The Shy Driver

Farewell to Family

"Are you really going to put all your hope, faith, and focus in one guy?" Jack asked Fluttershy the following morning over breakfast, after Fluttershy told her family (partially) of what happened last night.

"You don't know that fool!" Carter snapped loudly. "He—"

Ashley took a slice of banana and threw it at Carter's face. "Knock it off, bro!"

"Carter, there was a time when I didn't know who you were. I didn't even know who humans were to begin with, let alone trust!" Fluttershy shot back. "Now you're gonna automatically say Justin is an arch enemy just because he has more money than you ever will?"

She ended her rant by sticking her tongue out, snapping up the rest of her meal, and darting into the bathroom to wash up without even offering to help out. Having calmed down after brushing her teeth and washing her face, Fluttershy returned to the family room and gave a serious speech to her loving family.

"Guys, I know we've known each other for quite a long time, but I've only stayed here until such a time would come. I know in your eyes it's risky and doubtful, but it's all I got. When I arrived here, all I wanted was to return home to my friends and to Ponyville, and I briefly lost hope in being able to do so. Now, thanks to Justin, my hope has increased once again, and I'm willing to do this for him, and also for Equestria."

Carter's eyes started to well up. He ran over and gave her a big hug. "Ah...I don't really know what to do. I want you to be happy, but I also don't want to lose you."

Fluttershy looked straight back into his eyes. "I know. I'll see if I can come back sometime in the future."

"But for now, though, let's practice some more driving, shall we?" Carter replied, sniffling.

Carter whipped up an excuse to go out and buy something "necessary", and Fluttershy tagged along. It was quite heartwarming to see them being so close together.

"I think my brother had gotten himself a girlfriend all along," Ashley teased.

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After buying the items from the store, Carter continued to teach Fluttershy more about driving – advanced reversing techniques, how to rev match, driving in closed conditions (such as in traffic), and also starting, accelerating, and reversing up and down a hill. Furthermore, he taught her what stop signs, traffic lights, and certain signals meant, in addition to counter-steering techniques and how to fill up the car's tank with gas at petrol stations. It took some time, but Fluttershy soon mastered manual driving and the world of the roads.

"The thing is, Flutters," Carter told her as they drove home. "Even though you've been through all of this, the law still won't allow you to drive.

"Why won't they let me?" Fluttershy asked, looking a little sad.

"Actually they will, but you have to go through a series of tests – pretty much like I did for you – and then a series of background checks, then you receive a license with points. If you drive incorrectly, such as blowing red lights and stop signs, or going faster than the safe speed limit, you'll be fined, which means money will be charged on you, and also sometimes points will be deducted from your license. As such, it's best to abide by rules and regulations," Carter explained.

"Can I get a license please? Pretty please?" Fluttershy said, flashing pitful eyes.

Carter smiled sadly. "I'll have to reveal what we've been doing together to Dad."

As Carter and Fluttershy entered the house, Jack had that I'm-not-pleased-with-your-late-return look. But Carter smiled and explained. "Dad, Fluttershy actually wanted to drive, so I taught her. We went through every step of the way, just like you did with me. Now she wants a license. Will you let her obtain one?"

"Actually, Justin didn't just let me off the hook or something," Fluttershy said, her voice shy and quiet with painful confession. "He gave me a task. I have to drive one of his cars – which is currently in a garage in Albuquerque – to his home in Malibu. I have to complete my task by the end of next Thursday."

Everybody's mouths dropped open with shock, especially Lorraine, who knew that Fluttershy wasn't going to push aside an opportunity like this so easily, even if she was swayed or convinced.

"But, I wanted to drive before I even met Justin. I found it interesting," Fluttershy admitted. "Yeah, it was rather complicated, and I had a lot to adjust to, but I quite like it now."

Jack swallowed and his face fell. "I...I know we had a rough start, but I gotta say it, I'm going to miss you, Fluttershy. You've been one of the kindest and most helpful people – I mean, ponies – I've ever met. Let's get you that license you deserve."

With Carter's help, Fluttershy created her own photo ID card, and then she went with Jack to the government services. However, they saw her as more of a pet than a citizen.

"We both got hair," Fluttershy hissed under her breath as Jack raved and argued with the employees. Finally, Fluttershy was put to the driving test – and easily passed thanks to her training with Carter. It took some work, but finally, finally, Fluttershy was awarded her license after a week. She had her photo taken as well, since she was above the minimum legal driving age.

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Fluttershy was so happy that day that she kept flying and prancing about in the backyard. Now she could finally drive again – without worry or fear. She then prepared to leave, pulling on her skirt and shirt, then pulling on her sweater.

In her green saddlebag, she packed a small first-aid kit, her headset and cell phone, a notebook and two pens, a small blanket, the plastic sleeve Justin had given her, a flashlight, a rain slicker (also specially made by Lorraine), a small container of sliced fruit, a few chocolate bars, and a map of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Arizona, and Los Angeles. Then she headed out the front door and gave a farewell goodbye to her family.

"Don't forget me!" Lorraine cried, rather excessively.

"I...I won't ever forget you, Mom," Fluttershy replied, crying herself. "Thank you for all you've done for me."

"Can we exchange numbers?" Jack asked, a tear dripping from his eye.

"Sure," Fluttershy said, pulling the phone out of her saddlebag.

Carter hopped into the Mazda 5, while Fluttershy took the back seat.

"See you again...hopefully sometime," Fluttershy said quietly as they drove off.

Carter's plan was to drive as close as possible to the south border, where Fluttershy would sneak over into New Mexico.

"Here we are, this is as far as I can go," Carter said sadly, pulling in front of an old shabby shop in the small town of Trinidad, just west of Highway 25.

"Thanks for all the love you've given me," Carter said.

"And thanks to you too, for showing me how to love, trust, and stand up for myself," Fluttershy replied with her typical heartwarming smile.

Fluttershygave him a good-bye kiss, and then she headed for the hills, where she'd restand sleep for the afternoon.