Chapters After a long day of apple-bucking at Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac was ready to hit the hay, literally, for Applebloom was having a sleepover tommorow and the hay in the barn needed to be stacked up in the corner. As he turns around the corner he spots Fluttershy walking towards him with a basket of apples. "Uh ummm, hey Big Mac, have you had a good day?" Fluttershy asked shyly. "Eeyup," Big Mac replied in his usual manner. He wanted to say more but his mind was blank and he couldn't think of anything. "Well goodbye Mac..." Fluttershy said walking away in a quiet manner, "See you later, I mean... if that's okay with you." Big Mac giving a small smile said, "Eeyup"
As Fluttershy went on he felt a strange feeling in his stomach he couldn't explain and he felt sad. Shaking his head he goes on remembering what he's supposed to be doing. As he arrives at the barn he spots Applebloom running around inside. "Alright Applebloom, you need to go somewhere else and play, I need to clean up in here for your sleepover," Big Mac said to the little philly in a kind, gentle tone. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo fall off a pile of hay and gawk at Big Macintosh, never having heard him say more than a word before. Applebloom was unaffected because although Big Mac is shy around most ponies, he has never had a problem talking to the rest of the apple family.
"Did you just say a whole SENTENCE?!?" Scootaloo asks doubtfully. "Eeyup," Big Mac replies. "Are you going to say another one?" Sweetie Belle asks hopefully. "Eenope," he replied with a grin. Realizing that he wouldn't change his mind the gang left the barn to Macintosh. He quickly put up all the hay and passed out on the last bundle, figuring he deserved a nap. He was sitting on the tallest hill in the orchard where the lone apple tree stood. He turns to see Fluttershy giggling sweetly. She leans toward him, closer and closer. He could feel her breath on his lips then …"Big Mac! Yall in here?" Applejack yelled into the barn. He stands up fully comprehending what just happened. "You okay sugarcube? What you sleepin in here for?" Applejack asked. " Im fine Applejack, I was just tired and the hay looked inviting." Big Mac responded quickly. "You sure your ok? Your face is real red." "Everythings fine Applejack, I swear im okay," he replies defensively. "You know your a crappy lier Mac, but if you won't tell me i can't make yah," Applejack replies walking out the door.
Big Mac couldn't help but to fret over what happened and was giving it deep thought. 'Why did I just dream that? Sure Fluttershy is a nice enough mare but I don't have feelings for her. I mean she does have beaughtiful eyes and a pure face that gives her a look of complete innocense, and she IS rather adorable when she laughs. And she's really shy in a sweet way. I wish I could be more like her, able to work through my fears and talk to people anyway.' Shakes his head vigorously, 'But I dont have a silly little crush on Fluttershy, ooh the dinner bell, Im starving.' He thinks finally pulling himself from his thoughts.
Later that night after going to sleep, he was in Canterlot right in the center of the gardens. Fluttershy was sitting in front of him, hundreds of birds complementing her beaughty. She leans closer this time engulfing him in a kiss... it felt so great so right when " Hey lover boy, breakfast is ready, hope your pillow is ok with you leaving her," Applejack calls teasingly. At this he jumps up rather quickly and blushed. Applejack asked sweetly, " Who were you dreaming about sugarcube?" After she saw he wouldn't reply she began to list names to know prevail, "Twilight? Maybe you got a crush on Cheerilee after that whole incedent? Rarity? Pinkie-Pie? Rainbow Dash?" After awhile she realizes how he acted after Fluttershy left, "Maybe, just maybe, you have a crush on sweet little Fluttershy?" At this Macintosh blushed furiously, rolling over and going back to sleep. Applejack smiled on her discovery, and left him to get ready.
"Twilight ahm tellin ya Big Mac is in love with our sweet little Flutters and we need to find out how she feels," Applejack explained to her bookish friend. "That would explain alot, she told me she had a crush on a certain stallion shy as her," Twilight explained to her friend. "Well what are we going to do? Theyre both to shy to ever admit it to eachother," Applejack said wanting to help her friend and brother. "Well I have an idea get Big Mac here just before moonlight." Twilight said slightly mischiviously. Later that night Big Mac arrives at the library, being told by his sister Twilight needed a large amount of heavy books to be moved and she couldn't do it herself. After entering he felt his hooves being held down and his mouth being gagged by magic. "Hey Big Mac, sorry about the bindings but i needed to make sure you'd hear me out," Twilight said walking out of the shadows. He could see someone across the room...Fluttershy?!? "You've been hiding a secret, and your to shy to admit it yourself. I would like to place a spell on you that will let you share your emotions, but if you don't want to I will erase both your memories and return you home. Do you want me to put the spell on you?" Twilight asked. Big Mac seeing his chance to admit how he feels nod his head slowly. Twilight's horn glowed brightly flashing in a bust of pink light. The bonds are removed and Mac pulls a guitar out of nowhere with skills to match Pinkie's and begins to sing.
"There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like her and guys like me
Cowboys and angels
I've got boots and she's got wings
I'm hell on wheels and she's heavenly
I'd die for her and she lives for me
Cowboys and angels" Big Mac sing staring at the sky through the window. He then moves to the center of the library.
"We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels" He continues to sing circling the room.
"I'm not sure why her path crossed mine
Accident or grand design
Maybe Celestia just kinda likes
Cowboys and angels" He sing as he now faces Twilight.
"We ride side by side
A cloud of dust, a ray of light
My touch is her temptation
Her kiss is my salvation
She's sweet, I'm wild, we're dangerous
Cowboys and angels" Big Mac sings out finally turning to Fluttershy who was tearing up.
"There's a want and there's a need
There's a history between
Girls like you and guys like me
Cowboys and angels" as Macintosh finishes he is knocked over as Fluttershy tackles him and they share a romantic kiss, better than any of the ones he dreamed about. The next morning Applejack asks, "How are you doing?" with a smirk. Big Mac replied almost immediately, " I'm doing great Applejack how about you?" as AJ lifts a mirror to his face half covered in pink lipstick.
Big Mac had never felt so happy, so strong, so filled with pure bliss. Everything was perfect. The girl of his dreams is his marefriend, the apples were coming faster than Rainbow Dash in a hurry, and Applejack is happily giving him a look of pure smugness whenever she got the chance.
'Applejack's 27th birthday was soon, I'll have to give her something nice for helping me out. She's seemed depressed lately, now that I think about it. Espescially when Fluttershy is around,' Big Mac thought to himself.
................................................................
Applejack was in her room listening to some old Pohnny Cash records. She was feeling lonely as of late, especially with her big brother leaving her with more work to do than usual to go be with Fluttershy. She tells him she can handle it but she wants him more than anything to refuse and stay with her.
'All of my friends and family seemed to have vanished. Twilight has gone into another one of her studying frenzies, and Spike's helping her. Rarity has once again taken a order to large to handle, and Spike's helping her too, which is strangely impressive.' She thinks.
'Rainbow Dash is following a Wonderbolts tour, hoping they'll recognize her and ask her to join in. Applebloom is constantly out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, while Granny Smith is out of town at the world apple convention in Saddle Arabia. Big Mac and Fluttershy are constantly out on dates, and Pinkie is... well Pinkie,' she thought sadly.
"Applejack, ya in there?" Applejack heard Big Mac call from outside.
"Yeah Mac ahm in here. Who else'd know where yer records were?" She replied somewhat teasingly.
"Good point, now give em back."
"Come in and get em, if ya care ta try!" Applejack responding as she always did when this happens.
Big Mac flings open the door and tackles Applejack. She tries to kick him off but even her legs have trouble with him. She eventually kicks him off flinging him into a coat rack. A giant fru-fru frilly hat Rarity had given her fell on Big Mac's head engulfing him in feathers.
"HAHAHAHA!" Applejack laughs heartily. Big Mac looks at her slightly confused but he looks in her mirror and joins in the laughter.
"So what did ya want Mac?" Applejack asks shoving him his records.
" I came to ask ya watcha wanted for ya birthday." Big Mac told her.
" I don't need anything Mac I got all I could want."
" There's gotta be sumthin sis I gotta repay you, you helpin me an all."
" Don't be ridiculous Mac you owe me nothin."
" Alright, if you say so," said Big Mac, realizing he was on his own for this. He heads out of her room leaving the records behind.
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Later at night Big Mac woke up to the sound of crying. He thought Applebloom might've hurt herself so he goes to check on her. When he opens the door no one was there.
"Thas' right, she's at another sleepover with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, wonder if Rarity's begged Flutters for help yet," he mutters to himself, chuckling at his joke.
Assuming he imagined the crying he starts heading back to his room. Suddenly he starts hearing the crying again realizing that it was coming from Applejack's room.
He spends five minutes deciding what to do when suddenly it stops. He peaks into the room to see Applejack fast asleep, with tears in her eyes. She had her old teddy bear with the minnie stoic in a deathgrip hug. Laying beside her was a notebook, apparently still open from her writing in it.
Big Mac walks over and picks it up and reads the page it was on.
"Desertion"
Friends all gone Family all lost
I gave up searching but at what cost
Im left alone
Torchered by the Devil's Thrown
Love finds all but me
Cupid missed the heart
and I took an arrow to the knee
Whats keeping love apart?
Big Mac was shocked by the beaughty and sadness of what he just read, and he knew what to do.
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Applejack woke up the next morning, and realized she had left out her 'journal'. Quickly hiding it she puts on a mask of happiness and gets ready for the day.
As she heads downstairs she notices a note. Picking it up it said:
I've gone to the store
be back soon
Love,
Macintosh
'Yeah right, at the store my flank. He just went to see Fluttershy.' She thinks bitterly. 'Well my birthday's tomorrow maybe someone will notice me,' she thinks with a combination of hope and self-pity. She heads to the Cakes' bakery to get a bite to eat.
"Applejack! Just the pony I wanted to see," Mr. Cake calls from over the counter, "I have a personal sized cake just for you and am baking the big one for your party tomorrow."
He gives her the personal cake designed to look like a giant apple. "Thank you, Mr. Cake," Applejack says as she exits the store. She goes to the library which has a sign on the door saying 'CLOSED DUE TO EXTREME STUDYING'.
Spike had made the sign after last time when there was no one to watch the library and three books went missing. She decided to change direction to Rarity's Boutique and went inside as a bell rang.
"Welcome to Rarity's Boutique were everything is sheeq, unique, and magnifiqe," she could hear being called from across the store, "Oh, hey Applejack, can I help you?"
"No ahm good just was nearby and thought I'd see how you were doing with that dress order," Applejack replied.
"Well that was just fabulous of you darling, and I am doing Marvelously on it. I have finished eighty-five of the one hundred dresses I need to finish," Rarity told her, "I hate to leave company dear but I simply must close shop and get some sleep. I have been working for two days straight without any sleep!"
"I understand Rarity," Applejack said. She decided to head back to the Sweet Apple Acres. As she gets near she spots something in the distance and as soon as it's out of view she hears a rumbling. Galloping as quickly as she could when she reached the barn. She notices Big Mac locking up the garage.
"What are you doing Mac?" Applejack calls to her brother in the disatance.
"Just locking up the garage," he yells walking to her.
"Well why? We never do that," she replied curiously.
"You'll just have ta wait and see tomorrow," Mac replies with a sly grin.
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The next morning Applejack wakes up with a grin that would give Pinkie a run for her money. 'Finally I can have some time with my friends, they'vs been so busy lately,' she thinks to herself.
When she goes down the stairs she sees Big Mac in the kitchen, apparently making pancakes, Applejack's favorite, but rarily gotten, breakfast. Granny Smith usually makes breakfast and she has hundreds of apple-based recipes.
"Mmmm, that smells delicious Mac," she tells him.
"Well I did my best, it is your birthday after all," he replies, "Granny Smith would have made them, but she's running behind. She should be back in time for the party."
"Thas fine," Applejack told him, having already eaten four pancakes.
"Rarity called she said that she got the full package at the spa and be there at one pm," Big Mac tells her. He knows that, even though she'd never admit it, she really enjoys those spa trips.
"That's about six hours long isn't it?" she replies with a hopeful glint in her eye.
"Yeah, that'll give you fifteen minutes to get back. I'll set up the decorations, Pinkie will be over to help and bring the cake, and everyone else will arive just before you do," he tells her.
"Well I'd better go see Rarity"
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After the spa trip she came back to the farm. Pinkie had outdone herself and somehow managed to decorate the whole orchard. The food was delicious and games were fun. Her gifts were all nice but it was Big Mac's that left a mark.
"Well Applejack, I think that's all of the gifts," Twilight tells her.
"Not yet! Big Mac still needs to give his gift," says Pinkie.
"Where is Mac?" asked Rainbow Dash curiously.
Suddenly a large roaring sound is heard and a huge object jumps over them. A truck with a large bow on top lands in front of them and starts doing doing donuts, and Big Mac steps out.
"Happy birthday Applejack!" he yells over the distance. He walks over and is nearly crushed in a hug by Applejack.
"Thank you Mac!" she yells.
"It has 1500 horse power so you'll be able to do alot of damage," he tells her. Now you got to remember were talking about a world were Big Macintosh and Rainbow Dash exists. That's a hell alot of horse-power. About 200,000 horse power here.
"How in Celestia's name did you afford this?" Applejack asked stunned.
"I got it piece by piece and put it together myself, took nearly a year," he tells her.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Applejack responds.
"Thank you!" yells Pinkie-Pie. After everyone stares at her she responds, "What? I thought it was a game."
.................................................................
Hours later Big Mac takes Applejack to the garage. Everyone else had gone home and he was ready to give her the rest of her present.
"There something we need to talk about Applejack," he tells her seriously.
"What Mac?" she asks seemingly worried.
"I didn't get you this truck just to drive around the orchard. I got it because I want you to travel," he tells her.
"What?" Applejack asks confused.
"I read that notebook of yours, and it held some pretty dark stuff," he tells her nervously.
Applejack was stunned for a moment until she broke down in tears, "Mac i'm getting old, and I still haven't found that special, somepony. Usually I can get over it but between you and Fluttershy and all my friends being so busy, I was left in my thoughts," she tells him pouring out her feelings.
"I understand that's why I got you these," he rummages through his saddlebag pulling out two cards.
"One is a card that'll let you take as many boat trips as you want for the next two months the other is a credit card for food and gas," he explains, "I also got you a front row ticket and a backstage pass to a Hayson Aldean concert in three weeks."
"Thank you Mac but why?" she asks.
"The tickets were to chear you up and the journey might just let you find that somepony," he replies, "we're here." They arrived at a small house at the back of the orchard. Then they go inside and Big Mac gives her the key.
"What is this place?" Applejack asks.
"Your new home for when you come back," he tells her. Inside there is a small kitchen a bathroom and a bedroom with a kingsize bed for two.
"Why are you doing all this for me?" Applejack asks.
"Because I love you," Macintosh tells her with all his heart.
Macintosh then gets out his Guitar and sings:
You belong among the wild flowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
Sail away kill off the hours, you belong somewhere you feel free
Run away find you a lover
go away somewhere all bright and new
i have seen no other who compares with you
you belong among the wildflowers
you belong in a boat out at sea
you belong with your love on your arm
you belong somewhere you feel free
run away go find a lover, run away let your heart be your guide
you deserve the deepest of cover
you belong in that home by and by
You belong among the wildflowers you belong somewhere close to me
far away from your trouble and worry
you belong somewhere you feel free
you belong somewhere you feel free
Applejack got in the truck and left leaving to find herself.
.................................................................
Across the country, a lone man sits sadly. 'I'm tired of all this traveling and stardom. I want to settle down get married, work at a farm like I did as a kid," the sad thoughts of Hayson Aldean.
Applejack was on the first leg of her adventure, and she decided to visit New York. Why? Well she didn't really know much about the city but that it was called 'the big apple' and how could she ignore that.
Upon arrival she decides to go to one of the few landmarks she recognized, the statue of liberty. Now the statue was a symbal of order and peace, an anti-Discord if you will.
Wow im kind of scattered i should probably stop writing on the way to school running on two hours of sleep. Wait did i just break the fourth wall? God Dammit Nappa, I mean Bronieman. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Im tired of all these mother-fucking snakes on this mother-fucking plane. You there, yes you eating the cheetos while sitting in his underwear at a computer at 3 in the morning. I just blew some guys mind. Now back to the story that i left for no real reason.
Applejack finally made it to the crown of the giant statue of a pony wearing a robe. 'Buck that was alot of stairs, it was easier climbing the mountain to shoo off a dragon, I mean seriosly why can't they install a working elevator,' Applejack complained in silence.
Just then a door opens behind her and a old stallion steps off an elevator pushing a trashcan and a cart of cleaning supplies. "Well why in tarnation is that elevator not easy to find, I coulda used that thing," said a slightly ticked Applejack.
"It's a freight elevator miss , it can only be used for moving large objects, getting my supplies up here, and emergencies," said the old stallion with a kind smile, "but if your to tired to go down the stairs again, I guess I could sneak you down with my supplies. It'll be our little secret."
"Wha's your name partner?" Applejack asked intrigued by the old horse, "and watcha doin up here?"
"The name is Alfred madame, and I am the janitor, though I was once a butler to a very rich man, until he was murdered and left his estate to the city and his money to me," Alfred told her.
"How was he murdered?" Applejack asked getting into the tales of the old man.
"He was shoved off a bridge by a horrible serial killer who went by the name of 'The Joker'," Alfred told the young mare, "In one last act of valor Master Bruce, my old employer, grabbed the monsters leg and brought him with him."
"If your old employer left you his money why are you working as a janitor?"
"Three reasons really, the first being I donated about three-fourths of the money to repairing the damage caused by that madman, the second being I spent half of what I had left on Master Bruces funeral, and the third being that I'm not one to sit back and take it easy. I like to have work to do," said the butler with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Now if I may ask what is your name young miss, and what are you doing in New York?" he asked curious to the girls obvious cowgirl appearance.
"Oh, the names Applejack, and I'm on a little adventure to find myself," she tells him, "My brother noticed my sad behaviour as of late and sent me on this journey paying for the whole trip."
"Well he sounds like a wonderful man, perhaps I will get the chance to meet him someday, now are you ready to go miss?" Alfred asks stepping in the elevator.
"Yeah, thanks," Applejack says running into the elevator.
Upon reaching the bottem Alfred told her with a knowing smile, "Untill we meet again Applejack, and what you're looking for you may run into sooner than you expect."
Applejack looked at her watch and realized she's running late to check into her hotel. She gallops all the way to the building when she crashes into somepony. When she stands up she's stareing into the eyes of a young stallion with a stoic on his head and a guitar strapped to his back.
"Oh my Celestia I am so sorry," Applejack begins to ramble.
The young stallion gets up and picks up his things, and tells her "It's fine I wasn't watching where I was going, but ahm all right. I can't chat though I am really in a hurry." He then runs off into the hotel. Applejack walks in after him.
She sees him go to the check-in desk where she was heading herself. As she got closer to the man she heard their conversation.
"Ahm sorry ahm late, can I still check in?" said the stallion.
"Of course Mr. Brown your only a minute or two behind no big deal," said the young boy barely sixteen.
"Call me Zac kid Mr. Brown's my father," said the stallion in a show of kindness.
"Okay Zac would you like me to take your bags?" said the young boy.
"Nah I got it kid but thanks," said the stallion getting his room key and leaving a $20 on the counter.
"Thank you sir!" the excited kid exclaimed.
"Um excuse me partner," said Applejack humored by the kid, "I called earlier, the names Applejack I need to get my room key."
"Of course ma'am," said the boy slightly surprised for he thought that she and Mr. Brown were together.
"You know there is a party tomorrow in the ballroom, are you going?" said the kid.
"I might but I'd have to leave right after its over got to leave and make my next hotel reservation," she said, "My brother decided to call the best hotel in each city to make sure I'd have a good place to stay."
She heads to her room thinking about the party…and that Zac Brown fella. After she gets in her room she goes out on the small patio. She looks across the street and sees an apple tree and her thoughts linger to home.
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"What do you mean Applejack's gone?!?" yells a distressed Twilight, "She didn't tell us goodbye, or even where she was going."
"It was easier for her to leave without goodbyes, she had a hard enough time as it is," says Big Mac.
"Well...um...where is she sweety, I mean if you can tell me," mumbled a quiet Fluttershy.
"I would gladly tell you but I don't know myself, she's just traveling the world," explains Macintosh.
"BUT BUT BUT, if Applejack is going around the world there's no where we can send her letters, and if we don't send her letters, she won't remember us, and if she doesn't remember us, we won't be friends anymore!" spouts out a frantic Pinkie.
"Really darling, your completely over-reacting, don't be such a spetsnaz Pinkie-Pie," says the ever voice of fancy talk Rarity.
"Spetznaz Pinkie-Pie? I'm not Spetsnaz Pinkie-Pie he is!" yells a confused Pinkie pointing toward the computer screen of one of you.
"Spetsnaz? Is that German or something Rarity?" asks a slightly confused Twilight.
"No it's English, it means hyper, over reacting to something," Rarity attempts to clarify.
"I think you mean 'spaz' Rarity," says Twilight.
"Oh that's it," says Rarity.
"Spetsnaz Pinkie-Pie? That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard," Says a voice from nowhere.
"Rainbow!" shouted the group noteing her return.
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'Her name is Applejack,' thinks Zac as he gets on the hotel elevator. 'I can't believe I ran from her like that. stupid, Stupid, STUPID!' he yells at himself in his head.
He has always had trouble with women. He wasn't one of those people who couldn't talk to them at all, if they were married or not someone he'd have considered dating he could have long thoughtful conversations. His problem though was love.
From the age of fifteen when ever he had a crush he would always stutter around them and act awkward. Usually it takes months for him to fall in love with someone. But this time it was different.
'Her face was like an angel's, and she had such beaughtiful green eyes,' he thinks to himself, 'I don't understand, this never happens when I meet someone for the first time. It was... It was... Love at first sight.'
He gets to his room and drops off his stuff, and immediately runs back to the front desk.
"Excuse me but can I get the room number of the gal down here earlier?" he asks the kid.
"You mean Applejack Apple from Ponyville, Equestria, runner of Sweet Apple Acres?" the boy read off a sign in sheet.
'Okay didn't have to tell me everything, just wanted her room number. Wait... her name is Applejack Apple?' he thought, "Yeah that's her."
"Well Im sorry Zac were not allowed to give any personal information," the boy say almost giving Zac an anuerism.
Zac runs back up to his room and notices a door open. He sees a the bentover flank of a chestnut coated mare with a stoic and and apple cutiemark. He runs to his room.
.................................................................
The next day Zac decides to go to the party. As he walks around he sees Applejack talking to someone. He gathers his confidence and walks toward her.
All of a sudden she runs toward the door and he follows behind. He sees her get into her truck and drive down the road. In a sudden burst of emotion he pulls out his guitar and begins to sing.
we never spoke a word but every thought she had i heard from across the room
if we was standing face to face i couldnt find the words to say give me one more move
i dont even know her name i guess foolest prize to blame
now im falling in love as shes walking away and my heart wont tell my mind to tell my mouth what it should say
may have lost this battle live to fight another day now im falling in love as shes walking away
wise man next to me did say about the one that got away 'son i missed my chance
dont you let regret take place of the dreams you have to chase ask her to dance, come on son
you might fall down on your face roll the dice and have some faith
and dont be falling in love as she's walking away
when your heart wont tell your mind to tell your mouth what it should say
may have lost this battle live to fight another day don't be falling in love as she's walking away
you might fall down on your face roll the dice and have some faith
and dont be falling in love as shes walking away
when your heart wont tell your mind to tell your mouth what it should say
may have lost this battle lived to fight another day
dont be fallin fallin in fallin in love as she's walking awaa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aa-aay
as he sees the last of the trucks lights he remembers something from yesterday, and he makes a decision.
"I'm going to Ponyville."
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Applejack drives on. She's dissapointed that she didn't get to see that Zac guy again. 'Who was he, he was so sweet.' She gets over it and look to the future.
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Hayson Aldean sat pondering, wondering what will fate bring him.