“I’m scared. I’m not a social butterfly. I know I’m more talented than I think I am.
I can be happy, bubbly and cheerful but it’s usually with ponies I already know.
And I was hoping to meet new friends and some old friends in Ponyville. But then I got clumsy… again.
I burned everypony’s presents in a blaze of pain… And then I got assaulted! How do you deal with that? How do you approach other ponies again?
I feel like everypony in equestria is going to hate me because I feel like the worst pony alive!
All because I’m a perfectionist!” Minty broke down.
Fluttershy hugged her.
===
In Minty’s cabin. Both Fluttershy and Minty sat down.
Fluttershy hugged her and rubbed her head. And she calmed down. “You put too much pressure on yourself. You need to break out of your comfort zone. Trust me I know. And I don’t think everypony will hate you I promise. And now you have Derpy, Pinkie, Dashie & Rarity. And well, now you have me.”
Minty blushed and cried. “Thank youuuu.” Fluttershy walked out. “You’re very welcome, Minty. I’m looking forward to being your friend.” She closed the door and Minty fell asleep.
===
Back in Ponyville the snowstorm got worse.
Applejack and Rarity were feeling almost as tense as everypony else.
They asked around and they found out that most of the gifts that they brought were for the family and loved ones that would be coming into Ponyville by Hearth's Warming eve.
It became confirmed when they checked the train schedule. Several arrivals from all over equestria would be coming in that day.
“What can we do?” Asked Rarity. “I don’t want to think about it. But I think we might need Twilight if these ponies explode into a fit.”
===
After some breakfast on the Zeppelin everypony gathered to the deck as they passed by the Crystal Empire. A good sign as it meant they didn’t have that long to go.
Minty was still doing good. Humming a tune to herself. When Derpy walked up to her. “What an adventure.” Said Derpy.
“Yeah. It’s only been a day and I’m still excited, and nervous.” Said Minty.
“Nervocited” Pinkie Pie whispered.
“Nervous? About the danger?” Asked Derpy.
“Yes. Sort of, but it’s also kind of overwhelming sometimes.” Said Minty.
“I agree, but it’s an adventure. That’s expected right?” Derpy said, smiling.
“Yeah. But it’s not just that, I’m still feeling guilty about burning all the presents and kind of afraid.” said Minty.
“Afriad?” asked Derpy.
“Yeah. Afraid of not being forgiven ever again…Fluttershy told me that she’ll stand by me. You will and everypony else on board. But I…” Minty was about to say that she thought otherwise. But then she remembered another thing Fluttershy said.
How she put too much pressure on herself and how she needed to break outside her comfort zone. And constantly blaming herself for this was not going to help.
Furthermore, if she seriously thought that everypony on board hated her. She figured that would actually be an awful thought to have. And an even worse thing to say.
It would be no worse than saying. ‘You are lying, and you hate me.’
“Uh Minty?” Derpy waved a hoof in front of her face and Minty shook her head. “Oh sorry.” She chuckled.
“I was kinda lost there. Anyways, for a while I thought you all still hated me for what I did, I thought you ponies were lying to me, but I just thought about it and-” Minty trailed off.
“Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, nopony on here hates me. You ponies like me and you’ll even support me on this adventure. I guess that says a lot, it shows that you ponies care about me?” Said Minty smiling and jumping.
“Of course, we do! Yay!” Said Derpy smiling. Minty & Derpy hugged each other. “You know you’re a really nice mare. Look at how quick we became friends.” Said Minty.
“Oh Minty. We’ve only been friends for a week, but it feels like we’ve known each other for years! And maybe that’s because I can relate to a lot of what you’ve been through.
Being bullied, making mistakes and, remember how I said I think I know why the crooked tree topper bothered you?” Asked Derpy.
“Yeah. You know what it feels like?” Asked Minty.
“Ooooh yeah. It feels so irritating. Like it’s an itch that you can’t scratch. And it drives you mad. And well, I am VERY guilty of wanting things to be as perfect as possible.” said Derpy.
“You’re right! Yep, that’s what it felt like. But why are you a perfectionist Derpy? Asked Minty.
“Well, um. It’s my eyes.” said Derpy.
“Oh, Oooooooohhhhhh.” Minty said in realization.