Chapter 3

I got through the rest of the day without A) Doing anything else embarrassing, and B) Talking or looking at Scootaloo.

The bell finally rang to signify the end of the day, and everyone was about to rush out of the door, when we were stopped by a shout from Cheerilee.

"It's raining outside, so everyone must wear their coats." Everyone in the classroom groaned, and I felt a wave of despair wash over me. My brace was made of metal, and went rusty in rain, so I had to wear an awful green tarpaulin over it. It looked absolutely ridiculous, and it made me look like I was wearing a huge parachute permanently. Slowly, I pulled the horrid thing out of my bag and slid it over my back. If I moved fast enough, I could be out of this classroom before anyone even noticed. Rumble galloped up to me, but stopped when he saw me, and bit his lip a hint of a smile on his face. I looked down.

"Is it really that bad?" I whispered, close to tears. Rumble shook his head and composed himself.

"Na, it's fine, no one will even notice." I didn't believe him for a second. I tried to sneak past Diamond Tiara and her sidekick Silver Spoon, but she noticed me and instantly burst into peals of laughter. This made everyone else in the room turn and look at me. They stepped aside, and left an open path towards the door, effectively a walk of shame. I slowly walked towards the door, every step making me feel worse. As I passed the others, I heard them suppress a snigger or a laugh. Only Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon weren't making any effort to control themselves, shrieking with laughter. Rumble galloped up to them.

"Shut up! Just shut up ok!" He yelled at them. This only made them laugh harder. I willed myself to keep moving, the door was getting closer and closer. My eyes darted to the side, and met Scootaloo's. I was expecting her to laugh, but her eyes were filled with sympathy. I broke my gaze and walked out of the door, brushing tears off of my cheeks. I heard Rumble yelling more, making threats against people, warning them not to say or do anything, or else. The others started to trickle out of the door, whispering and shooting glances at me.

"Flicker, wait up!" I heard a yell from behind me. I turned and Scootaloo galloped up to me. I blushed again. "That wasn't fair at all, Diamond Tiara is totally bullying you!" The filly stamped her hoof for emphasis. A pegasus with a rainbow mane landed in front of us, we both fell silent.

"Hey Scoots, are you-" She trailed off and snorted with laughter.

"Who's the walking tent?" She asked, and Scootaloo mouthed an apology at me. The rain worsened and Rainbow Dash held a blue wing over her head.

"Ugh why did it have to be today that the rainstorm was due."

"I'd better be going then." I turned to go, when Rainbow suddenly asked.

"Do I know you?" She peered at me. Being a wonderbolt, she knew my mother, and I looked exactly like a miniature version of her. I was mostly the same colour, had the same eyes, and even did my mane in the same style. The only difference was the huge metal brace that took up most of my back.

"No." I replied. I had got used to acting like I was useless, my mother wanted it that way. Rainbow shrugged.

"Ok then, c'mon Scoots, let's get home before we're soaked huh?" Scootaloo nodded and beamed.

"This sleepover is gonna be so cool!" She cheered. She gave me a small smile and trotted off after Rainbow Dash. I turned around to search for Rumble, but he had already left.