August 22

Pinkie Pie shot out of bed with a giddy yelp. She reached to turn off her alarm clock and discovered it was silent and unmoving. She realized the alarm clock that woke her up was in her dream. Oh well. Too bad. Pinkie Pie thought. She was awake now and she couldn’t be more excited. Who knew dream alarm clocks could wake you up!

Pinkie Pie bounced out of bead and into the bathroom.

Pinkie Pie gabled up a giant stack of pancakes and then began vigorously scrubbing down the entire kitchen. She wanted every surface to shine. Two hours later the entire first floor of her house was sparcling from he vioususe cleaning and from the glitter bomb that Gummy set off. Pinkie Pie appreciated Gummy’s idea. It was the perfect touch.

Pinkie Pie hauled one of her boxes of party sullies up out of her party cave and set to work.

Pinkie Pie was busy hiding party poppers when an alarm on her phone went off. Pinkie Pie dropped everything and rushed back into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of cookie dough she had made last night out of the refrigerator.

Marble, Maud and Limestone Pie all walked in together carrying duffle bags.

“How was your sleep over!” Pinkie Pie called out to her sister as they headed for the stairs to their rooms.

“Normal.” Limestone Pie called out.

“Didn’t you use my party book to have fun?” Pinkie Pie asked sounding disappointed.

“No Pinkie, we were focussed on actually sleeping through the night. None of us have had a proper night’s sleep in a week!” Limestone said bluntly.

“Sorry!” Pinkie Pie called after her sisters as they walked up the steps.

She felt bad for waking her sisters up in the middle of the night but she just had to get their opinions. This was the most important party she had ever thone. It had to be perfect and in order to be perfect she had to get someone else’s opinion on certain things and who better to ask than her favorite sisters!

Pinkie Pie went back to hiding party poppers.

Rarity stared at a picture of her and Applejack when they were five and six. Rarity had persuaded Applejack to dress up as a princess with her. They were wearing plastic tiaras and frilly dresses.

Rarity reflected on the last few weeks. Applejack had changed there was no doubt about it. Rarity thought. She doesn’t let me touch her, she seemed more anxious and gets angry much easier. She used to be honest and even tempered. Also she has gained weight. WHY!

Rarity fought the urge to type Applejack’s symptoms into the computer. I doubt I’ve seen all her symptoms and WebMD is notorious for getting things wrong or making little things seem worse. On the other hand Applejack is clearly hiding something. Perhaps WebMD’s tendency to go overboard would help counteract Applejack’s shyness. I can be logical.

Rarity reached out for her laptop before stopping herself. No. I’ll talk to her today. After the party I’ll confront her. I won’t take no for an answer.

Rarity parked a few blocks from Pinkie Pie’s house. The weather was perfect for a huge party that would go late into the evening. She and the others were planning on staying up late and sleeping in tomorrow so they would be awake to board their redeye flight.

Pinkie Pie insisted that she and the other’s who the party was for show up early to help greet the guests. Octavia was alto invited to show up early.

Rarity knocked on the door and Octavia opened it.

“Hey beautiful. You look amazing.” Octavia said in a seductive tone.

Rarity blushed deeply. “I’m not the one showing off.” Rarity pointed out. Octavia was wearing her Manehattan Conservatory Chamber Orchestra t shirt. She was the first freshman good enough to get in in over two decades.

“My shirt isn’t as eye catching as your skirt.” Octavia said.

Rarity twirled. “If you like what you see perhaps I’ll have to take you home and show you the rest of my collection.”

Octavia chucked.

Rarity remembered her plans for after the party.

“Are you alright?” Octavia asked.

“What?” Rarity was startled out of her thoughts.

“You just looked stressed out.”

“Sorry about that. I’m just worried about Applejack. I was thinking I would try to confront her after the party. I just want to talk to her and I’m not going to get another opportunity before we leave.”

Octavia looked thoughtful. “I obviously don’t know her as well as you do but I think… You two care about each other. I’m sure you can work something out.”

Rarity nodded.

“Are you two just going to keep standing there or are you actually going to come in and help!” Lyra shouted.

“We’re coming!” Octavia snapped.

The first thing Rarity saw when she walked in was a giant banner. Off to Manehattan Rarity, Lyra, Bon Bon, Bubbles (Derpy Hooves) and Pinkie Pie. Rarity smiled. This was going to be quite the adventure.

“Hey Rarity!” Bon Bon waved at her. “Your skirt is so pretty!”

“Thanks I whipped it up last night.” Rarity said.

“Cool! Last night I was making candies for the goody bags.” Bon Bon said.

“Candy?” Jackfruit said looking around. He was helping Pinkie Pie set up the dining room table.

“Yes I made chocolates and mints, but you need to ask your mom if you can have any.” Bon Bon said carefully.

The three year old nodded.

“Before things get crazy I was thinking I could give you guys my gifts.” Rarity said.

Lyra looked uncomfortable. Bon Bon and Octavia nodded. Octavia grabbed her bag and Handed Bon Bon and Lyra boxes.

“Hey Pinkie Pie Where is Bubbles?” Octavia asked when Pinkie Pie walked in with an arm load of metal forks.

“She’s in the bathroom. She’ll be out any minute.” Pinkie Pie said. Jackfruit walked out of the kitchen with a stack of paper plates.

“Hey Jack. Rarity and I got this for you.” Octavia said slowly. Rarity smiled and nodded.

Jackfruit beamed. He set down the plates and walked over. Octavia place a shiny red box in his hands. He eagerly began trying to tare the paper offt. “Daring Doo!” he said excitedly after clumsily ripping the box apart. “Thank you” he said.

Bubbles walked over to them. Jackfruit showed her. Help please. He signed with one hand.

Bubbles smiled and untwisted the wires that held the toy to the remnants of the box and wrapingpaper.

Jackfruit began jumping up and down trying to sing the Daring Doo TV show theme song. Octavia, Lyra, Bon Bon and Rarity all joined in.

Finally Bubbles managed to undo all the wires and she handed Jackfruit the toy and accessories in the box. Jackfruit signed thank you and then rand off to go play.

Octavia handed Bubbles a box and Rarity started getting her cards out.

The group had a simple gift exchange all except for Lyra. Lyra insisted that she wanted to wait until they were all in Manehattan together as her presents were housewarming presents. Octavia informed them that Lyra had ordered their presents online yesterday and was having them shipped to their new house. Lyra had stormed off in a huff. Bubbles, Bon Bon, Octavia and Rarity helped Pinkie Pie with the rest of the set up.

Two hours later the party was in full swing. It felt like everyone Rarity had ever met in this town was here and there was a mountain of presents piled precariously on the table that nearly reached the ceiling.

Rarity spotted Rainbow Dash and Gilda walk through the door from across the room and Rainbow Dash went straight for the desert table. Pinkie Pie materialized next to Rainbow Dash. Gilda muscled her way through the crowd after them.

Rarity struggled to push her was though.

“The doctor’s set aside some time tomorrow afternoon for you girls to visit before you leave. They agreed with me that it would be good for her to see you all.” Rainbow Dash explained.

“I can’t believe I didn’t notice.” Pinkie Pie looked so sad.

“Her change was gradual and that made it hard to notice. It helped to have an outside perspective.” Rainbow Dash glanced at Gilda.

“Hi Gilda. How are you?” Rarity asked politely. She had to crane her neck to see Gilda’s face. She was easily the tallest person here.

“I’m okay. This party is a little too crowded for my taste.” Guilda said cooly.

Rarity felt someone run into her waist. She was knocked over. Gilda caught her easily. Rarity looked around and spotted Bubbles’ son running away. Seconds later Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo chased after him. Rarity rolled her eyes. Gilda chucked.

“The back padia is probably less crowded.” Rarity suggested, remembering previous parties.

“That sounds great. Would you show how to get there?” Gilda sked.

Rarity began trying to get through the crowd. Pinkie Pie vanished and Rainbow scrambled after them.

Pinkie Pie spotted an empty punch bowl. Pinkie Pie snatched more from her party cave and then refilled it. Lyra and Bon Bon talking to Flash Century. All three of them were holding empty plates. Pinkie Pie snached up a plate of hordervs and rushed over to them. They all looked startled but took a few each. Everytime Pinkie Pie turned around she spotted a problem that needed immediate fixing. As soon as she fixed one problem something else needed her attention. She also made sure to check in with ever guest and make sure they were happy.

“You know Pinkie Pie this party is for you too. You could try to enjoy yourself you know.” Rarity said when Pinkie Pie when to check in with her Gilda and Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah. Come on Pinks! Chilax with us on deck. There is another chair right there.” Rainbow Dash said taking another sip from her smoothie.

Pinkie Pie considered the offer. Her sisters had promised to watch the food table and help her keep everything stalked. Perhaps she could take a break. For a few minutes. She was about to sit down when her pinkie sense told her someone was in distress.

“Got to go!” Pinkie Pie bolted towards the bad feelings.

Pinkie Pie found Applejack at the foot of the steps to the upstairs looking sad.

“What’s wrong?” Pinkie Pie asked quickly.

Applejack looked startled.

“Hey Pinkie.”

“What’s wrong?” Pinkie Pie asked again.

“I was just looking for Bubbles and I can’t find her.” Applejack said.

Pinkie Pie knew there was more going on. “Why do you want to know?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I was hoping to talk to her. You know wish her well. Also I was hoping to give her a present in person.” Applejack said.

“You lying.” Pinkie pie said seriously.

A apined looked fell across Applejack’s face. “I really need to talk to her Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie could tell this was serious. Pinkie Pie hugged Applejack tightly.

“She was overwhelmed by the amount of people. She said she wanted to be alone. She is in my bedroom.” Pinkie Pie whispered in Applejack’s ear.

Pinkie Pie pulled back and smiled. “I hope you feel better soon.”

Applejack smiled. “ Thank You Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie Pie spotted an empty punch bowl and dashed off.

Bubbles had a headache. Too many people. JF wanted to play. She had persuaded Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to entertain him for her. She had come up her a few hours ago. She had sat at Pinkie Pie’s desk to read her book but the wood vibrated too much from the music down below. Bubbles sat on Pinkie Pie's bed. The cushy mattress absorbed most of the vibrations and she was able to focus.

Bubbles felt the phone in her poket vibrate. She pulled it out of her pocket. She had a text from Applejack. Can I come in?

Bubbles texted back. Yes.

The door opened slowly. Applejack looked nervous which surprised Bubbles.

Applejack waved. Bubbles waved back. There was a pause.

How are you? Applejack signed.

Fine. You? Bubbles signed back.

Applejack glanced around. Finally she signed O K.

Do you want to talk about it? Bubbles asked.

Applejack looked confused.

You want talk me? Bubbles asked.

Applejack nodded.

Applejack mimed writing and then walked over to Pinkie Pie’s desk. After glancing around, Applejack opened up Pinkie Pie’s printer and extracted some paper. She found an clipboard and took the papers already on it out. She grabbed some pencils and a pencil sharpener and walked over. Applejack took a seat on Pinkie Pie’s bed.

Applejack took a moment to write and then handed the clipboard to Bubbles.

I’m sorry to come to you like this but I just hit a wall and I need to talk to someone. I hope you understand. You’ve been through something similar and I need some help.

No problem. What do you need. What do you want to talk about. I’ll see what I can do.

Applejack shoves the clipboard towards Bubbles and held her breath.

I’m pregnant.

Okay. What do you need from me.

Are you surprised.

Not as surprised as I could be. You’re not the first person to come to me with this revelation.

Applejack looked very surprised. Bubbles met her stare with confidence.

Yeah. Two people who are at this party have come to me I tears. I must confess I was not terribly impressed considering they both bullied me when I was pregnant with my son.

Applejack looked thoughtful. She thought about Sunset. Did sunset tell anyone that she got pregnant before the meeting. And who else. There was a rumor that Tricky got herself pregnant at a party. But that as just a rumor.

You can ask if you want.

Applejack shrugged.

Was one of them Sunset?

Bubbles looked surprised and confused.

No. Why?

Sunset is the only one of our classmates I know for certain was pregnant during our highschool years. Besides you.

Bubbles stared at Applejack.

Yeah I was shocked too.

Bubbles looked thoughtful. That could explain why Sunset never harassed me for being pregnant. Because she would be a hypocrite. But high school days. That was Sunset’s freshman year.

Talk to me.

I have this memory of Snips and sails harassing me. They would point at my belly and make sexual guessers and their faces had cruel smiles. They knocked my books out of my hands and blocked me from picking them up. Sunset walked up and shewed them away and then picked up my stuff and handed it all back to me. She walked away without looking at me. She was the school’s biggest bully but she never bullied me. Especially when I was at my most vulnerable. Infact she would often shew away people who were harassing me. I never understood why.

Wow.

There was a pause.

So what do you want from me? I am happy to try to help me. I mean I kind of owe you. For everything. I don’t know how helpful I can be from Manehattan but I’ll try.

Applejack paused before responding.

Just being here and reading what I have to say is helping me.

Have you been to the doctor yet? Have you decided what you want to do?

Applejack grimaced.

Yes. I had my first ultrasound and they said the baby was small and healthy.

They said the same thing about my son. What else can you tell me?

I’m going to keep them. I just don’t know how to tell my family. I’m worried that they will react like yours.

Bubbles grimaced.

I recognize that that is a possibility but your relatives don’t seem as stupid as mine. They may be disappointed or unhappy at first but I don’t think they’ll just kick you out. You might need to stay with a friend while they adjust.

Okay.

Have you told any of your other friends?

I’ve told one. She and her partner are expecting. We were able to bond over it a little.

That is a very good start. What about the others. Pinkie Pie and Rarity will be leaving tomorrow night and from experience I can tell you this conversation is easier in person then over video chat or call.

Your right.

Applejack looked depressed.

I don’t see any reason your friends wouldn’t understand. They were really nice to me and I was an outside. Your their best friends. I’m sure Rarity would be happy to make you some maternity clothes. I still have some of the maternity shirts she made me.

Rarity and I have been fighting lately.

Why?

Applejack looked uncomfortable.

You’ve been going out of your way to hide your pregnancy.

Applejack nodded slowly.

I understand. I tried that approach. I know that going to your friends and family can be hard. Facing rejection is hard and being vulnerable is hard. You will get uncomfortable questions and some people will not be nice about how they ask. Also your family will demand to know how you became pregnant and if you don’t have your story rehearsed. It will be difficult. It will be mentally exhausting but it will be worth it. Pregnancy is an adventure and like any adventure it is more fun with friends.

Thanks. I’m just nervous.

That's normal.

Applejack and Bubbles smiled at each other.

So… does the father know?

Applejack paled immediately.

You don’t have to tell me anything. I don’t need to know. Just think about it.

Bubbles studied Applejack. Applejack’s eyes were wide and her breathing was hard. Bubbles lunged and grabbed Applejack and hugged her with all of her strength. Applejack began crying into Bubbles shoulder.

After a moment Applejack suddenly broke the hug she pulled out her phone and looked at it. She texted someone back. There was a pause and then she showed her phone screen to Bubbles.

Pinkie Pie had texted Are you okay?

Applejack had responded Yeah.

Pinkie Pie texted Great. Tell Bubbles it’s time for Presents. Also JF looks like he needs a nap.

Prefect Bubbles thought.

Thank you talking me. Applejack signed.

I happy give you help. Bubbles signed.

Bubbles Hugged Applejack. Applejack Put away the unused paper and then left the room. Bubbles went to go find her son.

Pinkie Pie spotted Applejack come down the stairs. She looked like she had cried. Pinkie Pie rushed over to her and enveloped her in a big hug.

“Thank you Pinkie Pie. I really needed to talk to her.” Applejack said.

“No problem.” Pinkie Pie said. “Do you feel better?”

“Yes.” Applejack said. “But I have a lot to think about right now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow okay?”

Pinkie Pie nodded seriously.

Applejack gave her a sad smile and then walked away.

Pinkie Pie felt a tap on her shoulder. She spun around and came face to face with Bubbles. Pinkie Pie beamed.

Where my son? Bubbles signed.

Pinkie Pie guestured and took off.

Rarity listening to Rainbow Dash explain a new soccer move one of the seniors taught her when Pinkie Pie materialized next to her.

“It’s preant time!” Pinkie Pie sang/yelled.

Rarity signed.

“Gilda if you want to to stay out here you can but Rarity I need you!” Pinkie Pie said.

Rarity followed Pinkie Pie back inside and to the mountain of presents. This was going to take at least two hours. Bon Bon, Lyra and Bubbles had similar looks of apprehension on their faces. The interpreter that Pinkie Pie hired looked impressed.

Two and a half hours later.

Rarity was officially exhausted. Just because they were done with high school didn’t mean they were done with high school drama. Pinkie Pie did her best to break up fights. Of course Pinkie Pie started many of the fights by calling people out for being rude to Bubbles. Finally they got to the point where the only presents left were ones that would be presented to the recipient privately.

As soon as Pinkie Pie declared that the public present opening was over Rarity bolted for the upstairs bathroom. She found Bubbles waiting outside when she was don't. She smiled at Bubbles. Gave a hastily smile and then darted past her. Rarity stretched and spotted Octavia walking towards her.

“How are you doing?” Rarity asked.

Octavia rolled her eyes. “I love Pinkie Pie and I appreciate her desire to include Bubbles but I think maybe that was a bad idea. I love Bubbles like a sister and that was hard to watch.”

“Yeah.”

“Is she in there?” Octavia indicated that bathroom door.

Rarity nodded.

“I’m going to talk to her for a bit. Make sure she is okay.”

Rarity nodded. She wished she was fluent in sign language like Octavia.

“I’m going to go find Applejack and then I’ll probably go home. I’ll text you tomorrow morning with my schedule.”

Octavia nodded.

Bubbles came out of the bathroom and Octavia began signing to her. The two walked over to Pinkie Pie’s bedroom. They both waved at Rarity.

Rarity descended into the chaos of the party. Rarity had hoped after present time the party would start winding down. It seemed like all the sensible people had left and all the rouddy people wanted a dance party. Vinel Scratch has the music cranked up pretty loud. Rarity scanned the room for Applejack’s hat. Rarity frownd, normally this wasn’t hard because Applejack was tall enough to be spotted from a vantage point.

“Hey Rarity who are you looking for?” Rainbow Dash asked as she and Gilda climbed the steps to talk to here.

“I’m looking for AJ have you seen here?” Rarity said.

“I’ve barely seen here all party.” Rainbow Dash said. “Why?”

“I really need to talk to her.” Rarity said.

“What’s going on?” Pinkie Pie Popped up in between Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“We are looking for Applejack do you know where she is?” Gilda said.

“She left the party hours ago.” Pinkie Pie said.

“How come?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“She told me she needed to be alone.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Seriously!” Rarity snapped.

The others looked at her startled. Rarity bit her lip. She had not meant to be so loud or sound so angry. She was just frustrated. Not angry. Frustrated.

Pinkie Pie was staring at her with a unreadable poker face. Rarity began to squirm uncomfortably. Pinkie Pie’s star was unnerving.

“Well perhaps you can talk to her tomorrow. We need to be off. We have an early morning and I need sleep.” Rainbow Dash did an exaggerated yawn and stretch and then marched off down the stairs.

What’s the plan for the girls?” Rarity asked Pinkie Pie.

“Big Macwill be here in a few minutes to pick them up.” Pinkie Pie said then she vanished to go do something.

“Do you want to talk to me?” Gilda asked.

Rarity stared at her.

“I know we don’t know each other and I’m not very good at talking to people or giving advice but I can listen. And you look like you need someone who will listen to you. Gilda said.

“I do.” Rarity was surprised how easy it was to talk to someone she felt like she had only just met. It was mostly Rainbow Dash and Rarity talking earlier. Gilda had just sat and listened.

“Walk with me.” Gilda said.

The two navigated the crowd to the door. The evening breeze felt good on Rarity’s face.

“I’ll see you back at the motel later.” Gilda called to Rainbow Dash.

Rarity lead Gilda down the road to her car. Rarity drove them to her house. Gilda was amazed at the decor in Rarity’s house. She admired the drapes and the matching pam shades while Rarity put hot water on for tea.

“Where are your parents or guardians if you don’t mind me asking?” Gilda asked.

“There on a business trip. They get back tomorrow afternoon.” Rarity said.

“ So is it just you and your little sister, Sweet something?”

“Sweetie Belle, yes. What about you? What is your family like?”

“I’ve got an older half brother. He’s in jail. Once upon a time I had an older half sister. She killed herself years ago. My father was an alcoholic and my mother was a sadist. They’re both dead now. Our grandfather tried to take care of us but honestly he wasn’t much better then my father. Eventually the state found out what he was doing to us and we were taken away.” Gilda said bluntly.

Rarity stared at her for a moment. “I’m sorry.” she said limply.

Gilda shrugged. She stared at the blank television screen.

Eventually the tea wisle broke their silence.

“Do you want tea?”

“Do you have mint or peppermint?” Gilda asked.

“I have both.”

“I will take peppermint please.”

“Large or small mug.”

“Large please.”

Rarity prepared their teas the way her grandmother had taught her. She set down their eas on coster and joined Gilda on the couch.

“So what’s going on with you and Applejack?”

“I don’t know! That’s why I want to talk to her. I don’t know what’s going on with her but she is not being honest with me and I don’t like it. She is hiding something and… I feel like I’m losing her. She’s my oldest friend. I care about her deeply. I’m worried. I’m worried about her and I don’t know what’s wrong. She just changed. Her temper. She snaps and argue more aggressively then she used to. She won’t let me touch her and.., And she’s been lying to me!” Rarity shrieked and then burst into tears. “Did I do something wrong?”

Gilda sat in silence.

“Well!?” Rarity demanded.

Gilda shrugged “How would I know? I don’t know you and I don’t know Applejack. And I definitely don’t know your whole history.”

“Then what are you here for!”

“To listen to you.”

Rarity took several deep breaths. She dabbed her eyes with tissues.

“What do you want me to talk about?”

“Whatever you want to tell me.”

Rarity took a long sip of her tea.

“I’m going to miss her so much. I’ll ever since I was a little girl I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to move out and go to college. I knew I wanted to major in business. And open up a store of my own. I’ve moved before. I used to live in Manehattan. I have family there. I’ll be fine., I adjust. But… it’s still a big change. I can only handle so much change at once. We almost lost Fluttershy. I owe you a lot for your part in saving her. I can’t believe how blind we were. I feel like I’m losing Applejack and that is just… too much change for me to deal with right now.”

Rarity sipped her tea.

“Thank you for listening to me Gilda. I needed that. Your a good friend.”

“You really think so?”

“Yes.”

“Thanks.” Gilda yawned.

“Where are you staying? I can drive you there.”

“That would be wonderful thanks.” Gilda finished her tea and stood up and stretched.

Rarity finished her and took their cups to the sink. She then lead Gilda back to the door and out into the night.

Author's Notes:

I actually got a chapter done in a timely fashion!

I know this sin't the Derpy that originally appeared in the show or the character she became after the protests. I know that the fandom has given her a daughter not a son. I changed her to be different and less offensive. i'm sorry if you don't like it. she isn't going to be featured very mush after this.

I can't decide winch world to write the next chapter about.

I hope you liked this chapter.