The crowd roared with applause, everyone standing to their feet, as they gazed upon the pink rose. Amy smiled proudly, as she took a curtsy, raising her long red dress. She stood on a stage behind a podium that was normally occupied by her instructor, but today, it was Amy and her classmates' chance to shine!
To startup the semester, Professor Charles Bomber decided to assign his class of 30 to perform a presentation – however, they deemed fit – to explain what drove them to understand the mind of man and Mobian. And he really wanted a show! Pro. Bomber was a bit of a theatric and encouraged his students to go above and beyond with their "performances".
FLASHBACK
"Whether you decide to skateboard through my classroom door or put on a light show! – Trust me, I've seen them all – I want you to be true to yourselves and explain in YOUR WAY why you are here!", yelled the short, aged red panda, arms outstretched and full of emotion.
His students were speechless upon his performance. They knew that Professor Bomber would be different from their other instructors, but they didn't realize to what extent. Dr. Charles Bomber was a world-renowned psychologist and philosopher. He was not afraid of new ideas, and in fact, encouraged them! The old retiree couldn't think of anything better than to teach his philosophies to the younger generation. He cleared his throat, adjusting the tie that was not there.
"Ghm, ghm. I expect your written presentations to be turned in by the end of this month!", looking up toward his students that sat upon the bleacher desks. "Where we will then follow with your physical performances the following week. Are there any questions?", he paused, looking about the room, waiting.
A pink hand lifted.
"Excuse me, Professor Bomber?"
"Yes, Miss Rose?"
Amy's eyes lit up. They were only two days into their class, and he already remembered her name.
"When you say 'performance', do you actually want us to put on a show?"
"Yes.", he said, without hesitation.
"Oh!", Amy gasped. She didn't think he was serious at first. Amy knows better, now. Professor Bomber never jests. This was going to be an interesting semester!
"Anyone else?", the professor asked. The room was quiet.
"Then, class dismissed!"
END OF FLASHBACK
Amy's classmates were still in an uproar when she stepped off the stage. She blushed.
Was I really that good!?
Amy sat next to her school friends Sugar the Anteater, Pepper the Monkey, and Faith the Hedgehog. They all giggled; giving out hugs and love pokes while whispering their congratulations. Their red panda teacher stepped onto the stage and walked to the podium. He gestured for the lights to be turned back on.
"Thank you Amy for that excellent performance! I must say retelling your life as an epic movie trailer is very unique!"
Amy just smiled. He smiled back and made a few notes on his clipboard. Pro. Bomber flipped through some pages attached to his clipboard then looked up at the large white clock that hung just above the door.
"Well students, we only have 15 minutes left for class. Therefore we will continue the remainder of the performances on Thursday."
A few sighs could be heard from the crowd. Some students obviously needed some more time. Professor Bomber raised an eyebrow.
It was a Monday. A dark, cloudy, August Monday. Their second day out of the week where they had to come to class was almost over. A few students kept checking the time, some fidgeted in their seats, while others began to yawn and stretch. Everyone was about ready to go home.
Every Sun, Mon, and Thurs from 8:30-12:30, Professor Bomber would have to teach "The Fundamentals of Psychology". He knew his students were ready to leave, and he also had a desire to head straight for his roasted turkey sandwich and marble cake that waited for him in the lounge's fridge, made by the missus.
He wanted to give her another sweet thank you kiss and eat his lunch by her side, but, unlike his students, the professor could not go home, just yet. He would have to return back to the classroom an hour later to teach two more classes. He closed his eyes and sighed his annoyance.
"I hope those who have yet to complete their assignment", his eyes now open, "use this opportunity to their advantage.", he paused, looking about the room. His face was slightly stern. He continued.
"Please take out your notebooks for this week's assignment.", his voice returning to its normal tone.
Sounds of zippers from book bags and purses could be heard as Professor Bomber prepared to list off the week's assignments, from one of the papers on his clipboard.
"This week we'll be learning about self-awareness and how to gain and maintain it, from chapters 3-5 of your textbooks. In addition, you will write a 1 to 2-page essay explaining why self-awareness is important in psychology, identifying the 5 key elements to self-awareness, and providing 3 techniques of your own for maintaining it..."
Amy wrote down her notes, vigorously. She couldn't believe that her most favorite and life-changing topic was already being discussed in the third week of class! But.. thinking it over, it wasn't that surprising.
To begin correcting a behavior, you first need to find the root of the problem, and to achieve that, you must focus on yourself.
Amy smiled. This was going to be an easy week!
"Well, that will be all class!", Professor Bomber concluded, collecting his papers. "Make sure to complete your online tasks and have a good week! I will see you all on Thursday!"
Everyone quickly, yet orderly gathered their belongings and dispersed. Amy walked out of the door with her friends. Their voices could be heard echoing through the halls.
* * * * * * * * *
"Your performance was soo great, Amy!", squealed Faith the Hedgehog, as she clung to Amy's arm shaking it back and forth.
Amy laughed, "Thanks Faith! I was surprised that everyone reacted the way they did when I finished. Was I really that good?"
"Are you kidding me!? Your performance was so great, I streamed it live!" Sugar the Anteater announced while waving her phone in the air.
"You what!"
"Yeah, girl! Right on your MobiTube for all the world to see!"
Amy groaned. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to have her friends be her mediators.
"How were you able to film without Professor Bomber bombing you!?"
"We asked him before class." Sugar stated, "He didn't have a problem with it. For an oldie, he's a pretty chill dude!"
"Good thing, too!" Pepper added, working on both of her cells. The yellow monkey was texting with her hands while resharing the video to multiple platforms with her tail.
Don't ask Amy how her monkey friend could do those types of things. She just could, and Amy was always impressed.
"You've gotten over 5,000 views, and man how the comments are on fire! If this keeps up, your video will be the #1 trending on MobiTube!"
"I doubt that!" Amy hacked.
"Well, even if it doesn't," Faith began, "it's obvious that the world is watching."
Amy thought about this. Faith had a point. People were watching.
"You ladies want to come over to my house and study!?" Pepper asked, changing the subject. She was always upbeat and ready for action. She reminded Amy of Tangle, especially the way Pepper used her tail as a third hand and arm.
"It'll be fun!" Pepper continued, "We'll watch movies, play games, do each other's hair, talk about boys!.." She paused and tried to hide the tenant on her cheeks. She gave a nervous laugh. "But of course, we'll work on our homework first. With all our brainpower working together, I'm sure we'll be done in no time!"
"Sounds good to me, Pep. Especially the boy part!" Sugar grinned, giving Pepper a wink.
Pepper groaned and turned red some more.
"You can count me in, too!" Faith added. "Not for the boy part though, more so for the homework." Faith sighed. "I'll do anything to make this homework easier."
I gave Faith a sympathetic look and padded her on the back.
Poor Faith. I don't know why, but it seems she's been having the hardest time out of all of us, in this class.
"Oh! I'm glad you're coming Faith!" Sugar smiled. "I need some help with some homework too! My presentation the music you made. For some reason, I can't open the file! I don't know what I'm doing wrong."
"Don't worry, I'm sure it's a simple fix! I'll take a look at it when we get to Pep's house."
"Thank you! I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't use the music." Sugar admitted.
"Probably faint!" Pepper chuckled.
I snickered, remembering the last time Sugar fainted when her longtime childhood crushed asked her out.
"Oh very funny!" Sugar huffed.
I rolled my eyes and smiled.
What was she so nervous about!?"
I was most excited out of everyone for Sugar's performance because Sugar was going to sing! But not just her, Pepper and I as well! Sugar had come up with the idea the day Pro. Bomber had made the announcement.
I fell in love with the idea the moment I heard it because Sugar was an excellent singer and songwriter. She always laughs when I rave about her voice because she thinks my voice is just as amazing, but I disagree. So, you can imagine how honored I was when Sugar asked me and Pepper to be her back-up singers.
Putting her talents to work, Sugar had made a 3 verse song. Since Faith is the techy one, Sugar asked her to make the music. We've done some practice runs and now we know it by heart. We just haven't sung to the music yet.
Perhaps that's why Sugar's nervous.
"Sugar," I said, resting my hand on her shoulder. "I promise you, there's nothing to worry about! Your performance will be great! Especially with Pepper and I as your back up!"
"Could we just practice one more time?"
"Sugar we practiced six times already! Stop being such a perfectionist!"
"First of all," Sugar rebutted, moving my hand from of her shoulder, "you didn't even use that word correctly!" Pepper and Faith snickered, while I stood looking at her with my hands on my hips.
"Second of all, I'm not a perfectionist. I'm a precisionist!"
I heard gags and laughter from Pepper as Faith said, "You tell her, honey!"
I couldn't help but laugh as Sugar ended her rant with a third note.
"And third of all, there is nothing wrong with being prepared!" she smirked. We all started laughing. Sugar clearly won this battle.
"Well, I wish I could come with you guys." I said as we began to settle down. "But I only have enough time to get a quick bite at Sweet Buns and get ready to meet with my old girlfriends for coffee."
"Oh!, that's good that you still spend time with them!" Faith smiled.
"Well, it's kind of a 'tradition' that we started two years back," I explained. "We all started drifting away from each other, a bit because we were so busy with our new lives. But I'm glad we meet up at least twice a month. No Excuses!"
Sugar put her hand around my shoulders and gave me a hug.
"That's great, hon." Her voice was so kind and loving. She was just two years older than me, but she always treated me like her younger sister. "It's important to always stay connected to those that care about you."
"Yeah!" Pepper added, "I mean, after all that's happened to you guys, I'm glad that you all are still good friends!"
I smiled warmly at the three of them. They were truly the best! We hugged each other and waved our goodbyes.
* * * * * * * * *
[Amy p.o.v.]
I exited the school grounds and headed straight for Kangaroo Kroger's Grocery store. It was only two blocks away from the campus, so it was a popular hangout spot for the college students. And since I didn't have a car, it was the perfect place for me to get my lunch every school day.
I looked at the sky. It was still cloudy and a chill wind had begun to blow. I wrapped my shawl around myself.
I wonder if it's going to rain? The weather report didn't say anything about rain, but they're usually never right.
I rolled my eyes and groaned. "Let's just hope that I get home before the rain starts."
I began skipping down the paved sidewalk, as I thought about my friends. I still remember the day I met Sugar, back when I was studying to be an MA. She had helped me get a job where she worked and had introduced me to Pepper and Faith.
We had all worked alongside each other at a fancy restaurant as we were paying our way through college. They all encouraged me to share my story and supported me when I started my MobiTube (Mobian's version of YouTube) page. They helped me get over some emotional hurdles, too.
I pulled out my phone to check the status of the video Sugar recorded. The video was titled "My Ten Year Growth", and sure enough the video had over five thousand views.
How was that even possible!? I'll have to face-time the girls tomorrow and thank them for all that they've done.
I started skimming through the live chat, remembering what Pepper said. There were, of course, the trolls, which I noticed Faith had blocked. Trolls were her least favorite type of people. I saw Sonic's name mentioned several times. Comments like "Sonic, are you hearing this!" or "Sonic missed out!" and even "Don't worry Amy! Someone else will come along better than Sonic!" I couldn't help but laugh with amazement at how people were so willing to defend me.
"Goodness! These people are acting like I hate the guy and I'm still suffering! I remember saying specifically that we're still friends."
I decided it would be best to put a statement in the comments and description, cuz I could already tell that some people were getting the wrong impression.
'Hello, My Fam! Thank you to everyone that has supported me and liked and shared this video! I had to do a project for school explaining 'Why I Decided to Learn About Psychology'. My friends were kind enough to record it live for you all to see! The purpose of this video is not to throw shade or belittle anyone. I simply want to share my life and personal growth, so that others may see that they can grow too.
If you like this video, please like, comment, share, and subscribe! And as always,
Love, Smile, and Never become Mentally Blind!'
Five minutes later, I reached Kangaroo Kroger's side entrance. I walked inside and headed straight for my favorite sandwich shop: Sweet Buns. Sweet Buns was located on the front left side of the grocery store and I had just passed the back left entrance.
I saw a few students I recognized as I made my way to the front of the store. I waved at them; they waved back.
When I got to the takeout restaurant, I wasn't surprised to see that the place was busy as usual. I walked to the counter and waited in line to make my order. It didn't take long for me to reach the front and I ordered a smoked turkey sub with sweet potato fries and strawberry lemonade. After I paid for my meal, I looked back at the waiting line to see that it had grown twice in size since I arrived.
Phew! Seems like I got here at just the right time!
Looking about, I decided that I didn't want to eat in the crowded restaurant and headed for the balcony. I walked up a flight of open stairs located at the left corner of the store. It led to a large enclosed balcony that was decorated with modern chairs and tables, a bar table with stools, and sofas.
On the back and left side of the balcony was a wall of windows that overlooked the parking lot and traffic, and on the front side was a railing connecting from the stairs to the right side of the balcony, all of which overlooked the hustle-and-bustle of the store.
My gaze traveled around the balcony trying to find a place to sit, but all appeared to be occupied. I sighed.
"I guess I will be eating in the restaurant after all."
I turned to head back down the stairs when my eyes caught sight of someone. I saw a black figure seated at the corner bar, looking out the window. He wore white gloves and a pair of gold rings that were on his wrists and ankles. His quills were clean and jagged, with wide bold red streaks atop every one. I slowly walked towards the familiar hedgehog.
No way! Is that...
"Shadow?"