Lemon Zest woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. Ugh. she thought. Time for another rousing adventure in Crystal Prep. What sort of fresh hell awaits me today? she thought. She made a sputtering noise. "Well, the day's not going to seize itself. Might as well grab it by the balls!" She put on her uniform and her headphones. She cracked her knuckles and found the proper energizing tune. She set it on a loop for ten minutes. Lemon bobbed her head to the beat, letting the music invigorate her. Who needs coffee when you've got the power of music at your disposal? she thought, a grin slowly forming on her face.

Now fully energized, she slid down the stairs. "Top of the morning, parentals!" Lemon said as she entered the kitchen.

"Good morning, sweetie!" said her mother.

"Top of the morning yourself, kiddo!" said her father.

"I'm off on another journey to hell and back!" Lemon said excitedly, despite knowing her destination.

"Well, at least you're facing the day with some zest!" said Citrus, punctuating the last word with a wink.

Lemon rolled her eyes and smiled. "Never change, Dad. Never change."

Citrus smiled. "Not planning on it." He said.

"Your lunch is in the fridge, hon." said Florid.

"Thanks, Mom!" Lemon said as she took it. "See you guys later! Love ya!" she left the house to get to the bus stop.

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Lemon Zest arrived at the bus stop where several other CPA students were waiting. Nope. Not in the mood to talk. Just need to focus. She played music on her headphones to keep herself in the zone. She closed her eyes and let the music take her away until the bus arrived at Crystal Prep.

Lemon Zest exited the bus and headed for the entrance. She sighed as she got closer. Here I go, again on my own... she thought, singing one of her favorite songs in her head. Goin' down the only road I've ever known... She looked around for her the four...no, five people she was not in the mood to see. Like a drifter, I was born to walk alone... None of the six people were within her sight, but she didn't want to take any chances. An' I've made up my mind... She looked behind herself just to be sure. I ain't wastin' no more time... she bumped into someone as she looked behind herself.

"Oof!" said the person she bumped into as she fell on the floor.

Lemon Zest turned around to see a purple-skinned girl with three colors in her hair: blue, purple and rose. She was wearing thick glasses and stared up at Lemon. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you!"

Lemon Zest sighed and offered the bespectacled girl her hand. Her offer was accepted. Just because I'm stressed out here doesn't mean I should take it out on everyone else here., thought Lemon. The girl with glasses smiled, waved and walked away. Lemon Zest smiled back. Maybe I should get to know her better, at least. She seems nice.

She turned around and nearly bumped into another person. Dammit, can't I go a day here without bumping into someone?! She blinked and found Sugarcoat mere inches away from her.

"You should watch where you're going, you already bumped into Twilight Sparkle." she said in her signature deadpan tone.

Lemon Zest rolled her eyes and walked past Sugarcoat. That's one of five... She checked her phone for time. Okay, I still have some time before first period... She walked past Sunny Flare, who was glaring daggers at her. What did I do to her? Anyway, that makes two... "Gah!" Lemon Zest fell on the floor with a thud. She looked up and saw Indigo Zap grinning maliciously. Just ignore her, Lemon Zest...just ignore her... She got up and resumed walking. Three. Great. So where's the other two? She slapped the palm of her hand on her forehead. Motherfuck! I just tempted fate! GAAH! Fuck my life, fuck my life, fuck my life!

She took a deep breath and let it out. Okay, maybe it's not too late to lose hope. I can still get to class without running into-

"There you are, Lemon Zest." said a familiar voice.

Lemon Zest stopped in her tracks. To the naked eye, she was stationary with a blank expression. On the inside, however, she was screaming a litany of unspeakable profanity that would surely give her a yearbook superlative that would remain exclusive to her and her alone. Finding the strength to snap herself out of her inner rant, she was only able to muster a shaky "Y-y-yes, Principal Cinch?"

"Sour Sweet told me about a certain...confrontation you two had." Principal Cinch said sternly.

Lemon Zest's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. "She...what?" Her mind froze from the chills she felt down her spine.

"While I understand the two of you have a history together, you should leave feelings like those to yourself." Cinch continued.

Lemon's mind heated up from the rage she could feel build slowly. I...I don't believe it. She actually told her about my confession?! All she could bring herself to do was to just nod her head slowly and say "I...understand."

"Good." said Principal Cinch. "As long as we're clear on the matter." she left Lemon in the hallway.

Lemon Zest's body began to tremble as she slowly clenched her teeth and her fists, trying to get her emotions under control. Rage and sorrow fought for dominance over her as she stood still in the hallway, fighting a battle against tears that she knew was a lost cause. That makes four out of five... she thought, still trembling from the revelations from her principal. But unlike the other four, I'm going to find the fifth... she thought, forcing herself to move from her spot. Tears were flowing down her cheeks as she gave up on the battle, but still managed to keep the worst of it in check. And when I do, I won't be the only one in a hellhole!