Regrets

Well howdy there. Name is Apple Jack and one of the heads of Sweet Apple Acres. My business and farm is pretty well known in Ponyville and other parts but that's where I do most of my selling. Oh. Sorry there that's not the point of this story. Though can I offer you an apple?

No? Not even one? Well I guess not every pony is in the mood for an apple.

So to start my side of the story off. Pretty much for the past couple of weeks I've been busy with the usual load around the farm. Pinkie Pie came over to deliver a memo about an anniversary. Well how doody that's just swell. That reminded me it was the exact time when we all came together as a team to defeat Nightmare Moon and became friends. Oh how I cherished those earlier times. Why did I just mention that? Well. I have to be honest.

Lately the friendship between us hasn't been on the best track as of lately. My farm needs all the attention it can get. Pinkie Pie just told me that she's finally going into the clubbing business with some graduate from some academy, I dunno I wasn't paying attention. Rarity again was making a load of dresses. Fluttershy had taken up an interest in sea animals I heard. Twilight, yet again has locked herself up in that old library of hers. All sounds good and normal right?

Wrong. The focus is supposed to be on Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. I won't shed on the details but lately Twilight has been acting a bit peculiar these past few days. Pinkie Pie, well she's Pinkie Pie. Girl can't quite take "no" for an answer which resulted in the bad part of what I'm going to tell you. I'm sure you already knew that Twilight punched Pinkie in the head, was a pretty bad wallop where our party girl bleed and cried.

I didn't have much interaction I admit. I was too busy working on my farm to even care what was going on anymore. Just then Pinkie Pie came over again asking if she knew of any old buildings she could build so she can convert it into her club. I took a minute to think about this. The buildings I knew about where out of Ponyville limits anyway and Pinkie Pie was a loud pony. I suggested looking at the old Benson manor just out of town. She hopped off happily as usual. That reminded me, I had to get a gift for the anniversary coming up. I went into town and found a neat little shop that made pottery. I talked with the owner and he suggested making water jugs using shapes. I told him to shape them into apples and he kindly took my order. I placed an order for six apple jugs with specific colors.

I left and went back to work. Boy was this work killing me. Between the next few days I was invited to Pinkie Pie's new place where she bought. Indeed she and her partner Cry...Cry I forget her name honestly. The two bought the building because it was abandoned and sort of added that creepiness factor to it. Hoped they got all the bugs and rats out of the place. They laid down the floor plan of what they wanted this creepy old manor to be. Crystal, I think her name was listing off possible ideas and I had to admit some of them sounded pretty neat. What caught my attention is when Fluttershy asked what a kiosk was and the answer was just like a regular stand like mine. Pretty neat I admit. But what gives me a weird feeling is what on tarnation does this have to do with a club? Or is this supposed to be a party planning business? I don't know. They kept throwing out suggestions and I went along with it.

I went back to the farm and continued working bucking apples from the tree. Nothing really extravagant. Pinkie Pie would eventually come over again to announce that she came up some great big idea. She's been taking party requests and decided to hold them all on the same day and in to be the center of town. I was bewildered at the thought. Pinkie can pull off big parties but there are times when she goes a little too far as some can go on all night. Think I recall some pony calling the police on her one time for a noise complaint. So Pinkie explained that she and the Crystal pony ordered a lot of things to pull off the biggest party ever in Ponyville and asked if I could help. Now what friend would I be if I didn't? She requested us to build pens for Fluttershy's animals and also move tables, chairs along with setting up other things. Sounded alright. I checked in with Big Mac along with his friends if they could help. Big Mac, the big lug would help out anyone including his friends.

Over the week Pinkie started getting the stuff she ordered. I'll admit, it was a tall order. She ordered tents. Tables. Chairs. Coolers. You know what makes a party a party. She ordered this bouncy house and thought it was melted. I couldn't help but snicker. She raced into the truck and found the air machine. I hooked it up and soon it was blown up to size. Pinkie wasted no time getting in there and bounced around. I don't know why but, whenever Pinkie is happy, I feel happy. Just seeing her bounce around having fun just eases a pony's soul. No worries. No nothing. Big Mac got started working on the animal pens while I did the manageable things. Sure thing, this party was going to be big and I have no idea how Pinkie was going to pull it off.

Though, I noticed a few ponies I haven't met before helping me move things off the truck. I know they aren't with the truck driver because he's a good for nothing lazy pony. Though, one caught my eye as he was double timing his efforts. An earth pony like me around my age, with a really dark red coat like the darkest red apple we can ever have. Along with gold hair with red stripes. He was a tall pony but was in between having good muscles but also rather on the average size. I watched him for a bit and noticed he had a nice commanding tone to him. His friends, or who ever those ponies are. Listening to him without question. Sure wished I had that sort of swing around my farm when it came to having hired hooves.

I walked up to him to say hello, "Why hey there partner. You one of Big Mac's friends?"

The red stallion turned his head, "Wha?" He turned entirely around, "Sorry. I'm one of Crystal Clear's friends that she hired to help out."

"Fancy unicorn pony? Snappy dresser? Red hair?" I raised my hoof to draw out the conclusions.

"Yeah that's her." The stallion nodded, "Going to help set up for parties and help build her club."

I raised an eyebrow, "Really now?"

"Yeah she says she partnered up with some cooky pony but she says she has a lot of good ideas." The red stallion chuckled. "So here I am helping."

The way how he said it wasn't the problem. But why do I get the feeling that this Crystal pony really wants to make this club work? I mean, why couldn't she just do this by herself? Instead of riding off Pinkie's idea? Meh. Probably had the power to make it happen. I just smiled, "The name is Apple Jack. I help run Sweet Apple acres just out of town here."

"Pleasure. I'm Redwood." The red stallion told me. He seemed friendly enough. Suddenly we heard a loud CLANG sound. He turned his head, "HEY! Try not to bang everything up!" He was calm but still made his point across. I like that. Wish some certain ponies on the farm could listen that well.

I won't bore you with this. Long story short I made quick friends with Mr. Redwood. I offered to get lunch if he would like to join me and my help. Surely he did. I learned that he had an interest in music but had a knack in mechanical work and rode something called a motorbike. I heard of bikes before but they aren't common around these parts. Probably used to working in a harsh environment. More he talked, the more I listened. More I talked, the more he listened. Guess we had a good connection about hard working.

We continued working on the party until the night finally came. The party looked like a giant mash up but Pinkie tried to make sense of all of this. It was just so big. She explained that all the parties were mixed in, but how one pony is supposed to stay at one party is beyond me. Crystal after learning her name asked me if I was willing to help cater to the parties. She was willing to pay. At first I thought about just going to go home and rest up for the party later tonight but the money seemed nice enough. Now I know what you're thinking. Apple Jack you help out every pony who asks, why do it for money? Well, you see those apple jugs weren't cheap. I had to write out a big check that tore into my secret savings. And so, I catered and made sure some parties had everything they needed. Typical night.

I was at the charity auction most of the time. Noticed a lot of ponies that came even from Canterlot to attend. Wow. Pinkie sure knew how to bring in a crowd. Items being sold, you know how an auction works. Whoever bids the highest wins. So I made my way into town hall, knowing that Pinkie Pie also had a welcoming party for her parents who were considering retiring and checking out Ponyville to see if it would be a good place to settle down. I also heard they were farmers which was dandy because then I could relate to some pony about the hardships. Now when I got in there. Pinkie Pie described her parents as dull and old fashioned and boy she was right. But they seemed to be enjoying it. A lot of senior ponies were here along with the mayor who was chatting it up with Pinkie's father trying to nudge him on the idea of moving here.

I made my way to Pinkie's mother. You know that painting of the farmer and his wife? Could of sworn she ran out of the picture and somehow is here right in front of me. Pinkie's mom was pretty formal and best in her best... dull black outfit. Sorry, filling in for Rarity for the moment. If she was here she would of said something by now. But then again, at least there are still some old fashioned ponies in town. Granny Smith had her share of having a good time. I only talked to Pinkie's mom for maybe ten minutes before moving on to her dad who would be going on and on about his prospect and old rock farm. He sure seemed focused I'll admit. He was stern and seemed like a hard pony to please just by looking at him. Talking to him doesn't seem to quite do anything either. He just kept talking and talking. I asked him about Pinkie Pie. He pretty much had some respect for her but told me stories about how she can be a handful. Somehow, I knew behind that big shell there was a good dad in him. Just doesn't show it. Must of grew up around a tough father of his own. Pinkie Pie came in to give every pony a big hug. That somehow made her dad smile, maybe all the stories she told me about him being tough. Maybe he mellowed out some.

Pinkie turned to me and asked if I could check on Twilight to see if she was ready to go to the party later. Little did I know during the few weeks her and Twilight have been getting into a little scuffle about a budget. Pinkie told me earlier that Twilight somehow wrote down the wrong numbers and took an hour to correct. Pinkie then pulled me into a corner and told me that Twilight seemed a bit unlike herself lately. I asked what she think that made her feel different? Because Twilight seems to do that from time to time. I asked her if she knew about the mistakes she made but Pinkie then rubbing her hooves together and looked a bit worried. Almost uncertain, saying that Twilight said some things to her and said she was not responsible to even run a business by herself. Now I had to admit, that hurt. Twilight did seem to be acting funny if she would outright say something like that.

I told Pinkie I would check on her. I made my way to the library and knocked on the door. Twilight answered it and she looked... well, could say not in the mood. I spoke up, "Hey Twilight. Just checking up on you and seeing if you're coming to the party later."

Twilight grunted, "I'm sorry Apple Jack but I'm not going."

I frowned, "Why not?" I probably should of just said Okay and left.

"I have other business to attend to." Twilight beamed.

"Oh. Alright. You feeling okay?" I asked.

Twilight grumbled, "Oh yes. Just dandy, what a great night to do a report."

My instincts told me something was up, "Something wrong Twilight?"

She shook her head, "No. I just have a lot of work to do."

"Like how much? A lot like you could finish tonight or a lot that it's impossible to finish?" I asked.

"Latter." She replied about ready to close the door.

"You at least hear about Pinkie's business?" I asked.

"Nope. Don't care at the moment." Twilight slowly shut the door half way, "Thank you for coming I really got to get this done. Sorry again I can't come. Tell them I'm sorry." Then she closed the door quickly. Then I heard a lock.

I was bewildered. As if she was doing something else in there instead of doing that report thing. Then again, was it even for princess Celestia? Or was this a personal report? Odd yes. I went back to Pinkie and told her that Twilight won't be making it. And so I enjoyed the rest of the party.

Within a couple hours I think. Pinkie gathered the gang and we headed over to Twilight's for one last chance. Strange, I told Pinkie she was busy. Guess she said she was ready or something. So went over to the library with Spike as he unlocked the door. Pinkie called out. The basement door was locked and she knocked on it and also called out. Twilight eventually came out, looking worse than before. Then this is when it got serious. Twilight said something. Pinkie said something. Twilight said something in anger. Pinkie tried to calm her down and invite her again to the party. Twilight said she was busy. Pinkie tried to persuade her. At this point, you already know what happens.

Pinkie pulled on Twilight's arm. She swatted her away, Pinkie tried again. Then suddenly Twilight punched her in the eye. Pinkie fell down and looked confused and hurt. My reaction. I just couldn't believe it. I didn't know who to look at. Pinkie with a bleeding eye or Twilight no longer being mad now just trying to apologize. Pinkie was blubbering like a hurt child and ran out of the library. Rarity I noticed ran after her.

Twilight looked at us, "Girls? Girls?"

I shook my head in disappointment. "Twilight. You're a nice pony. But what you just did was not you."

Dash gritted her teeth and wanted to storm up to Twilight, "I SHOULD KICK YOU IN THE FACE!"

I grabbed her tail and forced her down. "Twilight. I know you said no but Pinkie Pie was doing is making sure you aren't cooked up in this library." Dash wasted no time trying to pace back and forth, "We'll leave you alone." I told Twilight. I didn't know what to think right now. Right now, I should console Twilight but what she just did made me want to just leave. I seriously wanted to punch her in the face right back and should of let Rainbow go after her. But that's not me. I turned and left but not before seeing Dash tip over a book case. I turned around again, "Well Twilight. We'll leave you alone and then some. Hopefully this blows over." Like hell it will I thought. She just punched Pinkie Pie in the face. That is going to turn half of the town against you. Spike just ran up stairs, poor little guy must of been scared. But knowing Twilight she won't be acting up anymore tonight.

Dash left, then I left. Then Fluttershy joined us. Maybe I should of stayed. Dash kept swearing under her breath. I kept a straight face until we got up to the Sugar Cube corner to find Rarity waiting outside. Just standing there with her face looking down at the ground.

"Rarity? Did Pinkie Pie go inside?" I asked.

Rarity nodded, she bit her bottom lip as I saw, "Yes. Her eye is in worse shape than we thought. Mr. Cake called the ambulance and they'll be here quickly."

"You think we can pop in just to check on her?" I asked, I still saw that hint of worry in her eye.

"I... wouldn't." Rarity bit her lip again.

Rainbow Dash sighed, "Guess that means that's it for the anniversary." She shook her head in disbelief, "Hate to say this gang but. Happy anniversary."

"What happened to us?" I asked. We used to work things out right in a jiffy.

"I don't know but, things change over time. Just looks like friendship is one of them." Rarity sighed.

"What's going to happen to Twilight?" Fluttershy managed to ask.

"Well... Every pony in there can't believe what they heard. But if charges are brought up both are in pretty deep trouble." Rarity continued.

"Oh right. It happened in the library but Twilight was the one who hit her." I brought up. "Pretty much a no win situation."

"Not only that. The police can just follow the blood trail from the library to the Sugar cube corner." Dash pointed out. Rarity, Fluttershy, and I gasped as we saw the trail. "Well we can't clean it up. It's evidence." Dash sighed.

"Just pray this works out for the better." I whispered. I didn't want Twilight to go to jail at all. She's a sweet pony but can get crazy at times.

We went inside and found Pinkie Pie crying and being held by her mother. Mr. Cake waved us into the kitchen and asked what happened. He didn't seem to be in a good mood either but seemed he was willing to talk and understand. I told him exactly what happened. He just sighed. Can't believe a nice pony like Twilight made Pinkie bleed. Mr. Cake told us to go to the party room. Or do whatever he didn't care anymore after slamming his hooves on the table and left the kitchen.

The four of us went into the room where the party was. There every pony was sitting. Not even a whisper. They heard the news as well. And who did it. The party was a dud. I spent my night with seeing Mr. Redwood again, the conversation was short compared to what we were doing during the week setting everything up. I knew he felt awkward just talking to me, he knew Twilight and Pinkie were my friends from what he heard. I saw that Crystal pony again, I really didn't like her for some reason. Sure I can't pin this all on her but in a way she sort of greased the gears. I also noticed Fluttershy talking to Aquamarie, now that was a pony you can seem to trust. Hard to believe those two are even friends. They seem so opposite. But then again, we're opposite too so something is going right. The four of us eventually exchanged gifts then met with an awkward clap from every pony that was in the room. We had cake, it tasted good but it didn't feel right without the whole gang. Pinkie always made the party a party while Twilight... Twilight wasn't just a simple hole to fill, she was a pony that stood out and still learning.

I just decided to go home. Big Mac, Granny and Apple Bloom eventually left after I did. I took one last look at the library as I passed it. Somehow I knew, Twilight was regretting everything. As well as me, I regretted everything too. Even if I didn't see many of the signs earlier. I should of stepped in before it became too late. I should of just yelled at Twilight when she started to act rude to me but then again, she might of punched me. I would of taken it head on but then Twilight would of been met with a counter attack on her. That I can't afford. I know too many ponies here to put a bad reputation on my family name.

Oh what am I saying?

I'm a horrible friend. Thinking this way.

I admit I was in fights myself when I was younger. Got scraped and bruised. I bleed a little.

But seeing Pinkie wrapped up in her mom's arms made me think. She might be annoying at times, but all she wanted was for all of us to have fun. Sure she throws parties for the dumbest reasons but that's who she is. I accepted that years ago. Twilight on the other hoof got desperate to find a way out. I can understand she usually has to think to find a way out but she got desperate. It ended in violence and to her that was something she frowned upon.

Well... That was my side. Sorry it didn't add much but I'm an extremely busy pony. I found a way to make it to Pinkie's Party. Was that report even a report? I wonder or was Twilight hiding something?

Let's see... Let's see... Did she know about the anniversary party? Of course she did. Did she know about the gift exchange? Was that it? Maybe?

Or did this have to do with the mayor canceling half way through the plan to expand the library? Now don't go scolding me about not mentioning that earlier. I just found out about it after this whole catastrophe. Poor Twilight, she really set her heart on making the library more enjoyable.

Only other thing I could probably point out why she's acting this way. Maybe during the library expansion she hired a few stallions and mares to be additional help since there was supposed to be more shelves and books involved. Pinkie did mention earlier this month that she could tell that Twilight was getting all gushy about the idea of her library expanding, matter of fact... I think Derpy was hanging out with her more often. Never seemed to cross my mind until now, later she got a bit depressed about something. When I had my head in the door to check on Twilight that night, the library was not like itself. I saw floorboards torn up. Shelves slid out of place. It was just depressing.

So, you're probably wondering. What happened after that night? Well, since I represent truth. Pinkie did go to the hospital and was told to relax so her eye won't turn red along with taking some medication, turned out she had something more going on after all. Also she had to get stitches. To help her eye heal safer she had the option of wearing an eye patch. As for Twilight. I think she's scared to even come out of her house anymore.