Sunlight beamed across my face from the window and awoke me. I slowly cracked my eyes open in an attempt to adjust to the familiar brightness of the day. It was a failed attempt and I accepted my small loss. With eyes mostly closed I pivoted in my bed, sat up, and rubbed my hooves across my eyes to try to see better. Once again, it was a failed attempt. I placed my hind hooves on the cold wooden floor. With a forced motivation, I threw myself off of my bed and collected myself.
The sound of the floor creeking under my hooves was enough to drive anypony crazy and I was no exception. My expressionless face became a small frown as I kept trudging across my room to the living room. Upon reaching the living room my blurred vision began to clear and I saw the aftermath of what appeared to be the remains of a party. Cups, balloons, half-eaten plates of apple crumble and chocolate cake, and misplaced furniture lie all around the couch. However, the room and the rest of my home were uninhabited. I tip-toed around the debris and reached the doorway to the kitchen, which was just as hectic as the previous room.
I stroked my mane, took a deep breath, and told myself in a sleepy voice, "Let's just clean this all up and get it over with."
No enthusiasm was apparent as I pulled myself to the cleaning cabinet. Using my muzzle, I slid open the cabinet door and grabbed the trash bags with my teeth. I then turned around, trotted to the living room, set down the other trashbags on the wooden coffee table. I never realized how clumsy I was for I had gotten myself tangled up in a trash bag when I tried to open it. When I escaped the bags grasp I began scooping the plates and trash into the bag while trying to recall the memories of the night before.
I hosted a party in my home to celebrate the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle. When I heard the news of her newest milestone, I felt a party was in order and with Pinkie Pie in Canterlot accompanying Twilight, I had to settle for a self-created party. It was no signature "Pinkie Pie Party", but it was still a party and everypony had fun.
The last cup was picked up and I trotted over to the window. I stopped to shake my mane and it rose in its usual spiked fashion as it always does. I opened up the curtains and glanced out the window to see a nice day, except that there were more clouds than usual, but what more could I expect with Rainbow Dash in Canterlot. The scent from the flowers underneath my window floated into my nose and smile consumed my face. It was a brand new day and a beautiful one at that. It's a shame that I was scheduled to make my deliveries today.
Still in a lively trot, I made my way to my work schedule that was hanging on the pantry door. I followed along with my hoove.
Diamond Blaze:
*Drop off frozen apple products in Canterlot Market
*Pick-up Crystals from Crystal Empire
-Transportation provided by Friendship Express-
I let out a groan, grabbed some cereal, and walked across my living room to the balcony. I sat down and started eating in the coolness of the morning air when the sound of flapping wings distracted me. A grey mare landed feet away from me on the balcony.
"Goodmorning Blaze!" shouted Ditzy as she landed.
"Hey Ditzy! How are you today?" I replied.
Her facial expression changed slightly from a smile to a kind of joking grin and said "I've had better mornings. I had lost my mailbag and have been rushing all morning to deliver everyponie's letters."
"Darn. Well at least you found it!" I said trying to draw a smile from her.
She reached into her mailbag, pulled out a few letters, and dropped them in front of me.
"I better get going," she explained, "I'll see you later Blaze!"
"I'll see you around!" I answered with a smile.
She then turned around, stumbled at bit, and took off into the sky and was out of sight after a few seconds. I picked up the letters only to find notices and memos from the mayor. I rarely got messages from other ponies besides my parents which came every month to check on me. They live in Canterlot in an apartment that they have been content with for many years. They could easily afford better, but my father didn't like spoiling himself. He had owned the delivery service I work for now and had made his small fortune from the business. Now I try to continue his legacy.
I try to visit when I can and with todays agenda, I could easily do so. All I had to do was get ready for the day, and then after my morning routine, I needed to go to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up todays merchandise. From there, I could head to Canterlot for my visit and Drop-off. Then I could head to the Crystal Empire. I had never been to the Crystal Empire and was very excited to see it for the first time.
"Enough stalling" I thought to myself.
I walked to my bathroom, took a bath, and cleaned myself up from the night before. I then walked to my bedstand, grabbed my official courier hat, threw it up and caught it on my head, and headed for the front door. It was time to get back to business.
Young fillies were running along side me and were laughing as they played. Walking through Ponyville was always so peaceful and captivating. The town was filled with life and smiles on a normal basis. Everypony was tending to their booths, gardens, cleaning, and staying busy. The sound of laughter, chatting, and birds chirping filled the small town. It's a wonderful town to live in and the ponies are amazing too. As I walked towards the dirt path on the edge of town, a large shadow was casted over me. I looked to my side to see Big Macintosh pulling an empty cart behind him. I figured he had just made some local deliveries in the market. He is a member of the Apple Family, the main providers for apples in Ponyville and some other parts of Equestria. Anypony who has ever lived in Ponyville knows that Big Macintosh is a stallion of few words.
"Good morning Big Mac," I said looking directly ahead at the path.
I knew the path to Sweet Apple Acres would take a few minutes to travel and I didn't want an awkward silence between Big Mac and I the whole way there. I looked over to him to see him just glance my way and nod. I decided I just needed to try to talk again.
"Did you just come back from a delivery?" I asked.
"Eeyup," he replied still looking ahead at the path.
I looked away at the dirt and tried to think of something to talk about. We had just reached the dirt path on the edge of town and still had quite a way to travel. I didn't know his personal life much and he would never bring it up himself. All I know about his family is that Applejack has helped me load a heavy crate onto a wagon before. She lifted the crate herself when she saw I couldn't do it myself. Needless to say I was embarassed. Without much thought I tried to continue our talk.
"How do you think Applejack is going to handle Twilight's coronation?" I blurted out. I realized the topic was rather sudden and I hoped I hadn't said something wrong.
He took a deep breath and said, "I'm worried 'bout A.J."
I looked his way, noticing the sincerity in his deep voice. "Why is that?" I answered.
Big Mac looked at me. "When Princess Celestia made Twilight into a whatever-you-call-it-icorn, Applejack sounded pretty nervous 'bout it," he explained. "She said she was afraid that Twilight would leave for good and that she would lose one of her best friends," he continued. He was quiet for a few seconds and was obviously thinking about Applejack.
"I'm sure things won't change that much," I replied very unsure of the truth in what I had said.
Looking towards Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, he quietly and simply said, "I hope not."
We were interrputed by the quick patter of small hooves pressing on the ground behind us. Three fillies ran around and between Big Mac and I. They were obviously headed in the same direction as we were.
"Hi Big Mac!" yelled Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle in unison. "Hi, uh, er, Big Mac's friend!" Appleboom quickly followed with a smile.
Sweetie Belle hopped in front of me preventing me from walking. We all stopped.
"Applebloom, this is Diamond Blaze. He helped Rarity move gems from the field to her boutique!"
Applebloom looked me over, "Oh, now ah remember"
Scootaloo jumped on her back suddenly knocking Applebloom to the dirt, "Do you think we could borrow that wagon Big Mac?"
He looked at the young ponies, "What for?" he asked aware of their mischievous ways.
"It's not for anything dangerous, we promise!" squeaked Sweetie Belle.
Big Mac removed the wagon from his back and set down in front of the three. Together they fit the large harness around themselves.
"Thanks Big Brother!" Applebloom exclaimed.
Once again in unison as the three were running away towards Ponyville, they shouted, "Cutie Mark Crusader Taxi Service! Yay!"
Big Mac and I looked back to see the cloud of dirt rise behind the Crusaders as they ran. I heard him sigh and then turn around to keep walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. I trotted to catch up to him. We were silent the rest of the trip to his home. Enough was said between the country pony and myself. I saw the fence enclosure of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance. It was simple, but a joy-creating evironment.
The house was a silhouette in the morning light. The color changing sky in the horizon complimented the outlines of Sweet Apple Acres. Apple trees with empty buckets surrounded the path and indicated the work to be done. Near the entrance to the estate lie a crate I knew was meant for me.
"Well, hello fellas!" shouted a older strained voice. Granny Smith roped herself down from the top of the barn. To this day, I have no idea what she was doing up there. When she reached the ground, she ran up to me, and got within inches of my face. After an awkward five seconds. She smiled and said, "Well howdy Blaze! Ah havn't seen ya 'round here fer a long time!"
I smiled. "It's nice to see you again Granny Smith", I replied. Delighted by her greeting, I took a bow for her. Just then, Winona ran up to and circled the three of us.
The old pony laughed. "Calm yer coat Winona! Ain't Applejack, but a friendly face either way!" hollered Granny Smith.
"So are ya ready to take this here package to Canterlot?"
"Sure am!" I was excited.
She smiled and walked towards the crate. "Maybe you'll see ma' Applejack when ya get ta Canterlot," she said jokingly.
I sensed some seriousness in her statement and recognized the concern that Big Mac and Granny Smith shared. "Maybe I could give her a message for you guys," I blurted.
I realized the weight of the service I just offered. The Apple family has always been very family based and I just offered to be a messenger for their love and care. I also forgot that I probably wouldn't see Applejack at all anyways.
Before I could even react to what I had just said, Granny Smith jumped on the offer. Big Mac's smile showed his relief as he was now more at ease about his sister. "Would ya do that fer us!" exploded Granny Smith. Big Mac shook his head furiously behind her.
I had to play it on, "Of course I will! I'm sure she'd do the same for me!"
"She sure would," agreed Granny Smith in a slow joyful manner.
Big Mac dropped the crate on my back causing me to shake and stumble. I recovered and forced a grin to show that I could handle the cargo. I will admit that the box was really darn heavy and I doubted that I could deliver it, but in the presence of Big Mac, I had to tough it out. I just needed to travel all the way back to the other side of Ponyville. That's where the train station was located. If Big Macintosh can make it look easy, then so can I.
Granny Smith dropped a pouch of bits into my saddlebag. "Just tell Applejack that we miss and love her," said the sincere old pony.
I turned to the dirt path headed back towards ponyville and began walking. I never looked back. I felt that the Apples were expecting me too, but I couldn't. I was too deep in thought about what I had proposed to them about Applejack. The chances of me seeing her in massive city of Canterlot were very small. I still had to visit my parents anyways. I had a lot on my plate, but the only problem was the Applejack dilema. I tried to forget it for the time being while I began the long journey to the train station.
I tried to think of the pro's and con's of the situation. This occurence would allow me to build a stronger relationship with the Apple family. I have never had many close friends in Ponyville and this could be the means to change that. However, if I fail, they may lose some respect and trust in me that could never be repaired, especially because I offered to them in a delicate time.
I continued to drag myself through the dirt path. The sun barely rising in the distance helped to remind me that today would be very long.
