Sometimes, Ah think pretendin' is easier than tellin' ponies. But tha's just lying to mahself. Ya can't be something yur not. No matter how much ya wish ya could.

The early rays of sun sneaked through the crack in faded curtains, inching further and further across the room and up the side of Applejack's bed until it reached her eyes. She turned on the mattress, the hard springs creaking as her body moved to escape the reach of the light a few minutes more. Soon enough, it was had reached her there, and she was forced to push the covers from her figure. The clop of her hooves as she slid from the bed shook the remains of a dream from her vision, and she reached one hoof up to rub her eyes, while another pulled the curtain open, revealing a brilliant, clear day. The cool air betrayed the late fall morning, sending a small chill up the orange mare's spine. She lazed about her room for a moment, then descended the staircase to the family room.

"Mornin' Sunshine, or, maybe afternoon, heh heh." Granny sat in her rocking chair, crocheting something too new to recognize in a light blue yarn that reminded Applejack not a little of the pond she frequently swam with her friends in. Applejack had never figured out how she had managed to crochet with hooves, it seemed far too complicated to her, and Granny's speed seemed to defy even what little of the process made sense to her. "Breakfast is on the counter darlin', remember to relax and be yourself."

The sentence struck Applejack as out of place, and she stopped mid-stride to ask "Wha'd ya say granny?"

"Breakfast's on tha counter, and don't cha forget to relax, why?" Applejack couldn't tell if she'd misheard her, or if Granny Smith was just having a forgetful moment. It didn't really matter much, and she pushed the moment from her mind. Crossing the threshold into the kitchen, the smell of apple-pancakes, syrup and fresh milk assaulted her nose and awakened her stomach with a loud growl. She filled a plate and carried it over to the table in her mouth, eating it as quickly as possible to fill her empty tummy.

"Applejack, when you go to town taday, could'ya pick up sumore yarn?" Granny called into the kitchen as Applejack finished her meal.

"Sure Granny." She washed her plate and laid it on the rack to dry. Before trotting out the door, she lifted her hat from the rack, then stepped into the crisp cool day. Clouds had begun to take shape to the south, threatening a soft rain. Before her was the path into town, and it seemed to call to her in the voice of her friends. It had been too long and she was itching to hang out with them. Still, she was hesitant. Something inside of her had started to fear going out with the girls. It was like they knew, and were just waiting for her to tell them. Or maybe she was just waiting to tell herself. It didn't much matter, she was afraid none the less because of it. It took all the strength in her body to place the first hoof forward, but each following step became easier until she had made it through the orchard without realizing it. Then she reached the bridge at the edge of town. Then she reached the library, and stood in front of the door. She could hear Pinkie Pie's loud, excited voice through the wood entrance, and it brought her to a pause.

Are they all here already? Applejack considered turning around and coming back a bit later, after she'd built up her courage more. What're ya'll so scared of, Applejack? It's just yer friends, same as always. She smoothed out her hat, unruffling the edges a bit and bringing it down a little over her eyes, then she rattled a shaking hoof against the door. It made a quite, almost inaudible noise, and Applejack moved to knock again, nearly smacking Twilight in her face as she opened the door.

"Hey Applejack, wanna come in and get ready for tonight?" She stepped aside to make room for Applejack. Pinkie pie was bouncing around, her mouth running without stop as she did. Rainbow Dash was hovering just above the floor while Fluttershy stood silently off in the corner. Rarity seemed to be the only one actually getting ready, and she had done little beyond applying a light eyeliner. Applejack's gaze lingered on Rarity just a moment longer than the others, admiring her delicate and well postured frame, but it caught Rainbow Dash's attention. She grinned at Applejack, who had finally stepped across the threshold into the warm library.

As soon as she could, Rainbow Dash cornered the orange pony. "So, excited for tonight?" Her smirk was enough to tell Applejack she'd lingered too long. She'd caught the mare before, but seemed to pass it off until now.

"A-a course. Haven't been out with ya'll in it feels like ferever. Be good ta get outta the orchard." Applejack could hear her own voice shake, something that didn't happen often. Why am ah so nervous? They're mah friends.

"I... Applejack, I never knew." Twilight's look was one more of pity than support or acceptance. "You know it's not allowed, right?" Fluttershy simply shy'ed away from Applejack, and Pinkie Pie bounced around, still stuck in her own little world. But the look of rejection on Rarity's face was what terrified the farm pony the most. It stabbed at her chest, the pressure building like she'd just run through the Everfree forest, a mixture of hurt and fear that she could only describe as hopelessness.

She shook the image from her mind. It wasn't like Rainbow Dash would go around telling anyone even if she suspected.

"Got any plans for who you'd like to dance with?" She raised her eyebrow and gestured openly at the oblivious white pony fussing over whether she'd put too much eye shadow on. Applejack ran her eyes over the fashionista, her eye's catching on each soft, well defined curve. She stopped at the powder white haunch that held her cutie mark, then glided her eyes back to Rainbow Dash.

"What'er you talkin' bout? I jus wanna have a few drinks with my friends and get off my hooves." She recovered a bit, and her voice sounded stronger, more confident. Still, it didn't erase the beads of nervous sweat forming around the brim of her hat.

She nudged Applejack and giggled a short "sure" before joining Twilight to read while they waited for Rarity to finish.

Author's Note

Sorry guys, I rewrote this section several times to get it just right. I hope you like it. (It may still undergo a couple of minor revisions, and suggestions are appreciated.)

It's shorter than it was going to be, but I think the way I'm going to do the next two chapters will make more sense.