One rotten apple

“One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel” that was what Granny Smith always said.

I took that advice at heart and make sure to never be the rotten apple on any barrel. I worked hard all my life to be the friendliest and reliable of ponies, not only for my family or friends but for anypony who will need help, and let me tell you, that wasn’t an easy task. It takes Celestia´s level of patient to deal with the crazy antics of Pinkie when trying to help her in the kitchen or Fluttershy irritating nerves when helping her to count bunnies.

But if there is one pony that can make me lose my temper that pony is no other than Rainbow Dash. Since the day we met we have been clashing heads and hooves and that ain´t going to change anytime sooner. She usually drives me crazy by cheating on our contests or refusing to do her work, but there was one time when she ruined my day by doing absolutely nothing.

That day Rainbow was supposed to bring a storm cloud to the orchard to water the apple trees but, as usual, she never bothered to show up. I could have asked another pegasus to do it but, first it was a busy day and the only pony available was Derpy (thanks but no thanks) and second, she gave me her word she´ll be there that morning. So much for Element of Loyalty, am I right? So, since she never bothered to show that rainbow tainted plot of hers I went to search her in town.

I search high and low but nopony had any idea where she could be, not even Pinkie. I decided to go to the library where Rainbow was most likely jus lazing around and reading one of those Ducking-Dodo books she´s always blabbing about. On my way there I pass by Rarity’s boutique and saw a curious scene. Spike was there, wearing tuxedo and holding a bouquet of roses. When the door opened, Rarity’s little sister came out and her face brighten up like morning sunshine and then it darkened like a stormy afternoon once Spike explained he was actually looking for Rarity. Sweetie said she wasn’t there and the defeated dragon backed down. Poor little fella, how come he keeps trying to do the impossible ignoring what was right in front of him? Guess some ponies can´t see the forest for the tress. Or some dragons.

I finally reached the library and was surprised to see the “CLOSED” sign.  Knowing Twilight she was probably on her crazy laboratory doing some research instead of taking customers. I knocked at the door anyways and, to my surprise again, Twilight peeked through the door.

“Oh hi Applejack! Wh-what brings you here?”

“Hey Twi, have you seen that lazy Rainbow Dash?”

“Oh n-no no. I haven’t seen her all day!”

“Sure about that, sugarcube? She wouldn’t happened to be there hiding behind the shelves?”

“O-of course not, Applejack. Don’t be ridiculous. There´s nopony else in here hehe…”

Twilight was acting really strange, even for her. Then I heard a loud noise and, naturally worried for my friend, I pushed her aside and went in.

“Hey, what gives? Why did you close the curtains in the middle of the day? It´s darker in here than in the Everfree Forest. And what’s up with all these fancy decorations? A tablecloth, candles and…you´re wearing perfume?”

Then I turned over and found the source of that awful smell. It was obviously Rarity; sit down on the table Lyra-style with a scowl and a hoof on her chin.

“Oh hey Rarity. Funny find you here. Spike was looking for you earlier but your sister scared him away. That poor little thing will never confess her feeling at this rate. Oh, dandelion sandwich my favorite. So you came for lunch, eh? You could have told me Twilight, I would have brought some apple pie. Hey how come we never did that slumber party thing gain? The first one wasn’t so bad. Maybe we could it at my barn next time and invite the other girls well maybe not Rainbow Dash because she never bothers to show up what’s this? Wine? Gross! Hey, speaking of rainbow Dash just the other day sh-“

Rarity then rudely interrupted me.

“Applejack darling, as lovely as your presence is, could you please read the mood in here?”

“Mood? What mood?”

Then I took a good look around the library. Everything was dark, candles, tablecloths, centerpieces, Rarity and Twilight on fancy dresses…then all the pieces came together.

“It´s your birthday Twilight! How could I forget? How strange Pinkie didn’t remind me, maybe she is planning a surprise party for you…”

I took another look and found Twilight with a sheepishly grin and Rarity with her face on the plate.

“Actually Applejack today it’s a special day but it’s not my birthday. You see it’s been a full month since Rarity and I…umh…”

Twilight looked at Rarity asking for help for some reason.

Then Rarity sighed and said. “Darling, you remember that after Twilight´s brother wedding we all went to the hotel and get separate rooms?”

“Yes and why did they split us by races? I ended up with Pinkie! She stays up all night! And you know what’s worse? When she finally fall sleep she snorts even worse than Big Mac. I rather have been with Fluttershy. That Rainbow Dass is so lucky. Although something funny must have happened with those two. Fluttershy was blushing more than usual and Rainbow had this goofy grin all over her face and when I asked about it she said she was tying some loose ends whatever that means. Ha, you know if I didn’t know then better I could bet those tw…”

And THEN it hit me. Twilight embarrassed smile and Rarity frustrated expression were all the proof I needed.

“…woah Nelly.”

So, you see. In order not to be a rotten apple you don’t only had to be there when they need you… you also need to NOT be there when you’re clearly not needed.

Oh, and if you´re wondering where Rainbow Dash was this entire time turns out she did bring that cloud to my orchard but she fell asleep on it.

With Fluttershy.

You know, maybe I´ll just date Pinkie Pie…