All I Had to do was Stop

There's no place like home, and for me that place was the small village in Northeastern Equestria called Trottski, a quaint little town of about twenty-five hundred ponies. I was away for college for the past few years but every spring break, I'd always be back to my old stomping grounds. While many of my classmates were gambling in Las Pegasus or blowing through a week's pay within a minute in Manehattan, I was more than happy to go back to the town I called home and stay with my parents. It was just where I was meant to be when the hustle and bustle of school was done for the month.

My name is Creampuff Lime, by the way. I'm an earth pony, twenty-two years old with a soft pink coat, lime green mane and tail, hence my name, and matching eyes. My cutie mark is a red heart within a horseshoe pointing upward. It suits me well, I'm such a lucky mare. I've got my whole life ahead of me, the best friends and family I could ever ask for, and I'm about to graduate from college In Rockchester, about three hours Southwest of Trottski where I'm majoring in veterinary care. I've always loved animals and soon, I'll be doing what I love to do as a profession.

I've always liked helping other ponies too. I can picture it now, someday when I've opened my own veterinary clinic, seeing the eyes of ponies light up once I've treated their sick and hurt pets. Been dreaming of it all my life and it's so close, I can see it so vividly. It's uplifting yet so humbling to have a life such as mine that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I'm not wealthy by any means, especially once I start paying off my student loans, I drive a little old Coltswagen and I'm not living an some condo in Manehattan but I can honestly say, I couldn't possibly be happier.

If that wasn't enough to make me giddy, I was on my way back home where I would be staying with my parents for spring break, and in my own foalhood room to boot. Nothing makes me feel like a foal again, in a good way of course, than sleeping in my old bed, playing my old video games, and dusting off my comic books. It was the same every year, I'd come home, spend time with my parents, see my friends new and old and just relax. Most would call it redundant but I call it the best spring break ever and there's nowhere else I'd rather be and nothing else I'd rather be doing. To top it all off, I even get to show my parents a letter I got from Princess Celestia and Equestria's element of kindness, congratulating me on being valedictorian.

It's been so long since I've been home. I've been so busy during the semester that I haven't had a single chance to visit my parents. Not much makes me as giddy as trotting up the the door and ringing the bell. My mom and dad always tell me that I don't have to ring the bell, I'm always welcome to just trot right in. There's just something about listening to them both galloping to the door before it swings open.

"Hi Mom! Hi Dad!" I beamed as I brought my parents in for hug.

"Sweetie, welcome home!" My mom greeted with a wide smile before proceeding to cover my face with kisses. I never minded, I don't care how old I get.

"We kept your room just the way you left it, hon!" My dad beamed as he messed up my mane with a hoof. Again, I never had a problem with my parents' ways of showing affection. "Come on in, we've got lunch ready!"

It was the same every year and I loved it. Mom and Dad made my favorite lunch to have as a filly. Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Such a simple, quick to whip up kinda thing but brought back memories with just the smell of it alone. Sure beats those packaged bricks of ramen that have "broke college student" written all over them. It hasn't been quite as hard to get by this year though as my job at the college as a receptionist has had more hours available but I digress. I'm home for the next couple of months and damn it, I'm gonna enjoy it!

"So, how is school, sweetie?" Mom asked me as we all enjoyed lunch together.

"Coming to and end soon sadly." I replied with a sigh. "Remember, I graduate after this summer. I'm actually gonna miss it."

"Look at it this way, Puffy." Dad began. "You'll be closing this chapter of your life but opening up a new one! Did we mention how proud of you we are?"

"Heeheehee. That makes the twenty-seventh time today."

"Well, get used to it." Mom said as she nudged me with her elbow. "We aren't about to quit it anytime soon."

"Heheheh, okay, okay, I'll let you have that. Hey, I'm gonna go take my stuff up to my room, okay?"

"Already?" Dad asked with a mock pout.

"Don't worry, guys, I'm just going to unpack. I'll be right back down to visit before you ca-"

"That's what you said last time before you got caught up with your old din-jendo whatsitcalled?"

"What can I say, I'm feeling nostalgic."

I adore how my parents still don't get the name of my video games right but for now, I needed to get my stuff out of the way before somepony trips on it. Just a duffel bag of some clothes and toiletries I'd need. Just a quick trot up the stairs to my room to drop it off and I'd be back down to catch up with Mom and Dad. At least that's what I tell myself until I get distracted by my Pintendo64 along with the other stuff in my room. My mom's always right about that. I just can't help but dust off my old stuff and bask in the memories. If I ever wanna feel like a foal again, this is the place to do it.

With all my stuff unpacked and my bed made just the way I like it, I confess I ended flipping through my game cartridges, looking for one to blow the dust out of. In the back of my mind, I knew that my parents wanted to visit with me more but at the same time, I couldn't help but feel that I was forgetting something. As I scrunched up my muzzle in deep thought however, I would get an answer in the form on a ding from my phone.

"Oh, I forgot all about that." I said to myself as I read my newest text.

Last week, some friends and I talked about making plans for today, as to what exactly we would do was still up in the air until now. By the looks of it, they were all planning on going to the Sockeye Run Mall theater in Aquatown, a small city about a half hour drive on the Interstate North of Trottski. I haven't seen them since last year so of course I'm in. Jeez, if anything else gets me excited, I'll have a heart attack.

After texting her back to tell her I'm game to catch a movie with them, we made a plan to meet at the parking lot of the local McHayburger and carpool the rest of the way there later in the afternoon. First things first though, my parents so badly wanted to catch up and I wasn't about to leave them disappointed. Only problem was, there was only about another half hour before my friends were about to head out so that gave me only twenty minutes to catch up with Mom and Dad before I had to go. I felt kinda bad about it but they assured me time after time that they understood and that it'd be good for me to get out and have a fun night with my friends. That, and there'd be plenty of time to visit later, I mean, I am going to be living there for the next month after all.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" I gasped before leaving my parents' place. "Take a look at what I got sent from Canterlot!"

In my hoof, I held a rolled up scroll with none other than the seal of Princess Celestia herself, which I hoofed over to my mother. She and my Dad both hastily unfolded it and read it aloud and I've never seen so many stars in their eyes before.

Dear Creampuff Lime

I, and Equestria's element of kindness and premier authority on Equestrian veterinary care would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate you on your achievements throughout your studies at Rockchester Institute of Technology! Equestria's animals, both wild and domesticated will be very fortunate to be under your care once you hit the field after graduation! Fluttershy and I have both taken a close look at your excellent performance during your semesters and she and I both agree that Equestria needs more doctors like you! Miss Fluttershy and myself both look forward to meeting you in person at the graduation ceremony this Spring!

Princess Celestia of Equestria

Doctor Fluttershy

After some tears and a whole lot of squealing with glee, mostly from my dad, my parents and I spent some more time catching up to a point where I could have sworn I was forgetting something. Well, I ended up getting caught up so much that I lost track of time and the only reason I actually hopped in my car was a text from my friends asking why I wasn't there yet. They said they'd wait a few minutes for me but could only wait so long as the movie would be starting soon and we needed to get going if we wanted to catch it. No worries, It's just on the other side of this tiny little town with very little traffic. As I pulled out of my parents' driveway however, I would find myself sadly mistaken as it was half past three on a Friday. As such, there was no shortage of the village's bright yellow school buses and it seemed like I was stopping for one every ten feet.

It was frustrating to say the least, just my luck, really. The local high, middle, and elementary schools were letting out for the day and the slow, sluggish, thirty foot twinkies with wheels seemed to be on every street and they sure took their sweet time. Okay, worst case scenario, I'm a little later than I should be and we end up just making it to the movie. Well, another text from my friend saying that they were about to leave would reveal just that. Now, don't worry, I'm not holding onto my phone while I'm driving, I just peeked over at it sitting on my passenger seat while I was stopped for yet another school bus. I guess I'll have to loop around right quick and take a shortcut. I bet that would work.

As soon as the bus in front of me had dropped off two little fillies and on the curbside at that, I whipped over past it the second its stop sign folded back onto its side and took a quick right where I could then hang a left and be back in business. Nope, yet another bus stopped with its lights flashing and that wasn't even the worst part. I'd be here for a while.

"A wheelchair bus!?" I gasped out of frustration as I watched the driver get out and trot over to a door on the side of the bus where a colt strapped to a set of leg wheels waited to be assisted. "There's no way, I'm gonna make it!"

Verly slowly, the mechanical ramp unfolded and the pegasus colt stepped out where he was then lowered to the ground before he trotted over to his awaiting mother. Why he couldn't just fly was beyond me...no, no, I shouldn't think like that, that's not like me to be so insensitive. I'm just frustrated. Still, I should be more compassionate, I admit, I felt bad for allowing that thought to cross my mind.

At last, the driver stepped back onto the bus, strapped herself into her seat, shut the door and deactivated the red lights, meaning that I was clear to go. Finally, I was on the town's main drag where there weren't as many buses and any that were there didn't seem to have any stops to make. Just a little further to go. I was almost there, I could see those golden arches from the McHayburger right off in the ever closing distance! I can even see my friend's car! Oh, she still has that big old boat she kept saying she was getting rid of. Riding in that'll bring back some memories...If I get to ride in it at all.

"Oh, nooo." I groaned as yet another bright yellow bus began slowing down in front of me.

It was flashing its yellow lights which meant that it was preparing to make another stop and drop off a filly or a colt. What? Another text from her? Oh no, she's leaving right now and they're right in front of me! But hold on...the bus still hasn't stopped. The road ahead of us is totally clear and the lines on the road are broken meaning that you can pass...provided that it doesn't flash its red lights. No harm in trying, right? I mean, every single foal I've seen getting dropped off was trotting off to their house on the curbside. Why would this time be different. Oh, but what if the police see me do this? Well, the yellow lights are still on and there aren't any around that I can see so I guess I'm going for it.

The speed limit on the road was forty miles per hour and if I could just speed up a tad to forty-two or so then I can get past just before the stop sign sticks out. By that point, the driver will have his eyes on the foal just about to get off, I could skate by without them even noticing me. It's the perfect plan! Okay, steady now. Left turn signal to change lanes, there we go. Okay, still yellow. No other traffic in the oncoming lane. Yes! It's open! Oh, no, the bus just came to a complete stop! I can still make it though! I can still...oh, shit, my friends are pulling out of the parking lot right in front of me! But if I can just get over there in time, I can flag them down!

What? The lights are flashing red now! Wait, hold on now, not all is lost. Like I said, the driver would be looking to the curb where the door is. Hell, it hasn't even opened yet! I can still do this and not even put a little foal in danger! Oh, Celestia have mercy on me for doing this but at the speed I'm going, I couldn't even stop if I tried. I'm almost there! I'm almost in the clear! Just a few more yards to go and I can get to my friends and...

"STOOOOOOOOP!!!" The driver of the bus screamed at the top of his lungs as he frantically waved a hoof out his window, his other firmly pressed down on the horn.

Shit, he saw me! Oh shit, I'm as good as screwed right now! If I'm lucky, he might not get my plate number but the next few yards I have to go will be on the wheels of shame as a few pedestrians on the sidewalk saw me too! It was at that moment that I realized just why everypony's eyes were like saucers as I turned mine ahead to see a light blue unicorn colt who gave me a similar look. Everypony else seeing me was the least of my worries as the little colt in front of me was directly in my path and I was going over the speed limit as it was. With all the strength my earth pony legs had in them, I slammed both back hooves down on my brake pedal and began to skid.

My adrenaline was already rushing at full bore so it all seemed to happen in slow motion. I clenched my teeth as my car screeched its tires, leaving a trail of nasty, white smoke behind. My brakes smoked too and were probably glowing cherry red. Oh, Celestia that poor colt is frozen to the spot! At the distance I am away from him and the speed I'm going, it looks like I can just...Oh, Celestia, who am I kidding!? If my car so much as bruises this poor little guy's horn, I'll never forgive mysel-

SCREEEEEEEE-THWACK-EEEECH!!!

What have I done?