//------------------------------// // Back again... // Story: Wham Bam Flim Flam! // by SugarTwirl //------------------------------// FLIM I lay back against the carriage we had borrowed of our uncle Stan as Flam continues to guide it accordingly. “How long do you think it’s gonna take for us to get to the Sea, O brother?” He smirks, “Well, I’d be more worried if this thing can actually hold up till then.” I tap against the wooden seat with my hoof. “Yeah, well, let’s hope.” “We’ll be passing Ponyville soon. How about we stop there and grab a bite to eat, eh brother?” “Sounds like a swell plan indeed.” Just as I say that, the carriage starts making weird noises. Tinker looks around underneath the carriage and looks at us. “I’m sorry fellas but looks like this thing is gonna take at least a week to repair. It is quite ancient and all.” “I’m afraid we can’t afford that time my good man! We are expected at the beach at the Shell Hotel the day after tomorrow” Flam replies. “I can try fixing this as fast as I can but it’s still gonna take more than 3 days.” I shake my head in disbelief, “I shoulda known Uncle Stan’s heap of a carriage would fall apart.” After further debate, we agreed that we’d just wait it out until the carriage is fixed. As much as we rather not ride the carriage, Uncle Stan was quite particular about his belongings. Even borrowing it took a bit of convincing on our part. “Well, how about some lunch Flam?” We make our way to the town square to a little café. We get some odd looks from a variety of ponies. Flim nudges me, “Looks like these folks haven’t forgotten about the cider incident.” OF COURSE! How could I forget about that? No wonder they’re looking at us all funny. Oh well, can’t do anything about that now. Might as well make the best out of this situation. We order our food and agree that the next course of action is to find a place to rest. Just as I am about to bite into my sandwich, a familiar little filly walks into the café. What was her name again? Apple Bloom! That was it! She recognises us as well and hops on over. I half expected her to turn away in disgust after what we did but she smiles at us. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Flim and Flam. What brings ya here around to these parts? You ain’t gonna try to take our farm away from us again are ya?” she says playfully in her own twang. “No sirree, little filly. We just happen to be passing by into town when our carriage broke down” I reply. It’s truly amazing how little ones can be a lot more forgiving than the older ponies. “Well, I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need a place to stay? If not, I could take you to the Bed and Breakfast and help you get sorted.” I look and Flam and saw that his face had lit up at the mention of the B&B. O Brother! FLAM I’ve got a soft spot for Bed and Breakfast places. There’s just something about a cosy lil B&B that gets to me. Of course, only Flim knows of this. The little filly with the bow in her mane leads us to the place. She opens the door and immedeatly I see an odd mare talking to herself. “But if I add butterscotch would it taste too sweet? Maybe a little bit of lemon drops instead? No, no, that won’t do! Should I make something spicy maybe?” She is busy scribbling down something on a piece of paper and she is so caught up in whatever she is that she doesn’t notice us. Apple Bloom merely looks on. What kind of service is this?! Irritated, I bang my hoof on the table. She looks up and I see that her eyes are a cotton candy sort of blue. “Oh, urm, sorry, I didn’t notice you coming in.” she replies, blowing her pink stripe out of her face. “Hey Bon Bon, I was wondering if you could help check these fellas in for awhile.” She turns to Apple Bloom, “Oh sure, I could do that.” The little filly then waves her hoof goodbye and carries on her away as swiftly as she came. Flim comes over to me and whispers, “Hey Flam, I’m gonna take a look around town. You can handle this right?” I sigh. Always playing the elder brother. “Yeah sure, have fun. I’ll probably be here the rest of today anyway.” The mare with the pale cream coat looks at me with a beaming smile, “May I please know your name sir?” “It’s Flam. My brother’s name is Flim.” She writes it down and then suddenly cries out, “NOW I REMEMBER! You came here trying to take Sweet Apple Acres.” I smile wryly. “Don’t worry, this is not a business visit.” “Well, whatever it is, it’s none of my business. I’m Bon Bon and welcome to Meadow Mines B&B.” In about 20 minutes, I settle into the accommodation that she has prepared for us. Odd little pony that one… I put down the book that I was reading. It’s getting darker and there’s still no sign of Flim anywhere. What is he up to? Flim finally trots in with a huge smile on his face. This is a different smile from usual. I’ve seen all his smiles. He’s got his sales stallion smile and a few others but this is a strange one. “Had fun on your excursion, O brother of mine?” He only nods, “It was…pleasant. I’m gonna take a shower.” “Oooookay. Don’t hurt yourself.” Something is definitely up with him. I can’t quite put my hoof on it though…