When we arrived back at the barn (it was nearly 9:30) we noticed that all of my family was there.
"Rainbow!"
...and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They ran up to us and started hugging us.
"Applejack, I'm so sorry about Rainbow having to leave." Applebloom said, a tear leaking out of her eyes.
"Thanks, sugarcube!" I said, hugging my little sister close.
"Howdy, Applejack! We came to keep you company while your dear Rainbow is away!" Granny Smith said, smiling.
"Long time, no see, Sis!" Big Mac said, smiling and giving her a hug.
"He talks!" Rainbow gasped, jokingly.
"Hush up." Big Mac laughed.
"Thank ya'll!" I shouted.
Rainbow laughed, happy to see that I was feeling better.
"How about I get ya'll set up in the barn!" I said, talking to my family. We quickly helped set up, and said goodnight, then went into our room. I sat on the bed.
"Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
She walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out a book. "This is my diary. I'm leaving it with you to have when you miss me." She gave it to me.
"Rainbow, are you sure? This is your diary-"
"Applejack, I want you to read it. I love you."
"I love you too..." I said quietly, touched that Rainbow wanted me to read her personal diary. I put it down and embraced her.
I wondered what Rainbow had to write about.
As if she was reading my mind, she whispered in my ear, "no, I didn't write about how great I am... At least not a lot." She giggled. "Anyway, you already knew that!"
I kissed her lightly. "Now, sugarcube..."
She sighed. "There are some things in the diary which will explain a lot... Why I was acting a certain way, etc. You will understand when you read it."
"Are you worried about some of my reactions?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes... For a few things..." she said, laughing at my expression.
"Like?" I prompted.
"Well, there is this one entry... I talk about another one of our friends... But that was a long time ago!"
I sighed. I could pretty much figure out who she was talking about.
"Fluttershy?"
Her jaw dropped. "H-how did you know?"
"Well it was obvious. And of course, I was jealous."
She frowned. "Is that why you didn't talk to me for such a long time, and gave me the idea that I offended you?"
"Yeah... I didn't lie, though! I said that I was upset because one of my family members was interested in someone who I didn't think fit her." I smiled at her. "Even though we weren't married yet, you and the elements were always family to me."
She returned the smile. "I felt the same."
I sighed, knowing that tomorrow would be different.
"Applejack, I love you. One thing I promised you when I married you was to always be the best wife I could be... Leaving for war doesn't exactly fit into that category." She hugged me.
I hugged her back.
"One thing that surprises me... You aren't acting all upset that I'm leaving..." She frowned at me.
"You will see that in the morning." I said. I looked at the time. It was 10:00.
"Rainbow, we should probably sleep now. You have a big day tomorrow."
She nodded and climbed into bed, watching me as I did the same.
"You are extremely beautiful, Applejack." she said, wrapping a wing around me lovingly.
I turned to face her. "What brought this on?" I saw the glint of love in her eyes.
She jokingly pretended she was hurt. "Can't I tell my own wife that she is beautiful?"
I giggled and shoved her playfully. "Yes, you can..."
She kissed me again. "We should sleep."
I snuggled in closer to her and fell asleep.