Wrangling An Apple

I just finished helping Applejack’s friend. I messed everything up. She hated everything I did. And I don’t know why. Applejack asked me to help with wrangling, that’s what I did. I’m no veterinarian.

“Why did she even ask me to come here!?” I scream into the open air.

I’m sure the other’s probably heard me, but they probably feel the same way I do so who cares anyway. Why does Applejack hang out with a mare like that? Maybe I was wrong about her. Maybe it’s for the best our friendship is over. We weren’t friends at all. I’m just crazy. She asked me to come and help out her friend and I had to go showing off and trying to impress her, and I didn’t listen to any of her friend’s instructions. And now Applejack never wants to see me again. Her friend isn’t the problem. I am. I hate myself.

I return to my hotel for the evening. There is no sense trying to go home any sooner than the morning train. Even if Applejack won’t be showing me around Ponyville tonight. I feel tears starting to slip down my cheeks. I crawl into the bed, not bothering to take off my work clothes.

*********

I don’t know how long I’ve been laying here. It feels like hours. But also like seconds. The sun has gone down though, so I know it’s been a while. It must be late. Far later than most Ponyville ponies would be up and about. Even so, there is a knock at the door.

“Wrangler! Ya’ there?”

I think it’s Applejack.

I shoot out of the bed, briefly try to make it look as though I was not just sleeping in it, and trot to the door.

It clicks open, and Applejack is there, glaring at me.

“What was that, Wrangler!? Fluttershy told me—“ Applejack begins.

I can’t stop myself from crying.

“I’m sorry, Applejack,” I manage to choke out.

Applejack immediately softens. And puts a hoof on my shoulder. I want to appreciate this moment. She’s being so sweet to me right now. But everything hurts and I can’t.

“I just wanted to impress you. I wanted you to like me,” I say, at this point openly sobbing on her shoulder.

“I did like you!” Applejack shouts back at me.

I try to keep myself from crying again, I need to handle this like a grown pony. “I’m sorry, I was just so frustrated I-“

“No, I mean— Ah’ I still do. Ah’ just don’t understand why you’ve been actin’ a fool all day workin’ for Fluttershy.”

“I don’t know what ya’ expect me to do. I’m a farm pony, like you, I love animals ‘n all but I ain’t no envir’a’mentalist,” I muster.

I must look so pathetic right now. There’s no way a pony like her could ever be attracted to me after this little scene. Some farm pony I am.

“Ah— No. You’re right. Ah’ mean, I thought this would be a good excuse to see ya’. Ah didn’t really think about how good of a-“ She pauses uncomfortably. “Er, match the job would be for the kind of, um, pony you are.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I begin before interrupting myself. “Wait, you wanted to see me?

“Ah’ should’ve just been honest with ya’, it’s just that ah’ve never,” she blushes heavily.

“Done this before,” I finish for her. “Me neither! Ah’ve been terrified. Ah’ wrote you letters! Ah’ was just too scared to send any of ‘em.”

She’s smiling at me and reflected in her green eyes, I can see, I’m smiling back.