//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 
// Story: Making a Difference 
// by gilo 
//------------------------------//

"Good mornin', Fluttershy!"

Applejack called out and waved to her friend, who was sitting on a bench in front of her cottage, most likely just chilling out. Fluttershy immediately perked up and smiled.

"Oh, hello, Jackie! Come, sit down!"

She waved back and gestured to her to come and sit next to her. Applejack gladly took the invitation. Since she didn't have her hat on, Flutters immediately noticed how beautiful her mane was.

"Oh, Jackie! Your mane looks so pretty! Did you have Rarity take care of it?"

She asked enthusiastically and carefully stroked Jackie's beautiful, soft, blonde mane. Applejack blushed a little just at the mention of Rarity, chuckled and nodded.

"Eeyup! Actually, uh, Rarity's the reason why I came over to ya…"

Jackie averted her eyes and nervously played with her thumbs.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Fluttershy tilted her head in curiosity.

“Just d-don’t tell this to anyone, okay? I’ve, uh.. I’ve developed some… feelings for Rarity…”

Applejack murmured nervously. Fluttershy, hearing this, gasped in surprise and blushed a little just at the thought of seeing Rarity and Jackie together.

“Oh! That’s so, so lovely, Jackie! I’m so happy for you!”

“Thanks, Flutters… Unfortunately, though, I have a problem… a big one, too.”

AJ sighed and looked down at the ground. Flutters put her hand on her shoulder and leaned down to look at her face.

“What is it, Jackie? Is it something I can help with?”

“Well, uh.. I dunno how to tell her this… I’m too scared… I mean, I’m just an ordinary farm gal.. I don’t know anything in terms of fashion n’ all… She can’t possibly like me the same way I like her… Feels like we’re just too different…”

Applejack explained, making Fluttershy more and more concerned with each word she spoke. But she had already spotted a contradiction in what she said.

“But.. despite your differences, you still developed feelings for her, right?”

“Uh-huh…”

“And did your differences stop you two from being friends?”

“No.. Not at all…”

Fluttershy helped Applejack sit up straight and put her hands on hers, which AJ kept on her lap.

“Can you see my point, then? Differences don’t matter, Jackie. What matters is your heart, and yours is in the right place. Besides…”

She giggled sweetly.

“Some say that opposites attract.. and it’s just what might be happening here…”

Applejack nodded slowly, but still looked a little distressed.

“I.. I suppose yer right… But still… How do I tell her? Will my words be enough?”

“You could always give her a gift, Jackie. Something she loves. This way, your confession will surely have an impact.”

“But what if she doesn’t like my gift? I know she likes fashion n’ all, but she can be really picky when it comes to this stuff…”

Fluttershy frowned.

“You’re right, getting her a dress or a piece of clothing is not a very good idea… But how about a gem? A piece of jewelry, perhaps?”

With this, Applejack’s expression quickly changed from troubled to pure excitement.

“Fluttershy, yer a genius! I can just get ‘er a necklace that would suit her! How did I not think of this?!”

She took Fluttershy’s hands and shook them energetically, making her gasp.

“Thank you, Fluttershy! How could I ever repay ya??”

Fluttershy giggled at AJ’s excitement and attempted to stop Jackie’s hands from shaking hers.

“You don’t have to, Jackie. Seeing you two together will be more than enough.”

Before Flutters started daydreaming again, AJ quickly stood up.

“Awright, I ain’t gonna waste any time now! I’ll see you soon, Fluttershy!”

“Good luck!”

The two waved each other goodbye and then Applejack set off towards Ponyville again. She had no clue about gems, jewelry or fashion in general, but thankfully, she knew somepony who could help her.