It's The Thought That Counts
It was finally Christmas Eve, and everything was set for tomorrow morning. Which meant that I could sleep in. That was the only thing that I needed. I didn't want any presents for Christmas, all I wanted was to sleep in. I didn't want to make anyone buy me anything, so this was the only thing I could do to avoid not to force anyone to get me anything. It's the best bad choice I can think of. Of course, Applebloom was always persistent on getting me something. Ever since Thanksgiving, she had been asking me what I wanted for Christmas. Everyday it was the same question. And everyday I said the same thing; that you didn't need to get me anything. She eventually given up, saying that she would find something herself.
That was fine with me. I didn't really mind not getting anything. For the past three years, she would always do something for me. But unlike those years, this time I'll be able to sleep. Every other year, she would wake me up, excited about the presents she had gotten me. Last year, She had gotten me a ribbon and I told her she didn't have to. She only smiled as she handed it to me. Not to hurt her feelings, I wore it and strangely enough, I've keep it on to keep my hair in place. But this year, nothing would wake me up. I looked at the clock. 9 pm. She would be going to bed soon. I stood up and stretched. I wanted to go bed, too. but I wasn't tired. Why not? There was nothing else for me to do. I had gotten out of bed and headed into the kitchen. I had a feeling that I wouldn't be able to fall asleep until midnight, but that was fine. It's not like I would be waking up until noon tomorrow.
After getting a glad of milk, I walked into my room to, unexpectedly, finding Applebloom sitting on my bed. I sighed.
"What is it, Applebloom?"
She hopped off the bed and looked up at me innocently.
"I just wanted to know when I could wake you up tomorrow." She said, smiling.
"How about... don't." I said.
She pouted.
"But . . . then I won't be able to spend Christmas morning with you."
"And that's what the afternoon is for. Now, go to bed."
"But Applej-"
"No buts. Go to bed now or I'll cancel Christmas."
She sighed sadly and looked down at the floor.
"Okay..." She said sadly.
She slinked around me and out the door. I closed the door and sat on the bed. I felt bad for being mean to her, but it wasn't mean exactly. I was just trying to make her understand that I didn't want her worrying about what to get me. If that meant being a little harsh, so be it. She would forget all about it when she opened her presents tomorrow... right? I shook my head. There was no point in over-thinking it. If I did, I would end up feeling guilty. And then I would probably get up early tomorrow and feel bad. But no. I was not going to ruin another Christmas. No way. I was going to sleep, and guilt was not about to stop me!
* * *
Was it... Christmas morning?
"Applejack... Applejack, wake up!"
I groaned and looked at the digital clock on my bedside table. 7:00 am. I sat up and glared at her, who was standing at the end of my bed.
"What?"
She gulped.
"I...um... just wanted to give you a present."
"Didn't I tell you that I didn't want any presents?"
"Well yeah . . . but I had to get you something! Cause you're my sister."
"Couldn't you have waited? Why did you have to wake me up?"
"I thought that you'd want to open it now..."
"Well, you thought wrong. Now I want to sleep, but I probably won't be able to get back to sleep thanks to you. Now go downstairs and celebrate Christmas with the rest of the family."
Her face fell.
"But don't you want to open your present."
"No, I do not."
"B-but Applej-"
"Now Applebloom! Don't make me get up!"
She bit her lip and looked at the floor, fighting the tears.
"Okay... I'll just leave your present here then," She said sadly as he set the present at the foot of his my bed.
She turned away and headed for the door.
"O-okay." She said, walking away.
She closed the door behind her and I sighed and lied back down. Being the older sister was such a pain. Especially when you know that Santa isn't real. I stopped believing in him ages ago but I didn't want to ruin it for her. That's why I stopped hanging out with the family at Christmas. I knew I would somehow mess it up and the last thing I wanted to do was that. I rolled over onto my side and tried to fall back asleep, with no luck. Unfortunately, I was awake. I sat back up and got out of bed. I asked for one simple thing, and she was to young to understand. It was irritating, to say the least but I can't blame her. She was to young to understand.
I stretched and glanced at the present. It was just a box, wrapped in red paper with my name on it. It looked simple enough. Wouldn't take me long to open it and seeing as I had nothing better to do... I walked to the foot of my bed and picked up the present. It was probably something small that wouldn't have any use outside of looks. But if it made her happy to give me something, than it was worth having it sitting around collecting dust for awhile.
I ripped off the green paper, dropped it on the floor, and opened the box. I sighed when I saw the red tissu covering what was inside the box. I had never like this whole 'wrapping' thing. It was pretty tedious, and just made a mess. I pulled out the strings, and let it fall to the floor. My eyes softened when I saw what was in the box. I took it out gently and dropped the box on the floor with the other stuff. It was a simple, but well done picture of me and Applebloom playing in the snow. I smiled. It looked like she had actually put a lot of work into this. It made me feel worse for the way I had pushed her away. I should really go apologise . . . maybe make it up to her by spending the day doing whatever she wanted to do.
I got out of bed and opened the door and went to find Applebloom... forgetting that I was still in my pajamas. I went downstairs to find Applebloom looking at the presents, with a sad look on her face. I slowly approached her as she continued to sob softly. After a few seconds, I lightly tapped on her shoulder and she turned around.
"You showed up." She said suppressing her tears. "Did you open the president?"
I nodded.
"I did." I replied.
She looked at me with sparkles in her eyes.
"And?" She asked, waiting for my reply.
I smiled and said,
"It's great. Thank you."
She cheered and ran around me for a few seconds.
"I'm sorry for the I acted earlier. I just wanted you to enjoy it without me being a downer." I said, choosing my words carefully.
"It's ok. But, it's no fun if you can't spend it with you big sis." She said, hugging me.
"So... what do you want to do today?" I asked.
She thought for a minute but then said,
"Just being here with you is good enough."
I smiled as she said that. We sat near the fireplace, holding each other closely. I held the photo close and I felt a tear come down my face. It was small but more then noticeable.
"Applejack, you ok?" She asked, concerned.
I nodded and rubbed her head.
"I'm fine. Just realizing how foolish I was acting is all." I replied.
Despite being the oldest, she can still teach me a few things. Gifts don't need to be fancy or have to be a celebrating moment... It's the thought that counts.
"Marry Christmas Applebloom... and thank you." I whispered.
