In Need of A Handby armidChaptersSprainedWorried FriendsThose who CareSprainedDear Princess Twilight, First off, I apologise for my bad handwriting in this and the previous letter. My hand had been sprained badly and I hadn’t noticed it -- I just thought it hurt because it had been stomped on, and I tried to shake it off, but it turned out much worse than I thought. I’m better now though so don’t worry. But today, I learned a valuable lesson that I’d like to share. My hand hurt that morning. It was bruised on the wrist and moving it around was a little hard but I thought it was normal after what had happened last night. I hopped on my motorcycle and rode to school. Everyone was there, except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I raised my hand to wave at them as I closed the distance but, the agony surged through me, from wrist to elbow and I dropped my hand. It was then that it occurred to me -- I shouldn’t let them see it They would probably get worried over something that shouldn’t be their problem, not to mention I still thought my wrist wasn’t a big deal. So I waved with my left hand instead. “Hello Sunset,” Twilight waved back when she saw me approaching. “Hi girls!” I held my right hand behind me casually. “How is everything?” Pinkie stepped forward and pushed Applejack aside. “OH! OH! I came up with the new recipe for a new cupcake that will BLOW YOUR MIIIIIIIND!” She said, wiggling her fingers. “How so?” I raised my eyebrow. “Well, there are strawberries, berries, blueberries, cherries..-”Pinkie started counting with her fingers. “Hol’ on a secon’!” Applejack interrupted her. “Ya putting all those in that cupcake but ya ain’t putting apples?” “It’s a berry chocolate cupcake! Not an apple chocolate cupcake silly!” Pinkie chuckled. “Well, anything else?” I looked around to see if anyone else had to say anything. “Well, now that you are asking it…” Rarity stood in front of us. Letting us see her new orchid fabric dress. “What do you all think?” “Ain’t this the third time you’re asking that?” Applejack tilted her head to the side. “But I didn’t get Sunset’s opinion on it darling!” she pointed at me. Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed. “Well I like the colour.” I put my hand on my chin and looked her up and down. “It really looks good on you. Did you make it?” “Of course I did!” She dropped her hand. Twilight stepped up with Spike sticking his head out of her backpack. “How are you today?” she asked me, “Are you...feeling better after yesterday?” She was getting a bit too close to me -- I was worried she may catch a glimpse of my hand. “Oh, yeah, I feel… better.” I put my left hand on her shoulder, “It was… certainly rough to get those past memories out but it was necessary.” I smiled at her. “Yeah, you are right,” Twilight smiled back. “Let’s hope you don’t have to go through another one of those,” Spike put his paw next to his mouth and looked at me conspiratorially, and whispered. “She ate a whole bucket of ice cream last night.” Twilight blushed and let out a nervous laughter. “W-w-wha? pfft!...NO!” She quickly pushed Spike back into her backpack. “Hey, has anyone seen Rainbow and Fluttershy?” I realized suddenly that I have not asked about them yet. “Nuh uh!” “Nope.” “Spike and I haven’t seen them yet.” “Oh, don’t worry darling.” Rarity added. “There they are.” She pointed behind us. I followed her finger to Rainbow and Fluttershy, walking down the hall towards us. I raised my hand to wave again, only to be reminded by the surge of pain that ran through my whole system. “Hey, Sunset. Is everythin’ alright?” Applehack raised an eyebrow, checking me up and down. She had probably caught a glimpse of me silently groaning in pain. “What?! Yeah, yeah. Why are you asking?” I nodded rapidly. “Nothin’ I just-” “HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Rarity pushed Rinabow Dash back. “Nothing. Just checking the new dress that you put on to impress Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash let go of Rarity’s dress. “Huh.” Rarity scoffed.“And what were you doing right before now? Whispering into her ear to choose you as her model?” Rarity suggested. “NO!” Rainbow Dash stomped her foot on the floor and clenched her fist. “I don’t need to do so. Why would she ask you with your “I’m so pretty” attitude?” She mimicked Rarity. “Uhm, Can you two please stop fighting?” Fluttershy raised her finger. “Well I’m not the one who felt the need to push Fluttershy into changing her decision.” Rarity sneered and turned her face away. “Heh,” Rainbow Dash rubbed her face too, “Don’t worry, I’m so awesome that she would never think of choosing you anyway!” Rainbow Dash scoffed. “What the hey is goin’ on here again?”Applejack stepped in to separate them. “Is this about the art project again?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy just nodded , looking away. “Wha has gotten inta ya two?” Applejack raised her voice, “You've been picking at each other since yesterday.” Rainbow Dash turned to Rarity again, “Someone is just jealous of how awesome I am and they're not!” “How dare you accuse me of such a thing?”Rarity didn’t hesitate to answer back, “you are the jealous one here!” They kept on and on until we all had to separate and head to our own class. I just hope Rainbow and Rarity stop whatever drama they’re making out of Fluttershy’s art project and just get over it. Due to the change in our schedules, I had art as my first class today. However I hadn’t picked it as a main class but rather something to fill the time between my other classes it was still a fun activity and thankfully Ms. Colourful Brush didn’t go hard on me either. Drawing with my left hand was harder than I’d thought -- I could barely draw a straight line. I didn’t even bother to pick up and hold the palette. Instead, I put it on a stance next to me. We were trying to draw the crystal vase Ms Colourful Brush gave us as a reference, while she was checking on everyone's work one by one. When she got to me, she was really disappointed. “My, my, Sunset, what are you doing?” she said, “This is not a vase, it’s just a clump of clay that you’ve drawn!” she looked at the hand that I was holding the brush with. “Left hand?” “Oh, right, I’ve decided that I want to improve my other hand too.” I gave her a wide smile to reassure her. “I suppose it’s alright then.” She rubbed her chin without noticing that her hand had some paint on it, making her chin green. “Trying to follow Da Pincti’s footsteps I see. Keep it up. It’s going to be a rough start.” She tried to step away and check up on others canvases, but her leg got caught up in my easel and tipped it over. Without even thinking for a second, I reached out to catch it.I groaned as I tried to catch the easel. If it wasn’t because of Ms. Colourful Brush’s help, I would have certainly let go of it in pain. “Sorry, I didn’t pay attention there...are yo- OH MY!” she gasped. “Sunset...your hand!” It was then that I realised my sleeves had dropped and my right hand was exposed. Ms. Colourful Brush held my hand and took a good look at it. “Oh my, my... Sunset this...this looks very bad.” All the students were staring at me -- including Fluttershy and Pinkie. So much for not wanting to make them worry. “Head to the infirmary right now and get that hand checked,” She took me outside of the class and the moment she saw the hesitation in my eyes she repeated. “What are you waiting for? Hurry!” It was then that I realized my hand was in far worse condition than I had imagined. And the worst part was that I had to work after school. I couldn’t skip the day -- I needed the money. Sure, I have enough savings for this month's rent, but if I wanted to have enough money for next month’s rent I had to start saving again from now. I looked at my hand, wrapped in bandage, still quite painful to move around. It was going to make my job hard. As if Ms. Salty Sushi doesn’t give me enough of a hard time to begin with. I let out a sigh and continued my way towards the bathroom. It was then that I heard a call from behind. “Sunset!” It was Applejack. Her eyes were locked on me as she stepped closer. “Hey, um…” she said, “Ah heard you were in the infirmary. Are ya alright?” She rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah.” I nodded, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” I started walking again but she wasn’t done. “Pinkie said it was somethin’ about your hand.” She stepped forward. “Oh, it’s just a sprain.” I shook my head at her. “So. How did it happen?” She looked me in the eyes. I froze. That was a question I did not want to answer. Especially to Applejack. It wasn’t too complicated. I just had to say I fell from my motorcycle. “Well, ...I uh…” But as soon as I looked into her green eyes,It felt as if they were staring right through my soul, giving me a chill on my back. “You?” She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. “I...you know…” I don’t know why, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie to her. “Actually, you know what? It's not important.” “Wha?” her head pulled back. “OK, sorry but I reeaaaallly have to go to the bathroom right now.” I gave a big smile, showing my teeth to assure her and walked away as fast as I could. Once I got to the bathroom, I let out a sigh of relief.“What happened there?Why couldn’t I just...Lie?” I looked in the mirror and asked myself. The moment I saw her eyes, the moment her gaze pierced mine, I just...couldn’t do it. “I mean, it’s not like I am lying for a bad reason. It’s just that I don’t want them to worry.” I told myself. “It’s not their problem anyway…” I stepped out but Applejack was waiting for me. “Are ya feelin’ better?” She put her hand on my shoulder. “Yeah.” I nodded. “So, you didn’t s-” “OH! Look at the time! I should head to class. Catch you later!” I ran away and waved my left hand at her. Eventually, the History class ended and I learned absolutely nothing. I could feel my brain overheating from frustration though, still happy that it ended. I truly don’t know how much more I can take from Ms.Dusty Fossil’s teaching. As I was walking to my locker, Applejack showed up in my way again, her arms crossed with a serious frown on her face. If it wasn’t because of pinky jumping out in front of her, I would have gulped. “Uhm...hi?” I said, as I waved my left hand at them. “What is it girls?” Applejack let go of crossing her arms and walked forward. “Sunset ah know you are hiding somethin’ from us. Spit it out. What happened to yer hand?” I took a step back and hid my bandaged hand behind my back, even though they already knew about it. “I-it’s nothing.” I straightened up -- . I couldn’t show insecurity to her or else she would have kept coming back and pushing me for an answer “Why do you want to know so badly anyway? It’s not that big of a deal.” “Oh it isn’t?” Pinkie put her finger on her chin and looked up. “But Ms. Pointy Syringe said that it was a really bad sprain?” She looked at Applejack afterwards. “OK, let's go tell her that it’s actually nothing.” with a big smile she started hopping away before Applejack grabbed her. “Look,” She said, as she turned Pinkie back towards me again. “Ah’m just concerned for you. Ah don’t get why you were hiding it either but…” She sighed before continuing. “If you are dealing with something just… tell us. Were ya harassed Sunset?” I shook my head. “Thank you, Applejack. But I’m fine. It’s something I have to deal with. Don’t trouble yourself.” I tried to walk away. “Hold on a secon’!” She put her hand on my chest and stopped me. Her height made her tower in front of me. “What this thing?” She raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. “Just, knock it off!” I pushed her hand away. “I’m fine, now just leave me alone... please.” She let me walk off after that. “Was I too harsh? Did I come across as mean?!” The thoughts clouded my mind moments after I got away from them. I didn’t want to push them away too. I was already dealing with a lot of stuff --Steely Armor and Flaming Star being the major issues. But I couldn’t do much about them then -- I had to give them both time. One to process stuff and the other, well, to calm down I suppose. This was my responsibility. I started all of this and I had to take care of it too. Author's Note Make sure to check out other chapters too! Worried FriendsAfter school, I headed to the mall. I hoped my sprained wrist wouldn’t cause me much trouble. I knew Salty Sushi would have fired me if I made another mistake. She was on the lookout for me ever since that one time I messed up the orders and gave the wrong type of sushi to the wrong guy. In my defense, it’s very hard to tell the sushis apart. There might be slight differences in the middle part but other than that, they are all made out of the same fish. Or at least the ones I got wrong were like that. Now that I think about it though, there was also that creepy guy who was harassing me and not letting me work and made me feel uneasy so I karate kicked his face. But in Salty’s eyes, “The customers are always right!” Salty Sushi already makes me do every menial job in her restaurant. Mopping the floor at the end of every night, taking out the bones and guts of the fishes she drops in the kitchen, washing dishes, taking orders, serving the orders and so on. When all she does is standing behind her table, chopping fishes head and making the sushis. Granted, I don’t know how to make sushis but I doubt it can be that hard. And even if it is, why is she paying me so little for all the things I do in her shop? Yes, I only work there four days a week and the rest of the time she has her son help her. But even then, the salary’s too low. It is enough to buy me some food and help me pay the rent, sure. But if I was working like this anywhere else in that mall, I would have made much more. Sadly, she was the only one who was hiring. I did see some other shops look for staff but, every time I go and try to see what the requirements are, I fear she sees or hears and takes away what little money she gives me too. She already thinks she is doing me a favour letting me work in her shop. And that I should be thankful for what she is giving me. Just thinking of all that before stepping into the shop, I wish I had karate kicked her old butt like that other guy. The bell rang as I opened the door and walked into the shop. “About time you showed!” Salty looked at me through the small window to the kitchen with a frown. “Hurry up and get dressed. Got a lot of work to do missy!” I walked to the back room and changed into my outfit real quick. As long as I was gentle, doing my hair with my sprained hand wasn’t that hard. Though, I wish I could have said the same about the rest of the day. As soon as I stepped out, Salty Sushi handed me plates of food. “Here, take these to table 4 and table 7.” After taking a look at the plates on the counter and my bandaged hand, I decided it was safer to carry the plates one by one instead of trying to pick them both. “Hurry! Table three. Table five.” Slaty said as she dropped two more plates on the counter, soon as I came back. When I picked only one of the plates her eyes widened.. “What are you doing?” “Working?” I asked sarcastically. She frowned and almost shoved the other plate into my face. “C’mon, pick them both up.” I raised my bandaged hand and showed it to her. “I can’t!’ “I don’t care what act you are putting up,” She put the plate back down on the counter and pointed at me, “I pay you to work, so you better work just as much as you did with a hand now that you don’t have a hand.” She chopped the fish’s head off and threw it into the pile so hard that I heard the clank of the hatchet hit the wood and grind off of it. I rolled my eyes and served the plates one by one, making sure I didn’t mix them up. I served the plates and came back to clean the other tables up. But soon I realised I won’t be able to pick the tray with one hand. So I stood in front of the table, rubbing my chin and trying to figure out how to pick the tray up. “What are you waiting for missy!” Salty shouted at me once more. “Hurry up. You have to take care of other customers too!” “You nagging hag.” I whispered to myself. I held one side of the tray with one hand and then I put my right arm under the tray and used my wrist and forearm to bring up the tray. Picking it up like that was easier than I’d thought. Keeping it balanced however, was a bit more tricky. If I was not careful and tried to rush to the kitchen, the plates would definitely fall and break. But if I walked too slowly, that old hag was going to nag again. It felt as If I was walking on a tightrope, trying to hold my balance while keeping a reasonable speed Still, I managed to deliver the tray with the plates safe and sound to the kitchen, but Salty was giving me a glare from the corner of her eyes as she was preparing the next order. And As I was going to head back and attend to the customers again, she called me. “Hey, take this these and take them outside.” She demanded pointing at the leftovers of the bones and various guts of the fishes scattered on her butchering table. The smell is one of the things I hate the most, Especially when she leaves them for a while and they start to rot . With absolute disgust, I collected all the fish viscera into the bag, and dragged it of out the back door, all the way to the employee section and threw it into the trash can. After that I gave myself a moment to breathe fresh air or else I would be throwing up my guts into that trash can too. “Sunset?” I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Applejack and Pinkie Pie standing in front of me. “Hiiiiiii Sunset!” Pinkie waved her hand and gave me a big smile. Applejack stepped forward to speak up but before she could say anything, Pinkie jumped in front. “Applejack said that we should come check on you to see if everything is ok and you are fine!” “Oh, well, thank you guys for stopping by bu-” “Pffft!’” Pinkie looked away, “Stopping by? We were following you the whole time!” “Wait. What?” I tilted my head in confusion. “Yeah, Appleja-” Before Pinkie could continue anymore, Applejack covered her mouth. Yet she continued even with her voice muffled. Shaking her head in an attempt to free her mouth again. She shook her head and stepped forward. “Look, sugarcube” She rubbed her neck, “Ah know you didn’t want us to interfere with what you were doing and how your hand got like that but.” Her green eyes dead focused on mine. “I couldn’t help not to worry. Are ya alright?” My heart felt warm hearing that she cared so much for me, but I couldn’t bring them into this. Not to mention I had to get back to work. “Yes, I-I’m fine.” I crossed my arms and looked away. Now, excuse me, but I have to get back to work.” I started walking away, trying my best to not make eye contact with them. “Hey, wait up!” Pinkie ran and caught up with me. “Just give us a second!” Applejack put her hand on my shoulder and stopped me. “Sorry, but I really gotta head back to work.” I turned back and faced them. As I was slowly walking back I made some distance. “I...uh, talk to you guys later. Bye!” After waving my left hand at them, I ran back to the shop and closed the backdoor behind me. Hopefully, now I didn’t have to be confronted by them again. As much as I appreciate how much they care for me, this isn’t their issue! “What took you so long?” I was pulled out from thinking over what just happened by Salty’s question. “Uhm...nothing.” I shook my head and head back to tend to the customers. Table six had finished their food, but before I could head there, I had to take the order of the new customers of table two. “Hello, may I take your order?” “Yeah, I want a big ice-cream with a lot of cream on it!” “Sorry, but we do-” as I lowered my notepad I recognized the customers occupying table 2. “PINKIE? APPLEJACK?!” “Hi again, Sunset!” Pinkie gave me a smile from ear to ear and waved. “What are you doing here?” “Ya didn’t let us finish talking with ya,” Applejack said. I took a look at Salty from the corner of my eyes. She was giving me a glare too, probably wondering what I was doing again. “Sorry, I wish I could stay a bit longer, but it seems you haven't decided what you want.” I left them and walked to table six to clean up. I should have been able to do it just like last time By using my arm to hold the tray from underneath, but this time there were five plates rather than three -- I had to be a lot more careful. And hope Salty doesn’t comment on how I work. When I was just one row away from the window, the top plate slid out and fell. Time slowed down as my eyes widened in shock. Letting out a gasp, I closed my eyes, waiting to hear the sound of the plate cracking on the floor, followed by Slaty Sushi screaming her throat off at me for breaking her precious plates. And so I waited, my eyes closed, anticipating for all that to happen. But then -- nothing. And nothing again.I slowly opened one of my eyes and looked around. Everything seemed fine. I couldn’t tilt my head to look whether the plate broke or not but my eyes caught the sight of the plates on the tray. Five. Five plates. I could swear that I just saw one slide off and drop down. But it didn’t take long before my confusion got answered. “Psst” I looked at Applejack, winking at me. “Thought ya could use a hand.” She whispered. I wanted to smile, but I had to keep it in. They had nothing to do with this. They shouldn’t have been bothered because of me. “Thanks, but I don’t need a hand.” I whispered back and walked away. Only a few seconds later I came back to talk to them again, pretending that I was taking their order. “So, have you decided on your order yet?” I peeked at Salty from the corner of my eye and mouthed “What’s the deal?”. “You might have turned down our offer to help but we will HELP ANYWAY!” Pinkie shouted. Gathering the attention of everyone in the restaurant including Salty. I couldn’t see her. But I knew she was glaring at me. “Two sets of uramaki it is then!” I said out loud, trying to cover up everything. And as soon as I turned back to hand over the order, Salty was looking at me. Moving her jaw around in disgust. Trying my best to ignore Pinkie sticking the chopsticks into her nose every time I crossed their table, I served the other orders and cleaned up another table. I picked up the plates like last time and thankfully this time it was just two. No problem there. But before I headed back to table 6, I gave the two sets of uramakis of Pinkie and Applejack. “Guys, just eat your food and leave. I can handle stuff on my own. Don’t worry about me.” “Look,” Applejack took my other hand before I could go and made me stay. “Ah know you can take care of yourself, but don’t expect me to just sit around and not do anything when I don’t know what in tarnation has happened to that hand of yours.” She frowned and pointed at my face. She let go of my hand afterwards. I said nothing and walked away. However I could still hear Pinkie “blech” the sushi out. I think she may not be fond of raw fish. “Hey, Sunset! Psst!” Pinkie Pie whispered to me as I was passing.. “I think the chef forgot to cook our food!” “Pinkie. This is a sushi restaurant. Everything here is served raw.” Pinkie’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth for a big gasp and shout but thankfully, she was stopped by Applejack before she could. Ignoring them, I walked back and put the other order notes on the shelf. But before attending to the other customers, two men were at the cash register to pay for the food. “I hope you have enjoyed your meal sir.” I gave a half bow. “Oh we have. Also...” He then put his hand in his pocket and handed me another few bits. “Here is your tip. You deserve it.” I took the money and thanked him,.but as I wanted to put the money in my own pocket, a voice stopped me. “Don’t even think about it. Put that in the cash register right now.” Salty demanded. I sighed and put the tip I got in the cash register. When I closed the cash register and it let out a “ring”, Salty smiled. “Now go. Continue your work!” She instructed. But as soon as I turned back to head to table three for the clean up, I could hear her whisper to herself. “Pesky little brat.” To which I too whispered to myself. “Old, greedy hag.” Once I got to table 3, I was stunned -- there were no plates! I could have sworn that those two men were sitting there and I even delivered their orders to them. I was confused and lost as to where the plates had just vanished. But once again, I wasn’t left wondering for too long. “Hey,!” Applejack whispered. She then pointed at the window with a little tilt of her head. The plates were there. And Salty just took them. As I looked at the girls again, Pinkie winked at me with a smile and Applejack tipped her hat. I was really happy that they were helping me out but I couldn’t let them get into this. This was my issue to deal with. Not theirs. I had to go through this. Not them. I picked table six’s plate and served it. Before heading back though, I gave a half bow to the woman and walked back to get the girls to leave. “Applejack. Pinkie,” I said, as I glared at them both. “Girls, don’t you have other stuff to do? Pinkie, don’t you think you should head to the Sugarcube Corner and start your own shift?” “Oh… heh. Now that you mention it…” “And you, Applejack-- don’t you think it’s a bit irresponsible to leave all the work to Granny Smith and Big Mac? I thought today was the day you all gathered the good apples for apple cider.” “I...well...eh.” She was sweating now,and tried to look away. “Girls.” I take a deep breath and continue. “I’m fine. I can deal with my own issues. You shouldn't have to worry about my problems.” They both looked at each other, clearly wanting to say something but I beat them to it. “How about I wait a bit longer here at night so you two can come check up on me and see that I’m doing fine? Huh?” They both look down and think about it for a while. While I checked up on Salty and made sure she was not watching me again. “Alright,” Applejack stood up. “But ya gotta promise that ye’ll wait!” She put her hand on my shoulder. “Pinkie promise!” Pinkie Pie jumped from her seat too. “Ok, ok...I promise.” After giving Pinke a look I continued. “Pinkie Promise.” Applejack took one last look at me before they started walking to the exit. “Take care of yourself, sugarcube!” As they were walking to the door, I took a look at Salty from the corner of my eyes and remembered. “Uhm...sorry! But you forgot to pay for your meal!” They came back and emptied out their pockets to pay for the food they couldn't even swallow. I attended to the customers, took out the fish leftovers of the sushis so that Salty wouldn’t feel bad while she prepared the food, cleaned up tables and greeted new customers inside. Just another afternoon-till-night workday. Except this time, I had only one hand. Yes ,working was difficult. But I managed to deal with it. Until I didn’t. My hand was getting a bit sore, because of all the weight I kept putting on it, when another table had five customers and they ordered six plates of food. I knew I shouldn’t have tried to pick them all in one go but, Salty had already nagged several times about my speed and threatened to dock my pay if I didn't speed up. Soon after I grabbed the tray like last time, my hand started to tremble. I could barely feel my hand from the elbow below. Before I could reach row three, my hand let out. I tried to hold on to the tray with one hand but, without any support it slid away from my grasp.and the tray dropped with all six plates. Each hitting the floor and shattering to pieces one after the other. My eyes were closed, as I heard the customers gasp and Salty screaming her throat out. “OH YOU CLUMSY, STUPID BRAT!” She stepped out of the kitchen to come check on the plates. Only to see her precious plates turned into unsalvageable bits. Just hearing that, I knew I was done for. Those who CareThe customers left shortly after. And it was only me, her, and the broken plates on the floor. Salty held my bandaged hand and made me stand up. “DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH THOSE COST?” As pain surged through my body, I couldn't bring myself to answer back and just groaned in pain. My feet wanted to collapse. “GET OUT!” Salty squeezed my hand harder and throw me back. I stepped out of the shop as I steadied my breath to compensate for the pain. She was very mad. Giving her some time to calm down felt like a good idea. I knew If there was anything in that shop that she would dive in to grab while it was on fire, it would have been the plates. I tried to move my bandaged hand ever so slightly but as soon as I felt the ache surge through my body, I stopped. With a sigh, I dropped it to the side and looked around. Every shop was closing one after the other and the entire mall was going to be closed soon too. Some shops still had a few customers to tend to but I knew after they were done with that, they too would close. The lights off the mall were still on however, and that meant there was still a bit of time before everything would be completely closed. I was sitting there, waiting for Applejack and Pinkie to show up. Now whether I was hoping they make it before that was a whole another discussion. I looked back into the restaurant to see what Salty was doing. And to no surprise, she was looking at the pieces of the broken plates. I swear that she would disown her own son to get that six plates back. “I wish I had a better job.” I sighed and looked back. But it was then that a sudden noise surprised me. I looked at the brown cat that was looking at me with it’s green eyes. Meowing. It tilted it’s head and blinked at me. I don't have the ability to talk to animals but I felt as if it was asking about how I was. It sounds odd now that I think about it. “Oh...uhm...Hi?”I raised my hand a little but soon realised I shouldn’t have moved it. The cat stared at me in silence. Our gazes pierced one another. But It was then that I saw the red collar around its neck. “Are you lost?” I leaned forward. Still in the mindset that I was talking to it. “We should find your owner soon. I doubt Fluttershy is still in her shop either.” I patted the cat with my left hand. It smiled and stretched itself to touch the palm of my hand more. It’s fur made my hand tickle as I rubbed my hand on it’s head. “PETRI!” A call came from afar and the cat turned its head to follow the direction of the sound. And so did I. A teenage girl with blue skin, short blue and white straight hair was running towards us. She was wearing a green shirt with a black skirt. That was the uniform of the Smooth Fabric clothes store. I’ve seen Rarity there a bunch of times during my breaks. She really likes that shop. “Petri! You bad boy! Don’t run away like that ever again!” She pouted as she sat down and picked up the cat from the ground. Petri’s body stretched as he was being picked. She looked at me, her eyes were green and her cheeks reminded me a bit of Pinkie Pie. “Sorry, he just ran away all of a sudden.” “It’s alright. I think I needed a bit of company anyways.” She looked at me, up and down. “You work here too?” I pointed to Salty’s restaurant behind me. “Yep, there. I figured you work in Smooth Fabric too! You know, the uniform and all.” “Unfortunately, yes.” She sounded a bit annoyed. She held her cat in her embrace and rubbed her hand on it’s head . “I wish I could be done with that place and this stupid mall.” She clenched her teeth and tightened her embrace on her cat but as soon as she heard him let out a mew, she softened it again. “I’m not too fond of working here either. But hey, it pays,” I sighed and looked back, “For the most part at least.” After a pause, I remembered I hadn’t introduced myself yet. “Oh, I’m Sunset, by the way. Sunset Shimmer.” I wanted to raise my hand but with it being bandaged and in pain and the whole “seeing her memories when touching” made me rethink that. “Frosty Cream.” Thankfully her hands were occupied too, so it didn’t feel awkward. “And this is Petri.” The cat meowed and closed its eyes. “I think I caught his name before but I guess it doesn’t hurt to be official.” I gave her a smile. “Your cat looks cute. Seems more friendly than my friend's cat.” “Thanks.” She smiled as well, bringing Petri up in her embrace again. “And yeah, it sucks. They all treat you like trash and the worst part is no one is there for you to ask whether you’re fine or not!” her tone was raised again. But soon was brought back down when her cat purred in her embrace. “I only have Petri. How about you?” The thought of Applejack and Pinkie Pie jumped in my head. “I...do.” “You must be very lucky.” “I guess…” I looked down. It felt hard to breathe for a second. She looked at her watch for a second before her eyes widened. “Oh, shoot. Uhm, it was nice to meet you...I guess….Sorry, I don’t usually talk to others. Everyone I have met here was a jerk for the most part.” “No problem. I understand that.” “Ok. Uhm...I, uh...have to go. Gotta rest well before I come back here tomorrow and…” She sighed before continuing. “Work and be nagged at for hours again.” I hesitated before saying anything. That last bit got me wondering about myself a little. “...uhm...Goodbye I suppose. Take care of your cat.” “I-I will.” She started walking away. Leaving me alone again. I started wondering whether I’ll be having a job after what happened or not again. Honestly, knowing Salty for quite some time, I knew my chances weren’t high at all. And I should probably head in and take in all of her lectures before she says I’m fired and head home sooner. At least that way I could have gotten some sleep. I stood up and took a deep breath, ready to step in. However, as soon as I want to open the door, I hear another call. This time a bit more familiare sounding. “SUNSET!” I turn back and see Pinkie Pie shouting and running to me with Applejack. It didn't take me a long time to realize that she was not slowing down! I closed my eyes and braced for impact. As I slowly opened up my eyes, I saw two pairs of pink hands right in front of me. I took a step back and looked at my friends from a different angle. Applejack held Pinkie across the waist so she wouldn’t crash into me. “Oh, hi girls.” I said nervously. “Sunset!” Pinkie literally jumped out of Applejack's grip leaving both me and her surprised. “We came to check on as promised!” She hugged me tightly. “Are ya doing alright sugarcube?” Applejack shook her head and joined the talk. Once again, after looking into her eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to lie. I pulled my uniform skirt and bit my lips trying to resist answering. “Sunset?” Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “NO!” A moment of silence filled around us in the mall. Only the distant chitter chatter of some shopkeepers with their customers could be heard. I dropped down on the ground and hugged my knees. “I dropped the tray and broke all the plates...I...I’m gonna get fired.” I wasn’t crying, but I really felt like it. “It’s alright.” Applejack kneeled to get on my level. “...what ahm concerned, is how your hand is.” “It’s not better...but at least not worse either.” “Don’t worry Sunset, I’m sure we can find you a better job now cheer up!” Pinkie sat next to me on the ground. “Thanks guys…” Applejack put her hand on my shoulder, “Ah know you don’t like me asking this from ya but...what happened to ya hand?” I sighed. “Why do you want to know so bad?” “Because you are my friend and I’m worried about you.” She held my shoulders and looked me directly in the eyes. “Don’t tell me if the same thing had happened to me or Pinkie, ya wouldn’t have done the same.” “I would.” “Then why are ya not speaking up, girl?” “Because it’s MY FAULT, NOT YOURS!” I shouted! Applejack and Pinkie took a step back and looked me up and down. I took a deep breath before continuing. “Look…I was the one who stole the crown and brought magic into this world. I am the reason magic is causing issues and troubles. And I]/u] am the one who should deal with it.” They both looked at me and then exchanged a look at one another. “Wh-what do ya mean?” Applejack asked. I let out another sigh. “After we met up with Flaming Star and Steely Armor, I wanted to make sure they are feeling comfortable in the school and with their magic. Which is why I wanted to convince Flaming Star to… accept his magic and control it.” I looked at them once again before continuing. “I tried my best to break the ice...it was working but… I noticed some suspicious stuff last week when Rainbow Dash and I visited Steely Armor’s garage.” “He has a garage?” They both asked in unison. “Yeah, but not the point right now.” I held my head with both hands. “He had this weird blueprint thing that all measurements were in some weird shape language and he was just so...defensive” I sighed once more. ”Long story short… After many attempts with talking to him just… Speak up… I got desperate and decided to...” I paused for a second. “Break into his garage and check on what he hides there.” “YOU WHAT?” “I know, I know...I’ve already had that whole lecturing thing from Twilight.” I raised my hands and gestured to stop. “Before that I… had tried to see through Flaming Star’s memory to see if I can find something that helps me piece everything together.” “But he caught your hand before you could touch his.” Pinkie Pie jumped in. “And that was when the little trust I had built got shattered.” I sighed. I shook my head. “Anyway, yeah that happened and… well, yesterday I decided to explain everything to Steely Armor. And by “everything” I mean my past. I hoped toexplain why I was concerned and wanted to make sure nothing bad was happening.” “Well, did it work?” Applejack asked, rubbing her neck. “He said he wants time.” I looked at her. “Which is understandable. Flaming Star on the other hand…” Applejack shifted her look from my eyes to my hand. “Did he do that to you?” She frowned. “No. I mean, yes… it’s complicated.” “What do ya mean? Ain’t he the one who hurt you? If yes then imma teach that boy a lesson.” She clenched her fist. “No!” I raised my hands. “Look, it’s just a long story and right now I want to just head back in there, get fired and go home. I’ve had enough for today.” “Sunset.” I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Ah know you still blame yourself for what has been happening lately. And sure, you might be right that you caused it.” “Not helping, Applejack!” Pinkie added. After giving a look at Pinkie Pie, Applejack continued. “But even if it is… what makes you think we shouldn’t help ya?” I was a bit confused. “W-what do you mean?” Applejack sighed and put her other hand on my cheek. “Sugarcube, when ah was having trouble with my Maths class, didn’t you and Twilight help me?” “Yes?” “And didn’t you help me to figure out what I should be drawing for art class?” Pinkie Pie rubbed her face against mine. I gave some distance between my face and her. “Uhm yeah. So?” “See? Ya didn’t just ignore our issues, even if it was our mistake. Ya helped us. Why shouldn’t we be doing the same for ya?” “Yeah, isn’t that what friends do?” Pinkie gave me another one of her big smiles. As I saw the reflection of my own face in their eyes, I felt a heart warming sensation deep within. I couldn’t hold back anymore. I hugged them both as hard as I could. “Thank you girls!” “Awww, group hug!” Pinkie tightened her grip. It got hard for me to breathe after that. “Uhm….P-pinkie...Y-you are...KILLING ME!” “Oh, sorry! She chuckled a little. “I just got excited.” “It’s alright.” We all stood up and dusted our clothes. “So now wha?” Applejack asked me. “You don’t wanna at least try to talk with her and try sorting out the issue?” I paused before answering. I knew there was no way she would not fire me unless I work for her more than I already do. Maybe it was the time to break these shackles and misery I brought on myself by working here myself and not give her the opportunity to have the luxury of it. “Actually, I have a better Idea.” I stepped inside the restaurant. Salty raised her head to look at me. “What are you still doing here?” “Oh, nothing, I just wanted to officially announce that I am quitting!” I put my hands on my waist. Even though my sprained hand hurt a little I tried to keep my cool. “WHAT?!” She asked in confusion. Her ugly moth dropped hanging. “You heard me right. I’m quitting!” Salty stood up and put the broken piece of the plate on table 3. “You can't quit!!” “Oh I can. And honestly, why shouldn’t I. You treat me like trash even though I do almost everything in your shop!” I pointed at her and raised my tone. Salty frowned and narrowed her eyes. “YOU CAN’T QUIT!” she shouted. “I FIRE YOU!” “You can’t fire me. I’ve already quitted.” I walked past her, who was still shocked and stepped into the back door. I changed my clothes and when I stepped out, I turned that uniform into a ball and threw it at her face. “Keep this. You might need it for the next person who is stupid enough to work here!” She furiously pulled the uniform off of her face and grunted. But before she could say anything I was already at the door and about to leave. “Goodbye you rotten fish smelling hag!” I headed out of the mall with the girls afterwards. They even walked me home. So sweet of them. But the sweetest part is to know that I’m not alone in what I’m doing. That there are people who have my back and will not hesitate to lend me a hand when I need it. I also learned that I shouldn’t push my friends away when they simply want to help me out. Cause honestly, I would be trying to help them out if they were in that situation. Your friend and student, Sunset Shimmer. Author's Note Stay patient for the next instalment.
SprainedDear Princess Twilight, First off, I apologise for my bad handwriting in this and the previous letter. My hand had been sprained badly and I hadn’t noticed it -- I just thought it hurt because it had been stomped on, and I tried to shake it off, but it turned out much worse than I thought. I’m better now though so don’t worry. But today, I learned a valuable lesson that I’d like to share. My hand hurt that morning. It was bruised on the wrist and moving it around was a little hard but I thought it was normal after what had happened last night. I hopped on my motorcycle and rode to school. Everyone was there, except Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I raised my hand to wave at them as I closed the distance but, the agony surged through me, from wrist to elbow and I dropped my hand. It was then that it occurred to me -- I shouldn’t let them see it They would probably get worried over something that shouldn’t be their problem, not to mention I still thought my wrist wasn’t a big deal. So I waved with my left hand instead. “Hello Sunset,” Twilight waved back when she saw me approaching. “Hi girls!” I held my right hand behind me casually. “How is everything?” Pinkie stepped forward and pushed Applejack aside. “OH! OH! I came up with the new recipe for a new cupcake that will BLOW YOUR MIIIIIIIND!” She said, wiggling her fingers. “How so?” I raised my eyebrow. “Well, there are strawberries, berries, blueberries, cherries..-”Pinkie started counting with her fingers. “Hol’ on a secon’!” Applejack interrupted her. “Ya putting all those in that cupcake but ya ain’t putting apples?” “It’s a berry chocolate cupcake! Not an apple chocolate cupcake silly!” Pinkie chuckled. “Well, anything else?” I looked around to see if anyone else had to say anything. “Well, now that you are asking it…” Rarity stood in front of us. Letting us see her new orchid fabric dress. “What do you all think?” “Ain’t this the third time you’re asking that?” Applejack tilted her head to the side. “But I didn’t get Sunset’s opinion on it darling!” she pointed at me. Applejack rolled her eyes and sighed. “Well I like the colour.” I put my hand on my chin and looked her up and down. “It really looks good on you. Did you make it?” “Of course I did!” She dropped her hand. Twilight stepped up with Spike sticking his head out of her backpack. “How are you today?” she asked me, “Are you...feeling better after yesterday?” She was getting a bit too close to me -- I was worried she may catch a glimpse of my hand. “Oh, yeah, I feel… better.” I put my left hand on her shoulder, “It was… certainly rough to get those past memories out but it was necessary.” I smiled at her. “Yeah, you are right,” Twilight smiled back. “Let’s hope you don’t have to go through another one of those,” Spike put his paw next to his mouth and looked at me conspiratorially, and whispered. “She ate a whole bucket of ice cream last night.” Twilight blushed and let out a nervous laughter. “W-w-wha? pfft!...NO!” She quickly pushed Spike back into her backpack. “Hey, has anyone seen Rainbow and Fluttershy?” I realized suddenly that I have not asked about them yet. “Nuh uh!” “Nope.” “Spike and I haven’t seen them yet.” “Oh, don’t worry darling.” Rarity added. “There they are.” She pointed behind us. I followed her finger to Rainbow and Fluttershy, walking down the hall towards us. I raised my hand to wave again, only to be reminded by the surge of pain that ran through my whole system. “Hey, Sunset. Is everythin’ alright?” Applehack raised an eyebrow, checking me up and down. She had probably caught a glimpse of me silently groaning in pain. “What?! Yeah, yeah. Why are you asking?” I nodded rapidly. “Nothin’ I just-” “HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Rarity pushed Rinabow Dash back. “Nothing. Just checking the new dress that you put on to impress Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash let go of Rarity’s dress. “Huh.” Rarity scoffed.“And what were you doing right before now? Whispering into her ear to choose you as her model?” Rarity suggested. “NO!” Rainbow Dash stomped her foot on the floor and clenched her fist. “I don’t need to do so. Why would she ask you with your “I’m so pretty” attitude?” She mimicked Rarity. “Uhm, Can you two please stop fighting?” Fluttershy raised her finger. “Well I’m not the one who felt the need to push Fluttershy into changing her decision.” Rarity sneered and turned her face away. “Heh,” Rainbow Dash rubbed her face too, “Don’t worry, I’m so awesome that she would never think of choosing you anyway!” Rainbow Dash scoffed. “What the hey is goin’ on here again?”Applejack stepped in to separate them. “Is this about the art project again?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy just nodded , looking away. “Wha has gotten inta ya two?” Applejack raised her voice, “You've been picking at each other since yesterday.” Rainbow Dash turned to Rarity again, “Someone is just jealous of how awesome I am and they're not!” “How dare you accuse me of such a thing?”Rarity didn’t hesitate to answer back, “you are the jealous one here!” They kept on and on until we all had to separate and head to our own class. I just hope Rainbow and Rarity stop whatever drama they’re making out of Fluttershy’s art project and just get over it. Due to the change in our schedules, I had art as my first class today. However I hadn’t picked it as a main class but rather something to fill the time between my other classes it was still a fun activity and thankfully Ms. Colourful Brush didn’t go hard on me either. Drawing with my left hand was harder than I’d thought -- I could barely draw a straight line. I didn’t even bother to pick up and hold the palette. Instead, I put it on a stance next to me. We were trying to draw the crystal vase Ms Colourful Brush gave us as a reference, while she was checking on everyone's work one by one. When she got to me, she was really disappointed. “My, my, Sunset, what are you doing?” she said, “This is not a vase, it’s just a clump of clay that you’ve drawn!” she looked at the hand that I was holding the brush with. “Left hand?” “Oh, right, I’ve decided that I want to improve my other hand too.” I gave her a wide smile to reassure her. “I suppose it’s alright then.” She rubbed her chin without noticing that her hand had some paint on it, making her chin green. “Trying to follow Da Pincti’s footsteps I see. Keep it up. It’s going to be a rough start.” She tried to step away and check up on others canvases, but her leg got caught up in my easel and tipped it over. Without even thinking for a second, I reached out to catch it.I groaned as I tried to catch the easel. If it wasn’t because of Ms. Colourful Brush’s help, I would have certainly let go of it in pain. “Sorry, I didn’t pay attention there...are yo- OH MY!” she gasped. “Sunset...your hand!” It was then that I realised my sleeves had dropped and my right hand was exposed. Ms. Colourful Brush held my hand and took a good look at it. “Oh my, my... Sunset this...this looks very bad.” All the students were staring at me -- including Fluttershy and Pinkie. So much for not wanting to make them worry. “Head to the infirmary right now and get that hand checked,” She took me outside of the class and the moment she saw the hesitation in my eyes she repeated. “What are you waiting for? Hurry!” It was then that I realized my hand was in far worse condition than I had imagined. And the worst part was that I had to work after school. I couldn’t skip the day -- I needed the money. Sure, I have enough savings for this month's rent, but if I wanted to have enough money for next month’s rent I had to start saving again from now. I looked at my hand, wrapped in bandage, still quite painful to move around. It was going to make my job hard. As if Ms. Salty Sushi doesn’t give me enough of a hard time to begin with. I let out a sigh and continued my way towards the bathroom. It was then that I heard a call from behind. “Sunset!” It was Applejack. Her eyes were locked on me as she stepped closer. “Hey, um…” she said, “Ah heard you were in the infirmary. Are ya alright?” She rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah.” I nodded, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” I started walking again but she wasn’t done. “Pinkie said it was somethin’ about your hand.” She stepped forward. “Oh, it’s just a sprain.” I shook my head at her. “So. How did it happen?” She looked me in the eyes. I froze. That was a question I did not want to answer. Especially to Applejack. It wasn’t too complicated. I just had to say I fell from my motorcycle. “Well, ...I uh…” But as soon as I looked into her green eyes,It felt as if they were staring right through my soul, giving me a chill on my back. “You?” She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. “I...you know…” I don’t know why, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie to her. “Actually, you know what? It's not important.” “Wha?” her head pulled back. “OK, sorry but I reeaaaallly have to go to the bathroom right now.” I gave a big smile, showing my teeth to assure her and walked away as fast as I could. Once I got to the bathroom, I let out a sigh of relief.“What happened there?Why couldn’t I just...Lie?” I looked in the mirror and asked myself. The moment I saw her eyes, the moment her gaze pierced mine, I just...couldn’t do it. “I mean, it’s not like I am lying for a bad reason. It’s just that I don’t want them to worry.” I told myself. “It’s not their problem anyway…” I stepped out but Applejack was waiting for me. “Are ya feelin’ better?” She put her hand on my shoulder. “Yeah.” I nodded. “So, you didn’t s-” “OH! Look at the time! I should head to class. Catch you later!” I ran away and waved my left hand at her. Eventually, the History class ended and I learned absolutely nothing. I could feel my brain overheating from frustration though, still happy that it ended. I truly don’t know how much more I can take from Ms.Dusty Fossil’s teaching. As I was walking to my locker, Applejack showed up in my way again, her arms crossed with a serious frown on her face. If it wasn’t because of pinky jumping out in front of her, I would have gulped. “Uhm...hi?” I said, as I waved my left hand at them. “What is it girls?” Applejack let go of crossing her arms and walked forward. “Sunset ah know you are hiding somethin’ from us. Spit it out. What happened to yer hand?” I took a step back and hid my bandaged hand behind my back, even though they already knew about it. “I-it’s nothing.” I straightened up -- . I couldn’t show insecurity to her or else she would have kept coming back and pushing me for an answer “Why do you want to know so badly anyway? It’s not that big of a deal.” “Oh it isn’t?” Pinkie put her finger on her chin and looked up. “But Ms. Pointy Syringe said that it was a really bad sprain?” She looked at Applejack afterwards. “OK, let's go tell her that it’s actually nothing.” with a big smile she started hopping away before Applejack grabbed her. “Look,” She said, as she turned Pinkie back towards me again. “Ah’m just concerned for you. Ah don’t get why you were hiding it either but…” She sighed before continuing. “If you are dealing with something just… tell us. Were ya harassed Sunset?” I shook my head. “Thank you, Applejack. But I’m fine. It’s something I have to deal with. Don’t trouble yourself.” I tried to walk away. “Hold on a secon’!” She put her hand on my chest and stopped me. Her height made her tower in front of me. “What this thing?” She raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. “Just, knock it off!” I pushed her hand away. “I’m fine, now just leave me alone... please.” She let me walk off after that. “Was I too harsh? Did I come across as mean?!” The thoughts clouded my mind moments after I got away from them. I didn’t want to push them away too. I was already dealing with a lot of stuff --Steely Armor and Flaming Star being the major issues. But I couldn’t do much about them then -- I had to give them both time. One to process stuff and the other, well, to calm down I suppose. This was my responsibility. I started all of this and I had to take care of it too. Author's Note Make sure to check out other chapters too!
Worried FriendsAfter school, I headed to the mall. I hoped my sprained wrist wouldn’t cause me much trouble. I knew Salty Sushi would have fired me if I made another mistake. She was on the lookout for me ever since that one time I messed up the orders and gave the wrong type of sushi to the wrong guy. In my defense, it’s very hard to tell the sushis apart. There might be slight differences in the middle part but other than that, they are all made out of the same fish. Or at least the ones I got wrong were like that. Now that I think about it though, there was also that creepy guy who was harassing me and not letting me work and made me feel uneasy so I karate kicked his face. But in Salty’s eyes, “The customers are always right!” Salty Sushi already makes me do every menial job in her restaurant. Mopping the floor at the end of every night, taking out the bones and guts of the fishes she drops in the kitchen, washing dishes, taking orders, serving the orders and so on. When all she does is standing behind her table, chopping fishes head and making the sushis. Granted, I don’t know how to make sushis but I doubt it can be that hard. And even if it is, why is she paying me so little for all the things I do in her shop? Yes, I only work there four days a week and the rest of the time she has her son help her. But even then, the salary’s too low. It is enough to buy me some food and help me pay the rent, sure. But if I was working like this anywhere else in that mall, I would have made much more. Sadly, she was the only one who was hiring. I did see some other shops look for staff but, every time I go and try to see what the requirements are, I fear she sees or hears and takes away what little money she gives me too. She already thinks she is doing me a favour letting me work in her shop. And that I should be thankful for what she is giving me. Just thinking of all that before stepping into the shop, I wish I had karate kicked her old butt like that other guy. The bell rang as I opened the door and walked into the shop. “About time you showed!” Salty looked at me through the small window to the kitchen with a frown. “Hurry up and get dressed. Got a lot of work to do missy!” I walked to the back room and changed into my outfit real quick. As long as I was gentle, doing my hair with my sprained hand wasn’t that hard. Though, I wish I could have said the same about the rest of the day. As soon as I stepped out, Salty Sushi handed me plates of food. “Here, take these to table 4 and table 7.” After taking a look at the plates on the counter and my bandaged hand, I decided it was safer to carry the plates one by one instead of trying to pick them both. “Hurry! Table three. Table five.” Slaty said as she dropped two more plates on the counter, soon as I came back. When I picked only one of the plates her eyes widened.. “What are you doing?” “Working?” I asked sarcastically. She frowned and almost shoved the other plate into my face. “C’mon, pick them both up.” I raised my bandaged hand and showed it to her. “I can’t!’ “I don’t care what act you are putting up,” She put the plate back down on the counter and pointed at me, “I pay you to work, so you better work just as much as you did with a hand now that you don’t have a hand.” She chopped the fish’s head off and threw it into the pile so hard that I heard the clank of the hatchet hit the wood and grind off of it. I rolled my eyes and served the plates one by one, making sure I didn’t mix them up. I served the plates and came back to clean the other tables up. But soon I realised I won’t be able to pick the tray with one hand. So I stood in front of the table, rubbing my chin and trying to figure out how to pick the tray up. “What are you waiting for missy!” Salty shouted at me once more. “Hurry up. You have to take care of other customers too!” “You nagging hag.” I whispered to myself. I held one side of the tray with one hand and then I put my right arm under the tray and used my wrist and forearm to bring up the tray. Picking it up like that was easier than I’d thought. Keeping it balanced however, was a bit more tricky. If I was not careful and tried to rush to the kitchen, the plates would definitely fall and break. But if I walked too slowly, that old hag was going to nag again. It felt as If I was walking on a tightrope, trying to hold my balance while keeping a reasonable speed Still, I managed to deliver the tray with the plates safe and sound to the kitchen, but Salty was giving me a glare from the corner of her eyes as she was preparing the next order. And As I was going to head back and attend to the customers again, she called me. “Hey, take this these and take them outside.” She demanded pointing at the leftovers of the bones and various guts of the fishes scattered on her butchering table. The smell is one of the things I hate the most, Especially when she leaves them for a while and they start to rot . With absolute disgust, I collected all the fish viscera into the bag, and dragged it of out the back door, all the way to the employee section and threw it into the trash can. After that I gave myself a moment to breathe fresh air or else I would be throwing up my guts into that trash can too. “Sunset?” I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and turned my head to see Applejack and Pinkie Pie standing in front of me. “Hiiiiiii Sunset!” Pinkie waved her hand and gave me a big smile. Applejack stepped forward to speak up but before she could say anything, Pinkie jumped in front. “Applejack said that we should come check on you to see if everything is ok and you are fine!” “Oh, well, thank you guys for stopping by bu-” “Pffft!’” Pinkie looked away, “Stopping by? We were following you the whole time!” “Wait. What?” I tilted my head in confusion. “Yeah, Appleja-” Before Pinkie could continue anymore, Applejack covered her mouth. Yet she continued even with her voice muffled. Shaking her head in an attempt to free her mouth again. She shook her head and stepped forward. “Look, sugarcube” She rubbed her neck, “Ah know you didn’t want us to interfere with what you were doing and how your hand got like that but.” Her green eyes dead focused on mine. “I couldn’t help not to worry. Are ya alright?” My heart felt warm hearing that she cared so much for me, but I couldn’t bring them into this. Not to mention I had to get back to work. “Yes, I-I’m fine.” I crossed my arms and looked away. Now, excuse me, but I have to get back to work.” I started walking away, trying my best to not make eye contact with them. “Hey, wait up!” Pinkie ran and caught up with me. “Just give us a second!” Applejack put her hand on my shoulder and stopped me. “Sorry, but I really gotta head back to work.” I turned back and faced them. As I was slowly walking back I made some distance. “I...uh, talk to you guys later. Bye!” After waving my left hand at them, I ran back to the shop and closed the backdoor behind me. Hopefully, now I didn’t have to be confronted by them again. As much as I appreciate how much they care for me, this isn’t their issue! “What took you so long?” I was pulled out from thinking over what just happened by Salty’s question. “Uhm...nothing.” I shook my head and head back to tend to the customers. Table six had finished their food, but before I could head there, I had to take the order of the new customers of table two. “Hello, may I take your order?” “Yeah, I want a big ice-cream with a lot of cream on it!” “Sorry, but we do-” as I lowered my notepad I recognized the customers occupying table 2. “PINKIE? APPLEJACK?!” “Hi again, Sunset!” Pinkie gave me a smile from ear to ear and waved. “What are you doing here?” “Ya didn’t let us finish talking with ya,” Applejack said. I took a look at Salty from the corner of my eyes. She was giving me a glare too, probably wondering what I was doing again. “Sorry, I wish I could stay a bit longer, but it seems you haven't decided what you want.” I left them and walked to table six to clean up. I should have been able to do it just like last time By using my arm to hold the tray from underneath, but this time there were five plates rather than three -- I had to be a lot more careful. And hope Salty doesn’t comment on how I work. When I was just one row away from the window, the top plate slid out and fell. Time slowed down as my eyes widened in shock. Letting out a gasp, I closed my eyes, waiting to hear the sound of the plate cracking on the floor, followed by Slaty Sushi screaming her throat off at me for breaking her precious plates. And so I waited, my eyes closed, anticipating for all that to happen. But then -- nothing. And nothing again.I slowly opened one of my eyes and looked around. Everything seemed fine. I couldn’t tilt my head to look whether the plate broke or not but my eyes caught the sight of the plates on the tray. Five. Five plates. I could swear that I just saw one slide off and drop down. But it didn’t take long before my confusion got answered. “Psst” I looked at Applejack, winking at me. “Thought ya could use a hand.” She whispered. I wanted to smile, but I had to keep it in. They had nothing to do with this. They shouldn’t have been bothered because of me. “Thanks, but I don’t need a hand.” I whispered back and walked away. Only a few seconds later I came back to talk to them again, pretending that I was taking their order. “So, have you decided on your order yet?” I peeked at Salty from the corner of my eye and mouthed “What’s the deal?”. “You might have turned down our offer to help but we will HELP ANYWAY!” Pinkie shouted. Gathering the attention of everyone in the restaurant including Salty. I couldn’t see her. But I knew she was glaring at me. “Two sets of uramaki it is then!” I said out loud, trying to cover up everything. And as soon as I turned back to hand over the order, Salty was looking at me. Moving her jaw around in disgust. Trying my best to ignore Pinkie sticking the chopsticks into her nose every time I crossed their table, I served the other orders and cleaned up another table. I picked up the plates like last time and thankfully this time it was just two. No problem there. But before I headed back to table 6, I gave the two sets of uramakis of Pinkie and Applejack. “Guys, just eat your food and leave. I can handle stuff on my own. Don’t worry about me.” “Look,” Applejack took my other hand before I could go and made me stay. “Ah know you can take care of yourself, but don’t expect me to just sit around and not do anything when I don’t know what in tarnation has happened to that hand of yours.” She frowned and pointed at my face. She let go of my hand afterwards. I said nothing and walked away. However I could still hear Pinkie “blech” the sushi out. I think she may not be fond of raw fish. “Hey, Sunset! Psst!” Pinkie Pie whispered to me as I was passing.. “I think the chef forgot to cook our food!” “Pinkie. This is a sushi restaurant. Everything here is served raw.” Pinkie’s eyes widened and she opened her mouth for a big gasp and shout but thankfully, she was stopped by Applejack before she could. Ignoring them, I walked back and put the other order notes on the shelf. But before attending to the other customers, two men were at the cash register to pay for the food. “I hope you have enjoyed your meal sir.” I gave a half bow. “Oh we have. Also...” He then put his hand in his pocket and handed me another few bits. “Here is your tip. You deserve it.” I took the money and thanked him,.but as I wanted to put the money in my own pocket, a voice stopped me. “Don’t even think about it. Put that in the cash register right now.” Salty demanded. I sighed and put the tip I got in the cash register. When I closed the cash register and it let out a “ring”, Salty smiled. “Now go. Continue your work!” She instructed. But as soon as I turned back to head to table three for the clean up, I could hear her whisper to herself. “Pesky little brat.” To which I too whispered to myself. “Old, greedy hag.” Once I got to table 3, I was stunned -- there were no plates! I could have sworn that those two men were sitting there and I even delivered their orders to them. I was confused and lost as to where the plates had just vanished. But once again, I wasn’t left wondering for too long. “Hey,!” Applejack whispered. She then pointed at the window with a little tilt of her head. The plates were there. And Salty just took them. As I looked at the girls again, Pinkie winked at me with a smile and Applejack tipped her hat. I was really happy that they were helping me out but I couldn’t let them get into this. This was my issue to deal with. Not theirs. I had to go through this. Not them. I picked table six’s plate and served it. Before heading back though, I gave a half bow to the woman and walked back to get the girls to leave. “Applejack. Pinkie,” I said, as I glared at them both. “Girls, don’t you have other stuff to do? Pinkie, don’t you think you should head to the Sugarcube Corner and start your own shift?” “Oh… heh. Now that you mention it…” “And you, Applejack-- don’t you think it’s a bit irresponsible to leave all the work to Granny Smith and Big Mac? I thought today was the day you all gathered the good apples for apple cider.” “I...well...eh.” She was sweating now,and tried to look away. “Girls.” I take a deep breath and continue. “I’m fine. I can deal with my own issues. You shouldn't have to worry about my problems.” They both looked at each other, clearly wanting to say something but I beat them to it. “How about I wait a bit longer here at night so you two can come check up on me and see that I’m doing fine? Huh?” They both look down and think about it for a while. While I checked up on Salty and made sure she was not watching me again. “Alright,” Applejack stood up. “But ya gotta promise that ye’ll wait!” She put her hand on my shoulder. “Pinkie promise!” Pinkie Pie jumped from her seat too. “Ok, ok...I promise.” After giving Pinke a look I continued. “Pinkie Promise.” Applejack took one last look at me before they started walking to the exit. “Take care of yourself, sugarcube!” As they were walking to the door, I took a look at Salty from the corner of my eyes and remembered. “Uhm...sorry! But you forgot to pay for your meal!” They came back and emptied out their pockets to pay for the food they couldn't even swallow. I attended to the customers, took out the fish leftovers of the sushis so that Salty wouldn’t feel bad while she prepared the food, cleaned up tables and greeted new customers inside. Just another afternoon-till-night workday. Except this time, I had only one hand. Yes ,working was difficult. But I managed to deal with it. Until I didn’t. My hand was getting a bit sore, because of all the weight I kept putting on it, when another table had five customers and they ordered six plates of food. I knew I shouldn’t have tried to pick them all in one go but, Salty had already nagged several times about my speed and threatened to dock my pay if I didn't speed up. Soon after I grabbed the tray like last time, my hand started to tremble. I could barely feel my hand from the elbow below. Before I could reach row three, my hand let out. I tried to hold on to the tray with one hand but, without any support it slid away from my grasp.and the tray dropped with all six plates. Each hitting the floor and shattering to pieces one after the other. My eyes were closed, as I heard the customers gasp and Salty screaming her throat out. “OH YOU CLUMSY, STUPID BRAT!” She stepped out of the kitchen to come check on the plates. Only to see her precious plates turned into unsalvageable bits. Just hearing that, I knew I was done for.
Those who CareThe customers left shortly after. And it was only me, her, and the broken plates on the floor. Salty held my bandaged hand and made me stand up. “DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH THOSE COST?” As pain surged through my body, I couldn't bring myself to answer back and just groaned in pain. My feet wanted to collapse. “GET OUT!” Salty squeezed my hand harder and throw me back. I stepped out of the shop as I steadied my breath to compensate for the pain. She was very mad. Giving her some time to calm down felt like a good idea. I knew If there was anything in that shop that she would dive in to grab while it was on fire, it would have been the plates. I tried to move my bandaged hand ever so slightly but as soon as I felt the ache surge through my body, I stopped. With a sigh, I dropped it to the side and looked around. Every shop was closing one after the other and the entire mall was going to be closed soon too. Some shops still had a few customers to tend to but I knew after they were done with that, they too would close. The lights off the mall were still on however, and that meant there was still a bit of time before everything would be completely closed. I was sitting there, waiting for Applejack and Pinkie to show up. Now whether I was hoping they make it before that was a whole another discussion. I looked back into the restaurant to see what Salty was doing. And to no surprise, she was looking at the pieces of the broken plates. I swear that she would disown her own son to get that six plates back. “I wish I had a better job.” I sighed and looked back. But it was then that a sudden noise surprised me. I looked at the brown cat that was looking at me with it’s green eyes. Meowing. It tilted it’s head and blinked at me. I don't have the ability to talk to animals but I felt as if it was asking about how I was. It sounds odd now that I think about it. “Oh...uhm...Hi?”I raised my hand a little but soon realised I shouldn’t have moved it. The cat stared at me in silence. Our gazes pierced one another. But It was then that I saw the red collar around its neck. “Are you lost?” I leaned forward. Still in the mindset that I was talking to it. “We should find your owner soon. I doubt Fluttershy is still in her shop either.” I patted the cat with my left hand. It smiled and stretched itself to touch the palm of my hand more. It’s fur made my hand tickle as I rubbed my hand on it’s head. “PETRI!” A call came from afar and the cat turned its head to follow the direction of the sound. And so did I. A teenage girl with blue skin, short blue and white straight hair was running towards us. She was wearing a green shirt with a black skirt. That was the uniform of the Smooth Fabric clothes store. I’ve seen Rarity there a bunch of times during my breaks. She really likes that shop. “Petri! You bad boy! Don’t run away like that ever again!” She pouted as she sat down and picked up the cat from the ground. Petri’s body stretched as he was being picked. She looked at me, her eyes were green and her cheeks reminded me a bit of Pinkie Pie. “Sorry, he just ran away all of a sudden.” “It’s alright. I think I needed a bit of company anyways.” She looked at me, up and down. “You work here too?” I pointed to Salty’s restaurant behind me. “Yep, there. I figured you work in Smooth Fabric too! You know, the uniform and all.” “Unfortunately, yes.” She sounded a bit annoyed. She held her cat in her embrace and rubbed her hand on it’s head . “I wish I could be done with that place and this stupid mall.” She clenched her teeth and tightened her embrace on her cat but as soon as she heard him let out a mew, she softened it again. “I’m not too fond of working here either. But hey, it pays,” I sighed and looked back, “For the most part at least.” After a pause, I remembered I hadn’t introduced myself yet. “Oh, I’m Sunset, by the way. Sunset Shimmer.” I wanted to raise my hand but with it being bandaged and in pain and the whole “seeing her memories when touching” made me rethink that. “Frosty Cream.” Thankfully her hands were occupied too, so it didn’t feel awkward. “And this is Petri.” The cat meowed and closed its eyes. “I think I caught his name before but I guess it doesn’t hurt to be official.” I gave her a smile. “Your cat looks cute. Seems more friendly than my friend's cat.” “Thanks.” She smiled as well, bringing Petri up in her embrace again. “And yeah, it sucks. They all treat you like trash and the worst part is no one is there for you to ask whether you’re fine or not!” her tone was raised again. But soon was brought back down when her cat purred in her embrace. “I only have Petri. How about you?” The thought of Applejack and Pinkie Pie jumped in my head. “I...do.” “You must be very lucky.” “I guess…” I looked down. It felt hard to breathe for a second. She looked at her watch for a second before her eyes widened. “Oh, shoot. Uhm, it was nice to meet you...I guess….Sorry, I don’t usually talk to others. Everyone I have met here was a jerk for the most part.” “No problem. I understand that.” “Ok. Uhm...I, uh...have to go. Gotta rest well before I come back here tomorrow and…” She sighed before continuing. “Work and be nagged at for hours again.” I hesitated before saying anything. That last bit got me wondering about myself a little. “...uhm...Goodbye I suppose. Take care of your cat.” “I-I will.” She started walking away. Leaving me alone again. I started wondering whether I’ll be having a job after what happened or not again. Honestly, knowing Salty for quite some time, I knew my chances weren’t high at all. And I should probably head in and take in all of her lectures before she says I’m fired and head home sooner. At least that way I could have gotten some sleep. I stood up and took a deep breath, ready to step in. However, as soon as I want to open the door, I hear another call. This time a bit more familiare sounding. “SUNSET!” I turn back and see Pinkie Pie shouting and running to me with Applejack. It didn't take me a long time to realize that she was not slowing down! I closed my eyes and braced for impact. As I slowly opened up my eyes, I saw two pairs of pink hands right in front of me. I took a step back and looked at my friends from a different angle. Applejack held Pinkie across the waist so she wouldn’t crash into me. “Oh, hi girls.” I said nervously. “Sunset!” Pinkie literally jumped out of Applejack's grip leaving both me and her surprised. “We came to check on as promised!” She hugged me tightly. “Are ya doing alright sugarcube?” Applejack shook her head and joined the talk. Once again, after looking into her eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to lie. I pulled my uniform skirt and bit my lips trying to resist answering. “Sunset?” Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “NO!” A moment of silence filled around us in the mall. Only the distant chitter chatter of some shopkeepers with their customers could be heard. I dropped down on the ground and hugged my knees. “I dropped the tray and broke all the plates...I...I’m gonna get fired.” I wasn’t crying, but I really felt like it. “It’s alright.” Applejack kneeled to get on my level. “...what ahm concerned, is how your hand is.” “It’s not better...but at least not worse either.” “Don’t worry Sunset, I’m sure we can find you a better job now cheer up!” Pinkie sat next to me on the ground. “Thanks guys…” Applejack put her hand on my shoulder, “Ah know you don’t like me asking this from ya but...what happened to ya hand?” I sighed. “Why do you want to know so bad?” “Because you are my friend and I’m worried about you.” She held my shoulders and looked me directly in the eyes. “Don’t tell me if the same thing had happened to me or Pinkie, ya wouldn’t have done the same.” “I would.” “Then why are ya not speaking up, girl?” “Because it’s MY FAULT, NOT YOURS!” I shouted! Applejack and Pinkie took a step back and looked me up and down. I took a deep breath before continuing. “Look…I was the one who stole the crown and brought magic into this world. I am the reason magic is causing issues and troubles. And I]/u] am the one who should deal with it.” They both looked at me and then exchanged a look at one another. “Wh-what do ya mean?” Applejack asked. I let out another sigh. “After we met up with Flaming Star and Steely Armor, I wanted to make sure they are feeling comfortable in the school and with their magic. Which is why I wanted to convince Flaming Star to… accept his magic and control it.” I looked at them once again before continuing. “I tried my best to break the ice...it was working but… I noticed some suspicious stuff last week when Rainbow Dash and I visited Steely Armor’s garage.” “He has a garage?” They both asked in unison. “Yeah, but not the point right now.” I held my head with both hands. “He had this weird blueprint thing that all measurements were in some weird shape language and he was just so...defensive” I sighed once more. ”Long story short… After many attempts with talking to him just… Speak up… I got desperate and decided to...” I paused for a second. “Break into his garage and check on what he hides there.” “YOU WHAT?” “I know, I know...I’ve already had that whole lecturing thing from Twilight.” I raised my hands and gestured to stop. “Before that I… had tried to see through Flaming Star’s memory to see if I can find something that helps me piece everything together.” “But he caught your hand before you could touch his.” Pinkie Pie jumped in. “And that was when the little trust I had built got shattered.” I sighed. I shook my head. “Anyway, yeah that happened and… well, yesterday I decided to explain everything to Steely Armor. And by “everything” I mean my past. I hoped toexplain why I was concerned and wanted to make sure nothing bad was happening.” “Well, did it work?” Applejack asked, rubbing her neck. “He said he wants time.” I looked at her. “Which is understandable. Flaming Star on the other hand…” Applejack shifted her look from my eyes to my hand. “Did he do that to you?” She frowned. “No. I mean, yes… it’s complicated.” “What do ya mean? Ain’t he the one who hurt you? If yes then imma teach that boy a lesson.” She clenched her fist. “No!” I raised my hands. “Look, it’s just a long story and right now I want to just head back in there, get fired and go home. I’ve had enough for today.” “Sunset.” I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Ah know you still blame yourself for what has been happening lately. And sure, you might be right that you caused it.” “Not helping, Applejack!” Pinkie added. After giving a look at Pinkie Pie, Applejack continued. “But even if it is… what makes you think we shouldn’t help ya?” I was a bit confused. “W-what do you mean?” Applejack sighed and put her other hand on my cheek. “Sugarcube, when ah was having trouble with my Maths class, didn’t you and Twilight help me?” “Yes?” “And didn’t you help me to figure out what I should be drawing for art class?” Pinkie Pie rubbed her face against mine. I gave some distance between my face and her. “Uhm yeah. So?” “See? Ya didn’t just ignore our issues, even if it was our mistake. Ya helped us. Why shouldn’t we be doing the same for ya?” “Yeah, isn’t that what friends do?” Pinkie gave me another one of her big smiles. As I saw the reflection of my own face in their eyes, I felt a heart warming sensation deep within. I couldn’t hold back anymore. I hugged them both as hard as I could. “Thank you girls!” “Awww, group hug!” Pinkie tightened her grip. It got hard for me to breathe after that. “Uhm….P-pinkie...Y-you are...KILLING ME!” “Oh, sorry! She chuckled a little. “I just got excited.” “It’s alright.” We all stood up and dusted our clothes. “So now wha?” Applejack asked me. “You don’t wanna at least try to talk with her and try sorting out the issue?” I paused before answering. I knew there was no way she would not fire me unless I work for her more than I already do. Maybe it was the time to break these shackles and misery I brought on myself by working here myself and not give her the opportunity to have the luxury of it. “Actually, I have a better Idea.” I stepped inside the restaurant. Salty raised her head to look at me. “What are you still doing here?” “Oh, nothing, I just wanted to officially announce that I am quitting!” I put my hands on my waist. Even though my sprained hand hurt a little I tried to keep my cool. “WHAT?!” She asked in confusion. Her ugly moth dropped hanging. “You heard me right. I’m quitting!” Salty stood up and put the broken piece of the plate on table 3. “You can't quit!!” “Oh I can. And honestly, why shouldn’t I. You treat me like trash even though I do almost everything in your shop!” I pointed at her and raised my tone. Salty frowned and narrowed her eyes. “YOU CAN’T QUIT!” she shouted. “I FIRE YOU!” “You can’t fire me. I’ve already quitted.” I walked past her, who was still shocked and stepped into the back door. I changed my clothes and when I stepped out, I turned that uniform into a ball and threw it at her face. “Keep this. You might need it for the next person who is stupid enough to work here!” She furiously pulled the uniform off of her face and grunted. But before she could say anything I was already at the door and about to leave. “Goodbye you rotten fish smelling hag!” I headed out of the mall with the girls afterwards. They even walked me home. So sweet of them. But the sweetest part is to know that I’m not alone in what I’m doing. That there are people who have my back and will not hesitate to lend me a hand when I need it. I also learned that I shouldn’t push my friends away when they simply want to help me out. Cause honestly, I would be trying to help them out if they were in that situation. Your friend and student, Sunset Shimmer. Author's Note Stay patient for the next instalment.
