//------------------------------// // Applejack's Turn // Story: Where Did I Come From? // by bahatumay //------------------------------// Today was a good day for getting work done. Big Macintosh, however, was not getting work done. but was rather watching his sister work. Usually, that wasn't something he would normally be doing while there were still chores left to be done on the farm; but because she happened to be repeatedly bucking a dead tree that was devoid of both apples and leaves, he knew something was wrong. He chewed on his sprig of wheat as he thought. He needed to bring it up gently, without being confrontational, and without spooking her. Finally, he decided to just go for it. He made sure to scuff a hoof as he approached, so as to not startle her. “You look a bit distracted,” he said, casting a not-so-subtle glance at the tree. Applejack nodded, still not noticing her empty target tree. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about Goldenrod.” She followed his gaze and blushed when she realized what she'd been doing, and tried to play it off by sidestepping to another tree, one that was actually alive. Mac nodded. “She claimin’ t’ have a coltfriend or something?” Applejack’s jaw dropped and she missed her kick, accidentally throwing herself on the ground and sending herself sprawling. “No! Mac, no!" she said, quickly climbing to her hooves. "She’s a filly, for Celestia’s sake!” “Valid question,” he protested. “They’re startin’ younger and younger these days.” “Ugh! It’s…” Applejack shook her head. “Ah’ve… she’s been askin’ where she came from, and last night Rainbow told her a story; but she didn’t buy it, and tonight it’s my turn.” All traces of joking drained from Mac’s voice. “You ain’t really gonna tell her?” “Nah,” Applejack shook her head. “Ah’ve got a kind of incredible journey type story for her tonight.” Mac nodded and turned to resume his work. “Good luck.” Applejack watched him leave and then sighed. “Yes, you can pull your rocking chair over to the window and listen in if you want.” Mac cracked a smile. “You’re the best, AJ.” * * * Goldenrod gave a little nicker of pleasure as Applejack finished brushing her mane. She spun around and slid under the covers, and Applejack tucked the blankets underneath her body so little Goldenrod was all wrapped up tight like a burrito. “Comfy?” Applejack asked. “Eeyup!” Goldenrod paused. “Momma, you're gonna tell me a story tonight, right?” she asked. Applejack grinned. She'd been preparing this all day. “Ah sure am. Once upon a time…”