Fragments of an Islandby kittyhasnosoulChaptersi wrote letters to you whenever i could find the timei remember fragments of an island with a fake coastlinei wished i was andrew bird just younger, i wished that this crush would last a little bit longeri wrote letters to you whenever i could find the time Dear Rare, How's school going? I reckon it's mighty boring without me. Today Pinkie Pie made a cake with hot sauce instead of milk. Don't ask how she did it, because I wouldn't know. Love, Jackie ..... Dear Jackie, School is going just fine. Everyone is so well dressed! It's hard to keep up sometimes. I've learned not to question Pinkie Pie. Miss you guys so much. Love, Rare Dear Rare, I seriously hate your parents right now. I wish you could come home. AJ ... Dear Jackie, I know, I do too. My father is extremely annoying, as well. I think they should get a divorce. ... .... .... .... Applejack, It's been awhile since you wrote back. Are you okay? How is everything going? Please write back soon. Rarity ... Applejack, Jackie? Are you okay? Why haven't you written me? If there's something I said or did, please tell me. I miss you. School is so boring without your letters. Please respond, Rare ... 3 months later Rarity, I am mighty sorry I didn't write to you sooner. I've been busy because Granny Smith is sick. She's doing better, though. Walking and stuff, demanding us around the house. I think she'll get better. Applejack ... Dear beloved, I am so glad to hear from you, darling. I am sorry to hear that Granny Smith is sick. Sending my best love. Manehatten is really big. I miss Canterlot. And you. Mostly you. Love, Rarity ... Rare, Granny Smith is sleeping a whole lot more than usual. Probably just building up her strength, LOL I miss you more than I can say, Rare. You always seemed like a Manehatten pony, I'd admit. We need all the love we can get, Jackie ... Jackie, I'll never be a Manehatten pony! They are far too rambunctious. I love you. Rarity ... ... ... Granny Smith died today. ... Applejack, Are you okay? Please tell me what I can do. You're strong. Rarity Applejack stared at her computer, eyes unblinking as she scanned over the words in front of her again and again. She sighed, and gently closed the laptop as she stood up and went to her dresser. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusted her bowtie, and headed out the door. It had been a hellish couple of weeks; first Granny Smith fell sick, getting weaker by the day. Applejack was reluctant to accept that her time had come, but Big Mac was more mature than her, less in denial than she was. Everything seemed to have paused: she hadn't left the house in weeks. All she did was lay in bed, and when she wasn't lying in bed she was helping Big Mac take care of Granny Smith. It was torture seeing her in the state she was in for Applejack. She preferred to hide out, and pretend nothing existed outside of her bedroom. Applejack and Big Mac had to fight for a diagnosis for Granny Smith. All the doctors they saw at first just told them she was winding down, getting older, but that seemed to be a broad misinterpretation, so they kept searching. Eventually, they met a doctor named Dr. Phin, a self-proclaimed "new-age" doctor who claimed to take issues of dire health seriously. He ran a few tests, which other doctors failed to do, he took her blood, did an x-ray, among other things that Applejack couldn't understand. It turns out Granny Smith had a tumor in her brain, and the time they wasted before the diagnosis had left her with a short while to live. Applejack ran down the stairs, fixing her hair in her extra nice red ribbon, tied into a ponytail. She saw Big Mac as she headed into the dining area, and he was wearing his best suit as well. "Where's Applebloom?" Applejack asked, trying to ignore the elephant in the room, the one that daunted everyone in the Apple family on that day, and many days before that. Big Mac shrugged, and suddenly a small girl came running down the stairs, wearing a black dress with long flowing sleeves, and she slipped on her flats at the bottom of the stairs. She then ran to Applejack and hugged her tightly. "How's Rarity?" Applebloom asked her sister, also choosing to not address the circumstances they found themselves in, or perhaps she was just too innocent and childish to take it seriously. "She's... I don't know," Applejack sighed. "I haven't talked to her in a while." "Why?" Applebloom asked with her wide sunset colored eyes, looking up at Applejack as if she was utterly confused as to why Applejack wouldn't think of messaging Rarity right now. Applejack thought briefly. She hadn't messaged Rarity because taking care of Granny was so draining, and ultimately devastating as she slowly realized her efforts were futile, and Granny was only getting worse. Applejack was so grief-stricken after Granny Smith passed away, she couldn't bare to explain to Rarity why she hadn't been around. Doing much of anything seemed like such a task, something Applejack couldn't stand to do. "I've been busy." Applejack shrugged and replied simply, and Applebloom raised her eyebrow at her sister. "'Kay then," Applebloom responded, "when we gonna get headed?" Big Mac checked his watch, and saw that it was 11:00, then nodded his head. He grabbed his suit jacket from the coat rack on his way out, which Applejack did as well. Applebloom grabbed a coat, one dark enough in color to be suitable for a funeral. The three siblings headed out, with grief-stricken hearts and a tendency to bury their emotions. Big Mac got into the car first, in the driver seat. Applejack got into the passenger seat, and Applebloom in the back. The sight of the empty seat next to Applebloom seemed eery, like something was missing from reality; and something was. Granny Smith wasn't there, and she would never be there again. Applejack closed her eyes as the car drove off, out of Sweet Apple Acres, and onto the gravel road that led out of Sweet Apple Acres. The ride to the place the funeral was held was short, but it felt like eternity for the three siblings riding in the car, feeling out of place, like this wasn't what was supposed to happen in the grand scheme of it all, like a mistake had been made in the lining of reality. Big Mac pulled up into the parking lot of the cemetery, putting the car into park and sighing as he put his hands off the wheel and grasped the situation he was in, as so did Applejack and Applebloom. The three sat in silence for a minute, before Big Mac burst into tears, sobbing as he covered his eyes with his hands and wiped his tears away roughly. Applejack looked over at him with sympathy, and she felt tears welling up in her own eyes, although she preferred to keep that kind of emotion held deep inside. "Is this really the last time we gonna see Granny?" Applebloom asked from the back seat, looking at both her big brother and her big sister. "Eeyup." Big Mac said simply, sniffling as he tried to put an end to his crying, to no avail. "Granny's in heaven now, sugarcube." Applejack replied, saying more than Big Mac was able to on his own. "She's lookin' down on all of us right now, probably tellin' us to get it together." Big Mac let out a sad chuckle, and nodded his head. Applebloom frowned. "I don't like that answer." Applejack sighed and turned back to look at her sister and said, "It's the answer you get." Applebloom made a disgruntled sound and began looking out the window. She saw a long, black car with tinted windows, and a larger than average trunk. She quickly examined it, and saw that it stopped a few meters away from them, and two men got out wearing all-black tuxedos, and went to the trunk. Inside was a large box with an Equestrian flag draped over it, and Applebloom wasn't sure what it was. "Hey, guys, what's that big box?" Applebloom asked, and Applejack and Big Mac suddenly jerked their heads to the sight of the large casket and funeral car. Applejack gasped looked away quickly, while Big Mac wore a sorrowful expression. "What?" Applebloom asked innocently, irritated at her big brother and sister for how they were acting towards her, like she was a child. "That's Granny." Applejack whispered, putting her hat over her face. "Oh." Applebloom said, dumbfounded. The three siblings exited the car, and headed over to the place where Granny was to be buried and the service held. They saw several other people there, including Applejack's friends, minus Rarity, members of the Apple-Smith family, among others. Suddenly, Big Mac lit up, and Applejack looked to where he was looking to see what was up. A familiar pony was walking towards them: one with pink and purple hair, and dark skin. "Sugarbelle! Mighty nice to see you here!" Applejack said, tipping her hat politely to Sugarbelle. Sugarbelle smiled at Applejack and Applejack smiled back. She then turned to Big Mac and gave him a big kiss. "How are you doing, my handsome man?" Sugarbelle hugged Big Mac close. "Eeyup." Big Mac responded, nuzzling Sugarbelle gently. They went to find their seats, and Applejack and her siblings, plus Sugarbelle, sat at the front, where they slowly laid out Granny Smith's casket. Even though they had opened it, you couldn't see into it from the seated position that everyone was in. Applejack wondered if once she saw what laid inside the casket would be scary to look at, or otherwise world-breaking. She hadn't seen Granny Smith since she laid there lifelessly in her chair, and Big Mac found her, screaming for help. Applejack came running down the stairs and they called the hospital. It was too late. Granny Smith was announced dead. A man, short in height, so the podium he sat in had to be adjusted to his height, sat up in front of the casket with a bible. He read from it, reciting each line with emotion and properness. Applejack tried to listen, but her ears blurred out the words. All she could think about was Granny. Suddenly, the man said, "We would like to welcome our first and only speaker, Applejack Smith, granddaughter of Maria "Granny" Smith." He then motioned for Applejack to come up, and Applejack seemed startled, but went up to the podium with confidence anyway. "Um.." Applejack muttered, and the mic gave loud streaks of feedback as her nose hit the mic. She coughed awkwardly, which also feedbacked into the mic. "I remember the day when I was a lil' filly, my parents had just died. Granny Smith pulled me to the side, and told me to be strong. Grief ain't get nobody nowhere, and happiness is something you work towards. As long as I worked every day on building my happiness, I could make my parents proud from down below." Applejack wiped tears from her eyes as they began to well up, and she silently cursed herself for crying. "I wish I could apply that to this, but without Granny, there's just no light anymore... I feel like I've lost everyone." Applejack sighed as she told this half-truth. She hadn't lost everyone: she still had Rarity, and she had been ignoring her. There were people in her life who could comfort her, and she pushed them aside so she could wallow in her self pity. Granny Smith always wanted to see Applejack happy with Rarity. If she lost Rarity because of Granny, how would that make her feel, she wondered to herself silently in front of everyone she knew and loved. Applejack let out a few sobs, which translated through the mic awkwardly as tears rolled down her face. Big Mac came up onto the stage and offered her a tissue and helped her down the podium. As they were exiting the podium, Applejack caught glimpse of Granny Smith, laying there, lifeless. Her cries broke into sobs, and she ran over to Granny's casket. "Granny..." Applejack cried at the side of Granny's casket, looking at her figure which was laid out on the cushioned box, her eyes closed and makeup done. "They did your makeup nice and pretty, just like when you were young..." Applejack wiped tears from her eyes, as they dripped down onto Granny's decorated corpse. The rest was a blur, as tears filled Applejack's eyes and all she could do was sit on the floor in a ball and cry. Eventually, Big Mac picked her up and carried her to the car, as the service ended and everyone went home. Applejack stayed, wrapped in fetal position, as she sobbed her eyes out, not even bothering to keep them open as her eyes became red from tears. Applejack could remember the sound of the car stopping, and them getting out of the car and being carried into the house, and from there up the stairs and into her bed. She sat there in bed, and cried herself to sleep, like a baby. Applejack abruptly woke up at 3 AM, with only one thought on her mind. Rarity. She quickly grabbed her laptop and brought it into bed with her, onto her lap, and opened it. She saw the message that Rarity had sent earlier, and quickly wrote a reply, dumping her heart out into the letter. Dear Rarity, I love you. Today was Granny Smith's funeral. I realized that Granny would want me to write you. I got so busy in my life, with everything that has happened... I hope you understand. I saw Granny for the last time today. I cried like a baby. I hope I see you soon. Feel so empty without you. Applejack Applejack waited for a reply as she quietly began to sketch on her tablet, and within 30 minutes, she got a familiar ding from the messaging app. There was a new message, and she opened it with excitement. My love, Applejack I completely understand, you need time to heal. I love you too. Good to know that Granny liked me. I want to be there when you cry and hug you, plz. I'll see you this summer my love, and get some sleep please. Rarity Applejack smiled as she finished reading the letter and shut her laptop gently. She put her computer up and rolled over onto her back, sighing as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. i remember fragments of an island with a fake coastlineThe apple trees were in full bloom at Sweet Apple Acres, for the first time since Granny Smith died. Applejack would spend her time roaming the fields of the acres, picking apples and discarding them to the ground to rot and die into the earth. The weather was blazingly hot, and Applejack felt her sweat leaking through her shirt as the bright sun turned her tanned skin even darker. This meant only one thing: It was Summer. Applejack had been looking forward to the summer holiday all winter and spring, spending her days marking off on her calender on the days until she could finally see Rarity again. School was finally out, and days were only getting longer, and hotter. Thus, Applejack found herself riding on the Canterlot Express train, to Manehatten, to see her beloved Rarity. She sat with her elbow on the window as she gazed outside, as the train speeded by buildings, scenery, and fields of farmland that surrounded the outer bounds of Canterlot and led to other cities. After the window got exceedingly boring, she switched to her phone, which she quickly realized had a new notification on it. She saw that it was from her mail, and clicked on it. Subject: CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com Dear Jackie, Are you on the train right now? Have a safe ride, dear! The weather here is much cooler than in Canterlot. Maybe bring a jacket. I love you. Rarity M. Applejack smiled silently at the message, and her fingers quickly danced along her keyboard, manufacturing a reply to her beloved. Subject: On my way! From: applejacqulynsmith@hotmail.com I am definitely on a train. It is boring... I didn't bring a jacket. Heck. I love you more. Applejack Applejack set her phone down on her lap and continued her staring out the window, until suddenly a train attendant approached her with a cart full of snacks. "Hey, baby, you want some snacks?" the lady asked in a motherly tone. "I got ice cream, too." she said, holding up some packaged ice cream, including the ones of little cartoon characters with smudged faces. Applejack smiled at the woman, who was large in figure, but kind in nature. "You got apple pie?" The woman grinned at Applejack, and pulled out an instant apple pie from her cart. "Of course, baby. I'll heat it right up for you, make sure it's not too hot." "Thank you, ma'am." Applejack responded, tipping her hat politely to the woman as she walked away. Applejack began to think she should get out more, if strangers would be so kind to her so randomly more often. She felt like she was missing something from her life, like a motherly figure... sure, she was almost a grown woman: she was 18, but her mother had died when she was ten. At 17, her grandmother and life long caretaker died. She felt quite lonely, and something about the motherly, caring demeanor of the woman was comforting. Applejack sighed to herself, and suddenly her phone chimed. It was Rarity. She opened the message, and saw there was a picture attached. Subject: Waiting for my woman! From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com [Attached Image] Applejack clicked the link and suddenly a picture appeared. It showed Rarity, in a yellow spaghetti strap crop top, with her hair untouched, unstyled and unstraightened. She was posing, tilting her jawline to make it pop, and making a peace sign. Applejack giggled and saved the photo. Over the past few months, Applejack had been mailing back and forth with Rarity, their relationship strengthening and surviving through struggling through a long distance relationship. Applejack just wanted to have Rarity in her arms, and knew that Rarity wanted nothing less as well. Rarity had been there, through grieving Granny Smith, and all that had happened in the past year. Everyone seemed to think that Applejack was better now, that she'd moved on, but she could never move on. Every single day, she is reminded of Granny Smith and her impact on her life. How she raised her even after both her parents died, how she treated her like she was her own daughter. Granny Smith showed Applejack through example that you care for your blood. She planned to carry that out, no matter what happened to her family in the process. It was a funny thought to Applejack that Rarity could someday be apart of the Apple family. Sugarbelle had sure already been accepted; she was invited to all family gatherings nowadays. There was no doubt she could do the same thing for her girlfriend, to really show that she was serious about their relationship. Applejack was pretty sure she could think herself to death by the end of this train route. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep as the train roared across the tracks. Applejack was suddenly awoken, startled, as the train came to a halt abruptly. The conductor shouted out, "Manehatten City!" Applejack quickly grabbed her things and headed to the front of the train. She handed the ticket man the other part of her ticket, and exited the train. She sighed as she finally breathed fresh air for the first time in hours. She adjusted her backpack straps onto her back, filled with only the clothes she absolutely needed, plus some other small essentials, and head off, to the bus that lead to the park where Rarity promised she would meet Applejack. A bus ride and a bit later "Applejack?!" Rarity cried from about 30 feet away. Applejack responded by running towards her girlfriend at full speed, knocking her down as she wrapped her arms around her waist, on top of her as they both fell to the ground. As Applejack was actively straddling Rarity, Rarity blushed and gently reached for Applejack's cheeks, to hold to bring closer to her for a small but passionate kiss. "I missed you, Jackie." Rarity smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. Applejack smiled back at her, wiping the tear away. "I love you, Rare." Applejack said, leaning down to kiss her once again, then rolled off of Rarity and sat down in the grass. Rarity also sat up in the grass, opting to sit on Applejack's lap, as that was the ideal seat. "Oof," Applejack said as Rarity sat down on her lap, her 140 pound small frame crushing her instantly. "Are you calling me fat, darling?" Rarity said as she raised her eyebrow at Applejack. "Not very nice, no it is not." "No! Never!" Applejack panicked slightly, but mostly she knew Rarity was just trying to rile her up; she played into it. "Oh! I am totally never speaking to you again, Applejaquleyn Maria Smith!" Rarity said, flipping her hair, still sitting on the lap of her girlfriend, who she just referred to by her full name. Awkward. Applejack cringed at the mention of her name. "Amigo, no seas idiota." Applejack responded back in a sassy tone. "Åh! Å bruke spansk er juks!" Rarity scolded Applejack, and Applejack put her hands up defensively. "You can't use Norwegian in an argument! That's cheating!" Applejack said, exasperated and beginning to laugh. "It's not my fault my parents are from Norway and neglected to teach me English for the first five years of my life, and you took Spanish 1 in high school." Rarity responded as she examined her nails, in a sassy manner. "Teach me something," Applejack joked, smiling up at Rarity. Rarity looked at her like she was insane. "Fine." Rarity said, thinking. "To say I love you, we say, Jeg vil spise fosteret ditt" Applejack then repeated her, in a horrible Canterlot accent. " Jag val spese fasteret dott." Rarity's palm met her forehead, and she cringed. "Sort of, darling." She laughed a bit. Rarity laid down on the grass next to Applejack, and Applejack followed her example, laying down next to her. She looked so beautiful, Applejack thought, almost ethereal. Suddenly, as she was thinking of how beautiful her girlfriend is, she suddenly thought of Granny Smith, and how Granny had said something about Rarity a time before she got sick. Applejack tried to recall. She said that Applejack was always hanging out with Rarity. That was the day Rarity told her she was moving away. Tears welled up in Applejack's eyes, and Rarity turned her head and noticed. "What is wrong, my darling?" Rarity asked, leaning on her side and attempting to not grass-stain her light colored dress. "Jus' thinkin' bout Granny. She really liked me dating you." Applejack wiped the tears from her eyes. She didn't cry often, if she did she was usually alone. Rarity felt like a close enough person to cry around, so she trusted her. "I am honored that your grandmother liked me. I do wonder if your mother would've as well, though." Rarity said as she tapped her chin, thinking deeply. "She woulda, she definitely woulda." Applejack smiled at Rarity. "I feel so alone sometimes, like I've lost every mother I've ever had. Some of it makes me want to just cling to a random middle aged woman and call her mommy as she changes my diaper." Rarity cringed. "Maybe rethink saying stuff like that outloud, babe." Applejack thought over her words, then realized they could be mistaken for something else. "Oh, yeah, you're right." Rarity laughed, and Applejack laughed in return. Suddenly, Applejack noticed a man on a bench. He was cloaked in black from head to toe, with a large top hat. He seemed to be getting up, and walking over... to Applejack and Rarity? His skin was pale, and he seemed old and somehow wise in his features. Applejack couldn't be too trusting though, this guy could be a total sicko murderer. She sat up and urged Rarity to sit up as well as the man approached them. Eventually, the man reached both Rarity and Applejack. He bent down to Applejack, and she froze up in fear, worrying she was about to be kidnapped. "Why do your eyes fill with tears, young lady?" The man asked, as he knelt down in front of Applejack. "You seem so down, it's almost as if you wish someone would hug you." Applejack wiped her last tear away and looked at the man. "Who are you?" she asked. "I'm a poet, obviously." the man suddenly let out a loud chuckle. "And for the moment, I am your therapist." Rarity looked at the man suspiciously, and piped up suddenly. "Why should she trust a random old man like you, dressed so suspiciously at that?" Rarity lowered her eyes at the man, and he put his arms up in defense. "I am old, and a man. I dress like this because this is me, and this is how I want to be seen. I'd say you are weird as well, for wearing such outrageous fashion pieces." Rarity looked at the man, offended. "Excuse me, mister, I'll have you know, I shop at only the best stores! This outfit is the closest thing to Chanel you'll ever own!" The man clicked his tongue. "I will leave, but may I offer some advice to you, my cowboy friend?" For a moment, Applejack saw more of the man's face, which was shadowed and hidden by his large brimmed hat. He had bright blue eyes that beamed with a spark of brightness, and a long, crooked nose. He appeared almost like an alternative, eccentric Mr. Rogers. "What is it?" Applejack asked, looking into the man's eyes, trusting him, for whatever reason. If she got murdered, this was totally Rarity's parents fault for moving to such a place in the first place. "If you are trying to fill a hole in your heart, find something equally as satisfying. If you are unable to have something, embrace what you do have, my dear. You will always have people who love you in your life as you seek them out." the man lowered his glasses, and then waved. "I will be off now, have a good day!" Applejack waved goodbye, confused, and Rarity looked even more confused, but brushed it off. "Well, that was weird." Rarity said, putting her arm around Applejack. "He probably was, like, a child predator." "That depends on if you believe there are good people in the world or not, Rare." Applejack sighed, looking at the distant man as he walked off. "Are there any good people, Jackie?" Rarity asked, pulling Applejack closer and putting her head against Applejack's lovingly. "Granny Smith was a mighty good person. Probably one 'a the best." Applejack looked off at the sunset, feeling the slight summer chill as the temperature dropped. She sure did wish she had brought a jacket. "I hope I'm a good person like that one day, too." "Darling, I ensure you, you already are." Rarity smiled at Applejack, and Applejack smiled back. They both watched the sun set, as their future awaited them; the troubles to come, and all the good that was to bless them. The End i wished i was andrew bird just younger, i wished that this crush would last a little bit longerA girl with tanned skin and striking blonde hair, sporting a flannel and bootcut jeans, with her signature cowboy hat, laid flat on her chest on her bed, with the windows splayed wide open and the sun shining through. She sighed, bored, as she scrolled aimlessly through her phone. It was a long day of working for the farm pony, and she was happy to relax at this time of day. She enjoyed just scrolling through social media, hoping maybe to get a text from her girlfriend, who she hadn't heard from over the past few days. Stupid Rarity. Applejack got up from her spot on the bed, looked into the mirror that was directly across from her mattress, and adjusted her loose ponytail that was held together with a red ribbon. She adjusted her hat slightly before collapsing back onto the mattress, splaying out like a starfish under a heat lamp, dry and crusty. Suddenly, a familiar vibration coursed through the covers, all the way to her fingertips, and a ping rang into the air. Applejack quickly rolled over and checked who the notification was for. Seeing the email app, she clicked on it and checked her messages. She quickly opened the newest one. Subject: EMERGENCY From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com Dear Jackie, COME OVER TO MY HOUSE ASAP. EMERGENCY! Bring a pie. Love, Rare Applejack quickly typed up a reply, her fingers hitting the keys at a rapid speed. Subject: Rarity From: ApplejacquelineSmith@hotmail.com On my way. I've got blueberry pie. She then closed her laptop, grimacing as it slammed against itself due to her brute strength. She went into the mirror and adjusted her blonde fringe, then walk-ran out the door and down the stairs. She reached the end of the stairs and saw Granny Smith, sitting on her chair watching old-timey TV, even though more modern TV was available to her for access. Applejack dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. "See ya later, Granny. Heading to Raritys'." Applejack said, running her fingers through Granny Smith's hair briefly as a sign of affection. Granny Smith smiled up at her from her seated position. "Always hangin' out with that Rarity nowadays," she mumbled under her breath, but Applejack just smiled and walked off. On her way out the door, she ran into the kitchen and grabbed the blueberry pie that she had made the night before. She liked to always have a freshly made pie around, whether it be apple, blueberry, or any other fruit she had in the house. Big Mac sat at the table eating some cereal, and she saluted to him ironically, and he nodded his head silently. "Going to Raritys', make sure Granny is okay." Applejack said, grabbing her keys from the wall, while Big Mac scooped his cereal into his mouth. "Eheyuhp," he said with his cheeks full of cheerios. Applejack laughed at him, then slipped out the front door, pie in hand. Applejack stepped out the door into the acres of Sweet Apple Acres, smelling the fresh air of apple trees and green grass. She stepped onto the path to the gate where the land of Sweet Apple Acres ceased to exist, striding forward with her delicious dessert in her grasp. On her way out, she walked past a particularly low-hanging apple tree, one that she could grab an apple from with her hand, without using a ladder. She quickly grabbed an apple off the tree, patting the bark with a smile and thanking the tree for the fruit, silently. Applejack had learned to always be kind to nature, in her years of tending to apple trees and other various plants and animals. Granny Smith always said, the apples from the tree come with a great responsibility. She took those words and turned them into a moral code. If you grow the tree, the tree grows to appreciate you, and produces apples for your pleasure. A simple thank you goes a long way, even if it made her sound a bit crazy. Applejack found herself outside the bounds of the acres, opening and closing the gate that separated her farm from the outside world. Luckily, she lived right next to the Canterlot bus stop that took her to Rarity's neighborhood, from where she could walk a short distance to Rarity's house. She walked for a short while down the path, until she came across the bus stop labeled the 23A. She quickly approached the sign, and checked for the next arrival and departure; 11:25. She checked her watch briefly, seeing that it was 11:23, and quickly sat down on the rough pavement, cross legged. She patiently waited for the bus to arrive as she fiddled with the saran wrap around the pie she held on her lap. Within a few moments, the bus came driving up, and Applejack quickly stood up, making sure the pie didn't get crushed in her efforts. The bus door opened with a puff of air, and Applejack boarded the vehicle, thanking the bus driver as she walked down the aisle, finding a seat near the back. She sighed as she sat down, examining her surroundings. The bus was mostly empty, besides for one peculiar man in a trench coat and top hat. She gave him a weird look, then focused on the pie in her lap. It smelled delicious, and she had to refrain from eating it right then and there. She had become skilled in the art of not devouring all the sweets she made, although fate does often tempt her in the opposite direction. The bus stopped multiple times in Applejack's journey across Canterlot. She lived on the far side of Canterlot, while Rarity lived in the middle. The ride was not too long, but definitely not the most comfortable. The roads out of Sweet Apple Acres were gravel and uneven, but as soon as they were out of the countryside, they reached a rather smooth pavement that screamed lots of tax money. Applejack did notice the contrast from her side of town and Rarity's opposing side, how the houses were nicer and the people dressed fancy. She preferred to pay it no mind. She wondered if the thought ever crossed Rarity's mind. "Diamond district," the bus driver shouted from the front, and Applejack promptly got up from her seat, pie in hand, and stumbled to the front as the bus came to a halt, jolting forward as he came to a rough stop. The cloaked man in a top hat gave her a strange look through the brim of his hat, and she chuckled, her cheeks turning red. She gained her composure and walked over to the end of the bus, waving to the bus driver as she unboarded. She stepped over the steep makeshift steps of the bus, almost stumbling as she made her way to the ground. Applejack embarked on the journey down the street, striding down the pavement, past the fancy looking houses on the street. When she had reached the end of the block, she turned and crossed the street over to Hardy street. The houses on this particular street were exponentially big and exceedingly tall, with big white fences and colors that were intrusive to the eye. It was comparable to the fictionalized Capitol. Finally, Applejack found the house she was looking for: a white house with a bright purple roof, and blue fence. Something about the air on this street made people impulsive to paint their house strange colors, Applejack usually concluded to herself as it crossed her mind for a brief time. She approached the light blue fence, ringing the bright gold button with a black exterior, expecting the button to set off a chime inside the house and alert the beautiful pony waiting for her inside. As she had anticipated, the door quickly swung open, and a girl wearing a spaghetti strap crop top, bright yellow in color, contrasting against her dark skin, and a pair of light blue jeans, ripped in various pre-planned places. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, with only a few baby hairs sticking out to frame her face. "Applejack!" Rarity cried, and as she approached closer, walk-running in her heels, Applejack saw that she looked ever so slightly disheveled. Her mascara was smudged and her eyes were red. "Hey." Applejack said, cooly, opening her arms and hugging Rarity close. Rarity undid her grasp around Applejack, and quickly noticed the pie in her arms. "Oh, you brought the pie!" she said, grinning and looking up at Applejack from her short height. Applejack was built like a box, a tall box, and Rarity was built like a short bottle of Coca-Cola. Her curves were exceptional, and her waist seemed impossibly tiny, but not so tiny you worry for her overall health. Her tight clothes fit her figure well. Applejack and Rarity walked side by side, into the house that Rarity lived in alone. Her parents paid for it, but they lived in Manehatten primarily. They let her go to school where she grew up, and they moved when she was old enough to take care of herself; which, according to them, was age 14. Her little sister, Sweetie Belle, also lived with her, but she mostly spent the night at her friends houses'. Inside the house, it was minimalistic and beautiful in design; it seemed like Rarity really kept up with her decor, and if you assumed that, you would be right. Applejack sometimes wondered why Rarity worried about her outward appearance so much, but they agreed to disagree on most things. "Applejack," Rarity said, exasperated, and she slammed closed her front door. Applejack cringed at the loud noise. "I am in shambles. You have no idea, darling." Applejack sat down on the white couch, which matched the white wood flooring, and the white coffee table. There were accents of other colors, but in a minimal sense. She popped off her hat and set it beside her. "What's the deal, Rare?" she asked as she looked at Rarity, who's straightened hair was beginning to frizz up from the humidity of the hot summer weather. "First, we must make tea." Rarity said as she rushed over to the kitchen. Applejack followed her, leaving her hat on the couch. They made their way to the kitchen. Rarity's kitchen was large, filled with the latest equipment to make it modern; everything seemed to be styled to her personal taste. Applejack appreciated Rarity's sense of decor, but sometimes felt less at home at Rarity's house than in her own when she stayed there. It felt like something so perfect, that you should not touch it under any circumstances. She felt herself being careful in the house, as to not break something haphazardly. Rarity poured purified drinking water in the tea kettle, something Applejack didn't see the reasoning behind, tap water worked just fine for her. She then put it on the touch screen stove, and set the temperature to high, to get it boiling. Rarity then walked over to her tea pantry, which held many different kinds of tea. Rarity owned so much tea, Applejack had never seen so much tea in one place. Rarity was originally from Manechester, where tea is a speciality, and her family immigrated to Canterlot, Diamond district, when she was young. "Which tea would you like, darling?" Rarity asked as she pursued the pantry, which was neatly organized by color. "Um, black?" Applejack responded, confused in the terms of tea-making. Although, the tea Rarity made always tasted delicious. "Don't be funny, darling." Rarity responded, shooting a glare back at Applejack. Applejack looked at her confused as to what she meant. "We will have Chai." Applejack nodded her head in agreement, still a bit confused. Rarity quickly whipped up the tea, and soon she was setting it out on the dining table, which was to the left of the kitchen. She put coasters down underneath the mugs, and placed two fancy porcelain mugs, filled with a honey brown opaque liquid, due to the cream she put inside to make it sweet. Applejack tasted the tea, quickly realizing her mistake as she burned her tongue. She stuck her tongue out and blew on it, as best as she could. "Oh, Applejack, dear. Such terrible dining etiquette you possess." Rarity blew air into her nose, and politely put her napkin onto her lap. She smirked at Applejack, and Applejack laughed a bit in return. Rarity quickly got up and handed a letter to Applejack, which had been opened. It was addressed to Rarity M. Bouffant, from... Betty Bouffant and Hondo Flanks? Applejack looked at Rarity, and Rarity sighed as she urged her to open the letter using a hand gesture. Applejack discarded the paper holding the letter, and inside was two pieces of paper, one with handwriting, and one that was printed out. She opened it, and began to read: Our dear daughter, We realize that you are struggling living by yourself in Canterlot, so we enrolled you and Sweetie Belle into a school near us. The flight leaves next Saturday. Start packing. Ciao! Mommy, Daddy Applejack reread the letter once more, and still was confused. The letter was so short and to the point, it couldn't possibly be serious. Rarity sighed, and said, "Go to the next page." Applejack turned over the paper and began to read the letter, which was structured professionally. DEAR RARITY MARIE BOUFFANT, YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO Manehatten School of Good Behavior. Please prepare appropriately. Start date: Monday, July 30th Applejack was dumbfounded. "What's all this mean?" Rarity sighed dramatically, but it was also called for, given the situation. "My parents are sending me away to a school halfway across Equestria." Applejack raised her eyebrow, "Why?" she asked, still confused. Rarity thought for a moment. "I suppose so they can stop paying for this extra house, or possibly they just want to destroy my life and happiness every chance they get." Applejack sighed, and looked into Rarity's blue eyes. "Well, we need to find a way to get out of this." Rarity looked at her girlfriend with wide, curious eyes. "How exactly do you plan to do that, darling?" Applejack thought for a moment, sipping her tea as she ran through ideas in her mind. She could always kill Rarity's parents. That would solve a lot of problems, although it was unreasonable, and murder. She could mail the school and tell them that Rarity was a runaway criminal, and they wouldn't accept her... but then again, it was a school for the misbehaved. Which, raised a question from Applejack: "Why in Equestria did they decide to send you to a behavioral school?" she asked, looking at Rarity, who seemed considerably stressed. "Because they simply hate me, darling!" Rarity said, frazzled and manic, as she smoothed down her starting-to-kink hair and tried to manage her appearance and stress, pulling herself together. "They want me to suffer!" Applejack got up and hugged her girlfriend, Rarity accepting the embrace as she wrapped her arms around the other girl. Applejack pulled away slowly, and narrowed the space between her and Rarity as she placed her lips gently over Rarity's, pulling her closer in as she put her hand around the back of Rarity's head, gently kissing her with love. "I leave in a few days," Rarity sighed. "Will you help me pack?" Applejack frowned and nodded her head. "You'll visit in the summer, right?" she asked hopefully. Rarity nodded in response. "And I will write you every day." Applejack smiled. "Every day?" "Promise." Applejack slept over that night, the two cuddling, holding each other close in Rarity's bed. It had all happened so fast; Rarity was leaving, and there was nothing Applejack could do about it. Applejack felt her blood boil towards the like of Rarity's parents, forcing her to leave and go off to a place that she's never called home before. If only this night could last forever. Applejack sighed, as she drifted off to sleep.
i wrote letters to you whenever i could find the time Dear Rare, How's school going? I reckon it's mighty boring without me. Today Pinkie Pie made a cake with hot sauce instead of milk. Don't ask how she did it, because I wouldn't know. Love, Jackie ..... Dear Jackie, School is going just fine. Everyone is so well dressed! It's hard to keep up sometimes. I've learned not to question Pinkie Pie. Miss you guys so much. Love, Rare Dear Rare, I seriously hate your parents right now. I wish you could come home. AJ ... Dear Jackie, I know, I do too. My father is extremely annoying, as well. I think they should get a divorce. ... .... .... .... Applejack, It's been awhile since you wrote back. Are you okay? How is everything going? Please write back soon. Rarity ... Applejack, Jackie? Are you okay? Why haven't you written me? If there's something I said or did, please tell me. I miss you. School is so boring without your letters. Please respond, Rare ... 3 months later Rarity, I am mighty sorry I didn't write to you sooner. I've been busy because Granny Smith is sick. She's doing better, though. Walking and stuff, demanding us around the house. I think she'll get better. Applejack ... Dear beloved, I am so glad to hear from you, darling. I am sorry to hear that Granny Smith is sick. Sending my best love. Manehatten is really big. I miss Canterlot. And you. Mostly you. Love, Rarity ... Rare, Granny Smith is sleeping a whole lot more than usual. Probably just building up her strength, LOL I miss you more than I can say, Rare. You always seemed like a Manehatten pony, I'd admit. We need all the love we can get, Jackie ... Jackie, I'll never be a Manehatten pony! They are far too rambunctious. I love you. Rarity ... ... ... Granny Smith died today. ... Applejack, Are you okay? Please tell me what I can do. You're strong. Rarity Applejack stared at her computer, eyes unblinking as she scanned over the words in front of her again and again. She sighed, and gently closed the laptop as she stood up and went to her dresser. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusted her bowtie, and headed out the door. It had been a hellish couple of weeks; first Granny Smith fell sick, getting weaker by the day. Applejack was reluctant to accept that her time had come, but Big Mac was more mature than her, less in denial than she was. Everything seemed to have paused: she hadn't left the house in weeks. All she did was lay in bed, and when she wasn't lying in bed she was helping Big Mac take care of Granny Smith. It was torture seeing her in the state she was in for Applejack. She preferred to hide out, and pretend nothing existed outside of her bedroom. Applejack and Big Mac had to fight for a diagnosis for Granny Smith. All the doctors they saw at first just told them she was winding down, getting older, but that seemed to be a broad misinterpretation, so they kept searching. Eventually, they met a doctor named Dr. Phin, a self-proclaimed "new-age" doctor who claimed to take issues of dire health seriously. He ran a few tests, which other doctors failed to do, he took her blood, did an x-ray, among other things that Applejack couldn't understand. It turns out Granny Smith had a tumor in her brain, and the time they wasted before the diagnosis had left her with a short while to live. Applejack ran down the stairs, fixing her hair in her extra nice red ribbon, tied into a ponytail. She saw Big Mac as she headed into the dining area, and he was wearing his best suit as well. "Where's Applebloom?" Applejack asked, trying to ignore the elephant in the room, the one that daunted everyone in the Apple family on that day, and many days before that. Big Mac shrugged, and suddenly a small girl came running down the stairs, wearing a black dress with long flowing sleeves, and she slipped on her flats at the bottom of the stairs. She then ran to Applejack and hugged her tightly. "How's Rarity?" Applebloom asked her sister, also choosing to not address the circumstances they found themselves in, or perhaps she was just too innocent and childish to take it seriously. "She's... I don't know," Applejack sighed. "I haven't talked to her in a while." "Why?" Applebloom asked with her wide sunset colored eyes, looking up at Applejack as if she was utterly confused as to why Applejack wouldn't think of messaging Rarity right now. Applejack thought briefly. She hadn't messaged Rarity because taking care of Granny was so draining, and ultimately devastating as she slowly realized her efforts were futile, and Granny was only getting worse. Applejack was so grief-stricken after Granny Smith passed away, she couldn't bare to explain to Rarity why she hadn't been around. Doing much of anything seemed like such a task, something Applejack couldn't stand to do. "I've been busy." Applejack shrugged and replied simply, and Applebloom raised her eyebrow at her sister. "'Kay then," Applebloom responded, "when we gonna get headed?" Big Mac checked his watch, and saw that it was 11:00, then nodded his head. He grabbed his suit jacket from the coat rack on his way out, which Applejack did as well. Applebloom grabbed a coat, one dark enough in color to be suitable for a funeral. The three siblings headed out, with grief-stricken hearts and a tendency to bury their emotions. Big Mac got into the car first, in the driver seat. Applejack got into the passenger seat, and Applebloom in the back. The sight of the empty seat next to Applebloom seemed eery, like something was missing from reality; and something was. Granny Smith wasn't there, and she would never be there again. Applejack closed her eyes as the car drove off, out of Sweet Apple Acres, and onto the gravel road that led out of Sweet Apple Acres. The ride to the place the funeral was held was short, but it felt like eternity for the three siblings riding in the car, feeling out of place, like this wasn't what was supposed to happen in the grand scheme of it all, like a mistake had been made in the lining of reality. Big Mac pulled up into the parking lot of the cemetery, putting the car into park and sighing as he put his hands off the wheel and grasped the situation he was in, as so did Applejack and Applebloom. The three sat in silence for a minute, before Big Mac burst into tears, sobbing as he covered his eyes with his hands and wiped his tears away roughly. Applejack looked over at him with sympathy, and she felt tears welling up in her own eyes, although she preferred to keep that kind of emotion held deep inside. "Is this really the last time we gonna see Granny?" Applebloom asked from the back seat, looking at both her big brother and her big sister. "Eeyup." Big Mac said simply, sniffling as he tried to put an end to his crying, to no avail. "Granny's in heaven now, sugarcube." Applejack replied, saying more than Big Mac was able to on his own. "She's lookin' down on all of us right now, probably tellin' us to get it together." Big Mac let out a sad chuckle, and nodded his head. Applebloom frowned. "I don't like that answer." Applejack sighed and turned back to look at her sister and said, "It's the answer you get." Applebloom made a disgruntled sound and began looking out the window. She saw a long, black car with tinted windows, and a larger than average trunk. She quickly examined it, and saw that it stopped a few meters away from them, and two men got out wearing all-black tuxedos, and went to the trunk. Inside was a large box with an Equestrian flag draped over it, and Applebloom wasn't sure what it was. "Hey, guys, what's that big box?" Applebloom asked, and Applejack and Big Mac suddenly jerked their heads to the sight of the large casket and funeral car. Applejack gasped looked away quickly, while Big Mac wore a sorrowful expression. "What?" Applebloom asked innocently, irritated at her big brother and sister for how they were acting towards her, like she was a child. "That's Granny." Applejack whispered, putting her hat over her face. "Oh." Applebloom said, dumbfounded. The three siblings exited the car, and headed over to the place where Granny was to be buried and the service held. They saw several other people there, including Applejack's friends, minus Rarity, members of the Apple-Smith family, among others. Suddenly, Big Mac lit up, and Applejack looked to where he was looking to see what was up. A familiar pony was walking towards them: one with pink and purple hair, and dark skin. "Sugarbelle! Mighty nice to see you here!" Applejack said, tipping her hat politely to Sugarbelle. Sugarbelle smiled at Applejack and Applejack smiled back. She then turned to Big Mac and gave him a big kiss. "How are you doing, my handsome man?" Sugarbelle hugged Big Mac close. "Eeyup." Big Mac responded, nuzzling Sugarbelle gently. They went to find their seats, and Applejack and her siblings, plus Sugarbelle, sat at the front, where they slowly laid out Granny Smith's casket. Even though they had opened it, you couldn't see into it from the seated position that everyone was in. Applejack wondered if once she saw what laid inside the casket would be scary to look at, or otherwise world-breaking. She hadn't seen Granny Smith since she laid there lifelessly in her chair, and Big Mac found her, screaming for help. Applejack came running down the stairs and they called the hospital. It was too late. Granny Smith was announced dead. A man, short in height, so the podium he sat in had to be adjusted to his height, sat up in front of the casket with a bible. He read from it, reciting each line with emotion and properness. Applejack tried to listen, but her ears blurred out the words. All she could think about was Granny. Suddenly, the man said, "We would like to welcome our first and only speaker, Applejack Smith, granddaughter of Maria "Granny" Smith." He then motioned for Applejack to come up, and Applejack seemed startled, but went up to the podium with confidence anyway. "Um.." Applejack muttered, and the mic gave loud streaks of feedback as her nose hit the mic. She coughed awkwardly, which also feedbacked into the mic. "I remember the day when I was a lil' filly, my parents had just died. Granny Smith pulled me to the side, and told me to be strong. Grief ain't get nobody nowhere, and happiness is something you work towards. As long as I worked every day on building my happiness, I could make my parents proud from down below." Applejack wiped tears from her eyes as they began to well up, and she silently cursed herself for crying. "I wish I could apply that to this, but without Granny, there's just no light anymore... I feel like I've lost everyone." Applejack sighed as she told this half-truth. She hadn't lost everyone: she still had Rarity, and she had been ignoring her. There were people in her life who could comfort her, and she pushed them aside so she could wallow in her self pity. Granny Smith always wanted to see Applejack happy with Rarity. If she lost Rarity because of Granny, how would that make her feel, she wondered to herself silently in front of everyone she knew and loved. Applejack let out a few sobs, which translated through the mic awkwardly as tears rolled down her face. Big Mac came up onto the stage and offered her a tissue and helped her down the podium. As they were exiting the podium, Applejack caught glimpse of Granny Smith, laying there, lifeless. Her cries broke into sobs, and she ran over to Granny's casket. "Granny..." Applejack cried at the side of Granny's casket, looking at her figure which was laid out on the cushioned box, her eyes closed and makeup done. "They did your makeup nice and pretty, just like when you were young..." Applejack wiped tears from her eyes, as they dripped down onto Granny's decorated corpse. The rest was a blur, as tears filled Applejack's eyes and all she could do was sit on the floor in a ball and cry. Eventually, Big Mac picked her up and carried her to the car, as the service ended and everyone went home. Applejack stayed, wrapped in fetal position, as she sobbed her eyes out, not even bothering to keep them open as her eyes became red from tears. Applejack could remember the sound of the car stopping, and them getting out of the car and being carried into the house, and from there up the stairs and into her bed. She sat there in bed, and cried herself to sleep, like a baby. Applejack abruptly woke up at 3 AM, with only one thought on her mind. Rarity. She quickly grabbed her laptop and brought it into bed with her, onto her lap, and opened it. She saw the message that Rarity had sent earlier, and quickly wrote a reply, dumping her heart out into the letter. Dear Rarity, I love you. Today was Granny Smith's funeral. I realized that Granny would want me to write you. I got so busy in my life, with everything that has happened... I hope you understand. I saw Granny for the last time today. I cried like a baby. I hope I see you soon. Feel so empty without you. Applejack Applejack waited for a reply as she quietly began to sketch on her tablet, and within 30 minutes, she got a familiar ding from the messaging app. There was a new message, and she opened it with excitement. My love, Applejack I completely understand, you need time to heal. I love you too. Good to know that Granny liked me. I want to be there when you cry and hug you, plz. I'll see you this summer my love, and get some sleep please. Rarity Applejack smiled as she finished reading the letter and shut her laptop gently. She put her computer up and rolled over onto her back, sighing as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
i remember fragments of an island with a fake coastlineThe apple trees were in full bloom at Sweet Apple Acres, for the first time since Granny Smith died. Applejack would spend her time roaming the fields of the acres, picking apples and discarding them to the ground to rot and die into the earth. The weather was blazingly hot, and Applejack felt her sweat leaking through her shirt as the bright sun turned her tanned skin even darker. This meant only one thing: It was Summer. Applejack had been looking forward to the summer holiday all winter and spring, spending her days marking off on her calender on the days until she could finally see Rarity again. School was finally out, and days were only getting longer, and hotter. Thus, Applejack found herself riding on the Canterlot Express train, to Manehatten, to see her beloved Rarity. She sat with her elbow on the window as she gazed outside, as the train speeded by buildings, scenery, and fields of farmland that surrounded the outer bounds of Canterlot and led to other cities. After the window got exceedingly boring, she switched to her phone, which she quickly realized had a new notification on it. She saw that it was from her mail, and clicked on it. Subject: CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com Dear Jackie, Are you on the train right now? Have a safe ride, dear! The weather here is much cooler than in Canterlot. Maybe bring a jacket. I love you. Rarity M. Applejack smiled silently at the message, and her fingers quickly danced along her keyboard, manufacturing a reply to her beloved. Subject: On my way! From: applejacqulynsmith@hotmail.com I am definitely on a train. It is boring... I didn't bring a jacket. Heck. I love you more. Applejack Applejack set her phone down on her lap and continued her staring out the window, until suddenly a train attendant approached her with a cart full of snacks. "Hey, baby, you want some snacks?" the lady asked in a motherly tone. "I got ice cream, too." she said, holding up some packaged ice cream, including the ones of little cartoon characters with smudged faces. Applejack smiled at the woman, who was large in figure, but kind in nature. "You got apple pie?" The woman grinned at Applejack, and pulled out an instant apple pie from her cart. "Of course, baby. I'll heat it right up for you, make sure it's not too hot." "Thank you, ma'am." Applejack responded, tipping her hat politely to the woman as she walked away. Applejack began to think she should get out more, if strangers would be so kind to her so randomly more often. She felt like she was missing something from her life, like a motherly figure... sure, she was almost a grown woman: she was 18, but her mother had died when she was ten. At 17, her grandmother and life long caretaker died. She felt quite lonely, and something about the motherly, caring demeanor of the woman was comforting. Applejack sighed to herself, and suddenly her phone chimed. It was Rarity. She opened the message, and saw there was a picture attached. Subject: Waiting for my woman! From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com [Attached Image] Applejack clicked the link and suddenly a picture appeared. It showed Rarity, in a yellow spaghetti strap crop top, with her hair untouched, unstyled and unstraightened. She was posing, tilting her jawline to make it pop, and making a peace sign. Applejack giggled and saved the photo. Over the past few months, Applejack had been mailing back and forth with Rarity, their relationship strengthening and surviving through struggling through a long distance relationship. Applejack just wanted to have Rarity in her arms, and knew that Rarity wanted nothing less as well. Rarity had been there, through grieving Granny Smith, and all that had happened in the past year. Everyone seemed to think that Applejack was better now, that she'd moved on, but she could never move on. Every single day, she is reminded of Granny Smith and her impact on her life. How she raised her even after both her parents died, how she treated her like she was her own daughter. Granny Smith showed Applejack through example that you care for your blood. She planned to carry that out, no matter what happened to her family in the process. It was a funny thought to Applejack that Rarity could someday be apart of the Apple family. Sugarbelle had sure already been accepted; she was invited to all family gatherings nowadays. There was no doubt she could do the same thing for her girlfriend, to really show that she was serious about their relationship. Applejack was pretty sure she could think herself to death by the end of this train route. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep as the train roared across the tracks. Applejack was suddenly awoken, startled, as the train came to a halt abruptly. The conductor shouted out, "Manehatten City!" Applejack quickly grabbed her things and headed to the front of the train. She handed the ticket man the other part of her ticket, and exited the train. She sighed as she finally breathed fresh air for the first time in hours. She adjusted her backpack straps onto her back, filled with only the clothes she absolutely needed, plus some other small essentials, and head off, to the bus that lead to the park where Rarity promised she would meet Applejack. A bus ride and a bit later "Applejack?!" Rarity cried from about 30 feet away. Applejack responded by running towards her girlfriend at full speed, knocking her down as she wrapped her arms around her waist, on top of her as they both fell to the ground. As Applejack was actively straddling Rarity, Rarity blushed and gently reached for Applejack's cheeks, to hold to bring closer to her for a small but passionate kiss. "I missed you, Jackie." Rarity smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek. Applejack smiled back at her, wiping the tear away. "I love you, Rare." Applejack said, leaning down to kiss her once again, then rolled off of Rarity and sat down in the grass. Rarity also sat up in the grass, opting to sit on Applejack's lap, as that was the ideal seat. "Oof," Applejack said as Rarity sat down on her lap, her 140 pound small frame crushing her instantly. "Are you calling me fat, darling?" Rarity said as she raised her eyebrow at Applejack. "Not very nice, no it is not." "No! Never!" Applejack panicked slightly, but mostly she knew Rarity was just trying to rile her up; she played into it. "Oh! I am totally never speaking to you again, Applejaquleyn Maria Smith!" Rarity said, flipping her hair, still sitting on the lap of her girlfriend, who she just referred to by her full name. Awkward. Applejack cringed at the mention of her name. "Amigo, no seas idiota." Applejack responded back in a sassy tone. "Åh! Å bruke spansk er juks!" Rarity scolded Applejack, and Applejack put her hands up defensively. "You can't use Norwegian in an argument! That's cheating!" Applejack said, exasperated and beginning to laugh. "It's not my fault my parents are from Norway and neglected to teach me English for the first five years of my life, and you took Spanish 1 in high school." Rarity responded as she examined her nails, in a sassy manner. "Teach me something," Applejack joked, smiling up at Rarity. Rarity looked at her like she was insane. "Fine." Rarity said, thinking. "To say I love you, we say, Jeg vil spise fosteret ditt" Applejack then repeated her, in a horrible Canterlot accent. " Jag val spese fasteret dott." Rarity's palm met her forehead, and she cringed. "Sort of, darling." She laughed a bit. Rarity laid down on the grass next to Applejack, and Applejack followed her example, laying down next to her. She looked so beautiful, Applejack thought, almost ethereal. Suddenly, as she was thinking of how beautiful her girlfriend is, she suddenly thought of Granny Smith, and how Granny had said something about Rarity a time before she got sick. Applejack tried to recall. She said that Applejack was always hanging out with Rarity. That was the day Rarity told her she was moving away. Tears welled up in Applejack's eyes, and Rarity turned her head and noticed. "What is wrong, my darling?" Rarity asked, leaning on her side and attempting to not grass-stain her light colored dress. "Jus' thinkin' bout Granny. She really liked me dating you." Applejack wiped the tears from her eyes. She didn't cry often, if she did she was usually alone. Rarity felt like a close enough person to cry around, so she trusted her. "I am honored that your grandmother liked me. I do wonder if your mother would've as well, though." Rarity said as she tapped her chin, thinking deeply. "She woulda, she definitely woulda." Applejack smiled at Rarity. "I feel so alone sometimes, like I've lost every mother I've ever had. Some of it makes me want to just cling to a random middle aged woman and call her mommy as she changes my diaper." Rarity cringed. "Maybe rethink saying stuff like that outloud, babe." Applejack thought over her words, then realized they could be mistaken for something else. "Oh, yeah, you're right." Rarity laughed, and Applejack laughed in return. Suddenly, Applejack noticed a man on a bench. He was cloaked in black from head to toe, with a large top hat. He seemed to be getting up, and walking over... to Applejack and Rarity? His skin was pale, and he seemed old and somehow wise in his features. Applejack couldn't be too trusting though, this guy could be a total sicko murderer. She sat up and urged Rarity to sit up as well as the man approached them. Eventually, the man reached both Rarity and Applejack. He bent down to Applejack, and she froze up in fear, worrying she was about to be kidnapped. "Why do your eyes fill with tears, young lady?" The man asked, as he knelt down in front of Applejack. "You seem so down, it's almost as if you wish someone would hug you." Applejack wiped her last tear away and looked at the man. "Who are you?" she asked. "I'm a poet, obviously." the man suddenly let out a loud chuckle. "And for the moment, I am your therapist." Rarity looked at the man suspiciously, and piped up suddenly. "Why should she trust a random old man like you, dressed so suspiciously at that?" Rarity lowered her eyes at the man, and he put his arms up in defense. "I am old, and a man. I dress like this because this is me, and this is how I want to be seen. I'd say you are weird as well, for wearing such outrageous fashion pieces." Rarity looked at the man, offended. "Excuse me, mister, I'll have you know, I shop at only the best stores! This outfit is the closest thing to Chanel you'll ever own!" The man clicked his tongue. "I will leave, but may I offer some advice to you, my cowboy friend?" For a moment, Applejack saw more of the man's face, which was shadowed and hidden by his large brimmed hat. He had bright blue eyes that beamed with a spark of brightness, and a long, crooked nose. He appeared almost like an alternative, eccentric Mr. Rogers. "What is it?" Applejack asked, looking into the man's eyes, trusting him, for whatever reason. If she got murdered, this was totally Rarity's parents fault for moving to such a place in the first place. "If you are trying to fill a hole in your heart, find something equally as satisfying. If you are unable to have something, embrace what you do have, my dear. You will always have people who love you in your life as you seek them out." the man lowered his glasses, and then waved. "I will be off now, have a good day!" Applejack waved goodbye, confused, and Rarity looked even more confused, but brushed it off. "Well, that was weird." Rarity said, putting her arm around Applejack. "He probably was, like, a child predator." "That depends on if you believe there are good people in the world or not, Rare." Applejack sighed, looking at the distant man as he walked off. "Are there any good people, Jackie?" Rarity asked, pulling Applejack closer and putting her head against Applejack's lovingly. "Granny Smith was a mighty good person. Probably one 'a the best." Applejack looked off at the sunset, feeling the slight summer chill as the temperature dropped. She sure did wish she had brought a jacket. "I hope I'm a good person like that one day, too." "Darling, I ensure you, you already are." Rarity smiled at Applejack, and Applejack smiled back. They both watched the sun set, as their future awaited them; the troubles to come, and all the good that was to bless them. The End
i wished i was andrew bird just younger, i wished that this crush would last a little bit longerA girl with tanned skin and striking blonde hair, sporting a flannel and bootcut jeans, with her signature cowboy hat, laid flat on her chest on her bed, with the windows splayed wide open and the sun shining through. She sighed, bored, as she scrolled aimlessly through her phone. It was a long day of working for the farm pony, and she was happy to relax at this time of day. She enjoyed just scrolling through social media, hoping maybe to get a text from her girlfriend, who she hadn't heard from over the past few days. Stupid Rarity. Applejack got up from her spot on the bed, looked into the mirror that was directly across from her mattress, and adjusted her loose ponytail that was held together with a red ribbon. She adjusted her hat slightly before collapsing back onto the mattress, splaying out like a starfish under a heat lamp, dry and crusty. Suddenly, a familiar vibration coursed through the covers, all the way to her fingertips, and a ping rang into the air. Applejack quickly rolled over and checked who the notification was for. Seeing the email app, she clicked on it and checked her messages. She quickly opened the newest one. Subject: EMERGENCY From: RarityBouffant@hotmail.com Dear Jackie, COME OVER TO MY HOUSE ASAP. EMERGENCY! Bring a pie. Love, Rare Applejack quickly typed up a reply, her fingers hitting the keys at a rapid speed. Subject: Rarity From: ApplejacquelineSmith@hotmail.com On my way. I've got blueberry pie. She then closed her laptop, grimacing as it slammed against itself due to her brute strength. She went into the mirror and adjusted her blonde fringe, then walk-ran out the door and down the stairs. She reached the end of the stairs and saw Granny Smith, sitting on her chair watching old-timey TV, even though more modern TV was available to her for access. Applejack dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. "See ya later, Granny. Heading to Raritys'." Applejack said, running her fingers through Granny Smith's hair briefly as a sign of affection. Granny Smith smiled up at her from her seated position. "Always hangin' out with that Rarity nowadays," she mumbled under her breath, but Applejack just smiled and walked off. On her way out the door, she ran into the kitchen and grabbed the blueberry pie that she had made the night before. She liked to always have a freshly made pie around, whether it be apple, blueberry, or any other fruit she had in the house. Big Mac sat at the table eating some cereal, and she saluted to him ironically, and he nodded his head silently. "Going to Raritys', make sure Granny is okay." Applejack said, grabbing her keys from the wall, while Big Mac scooped his cereal into his mouth. "Eheyuhp," he said with his cheeks full of cheerios. Applejack laughed at him, then slipped out the front door, pie in hand. Applejack stepped out the door into the acres of Sweet Apple Acres, smelling the fresh air of apple trees and green grass. She stepped onto the path to the gate where the land of Sweet Apple Acres ceased to exist, striding forward with her delicious dessert in her grasp. On her way out, she walked past a particularly low-hanging apple tree, one that she could grab an apple from with her hand, without using a ladder. She quickly grabbed an apple off the tree, patting the bark with a smile and thanking the tree for the fruit, silently. Applejack had learned to always be kind to nature, in her years of tending to apple trees and other various plants and animals. Granny Smith always said, the apples from the tree come with a great responsibility. She took those words and turned them into a moral code. If you grow the tree, the tree grows to appreciate you, and produces apples for your pleasure. A simple thank you goes a long way, even if it made her sound a bit crazy. Applejack found herself outside the bounds of the acres, opening and closing the gate that separated her farm from the outside world. Luckily, she lived right next to the Canterlot bus stop that took her to Rarity's neighborhood, from where she could walk a short distance to Rarity's house. She walked for a short while down the path, until she came across the bus stop labeled the 23A. She quickly approached the sign, and checked for the next arrival and departure; 11:25. She checked her watch briefly, seeing that it was 11:23, and quickly sat down on the rough pavement, cross legged. She patiently waited for the bus to arrive as she fiddled with the saran wrap around the pie she held on her lap. Within a few moments, the bus came driving up, and Applejack quickly stood up, making sure the pie didn't get crushed in her efforts. The bus door opened with a puff of air, and Applejack boarded the vehicle, thanking the bus driver as she walked down the aisle, finding a seat near the back. She sighed as she sat down, examining her surroundings. The bus was mostly empty, besides for one peculiar man in a trench coat and top hat. She gave him a weird look, then focused on the pie in her lap. It smelled delicious, and she had to refrain from eating it right then and there. She had become skilled in the art of not devouring all the sweets she made, although fate does often tempt her in the opposite direction. The bus stopped multiple times in Applejack's journey across Canterlot. She lived on the far side of Canterlot, while Rarity lived in the middle. The ride was not too long, but definitely not the most comfortable. The roads out of Sweet Apple Acres were gravel and uneven, but as soon as they were out of the countryside, they reached a rather smooth pavement that screamed lots of tax money. Applejack did notice the contrast from her side of town and Rarity's opposing side, how the houses were nicer and the people dressed fancy. She preferred to pay it no mind. She wondered if the thought ever crossed Rarity's mind. "Diamond district," the bus driver shouted from the front, and Applejack promptly got up from her seat, pie in hand, and stumbled to the front as the bus came to a halt, jolting forward as he came to a rough stop. The cloaked man in a top hat gave her a strange look through the brim of his hat, and she chuckled, her cheeks turning red. She gained her composure and walked over to the end of the bus, waving to the bus driver as she unboarded. She stepped over the steep makeshift steps of the bus, almost stumbling as she made her way to the ground. Applejack embarked on the journey down the street, striding down the pavement, past the fancy looking houses on the street. When she had reached the end of the block, she turned and crossed the street over to Hardy street. The houses on this particular street were exponentially big and exceedingly tall, with big white fences and colors that were intrusive to the eye. It was comparable to the fictionalized Capitol. Finally, Applejack found the house she was looking for: a white house with a bright purple roof, and blue fence. Something about the air on this street made people impulsive to paint their house strange colors, Applejack usually concluded to herself as it crossed her mind for a brief time. She approached the light blue fence, ringing the bright gold button with a black exterior, expecting the button to set off a chime inside the house and alert the beautiful pony waiting for her inside. As she had anticipated, the door quickly swung open, and a girl wearing a spaghetti strap crop top, bright yellow in color, contrasting against her dark skin, and a pair of light blue jeans, ripped in various pre-planned places. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, with only a few baby hairs sticking out to frame her face. "Applejack!" Rarity cried, and as she approached closer, walk-running in her heels, Applejack saw that she looked ever so slightly disheveled. Her mascara was smudged and her eyes were red. "Hey." Applejack said, cooly, opening her arms and hugging Rarity close. Rarity undid her grasp around Applejack, and quickly noticed the pie in her arms. "Oh, you brought the pie!" she said, grinning and looking up at Applejack from her short height. Applejack was built like a box, a tall box, and Rarity was built like a short bottle of Coca-Cola. Her curves were exceptional, and her waist seemed impossibly tiny, but not so tiny you worry for her overall health. Her tight clothes fit her figure well. Applejack and Rarity walked side by side, into the house that Rarity lived in alone. Her parents paid for it, but they lived in Manehatten primarily. They let her go to school where she grew up, and they moved when she was old enough to take care of herself; which, according to them, was age 14. Her little sister, Sweetie Belle, also lived with her, but she mostly spent the night at her friends houses'. Inside the house, it was minimalistic and beautiful in design; it seemed like Rarity really kept up with her decor, and if you assumed that, you would be right. Applejack sometimes wondered why Rarity worried about her outward appearance so much, but they agreed to disagree on most things. "Applejack," Rarity said, exasperated, and she slammed closed her front door. Applejack cringed at the loud noise. "I am in shambles. You have no idea, darling." Applejack sat down on the white couch, which matched the white wood flooring, and the white coffee table. There were accents of other colors, but in a minimal sense. She popped off her hat and set it beside her. "What's the deal, Rare?" she asked as she looked at Rarity, who's straightened hair was beginning to frizz up from the humidity of the hot summer weather. "First, we must make tea." Rarity said as she rushed over to the kitchen. Applejack followed her, leaving her hat on the couch. They made their way to the kitchen. Rarity's kitchen was large, filled with the latest equipment to make it modern; everything seemed to be styled to her personal taste. Applejack appreciated Rarity's sense of decor, but sometimes felt less at home at Rarity's house than in her own when she stayed there. It felt like something so perfect, that you should not touch it under any circumstances. She felt herself being careful in the house, as to not break something haphazardly. Rarity poured purified drinking water in the tea kettle, something Applejack didn't see the reasoning behind, tap water worked just fine for her. She then put it on the touch screen stove, and set the temperature to high, to get it boiling. Rarity then walked over to her tea pantry, which held many different kinds of tea. Rarity owned so much tea, Applejack had never seen so much tea in one place. Rarity was originally from Manechester, where tea is a speciality, and her family immigrated to Canterlot, Diamond district, when she was young. "Which tea would you like, darling?" Rarity asked as she pursued the pantry, which was neatly organized by color. "Um, black?" Applejack responded, confused in the terms of tea-making. Although, the tea Rarity made always tasted delicious. "Don't be funny, darling." Rarity responded, shooting a glare back at Applejack. Applejack looked at her confused as to what she meant. "We will have Chai." Applejack nodded her head in agreement, still a bit confused. Rarity quickly whipped up the tea, and soon she was setting it out on the dining table, which was to the left of the kitchen. She put coasters down underneath the mugs, and placed two fancy porcelain mugs, filled with a honey brown opaque liquid, due to the cream she put inside to make it sweet. Applejack tasted the tea, quickly realizing her mistake as she burned her tongue. She stuck her tongue out and blew on it, as best as she could. "Oh, Applejack, dear. Such terrible dining etiquette you possess." Rarity blew air into her nose, and politely put her napkin onto her lap. She smirked at Applejack, and Applejack laughed a bit in return. Rarity quickly got up and handed a letter to Applejack, which had been opened. It was addressed to Rarity M. Bouffant, from... Betty Bouffant and Hondo Flanks? Applejack looked at Rarity, and Rarity sighed as she urged her to open the letter using a hand gesture. Applejack discarded the paper holding the letter, and inside was two pieces of paper, one with handwriting, and one that was printed out. She opened it, and began to read: Our dear daughter, We realize that you are struggling living by yourself in Canterlot, so we enrolled you and Sweetie Belle into a school near us. The flight leaves next Saturday. Start packing. Ciao! Mommy, Daddy Applejack reread the letter once more, and still was confused. The letter was so short and to the point, it couldn't possibly be serious. Rarity sighed, and said, "Go to the next page." Applejack turned over the paper and began to read the letter, which was structured professionally. DEAR RARITY MARIE BOUFFANT, YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO Manehatten School of Good Behavior. Please prepare appropriately. Start date: Monday, July 30th Applejack was dumbfounded. "What's all this mean?" Rarity sighed dramatically, but it was also called for, given the situation. "My parents are sending me away to a school halfway across Equestria." Applejack raised her eyebrow, "Why?" she asked, still confused. Rarity thought for a moment. "I suppose so they can stop paying for this extra house, or possibly they just want to destroy my life and happiness every chance they get." Applejack sighed, and looked into Rarity's blue eyes. "Well, we need to find a way to get out of this." Rarity looked at her girlfriend with wide, curious eyes. "How exactly do you plan to do that, darling?" Applejack thought for a moment, sipping her tea as she ran through ideas in her mind. She could always kill Rarity's parents. That would solve a lot of problems, although it was unreasonable, and murder. She could mail the school and tell them that Rarity was a runaway criminal, and they wouldn't accept her... but then again, it was a school for the misbehaved. Which, raised a question from Applejack: "Why in Equestria did they decide to send you to a behavioral school?" she asked, looking at Rarity, who seemed considerably stressed. "Because they simply hate me, darling!" Rarity said, frazzled and manic, as she smoothed down her starting-to-kink hair and tried to manage her appearance and stress, pulling herself together. "They want me to suffer!" Applejack got up and hugged her girlfriend, Rarity accepting the embrace as she wrapped her arms around the other girl. Applejack pulled away slowly, and narrowed the space between her and Rarity as she placed her lips gently over Rarity's, pulling her closer in as she put her hand around the back of Rarity's head, gently kissing her with love. "I leave in a few days," Rarity sighed. "Will you help me pack?" Applejack frowned and nodded her head. "You'll visit in the summer, right?" she asked hopefully. Rarity nodded in response. "And I will write you every day." Applejack smiled. "Every day?" "Promise." Applejack slept over that night, the two cuddling, holding each other close in Rarity's bed. It had all happened so fast; Rarity was leaving, and there was nothing Applejack could do about it. Applejack felt her blood boil towards the like of Rarity's parents, forcing her to leave and go off to a place that she's never called home before. If only this night could last forever. Applejack sighed, as she drifted off to sleep.
