Celestia closed her mouth and nodded.

"Every last one." She  was silent for a while. For some reason Twilight felt like Celestia was a little sad being in this room. The way her eyes got misty when she looked at the walls or ceiling made Twilight sad too.

So Twilight put the book down and hugged the tall woman with her little arms.

"Thank you." She whispered into her caretakers side.

Celetia stroked Twilight's indigo hair with a motherly touch and answered,

"It's nothing, lulu."

"Huh?"

"Twilight" Celestia said quickly." I mean Twilight. It's nothing. I don't mind at all. Feel free to read anything you like, I need to go get ready for work now." With that, Celestia left the room. Twilight was a little confused but shrugged it off. It was such a long day from waiting to be checked out of the hospital to the settling in Celestia's home, she was too tired to worry about anything else..

Twilight took off running to the bed and jumped on it. Her head slammed into the big white pillows and her arms flailed about.She couldn't believe after all she had been through things were finally getting better. She looked up into her night ceiling. She felt like she was looking straight at the heavens every time she went stargazing.

"Hello, and thank  you." She said to her protecter she believed in." Thank you so much for giving me an angel."

……………..

Celestia retreated to her bedroom as soon as she had let her mouth slip. Control yourself! You promised never to speak about her again... Celestia yelled at herself silently.  She hadn't meant for Lulu to slip out. The nick name of someone very dear to her. She had thrown that name into the back of her mind, and hoped to forget it. Unfortunately, she had the one of the greatest minds in modern sciences and could not forget anything she took into account. She just couldn't think about that one person unless she wanted to spend tonight locked in her bedroom, watching sappy family dramas, eating bowl after bowl of cake and ice cream while crying all over herself.

While she silently chastised herself, she bathed and changed into an appropriate outfit for work.

A  nice white and purple blouse with purple slacks always seemed to work for her so she slipped those on and did her make up. She was a scientist who did her make up, yes. She found it rather silly that when she told people of her occupation, they looked her up and down and shook their heads in disbelief. Just because she wasn't wearing a lab coat and had ratty hair and was not scatter brained did not mean she couldn't be smart. Yes, even scientists could care about their looks. That was one thing Celestia always tried to tell her sister... Now Celestia was back to thinking about her again. Giving up, she looked at her reflection in her mirror.

Oh, I miss you so much Luna. She thought, not able to push away the pain that was coming back to her all at once. I wish it didn't have to be this way... Celestia shook her head and straightened her posture. She didn't need tears ruining her make up.

When Celestia got this way she would try to get the image of her little sister out of her head by distracting herself with something. Most of the time it was cake that could  do the job. At least for a little while...

But she had a better way to be distracted this time. She tried to think about her newest little guest. Celestia felt something when she met  the purple girl laying on the bench in the park a couple mornings ago. Something told her that she was about to be making a big decision in her life very soon. And each hour she spent at the hospital confirmed it. She was starting to feel the hole in her heart begin to fill up. With a strange feeling she hadn't felt in almost ten years. She didn't feel so lonely anymore. This made her smile, as she got ready for work. She didn't notice the smile placed on her lips thought it was there. Brought on from the deepest part of her heart, it was there, holding its place on her face for quite a while

Celestia  realized she had brushed her colorful hair already and was combing at thin air. She was getting lost in her own thoughts again.

She chuckled to herself and reached for her bracelets on the nightstand beside her bed.

She just couldn't get it out of her head that Twilight had actually read those lunar books.

They were written at college level, how did  Twilight even come across them? Also, just how smart was Twilight? She was curious, because the girl seemed to have potential for a future scientist if she wanted to be one. Her curious, big eyes were always observing. Her speech was clear and well thought out. Unlike any eight year old she had ever met, Twilight seemed to possess a certain understanding for even the most adult situations.

When her mother died, all Twilight could do was cry. But then Celestia told her that the man who murdered her mother was caught and would be locked away forever. Twilight accepted it and tried her best to make things better. This both amazed Celestia and shook her to her core.

If this little girl could get through her life after all she had been through, then Celestia hopefully could find the strength to do the same.

Celestia reached for her perfume and sprayed the liquid on herself.

It was almost  time to meet the babysitter. She hoped to the sun that  the Police Chief had been right about this sitter.

Cadence Amore didn't come cheap, but money wasn't the problem with Celestia.

She just wasn't too keen on leaving Twilight alone with a stranger. Even if the police officer recommended Cadence, she still needed to meet her. Face to face. Celestia always had a good way of reading people. One meeting was all she needed to determine if she trusted Amore.

Soon, Celestia heard the doorbell ring throughout the house, and little feet came padding up the hallway to her door.

"Celestia?" Came Twilight's small voice." I think someone is here,"

Celestia placed her last bracelet on her wrist before reaching to open the door. She looked down at Twilight and smiled warmly. "That must be Cadence."

Twilights mouth moved into an O as she understood who was at the door. But the child was staring at Celestia a little too long and realized she was blocking the doorway. Blushing, Twilight quickly moved out of the way so Celestia could walk down the  stairs.

Well that was strange... Thought Celestia. Shrugging it off, straightened her back as she walked so she wouldn't slouch.

Celestia hoped that the sitter would at least be a kind young girl. Then she would feel so much better knowing Twilight was in good hands...

Celestia reached for the handle of her front door, already looking at the shadow of a woman outside through the glazed glass window.

She opened it, and a teenage girl with pink hair smiled and waved at Celestia.

"Celestia Solaris? Hi, I'm Cadence." Cadence put her pink hand out to shake Celestia's.

She looks decent. Thought Celestia. Her clothes were clean and cute, and not revealing in any way. She wore a light blue shirt with a pink skirt that stretched down past her knees modestly. Her hair was up in a combed ponytail, which revealed her big, and kind pink eyes.

The thing Celestia admired most about her appearance was that like Celestia, her posture was perfect. Her shoulders were back to show confidence. Her chin held high showing she had self esteem, and her eye contact never left Celestia's, proving she had respect for the older woman.

Oh my, I sound like an old lady... Thought Celestia. Celestia reached back out to the young girl and shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Cadence. Come on in, Twilight is upstairs, I'll be back."

After showing Cadence in to her home, Celestia closed the front door and walked upstairs to Twilights new room.

"Twilight?" Celestia pushed open the door to Twilights room to see the little girl sitting on a bean bag, staring off into space. Literally, she was studying her ceiling which was full of stars. Celestia smiled at seeing her guest so fascinated by the walls.

"Your new babysitter is here, why don't you come down and meet her?"

Twilight obeyed and removed herself from the beanbag, following Celestia back down the stairs. Celestia walked into the front living room, holding a little purple hand as the owner of that hand tried to hide behind Celestia's legs.

Celestia saw how Twilight's expression changed from nervousness, to surprise as she took in the sight of her new babysitter. Twilight stared at her babysitter, not saying a word.

Celestia put a hand on Twilights' shoulder and looked at Cadence.

As Celestia was about to say something to Twilight for not being polite, Cadence made the first move. She politely smiled and put her hand out to Twilight.

"Hello sweetie, I'm Cadence. You must be Twilight." Her smiled stayed cheery even when the awkward silence followed.

Twilight stood with her mouth agape and her purple arms hanging to her sides. Celestia gently nudged her and Twilight quickly swung a little purple hand to meet Candece's pink one.

"You're so pretty..."  She blurted.

Celestia brought a hand to her mouth to stifle her giggle. Twilight was so funny, the way she was so  honest about things, the way most children were. It reminded  her of a certain someone she missed dearly.... Oh stop it Celestia! Control your emotions...

Cadence giggled and replied,"And I just have to say you are the most prettiest girl I've ever sat for." Twilights pupils grew to the size of dinner plates as she looked up into Cadences slightly lighter eyes.

"Really?"

"Really, " said Cadence, bopping Twilight's nose.

Celestia chuckled at the exchange. I think I like her.... She thought. Then she met Cadences gaze. "I think the Police filled you in on the situation?" Celestia asked in a more serious tone.

Cadence looked down and nodded. She smiled compassionately at Twilight and said,"Yes,I'm sorry for your loss Twilight. I too lost my mom when I was your age." Twilight looked down at her feet and took a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry too. Well, I guess I'm not alone then."

Cadence nodded, still showing sadness in her eyes. She smiled though, trying to keep the mood light for Twilight.

"Nope. And you won't be as long as I'm here."

Twilight smiled thankfully at her new babysitter. Celestia could sense these two would be alright while she was gone. Some thing about Cadence just seemed so... Right. Once Twilight spent more time with her sitter she was sure she'd be more excited about this arrangement as well.

Now she could see why the chief of police had been so eager to recommend Cadence. With her background, she was sure to understand and care for Twilight correctly. Twilight would need a lot more than three days in a hospital to be fully ok. And with Cadence and Celestia, maybe it would happen.

Cadence stood up straight again and smiled cheerfully at Celestia.

"I have to say, when I heard I was sitting for you, I couldn't help but get all giddy. I'm a big fan of your work, Ms. Solaris."

Celestia smiled and nodded her head. She was always flattered when someone recognized her Science work.

Cadence continued."I think that the discoveries you've made with Solar sciences are world changing."

Celestia chuckled." Oh, you flatter me so, thank you Cadence."

Cadences eyebrows shot up suddenly as Twilight whipped her head around.

She looked at Celestia with wide eyes.  Celestia found it adorable.

"You are a scientist!?"

Celestia gave a small chuckle." Yes, I am."

Twilight looked like one of those teapots that accumulated so much steam inside of them, they just had to let it all out in one big and long whistle.

"Omigosh, I'm staying with a real life scientist. And did you say a solar scientist? You study the sun? Oh my goodness how cool!"

Twilight was bouncing from excitement, making the two grown woman on either side of her laugh from her little display. She is just too cute... Thought Celestia. I'm glad to see she isn't too grown up."Yes Twilight, I am a solar science engineer. I study the sun, and create ways to take it's energy for the benefit of humankind."

Cadence chimed in, and Twilight turned to listen. "Also, did you know that Celestia created the first solar panel? That's why she was all over the news when I was your age. What an accomplished scientist, I'll say."

Celestia found it surprising someone that young new about her discovery. "Oh, it was years ago. Solar panels are old now." Celestia said modestly.

"True, you've made more discoveries since then, but did you know Twilight she made this discovery when she was my age? She was seventeen!"

Twilight looked like she might start to float. Her hands clasped in front of her chest as she tried to control her overwhelming amazement with her new caretaker."That is...so wonderful...." She breathed, smiling widely at Celestia.

Celestia blushed lightly at all the praise she was receiving. Celestia let a few moments go by while Twilight fawned over her temporary parent figure, before she leaned down to hug the purple girl.

"I need to leave now. I'll see you when I get back!"

Twilight hugged back, but with more force than Celestia wished she would give. The little girl almost made Celestia's neck collapse. "Oh, if you make a discovery today will you tell me all about it?" Twilight took her arms off of  Celestia's neck, and then moved back to meet Celestia's eyes. Twilight played with her purple bangle bracelet on Celestia's arm, waiting for a response.

Celestia chuckled." Of course Twilight, anything for you."

Twilight looked up at Celestia with awe."F- for me?"

       "Of course," Celestia smiled.

Twilight began to tear up, but she had a smile on her face. She laughed and swallowed hard, pushing back her emotional tears. "Wow, um  th -thank you Celestia! "

        Celestia ruffled Twilights dark blue hair with her right hand. Then, stood up at her full height, and towered over the little girl.

"Now, behave for Cadence while I'm gone, although I'm sure I'll be leaving you in good hands." Celestia smiled and winked at Cadence one more time before grabbing her purse, keys and briefcase. Waving goodbye to Twilight who returned the wave, she shut the door and locked it.

Already she wanted to go back inside and spend time with Twilight, the new person in her life who seemed to always bring a smile to her face. She just had to go to work though. .. She had been coming in late to work for the past couple of days, which her boss understood.

Celestia was grateful her boss was quite smitten with her, otherwise she'd be in trouble with her job. She sighed and walked to her car. Ok, Better get it over with then. She thought. If I finish up my research early, maybe I'll get home before seven. She would make sure to make a quick call to Cadence in a couple of hours to see how the two younger girls get along on. Their first day together.

This would be an interesting day for sure. Thought Celestia.