Love is in Bloomby theNDinspectorChaptersThe ReflectionThe ConsolationThe EvaluationThe Question (revised and extended)The ReflectionApple Bloom was hard at work in the woodshop. The smell of sawdust and various paints and other finishes filled the air. Accustomed to this shop and its smell after years of working as an apprentice, she was working on her final project—proving that she was ready to be a master carpenter. Her mentor, Wood Frame, watched the young mare work. Apple Bloom was making some final measurements and last-minute adjustments to the pieces before she would apply the wood-finish and assemble all the pieces into the final product. She had the choice to use paint, wood-stain, or a clear-coat. Personally, he hoped that she would use one of the latter two. Paint was a good finish, especially for houses and other items, but there were many more projects that looked better with the grain of the wood visible—displaying its natural beauty. However, Wood Frame could not suggest which one she should use. This was her project. She had to make all of the decisions and do all of the work. All he could do was to approve her design and consult throughout the process. He could even show her how to do certain things, but only on test pieces of wood—most of which he had already done over the years. Apple Bloom was on her own. Wood Frame retreated to his office, thinking about the young mare in the shop. Her mane was tied back, but not with a pink bow—it had been made clear on her first day that it was a safety hazard. However, she had stopped wearing it even outside of the workshop as well. Part of this was because they used to belong to her mother and—having been worn throughout fillyhood—had become very old and fragile. Also, many of said bows were ruined thanks to Apple Bloom’s nephew, who had an insatiable appetite for ribbons. The once common sight of a yellow earth-pony with a pink bow in her light-red mane had now become a rarity. Wood Frame missed the sight. Wood Frame had grown very fond of Apple Bloom. In truth, he was only a few years older than she was. They were both in Ponyville Elementary—although it was his last year there when she first started school—and he had already been in his own apprenticeship for a few years when she was attending Ponyville High. So he didn’t see much of her until she started coming to the shop to get wood to work with and see the various machinery…and a certain brown stallion with a wooden-house frame cutie mark. It was a complete shock when she had asked him to be her mentor. He had only just finished his own apprenticeship a couple of years previous, but was technically able to do it. It was also common practice in the apprenticeship programs that the student would board with the master in his, or her, own home. However, Apple Bloom came back a couple of days later—after having told her family of her apprenticeship—and said that some changes needed to be made. She still wanted to be his apprentice, but she would still live in her own home at Sweet Apple Acres. She had said something about her sister not being able to handle too much change. Wood Frame understood these wishes and obliged. He was also very relieved. It just seemed that two young, single ponies that were supposed to be in a teacher/student relationship, both living under the same roof, was a recipe for disaster. However, due to her almost constant presence at the shop, Wood Frame felt a strange attachment to the young mare. Apple Bloom had shown great progress throughout the years. Wood Frame had seen many carpenters, both young and old, able to produce work at varying levels of quality and passion, but none quite like Apple Bloom. She had the uncanny ability to be able to take any material, no matter the quality, and turn it into something magnificent. She also put extreme care into her work, much like the farmer in her would to her crop. Wood Frame started to notice this after Applejack came to the shop one day for a visit, and showed him some pictures of Apple Blooms various projects as a filly. One particularly shocking project was that of an old treehouse—that was so beat up that it looked like it needed to be condemned—in one picture, and the other showing the same treehouse, but completely rejuvenated—just like new. Wood Frame could hardly believe it, much like those “Before and After” pictures of many diet fads. However, on closer inspection, he could see that the first picture was indeed of older quality than the second, and slightly worn. Also, the young filly in the first was clearly Applejack, while the one in the second was Apple Bloom. However, they weren’t always on good terms in their relationship as master and apprentice. One particular instance happened when two of Apple Bloom’s friends came by for a visit: one of them, Equestria’s most renowned stuntponies, and the other a singer of rising fame. Somehow, their visit resulted in utter chaos around the shop. Thankfully, nopony was hurt beyond a few bruises and a couple of scratches, but a very important table was completely decimated. Wood Frame was furious because the project had taken the better part of a month to work on, and was to be picked up the next day. Apple Bloom said she could fix it, which he obliged and left the shop—being too angry to focus on anything. After cooling down for a couple of hours, he returned, only to have his blood-pressure rise again. He saw…well…he wasn’t sure what it was. It looked like one of those modern-art projects that made little sense to him. But at least those were done that way on purpose. “Ah’ don’t get it,” Apple Bloom had said, bewildered. “How is it that Ah’m training to be a professional carpenter, and yet, when we work ta`gether, we still can’t fix a table?” It had taken Wood Frame every single ounce of persuasion that he had to prevent losing Diamond Tiara’s business and convince her to give them another month to create a second table—at a discount. She reluctantly agreed, only on the condition that Apple Bloom was to have no hoof in the process whatsoever, and that she and her friends were not permitted, under any circumstance, to be allowed anywhere near the final product. Silence prevailed in the shop for the next several weeks. Wood Frame sighed. That instance was long behind them, and everything forgiven. He fumbled with one of the drawers to his desk, thinking about Apple Bloom. “Would it be proper?” he thought. “I’m her mentor, after all, but she’ll be finishing that soon. Should I ask her?” “Woody?” Apple Bloom asked from the open door, using the nickname he had asked her not to call him—but secretly liked. “Ah’m done for the night. Do yah’ want me to close up shop?” “Now’s your chance Woody.” “No,” he said, ignoring his thoughts. “You can go on home; I’ll take care of it tonight.” “Okay, see yah’ tomorrow,” Apple Bloom said, turning to leave. “YOU FOOL!” Wood Frame scolded himself. “That was your chance! WHY DIDN’T YOU TAKE IT?” He sat there for a few moments, rubbing his forehead. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down. “It’s probably better this way,” he thought. “She really needs to focus on that project. Maybe after the evaluation…” The ConsolationWood Frame was pleased. Apple Bloom had finally finished her project, and he was looking it over. It was a china hutch, and a very beautiful one at that. He was delighted to see that she used a cherry wood-stain as her finish—it really made the entire thing pop with character. “Apple Bloom,” he finally said. “This is, by far, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen you make.’ “Thanks,” Apple Bloom blushed. “Now I just need to send word to the supervisor in Canterlot,” Wood Frame stated. “Hopefully he can make it here by next week.” “Oh, right,” Apple Bloom said in a less than enthusiastic tone. “Is something wrong?” Wood Frame asked, concerned. “No,” Apple Bloom started. “It’s just…Ah’m nervous, is all. What if Ah’ fail?” This was something Wood Frame hadn’t encountered from the young mare before. She was usually very impatient over everything, always saying things along the lines of: “Ah’ want it now!” Yet, here she was, apprehensive to the moment that she’s wanted for years. “You’ll do great, Apple Bloom,” Wood Frame said, putting a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Over the years, I’ve seen you constantly improve and work hard. There’s nothing you can’t do. I wasn’t kidding when I said that this was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever made. You are a great carpenter, and a great pony. Don’t ever forget that.” With that, she gave him a hug and said, “Thanks.” “Tell her now!” he thought. “Listen, I know it’s early, but why don’t you go on home,” he said, instead. “It’s been a long day, and I’m sure you could use the rest.” “Okay,” Apple Bloom said and walked to the door. She hesitated for a moment, but then left. *** The walk home was surprisingly uneventful on this warm, spring afternoon. Apple Bloom felt happy, happy that she was almost done with her apprenticeship—paying off all of her hard work—and over the words of comfort that Woody had said. But she also felt confused. Upon reaching the farmhouse, she opened the door. “Bloomy!” A small maroon colt shouted, leaping onto her back. “Hey’ya kiddo! Sorry, no bow today,” Apple Bloom said; some sadness in her voice over this triumph. Disappointed, Lil’ Mac jumped off her back and trotted to another part of the house. He was certainly was getting a lot bigger…and heavier. “He should be starting school this fall,” Apple Bloom thought. “Apple Bloom?” A voice from the living room came. “You’re home early.” Cheerilee was on the sofa, grading papers. She herself had returned home not too long ago. Applejack and Big Mac were out of town, delivering pies. They wouldn’t be back until late that night. “Ah’ finished my project, so Woody gave me the rest of the day off,” Apple Bloom replied. “The supervisor should be here next week to look at it.” “That’s great,” Cheerilee said. “Are you excited?” “Ah’ think so,” Apple Bloom said, and then thought about something. “Cheerilee, why did you fall in love with Big Mac?” “Why do you ask that?” Cheerilee asked, taken aback. “Well,” Apple Bloom started. “The reason you came together, in the first place, was because of that love potion me and mah’ friends made. Then after it wore off, you still decided to see each other. Did it seem…weird at all?” “I’ll admit, it was a very…interesting start to our relationship,” Cheerilee answered. “But we found that we enjoyed each other’s company. He made my life more uplifting by being somepony I could talk to. I’ve also helped him as well. I’m sure you’ve noticed how he’s more open than he used to be.” “Yeah,” Apple Bloom admitted, thinking about her big brother and how shy he used to be around others that weren’t family. Now he would talk a lot more to the ponies in town. He wasn’t quite Pinkie Pie social (though to be honest, nopony could even come close to a fraction of how social Pinkie Pie is). “Why the sudden interest in our relationship?” Cheerilee asked. “Ah’ was just…curious, is all.” Apple Bloom answered, weakly. “Come on, you know better than that,” Cheerilee said, with a knowing smile on her face. “Who is it?” “It’s dumb,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Admitting your feelings is the first step in progression,” Cheerilee calmly said. “Now, who is it?” “Wood Frame,” Apple Bloom finally admitted. “Your mentor?” Cheerilee replied. “Yeah,” Apple Bloom said, finally opening up. “Ah’ know it’s weird, since he’s my mentor, but Ah’m almost done with my apprenticeship, and we’re close to the same age. He’s just been so kind to me all these years. Today, Ah’ was worried about the supervisor coming, and that he wouldn’t like my project, but he reassured me that it would be fine. Ah’ also keep getting this feeling that he wants to tell me something, but he doesn’t. Ah’ think Ah’ love him. Is it…wrong?” Apple Bloom stared at the floor. Silence emanating from the two mares. Cheerilee thought about Apple Bloom’s words for a moment. The sounds of a little colt and a dog playing in the other room were just barely audible. “I don’t think so,” Cheerilee finally said, causing Apple Bloom to look up. “If this is truly what your heart is telling you, then you should follow it. Like you said, you soon won’t be Wood Frame’s apprentice anymore. Besides, it also sounds like he may have something he wants to tell you as well. Give it time; I’m sure it’ll work out.” Apple Bloom sat there, letting Cheerilee’s words sink in. “Now, let’s get this little guy off to bed,” Cheerilee said, breaking the silence. “It’s been a long day.” “Aaaaw!” Lil’ Mac whined from the open doorway. The EvaluationWood Frame was starting to get nervous. Professor Keen Eye, one of the supervisors for the apprenticeship program at Canterlot University, had responded to his letter and, as expected, arrived the next week. What he wasn’t expecting was how long this evaluation was taking. Keen Eye was closely examining every detail of the china hutch that Apple Bloom built. He examined the cherry-stained finish and the carvings on the sides of the cabinet. He then opened a few of its drawers and doors, frowned a little, and jotted some notes on a pad. He was also cross-examining Apple Bloom’s workbook and notes with some measurements of his own. Wood Frame looked over at Apple Bloom. Celestia only knows what was going through the young mare’s mind. Or maybe only Luna did, since she could enter ponies’ dreams at night. Wood Frame’s nerves, on the other hoof, were unraveling. This evaluation was taking longer than his did, and he had thought nothing could ever be longer than that. Apparently he was wrong. Finally, Keen Eye walked over to them, satisfied with his examination of the china hutch. “All right,” he said. “Now before I can give you the results, I would like to speak with both of you individually. Mr. Frame, I’ll speak with you first. Your office should suffice.” With a pit in his stomach, Wood Frame led the professor to the small room in the corner of the shop. Keen Eye sat in what was usually his chair. Wood Frame took one of the guest chairs on the other side of the room. It felt weird being on the opposite side of his desk. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Frame, but aren’t you a bit young to be a mentor?” Keen Eye asked. “Yes,” Wood Frame answered. “But soon after I passed my evaluation, I applied to be a mentor in the Apprentice Program. My own mentor, Table Saw, was retiring soon. I figured that Ponyville needed a mentor in carpentry available, should one be needed.” “And were no other mentors available?” the professor asked. “No,” Wood Frame responded. “It’s a small town.” Keen Eye nodded. “I see. Now, about Miss Apple Bloom, how would you describe her work and her progress while she’s been here?” “Her work is like nothing I've ever seen,” Wood Frame said, a little too excitedly. “From day one, she has taken to this profession like a duck to water. She’s easily grasped every concept and skill I've taught her. There have been a few mishaps along the way, but overall, she has progressed farther than anypony I know.” Keen Eye wrote something down. “Very well, one last question then,” he finally said. “This project of hers, did you have any involvement in it whatsoever?” “No,” Wood Frame replied. “Not beyond approving it and providing the materials.” “Thank you, Mr. Frame,” Keen Eye said, rising from the desk and walked to the door. “That’ll be all. I’ll see your apprentice now.” Wood Frame walked out the door Keen Eye had just opened. *** Apple Bloom walked into her mentor’s office, now occupied by the supervisor. She felt like there were butterflies in her stomach, but she stood her ground. “Please, take a seat Miss Bloom,” Keen Eye said. Apple Bloom took the familiar position in front of the desk. Professor Keen Eye was silent for a minute, looking through his notes. The anticipation was killing her. Finally, the stallion behind the desk spoke. “Now, before I tell you the results of your project, Miss Bloom, I would like to ask you a couple of hypothetical questions. They will not affect your grade in any way, but it would be most beneficial to you if you answer truthfully. Can you do that?” “Yes,” Apple Bloom stated confidently. Being the sister to the Element of Honesty had certainly rubbed off on her. “Excellent,” Keen Eye said, putting his front hooves together. “Now, if I should give you a failing grade—and remember, this is hypothetical—but if you should fail, and choose to not pursue this career, what would you do?” Apple Bloom felt a like a stone had just been dropped in her stomach now. She had never thought of that possibility, or what she would do if it should happen. “But the answer’s obvious, isn’t it?” She thought. “Well,” Apple Bloom began. “Ah’ guess Ah’ would continue to say with mah’ family on Sweet Apple Acres. Ah’ can still help with the farm work, and there is always stuff that needs to be fixed or built around there.” Keen Eye thought over her response for a moment, and then nodded. “Very well, next question,” he said. “If you pass this evaluation, and you had the choice to go anywhere in Equestria to be a master carpenter, where would you go and why?” Apple Bloom took even longer to process this question and what she would do, if given this possibility. “Ah’…Ah’ really can’t imagine mah’self outside of Ponyville,” she finally said. “This is mah’ home! Nearly everything Ah’ know an’ love is here. How could Ah’ possibly leave?” Keen Eye was silent as he processed the young mare before him. She wasn’t looking at him anymore. Her ears drooped, and he could hear her faint sniffling. “When I return to Canterlot,” he started, “I’ll be submitting documentation of your work to the university, which will then send copies all throughout Equestria. There’ll be many places looking for talented, new carpenters. Promise me that you’ll at least think about it.” Apple Bloom looked up, slowly putting together what he was implying. “Yah’ mean…” she asked. “Yes,” Keen Eye stated. “Congratulations, Miss Apple Bloom, you are now officially a master carpenter.” *** Wood Frame was pacing at the far end of the shop, worried about what was happening in his office. He had the utmost confidence in Apple Bloom. But for some reason, Professor Keen Eye’s demeanor had shattered all of that confidence and replaced it with dread. “What is going on in there?” He wondered. As if in answer to his unspoken demand, the door opened and two ponies walked out. Apple Bloom was beaming, with a smile that practically extended to her ears. “She passed!” Relief washed over him, as if a heavy weight he had been carrying for miles was suddenly lifted. Professor Keen Eye said something about taking pictures of the china hutch and making copies of all of Apple blooms notes from past projects to submit to Canterlot University, where they would be sent to potential employers. But Wood Frame wasn’t paying much attention. He was too caught up in the moment. When Keen Eye returned to the office to make those copies, Apple Bloom suddenly embraced her now-former mentor. She even started leaning in to kiss him, but when she realized what she was doing, she backed off. Awkwardly, she let go, blushing over what she nearly did. “Ask her now! Do it now!” “You should probably go home and tell your family,” Wood Frame said. “I’m certain that I can take care of things here.” “Okay,” Apple Bloom said, still excited that she had passed. She then left the shop, leaving Wood Frame alone in the work room. “Why can’t you ask her?” He scolded himself, yet again. Regaining his composure, “Well, this is a big deal. Let’s not clutter up the day with something else on her mind.” The Question (revised and extended)Wood Frame was sitting in his office, completely oblivious to the world around him. It had been a couple of weeks since Professor Keen Eye’s evaluation and—true to his word—job offers for Apple Bloom were arriving from all over Equestria. Several came from places like Manehattan and Fillydelphia. A couple came from Appaloosa and Canterlot. There was even one from the Chrystal Empire. knock knock knock Wood Frame knew he should be proud of Apple Bloom and the opportunities that she had—which he was. However, the only thing he could feel at the moment was depressed. He just knew that Apple Bloom would leave at any moment, and go far away. He would probably never see her again. He had worked all alone in the shop before and was fine then. This time, though, he didn’t think he could bear it. knock knock knock Oh, how Apple Bloom had changed him. He used to be very solitary, only working with others out of necessity. Even then, he would try to do most of the work himself. But ever since she came, that need for solitude eroded away. He worked with her not only because he had to, but because he wanted to. knock knock knock Wood Frame figured that she just had that effect on ponies. Applejack once said something about how Apple Bloom had helped heal her broken heart after a quarrel that they’d had before Apple Bloom started her apprenticeship. She certainly seemed to have the ability to make anything bloom, so to speak. But now the flower of his life was about to wilt and fade away forever. “Woody?” Wood Frame snapped back to reality. Apple Bloom was poking her head through the now barely open door. It was nearly nine in the evening—well past closing-time. “Why is she still here this late?” Wood Frame wondered. “Ah’ just wanted to thank you for everything that you taught me,” Apple Bloom said, walking into the office. “The pleasure was all mine,” Wood Frame managed to say. After clearing the frog in his throat, he continued. “Have you accepted any of the offers yet?” “Not yet,” Apple Bloom admitted. “There’s a few that Ah’ might take, but…it just seems weird to go somewhere that isn’t home.” “Ask her now. Do it!” He thought. “Well, I’m sure you’ll find som-” “NO! If you don’t do it now, then you will never get another chance!” Wood Frame gulped. “Listen, I think I’ll close the shop for tomorrow. How about we have lunch together, and we can talk about it then?” He asked with a sheepish grin on his face. Apple Bloom considered him for a moment before saying: “Sure.” “How about we meet here at noon, and we’ll go along from there?” Wood Frame suggested. “Okay,” Apple Bloom agreed. She then turned and walked out of the woodshop. “You still didn’t ask her.” “SHUT UP!” Wood Frame accidentally yelled out loud. Wood Frame then turned back to his desk. He opened a drawer that now had a hoof-print worn into it after fumbling with it so much these past few weeks. It took a moment, but he found what he was looking for. After taking it out, he left the shop, turning off the lights behind him. *** Apple Bloom woke up at dawn the next morning—a habit she had developed when she was a filly. She did her usual morning chores, but it felt odd not having to go to work at the woodshop. After she told her family about her plans for the day with Wood Frame, she noticed that Cheerilee had a sly, knowing smile on her face as she left for the schoolhouse. To keep herself busy, Apple Bloom went out into the field with Applejack and Big Mac to prepare for the upcoming Apple Bucking Season. Lil’ Mac happily followed his father. As she worked, Apple Bloom thought about her future. The truth was that she hadn’t really come close to deciding on any of the job offers, although there were couple that she immediately refuted since they were so far away from home and any relatives that she had. However, one thought that kept crossing her mind always concerned Woody. “Why would he just close up shop today?” She wondered. “And what is it that he keeps wanting to tell me?” When she saw that the sun was getting close to approaching its peak, she returned to the farmhouse to clean herself up. Stepping out of the bathroom after a quick shower, she was drawn to her dresser. She opened it, looking for something that she hadn’t used in a long time. Finding it, she put it on—the long unused motions were still second-nature to her. She then left Sweet Apple Acres and headed straight for Ponyville. ~~~ Wood Frame was outside the woodshop, choking in the outfit he was wearing. He had put on a collared shirt, tie and jacket—nothing too fancy, just something he usually wore for certain business meetings that didn’t happen very often. He was very nervous, a small part of him actually hoping that Apple Bloom wouldn’t show up. But he knew that wouldn’t happen with the dependable mare. Sure enough, he saw her coming, but something was different about her. It was something he hadn’t seen in a long time. Apple Bloom was wearing her old pink bow. Stunned, Wood Frame watched as she approached him. “Oh, Ah’ didn’t realize this was supposed to be a formal outing,” Apple Bloom said, feeling a bit embarrassed. “What? Oh no, it’s fine. You look marvelous,” Wood Frame managed to say, and then looked himself over. “To be honest, I’m not sure why I put this old thing on.” It was a lie. Wood Frame had a reason to be wearing those clothes, but he still hadn’t developed the courage to tell Apple Bloom yet. He motioned for her to come with him and they went to a simple, yet pleasant restaurant near the center of town. They each had a lovely meal of daffodil sandwiches, tomato soup and apple juice. Soon after they had finished lunch, they found themselves walking in the park. They were reminiscing over the past few years in the shop and some of the more interesting things that had happened in Apple Bloom’s life—which were quite a lot. One thing that came up was the table incident, and Apple Bloom mentioned that something similar had happened before. “So it wasn’t the first time that that happened?” Wood Frame asked. “No, mah’ friends and Ah’ once broke Fluttershy’s small table. We tried to fix it—and get cutie marks in carpentry—but it was a disaster,” Apple Bloom explained. “Then Sweetie Belle said, ‘Who wants a picture of a hammer on their flank anyway?’ And look at me now.” She giggled as she looked at her own flank, showing a hammer and 2x4 crossed behind a young sapling of an apple tree. Wood Frame chuckled as well. “A bit ironic, isn’t it?” He finally said. “What about you?” Apple Bloom asked “Oh, there isn’t much to tell,” Wood Frame said, trying to avoid the question. “Ahh, come on,” Apple Bloom whined. “We never talk about you.” “Well, I was usually a pretty solitary colt,” he relented. “I didn’t like to work with others very much. That changed ever since you came along though. I also like to play baseball. I have to play with others for that, so I guess it counts for something.” “So, why did you want to be a carpenter?” Apple Bloom continued, thrilled that she was finally getting some personal information about her former mentor after all these years. “Well, after my dad and I helped rebuild a house for a family that had lost their home in a fire, I got this,” he said, referring to his own cutie mark of a wooden house frame. “I figured that everypony deserves a place to stay, no matter where or who they are.” “That’s really sweet,” Apple Bloom commented. “Thanks,” Wood Frame replied. “Though, I like to think that others would do the same thing.” “Yeah, but they don’t always do so,” Apple Bloom said, moving a little bit closer to the well dressed stallion. Then she frowned a little, and asked, “Okay, Woody, what gives?” “What do you mean?” Wood Frame asked, taken aback. Apple Bloom then started to list everything on her mind, “Yah’ know: lunch, the stroll through the park, talking about our foalhoods…the fancy clothes. What gives?” “I just thought I’d spend some time with you before left,” Wood Frame lied. “But Ah’ haven’t decided if Ah’ even want to leave!” Apple Bloom said, glaring at her former mentor. Wood Frame looked back into those red-orange eyes of hers, thinking of everything he could possibly say to get him out of this. “You might as well tell her now,” he thought, taking a deep breath and sighed. “The truth is…I can’t possibly tell you how much it has meant to me to have you around,” Wood Frame said. “Not just around the shop, but for me. You’ve helped me change so much and…I just can’t stand to be without you. I love you.” Wood Frame then knelt down. He took a felt covered box out of his jacket and opened it, revealing a diamond studded, gold anklet (rings were really only practical for unicorns and the rare alicorn). “Apple Bloom, will you marry me?” Wood Frame finally asked. All was silent. Apple Bloom was totally dumbfounded, looking at the anklet, to Wood Frame, and then back again. Beads of sweat were running profusely down the back of Woody’s neck. “Oh sweet Celestia, I blew it!” He frantically thought. “She’ll never want me! Why would she wa-” “Yes!” Apple Bloom cried, leaping onto him and, unashamedly, kissed him. It was the happiest moment of Woody’s life. Author's Note Well, here's my second attempt at this ending. I must say that I am far more satisfied with this version than the other one I had published. However, the true judges around here are you. So, for those of you who had read the original last chapter posted on May 19, 2014: What do you think? Is this ending better than the previous version, in pacing, story and context? Was no difference made in your minds? Or, for some reason, is it worse? For those of you who didn't read the ending posted on the above date: Don't worry about it! Suffice it to say that it was pretty bad (think the first scene in Wood Frame's office ending with the proposal). However, I am still interested in your opinions of this chapter, and in the story overall. So please leave your thoughts, questions and concerns bellow. I look forward to hearing from you.
The ReflectionApple Bloom was hard at work in the woodshop. The smell of sawdust and various paints and other finishes filled the air. Accustomed to this shop and its smell after years of working as an apprentice, she was working on her final project—proving that she was ready to be a master carpenter. Her mentor, Wood Frame, watched the young mare work. Apple Bloom was making some final measurements and last-minute adjustments to the pieces before she would apply the wood-finish and assemble all the pieces into the final product. She had the choice to use paint, wood-stain, or a clear-coat. Personally, he hoped that she would use one of the latter two. Paint was a good finish, especially for houses and other items, but there were many more projects that looked better with the grain of the wood visible—displaying its natural beauty. However, Wood Frame could not suggest which one she should use. This was her project. She had to make all of the decisions and do all of the work. All he could do was to approve her design and consult throughout the process. He could even show her how to do certain things, but only on test pieces of wood—most of which he had already done over the years. Apple Bloom was on her own. Wood Frame retreated to his office, thinking about the young mare in the shop. Her mane was tied back, but not with a pink bow—it had been made clear on her first day that it was a safety hazard. However, she had stopped wearing it even outside of the workshop as well. Part of this was because they used to belong to her mother and—having been worn throughout fillyhood—had become very old and fragile. Also, many of said bows were ruined thanks to Apple Bloom’s nephew, who had an insatiable appetite for ribbons. The once common sight of a yellow earth-pony with a pink bow in her light-red mane had now become a rarity. Wood Frame missed the sight. Wood Frame had grown very fond of Apple Bloom. In truth, he was only a few years older than she was. They were both in Ponyville Elementary—although it was his last year there when she first started school—and he had already been in his own apprenticeship for a few years when she was attending Ponyville High. So he didn’t see much of her until she started coming to the shop to get wood to work with and see the various machinery…and a certain brown stallion with a wooden-house frame cutie mark. It was a complete shock when she had asked him to be her mentor. He had only just finished his own apprenticeship a couple of years previous, but was technically able to do it. It was also common practice in the apprenticeship programs that the student would board with the master in his, or her, own home. However, Apple Bloom came back a couple of days later—after having told her family of her apprenticeship—and said that some changes needed to be made. She still wanted to be his apprentice, but she would still live in her own home at Sweet Apple Acres. She had said something about her sister not being able to handle too much change. Wood Frame understood these wishes and obliged. He was also very relieved. It just seemed that two young, single ponies that were supposed to be in a teacher/student relationship, both living under the same roof, was a recipe for disaster. However, due to her almost constant presence at the shop, Wood Frame felt a strange attachment to the young mare. Apple Bloom had shown great progress throughout the years. Wood Frame had seen many carpenters, both young and old, able to produce work at varying levels of quality and passion, but none quite like Apple Bloom. She had the uncanny ability to be able to take any material, no matter the quality, and turn it into something magnificent. She also put extreme care into her work, much like the farmer in her would to her crop. Wood Frame started to notice this after Applejack came to the shop one day for a visit, and showed him some pictures of Apple Blooms various projects as a filly. One particularly shocking project was that of an old treehouse—that was so beat up that it looked like it needed to be condemned—in one picture, and the other showing the same treehouse, but completely rejuvenated—just like new. Wood Frame could hardly believe it, much like those “Before and After” pictures of many diet fads. However, on closer inspection, he could see that the first picture was indeed of older quality than the second, and slightly worn. Also, the young filly in the first was clearly Applejack, while the one in the second was Apple Bloom. However, they weren’t always on good terms in their relationship as master and apprentice. One particular instance happened when two of Apple Bloom’s friends came by for a visit: one of them, Equestria’s most renowned stuntponies, and the other a singer of rising fame. Somehow, their visit resulted in utter chaos around the shop. Thankfully, nopony was hurt beyond a few bruises and a couple of scratches, but a very important table was completely decimated. Wood Frame was furious because the project had taken the better part of a month to work on, and was to be picked up the next day. Apple Bloom said she could fix it, which he obliged and left the shop—being too angry to focus on anything. After cooling down for a couple of hours, he returned, only to have his blood-pressure rise again. He saw…well…he wasn’t sure what it was. It looked like one of those modern-art projects that made little sense to him. But at least those were done that way on purpose. “Ah’ don’t get it,” Apple Bloom had said, bewildered. “How is it that Ah’m training to be a professional carpenter, and yet, when we work ta`gether, we still can’t fix a table?” It had taken Wood Frame every single ounce of persuasion that he had to prevent losing Diamond Tiara’s business and convince her to give them another month to create a second table—at a discount. She reluctantly agreed, only on the condition that Apple Bloom was to have no hoof in the process whatsoever, and that she and her friends were not permitted, under any circumstance, to be allowed anywhere near the final product. Silence prevailed in the shop for the next several weeks. Wood Frame sighed. That instance was long behind them, and everything forgiven. He fumbled with one of the drawers to his desk, thinking about Apple Bloom. “Would it be proper?” he thought. “I’m her mentor, after all, but she’ll be finishing that soon. Should I ask her?” “Woody?” Apple Bloom asked from the open door, using the nickname he had asked her not to call him—but secretly liked. “Ah’m done for the night. Do yah’ want me to close up shop?” “Now’s your chance Woody.” “No,” he said, ignoring his thoughts. “You can go on home; I’ll take care of it tonight.” “Okay, see yah’ tomorrow,” Apple Bloom said, turning to leave. “YOU FOOL!” Wood Frame scolded himself. “That was your chance! WHY DIDN’T YOU TAKE IT?” He sat there for a few moments, rubbing his forehead. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down. “It’s probably better this way,” he thought. “She really needs to focus on that project. Maybe after the evaluation…”
The ConsolationWood Frame was pleased. Apple Bloom had finally finished her project, and he was looking it over. It was a china hutch, and a very beautiful one at that. He was delighted to see that she used a cherry wood-stain as her finish—it really made the entire thing pop with character. “Apple Bloom,” he finally said. “This is, by far, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen you make.’ “Thanks,” Apple Bloom blushed. “Now I just need to send word to the supervisor in Canterlot,” Wood Frame stated. “Hopefully he can make it here by next week.” “Oh, right,” Apple Bloom said in a less than enthusiastic tone. “Is something wrong?” Wood Frame asked, concerned. “No,” Apple Bloom started. “It’s just…Ah’m nervous, is all. What if Ah’ fail?” This was something Wood Frame hadn’t encountered from the young mare before. She was usually very impatient over everything, always saying things along the lines of: “Ah’ want it now!” Yet, here she was, apprehensive to the moment that she’s wanted for years. “You’ll do great, Apple Bloom,” Wood Frame said, putting a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Over the years, I’ve seen you constantly improve and work hard. There’s nothing you can’t do. I wasn’t kidding when I said that this was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever made. You are a great carpenter, and a great pony. Don’t ever forget that.” With that, she gave him a hug and said, “Thanks.” “Tell her now!” he thought. “Listen, I know it’s early, but why don’t you go on home,” he said, instead. “It’s been a long day, and I’m sure you could use the rest.” “Okay,” Apple Bloom said and walked to the door. She hesitated for a moment, but then left. *** The walk home was surprisingly uneventful on this warm, spring afternoon. Apple Bloom felt happy, happy that she was almost done with her apprenticeship—paying off all of her hard work—and over the words of comfort that Woody had said. But she also felt confused. Upon reaching the farmhouse, she opened the door. “Bloomy!” A small maroon colt shouted, leaping onto her back. “Hey’ya kiddo! Sorry, no bow today,” Apple Bloom said; some sadness in her voice over this triumph. Disappointed, Lil’ Mac jumped off her back and trotted to another part of the house. He was certainly was getting a lot bigger…and heavier. “He should be starting school this fall,” Apple Bloom thought. “Apple Bloom?” A voice from the living room came. “You’re home early.” Cheerilee was on the sofa, grading papers. She herself had returned home not too long ago. Applejack and Big Mac were out of town, delivering pies. They wouldn’t be back until late that night. “Ah’ finished my project, so Woody gave me the rest of the day off,” Apple Bloom replied. “The supervisor should be here next week to look at it.” “That’s great,” Cheerilee said. “Are you excited?” “Ah’ think so,” Apple Bloom said, and then thought about something. “Cheerilee, why did you fall in love with Big Mac?” “Why do you ask that?” Cheerilee asked, taken aback. “Well,” Apple Bloom started. “The reason you came together, in the first place, was because of that love potion me and mah’ friends made. Then after it wore off, you still decided to see each other. Did it seem…weird at all?” “I’ll admit, it was a very…interesting start to our relationship,” Cheerilee answered. “But we found that we enjoyed each other’s company. He made my life more uplifting by being somepony I could talk to. I’ve also helped him as well. I’m sure you’ve noticed how he’s more open than he used to be.” “Yeah,” Apple Bloom admitted, thinking about her big brother and how shy he used to be around others that weren’t family. Now he would talk a lot more to the ponies in town. He wasn’t quite Pinkie Pie social (though to be honest, nopony could even come close to a fraction of how social Pinkie Pie is). “Why the sudden interest in our relationship?” Cheerilee asked. “Ah’ was just…curious, is all.” Apple Bloom answered, weakly. “Come on, you know better than that,” Cheerilee said, with a knowing smile on her face. “Who is it?” “It’s dumb,” Apple Bloom muttered. “Admitting your feelings is the first step in progression,” Cheerilee calmly said. “Now, who is it?” “Wood Frame,” Apple Bloom finally admitted. “Your mentor?” Cheerilee replied. “Yeah,” Apple Bloom said, finally opening up. “Ah’ know it’s weird, since he’s my mentor, but Ah’m almost done with my apprenticeship, and we’re close to the same age. He’s just been so kind to me all these years. Today, Ah’ was worried about the supervisor coming, and that he wouldn’t like my project, but he reassured me that it would be fine. Ah’ also keep getting this feeling that he wants to tell me something, but he doesn’t. Ah’ think Ah’ love him. Is it…wrong?” Apple Bloom stared at the floor. Silence emanating from the two mares. Cheerilee thought about Apple Bloom’s words for a moment. The sounds of a little colt and a dog playing in the other room were just barely audible. “I don’t think so,” Cheerilee finally said, causing Apple Bloom to look up. “If this is truly what your heart is telling you, then you should follow it. Like you said, you soon won’t be Wood Frame’s apprentice anymore. Besides, it also sounds like he may have something he wants to tell you as well. Give it time; I’m sure it’ll work out.” Apple Bloom sat there, letting Cheerilee’s words sink in. “Now, let’s get this little guy off to bed,” Cheerilee said, breaking the silence. “It’s been a long day.” “Aaaaw!” Lil’ Mac whined from the open doorway.
The EvaluationWood Frame was starting to get nervous. Professor Keen Eye, one of the supervisors for the apprenticeship program at Canterlot University, had responded to his letter and, as expected, arrived the next week. What he wasn’t expecting was how long this evaluation was taking. Keen Eye was closely examining every detail of the china hutch that Apple Bloom built. He examined the cherry-stained finish and the carvings on the sides of the cabinet. He then opened a few of its drawers and doors, frowned a little, and jotted some notes on a pad. He was also cross-examining Apple Bloom’s workbook and notes with some measurements of his own. Wood Frame looked over at Apple Bloom. Celestia only knows what was going through the young mare’s mind. Or maybe only Luna did, since she could enter ponies’ dreams at night. Wood Frame’s nerves, on the other hoof, were unraveling. This evaluation was taking longer than his did, and he had thought nothing could ever be longer than that. Apparently he was wrong. Finally, Keen Eye walked over to them, satisfied with his examination of the china hutch. “All right,” he said. “Now before I can give you the results, I would like to speak with both of you individually. Mr. Frame, I’ll speak with you first. Your office should suffice.” With a pit in his stomach, Wood Frame led the professor to the small room in the corner of the shop. Keen Eye sat in what was usually his chair. Wood Frame took one of the guest chairs on the other side of the room. It felt weird being on the opposite side of his desk. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Frame, but aren’t you a bit young to be a mentor?” Keen Eye asked. “Yes,” Wood Frame answered. “But soon after I passed my evaluation, I applied to be a mentor in the Apprentice Program. My own mentor, Table Saw, was retiring soon. I figured that Ponyville needed a mentor in carpentry available, should one be needed.” “And were no other mentors available?” the professor asked. “No,” Wood Frame responded. “It’s a small town.” Keen Eye nodded. “I see. Now, about Miss Apple Bloom, how would you describe her work and her progress while she’s been here?” “Her work is like nothing I've ever seen,” Wood Frame said, a little too excitedly. “From day one, she has taken to this profession like a duck to water. She’s easily grasped every concept and skill I've taught her. There have been a few mishaps along the way, but overall, she has progressed farther than anypony I know.” Keen Eye wrote something down. “Very well, one last question then,” he finally said. “This project of hers, did you have any involvement in it whatsoever?” “No,” Wood Frame replied. “Not beyond approving it and providing the materials.” “Thank you, Mr. Frame,” Keen Eye said, rising from the desk and walked to the door. “That’ll be all. I’ll see your apprentice now.” Wood Frame walked out the door Keen Eye had just opened. *** Apple Bloom walked into her mentor’s office, now occupied by the supervisor. She felt like there were butterflies in her stomach, but she stood her ground. “Please, take a seat Miss Bloom,” Keen Eye said. Apple Bloom took the familiar position in front of the desk. Professor Keen Eye was silent for a minute, looking through his notes. The anticipation was killing her. Finally, the stallion behind the desk spoke. “Now, before I tell you the results of your project, Miss Bloom, I would like to ask you a couple of hypothetical questions. They will not affect your grade in any way, but it would be most beneficial to you if you answer truthfully. Can you do that?” “Yes,” Apple Bloom stated confidently. Being the sister to the Element of Honesty had certainly rubbed off on her. “Excellent,” Keen Eye said, putting his front hooves together. “Now, if I should give you a failing grade—and remember, this is hypothetical—but if you should fail, and choose to not pursue this career, what would you do?” Apple Bloom felt a like a stone had just been dropped in her stomach now. She had never thought of that possibility, or what she would do if it should happen. “But the answer’s obvious, isn’t it?” She thought. “Well,” Apple Bloom began. “Ah’ guess Ah’ would continue to say with mah’ family on Sweet Apple Acres. Ah’ can still help with the farm work, and there is always stuff that needs to be fixed or built around there.” Keen Eye thought over her response for a moment, and then nodded. “Very well, next question,” he said. “If you pass this evaluation, and you had the choice to go anywhere in Equestria to be a master carpenter, where would you go and why?” Apple Bloom took even longer to process this question and what she would do, if given this possibility. “Ah’…Ah’ really can’t imagine mah’self outside of Ponyville,” she finally said. “This is mah’ home! Nearly everything Ah’ know an’ love is here. How could Ah’ possibly leave?” Keen Eye was silent as he processed the young mare before him. She wasn’t looking at him anymore. Her ears drooped, and he could hear her faint sniffling. “When I return to Canterlot,” he started, “I’ll be submitting documentation of your work to the university, which will then send copies all throughout Equestria. There’ll be many places looking for talented, new carpenters. Promise me that you’ll at least think about it.” Apple Bloom looked up, slowly putting together what he was implying. “Yah’ mean…” she asked. “Yes,” Keen Eye stated. “Congratulations, Miss Apple Bloom, you are now officially a master carpenter.” *** Wood Frame was pacing at the far end of the shop, worried about what was happening in his office. He had the utmost confidence in Apple Bloom. But for some reason, Professor Keen Eye’s demeanor had shattered all of that confidence and replaced it with dread. “What is going on in there?” He wondered. As if in answer to his unspoken demand, the door opened and two ponies walked out. Apple Bloom was beaming, with a smile that practically extended to her ears. “She passed!” Relief washed over him, as if a heavy weight he had been carrying for miles was suddenly lifted. Professor Keen Eye said something about taking pictures of the china hutch and making copies of all of Apple blooms notes from past projects to submit to Canterlot University, where they would be sent to potential employers. But Wood Frame wasn’t paying much attention. He was too caught up in the moment. When Keen Eye returned to the office to make those copies, Apple Bloom suddenly embraced her now-former mentor. She even started leaning in to kiss him, but when she realized what she was doing, she backed off. Awkwardly, she let go, blushing over what she nearly did. “Ask her now! Do it now!” “You should probably go home and tell your family,” Wood Frame said. “I’m certain that I can take care of things here.” “Okay,” Apple Bloom said, still excited that she had passed. She then left the shop, leaving Wood Frame alone in the work room. “Why can’t you ask her?” He scolded himself, yet again. Regaining his composure, “Well, this is a big deal. Let’s not clutter up the day with something else on her mind.”
The Question (revised and extended)Wood Frame was sitting in his office, completely oblivious to the world around him. It had been a couple of weeks since Professor Keen Eye’s evaluation and—true to his word—job offers for Apple Bloom were arriving from all over Equestria. Several came from places like Manehattan and Fillydelphia. A couple came from Appaloosa and Canterlot. There was even one from the Chrystal Empire. knock knock knock Wood Frame knew he should be proud of Apple Bloom and the opportunities that she had—which he was. However, the only thing he could feel at the moment was depressed. He just knew that Apple Bloom would leave at any moment, and go far away. He would probably never see her again. He had worked all alone in the shop before and was fine then. This time, though, he didn’t think he could bear it. knock knock knock Oh, how Apple Bloom had changed him. He used to be very solitary, only working with others out of necessity. Even then, he would try to do most of the work himself. But ever since she came, that need for solitude eroded away. He worked with her not only because he had to, but because he wanted to. knock knock knock Wood Frame figured that she just had that effect on ponies. Applejack once said something about how Apple Bloom had helped heal her broken heart after a quarrel that they’d had before Apple Bloom started her apprenticeship. She certainly seemed to have the ability to make anything bloom, so to speak. But now the flower of his life was about to wilt and fade away forever. “Woody?” Wood Frame snapped back to reality. Apple Bloom was poking her head through the now barely open door. It was nearly nine in the evening—well past closing-time. “Why is she still here this late?” Wood Frame wondered. “Ah’ just wanted to thank you for everything that you taught me,” Apple Bloom said, walking into the office. “The pleasure was all mine,” Wood Frame managed to say. After clearing the frog in his throat, he continued. “Have you accepted any of the offers yet?” “Not yet,” Apple Bloom admitted. “There’s a few that Ah’ might take, but…it just seems weird to go somewhere that isn’t home.” “Ask her now. Do it!” He thought. “Well, I’m sure you’ll find som-” “NO! If you don’t do it now, then you will never get another chance!” Wood Frame gulped. “Listen, I think I’ll close the shop for tomorrow. How about we have lunch together, and we can talk about it then?” He asked with a sheepish grin on his face. Apple Bloom considered him for a moment before saying: “Sure.” “How about we meet here at noon, and we’ll go along from there?” Wood Frame suggested. “Okay,” Apple Bloom agreed. She then turned and walked out of the woodshop. “You still didn’t ask her.” “SHUT UP!” Wood Frame accidentally yelled out loud. Wood Frame then turned back to his desk. He opened a drawer that now had a hoof-print worn into it after fumbling with it so much these past few weeks. It took a moment, but he found what he was looking for. After taking it out, he left the shop, turning off the lights behind him. *** Apple Bloom woke up at dawn the next morning—a habit she had developed when she was a filly. She did her usual morning chores, but it felt odd not having to go to work at the woodshop. After she told her family about her plans for the day with Wood Frame, she noticed that Cheerilee had a sly, knowing smile on her face as she left for the schoolhouse. To keep herself busy, Apple Bloom went out into the field with Applejack and Big Mac to prepare for the upcoming Apple Bucking Season. Lil’ Mac happily followed his father. As she worked, Apple Bloom thought about her future. The truth was that she hadn’t really come close to deciding on any of the job offers, although there were couple that she immediately refuted since they were so far away from home and any relatives that she had. However, one thought that kept crossing her mind always concerned Woody. “Why would he just close up shop today?” She wondered. “And what is it that he keeps wanting to tell me?” When she saw that the sun was getting close to approaching its peak, she returned to the farmhouse to clean herself up. Stepping out of the bathroom after a quick shower, she was drawn to her dresser. She opened it, looking for something that she hadn’t used in a long time. Finding it, she put it on—the long unused motions were still second-nature to her. She then left Sweet Apple Acres and headed straight for Ponyville. ~~~ Wood Frame was outside the woodshop, choking in the outfit he was wearing. He had put on a collared shirt, tie and jacket—nothing too fancy, just something he usually wore for certain business meetings that didn’t happen very often. He was very nervous, a small part of him actually hoping that Apple Bloom wouldn’t show up. But he knew that wouldn’t happen with the dependable mare. Sure enough, he saw her coming, but something was different about her. It was something he hadn’t seen in a long time. Apple Bloom was wearing her old pink bow. Stunned, Wood Frame watched as she approached him. “Oh, Ah’ didn’t realize this was supposed to be a formal outing,” Apple Bloom said, feeling a bit embarrassed. “What? Oh no, it’s fine. You look marvelous,” Wood Frame managed to say, and then looked himself over. “To be honest, I’m not sure why I put this old thing on.” It was a lie. Wood Frame had a reason to be wearing those clothes, but he still hadn’t developed the courage to tell Apple Bloom yet. He motioned for her to come with him and they went to a simple, yet pleasant restaurant near the center of town. They each had a lovely meal of daffodil sandwiches, tomato soup and apple juice. Soon after they had finished lunch, they found themselves walking in the park. They were reminiscing over the past few years in the shop and some of the more interesting things that had happened in Apple Bloom’s life—which were quite a lot. One thing that came up was the table incident, and Apple Bloom mentioned that something similar had happened before. “So it wasn’t the first time that that happened?” Wood Frame asked. “No, mah’ friends and Ah’ once broke Fluttershy’s small table. We tried to fix it—and get cutie marks in carpentry—but it was a disaster,” Apple Bloom explained. “Then Sweetie Belle said, ‘Who wants a picture of a hammer on their flank anyway?’ And look at me now.” She giggled as she looked at her own flank, showing a hammer and 2x4 crossed behind a young sapling of an apple tree. Wood Frame chuckled as well. “A bit ironic, isn’t it?” He finally said. “What about you?” Apple Bloom asked “Oh, there isn’t much to tell,” Wood Frame said, trying to avoid the question. “Ahh, come on,” Apple Bloom whined. “We never talk about you.” “Well, I was usually a pretty solitary colt,” he relented. “I didn’t like to work with others very much. That changed ever since you came along though. I also like to play baseball. I have to play with others for that, so I guess it counts for something.” “So, why did you want to be a carpenter?” Apple Bloom continued, thrilled that she was finally getting some personal information about her former mentor after all these years. “Well, after my dad and I helped rebuild a house for a family that had lost their home in a fire, I got this,” he said, referring to his own cutie mark of a wooden house frame. “I figured that everypony deserves a place to stay, no matter where or who they are.” “That’s really sweet,” Apple Bloom commented. “Thanks,” Wood Frame replied. “Though, I like to think that others would do the same thing.” “Yeah, but they don’t always do so,” Apple Bloom said, moving a little bit closer to the well dressed stallion. Then she frowned a little, and asked, “Okay, Woody, what gives?” “What do you mean?” Wood Frame asked, taken aback. Apple Bloom then started to list everything on her mind, “Yah’ know: lunch, the stroll through the park, talking about our foalhoods…the fancy clothes. What gives?” “I just thought I’d spend some time with you before left,” Wood Frame lied. “But Ah’ haven’t decided if Ah’ even want to leave!” Apple Bloom said, glaring at her former mentor. Wood Frame looked back into those red-orange eyes of hers, thinking of everything he could possibly say to get him out of this. “You might as well tell her now,” he thought, taking a deep breath and sighed. “The truth is…I can’t possibly tell you how much it has meant to me to have you around,” Wood Frame said. “Not just around the shop, but for me. You’ve helped me change so much and…I just can’t stand to be without you. I love you.” Wood Frame then knelt down. He took a felt covered box out of his jacket and opened it, revealing a diamond studded, gold anklet (rings were really only practical for unicorns and the rare alicorn). “Apple Bloom, will you marry me?” Wood Frame finally asked. All was silent. Apple Bloom was totally dumbfounded, looking at the anklet, to Wood Frame, and then back again. Beads of sweat were running profusely down the back of Woody’s neck. “Oh sweet Celestia, I blew it!” He frantically thought. “She’ll never want me! Why would she wa-” “Yes!” Apple Bloom cried, leaping onto him and, unashamedly, kissed him. It was the happiest moment of Woody’s life. Author's Note Well, here's my second attempt at this ending. I must say that I am far more satisfied with this version than the other one I had published. However, the true judges around here are you. So, for those of you who had read the original last chapter posted on May 19, 2014: What do you think? Is this ending better than the previous version, in pacing, story and context? Was no difference made in your minds? Or, for some reason, is it worse? For those of you who didn't read the ending posted on the above date: Don't worry about it! Suffice it to say that it was pretty bad (think the first scene in Wood Frame's office ending with the proposal). However, I am still interested in your opinions of this chapter, and in the story overall. So please leave your thoughts, questions and concerns bellow. I look forward to hearing from you.
