August 23

Rainbow Dash woke up to her alarm, she stretched and headed for the shower. Her phone dinged with a new text message. Rainbow Dash picked up her phone. The message was from Applejack.

I need to talk to you are available?

No. She responded.

“Who is the text from?” Gilda asked. Gilda was dressed, waiting for her and reading a book on the couch.

“It’s Applejack. She wants to know if I’m available to talk but I promised Fluttershy I would spend the day with her.”

“So?”

“I told her no.”

“Really?”

“What?”

“You’re just going to through Applejack out the window again?”

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash said defensively.

“You demanded her do something incredibly emotionally difficult and were completely unsympathetic when she wanted moral support and now you are blowing her off again.”

“What are you getting at.”

“Practice what you preach Rainbow.”

“What do you mean.”

“I talked to Rarity last night. Something's going on with Applejack. I don’t know what it is or if it is serious but it could be and I think you should be more concerned.”

“This is the first I’m hearing about this! When did you find out.”

Gilda Rolled her eyes. “Last night.”

“And what do you know.”

“Rarity and Applejack are fighting or whatever. Rarity said Applejack has been hiding something and lying to her.”

“That’s serious!”

“What are going to do about it?”

Rainbow Dash ran her hands through her hair. “I’ll call her later. I promised Fluttershy I would spend today with her and I will not break it.”

Gilda stared at her evenly. “Give my your phone.”

“Why!?”

“I’m going to text Applejack.”

“Why?”

“Because I'm going to talk to her.”

“Fine.” Rainbow Dash tossed her phone to Gilda and marched into the shower.

By the time Rainbow Dash was freshened up Gilda was gone. Rainbow Dash drove to a breakfast diner and got take out and then drove to the mental health hospital that Fluttershy was in.

After going through the lengthy check in process Rainbow Dash was brought to a waiting room in the Involuntary Commitment Ward. Mrs. Shy was sitting reading a magazine.

After several minutes a nurse called for them. The two of them walked in.

Fluttershy looked miserable.

“Good Morning ladies. Do you want to help me feed Fluttershy?” a nurse asked.

Rainbow Dash and Mrs. Shy nodded.

The nurse handed Mrs. Shy a bowl of warm oatmeal with tiny white powder in it. Rainbow Dash and Mrs. Shy took turns spooning small bites into Fluttershy’ mouth. Fluttershy made a face at the taste but she didn’t resist.

“Pinkie Pie and Rarity are going to come and visit you in a little bit.” Rainbow Dash said.

Fluttershy nodded.

“Where is Gilda?” Mrs. Shy asked.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip. She was never very good at lying. Especially to Fluttershy. “She is with Applejack.”

Fluttershy, Mrs. Shy and the nurse all gave Rainbow Dash different confused looks.

Rainbow Dash signed. “Apparently Applejack and Rarity are fighting about something and they dragged Gilda into it somehow.”

Fluttershy looked mildly surprised.

“I’m sure Gilda will show up in a little bit.” Rainbow Dash said dismissively. She didn’t want to think about Applejack right now. She would call her later. Right now she needed to make Fluttershy happy.

Rarity slouched her way to her kitchen and put the tea kettle on the burner. Rarity yawned. Of all mornings to be woken up by a nightmare it had to be today. A big travel day. She was supposed to sleep in. Oh well too late now. She poured hot water into her mugg and stirred her tea.

Rarity stared at her refrigerator but didn’t feel hungry. She walked over to her dining room table and sat down. She pulled out her phone and looked at it.

I told Octi that I’d text her my schedule. Rarity thought. Rainbow texted us to be at the hospital at noon. I have to pack the car and I have to drop off the journal at AJ’s or otherwise get it to her.

Applejack. What is going on with her.

Rarity found herself retrieving her laptop.

I don’t care if this is stupid or rude. I want some answers. Rarity thought as she brought up WebMD. She entered Applejack’s age and sex. She paused at main symptom. What was Applejack’s main symptom. She found herself typing the symptom the pissed her off the most. Weight gain. She typed mood swings, nausea, dizziness and fainting. WebMD asked if pregnancy was a possibility.

Pregnancy. No. AJ has only had sex with other women. I think she has only had sex with one women in her life. Rarity stared at the button. I guess anything is possible. She hit yes.

The top result was a fainting disorder. She hoped that wasn’t it. It looked serious but didn’t really fit. The second result was PMS. Rarity skipped it entirely. The third result was Pregnancy. Pregnancy fit well. The two places where Applejack’s dress was let out was her chest and waist. Also being moody and throwing up was common. She remembered that from when her mother carried her little sister. The other symptoms listed where increased urination, fatigue and food cravings or aversions. She didn’t know if Applejack had any of those.

The only things that don’t fit are her being less social and avoiding physical contact. Also doesn't explain why she is so much quicker to anger. But I guess that’s just symptoms of hiding something.

The next result was SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Wrong season. Right? Rarity skipped it.

Rarity loaded more results. Most of them looked unrealistic. Anemia was the only non pregnancy related condition that made even a little sense.

Could Applejack be pregnant? Is that what she is hiding? Why!? Why would she hide something like that from her friends? From her family? From me… sure her family is a little old fashioned. But they wouldn’t kick her out like Bubbles’ family.. Her family took Bubbles in for a while. Shorely they would be understanding. If she is pregnant. Who the hell got her pregnant!? She has only been with one guy. And that was only for one night! Of course one night is all it takes some times. He came to school with a black eye. I doubt he got her dress off of her. She only went out with him because she didn’t want to turn him down. So is she pregnant with his child? That would be an awkward conversation with his parents. “I’m so sorry your son died horribly. But if it helps I’m pregnant with his child.” Yeah that’s going to go well!

Rarity glanced around the room. Her eyes landed on the journal. I could ask if they know anything. Applejack will be mad when she finds out. But on the other hand I’ll be gone and the damage will already be done. It’s what we did for Fluttershy. I’m worried about her and Applejack keeps avoiding me. Sure it’s low but…

Rarity snached up the journal and opened it.

Gilda handed the cab driver twenty dollars. “Keep the change.” She said gruffly. He took off without complaint.

Gilda stared at the sign to the park entrance. He had taken her to the right place although she suspected he had taken a less efficient route to get more money out of her. She may be a visitor but she wasn’t a fool. She hated giving away her hard earned money but today wasn’t the day to fight a cab driver.

Gilda walked along the path. She was beginning to wonder if she was in the right place when she spotted Applejack sitting on a bench on the top of a hill. There was a fresh bandage on her face. Gilda jogged up to her.

Applejack heard her approach and looked up. She looked startled and confused.

“What are you doing here? Where is Rainbow?”

“Rainbow is at the mental health hospital. I’m here to listen to whatever you have to say.”

“So did Rainbow lie to me or you?”

“I did.”

“Fantastic. Why should I trust you.” Applejack said flatly.

Gilda shrugged.

“Why did you lie to me and why did you show up!?” Applejack demanded.

“Because I felt like you needed it.” Gilda snapped.

“Excuse me!” Applejack shouted. “How the hell do you know what I need! You don’t know me at all. Don’t presume anything about me!”

“I’m sorry.” Gilda said loudly. “I just felt bad that Rainbow was blowing you off again so-”

“You thought you could replace Rainbow Dash like a substitute!? Not happening.” Applejack snarled.

“That’s not what I meant.” Gilda felt her rage building. She turned around and took several deep breaths. Her therapists words came back to her. Make I statements to explain your feelings. Gilda turned around and looked Applejack in the eye.

“You guys invited me into your friend group. I don’t know why you did that. I don’t know why you trusted me. I don't feel like I deserved it. After everything I did. I didn’t understand why you cared. But it meant a lot to me. I felt really good. It was nice to have a place to belong. I don’t have any friends outside of sports and most of my teammates don’t care about me outside of what I do for the team. Hell my own family rejected me because of…” Gilda took a deep breath. “I just feel like I haven't done anything to deserve this. I… I’ve always had this belief that everything you have but didn’t earn WILL be taken away at the worst time. I thought I would try and earn your friendship so maybe you’ll want me around a little more. Or atleast think twice before kicking me out.”

“I’m sorry I lost my temper at you. I am really mad at Rarity and Rainbow Dash and I took that out on you and that was not fair. I’m sorry.” Applejack said stiffly.

There was awkward pause.

“So what do you know about me?” Applejack asked quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“I know when you were very little you played soccer with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash showed us the team picture from when she was like five. I know that the three of you went to school together. She said you were held back a year. Fluttershy said you were bullied and rejected because of some medical condition. You’re a sophomore in college now. Fluttershy said you had an awful home life. You all had some fight in middle school but have since made up. Rainbow Dash said you were a tri-sport athlete in high school and now you play college soccer. She showed us a picture of you in your high school uniform dunking a basketball and one in your college uniform shooting at the goal. At one point they said when your birthday was but I forgot. And that's about it.” Applejack said casually.

“Wow.” Gilda took a moment to process both how much and how little Applejack and probably the others knew about her. “Whait Fluttershy was the one to talk about my home life?”

“Yes. Why?”

“She never fails to surprize me.” Gilda had a wistful look on her face.

Applejack looked confused. “What do you mean?”

Gilda sighed. “Fluttershy was my first crush.”

“Really.”

“Yeah.” Gilda said sadly. “I didn’t handle it very well. I never had any good role models. I was obsessive and needy. I didn’t know how to show my affection properly. To put it nicely, I became a creep. I ended up scaring them both away.” Gilda bit her lip.

“Oh.”

There was a pause.

“What about you?” Gilda asked.

“Start off with what you know about me. And we can go from there.”

“I don’t know anything about you.” Gilda said reflexively.

“I don’t believe that.”

Gilda racked her brains. “Your a farmer right?”

“Yes.”

“You have a brother and a sister. You are the only one in the group to have lived here your whole life. You… what did Rarity say.”

“You talked to Rarity?”

“Yeah.. After the party she wanted to talk to you but you had taken off and she was really angry so I went home with her and she vented for a little bit.”

Applejack looked surprised.

“She said you were her oldest friend and she felt like she was losing you. That you were pushing her away.” Gilda said cautiously.

“I guess that’s fair. I wasn’t ready to talk about it and she wouldn’t stop butting her nose in.”

“Are you ready now?”

“Not really but I don’t have much of a choice.”

“What do you mean?”

“Bubbles reminded me that this is a conversation that I need to have in person. You guys are all leaving me here. Alone. With Fluttershy.” Applejack said quietly.

“I can’t promise that Rainbow will be willing to leave Fluttershy a little early to talk to you but I can make another appeal to her for you.”

Applejack shrugged. “Tell her if she doesn't come talk to me I tell her the snail mail way.”

“Sounds good.”

Gilda and Applejack fell into a comfortable silence watching two birds search for bugs in the grass.

“Do you mind if…” Applejack started. “Can I tell you as a kind of practice? Bubbles said it was important to practice your story.”

“Shure.”

“I’m pregnant.”

“That’s it?”

“What do you mean that’s it?” Applejack snapped indignantly. “Being pregnant is a big deal.”

“Sorry I didn’t mean it like.” Gilda stammered. “That’s a lie. Look. Where I grew up teen pregnancies were the norm. My older sister got pregnant when she was thirteen. Both of my step moms were in their late teens when they had my half siblings. My brother got his girlfriend pregnant when he was seventeen and she was fifteen. Everyone expected me to… never mind. That was just the word I grew up in.” Gilda said simply.

“Wow. I didn’t know that.” Applejack felt uncomfortable. “I’m sorry for being a drama queen.”

“You’re not a drama queen. I just have bizzare standards. I should have been more sensitive.” Gilda took a deep breath. “The first two things that Rainbow is going to demand is how far along you are and how you got pregnant, or who the father is. I don’t care but for realism I could yell at you.”

Applejack snorted.

“What the hell AJ! How the hell did you get knocked up!” Gilda faked yelling in an impression of Rainbow Dash’s voice.

Applejack and Gilda laughed.

“I’m glad I talked to you.”

Rarity stared at the journal reading what Midnight had written over and over.

Dear Rarity

I have absolutely no idea if human Applejack is pregnant. The pony one certainly is. I have no idea how far along pony Applejack is but she is huge.

As for her symptoms, the only moodiness I saw out of her was when she was exhausted from work. Neither of us were there when she fainted. Are you sure she has been experiencing dizziness. The nausea and vomiting is the only one I can’t explain very well but a lot of things cause people to vomit. I don’t know what to say about the weight gain. Part of life is having your weight change.

I am kind of going behind Applejack and Sunset’s backs but… if you are worried about Applejack’s health I guess that this might be worth it.

Sunset was talking about the emotions she felt the night she was rescued. She talked to Applejack. It turns that Applejack has two night time jobs that help keep her family afloat financially. It turns out that Applejack is a stripper.

Sunset said that Applejack has firm boundaries and mostly gives lap dances. Most of her clients are men but they have their clothes on.

I’m not going to lie I was shocked. I didn’t realize that Applejack’s financial situation was that desperate to make her do this. I don’t really know what to do other then try to find her a safer job. I am really worried about her and her family. The worst part is that none of us are staying in canterlot with her, baring Fluttershy.

Any way. Try to be gentle when you talk to her. Let me know how it goes and what you find out. Or maybe I’ll hear from Applejack when she reads this. Either way, hope you have a safe trip!

Midnight

Rarity debated throwing the book at the wall. Applejack is a stripper. What the hell! Is that why she was buying lagere? Did she lie to my face?

Rarity pulled out her phone.

Applejack we need to talk. I am not taking no for an answer. Rarity texted.
Okay I’m at the park closest to my house hanging out with Gilda. Come join us. Applejack texted back immediately.

Rarity stared at her phone. She couldn’t decide which part of Applejack’s response bothered her more, that Applejack agreed to talk so easily all of a sudden or that she was hanging out with Gilda. A stranger! Practically.

Rarity stuffed her phone into her purse and grabbed the journal and ran out the door.

Rarity speed walked to Applejack's favorite bench. Applejack was listening to Gilda with wrapped attention.

“And that is how I got my first date.” Gilda said.

“Nice!” Applejack said.

“Hi Rarity.” Gilda said smiling and waving awkwardly.

“Hello ladies.” Rarity said. She nodded to each of them. “Applejack. I need you to be
honest with me. Are you pregnant or anemic?” Rarity said in a demanding tone.

Gilda looked surprised.

Applejack stared evenly at Rarity. Rarity fidgeted and looked at the ground.

“Look AJ I’m just frustrated.” Rarity whined. “I’m really worried about you. And you aren’t talking to me. I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”

Applejack stared at Rarity a little longer. Applejack sighed. “If you want me to be honest with you you need to be honest with me.”

Rarity closed her eyes as a wave of anxiety and stress hit her. “Everything is changing AJ. I’m moving away and so are my friends. Tomorrow night I’m going to be sleeping in someone else’s house. I just want something to stay the same. I want to know that there is something normal to come home to in november. It is selfish of me to hope you would stay the same. That our friendship wouldn’t change. Maybe I’m reading into things more then is fair. But. I am your friend Applejack. I’m worried about you.”

Applejack took a deep breath and looked into Rarity’s eyes. “I’m sorry for lying to you.”

“What?” Rarity asked.

“I lied to you and I feel bad about it. I was having trouble coming to terms with the truth and with you confronting me…I felt like you were attacking me and I felt like something was wrong with me, like I wasn’t good enough anymore. I shut down and I shut you out and I’m sorry.” Applejack said earnestly. Her eyes were a little watery but she didn’t break eye contact with Rarity.

“So you did lie to me.” Rarity said.

“Yes.” Applejack said plainly.

“Will you tell me the truth?” Rarity asked.

“You’re right Rarity. I’m pregnant.”

“Seriously!?” Rarity demanded.

“Yes.” Applejack said sadly.

“How far along are you?” Rarity demanded.

“About eighteen weeks.” Applejack said softly.

“What!” Rarity shouted.

Applejack looked away.

“How long have you known!”

Applejack stared off into the distance.

“Jaclyn!” Rarity snapped.

Applejack jumped. “I’ve known for about a month.” She shouted in a panicked voice. Applejack bit her lip. She was breathing hard.

“You waited a whole month to start telling people! All that time we could be supporting you and helping you and you wait til the day we leave!” Rarity shouted.

Applejack started crying quietly.

Gilda looked between Applejack and Rarity. She felt like she should say something but didn’t know what to say. Gilda reached out and took Rarity’s hand.

“I can tell that this is hard for you but don’t think Applejack means for you to take this so personally.” Gilda said cautiously.

“And how would you know that!? What has she told you?” Rarity said in an accusatory manor.

“She hasn’t told me anymore then you. I listened to her and she said she hid the truth because she was having a hard time facing it not because she wanted to keep it a secret.” Gilda said slowly.

Rarity took a deep breath. “Who is the father?” She asked in a irritated voice.

Applejack’s crying became more intense and loud. Her breathing was shaky and her new wound stuck out horribly.

“Seriously!?” Rarity demanded.

Applejack didn’t respond. She just kept crying.

Gilda looked at her with irritation. “It is possible to not know who got you pregnant without being a slut.” Gilda said slightly defensively.

Rarity took a deep breath. Applejack looks awful. I’m being a shitty friend right now aren’t I. Rarity thought.

“I’m sorry AJ. I… this is lot for me to take in right. Your being vulnerable and honest and I’m being… I’m not being nice. I’m leaving tomorrow but I will try to do what I can for you. You’re my friend and you are going through a life changing event. I’m going to try to be there for you as best as I can. Okay.” Rarity stared at Applejack waiting for a response.

Applejack didn’t respond. She just kept crying.

Rarity grabbed her in a tight hug. Applejack hugged her back. They stayed like that for several minutes.

Gilda cleared her throat. “Hey Rarity. If you want to make it on time to see Fluttershy you should get going. Also, can I get a ride?”

Rarity broke the hung.

“Sure thing.” Rarity pulled the journal out of her bag. “Keep me posted.” Rarity said to Applejack.

Applejack nodded. “Hey Rars can you bring this to Fluttershy?” She handed her a large gift bag covered in flowers with lots of tissue paper in it.

“Of course.” Rarity lead Gilda to her car.

Applejack pulled out her phone and texted Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash waited in the waiting room for her friends to show up. She told them to show up half an hour early to compensate for the long check in process so they could get the most time with Fluttershy.

Finally Gilda, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were lead in by a nurse. Rarity was carrying a large gift bag that looked heavy.

“You made it.” Rainbow Dash said.

“In deed.” Gilda said.

“Did you get what you wanted from AJ?” Rainbow Dash asked as she folded her arms over her chest.

“We had a good talk.” Gilda said. “She wants to talk to you and Pinkie Pie after we are done here.”

Pinkie Pie looked happy at the news.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “I told you I am spending the day with Fluttershy. I’ll call her or facetime if she wants it but this is more important right now.”

Rarity looked furious. Gilda rolled her eyes.

“Rainbow.” Pinkie Pie cut in before either of them could. “AJ said it was important we have this conversation in person. If she thinks it is important then I think we should to. We can make time. Fluttershy will understand.”

“Fine. Let’s move. I want you to have the most time you can have with Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said. Anything to get them to drop it.

Rainbow Dash walked swiftly to Fluttershy’s room. She swung the door open. Mr. and Mrs. Shy where sitting next to Fluttershy. Zephyrus was leaning on a wall. Fluttershy lay unmoving.

“Hello ladies. We’ll give you some privacy.” Mr. Shy said. The Shy family quickly scurried out.

Rainbow Dash glanced over at Pinkie Pie and Rarity. They were both staring at Fluttershy.

Rarity cautiously walked up to the side of Fluttershy’s bed. Fluttershy followed her with her eyes but otherwise didn’t move. Rarity took one of Fluttershy’s hands in both of hers. She gently massaged the palm of Fluttershy’s hand with her own.

Fluttershy slowly moved her head to look at her. Fluttershy's eyes seemed to settle on a point just above Rarity’s head.

Rarity gulped as tears began forming in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry that it had to come to this.” Rarity said shakily. “I love you Fluttershy. You are important to me. I… is there anything I can do you you?”

Fluttershy stared at Rarity for a little longer and then slowly went back to staring at the ceiling.

Pinkie Pie hugged Rarity from behind. Gilda picked at one of her nails. Rainbow Dash glanced around the room. She stared at the large bag that Rarity had carried in. Gilda was casually chewing on one of her nails. Rarity was focusing on massaging Fluttershy’s arm. Fluttershy stared at the ceiling.

Finally Rarity set Fluttershy’s arm down on the bed and walked away. She filled up at cup at the sink in the corner of the room and started taking small sips.

Pinkie Pie stepped forward. She took off her back pack and pulled out a picture book.

“There once was a Kingfisher who lived by a small river. Every morning he went hunting for frogs and fish. Some days were good and some days were bad but he always hoped for the best. Every morning at dawn he would fly out in search for food as would all the other birds around him. He never talked to any of them. He kept to himself and life was good.

One summer was different. The year started off mostly normal. The tree that held the Kingfisher’s nest shook violently one night for a few seconds but nothing seemed to be wrong. Nothing was different for months and the Kingfisher forgot about the event.

However as the year went on the water level of the river lowered. Week by week the shore grew and the Kingfisher had to fly farther up and down the river every day. It became harder and harder to find fish and frogs. Days where he found nothing became more common and the Kingfisher became hungry.

The Kingfisher saw less birds hunting as the weeks wear on. Finally it was just him and a tiny stream. The Kingfisher flew farther and farther up and down the stream every day looking for anything to eat. His feathers began to fall out until he could no longer fly.

The Kingfisher sat in his nest wondering what to do when a Great Blue Heron flew up to his nest.

“What are you still doing here at the old river?”

“Waiting for the river to swell and the fish to return.”

“You don’t have to wait. There is a pond not to far from here. I can show you where it is.”

“Why should I leave here? This is my home?”

“Because the is no longer any food.”

“I can not fly any more.”

“Climb on my back I will fly you.”

The Kingfisher carefully climbed on the Great Blue Heron’s back. The Great Blue Heron stretched his magnificent wings and took to the sky. The Great Blue Heron soared over the tree tops and up the river bank. The Kingfisher carefully peered over the side of the Great Blue Heron and spotted evidence of a massive landslide.

“That’s why the river dried up.” The Great Blue Heron shouted.

The Great Blue Heron turned and followed a new river to a large beaver made pond nearby full teaming with life.

The Kingfisher looked around and saw many of the same birds that used to feed at the old river and many more birds he had never seen before. All the birds big and small called to him to join them in their feast.

It took a few months but the Kingfisher re-grew his feathers and made a new nest. In time he build a new and fulfilling life by the beaver pond.

The Kingfisher chatted with the others birds during the early morning social hour and listened to the crickets long into the night.

The Kingfisher still had good days and bad days. But now he had friends to share with and a community to help him over come challenges. He was happy.

Rarity discreetly walked over to Rainbow Dash while Pinkie Pie finished her story. “So I bought a bag with presents in it. When we checked in they searched the bag and approved it.” Rarity whispered in to Rainbow Dash’s ear. “How does Fluttershy feel about AJ?”

“Why?” Rainbow Dash was very confused.

“It’s from Applejack. I don’t how she got it together so fast but she gave me a care bag to bring to Fluttershy.” Rarity explained. “I’ll send one of my own as soon as I can.” Rarity said hastily. “But if Fluttershy is still very upset it may be for the best to lie about who it is from.”

“Good point.” Rainbow Dash said. “Is there a card?”

Rarity shook her head.

“How about we say it is from you and Pinkie Pie to spread the credit and the blame and we go from there.” Rainbow Dash suggested.

“Works for me.” Rarity wondered back over to Pinkie Pie and Gilda.

Rainbow Dash watched as Rarity whispered into Gilda’s ear.

Rarity picked up the bag. “Hey fluttershy. We brought you something.” Rarity said kindly.

The bag had pink and yellow flowers on it. Rainbow Dash noticed that the bag had metal reinforced holes but no string. Instead it had glued on flap handles like a cheep paper bag made out of denim fabric. She was impressed. Applejack did her research.

Fluttershy halfheartedly tried to sit up before flopping back down. Gilda stepped forward and helped Fluttershy sit up and Rainbow Dash rushed forward to prop up some pillows behind her back.

Rarity set the bag on Fluttershy’s lap. Fluttershy seemed to be surprised by the weight. She lifted the bag in her arms and frowned.

Pinkie Pie looked excited. She beamed brightly. Fluttershy made a very weak smile at the look on Pinkie Pie’s face.

Fluttershy carefully removed the tissue paper piece by piece. She flattened and folded each one four times before moving onto the next piece. Rainbow Dash, and Rarity both struggled to keep their frustration off of their faces. Gilda had her usual poker face. Pinkie Pie was completely unfazed.

Finally all the tissue paper was neatly folded into a pile next to Fluttershy. Fluttershy pulled out a large puffy blanket. It was a deep grass green, rich and lush like grass that was over fertilized and watered generously. Fluttershy rubbed the soft fabric on her face.

Fluttershy gestured to her friends to help set up her new blanket. Rainbow Dash rushed forward to move the tissue paper and unfold the blanket. It was heavy. Much heavier than a down blanket should be.

Fluttershy didn’t smile but she seemed content and more comfortable. Gilda set the gift bag back on her lap. Fluttershy pulled out a clear plastic pouch six of fuzzy non-skid socks. One for each color of the rainbow. Fluttershy pulled out a sketch book of robust paper and a fat pencil case. Fluttershy opened the case and found a new set of expensive art marker pens.

Fluttershy’s eyes began to glisten with tears.

Rainbow Dash was impressed that Applejack able to put that all together so quickly.

Rainbow Dash lead the group out of mental health hospital. Fluttershy fell asleep under her new blanket not long after receiving it.

Rarity and Gilda looked tired. Pinkie Pie’s eyes were a little red and wet and the bounce was missing from her step but she seemed otherwise normal.

“Hey Rarity. Will you give me a ride back to the motel? I need a nap.” Gilda said softly.

Rarity nodded and slouched off to her car.

She must be exhausted. Rarity never slouches! Rainbow Dash thought.

“So are we going to go to the park and talk to AJ?” Pinkie Pie asked Rainbow Dash.

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash unlocked her car.

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked along the park trail. Ths was Applejack’s favorite park and Rainbow Dash could see why. She hadn’t found much time to explore the city but she hoped there would be lovely parks in Vanhoover she could relax in.

Applejack was sitting on her favorite bench reading the journal when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked up.

“So what’s up with you?” Rainbow Dash asked. She bit her lip. Her tone was much harsher than she meant it to be.

Applejack looked up at her with a blank expression.

“If you don’t want to be here leave.” Applejack said flatly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I just don’t understand what happened. We used to be a group of best friends and now we are falling apart. What’s your problem?” Rainbow Dash did an exaggerated stretch. “What do you need from me.”

Pinkie Pie frowned at Rainbow Dash. She walked over to Applejack and sat down next to her. “I came here because I care about you. I am here to love and support you and I will listen no whatever you have to say I will do my best to react appropriately to whatever you say.” Pinkie Pie said with wide eyes.

“Thank you Pinkie.”Applejack positioned herself on the bench so she was facing Pinkie Pie. “First off how is Fluttershy doing?”

“It’s hard to tell. Today she seemed very numb. Rarity brought a big bag with a heavy blanket and colorful socks and art supplies.” Pinkie Pie said.

“And did she seem happy about the gifts?” Applejack asked slowly.

“Well it was heard to tell but I think so. She wanted us to setup the new blanket for her right away and she got watery-eyed while holding the art supplies. After that she snuggled into the blanket and fell asleep.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Good.” Applejack said. She glanced at Rainbow Dash.

“How the hell did you get all that together so fast?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well I was planning on giving Fluttershy a weighted blanket for a while. I figured watching everyone leave would make her anxiety worse. I was planning on asking her out to lunch a day or two after Rarity and Pinkie left and giving it to her. I was hoping we could bond over being left behind as it were. Obviously that plan went out to window. The other stuff I bought yesterday after I left the party and I fixed the bag last night.” Applejack said.

“Aren’t weighted blankets really expensive?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Does it matter?” Applejack replied.

“So how are you?” Pinkie Pie asked Applejack.

“Right now I’m kind of tired. I haven’t been sleeping very well. I’m sort of going through a big life change and I’m still trying to figure out what to do.” Applejack said.

“I noticed you have been a grouch lately. Is there something I can do?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I don’t know Pinkie.” Applejack said. She stared at her feet.

“That’s ok. I don’t know either.” Pinkie Pie said.

Applejack took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

“WHAT!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

Pinkie Pie and Applejack both turned to look at her.

“What the hell AJ. You’re pregnant. You! Off all my friends!. YOU! I thought you were asexual. Or do I have the definition wrong?” Rainbow Dash said angrily.

“Technically the definition is a lack of sexual atration to anyone not lack of labito.” Applejack said irritated.

“So who did you sleep with?” Rainbow Dash asked in discused tone.

Applejack bit her lip. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

“I thought the whole point of me coming here was so we could talk!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Well you are certainly not helping!” Applejack snapped.

“Since when do you need help talking!?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“You know that not what I meant.” Applejack said angrily.

“Well do you need me to hold your hand or something?” Rainbow Dash asked sarcastically.

“That would have been nice.” Applejack said irritated.

“Seriously?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Yeah.” Applejack said seriously. She looked hurt. “I know this is a lot to take in. And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m still coming to terms with it myself. I just expected more from you. You know. I expected you to act like an adult.”

“What the hell AJ.” Rainbow shouted. “What’s that supposed to mean.”

“I was hoping you would be more compassionate and caring but I guess that was too much to ask.” Applejack said angrily.

“Me compassionate? How about you? My friend since childhood is in the hospital on suicide watch and then out of nowhere another one of my best friends becomes a total drama queen and starts making all these demands and then tells me she is pregnant. How am I supposed to handle this!” Rainbow Dash was red faced with rage.

“Drama queen! Are you serious! I-” Applejack stopped when she heard a small sob.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack turned to look at pinkie Pie. She had curled up into a ball on the bench and was crying quietly. Her hair was almost completely flat. She looked up at them with big eyes.

“I don’t understand why you two are fighting.” Pinkie Pie said sadly.

Applejack put her head in her hands. “Look Rainbow. I just wanted to tell you in person that I’m pregnant. I’m sorry the conversation got out of hand.”

“Me too.” Rainbow Dash said. “Look. I… thank you for telling me. I just don’t… what the hell am I supposed to do with the information. I live six hours away!”

“I understand.”

“Just keep me posted I guess.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yeah.” Applejack stared at the ground.

Rainbow Dash looked at her phone. “I need to go.”

“Do you need a ride home Pinkie?” Applejack asked.

Pinkie Pie nodded. Applejack scooted closer and hugged Pinkie Pie with all her strength.

Rainbow Dash walked back to her car.

What the hell is wrong with me. She thought at she kicked a stray piece of gravel. Why did she have to get herself pregnant? Why can’t… Rainbow Dash stared at a nearby tree. This is life. Nothing lasts forever

Author's Notes:

I kept editing this chapter and I am not as happy as I could be. what do you all think. I would really appreciate feedback.