A loud thunderclap could be heard over Ponyville, one that shook the ground and rattled windows. The dry air dampened rapidly before a relentless downpour started. Rain came down in sheets that afternoon, soaking the already-wet muddy roads. The ground was so saturated with water that it pooled in the ruts and overflowed the storm drains. A powerful wind swept in from the east pushing the rain diagonally; it pounded off the walls of nearby buildings. Ponies sought cover in the nearest buildings, not caring which shop they had just barged into.
Scootaloo pulled herself off the floor, her eyes dry from the tears she shed. There was an aching pain in her chest, a feeling of emptiness and regret. As mad as she was for losing it with Rainbow Dash, shame lingered over her head as she moved about her shop picking up the tools she had thrown.
With each tool she collected off the floor she returned to the workbench to put it in the correct place. She knew this was the longest way possible to do this but she didn't particularly care. She used the time to collect her thoughts and recompose herself. She wanted me to go to a get together at Applejacks? As if I want to go to that... besides it's for her friends not Rainbow's. Although I should say sorry to her.
Finally all the tools were back to the correct spot; Scootaloo could now continue to work on Carrot Top's cart. It was almost done: in fact, all she needed to do was pry the old bearing out, put the new one in, put the wheel back on then check and grease the other wheels.
Scootaloo stood over the wheel she had bucked off the cart with her favorite pry bar and a hammer, trying to free the old bearing of the casing it was held in. Each hit sent dull vibrations through her body when the hammer connected with the iron rod. The rusty seized bearing refused to move no matter how hard she tried to pry it out. If I can't pry it out, maybe I can break it out. She took the hammer and beat the outside housing of the bearing furiously.
With a loud roar of frustration and a stream of curse words, the bearing popped out. She collapsed to the floor panting. Staring at the wall, Scootaloo took in the details of the cracks in the plaster and just how cold the concrete floor really was. Its coolness was soothing and it helped her regain her breath. I guess I really needed that...
She picked herself up, suddenly feeling calm and less tense. Scootaloo retrieved the bearing she made from the workbench and lightly tapped it down into the housing. Then she placed the wheel back on the axle, bolting it down. With her hoof she gave it a few test spins, then made a few adjustments to the bolt and spun again. When she was satisfied with her work and the wheel spun freely, she slapped the hubcap back over it.
One thing was left to do, check the rest of the cart over, then she'd be done for the day. She normally didn't close up right after she finished working, she liked to stay open incase someone needed something fixed. There have been times she has worked late into the night for ponies that showed up late afternoon with some emergency. Most things were easy to fix but there was one thing that always put strain on the mare's abilities... electrical. Troubleshooting electrical issues with heaters, coolers, sprinklers–especially sprinklers were the things that kept her working late. She didn’t do anything desultory, she guaranteed excellent quality work and she never quit until it was perfect.
Upon inspecting the cart she found no other issues, she retrieved the grease gun from the workbench when she noticed a couple different things: It had stopped raining and there was a considerable amount of noise and yelling from outside the shop.
"No, no over, to the right! A voice of a mare with a strong drawl yelled as if she were directing where to place furniture. "Dagnabbit Apple Bloom you're going to ruin it!"
"It's already broken sis!"
"Well don't break it any more or it ain't no good to anypony!"
Scootaloo was about to poke her head out to see what the commotion was all about except the commotion came to her front door before she could. In the entrance to the garage, before her, stood Applejack half covered in mud. Next to her was Apple Bloom, slightly less muddy with a harness and a cart, or what was a cart.
"Hey sugarcube! Ah'd hug ya if Ah wasn't covered in mud. Dang that Rainbow Dash and other Pegusi of the weather team for making it rain all the time." Applejack held up a hoof to curse the pegusi. "Anyway Ah'm just stopping by to invite you to a get together tomorrow evening. Nothin' fancy."
Scootaloo couldn't help but smile at the pair of them. They looked so ridiculous, standing there covered in mud as if it were a normal occurrence, which she admitted was but not outside the farm. "Yeah I heard. Rainbow stopped by earlier to invite me."
"Well ya comin'?"
"I-I'll try. This is a busy time of year for me."
"Ah sure hope ya can make it, Ah hope to see you tomorrow." Applejack bowed her head then turned on the spot and left the shop. Apple Bloom remained, standing awkwardly in the threshold with her broken cart.
"Hey Scoots. Long time no see. Ah hope you are doing good." Apple Bloom smiled warmly.
Apple Bloom's cheeks were slightly red as she smiled. Scootaloo couldn't tell if they were red from the cold or if was a blush. "I'm doing alright. Been busy." She replied awkwardly. She had to break eye contact, the feeling of awkwardness was too extreme. She used the cart on the lift as an excuse to turn away from her.
"Ah can see. Anyway, Ah just wanted to give you something." Apple Bloom stepped forward, the broken cart behind her making a terrible sound as it dragged across the floor.
Scootaloo eyed the cart curiously. It was utterly destroyed, it was more of a piece of plywood on wheels than a cart. She could see the rear axle was broken in half but still attached to the suspension which kept it from falling off completely. "Um... you might want to consider just buying a new one. Even with my prices it would be cheaper."
"This old pile of junk? Ah ain't askin ya to fix it. Ah want to give it to you." Apple Bloom said, removing the harness from around her neck and chest.
"Why?"
"For parts, scrap metal, Ah don't really care."
Scootaloo moved in for a closer look. She could see the harnesses and yoke assembly were still in good shape. There was no hope for the rear suspension and the front suspension wasn't really worth salvaging either. But the wheels were good and possibly the bearings. The frame was bent, twisted and falling off of the chassis. "Well, I guess some of it is worth having. What in Equestria did you guys do to it? I have never seen one this bad before."
Apple Bloom just shrugged laughing nervously. "Nothing, just the usual, hauling apples, bales of hay, pumpkins, old junk from the house. You know the same thing we use all of our carts for. This one just didn't make it and it was the newest one! They just don't make em' like the used to."
A smile crept across her face. Normal use for carts at the Apple's that isn't hauling apples? Interesting. "They certainly don't." Scootaloo said, she turned her face back to the cart on the lift to hide her smile. "You need to get more of these, they are almost indestructible... almost." Scootaloo tapped her hoof to the side of the cart.
"Ah know. They are hard to find, Applejack and Mac are very careful with ours. We figured with this cart since it was new, it could handle some abuse but... well you see what happened." Apple Bloom said pointing at the her broken cart in mock pity. Scootaloo chuckled a little, smiling at Apple Bloom. "You got such a pretty smile you know?"
Scootaloo's face turned a deep shade of red, "I-I do?" What does that mean? Is she coming on to me or is she just being nice?
"Yeah, it's nice when you smile. Something you don't do too often these days."
How does she know that? We haven't seen each other in months! She blushed awkwardly before moving to the cart quickly and picking up her pry bar. She hastily pulled the hubcaps off the other three wheels not caring that they were falling to the floor. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Apple Bloom walking around the cart. She noticed Apple Bloom moved in closer to inspect one of the wheel bearings.
"Looks like this one can use some grease or it ain't gonna last." Apple Bloom said. "You forgot to take this one off over here." Apple Bloom grabbed a screwdriver and pried the hubcap off before Scootaloo could react. "Oh never mind, this bearing is brand new." She put her hoof on the wheel, giving it a spin. "Nice job, can't hear a thing."
Scootaloo groaned moving over to the wheel Apple Bloom was looking at before. She was right it did need grease, the bearing was showing signs of wear and from spinning the wheel she could hear a distinct rattle from the beads inside. "Yep, looks like you were right."
"See, Ah know my way around this stuff and Ah can fix things. You need me as an assistant."
"An assistant? Any other time of the year I almost have to go out of my way to get work... even today is a slow day for the season. Last year I had three carts outside and two in here."
"So, why not for the season?"
"Maybe, I'll think about it."
"Oh come on. There are like some many things Ah can learn from you. Master mechanic."
Is she flirting with me? Scootaloo shook her head. She didn't know what Apple Bloom wanted or why she suddenly was so interested in working with her. Where was she last year when there were five carts in the shop and a bunch of angry ponies wanting their heaters fixed?
"Flattery won't get you hired. Beside don't you already have a job?" Scootaloo responded playfully.
"Ah do but Applejack is willing to let me work here."
Scootaloo frowned, Applejack, what? They planned this? "Well if the workflow picks up then yes. But right now I don't need the help and I couldn't pay you anyway. Not with what I'm making off this job here." Scootaloo pointed to the cart on the lift.
"Ah checked out other shops in Equestria, you are by far the cheapest. You charge so low, Ah'm surprised half of Equestria isn't here right now. Ah was thinking if you brought your prices up to something closer to the market, you'd make more bits and could afford to expand and even hire another mechanic."
Scootaloo eyed Apple Bloom closely, scrutinizing her expression. "You haven't been talking with Rainbow have you?" She said sternly.
"Well..."
"Well what?" Scootaloo said a little more forcefully than she had intended to.
"She visited Applejack this morning. Ah don't know what that has to do with anything." Apple Bloom frowned, confused by Scootaloo's sudden change in mood.
"Who's idea was it to work here?"
"Well mine of course. Applejack said your business was having a little trouble, that's all. Ah decided that maybe Ah can help out. Even if you don't pay me, you could always use another mechanic."
Scootaloo shook with fury. Those manipulative mares! I'm going to that party and giving Rainbow a piece of my mind!
"What's wrong Scoots? You look tense."
"Oh nothing, just somepony else is pulling the strings of my life because they no longer have one."
"Scoots, what's that even mean?"
"Nothing, nothing." Scootaloo let out a long sigh, letting go of the anger she felt. "I guess you can help, starting tomorrow." Scootaloo was going to finish the cart and call it a day. It had been an emotionally draining day and she didn't feel like hanging around her shop anymore. Especially if Rainbow Dash decided to come poking around again. "I'm calling it a day after I finish this cart."
"Can Ah do the honors of greasing this last bearing?"
Scootaloo smiled at her. That stubborn mare just wouldn't take no for an answer. For some reason she found that stubbornness annoying but in an amusing way. She picked up the grease gun and tossed it over to her. She tossed over a couple of shop rags right after.
"Scoots." Apple Bloom giggled as the rags landed on her face. She wiped them off revealing her smile and blushing cheeks.
As Apple Bloom worked Scootaloo sat by her workbench watching under the pretense of supervising. She knew Apple Bloom was more than capable of the task, she had grown up on a farm and learned how to fix things or as Apple Bloom liked to say 'break it till' it works again.' Her methods may have been more unconventional but certainly not lacking in creativity. Apple Bloom probably had more uses for a hammer than anyone would have thought plausible.
Her red mane was stunning, to say the least. When Apple Bloom was a filly she always wore a big pink bow to hold her mane back. She wore it through most of high school too, it just became part of her identity. Then one day she came to school without it and everyone saw just how thick, lush and lovely her mane truly was. It was then that Scootaloo fell hard for her, she just couldn't stop staring, Apple Bloom was so beautiful. Now she wore her mane like Applejack in a long ponytail. Still, she looked as beautiful as she did the first time Scootaloo really saw her.
"Scoots!"
"Huh?" Scootaloo snapped out of her daydream.
"Ah said it's done."
"Oh, right. Um, lower the lift then I guess we'll close up shop."
The lift made a soft hissing noise lowering the cart slowly. The cart hit the ground softly, the suspension creaked slightly as it took on the weight from the body.
"So you want to get something to eat? There's this new restaurant down the street, everyone is saying they have the best hay burgers. Ah've been meanin' to try but Ah don't come into town much."
I can't do this... I just can't. "I-I can't, not tonight. Maybe another time."
Apple Bloom looked disappointed and slightly unconvinced but she didn't press. "Yeah, there's always tomo – oh wait! Applejack's party. You’re coming right? Ah mean it's going to be all her friends so Ah will be pretty bored."
"I think I can make it. It depends on how much work I have tomorrow."
"Ah will help you get done early!" Apple Bloom said cheerfully.
"We'll see." Scootaloo said trying to contain a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow morning I guess."
"Yep, bright n' early. Ah'm gettin me a hay burger. See ya!" Apple Bloom trotted cheerfully out of the shop.
Scootaloo groaned as she watched Apple Bloom leave. What am I getting myself into? She turned off the lights and closed the garage door.
She didn't really have a reason to say no to Apple Bloom other than fearing what she felt for her. She feared that after all the time that has gone by she never actually moved on. She also feared that maybe she didn't want to move on, something was keeping her where she was.
Scootaloo wrestled with her emotions as she walked through a deep rut in the road to her house. She was still annoyed with Rainbow Dash, no matter how many times she told herself she was just concerned. Rainbow Dash has been known to be a little overprotective at times. Something Scootaloo appreciated dearly even if that meant Rainbow Dash could be a little too overbearing sometimes. I really should apologize to her. And maybe help her understand that I don't need any help.
The sky had cleared up, leaving the air chill and full of moisture. The wind had calmed as well but it was still enough to blow some golden leaves off the trees. Scootaloo smiled taking in the scent of the dampness and the leaves mulching on the ground. Autumn really was a nice time of year.
Upon arriving at her home, Scootaloo was please to find an envelope at her doorstep. She checked the return address and was even more excited. She quickly rushed inside, sat at the table and opened the envelope pulling a letter out with very neat writing.
Dear Scootaloo,
How are you? How is your business doing? It's that time of year again so I bet you are pretty busy.
I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy with my vocal and acting lessons and auditions these past few months. But it all paid off! I got an audition for a Bridleway! I'm so excited and I get to go to Manehatten. I'm so tired of Los Pegasus, it will be a nice change of pace.
I probably shouldn't tell you this but Apple Bloom's last letter said she was feeling a bit lonely, always working on the farm and not being able to get out much. You should go see her, I think you two have a lot in common... hint, hint.
I miss you tons and I hope to visit soon.
Love
-Sweetie
She knew, she bucking knew. That unicorn... Scootaloo shook her head with a smile, her suspicions confirmed. She knew Sweetie Belle must have figured it out that day Apple Bloom let her mane down. Not only was she caught staring by Sweetie Belle several times she also kept talking about how nice Apple Bloom's mane was. What did I actually say that day? 'Oh my gosh I can't believe how beautiful her mane is?' Yeah it was something dumb and obvious like that. Of course that rumor that we liked each other from the previous year certainly didn't help. For Sweetie it sealed the deal no doubt.
As Scootaloo laid on her small bed staring at the ceiling as she did every night, she tried to clear her thoughts. It was about this time every night she felt a strange ache in her chest, like something pulled at her heartstrings. It was a feeling of emptiness but Scootaloo never understand why she felt this every night. She had everything she ever wanted.