I opened my eyes and the outline of Applejack’s room came into view as I laid in bed beside her the next morning. It was still dark outside, and I turned over and saw Applejack sleeping peacefully, snoring and neighing as the covers went up and down from her breathing. After all the action and adventure we had the day before, it was no wonder she slept so soundly. She had galloped with me on her back through the meadows to the train like it was nothing. Then, she risked life and limb running beside the train so we could both climb on board to stop it. Then, to protect me, she had me get on her back while she jumped off of the speeding train. I mean, sure, I’ll give myself some credit; it was my idea to speed the train up so it would jump the curb. But everything I did was with and through her.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked on with affection at her as she was breathing deeply in and out; she even looked happy and loving when she was asleep. Even though I love her cowpony hat, I must say she looked really cute without it when she slept. I rested my hand on the top of her head and gently ran it over to her ear, which twitched upon being touched. I almost laughed, but I threw my hand over my mouth at the last second. I didn’t want to wake her up early while she was resting for the rodeo. I did want to do something for her since I was awake before her, but I wasn’t sure at first. Hmm, I bet she would go for some breakfast in bed!  

I opened the door quietly with the tray of food in my hands and started to walk over to the side of the bed where she was sleeping. I was getting excited to see her reaction to waking up with breakfast already made for her, but I caught myself. Remember now, save all the tender moments for later. I don’t want to distract her from winning, she’s worked way too hard. I set the tray down right on her lap as she turned over on her back. She let out a big yawn/sigh and sat up in the bed as the light from the sunrise came in through the window and shined on her. She looked down at her plate and rubbed her widening eyes, then looked at me with a big smile.

“Aww shucks, sugarcube, it’s mah’ favorite! Two sunny-side up eggs, an apple fritter, and apple cider. Don’t mind if ah’ do,” she said, leaning her head down to the tray and devouring her food in about thirty seconds while I watched. When she finished, she lifted her head and looked at me with delightful gratification and reached out her arm out from the bed for me to give her a hug, which I was sorely tempted to accept. I smiled and managed to stand my ground.

“Oh no. No hugs until after the rodeo.”

“Is that so?” she said, looking at me with a friendly smirk. She threw the blankets off of herself, got out of bed, and walked right at me with a big grin, causing me to walk backwards.

“Hey, hey, come on! You’re supposed to be focused!” I laughed as she walked me right into the wall. I held my arms back and turned my head away as she reached her front leg around me and rested her head on my chest. Oh, who am I kidding? I stopped protesting and rested my arm around her; I couldn’t resist an innocent hug from her no matter what. I adored every second of this one.

“Why does it seem like I’m more nervous about this then you?” I said with a smile as she stepped back. She laughed and threw her hoof out at me.

“Yer so cute when you try an’ help me on somethin’ you ain’t never done,” she said, pointing to a wooden case on the wall that sported all of her blue ribbons from previous rodeos. She’s got a point.

“Yea, I guess you’re right,” I said, blushing and rubbing the back of my head with my hand. She walked over to the center of the room, laid down on her back, and began stretching out her legs. Gosh, I hope she's not too exhausted from yesterday. “How do you feel?”

“Eh, mah’ back is still a little sore from yesterday, but ah’ll be fine. You wanna see if you can loosen it up a bit?” she said, tilting her head up towards me from the ground. I walked over and knelt down beside her as she flipped over on her belly. I straightened out my hands and began chopping away systematically on her back. Some of the tight muscles started to soften out.

“Make sure you drink plenty of water. Oh, and make sure you use your legs on the haystack toss,” I said as I pounded away on her back. Applejack laughed and turned her head to the side.

“Don’t get too worked up, sugarcube. Jus' remember, it’s all in good fun!”

“I know, I know. I just think you deserve to win cause you work so hard all the time,” I said.

Applejack stood up, turned around, and gave me a loving smile that had more to it then simply gratitude. She knelt down in front of me and looked me in the eye deeply, apparently getting ready to say something. I waited for her words with wide eyes like a little child awaiting some much-sought advice from one of his parents.

“Ah’ know that, sugarcube. An’ ah’ appreciate all of yer support… Jus’ remember, the competition ain’t as important as the friendship.” I paused for a second and lost myself in her divine green eyes, then nodded innocently in understanding. You may not think this is very important advice, but it was to me. I loved and admired her so much, and the words she spoke had so much truth that pertained to me. She leaned in and gently touched her cheek against mine, which made my heart burst. Then she got up and headed for the door, not before playfully rubbing my hair with her hoof.  

“Ah’m gonna go over there now and warm up. Ah’ll look for you in the stands, honey!” she said grinning and grabbing her hat off the wall hook as she trotted out the bedroom. I stood up and happily watched her all the way out of the room. I couldn't wait to go to that rodeo and watch her. Well, I’m not nervous anymore. That was until I remembered what came after the rodeo.