Previously on 'Don't Run Away"
“Hey Applejack, are you sure about this? I know this might be a great idea right now… but what about after all the adrenaline wears off? What then?”
I take a couple of seconds to hear and understand what Sunset is saying.
“I guess the only answer I can give ya is yes. I would move mountains for this gal, and it doesn't matter if we end up together or not… I’ll always be there for her.”
“... guess I’m glad you had eyes only for Rarity and not Twilight. I would of lost to you in a heartbeat.”
“She always had my eye… I just never wanted to admit it.”
“Get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us.” Sunset says and speeds off into the night.
Rarity Belle, what have ya done ta me?
CHS Morning
You can do this Applejack. Just go in and be calm, you got this.
“Are you waiting for an invitation AJ? Just get in there already.” Rara says as she pushes me through the door.
“Since when did ya get strong? Back then ya couldn’t pick up a chair ta save yer life.”
“Oh come on, you’re not that heavy… just muscular.”
“Is that a nice way to say I’m fat?”
“Really? Look, just sit and don’t do anything to screw this plan up.” Rara pushes me to my seat and I take it. I glance at my left side and see Rarity getting her stuff ready. I do the same and try to clear some of the tension.
“Hey Rarity, how was your uh your date? If I may ask.”
“Of course Applejack. It was uneventful, aside from his (clears throat) showboating incident in the school’s parking lot.”
“That was him? Lam sakes Rares, ya could of gotten in an accident! Why would you let him do that?”
“I was very furious at the whole ordeal darling, however; he was an excellent gentleman after a few short words.” she says and gives me a small smile. I couldn’t help myself and smile back.
“Wish I could’ve seen that.”
“Wel-”
“Alright class, let’s get through this hour as quickly as possible.” Ms. Cheerilee says and hands us some paper. I look at it confused until I hear a soft giggle. I turn and Rarity hides her smile behind her hand. I was about to ask what was funny when Ms. Cheerilee calls my name.
“Applejack? Are you with us this morning?”
“Yes Ms. Cheerilee. I was just adjusting my eyes. This paper seems brighter than yesterdays.”
“... quiet, no more fooling around with your seat partners Ms. Apple. Now, as I was saying, this is your final project for the semester.”
I try to concentrate on what Ms. Cheerilee was saying, but I kept hearing soft coughs from Rarity. And every time I glance at her she has a smile, so irritating.
Yet, you love the attention.
…damn it.
After class
I was putting my things away when I feel soft hands lift my chin up.
“Darling, I have to admit, this was the most enjoyable hour I have ever had in class.”
“Course it was. Ya love it when I make a fool of myself.”
“It just makes you more perfect Applejack.” she says and moves her hand from my chin to my cheek. Never losing eye contact.
I move my hand up to hers. Gently move her hand away from my cheek. Stroke my thumb across her slightly bruised knuckles and place a soft kiss on top of them.
Rarity inhales sharply and close her eyes slowly. When she opens them, I give her my best smile.
“We still have classes to attend, Sugarcube.” I say and let her hand go.
“Y- yes of course. Lead the way, Darling.” she side steps to the side and I move forward. I hold out my elbow for her to grab. She rolls her eyes and loops her hand through my arm.
This feels right, why must I take such drastic measures to show you?
Lunch
“and that’s why I will never allow open drinks in my car ever again.” Meadow says as he moves her arm to rest around Rarity’s chair.
I accidently snap my straw.
“Wow Meadow, that was some story. Almost the same as the last two.” Rara says as she slides me her straw. I nod and carefully stick the straw in.
“Well yeah, they all start the same. But, the ending is always different.” he says.
Sunset, Rainbow, Cheese, Rara and I exchange confused glances.
“You sure about that?” Rainbow asks and Fluttershy nudges her slightly.
“What she’s trying to say is, the people seem to be doing the same thing in every story.” Fluttershy explains.
“Well yeah, it’s the same person in all of them. Just different scenarios.” He says while eating his bag of chips.
“But why wo-”
“Hey! Why isn’t anyone talking about the awesomely, amazing party that’s going to happen tonight?!” Pinkie jumps up from under the table.
“Curly cue! Is that where you’ve been hiding? I was sure you were in the vents!” Cheese grabs Pinkie and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“I was, buuut I decided to see what you guys were doing and popping out of the vents sound fun until you move the wrong foot and come crashing down on some books.”
“Is that why certain areas of the library are closed?!” Twilight exclaims and Sunset rubs small circles on her back to try and calm her down.
“Why would I go into the library vents? Those are so small and smell of paper.”
“Uh, weren’t you about to tell us about the party Pinkie?” Sunset asks.
“Yeah, get there about an hour or two early so we can set up and so a test run.” Pinkie says and hands us all cards with the address on it.
“Would anyone need a lift?” Fluttershy asks and I raise my hand shyly.
“If ya wouldn’t mind Fluttershy. I got my bass and amp in the truck, just need ta move it over ta your van.” I say and she nods.
I reach for my juice and was about to take a sip when I made the mistake in looking toward Rarity. Meadow’s hand found it’s way to Rarity’s leg and his thumb was slowly going around in circles.
The box never had a chance. The juice flew from the box to my face and shirt.
“Whoa AJ, I never knew you were that sensitive.” Rara says and I blink my eyes a few times. Trying to get some of the juice out of my eye, when I feel her hand move up from my stomach to grab a napkin. She dabs the napkin on my face and neck.
“Th… thank ya. Also, sorry bout that.”
“This reminds me of that one time you decided to arm wrestle that bully while drinking pickle juice.” Rara was about to explain when I jumped in.
“We don’t need another story bout me.” I jump in to stop Rara from telling my not so proud moment.
“Course we do silly! It will explain your week of clumsiness” Pinkie says while Sunset and Rainbow try to hold in their laughter.
“Don’t know if you can top my stories Cultoura.” Meadow says with a sideways smirk.
“Oh trust me, I will. And it’s Rara, so you won’t hurt yourself.” she says and I raise an eyebrow and giggle. Rainbow and Sunset high five each other while Fluttershy and Twilight try to busy themselves with something else.
One thing that will never change, she will always do things people say she can’t.
“Stop stalling and start telling!” Cheese exclaims while moving his chair closer to Rara.
“Yeah, start spilling the secrets!” Pinkie says as she jumps behind Cheese.
“Well, it all started when a cute, yet amazingly dumb, 5th grader wanted to know who was stronger. A country gal or a soon-to-be star basketball player.” Rara starts the story off and everybody leans in. Everyone except Rarity. I shift my eyes towards her and see her jaw set and her eyes cast at Rara.
If looks could kill Sugarcube.
10 minutes later
“... and til this day I have never seen anyone drink pickle juice while arm wrestle.”
“ Not sure bout the whole juice thing, but I’ll sure arm wrestle you any day AJ.” Rainbow says as she leans back in her chair.
“I don’t wanna embarrass ya Dash.”
“You're on Apple!”
“Children please. So, how did you manage to do both things at once Applejack.” Twilight asks.
“Well, I took small sips and I didn’t breath through my nose.”
“Hmm, interesting.” Twilight says as her mind starts wandering.
“I have a feeling we’ll be busy this weekend.” Sunset says and puts her arm around Twilight’s shoulders. Twilight blushes and nods slowly. The table giggles as the bell rings. We get up to throw our trash away.
“I’ll be waiting at the statue after school for you Applejack.” Fluttershy says as Rainbow Dash holds her hand and leads her to class.
I nod and head to my class. As I approach the door I over hear Rarity talking to Meadow. I don’t really like eavesdropping, but I do believe this is for a good cause. I side step to the side of the door and peer through the window.
“You have to admit Meadow that Rara, although quite graphic, told a very enticing story.”
“I think it was all made up. I mean who does that at camp anyway? No one can say that that actually happened.” Meadow huffed out.
“We have Applejack’s word and that’s good enough for me.”
“Oh come on! You don’t actually believe all that truth telling manure. Hasn’t she told at least one lie?”
“Once, but she learned from that mistake and never told another one again.”
“I’m sorry Rarity, but I think she’s lying to you.”
“Excuse me?!”
“Rarity, you’re too trusting. Some seek out people they can manipulate into making them believe anything they want them too. But don’t worry, I’m here now.” he says and wraps his arm around her waist.
“Now look here Meadow Song. Applejack is a lot of things, but she is not a liar. She learned from her past and tries hard not to repeat it. She is smart, kind and very selfless. She will never manipulate anyone into thinking her way… true it happened once, but that was because she wanted a great family Christmas. However; that is different from what you’re saying and I do not wish to discuss this any further. Good day Meadow!” Rarity says and is about to storm off when Meadow grabs her wrist and tugs her back.
“Hey, we're not done talking.”
“Well I am! Now kindly unhand me!”
“If you're done, then you’ll listen.”
“As if!” Rarity tries to pull her wrist back but Meadow pulls her towards him until he has both wrist. I hastily walk towards them and shove Meadow off of her.
“Now, I don’t know where you come from, but here we treat women with the utmost respect! And if I ever catch you mistreating anyone, I will not hesitate in chopping you down a peg.”
Meadow glares at me and I match his glare until he huffs and shakes his head.
“Whatever, we just need to cool off. I’ll see you at the party.”
“I hardly doubt that.” Rarity sarcastically says with an eye roll. Meadow takes one last look at us and stalks off.
I turn around just in time to see white arms throw themselves around my neck. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close.
“Why must we always find ourselves in these predicaments, Darling?” Rarity asks.
“I’m not sure, but hopefully this will all end soon Sugarcube.” I say and slowly pull away. Rarity tugs me back in.
“I wasn’t done Applejack.”
“Ha, we still have class Rares.”
“... I guess you’re right. Would you mind walking me to my class?”
“... we have the same class.”
“Then lead the way Darling.” she untangles her arms from my neck and laces her fingers with mine. I lead us out of the hallway to our next class. As we pass a row of lockers I caught a sight of pink poufy hair and roll my eyes.
Just a few more hours Rarity, then you won’t have to keep running.