Expectations of Reality

Luna really hated feeling emotions. They were confusing and with the right emotions, could send you down a rabbit hole of despair causing you to stab your sister at the age of 14 after your parents die, then sending 1000 days is Juvenille Detention hall.

Luna was having conflicting emotions. She was angry at Sunset Shimmer. She had never been so angry at a student before in her life. She wanted her to get the whole "You really screwed up" package. On the other hand, she felt sad about Sunset's parents. The thought that she might be homeless.

She kept quiet. Refusing to let anyone see her conflicted emotions because unlike Celestia, she didn't wear her heart on her sleeve. It would lead to trouble. A sort of trouble that Luna didn't need as she watched three teenagers stumble around the entrance of the school.

Snips and Snails pushed a wheelbarrow full of bricks she managed to find in storage (Because how else would they have gotten the bricks on such sort notice?) towards Sunset as she sat on the ground next to her own pile of bricks spreading mortar on each one she placed to fix like glue.

She tapped her foot with impatience as Sunset flinched in obvious pain, occasionally shifting her position on the ground to make her injured leg better. Where was Celestia?

As if Celestia was reading Luna's thoughts, she stepped into her view beside her with a concerned frown. Joining Luna in watching the misfits...Or some would call them criminals fixing the building slowly.

"Did you call their parents?" Luna asked after a tense moment of silence between the sisters. Celestia nodded.

"I called Snips and Snails' parents. They should be here momentarily." Celestia replied, followed by a sigh. "I wasn't able to contact anyone for Sunset. When I used the phone number she had given me, it was out of service."

"Typical."

They turned to see two cars driving up to the parking lot. Parking next to each other. A mother came out of one driver's side window for one car, a Father for the other car.

"SNIPS! DARLING! COME HERE!"

"SNAILS! YOU ARE IN REAL TROUBLE!"

Snips and Snails cringed before looking back at each other with horrified expressions. Then the drivers started shouting at one another. Hurling insults that no one should repeat if they are sane about who's parenting was worse. Luna waved them away to their parents. Snips and Snails almost looked terrified to leave as they started a slow but steady death march towards the two arguing drivers.

Sunset continued to work. Making sure she didn't look towards the portals as Twilight disappeared through the portal after one last hug. Leaving five girls to turn their attention to the fight in the parking lot. Luna looked back towards Sunset. Trying to block out the noise so when the police came for disturbance of the peace...Or something like that, she could play dumb. She didn't need them looking up her record anytime soon.

Sunset continued laying down mortar like a machine. Lay down mortar. Laying down the brick. Repeat. Finally, the arguing stopped with two last insults, followed by hearing the screeching sound of cars pulling away with angry honks. It's sad really that they live in the same part of town.

Celestia left Luna, walking towards Sunset. Sunset briefly stopped when she noticed her approach but decided to continue her work.

"Are you expecting a ride home, Sunset?" Celestia asked with that kind motherly voice.

"No." Sunset mumbled.

"Where do you live? Maybe I can dri-"

"I will be fine, Principal Celestia," Sunset said with a harsh tone. She looked down at the ground in embarrassment before resuming her work of laying down the mortar. "I can just take the bus. Can I go now?"

"Yes. Be sure to return on Monday unless you are sick. We will have much to discuss."

Sunset nodded, mumbling her goodbyes under her breath before grabbing her bag and walking towards the bus stop. Luna and Celestia watched her as Luna moved to stand next to her.

"Should we...investigate? She might need to go to a hospital..." Luna pointed out.

"No. At least not right now. It's late. Besides, she would need a guardian to be checked in. She doesn't have one it seems." Celestia explained. Luna nodded in agreement, then tugged on her sister's arm. Pointing towards their car in the facility parking lot.

"Come on. Let's go home."

Sunset Shimmer's home wasn't much. It was an old warehouse near the docks that was owned by the Flimflam. Inc. It was supposed to be demolished years ago but some legal mumbo jumbo got in the way, keeping Sunset's home safe. There were some holes in the roof and wall, rats running around and the security was awful but it was all she had.

Sunset used her phone flashlight to cross the large area and walk into a small corner where a small bed with some books, hidden food, a guitar, and other essentials to life where. She snuggled into her makeshift bed, leaning against the wall as she dug for an item hidden in the blankets.

The pain was starting to be less effective. It was still there. Especially on her back where her wings and tail had been, not to mention her splitting headache. But the thoughts were back. Stronger than ever. She felt her anxiety increase at an alarming rate as she thought of the insults she would receive when she returned to school. She knew they were all going to be true. She knew she deserved it all.

But that didn't make it hurt any less.

She slipped out a razor from her blankets. She removed the safety cap and took off her jacket. She rolled up her sleeve to press the double blades against her arm. She sliced.

It wasn't deep. It wasn't meant to be. It was deep enough to sting. It was deep enough to draw blood but not deep enough to kill. Part of Sunset was happy it couldn't do that unless she pressed it against her wrists. But most of her was disappointed. She could have ended it all. It would be painful. Slow. But eventually, it would be over in a matter of hours.

Now, if only she had the guts to do it.

She did a few more cuts. Taking deep breathes as her thoughts were pushed aside to welcome the new pain. It would only work for a matter of hours but she cherished those hours like a hug. A painful hug.

---End of Chapter Two---