//------------------------------// // Afterwords // Story: Zombie Chronicles: New School // by ZombieBrony22 //------------------------------// I was with Applejack in her room. Yes, she did win in the end and we shared the bed... What? That was all that happened, I promise! "Hey, Jason." Applejack said. "Hey." I said. The awkward silence set in. "So... how did you sleep?" AJ asked. "Good, you?" I asked back. "Fine. We should, um... head down an' eat before Apple Bloom wakes up." AJ said. "AJ, I know that she'll learn I'm here sooner or later." I said. "I know, I'm just... worried about how she'll react. You know, after... recent events." I knew that she had a point that I wasn't taking this seriously. For all I know, she might try to choke me or something. "Look, I know that girl. She'll be a little mad for a few days, and it'll slide." I said. "Okay..." AJ said as she headed downstairs. Before I could even change, the door opened, and I saw Apple Bloom. "Hey..." I said awkwardly. "Hey." Apple Bloom said as she headed back out. That was weird... We got changed and I headed down to the dinner table. "Mornin', Jason." Big Mac said. I had a feeling he wasn't so comfortable with me and AJ sharing the same room, let alone the same bed... "Morning." I said. We sat down as Granny Smith brought out breakfast-- yes, an apple pie. But not just any store-bought apple pie... Granny Smith's Traditional. Trust me, the stuff was perfection. "Y'all should get ready for the trip today." Big Mac said. Trip? "Wait, what trip?" I asked. "To one of our neighboring schools." Apple Bloom said. Neighboring schools? Oh, no... "Don't tell me..." I started. "Euyep." Big Mac said. I looked to Applejack. "Dimmsdale." AJ said, rolling her eyes. I was dead... I was so, completely dead. We were at the bus pickup, and I was pacing about going back to that hellhole. "Hey, look on the bright side. You'll be able to see Tim again." AJ said. "Tim transfered to military school this year, AJ. The only person left to see is..." I couldn't even say her name. Not after all this time, I just... can't. "Don't worry, just stick close to us." AJ said. "I intend to." I said as we saw the bus roll up. I went on the bus, and tried to get as much sleep as I can. "Okay, everyone. Remember, best. Behavior. Especially you, Snips and Snails." Principle Celestia said. "Come on, what did we do?!" Snips asked. "Remember the Fall Formal?" Oz asked, staring them down. They instantly shut up and gloomly walked toward the doors as they opened. Take a deep breath, Jason. In... We started walking in. Out... I took my first step inside the building in a year. In... I saw Chad and the others. Out... I saw... Her In... Out... "Jason?" She called. AJ noticed, and put her hat on my head, shielding my identity. "Jason? I don't know anyone named Jason. This is... um..." AJ started. "Carter." I said, lowering my voice about an octave. "Oh, really...?" She tipped the hat up and saw me. "Okay, Trixie, it's me. Happy now? Wanna go get Chad while I'm here?" I asked. "She doesn't need to, Smalls." The all-too-familiar deep voice said. "Hello, Chad. It's been a while." I said, turning around to face him. "It's been a while, indeed. Boy, you've seem to grow." Chad remarked, noticing that I was at least a foot taller than him. "And who's this?" Trixie asked, pointing at AJ. "Someone who doesn't have anything to do with this. I'm just here for the day, and you'll never see my face again." I promised Chad. Chad took this under consideration. He always was an ass who thought ahead. "Alright. You win. Get you and your new girlfriends outta my sights." Chad said. I grabbed AJ's hand and I raced to catch the others. "Who were those people? You told the others that you went to Pennsylvania!" Rainbow said. PA, located on the east coast. I came up with a cover-up story from an old friend of mine who I kept in touch with via Skype. "I lied, I had too. I needed to put this place and everyone in it behind me. Are there any more trips here at all?" I asked. "No." AJ said. "Good." I said as I handed her hat back. I bolted to the auditorium without waiting for Applejack. When I went in, I saw Sunset and the others save seats for us with our names up. I paced to mine and pulled my name down and ripped it up. "Well, somebody's upset." Rarity said. "Today, my name's Carter." I said. "What? Why?" Fluttershy asked. I saw AJ take her seat and begin explaining my situation when Celestia came up to the podium. "Everyone, welcome to Dimmsdale High, the... um... *ahem* lowest rated school in the Canterlot District." Celestia tried to mutter under her breath. The auditorium was silent except for the Dimmsdale side faintly clapping. "So, um... welcome to the stage, Mr. Crocker, one of the teachers here." Celestia said. Denzel Crocker, this should be good. "Thank you. Ms. Celestia. Hello, students, and hello those of you whose parents couldn't afford Canterlot High." I saw Celestia roll her eyes in disgust. "Today, we have these students visiting our humble dwellings, possibly looking for..." Uh, oh... "Cover your ears." I whispered as I saw Crocker swell up. "Why?" Rainbow asked. "Just trust me." I assured. We covered our ears just in time. "FAIRY GODPARENTS!" I heard people strain their ears with frustration and confusion. "Okay, let's uh... give it for Mr. Crocker, everyone!" Celestia nervously chuckled. It was over. I'm out on the bus, and I saw hell start to leave my view. "Thank God that's over..." I said as we went on the highway. "We need to have a talk when we get home, Jason." AJ said, giving me the stink-eye. I nodded gloomly, knowing it was going to be a long talk.