I woke up with a crack in my neck. I heard a voice shout “Cara, are you okay? You have been asleep for quite a while.”

I saw the clock it was read 7:30, I dashed out as fast as I could. I bumped into Applejack and we both tumbled over slamming into a tree. I begged “I’m so sorry, I overslept please forgive me.”

Applejack laughed “Relax you did more of the Orchard in a day than Big Mac usually does. Urggh he injured himself again. The last time that happened I tried to do the whole orchard by myself and my health suffered for it.”

I replied “Thanks for understanding.”

Applejack said “Relax, Sugarcube I should be paying you for the work you do. Mah cousin Braeburn has farm hooves who do a lot less for a huge salary.”

I frowned “Why is that?”

Applejack sighed “Because he’s far from any major landmarks and hired help is hard to find. What help he does find does very little and charges a fortune.”

I asked “Maybe I should head down there and give him a hoof.”

Applejack smiled “You’d really go down to Appleloosa and help my cousin Braeburn?” I smiled and nodded. She gave me a huge hug as she said “Thank you so much, how could Ah ever repay you?”

I replied “You have done so much for me, it is the least I could do after all this.”

Applejack asked heartily “Ah’m surprised I haven't met many ponies outside of Fluttershy that are this kind, you will make a mare or stallion very happy one day.”

I sighed “Applejack, the only words I've heard from others about me after I leave are monster, scum, spawn of Tartarus. I have very few friends and I’m glad to count you amongst them.”

Applejack frowned “What do you mean by that?”

I replied “Please don’t force me to tell you, it is very personal. My past is dark and cruel in spite of my attempts to be kind to others. I was always given hate and malice in return for kindness no matter how much I kindness I had given to them.”

Applejack said with a hint of disappointment “Okay, Sugarcube but if you need mah help to understand any personal issues just tell me.”

I replied with a sigh “I will, thanks, I’ll be back in about a week or two.”

I bought a ticket from the conductor and took my seat on the train. It was a long trip to Appleloosa. I thought back to Applejack and the time we spent together. I had never had such a good friend before. It was sad to have to be separated but I would be back. Applejack’s cousin needs my help. I slept on the train before I arrived. I groaned as I heard the conductor shout “Last call for Appleloosa.”

I grabbed my saddlebag and darted off the train with seconds to spare. I looked up to see a pony in front of me wearing a hat similar to AJ’s hat. I asked “You must be Braeburn.”

He asked angrily “How do ya know who Ah am and why are ya here?!”

I pawed at the ground “I’m Cara and I came here to help with the farm work, I have been helping Applejack with the farm work to help repay her kindness for allowing to sleep in the barn.”

Braeburn tone shifted as he said “Good to have some help, finally somepony who actually will do some work around here.” He frowned as I saw several stallions doing nothing out there.

I said “Well, I better get to work once the day’s work is done you can show me around.”

Braeburn said with a smile “Thank ya for your help!”

I replied “As long as you make me feel welcomed that is all I need.” I gallop to the fields and look at one of the full carts left next to a tree. I attached it to my back and started pulling. When I arrived at the barn I filled it with baskets and arrived back at the field.

I watched as the stallions glared at me. One shouted “How dare you come here and do our work!”

I snarled “If you were actually doing any work I would be back at Sweet Apple Acres bucking apples with Applejack.” I frowned realising how happy I was back there. I pulled the other carts to the shed and dropped the apples off.

Braeburn came up behind me and said with a smile “Good work, Applejack knows a hard-working pony when she sees one. I shouldn’t have doubted her word.” I blushed slightly at the comment. He asked “Do you want to help me in the next orchard.”

I replied smiling “Sure maybe we’ll get it done by the end of the day. I know let’s see who can collect the most apples.” I gave him a slight nudge.

Braeburn said with a smirk “Ya remind so much of Applejack, she always loved competition. Applejack did tell me a lot about ya in the last letter, I have to thank Miss Hooves for Express Mail.”

I said “Come on, we’re burning daylight.”

I galloped off to the orchard as he shouted “Wait up.” I waited for him to get there then we started bucking trees, I smiled as my baskets filled with apples.

I said “Come on, you won’t beat me like that.” He gritted his teeth and started working faster. I smiled as he desperately tried to keep up. We got to the end of the orchard. I smiled as he panted while he had 70 baskets next to him. I meanwhile was sitting next to 120 baskets.

He looked at me “Wow ya did a good job at that orchard, 120 baskets in 7 hours. Ya’d make a fair bride for any Apple.” I blushed as I thought of Applejack in a dress, she would look stunning, with her well toned... No I can’t think like that. I sighed, why did I think that, I mean I miss her but we’re just good friends. I mentally scolded myself (It’s stupid instincts, a changeling can have crush but real love is impossible, everyling told me so.)

I asked “Braeburn, are we going to eat dinner soon?” He nodded as he took me into the kitchen. I smelt the food, it was delicious. After the meal I asked “Braeburn, can I please get some sleep, I have to adjust to the different living quarters after all.”

He nodded “Okay, let me show ya to ya room.” When I entered I looked around, it was rather spacious.”

I asked “Is this the guest room?”

Braeburn replied “This is a large room for multiple guests, such as when Applejack and her friends came here. They helped us make friends with the local Buffalo Tribe.”

I smiled as I got onto one of the bunk beds. I felt strangely uncomfortable, then to my horror I realised why every night before I slept with Applejack beside me. I frowned as I closed my eyes.

Author's Note

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. My friend Garbiel has been editing my stories for quite a while, so if he is reading this thank you. I don't think he has an account on this site.