How was your Hearth's Warming, Big Mac?
The holiday spirit was beginning to calm down in Ponyville. Just as before, another Hearth's Warming had come and gone. All of the ponies had enjoyed the feeling and the festivities of the holiday, but it was time to put away the decorations and prepare for the upcoming Winter Wrap Up. Ponies were returning to their jobs, and school was back in session. All that remained of Hearth's Warming was its remaining snow and the fillies playing with their new gifts.
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Ponyville's schoolhouse had reopened and class was back in session. As per every year after Hearth's Warming Break, Cheerilee was having her students discuss their holiday vacations with the rest of the class. Hearing about her students' joyous experiences was one of her favorite things about being a schoolteacher.
"That's wonderful, Snails! I'm sure your slugs will be very happy in their new home. Now, who's up next?" Cheerilee turned to the other side of the classroom. "How was your Hearth's Warming, Apple Bloom?"
"Oh, it was great, Miss Cheerilee!" The young Apple beamed. "My family and Ah spent Hearth's Warming with Pinkie Pie's family. It was a bit rough at first, but they're real nice once ya get to know 'em. We're like family now!"
"How lovely. It sounds like you and your family made some nice new friends."
"Sure did. Ya should see Pinkie's family. There's her parents, and her sisters: Limestone Pie, Maude Pie, and Marble Pie. Limestone is pretty tough, but she's got a soft spot. Maude and Ah were partnered up in a Hearth's Warming game. She's very interesting, and Ah really like her. Marble is real shy, and Ah mean real shy. Ah don't think Ah heard one word from her during the whole trip. Why, she's more quiet than Fluttershy! She got partnered up with Big Macintosh for the game, and they seem to really like each other. They spent all of Hearth's Warming together."
That last comment surprised Cheerilee a bit. "Really now?"
"Eeyup. That's how my family and Ah spent our Hearth's Warming, Miss Cheerilee."
"Thank you for sharing your story with us, Apple Bloom. Now, who wants to go next?" Several little hooves were in the air after she asked. Cheerilee would normally be happy that so many of her students wanted to share their stories with her, and she was. But something was bothering her now; Apple Bloom's story was stuck in her mind. It wasn't bothering her too much. It didn't stop her from enjoying the stories of Sweetie Belle's Manehattan holiday, Scootaloo's snowball fight with Rainbow Dash, or Twist making candy for her family. But it was on her mind.
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Class had been dismissed, and Cheerilee was resting at her home. She had enjoyed spending the day with her students. Apple Bloom's Hearth's Warming story was on her mind the entire time though. Only now that class was over, she thought about it more. She got partnered up with Big Macintosh...They really seem to like each other...They spent all of Hearth's Warming together.Together. That word kept repeating in her mind.
Could Big Mac and her...? She shuddered at the thought. Well, it was Hearth's Warming. Families always spend time together on Hearth's Warming...They are family, right? Cheerilee recalled the moment when Apple Bloom told the class that the Apples might be related to the Pies. Cheerilee was happy to hear Apple Bloom's announcement back then, but now that memory was giving her mixed thoughts and emotions.
Could he really have...? No, he wouldn't have. You're overthinking this, Cheerilee. Big Mac would never do that to you. She kept telling herself that. Cheerilee tried to relax with a cup of her favorite tea, but her fears were getting the better of her. All Apple Bloom said was that they spent Hearth's Warming together. That doesn't mean Big Mac...cheated on you. The thought scared her.
While perhaps they weren't officially together, Cheerilee liked to think that their relationship wasn't one that needed words to be sincere. Ever since the Cutie Mark Crusaders unintentionally poisoned them on that fateful Hearts and Hooves Day, they've spent a lot of time with each other, all without the influence of the love poison. Every memory of them being together was precious to her. In Cheerilee's eyes, Big Macintosh was her special somepony.
The Apples went to spend Hearth's Warming with the Pies as family. Cheerilee repeated. If they went as family, then they celebrated as family and nothing more. *Sip.* But if they're not really related, would that stop him from being with this Marble pony? *Sip.* And just who does this Marble think she is? She thinks she can just trot along and try to steal a mare's coltfriend? Well, if she's been trying anything with mine, Celestia help me!
Thinking over another cup of tea, Cheerilee made a decision. Look, you're not going to get this off your mind. You've got to do something. *Sip.* Maybe I should go talk to somepony. *Sip.* This does sound like something Rarity might have experience with. I'll go talk to her. Maybe she can help me get my head straight.
Drinking the last of her tea, Cheerilee headed for her front door. Half along the way, she stopped. She was frozen, fearing what she would find out if she left. *Sniff* What if he really did...? She stood in place, ready to breakdown in a moment's notice. Now Cheerilee wasn't sure she could make the trip to see Rarity.
The sun was beginning to set outside. It's getting late. Maybe I should just wait until tomorrow. As if Celestia herself decided to intervene, the sunset's light shined through Cheerilee's window and brightened her picture of Big Macintosh. It was the picture she had gotten from that special Hearts and Hooves day. I guess I'm going tonight. She chuckled. Even under all the stress this situation was putting her under, this happening brought some elation to Cheerilee. At the very least, life was apparently giving her some direction on what to do. Cheerilee left her house and made her way to Carousel Boutique.
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*Knock* *Knock*
"Coming!"
Carousel Boutique's door opened, revealing Rarity. "Cheerilee! What a lovely surprise! Please, do come in."
"Thank you, Rarity." Cheerilee entered. "Please forgive me for arriving unannounced at such a late hour."
"Oh, no harm done, darling. It's always nice to see an old friend," Rarity led Cheerilee to her kitchen. "Please have a seat. I'll make some tea."
Cheerilee sat down as Rarity headed to her stove. The unicorn filled her kettle with water and levitated it over the stove. She then turned towards her pantry and levitated a box of cookies and two plates towards the table where the schoolteacher was waiting. Pouring half the box into Cheerilee's plate, Rarity spoke. "The tea will take a few minutes, but I hope these treats will be to your liking. They're some of my favorites."
"You didn't have to do all this, Rarity."
"Think nothing of it. A lady must always treat her guests with the utmost respect, especially to her longtime friends. Please, I insist."
Cheerilee smiled. "Thank you, Rarity," She took a cookie. "Mmm, these are delicious."
"I'm glad you like them," Rarity took a cookie from her own plate. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
The earth pony sighed. "Well Rarity, something's been on my mind all day, and it's starting to worry me. I was hoping you could help me, if you don't mind."
"Oh, I don't mind at all. What is it?"
Cheerilee lowered her head, hesitant to answer. "...It's Big Macintosh..." Rarity gasped. "...Apple Bloom told me that he spent all Hearth's Warming with Pinkie Pie's sister, Marble."
Rarity didn't think her friend came to order a dress, but she certainly wasn't expecting this type of conversation. "Oh my...did anything happen?"
"I don't know, but Apple Bloom said that they really seemed to like each other," Cheerilee looked up towards Rarity. "I'm not sure what to make of it, but it's really starting to eat at me. I'm afraid something really did happen between them. Oh Rarity, what should I do?"
Rarity was feeling a little unprepared. "Well..." The kettle began to whistle. "Please excuse me for a moment." Rather than levitating the kettle or the tea bags to the table, Rarity trotted towards the stove, trying to buy herself time to soak in what she had just been told. Could Big Macintosh really have had a love affair with Pinkie's sister? Poor Cheerilee. I can only imagine what's going through her mind. Oh, what should I tell her?
Silently returning to the table, Rarity prepared the tea and poured a cup for Cheerilee. "I hope you like it. Forgive me if I'm a little quiet. It's not too often I'm asked to help this sort of problem."
"I understand, Rarity. I'm sorry, but I didn't know who else to go to."
"Don't worry. I want to help," *Sip.* "Is there anything else you know?"
"No, that's it. Apple Bloom didn't say anything else." *Sip.*
"I see. Have you talked to Big Mac about it?"
Cheerilee didn't immediately answer. Rather, she sat still, staring blankly into her plate. When she finally did respond, her eyes began to water. "No, I haven't. I'm...too afraid," *Sniff.* "I'm afraid to find out that Big Macintosh cheated on me, or worse, moved on to another mare over a small break. I'm afraid to find out that all it took was a few days for him to find another pony and forget about me. He might not want me anymore and I still love him," The teardrops flowed freely down Cheerilee's face. "I still love him, Rarity. I don't want to lose him."
Rarity felt for her friend. The sight of Cheerilee's current condition was heartbreaking to Rarity. She trotted around the table and hugged Cheerilee. "There, there. Let it out," Cheerilee returned the hug and allowed her emotions to flow. "I admit that I wish I had better advice, but I think the best thing you can do is go and ask him," Rarity looked at her friend eye to eye. "He's the only one that can give you answers."
Collecting herself a bit, Cheerilee responded. "You're right," She broke free from the hug and turned away. "I'll go talk to him."
"Right now? Are you sure?"
"Yes. I doubt I'll get much sleep if I don't find out tonight," Cheerilee turned her head and smiled. "Thank you for the tea and treats, Rarity. They were delicious."
"My pleasure," Rarity followed Cheerilee to the exit. She watched as the earth pony left Carousel Boutique and headed to Sweet Apple Acres. Before Cheerilee went too far, Rarity called out. "Cheerilee!" Cheerilee turned around. "Good luck." The schoolteacher smiled and resumed her journey.
Rarity closed the door and took a deep breath. She felt as if her heart would sink, disappointed that she couldn't do more to help her childhood friend. Celestia, please help her.
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Sweet Apple Acres was in sight. Cheerilee had been very quiet on her way to the farm. She was focused. She wanted to know the truth.
Here we are. Cheerilee stood before the Apples' front door. You came this far. No turning back now. *Knock.* *Knock.*
"Be there in a sec!" A moment passed before Applejack opened the door. "Howdy there, Cheerilee! Didn't 'spect to see ya here tonight."
"I know. I'm sorry for just showing up this late, Applejack, but I came to talk to somepony."
"Big Macintosh or Apple Bloom? Please tell me that little filly ain't got into no trouble in school."
Cheerilee chuckled. "No, she's been doing fine. I came to see Big Macintosh."
"Alrighty. Why don't ya come in and Ah'll get Big Mac?"
"Um, actually," Cheerilee rubbed the back of her head. "I think I want to talk to him out here."
"Oh. Uh, sure," Applejack was a bit surprised, but she didn't think too much of it. "Ah'll be right back."
The door closed, leaving Cheerilee outside by herself. Using the privacy she was given, she took a few deep breaths and mentally prepared herself to face the stallion. She wasn't going to back down now. Cheerilee would not leave until she had answers.
Sure is taking his sweet time. It's late enough as it is. Thank Luna for the full moon.
The door opened. "Sorry fer the wait. He'll be here shortly," Applejack turned her head towards the inside of the house. "Come on, Big Mac! Ya gonna make her wait all night?"
"Nope," The large red stallion appeared. Big Macintosh trotted outside towards Cheerilee.
"Ah'll just leave you two alone."
"Thank you, Applejack."
"No problem, Cheerilee," Applejack disappeared behind the door, leaving Cheerilee alone with Big Macintosh.
Cheerilee looked at the stallion and momentarily forgotten why she came. She couldn't help but smile at the pony she held close to her heart. "Hello, Big Mac."
He smiled. "Hello."
"Are you doing alright?"
"Eeyup."
"Is everything going well on the farm?"
"Eeyup."
Cheerilee lightly kicked the ground beneath. "Any problems at all?"
"Nope."
Cheerilee giggled. "Always the conversationalist, aren't you?"
"Ha, eeyup."
"It's good to see you again," She stepped closer. "I was starting to miss you. You and your family haven't been here all break."
"Nope."
Speaking of break... "How was your Hearth's Warming, Big Mac?"
"Good."
"Did you enjoy spending it with Pinkie Pie and her family?"
"Eeyup."
"Did anything special happen?"
"Eeyup. Plenty. The Pies celebrate Hearth's Warming differently than anypony else."
"How different?"
"'Bout as different as ponies related to Pinkie Pie would."
Cheerilee laughed into her hoof. "I see."
"Eeyup."
Okay, here I go. "So...did you meet anypony interesting?"
"Mmm...nope."
"Really? None of Pinkie's relatives were interesting?"
"Nope."
He's not mentioning her. "Oh. Well...then who's Marble?"
That question caught Big Macintosh off guard. "Um...what?"
"Apple Bloom mentioned that your family and the Pies played a game and that you were paired with Marble."
"Apple Bloom told ya 'bout that? That little filly..."
"Big Mac," Cheerilee firmed her voice. "Who's Marble?"
"It's nothin'," Big Macintosh seemed to be a bit out of sorts. "Sh-she's...Pinkie Pie's sister."
"Is that all?"
"Ee-eeyup," He coughed his answer.
Cheerilee would've been happy to hear that if Big Macintosh wasn't struggling to say it. He isn't speaking right. "Why are you talking like that?"
"Like what?"
"You're stuttering."
Big Macintosh thought quickly. "I don't talk much. That's what happens when I do."
Is he trying to make an excuse? "What's wrong, Big Mac?"
"Nothin' is wrong."
"Then why are you acting like this?"
"Like what?"
"Like this. Are you hiding something?"
"Come on, Cheerilee. I wouldn't hide nothin' from ya."
"Look at me," Big Macintosh didn't respond. "Look. At. Me," He did what she said this time. "Can you look me in the eye, and say you're not hiding something from me?"
The stallion shrugged in annoyance. "Ah can't believe this. Why would you..."
"At my eyes, Big Mac," Cheerilee's voice did not sound forgiving.
Big Macintosh took a deep breath and looked directly into Cheerilee's eyes. "Ah am not hidin' a secret from you." He turned his head.
He looked away. "It sure doesn't sound like you're being honest to me."
"Well, Ah am."
"I don't believe you. Just WHAT are you..." Cheerilee stopped, not wanting to yell and escalate the situation even more. She relaxed herself and spoke again. "Big Macintosh, we've known each other for a long time. We've been friends for a long time. But ever since that Hearts and Hooves Day, you've become something more to me than just a friend. Since then, I've never kept anything from you. Please, would you show me the same respect?"
Big Macintosh turned his head back towards the mare. There was long silence until he finally spoke. "Her name is Marble Pie. She's Pinkie's sister, and we were paired together in one of Pinkie's games. We were just partners in a game, Cheerilee. That's it."
"Really?"
"Really."
Cheerilee shook her head in dissatisfaction. "Then why didn't you just say that when I asked?"
"Ah said it was nothin'."
"That's NOT the same!" Cheerilee closed her eyes in anger. "If that was really it, you would've told me that from the start. Big Mac, WHAT are you hiding from me?"
Big Macintosh stomped his foot. "Ah'm not hidin' nothin'!"
"I wish that was true!"
"It IS true!" Big Macintosh stomped his foreleg. "All Ah did was spend some time with Marble."
Cheerilee glared at the stallion. If looks could kill... Cheerilee spoke again. Though she was not loud, her voice was just as threatening. "And just what kind of time did you spend with her?"
"The type where Ah jus' had some holiday fun with another pony,"
"Define fun."
"Are ya gonna be like this all night?"
"If it's the only way to get some honest answers, yes."
Neither was backing down. Big Macintosh was at a loss for words. He wasn't sure how to approach Cheerilee at this point. He answered all her questions with mostly honest answers.
"Cheerilee," He stepped closer and began to talk in his most sincere voice. "Ah don't know what to say. Ah'm tellin' ya all Ah ever did with Marble was play some bizarre holiday game. Ah understand why hearin' 'bout that might upset ya, but" Big Macintosh grabbed Cheerilee's hoof, causing her to blush. "Ah did not do one other thing with that pony."
There was no response. The ponies stood in silence. Cheerilee stared at the ground for a few moments, thinking. "Promise that's all that happened?"
"Ah promise."
"Well," Cheerilee took her hoof back. "I guess I can believe you then."
Big Macintosh wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Thank Celestia."
"So, what was she like?"
"What?"
"Marble," Cheerilee asked warily. "What's she like?"
Rats. "Well, she's really shy. Doesn't talk much. Didn't really say anythin' while Ah was there."
"Hmm, sounds like you two have a lot in common."
Big Macintosh answered cautiously. "Ah guess so." Am Ah in the clear now?
"Do you like her?"
Of course Ah'm not. "What makes ya say that?"
"Well, you seemed awfully defensive when I brought her up."
"Cheerilee, just how many times do Ah have to tell ya that Ah didn't do anythin' with her?"
"I'm not asking if you did anything with her," She stood in front of him, face firm. "I'm asking if you like her."
"Are ya gonna keep hammerin' me with questions all night?"
There was a pause. Cheerilee looked down at the ground and spoke softly. "So you do like her." *Sniff*
"Ah didn't say that."
Cheerilee shook her head. "You didn't deny it either." A teardrop formed in her eye.
Big Macintosh shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes. "Ah don't know what else to say. Ah can't believe you."
"You can't believe ME?!" Cheerilee snapped. "You're gone for just a few days, find some new pony, and you can't believe me?!"
"Ah keep tellin' ya, we DIDN'T DO ANYTHIN'!"
"But you still LIKE HER!"
"Why in the HAY do you keep sayin' that?!"
"SEE? YOU'RE STILL NOT DENYING IT!"
"Now YOU listen here..."
"WHY DON'T YOU LISTEN AND STOP EVADING THE QUESTION?!"
"STOP YELLIN' AT ME!"
"THEN TELL ME YOU DON'T LIKE HER!"
"AH DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU NOTHIN'!"
"Hmph!" Cheerilee sat down and crossed her forelegs. "That's what I thought! And here I thought you were a stallion!"
"Don't you try that on..."
"I thought you were a pony that was worth my time."
"That ain't gonna work with..."
"But I guess I should've known better than to waste my time on somepony who would hook up with his own cousin!"
That was the last straw. "WOULD YOU GET OFF MY BACK?! WHY DOES SHE EVEN MATTER TO YOU?! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU AND AH WERE EVER REALLY TOGETHER!"
*Gasp*. Silence. They both stood still, wide-eyed.
"Cheerilee, Ah didn't mean..."
*SMACK*
"DON'T TALK TO ME! EVER!" Cheerilee ran away.
"Cheerilee, come back! CHEERILEE!" She didn't turn around. She was gone.
"Big Macintosh?" Applejack came out the door.
"How much did ya hear?"
Applejack walked up to her brother. "Enough. Ya okay?"
Big Macintosh rubbed the new bruise on his cheek. "*Sigh* Nope."
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Nopony was awake to hear Cheerilee running. Though tears fell freely from her face, she was mostly quiet. She just kept running. Her home soon came into view. Once inside, Cheerilee broke down and let it all out. She sobbed, yelled, and cried on the floor. While down, she noticed something illuminating in the dark house. The moonlight was reflecting off her picture of Big Macintosh. Cheerilee ran up towards the picture and smashed it on the ground. She ran to her room and cried herself to sleep.
End.
Author's Note
Cheating is never a good thing. Both partners and their friends are effected.
This story was a little hard for me write. I've had to balance my new schedule (which includes Abstract Algebra of all things) with my free writing time. It took a while to get comfortable.
As far as secondary characters go, Cheerilee is one of my absolute favorites. She's a sweet and kind schoolteacher, and I love that. I really hope the show gives her some more screen time, and I hope that she isn't just thrown aside because of Marble.
I'm currently working on my next story, which will be happier than this one.
Thanks for the read.