Chapter 5: Back to Normal?

Applebloom woke up to the smell of Big Mac's cooking and the feeling of the sun on her face. Today was going to be a big step for her, considering she was finally going back to school, and as such she had to wake up extremely early so she could get there in time. As she stumbled down the stairs, using a new handrail as well as the old one to help guide herself, she thought about the last time she had even been to school. From what she could remember it was Cheerilee letting them all out on break, so they played games in most of the classes so there wasn't anything that they'd have to remember over the break. It  was then when Applebloom found out she had the best aim of the class, managing to toss her horseshoes right onto the post almost every single time she went up. Applebloom let out a tired and sad sigh as she remembered managing to impress the two bullies of the school, who had always overshot when they had gone up, the looks on their faces were priceless.

"Applebloom is that you?" Applejack asked from the kitchen, having heard the loud sigh.

"Yeah, it's me" Applebloom said flatly, her day seeming like it was going to suck despite only being awake for five minutes. Before Applebloom could say anything else Applejack was at her side and was guiding her into the kitchen so she could eat. Even though she was blind Applebloom didn't like that everypony always babied her. Wherever she went the older ponies would try to help her and do everything for her. At one point a stranger helped her order her food at Sugar Cube Corner, and ended up getting her the completely wrong thing, but she had to eat it anyways.

"Applebloom, your foods in front of you right now" Big Mac said as he put the plate down with a clink, making Applebloom wish she could roll her eyes at him. This had been her life for almost two months now, ever since she was released from the hospital. She would have gone to school sooner, but Big Mac was afraid she would hurt herself, so he made her stay home another month. Applebloom decided to forget about it though and eat her breakfast, Big Mac's cooking usually had this effect on her.

"This is good!" Applebloom said after she swallowed the first bite of food, it's rich flavors making her immediately forget everything she was angry and upset about. Big Mac laughed as he plated his and Applejack's breakfast, sitting down next to her once he was done.

"Thanks, I made sure to make it your favorite this morning" Big Mac said as he starting eat his own breakfast, happily humming as he swallowed his first bite. After she finished her breakfast Big Mac took her plate and put it in the sink and then moved to tie her ribbon onto her mane, which he did expertly. Once that was done he picked up Applebloom's school bags and the two of them headed out the door, saying goodbye to Applejack and Granny.

"Ready for your first day back to school Applebloom?" Big Mac asked as they left the farm, moving around so her bag would sit comfortably on her back.

"I guess" Applebloom said slowly, fears about her first day back coming to the front of her mind. Among them were fears of the other students making fun of her because she was blind, and of falling way behind in school because she couldn't see anything. She lowered her head sadly, accidentally catching her ribbon on a low hanging branch.

"Ah!" Applebloom said quickly as she was pulled back, landing hard on her flank. After Big Mac got her unhooked from the branch they continued on their way to school, her fall not going unnoticed. When they got up to the school Big Mac gave her a hug goodbye and nodded at Cheerilee, who he had an agreement with that she would take Applebloom home after school if he didn't show up. Once he was far away two fillies Applebloom had the pleasure of not seeing, but the unfortunate ability to hear, showed up.

"So, looks like the blank flank is back" Diamond Tiara said with a laugh, "and it looks like she forgot how to walk" Applebloom frowned but stayed silent, closing her eyes as though that would help her block out their voices. The two of them laughed evilly and pressed forwards again, now right in her face.

"Did she forget how to talk too?" Silver Spoon asked mockingly.

"No!" Applebloom said quickly, turning her head away as she felt their harsh stares on her face. While she looked away she heard somepony rummage through her school bag, a loud crinkly noise coming from it as whoever it was pulled out a bag that Big Mac had put in there.

"For Applebloom" Diamond Tiara read out in a mock voice, making fun of Big Mac's slow drawl, "I know you can't read this, so I'm hoping one of your friends is, but the lunch in here is for you. It's your favorite. Love you, Big Mac"

"Wow, what's in there?" Silver Spoon asked as she trotted over to the bag, ripping it open with her hooves, "Ew apple fritters!"

"And a rose leaf sandwich!" Diamond Tiara giggled happily, a crunching sound coming as she took a bite from the sandwich, "Oh, I wish she could see me eating this, I must look as amazing as this thing tastes!" Unfortunately for Diamond Tiara she said the last sentence too loud and got Cheerilee's attention, and was quickly caught before she could eat anymore of the sandwich. Both her and Silver Spoon were sent home for the day and Cheerilee offered to cut the sandwich for Applebloom so she didn't have to bite where Diamond Tiara did, but she refused. In her mind the sandwich had already been eaten, and she would never get to taste it, much like the fritters that Silver Spoon had crushed on the ground.

For the rest of the day Applebloom stayed quiet and depressed, not even Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle's best efforts could cheer her up. Her day had one high point, and that was the breakfast Big Mac had made, and that was it for her. Once she got home, escorted by Cheerilee because Big Mac was preoccupied by an escaped pig, Applebloom went up to her room, put her head in her pillow, and cried.