Author's Note

It's the end of August. Time for Apple Bloom to join the neighborhood festivities. But, somebody else has other plans.

August 31-An Abrupt End

Inside her room, Apple Bloom lays back and thought about all of the adventures she had since she came to Jackbox Village. From taking part in Bidiots to the fast action of Bracketeering, it's been quite a summer.

"Hard to believe that my summer is almost over." Apple Bloom thought. "At least I can rest up until Tuesday. That's when I go back to Canterlot."

A few moments the farm girl remembered is when she was restrained during her shaky days. She can still remember how Rainbow Dash wrapped her up before the trip to the Scrawleseum. That was after a scary moment at the Wheel of Enormous Proportions. And also, how Devil Mom had to restrain her after Snips and Snails gave her trouble. "Well, at least nobody used a straitjacket. That would've been real nerve racking."

Apple Bloom was helpful to others. Like how she helped out Octavia Melody in her battle in Mad Verse City. Vinyl Scratch was happy for Apple Bloom being there. Just then, there was a knock on her door.

"Who's there?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It's me, AB." Kevin answered. "Can I come in?"

"Sure."

Kevin came into her room. He and Amy were very impressed with how this farm kid adjusts to a fascinating suburbia like this."

"Deep in thought?" Kevin asked.

"Yup." Apple Bloom answered. "Just thinking off all of my best moments here."

"Well, better slip on your sneakers, kid. You need to be ready for the block party."

"Oh yeah. Thanks for the reminder."

Minutes later, Apple Bloom was munching on a bagel and having some orange juice. Olga looks on. "Peanut butter and jelly on a bagel?"

"Why not?" Apple Bloom replied as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. "I've seen people order something like this in bagel shops."

Olga chuckled. "That's true."

Later, Apple Bloom walks along the streets. And, she sees sections blocked off to allow fun activities. Music fills the air. Food being served, and family activities like face painting. The farm kid was enjoying a grilled burger and some soda one of the neighbors offered. Then, a cuddly clown girl approached her.

"Hi there, friend." The clown said. "How would you like your face painted?"

"I always wondered about that traditional activity." Apple Bloom answered. "Sure."

Minutes later, Apple Bloom had her nose painted black and whiskers on each side of her face. She looked at her face, and her eyes whent wide. "Wow! That looks cute."

"Thanks." Said the clown. "I like to keep my designs simple."

As she left the booth, she saw Opaline Arcana waving to her.

"What brings y'all here, ma'am?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I was told about this block party, Apple Bloom." Opaline answered. "So, I decided to show up. And, I brought Sunny Starscout and her friends with me."

Sure enough, Apple Bloom saw Sunny, Izzy, Hitch, Pipp, Zipp, Misty, and Sprout at a picnic table enjoying some food.

"Howdy, everybody." Apple Bloom greeted.

Izzy looked at Apple Bloom humorously. "I tawt I taw a puddy tat!"

Apple Bloom chuckled. "That's a good one. Talk about classical."

"Hey, Apple Bloom." Sprout greeted. "Having fun?"

"You bet. Good way to finish off August."

"I'm with you." Sunny added. "This place sure knows how to throw a block party."

"I've gotten some footage of this event." Pipp informed. "This will make a good podcast."

But, what they don't know is that someone was watching them. It was Sprout's mother: Phyllis Cloverleaf. She looks at Apple Bloom suspiciously.

"There's that young farm girl: Apple Bloom." Phyllis said to herself. "I heard that she and her two partners made up for their misdeeds at Canterlot High School. And, I've learned that she spent her summer vacation here at Jackbox Village. But, these people have to understand that this young lady has a bad past. Time for me to set miss Bloom straight."

Phyllis went over to the table. Sprout was surprised to see her. “Hey, mom. What brings you here?"

Filling up with anger, Phyllis grabbed Apple Bloom and dragged her away. Then, pinned her to the wall.

"Listen here, young lady!" Phyllis said angrily. "I heard that these youngsters, including Sprout, are staying here in this village until Tuesday." Phyllis then slapped her in the face. "I'm staying here too! I'll make sure you're not causing trouble around here. ESPECIALLY TO SPROUT! YOU GOSSIPING HICK!"

Phyllis dropped Apple Bloom to be with her son. This left Apple Bloom shaken and tearing up. "That woman is a real hot head."

Later, at the Felmanders' house, Apple Bloom packed her bins. Kevin comforted her, trying to cheer her up. In the kitchen, Amy was talking on the phone. "That's right, Granny Smith. We're having Apple Bloom prepare to return home to you. It's not safe to be here for the next four days with Phyllis Cloverleaf calling the shots."

At Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith was shocked to hear this news. But, understood it clearly. "Okay, Amy. I'll have Applejack pick her up. I should've known there would be somebody to bring up past headaches. Thanks for your help."

After hanging up, Granny felt bad for Apple Bloom, having her summer ending like this. Later, Apple Bloom was back at Sweet Apple Acres, unpacking her stuff. The farm girl was saddened that circumstances caused her to come home early. Applejack comes along to cheer her up.

"Don't be so down, sis." Applejack said. "That Phyllis Cloverleaf is just filled with hot air. Besides, I forgave you for last year. And, so did everybody at CHS. Remember?"

"Yeah. You're right." Apple Bloom replied. "But, what about Gladys Harshwhinny?"

"She was approached by Principal Celestia in July. That woman soon realized her mistake. The nerve of her trying to break up our sisterly relationship."

The Apple Sisters had a good laugh. Applejack looked at some of the stuff she earned at the village. "I really like that tee shirt you brought home from Tee Shirt Island. You truly earned it." She then leaves the room. "I'll leave you to rest. Later, Apple Bloom."

As Apple Bloom finished putting her stuff away, she realized that Applejack is right. This will be one summer she'll never forget.