August 16

Dear Gilda,

How are you? I got your letter today. I had forgotten that little incident. Angel was such a picky eater.

I am so sorry you lost your dog. I almost had to give up Angel for similar reasons. No pets allowed policies are hard. Lots of animals end up abandoned or surrendered because people can’t bring their pets to new places.

Also you didn’t boil in the melting pot? I thought that was the point or am I thinking of the wrong game? Also make Rainbow eat a Marionberry pie. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.

I totally know what you mean about having a crush on one of your friends. This is hard for me to admit but I have a massive crush on Applejack. She doesn’t know. I don’t think any of my friends know. The picture included is of Applejack and I before our senior prom. Doesn’t she look beautiful? That black dress really shows off her muscles.

That was such a crazy night. I wish I had worked up the courage to ask her out. Instead some random guy did. I don’t remember his name. His hands were all over her the entire dance it was hard to watch. And then she went home with him for some reason!

Anyway. I think you should go for it. Be brave! Tell me how it goes.

In order to not be a hypocrite I think I am going to ask her for a dance on Sunday. Her brother is getting married. Weddings are good occasions to ask people out.

In other news I found an internet support group. It is wonderful! They are just like me! Young women who want to take control of their lives and change ourselves. Despite the obstacles we can become who we want to be.

I don’t know if you will want to read this but I don’t know who else to tell. This is wired to write about but my period is very late and I am a little worried. My mother noticed. She marks it down on her office calendar. She used to use the kitchen calendar but I told her that was rude. I decided the best way to get her to stop nagging me was to fake it. Yesterday at the shelter we did a surgery on a dog. I took some of the dogs blood and soaked my pads. Mom must have spotted them in the trash can because she didn’t say anything today. I think she left the iron supplements out on purpose…

I’m sorry if you didn’t want to read about my feminin problems. If I remember we right your menstrual problems are much worse than mine.

How is Rainbow Dash doing? All I hear from her is good news but I suspect she is only telling me the best parts of her days. She has never been good at being transparent when things aren’t going her way. She likes to flatter herself. I figured you would give me a brutally honest perspective.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely Fluttershy

Rarity woke up early. She bounded out of bed and into the shower. After she was done she woke Sweetie Belle and ordered her into the shower.

Rarity scarfed down her breakfast as fast as was dignified. She checked that she had everything she needed and then drove herself and Sweetie Belle to Sweet Apple Acres.

Braeburn was doing dishes when Rarity walked into the house. Pinkie Pie sprinted in and out on with a quick “Hi! Bye”. Rarity headed up stairs and found Cheerilee in the bathroom. Sweetie Belle found Apple Bloom setting up chairs outside.

“Good morning! How are you?” Rarity asked.

“I am really nervous.” Cheerilee said.

“Don’t worry! I’ll have you looking fabulous in no time!” Rarity set down her makeup kit and started pulling out supplies.

“Is that your normal makeup kit?” Cheerilee asked staring at the large makeup box Rarity had brought.

“No this is my special occasions makeup box. My normal one is a little smaller.” Rarity got to work.

And hour later Rarity was just putting the finishing touches on when Apple Bloom bounced in. Sweetie Belle followed less enthusiastically.

“Applejack said it was time for us to get our makeup and dresses on!” Apple Bloom announced.

“Alright dear, have a seat and I’ll be ready to fix your up in a moment.” Rarity said.

“Why can’t we do our own makeup! You’ve given me plenty of lessons.” Sweetie Belle whined.

Rarity sighed. “You are right that you have gotten better. On another occasion I might let you but this is a very important wedding.”

Sweetie Belle groaned. “This is going to take forever!”

“Yes darling. Perfection takes time.” Rarity began to wash her makeup brushes. “What do you think girls?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle examined Cheerilee.

“You are so beautiful!” Apple Bloom said sweetly.

“Big Mac’s cock is going to be so hard!” Sweetie Belle whispered.

Cheerilee and Apple Bloom blushed deeply.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity exclaimed loudly. “How dare you say something so vulgar.”

Sweetie Belle laughed. She knew her sister was the up tight and repressed sort of lady. A typical prude. She knew how to push Rarity’s buttons.

Cheerilee went to go talk to her parents in the spare upstairs bedroom.

Rarity set to work and Apple Bloom. Eventually Rarity was done with both of them. Rarity supervised them getting into their dresses.

Apple Bloom was in a bridesmaids dress and Sweetie Belle was not. Rarity had designed and made all the dresses. The bridesmaids were in pale gold dresses. Sweetie Belle’s dress was pale green. Rarity took a moment to admire her work before fussing over their hair.

The moment Rarity was done the two adolescents ran into Apple Bloom’s room. Rarity was cleaning up when she heard a knock on the door.

“Rarity?” Fluttershy's voice could be heard through the door.

“Fluttershy! Right on schedule come it!” Rarity called.

Rarity set about to do Fluttershy's makeup. As she started applying foundation she noticed that Fluttershy already had a layer of makeup on. Rarity had instructed everyone to not have any on when they came to her. Rarity carefully cleaned up Fluttershy’s face.

Fluttershy’s face did not look normal. Her skin was unhealthy. It was cracked and raw. Rarity decided not to question Fluttershy. There were in a tight schedule. Rarity applied a special moisturizer that was made for makeup and then set to work.

Rarity designed Fluttershy a bright gold dress that shone. She wanted Fluttershy to be eye catching. She was so beautiful Rarity wanted everyone to see it.

Finally Rarity moved to Fluttershy’s hair. It took Rarity about two seconds to realize that Fluttershy’s hair wasn’t normal. She could not ignore this.

“Fluttershy darling what happened to your hair?” Rarity asked gently.

“What’s wrong with it?” Fluttershy asked in a worried voice.

“Well your missing a lot of it. Like a lot of it!”

“Oh. Umm… Well…” Fluttershy coughed nervously. “You know I can’t afford to go to a trained stylist. I go to this place and get the new students to cut my hair because it is cheaper and I am patient. And umm… one of them thinned a little too much.” Fluttershy said quietly. She blushed and tried to hid behind her hair but couldn’t because it was in Rarity’s hands.

“Where did you get these extensions?”

“Umm Pinkie Pie.” After a moment of silence Fluttershy asked. “Is this going to be a problem?”

“It’s fine I can work with this.” Rarity carefully ran her fingers through Fluttershy’s hair. A few strand fell out. Rarity examined Fluttershy’s scalp. Fluttershy’s story didn’t make sense. Fluttershy’s hair was missing from the root.

Rarity sighed. Fluttershy was sensitive. She didn’t want to accuse her of anything just yet. For all Rarity knew Fluttershy could be right. As Rarity worked more strands fell out. She had initially planned on givingFullershy and elegant twist but had to settle for loose bun.

Rarity was just finishing up when she heard another knock on the bathroom door.

“Hello?” A girl that about six or seven poked her head in.

“Hello dear! Are you Cherry Heart?” Rarity asked politely.

“Yes.” Cherry Heart said quietly. She skuled by the door shyly.

“My name is Rarity. Come here let me help you with your makeup and dress.” Rarity said nicely.

Cherry Heart smiled and walked over.
“Hello Cherry Heart my name is Fluttershy.” Fluttershy said gently.

“Hello Fluttershy my name is… you know my name. My favorite color is red!” The little girl said brightly. Even when she was exited her voice was soft.

“Nice! My favorite color is green.” Fluttershy said.

Cherry Heart was patient and happy all throughout her makeover, unlike two particular adolescents. Rarity appreciated it. Cherry Heart and Fluttershy talked throughout the whole process allowing Rarity to stay focused.

Cherry Heart looked marvelous in her bridesmaid dress. Rarity almost cried she was that adorable. Fluttershy excused herself and went to find Pinkie Pie.

“What now?” Cherry Heart asked.

“Now you wait with the other bridesmaids and the bride until it’s time.” Rarity guided the young girl out. She knocked on Apple Bloom’s room.

Rarity shepherded Apple Bloom and Cheery Heart into the upstairs guest room with Cheerilee and then dragged Sweetie Belle down stairs.

“Why can’t I stay with Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle whined.

“Because that’s not how weddings work.” Rarity explained in a know it all tone. “Big Mac and Cheerilee wanted an old school traditional wedding. In traditional weddings bridesmaids spend their mornings with the bride. The only people the bride is with is their family and their maids.”

Sweetie Belle was about to groan when she spotted Scootaloo walk in the door. Sweetie Belle twisted away from her sister and ran off. Rarity groaned. Sweetie Belle was going to mess up her dress before the ceremony she just knew it.

Rarity knocked on Big Macintosh's door. Braeburn opened the door. Big Macintosh was struggling with his tie. Rarity helped the two men get ready.

Rarity checked her watch as she left Big Macintosh’s room. She was running late. She ran to find Scootaloo. “Upstairs bathroom now!” Rarity snapped.

Sweetie Belle groaned as melodramatically as she could. Scootaloo cooperated happily. Rarity fixed Scootaloo up. The dress she designed for Scootaloo was a simple light purple dress. Once she was done she fussed over her sister. She had messed up her hair and wrinkled her dress.

Rarity was just feeling satisfied when she remembered who she forgot. Applejack.

Rarity ran around and found Applejack feeding the pigs*.

Of all the things she could be going! Pigs! Dirty smelly pigs! Rarity thought to herself.

“Really? Pigs. Now?” Rarity asked in as level a voice as she could muster.

“Just because today is a special day doesn’t mean the animals should starve!” Applejack said.

Rarity ushered Applejack into the upstairs bathroom. Applejack fetched her dress out of her room and then hopped into the shower.

Rarity’s eyes were drawn to Applejack’s bridesmaid’s dress while she waited. She was proud of her design. She had needed something that she could make in three different sized to fit three different builds.

Rarity ran her fingers through the fabric. It had been hard to model for Applejack. She was built more like a male with broad shoulders, a flat chest and a not very curvy waist. She had measured Applejack more times than anyone else to make sure the dress would fit her perfectly. She had designed the perfect dress.

Rarity stood back to admire her work, but something caught her eye. She ran her fingers over the chest of Applejack’s dress. It was bigger than she had made it. Rarity took it off the hanger and opened it to examine the stiching. The stitching on the chest was not the stitching she had done. Her careful stitches had been ripped out. The chest had been let out as far as possible and then clumsily resewn. Rarity felt around the inside of the dress some more and discovered the waist had been let out too.

Rarity’s first reaction was wounded pride. She had worked hard to make sure this dress fit Applejack perfectly.

People change. Rarity reasoned with herself. I made this dress moths ago. Rarity’s mind flashed to that day she went bra shopping with Applejack. Her breasts had looked larger. Perhaps it wasn’t a trick of the light. She was always a late bloomer. Rarity was still distraught. Why didn’t she come to me? I made this dress! I designed it for her. I placed every single stitch. Surly if there was a problem. If she grew she would come to me. I could have fixed this in a heartbeat and no one would have noticed. This clumsy fix is noticeable! To the well trained eye.

Applejack got out of the shower and dried off.

As soon as her face was dry Rarity started on Applejack’s makeup. Once that was done Rarity helped Applejack into her dress. The dress fit Applejack perfectly. Rarity tried not to be sour.

Rarity started fixing Applejack’s hair.

“So Applejack” Rarity tried to sound casual but she was calculating every move.

“Yeah?”

“How do you like the way your dress fits?”

“It is wonderful Rarity. You did a great job on all our dresses.”

“Really? I couldn’t help but notice your dress had been let out.” Rarity accidentally sounded calculating.

Applejack’s heart skipped a beat but she kept her composure.

“I gained a little weight. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. I know how hard you worked on this and I wanted you to have time for your other clients.” Applejack said simply.

“I would not have reacted badly.” Rarity said angrily.

“Really. You aren’t taking this too well now.” Applejack said coldly.

“Now! Today is the big day! I can’t fix anything today. I don’t have time! We are running late!” Rarity snapped.

“I’m sorry Rarity I just didn’t think it was worth bothering you.”

“You still could have told me! Those fixes take no time at all! I would have don’t it no problem! Who ever fixed your dress did an awful job!” Rarity shouted.

“Why does this matter now?” Applejack said in a slightly exasperated voice.

“Because you keep keeping secrets from me!” Rarity shouted.

Applejack stood up and turn around so fast Rarity barely had time to process it. Applejack stared intently into Rarity’s eyes. Rarity took several steps back. Applejack was really scary when she was mad.

“We are not talking about this now.” Applejack’s voice was low and quiet.

Rarity’s heart raced. She gulped and nodded.

Applejack sat back down. Rarity slowly approached her and continued curling her hair. Applejack smiled and pretend nothing had happened.

Rarity and Applejack walked into the upstairs guest bedroom. Cheerilee was sitting at the desk. Apple Bloom and Cherry Heart were sitting on the bed and Cheerilee’s parents and older sister were standing by the door.

“Applejack you look wonderful.” Cheerilee said.

“You look wonderful too!” Applejack said kindly.

Rarity got to work helping Cheerilee’s into her wedding dress. It was a very light pink dress with a very big skirt. Rarity had spent weeks sewing it. The whole thing sparkled with tiny gems. Rarity had carefully place each one so that no matter where the light was the dress would shine a little. She didn’t want to detract from Cheerilee’s face. All in all it was her best work yet.

“It’s Rarity right?” Cheerilee's sister asked.

“Yes. And your name is?” Rarity said.

“Chery Sprinkle.” she said with a smile.

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“You know when my sister first said she was trusting an eighteen year old to design her wedding and bridesmaid dresses I thought it was going to be a disaster but you have done a wonderful job and I find myself with no complains. My daughter says you were very gentle with her too.” Chery Sprinkle said.

“You flatter me.” Rarity said blushing.

You really did an amazing job and you should be proud.” Cheerilee’s father said.

Rarity fixed Cheerilee’s hair. She did tight ringlets rolled into a complex knot.

“You look wonderful!” Cheerilee’s family exclaimed.

Cheerilee blushed. “Your just saying that.” She tried to tease.

“Of cause we aren’t!” Her father said.

“How do you feel?” Asked Rarity.

“Nervous. Excited. Happy and scared.” Cheerilee said. “It’s all so real. I’m getting married to the man of my dreams!”

“There is nothing to be afraid of. Everything will be fine. Even if something goes wrong we can adjust. That party planner scheduled time for delays. Beside on matter what happens it can’t be as worse than my wedding!” Chery Sprinkle said.

Cheerilee and her parents laughed. Rarity smiled. She had no idea what happened but imagined it was something dramatic.

“I think weddings are the most special ceremonies we have. We all put in work and time to come together to celebrate the love between two people. I don’t know what could be more beautiful than that!” Rarity said

Finally it everyone was ready with a few minutes to get into place. Cheerilee and her bridesmaids lined up at the end of the isle and Big Macintosh waited at the front.

Rarity took another well deserved shower and fixed herself up. Granny Smith was making a speech. Followed by Cheerilee’s father. Rarity slipped her dress on and then rushed outside. Rarity wear a simple light blue dress. Normally she liked being the center of attention but today wasn’t about her. She refused to be selfish and outshine the bride and her maids.

Rarity sat in the back so no one could see she didn’t have makeup on. She also didn't have earing in. she had been very distressed to find that they were not in their case in her bag. Rarity figured she must have missed places them.

Rarity had made it in time to watch to bridesmaids walk by. Cherry Heart walked first. She carried a ring on a cushion. Apple Bloom walked next spreading rose petals. Applejack walked arm in arm with Cheerilee. Everyone held their breath at the sight of the two of them. Applejack had never looked so feminine and Cheerilee had never looked so elegant. They walked slowly to the front.

The bride and groom said their rehearsed vows in front of the judge and signed the document. The judge pronounced them Husband and Wife. Big Macintosh dipped Cheerilee and they kissed. Everyone applauded. Rarity dabbed away several tears with her handkerchief.

It was time for the reception. Rarity darted back inside and did her makeup. She was glad she waited because she would have ruined it crying. She was just putting the finishing touches on when Applejack walked in.

“There you are I was looking for you.” Applejack said brightly.

“Oh. I was just doing a quick touch up. Got to look my best incase someone asks me to dance!” Rarity said.

“Oh you looked fine.” Applejack said.

“Of course you would say that.” Rarity examined her reflection in the mirror. She looked almost perfect. Almost. She wished she knew were her earing were.

Possibly sensing Rarities distress Applejack cleared her throat and stepped forward.

“I have something for you.” Applejack said softly in a low voice.

“Oh. Why? This isn’t my special day.”

“Because you are one of my best friends and I think you deserve it.” Applejack pulled out a small back box. She wiped it off and the handed it to Rarity.

Rarity took the box slightly confused. Rarity opened it and found two earrings. They were posts and they shone beautifully. Too beautifully. Rarity took a close look and then gasped. She looked up and saw Applejack was leaving the room.

“Applejack! These are dimond earing! How did you afford diamond earrings!”

Applejack smiled. “It’s a gift. Don’t question it.”

Rarity followed Applejack out. The reception was held inside the barn. A live band played fast music Pinkie Pie bounced around refilling the snacks table and dancing with everybody.

“May I have this dance?” Applejack curtsied politely.

“Yes you can.” Rarity danced with Applejack. After the song was over Applejack wandered off. Rarity spotted her dancing with Cheerilee’s father.

Fluttershy was dancing with Cherry Heart. They both looked so beautiful together in their gold dresses. Rarity found the wedding photographer and asked him to get a photo of them. He agreed.

Rarity danced with several people including Big Macintosh, Braeburn and Bulk Biceps. Cheerilee asked her for a dances and thanked her for everything. Rarity smiled and waved the praise away. She saved a dance for Fluttershy. Fluttershy seemed distracted. She kept glancing around. Rarity figured she was trying to watch Applejack.

Several male Apples asked is Rarity was single and seemed disappointed when she said she wasn’t.

Rarity was eating horderves when Pinkie Pie materialized next to her with a startled Fluttershy with her.

“Are you enjoying that party?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“It is lovely.” Rarity said. “You did a wonderful job.”

“So did you.” Pinkie Pie said.

Fluttershy stared at her feet. Pinkie Pie stared out at the crowd with a slightly sad expression.

“Are you all right Pinkie?” Rarity asked.

“I’m fine I just with Sunset and Twilight were here.” Pinkie Pie said slightly sadly.

“Me too.” Rarity and Fluttershy said.

Rarity thought of the dresses she designed them. She made matching long skirted cocktail dress for Sunset and Twilight. A black on for Sunset and a navy blue one for Twilight.

“I hope they are okay.” Fluttershy said.

“What are you girls talking about?” Applejack appeared next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy jumped and turned pink.

“We are wishing Sunset and Twilight could be here.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yeah. It is such a special day. I wish it was a memory we could share.” Rarity said.

Applejack nodded. “Wasn’t there supposed to be a friendship meeting today in Equestria?” Applejack asked.

“Yes. I left the journal at home though because I didn’t want to be distracted. I told them I was doing that. I’ll check it when I go home and i’ll text you whatever I find.” Rarity said.

Applejack nodded and then took a long swig out of a hip flask. There was a long silence.

“Umm… not to be disrespectful of our friends who aren’t here but I was thinking that we should try to enjoy ourselves now. It is a party and I think they would want us to have fun.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“You’re right Sugarcube!” Applejack said loudly wrapping an arm around Fluttershy’s shoulder. Fluttershy went stiff. “Let's go find the photographer and get ourselves a group photo!”

With new enthusiasm the group of four set off to have a good time.

Evening began to fall. Rarity knew that festivities were going to go long into the night but she knew it was time for her to find Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo Apple Bloom and leave. Rarity found the three of them in the horse barn laughing.

“And that’s when I said if you love him so much you should marry him!” Apple Bloom said. Sweetie Belle was doubled over laughing. Scootaloo was red faced.

Apple Bloom was holding a tablet and she scrolled on it chuckling. “Girls I found another funny one!” she exclaimed. Applebloom was about to start reading allowed. When Rarity cut her off.

“Girls it is time to go.”

“Why can’t we stay here?” Sweetie Belle whined.

“Because at this hour the party is for adults only.” Rarity said.

“We are close to being adults!” Apple Bloom countered.

“You three have a waise to go.” Rarity said flatly.

“Oh come on! We promise we won’t drink any beer or whatever.” Sweetie Belle said.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “We are going eng of discussion.”

Sweetie belle and Apple Bloom moaned melodramatically.

“Come one guys. We are still going to be together, just not here.” Scootaloo said.

“Your taking her side!” Sweetie Belle rounded on her friend.

“Look the only reason I was allowed to come is if I was on my best behavior. Applejack said she would take care of everything if I gave her my world that I would listen to her and Rarity and follow their orders.” Scootaloo explained.

“You two also said you would be on your best behavior.” Rarity said.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle mutter some excused and followed Rarity out of the barn and too her car.

“Scootaloo gets the front seat.” Rarity said before they could argue. Scootaloo was the tallest and oldest.

Rarity was about to drive out of the parking aria when she potted Applejack running over. Rarity rolled down her window.

“Thank you so much Rar. We really appreciate you taking the girls.” Applejack said. Rarity noticed her breath smelled of alcohol. Her speech was fine but her balance seemed a little off.

Rarity saighed. “Yeah. No problem.” she doubted she would sleep well. Or with these three at her house.

“You three better behave tonight or there will be consequences.” Applejack warned.

“Yes. Applejack.” they said together. Scootaloo was the only one who sounded like she meant it.

Applejack smiled and then took off. Rarity watched Applejack run into the night. Her coordination seemed fine for now. Applejack had always held her liquor well. She hoped Applejack remembered to drink plenty of water too.

Rarity drove home.

Fluttershy watched Applejack dance with her brother. Fluttershy tried to imagine her brother in a suit. If he didn’t declare it itchy her would declare it to hot and end up in a tank top. How attractive. He was quite a harry teenage boy.

Fluttershy was drawn back to her surrounding by the sound of a cow bell. Applejack was ringing it loudly.

“Ladies and Gentlemen can I have your attention! It is now eight O’clock. The sun is going down. All children need to leave. I personally just sent my sister home with a friend. Braeburn is bringing out the alcoholic drinks. Please consume responsibly.”Applejack shouted. There was some murmuring and shuffling.

“I am going to toast the newlyweds and then they are going to open some presents.” Applejack announced.

Applejack’s voice was loud but her diction was not as good as it usually was.

“Bright Macintosh the second and Cheerilee Charrier I am so happy for you. I wish you the best. I know you are right for eachother and I can’t wait to help you raise your kids. I wish you both a long and happy life together!”

There was a lots of here herring.

There was presents, drinking and more dancing.

Rarity was tempted to go straight for her journal the moment she got home but she restrained herself. She carefully unpacked. To her surprise and annoyance she found her earings right were they were supposed to be. She sighed at least they weren’t lost.

She could hear Sweetie Belle Apple Bloom and Scootaloo playing a game on Apple Bloom’s tablet. Rarity wondered when and were she had gotten it. Maybe she had just saved up.

Rarity lay on her bed and opened the glowing and vibrating journal. She flipped through the used pages until she found a fresh note.

Dear Rarity,

Author's Notes:

Cliff hanger!

Sorry about that. there is just no way to write that without spoiling the next chapter.

I realize that some of you may not like these plot diversion but promise it will come back. this story is meant to be slice of life above anything else.

Also I realize the Fluttershy stuff came out of no where. sorry about that I tried to plan this ahead but it was hard to integrate.

I don't know when the next chapter will be posted.

Ps. The Apples have pigs. I forgot to mention that.