The Bubbly Mare

"Tides"
3, 6

Things in life have a way of just happening.

Months passed and Derpy found herself with Applejack for a surprise visit. For a while Derpy was talking about all the grown-up things she had been doing when Applejack was away (yet she still wasn't big enough to make a trip to the Acres by herself), and Applejack talked about all the fun times she had at camp with a new friend she called Rara. Rara's full name was Color-ra something, not Rarity, but Applejack said she was okay with just being called Rara so that's what they called her. Derpy was just happy to hear Applejack's voice again, so she let her talk and talk. She talked longer than Derpy wanted to talk about her own things, but that was okay.

Mommy was in the hospital again. While out all together a couple days before Granny Smith had said something quietly about being "late", but that didn't mean anything to Derpy or anypony else... except Mommy and Amethyst, who just nodded and agreed out loud. Amethyst said "it's a bit uncomfortable, all things considered." Mommy decided to go to the Doctor's early the next day, and he sent her to the hospital. Derpy only saw and heard this all because she liked to walk in the back. She could go almost anywhere by herself without a grown-up, so she didn't need to walk in the front anymore and that was kind of nice.

This was easy to forget, though, so why would it matter?

Derpy and Applejack found themselves playing in the field a day after making the trip. They ran by hundreds of apple trees. Derpy could almost catch Applejack, except for a stumble here and there if she tried to run too fast. She never landed on her face or twisted an ankle, which Mommy had said might happen, but... Mommy wasn't there, and that was okay.

Though Nightmare Night was almost a month away, it was still warmer weather -- hat and scarf, but not jacket weather. Many of the presents Derpy had gotten for her Cute-ceañera were finally put to use: the hat and scarf set Rarity and Fluttershy made her, as well as the big saddlebags Big Mac had gotten her. The bags held everything she needed for a trip, even what she needed at night for more than one day, and they were really strong. Applejack's blanket stayed on Derpy and Mommy's bed since she got it, it was so nice and warm they would probably start sleeping under it again real soon after they all got back.

Outside there weren't any other ponies around. Big Mac was off on the other side of the orchard, harvesting apples. It was their spot to play in, just Derpy and Applejack... surrounded by the orchard, and their own laughter. It was nice.

Being alone in the tree house with Applejack when it was almost dark was also nice, too. Looking out at the end of the day over the endless apple trees, seeing the last of the fireflies twinkling before the beginnings of winter, when all the pegasus started bringing out the heavier clouds made Derpy imagine what it must be like to have a job up there. She was happy to just be with Applejack, though, talking about anything. It didn't matter, she was always fun, and in the end Derpy always wanted to come back here. It was cold, though... especially as it got dark, but that was okay. The two of them fell asleep in the tree house, only to wake up tangled together in their own forelegs as Big Macintosh bellowed:

"Applejack! Derpy! Dinnertime!"

It was neat to wake up so close to a friend. Applejack was the closest pony to being like Mommy Derpy knew. She could make Derpy feel happy, in the same way, just by talking to her.

It was also nice that, for the little while the two were asleep... Derpy slept dry. Good thing their nap happened only once.

* * *

They were together for almost four days. After the morning chores, which Derpy helped with, they usually went to school then played on the acres after homework, which they did together. On the forth day when they came back inside for a snack and drink, Derpy saw Dinky playing alongside Apple Bloom in the living room. Amethyst was sitting on a chair nearby, her eyes closed until she heard Derpy approach.

"I'd know those hoofsteps," she said, with a grin. "Hi, Derpy."

The young mare opened her eyes, and only had to motion to herself for Derpy to know the two had to talk. Her facial expression was strange. It wasn't angry, or annoyed, or even sad... it was almost sleepy-looking. Applejack walked up with Derpy... being together made talking easier. Amethyst rubbed her temples, looking at the two:

"Your mom comes home tomorrow, kid," she said to Derpy, briefly smiling at Applejack. "I need you to come home and work your magic with me. Thought I could do it myself, but... you know, many hooves make light work. I... I thought of you, Derpy. Together we're gunna neaten up the house before she comes back. Maybe one of the Apples, too, so I can watch Dinky better. It'll be fun. What'd ya say?"

Derpy answered without hesitation:

"Okee."

"Ah'll come!" Applejack volunteered. "That is... if Granny says it's okay."

Again, Amethyst smiled, sighing a bit.

"You- you're good kids... we'll get the whole house looking nice in a matter of hours."

Derpy couldn't help smiling, not just because of what Amethyst said but because of something else she'd come to expect:

"Will the baby be with Mommy when she gets home?"

Amethyst smiled again, quietly sighing. She bit her lip.

"I'm... I'm not sure about that." She looked over at Dinky and Apple Bloom. "Your Mom just wants me to tell you everything's okay. She hasn't told me much, but I know it's a colt pegasus with adorable little wings. He's gray and blonde, just like you. Last we talked your mom hasn't given him a name yet... but she will."

"Oh." Derpy blinked for a moment. "That's neat. I've got a little brother!""

"Yup, yup. That you do!"

"Congrats, Derpy!" exclaimed Applejack, practically right in the filly's ear. She jumped. "Ooohh.... sorry."

Derpy smiled:

"It's okee." She turned back to Amethyst. "Um... can I please go see Mommy before I go home? At the hospital?"

"Well, um..." Amethyst looked off to the side. "Your Mom needs to rest a bit. Having this foal... he took a lot out of her. They had to take him out with surgery then give your Mom all this medicine afterwards. She told me they had to do the same thing when you were born, and you came out alright. She'll probably be home tomorrow afternoon, but he might need to stay a day or two more. You trust me to do what's best for you and your mom... right?"

"Uh-huh!"

Derpy felt a pat on her shoulder, and felt Applejack smiling at her:

"Sometimes foals have ta stay in the hospital for a lil while after they're born. Makes sense the mom's might have to, just as well! Perfectly normal."

Amethyst let out a much bigger sigh than before, beaming a grin.

"You know what? I love you, kids." She reached over, giving Derpy a noogie. "You're so easy to get along with, and Applejack..." She turned to the farm filly. "You're a good influence on her. Really! I'm proud of you, too."

"Shucks..." Applejack put a hoof behind her head. "Ah just try to say and do what makes sense, Ah guess. Like everypony else!"

"I really wish that were the case. Really, I do." The young mare got up. "We'll leave in an hour or so. I-... I gotta rest, think things over. I kinda rushed over here after I talked to your mom. She needs rest a lot more than me. She's counting on you and me, and if Granny Smith lets her... Applejack, too. All for tomorrow."

"Ah'm sure she'll let me, knowing what we're all doin'."

This felt neat, being counted on. Sure, Mommy asked Derpy to do things sometimes, and Amethyst, too, even Granny Smith, but... this was different. It had never happened like this before, and Applejack was coming, too. They'd all be working together to do one special thing just for Mommy.

* * *

A couple hours later the three were back at Mommy's house. Granny Smith said it would be "Good for Applejack to help y'all out," so there she was. All of them would have all come, but Granny Smith said quietly to Amethyst, "it's gettin' late... apples don't harvest themselves, and'sides... Ah gotta finish cookin' supper. For two fillies less now. S'alright, though! Can't predict everything... wouldn't 've hurt to have Big Mac out yesterday, though, or the day before. Anyways, dun mind me. Have a safe trip back!"

Even the Apples couldn't be expected to drop everything and be happy about sudden changes... Derpy could certainly understand and appericate that.

When they got in Derpy started cleaning up the bedroom, while Applejack picked up the living room. Dinky and Amethyst stayed in the kitchen, Amethyst cleaning the counter, floor and dishes. They could shout to each other from room-to-room, and while Derpy didn't like to shout (she also didn't like the echo it made when she wasn't facing the bed) it was kind of fun. Something Mommy probably wouldn't have allowed, but Amethyst was okay with it, so that's what they did. The bedroom was probably the messiest place in the whole house, but Derpy cleaned it quick... she knew where everything went and must have been getting pretty good because she was done quicker than Amethyst or Applejack.

Once she was done in the bedroom, Derpy moved on to the bathroom. After a while Applejack joined her, but by that time Derpy was almost done with the very last of the cleaning, finishing up with the mirror. When the farm filly came in, Derpy was so focused she didn't notice Applejack making a face, sticking her tongue out. When she saw it in the reflection Derpy did the same, and the two laughed. She sort of minded Applejack standing in the doorway, blocking it, as she finished up... but she didn't say anything.

After that there wasn't much more to clean inside the house, but in four days outside plenty of leaves had fallen.

"I'm gunna vacuum in here," Amethyst said, looking out at the yard from the window. "Dinky probably isn't gunna like the noise, but I'll try to be quick."

Applejack spoke:

"Well, Ah can watch her if you-"

Amethyst put a hoof up, closing her eyes for a moment.

"This shouldn't take long. While I'm vacuuming I want you two to please rake the yard. We've only got one rake, so one of you will have to hold the bag open. It's team work, like on the farm... I think you two work kinda well together, and Derpy likes being outside without having to worry about Dinky pulling on her tail or suddenly crying."

Derpy nodded, taking a sudden interest in her hooves. She couldn't help smiling.

The pegasus then felt a foreleg gently resting on her back. Out of the corner of her good eye Derpy could see Applejack was smiling, but she pretended not to notice because it... it felt funny. Amethyst cleared her throat, and Derpy looked at her with Applejack, both of them standing up straight.

"Everything okay?" she asked the two. "You girls understand what's expected of you, right?"

Derpy nodded.

"Yup! Yup!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Amethyst sighed.

"Good."

Without another word, Amethyst picked up Dinky and took her from the kitchen towards the hall. Derpy and Applejack went in the other direction, grabbing the box of leaf bags and rake from the closet by the door on their way out.

* * *

Derpy was used to sweeping, but raking was still new to her. Amethyst usually did it, sometimes Big Mac, and even Mommy, but... Derpy just usually swept the steps. Applejack watched her, with the box in hoof.

"Dun mind me," the farm filly said, as Derpy looked up. "Ah know to give ya a lil space, so you can figure it out fer yerself, now."

Derpy smiled, going back to it.

In what seemed like a minute (but was actually about three) Derpy figured out the best way to stand with the rake. All was silent for a bit as she tried, setting the wide end down, pulling leaves towards her. It all happened easily enough. She then lifted and let the rake back out. It was a lot like sweeping, actually. Applejack finally spoke, after the leaves began to move in large clumps:

"You're doing just fine!" She took a step forward. "Won't take long at this rate... prolly even have time to play fer a bit!"

Derpy continued to pull the rake towards herself, slowly. The pile of leaves steadily grew bigger and bigger as time went on. As this was happening the farm filly talked and told her a few jokes, Derpy could only guess to help pass the time. She didn't mind.

Applejack's jokes really... weren't all that funny, but Applejack's way of telling them could sometimes be. Her voice could get very silly, especially when she got going. There was one type of joke, however, that Derpy didn't like, especially while something like this was going on. Again, she didn't say anything:

"Hey, Derpy... knock, knock..."

With that type of joke Derpy had to stop and ask something, then think... waiting for Applejack to say the funny part. It wasn't usually very funny, but she still laughed.

Applejack also had this strange way of telling those jokes... leaning over and looking up so Derpy had to look at her. Derpy just looked away. That was okay, especially since she had to focus.

When the pile grew big enough, Applejack pulled a bag out and helped Derpy pick up the leaves on the rake. Fortunately Mommy had the huge plastic rake and not the small metal one like on the farm, but it was still really tough for Derpy to keep leaves from falling off. This happened more than a few times.

"Trade places?" Applejack suggested, after watching a few unsuccessful attempts.

"Um..." Derpy shifted a bit. "Okee, I guess."

Derpy gave Applejack the rake and was now holding the bag... it was tricky, too, but she managed to hold it open big enough. Applejack took much bigger clumps of leaves at one time than Derpy was able to. All the while she kept talking and joking... something Derpy couldn't do without spilling the leaves. Once that was done Applejack started raking, making much bigger piles faster than Derpy had. Watching this, Derpy bit her lip, all the while Applejack continued talking and joking... Derpy knew Applejack was just doing her best. She continued to look up at her from time to time while joking.

It's okay, it's okay..., she thought to herself. It certainly was, but that didn't necessarily mean it didn't bother her.

At the end of the day, when the first of the fireflies came out, Derpy sat on her swing... two hours later it was all done. Applejack stood behind her, gently pushing, making her swing go back and forth. The breeze, combined with Applejack's pushing, felt nice.... though if it got much colder it wouldn't be fun anymore.

Derpy heard the door open, then felt Applejack turn away. She found herself slowing down and managed to make the tire turn so she could just see Amethyst, who was looking out at the yard.

"You two did a good job!" she exclaimed. Derpy knew that to be true. She couldn't help smiling. "Before it gets dark, how's about a trip to Sugarcube Corner?"

The two fillies looked over at each other. Neither one would turn that invite down.

* * *

Dinky had stayed in Amethyst's hooves the whole time they were at the Corner... she kept her quiet, rocking her and hugging her.

They had dinner at the Corner -- home made mashed potatoes and sweet pea salad. It wasn't as sweet as Derpy had imagined it would taste, but Pinkie Pie brought it out to them with a smile.

"This must be what Pinkie wants to be when she grows up," said Amethyst, smiling at the filly. "Youre gunna be good at it, Pinkie. Best little waitress ever!"

"Aww, thanks!" Pinkie replied, blushing, leaving them to enjoy their meal. She bounced once she got a few steps from the kitchen.

Afterwards the meal they had ice cream milkshakes, which Amethyst invited Pinkie to enjoy with the group. She made room so Pinkie could sit in front of Applejack and they each picked a flavor -- Applejack had vanilla, Derpy had strawberry, and Pinkie had chocolate. It was nice to just sit, as friends... plus Pinkie's jokes could get a lot funnier than Applejack's... not that she would say anything. Amethyst wouldn't either, but she certainly agreed.

It was all over though, and they were on their way back to the Acres. It wasn't quite dark, but getting there... no moon, either. Dinky was in the stroller with Amethyst pushing her at the back, while Applejack and Derpy trotted towards the front. It didn't take Derpy long to mention tomorrow, but Amethyst heard her loud and clear, and responded:

"We're only taking Applejack home! We gotta get home, too, kid. That's why I had you bring your stuff back."

"Oh..." Derpy looked back. "Um, okay."

The pegasus could tell by the younger mare's face that this is what they had to do. She bit her lip. Looking forward she could already see apple trees coming up in the distance.

"S'alright, Derpy." Applejack smiled. "Ah'll see you in school tomorrow and maybe in a couple days, okay?" She placed her foreleg around Derpy's barrel and rubbed her shoulder. "Maybe even before if y'all can make it out into Ponyville!"

Derpy shrugged away Applejack's leg, moving a few steps to the side. She could hear Applejack's hoofsteps slow down, almost to a stop. She continued to walk at the same speed, though.

"You two okay?" Amethyst asked.

Derpy looked back.

"Uh-huh," she said.

"Yes, m'am!" Applejack replied.

Chuckling, Amethyst sped up a bit, placing herself between the two.

"Just call me Amethyst, Applejack. I'm barely older than Big Mac, afterall!"

The farm filly chuckled, putting a hoof to the back of her head.

"Oh, all right, Amethyst," she said. "Guess it just feels right 'cause yer bigger than me, and all."

Derpy looked up to see Amethyst's eyes on her. She then looked down at her hooves.

"It's no problem, Applejack," Amethyst replied. "I'm going to slow down now... I think you've both had a really exciting couple of days. Noe I just want you two to talk, and respect each other's personal space... okay?"

Applejack nodded.

"Alright."

Derpy continued to stare at the dirt road.

"Is that okay, Derpy?"

The filly nodded, looking over to see Amethyst slowing down. As she got to the back again the farm filly approached Derpy.

"Ya alright, Sugarcube?"

Derpy smiled.

"Yeah. I'm okee."

They didn't talk for a while after that, but that was okay. Applejack continued to walk alongside Derpy. Neither walked at a brisk pace, but still made it to the Acres soon enough. When they got close enough to see the farm's lights in the distance they stopped, Applejack taking a few steps forward before turning around to look at Derpy.

"Sleep well, alright? Y'all gotta get home and be ready for yer mom."

Despite being disappointed, Derpy found herself smiling. "Okee."

She approached Applejack, opening her foreleg. Applejack opened up her own and gave Derpy a hug.

"I had fun," the farm filly said.

"Me too."

With that Applejack and Derpy parted, trotting away from each other. It was quiet, Derpy didn't look back... partially because after four days she knew that would make her sad, but also because she knew Applejack would be back soon. Hopefully.

* * *

On the way home Derpy was already a lot more quiet than she had been for a while. They both were quiet for most of the walk... even Dinky didn't make a peep. Once they were away from the Acres, Amethyst asked a question:

"So, Derpy... do you want to talk about how Applejack touched you? You looked really uncomfortable."

Derpy looked over at the babysitter.

"Um... I-, uh... guess."

"We don't have to... I just want to make sure you're not uncomfortable with her."

"Um... I'm not, but..." Derpy sighed.

"It's okay, kid." Amethyst chuckled. "Ya don't have to say anything. I could always talk to Granny Smith for ya."

Derpy found herself grinding her forelegs against the dirt as she walked.

"No! Um... I guess I just don't like having my back touched like that. I don't like not being able to see it or know it's gunna happen. It makes me feel weird."

"Okay then, kid." Amethyst sighed. "Just remember me, your mom, of Granny Smith'll be here for ya if you need anything. You wanna talk to me, just ask."

"Okee."

They would be back in just a few minutes. Soon the pegasus would have something else to think about, anyway -- the idea of having a little brother, coming home with Mommy. She would forget about everything else.