Applejack walked into the living room and took one last gaze around. Everywhere she looked she saw signs of the holidays. Festive pillows and throws decorated the couches and chairs. On the coffee table sat bowls, once overflowing, now only containing cookie crumbs or a few assorted bits of candy. Red and green bows tied back the drapes. Beneath the window, upon a cabinet, sat an antique unification set. A dozen figurines of the three tribes gathered together in harmony, with three windigoes fleeing the warmth of pony friendship. In the corner of the living room stood a small flagpole with the Equestrian flag, keeping watch over scattered bits of colorful wrapping paper. On the mantle sat four crocheted dolls. Applejack walked over and longingly gazed at them. They seemed so lonely without the other six dolls that had so recently kept them company.
Applejack turned her attention to the task at hoof. Time to clean up and get the house in order. Most ponies preferred to keep the decorations up through the end of the holiday season, or maybe a few weeks into the new year. She had even heard of ponies, too lazy to get off their flanks, putting away Hearth’s Warming decorations just before the Summer Sun Celebration. But Applejack didn’t see much point in waiting. The sooner she got the decorations put away, the sooner she could get on to important farm work. She had spent several hours that morning storing the outside decorations in the barn. Now was the time for the inside.
Applejack picked up the bowls and carried them into the kitchen for washing before returning with two empty boxes. Carefully she refolded the throws and placed them into the first box until it was full. Gathering the pillows, she packed the second. She left and returned with several other boxes. The first was an old cardboard box, it’s bright packaging long since faded. Applejack gently wrapped the figurines in tissue paper before placing them into their individual slots in the box. Soon the box was filled with fifteen figurines and the few other pieces that completed the set. Next she rolled up the flag and took down the flagpole. With the last box, she took down the bows. Finally she walked over to the mantle. Applejack placed three crochet dolls into the box. She picked up the fourth, a yellow doll with a red mane....
Sitting her Hearth’s Warming doll on the mantle, a large smile broke out on Applejack’s face. “All done mama!”
“Not quite Applejack.”
“The box is empty.”
“This is a new one.” She passed Applejack a yellow doll with a red mane.
“Mama, is this for Apple Bloom?”
“Sho’ is sugarcube,” she said, smiling down at her daughter....
Snapping back to the present, Applejack lovingly placed the final doll into the box. She glanced around and the living room seemed so – plain. The room looked as it usually did – simple and straightforward. But it was also empty and quiet. Just a few days ago the room was filled with ten ponies, sharing Hearth’s Warming, exchanging gifts, and singing a few rock-themed carols. But now Applejack was all alone in the big empty farmhouse. Letting out an uncharacteristic sigh, Applejack placed the two largest boxes on her back and headed to the attic. The stairs groaned under the weight of the pony with her load. Applejack walked down the second-floor hallway. Reaching the attic ladder, she grabbed the drawstring and began to pull –
Thunk!
“What the hay?” she complained, rubbing where she had been hit in the head. Looking down, a small wrapped packaged lay on the floor. Picking it up, she glanced at the tag:
To Applejack
From Pinkie Pie
Applejack chuckled. Seems this was one of the Hearth’s Warming presents Pinkie Pie had hidden. How many others were out there? Applejack ripped off the wrapping, and looked down at a small picture frame. The photograph was the one taken at Goldie Delicious’s house after one of the... best?... worst?... most memorable family road/boat trips ever. Flipping it over, Applejack read:
To Applejack – Best cousin ever! Happy Hearth’s Warming!
Pinkie Pie
Applejack smiled and felt a deep warmth inside. She was so lucky to have a fourth cousin twice-removed in Pinkie Pie. Or was she? Regardless of whether or not they were blood relatives, Pinkie Pie was certainly family. She was an apple to the core.
Walking into her bedroom, Applejack carefully placed the photo on her nightstand. She returned to the ladder and carried the first box into the attic. She placed it in the far corner of the attic all by itself. She repeated the process until all the inside decorations were stowed away. They sat in their segregated pile ready for next Hearth’s Warming. There would be no repeat of searching the entire attic for the Hearth’s Warming decorations. But didn’t she make that vow every year? And didn’t every year the family wound up digging around the whole attic looking for the same boxes? Well not anymore, Applejack swore.
Stowing the attic ladder, Applejack let out a satisfied sigh. Everything put away. Everything in a place easy to find next year. Still plenty of time to get some farm chores done –
Knock! Knock!
Who could that be? Applejack trotted down the stairs to the first floor and opened the front door. “Howdy Pinkie Pie. What brings you over – buck!”
“What’s a matter Applejack?” asked the Pinkie with concern in her voice.
“Ah just spent the last four hours puttin’ all the decorations away, now look what Ah found!” Applejack pointed to the Hearth’s Warming wreath hanging on the front door. “Ah should have known Ah’da miss somethin’.”
“That’s okay Applejack. You can turn it into a treasure hunt. Except you won’t be looking for treasure but holiday decorations.”
Applejack chuckled. Pinkie Pie was the only one who could turn anything into a game. Well, maybe Cheese Sandwich, but Applejack didn’t know him that well. Speaking of Cheese Sandwich, where did he go?
“I came over here to give you this.” Pinkie presented a white envelope. There was a sad undertone that gave Applejack pause. She took the envelope and removed the card. It read:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Pinkie Pie’s New Year Eve’s Bash will be cancelled.
A confused Applejack looked up at Pinkie Pie. “What’s the hay is goin’ on?”
“Well...” began Pinkie hesitantly. “Twilight got called off to Canterlot to meet with Princess Celestia. She took Starlight and Spike with her. And... well, would you want somepony holding a party in your house if you aren’t there?”
“Did ya try moving it?”
“Yeah, but Sugarcube Corner and Town Hall are booked for other events. There isn’t anyplace else in town big enough to hold everypony.”
“Well, could ya cut down the number of folks attendin’?”
“You mean choose which ponies I like more than others?” Pinkie questioned, a look of unbelieving disgust on her face.
“Uh, yeah?” Applejack responded sheepishly, raising an eyebrow.
“I couldn’t do that! How could I uninvite somepony, telling them that they’re not as good of friend as another? That would be just awful!”
“Ah see your point.”
“I will cancel it this year.” She looked down at the floor, a look of glum on her face. “First time in fourteen years I won’t be holding a New Year’s Eve party.”
“Ah’m sorry sugarcube. Ah know how much the party meant to ya,” Applejack comfortingly replied.
“Well, it will give me time to plan next year’s party. And this time I will have a Plan B.” Pinkie smiled, though Applejack could tell it was forced.
Thinking for a moment, she replied, “How’s about you come over for supper? Ah’m all by myself.”
“You are? What about Apple Bloom?”
“Well, Ah pushed her to go to Manehattan. Figured she could spend some quality time with her big brother while Granny Smith is visitin’ Aunt and Uncle Orange.”
“That sounds like fun,” said Pinkie, her demeanor brightening a little.
“Yeah. What happened at the Sisterhooves Social got me figurin’ they need to spend some more time together.”
“Is – uh – Big Mac going to be wearing a dress this time?”
Applejack shot Pinkie Pie an angry glare that made the pink mare flinch. “That was just for the Social. Ain’t nothin’ more to it than that. Wish folks would quit jumpin’ to conclusions.” She really wished folks would forget about that incident. Pretty embarrassing for the family, especially since they were the ones hosting it. But no matter how frustrated or shameful she got, she had to admire the lengths to which Big Mac went to help Apple Bloom. That showed how much love was found in the Apple family and the depths of devotion her big brother harbored.
“Okay, sorry, sorry.” Pinkie thought for a moment. “You know, Fluttershy is all alone too. Should we invite her?”
“That’s a right fine idea. Let’s go ask her. Give me a minute though.” Grabbing the wreath by the mouth, she carried it upstairs, lowered the attic ladder, stowed the wreath away, raised the ladder, and trotted down the stairs, all the while trying to get the taste of pine needles out of her mouth. Applejack grabbed her denim jacket before stepping out into the cold. “Now all the decorations are away! Let’s head on over.”
“Yep,” said Pinkie, giggling.
“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, nothing.”
The two ponies trotted down the path that led to the road. Behind them stood the big farmhouse. In one of the windows hung a sign that read Happy Hearth’s Warming!
~~~
About half-an-hour latter the two ponies approached their destination. The closer they got, the greater the density of birdhouses in the trees along the road. Finally, just off the country lane, stood a small secluded cottage. It’s turf roof provided excellent insulation for it was completely covered in a heavy white blanket of snow, crisscrossed by little animal tracks. Thick icicles hung from the edges of the roof. The windows remained free of fog and a small, wispy black smoke rose from the chimney.
The two ponies began walking up to the cottage. There were no pony tracks in the fresh snow – Fluttershy must have been hunkering down from the latest round of winter weather. As they crossed the small arch over the little brook, Applejack noticed it covered in a layer of ice. Still the stream flowed underneath. Applejack also realized just how... weird?... creepy?... depressing Fluttershy’s home seemed. Normally fresh flowers bloomed around the yard where bunnies playfully romped while birds sang happily in the trees. But there were no flowers. Or bunnies. Or birds. The air was cold and quiet, with only the sound of hooves crunching the snow and a gentle whisper of the wind that broke the silence.
Reaching the front door, Applejack knocked several times. The two waited in the cold air until they heard the door unlocking and the knob turning. The door opened slowly to reveal a yellow pegasus with a long pink mane. “Applejack? Pinkie Pie?” the timid mare greeted, in a surprised voice.
“Howdy Fluttershy.”
“Hiya!”
“Oh hello. It’s cold outside. Do come in, though please be quiet.”
Pinkie Pie stepped inside. Applejack followed, gently closing the door behind her. Applejack was surprised to see just how... lifeless it was on the inside... no birds... no squirrels... no mice. There was not an animal to be found, save a small white rabbit curled up on the couch.
“I just put on a fresh pot of tea,” said Fluttershy in a hushed voice. “Would you like some?”
“Yep!” replied Pinkie Pie.
“Thank ya kindly,” said Applejack.
Fluttershy disappeared into the kitchen, leaving the two earth ponies alone in the near-deserted living room. They took seats near the couch. Applejack felt something strange, counted to ten, then hearing nothing, looked at Pinkie. She could tell that her cousin was stressed. Calm and quiet were two words nopony ever used to describe Pinkie Pie.
After several minutes Fluttershy emerged from the kitchen carrying a laden tray. She placed it down on the coffee table and passed each pony their tea. She then sat on the couch next to the rabbit. Applejack reached over and placed two sugar cubes into her tea. She noticed that Pinkie Pie loaded her’s up with five sugars, a large dab of honey and a generous pour of milk. Boy she sure had a sweet tooth! Fluttershy sat contently patting the white rabbit at her side, taking an occasional sip of her tea.
Finally Applejack broke the silence. “So where are all them critters?”
“Yeah, your house is a lot more fun when they’re out here playing.”
“I’m afraid they’re all hibernating, save Angel here. He’s trying so hard to make it through winter to keep me company.”
At the sound of his name, the rabbit opened his eyes and let out a large yawn. He looked over at the two other ponies sitting around the coffee table. Disinterested, he stretched for a moment, then let out another yawn. He moved over to rest his head on Fluttershy’s leg before finally closing his eyes again.
Fluttershy looked down at the rabbit and smiled. Turning to her guests, she asked “So what brings you two here?”
“We wanted to invite you to dinner,” said Pinkie Pie.
“Oh, I thought you’d be busy getting ready for your New Year Eve’s party tomorrow night,” Fluttershy wondered.
“Yeah, about that,” said Pinkie Pie, an awkward look upon her face. “I’m actually cancelling it.”
“Oh no!” said Fluttershy in a slightly louder voice. Angel shifted next to her. Fluttershy lowered her voice before asking, “Why?”
“Twilight got called to Canterlot and took Spike and Starlight with her. I just couldn’t hold it in her castle when they weren’t there.” She let out a sigh. “And there’s nowhere else in town big enough to hold the party, and I can’t disinvite some ponies, so I’m cancelling it for this year.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. You always throw the best parties.”
“There’s always next year,” said Pinkie Pie, putting on a brave face. “When I went to tell Applejack the news, she invited me to dinner tonight.”
“Yeah, seein’ as Pinkie Pie is all alone, and Ah’m all alone, it made sense to have dinner. Then Pinkie suggested we invite you.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” Fluttershy paused for a moment of consideration. “I was planning on just staying in, to be here if any of my little friends woke up and needed something. But I suppose I could slip away for a few hours.”
“That’s great!” said Pinkie Pie.
Sounds could be heard from coming from some of the holes in the wall. Meanwhile, Angel opened his eyes and gave Pinkie Pie his own version of The Stare.
“Pinkie, please be quiet,” admonished Fluttershy. “We don’t want to wake anyone up in the middle of their hibernation.”
“I’m sorry,” said Pinkie in a loud whisper.
“Well if’n ya need any help during Winter Wrap Up, Ah’m sure Pinkie could help you rouse them critters.”
“We’ll see what Twilight has planned,” responded Fluttershy. “So Applejack, what time should I show up?”
“Would five o’clock be good?”
“Oh yes. That gives me plenty of time to check on my animal friends before I leave. Should I bring anything?”
“Nah, I think we’ll have plenty,” replied Applejack. She took one final sip of her tea.
“Well that sounds awfully nice.” Fluttershy gave a small smile, tilting her head and closing her eyes.
“It’ll be fun,” said Pinkie Pie, still using her loud whisper.
“Thank ya for the tea, Ah gotta git home,” said Applejack.
“So soon?” asked a surprised Fluttershy.
“ ’Fraid so. Ah need to get some chores done before Ah start fixin’ supper.” Applejack rose from her chair.
“And I need to go let everypony know I’m cancelling the party,” said Pinkie Pie. She finished off her tea with a large gulp before getting up. How she could gulp that much hot tea without any problems was a mystery to the other mares.
“Oh, okay,” said Fluttershy as she gently moved Angel before getting up.
The three ponies moved to the front door. “I’ll see you two tonight,” said Fluttershy.
Applejack, opening the door, said “See ya tonight.”
“Bye-ee,” said Pinkie as she steppped outside.
“Goodbye,” said Fluttershy. She gave a quick wave before gently closing the door against the cold winter air.
~~~
Applejack walked up the path that led to her home. A gust of wind blew, whipping up the snow. Holding her beloved hat to her head, she trudged onwards. Finally, the wind died down and she could pause to admire the farmhouse, recently cleared of decorations. “Buck!”
Author's Note
So, this is the third story of a trio I'm publishing at the end of this year. The first was Merry Christmas!!! which I published on December 24th. The second was Big Mac Speaks His Mind which I published on December 25th. This story, if you couldn't tell, is meant to tie in with New Year's. I had hoped to publish the second and final chapter tomorrow, but due to workload with my job and my desire to write a top-notch story, I'll be publishing it early next year. Keep an eye out for it.
Happy New Year's everyone!!!
Dreadnought
