Three Hours Later,

The Apple family sat at the dinner table, enjoying some apple pie for dessert. Dinner had been busy discussing potential summer vacation plans. Big Mac wanted to invite the Pie Family over. Applejack wanted to go to Appleloosa to visit relatives such as Braeburn. Applebloom had been unusually quiet, the normally talkative pony clearly nervous about something.

“What’s the matter Applebloom, you’ve been fidgeting all night like a colony of ants came right up and bit you on the behind,” said Applejack, of course using one of her countryisms.

“Well I’ve been wanting to tell you guys something but I was too nervous to say it.” said the maturing filly.

“Well you don’t have to worry about us judging you,” Said Applejack.

Drawing a breath, Applebloom began, “Sweetiebelle told me that earlier today that she and Rarity were going to vacation in New York City in two weeks for a fashion show displaying her clothing for humans. She asked if I wanted to come along. I told her that I wanted to but I would have to check with my family.”

Clearing her throat, Applebloom asked, “So, can I go with her? It’ll only be for a week. I promise to make up my missed work with extra-”

“That’s enough Applebloom. We wouldn’t make you do extra work just so you could go off on a trip with your friends.”

“So I can go,” said Applebloom, her excitement causing her voice to crack.

Applejack, clearly put into an awkward situation, responded, “Well not exactly Applebloom.”

“Why not?”

“While we would love to have you go out and explore the world, I certainly don’t think that it would be a prudent idea to go out to a major human city. It’s dangerous for ponies out there.”

“But Diamond Tiara went there with her father last year and nothing bad happened to her!”

“Don’t raise your voice at me!” said Applejack, slightly irate. “They only went there for one day and brought bodyguards with them.”

“You’re exaggerating the danger. The humans wouldn’t hurt a talking pony. Besides you act as if I’ll be alone. Sweetiebelle and Rarity will be coming along with me. If the worst were to happen they could simply protect me. Sweetiebelle has really improved her magic skills over the past three years, Twilight and her have-”

“It’s a no and that’s final!”

Before Applebloom could issue a rebuttal, Big Mac broke his silence.
“Look Applebloom, I think that it would be a marvelous thing if you were to get up and travel the world.”
“Really?” said Applebloom, her voice jovial at the prospect at getting an ally in her argument with Applejack. She could feel Applejack glaring at the two of them.
“However, we don’t know if it would be safe for you to go to the human world just yet,” added Macintosh, making sure not to undermine his sister. “I promise that we’ll let you go when you’re an adult and can take care of-”
“But I am an adult!” whined the filly.
“Not under the law you ain’t.” replied Applejack.
“Your brother and sister are right,” said Granny Smith, breaking her silence.
“It’s not fair! When will you guys start treating me like an adult!” screamed Applebloom before galloping out of the room and up the stairs to her room.