From the artist:

Sweetie, slow down! Wait!

But the filly wasnt listening. Sweetie Belle was charging down the pavement, half running and half skipping. If anyone was wondering what had excited her so much, her constand chant of first day of school! was quick to let them know. Rarity was struggling to keep up with her sister, partially due to the childs energy, and partially from her choice of footwear. Heels were evidently not meant for speed.

Sweetie, stop and look where youre going-!

As soon as Rarity said this, Sweetie collided with an orange mare pushing a loaded wooden cart. She bounced off and fell backwards, before sitting up and rubbing her backside. The mare turned around and looked down at her, an easy grin on her lips. She bent down and stretched a hand down to the unicorn.

Yalright there, sugar?

Sweetie took her hand, and the mare pulled her up, swinging Sweetie to her feet, making her giggle. As she dusted her skirt off, Rarity caught up with them.

I am terribly, terribly sorry about that, Miss?

Names Applejack, sugarcube. And yall are?

Oh, how rude of me. I am Rarity, and this is Sweetie Belle. Sweetie, say youre sorry to Miss Applejack.

Sweetie looked away, not meeting Applejacks eyes. Sorry, Miss Applejack

Aint no harm done, honey. She said with a little chuckle. Aint the first time.

Applejack took her cart back up, and starting pushing again, when a yellow filly with a giant pink bow came out of a store and walked over to Applejack, looking disappointed.

They say they aint buyin nothin tday.

She shrugged. Shoot. Ahll have a few words with em later. Come on, dont want ta be late fer Cheer, right Bloom?

But Bloom was staring at Sweetie. Whos that?

Applejack started to make introductions, but Sweetie stepped up. Im Sweetie Belle!

Apple Bloom.

Wanna be friends?

And that was that. Instantly the two fillies started chattering like they had known each other for years. Applejack and Rarity watched them for a little bit, both sharing a little grin.

She yours?

Rarity jumped a little at the question. Applejack was looking at her, that easy smile still shining.

What? Oh, no no, shes my sister.

Same with Bloom. Heh heh, wish Ah was that excited about mah work.

And what is it you do, Miss Applejack?

Just AJ, darlin. Aint no need fer formalities. She hefted the cart over a missing brick in the sidewalk. Ah run the apple stand at the market, least thats what Ahm sposed to do. Farms gotta way of sneakin work on ya.

Farm? Wait, youre not from Sweet Apple Acres, are you?

Applejack nodded One in th same. And ya wouldnt be the clothes maker downtown, are ya?

Well I prefer the term fashion designer, but yes, that would be me. She flipped her hair up and struck a pose with more than a little flourish. Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is chique, unique, and magnifique!

Applejack burst out laughing, nearly tipping the carts contents on the streets. Rarity huffed, her cheeks reddening slightly. Well, I havent quite got it down yet.

Heh, sorry. Ya jus look like one a them mares in the magazines, lookin so serious and all.

Thats rather the hope

Despite their differing philosophies, the rest of the walk was remarkably pleasant. Both of them chatted the rest of the way to the school, saying goodbye to their sisters with a kiss on the cheek and a ruffle on the head. Even after dropping them off, Rarity found herself following Applejack on her delivery – and she certainly didnt seem to mind the company. Rarity was oddly intrigued by the apple farmer. Ever since she had struck out on her own, she had almost made it a rule to associate only with the upper class. They made for the majority of her clients and contacts, after all. And yet, there was something absolutely fascinating about Applejack.

Would you be able to meet for lunch?

Applejack thought for a bit, then looked down at the cart. Macll take over the stand round one. Ya got someplace in mind?

Rarity just smiled. This was going to be a good day.