“Hi Sunset,” Fluttershy greeted her friend as she opened her front door.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Sunset returned the greeting as she entered the house. “Thanks for having me over.”

“I’m happy to have you over at my home, Sunset,” Fluttershy said with a happy smile, as she led Sunset to her room where the rest of the girls were.

“Sunset’s here!” Pinkie cheered as she stood up from Fluttershy’s bed to hug the former Equestrian. “Now this party can get started.”

“I made sure my brother won’t be bothering us,” Fluttershy assured them with a bit of shame.

The girls spent the next few hours laughing and playing video games, it was another enjoyable night for Sunset. When Pinkie jumped off Fluttershy’s bed, she knocked over Sunset’s open bag which caused its contents to spill on the floor.

“Oops, Sorry Sunset!” Pinkie quickly apologized as she picked up some of the papers.

“It’s alright, Pinkie,” Sunset assured her friend as she bent down to pick up her journal.

The rest of the girls helped out and Rarity gasped as she looked at one of the papers.

“What’s wrong?” Sunset asked as she looked at Rarity with worry.

“Darling, this is beautiful!” Rarity gushed as she showed Sunset a drawing of herself. “I didn’t know you could draw.”

“Oh, um. I used to draw a lot in back Equestria and drawing helps with finger dexterity when I first came here,” Sunset explained, a bit embarrassed that Rarity found her drawing of her.

“These are really good,” Applejack complimented as she looked through more sketches.

“I found mine!” Rainbow Dash announced as she showed everyone her sketch of her in a dynamic pose. “You captured my awesomeness perfectly!”

“Are these from memory?” Applejack asked as she had found hers.

“Kind of, I felt a sudden surge of inspiration and drew you girls,” Sunset shrugged. “You’re not too creeped out, are you?”

“Heavens no!” Rarity said aghast. “I have several drawings of our friends wearing some of my finest work!”

“You captured us perfectly!” Pinkie complimented as she showed her drawing of herself nodding.

“I really like this one Sunset,” Fluttershy spoke as she showed everyone a sketch of an Alicorn looking majestic.

“She looks, divine!” Rarity gasped at how gorgeous the sketch looked. “Am I right to presume she’s a she?”

Rarity turned to look at Sunset and saw her stare at the drawing with longing and sadness.

“Darling, are you alright?” Rarity asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

“Huh?” Sunset snapped out of her sadness and flashed Rarity an assuring smile. “Sure am!”

“Are yah sure?” Applejack inquired.

Sunset was about to assure her but she stopped herself, looking at Applejack’s worried face and remembering how she put her family traditions aside to give her a wonderful Christmas experience filled her with guilt.

“Her name is Princess Celestia,” Sunset admitted as her smile fell. “She’s the pony counterpart of our Principal….and my teacher.”

The girls looked at the sketch and then back to Sunset who was looking down while holding her left arm, a look of shame on her face.

“Darling, did something happen between you two?” Rarity carefully asked.

Sunset closed her eyes, recalling their fight before she left for this world, she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Applejack.

“Yah don’t have to say anything, sugarcube,” Applejack said with a gentle smile.

Sunset returned the smile as she placed her hand over Applejack’s hand.

“Thanks, Applejack.”

A few hours later as the girls are fast asleep, Sunset is writing in her journal about the sleepover. She wrote about how amazing it was and how amazing her friends are, she felt their bond growing even more substantial and even opened up to them a little. If things keep going the way they are then maybe she can open up to them about her past, Sunset stopped writing as she thought of her former mentor. She has never stopped missing her and during her terrible days, there was always this nagging feeling that she was making a mistake after she was taken down at the Fall Formal and returned to her apartment the nagging feeling hit her like a truck. She broke down as she realized what a terrible mistake she made and that she betrayed and thrown away the only pony that ever truly cared about her.

Sunset closed her eyes as she clutched her heart, she fought back tears as the pain tried to surface. She opened her eyes and looked at her friends which brought her joy, she managed to push down the pain and the ache in her heart stopped. Being around her friends always helped keep the pain away, she thought about telling them but that would just make them worry and she didn’t want to trouble them. This belief is further reassured when she learns how the sleepovers that are supposed to give her the best Christmas ever are putting a strain on the holiday festivities of her friends with their families.

“It’s what friends do,” Sunset whispered a small smile on her lips. Her friends made her feel welcomed and loved; it was about time she returned the favor. She closed her journal and went to sleep; she had a big day tomorrow.

Sweetie Belle ate her cereal while watching Rarity get ready for work.

“Alright, I’m heading off now.” Rarity told Sweetie Belle as she headed towards the door.

“Bye,” Sweetie Belle mumbled in a monotone voice.

As soon as Rarity opened the door she was surprised to find Sunset Shimmer who was about to knock.

“Sunset?”

“Hi, Rarity,” Sunset waved hello and gave Rarity a friendly smile.

“Darling, what are you doing here?” Rarity asked, confused.

“I Just came to hang out with Sweetie Belle if that’s okay with you?” Sunset asked, in hindsight, she should’ve asked Rarity first before promising Sweetie Belle.

“I wasn’t aware that you two are friends,” Rarity said as he raised an eyebrow.

“We aren’t yet but I wanted to keep her company while you are at work,” Sunset explained. “I know you worry about her when she’s left alone, and I’m paying forward your generosity for the sleepover at your house.”

“That’s very kind of you, darling. Thank you,” Rarity thanked Sunset, she was touched that her best friend would do something so generous for her. “And it was my pleasure to host the sleepover for a wonderful friend, where are you and Sweetie going?”

“I’m thinking of taking her to the arcade and then getting some lunch,” Sunset explained her plan.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, I hope you two have a wonderful time,” Rarity said as she started heading towards her car.

“Have a wonderful day at work,” Sunset waved goodbye to Rarity as she entered her home. She spotted Sweetie Belle in the kitchen and waved hello. “Good morning, Sweetie Belle.”

“Good morning, Sunset,” Sweetie Belle returned the greeting. “I heard you talking to Rarity and are you really taking me to the arcade?”

“Only if you want to,” Sunset said with a smile.

“Then let’s go!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly as she finished the cereal and grabbed her coat before dragging Sunset out of her home and towards the mall.

When they arrived, Sunset glanced around the games to see which one Sweetie Belle would like to play. She looked down to where Sweetie Belle was but she was gone.

“Sweetie Belle!” Sunset frantically looked around for Sweetie Belle, she was afraid that she had lost her when she saw her waving her over to a game. Sunset jogged towards her.

“Sweetie Belle, please don’t sneak off like that. You almost gave me a heart attack,” Sunset chastised the young girl.

“Sorry, Sunset. But I found a game I want to try,” Sweetie Belle apologized before motioning towards the game, it was a fighting game.

“Alright,” was all Sunset said as she took out some coins to put in the machine, as she did a gold coin slipped out and rolled towards Sweetie Belle.

“What’s this?” Sweetie Belle asked as she picked up the gold coin.

“It's the currency from my homeland,” Sunset answered, smiling slightly as she took the coin from Sweetie Belle.

“Do you miss your homeland?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking at Sunset curiously.

“Yes,” Sunset answered simply.

“Do you ever visit your home?” Sweetie Belle inquired.

Sunset didn’t answer, she stared at the coin sadly before pocketing it.

“Let's get back to your game, shall we,” Sunset said as she forced a smile.

Sweetie Belle merely nodded, she was a little worried about Sunset and wondered what the reason was that she never visited her homeland. The two girls played several rounds of the fighting game with Sunset coming out on top, the former Equestrian gave Sweetie Belle a few pointers which helped her improve. For the rest of the morning, they tried all kinds of games, shooting games, dance games, and racing games. Sweetie Belle had an amazing time with Sunset, she couldn’t remember the last time she had fun with someone other than her friends.

“Wanna get some lunch?” Sunset asked Sweetie Belle. “My treat.”

Sweetie Belle nodded eagerly and the two made their way to the food court, after buying their food, the two started looking for some seats.

“Sunset!”

Sunset turned in the direction she heard her name called and saw Flash Sentry waving at her from a table.

“Flash?” Sunset questioned as she and Sweetie Belle moved towards his table.

“How’s it going you two?” Flash asked as he looked at Sweetie Belle with a smile before looking at Sunset.

“Hi, Flash,” Sweetie Belle greeted him with a smile.

“Hey, we were just looking for some seats to enjoy our meal,” Sunset answered as she glanced around for any available seats.

“You two are welcome to join me,” Flash offered, pointing to the two available seats at his table. “If you want to, that is.”

Sunset glanced at Sweetie Belle, silently asking if she’s okay with this. Sweetie Belle nodded.

“We’d be happy to join you,” Sunset said with a smile.

Flash gets up to pull back their seats.

“Such a gentleman,” Sunset grinned as she took her seat. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” Flash winked at Sunset.

Sweetie Belle looked at Sunset and Flash suspiciously, something about their interaction seemed different than how friends act.

“So what have you two been doing if you don’t mind me asking?” Flash inquired as he ate his hamburger.

“We were just playing games at the arcade,” Sunset answered as she took a bite from her sandwich.

“Sounds fun,” Flash said as he glanced at Sweetie Belle.

“It was, Sunset is awesome!” Sweetie Belle gushed.

Flash glanced at Sunset and saw her blushing as she looked away and scratched her head in embarrassment, a small smile on her lips.

“So what about you Flash?” Sunset asked, changing the subject.

“I had a gig with my band this morning,” Flash said with a shrug.

“That’s great!” Sunset said, smiling brightly at Flash. “I know you and your band have been working hard lately, no doubt you wowed the crowd.”

“I don’t like to brag but we left them wanting more,” Flash said with a cheeky smile.

Both teenagers laughed as Sweetie Bell looked on in curiosity.

“Anyway, after the gig my friends had plans and I decided to hang out in the mall for a bit,” Flash said as he took a sip of his soda.

“Do you wanna hang out with us?” Sweetie Belle asked, Flash was one of the cool kids at school and she always wanted to hang out with the cool crowd like Rarity.

“I don’t want to be a bother,” Flash said.

“You won’t be a bother,” Sunset assured him. “Unless you're bothered hanging out with your evil ex.”

“Not in the slightest,” Flash said with a cocky grin.

The three resumed eating and talking about their week, Sweetie Belle talked about what she and her friends were up to and was happy to see Flash and Sunset take an interest in what they were doing. She felt like one of the cool kids. When they finished their lunch they headed back to the arcade where Sweetie Belle guided them to a dance game that required a group of three people.

“Are you up for this, Flash?” Sunset asked as she did some stretches.

“I’m ready when you are,” Flash responded, doing a few stretches of his own.

“Let’s do this!” Sweetie Belle proclaimed, wanting to say something cool.

The three started playing the game and immediately failed, they tried again but it ended the same. They weren’t in sync with one another so they kept on failing but they kept on trying, a crowd started gathering around them as they kept failing. With each failed attempt they got a little better, by the time it was 4 in the afternoon they were in perfect sync. A look of determination on their faces as they matched the steps, and followed the beat of the music until they finally beat the game. The crowd erupted in cheer.

“We did it!” Sweetie Belle shouted happily.

“Sweet Celestia, that was exhausting!” Sunset said as she wiped some sweat from her brow.

“Principal Celestia?” Sweetie Belle questioned as she looked around. “I don’t see her.”

“I didn’t mean that I saw her, you see where I come from…” Sunset tried to come up with a good excuse but couldn’t think of one. “Never mind, you got some pretty sweet moves, Sweetie Belle.”

“Yeah, where’d you learn to dance like that?” Flash asked.

“Thanks, you two were pretty amazing yourselves,” Sweetie Belle complimented back, she felt proud of herself that Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry, two of the most popular kids at CHS praised her dancing. “I used to play this game with Rarity whenever she wasn’t busy.”

“Sunset? Sweetie Belle?”

The group turned to see Rarity approaching them.

“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle was surprised to see her sister. “What are you doing here?”

“My shift ended and I decided to make a stop here to see if you were still here when I saw the crowd,” Rarity explained. “I managed to catch the last bit of your performance and you were all brilliant!”

Sunset checked her phone and was shocked at the time.

“Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was,” Sunset said. “I take it you’ll be taking Sweetie Belle home?”

“Of course,” Rarity nodded.

“I’m happy to give you girls a lift,” Flash offered.

“Thank you, darling. We very much appreciate it,” Rarity thanked Flash.

The group made their way out of the mall and into Flash’s car, as he drove them to Rarity’s house, Sweetie Belle started telling Rarity about what they did. Flash looked in his rearview mirror and smiled at seeing Sweetie Belle excited tell Rarity how amazing Sunset is at the games. Stopping at a red light he cast a glance at Sunset and noticed her also looking in the rearview mirror but she had a sad and guilty look. Flashed looked concerned as he wondered what could be troubling Sunset.

When they arrived at Rarity’s home, Flash stepped out to open the door for them and held out his hand for Rarity

“Thank you very much, darling,” Rarity politely thanked Flash as she took his offered hand and exited his car.

“Thanks, Flash,” Sweetie Belle thanked the rocker as she got out of his car.

“Thank you so much for keeping Sweetie Belle occupied while I was at work Sunset,” Rarity thanked Sunset.

“Thank you for the slumber party,” Sunset winked playfully at Rarity.

“It was my pleasure,” Rarity said as she and Sweetie waved goodbye as Flash drove off.

“Sunset is a great person, Rarity,” Sweetie Belle commented as they entered their home.

“She truly is, she’s come a long way since…the spring fling,” Rarity said with a shutter as she recalled what Sunset did to her. “It’s hard to believe she was ever that person.”

“But she’s not that person anymore,” Sweetie Belle said as she hugged Rarity.

“No, no she isn’t,” Rarity said with a smile as she hugged her sister back.

Sweetie Belle’s expression changed to a guilty one as she recalled what she almost did on Friday, she needed to have a serious talk with Applebloom tomorrow.

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter, I hope you like it, and I look forward to reading your comments.