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// 55. Cooling off with Hedda Hippo 
// Story: EqG Tales: Enchantimals Edition 
// by Brian Sheil 
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The sun is beating down at Sweet Apple Acres as Applejack slips on her two piece swimsuit.
“Hoo-wee!” Applejack hooted. “It sure is warm out today.”
“Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed.
“Well, nothing a swim at the lake near here can’t fix.”
Putting on her boots, Applejack packed a blanket and something to eat in her backpack, and prepared to leave when Granny Smith came into the room.
“Heading to the swimming hole?” Granny Smith asked.
“I sure am.” Applejack answered. “With weather this sunny and warm, a cool swim is what anybody needs.”
“Ya know, I’ve been hearing talk that there’s a hippopotamus sighted there.”
The farm girl got shocked. “A hippopotamus?”
“As Big Mac would say, Eeyup!”
Applejack walked the path that leads to a beautiful area near the farm. This area has a lake used as a swimming hole. As soon as she got there, she saw Diamond Tiara and her family already there.
“Hello, Miss Applejack.” Diamond’s mother, Spoiled Rich, greeted. “Or, as you would say, Howdy, partner.”
“Howdy, Rich Family.” Applejack replied. “Enjoying the atmosphere?”
“We sure are.” Filthy Rich answered. “Our little lady always wanted to come here. Probably because of this splendid view.”
Everybody looked at the scenery. Mountains, grassy meadows, all look beautiful.
“There’s something here that a little unusual.” Diamond Tiara said.
“And, what’s that?” Applejack wondered.
Diamond pointed at the lake. “That!” 
Everybody looked out, and saw a small gray hippo swimming happily. This was a real unusual sight. 
“I have to admit.” Spoiled Rich said. “That hippo is adorable.”
“Where did it come from?” Diamond wondered.
Having an idea, Applejack called out to somebody. “Hey! Hedda Hippo! Y’all around here?”
Soon, a light gray girl with magenta hair came out. She wore a blue rash guard over a lime green swimsuit. Her most noticeable feature is two big hippo like ears on her head.
“How did you know I’d be here?” The girl, Hedda, asked.
“I heard that there was a hippo sighting here.” Applejack explained. “When I saw that little critter out there, I figured that you’re nearby.”
Diamond realized something. “Of course! That’s Hedda’s bestie: Lake!”
The young hippo came to the group. Hedda hugged her bestie. 
“I guess you two came here to cool off too.” Applejack said.
“We sure did.” Hedda replied. “From what I heard, this is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Sweet Apple Acres.”
Everybody agreed. The scene became lots of fun. Applejack swinging from a tree, landing in the water.
“Excellent, my dear!” Spoiled Rich cheered as she, Filthy, and Hedda watched all of the action.
Diamond rode across the water on Lake’s back.
“Diamond and Lake are having a good time together, Miss Hippo.” Filthy Rich praised. “We’re glad you brought that critter.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Hedda replied happily. 
Everybody at the lake is indeed enjoying themselves.