This chapter has been updated as of 09/08/2020
Tuesday, November 1st, 10:27am, Station Square Academy
Amy waits, fingers crossed. This test is worth thirty percent of her grade, she can't afford to fail it. She's just scraping by as it is. Plus, if she fails this one her parents will be seriously ticked off, which will mean she can't go out with Sonic this weekend!
Sonic... just thinking about him—his thick blue hair, the tan he has from spending all his time outside, his deep, heavy-lidded eyes—causes her to blush. He's so dreamy... Amy has been head over heels for the track star since she was old enough to notice boys, and now—after years of trying—he's finally agreed to go on a date with her! She can hardly believe her luck! But she needs to focus. The test. Her teacher is just starting to hand out the results. She bites her lip, bounces her leg, and otherwise fidgets impatiently. The nervous anticipation is killing her! Her test slides onto the desk in front of her, no words of praise or other comments given as Mr. Bailey continues on down the row. She squeezes her eyes shut, wondering if that's a good sign or a bad sign. Wondering why he chooses to hand them out upside down, making everyone wait to flip them over until he gives the okay. That just draws out the tension! Doesn't he understand that, sometimes, the test results are a life or death situation? She stares at the blank backside of her work as Mr. Bailey returns to the front of the room, hoping to suddenly develop x-ray vision and see the result through her paper.
"You may look now," their teacher announces, and the room fills with the incredibly distinct sound of thirty sheets of paper being flipped over at once. Around the class are the various reactions of Amy's peers, from sighs of relief to miserable groans. Amy doesn't hear them over the blood rushing in her ears. She whimpers as she looks at the large red 'D' at the top of the page; the words 'See me after school' scribbled underneath in her teacher's hasty scrawl. She slumps in her chair, nervous energy replaced by glum acceptance. She barely hears anything for the rest of class, her entire world narrowing to a pinpoint around what will surely be the death of her social life. Eventually the bell rings and Amy makes her way to the cafeteria with everyone else.
Once in the cafeteria she finds herself perking back up. It is, after all, Tuesday. If Sonic is here—and a quick scan of the cafeteria reveals that he is—he'll be practising with the track team after he eats. Just the thought of Sonic running is enough to put all thoughts of failed tests out of Amy's mind.
"Uh oh, I recognize that expression," a girl with ashy brown skin, upturned amber eyes, and thick lavender hair teases as Amy arrives. "That expression means you just saw Sonic, and we're watching him run." Amy grins, flushing despite herself.
"Well, if you insist," she teases back.
Amy had met her purple-haired friend, Blaze, the previous year when they were partnered up in science. At first Blaze had come across as a bit standoffish—barely exchanging two words a class with Amy—but eventually they'd become friends. Nowadays the two talk about anything and everything. From the outside it might seem strange for Blaze, a serious straight-A student, to be so close with the ever-excitable and often spacey Amy, but there's harmony in balance. Plus, their mutual love for outdoor activities and all the same movies gives them plenty of common ground.
The two girls eat together for a bit, talking about Blaze's upcoming participation in the Show Jumping regional qualifiers. Blaze's goal is to be the youngest Olympian Equestrian in history, which would be so cool! A lot of the terminology flies over Amy's head, but that's okay. Seeing her friend so excited more than makes up for it. Eventually they're joined by a girl with child-like features and strawberry-blond pigtails. It's easy to see why people think Cream is too young to be in high school; if Amy hadn't grown up with her, she probably would too. Her princess-like manners and habit of wearing flowers in her hair probably don't help. They finish eating and head out to watch the track team, meeting their friends—an athletic girl with magenta hair and dark eyes, and a curvier girl who looks like she just stepped out of a photoshoot—in the bleachers.
The athletic one, Sonia, practically grew up with Amy. Her mum works with Amy's dad, and since the girls are only two years apart it made sense for them to have a lot of play dates when they were kids. As they got older Sonia started using Amy's apartment as a familiar refuge from the horrors of her brothers, though Amy finds it hard to believe that it could ever really be that bad. After all, one of Sonia's brothers is Sonic. And Sonic is perfect.
The other girl is Rouge, one of Sonia's classmates. Even though they spend lunch together several times a week, Amy doesn't really know her. She knows Rouge is smart and funny, and that she's probably the most attractive girl in school. With her hourglass figure, perfect tan, and shocking blue eyes, it's easy to see why. Compared to her Amy might as well wear a potato sack at all times. Still, she's Sonia's best friend, so Amy tries to be happy for her instead of jealous. It helps that Sonic and Rouge have no interest in each other.
"You know, if I wanted to watch my brother run," Sonia greets, "I'd spend more time with him at home." She grins as she says it, and Amy grins back. Sonia says the same thing at least once a month, but she also shows up every practice to watch, so Amy knows she doesn't actually mind.
Watching Sonic run is breathtaking, after all. He's fast, and he manages to look both powerful and graceful. No one else on the team compares, and Amy could watch him run forever and ever without getting bored. It's beautiful and natural. Seeing someone in their element like that is always amazing, and when that someone happens to be as wonderful as Sonic... well...
"So how did your test go?" Cream asks in her childish voice, snapping Amy's attention back to the present.
She groans, hanging her head and putting her face in her hands. She does not want to be reminded of the test, not now and not ever. "I have to see Mr. Bailey after school," she informs her knees.
"That bad?" Sonia asks, voice soft and sympathetic.
"I got a D," Amy explains, prompting someone to let out a low whistle.
"Well, at least it's not an important class," a voice like liquid honey muses.
"Thanks, Rouge. That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
"I'm just saying, it could be worse. Could've been math," Rouge points out. "But, if it matters to you, you should probably do something about it."
"You don't think!?" Stupid Rouge with her stupid sexy voice and stupid good grades. Amy knows she's being unfair, but it feels good to direct her frustration somewhere else.
"Now now, since when has lashing out gotten you anywhere, Miss Rose?" the older girl teases, causing Amy to deflate.
"I know, I'm sorry. I'm just really bummed, you know?" There's a moment of silence before Amy forces a smile. "It's no big deal, though. I'll figure it out." She knows her fake optimism isn't fooling anyone, but her friends are kind enough to take the hint and the subject is dropped. Instead they discuss their weekend plans until the bell rings and prompts them all to head to their respective classes. Luckily for Amy her next class is with Blaze, so they gather their things and walk together.
"Do you think your parents will still let you go out on Friday?" Blaze asks in a soft voice as they take their seats.
Amy sighs, "I don't know," she admits. "I hope so, but I doubt it."
"You could offer to do all of your homework Saturday and spend Sunday studying?" Blaze suggests.
"Ugh, yeah, that's a good idea."
Before she can say anything else the teacher gets in, leaving Amy to her thoughts as the poetry lesson begins. Blaze doesn't speak during class unless it's academically important, a trait that Amy admires even if it does lead to boring classes. There's one point, maybe twenty minutes after lunch, where Amy hears someone storming down the hall. They even pause for a moment to hit a locker in some way—so that will make for some interesting gossip later—but other than that, English passes by uneventfully.
Luckily for Amy Home Ec. is her last period for the day, which is always something to look forward to. Today isn't a cooking day, but tomorrow they'll be making croissants, and Amy can't wait. She loves baking! She's not always the best at it, but that's okay. One day she'll be a master, just like her mama! In the meantime, she can study.
All too soon Home Ec. ends, then it's time for homeroom, and then her meeting with Mr. Bailey. She makes her way back to the History classroom, wringing her hands and dreading whatever comes next.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" she manages to squeak out when she reaches the door.
"Ah, Amy. Come in, come in," he greets, beckoning her over and gesturing to the seat next to his desk. She hastens to be seated; the quicker it's done with, the better. "Amy, the reason I asked to see you is because your latest test result was, well, less than satisfactory. At this rate, I'm afraid you may fail my course completely. You're a bright girl, Amy, and I have trouble believing that you would want to be held back a year."
Amy hangs her head as the gravity of the situation hits her. "No sir," she whispers.
"That's why I want to recommend you get a tutor."
Amy looks back up with a start. "A tutor, sir?"
"Yes. An older student who did well in this course. They would go to your house twice a week and help you study. What do you think?"
Despite her previous fears, Amy finds herself perking right up. "Could we really do that, sir?"
"If we couldn't do you think I'd be mentioning it?" her teacher asks with a good-natured smile. Amy returns that smile with a grin, and they set about filling the paperwork required to find a suitable tutor, based on her address and availability.
When Amy gets home her parents are quite disappointed by her grade and tell her that she's not allowed to go out, but she follows Blaze's suggestion and promises to spend her weekend studying and doing homework if she can just please please go out with Sonic on Friday? She gives her best puppy-dog eyes and her father gives in.
...
Amy wakes up with a stretch and a yawn on Wednesday morning. She goes about her usual routine of showering, putting on her uniform, doing her hair, eating breakfast, brushing her teeth, and leaving to meet her friends. In the hall, she walks to the only other suite on this floor and knocks on the door, as she does every day.
"Amy," Cream greets warmly as she opens the door. "I'm just getting my shoes on, and then we can get going." After years of living next to each other, they'd mastered the art of being ready at nearly the exact same time. Once Cream's shoes are on, they take the elevator down and leave the building. A few blocks away they meet up with Sonia.
"Where are your brothers?" Amy asks as her older friend falls into step with them.
"Manic slept in," Sonia answers, "so he's still getting ready, and Sonic left early; something about talking to a friend, said it was important? I wasn't listening."
"Oh, that's too bad," Amy says with a sigh. It's not that she doesn't like walking with Sonia, it's just that she loves walking with Sonic. She never gets to walk home with him, because when he isn't busy with extracurriculars he's going to a friend's house. "Well, did Sonic mention anything about this Friday to you?"
"Not really, why?"
"No reason, I just thought he might have, is all."
Sonia raises an eyebrow. "Why would Sonic ever tell me about his plans? Unless... do you have plans with him?" She stops walking for a moment, giving Amy an accusing look.
"I... uh... is that a problem?
Sonia shakes her head and resumes walking. "Not really, it's just surprising. No offence, but you're not really his type."
"I'm his type," Amy responds stubbornly. "He just hasn't realized it yet." If she says the words, maybe it will make them true. Amy is perfect for him, she knows she is, and on Friday Sonic will know it too.
The three girls make it to school five minutes before the bell rings, and then it's an ordinary day. At Lunch, Amy asks Mr. Bailey about her tutor. He tells her to come back tomorrow, since they won't settle on someone until the end of the day.
In Home Ec. Amy finally gets to make her croissants, and they turn out fantastically. She shares them with Cream as they walk home, where they do their homework together before dinner. The news plays in the background, showing an angry scientist with a bushy moustache ranting about the government shutting down his research. It's easier to do homework with background noise in Amy's opinion, and the news isn't often interesting enough to be distracting.
...
Thursday passes much the same as Wednesday, with only two moments outside of Amy's typical routine. The first is during locker break, when she's running late enough to rush around a corner without looking. She bumps into someone at a considerable clip, managing to take them both out in the process.
"Oh, shoot, I am so sorry! Ah, are you okay? Oh, oh! Sonic! Oh my gosh, I am so sorry! I swear it was an accident, I-"
"Hey, no worries," Sonic cuts in with an easy grin, getting back to his feet and holding out a hand to help her up as well. "You're in a hurry, these things happen." Once Amy's on her feet Sonic grabs her books, handing them to her with a grin. "Seeya," he says, waving and turning to go.
"Ah, Sonic! Wait!" Amy calls. He turns back.
"What's up, Ames?"
"Are we still going to Twinkle Park on Friday?" She wrings her hands as she awaits an answer.
"Sure, six o'clock, right?"
Amy feels a wave of relief wash over her. Of course Sonic didn't forget about their date. He wouldn't do that. "Yeah, six."
"Cool, see ya then." And then he's off, and Amy realizes that she is incredibly late.
The second event of the day is far less exciting; Amy finds out about her tutor. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from three to five, starting next week, Shadow Hassan would be coming to Amy's house to tutor her.
Shadow.
The scary guy in Sonic's grade who once beat someone up for looking at him funny. Allegedly. She hopes the rumours are exaggerations. Surely the school wouldn't ask her to let someone truly dangerous into her home.
...
On Friday Amy is much too excited to focus on her schoolwork. She just can't stop thinking about her date with Sonic! The entire day passes in a dreamlike haze, and when school ends Amy rushes home to get ready for her big date. She pushes her hair back with a red a hairband and puts on the new outfit she bought just for this occasion; A red halter-dress with white trim, and some matching boots. She re-does her makeup and spends the next few hours fretting over how she looks until it's time to head out.
She gets to Twinkle Park about fifteen minutes early, heart racing. She can do this. She and Sonic are soulmates, they're meant to be together. Deep breaths, in and out. Just breathe. She's known Sonic since they were in diapers. She can do this. Breathe.
Fifteen minutes pass. He'll be here soon. Just keep breathing. Another fifteen, and he is officially late. No sign of him. That's okay, he won't forget. Something came up, that's all. He'll be here soon and they'll have the perfect date. Everything will be fine. He'll tell her that he loves her, and they'll live happily ever after. Breathe. Everything will be fine.
Another fifteen minutes, and Amy gets up with a sigh. He's not coming. She turns to head back to her apartment. He's not coming.
"Amy! Wait!" Her heart speeds up, she turns around. There he is, sprinting like he does in competitions. When he gets to her side he doubles over panting, gasping, and clearly winded. "I am... so... sorry... Amy." He swallows. "There was... an accident... took friend... hospital..." he chokes out between breaths.
"Oh Sonic!" Amy cries out, throwing herself at her heroic love. "I knew there must be a reason! I mean, you wouldn't ditch me! You're not like that! I'm so sorry I ever doubted you! Can I get you anything?"
"Air," Sonic gasps, pulling away from Amy's loving embrace. After a few moments he catches his breath. "Shall we head in?" he asks, offering his arm.
"Yes!" Amy squeals as she grabs his arm and practically drags him into the park. "Oh Sonic, this is going to be the best date ever, I just know it!"
"Date?" Sonic splutters. "I don't- This isn't- We're not-" but Amy can't hear him over the sounds of the park and her own beating heart.
"So, what do you want to ride first, Sonic?" Amy asks, voice gushing with hope and affection.
"I, uh... Bumper cars?" Sonic suggests. His voice seems higher than usual and, well, Amy figures he must be as excited as she is.
"What a good idea! But then, I should have expected as much from you."
Sonic laughs nervously and Amy starts dragging him to the bumper cars, looking back at him every couple seconds to shoot him a huge smile. Sonic smiles back, but it seems a bit forced. Does he look a tad sick to his stomach? Amy has butterflies in hers, too.
After bumper cars Amy leads Sonic to the roller coaster, the swings, a cotton candy stand, a photo booth, and finally the Ferris Wheel.
"Isn't this romantic?" she asks with a dreamy sigh as they're carried up. The park spreads out beneath them, lights twinkling like an artist's rendering of the night sky.
"I guess?" Sonic answers with a shrug.
"Hey, can I tell you something?"
"Ah, Amy..." Sonic fumbles for a moment, and Amy supposes he must be as nervous as she is right now.
"Sonic, I love you," Amy sighs, gazing at him with rapt adoration. "Will you be my boyfriend?"
Sonic stiffens. "Well, I..."
"Yes?"
"I..."
"Yes?"
"I mean, that is to say..."
"Sonic?" Amy's eyes are wide, fear and hope mixing in them. She'd put her cards on the table, and she desperately hopes it wasn't a mistake.
"Uh..." As Amy stares, looking at him as if he holds her life in his hands, he sinks back into his chair, refusing to meet her gaze. "Sure," he answers, too cool to sound excited.
Amy squeals, launching herself at Sonic and causing their basket to rock dangerously. Her arms wrap around him as she nuzzles his collar. "Sonic! Ah, I'm so glad! This is the happiest day of my life!" After a moment Sonic's arms wrap stiffly around Amy's shoulders, before gently pushing her back into her seat, reminding her that their weight needs to be evenly distributed for safety reasons.
Eventually Sonic walks Amy home, giving her an awkward hug when they part.
Amy spends the rest of her weekend doing homework and studying, as she promised she would. What had once seemed like a gaping chasm of drudgery is now completely worth it. Sonic is her boyfriend! Amy smiles until her cheeks hurt.