The sky rested above the earth with a cool dawn glow as the cancer sun began its rise. Today marked the last day of summer. Tomorrow would be the beginning of the senior year—the beginning of the end of Wallflower Blush’s high school career.

It was something she was both looking forward to and dreading. She was used to the high schooler life. A routine that she was comfortable with. She didn't have much of a life outside her school… if she was frank she didn't have one in the school either. At least now she could say she had acquaintances, maybe even actual friends; with those possibilities being the school's famous redhead and the two people who had joined her once lonesome gardening club.

Ditzy Doo and Roseluck were great… but they didn't fix the hole of empty loneliness she had in her soul. Wallflower had always heard friends were supposed to be people you could spend hours with. People who understood you, and had many of the same interests as you. People, you could be yourself and the most comfortable around. Unfortunately, despite her greatest effort- Wallflower Blush felt that with nobody.

It was beginning to feel like no matter what she did, she would always be alone.

The lonesome teenager sighed and attempted to switch her train of thought as she sprayed mist over her beloved plants. Plants understood her, they would always be there for her even if people wouldn't.

The many hours of the morning slipped by as she tended, cared for, and hummed to healthy green plants.

“Wallflower!” Roseluck greeted, “I knew you would be out here!”

A sage green hand lifted to move her thick, rough evergreen hair out of her view. With the curtain of green removed she met eyes with her two garden club members smiling down at her. She lifted the heavy corners of her mouth.

“Hi,” her voice came out meek, “I didn't know you guys were looking for me.”

Her heart picked up but she did her best to ignore it. Social anxiety had always plagued her. Wallflower wouldn't admit it out loud but a small part of her regretted making her presence known to the school. Sure, she wanted a friend or two but thanks to her bitterness and dumb actions of attacking one of the most popular people in school, everyone knew her now.

It scared her. People said hi to her, and gave her the time of day. Wallflower just didn't know how to deal with it. How to deal with people. They were terrifying. She hated not knowing what others were thinking, planning, or saying.

Nobody liked her before, why would they now? Especially now they all knew how carried away she got with manipulative magic.

“Wallflower?” Ditzy’s voice cut in.

Her brown eyes seemed to refocus, “Uh, w-what?” Her voice wobbled as her anxiety continued to rocket.

The girls didn't negatively react, not outwardly at least as far as Wallflower knew.

“We wanted you to join us for brunch,” Roseluck said, still smiling. Was it normal for people to smile at each other for this long? It must be fake. No one enjoyed being around her. They hadn't before. Why would they now?

“Why?” She asked without permitting her mouth. Her hand practically slapped over her mouth, “I-I’m sorry.”

Roseluck stopped her gently, “It's okay. It's because we want to hang out with you.”

Wallflower looked to Ditzy who nodded in agreement.

“Oh,” the botanist blushed with embarrassment, “You're sure?”

Her club members giggled affectionately- at least Wallflower hoped. A bluish-gray hand gripped her hand and pulled her up out of the soil. Dark dirt stains soaked the knees of her baggy jeans.

“Come on! We know the best place!” Ditzy said excitedly, “They even have muffins!”

Roseluck laughed at the girl’s love for muffins. Wallflower quietly followed. This was new. So very new. Nobody in her seventeen years of life had ever invited her to hang out.

She was nervous. Anxious, maybe even horrified of how this would go but a new emotion sat in her stomach as well, excitement.

In front of Wallflower sat a dish of avocado toast with a cup of cutely decorated espresso. Across the table sat her club members talking animatedly to each other. They had things in common with each other. Yet Wallflower didn't find herself relating or even knowing what they were talking about. Her small bit of excitement had long died.

That might be her fault though. It didn't take long for her to zone out and turn their voices into background noise.

She was trying to get into the conversation. She was trying to include herself. It just wouldn't happen. She couldn't figure it out. She tried to add in her comments but never could find the right time. She tried to keep up with what they were saying but she failed. So she gave up. As per usual she sat in a crowded room feeling like everyone was a thousand feet from her. The only change that should be making a difference was people were sitting at the same table as her. Yet the wall that made her invisible was standing tall.

“Wallflower?” Roseluck cut through the glass dome Wallflower was trapped in. Her eyes lifted wearily, “Um, huh?”

“We were talking about plants we could start adding to the garden,” Ditzy explained, not a hint of malice in her voice. None that Wallflower could detect anyway.

“O-oh,” Wallflower gave a quick shake of her head, trying to throw off the mental fog, “Right, um, yeah of course.”

She kept her eyes on her untouched food, only flicking her eyes up at them once, “What, uh, what were you guys thinking?”

Roseluck brightened, “I would love to add some more flowers! I love your forget-me-nots! I think some beautiful roses and daisies would look lovely with them.”

Ditzy nodded, “I'd like to plant some berries. It would make my muffins even better- which I'd be happy to bring in!”

“That, uh, sounds good. Go for it.” Wallflower nodded.

She wasn't looking at them but she could feel their concern. Wallflower shrunk herself further into her seat and grabbed her arm. She was too embarrassed to say anything more.

The awkward silence lasted for a moment before the girls broke it. They excitedly began to organize their planting plans now that the club leader had approved their plants of choice.

A timer broke the botanist out of her trace. The timer's purpose was to announce she had an hour left before work. A part of Wallflower was happy about that.

She liked work. She was employed at a small flower and plant retail store. Of course, Wallflower didn't care for her time at the register but she loved her time caring for and arranging the flora and fauna on the floor. She also found that she loved informing and advising customers about the best way to help their gardens thrive. That was the only time she was acknowledged and listened to.

Wallflower looked up and saw her club members still deep in conversation. She needed to let them know she had to leave soon but she didn't want to interrupt their discussion.

There was a small pause so she opened her mouth but they picked it right back. She lost her chance to formally announce her need to depart.

Wallflower sat for many more minutes, toning them out, waiting for a break so she could interrupt.

Her timer went off a second time. It was the thirty-minute mark. Had she sat there for thirty minutes nervously twiddling her thumbs waiting for an appropriate time to leave?

“Wallflower?” one of the voices at the table asked gently, “Your timer went off.”

Did they think she didn't hear it? Of course, she heard it! She was waiting for them to give her a chance to leave!

She guessed now was the time, “Uh, yeah. I have to get to work soon.”

“Oh okay!” Roseluck acknowledged, “We’ll walk you!”

Oh.

She wasn't expecting that.

She always walked alone. She liked walking alone. She got to focus on the sounds of the wind bristling through leaves and flowers whispering to grass blades. However, that was rather hard in the dank, nasty city she lived in.

“Uh, ok,” she agreed as they all started to stand.

The trio set off into the hot summer sun and began the path down a cracked sidewalk. The two girls who were newer to the garden club had never been to her place of employment. So, when they learned she worked at a gardening retail shop they voiced excitement.

“Oh! That's perfect!” Roseluck giggled with enthusiasm.

Ditzy agreed, “While we're there we can get new seeds!”

Wallflower didn't know how to respond. Of course, they could do that, they didn't need her confirming that fact. So, she stayed silent.

After twenty minutes of listening to their ecstatic conversation, they had tried to include her but she never knew what to say. She was thankful when the three girls reached the quaint green flower shop.

Wallflower was thankful for finally reaching the shop, she already knew she was on plant tending duty. She was ready for some peace.

“Thanks for, uh, you know, walking me,” the botanist said awkwardly as she pulled at her sweater sleeve.

“Of course!” Roseluck opened the bright teal door to the small garden shop, “We’re pop in and grab some planters and seeds for the garden.”

Ditzy nodded in confirmation as they followed the green club leader into the shop.

Dread consumed Wallflower. It made sense the girls would buy the plants they wanted while in a shop that you know… had the supplies and seeds but she just wanted to be alone. She simply nodded at two before making her way towards the back of the store.

She burst through the employee door and a hand bolted to the chest of her thick sweater as her breath picked up suddenly. Her anxiety spiked and she could feel herself hyperventilating but, Wallflower couldn't explain why. Yes, the botanist had severe social anxiety but she hadn't had a panic attack in almost a year, so why now?

“Wallflower, dear, take a deep breath,” a calming airy voice of an older woman instructed.

“T-t-trying.”

A gentle hand rubbed her back, “That’s good, just keep trying.”

With the calming hand on her back and the gentle reassuring instructions, Wallflower was able to return to normal breathing rates, “I-I’m sorry Mrs.Shy.”

The woman patted her back lightly, “It’s okay, dear. My daughter also has the occasional panic attack. Are you alright?”

The green-haired girl looked at the shorter pudgier woman with fuchsia pink hair curled into tight rolls and dandelion yellow skin, “I’m okay now.”

The store owner, Posey Shy, nodded at her youngest employee with a warm smile that only a kind, understanding mother could give, “Please, take time to recover.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Shy,” The teenager said. The woman smiled again before leaving the back room, giving the girl time alone to compose herself.

She hated having panic attacks. They always happened at the worst time- when people caught her, saw her, and for the most part, ignored or made fun of her. Wallflower supposed she had been around people more than she had in the past odd number of months. She acknowledged the extra social interactions were the most probable cause of her attack.

The gardener reached for her pocket. Melancholy flooded her chest. The smooth round rock that she missed still had not miraculously reclaimed home on her person. She ran a hand through her thick, wild hair as she drew in a deep breath.

Wallflower soon placed herself into work. Nothing made her feel better than when she took care of plants. She opened the door to the greenhouse and a smile blossomed on her lips as the refreshing smell of greenery filled her nostrils.

A hum of her favorite song emitted quietly from the botanologer. Immediately her mood shot to the sky. The night before had a full moon and her glorious moonflowers were finally in bloom! They were a nocturnal planet from South Africa. They were a rare and expensive grab for cultivation Mrs.Shy managed to catch. Wallflower had never been so excited to watch something grow. The only unfortunate part was she now had to share them. Shoppers would give the store a pretty penny for the rare and beautiful flowers.

Wallflower began the process of uprooting one of the bushes out of the three they had. She might have purposely chosen the bush with the least amount of flowers. She then placed the bush into a wagon before picking up the handles and wheeling into the store. The girl kept as quiet and unnoticed as she could as she pushed the new flowers into the empty section that was waiting for them.

She then started the process of organizing and arranging the plants for showing. Wallflower suddenly felt a presence behind her and her heart picked up. She chose to ignore whoever was now watching her. Such a task proved to be difficult as the feeling of eyes on her back grew with every second. Wallflower turned reluctantly, “Um, can I help you?”

A taller, slightly chubby woman stood above her. She had red hair with purple streaks and pale yellow skin. Her hair was long yet her bangs were held up with a beaded tie and her head was shaved on the sides. She was wearing a dark gray thick wooly turtleneck sweater with two pink buttons and a long pink skirt that reached her ankles. Her shoes were dark gray loafers and her purple eyes were behind thin-rimmed round glasses.

Admittedly, she was pretty.

“Oh, yes, I suppose you work here?” The woman asked as she messed with the frames in front of her eyes.

Wallflower stood in an attempt to not crane her neck looking up at the woman but it did not help as her shorter height combated the other female's taller height.

“Yeah, I do. What do you need help with?” Wallflower said, though her tone made it apparent that she was lacking in customer service etiquette.

“Will the moonflowers be available soon?” The woman pointed to the bright white flowers.

“Yes, in just a moment,” Wallflower answered as she turned to the flowers. Her heart sank a little bit, the flowers were already being hunted after.

“Wonderful,” the tall woman said as she pulled out a notebook and began making marks in it, “I can confirm my research is being conducted correctly," she said to herself.

“Research?” Wallflower found herself asking before she could stop herself. She had to admit she was curious. It was not usual for customers looking for plants to be doing some sort of research. The teenager wondered if the young woman was also an aspiring botanist.

“Oh, yes,” the nasal voice cut in, “I am currently in the process of analyzing nocturnal plants. I had noticed my studies hadn't touched much on environmental biology, thus, nightly blooming plants piqued my interest the most- namely the moonflower.”

Wallflower blinked as she kept up with the researcher's rant.

“I am aware that they mostly grow in south and north Africa, thus making them rare, here in the states. That was when an ad for the delicacy flower at your shop appeared on the street. Through my research, I was able to time the bloomings. I am elated to know I have been correct in my measurements thus far.” The red-haired girl finally finished with a snap of closing her notebook and sliding her glasses further up the bridge of her nose.

“Uh, right,” Wallflower moved to the side to allow the intellectual to gather what she needed, “Well, um, good luck with your research and stuff.”

“Thank you,” She replied while beginning to inspect the flowers. Her eyes lingered on the wild girl-haired girl as she stalked off toward the back of the store. She couldn't help but find the worker… compelling.

Wallflower returned to the greenhouse. Her interaction with the other girl had been weird. It seemed the researcher was excited to explain and rant about the kind of studying she was doing. It made the shy girl wonder if she had anyone in her life to regularly talk to as Wallflower herself found at times she couldn't stop talking. Even if someone would ask her a simple question or make a simple statement, like, ‘Hi!’, How are you?’, ‘What can I get you today?’, then Wallflower would talk and talk and talk about deeper things than the person had intended. Then she would have to pull out the memory stone and fix her mistake. Only, she couldn't do that anymore.

She let out a sigh as she watered the greenery.

“Wallflower?” Mrs.Shy asked as walked in with a bright smile, “Was that girl a friend of yours?”

“Oh, no, Mrs.Shy. She was just a customer with a question,” Wallflower explained.

The older woman tapped a finger to her chin, “Oh, I’m surprised, you two seemed like good friends.”

“Heh,” the planter awkwardly laughed, “yeah, I, um, don't have one of those.”

Mrs.Shy hugged her, “That’s alright, dear, you’ll always have me to talk to. Besides, trust me, you’ll eventually find the person you click with.”

Wallflower gave a smile small, “Thanks,” she answered. She seriously doubted the woman on that topic though. She had spent her whole life alone. It was more likely that would never change.

The weekend passed by in a quick blur. The only thing that dragged her out of the house was her shifts. Roseluck and Ditzy texted her with invitations but Wallflower had a talent for finding excuses to keep to herself.

The only break in her self-isolation was the nerdy researcher girl. She only came into the flower shop one other time- to purchase the Burpee Four O’clock’s. Wallflower didn’t admit it out loud but she was impressed. The girl did her homework.

That fact made Wallflower feel… fuzzy and weird. Something she had never experienced. There was something about the other girl caring enough to learn and put effort into the plants she was studying. It made Wallflower feel... not so alone like the researcher could understand her passions.

Plus her long straight red hair with tangled strands was pretty.

Wallflower stood at the side of the Canterlot High building as she waited for the front doors to clear of students. Now that people knew who she was, they gave her greetings, and people giving her greetings gave her more chances to embarrass herself. It was only the first day of school, there was no need to mess up so early.

Finally, her chance presented itself and she made haste from behind the corner and to the foggy glass doors. That’s what she thought at least.

Wallflower let out a yelp as she crashed into another body. She sat up from her fallen place on the ground and shook her head. As she opened her eyes she saw many textbooks and pages strewn about in the courtyard and then the student she knocked down.

That student was the girl doing all the flower research.

“S-sorry! I-I didn’t see you!” Wallflower expressed as she stood up. She then reached down and started to collect the large books and many papers. From her awkward reach to the ground, Wallflower lost her balance and fell forward, sending the many papers flying again.

Her eyesight was shrouded in darkness and her face was covered in a soft wholly surface. When she brought her face up she saw she had been smooshed into the stomach of the other girl, who hadn’t had the chance to stand up yet. One of her hands had landed in the grass, the other hand, in true Wallflower Blush unluckiness fashion, had landed on a large soft mound. A large soft mound happened to the researcher's breast.

Wallflower gripped on instinct before flinging her hand far away. She scrambled back and up on her feet. Heat consumed her cheeks, she worried she was close to combusting.

“I-I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to do that!” Wallflower yelled, causing a few wondering students to look their way.

The girl on the ground gathered her belongings before returning to her bipedal nature. As adjusted her glasses, “Well, that was an interesting experience for a first day at a new school.”

Wallflower withered, “F-first day at a n-new school?”

The researcher nodded, “It is. Usually changing schools senior year is not recommended but unfortunately, there was little choice.”

“I’m sorry,” her voice cracked as she fiddled with the end of her sweater, her brown eyes filling with tears.

“No need to apologize. I am aware it was a mistake, so there’s no animosity,” The senior then held her hand out, “I suppose I should do as my therapist advises and introduce myself. I am Moondancer.”

Wallflower stared with wide uncertain eyes at the hand being offered to her. The hand took itself away, “My apologies, have I read the situation wrong?”

“Uh, n-no,” Wallflower gulped, “I’m just not used to people introducing themselves to me. I’m, uh, Wallflower. Wallflower Blush.”

“Nice to meet you,” Moondancer smiled.

The bell of the school rang, telling students the school day was officially about to be in session.

Moondancer took a step forward, “I suppose I should move along, I still need my schedule. I hope to see you around Miss Wallflower Blush.”

Wallflower stood dumbfounded and her heart skipped a beat as she watched the girl smile at her before walking to the school, “Uh, yeah, you too.”

Author's Note

A quick short story that has been living in my head for months of a ship I've seen very little of but I love.

Check out Part 2! It'll be out soon!

As always kind and critique comments are welcome :)