"And don't forget, next week is finals!" Professor Cheerilee reminded her students as they filtered out of class. "I know you all have been working very hard on your projects, but I still expect you to focus on what's most important."
Twilight hugged her books close and trudged toward the library. She was a little nervous about finals, but she knew that if she worked hard enough, she would do well. She just needed to stay focused!
Just then she saw Fluttershy walking alone along the path between the castle gardens. She looked like she had been crying; her eyes were red from lack of sleep, and she carried a large book under one arm. Twilight slowed down to walk beside her friend.
"Hey there, Fluttershy," she said kindly. "Are you okay?"
Fluttershy smiled weakly. "Oh, hi, Twilight. Yes—yes, I'm fine…it's just that the final exam for my plant science class is tomorrow…"
"Hmm…I didn't know you took that course," Twilight admitted.
Fluttershy nodded. "It's not exactly what I planned to major in in college, but since it's required here at Canterlot Uni and I need a few more credits to graduate, I figured I'd take it." The two friends walked on in silence until they reached the library. There, Fluttershy let out a deep sigh. "What if I fail? Then what will I do with my life?"
Twilight frowned sympathetically. "You won't fail. You're a smart pony, and you've studied your lessons very carefully."
"But what if I haven't learned everything I should have by now? What if I make a mistake on the test?"
"Would it help if I studied with you?" Twilight offered.
Fluttershy shook her head. "No, no…that wouldn't be right. It's my fault this happened. If I get an F, it'll be because I failed to study hard enough, not because you weren't willing to tutor me. Plus, you have your own finals to study for."
"It'll be alright!" Twilight assured her friend, "I've been interested in that course anyway. Maybe I can learn something new."
Fluttershy smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Twilight. Now I really believe it will be all right."
She turned to go inside the library, then paused and looked back over her shoulder. "By the way, thanks for helping me study for math. I think I did pretty well on it today."
"My pleasure!" Twilight replied, then followed Fluttershy into the library.
---
"I'll be right back." Twilight said, getting up from the table.
"Is everything alright?" Fluttershy asked, "You look a little spaced out..."
"Oh, I'm fine! I just need..." Twilight glanced through the windows of the library, spotting a snack machine, "A snack!"
"Oh, alright." Fluttershy smiled softly. Twilight smiled back, up until she was out of eyeshot. She leaned against the snack machine, letting out a long sigh through her teeth. She normally loved studying, but she'd been doing double-duty helping her friends pass their classes as well, and it was beginning to wear on her. Her head felt like it was buzzing, and no amount of fresh air was helping.
At least she hadn't told Fluttershy about the headache yet, or how nervous she was about finals. That could wait until after they all passed. Until then... Well, even if the fresh air wasn't helping, she didn't want to go back in just yet. Maybe she really would get herself a snack. She walked around to the front of the machine and dug in her pocket for a few bits. She pushed the coins in, looking at her options, and frowning when she saw what was available. She was hoping there would be at least one healthy option, but there was nothing but candy bars, chips, cheese crackers, and so on. She considered giving up, but she'd already put money in the machine.
"I guess I could use a little sugar..." Twilight muttered, selecting a chocolate bar. She opened the wrapper and bit into it, finishing it in record time. That surprised Twilight, she didn't think she was hungry. But somehow the food made her feel a little better, clearing some of the fuzz out of her head.
A little more energized, Twilight walked back into the library, ready to resume studying with Fluttershy. As she did, she didn't notice how her hips swayed just a little bit more as she walked...
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