//------------------------------// // At First Sight // Story: Parent Trap // by PhantomBulwark //------------------------------// The first time she ever saw Rarity Belle… She had not wanted to go to school that day; it was to be her first day at Canterlot Middle School. Her family’s farm being right near the edge of the city meant that she attended elementary school in Ponyville. Since the small town had no middle or high school, students all went on to finish school in the city of Canterlot proper. “This is gonna be a disaster Ma,” she whined, “Canterlot’s nothin’ but a bunch of uppity city kids. They’re all gonna laugh at me.” Her mother Pear Butter smiled softly, “how do you know that if you won’t even try Applejack? Why, the very best friend you ever had might be waiting for you at CHS right now.” AJ scoffed, “not likely Ma. Why can’t I just stay and help on the farm?” The taller woman frowned, “now AJ, you need an education. You can’t just give up. If your Granny heard you wanted to quit school she’d have a fit. She never got to finish school and-” “-And an education’s a gift many others don’t get.” She interrupted with a groan, “I know, I know. Don’t mean I have to like it.” Her mother shook her head and gave her a gentle push toward the driveway. “Go on before you miss the bus. You’ll be fine, I promise.” The bus ride was mostly easy; she sat silently next to Big Mac who was chattering with some of his own friends. No one bothered her with her big brother sitting on the outside of the seat, he drew attention. Being the biggest boy in the sophomore class made it hard to go unnoticed. It was when they arrived at Canterlot Middle and she had to disembark that there was trouble. On her way into the school proper an older looking boy with shaggy brown hair was leaning against the stair rail. She immediately swerved as casually as possible toward the other doors to the left to avoid him. Another of the incoming seventh graders apparently did not get the memo. There was a shriek followed by, “give that back, Dumbbell!” AJ turned at the sound, the bigger boy had snatched a cellphone from what had to be the prettiest girl she had ever seen. Of course, this was only briefly registered as more pressing concerns made themselves known. The boy, Dumbbell apparently, dangled the phone just out of her reach as he laughed. “I’ll give it back,” he smirked, “all you gotta do is gimme a kiss.” “That,” the pretty girl said acidly, “is sexual harassment. Now, give it back.” He snorted, “Nah, I think I’ll hold on to it. Maybe I’ll give it to principal Inkwell; I’ll tell her it’s got bad stuff on it.” She glared at him, “there’s nothing on there and you know it, give it back.” She made a grab for it and to fend her of Dumbbell shoved her. AJ saw it all as she slowly pushed past the crowd, moving steadily in their direction. The girl stumbled backward and struck the lockers, hard. Applejack saw red. “HEY!” She shoved through the last of the other students and got as close to the boy’s face as she could manage with her short stature. “Give’t back to ‘er!” There was a beat of silence then, raucous laughter. “Giv’t’bac’too’er!” Dumbbell mimicked, “what are you, one of those Ponyville hicks? Go back to your pig pen kid.” Her eyes narrowed and quick as lightning the heel of her boot crushed his toes. When he doubled over with a pained squawk she snatched the purple phone from his grasp. Then, glancing up briefly to make sure no teachers were around, she gave him a hard shove for good measure. He landed heavily on his rump, his eyes watering. “My brother says you shouldn’t ever pick on people, ‘specially not the way they talk. Because bullies like that end up all by themselves with no friends. You’re probably just taking out your problems on people.” She said smartly turning to help the other girl up and passing her phone back. “Big brother, huh?” he sneered, “I’ll beat him up.” “Ok, I’ll tell Big Mac you wanna fight.” She said, not bothering to turn back to see his face pale. The first bell rang shrilly, and now that the confrontation was over the students began disbursing. AJ whipped out her schedule to find her class when a soft pale hand settled on her arm. “Hi.” It was the pretty girl. She was ever prettier up close. “I’m… I am Rarity Belle. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.” “That… uh, that means ‘it’s nice to meet you’… right?” She smiled brilliantly, “yes! Thank you ever so much for helping me. You dealt with that brute very well. What is your name?” Applejack blinked in surprise. The girl’s… Rarity’s eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen. “Uh… Applejack. And, you’re welcome. Weren’t no problem.” She had come home that night with a big smile and proudly informed her parents that she’d met her future wife. After the initial… surprise… at the idea that their daughter wanted a wife they had been very pleased. They were slightly less pleased to find out she had been a fight, brief as it was. The memory of their meeting was there and gone suddenly. Rarity, in spite of many people’s assumptions, has a very impressive backhand. The slap sent Applejack reeling and her heart dropped directly into her gut. “I do not recall consenting to a kiss Applejack Apple.” Rarity said acridly. Embarrassment, confusion, and panic made their way rapidly though her, “N-No Ma’am. No you d-didn’t,” she sputtered, “I’m powerful sorry Rarity. I uh… I let my heart get away with my head.” She raised a brow, “you just broke off an engagement, so I’m going to let that go.” Hands trembling and face awash with pain and unease, Applejack nodded, “yes’m.” She practically whimpered, “maybe you should go uh… go check on the boys or-” “Yes. I think I shall,” Rarity said coldly. Applejack watched her go with a lump in her throat and a sick feeling in her stomach.