It was an unusually hot day in April and the sun was high leaving Applejack little relief from its rays. Even with the leaves of the apple trees Applejack was sweating up a storm and getting tanner by the minute. Fortunately Applejack wasn’t terribly interested in appearances. She had her priorities straight, well most of them. The farm was as successful as ever, what with Applebloom coming into her own and helping more on the farm. Her friends and their friendship was indeed magical, having lived through various attacks from a medley of vicious characters and having an honestly great time doing it. She had even begun talks with Cherry Jubilee about an Apple-Cherry Exchange market. At least something good had come out of her panicked and embarrassing moment after the rodeo. But one thing still lingered in her mind. It had been growing like an apple on a branch and she was ready to buck that tree and take a bite.
Rarity. Yes, one would assume that a rough but practical mare like Applejack wouldn’t be interested in an overdramatic finicky filly like Rarity but assumptions are usually wrong for a reason. Applejack and Rarity had their differences and disagreements but they were still amazing friends. Friends who knew each other’s insecurities like when Sweetie Belle cast off Rarity and chose Applejack as her sister. Applejack knew that Rarity loved Sweetie Belle but couldn’t connect so together they schemed the perfect switcharoo during the Sisterhooves Social.
Applejack had learned to view Rarity’s shrewd behavior towards dress making and fashion as a sign that Rarity wanted only the best for herself and her clients. She could relate to that feeling. Every orchard, tree, every sale had to be the best because it represented her family and name. Sure they were two different mediums, apples and dresses but they had the same goal: Perfection, quality, and trust. Rarity was a loving sister, a dedicated worker, and a wonderful friend. What wasn’t there to love?
Applejack shook her head sending a few drops into the parched earth below. What wasn’t there to love? Well for starters she does get a bit dramatic at the drop of a hat. Literally a hat. Applejack smiled at the Stetson that shielded her face. But I guess I would too, if it were this hat…but that’s not the point. She doesn’t like to get dirty or let go of her precious image. But those are her principles. She is dedicated I’ll give her that. And I couldn’t be something I’m not… Applejack reared bucking the tree behind her until the satisfying rumble of apples stopped. This feels natural to me… like being crazy must feel to her. The orange mare chuckled to herself. Crazy old Rarity. But not as crazy as Pinkie “PIE!”
Applejack yelped and tumbled into her basket as Pinkie fell out of the tree. Well if you consider hanging upside down and then rotating your body 180 degrees without moving your head to be falling.
“Applejack!!! Oh my goulashes! There is something super duper big happening at the Carousel Boutique and only we are invited because it’s super looper dee-duper awesome and important and secret!” Pinkie started squealing or laughing, Applejack couldn’t tell. As long as she was breathing that’s all that mattered but Applejack wouldn’t put it past the pink pony to be able to survive without air.
“Calm yer cattle there sugarcube.” Applejack said righting herself and brushing the squished apple from her tail. Such a waste. I hope this is important. “Well what ya got fer me?” Pinkie smiled half way to Equestria.
“Rarity’s got an announcement! An announcement that could lead to a party. Isn’t it awesome?! We don’t even know what the announcement is but announcements usually have ponies at them and parties have ponies! And I am a pony who has parties with other ponies where announcements are made! But not all parties need announcements or even ponies. Remember that one time I threw a party for Gummies’ rock collection? There were soooooooooooo many rocks. It took forever to bring them to SugarCube Corner but it was worth it. You should have seen the look on Gummies’ face! It was like this!” Pinkie stopped talking long enough to transform her face into that of a green alligator. Sure she wasn’t a unicorn but she sure was not your average earth pony. Applejack took advantage of Pinkie’s momentary moment as another species to interject.
“That’s nice an’ all Pinkie but how’d you find out about this here announcement? And when is it?” Pinkie reverted back to her ‘normal’ self and started bouncing.
“Twilight told me!”
Applejack frowned. “Wait, ah thought you said only we were invited to this here shindig.”
“We are! But when I said we I meant the royal we. Did you get it cause Twilight is royal now and it also means all of us! ALL OF US! ALL OF US! ALL OF Uh…” An apple had been unceremoniously placed in Pinkie’s mouth which she proceeded to chew happily.
“So yer sayin’ the six of us?” Pinkie nodded vigorously. Applejack had been smart to cram one of the larger apple varieties the Apple family orchard grew into Pinkie’s face. It bought her time to think. What could Rarity be announcing? A new line of dresses? A new addition to her store? Sweetie Belle’s cutie mark? Naw that would crush Applebloom and it wasn’t necessarily Rarity’s place to take away from Sweetie Belle’s moment by making a grand diva announcement. Applejack hitched a cart filled with apples to her waist and started trudging towards the supply barn with a jolly Pinkie Pie in tow. No it was something else, but what? Applejacks eyes widened in terror and disbelief. She doesn’t… no how could she… I mean maybe there were some hints but… I’m not ready… what? Why would she tell everyone? That mare, the nerve! To make a scene? This is just like her. Well two can play at that game. Applejack’s trudge turned into an angry gallop leaving Pinkie Pie in the dust.
“Applejack! The boutique is this way!” Pinkie wiped the remains of the apple from her face. “Silly AJ.”