Author's Note

Here's the next one. Enjoy.

Planting the seeds of the future

It had only been a day since you met Wallflower, and for some reason…you felt drawn to her. Though you couldn’t explain why. Could she be…your soulmate? Before you could ponder it, you realized that you were still in your room, writing down a few plans of what to do. You figured that after you enter the garden, you’d first wanna check out the first row of plants nearby, as well as finding out how to nurture them and taking care of them. Maybe even ask for advice of wanting to open a garden like theirs. But to where, that’s the question.

Though you’ll figure that out someday, right now, you gotta focus on the now.

You looked at the map, and remembered the route there, and decided to take the one that would drop you off at the Bedford park gate, which you’d assume is the main entrance. I mean, you were never in New York before, so there’s a first time for anything. From there, you’d have to figure out which spot has the best flowers. There was also the daylily and daffodil walk, which you heard the daylilies and daffodils maybe in full bloom this year.

There’s even a large enough place to store plants and flowers that’s been house and have received great care, and would be a perfect spot to walk on through. He couldn’t help but smile and said to himself “This is going to be perfect.”.

It was still right around 8PM, a bit early, but you wanted to make sure that you had everything planned in detail. You also tried to make a few notes on whom to ask, like how do they take care of the plants, what kind of soil do they use, and how much time did it take them to nurture the plants until all of them are right and healthy for the days ahead.

You knocked over an envelope that was right next to you. Thankfully you were able to catch it in time. Though you’re not much of a sports person, you’re thankful that you were born with good reflexes. You looked into the envelope and saw that there were over twenty different cheques. Cheques that shows that the amount of money you have, which numbers over fifty million.

A while ago, you entered the lottery contest a few times after you turned eighteen, and as if by some miracle, you were able to win quite a hefty sum of money. You decided to cash it in and kept it with you for just in case. You didn’t trust anyone to keep an eye on it, and for good reason. And you remembered the onetime when your mother trying to keep the money safe that she won ten years ago, until your deadbeat father tried to steal it when he had an alcohol problem.

It made you so angry at what he tried to do. The money was what she worked for, and his dad thinks that just because he’s married to my mom, he thinks he has the right to take what doesn’t belong to him.

You shook your head, as you didn’t want to think about it any further. To try to calm you down, you played a calming song that would allow you to think straight as you continued to make plans for your trip. But then…you suddenly began to think of Wallflower. Though she was timid, the way she smiled at you was enough to calm you down. You couldn’t help but blush the more you think about her. Though you were over your introverted state thanks to the help you received, you still felt nervous to ask a girl out.

Decided not to think about it, you decided to focus on other things. Tomorrow’s another day.

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The next day, you got up early. You remembered that not far from your hotel, there would be a bus that would take you straight to the garden. Thankfully you were able to shower and get dressed in time. And thankfully the hotel provided breakfast for you. You noticed that Wallflower wasn’t there, which felt strange. You looked all over, for a girl with such beautiful hair couldn’t be hard to…

Wait, did you just think her hair was beautiful?! You blushed madly at this and shook your head, not wanting to think about it. Now you couldn’t help but feel awkward about it at the same time.

You were able to finish in time and quickly ran over to where the bus stop would be. You began to pant a few times, thinking that you might’ve been too late. But you checked the time and saw that you were ten minutes early.

“Oh, thank goodness.” You said in relief.

“Are you, okay?”

You looked to your right and to your shock. It was Wallflower. But what she was wearing…

She was wearing a sunflower themed dress, with matching boots, and there was even a sunflower accessory in her hair that was in a loose ponytail. You found yourself stunned on how adorable she looked.

“Uh, you okay there?” asked Wallflower.

You shook your head, trying to focus on the present.

“Uh, yeah, sure.” You replied. You then caught your breath and then asked, “Where were you? I didn’t see you in the lobby.”

“Oh, I was actually out here earlier.” Said Wallflower, “I woke up before the sun got up and I wanted to be at the bus stop earlier. Although…”

“You didn’t expect that you arrived earlier than usual?” you asked.

“Yeah, that.” Said Wallflower whilst feeling sheepish too at the same time.

“Well, it’s a good thing I found,” you replied, “I mean it’s not that difficult to spot, what that you look great with that dress and with your beautiful hair and…”

You instantly froze up at what you said. ‘Dang it!!’ you thought to yourself, ‘And I promised myself I wouldn’t have done that!!’

Wallflower on the other hand, blushed madly by what he said. Someone actually noticed her? And complimented her in her dress and hair nonetheless. This was very new to her. Her heart felt like it was beating really fast and she didn’t know how to respond to this.

They then heard the bus coming and saw it was parking close to them. It’s doors soon opened, with you asking “So um…shall we?”

“Uh, yeah.” Said Wallflower.

The two of them slowly boarded the bus and were able to board. Once the choice of occupants were onboard, the bus closed its doors, allowing it to drive off to their destination. Through the trip, though you were on separate seats, you sat across her, which somehow made you feel nervous at the same time. Though you didn’t know it, Wallflower suddenly felt very nervous too. But you didn’t choose to think about it. Instead, you focused more on the path ahead as the bus continued to take you to your destination.

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It was a long drive, but the bus eventually took you to the botanical garden. You saw that the bus was slowly parking to where it needed to stop. The moment the doors opened, you didn’t want to be rude, so you had to climb out first in order to let the passengers climb out of it too. You stood by the bus door and for some reason, you chose to wait for Wallflower. You eventually saw her about to climb out, and she was surprised to see you standing there.

“Thought I’d wait for you,” you said, “We were both planning to come here anyway.”

“Uh, yeah.” Said Wallflower nervously, “I guess we, WHOA…!!”

Wallflower had suddenly tripped. Within a split second, you were able to catch her in your arms and held her close in case something were to happen whilst she placed both her hands onto your chest. She was a little frightened, but you moved away from the bus so that you could be on normal ground and to help her properly stand.

“You okay, there?” you asked.

“Yeah,” said Wallflower, “I must’ve missed a step or something.”

“Happens a lot.” You replied, speaking from experience.

However, the moment Wallflower looked up, she looked really stunned at the same time, as did you. You realized that you were holding Wallflower in your arms whilst Wallflower placed her hands on his chest. Not to mention both of your faces were extremely close to one another. You couldn’t help but blush madly at this, whilst Wallflower’s face were reddened from embarrassment. And yet…she didn’t want to let him let her go.

You slowly let go of her whilst blushing and said “Uh…sorry about that.”

“Er, no, it’s fine.” She replied sheepishly.

The two of them walked for a bit, until…

“Would…” said Wallflower as she hesitated for a moment. “Would it be alright if I held onto your hand?”

You were surprised that she asked that. But seeing that your mother raised you to be a good kindhearted person, you obliged. You slowly held her hand, and she held it back. Wow, her hand feels soft, tender, as if it has a gentle touch. Could she have worked with plants too?

However, you were too distracted to notice anything whilst holding Wallflower’s hand. For it a way it felt…nice.

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After you paid for entrance (where you also paid for Wallflower, much to her surprise), the two of you walked down the path and the first thing you see is a road assorted with flowers. Wallflower looks amazed by it and took a closer look at it.

“Wow, these are amazing.” Said Wallflower.

“They are, aren’t they?” you said as you crouched next to her. “You have to admit, they’re looking healthy this time of year.”

“I know right?” said Wallflower, “You can even see the…wait.”

She paused as she took a closer look at one of the flowers. “This flower doesn’t look healthy.”

“It doesn’t?” you replied. Then you took a closer look and you were surprised by what you saw. “You’re right, it doesn’t. Wonder what could be wrong with it?”

“Hmmm,” pondered Wallflower as she took a pinch of dirt from the pot. “It has the right fertilizer.”

“And has enough sunlight.” You said. Then you spotted something. “Wait, look.”

“A slight sign of dehydration.” Said Wallflower as she spotted it too. “That means…”

“It’s not getting enough water.” You both said at the same time.

“Good thing I packed this in.” you said as you pulled out a water bottle. You poured some water onto it and soon enough, it gained the water it needed.

“Wow, I didn’t know you came prepared for something like that.” Said Wallflower.

“What can I say,” you replied. “To stay hydrated is one thing, but a plant needs water just as much as we do.”

You then placed your bottle at a recycling bin, and walked over to her. “Shall we?”

Wallflower nodded, eager to see more of the flowers. She even stood up and grabbed your hand whilst pulling you at the same time, making you feel her excitement at the same time.

You walked through a path where the two of you were able to see many different trees around you, especially with some of the flowers that were in bloom on them. Wallflower couldn’t help but be amazed by what she saw, which in a way, you found how cute she really looked, especially with how adorable she acted.

Next up, you remember the path you wanted to take, and you guided her to where the daylilies and daffodils are. When you got there, you were amazed by how fully in bloom they are. You couldn’t help but admire how beautiful they are, especially Wallflower as the two of you began to observe and watch the flowers.

Later on, you headed for the Conservatory, where more plants and trees were placed there. You opened the door for Wallflower, letting her enter whilst making her feel flattered at the same time. The two of you walked through the gardens together and both of you were very amazed by what you had seen. You had no idea that so many plants and trees were placed in one spot. So well taken care of…now you felt deep in your heart that your heart in opening a garden of your own would be quite the achievement.

The two of you even saw a few small ponds and the like to add the beauty of the place, especially a few plants placed near them, as well as a few benches for you to sit down so that you could enjoy the calmness of this place even more. The two of you later got outside, as you saw more plants and flowers and the like that were placed around the path, which you couldn’t help but marvel around you whilst seeing all of this.

However, you sometimes look at Wallflowre every now and then, and you could see just how much she loves this place, especially the smile on her face. That’s what you were sometimes focusing on whilst walking; the smile on her face. You couldn’t help but smile too in admiration.

The two of you walked passed a lake that had its own waterfall feature, whilst also nearby was a large rose garden, featuring many different roses all around. However, the next part…was the sunflowers. You couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them, for seeing them, for some reason, makes you happy. And in a way…the sunflowers look amazing on Wallflower too.

After much walking, Wallflower’s stomach growled, making her embarrassed. Same with you when your stomach started to growl.

“Heh, guess we’re both hungry.” You said to her, then looked at the time and said “Wow, and close to lunch time too.”

“I think the café we passed is not far from here.” Said Wallflower.

“Then let’s get going.” You said as the two of you walked.

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The two of you sat near a table as the two of you had lunch together. To pass the time, Wallflower told you about her time in school, and that she also managed a garden near her school. However, …

“Whoa,” you replied as you were surprised what she told you, “You were being ignored by everyone?”

“Actually,” said Wallflower as she was nervous, “I stood in the corner because I was afraid to talk to anyone. I thought that I would make a fool of myself. I didn’t want to be part of anything. The Fall Formal, the Showcase, the Friendship Games, I even didn’t want to go to Camp Everfree. That’s when I discovered a stone near the school. It had the power to erase minds.”

“Wait, power?” you said, sounding skeptical. “As in magic? Sorry, but I kind of find that hard to believe.”

“I know,” said Wallflower. “Everyone from outside where I live would also be skeptical. But then again, when it comes to Canterlot City, a ton of weirdness tends to be all rumors and make-believe. Then when I met Sunset…I ended up blaming her too for ignoring me and ended up erasing her friends’ good memories of her.”

“What?” you said in disbelief, having a hard time believing that a sweet girl like her would do that.

“But she showed me that she wasn’t that same person anymore.” Said Wallflower, “But I didn’t believe her and tried to do the same with her.”

You were silent for a moment, and said “Uh, wow. I don’t mean to be rude but…wasn’t that a bit petty of you?”

“It was.” Said Wallflower whilst admitting it, “But in the end after she restored their memories, she reassured me that even though when things happen, everyone mattered, no matter how insignificant or invisible they felt. But the reason I thought differently because…”

“Because you were an introvert?”

She looked at you surprised, as if you had figured her out without even trying.

“Uh…yeah.” Said Wallflower as she lowered her head. “You probably think that’s pathetic, don’t you?”

“No, I completely understand.” You told her, “In a way, I was also once an introverted person too.”

She looked at you surprised.

“When I was little, I had a hard time interacting with others.” You continued, “I also became an introvert and I was too shy to say anything. I didn’t have the nerve to talk to them either. But during that time, I kept interacting with plants. They also don’t treat you any…different from anyone else.”

“I…I don’t know what to say.” Said Wallflower, as she was surprised to hear this coming from him.

“My mother was proud of my work on plants, even my gift. And knew how much I struggled as an introvert.”

“What about your dad?”

That’s when she saw you furrowed your brows, then closed your eyes as if you don’t want to think about it.

“Is something wrong?” asked Wallflower.

“My father’s in prison.”

“What?!” exclaimed Wallflower, only to quickly shut her mouth in order to not make a scene. She then whispered, “What happened?”

“My dad didn’t like me working with plants. For one, he was allergic to it.” You told her. “He also thought I was faking being an introvert, and tells me I should drop dead. I would’ve too that day when he drew a gun at me.”

Wallflower silently gasped as she clasped her mouth shut, as she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“My mother saved my life that day.” You said. “He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. But my mom convince her lawyers to move him to the United States Penitentiary. But during that time, I decided to seek help with my problem. After much counseling and help with the right people, I was able to get out of my introverted nature. But I sometimes help those with the same problems. And whilst my mom is away at work, after school and homework, I was able to help tend with the garden, even helped make dinner from time to time. But I never heard from my old man again. And I’d prefer to keep it that way.”

You were silent for a few moments, until you felt a hand on top of yours. You looked and saw Wallflower holding your hand and looking at you with sympathy.

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Said Wallflower. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if I were in your position.”

“Yeah,” you replied before she let go of your hand, “But that’s ancient history now. But I’m at least thankful that my mother supports me for wanting to work with gardens and plants. Partially doing my part to help mother nature at their finest.”

“You really love plants, huh?” said Wallflower.

“Not as much as you do.” You replied, which gains a confuse look from her. “I can tell. No one has that attention to detail when it comes to plants like you do. I mean you even spotted a problem with one of the plants before I did.”

“It’s a gift actually.” Said Wallflower. “So, you’re working at a garden?”

“That’s right.” You replied. “I worked at a lot of gardens and flower shops, but I also dreamt of opening one of my own. Or a botanical garden. That way, I can bring in as many flowers as I can. Another reason why I’m here. I heard they were opening a shop in the garden that allows you to buy many different seeds so that you can buy as many as you want. And once I achieve them, I’ll be able to be one step closer into making that dream a reality.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.” Said Wallflower. “You know, I also planned to open a garden of my own.”

“Really?” you asked.

“That’s right.” Said Wallflower, “Back at Canterlot City, I was able to find a spot that would be a perfect spot for a full-on garden too. Only problem is, I don’t exactly have enough money to start it yet. But…I’ll find a way to get there someday.”

“What about your friends?” you said, “The ones that forgave you?”

“Oh, it’s not that I don’t want their help and I appreciate the support,” said Wallflower, “It’s just…all of them have lives of their own, they’re married and a few of them have kids of their own. I don’t want to be a burden to them. They said I’m not. But…it just wouldn’t feel right, you know?”

You understood what she meant. She wants to try and earn it on her own. However, you also want her to succeed on her own. However, you couldn’t stand the thought that she had to do it for the rest of her life, and that she would get it at a later age. You then thought about something. You looked at the envelope in your backpack, and realized that you only needed 20 million to open a place like that, the rest would be just for insurance. You then knew what you had to do.

“Hang on.” You replied, making her confused as she saw you dig into your backpack. You then took a few cheques out and placed it in another envelope.

After you were done, you stood up and presented Wallflower with something, which confused her as she stood up. She took it and opened it. And was shocked to see what was inside. Cheques that was worth 20 million. She dropped the envelope, which you were lucky enough to catch it and put it in her backpack, which she noticed as she looked at him.

“I won a few lotteries a few times back then.” You said to her as she looked at you in shock. “I was also saving for a garden. But I think I may have too much on my possession.”

“But I can’t accept…” said Wallflower before you cut her off.

“I want you to have it.” You replied. “Besides, I don’t like the idea of you working for the rest of your life until you wasted it for nothing. The world needs people like you in it Wallflower. You’re a treasure to those who care, with or without plants. And that’s the…”

Suddenly, you felt something press against your lips. Which was none other than Wallflower’s own lips. You had no idea why she did that. Was it a way of saying thanks? Why did she do that?

Wallflower realized what she did and slowly pulled her lips away, and blushed in equal embarrassment. Within a split second, she took her bag and quickly left whilst keeping her head lowered. You wanted to stop her, to say something, but you just didn’t have the words as it didn’t leave your mouth. You hope you didn’t screw up.

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You soon returned to your apartment room, and you didn’t see Wallflower. She must’ve been on a different part of the bus. You looked at the table and you saw the different kinds of seeds you were able to get. You were able to store them in a case that would keep them safe. You just hope that they’ll stay that way until the day comes that you plant them when you start your botanical garden. But you couldn’t stop thinking about Wallflower. Maybe you went overboard? Maybe you should talk to her and…

You heard a knock on the door and looked at its direction. You walked over to it and when you opened it, you were surprised to see Wallflower. Though for some reason she looked greatly nervous, which in turn made you nervous too.

“Can…can I come in?” asked Wallflower whilst feeling a bit hesitant.

You gestured for her to come in, which she did whilst you closed the door. She stood near the bed whilst looking ahead for a bit, but you stood next to her whilst looking directly at her at the same time.

“Is something wrong?” you asked. “Cause if I did, I…”

Wallflower suddenly turned to him, then looked directly at him in the eyes. You were confused at first, until she lowered her head and placed her hands against your chest. You were surprised by the action, with you slightly blushing.

“Thank you.” She muttered, “For what you did for me. No one’s ever done that for me before.”

“Hey, it’s the least I can do.” you replied whilst feeling nervous at the same time.

“Could you…” said Wallflower nervously, “Would you like to come with me to Canterlot City? There’s a place where you can start your garden and…if you want…we can…look after it together?”

You were surprised by the gesture. What she offered, a chance of a lifetime. Even if it meant moving out of town. Then again, you couldn’t live at the same place forever. Maybe having a change of scenery could do you some good. Even…if it meant being with her. You took a breather and made up your mind.

“That depends.” You replied as you summoned the courage to wrap your arms around her, which took her by surprise as she looked at you, both your eyes meeting again. “If you’ll have me.” You said with a smile.

Wallflower had a look of excitement in her eyes. No longer being able to contain herself, she jumped at you and kissed you full on the lips, making the both of you fall on the bed as she was on top of you. Her arms wrapped around your neck as your arms were wrapped around her waist. The two of you broke the kiss and slowly looked at one another, with Wallflower unable to hide her smile, even if she is blushing.

“Thank you.” Said Wallflower.

“I’m the one who should be thanking you.” You replied back.

The two of you once again locked lips, and kept staying in that position, not wanting to let one another go. As you enjoyed the feeling all too well.