August 21

Applejack woke up to an alarm. She reached out and shut it off and then grabbed two bottles of medication and swallowed one of each. She wanted to roll on to her belly but know that was a bad idea. She ended up rolling onto her back and falling back asleep.

Applejack woke up to the sound of someone knocking gently on her door.

“What do you want Cheerilee?” Applejack called.

“I brought you some food. Your brother made you a pancake and some eggs.” Cheerilee said.

“Okay.” Applejack sat up and winced. Her shoulder still hurt badly. She refused to take any strong painkillers and just took naproxen.

Cheerilee carefully opened the door. She walked over to the bed and set down a tray of food.

“How are you doing?” Cheerilee asked.

“I’m doing better. I feel stronger every day.” Applejack said.

“I meant emotionally.”

“I don’t like being stuck in bed or on the couch. Harvest season is starting and I feel useless.”

“I’m not going to lie and say it will be fine. With you out of action it will be rough. But I think we can make it. We’ll figure something out.”

“Yeah.”

Applejack ate her breakfast in silence. After she was done Cheerilee took the tray and dishes away.

Applejack got up and did her physical therapy exercises. She stretched carefully and applied topical ointment to her wound. She took a few stool softeners and drank a glass of water mixed with psyllium. She got dressed and headed outside to do her chores.

Applejack had to rely on magic to lift animal feed bags with one hand. She had gotten Big Macintosh to hook Ribbon up to a cart. He was unhappy. They walked over to the animal cages.

Applejack was feeding the rabbits when Granny Smith walked over.

“Hey Applejack have you seen Big Macintosh?” Granny smith asked. “I need help unloading the car.”

“He’s picking apples in the east orchard with Apple Bloom.” Applejack said simply.

“Hmm. You know the boxes are probably light enough for Apple Bloom. Thanks Applejack. Let me know if you need any help.” Granny Smith smiled and walked away.

Applejack ground her teeth and returned to her work.

Applejack’s frustration mounted as chores that she normally did easily took her much longer then normal. She watched Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom walk by with baskets of apples. Normally they loaded up the cart and made a few big trips but Applejack needed the cart for her morning chores as she couldn’t use the wheelbarrow.

It was early afternoon when Applejack had to go track down Big Macintosh to help her saddle up her horse. She found him is the east orchard high up in a tree. Normally Applejack would pick the Apples at the top of the threes. Applejack was lighter than Big Macintosh and better at climbing/less afraid of heights then Apple Bloom. Applejack watched and waited as Big Macintosh carefully picked apples.

Big Macintosh reached out for a patch of apples at the very end of a branch. There was a loud snap and Big Macintosh held on tight to the branch above him as the branch his feet were on broke in half under his weight. Several apples fell to the ground.

“Move your left foot to nine o’clock!” Applejack shouted up.

Big Macintosh found the big brach Applejack had spotted and moved his feet to the sturdier branch.

Applejack cursed her injury. I was such a fool to rush into danger without more protection and more… I did it for Sunset. I saved her from a horrible fate. And where is she now? In another world with another woman.

Eventually Big Macintosh made it down safely with most of his carego intact.

“Thanks.” Big Macintosh said. “What do you need.”

“Can you help me saddle my horse?” Applejack asked.

Big Macintosh nodded. He picked up the mostly full basket and began walked to the barn. Applejack followed. The two of them walked past a group of feeding hens. Big Macintosh easily did the two handed parts of saddling Ribbon. The two of them filled the saddle bags and then Big Macintosh took a knee to help Applejack up.

“Thanks.” Applejack said.

Big Macintosh nodded and then began hooking up his horse to the cart.

Applejack directed her horse to gallop down the trail. Winona barked and chanced after them. Applejack felt a rush of adrenaline. She felt the freedom and happiness of riding. She and Ribbon had never needed a bridle to communicate. The only time he wore one was when it was demanded or required by judges and officials at competitions. Applejack did make him practice with one a few times when she knew their next competition would require it.

Ribbon could feel her mood change. He whinnied in excitement and charged faster. Applejack whooped in delight as they raced through the woods on one of her favorite trails.

Applejack and Ribbon went on a long run. Finally the trail ended at the bank of a huge river. Applejack dropped off the dead animals and the living ones and then had to stop Winona from wading into the shallows. This part of the river was strong enough to be dangerous Applejack didn’t feel like risking it today. Ribbon grazed happily.

The river was a glacier river made of snow melt and was ice cold even on such a hot day. Applejack wondered up the bank to a natural swimming aria. The river was wide and deep and it tapered to to large rocks that formed a bottleneck for the pool.

Ribbon and Winona followed her and drank from the pool. Applejack took off her clothes and swam. The cold water felt amazing on her shoulder. She slowly swam out to a deep part where she could stand easily with her shoulder in the water. Applejack allowed herself to relax in the cold current for a while. Finally she got out and dried off and ate lunch.

Applejack couldn't rub sunscreen on herself. She opted not to bother. One or two days wouldn’t kill her.

Applejack lead Ribbon on a different path back and they raced Winona.

Applejack was riding up to the trail head when she heard Big Macintosh shout her name she came around the corner and spotted her brother riding full speed towards her. The two humans freaked out and directed the horses to pass each other like cars.

Applejack brought Ribbon to a stop and Big Macintosh brought Sucia around.

“Are you alright? We were worried about you? You were out longer then we were expecting.” Big Macintosh asked.

“I’m fine. I was relaxing in nature. I can’t do as many chores around here anyway. I figured it would be fine for me to take my time and relax.” Applejack said defensively.

“I wish you had warned us. I was worried that you had gotten yourself stuck and needed help.”

“I can take care of myself Big Mac.” Applejack said in a tired voice.

“Your injured.”

Ribbon shuffled nervously picking up Applejack anger. Applejack didn’t trust herself not to yell at her brother so she leaned forward and Ribbon took off.

Big Macintosh took off after her. Applejack raced to the barn using the most direct route easily jumping fences in her way. Big Macintosh opted for a slower pace and going around the fences.

Big Macintosh found his sister in the horse barn standing on a stool taking off her horse’s saddle one handed. Her pendant was glowing bright and her horse was still shuffling nervously.

Applejack fed Ribbon some oats and began to brush him down. Ribbon seemed to calm down.

Big Macintosh considered confronting his sister but decided not to. Big Macintosh directed Sucia back to the cart in the orchard.

Applejack heard her phone ring and pulled it out. It was a call from Rainbow Dash. Applejack answered it.

“Hello?”

“You picked up! Fantastic! So did you talk to Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Sunset?”

“Yeah. I spoke with them yesterday.”

“And.”

“Sunset didn’t really have anything. Just depressing bullying stories from years ago.”

“Anything from Pinkie Pie?”

“Yeah. She said that during my brother’s wedding reception Fluttershy only ate one horderve and shortly after disappeared. She came bake later smelling of vomit and brethmints.”

“Did Pinkie Pie do anything?”

“Yeah. She said she tried to convince Fluttershy to go lie down if she wasn’t feeling well or find Rarity and get a ride home but Fluttershy insisted that she was fine and wanted to stay and dance.”

“So the question is did she induce or was she already feeling sick. Also Gilda said to ask if Fluttershy ever asked you to dance with her.”

“No she did not.”

There was a pause.

“What about Rarity?”

“Rarity did Fluttershy’s hair and makeup for the wedding. She said that Fluttershy had some pretty serious hair loss and skin dryness.”

“Hair loss and skin issues are both symptoms.”

“Yeah. Rarity said that it was “unmissable” and that it was “simply dreadful” but she was short on time and she didn’t want to upset Fluttershy so she didn’t ask.”

“Her hair didn’t look that bad in the pictures you guys sent me.”

“Well Rarity did work her magic. Also Fluttershy was wearing hair extenders that Pinkie Pie gave her.”

“Right.”

There was a pause.

“Me and Gilda came up with a plan. You need to go to the Shy house and talk to her parents. I emailed you the paperwork you need to print it out and have them sign it. Then you need to drive Fluttershy to the hospital. Me and Gilda are going to drive down first thing tomorrow morning and visite her and re-establish communication and friendship.”

“You really think it is going to be that simple? You think Fluttershy is just going to walk out the door with me? Fluttershy is not going to want to go.”

“Well first try to talk to her. Explain that we care about her and want her to be healthy. And then if she doesn’t come quietly…you have my permission to lie or cheat. Take her by any means necessary.”

“You know she’ll hate me forever.”

“No she won’t. She’ll… thank you once she’s better.”

“Why can’t you do it! Why can’t you and Gilda do it tonight or tomorrow morning?”

“Gilda’s relationship with Fluttershy is too fragile. And my relationship with Fluttershy is too important. I’m her best friend since childhood. She needs me when she is at her lowest.”

“So my friendship and my feelings don’t matter!?”

“She’ll forgive you.”

“You can’t guarantee that! Your just guessing!”

“You know she has a crush on you right?”

“Yes. I’ve know for a while but I don’t feel the same way.”

“Well I think she’ll forgive you.”

“Your argument doesn’t make any sense!”

“Look she cares about you. You have a much better chance of getting through to her. And if things go badly you have the mental and physical strength to drag her into your truck and take her away. Pinkie Pie and Rarity are the only other options do you think they have it in them to do something like that?”

“Again why can’t YOU do it.”

“She needs me.”

“What about me? I’m the one who is staying in the city with her. You said it yourself that it is quite the trip. What if there is another emergency. If our friendship is ruined who will she turn to for immediate comfort. How will she feel when she knows her closest friend is six hours away?”

“I thought you’d be more willing to help a friend in need.”

“Of course I want to help her.”

“Then this sacrifice should be easy.”

“EASY!”

“We are trying to save her from herself. Her life is at stake. You were willing to risk everything for Sunset. How is Fluttershy different?”

“The situations are completely different.”

“But it comes to the same thing. Saving a friend no matter what the price. Fluttershy needs you.”

There was a pause.

“It is just going to be hard to lose a friend.”

“We are not losing anybody. We are saving her.”

“Yeah. Her life is more important than my feelings.”

Applejack took a deep breath.

“I’ll do it.”

“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Just promise me you’ll take care of her for me.”

“Well duah. Bye!”

Rainbow Dash hung up. Applejack stared at her phone. A feeling a betrayal washed over her and then guilt.

It looks like Rainbow prioritizes her loyalties. It looks like I’m not on the top of the list. I guess it shouldn't surprize me. She’s doing the right thing. Fluttershy needs her more then me.

Applejack’s phone buzzed. Rainbow Dash had sent a group text.

“Surprize I’m coming to visit tomorrow!I’ll see you all at the party!” Rainbow Dash texted.

Applejack put her phone in her pocket.

Ribbon winnied and walked over to her. He put his chin on her shoulder and leaned his head against hers.

“Thanks buddy.” Applejack told him. Applejack stroked his face.

Applejack took one last look at the photo in her hand. It was taken just after they had walked at their graduation. Fluttershy looked so happy and Applejack had cried. That was two months ago was she sick then?

Applejack climbed into the driver’s seat of Big Macintosh’s truck. The passenger seat was set up and Applejack had everything she needed in a bag.

Applejack began the long drive to Fluttershy’s house.

Fluttershy got out of a hot shower and began drying off. She was singing along and dancing with a love song on her phone. She rapped up her hair with a towel and then put on her bathrobe. She walked down the hall and into her room. She flopped herself down on her perfectly made bed and pulled up a chat with a member of her support group.

“The struggle is real. My doctor wants to put me through chemo but that’s just pumping poison into your body. I found a dealer who is willing to sell me cannabis leaves that I can grind up. I read this study where it cured cancer in some lab rats. Also it’s natural.”

Applejack pulled into the driveway.

Fluttershy's van and her dad’s old beat up car were both in the driveway.

Applejack took a deep breath. Her anxiety threatened to paralyze her. Applejack flipped through photos on her phone. She found the picture taken on her senior prom night. Fluttershy was wearing a dark green dress that shimmered slightly. It had been stunning to behold and Fluttershy had gotten a lot of attention.

Applejack closed her eyes and took deep breaths remembering her meditation training.

Applejack exited the truck with a demturming look on her face.

“Chemo always seemed too dangerous to me. I wish there was more funding for natural alternatives. Perhaps there would be less side effects and taking medications wouldn’t suck.” Fluttershy texted. The sound of the doorbell floated up. It was probably her brother. He must have forgotten his keys. Again.

Mr. Shy welcomed Applejack inside. Applejack requested to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Shy alone before heading up stares. Applejack pulled out a folder and layed out all the evidence. Fluttershy sabotaged her own treatment of her Hyperthyroidism, bipolar and anxiety disorder and was having a nasty repase. Applejack had gone so far as to dig through their trash. Gilda had done some online snooping into Fluttershy’s online “support”group.

“We didn’t notice.” Mr. Shy said his voice full of pain.

“She is an adult and we trusted her to know what was best for herself.” Mrs. Shy said through her tears.

“Thank you so much for caring. It means the world to us that you would do this for our daughter.” Mr. Shy said wiping his eyes.

“Fluttershy is my friend. I would do anything for her.” Applejack said.

Mr. and Mrs. Shy got up and hugged Applejack. Applejack hugged them back and they took a moment to process everything together.

Applejack walked over to the bottom of the staircase. Mr. and Mrs. Shy walked into Mr. Shy’s office and shut the door. Applejack spotted a photo of Fluttershy mounted to the wall. Fluttershy was around five years old and proudly holding a garter snake she found. Applejack smiled at the photo and wiped her eyes.

Fluttershy heard the footsteps of someone heading up the stairs. They didn’t sound like anyone in her family.

Fluttershy texted her friend. “I have a visitor I’ll talk to you later.”

There was a knock on the door. Fluttershy was curious who was at the door.

“Come in!” Fluttershy said.

The door opened.

Applejack walked in calmly. She carefully closed the door and locked it.

Applejack surveyed the room. Fluttershy was laying on her bed. She had twisted around to face the door. Fluttershy’s room was clean and organized as usual. Fluttershy looked surprised and happy.

“Applejack! I wasn’t expecting you! I wasn’t expecting anyone.” Fluttershy said.

“Hey Fluttershy how are you?” Applejack asked gently.

“I’m doing great AJ. How are you?” Fluttershy said excitedly.

“I am well.” Applejack put on her best smile.

“I wasn’t expecting you. I’m really happy that you’re here. Don’t get me wrong. What do you want to do?” Fluttershy said nervously.

“I want to sit and talk to you and then. Then maybe go for a ride in my car.” Applejack said calmly.

“Okay! What do you want to talk about?” Fluttershy said interested.

“I want to talk about you.” Applejack said simply.

Fluttershy’s heart skipped a beat. She blushed deeply and shifted in her bed.

Applejack spotted Fluttershy’s phone by her pillow on the other side of the bed. She would need to maneuver over there and get it.

Applejack casually walked over to Fluttershy’s bedside table under the pretence of looking at the pictures on it. “How have you been feeling lately.” she watched Fluttershy out of the corner of her eye.

“I’ve been doing great.” Fluttershy said.

“That’s wonderful.” Applejack turned towards Fluttershy. She carefully stepped closer and reached out towards Fluttershy with her left hand. “It feels so good to see you happy.” Applejack grasped a strand of hair. She rolled it in her fingers. It wasn’t the thick luscious healthy hair but cracked and unhealthy. Applejack tucked it behind Fluttershy’s ear and then moved her hand to Fluttershy’s shoulder.

Fluttershy’s gasped at the contact and her heart speed up.

Applejack got a good look at Fluttershy she was skin and bones. She had clearly lost a lot of weight. Applejack looked right into Fluttershy’s eyes.

Fluttershy seemed transfixed. She looked so hopeful.

Applejack’s right hand carefully picked up Fluttershy’s phone and put it in her back pocket.

Applejack yawned suddenly and stepped back she stretched creating more space.

“So are you excited for the party tomorrow?” Applejack asked.

“Yes.” Fluttershy said taken aback. She had hoped Applejack would kiss her.

“Me too. I’ve had their gifts planned since graduation.” Applejack said.

“Really. I was struggling. I got them presents earlier today actually.” Fluttershy said quickly.

Applejack looked at Fluttershy’s window. A twinge of sadness passed through her. Fluttershy would not be attending the party tomorrow. She couldn’t stall forever.

Fluttershy watched a hint of sadness pass over Applejack. Fluttershy began to panic. Had she said the wrong thing?

“Can I be honest with you?” Applejack asked a hint of sadness in her voice.

“Definitely.” Fluttershy said confidently.

“Will you be honest with me?” Applejack asked the sadness still in her voice.

“Of course!” Fluttershy was unsure of where this conversation was heading but she was worried about Applejack. Was something wrong with her?

Applejack reached out and took Fluttershy’s hand. She looked directly into Fluttershy’s eyes. “I care about you Fluttershy. You are an amazing friend and an amazing person and you deserve to be healthy.”

“I care about you too Applejack. I…” Fluttershy struggled to say. Applejack’s green eyes transfixed her. They were full of compassion.

“I love love you Fluttershy. As a friend.” Applejack said.

“I love… wait what?” Fluttershy was struggling to understand what Applejack said.

Applejack slid her hand up to grasp Fluttershy’s wrist.

“I want you to know that I love you.” Applejack said a hint of seriousness creeping into her voice.

Fluttershy was breathing hard trying to process everything. Applejack loved her but not in the way she wanted. Fluttershy wanted to run and creem and cry and kiss Applejack all at once. Fluttershy moved to run her hand through her hair.

Applejack held onto Fluttershy’s wrist. Fluttershy glanced at her and then tugged on her wrist harder. Applejack tightened her grip. Fluttershy looked surprised.

“Uh… Applejack?” Fluttershy was confused.

Applejack took a deep breath. “I worried about.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy was confused.

“You’re sick. And I’m scared.” Applejack said looking to Fluttershy’s eyes.

Several emotions flashed across Fluttershy’s face.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy sounded scared.

“You haven’t been taking care of yourself.” Applejack said sadly.

“That’s not true!” Fluttershy sounded stressed.

“You said you would be honest with me.” Applejack said her voice full of pain.

“I… I am being honest.” Fluttershy looked like a deer caught in headlights. “Why are we talking about this?”

“Because if you won’t take care of yourself then I am going to take you to people who will.” Applejack said firmly.

Fluttershy sprung to her feet and tried to pull away from Applejack. Applejack tightened her grip. Fluttershy cried out.

“Let me go!” Fluttershy cried out.

“No.” Applejack said firmly.

“Let me go Applejack.” Fluttershy was aggressively tugging over and over like a dog trying to chance a squirrel.

“No.” Applejack said loudly.

“Please Applejack! Please! I’m taking good care of myself. Honestly. I am treating myself. I happy. You said it yourself. I’m happy. I can’t be sick if I’m happy.” Fluttershy was babbling frantically. “Please Applejack! Please let me go!”

Applejack yanked Fluttershy towards her and grabbed her middle and began dragging her away from her bed.

“Don’t do this Applejack! There is no need. I’m an adult I can take care of myself. Don’t do this!” Fluttershy’s cries became more desperate.

Fluttershy’s long arms flailed around. She grabbed a framed photo off her bedside table. She fling it at Applejack face.

Applejack howled in pain. The frame had stuck the bridge of her nose and cut her face open. She let go of Fluttershy to feel her face.

Fluttershy stared in horror at the bloody frame. The glass had shattered when it hit the ground. It was the photo of Fluttershy and Applejack at their senior prom. Fluttershy dashed to the door. She cut her feet on the broken glass but her adrenaline kept her moving.

Fluttershy frantically unlocked the door. She was almost free. She began to open the door.

Applejack grabbed her. Applejack grip was forceful and strong. Applejack yanked Fluttershy’s arm. Fluttershy cried out in shock and fear and panic. Applejack grabbed Fluttershy’s other hand and but her in a headlock.

Applejack began to force fluttershy to walk out of her room and down the hall.

They passes a mirror and they each got a good look at the other. Applejack’s expression was hard almost angry. Applejack wasn’t messing around. The look of determination was back. Her eyes gleemed in the dim hall. The blood on her face made her look scary.

Fluttershy burst into tears.

Applejack walked Fluttershy down the stairs.

Fluttershy spotted the door to her father’s office. Fluttershy began to struggle hard. Applejack tightened her grip and shoved Fluttershy forward.

“Daddy! Daddy! Please come out dad. Please help me!” Fluttershy cried out. She got nothing back.

Applejack marched Fluttershy to the front door of her house. Applejack turned them so she was close to the the door. She let quickly moved her has so they gripped the same wrist. Fluttershy as expected began pulling fiercely. Applejack reposition her left hand then let go with her right hand. Fluttershy could pull all her wanted but Applejack was much stronger and more experienced. Applejack opened the door and then grabbed Fluttershy’s shoulder and traced it down to her wrist.

Applejack pulled Fluttershy out the door and down the front steps.

“What’s going on?”

It was Zephyrus. He had just got home and was walked up the driveway.

Damit. Applejack thought.

On cue Fluttershy began yelling at her brother.

“Help me Zeph! Help me please!”

Zephyrus charged. Applejack braced herself. At the last second Applejack let got of Fluttershy and Zephyrus rebuffed Zephyrus like an American football player. Zephyrus stumbed and Applejack knocked him over with a kick to the stomach. Applejack rounded on Fluttershy and took off after her.

Fluttershy had not managed to get very far. Fluttershy had longer legs but her feet were bleeding. Fluttershy winced horribly with every step.

Applejack easily caught up with her. And grabbed her again. Applejack put Fluttershy in another headlock.

“What’s the big idea? Why do you have my sister?” Zephyrus asked.

“Zephyrus.”

The three of them turned to the front door. Standing in the doorway was Mr. and Mrs. Shy.

“Zephyrus come here now.” Mr Shy said.

Zephyrus looked between his sister and his parents. Zephyrus swallowed hard. With a pained look he walked away from his sister and towards his parents.

Fluttershy’s legs gave out suddenly. Her whole family was standing against her. Her family! All the fight went out of her. Nothing mattered anymore.

Fluttershy was sobbing worse than ever before.

Applejack dragged Fluttershy back to the truck and into the passenger seat. She locked Fluttershy into the harness and reached to close the door. Fluttershy looked up as the door closed. The look on Fluttershy’s face took Applejack’s breath away. A look of utter betrayal. Applejack felt like she had been stuck in the chest.

Applejack legs failed. She landed hard on the ground crying hard. She could feel her heart beating painfully in her chest. She struggled to breath. Why did it have to come down to this! Why did she have to be so stupid! That look in her eyes. Our friendship is over. This is worse than I could have ever imagined.

Applejack felt wrap around her in a warm embrace.

“Thank you for caring.” Mrs. Shy wisped into Applejack ear.

“It’s over. That look in her eyes. It’s over.” Applejack cried.

“I’m so sorry it has to be like this but I promise that it’s for the best. Even if she never thanks you we will. We will never forget what you’ve done for us. I know it doesn't feel like it but your saving her.” Mrs. Shy pulled out a handkerchief and began to dab at the blood and tears on Applejack’s face.

Applejack’s chest felt tight and it hurt to breath but Applejack focussed her mind and began to calm down.

“Thank you.” Applejack said.

“We’ll keep in touch.” Mrs. Shy said.

Applejack stood up shakily. She felt light headed. Applejack stumbled around the truck to the driver side door and climbed in. she looked over at Fluttershy. She was staring absentmindedly out the window. Applejack wanted to reach out and hold her hand and tell her it would all be okay. But she didn’t.

As the adrenalin began to wear off her shoulder began to ache horribly. Applejack blinked away tears.

Applejack took a deep breath. She focused herself on her goal. The look of determination came back. Applejack started the truck, put it in reverse and pulled out of the driveway.

Cheerilee was in the down stairs office of the Apple home. Big Macintosh and Granny Smith had both been confident when they said they checked over all the paperwork and financial records and they said everything added up. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh were both horrible at math. Cheerilee was excellent at math. She had always gotten top marks in her math classes and had debated becoming a high school precalculus teacher. Applejack was the only Apple close to her level.

Cheerilee was glad she had decided to check because the numbers were not adding up. The paperwork should had created a complex but compleet road map. Instead the map was full of holes in unexpected places. The profits from the farmers market were higher than expected. There were absolutely no records of any of Applejack pay checks from her security job. Not even the old ones she'd seen before. There were also lots of missing bank statements from granny Smith, Big Macintosh and Applejack. Also there were lots of medical bills. Granny Smith had lots of eight doctors appointments and seven different prescription medications and lots of copays. Applejack had had six doctors appointments this year. She should have only had two. There was a recite for a tablet and a recite for a filing cabinet. Cheerilee didn’t have a clue where these items were.

Cheerilee pulled out a clip board, paper and pencil and started taking notes. Making note of every surprize and gap.

Four hours later Cheerilee was lounging on the couch drinking hot chocolate. She heard the door open. Big Macintosh walked inside a big grin on his face. “I just sold twenty crates of apples to the supermarket.” he said happily.

“That’s fantastic.” Cheerilee said.

“Are you alright love you seem stressed.” Big Macintosh's said concerned.

“I’m okay.” Cheerilee said with a sigh. “I was looking over our finances. And it wasn’t adding up.”

“We aren’t short are we.” Big mack was worried.

“No. We seem to have enough money it can’t pin down were it all comes from and where it all goes. We are missing bank statement and receipts and such.”

“You know I don’t keep all my grocery and drugstore recites.” Big Macintosh said.

“Yeah I know. That’s not what I’m talking about.” Cheerilee said. “Someone spent eight hundred dollars on a tablet. Where did that money come from and where is the tablet.”

“A tablet?” Apple Bloom poked her head into the living room.

“Yeah.” Cheerilee said.

“Applejack gave me a tablet a while ago. She said she wanted it to be an early back to school present that I could take to work and use.” Apple Bloom said.

There was a long pause as the two adults process Apple Bloom’s statement. “Okay.” Big Macintosh said.

“Have you seen Applejack?” Cheerilee asked Apple Bloom.

“Ah. yeah.” Apple Bloom’s expression changed. “She’s in the loft drinking. She had a fight with one of her friends today.” Apple Bloom said sadly.

“What happened?” Cheerilee asked immediately worried.

“I saw her pull up in the truck. She has a big cut on her face with stitches in it and she was crying. She said she was with Fluttershy. She said she was just trying to be a good friend. She said she wanted to be alone. She walked off in the direction of the storage barn. I saw her climb the ladder to the loft. I was far away I don’t know if she was carrying more then one bottle but well she said she wanted to be left alone so I finished my chores and came inside.”

Cheerilee and Big Macintosh looked at each other. Big Macintosh stood up. “I’m going to cook dinner. Apple Bloom please help Granny Smith with her bath. Cheerilee would you vacuum the floor?”

Apple Bloom dashed off. Cheerilee remained seated.

“I’m going to go talk to Applejack. I’ll vacuum tomorrow.” Cheerilee said.

Big Macintosh shrugged.

Cheerilee walked out to the big barn. The first barn razed on this property.

Cheerilee walked inside and over to the ladder to the loft. Cheerilee grimaced. She took a deep breath and began climbing the ladder. Cheerilee felt the familiar clench of her stomach as she ascended. She tried to avoid heights wherever possible. Cheerilee began to breathe faster. She didn’t allow herself to stop or look down. She had to make it. She had to reach Applejack.

Cheerilee made it. She scrambled to safely and took several deep breaths. Her heart beat finally slowed down.

Cheerilee began climbing over hay bales. She had a vague idea of where she was going. She found Applejack’s nest.

Applejack was curled up in a corner. She had wrapped herself in a blanket. She hugged her knees to her chest.

Cheerilee carefully made her way over to Applejack. Cheerilee reached out. “Hey Applejack.” Cheerilee said tenderly placing her hand on Applejack.

Applejack startled and poked her head out. She looked terrible. “Cheerilee. What are you doing here.” Applejack sounded like a scared wide eyed child. Her breath smelled of alcohol. The was a raw cut that started above Applejack’s right eye, went across the bridge of her nose and down under her left eye. It just missed the damaging her vision. It was a short cut but it was deep. The doctors had crammed ten stitches to hold it together. The stitched stuck out more at Applejack’s face contorted with pain. Cheerilee hurt to see Applejack like this.

“I came to check on you. I’m worried about you.”

Applejack nodded. Applejack scooted towards Cheerilee hoping for comfort. Cheerilee embraced Applejack. Cheerilee kissed Applejack on the forehead above the wound and held her tight. Applejack cried in Cheerilee’s arms. Cheerilee sang old children's songs to her.

Finally Applejack’s tears let up a little. She wasn’t shaking as bad.

“I feel like such a bad person.” Applejack said shakily.

“How old are you.” Cheerilee asked.

Applejack opened her mouth and then shut it. “I’m six and dad just died. It’s all my fault. I could have stopped him. I should have seen it coming. I should have stepped in sooner. I should have paid attention. She hates me now. It’s all my fault.” Applejack dissolved into tears.

Cheerilee rubbed Applejack’s back until Applejack calmed down again.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Cheerilee asked.

Applejack looked up. She shifted her position lowering her knees from her chest. “I… I’m really thirsty. Could you get me some water.” Applejack placed a hand on her belly. “I shouldn’t drink anymore.”

“Yeah. I would prefer it if you didn’t throw up.” Cheerilee said.

Applejack pulled out a half empty bottle of hard cider. “Will you take this.”

“Yes.” Cheerilee took the bottle and looked around. She wished there was a bag to carry it in. “I’ll be right back Applejack. Okay. I’ll be right back. Just breath.”

Applejack nodded.

Cheerilee climbed back over to the ladder. The latter was bolted down and perfectly safe. But she had a bottle in one hand. Climbing with a bottle could be dangerous. She wished she could drop it on the floor but it would shatter and the shards would be hard to clean up.

Cheerilee tucked her shirt in and then put the bottle down her shirt. Cheerilee scrambled down the ladder. Cheerilee pulled out the bottle and walked into the house.

Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith were sitting and eating together the small of the food made her stomach growled. The family looked at her.

“Applejack’s having a really hard time. I’m going to stay with her.”

No one responded. Cheerilee turned to leave.

“Tell her we love her.” Apple Bloom said.

“Okay.” Cheerilee said quietly as she walked through the door.

Cheerilee filled up two large water bottles and put them in her backpack. She walked back out to the barn. Che carefully climbed the ladder and found Applejack in the same position she found her in before.

Applejack wasn’t crying. She looked numb. She sat up and uncurled when she heard Cheerilee approach.

Cheerilee sat next to her and got a water bottle out. Applejack took it and began sipping at it.

“It was the right thing to do.” Applejack said. “That’s what makes it so hard. I did the right thing but I feel like a monster.” Applejack took another sip. “She was sick. Very sick. She would have died. I saver her life. I saved her from herself. But that look on her face. That look is going to haunt me until the day I die.” Applejack continued sipping.

Cheerilee didn’t know what to say so she rubbed Applejack’s back.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight. Will you stay with me?”

Cheerilee didn’t like the idea of sleeping in the loft. Some of her apprehension spreaded on her face.

“Not up here! I my room. In the house.” Applejack hastily clarified.

“I’ll stay with you.” Cheerilee said.

“Really.” Applejack sounded surprised.

“Of course! I’m your big sister. I’m happy to stay with you when you need it.like my sister used to do for me and you do for Apple Bloom.” Cheerilee said with a loving smile.

“That’s right we’re sisters now.”

Cheerilee chucked. “We should probably climb down before you have to go pee.”

“You can’t smell it?”

“What?”

“I already wet myself.”

“What!?”

Applejack chuckled.

“Applejack!”

“Let’s go before more comes out.”

Author's Notes:

This has been the hardest chapter to write so far. Emotionally this was challenging. I've gone through this with people I care about. This is my response to episodes like Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep. when someone you care about is suffering from a serious life threatening problem you get them help.

I am sorry if the set up wasn't very well executed.

I hope to have the next chapter up soon.

As always feed back welcome.