So it's a Date
After having a nice, semi-awkward breakfast with Pinkie, I unfortunately had a job to get to. Today was my first day of work, and as much as I would have liked to skip, I had to go. I really needed to clear my head, or the events of last night would eat away at my mind all day long.
Apple Acres looked considerably different from the worker’s perspective. At first sight. one might think of how beautiful the apples’ shade of red looked when contrasted with the green leaves of the apple trees. I, on the other hand, thought that I was way too tired to be doing such a large amount of work when the sun was hardly up. However, I was just exhausted from both the party and the erotic dream from last night. I thought that getting out of Pinkie’s as quick as I could might’ve helped relieve my nerves, but ever since I’d left, It’s been my every waking thought. Luckily for me, I was nearly done and could go get some well deserved rest.
I was pretty sure I had followed the trail that Applejack told me to, but now I wasn’t sure where I was. Where the heck did I wander off to? I began to search for the trail, digging deeper into the orchard, peeking through the gaps in between the trees but to no avail. I figured that if I just kept walking in a straight line, sooner or later I would come out at the end of the treeline but before I knew it, the orchard had quickly turned into a forest. There were no longer any apple trees, but instead were thin, wiry strings attached to the lifeless forms of once great and mighty thickets. As I went even deeper into the unchanging scene, I hoped for an exit to make itself known as soon as possible. But, going even deeper into the wooded area, I found myself to be even more lost than I was before. Damn, it’s getting dark. If I don’t get outta here soon, I’ll be screwed…
After walking through the wilderness for another thirty minutes, the day slowly sinking, I discovered a sliver of light forking it’s way through the trees. I immediately found my way to it, ready to taste freedom. However, when I arrived, I found that not only was I still not free but that I was no longer alone. leaning against the tree, a blanket spread out before her was the girl that had every color of the rainbow on her head. Rainbow Dash was her name, really no difficulty to recall. It really was a sight to behold, her sitting there in the golden light of the dying fire, completely tranquil and unaware of my presence. That was when I began think, Wait, what is she sleeping? Is she stupid? I hesitated to get her attention, she looked so peaceful in her slumber.
“Rainbow,” I whispered. I didn’t want to startle her, fearing she might flee. “ Rainbow, wake up.”
She shifted a bit, turning her back to me. It became obvious that I’d have to try a bit harder to wake her.
“Rainbow, wake up!” I whisper-yelled.
“What?” She slowly turned back around to face me, her eyes heavy with sleep. She didn’t seem very surprised to see me, which was a bit odd.
“What are you doing out here?” I asked.
“Well, I was taking a nap…” she smiled, stretching her arms.
“ Yeah, I gathered that much, but what are you doing taking a nap in the middle of nowhere?”
She shot me a quick look that said ‘are you stupid,’ and started to readjust her position against the tree.
“In the middle of nowhere? We’re literally ten minutes from civilization.”
“O-oh, really?” I said. Well this is a bit embarrassing. I thought we were both lost or something, but then why would she be sleeping in the forest if she were lost? Ok, I’m stupid.
“Ok, you’re stupid,” she said. Hey, you read my mind.
“Well, what are you doing out here?” I asked. She stretched her arms out and gradually laid them behind her head.
“Whenever I feel overworked or have a tough day, this is where I go. So, what are you doing out in the middle of nowhere?” she said, providing air quotes.
“I, uh, kinda got lost…” I hung my head, embarrassed.
“How? Which way did you come from?”
I told her all about how I had been picking apples for the Apples’ and how I got lost trying to find my way back. Rainbow seemed to be somewhat sympathetic with me, as I’d been having a series of unfortunate events unfolding one after the other all day.
“That sucks, Crush, but do you wanna hear something that’ll make it even worse?” she asked. Rainbow Dash waited for my answer, cringing slightly.
No, I thought, but part of me was curious.
“Shoot,” I said.
“Apple Acres was in the opposite direction.” she smiled, apologetically. I groaned, exhausted by my futile efforts. My sense of direction had not only led me astray, but made me look ridiculous in front of a cute girl.
I sighed, I was ready to give up on today. “Can you give me a ride home?”
* * *
Rainbow Dash was described to me as rash, irresponsible, a bit insensitive, and most importantly, loyal. Applejack told me they were best friends, and that no matter what, Rainbow would always have her back. After a short car ride home thanks to Rainbow, I began to see why Applejack’s friend was so well respected around here. Everyone I’ve met here has been nothing but kind, I kind of wish there was some way I could repay them.
“Thanks for the lift,” I said, struggling to find the handle.
“No problem. It’s, uh, near the bottom of the door,” she pointed to the handle.
“Oh, thanks, and thank you for the ride, again. Did I say thank you yet?”
“Get out of my car,” she teased.
“Alright, I’ll see you around” I started to get out, when I thought about why Rainbow was in the forest. What did she tell me, something about going there on bad days? Maybe if that’s true, I can help her out. It’s the least that I could do. “Hey, how come you were out there tonight?”
She laughed and said, “I told you already, sometimes I go out there to clear my mind.”
“Yeah, but you also told me you go there when you’ve had a rough day. Sorry, I know it’s none of my business, but,” I began. I started to regret my decision, as it was really none of my business. “Did something happen, or am I just worrying over nothing?”
She gave me a reassuring smile before saying “Don’t worry, I was just taking a nap, nothing more. Thanks though, It’s nice to know when people care.”
“Hey, what are friends for?” I blushed. I got out of her blue corvette, waved her goodbye, and watched her drive away until she crossed the horizon and left my sight.
I walked up to the front door of the barn house, ready for the barrage of questions that would fall upon me, but instead, when I walked in, it seemed that no one had noticed I’d been gone.
“Howdy there, Orange Crush, are you just now gettin’ done?” Applejack asked. I figured I should just stay away from telling Applejack what really happened, that would only provide her with embarrassment fuel.
“Uh, yeah, I’ve got the apples right-” I began, when I remembered I left the stupid apples in the stupid forest, when stupid me got lost. Stupid, stupid, stupid! “and I accidentally left them in the orchard.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll get em’ tomorrow.” she said.
I decided to skip dinner, and thought going straight to bed would help ease my aching body. Walking up each individual step seemed to provide a challenge, making my knees feel like another few steps and they’d snap. After eventually reaching the top of the staircase, I drifted straight into my bed. Tomorrow was going to be hell if I didn’t get my rest. Who thought that picking apples would be so physically exhausting? That does explain, however, how Applejack got those rock hard abs of hers.
* * *
The sound of the doorbell could be heard from every room in the house. I got out of bed slowly and looked through the tiny circular window in the room which was home to quite the large amount of dust, and nearly coughed up a lung. Not only from the dusty window, but from who was downstairs. Pinkie was standing right below me. I treaded lightly down the flight of stairs to get to the door, eager to see her. I opened the front door just as she was about to ring the doorbell a second time. “Hiya, Orangie!” She said. I blushed a bit at her nickname for me, trying to keep my cool.
“Hey, what’s-” She silenced me with her index finger and began to fiddle around in the inside of her purse, looking for something. Her face was a bit perplexed after skimming for about twenty seconds, but quickly replaced it with relief guaranteeing she’d found what she was searching for.
“I found your phone in my couch earlier!” She said. I nearly collapsed to the floor with relief. I couldn’t have been more glad to have my phone.
“Thank you so much, Pinkie, I thought I lost the darn thing!” I beamed.
“No problem, anything for a friend!” she said, sporting her signature Pinkie smile. “I’m just glad you enjoyed your party yesterday!”
“What do mean?” I asked.
“Well, I planned the party for you, of course!” she stated like it was common knowledge.
“What? Why?”
She nearly wore grimace in response to my question.
“Are you upset? I was only trying to introduce you to everyone. When I saw you at the square, I knew you were new so I thought I’d do something nice. Did I mess up?” She spewed out. She really was just an innocent girl, trying to make me welcome in a new place. My heart swelled, and I smiled the widest grin I’ve had in a long time.
“Are you kidding me? That’s so cool!” I said. She sighed and wiped sweat of her forehead with the back of her hand.
“Oh good, I thought that you didn’t like that I did that.”
“No, no, that’s awesome. I can’t think of anyone who’d be that nice to someone they just met!”
Pinkie smiled, sweetly, and gave a timid goodbye before making her tread back home. I closed the front door a few minutes after she left, thinking about how kind she’s been to me lately. I really like the people in Ponyville, but Pinkie’s just so… different. I thought about her for the rest of that night, and it was only during the next morning that I would decide. I think I’m gonna ask her out on a date.