Green with Envy

Carmin couldn't help but notice Madeline staring at his room. She thought it was weird, didn't she? Any second now she'd make a comment or laugh about how short the dresser and desk were. It was only a matter of time. The thought of it caused Carmin's hand to fall behind his neck, while his face started turning a lighter shade.

But to his surprise, she seemed to continue on about parties instead. It was nice having someone sympathize with him rather than poke fun, but Madeline spoke like she knew a lot about parties. She probably went to them a lot, she did bring up the subject after all. He couldn't help but feel left out. Despite what he'd said, a part of him really wanted to go see what all the fuss was about. He would usually tune it out, but every now and then he'd hear bits of people talking about how great of a time they'd had at some party. He'd never admit it, but he wanted to be included.

Then Madeline moved her gaze back to the flower bed and the inevitable happened. Though it appeared she was just curious and not trying to be rude about it in any way, so it wasn't the worst thing. He still felt embarrassed about it, but he answered the question. "I don't really sleep on there, I just kinda sit there and read at night." Although that didn't totally answer her question, so he added to it. "I don't feel anything and I don't get stiff or get back pain or anything, so I don't really need to worry about being comfy. It doesn't make a difference I suppose." Carmin spoke a little quieter than usual. The bed wasn't uncomfortable for him, but talking about it seemed to make him uncomfortable.

The fact that he didn't have to care much about being comfortable meant that there was barely anywhere in Carmin's room for a normal person to sit. The best was probably his desk chair, but that was on the shorter side.

No further comments about his weird bed? No joke? No poking fun? It was surprising to him that she just seemed to move on from the topic. Perhaps she somehow understood that he didn't like talking about it. Either way, it was nice and a bit relieving for him. Of course, he didn't really care what Madeline thought anyway. He didn't need a friend, it'd just be a time waster. At least, he thought he didn't. A lonelier part of him was craving this interaction, terrified that he'd screw up his one chance at making a friend.

When told that he could still enjoy a party, he let out a quiet and unsure "Oh yeah?" Then listened to what she had to offer. Dancing wasn't the greatest hook. He definitely wouldn't be comfortable doing that in front of people. Not to mention, he didn't really know how and was really uncoordinated on top of that. Hanging out was also kinda iffy. Most people would probably try to shoo him away at a party. Wouldn't want to be caught hanging out with the weird plant person. Then the mention of making out came up, sending Carmin into a tizzy.

"Eh?" His face went from partially light green to completely light green in just seconds. He hadn't even had romantic feelings for a good while now. It wasn't a subject he'd considered at all during his time at the school. "I'm not capable of that kind of stuff!" Normally he would say he just wasn't interested, but being flustered had caused him to speak his actual thoughts.

Carmin looked at Madeline, wide eyed and still pretty embarrassed as she explained to him that he was wrong. His hand moved to his mouth when she mentioned that he had lips. Quickly moving, along with the other, to cover up his flower when she brought it up. He hated that pansy with a passion, the only thing it attracted was bugs.

When she made a flower bloom from her head, he found himself at a loss for words again. He wasn't sure how she did that, but she must've had some sort of ability to change her body at will. That power, wasn't fair.

Carmin desperately wanted to become normal again. His old body, his height, the ability to grow up, all of it. But this girl, she could just do it whenever she wanted? She didn't have to work for it, she could just change herself however she pleased?

Carmin felt jealousy and embarrassment at the sight of the flower on her head, but was snapped out of his thoughts when the girl took a few steps out of his room and asked if he needed anything else.

"Uh." He had a lot on his mind, and was still quite flustered. But he didn't want her to leave. As much as he disliked the fact, he enjoyed her presence. Despite this, he couldn't bring himself to admit it. "No, that's okay." He bit the corner of his bottom lip as he finished speaking. She was about to leave and he couldn't even bring himself to thank her.

Upon hearing her tell him where her room was, Carmin actually felt pretty happy. A small but warm burst of joy within him. He really did want a friend deep down and this was the closest he'd gotten since becoming a dumb flower. He didn't even go out of his way to say that he wasn't interested, he just replied with an "Okay." Perhaps he'd even take her up on that.

He finally worked up the courage to say thanks, but by that time, she poofed into a bunch of petals that just disappeared. She could teleport too? Gosh that was unfair.

Carmin slowly walked over to the door with his stubby legs, thinking about how easily he could get around if he could teleport.

After shutting the door, he started getting out his books. He had a lot to go over still, though he was in a much better mood than usual.