Wallflower jumped as the book landed on the table.
“This is hopeless!” Rosebud threw up her hands, “There's no way we're gonna have all this memorized for Monday!”
“Gah!” wailed Berry Zap, “What's the difference between a Calendula and a marigold?”
“'Marigold' is too broad of a term,” said Wallflower, “Don't you remember? Many flowers are called marigolds. You need to be more specific.”
“That's what you're going with?”
“That's what I put on the test and he marked it right,” She handed Berry an old test, “Granted, my answer was a bit more detailed, but you get the gist.”
“Wow! You got a ninety-two?”
“Eighty-eight. The bonus questions bumped me up.”
Rosebud slumped onto the table. “I got an eighty-seven after the bonus. You must be really smart. Most of the class didn't get above ninety.”
Wallflower laughed nervously. “Not really. My girlfriend just happens to be a good study partner.”
“Well, where is she?" asked Berry, "We could really use her now.”
“She's at work.”
“Well, show us some of her tricks then.”
Wallflower looked at the study packet Sunset had helped her prepare. “Well...”
---
The three were in good spirits as they exited the library.
“My brain is so full,” groaned Berry, “It feels awesome!”
Rosebud laughed, “Our brains may be full, but our stomachs are empty. I know a sweet place at the mall. You in, Wallflower?”
“Sorry, no,” Wallflower shook her head, “Do they do takeout, though?”
---
Wallflower set the food in the oven to keep it warm and glanced at the clock. Sunset should be coming home soon.
She took in a deep breath. The aroma of India permeated the apartment.
She set the plates on the table and grabbed the cutlery just in time for the door to open.
“Something smells good in here,” Sunset chimed.
“Should hope so,” Wallflower smiled, “Got us some paneer tikka masala and a vegetable curry. Is something wrong?”
“What? No. Just...” Sunset chuckled, “I was also thinking of Indian food.”
Wallflower frowned. “Huh... We must be on a similar wavelength, or something.”
“Yeah...” Sunset laughed. Unsure, Wallflower joined in.
“Well, my little sushi roll,” she said, “go get out of those clothes and we'll eat.”
---
“How did your study session go?” asked Sunset, taking a large bite of paneer.
“Pretty well, actually,” replied Wallflower, “Those study notes we prepared really helped.”
“Glad to hear it. I'm always here to help you, Wallflower.”
Wallflower thought the phrasing a bit strange, but simply replied with: “I know. How's your burn?”
“Haven't checked it yet today. But it's not hurting, so I'll take it as a sign that it's healing nicely.”
“I can help you re-bandage it, if you wa—” Sunset had raised a hand to stop her.
“You've got too much stuff on your plate already. No need to worry yourself about a little burn.”
“What's this about always being here to help and then not taking it? I'm here, too! It's a two-way street, Sunset.”
“I know, I know,” Sunset sighed, “Just, your situation is a bit more pressing than mine. You focus on your exams, then you can worry about me to your heart's content.”
Wallflower huffed. Though, she couldn't argue. “I'm gonna hold ya to that.”