It was simply glorious outside that day - despite the damp grass from yesterday's rain, of course. Incidently, my hooficure would have to suffer the consequences of a muddy, messy trip over to Apple Jack's. Allow me to explain; Apple Jack agreed to watch over Sweetie Belle and Opal for the day since Fluttershy was evidently busy with an ill bear. The only thing I had to do in return was bring my sister over to Sweet Apple Acres. I was NOT about to trust the care of my precious little Opal to Sweetie Belle.
So, I left my other sewing project back on the desk in my room, and escorted Sweetie Belle to Sweet Apple Acres in hopes that I would actually make some progress in my work.
The design of my new project was still in the "brain-storming" department. Why I ever used material before drawing out my final design, I cannot rightly say now. Since that mistake, though, I knew that I did have to rectify the damage done.
Anyways, when we arrived at Apple Jack's with my hooves completely filthy, I first noticed Big Macintosh leading two other little fillies (Apple Bloom and Scootaloo) to the front door. I knew it was rude to pry, but I suppose my curiosity got the better of me at that moment, so I spoke to him.
"Good day, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo. What might you be doing - if you don't mind my asking, of course."
"Well, yah see," Apple Bloom started. "We were just on our way inside to see if Granny Smith was around to teach us how to create tasty treats. 'Course, we ain't never been too good at cookin', but we thought maybe we could retry and do better with Granny. But then, we couldn't find her, so we asked Big Macintosh to help."
"Best of luck to you and your efforts." I said politely, then added: "Is there a chance one of you would know the whereabouts of Apple Jack? I need to make sure Opal's safe in her care." From behind me, I heard the low, angry grumble of my cat.
"Sweetie Belle! You mustn't shake her cage around so much! You're scaring my poor, sweet Opal!"
"Sorry, sis;" Sweetie Belle set Opal's carrier down, "it's big and heavy. Can't you carry it for a while?"
"Well, it appears now I have to. I don't want her fur in a mess from all that unnessisary movement."
Instead of carrying Opal's carrier in my mouth like Sweetie Belle did (which is somewhat unsanitary if one were to think about it), I levitated it using my magic. Of course, Sweetie Belle had a horn too, but I wasn't about to take any chances of her dropping Opal.
"Sorry, Rarity." She mumbled quietly, staring down at her hooves.
"It's quite all right." I answered, just before Apple Bloom interjected. "Well, if y'all are done, I'll tell ya' that Apple Jack's just in the barn fetchin' some more baskets."
"Oh, yes. Right." I blushed. "I am extremely sorry you had to witness that." How humiliating. I wasn't even staying here, and still, I was proving myself a horrible house guest.
"It's okay! Oh, wait, Big Macintosh!" Called Apple Bloom, just as Big Mac entered his home. Only Scootaloo hesitated to invite my little sister along. "Come on, Sweetie Belle! We might actually get our Cutie Marks this time!" Sweetie Belle beamed, then ran inside to follow the rest of her friends.
A figure from the distance stepped out of the barn. And not a moment too soon. Apple Jack exitied her barn. Seeing this, I stepped out into the wet grass and mud, and brought Opal and her grooming kit to her. She saw me, then gave me a friendly smile.
"Howdy there, Rarity. Glad you could stop to see me!"
"Yes, delightful to see you as well. I can't thank you enough for offering to help with Sweetie and Opal. Why, even Twilight was too busy to help!"
"Well, you're here now. Let me know if there's anything else you need me to do. I'll be happy to help with whatever ya' need."
"I am extremely grateful for your offer, but right now, I just wanted to be sure my little baby would be all right until she was in your care."
"Don't you worry 'bout a thing! She'll be safe and sound with me."
"I have no doubts about that," I assured her. "I'd stay and chat, but I've much to do. Everything you need to know is written down in Opal's grooming kit."
I hovered Opal's grooming kit and carrier closer to Applejack. Without having to be asked, she picked the kit up with her mouth, and balanced it on her back. Then, she grabbed Opal's carrier.
"Good luck, dearie!" I smiled at her, and left the acres to head home.
It is such a nice day out. Perhaps before setting to work, I could take a quick walk around the park. There's nothing wrong with a little break. When I'm done, I can head back to the spa for a few hours to have a redo done on my hooves.
With that settled, I made my way to the park instead of immediately home. This was, perhaps, my first mistake in this giant mess.