//------------------------------// // The Party // Story: Zap Apple Jam // by TheBronyRun //------------------------------// “Okay, Twilight. You can do this. It’s just a little party and they are my best friends.” Twilight spoke forcefully to herself in the mirror on the wall. “Suck it up!” Three days had passed since she ran away like a little idiotic foal. Her friends, especially Applejack and Big Mac, were all confused and worried. She even had kicked Spike out, saying “She needed time alone.” Twilight had locked herself up in shame. Why on Equestria did she run away like that? Although, in truth, she knew the answer. She loved Big Macintosh, despite her worries. What worries, you might be asking. Well, where to begin? Well, for one she was worried that she would find herself admitting her feelings to Big Mac and he wouldn’t love her back. And then she also was worried that she might never work up the nerve to confront him and spend forever loving him in cowardice. But those are the childish, obvious ones. Then there is the more serious one. She was worried that Applejack would find it weird that Twilight was dating her brother, and that it would form a barrier between them. But either way, she had to worry about her current situation. She hated that she had probably scared her friends half to death by her silly action, and she was making her first public appearance since she ran away. She heard Pinkie Pie through the door accidently blurt how the rumor of her running had spread like wildfire, which she quickly caught and walked away, thinking she better leave before she said anything else stupid. She was going to apologize, and hope that they will understand why she can’t tell them why she ran. Only Pinkie new her secret because of her uncanny deduction skills, but Twilight made her promise not to tell the others. She even did a Pinkie promise. But now was the time to go, so she left her tree library and headed to the Town Clubhouse to the party. “Here goes nothing.” She muttered as she opened the door to the clubhouse. It was a full house, not necessarily because of Big Mac’s huge step in life but because it was a Pinkie Pie Party, which automatically means its good to say the least. There were streamers and balloons, cake and a banner that said “Congratulations Big Macintosh!” and there was music playing with stage lights streaming around the room. It seemed a bit like a nightclub actually, but more innocent and young. And there they were, huddled around a small table. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Spike and Rarity. And then there was also Big Mac and Applejack. Twilight kind of laid low, unsure of what she was going to say, but she wanted to hear what they were talking about before she greeted them. She played it on the less obvious side, dodging out of the way and staying unnoticeable from the crowd as she worked her way past tables and balloons and other party “essentials,” according to Pinkie As she approached the table, she ducked behind a different table and listened. “…if she’s doing okay. I still wish I knew what was happening. Are you sure you have no idea why, Spike?” Rainbow Dash asked. “For the last time, I have no clue! You’ve asked that at least a dozen times guys!” Spike replied in frustration. That made Twilight feel bad. Spike did nothing, and she shouldn’t have kicked him out. It was a very bad call, and he’s probably mad. One more thing on the list to explain and apologize tonight. “Sorry, Spike. We know you’re as worried as we are.” Rarity said. Applejack still had the same confused look she had had the night Twilight had ran. “I…I just don’t understand what happened. One minute we were havin’ a nice peaceful, content walk, the next she’s cryin’ and runnin’ away! What did I say?” Applejack choked up. “Sis, I don’t know what Twilight is upset about, but it isn’t you!” Big Mac comforted her. At that moment Twilight stood up and walked over to the table.“H…Hi guys.” She said sheepishly. They just sat there, wide eyed and confused, expecting her to explain herself. She just looked back, a guilty smile on her face. After about a minute, she gave in. “Okay…FINE. I’ll talk! I…I’m not going to tell you why I ran. I just can’t, I’m sorry. But none of you did anything wrong! I’m fine now, please don’t worry about me.” She said harshly. They still were shocked, wide eyed and silent. Pinkie was trying not to laugh. What, did she think this was cute? Twilight glared at her to stop and Pinky did. “Please understand guys, I’m sorry I did this to you all!” Twilight pleaded with her friends. Applejack stood up, blank faced, and walked over to Twilight. Twilight felt really guilty, but she was relieved to see Applejack come to her until… “Oof!” Twilight winced at the blow to the face by Applejacks hoof. Twilight’s eyes watered in sorrow and then Applejack hugged her. “Don’t ever to that to me again! You hear? I’ve never felt so bad in my life!” Applejack sobbed, obviously relieved. At this point everypony came and hugged her, all smiling, relief in there faces. She felt very awkward when Big Mac gave her a hug, but she certainly wasn’t complaining. “Can I come home now?” Spike asked pleadingly. “Of course Spike!” Twilight quicklym apologized and hugged the little dragon. “Aw gross get off me!” He squirmed. Twilight giggled and Spike smiled. The rest of the party went well. Pinkie ate an entire half of the cake and Rainbow Dash bragged about her flying skills, as usual. But they all left early, feeling emotionally drained with relief and happiness at Twilights well being. Twilight could tell they were all curious why she ran, and a bit nervous she would have a breakdown like Fluttershy would have, but they didn’t push. They were just happy to have Twilight back. They all gathered outside the party in the night air.They all said goodbye to Twilight and one-by-one they all left. That is, all but Applejack and Big Mac. “Twilight, please, I know I shouldn’t ask this, but I have to know! What happened that night?” Applejack asked desperately. Big Mac nodded his agreement. He wanted to know just as much. “Please…don’t make me tell you. I...” She was silenced by the hurt look on Applejacks face. “Forgive me…” Applejack said. She obviously thought she had hurt Twilight in some way, and it built up more emotional pain over the three days. Apparently enough to bother even her. “Applejack you really did nothing! And neither did you, Big Mac!” Twilight said desperately. Applejack suddenly grew stern. “Then why, Twilight?! How could everything have been going fine and then go south so quickly?!” She stomped her hoof. “I’ve spent the last three days in agony, thinking I had hurt you somehow, and you won’t even do me the good of telling me the real reason? Not even a ‘”sorry”?!” She looked angrily at Twilight. “I’m your best friend, Twilight, but you’re keeping a big secret from me, of all people, and I’m worried. I just thought we were closer than that.” “Please…” Twilight began desperately “I’m done.” She ran away like Twilight had, leaving Big Mac and Twilight alone. “….Big Mac, Are you mad too?” “…No, just worried, Twilight.” He said solemnly. “I’m glad to have you back, I just wish I understood why we lost you in the first place.” And with that he turned and started to walked away. “….Because I…I…I love you!” She squeaked quietly. But he heard it. He stopped dead in his tracks, frozen. Slowly he turned around, wide eyed and mouth open. Oh, this is it Twilight. Life as you know it is over. She said miserably. She was right. “Y-You what?” He sputtered incredulously. “I-I love you…” She repeated in a more normal, but extremely hesitant voice, Silence. Lots of it. It went on forever before he grinned. “I…I love you too, Twilight.” Her mind exploded. “R-Really?!” “Yeeeup.”