It had been an eventful week, one filled with amazing opportunities only dreamed of in the past. Scootaloo got to spend times with the ponies who raised her idol, got to see the space where she was raised. And got to help said idol see something she’d been blind to for years now, and even got a good grade as a result. But now that it was over, now that the cheering in her name was done, all Scootaloo could do was go home. Or rather, the place she calls home.
Where she lives is no secret, almost everypony knows, though they have the curtesy not to mention it around her. Saint Celestia’s Orphanage, a home to few foals without a home to call their own, a refuge where they can live, where they can belong. And of the foals that live there, Scootaloo has been there the longest.
Yes, it had bothered her, at least for a short while. But as she made friends, grown closer to someone she looked up to, she would slowly grow to ignore it and cherish the life she has. But today as she entered her room she began to feel it once more. While there was a lot Scootaloo had, this week had reminded her of what she didn’t. Something she’d dreamed of having for years, but that dream hadn’t come true. And now she was as she felt, alone, secluded, no one to-
“Hey Scoots!” Scootaloo let out an ‘eep’ in surprise, almost falling over in the process. After recovering from her initial shock Scootaloo looked over, noticing that she wasn’t alone, and that Rainbow Dash was standing in front of her. “You okay squirt, you’ve been staring into space for like five minutes now.” Scootaloo could see the worry in Rainbow’s eye, and was instantly reminded of the moment they’d shared with Rainbow’s parents not long ago.
“Oh um, you know, just thinking really hard is all.” Using the most convincing voice and smile she could muster, Scootaloo could only hope Rainbow didn’t call her bluff. They stood for a few more seconds, Scootaloo unsure if she’d be able to hold the look for much longer. Fortunately for her Rainbow let out a small laugh.
“Yeah that’s what Twilight looks like when she’s thinking too hard. It’s funny, you make practically any noise you want and she’ll never notice. But move one quill out of place and suddenly it’s like she can see everything around her.” With that Rainbow stepped away, seemingly looking around the room. Looking like she had managed to move the subject, Scootaloo let out a sigh of relief.
“So, what brings you here?” Scootaloo asked.
“Just thought I’d drop by and visit my little sis, if that’s okay.” It was one thing to call herself Rainbow’s honorary sister, but to have her acknowledge it from time to time felt nice.
“So, is all this stuff yours?” Rainbow asked, seemingly looking through the room and its contents.
“Everything but the furniture, there aren’t a lot of other foals here so I get a room to myself.” Not that she had a lot to her name. Aside from some clothes, mostly dresses and costumes given to her by Rarity, all Scootaloo owned was her saddle back, scooter, and all the posters she’d hung around her room. It may not have been much, but it was hers.
“Cool then this should be quick, mom wants you home for dinner.” Scootaloo’s ears perked up, sure it was nice hanging out with Rainbow’s parent’s but she didn’t think they’d want to spend time with her so soon. But she would be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the sandwich Rainbow’s mother prepared for her.
“We should probably pack some things for the night, I can get the rest to my place in the meantime.” Again, Scootaloo paused, dinner and spending the night was one thing, but why was Rainbow taking some things to her home?
“Wait, what do you mean?” Rainbow turned around and looked towards Scootaloo. Only now realizing that she’d gotten ahead of herself.
“Oh, right, should probably explain first.” Rainbow walked over to Scootaloo’s bed, tapping it with her wing so Scootaloo would sit with her. Though still confused Scootaloo did so, sitting in silence beside Rainbow Dash while she waited for an answer.
“You know mom and dad really enjoyed spending time with you, Scoots. Sharing stories, making you lunch, even taking you all over Cloudsdale to see my events and such. Mom said it was like having another filly in the house.” Scootaloo looked away for a moment, feeling welling up inside her as she remembered the day. Seeing the smile on the face of Rainbow’s parents, seeing how proud they were of their daughter, and even having some of that pride pointed at her. For a moment, when she felt she could, she would imagine it being what it means to have parents.
She liked, no, loved that feeling, but it was only temporary, and now it was gone. To be reminded of it now only made her feel the hole it caused when it was taken away. “Yeah it was…” Scootaloo took in a deep breath, hoping to keep herself from tearing up “It was really nice.” But she couldn’t stop the hitch in her throat. Something she think Rainbow noticed, because soon after a wing was draped over her shoulder.
“And to be honest, seeing you having the time of your life with them made me feel happy too. Because as embarrassing as they can be, sharing my parents with you, even if it was just for an afternoon, it was like you were part of the family.” Rainbow pulled Scootaloo closer, the little filly enjoying that love that filled it, enjoying the feeling of being loved. And deep down, she wished she could enjoy it forever, but she knew she couldn’t.
“Thank you,” was all she could say, her arms wrapping around Rainbow, not wanting to let go.
“Hey, I have something for you.” Rainbow reached into her saddle bag and pulled something out, a book not unlike the one Scootaloo made for her. Scootaloo held it in her hooves, and on the cover noticed something, written in gold was her own name. “Do me a favor, stand at that door and open the first page.” Looking back Scootaloo noticed Rainbow had pulled out a camera as well, slowly adjusting the lens.
“Mom loved your scrap book, so much so that it gave her an idea. But she said that just starting a new book and putting pictures of me in it didn’t feel right. She wanted a fresh start, with a fresh life, with somepony she felt a strong attachment to besides me.” This day just seemed to throw one confusing moment after another at Scootaloo, her mind just wasn’t able to keep up.
“Well don’t keep me waiting Scoots, stand at the door and read the first page.” Rainbow said as she ruffled Scoots mane before giving her a gentle push forward. Though she staggered at first, Scootaloo did just that, walking towards the door then turning her back to it. Rainbow in the meantime stood a few feet away and readied the camera. With her wing, she motioned Scootaloo to continue, and so she turned the page.
In that moment everything seemed to freeze, on that front page there were only a few words, but they hit her like a bale of hay. “Best…” Scootaloo started, but her mind paused, still trying to process what was before her. But then she felt something else, not one but two wings placed over her. The looked behind, seeing who they were, Rainbow’s parent staring down at her with smiles across their face.
“Go ahead sweetie, read it.” Said Rainbow’s mother, her father nodding his head in agreement. Though tears were running down her face, Scootaloo couldn’t help but smile, and so she turned back to Rainbow who was ready with the camera. And after one last deep breath, she read the greatest words she’d ever heard in her life.
“Best adopted filly.”
And finally, the camera went off, and the first picture of her new life began.
