Bloom // WandaNat Florist AU

Forsythia

The late November sun began its descent unfortunately early over a still bustling campus. Students catching busses, tossing frisbees and footballs in the fading green grass of the quad, couples strolling hand in hand. Wanda Maximoff watched these busy students jealously through the window of her professor's office, his scolding voice having long faded to white noise.

This was not the first time Professor David Hart had requested an audience with the increasingly negligent and absent student, but this was the first time she had ever shown up. Skipping class was no rarity for University students, but the sudden dip in the brunette's attendance and performance concerned and confounded the professor. However, his concern turned more and more into irritation as it was evident Wanda paid no mind to his words.

Sighing, the professor raised his voice. "Ms. Maximoff?"

The young woman startled back into reality. "I- what was the question?"

  "Your absences, Ms. Maximoff."

The leather chair threatened to swallow Wanda whole. "Right."

"I've been trying to let it slide given your... extenuating circumstances, but," he adjusted his glasses, checking a file, "fifteen absences this semester? The limit is five."

"I'm trying, Professor Hart. I really am."

"I'd like to believe you, but, you haven't turned an assignment in for weeks. You've given me no indication of effort."

Wanda almost could not form words, a headache brewing. "I just- I really," she shook her head, slouching back against the cold leather of the chair. "Sorry."

The professor softened momentarily. "I don't want to fail you, Wanda. I know you're close to graduating."

"Yeah."

"Then that should be reason enough to start coming to class again. Any plans after school?"

"Not anymore."

"Right," he closed the manila file, folding his wrinkled hands on the worn oak desk. "Look, I'm willing to give you until the end of the semester on all of the missing work. Just complete that, pass the final, and I would be comfortable giving you a passing grade." When Wanda made no response, he continued, "you're a bright kid, Wanda. You'll be fine."

"Thanks."

"And, Ms. Maximoff?"

"Yes?"

"Don't miss another class."

With a tired nod, Wanda stood, slinging her red backpack over one shoulder and making for the door. As soon as she entered the gaping hallways of the university, rife with chatter and camaraderie, she popped in her headphones, booting up the loudest playlist she could find. In all honesty, that was the best outcome she could have hoped for from Professor Hart. She had not shown up to class or lab in weeks, had not so much as looked at her textbook since...

She turned the volume on her headphones louder. Heaving open the doors of the University's sciences building, she stepped out onto the sidewalk and into the waning hours of daylight, and started her stroll home. Not wanting to make conversation with anyone, she kept her eyes on the cement under her feet, distracting herself with trying to fit the same number of steps into every block. It never quite worked, though the task entertained her well enough.

So distracted by her blaring music and step counting, the young woman was oblivious to the voice calling out in warning of the potted plant that tumbled down in front of her. With a yelp, Wanda dodged the falling fern but lost her footing in the process, landing on the thankfully plush grass. Almost content to lay on her back in the sun and bake, Wanda closed her eyes for a moment, arms outstretched, accepting her fate.