Life of an Apple

     When Rarity heard what had happened to Applejack's mother, she and her parents offered to stay and help out for a while. Granny Smith was getting frail, and Big Mac and Applejack had no experience with a baby, so they had to accept the help. Rarity's mother, Pearl, was several months pregnant. Rarity had confessed to Applejack that she feared her younger sister would end up dead like her older one.

     Big Mac didn't talk much anymore. His friendship with Othello and other colts had faded. He was the type of pony who sat in the corner and watched others. A shy colt.

     Applejack now always wore the sloppy ponytails from her first day of school in her mane and tail. She also worked hard at her apple bucking. She helped her grief by bucking trees as hard as possible. She was working harder than an average filly.

     Once Big Mac found her curled up asleep near a tree, a red apple beside her. It was one of the rare moments when Big Mac would smile.

     Magnum, Rarity's father, and Pearl took care of Apple Bloom. Gradually, Big Mac began to help out more. But Applejack was afraid to go near the foal. Rarity was eager to talk to the filly, but Applejack was afraid Apple Bloom would hate her.

     "Why in the name of Celestia would you think that?" Rarity asked one day.

     Applejack had shrugged and replied, "I dunno. I just do."

     Big Mac, Applejack and Rarity were sitting in Applejack's bedroom. Pearl was giving birth at Ponyville hospital. They were all so worried about what would happen to Pearl or the baby.

     Apple Bloom was sleeping on Applejack's bed. Big Mac smiled at the snoozing bundle of fur. Apple Bloom was oblivious to the troubles her family were going through, which was a good thing for her.

     "Do you think she will survive?" Rarity murmured.

     "I dunno," Applejack sighed. "I really hope so. And your sister."

     Big Mac nodded.

     Rarity climbed up on Applejack's bed, and began gently stroking Apple Bloom. "Your sister is so darling," she sighed. "I hope mine is as well."

     Applejack joined Rarity on the bed, being close to Apple Bloom for the first time. Big Mac was surprised when she began stroking the foal.

     Apple Bloom then blinked open her orange eyes. She was wearing her usual pink bow on the back of her head. She looked up at Applejack curiously.

     The ponies then heard the barn doors open. They all sighed with relief when they galloped downstairs, Applejack carrying Apple Bloom on her back, and saw the white foal with Magnum and Pearl.