You're Still the One I'm After (all these years)

chapter 4: where the apple lies

7 years ago

"Hey, young lady! Are you getting in or what?"

Applejack hadn't realize she'd spaced out at the bus stop she was standing at until the bus was right there in front of her.

She wasn't a big public transport type of girl, but Manhattan was nothing like Parisville. The streets were always crowded with people staring down at their phones or having a conversation, and everyone just moved way too fast for a country gal like her. Literally anyone else would be a better fit for this city, but as fate would have it- she was here instead.

"Sorry sir!" Applejack exclaims, hurrying onto the bus and finding a seat that was somewhere between the very back, and the middle. It's then where she takes the time to check her phone for the first time since she'd left town. She'd avoided the device because she knew exactly what it would look like once she unlocked it.

dozens of missed calls from friends and family.

even more messages and voicemails.

Applejack doesn't dare read any of them. Once she saves up enough money, she'd get a new phone. She decided that it was better to just cut off connections to anyone in Parisville instead of explaining to each and every one of them why she really left.

Plus, she didn't want any of them following her here. That's why she chose Manhattan (other than because of her relatives), because it was the last place she'd ever go.

It doesn't take long for the bus to make it to the stop closest to her aunt and uncle's house, and she thanks the driver before getting off.

Applejack knocks on the front door three times, gripping tightly the duffle bag in her hand that only held enough clothes for about a week, but that was fine- she'd buy new clothes that fit in with the city people. There was no way she could stay in her flannel and tattered jeans while everyone else was in suits and dresses.

When the door opens it's her aunt standing there, looking (rightfully) surprised as her eyes move from her face to the bag in her hand.

"Applejack? What are you doing here?"

"I'm movin' here- to Manhattan," the blonde explains, shifting her weight and clearing her throat before continuing. "I can enroll myself into high school for my last year, I just need a place to stay while I get some money. I promise I won't be a bother-"

"Oh nonsense!" Aunt Orange exclaims, waving her words off and ushering the younger girl into the house, "No need to explain any further. You can stay here for as long as you'd like."

"Really? You and Uncle Orange don't mind me stayin' here?"

"Of course not! You're family, Applejack," her aunt smiles, and the blonde graciously returns it. "We have a few spare bedrooms anyway, and I could use the company when your uncle is away on his business trips."

And alas, it started.

Applejack enrolled into Trinity High School that next week, just in time for the new school year. The only problem was that Trinity High was a private school- which meant skirts, blazers, and knee high socks.

The blonde didn't have the right to complain- Aunt Orange had insisted on paying the tuition, and all Applejack had to do was do well at the school.

The first day was.. definitely something.

She'd shown up to her first class in the most uncomfortable uniform ever. She'd also been late trying to find the right classroom, which resulted in the whole class stopping their conversations to turn and look at her with curious expressions.