Unity

Ch.22: The Big 1-6

In my life, I had always enjoyed my birthdays. From simple pizza and soda, to the first one with Devin, I had liked them much. That year, I did not wake up with such feelings. This was my first birthday without my family. And sure, I would be chatting with them on the mirror later. However..

It did not feel the same.

Rubbing my eyes and putting on my glasses, the only thing I knew was that Sunset Shimmer was making me dinner and we'd be having it with a few friends. Aria had celebrated my birthday with me the previous night, as her and her sisters were going on a trip. They were vacant on details.

As I stood, a gentle knock came on my door. The door opened to reveal a smiling Maud, with a cup of coffee in her hands. She smiled, crossing over to sit next to me.

"Pinkie told me you felt down when you went to bed last night. Missing your family?"

I nodded. "Dearly" I said frowning. "Its supposed to be a good day, but it doesn't feel the same without them."

Maud nodded, turning my head to hers. "I get it. When Dad's parents died, Christmas was not the same for a while afterwards. I came to realize that they are always there in spirit. And in here" she said, pointing to my heart.

"Come on. Mom's making breakfast for you" she smiled, heading to the door. "And also, around noon, Dad wants you to bring some syrup over to Twilights. Some of our homemade stuff."

Raising an eyebrow, I departed the room, as Lady Luck smiled and bought me good fortune.

After the great breakfast of- what else but French Toast?- we all congregated in the living room. Limestone was on video call courtesy of Maud. In front of me sat four packages.

"Which one should I open first?" I asked. Pinkie would point to a smaller shaped one with gray wrapping paper. I opened it to reveal a scrapbook, with gray, brown, and pink letters saying "Pie Family Memories." I smiled softly, looking at some of the photos.

Next up was Pinkie and Limestone's gift. My eyes widened as I unveiled the packaging to show a tablet.

"We figured it could help you during Civics and Psychology" Limestone smiled. I thanked them for the gift, and opened the next one, giggling as I saw a three piece suit!- Black trousers, a white button up shirt, And a black and white jacket.

Igneous grinned. "We figured you would want to look nice for Aria when you go to dances with her in this school year."

"Speaking of which" a new voice said, as Limestone's husband Mud Brier entered the screen, "Have you and Aria figured out baby names yet?"

I chuckled, allowing a blush. Cloudy shook her head. "He is far too young. Me and Igneous did not have Limestone until I was 22."

"Anyways, we should get to the last gift" Marble said kindly, pointing to the clock. It was eleven already. I had enjoyed my sleep.

I nodded, and opened the last box to reveal a smorgasbord of cookies- chocolate chip, peanut butter, white nut chocolate, etc.

I looked to Marble. Marble quietly explained that Pinkie had been helping her over the last few days after I went to sleep. I could only pull her into a hug, impressed by the thoughtfulness.

Cookies always did make me feel better.

As I went to leave with the syrup, everyone said goodbye. Only Igneous heard what Marble said.

"See you later, brother" she whispered.

As I walked up the steps to Twilight's house, I recall it being quite quiet. This made me suspicious. Even moreso, there was no cars in the driveway- not Twilight's, not her parents. Sure, they could be in the garage, but it still felt strange.

As I opened the door, I stood in shock, as I felt the sounds of voices saying:

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVID!"