”I want to tell you
My head is filled with things to say
When you're near
All those words, they seem to slip away”
I Want To Tell You
George Harrison
-The Beatles

The long shadows of the morning slowly retreated and the sunlight came streaming in through the large oval window of the bed loft and onto Twilight's slumbering form. Twilight rolled over, away from the window and toward Applejack to keep the sun out of her eyes, which she now slowly opened. She looked into Applejack’s sleeping face and felt as though she were falling in love all over again.

Eric Clopton sure got it right – “Why Does Love Got to Hurt So Bad?”

She lay there waiting to see those green eyes.

Before the end of this day, I swear by Celestia I will tell her that I love her. I just can’t go on like this, I just have to find the words....

Twilight felt a smile spread across her face. It was an oath that she knew she would honor no matter the consequences. She had no idea how she’d tell her. And then what? Fighting? Tears? No longer friends? Those fears ran up against the mounting frustration of the days and nights together. They were both emotional and physical frustrations. The heartache was alleviated by the times they spent laughing and talking. But there were other things too.

Constantly being so physically close to Applejack was taking its toll. The intense, unsatisfied physical desire, something she had been unfamiliar with a week ago, now seemed insatiable. The relief she’d found in those times when she'd snuck off to the reading room in a desperate, furtive effort at release. While they had been physically gratifying in the short term, ultimately they only seemed to make her desire more acute. They also left her feeling guilty and ironically, lonely.

Twilight decided that had spent far too much time worrying about possible outcomes and it was breaking her heart. She had to give Applejack the chance that she wished Thorn had given her.

Applejack opened her sleepy eyes a little and looked at Twilight. Then she smiled. Twilight took a mental picture of it.

No matter how bad things get, that image will help me get through them.

“How about some breakfast sleepyhead?” asked Twilight.

“Can I sleep a little more first?”

“Sure. You really have changed. Two weeks ago you would have been up before Celestia. Now, you’re queen of the slug-a-beds.”

Applejack’s eyes closed and her face went into a slight scowl.

“But I like it,” Twilight said playfully

The smile returned.

Twilight pulled on her terrycloth robe and trotted down the stairs to the kitchen. Remnants of the previous night lay scattered about. They hadn’t gotten past the halfway point on the bottle, but fortunately, Applejack had re-corked it. It floated in the formerly ice now water bucket, Twilight surveyed the room. It was kind of a mess, but there was an intimacy to it. It was obvious that two and only two had been enjoying the evening by the fire. Twilight couldn’t help but have a pang of fear that it would be the last. Today she would tell Applejack about her feelings and that could end everything. Applejack was well enough to go back to Sweet Apple Acres and be cared for by her family.

-----------------------------------------------------

“Whoa there nelly! What do we have here? Is this breakfast or dessert?” Applejack sat up, squinting. She watched the tray float straight up from the living room as Twilight walked up the stairs to the bed loft, her horn glowing purple.

The fragrance of eggs and apple tea with overtones of cinnamon and nuts made Applejack's mouth water. She blinked several times trying to force herself awake and smiled at Twilight

“It’s a very decadent breakfast,” Twilight announced putting the tray down on the bed. “Let’s see… we’ve got fresh eggs over easy with Apple spice tea, and we have apple pie, apple cake, walnut apple cinnamon muffins, and peach cobbler”

“Peach cobbler?! Sounds a might exotic.”

“I just think we should vary our diet,” Twilight said with a wink.

“Uh huh…”

“That and we’ve just about finished every apple dessert from the party, but we still have a couple of cakes and some other things,” Twilight said picking up her tea and taking a sip.

“Ain’t things going to get moldy?” asked Applejack. She closely examined a muffin, turning it slowly in her hoof.

“No silly! I have a spell that keeps this fresh twice as long as when they’re in the fridge.”

“Well, whadda ya know. Mmm, that tea sure smells good. In fact, everything does”

The breakfast was filling and delicious. Just as they were finishing their tea, from down below came the sound of the library door slamming shut followed by the sound of four little hooves galloping up the stairs. As she entered the room at full speed, Applebloom tried skidding across the living room floor like Scootaloo had the day before but when she saw the big fluffy couch in front of the fireplace, she made a dive for it, leaping over the back and landing on her back with a big poof going up from the cushion. Her head popped up over the back rest.

“How’s that for an entrance AJ?” She asked, looking up at the two of them in the loft.

“Whoa! That was spectacular!” Applejack said, as she and Twilight applauded. Applebloom, overjoyed, leaped up from the sofa and galloped up the stairs to the bed loft, and launched herself onto the bed and into her sisters waiting forelegs. Twilight had levitated the breakfast tray and the two earth ponies watched it float down to a table in the living room.

"That is soooo cool Twilight!" the little filly exclaimed. Twilight smiled at her and winked.

Applejack tapped her little sister on the shoulder. “Hey there! Are you skipping school today?”

“’Course not, they’re not opening until 12 noon on account of all the snow. Me, Big Mac and Granny Smith all came into town on the sled. They should be up here directly. You coming home today AJ?!”

“I reckon the Doc will have to make that call.”

“I sure hope so. I miss you something awful. Granny Smith ain’t no fun and Big Mac is too busy with the farm and the shoveling. I been helpin him take care a' the animals though. They're all doing just fine..” The little filly sat back and looked around conspiratorially. She smile and whispered,

“Oh, I gotta tell you sumthin else - I think he’s back to being sweet on Miss Cherilee! The Cutie Mark Crusaders strike again!” She held her hoof up for a high hoof and got one back from her sister who looked slightly puzzled.

“Oh, right, you probably don’t remember any of that.” Applebloom said a little sadly. “Well let me fill you in…”

“Ahem!” The deep sound reverberated through the living room. The three ponies looked down from the loft to see Big Mac and Granny Smith standing down there.

“Perhaps the less said about that, the better, little sister.” advised the big red Clydesdale.

“But she’s family Big Mac.” Explained the little filly

“Yes I know that, and there’ll be time to discuss such things later,” said Big Mac in a tone that effectively ended discussion on that topic.

“Howdy sweetheart” called Granny Smith. “How ‘ya feelin?”

“Howdy m’am. Doin’ much better, thank you.”

“Would you be able to come down here child? I don’t trust myself goin up them stairs without a railing.”

“I think I can make it,” Applejack said, smiling at Twilight.

Twilight came over in case she was needed, but Applejack was able to get out of bed and after a little stretch, slowly made her way down the stairs. Granny Smith walked up to her and the two ponies hugged each other tightly. Then Granny Smith backed away and looked into her granddaughter’s eyes.

“You really don’t know who I am, do you dear.” Granny Smith said, her eyes began to well with tears.

Applejack’s eyes fell. “I’m sorry ma'am, I truly wish I did.” She walked over to the elderly pony and the two hugged.

"Oh that's all right sweetie, don't you fret none." Granny Smith smiled at her. The heart and soul of this pony was still her granddaughter's and deep in those eyes, she was sure she could see a flicker of recognition. To all intents and purposes, this was her little Applejack and nothing as inconsequential as amnesia would ever change that. Family was family and love was love and that was that.

“Well I reckon with time you’ll get better,” said the old pony softly with a little smile.

“COURSE she will!” insisted Applebloom standing next to Granny. It’s my big sister we’re talkin’ ‘bout here, she’s the toughest pony in all of Equestria! She’ll lick this amnesia thing and everything will go back to just like it was, you’ll see Granny.”

“I spec you’re right young’un!” said Granny a bit cheerier now. “Nothin’ ever could keep an Apple down!”

Twilight always admired the brave face that the Apple family put on when things seemed darkest. They knew that weeping and wailing and wringing hooves served no purpose and the Apple family had no desire to waste time on things that did not contribute to a solution but only served to upset everypony. That was certainly not to say that they all weren't hurting, but Scoltish stoicism kept them from showing it.

Twilight stood over next to Big Mac. She spoke quietly out of the side of her mouth. “Sooo, you and the schoolteacher back together eh? You casanova.”

His red coat took on the most interesting tone when he blushed. “Well I reckon we are. I sure hope she does too.”

Twilight gave him a big smile and a hug. “She sure is one lucky shmoopsie”

He gave her a deadpan look of great displeasure.

“Okay, okay I’m sorry. I know, never again.” She giggled.

Big Mac walked over and gave his sister a hug. “So how ya doin AJ? You look better every time I see you.” Big Mac didn't bother to ask his sister if there had been any change in what she could remember. Had there been, Twilight would have gotten word to him immediately. To ask the question was pointless and would only serve to needlessly add a negative note to the visit. Rather than that he focused on the positive aspect that she was up and around and indeed looked better than the last time he'd seen her.

“Doin fine. You can see the drill sergeant here has me up and around.”

“She’s tougher than Shining Armor,” laughed Big Mac

“Oh, I’d say so. I believe she’s tougher than any kind of armor.” AJ said with a little smile.

The other ponies all looked at each other. “Shining Armor is Twilight’s brother silly!” Applebloom said to her sister, “He’s the ruler of the Crystal Empire. He used to be Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“Of course, that’s right,” Applejack did a face hoof. “I remember you telling be about him Twilight.”

After a slightly uncomfortable silence, Granny Smith spoke up. “I ain’t never been up here Twilight. You got a real nice place. Goodness! Look at all this scientific equipment!”

“Yes ma'am, Twilight’s been teaching me all about the stars. I’ve learned a lot about the different types of planets and stars, all the galaxy’s and solar systems not to mention the incredible scale of interstellar distances..”

“I reckon it’s like Twilight Time all the time,” said Applebloom.

“Say Applebloom, that’s pretty clever, Twilight time. Yeah, I guess it is like Twilight time all the time around here.” Applejack smiled.

Applebloom looked up at Twilight with the saddest expression she’d ever seen on the little filly’s face. She put her foreleg around the little one’s shoulder. “Hey Applebloom, I think I have a piece of chocolate cake in the fridge. Would you like it?”

Applebloom hung her head. “No thanks Twilight” she said, her little voice barely audible.

“Well come on down to the library, I have something to show you.” Twilight said.

Twilight followed the little yellow filly down the stairs to the main room of the library. Applebloom walked over and sat down on the bench. She sighed and looked at the floor.

“You don’t really have anything to show me, do you.”

“Well, no,”

“You brought me down here to talk to me, didn’t you?” Applebloom voice trembled and she kept looking at the floor.

“No, honey, I brought you down here to talk to me.” As Twilight said this she could see the teardrops hitting the wooden floor. Then the little pony looked up at Twilight who was instantly heartsick at the pain on her face. She held her arms out to comfort her, but Applebloom just sat there.

“Where is she Twilight? Where is my big sister? That pony up there is very sweet and I knows she’s trying and I guess I love her a little ‘cause she looks like Applejack, but I don’t know her and she don’t know me.” Her voice got quiet and she looked past Twilight. “It’s like we’re both just pretending.” Then she looked back down at the floor.

The silence was awful.

It was broken by a single sob and with that, the little pony completely broke down sobbing and ran into Twilights still outstretched arms. And Twilight, who wanted to be strong for Applebloom, to offer wise words of comfort, recalling all the times she’d held Applejack this same way as she cried after talking about losing her parents, had nothing to say.

A cold blast of air came into the library as Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo entered.

“BRRRRR” It’s cold as a timberwolf’s toes!” exclaimed Scootaloo. “Hi Twilight, hey AB, how ya do-” and she suddenly went silent.

Applebloom hadn’t let go, her face still hidden as she hugged Twilight. The older pony just kept stroking her mane. Scootaloo walked up to her friend and put her hoof on her shoulder. Applebloom kept her face pressed to Twilight’s chest.

“It’s okay Applebloom, AJ’ll get better.” Scootaloo said, trying to cheer her friend up. Applebloom wouldn’t turn around.

Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a look of concern. Twilight mouthed, “It’s okay,” she closed her eyes and nodding

“Hey Scoots,” Dash suggested, “why don’t we go upstairs and see how AJ is?”

“Uh, yeah, okay Rainbow…” said Scootaloo, reluctant to leave her friend, “we’ll be just upstairs Applebloom.”

Applejack and Scootaloo headed up the stairs.

Twilight and Applebloom went into the reading room off the main library room and sat down next to each other on the sofa. Twilight gave her tissues and kept her arm around her.

“I know it’s hard being patient, especially when you don’t know how things will turn out, but the body has a way of repairing itself. Over time she’ll probably begin to remember things. I've been doing a lot of reading on it. Sometimes it even happens right away," Twilight paused, looked down and wiped the tears from the little filly's eyes.

"I miss her too Applebloom, and every day I look for signs that she’s getting better. She did call me ‘sugar’ the other day, remember I told you? And she remembered some of the words from one of our favorite movies. Those could be signs that her memory is coming back, we just have to give her time, sweetie.”

Twilight pulled her close and kissed her on top of the head. She thought about what a wonderful little filly she was. Strong and stubborn like her sister, and all the more loveable for it.

“You know Applebloom, except for my grandmother, I’ve never lost anyone close. I can’t imagine what it’s like for you right now, but hang on to hope. In my line of work, I’ve seen some amazing things. Dr. Stable is supposed to be here later today if she can’t go home, how about if you stay overnight tomorrow night? I’d say tonight, but, it’s a school night. I thought it would be more fun if you could stay over tomorrow night since you don’t have school the next day. The three of us will have a slumber party! We'll stay up late and then we can sleep late the next day and hang out in our pajamas for a while. I’ll make pancakes with cinnamon apple butter,” Twilight said enticingly.

That really cheered the little filly up. Her eyes got bigger with every activity and she jumped off the sofa and gave Twilight the biggest hug she could.

“I love you so much Twilight. You’re the best!”

Applebloom looked up to see that Twilight’s eyes were filled with tears. She threw her arms around her again and patted her on the back.

“Don’t cry Twilight, I’m here and like you said, she’s gonna be fine.”

Twilight squeezed her eyes shut and felt the tears spill down her cheeks.

It was about 15 minutes later and Twilight and Apple Bloom were heading back upstairs when they heard a gentle knock at the library door before it opened.

“Um, hello? Twilight? Are you here?

“Fluttershy! Oh, it’s so great to see you! I heard you had the flu, are you feeling better?” Twilight asked turning around and heading back down to the library.

“Oh, hi Twilight. I'm so happy to see you too. Yes, I'm feeling much better thank you. Hello there Apple Bloom, How is Applejack? The doctor says I’ve completely recovered and can see her anytime she’d like to see me. It’s okay if she doesn’t want to since she doesn’t know me, I’ll understand.”

Twilight walked over to the pale gold pony and gave her a light hug which Fluttershy happily returned. “I know she’ll be very glad to see you.”

“eYup, I reckon she’d be a might pleased Fluttershy,” said Applebloom. “We were just headed upstairs”

“Oh, good. I’ll come along, I mean if it’s okay.”

“Why don’t you lead the way,” suggested Twilight.

At the top of the stairs, Fluttershy cowered a little at seeing so many ponies there.

“Hey Fluttershy! You made it! Awesome!” Rainbow Dash landed next to her fellow pegasi. “You’re looking great!”

“Thank you Rainbow Dash. Hi everypony, hi Applejack, I am feeling much better. My goodness, there are so many ponies here! Applejack, Twilight, Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applebloom and, uh...”

"You!" said Rainbow laughing.

Applejack came over and rather than give her customary firm hug, she gave her a gentle hug and a light pat on the back. Fluttershy was surprised by the gentleness and smiled. Applejack returned the smile. “Thank you so much for coming to see me Fluttershy,” Applejack’s voice was gentle. “I’m right glad to hear that y’all are feeling better. How are the animals doing? Are they okay with the cold?” Fluttershy had stopped cowering, she stood happily with a far more relaxed attitude.

“Oh thank you so much for asking AJ. You are really looking wonderful and it’s really great to see you. The animals are fine. I’ve knitted them blankets and sweaters and they love wearing them. They look so adorable, though Angel Bunny hates his pink one.”

Twilight and Dash looked at each other with mild surprise. Fluttershy usually referred to her as Applejack, the same way she always called Dash, Rainbow Dash. Applejack’s mellower nature was clearly appreciated by the shy, demure pony. “So AJ, do you remember me at all?”

“No sugar…” Everypony suddenly stopped and looked at Applejack.

She looked around in confusion. “What? What’s with this sugar thing? Ever’ time a call somepony sugar, Y'all stare at me.”

“It’s just that you used a similar expression a lot before you lost your memory, that’s all,” explained Twilight. “By the way Mac, I’ve invited Applebloom to stay over tomorrow night and hang out for the weekend, if it’s okay with you.”

“Well I don’t know, it all depends on how Applebloom feels about it.”

“OhyesOhyesOhyesOhyesOhyes!!” squealed Applebloom

“Well I reckon that answer’s your question,” said Big Mac with a big smile.

"Yee-ha!" exclaimed Applejack. Applebloom ran over to her and the two ponies high hoofed hugged and laughed. Scootaloo looked over at Twilight who was looking right back at her and gave her a wink. The little orange pony's face broke into a big grin. She was as happy as her friend, watching her smile and bounce around the room.

“Well I reckon it’s about time we to get down to the market and get some shopping done, eh Mac?” said Granny Smith. She walked over to Applejack “It’s been real nice visiting with you Applejack. Now you just remember to listen to your old Granny, and no matter what, you are an Apple, and that’s a mighty fine thing to be.”

The two pones hugged and then Applejack went over to the couch and picked up the guitar. She sat down and after an incredibly beautiful and intricate musical introduction that had everypony slack jawed, she broke into song

“We’ve traveled the road for generations, joined by a common bond,

We sing our song ‘cross the pony nation from Equestria and beyond…”

All the pony’s joined in stomping or clapping their hooves. The smile on Granny Smith’s face and the tears in her eyes were matched by every pony there. Twilight was especially moved seeing Granny, Mac and Applebloom on either side of Applejack, singing along. She was more determined than ever to find a way to restore Applejack's memory.

Suddenly a beautiful tenor voice singing harmony was added to the mix – Dr. Stable had come up from the library and was standing at the top of the stairs.

Much to everypony’s shock and delight, Fluttershy took a verse on her own and sang it with gusto. At the end she was met with a huge round of stomping applause.

“…we’re Apple’s to the core!!”

At the end of the song, everypony was cheering, stomping and laughing. Rainbow Dash was wiping a couple of tears from her eyes. Applejack handed the guitar to Scootaloo and the 4 members of the Apple clan held each other in a big hug while everypony cheered and chanted. “Ap-puls, Ap-puls…!” Then suddenly amidst the chanting, Applebloom and Big Mac stepped apart and the four of them looked at Twilight and motioned for her to join them in the hug.

This was a very rare thing. While the Apple family welcomed group hugs, when it came to family hugs, everypony knew that it was for family only, unless you were invited, which was extremely uncommon. In special situations like this, a family reunion of sorts, nopony would ever have expected it. At this point, emotionally, Twilight was in an incredibly fragile state. Seeing those four sweet faces as they called her over, made it very difficult to keep her composure. She was determined not to burst into tears in front of everypony, so she waited until they all embraced her and then once in their midst, just let go. Just as a family would, they fully understood her tears, and all held her close. Big Mac leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Hmmm, Twilight Applespark, I like that”

Twilight looked up at him with her big teary eyes and kissed him on the cheek. Finally, the chanting died down and Fluttershy made sure everyone got tissues. Scootaloo looked away from Rainbow Dash and wiped her eyes with the back of her hoof quickly so her hero wouldn’t see. It was then that she heard Rainbow Dash blow her nose. She’d never seen her hero be anything but cool or angry.

Rainbow Dash noticed and walked over to her, “I only get like this at the real important stuff, kid,” she said with a smile and reached down to tousle her magenta mane. As she looked down at the little orange filly’s smiling face she was surprised by the deep affection and admiration there. Scootaloo closed her eyes and leaned her head against Rainbow’s side. After a moment she opened them and looked up at Rainbow’s face.

Her heart swelled when she saw that to Rainbow Dash, she was real important stuff too. She threw her arms around her and gave her hero a big hug. Rainbow had to turn her back to the other ponies while she fought to keep her emotions in check. She gave the little filly a big smile then leaned over whispered in her ear:

“I love you too Scoot’s but we both have reps of awesomeness to maintain and it’s just this kind of scene that tests whether our reps or any reps so supreme and so dedicated can long endure.”

The little filly’s eyes revealed confusion. She raised an eyebrow

“It’s from a speech by an old earth pony,” continued Dash, “Abuckham Lincolt. Well kind of. Me and some of the other pegasi from the young flyers camp changed a few of the words around. In this situation it means you and me, being the most awesome pony’s in the room, must regain the cool that is rightfully ours and casually make our way to the stairs."

"Are we leaving?" asked Scootaloo confused.

"Negative, I happen to know there is a chocolate cake and a coconut layer cake and at least 3 small casks of cider in the fridge down there that are presently unattended. We need to make sure they’re safe. Here, put these on.” Dash handed over a pair of Ray-Barn sunglasses to the orange filly, and donned a pair herself. The two looked at each other, frowned and nodded.

Scootaloo gave the go-ahead.

“Allons-ee

Dash pushed her sunglasses down her muzzle, revealing a fairly confused face.

“What?”

“It means ‘Let’s go!’ Dr. Hooves says it all the time.”

“Doctor who?”

“No, Hooves. Don’t tell me you don’t know who Dr. Hooves is.”

“Oh is he that really cute earth pony with the incredible eyes? I see Derpy with him or sometimes that other pony Rose?”

“That’s the one.”

“I tried talking to him once. He and Rose were in a rush to get somewhere." Dash said with a roll of her eyes. So that other pony – Rose, what’s up with her?”

“Dash?”

“Yeah?”

“Cake and cider?”

“Oh, yeah, right,” she paused and looked around conspiratorially and then back at Scootaloo.

“Allons – ee!”

The two ponies sauntered downstairs.

Twilight had picked up the words “Cake” and “cider.” She called out in Dash's general direction,

“Hey everypony, Dash, and Scootaloo are going to bring up some cake and cider. Who’d like some?”

The vote was unanimous.

"Well I reckon the grocery store can wait a bit, don't you Big Mac?" Granny Smith with a smile

"Did you say coconut layer cake Twilight?" he asked

"eYup"

"Well then, eYup!"

After the vittles were consumed and hugs and goodbye's given, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applebloom and Scootaloo took their leave.

“Well," said Dr. Stable, "great to see you up and about AJ. Nice work on the guitar! Music, family and laughter- just about the best medicine there is. Not to mention all that TLC,” he said with a smile and glance at Twilight. He turned toward the pale gold pony “Hello there Fluttershy. You are certainly in fine voice today. Sounds like you're over the flu. How’s every little thing?”

“Oh, just fine Dr. Stable. All the animals are healthy and warm. Thanks again for sending Cami out with the medicine. I feel ever so much better.”

“Glad to hear it. Now, don’t you go overdoing it. You’re still recovering, but seeing how wonderful you look here, I’d say you made the right choice with your visit.”

“I’d say so too.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “It feels so happy here.”

“Doesn't it though? Now let me have a look at you AJ so you can get back to visiting. Nurse Willow, my assistant should be here to do an image of your brain to see how things are. In the meantime, I’ll check you out.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went downstairs to the library. On their way, they passed Willow.

“Hey Willow, what’s shaking?” asked Rainbow Dash. The two of them had worked together coordinating the transportation of medicine during the last storm.

“Hey Dash – not much. How is Applejack?”

“Kickin’ tail and takin names, what else?”

“Glad to hear it. Hi Fluttershy, good seeing you, glad you’re feeling better.”

“Oh thank you Willow. It's certainly nice to see you too.”

Willow headed upstairs and into the living area.

“Hi Willow, perfect timing. So, how about we get some pictures and see how you're mending in there Applejack?” suggested the doctor.

“Sounds a-might good to me.”

“Okay, Willow - can you get me a 360 of her brain and then her leg?.”

The nurse’s horn glowed white and a translucent image of Applejack’s brain appeared, suspended above the blonde pony’s head. The doctor took a white glowing scalpel from the nurse and rotating the floating image made several incisions and cut-aways to reveal the affected blood vessel. He motioned to Twilight.

“See here? This is the vessel in question. If you look closely you’ll see two bulges, about a centimeter apart. Neither of them is in imminent danger of hemorrhaging, but the vessel walls are stressed there so she still needs to remain in a low stress environment. Now it’s hard to say which one or if both are involved in the memory loss, however this is the area of the brain where we’d expect to see this. Now let’s have a look at the leg.”

Once that was complete, Willow completed taking the vitals.

“Well you check out fine. That leg is healing very nicely, you should be out of the cast in another 2 weeks. Your blood pressure is good and your heart sounds excellent.” He paused. “The reason I haven’t sent you back to Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack, is that when I mention leaving the library, your blood pressure spikes, which, in your condition, is worrisome. If you really want to go there it’s okay, you just let me know.”

“Well I reckon I could go there…” she said, “but then who would take care of Twilight?” She smiled, “well, maybe in the next day or two. Actually, Sunday might be the day. After the weekend here with Applebloom, it would be great for the little filly if I went back to the farm with her,"

The doctor looked at Twilight. She was doing everything she could to put on her brave face. The doctor knew it well from the clinic. She’d needed it while standing beside him when he had to give bad news to families. Some nurses would stay in back, but she’d always insisted on being there when she’d assisted him with the patient. Her sympathy for the family was genuine and It never failed to move him.

"Well, I'm sure that'll make your little sister very happy." He kept looking at Twilight who nodded in support.

"I need to get to the hospital now, but if you need anything, just let me know. Oh, Twilight, I think Cami left the ECG machine here, Do you know where it might be?"

Twilight looked puzzled. "I don't think so, I think they took everything-".

"It's the one that measures the health of a pony's heart;" he interrupted, "I have a patient that I need to examine. I'm worried about their heart." He looked straight into her eyes.

"Ohh, that machine, I-I'll be right back AJ" Twilight said as the two of them went down to the library.

"Sure thing, Twi, I'm just going to practice guitar some..."

Twilight and the doctor went all the way to the basement after telling Dashie and Fluttershy they could go on up and see AJ.

"I don’t mean to pry, but do you plan on telling her? You're getting so emotional Twilight; I'm getting a little worried."

"I promised myself I'd let her know today.”

“You really don’t know what a wonderful pony you are, do you? How special. You're an alicorn princess but no one would ever know it. You only see it as a responsibility, not as something you’re entitled to. You try to help the little “crusaders” learn things There you go, tearing up again, come here sweetie,” he said putting his foreleg around her, “but I have to tell you these things because you need to hear them and to believe them, though I doubt you ever will.” He looked into her eyes. “I couldn’t love you more if you were my own daughter," he said with a smile, “Don’t worry too much about Sunday and Applejack leaving, just focus on you and her. I’m not entirely convinced that she’ll be ready anyway. She’s expressed an interest in going, but I’ll need to be absolutely sure they’re prepared to care for her if anything serious happens.”

Twilight nodded, “Is there anything we can do to help her regain her memory? I’ve read everything here in the library, but nothing deals with anything this complex.”

“I’ve been doing some research but all I can find are hypothesis and conjecture. It’s very complex and delicate.”

“I can imagine. We’re, or I’m going to head to the Crystal Empire when I get the chance, they have an incredible library there.”

“I think it’ll be a nice trip, for you two. Take her, Twilight. It’ll be good for both of you.

Twilight’s eyes went a little out of focus as she thought of the trip. Images of the two of them traveling forced her to smile.

“Now that’s a face I love. You keep planning on that trip; I have a feeling it’ll be very special, especially if the thought of it makes you smile like that.”

“As long as I have her with me, I would be happy in a dragon’s cave.”

“I don’t doubt it. Well I need to get back to the office, so you keep up the good work and next time I see you two, I expect it’ll be nauseatingly sweet”

“Thanks a lot!” Twilight laughed.

A cold blast of wind blew into the library as Cloud Kicker opened the door and rushed in.

He glanced around the library, scowling.

“Hey, doc – Hey Twilight. Is Rainbow Dash here?”

“Hi CK, uh, yeah, she’s upstairs. What’s wrong?” Now Twilight was scowling.

“Looks like we got a whopper of a snowstorm comin’. We need Dash asap. It’s supposed to be bigger than the last one – they say it could last for a couple of days. You got supplies? You may be holed up in here for awhile.”

Dr. Stable looked at Twilight, raised an eyebrow and gave her a wicked smile. She turned bright red and tried to keep from smiling as she shoved him with her shoulder. “Shut up,” she said, unable to stop smiling or blushing. By then Cloud Kicker was halfway up the stairs. The doctor’s eyes went wide, his face feigning ignorance.

“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about Princess Sparkle, no idea at all.” The doctor started laughing. “You behave yourself Twilight. Actually, no forget I said that.” He laughed. “And by the way, - doctors orders, she is NOT to leave here, just in case you get any crazy ideas about sending her to Sweet Apple Acres. See you in a few days.”

The two pony's hugged and then the doctor left.

Moments later the three pegasi were down the stairs in the living room getting ready to leave. “Okay Twi – we’ve, uh, got to head out now. Big storm coming.” Rainbow Dash’s face seemed stuck in a big cheesy grin. Twilight’s face suddenly got very serious. Fluttershy looked away, her expression one of intense worry.

“Dashieee! What did you do? Did you upset AJ?”

“Well , uh, no, Well yeah, well maybe a little.” The big grin stayed frozen on her face.

Twilight sighed. “What did you do?”

“Well do you remember how I brought over Noteworthy, that cute guy that teaches at the music store?"

"How could I forget..." answered Twilight, rolling her eyes.

"And then he came back with his axe, oh, uh, Fluttershy, that's what musicians call their instrument. Anyway you wanted me to find-"

"YES, of course I remember," Twilight interrupted, glaring at her cyan colored friend then looking at Fluttershy and Cloud Kicker with a cheesy grin.

"Well I may have, you know, mentioned it to AJ..."

Twilight’s eyes went wide.

“You what?!”

“I’m sorry Twilight. We were just talking and I might have let it slip that everything about him is legit. I might have said he’s a great pony. Then she might have gotten a little angry and asked how I knew all that and I might have tried to calm her down by saying that you were just looking out for her and she might have said something about being able to look out for herself and that she didn’t need anypony interfering and that maybe she shouldn’t wait until Sunday to leave and Twilight…?”

But by that time Twilight was half running half flying up the stairs. She hit the light over the basement stairway and crashed as she turned left, back onto the stairway and then finally emerged into the living room. Applejack was sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace. She looked over as Twilight entered.

“You alright?” Applejack asked. Her voice was dead flat "Looks like you cut yourself there on your leg.”

“I’m so sorry Applejack, I was just, I didn’t know anything about him, you’re in such a fragile state…”

“You’re bleeding – look, you scraped your cannon there below the knee.” Applejack spoke without inflection.

“Stop with my bloody knees damn it!! I’m trying to apologize!! Please let me apologize!”

The look in Applejack’s eyes frightened Twilight. There was only a cold hard stare. Finally, she looked up at the ceiling and sighed. The sigh came out shaky. When she looked back down at Twilight, her eyes were no longer cold. They were full of pain.

"I thought you wanted me to be happy. I thought that you cared and were trying to help me get better. He seemed like such a nice colt. So why did you sneak around and try to find out about him? Did you want to tell me how awful he was?"

Applejack was getting very upset now. "I thought we could trust each other. The first colt that enters my life and we're competing for him?"

"No, Applejack, it's not like that, I just..." Twilight's voice began to shake. Then it stopped. "Wait... WHAT?"

"If you wanted him for yourself, I'd of given him, I'd-a stepped out of the way, don't you know that? You break my trust by going behind my back, telling Rainbow Dash to sneak around digging up dirt.?

"Woah back up - you think I wanted him?" Twilight started laughing

"Of course... wait, what's so funny?"

"I have no interest in him whatsoever. I just wanted to make sure he had your best interests at heart. I didn't want you to,"

"...have an experience like you had at the academy with that jerk. Oh Twilight, I feel like such a dang idiot....Here you were lookin’ out for me and, well I'm the one you should be mad at. In fact, I don't know if I'd speak to me. You keep laughing after all the awful things I said. Oh, and look at your leg!! Oh, sugar, come here, let me see that."

While Applejack examined the skinned knee, Twilight's horn began to glow and from up in the bed loft a clean damp cloth, a roll of gauze and the jar with Zecora's healing cream floated down.

"You really are the most amazing pony, you know that? Now this might hurt a little." Twilight winced, but Applejack took her time and was slow and gentle as she cleaned the wound. Twilight watched in amazement as her friend, by taking her time and carefully watching Twilight’s reaction, was able to clean and dress the wound without causing a bit of pain. Lastly rolled the gauze around it and secured it.

"How did you to that? It didn’t hurt at all."

"I just took my time. I’d never want to hurt you, not for anything in the world." Applejack looked up with a smile.

Twilight looked into her eyes, "You know, there is one thing I wanted to mention..."

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"Uhh..."

Twilight swallowed and felt her heart start to pound.

"I just, uh...I wanted to ask -, do you want pasta or rice for dinner? I can make a new recipe with rice noodles, coconut oil, peanuts and bean sprouts. It's a recipe that Zecora gave me. It's from the far east." Once again the words had slipped away.

"That sounds great, let's have it."

Yeah, prepared just for you by the cowardly chef!

While Twilight cooked, Applejack began to play the guitar. Twilight closed her eyes and just listened. She cooked and smiled. The food preparation was almost done., She tried to stay calm, hoping to find the right words. it would have to wait until after dinner.

The meal was enjoyable and delicious. The discussion was light and funny and the Apple Zap wine was the perfect accompaniment.

After dinner, they relaxed in front of the fire. Twilight read and Applejack played guitar and did some sketching. It felt like moments later when Twilight opened her eyes. She looked at the clock and realized that they'd both fallen asleep on the couch several hours ago.

"Hey AJ? You awake?"

"Huh? Yeah, just dozin'"

"I think it’s about time we went to bed. I'll get some dessert. We have some rice pudding left."

"You sure know how to go right to a pony's heart. That sounds great. Don't forget, I like lots of cinnamon."

"I got it covered."

A little while later the two ponies sat up in the bed loft with just the candles glowing around the living area and the loft. The fire still burned in the fireplace. The snow storm had started and the ice crystals pelted the windows endlessly. They enjoyed their dessert in silence.

“Mmmm this is good. Maybe we should open a place, you can run the kitchen and I’ll provide the entertainment.” Applejack laughed.

Twilight was caught off guard by the laughter. She'd been so obsessed with trying to get the nerve to tell Applejack how she felt that she hadn't been listening.

Just the right words, that's all, I just need the right words...

She needed to get calm and centered. She thought about doing some magic to settle her mind. The concentration necessary might be just the thing to clear her thoughts and enable her to find those words, ones that would explain how she felt. Words that would never slip away.

“Entertainment? Would you like some entertainment?” Twilight gave a sly smile as Applejack looked back at her puzzled. "Prepare to be amazed!" said Twilight playfully. As Twilight’s horn began to glow, the soft purple light highlighted her cheekbones and little nose. She sat there, eyes closed, for how long, Applejack couldn’t tell. Then, opening her eyes in an almost seductive way, she looked into Applejack's eyes, now wide and gave a little smile.

A shine of multicolored light caught Applejack’s eye. Down in the living room, 6 glass spheres in velvet cradles sat on top of the fireplace mantle. Each was a different color, purple and orange, white and pink, yellow and finally, rainbow. They began to levitate and as they did they glowed with a warm but strong light. Then slowly and gracefully they began their progression in a line, floating up until they were about two feet below the ceiling.

Twilight closed her eyes again and the lights in the room dimmed. The fire in the fireplace glowed brighter and the spheres began a dance. First, they undulated slowly and then a little faster, following each other in a convoluted complex path that carried them through the air around the room. As they picked up incredible speed in the darkened room they began to look like one continuous line of light. Applejack was dumbstruck, her mouth hung part way open and her expression changed from the awe of a mare to that of an entranced and enchanted little filly, full of wonder.

That look bought on such powerful emotion in Twilight that she had to look away, recalling all the potential for moments like this that had been stolen from Applejack by the death of her parents. She re-focused on the depth of her love and the wonderful joy she was now able to bring for this pony she so deeply loved.

The spheres slowed and floated toward them. They hovered above them in a large ring, circling the two of them slowly, the different lights highlighting the colors in their coats. The balance of light was so perfect that no shadows were cast. The circle of lights slowly spread wider, the single large halo enclosed the two ponies, floating just above their heads.

Then the orange sphere broke away and moved toward the center of the circle. The five remaining spheres circled slowly around it.

The purple sphere then left its orbit and began moving toward the center. It continued circling and spiraling inward, getting closer to the orange sphere. As it did the glow from the purple sphere began to change and pulsate in a random pattern. The rhythm of the pulses changed and became easy to recognize. A heartbeat. As it approached the glowing orange light in the center, the heartbeat got stronger. Finally, it was moments away from touching and stopped its approach but continued its close orbit.

Now the light from both spheres began to glow brighter to the point where they were indistinguishable from one another, yet through it all the pulse of a heartbeat could be seen. Then all the spheres began to hum. Soft sweet intricate harmonies rose from them. Twilight’s thought about her love for Applejack; about all the deep and powerful feelings she’d discovered. She thought of nothing else and let the music in her heart flow through her magic. The light in the center had softened and become gentle and ephemeral, its colors a constantly shifting mix of the spectrum, and as it did, it showed that the two spheres had become one of incredibly rich colors and heartbreakingly beautiful music.

Twilight had finally found the words.

She opened her eyes slowly and looked back at Applejack who sat there, her ears folded back and tears spilling from the corners of her eyes. Once again, Twilight felt her heart aching and struggled to maintain her concentration.

The outer spheres joined the one in the center and swirled around it, faster and faster becoming a single large glowing globe. Then, as the glowing ball of light floated down to the living room, the spheres separated and with great tenderness Twilight set them back into their velvet cradles.

Applejack turned and looked at Twilight who could only gaze back into those deep green eyes that she loved. And in those eyes, Twilight could see the realization as it dawned. Could see as Applejack put together all the tiny moments there, all the little acts of love given, all the words spoken over the last few days. Applejack let her gaze drop.

Finally, she lifted her head and looked at Twilight, tears spilling from her eyes. Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

The pain in that voice almost unbearable. She looked into Twilight’s eyes and it was there for the first time, Twilight saw it and was too terrified to move or speak

Everything was still. Slowly, tentatively, Applejack leaned forward, never closing her eyes, and in that moment of incredible intimacy, Twilight’s heart relinquished, any doubt, any reservation, any withheld emotions as she looked into the deep green of those eyes and saw the incredible love and fear there. Applejack tilted her head ever so slightly to the side and tenderly kissed her.

The sensation of their lips touching surpassed every imagining, every fantasy, every expectation that Twilight had. Their softness and sweetness were indescribable. Then Twilight felt Applejack’s tongue, like velvet, tentatively part her lips. And it felt as though everything pivoted around them. It was a moment, and she couldn’t tell if her heart was breaking or soaring. It was a moment of terrible risk and re-assurance and the first unsure steps of love. Twilight gently drew her in and softly caressed her with her own tongue. Then slowly they withdrew, with several gentle kisses and a soft nuzzle.

“Hi,” said Twilight softly

“Hi” replied Applejack.

“That was nice”

“Um hmm” Twilight answered.

“So…” said Applejack, her voice just above a whisper.

“So…” replied Twilight

“Is there something you want to tell me?” Applejack's voice trembled.

“I want to tell you?”

Applejack nodded, unable to speak

Twilight didn't move.

Applejack only looked back at her, the tears spilling from her eyes.

Twilight reached up and lightly caressed the side of Applejack’s face, She felt as though her heart would burst from her chest.and amidst the trembling hand. the tears, she found the courage to speak the words she had wanted to say for so long.

“I love you.”

Author's Notes:

Finally.