The loud chiming bell signaled that lunch was now over. Pinkie Pie’s eyes fluttered open. She could feel someone holding her in place. Sleepily she glanced over. She saw that Rainbow was holding her waist. Pinkie Pie felt her cheeks light up. The sudden shock of Rainbow holding her made her jumped back in surprise. Everyone at the table looked confused as she stared at Rainbow. An overwhelming sense of emotions raced through her mind. Not knowing what to do Pinkie Pie ran out of the cafeteria.
Pinkie felt ill, her body was heavier with every passing moment. Not feeling like herself Pinkie wondered the halls. Losing energy fast. Pinkie leaned against the nearest wall before she slid down to the floor. Dozens of students passed by her as they went to their classes. Unable to keep her eyes open any longer. She closed her eyes, seeing only darkness. Pinkie could still hear the hustle and bustle of the students. A faint voice called out to her in the darkness, it was quiet at first, the small sound only grew louder.
“Oh dear, Pinkie are you alright?”
Pinkie Pie cracked open an eye to see who was addressing her. All she could see through her blurred vision; was light pink hair and two teal eyes staring at her.
“Fluttershy?…I don’t feel-”
Pinkie Pie felt her breakfast make a reappearance. Chunks of food splattered all over Fluttershy’s shoes. After a moment of shock, Fluttershy carefully picked Pinkie Pie off the floor. Seeing her friend in distress; Fluttershy felt maternal instincts kick in. While she carried Pinkie Pie in her arms; she was on a mission. She stormed past all of the teachers that told her to get back to class. Fluttershy was just grateful that she wasn’t apprehended. It didn’t take her long to get to her car. She quickly strapped Pinkie in the passenger seat. Rummaging through her trunk she found a clean pair of shoes. She slipped off her contaminated shoes and put them in a plastic bag. Slipping on the pair of open toed sandals; Fluttershy jumped in the driver’s seat and heading straight to her house.
When Fluttershy unbuckled Pinkie Pie, she lifted Pinkie in her arms. Once Pinkie was in her arms. Fluttershy was stunned when Pinkie Pie’s hair fell off her head. A large portion of pink curls landed right on the seat. Along with her hat; a distressed moan snapped Fluttershy out of her shock. With some impressive foot and elbow work; Fluttershy busted into her home. Once inside, she rushed into Pinkie into her bedroom. She carefully set Pinkie Pie on her bed and tucked her in. Going into full on doctor mode, taking Pinkie’s temperature was the first step. Frowning when she saw that Pinkie had a slight temperature of 99.8 degrees.
Wasting no time Fluttershy put an ice pack on Pinkie’s forehead. Once the cool ice pack touched her forehead. Pinkie looked more relaxed, Fluttershy turned on her small radio. The faint sound of violins, violas, flutes, oboes and clarinets whiffed through the air. Now that Pinkie Pie was taken care of. Fluttershy went back to her car to get Pinkie’s wig from her car. Opening the passenger door. There it was the wig in all of it’s pink glory. Feeling a little apprehensive Fluttershy reached out, grabbing the hat portion of the wig. Letting the pink locks bounce freely, everything about the wig puzzled Fluttershy.
*Why was Pinkie even wearing a wig? Did something happened to her? Is this why she hasn’t been acting like herself lately….*
“Eeepppp!”
A loud ringing startled her from her thoughts, she pulled her ringing phone from her pocket.
“Um, hello?”
“Fluttershy! What on earth happened? Everyone in school is talking about you whisking away Pinkie Pie off school grounds!” Rarity’s voiced sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
Fluttershy stood in silence as the thought of every student in school. Talking about her came to the forefront of her mind. The very notion was terrifying for the shy girl. Shaking her head, she pushed the dilemma to the back of her mind.
“Pinkie was in really bad shape when I found her. She could barely open her eyes. She even threw up on my shoes, so I rushed her over to my house.”
Fluttershy pull her phone away from her ear as Rarity screamed “Ew, ew, ew!” on the other end.
“I’m heading over there! I will see you in a few minutes darling!”
Before Fluttershy could respond Rarity had hung up. Shoving her phone in her pocket Fluttershy sighed. With the wig in hand Fluttershy went back inside the house. Carefully she set down the wig on the nightstand next to Pinkie Pie. Quietly leaving the room she headed into the kitchen. Pulling out the rice cooker. Fluttershy quickly rinsed the rice. Before putting it in the rice cooker.With nothing else to do while the rice cooked, Fluttershy slumped down on the couch. Resting her eyes for a moment she drifted off into a half sleep state. A loud knock awoke Fluttershy, she opened the door to find a frazzled Rarity.
“ Is Pinkie alright?” Rarity nearly shouted.
“She is in my room sleeping, I’m just cooking some rice for her. Since, rice is good for an upset stomach.” whispered Fluttershy.
Rarity sighed in relief. “I’ve been so worried about her lately. I‘m just happy that she is safe.”
“Would you like some tea?” asked Fluttershy.
Rarity nodded while she sat on the closest chair. Feeling completely drained Rarity rested her head on the chair behind her. Not in the mood to care about how she was messing up her hair. In the distance Rarity could hear a teakettle whistling. Moments later, Fluttershy was carrying a small tray of tea and a plate of small cookies. Rarity gratefully took her cup from the tray. The hot liquid soothed her like nothing else. Fluttershy took a small sip before setting down her cup.
“I know this is none of my business, but do you know why Pinkie has been acting strange lately?”
A cold pit formed in Rarity’s stomach as sweat began to form on her brow.
“Whatever do you mean darling? Pinkie Pie has always been a little….” Rarity trailed off.
“Well, she just isn’t nearly as bubbly and she has been dressing really different lately.”
Rarity took a small sip of tea to calm her nerves. She knew one slip up could ruin everything.
“ I do know that she has been under a lot of stress as of late. As for her fashion choices. I just assumed that she is just going through a faze. Heaven knows, I went through my fair share of questionable fashion seasons.” Rarity laughed nervously at her own joke.
“I guess, that’s true…I still don’t understand why she has been wearing a wig.”
Instantly, Rarity regretted taking a sip of her tea. As she swallowed her tea a little to fast causing her to go into a coughing fit. Alarmed Fluttershy gently patted Rarity’s back.
“Are you alright Rarity?” asked Fluttershy.
“Yes, I’m fine! It just went down the wrong pipe.” wheezed Rarity.
“Moose, is everything alright? I heard that Fluttershy rushed Pinkie off of campus?”
“Is Pinkie Pie okay?”
“Moose, are you even there?
Rainbow was starting to worry, Moose never took this long to reply. Clicking onto her virtual phone book. Her finger hovered over Moose’s number.
“Hey Dash! Are ya alright?”
Startled Rainbow accidentally threw her phone onto the soccer field. Without a word Applejack picked up Rainbow’s phone. As she reached out for the smart phone. One of her fingers accidentally swiped across the screen causing the phone to unlock. Applejack’s breath caught in her throat when she saw a picture of Rainbow in the arms of a guy she never seen before. Applejack stood frozen in place. While Rainbow stomped over to her. Snatching her phone from the stunned farmer.
“AJ! Why are snooping through my phone!” shouted Rainbow.
The cogs were slowly clicking in place as Applejack processed what she saw.
“Ah wasn’t snooping! The darn thing just opened on it’s own!” retorted Applejack. Not feeling in the mood to fight Rainbow crossed her arms as she mumbled to herself.
“Alright, I will let it slide this time…” Feeling a little more calm she looked Applejack in the eye.
“So did you need something AJ?”
“I just wanted to tell ya that Pinkie, is alright and that she is resting at Fluttershy’s. Also, I was wondering if you wanted hangout for a bit?”
“Not today AJ-”
Time seemed to stand still as Rainbow’s words sunk in. Applejack gnashed her teeth in frustration. Raising her hand, Applejack stopped Rainbow in mid sentence.
“Fine! Ah know when I’m not wanted!” growled Applejack. Her tone didn’t set well with Rainbow, she whipped around and poke Applejack in the chest.
“Where is all this attitude coming from? What did I ever do to you!” shouted Rainbow
A dark chuckle escaped Applejack’s lips. The brim of her Stanton covered her eyes.
“It because of him isn’t it!” Applejack glared daggers at Rainbow.
“ He is the reason that you blew me off three weeks ago! You’ve been so distracted that you never even apologized for ditch’n me!”
Applejack’s words cut Rainbow down to the quick. A deep feeling of remorse welled up inside her chest. Her mind flashed back to the last few weeks. She remembered Applejack trying to get her attention. But she didn’t even make an effort to ask Applejack what was wrong.
“ Ah, don’t know what hurts more. Being ditched for the last three weeks. Or learning that my best friend! Wouldn’t even bother to tell me! That she has a secret boyfriend…!”
“He’s not my boyfriend!…we’re just-” stammered Rainbow.
“Save it Rainbow Dash!” Shouted Applejack. With a grimace she turned her back to Rainbow.
“It was silly ta think that you were my best friend.” said Applejack.
With her emotions on overdrive Applejack took off in a sprint. Running with all her might she left Rainbow in the dust.
“So you see Fluttershy, I was in the middle of giving Pinkie a trim. When My sister and her friends came crashing in. I was so startled that I lopped a huge chunk of her hair!”
“Oh my! That’s terrible!” gasped Fluttershy.
“Yes and even with my excellent barber skills! There wasn’t much I could do. So, I had to give her such a short haircut. The poor thing, she didn’t want to hurt my reputation. That’s why she has been wearing the wig ever since. All for my sake, the poor dear. Please keep the whole wig thing a secret.”
“Of course, I won’t tell a soul!” swore Fluttershy.
“Thank you for understanding darling. The both of us are a little sensitive about the whole ordeal.” chuckled Rarity nervously.
“I can only imagine….Is that why Pinkie has been so stressed?” asked Fluttershy.
“Well-” started Rarity.
She was cut off by the front door slamming open. Starling both her and Fluttershy. Rarity got to her feet she grabbed a nearby tennis racket. In an effort to protect them from the home invader. Pulling back the racket Rarity was just about to swing when the intruder grabbed her wrist.
“I’m not in the mood to play tennis right now. If ya don’t mind.”
Rarity sighed in relief before her anger flared. “Pardon my language, but what the hell Applejack!”
Fluttershy gasped in surprise at Rarity’s lack of manners. While Applejack just rolled her eyes.
“I didn’t realize you would be here Rarity. Ah, just wanted to check on Pinkie. I can see that Fluttershy has enough company. I’ll see ya later then.”
Applejack placed her hand on the door as she turned to leave. Rarity grabbed Applejack pulling her back inside. Rarity placed her hand on her shoulder.
“I can tell something is wrong. You know you can tell us about it. If you like.” said Rarity.
Applejack debated the pro and cons of spilling her guts to Rarity. Even though she hated to look weak in front of anyone. Applejack could feel herself slowly unraveling. The temptation of releasing her hurt was too much for her to bear any longer. Being dragged to the couch; Applejack unleashed a month’s worth of hurt.
“I just had a big fight with Dash…” mumbled Applejack.
Fluttershy hugged her in a warm embrace the contact egged Applejack to continue on.
“I was just so mad that she has been blowing me off! Ignoring me and keeping secrets from me. I thought we were best friends…I guess we aren’t. At least not anymore.”
“Oh sweetness, I’m sure it was all just a big misunderstanding.” exclaimed Rarity.
A flare of anger rose in Applejack. “Well it’s not! I know that she has been goofing around with some guy!”
Panic began to fill Rarity with the turn of the conversation. While Fluttershy was stricken with unease. It didn’t take Applejack long to notice the silence in the room. The guilt on her friends faces said it all.
“So you both knew about him?” growled Applejack.
“Yes, I did know about him. It’s just it wasn’t my story to tell.” said Rarity.
Applejack clenched her fists. “Ah, can’t even-” Applejack inhaled deeply to keep her emotions in check.
“Y’all have your reasons…I’m gonna just leave before things get outta hand.”
No one stopped Applejack while she made her way to the door. Just as she turned the knob Fluttershy mumbled.
“I’m sorry.”
Hesitating only for a moment, Applejack then pushed the door open to leave. Once she was out of sight Applejack muttered to herself.
“Me too…”
Applejack didn’t realize she was even running down the street. Until she started to feel her lungs starting to burn. With a every labored breath only meant that she was a little closer to home. There were some advantages to hard labor and endurance was just a bonus. Applejack didn’t stop once she ran all the home. Bursting through the front door Applejack ran right past Sunset as she made a beeline for her room. Diving under the covers Applejack had no reason to hold back her tears. Her pillow was quickly drenched. Frozen in mid sob, Applejack felt someone wrap an arm around her. Even in the darkness; Applejack could still see Sunset’s flaming red hair. A feeling of comfort and warmth seeped into Applejack. As her silent tears dripped on. Sunset felt her protective equine instincts kick in causing her nuzzle Applejack. The simple contact soothed Applejack’s aching heart as she laid there. As the hours passed by, Applejack had calmed down a great deal. Being held against Sunset’s chest was a very tranquil experience. The red headed girl gently petted Applejack’s head in a slow rhythm.
“Thanks, Sunset…” whispered Applejack.
“For what? All I did was nuzzle you and hug you.”
“Just fer comforting me Ah, guess.” whispered Applejack.
Sunset chuckled. “No problem, I’m not that great with words. Back where I come from just touching was enough.”
Applejack’s mind drifted for a moment only to make her cheeks sting with fiery embarrassment. After a moment the burning sensation was soon quenched.
“So what made you cry?” asked Sunset.
Sunset felt Applejack’s body stiffen at her careless comment. She instantly regretted asking about such a sensitive topic.
“I got into a fight with Dash and I almost got into another fight with Rarity and Fluttershy.” muttered Applejack.
Not trusting herself to speak Sunset tightened her grip on Applejack. In an attempt to comfort her hurting friend. Applejack got Sunset’s message loud and clear. Prompting her to continue on with her story Applejack told Sunset everything that happened over the last month.
“And after Ah, learned that Rarity and Fluttershy knew about him. Ah, don’t know. It just added salt to the wound Ah guess.”
“Yeah, I think it's best to give everyone a little space for a few days.” Sunset smiled down at Applejack before she started to stroke Applejack’s blond hair. Feeling drained both physically and mentally Applejack nodded off into a deep sleep while Sunset held her tight.
“Sweet dreams Applejack.” whispered Sunset.
Later that night Maud stopped by Fluttershy’s house to check on her sick sister. Rarity was there to comfort her mortified friend after learning that the school contacted Maud. Maud told them about the school. Informing her that Pinkie was abducted from school grounds. Fluttershy learned that thanks to Maud. The police weren’t coming after her anytime soon. Fluttershy and Rarity were both relieved that Maud had covered for her. By telling the school that she was too busy to pick up her sister. So she asked Fluttershy pick her up instead. That excuse seemed to calm down the school officials.After a brief scolding from Maud; she then headed back to her apartment for the night. Rarity was just glad that Fluttershy wasn’t in any trouble. And that she was able to slip on Pinkie’s wig before Maud saw Pinkie. Once, Maud was gone. Rarity went in to remove the wig from Pinkie’s head. As soon as the wig left her head. Pinkie began to stir from her slumber. Fluttershy gave Pinkie a small bowl of white rice. After Pinkie finished her dinner she took a few cold pills. Soon, she was knocked out once again. In a deep drug induced sleep.
Rarity kissed Pinkie on her forehead, before heading back to the living room. Just as she was leaving Rarity heard a loud buzzing noise coming from Pinkie. Curious Rarity carefully pulled back the covers revealing a buzzing phone. Picking up the small device she couldn’t help but notice. That someone was blowing up her phone. After a moment of debate Rarity clicked open Pinkie’s phone. She saw that there were several missed calls and over a dozens new messages. Rarity wasn’t surprised when she saw that Rainbow was the cause of all the commotion. She was about to set down the phone when a certain message caught her eye.
“I’m starting to freak out, I’m heading over to Fluttershy’s in a few minutes!”
In her panic Rarity nearly dropped the phone. If Rainbow came over then Pinkie’s secret would be revealed. Thinking quick on her feet, Rarity typed out a text before clicking send.
“I’m sorry, Rainbow things are a little hectic at the moment. I’m afraid I can’t hangout tonight. I’ve gotta to go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Rarity’s heart was nearly beating out of her chest. She hoped that Rainbow would be satisfied with her response. Rarity knew how erratic Rainbow could be.
“ Alright, I understand. I’ll talk to you later then.”
There was only silence after that, the whole ordeal was starting to get to her. Rarity began to wonder if she would start sprouting grey hairs. The thought alone nearly made her faint. She took a seat next to Fluttershy, rolling her head. Rarity looked right at Fluttershy with a sleepy expression.
“ I’m sorry to intruded Fluttershy dear. But may I stay the night? This day was very…tiring to say the least.”
Fluttershy nodded. “You can stay if you want…You can sleep with me or stay here on the couch?”
Rarity weighed her options before deciding to sleep where ever Fluttershy was. After a few minutes the two of them got ready for bed. Since, Pinkie was in her room. Fluttershy got the spare room ready for the two of them. It was a decent sized room with a nice queen sized bed. The only thing on Rarity’s mind was jumping underneath the covers. With a lazy smile, Rarity snuggled under the covers. Just as Fluttershy lifted up the covers; her phone rang loudly. The sound of the chiming phone made Rarity moan. Quickly pulling the covers over her head. Fluttershy answered the phone, mostly for Rarity’s sake.
“Um, hello?” whispered Fluttershy.
A raspy voiced echoed on the other end. “I really need to talk to someone…”
“Rainbow? What’s wrong?” asked Fluttershy.
Fluttershy walked out of the room so Rarity could sleep in peace. She sat on the couch while Rainbow talked. The conversation was mostly one sided as Rainbow laid out her guilt. Explaining nearly everything that followed that month. Fluttershy gave her opinion here and there but for the most part was silent. After a while Rainbow started to perk up, much to Fluttershy’s relief.
“So I hear that you had a full house earlier?” joked Rainbow.
“Yes, Pinkie and Rarity are still here sleeping. Applejack stopped by….Though she didn’t stay long.” said Fluttershy.
“What was she doing there?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but she was very upset when she learned that me and Rarity knew about Moose…”
“Whoa what! Rarity knows!” shouted Rainbow.
Fluttershy flinched when Rainbow screamed at the phone.
“Does that mean that everyone now knows!” yelled Rainbow.
She waited for Rainbow to get out all of her shouting. Once, the line went quiet Fluttershy cautiously put the phone to her ear.
“Now that everyone knows about him; we should have a friendly picnic. So everyone can meet him?” suggested Fluttershy.
The long pause was starting to make Fluttershy nervous. She was just about to backpedal when she heard Rainbow’s voice.
“That’s a good idea…I just hope AJ will talk to me.”
“I’m sure she will forgive you.” a warm smile tugged at Fluttershy’s lips.
“Maybe….” Rainbow yawned. “I’m exhausted! I’m going to go to bed. Night Flutters.”
Click!
The line went dead, the clock on her phone flashed on. Fluttershy let out an exasperated sigh. It was now three o’clock in the morning; not feeling like moving. She grabbed a blanket that was draped over the couch and wrapped it around herself. A few hours went by the warm beams of sunlight poured into the dark living room. A disgruntled Fluttershy pulled the blanket over her head. In order to block out the loose beams of light. An hour passed as Fluttershy tried her best to sleep. But Rarity and Pinkie began to stir, they both moved around in the kitchen making breakfast. Despite their efforts to remain quiet it was no use. Throwing off her blanket Fluttershy wondered to the kitchen table. In no time a veggie omelet was placed in front of her. Looking up Fluttershy saw Pinkie Pie smiling wide at her. The sight made caused a small smile to grace her lips.
“Feeling better?” asked Fluttershy.
“Yeppers! I’m feeling great!” squealed Pinkie. “Thanks to you!”
Pinkie rubbed the back of her head in a sheepish gesture. Her face went pale after stroking her short hair. There she was, standing right in front of Fluttershy with her short hair completely exposed. She inhaled deeply to keep herself from going off the deep end. A hug from behind caught Pinkie off guard. Her body relaxed slightly at the warm contact.
“It’s okay, sweetie. I told Fluttershy that you got a haircut that went awry. Your secret is still safe for now.” whispered Rarity.
Pinkie instantly felt relieved her secret was still safe.
*I have to be more careful in the future! That was to close…I’ll have to style my hair differently from now on. Since, Fluttershy has seen Moose’s usual hair style.*
*True, I always wanted a Mohawk!* chuckled Moose.
Pinkie rolled her eyes when her persona’s personality leaked through. It was starting to happen more frequently. Shaking her head; Pinkie pulled free from Rarity’s arms. Fluttershy sleepily stabbed at her breakfast. Only to stab her plate instead her omelet. After one last try Fluttershy managed to bring a small piece of egg into her mouth. The three of them ate breakfast together before Pinkie and Rarity departed soon after.
Big Mac knocked on Applejack’s door to wake her up. Even though it was Saturday they still had a lot of work to do. Getting no response he pushed the door open. Only to find his sister tangled up in Sunset’s arms. The sight made him chuckle. Seeing his sister acting so cuddly was a rare occasion indeed. Pulling out his phone he snapped a quick picture for later.
“Wake up sleepy head.” cooed the large farmer.
Applejack stirred from her dreams, she could feel someone holding her from behind. Blinking away her blurry morning eyes. Applejack slowly recalled events from the day before. The sting of betrayal jumped to her mind; a faint grumble came from behind her. The arms holding Applejack tighten their hold on her. Sunset adjusted herself to get a better grip on her wiggly pillow. Applejack noticed her older brother staring at her. His hands were clasped together. While he rested his head on them only to smile at her with a large goofy grin.
“Aw! ain't that just adorable!” joked Mac.
Applejack felt her pride get knocked down a few pegs. Causing her face to flush bright red.
“Get outta here! Ya varmint!” growled Applejack.
Her brother’s laughter only fueled her bad mood. Reaching behind her she grabbed a pillow. Throwing the small cushion at Mac’s head. He evaded the makeshift projectile with ease. Due, to Sunset’s tight hold on her causing her bad aim.
“Just make sure to get ready, Granny made breakfast.” said Mac.
As he headed out the door he couldn’t help jabbing at his sister’s ego one last time.
“See ya love birds down stairs!” chuckled Mac.
That last remark set Applejack off, breaking free from Sunset’s grip. Waking up Sunset in the process. Enraged, Applejack sprinted after her brother. She quickly closed the distance between them. Seeing his sister biting at his heels. Mac increased his speed ten fold, Mac was starting to regret pissing off his sister first thing in the morning. After they nearly ran over a sleepy Apple Bloom in their haste. The two of them made it out of the house and into the apple orchard. With steam pouring out of her ears, Applejack continued to chase her older brother.
“Get back here! Ya big ninny!!!” roared Applejack.