Tellin the Family

Tellin’ the Family

Like Ah said before, Ah really needed to learn to not jinx mahself. After we met up with my Aunt, she decided to put a whole ‘nother thing on my ever growing plate of concerns. It would seem that my grandmother had left a safety deposit box for my ma. When Ah asked what was inside my aunt had no idea, the safe you see was all the way in Fillydelphia.

Still why would my grandmother keep a something like that for my ma? It had been years since she passed.

Auntie Orange only told me what she knew. It seems that after my parents got hitched, Isabel wasted no time in disowning my ma. According to my aunt, a few years down the road she created it. None of the Oranges knew what was in it, all they knew was she would visit that very bank once year. And if that little bit of info hadn't confused me already, it would seem she kept going even after my ma passed.

Thankfully my aunt helped me out, she explained Ah should go ahead and get my life in order. She knew Ah had a bunch on my plate, and the safe wasn't going anywhere. So with that out of the way and a new key in my possession, Twilight and I sat in an awkward silence as we waited for our food.

Twilight had been kind enough to pick a place, since this was Canterlot and all. Ah didn’t really know my way around, but since she grew up here it only made since she would know a good place to eat.

Now normally Ah wouldn't have a problem striking up a conversation, heck there is always something to talk about. Whether it be farming, lessons of friendship or just idle chatter, Ah would have no problem talking. But as Ah sat there fiddling with the key while looking at my new check book, I just couldn't get my mind to settle.

Ah think Ah was a little entitled to be a might bit confused, after all, my whole life just changed in a matter of hours.

Twilight must have been saying my name for a while, seeing as the normally very patient Princess did something drastic. Ah nearly jumped out of my seat when a napkin flew into my face, and Ah could only stare in surprise as my attacker let out a slight giggle. Twilight smiled.

“Sorry about that AJ, but I’m starting to get a little worried about you. You haven't said a word since we left the mansion. I even had to order for you. I know there a lot to take in, but I’m here when you're ready to talk.”

There it was, Twilight to the rescue, Ah couldn't help but laugh, “Ah’m sorry Twilight, Ah guess my head is still trying to make sense of all this.” Twilight only smiled, elevating her napkin back to her side. Ah really was blessed to have a friend like her, she was always looking out for her friends and willing to go above and beyond for us.

Looking back on it, Ah can see why it was so hard to believe she was one of the ones that... Sorry, there Ah go again getting ahead of myself. Where was Ah?

“Though I’m sure it's all you're thinking about, but do you have a plan Applejack?”

No pun intended, but that was the million bit question, wasn’t it? What the heck was Ah going to do now that I was rich? There was so much to think about, Ah’d always been real thrifty, but Ah guess money troubles were things of the past.

Of course Ah did have some ideas, mostly handling the important thing first. “Ah guess the first thing is telling the family, then make plans on how to help the farm.” Twilight must have liked my ideas, seeing that she only smiled. Of course it got a little weird when she refused to say anything, she just kept her eyes on me. It didn’t take me long to realize she was still waiting for me to say more.

“Umm, Ah also guess it’d be a good idea to tell all the girls.” Ah had hoped that was what she was waiting for, but seeing her gaze never wavered, so Ah kinda figured out what she wanted to hear “Listen Twilight, if this is about the safe in Filly, Ah don't really have an answer for it yet. My whole life just got turned upside down. Ah don't think Ah can take any more surprises right now.”

That must have been what she was waiting for, since her gaze softened. Ah guess she was worried Ah wouldn't do anything with the key Ah had. That was one thing that never changed about her, she truly did care about others and even though her judgment might get clouded, Ah don't think she would ever stop caring.

“That's good to hear, I know you have a lot on your plate AJ. I just don't want you doing or not doing something you will wind up regretting.”

Ah really was lucky having such a good friend like Twilight, “Ah totally forgot, thank you so much for your help back there. Ah’ve got to ask, how in the world did you get Celestia to do the whole judge thing?” Even though Twilight was a Princess, the silly mare still got worked up over hearing her mentor’s name. Ah don't quite get why though, not only have we saved Equestria several times, we have also saved both Princesses from certain doom.

Once Twilight finished her little freak out, she finally answered “Well when you came asking for help, I knew that she would want to assist. I sent her all the details about the will, and it was convenient that she was already over seeing the will.” I guess my curiosity must have been very apparent, since Twilight decided to go into much greater detail on how with any huge amount of money, royalty had to oversee it.

After several minutes of explanations, she finally got to the end “So since she can't help us out as much as she wants, she jumped at the chance to use her power to aid you. Plus, now if anything happens that puts any of us on trial she will always be our judge.” Well that was a lot to take in, but that was real nice of the princess to help me out like that

“So Applejack, how do you plan on telling the girls? This is a big change for you and the sooner they know the better.” Ah had already been thinking about that, though Ah still planned on keeping my wealth on the down low, like Ms, Pennyworth suggested. Still I saw no harm in letting my closest friends know about my fortune.

Man would Ah regret those thoughts later down the line.

“Actually Twilight, Ah wanted you to tell Pinkie Pie to meet me a couple of hours after we leave the train. Ah figured my first big buy, would be throwing one heck of a shindig
for you girls. It would also make me feel a bit better seein’ as they’ve always been very giving. Ah couldn't ever give a much as they could, so Ah would help with chores or make them some grub, but Ah just could never really give them anything pricey.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea Applejack. I’m sure Pinkie well be ecstatic at throwing a huge party.” After that me and Twilight just sat and ate, we didn’t really talk much after that, guess she wanted to leave me to my thoughts.

Ah was so deep in my own head Ah almost didn’t notice the train whistle as we approached the station. Like before, Ah’m not going to bore you with the train ride.

So it seems my luck hadn't ran out just yet. Thankfully an over curious little sister of mine was of on some cutie mark mission. Ah’m still so proud of those three, though it got a might bit tiring watching them constantly do the wrong thing to get their cutie mark. But Ah guess it was all for the best in the end, though who would have guessed they would get theirs in helping others find their path? Ah’m gettin off track ain’t Ah?

Since Apple Bloom was nowhere in sight, it gave us grown ups time to talk. So after filling them in, Ah waited for their response. It was kinda funny to see their slack jawed expressions though. “So what do y’all think? Ah know it’s a lot, but now our money troubles our over.”

Like always Granny was first to speak “Well young’n, Ah don't know what to say. Ah’m just happy those stuck up Oranges did something nice for once. As for your offer ah want nothing to do with that money. If you choose to spend it on the farm that’s yur business.”

Ah already knew that would be her response, once you wound up on Granny’s bad side, it was almost impossible to get her forgiveness. Not that granny was stuck up, it took a lot to get on her bad side. Saying your son wasn't good enough for your daughter a sure fire way of getting there. Ignoring me and Applebloom didn’t help matters much either.

Still Ah would respect her, there was only one thing Ah wouldn't let slide “Ah understand granny, but no matter what you say, Ah’m paying for the rest of your medical bills. You may not like where the money is coming from, and frankly Ah don't care, Ah’m going to make sure you’re with us for many a year.”

Now Ah don't argue with her a lot, not over the years we grew to an understanding. Even though she would never say it aloud, Ah had taken over this farm and this family. Ah was not going to budge on this one either, even if Ah had to drag her to the hospital she was getting her treatments. Granny must have accepted this since all she did was excuse herself, mumbling about young ponies not knowing their place. Ah knew she wasn't really mad she was just stubborn. And yes, I know that's calling the kettle black.

Now Ah was left with the wild card, Big Mac sat perfectly still, his gaze never leaving my own. He never budged even after Ah mentioned the bits, he just sat there like a statue. Now most wouldn't be able to tell he was thinking, but Ah could see the gears in his head a-turning. He may have given running the farm to me, but he was always the deep thinker of the family.

Ah couldn't wait for ever, “So what do you think Mac? Ah’m perfectly fine with giving you half the bits.” So just a quick heads up, if there is anything you should ever fear, it should be the moment my brother takes in a big breath of air. It could mean many different things, he may be about to put some pony in their place or he was going to tell you the meaning of life. Somehow Ah knew exactly what was going to come out of the big lug’s mouth.

“Eenope!” That one word never felt so fierce. Even before Ah could protest, he kept going to get his point across. “Listen sis, Ah don’t have a problem with the Oranges. That money though does not belong to us, it’s yours and Apple Bloom’s. Ah want nothing to do with it.” Of course Ah had to be related to the one family who refused any help, and yes, Ah know calling the kettle black again.

Of course Big Mac picked up on my distress, “AJ, Ah know you want to help so here's what you can do. Pay off our loan and fix up the broken tools around the farm and we’ll call it even.” Well that was at least something, of course Ah had already planned on doing all that, but it was still nice to get his blessing. Judging by his look though Ah could tell he had something else to add.

“However, Ah want you to do something for me.” We all had our tells, you know? And when my brother straighten his back, it normally meant Ah would not like hearing what he had to say. He then raised his hooves as a sign he didn’t want to fight. Now Ah\m not aggressive, Ah just get a little defensive when Ah’m told Ah can't handle things.

“Ah want you to hire help, so you can have some time to yourself.” Yep Ah didn’t like that one bit, Ah didn’t need help when we were poor and Ah didn’t need help now. Big Mac didn’t let me speak “Here me out sis, once you pay off our debt we can sell our wares full price to Filthy. Plus with no monthly payments we can put it toward the help. Ah just want you to have a life outside this farm.”

Well that didn’t seem fair at all, “Really, this is coming from the stallion whose whole life revolves around this farm. Don't ya think that's a bit unfair, you put as much effort into this farm as me.” If seeing my brother take in a breath was terrifying, seeing the calm huge stallion turn angry was a whole ‘nother situation.

Ah jumped as his hooves slammed into the table, the raw power in his legs causing the whole table to quake. “Yes, you do work hard here, but Ah don't go off saving the world or fighting in wars. Ever since that castle erupted you have been gone almost once every week. Don't you sit there and lecture me, you know how many times Ah had to carry you home cause you collapsed from exhaustion?"

My ears fell flat, he had me there. Ah didn’t just have the farm to deal with. Heck it took Rarity months just to get an hour of my time. “You're right, Ah just don't want want to put all the work on you.”

Big Mac’s face softened, as he got up to pull me into a hug. That embrace made me smile “You won't be putting more work on my shoulders. You will just be giving your chores to some others. You need some time to yourself, heck even Ah have a mare friend. You don't even have time to see your friends, let alone date. So please do this for me, give yourself a little break.” Of course he was right, he normally was. Ah guess it wouldn't hurt to give myself some free time.

After the meeting we went our separate way, and in a few hours Ah heard a very familiar musical tapping on my door. Thankfully, Apple Bloom still hadn’t returned home, and while it wasn’t like Ah was avoiding her., after all Ah love that little filly, it’s just that telling her we’re rich was going to be a chore in itself. Then telling her Ah wanted to keep it between friends and family was going to be just as hard. After everything Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had put her through, she was likely to go bragging about being rich now.

Still, Ah’m getting ahead of myself, one hurdle at a time. Ah prepared myself for the storm that was about to be unleashed from my door. Ah had no time to react as Pinkie Pie tackled me to the ground, the moment the door opened. “ I hear you want to throw a party! Oh, oh, is it someone's birthday? Wait that can't be it I would know. Wait it’s somepony anniversary or an Apple family thing. Maybe it’s an I finally realized my whole life is a cartoon for little girls party!?”

Ah didn’t manage to quite catch all that. Ah’m sure she said some strange things, but that's Pinkie for you. Still, it did manage to bring a smile to my face, she always did have a way to lighten the mood. “No Pinkie Pie, it’s none of those things, Ah just wanted to throw a party for you an’ the girls. And let you girls in on a secret.” Ah guess secret was the word that set her off, as Ah was pulled from the ground into a bone crushing hug.

“Oh my gosh, it's a I’m engaged and want to ask you all to be my bridesmaid party.” Ah had to blush at that, though Ah shook my head as Ah pulled myself away from her death grip.

“No Pinkie that is not it, but Ah will only tell you when Ah tell the others. Now on to the party. Ah don’t want you to spare a thing, go all out. It’s about time Ah treat you girls to something not apple related.” The moment the words left my mouth, the tiniest signs of doubt showed on the party mare. You wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't been friends with her as long as I have, it was just a tiny sign, just a small hint she was worried.

“Are you sure you want the whole package? It’s a little umm... pricey” And there it was, I had to give her credit it was good to see her being honest. Ah’ve known for a while that the girls had always helped me out in their own ways. Even going as far as to buy extra produce just to help us out. That was all going to be behind me now though.

“Yes Pinkie Ah’m sure, Ah can pay for it all don’t you fret none. Plus Ah don't want you using any discounts, Ah know you make commision off these parties, Ah want to do this for all of you. So go all out, Ah will even pay you up front if you want.”

When you know a pony for so long it was easy to tell they were uncomfortable, all my friends were like that. Always wanting to put their friends needs above their own. Even after everything that happened, Ah could still say Pinkie Pie was a great friend.

“Okie dokie lokie, I will go get everything prepared. What day do you want it?” Just like that Pinkie Pie stopped over thinking and went to being her normal self. Now that I was going to tell my friends, life was going to start being simple and easy.

Yeah and Ah’m just as likely to offer my hoof in marriage to Discord.

Author's Note

I am sorry for the wait life got in the way I'm back and stronger than ever so please, enjoy a very late update my bad

a big shout out to my editor Javarod