The next morning, Lightning Dust wakes up at 6am. She soon showered up, got dressed, and toasted up a bagel. After breakfast, she cleans the knife, and is ready to go out.
“Lightning!” Her mother calls out. “Where are you going this early in the morning?”
“I’m on my way to Sweet Apple Acres.” Lightning Dust answered. “Applejack and her family should be up by now.”
Lightning’s mother soon realized something. “That’s right. Farm folks wake up early to get their chores done. A good change of pace for you.”
“You said it, mom. Later.”
Lightning Dust went out and headed for her destination. After a twenty minute hike, she reaches Sweet Apple Acres. As she approaches the barn, she was given a friendly welcome.
“Howdy, Lightning Dust.” Applejack greeted. “Thanks for coming.”
“You’re welcome.” Lightning replied. “I figured you’d be up by now. You farm folks do wake up early.”
“You figured out right. Come in the house so we can prepare you properly.”
Minutes later, Lightning comes out wearing a sky blue T shirt and deep blue bib overalls. With a pair of boots she was given, Lightning Dust looks at herself in a mirror, and is impressed.
“What do you think?” Applejack asked.
“Looks good, Applejack.” Lightning Dust answered. “But, I think these overalls need a little altering.”
Lightning rolled up the pant cuffs, and likes this look.
“Now, I’m ready for the farm.” Lightning stated.
Applejack looks at Lightning and is amused. “Looks like you’ve been taking lessons on bib overalls from my little sister.”
“Some girls roll the cuffs on bib overalls.” Lightning informed. “Not just kids like Apple Bloom.”
“You made a point. Let’s get to work.”
Later, inside a barn, Lightning Dust sweeps the floor, stacking boxes, and brushing the hair of Applejack’s horse, Penelope.
“Doing good, LD.” Applejack praised. “How’s about taking a break?”
Applejack gives Lightning a bottle of water. A thought came to Lightning’s head. “Did I hear that there’s an event happening tonight?”
“Yup.” Applejack replied. “We’re having a barbecue later today. And, me and my family are hosting the festivities. My friends are coming over as well.”
“When they arrive, I leave.”
“Don’t be silly, Lightning Dust. You’re invited to this barbecue too. You’ve been very helpful since you came here. So, you deserve to be rewarded.”
A wide smile appeared on Lightning’s face. She feels very happy that somebody is giving her a chance to make up for her misdeeds. “Thanks, AJ. Time to get back to work. Point me in the right direction.”
Lightning brushes Penelope’s mane and tail. She looks at the noble horse. “You’re one beautiful horse. I’m glad I don’t hurt animals.”
As she was brushing the horse, Granny Smith comes along.
“I need to set the picnic area in the barn area for the barbecue.” Granny Smith said. “Would you like to help me a bit?”
“Sure, Granny.” Lightning replied as she puts down the brush. “Lead the way.”
Granny Smith and Lightning Dust set up an area for the barbecue.
“There we go.” LD said. “Cooler is ready to hold drinks, dining tables ready, everything’s set.”
“I’m happy Applejack asked you to help us, Lightning.” Granny Smith replied. “I heard that you felt threatened by the soccer team at AJ’s school.”
“You heard right, Granny Smith. So, I was approached to have my recklessness tamed. This way, I can stay on the team.”
“Well, little lady. I wish y’all luck on your journey.”
Granny Smith gave Lightning Dust a sweet hug as the soccer girl felt genuine love. “Thank you.”
Later that day, the barbecue was underway. Guests were enjoying themselves, having food and drinks, and enjoying the music DJ-Pon3 was playing. Lightning Dust helped Big Macintosh with the grill.
“Thanks for helping me with the food.” Big Mac praised.
“Not a problem.” Lightning replied. “I got to keep up the good work, if I’m to stay on Spitfire’s good graces.”
Applejack soon approached Lightning Dust. “How about taking a break. You look like you can use some food too.”
Lightning Dust looked worried. Big Mac calmed her down. “Don’t worry. I’ll carry on.”
Still a bit nervous, Lightning grabbed a plate, was given a couple of hot dogs, some beans, and a can of soda. She made her way to the other side of the barn, fearing she would be talked down to for her past.
As she was munching on a hot dog, Applejack approached her, seeing that Lightning Dust was still upset.
“What’s wrong, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.
“Sorry, AJ.” Lightning replied. “I figured you guys don’t need me around.”
“You don’t have to be afraid of anyone. Don’t forget, me and my friends are here to help you.”
Feeling a little better, Lightning picks up her plate and joins the party. She sees Sunset having a baked potato and butter.
“I never knew you can grill a potato.” Sunset said happily. “With a salad on the side, I’m in paradise.”
Lightning Dust chuckled silently, realizing Sunset Shimmer is not afraid of her. Soon, Trixie Lulamoon came along.
“Hello, LD.” Trixie greeted.
“Hi there, Trixie.” Lightning responded. “No surprise entrances this time?”
“I figured to be a little mellow this time. Besides, you needed to relax for a while.”
Lightning Dust gave Trixie a hug. She was grateful to the great and powerful one for letting Twilight and her friends know of this situation.
Later that night, Lightning Dust was back at home, still wearing her farmer clothes and her sneakers off. She was relaxing on her bed when her mother comes into her bedroom.
“Those clothes looks cute on you.” The mother said.
“Thanks, mom.” Lightning replied. “Applejack told me that she bought these clothes for me, knowing I was coming here. And, I get to keep them.”
Lightning’s mother was happy to know that somebody cares about her. And, gives her some more news. “While you were on your way home, Fluttershy called. She would like it if you go on a nature hike with her tomorrow.”
Lightning thought about it for a bit. Then, gave her an answer. “Not much to do tomorrow besides my usual chores. So, sure. I’ll call her right away.”
The mother gave Lightning a thumbs up and leaves to give her daughter some privacy.
“Well,” Lightning’s mother thought, “The path of redemption continues.”
TO BE CONTINUED...
