*Knock Knock Knock!*
That's them. Sunset thought as she rose from her couch. She walked over to the front door and looked through the little peep hole. Sure enough, she saw her friends standing outside. Reaching down, she unlocked the door and opened it.
"Hi, girls," she said.
"Hey, Sunset," Twilight said.
Sunset stepped back to let her friends come through the door. Once they were all inside, Sunset closed the door and watched as her friends made themselves comfortable. Twilight and Fluttershy sat down on the couch, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack sat on the floor, and Rarity moved the chair by Sunset's computer over towards the couch and sat down.
"So," Rainbow said. "What's the big emergency?"
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack hollered, shooting her a glare.
"Hey! I was just asking!"
"Well, why did ya have to make it sound like that?" Applejack asked.
"Wasn't trying to," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.
"Alright, knock it off," Sunset said. "We've got more serious matters on hand."
"What's going on with Wallflower?" Twilight asked. Sunset covered her face with both hands and exhaled sharply.
"I can't believe I'm the one who has to deliver the bad news," she said.
"Well, don't leave us hanging, darling," Rarity said. "What's wrong?"
"Depression."
"Pardon?" Rarity asked.
"Wallflower has depression," Sunset said. Everyone's eyes went wide except hers.
"WHAT?!?!?!?!" Pinkie shrieked. Fluttershy put her hands over her mouth in shock. Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other with worried expressions. Rarity's jaw dropped to the floor.
"Okay," Twilight began. "I had a feeling something was wrong with her, but depression?!"
"Yes," Sunset said, looking down at the floor. "And that's not all I found out. When I found her in her room, she was cutting her arms with a razor blade. God knows how long she's been doing that."
"Holy-" Rainbow started, quickly stopping herself. "Sorry. Almost let that slip out."
Sunset shook her head.
"Anyways," she said. "That's why I told you all to come here. We're going to help her."
"Darling, don't you think she should be seeing a psychiatrist about this?" Rarity asked.
"If she even has one," Rainbow said. "Did you ask her about that?"
"I was going to, but she kept asking me to leave and told me not to tell anyone else," Sunset said.
"Why?" Twilight asked. "That's exactly what those kinds of people want you to do."
"Well, I just told all of you, didn't I?" Sunset said, raising an eyebrow.
"Ah think it's obvious that she ain't got a shrink, Rarity," Applejack said.
"Which is why I think we should help her," Sunset said. The others exchanged glances. Rainbow cracked a smile.
"Well," she said, standing up. "I think we should do it. Who's with me?"
"I am!" Pinkie said, jumping up.
"So am Ah," Applejack said.
"Me too," Rarity said.
"Let's do it," Twilight said. "Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy put her hand on her chin in thought. After a few moments, she looked at her friends with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, I think we can do it," she said. "I'm in."
"Awesome," Sunset said, giving Fluttershy a hug. "Okay, summer break technically starts tomorrow. But I think we should make the first official summer week the best week of her life. Hopefully, that'll help cheer her up a little bit. So, what fun things should we do with her?"
"Ooh! We should take her to the beach!" Pinkie suggested, jumping up and down.
"Or the movie theater!" Rainbow said.
"How about Equestria Land?" Twilight asked.
"Sure," Sunset said. "We have seven days. And if we figure out something else, we can add it to the schedule."
"Ah just hope this helps her," Applejack said.
"Me too," Sunset said. "Me too. Also, we can't let her know that I told you guys about her depression yet. It'll just make her feel worse. We have to be very cautious with what we do and say."
The other girls nodded in agreement.
"Our lips are sealed," Pinkie said.
MONDAY
"I got it! I got it!" Pinkie yelled. She ran forward and smacked the ball before it hit the ground. On the other side of the net, Twilight intercepted her friend's shot and slammed the ball into the sand, earning her team a point.
"Not this time," Twilight said, smirking.
"You're goin' down!" Pinkie shot back, glaring at Twilight. Twilight rolled her eyes playfully.
"Your serve, Sunset!"
"Here it comes!" Sunset hollered, serving the ball. Applejack caught her serve and delivered it back over the net. Sunset dove in front of the ball and managed to keep it from hitting the ground. Twilight leapt up to attempt another spike, but the ball hit the top of the net and ricocheted off to the side, landing very close to Rarity who was sitting in a beach chair.
"Hey! Watch it!" she complained. "I don't want sand in my hair!"
"You need to lighten up about things like that, Rarity," Rainbow said, adjusting her sunglasses. Sitting up, she picked up the ball and threw it back to Twilight.
"Thanks," Twilight said, walking back to her spot.
"Who's laughing now?" Pinkie called, giving Twilight a smug smile.
"Not you," Twilight said as she handed the ball to Applejack.
"Hey, Twilight!" Sunset called. "I think I'll take five for a bit. You can take my spot, Wallflower."
"Okay," Wallflower said, standing up from her beach towel. "I'm not very good at volleyball, though."
"No worries," Twilight said. "Rainbow Dash is better than all of us combined."
"Okay," Wallflower said, bending her knees. "I'm ready. I just hope this swim shirt doesn't get in the way."
"Why don't you roll the sleeves up?" Twilight asked. "That might help."
Wallflower shook her head.
"No, I'll be fine," she said.
"Alright," Applejack said. "Ready, y'all?"
Sunset sat down on her beach towel next to Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Rarity.
"We couldn't have asked for a better day," she said, laying down on the towel. "No rain, not too hot; a great way to kick off the summer."
"Yep," Rainbow said. "I just hope what we're doing is going to help Wallflower a little."
"Me too, darling," Rarity said. "She needs it."
"Yeah," Rainbow replied. "By the way, which towel are we taking our beach selfie on? The white one or the white one?"
Rarity sat up in her chair and face palmed.
"I told you, this one is toasted oat," she said, holding up two beach towels. "This one is eggshell."
"They're all the same to me," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.
"Mine!" Pinkie shouted, diving for the ball. She smacked the ball up over the net. Twilight ran backwards to try and send it back over the net and managed to do so before the ball hit the ground. Pinkie tried to get underneath the ball, but she missed. The ball sailed just out of her reach and hit Wallflower in the chest, knocking her over.
"Ow!" she cried.
"Time out! Time out!" Twilight called, throwing her hands up.
"Ya alright, sugar cube?" Applejack asked.
Wallflower sat up on the sand and gave her head a vigorous shake.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, getting back on her feet. "I think I'm going to be bruised for life, though."
"I'm so sorry, Wallflower," Twilight said. "I wasn't trying to hit you."
"It's not your fault," Wallflower said. "The sun was in my eyes. I couldn't see the ball."
"Did you bring sunglasses?" Twilight asked.
"No," Wallflower replied. "I left them at home. I'm going to call it quits for now."
"I think we all should," Twilight said, exchanging glances with Applejack and Pinkie. "I'm getting a bit tired."
"Ooh! Let's all take our beach selfies now!" Pinkie exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
"Sure," Twilight said. "Just let me get the drone out."
"Drone?" Wallflower said, giving Twilight a quizzical look.
"Yes," Twilight said. "It's a selfie-sensing drone with a fully automatic camera. It can record videos, too."
Wallflower's eyes widened.
"Cool!"
Twilight walked over to her beach bag and pulled out the drone and her phone. After turning the phone on, she selected an app from her home screen. Turning her attention to the drone, she flipped a little switch on the side. A tiny LED on the top began blinking for a few seconds and finally stopped.
"Alright, we're in business," Twilight said. "Hey! We're ready to take the selfies!"
Rainbow, Fluttershy, Sunset, and Rarity all stood up from where they were reclining and walked over to Twilight and the rest of their friends.
"So, I was right," Rainbow said, looking at Rarity. "We are using the white blanket."
"Toasted oat," Rarity said, irritated.
"Whatever," Rainbow said, rolling her eyes.
"Um..." Fluttershy began. "Maybe we should get something to eat soon. I'm getting a little hungry."
"We will," Sunset said.
"That drone is so cool, Twilight," Wallflower said, smiling. "I wish I could make something like that."
"Thanks," Twilight said. "Alright, everybody smile!"
"That was so much fun!" Pinkie squealed.
"I told you, no better way to start summer than a beach trip," Sunset said, giving the pink-haired girl a playful punch on the arm.
"Alright," Applejack said, bringing the truck to a stop by the curb. "This your stop, Wallflower?"
"Yep," Wallflower said, gathering her things. "Thanks for the ride."
"No problem," Applejack said.
"Bye, Wallflower!" Twilight said.
"See you tomorrow, darling!" Rarity said, waving.
Wallflower gave the girls one last wave as she watched them pull away from the curb and down the street. Letting out a long sigh, she pulled the collar of her shirt down a bit. She could see a bruise starting to form where the volleyball had collided with her.
I deserved it. she thought. I deserved it.
TUESDAY
"Girls! Over here!" Sunset called from her seat.
"There you are!" Rainbow said, walking up to her friend. "I thought you were waiting in the lobby for us."
"Sorry," Sunset said. "I wanted to make sure nobody took our seats."
"Fair enough," Rainbow replied.
"This movie is going to be so cool!!!" Pinkie yelled. "You girls will love it!!!"
"Pinkie," Twilight said. "Pipe down, we're in a theater."
"Sorry," Pinkie said. "I'm just so excited!"
"We know," Rainbow said.
Sunset looked around the theater.
"Where's Wallflower?" she asked. "She said she would be here soon."
"I don't know," Fluttershy said. "I- oh. There she is."
"Wallflower!" Sunset called. "Up here!"
Wallflower looked up at the top row of seats and saw Sunset waving at her. Giving her a wave to acknowledge, she made her way up the dimly lit stairs and sat down next to the other girls.
"Hi, guys," she said. "Sorry I'm late. I hate driving in the rain."
"No worries, darling," Rarity said. "We still have a few minutes before the movie starts."
"It's really coming down out there," Fluttershy said. "I hope the power doesn't go out."
"I think we'll be fine, Fluttershy," Rainbow said.
Twilight let out a quick groan and shook her head.
"I really hate coming early to a movie theater. I mean, why do they have to show so many shorts and trailers anyway?"
"Advertising, silly!" Pinkie said, digging into Twilight's popcorn. "And thanks for remembering to get popcorn!"
"Just don't make a mess," Rainbow said.
"At least we ain't the ones who have to clean it up," Applejack said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Wallflower looked over at the girls, then at the giant screen on the far wall, then back to the girls.
"I'm going to use the bathroom really quick," she said, standing up. "I'll be right back."
Sunset stood up from her seat.
"I'll go, too," she said. "Don't need people flipping out about someone walking in front of them when the movie starts."
The two girls walked down the stairs and towards the theater exit. Pushing the door open, they walked down the hallway and finally arrived at the bathrooms. Wallflower pulled the door open, and she and Sunset stepped inside.
"I just need to wash my hands," Sunset said, walking up to one of the sinks. "I'll wait outside for you."
"Sure thing," Wallflower said as she stepped inside one of the stalls and locked the door. "This movie's going to be interesting."
"I know," Sunset said, putting her hands under the soap dispenser. "When it's anything Pinkie Pie likes, you're in for a ride. I'll see you outside."
Sunset took a few paper towels from the holder, wiped her hands off, and went back out into the hallway. A few minutes later, Wallflower emerged from the bathroom. The duo made their way back to the theater room and sat back down in their seats.
"Hey, you're back," Rainbow said. "We thought you both got stuck in the toilets."
"How original," Sunset said, rolling her eyes. At that moment, the theater lights slowly began getting dimmer. Pinkie began bouncing in her seat, a huge smile on her face.
"Oh, boy! Here we go!"
"Pinkie!" Twilight whispered.
"Alright," she said quietly. "It's not my fault I love this movie so much."
Wallflower looked up at the ceiling, starting to lose interest in the movie playing on the giant screen in front of her. Her mind was running on overdrive.
Nobody cares.
You stole those memories. You're a monster.
No wonder no one likes you.
You deserve to be buried alive.
Giving her head a vigorous shake, she turned back to the screen.
"You okay, Wallflower?" Sunset asked quietly.
"Okay?" Wallflower answered. "I've never been better."
"Alright..." Sunset said, glancing at Twilight who was sitting next to her. Twilight returned the glance as if to say, "I can't imagine what she's feeling."
WEDNESDAY
"Equestria Land, we have arrived!" Pinkie shouted as Applejack pulled into the parking lot. Wallflower's jaw dropped.
"Wow," she said. "I've never been here before, but I'm excited already."
"If you haven't been here, you must be living under a rock," Rainbow said, trying not to laugh.
"Well, that's how I normally feel," Wallflower said, giggling to herself. "By the way, did anybody bring an umbrella or a jacket? I think it might rain later on."
Rarity looked up and noticed that there were some dark clouds on the horizon. Turning back to Wallflower, she put her hand on her shoulder.
"It's only supposed to sprinkle a little, darling. I think we'll be okay."
"And on the plus side," Twilight began. "It's not super busy today, so we won't have to worry about long lines!"
"Well, we won't be havin' any fun if we're standin' around here all day," Applejack said. "Let's go!"
Pinkie ran for the front gate as if there was a bear chasing her. Sunset shook her head playfully and smiled.
"Oh, Pinkie," she said to herself. "What would we do without you?"
The rest of the girls walked up to join Pinkie at the front gate. After passing through the security checkpoint, Sunset grabbed a map from a small info booth and handed it to Wallflower.
"Just so you won't get lost," Sunset said.
"Thanks," Wallflower said. "Are the roller coasters here any good?"
"That one with the triple loop is pretty exhilarating," Fluttershy said. "I've been on it a few times."
"Wow, Fluttershy," Wallflower said. "I didn't think you liked roller coasters."
"W- well, I don't," Fluttershy said. "They're... they're not my favorite, anyway."
"Remember the first time we went on that coaster together, Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked sheepishly. "Hehe. Best day ever."
"You're scared of that ride, Rainbow Dash," Twilight said, trying not to laugh.
"No, I'm not!" Rainbow shot back.
"You're sweating quite a bit, darling," Rarity said, smirking.
"Shut up, Rarity."
Wallflower looked at her map and then back to the other girls. She reached into her pocket and took out her phone to check the time. 11:57 AM. She slipped the phone back into her pocket and checked the map again.
"I think the bumper cars are near this area. Maybe we should do those first."
"Well, what are we waiting for?! LET'S DO IT!!!" Pinkie screamed, grabbing Wallflower's hand, and dragging her off towards the ride.
"Woah!" Wallflower yelled. "Slow down, Pinkie!"
"She's an absolute maniac," Twilight said, shaking her head playfully.
"I know," Sunset said, smiling.
"Hey, Sunset," Rainbow said. "Do you really think what we're doing is helping Wallflower?"
Sunset shrugged.
"Who can say? I wish I could read her mind."
"You could just use your geode and look at her memories," Rainbow said.
"In case you forgot, we're trying to help her," Applejack said.
"I know. I'm just saying," Rainbow said, holding her hands out defensively.
"I wanted to use it when I saw her cutting her arms, but I didn't want to upset her more. Besides, it's none of my business. If she decides to open up more, that's her choice."
"It's good that you didn't use it, Sunset," Twilight said.
"Yeah," Sunset answered. "But let's not dwell on that now. Let's catch up with Pinkie, shall we?"
The other girls nodded in agreement and walked off to join Pinkie and Wallflower.
"THAT WAS AWESOME!!!" Pinkie screamed, throwing her arms in the air.
"Pinkie! That was right in my ear!" Rarity yelled, holding her ear.
"Sorry," Pinkie said.
Sunset took one last look at the park as Applejack started the truck engine. She looked over at Wallflower and noticed that she was rubbing her temples aggressively.
"What's wrong, Wallflower?" she asked.
"Huh?" Wallflower said, snapping out of her trance. "Oh, nothing. I think I'm getting a headache. Might take an aspirin when I get home."
"Okay," Sunset said.
"Alright, y'all," Applejack said, sticking her head out the truck window. "We're off."
THURSDAY
"Ooh! These ones are perfect!" Wallflower said, pointing to a pot of marigolds.
"Good God, Wallflower!" Rainbow said, setting a large bag of mulch on a dolly. "How much of this stuff do you need?!"
"A lot," Wallflower said.
"I think you have too much," Rainbow said.
"Do you need any tools?" Twilight asked. "Like a shovel or something like that?"
Wallflower thought to herself for a moment, then shook her head.
"No," she said. "I've got plenty of tools at home."
"Alright," Twilight said. "Let's pay for everything and then we'll help you get this in your car."
"Sweet," Wallflower said. With their cargo in tow, the group walked up to the cashier and paid for the garden supplies. After everything was in order, they walked everything out to Wallflower's car.
"Little chilly this evening," Twilight said, looking up at the clouds slowly rolling by.
"It's only 65 degrees, Twi," Sunset said, checking her phone. "Nothing to worry about."
"Hang on," Wallflower said. "I'll pop the trunk."
Wicked witch.
You're worthless.
You are nothing.
"Wallflower?" Fluttershy said, a hint of worry in her voice.
"Everything alright, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, sorry," Wallflower said. "Just thinking."
"Seems like you've been doing a lot of that these past few days," Rainbow said. "What are you thinking about?"
"Well, since my parents are coming home from their trip this weekend, I thought I would start getting the house ready for them."
"You're having a party?!" Pinkie yelled. "Can we come?!"
"Pinkie!" Rainbow yelled. "Calm down!"
"Sure," Wallflower said. "Why don't you girls come by my place around 6 PM on Saturday? They'll be home around 9 PM that day, so that gives us plenty of time to get ready for their arrival."
"Alright," Sunset said. "See you later."
"Bye!" Wallflower said, waving at the girls as they walked away from her. Letting out a long sigh, she took out her keys and unlocked her car door.
Wallflower unlocked her front door and stepped inside her house. She quickly kicked off her shoes, walked upstairs to her room, and sat down on her bed. She just stared at the wall for a few minutes, completely lost in thought.
Why are they doing this to me? she thought as tears began to form in her eyes. They're wasting their time. They don't deserve me in their lives.
Standing up from her bed, she slowly walked over to her desk and opened the top drawer. She pulled out a notebook and a pen and closed the drawer. Sliding the chair out from under the desk, she sat down and opened the notebook to the first blank page she could find. She removed the cap from the pen and began writing.