A Ray of Sunlight

Dress Shopping

The bell rang for school to end the next day, and Twilight was hit by the sense of unease she had felt the night before. She and Sunset exited the front doors and were greeted by her mom. Twilight walked with Sunset out of the building when velvet called out to them.
     "Hey girls, how was school?"
     "It was fine, how has your day been Mrs. Sparkle?" Sunset asked.
     "It's been good so far. I've been looking forward to going dress shopping." She said.
     "Me too!" Twilight agreed, putting her bag in the back seat. "I'll see you tomorrow Sunset." She gave her a quick peck on the lips before climbing in the passenger seat.
     "See ya Twi. Bye Mrs. Sparkle!" She said before turning and walking in the direction of her car.
     "Have a good day, and drive safe!" She called after the girl before climbing behind the wheel. "Shall we get started?"
     "Make it so." She said.
     "I'll never know what you and your father like about that show." Velvet started the car. "The original series was so much better."
     "Oh, that's how we're gonna start this adventure?" Twilight said with mock seriousness.
     "Looks like it." Velvet smiled.
     They had a lively discussion about the differences between the original Star Trek and Next Generation and why their favorite was better. This debate went on until they arrived at a sandwich shop where they got a quick lunch before their appointment at Carousel Boutique, and lasted right up to when they actually arrived.
     "Next Generation had Commander Data, his story of personal growth and learning human emotion was one of the best parts of the show!" Twilight said as she exited the car.
     "Oh please, Data was just a paler robotic version of Spock. They totally just re-skinned the character." Velvet retorted.
     "Welcome to Carousel Boutique. I'll be with you in just a moment." A nicely dressed middle-aged woman said from her position in front of a gorgeous gown she was pinning on a mannequin.
     "Not to worry mother, I've got them." Rarity said, putting down her homework and coming around the counter and giving Twilight a hug. "Hello darling. Mrs Sparkle. How are you two today? Can I offer you some lemon water?"
     "We're good, we just had lunch and are ready to shop for a gown. I've been waiting for this since she started high school." Velvet gushed.
     "Well, we will do our best to give you two a memorable experience." Rarity told them.
     "Thank you." Velvet smiled.
     The next couple hours were spent in a parade of different gowns of varying colors and styles. Twilight asked Rarity and her mother to choose a couple dresses each that they thought would look good on her.
     They had it narrowed down to three dresses. Twilight chose a simple yet elegant dress in a shade of purple that would complement Sunset's turquoise dress fairly well. Rarity's choice was billowy and a bit more extravagant. Velvet was still browsing the store for a dress when Twilight opened the door to the dressing room.
    "I'm going to try these on." She called to her mom.
    "Alright sweetheart, just let me know when you're coming out so I can see it." She responded while perusing a rack of dresses.
     Twilight resisted the urge to make a coming out joke, Sunset's wit was starting to rub off on her, and entered the changing room. She decided to go with Rarity's first. It fit comfortably, and looked nice, but it didn't really feel like her style. She decided to get a second opinion, so she exited the room and showed the pair waiting outside.
     "Oh, you look marvelous darling." Rarity beamed. "How does it fit?"
     Twilight moved around a bit. "It fits fine, I just don't know if it's... me."
     "What do you mean?" Rarity asked.
     "Well, its a little too..." she trailed off, not wanting to offend her friend.
     "Too showy?" Velvet offered.
     "Yeah, just a bit for my taste." Twilight added.
     "Not to worry. We still have more dresses to try on. I'm sure we'll find one that's to your liking." She assured her.
     She tried on the one she had chosen, it hugged her figure a little too snugly. The design was simple, with no pattern or rhinestones. She liked it well enough, so she stepped out to show Rarity and her mom.
     "Ooh I love it." Velvet said. "You look gorgeous!"
     "I have to agree with your mother. It looks wonderful on you." Rarity added.
     "I like it too. It's a little snug, but I think I can deal with it." Twilight said. "Did you find one you liked Mom?"
     "I did. Here you go sweetheart." Velvet handed the dress she had found to her daughter.
     "Alright, I'll be out in a sec." Twilight said as she closed the door behind her.
     It was beautiful, the color would perfectly complement Sunset's dress, the rhinestone and bead design on the bodice was just right for Twilight, it flowed elegantly when she moved. Twilight made up her mind then and there. She stepped out with a huge grin on her face.
     "What do you think?" She gave a little twirl.
     "You look absolutely beautiful." Velvet said. "And I think, based on your attitude, that we've found the dress?" She chuckled.
     "I think so." Twilight said, looking down at herself. "Should we check out?"
     "I'll take care of that while you change." Velvet said, walking with Rarity to the checkout counter.
     Twilight looked herself over once more in the mirror before changing outfits.
     I can't wait for Sunset to see me in my dress. She thought with a smile.
     "You ready to go?" Velvet asked as she returned her wallet to her purse.
     "Yep!" She said cheerfully, holding her new dress.
     "Thank you for all your help Rarity." Velvet said.
     "It was my pleasure. Anything to help a friend." She responded.
     "Thanks Rarity!" Twilight called as they exited the building.
     They continued their previous discussion when they got back in the car. Both making compelling arguments for their sides. This argument ended the same way it always did.
     "I don't see either of us changing our stance. I suggest we agree to disagree." Velvet said.
     "I think this is probably the best course of action." She extended a hand to her mother, who took it. "Until next time then."
     The two laughed. Twilight loved that she no longer felt nervous about being alone with her mother, which made her happier than she could say. They talked some more before stopping at the grocery store to get what they needed for dinner. Once they got back to the car Twilight started a new topic.
     "So how is book club going?" She asked.
     "Oh, I um... actually quit the book club." Velvet responded.
     "Really? Why'd you do that?" She asked. "Did something happen?"
     Velvet hesitated as she remembered the last conversation she had with the book club.
     "You could say that..."