Another Summer with the Enchantimals

by Brian Sheil


19. Family Time with Alessandro Lion

Applejack is getting nervous over a family event at her home. Her cousin, Braeburn, is visiting from Appleloosa. The family is having a movie night with equipment he's bringing over. A Blu-Ray player, projector, and speakers. Trouble is, Applejack is getting over an argument she had on the phone with her cousin.
"Come on, sis." Apple Bloom pleaded. "Braeburn was probably trying to get his stuff ready for movie night."
"I was just advising him about how to handle that stuff." Applejack explained. "I even told him that I have a spare surge protector to loan him."
"But, he snapped. He thought you were criticizing him."
Applejack started to tear up. "Maybe I should stay indoors while you guys enjoy the movie. That way Braeburn won't have to look at me."
The farmer girl started to cry. This got Granny Smith worried. Later that night, the equipment is being set up as the family gets ready for movie night.
"I hope Applejack snaps out of it." Granny Smith said with concern. "She's going to miss a good movie."
Braeburn comes along and agrees with Granny. "I'm with you, Granny. I don't want her to be afraid of me all night."
"Granny!" Apple Bloom called. "Big Mac is going to talk to Applejack."
"At least somebody is going to help her." Granny replied.
"And, he brought a special guest."
In Applejack’s room, she laid down on her bed, still tearing up when she heard a knock on her door.
"Are you there, sis?" Big Mac asked.
"Yup." Applejack replied sadly. "And, I'll be here all night."
"Maybe this guest I brought will snap you out of it."
Big Mac walks in, followed by a young man with golden brown hair that looks like a lion's mane. He wore a regal red jacket over a golden shirt, blue pants, and glittering sneakers. Applejack notices the round ears on his head and a lion tail. She was surprised to see him.
"Alessandro Lion!" Applejack gasped. "Talk about royalty personified."
"Eeyup." Big Mac replied as the visitor adjusted his golden crown. "I figured for this kind of event, I'd invited Alessandro. I heard he always wanted to come here."
"Big Mac told me of this spat between you and Braeburn." Alessandro continued. "Sounds like you're still scared to come out."
"You got right." Applejack replied sadly.
Alessandro sits next to her to comfort her. "No need to be upset, Applejack. I heard your cousin was starting to get worried about you."
The honorable farm girl was surprised to hear that. "No joke?"
"No joke. You guys are family. He doesn't carry any grudge."
This made Applejack feel better. As Big Mac returns to the gathering, a mini lion comes in and crawls onto her lap.
"Howdy, Catch." Applejack said. "You look like someone my fashionable friend, Rarity would like to meet."
Later, the family watched the movie with Alessandro and his bestie joining them.
"I'm sorry I didn't take you seriously." Braeburn said. "You must've been scared of that argument we had."
"I was." Applejack replied. "I thought since you were coming over, you wouldn't want me to join ya."
"Well, thank goodness Alessandro Lion and Catch came over to help you get over it."
The two cousins hugged each other as everyone continued to watch the movie. Braeburn and Alessandro high fived each other, knowing that things worked out in the end.