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Sunset groaned as she turned over in her bed, the flaming-haired girl bringing a hand out from under her blanket to groggily rub the sleep from her eyes. And as she did, she let out another, longer groan, not so much from getting up, but from the fact that it was the start of another school week. And if Sunset was being honest, with it being the start of winter, she would kill for a snow day. And while a huge system was set to move through the state, it was too far north for it to hit Canterlot. So, Sunset knew she would have to face the torture that was high school once again.
But as she rubbed the last remnants of sleep and gunk from her eyes, Sunset noticed something was…off. See, while Sunset was the adoptive daughter and niece of the Principal and Vice-Principal of Canterlot High, it was still her responsibility to get herself up and ready for school, since Celestia and Luna had to be out of the house and at the school earlier to open up. But she always set her alarm clock on her bed-stand to wake her up a good hour before school started; plenty of time to shower, dress, get something to eat and catch the bus. But, on this particular morning, Sunset was confused as to why her alarm hadn't woken her up. Looking at the annoying little box, Sunset's tired eyes suddenly went wide when she saw a flashing 12:00 on her clock, which usually only meant one thing.
Sometime during the night, the house lost power.
"Oh no," Sunset lowly gasped, the teen frantically getting herself out of bed, only to fall to the floor with a loud thud as her legs got tangled in her blankets. Releasing a grunt of throbbing pain, Sunset shakily rose to her feet before rushing to her dresser to grab her phone which had been charging. And when the lock-screen finally appeared, Sunset felt her heart skip a beat.
9:18…school started at 8 o'clock.
"OhnonoNoNONONONO!"
In a flash Sunset was running around her room, the poor girl having to forgo her usual shower, instead opting for a quick face rinse in the sink and a LIBERAL amount of deodorant, followed by a hasty ten-second session with her toothbrush. Following her less-than-adequate hygienic routine, Sunset fumbled back into her room, grabbing whatever lose articles of clothing she could, completely ignoring the fact she put on a t-shirt inside out, before hastily putting on her favorite pair of boots and jacket.
Before Sunset knew it, she was bolting down the stairs, risking a twisted ankle as she took them two or three steps at a time. But that didn't stop her from her mad dash to the front door, the teen hoping that she could at least catch a cab or the city bus to school. At this point, her mind focused on what her mother or aunt would say to her once they saw her. But she would worry about that later. For now, her only goal was to get to school as fast as she could, whether it was through wind, rain or…
"SNOW?!"
Sunset was on the receiving end of a very strong gust of freezing cold wind, large, frigid flakes of snow melting on her warm face as she stared wide-eyed at the scene before her; All around, the neighborhood was covered in a thick layer of snow, with more coming down. And from what Sunset could see, the frozen precipitation came up to the second step of the three-step stoop, indicating a good 8 to 10 inches of accumulation.
"That's right Canterlot, it seems that the massive blizzard we where tracking in the northern part of the state had shifted somewhere between ten o'clock in the evening and one in the morning, surprising us with a thick blanket of snow."
Upon hearing the T.V. from the living room, Sunset closed the door leading to the winter wonderland outside, absentmindedly dropping her bag and coat on the floor as she ventured to the large room, where she was surprised to find her mother sitting on the couch, dressed in a comfortable red cable knit sweater and black leggings, her feet tucked under her as she nursed a cup of tea.
"Good Morning, Sweetheart," the pearl-skinned woman greeted the moment she took notice of Sunset, her warm smile always a welcome sight for the girl.
"It would be if I wasn't risking injury to get to school! Did neither you or Aunt Luna think to let me know? I was freaking out!"
Sunset's voice, although laced with irritation, was dominated by an amused laughed, the reaction from the teen causing Celestia to let out her own amused laugh as she rolled her eyes.
"Well," Celestia answered, setting her mug down on the coffee table before getting up from the couch as she began crossing over to Sunset, "I was going to wake you, but then I thought it would be better just to let you sleep. Looking back on it though, I should have probably done that because we lost power briefly about ten minutes later."
"Well, now I'm wide awake, thanks," Sunset grumbled sarcastically, earning a smirk and another eye-roll from Celestia, whose expression turned to one of a loving mother as she reached a hand up and caressed Sunset's cheek, the youth never afraid to lean into the gesture with a content hum and smile, especially when Celestia soft lips made contact with her forehead.
"Well, why don't you get dressed into something a little more comfortable and join me?"
"Sure thing, Mom," Sunset chuckled, placing a quick peck on Celestia's cheek before returning to the foyer to grab her book-bag and jacket before making her way back upstairs. And the moment she walked into her room, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. Fishing it out, Sunset couldn't help but giggle as she saw that Rainbow Dash had started a group chat with her and the others.
RD: HELLS TO THE YEAH! SNOW DAY!
RARES: Language Darling, though I must agree that this little respite is much needed.
AJ: Speak for yourself, Missy! There's no rest for the weary with the Apple Clan!
PP: WELL, I FOR ONE AM WAY SYKED! NOTHING BUT BAKING AND SNOW ANGELS ALL DAY!
Flutters: Speaking of Angels, I can't wait to spend all day with my fuzzy bunny!
Sunset giggled at Pinkie Pie's response, always finding it quite humorous how the cotton candied-haired girl always texted in all caps. Though she couldn't help but smile warmly at Fluttershy's response, the animal lover's devotion to her furry friends, especially her beloved pet Angel, something Sunset always found quite admirable. At that moment, another ding resonated from Sunset's phone, this time from her amazing girlfriend.
SciTwi: Tell me about it! There is this new collection of science journals I got for the holidays that I have been dying to read!
RD: You do know a snow day is to take a break from all that boring learning, right Egghead?
Sunset merely rolled her eyes at this, a chuckle escaping her throat as she decided to enter the chat.
ShimShim: Come on Dash, be nice. Everyone likes to have fun in their own way.
RD: Yeah, well I know the kind of fun you two would like to have, Shimmer. It'd definitely keep you warm.
Now if Sunset knew Twilight, which she definitely did, she knew that she was blushing as bright red as her in that moment. In truth, ever since their first, rather fast-paced date, the two had not been as discrete as they thought with their, uh, "show of affection." The real indication that they had a habit of getting carried away was when the rest of the girls had walked into the band room for rehearsal, only to be met with the sight of the new couple in a heated make-out session.
Since then, Rainbow Dash never let them live it down.
Luckily, Applejack was always there to save the day.
AJ: Ah, leave 'em alone RD. Let the lovebirds have their fun.
SciTwi: Thanks AJ. What about you Babe? What are your plans?
ShimShim: Oh, just crash with mom and Aunt Luna, nothing too spectacular.
AJ: Well, you just have a good time darlin'. See the rest of y'all whenever!
PP: OKIE DOKIE LOKI!
RD: LATER!
RARES: Au revoir, Darlings!
Fluttershy: Bye everyone.
SciTwi: Have fun guys!
ShimShim: Talk to you guys later.
With that, Sunset set her phone down on her nightstand, the girl releasing a happy sigh as she went about getting out of her school clothes and into something more comfortable. But first, she decided to give herself a proper washing as opposed to her quick prep earlier. In the end, after she had dried herself off, Sunset opted for a pair of comfy wool socks, maroon leggings and a white tank top under a black off-shoulder sweater. And as she made her way back downstairs, Sunset's nostrils were hit with the inviting smell of freshly made hot chocolate coming from the kitchen. And even before she entered the kitchen, Sunset was able to see Celestia standing by the stove as she ladled what she could only assume was the sweet, decadent treat she had smelled into her mug from the saucepan on the still hot stove.
"Thought you might like some of my famous hot chocolate," Celestia said as Sunset ventured into the kitchen, the young woman's eyes glistening with silent glee as she beheld on the counter a ready mug of warm, yummy goodness, homemade with heavy cream, milk and cocoa powder, and topped with a generous amount of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Yup, Celestia always prided herself on making her coco from scratch instead of using the store-bought packets. And Sunset would never be able to drink that sort of stuff again.
"That sounds awesome, Mom," Sunset said with a chuckle as she went to grab her mug before going back into the living room, taking a seat on the very inviting couch. And after blowing on the steaming beverage to cool it off, Sunset tentatively brought the mug to her lips, a low moan rumbling in her throat as the rich, creamy drink traveled to her core, making her feel so content, especially when Celestia sat beside Sunset on the couch with her own mug, wrapping an arm around her daughter's shoulder. Of course, Sunset wasn't about to object, as she always seized at the opportunity to cuddle, mainly because the last time she got to cuddle with someone, or rather somepony she called her mother was when she was just a little filly in Equestria.
As Sunset snuggled deeper into Celestia's embrace, the older woman changed the channel from the news to one of their favorites, which Luna usually groaned at because of the cheesy, romantic movies that always seemed to follow the same formula. The one currently playing involved a big city business woman returning to her rural hometown for the holidays only to run into her old childhood friend who owns his own small business, developing a crush on him through the duration of the movie.
As Sunset and Celestia watched the T.V., the tell-tale sound of footsteps coming down the stairs briefly pulled their attention to a roused Luna, the Canterlot Vice-Principal dragging her fuzzy slipper-clad feet across the hardwood floor, her disheveled hair, plaid purple pajama pants and wrinkled black t-shirt under a dark blue cardigan making her a far cry from the usually well-groomed disciplinarian of the school.
"Morning Aunt Luna," Sunset called, the young woman simply receiving a grunt of acknowledgement before heading for the kitchen, Sunset surmising that her aunt's target being the freshly brewed pot of coffee. And as she did, Sunset couldn't help but stifle a giggle behind her hand as she looked at Celestia.
"Not really a morning person, Huh?"
Celestia returned the giggle, ruffling Sunset's hair.
"Whoever is?"
The mother and daughter duo merely chuckled to themselves, the sound carrying into the kitchen to Luna's ears, the younger of the two sisters merely rolling her eyes, though with a light smirk on her face as she poured her coffee and procured a blueberry muffin from the kitchen island. But as Celestia and Sunset came down from their mirth, a very unnerving update came from the T.V., the "Breaking News" interrupting their movie in the prosses.
"Well folks, it seems the conditions are much worse than we thought."
This caught Celestia and Sunset's attention. Even Luna felt herself become more aware of her surroundings when she heard the announcement, the phthalo woman walking into the living room with her morning sustenance, all three pairs of eyes now focusing intently on the screen.
"With an estimated accumulation expected to reach AT LEAST 10-inches-deep, for the first time in seventeen years The Canterlot Sheriff's Department has issued a Level 3 Snow Emergency. Under a Level 3, all roadways are closed with the exception of police, medical, emergency and Department of Transportation vehicles. Civilians are advised to stay off the roads unless it is an emergency. Motorists other than emergency services can and will be fined or arrested if found driving on public roadways in a non-emergency situation."
BZZZ! BZZZ!
Celestia looked down at the coffee table where she had set her phone, the device dancing on the table with each vibration. Reluctantly breaking the cuddle session she was enjoying with Sunset, Celestia set down her mug of coco and picked up the phone, finding it was a group video call from her secretary, Raven Inkwell, and several other teachers from Canterlot. Looking back at Luna, Celestia showed her sister the screen of her phone, both gaining a very serious expression.
"Sunset, honey," Celestia cooed with a warm smile, "why don't you head into the den while Luna and I take this."
"Okay," Sunset responded meekly, clutching her mug as she got up from the couch, her place soon being taken by Luna as Celestia used a tissue box to prop up her phone. And as Sunset retreated from the living room, she just out of earshot when she heard her mother address the other staff.
"I assume you all heard the news?"
Now, Sunset was smart enough to piece together that the staff were calling an impromptu meeting to discuss the status of the upcoming week. If anything, Sunset wouldn't be surprised if the school was closed for two days, or even the whole week. And it didn't take a genius to know that the roads would be a mess even with the plows out clearing the snow and throwing down salt. But with the temperature now predicted to remain below freezing, Sunset knew that anything that melted on the roads would re-freeze overnight. But they would cross that bridge when they came to it. For now, Sunset was more focused on making herself comfortable again.
Since she moved into her new home, Sunset found many amenities in the house that made it feel warmer and more comforting. One of them was a nice little den off of the main living room, a decent arrangement of a grey velvet sectional couch and love seat accenting its maroon walls and oak trim well. But the true centerpiece was an ornate, white mantel framing a traditional brick fireplace, the warm glow of the dancing flames always a welcome sight on a cold day such as this. With all these things in mind, the den was given, as Sunset could only describe it, a level of refined coziness.
Sunset sat in the den for a good ten minutes, passing the time by either enjoying the fire or playing a game on her phone. But before long, Celestia and Luna came in, their faces a mix of agitation, but also a hint of mirth. And Sunset knew what kind of mirth, as the two sisters always got that look when they had a chance for prolonged relaxation.
"So, what's going on?" Sunset inquired, looking up from her phone, the teen looking upon her mother and aunt with great curiosity.
"Well," Luna responded first, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lip as she spoke, "let's just say that the deadline for the essay you have for Miss Cherilee is being pushed back."
"Huh?" Sunset replied, an eyebrow quirked in confusion. Sensing her daughter's confusion, Celestia went to sit beside her on the sectional, with Luna taking the other side.
"What your aunt means Sunset is that the staff wanted to have an emergency meeting to discuss the status of school during the emergency. And we came to the unanimous decision that it would be in everyone's best interest that the school remain closed for the week, and until further notice after."
"Is it really that bad?" Sunset inquired, her nerves starting to get a little frayed at the thought, not just of being away from school, but from her friends for so long. And Twilight…oh how could she stay away from cute nerdy girlfriend for a week or more.
"Sunset," Luna added in, a look of great concern etched on her features, "Cadance messaged me and told me that her fiancé Shining Armor and the Police Department has had to respond to twelve accidents before the emergency went into effect."
"Wow," Sunset whispered, her heart dropping a little bit at the news.
"But luckily," Luna added in upon seeing Sunset's fallen expression, "there were no injuries reported."
"That's good at least," Sunset responded with a light smile, which was returned by her aunt, only for the older woman's smile to take a more mischievous smirk.
"Sure…but unfortunately for you that means you're stuck with us 24/7 until further notice."
Sunset and Celestia merely rolled their eyes at this, the mother and daughter soon joining Luna in a good laugh as they settled in for the long haul ahead. But, in the end, Sunset didn't mind. Sure, she would miss her friends, but she still had the two most important women in her life to keep her company. And whether that involved reading by the fire, playing video games with her aunt in her "Lunar Base", or baking with the two, Sunset still enjoyed the time immensely.
And she knew deep in her heart she wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world.