Chapter Text
The morning beams of sunlight shot through a young frogs window. She enjoyed the warmth that it provided but not the brightness. She let out a groan and covered her eyes, but even she knew that it would be wrong to sleep in and miss school on a Monday!
tiredly, she lifted her 2 pale green and orange legs off the bed and staggered towards the bathroom. Clover has always been known to stick to schedules. No matter what, she needed and entire plan for the day in order to survive!
Even when she has free time she likes to make a list of plans and chores to complete on a small piece of paper while sitting at her desk. She always went to bed at certain times to. Some frogs may thinks she’s weird for wanting to work during the weekdays, but she just sees that as an opportunity to learn or discover something new.
Grabbing her tooth brush, she quickly brushed her teeth while her orange hands brush through between the soft strands of her strawberry brown hair. She didn’t really care what it looked like since most of the time she wore a hat anyways.
The young frog soon finished up in the bathroom and went to change out of her pajamas. She picked out some brown overalls with golden buttons and a white shirt with pale colored short orange sleeves and to add on to that, her favorite beanie which was a darker brown.
She then hopped out the room to meet her parents down stairs before heading off to the school down the hill. She was surprised when she heard that wartwoods old schools used to be tore down by creatures. But with some new technology, the schools hasn’t been destroyed since!
Clover always found the past interesting. Like the tale of the 3 human girls who once lived in the swampy land of Amphibia. Many frogs didn’t believe it, but Clover did. She often got called a weirdo for believing in the type of things like that. Like frogs, toads, and newts once used to live together. But they now lie on different parts of the Lilly pad shaped land without communicating.
There are no newts or toads that live in wartwood. Mayor Bramwell has always despised the idea of other species living in wartwood. She said it was a “threat to the frogs.” Clover has always thought that was a dumb idea. But most of the frogs in wartwood had agreed to the stupid law.
The young frog sat at the table in the dining room. “Hey mom!” She said in her usual cheerful tone. Her mother, Flora, greeted her with a wave while holding onto a frying pan that sat on the stove. “Good morning clove, you’re in good mood today. Have any plans?” She said while reaching for a spatula to flip the beetle pancakes.
The young frog shook her head “nah, I just feels like today is gonna be a good day!” Flora picked up the pancakes with the spatula and set them onto a plate for her her daughter. She set the plate on the wooden square table and passed it over to Clover who dug in gleefully. “How do you know?” She asked with a grin.
Clover shrugged with a mouthful of beetle pancakes. “I don’t know. It’s a feeling I get often.” Flora chuckled and rustled her daughters messy hair. “Where’s ma?” Asked clover after gulping down her last bit of pancake and setting her fork down on the plate. “She’s outside doing farm work. Now hurry and get your bag ready before your late gif school.” Said Flora.
Clover nodded and pushed out her seat to hop over to the door where her yellow worn out book bag lied. Saying goodbye to the killapillar named Hibiscus, with a pet on the top of his cream colored head. “Be good, kay?” Said the pale green and orange frog. The furry killapillar meowed in response and rubbed upon his owners hands. She giggled and gave him one last pat before heading out the door.
Quickly slipping on her dark brown beanie, she started down the pathway that began at the little house that was made out of a tree of some sort. She then spotted her other mother, April, doing yard work in the front yard of the house. “Hey ma!” She called out to the green frog. She looked up from the place where she kneeled down on the dirt of their garden. “Heya’ squirt! Have a good day at school!” She called back pushing her dirty blonde hair out of her face then lifted a gloved hand to wave goodbye to her leaving daughter.
Clover smile brightly and raised her hand to salute her mother “Will do!” She said with a wink and skipped down the hill to the school she attended, waving and greeting a few people on the way. “Good morning little Clover!” Said her neighbor named Blossom as she walked towards the house. She stopped walking and waved at the old frog. “Good morning miss Blossom! Anything you need help with before I head off?” Asked the younger frog.
She would often help out the old frog with anything before heading off since she had some trouble doing it herself. Miss Blossom chuckled weakly “Not today dear, but I do have something for ya!” She said cheerfully. “Ooh! What is it?” Asked Clover eagerly while leaning onto the white gate that surrounded the cozy house of her neighbor. The old light blue frog reached behind her to grab onto pink.
It was a hot pink flower that had many layers and sat into a small tan flower pot. The old frog smiled and handed the pot over to the shorter frog. “I give you this. It’s a peony flower, for good luck!” She said a light chuckle. Clover studied the flower thoughtfully. “Thanks miss Blossom!” She said giving the old frog a quick hug. “You’re welcome kiddo, take good care of ‘er!” She said while waving goodbye to the younger frog.
Clover held on tightly to the pot that housed her new plant. She glanced at it every now and then thinking of what to name her new friend. “Hmm, maybe Rosie? Nah, it’s not even a rose!” She said laughing to herself. “Maybe Peony!” She said while extending her arms and spinning around with her new plant in delight. The sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky. The cool breeze swished the leaves of tall trees making a relaxing sound of familiarity. She didn’t know why but she loved the sound of the wind and leaves together.
She soon saw her destination come into view. A wide oak brown building with a red roof and a playground in the back. Some students were already outside and waiting for the school doors to open up and start the first class of the day. She noticed her group of friends. A bright purple frog with silky black hair, and a golden colored frog with auburn brown hair. She waved to them and hurried over to take a seat on the steps where they sat.
”Hey guys!” Clover started glancing between her friends. “Guess what I got, it’s a-“ The pale green and orange frog was cut off by the voice of Claire, the purple frog. “Oh hey Clover, didn’t notice you were there.” Clover blinked before talking again “That’s okay! But this is-” “Did you bring the homework?” Asked Belle, the golden colored frog. “Oh, uh yeah I did.” She set Peony to the side and awkwardly turned around and reached into her yellow bag to grab the 2 papers that had her best friends names on them.
She passed them onto her 2 friends “Sweet, do you still have your free order from The Sweet Treat cafe today?” Asked Claire. Clover had also been helping out with Zoeys cafe, The Sweet Treat Cafe. She would sometimes help with delivery and clean ups before the store would close. Zoey was nice enough to give her free orders of anything from the menu as pay. The strawberry brown haired frog nodded “yeah, why?” She asked grabbing onto the pot and setting it back into her lap, suddenly having the need to keep it safe and secured.
”Because I want you to get us something, obvi.” She said with a flip of her shiny black hair. Belle nodded “Yeah, I have so been like, craving a jelly filled fly donut lately. Good thing you have that free thing!” She said with a laugh, Claire soon joining in. Clover chuckled and put a thumbs up. “Sure guys! Anything for you!” Soon the bell rung which meant the doors are finally open and school is in session.
She watched as her 2 friends walked inside the school while chatting to each other and spilling ‘tea’ to each other’s as they call it. Clover watched slightly disappointed, she soon felt water try to take over her amber colored eyes. But she blinked and shook her to try and get rid of the negative thoughts that slowly started to fill into her head. The pale green frog brought her orange hands up to her strawberry brown and tugged on it a little bit “ugh, stop stop stop..!” She grumbled while shaking her head. “It’s alright, you can do this..” she said to herself.
Sometimes she would get just a little sad that her best friends were always busy with each other and couldn’t really hang out with her as much as she wanted them to. It often made her feel left out and to the point that she relied on her own for friendship. But that’s okay! She always told herself. Trying to get rid of all the negative energy that tried to engulf her. Her friends had lives and so did she. Feeling that type of way mad her feel guilty and mad at herself for wanting them to give up their own lives to hang out with her.
They had things to do and so did she, but why did she this way? She didn’t know, she probably never will. She hope she doesn’t. Because in the end she know the end result won’t be happy, she probably wouldn’t have and other friends her age if she told the 2 how she felt. She wouldn’t want to risk the only 2 people in her life so early. She would honestly do anything to please her friends. If that means staying up late and losing sleep to finish’s 2 pieces of important paper for her friends then she will do just that.
She loved her friends dearly and would give them the world if she could. People would always describe her as outgoing and a people pleaser, which she agreed with. Why do something at all if you don’t do it in a extravagant way!? But the people pleaser part confused her. Sure she was helpful and all but all of that was always repaid. Like the free treats from the cafe when she helped with deliveries or the gifts from the neighbors from helping out with yard work. Or the gifts from Claire and Belle. Friendship. She bought things for them and did their homework, they gave friendship in return.
Squeezing onto the yellow straps of her backpack, she walked up the steps and into the open doors of the place where she learned new things. Pushing her ways through the morning rush of students trying not to be late to their first class of the day.
The school day went by in a blur. Which she found odd because usually she would complain about how long the day was. But this time she didn’t complain. She had mainly spent her day protecting her new plant, Peony. She giggled at the thought of having the need to protect something that wasn’t even alive and breathing. But she still did that anyways. Carefully and tightly holding onto the pot that could maybe break and shatter, and keeping it close to stop any frog from trying to easily swipe it from behind her back somehow.
Now she sat at the side of the school by an Apple tree that provide a comfortable shade. Not to cold or to hot, just right. The pale green and orange frog sat in the soft grass that held the strong roots of the apple covered tree. Twirling her orange hands in between of the spikey, but soft, green strands of grass, and letting the breeze ruffle up her already messy strawberry brown hair. It was everything she needed right now. With the faint voices of students and teachers leaving the school in the background provided a sort of safe feeling. She felt safe here, in wartwood.
She opened her amber eyes and breathed in the fresh sweet smell of apples, and the fresh breeze, and the smell of a hot beetle, cheese, and lettuce sandwich. She paused and her eyes widened. Beetle, cheese and lettuce sandwich!? She whipped around to where the smell was coming from and was greeted by a creamy brown frog who had a nervous smile on their face. She screamed out of shock and scooted away from the stranger. “OOPS! Sorry, heh..didn’t mean to scare ya.” Said the brown frog.
Clover blinked before chuckling sheepishly. “It’s-its alright..” The brown frog smiled, “mind if I sit here?” They asked with a tilt of their head. Clover hesitantly nodded before scooting back to the once comfortable position by the tree. But when she sat back down, it wasn’t comfortable. It was actually extremely uncomfortable. The 2 sitting in silence other than a crunch every now and then from the sandwich the brown frog munched onto. Clover couldn’t deal with it! It was like a constant ringing in her head.
She hated silence with a burning passion. She has always felt the need to talk and try to get ride of the awkward tension. Usually she’s a straightforward person and would be delighted to strike up a quick conversation, but this time- She snook a quick glance at the brown frog before looking away- this time she couldn’t. She don’t know why but she just couldn’t. The frogs appearance was just so sudden that it left Clover stiff and confused of what to talk about. But not wanting to be mean and just get up, she had to say something before heading home.
She cleared her throat, which quickly caught the attention of the brown frog who had dark brown hair and golden circle glasses. “So uh, what’s your name? My names Clover.” She said and silently hoped she sounded normal and cheerful. The brown frog smiled “My names cypress. Nice to meet you Clover.” They said welcomly. “Say, would you like this other half of my sandwich. I’m actually quite full.” They said showing their lunchbox which held the sandwich triangular cut. She hesitated but then said an unsure “sure..” and reached for the sandwich.
“So, how has your day been?” Cypress suddenly asked. Clover glanced at them “It was alright, it just went by fast that’s all.” They turned the gaze back down the hill and sighed “yeah, i thought I was the only one who felt that way.” Their gaze scanned the area before landing on the hot pink flower in the pot. “Is that a peony? That’s my favorite type of flower! They’re very pretty.” Cypress said. Clover nodded, “Yeah! I named her peony because well she’s a peony flower” she said laughing a bit.
“That’s neat!” Said Cypress as they started to pack up their belongings, It seems as if Cypress was packing up to go where Clover had guessed, home. “Ah, i think I’m gonna go now. It was fun talking with you.” They said with a giggle. “Same with you.” Clover chuckled and blushed sheepishly, “Cya later Clover!” They said hurrying down the hill while waving a goodbye to the pale green and orange frog. She raised her orange hand and slowly waved back at her….new friend?
She soon stood up from where she sat and gave a big well needed stretch before heading off to the Sweet Treat Cafe before she would be late to meeting her friends later.
She walked through the pale blue wooden doors of the cafe and a bell sounded. The bakery mostly dark, with blue mushroom lamps hanging on parts of the walls which only lit that part of the room. Clover honestly found it cute! The dark atmosphere could be pretty relaxing after a long day of work or school. There were only a few frogs inside the cafe. She walked up to the desk where the cashier would take your order. She soon saw the white hair of the lavender colored frog, Zoey.
“Hey Clover!” Greeted Zoey cheerfully behind counter. Clover waved and bounced happily up and down “Hi zoey! I’m really in a rush today, can I get the jelly filled fly donut and doughy dandelions please?” She asked while tapping her orange hands on the counter. Zoey grinned “you got it!” She said as she opened the glass door to the food that was displayed and grabbed the things the customer asked for and bagged it up securely.
”Thanks Zoey! Sorry I couldn’t help with anything today, bye!” She said waving a quick goodbye before hopping out of the blue doors and onto the dirt pathway that lead up the hill. There were some frogs she maybeee accidentally bumped into. She apologized but she was pretty sure they wouldn’t forgive her as they watched her hop off with annoyed and angry glares. But she didn’t care. The only thing she cared about right now was getting to her friends and giving them what they’ve asked for.
She finally arrived to her destination. It was a cute little flower field that had many different types of pretty and sweet smelling flowers. Some she recognized as dandelions and sunflowers. She looked through the field before finding her 2 friends sitting in the middle of the field. She smiled and eagerly hopped into the fluffy field of brightly colored plants. Making her way to Claire and Belle. “I’m here!” She called out to them. They turned their gaze onto the currently running frog.
She skidded to a halt and tried to catch her breathe for a second. Claire and Belle looked at her expectingly. The pale green and orange frog paused and looked back at them worriedly. “What?” Asked Clover. The golden colored frog rolled her blue eyes “The treats?” Clover laughed sheepishly “Oh! Yeah sorry.” She said handing them the treats she picked up at the Sweet Treat cafe. The 2 frogs looked into the bags and dig into their snacks while Clover just sat there and watched.
She waited a second before saying “I was thinking maybe we could go swimming in the lake tomorrow, It would be so much!” Exclaimed the happy Clover. Claire frowned “I’m sorry but I have a hair appointment on that day..” She said and looked at Belle who was to busy shoving the jelly filled fly donut into her mouth. Claire cleared her throat and elbowed the golden colored frog who grunted in response before talking. “Oh uh, I also have a hair appointment..?” Said Belle unsurely.
Clover wanted to frown so badly. But she didn’t. She wanted to tell them how she felt. But she didn’t. She just stood there, not really surprised by the responses she received. She sighed and smiled again. “I…that’s..yeah-that’s..that’s fine. Hope you enjoy your hair appointments. Bye guys..” Said the pale green and orange frog. Trying her hardest not to frown and show that she really just wants to hang out with them. Like how she did with Cypress, yes, it was just a little bit of time. But she as if she had bond between her and the brown frog already.
She was about to walk away until Claire put a hand onto her shoulder. She looked back with a confused and surprised expression. “Don't forget to do the homework in different handwriting. Because you forgot to do it this time.” Said the purple frog with a disappointed gaze. Clover paled, “Dang it! I’m so sorry!” Clair smiled. “It’s okay, I can except another cafe treat as an apology.” Clover glanced between Clair and Belle. “Oh and Belle too. Don’t let us down Clover.” Claire said with a frown. Clover gulped and nodded “Okay..you know I would do anything for you guys! Cya later!” She said quickly and hopped off.
On the way home, the frog tried to push away that ache in her heart. Honestly, she wasn’t even surprised with the answer she got. It made her sad. And she doesn’t want to feel sad. She hates feeling sad, so she ignores. Her mom Flora would always tell her to not hold back and just let it all out sometimes. But she can’t do that. She’s normally seen as the most helpful and cheerful frog in town! So why all of a sudden act different?
She reached her house that was made out of a tree. It seems as if Holly had finished the yard work but yet to clean it up as there was a bit of a mess left over. She sighed in relief as her legs begged for retirement. Letting go of the straps of her yellow back pack, she opened the door with a tired expression. “Meow!” Greeted Hibiscus as he came running up to his owner. She smiled weekly and brung the killapillar into a loose hug. “Aww! I missed you too Buddy!” She said while patting him on the head. She set down her bag and walked into the kitchen where her mom Flora was cooking dinner. She turned around and smiled at her daughter “Hi, Clover. How was school?”
Clover groaned “tiring. I did a bunch of running around and that type of stuff.” Flora chuckled in amusement. “Well I’m making your favorite, Mushroom and dragonfly soup!” Clover gasped “That sounds so good right now. Where’s ma?” Flora stirred the spoon in the pot and said “She’s in the dining room.” That younger frog turned around and walked into the dining room to see the green frog writing intensely onto a paper.
”Hey Clover. How was your day?” Asked Holly without looking up. Clover took seat at the table and frowned “It was okay I guess..” she said with a shrug. Holly stopped what she was doing and looked at Clover with a worried gaze “Hey squirt what’s wrong?” She asked putting a hand on her daughters shoulder. Now Clover was about to give up on suckling up her tears. She blinked her eyes rapidly trying to get rid of her tears that were once again threatening to fall “nothing..” she said looking up to meet her mothers worried amber gaze.
“Just a stressful day, that’s all.” She said with a nervous smile. Holly didn’t buy. But if she didn’t want to tell her than she’s okay with that. Flora soon walked in with 3 bowls of mushroom and dragonfly soup in her hands. “Dinners ready! I know you guys really like this kind of soup.” Holly finally turned her attention away from Clover which the pale green and orange frog was relieved about.
The family of 3 ate their dinner together while talking about there days. It’s seems as if Holly had been doing work on the crops and other chores while Flora sold items at the plantar family stand. Clover had told them about her day which was just another day at school. She had also told them about miss Blossom giving her a peony flower and meeting Cypress which they jokingly teased her for maybe having a crush on the brown frog. Even thought they just met! She explained.
The day soon came to an end. Now she is writing in her diary as she always do before hitting the hay. Feeling the tiredness slowly take over her, quicker than it usually did, she set the diary down and turned off her mushroom lamp. Hibiscus jumped onto the bed to cuddle next to the frog. She smile and snuggled deep into her blanket. And tomorrow, she’ll do it again, as always.