Chapter 12: Slice of Life: Rarity takes Mannhattan

June 21, 1948
Carousel Boutique, Ponyville

Rarity sat at her sewing machine, working frantically to complete the custom made dress that a high-profile unicorn in Canterlot had placed. She needed to fill all of her orders before she left tomorrow on a flight with Sweetiebelle to New York. She was putting on a fashion show to showcase her line of clothing for humans and intended on spending a week in the “Big Apple” in order to experience human civilization and culture.
Suddenly her concentration was interrupted by the loud ringing of her phone. Stepping away from her creation in progress, she made her way over to the landline near the wall. Using her magical horn, she levitated the telephone over to her ear.

“Hello this is Carousel Boutique, how may I help?” asked Rarity politely.

“Cough-This is-cough- Sweetiebelle,” said the little mare’s voice.

“Oh my goodness darling, are you okay?” asked Rarity, instantly concerned about her little sister.

“Yeah,” said Sweetiebelle before eliciting another cough. “According to the doctor I’ve gotten a bad cold.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. When will you be better,” asked Rarity.

“In a couple of days. Unfortunately Mom and Dad have said I can’t join you on your trip to America.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll cancel the-”

“Don’t do that,” said Sweetiebelle, her voice cracking.

“I want to be here with my little sister while she’s sick.”

“But Rarity, you’ve been preparing for this fashion show for months. I don’t want you to throw away this big opportunity over a little cold.”

“Well if you insist…” said Rarity. “I’ll miss having my little sister by my side in Manehattan. It just won’t be the same going alone.”

“Who said you had to go alone,” responded her little sister. “You could take one of your friends with you. After all, you’ve already got two plane tickets.”

“I suppose you’re right. Thanks for the idea Sweetiebelle.”
“I’ll talk to you later big sister.”
“I’ll make sure to write you while I’m in America. Take care Sweetie,” said Rarity, still uneased by her sister's illness.
Turning her attention towards what to do about her sister’s now available ticket, Rarity wondered who to give it to. Applejack and Fluttershy couldn’t leave their jobs for a day, much less a whole week. Besides, Fluttershy would probably just suffer a panic attack setting foot in the world’s largest city. Twilight often had to made sudden trips to Canterlot to discuss politics and foreign policy with Celestia. That only left Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.
The former, while loveable, was hyperactive and Rarity could only take her in small doses. The prospect of spending a whole week in another country as tourists together was mind numbing. The latter pony was the only that was available and who she could bear spending a whole week with. While Dashie had a tendency to be arrogant and prone to pranking, she had found that her friend had mellowed out over the past couple of years.
“Then it’s settled then,” thought Rarity to herself as she lifted the phone again.
“Operator, I’d like it if you would connect me with a Rainbow Dash,”
“Yes, ma’am,” replied a cheery voice.
A few moments later the gruff voice of Rainbow Dash came across the line. “Hello,” said the rainbow colored flyer.
“Hello Rainbow. It’s me Rarity.”
The next few minutes were filled with Rarity explaining the circumstances leading to her sister being unable to join Rarity in New York and why Rarity wanted Rainbow Dash to join her. Much to her surprise, Rainbow Dash eagerly accepted her offer of travel to America. Apparently, the pegasus had wanted to go on vacation during her summer break between the spring and fall Wonderbolts tour. She had been planning to either have a “staycation” at her house or perhaps go and visit someplace in Equestria, such as Canterlot. However, the offer of a free trip to another country was more than enough to entice Rainbow Dash to come along.
It was official. Rainbow Dash would pack her clothes, take her Equestrian passport, as well as some spending money (they would have to convert their bits to dollars in New York) and meet Rarity in the morning. As night fell upon Equestria, two very excited ponies went to sleep and dreamed about what American would be like.