(FR) Adopting Fluttershy - Part 7

prose: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/195770/7/adopting-fluttershy/days-36---53

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Day 36 – Saturday Late Morning
>Hi, Journal.
>I realize I didn't really provide a lot of details about yesterday.
>To be frank, I'd rather not go it, but I might as well tell you.
>I've done some regretful things at work to get money, the last week or so.
>The business has some stuff on the side that...
>No, I'm not going to write anything incriminating about Lily's Massuse parlor.
>She's a good mare, and she has twins.
>But, apparently word got out about what I was doing under the table.
>Cheerilee waltzed in and told me that if I refused, she would my boss.
>It was such a shock.
>She was so... stoic about it.
>And, she didn't explicitly say it, but she was very passive aggressive.
>I decided I'd rather quit.
>I know Lily needs the business.
>So, here I am.
>Jobless.
>The mares in this town talk quickly, so it'll just be a matter of time till everypony knows.
>I have no idea where to begin looking for a new job.
>I know that there's that new bakery in town, I could try there.
>The bulletin board usually has some good leads too.
>I'm beginning to realize just how drastic my move was, but I don't regret it.
>Cheerilee is really rubbing the wrong nerve.
>At this point, if there were any other teacher in town, I'd send Fluttershy to her.
>But, I don't have a choice.
>Anyway. Who cares about that?
>Today is the big sleepover, as Fluttershy is still persistently reminding me.
>She's been skipping around the whole house as we prep to make this place hospitable for two more fillies.
>And Fluttershy keeps emphasizing that everything needs to be clean, or else this 'Rarity' might be revolted.
>I'm curious about Fluttershy's new friend.
>I haven't had the chance to meet this unicorn yet, so I'm interested to see what she's like in person, and not just from Fluttershy's stories.
>Honestly, she sounds like a bit of a high-class snob.
>However, I think I've seen her parents around town before.
>They certainly don't give off that vibe.
>The plot thickens.
>Anyway, I think Fluttershy's gone from 'the house is not clean yet' mode to 'now I don't know what to do, but I'm still so excited' mode.
>She keeps bouncing around and asking Angel what the girls would want to do tonight.
>I just plan to sit back and watch, making sure the girls get enough space to explore and have fun, but not so much distance that they get out of hand.
>Awww yeah.
>I get to be the -cool- dad.
>I think.
>Is that something a cool dad would say?
>Not the point.
>Anyway, the girls should be here in a few hours. I'm going to find some way to keep this excited filly occupied.
>I think... maybe I'll take advantage of this energy and see if she'd like to give her wings a stretch.
>Aw yeah.
>Let's try a flying lesson.
>See ya later, Journal.


Day 36 – Saturday Early Evening
>Hey, Journal.
>The girls are all playing a game, and I'll probably put them to bed here in about an hour or two.
>Of course, I'm letting them stay up a little later.
>I'm sure once I put them to "sleep" they won't really be going to bed anyway.
>Girl talk is a very real thing.
>Anyway.
>So, Rarity.
>Rarity is a sweet little unicorn with a pale white coat and quite a shrill voice.
>She seems to be obsessed with all things fashion and fancy.
>I can tell that she tries to talk with an air of sophistication that there is -no way- she learned from her family.
>That said, her manners are impeccable.
>The little trio seems to really balance well with each other, now that I see them all in the same room.
>AJ seems to be the louder, leader type that's daring and impulsive.
>Rarity is more the reserved, calculating type that plans her every move.
>Then, Shy comes in and fills in the gap, finding a graceful compromise between all of their ideas.
>I get the feeling that if my little filly wasn't here, these two might not get along at all.
>The two just contrast so much.
>That said, I'm happy to see that Shy is able to make friends with such different personalities.
>It must be her kind personality and how she works out differences with other ponies.
>If there's one thing I -can't- get over, is how competitive Rarity and AJ are.
>The three have just been sitting at the table, all playing a card game... that I guess they must have invented.
>At least, I had no clue how the game worked when they explained it.
>Fluttershy is sitting at the table with a smile, saying "This is so nice. What a fun game!" and such, while AJ and Rarity just stare at their hands intently, trying to figure out how to beat the pegasus.
>I don't think Shy realized that she could have been indirectly shit-talking with her comments.
>Either way, the whole scene made me giggle.
>Then, every time one of the two take the lead, they leap into the air and yell their moves triumphantly.
>I've had to tell them to get off the table, like, three times already.
>It's so adorable.
>I'm just happy they are so well behaved.
>OH! I think the pizza's-

Day 36 – Saturday Late Evening

>Not burnt. Thank god.
>Just crispy.
>Anyway, after they ate, I let the girls finish their game, then sent their sleepy flanks to bed.
>It's kinda unreal to watch fillies when they are young.
>You begin to see what sort of talents and abilities they have, but they are so oblivious to their own skills.
>For example: Fluttershy doesn't think her skills with animals are special.
>Rarity has an obsession with clothing. That's apparent by her seeming endless bag of dress up stuff she brought with her.
>Meanwhile, it seems like the AJ always seems to relate things to apples, and can't shake thoughts of the farm if she tried.
>It's so easy to see what they are good at, but if you tell them, they don't get it.
>The cutie mark must be a journey of self-discovery.
>I suppose all I can do is sit back and wait.
>I'm not particularly seeing other families push children into what their destiny is.
>I suppose, some things just have to be learned the hard way.
>I'm not sure why this concept is so difficult for me to accept.
>I want to take the reins and really focus on pushing her through this portion of her life, but I suppose this is just what's normal.
>Oh well, It could  be worse.
>At very least, I'm planning on meeting up with our Pegasus neighbor tomorrow to begin some flight training.
>I think Shy will be happy to be able to fly with the birds.
>The clock is creeping close to midnight.
>I can still hear the girls muttering in the next room.
>Time to bring down the hammer and force them to go to bed.
>Be right back, Journal.


>Well, shit.
>I know I shouldn't have, Journal, but I listened in on their conversation for a little bit.
>Rarity brought up the topic of crushes for the fillies.
>Rarity went into vivid detail about some dark furred and green maned pegasus colt that she had her eye on.
>Applejack just chuckled at Rarity's conversation, sayin there ain’t nopony strong enough to beat her in a race' in school, so why would she fancy somepony?
>That said, Applejack is a very fast runner, I've watched her play with Shy.
>She's going to be hard pressed to find somepony faster than her.
>After enough bickering, and Rarity ran out of colts that Applejack 'would be dashing with', the two finally set their eyes on Fluttershy.
>She nervously stuttered out that she thought Macintosh was nice.
>Which forced Rarity into guffaws of laughter and I can only imagine what was on Applejack's face behind that closed door.
>Rarity asked why she could possibly be interested in that silent colt, and Shy didn't answer.
>Applejack promptly stated that she wasn't okay with this conversation and suggested that they all go to bed.
>After that and a few good-nights, their room was silent.
>So now I'm sitting here, trying to figure out how I feel.
>Happy? I guess?
>But, then why does the pit of my stomach feel heavy?
>It can't be jealousy.
>At least, I don't think so...
>I suppose it's a sense of... protectiveness.
>I know what it's like to have a heart broken, especially at a young age.
>The first time that I ended up confessing some form of love for a girl in grade school, everyone laughed and it was a huge joke for weeks.
>Plus, the poor girl wouldn't look at me for weeks.
>I suppose, I just don't want her to get hurt.
>She's my little girl, and I don't want her to have to suffer needlessly.
>But, I also suppose somethings have to be learned the hard way, huh?
>Just... food for thought.
>Night, Journal.


Day 37 – Sunday Morning
>Morning Journal
>I didn't sleep particularly well.
>I was trying to keep an open ear for the girls in case they got into any mischief while I was a sleep.
>It seems like I got lucky.
>This time.
>I got enough ingredients downstairs for some blueberry pancakes for the girls.
>After that... it's going to be a tight ship for the week.
>I have some savings, but there's simply not enough to eat really well every single night.
>We will have to keep to simple salads with some dressing.
>I'll make Fluttershy a lunch, and... well.
>If I earn bits, maybe I'll get something for lunch.
>I've needed to lose a little weight anyway.
>It'll be fine, Journal.
>After they get done with breakfast, I'll ask them to clean up, but they will have to skedaddle around noon.
>I'm going to try and give Fluttershy her first flight lesson today.
>Our pegasus neighbor next door, Miss Rosemary, offered to help a long time ago, however we kinda stopped speaking for awhile.
>I suppose that's one thing I forgot to add.
>Last Friday, I stopped at her home and apologized for acting so harshly.
>The poor mare was surprised.
>She thought she needed to come and apologize to me.
>At this point, while I'm disappointed that she couldn't watch over my daughter, my number of winged friends are quite... small.
>I mean, the birds might be able to teach Fluttershy how to fly, but I know I can't always do it.
>It's just good to know that there's one less person in town that seems to be hating me or judging me.
>I want to trust Miss Rosemary.
>But, for my own sake, baby steps.
>Anyway!
>This should be an awesome day.
>I'll hit you up tonight, Journal.
>See ya!!!


Day 37 – Sunday Evening
>I've stared at your pages for about an hour now.
>Shy's asleep and I feel... conflicted.
>Cheerilee stopped at the house today.
>I guess Shy must have told her where we live.
>She asked if we could talk in private, and I agreed.
>I didn't want to lose my cool and scream at somepony in front of Shy.
>How dare she?
>She makes me quit my job and now she has the balls to come to my home and try to-
>Ugh.
>Anyway.
>Cheerilee tried to apologize for what she did at the massage parlor.
>It took everything in my power just to remain silent, with my arms folded.
>If she just apologized, maybe I would have considered it.
>Except, she did the worst thing possible.
>She asked if we would just be able to put it all behind us and start over.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" I asked angrily.
>I told her a million times, I wasn't going to date someone while Shy was young.
>Cheerilee was a nice mare.
>Was.
>This is getting ridiculous.
>I've heard of addictive relationships before, but this was one date that we are talking about.
>I don't understand.
>Ugh.
>I politely asked Cheerilee to leave, and trust me, that was a task.
>Then, I returned to Fluttershy's lesson with Miss Rosemary.
>Rose was kinda surprised that Fluttershy was able to learn to hover so quickly.
>Of course, Shy perked up and said,
>"It's just like being a hummingbird!"
>Which made my heart melt.
>Now with hovering down, she should be able to build enough strength to take off and fly.
>As I watched, it was kinda like the reverse of learning how to swim.
>Swim in the sky, that is.
>She's progressing really, really fast.
>I'm so proud of her.
>Let's see, what else can I say, so I don't go to bed feeling frustrated, angry and confused.
>Oh, Rarity had a dream about a big gem.
>I knew this because she -would- -not- -stop- -talking- about it all morning.
>God bless her parents.
>That filly is obsessive about fashion on a level that I don't even know how to understand.
>Thank goodness Fluttershy is into animals.
>Ugh.
>Okay. I can't get any better than this.
>Tomorrow begins my job search, I'll keep it brief so I can get out of the house early.
>Night, Journal.


Day 38 – Monday Morning
>Hi Journal.
>This week's budget is four bits.
>Fluttershy's meal is packed and she's on her way.
>I think I'm going to check out the bulletin board for jobs and ask around the shops.
>Here goes nothing.


Day 38 – Monday Evening
>Well, I'm up to 5 bits.
>I spent one bit on a small loaf of bread, and got 2 bits for a job on the bulletin board for picking up the trash in the town square.
>I'm surprised how many ponies litter.
>Usually they are such a clean species.
>Once there wasn't any more visible litter, I got a few spare bits from town hall.
>Although. I feel dirty for taking it.
>I didn't realize that some of these jobs with low pay are meant for homeless ponies.
>Now I feel like shit.
>I could have just stolen somepony's load of bread.
>I'm not that desperate yet.
>I can try to find a job that doesn't require me hurting somepony else's livelihood.
>I stopped at the bakery and talked to Cake and Icing, a couple that have been dating for a long time and decided to open a bakery together.
>They seem like such nice people, but when I asked for jobs, they were all out of room.
>I asked city hall if they needed a librarian, but they said they don't mind that the town library runs on a "good faith" checkout system.
>That just sounds like terrible planning to me, but I suppose it's what the mayor wants.
>Shy came home and we had salad for dinner.
>I was exhausted, but I sat at the table with shy and helped drill her on her math questions.
>Some of my books came with punch-out flash cards, so we were able to put them to good use.
>I'm confident that I was a help tonight.
>Now I just gotta do all of this tomorrow.
>Wish me luck.


Day 39 – Tuesday Morning
>Okay, Journal.
>Back to the four bit budget.
>The extra bit went into my savings, and I'm trying to keep all of that fairly hidden.
>I think today I'm going to hit up the mayor's office and see if they need any sort of, I dunno, data entry.
>Or something.
>I'm not excited about it, but it might be my best shot.
>See ya, Journal.


Day 39 – Tuesday Evening
>Of course.
>Of course there is a pony with a typewriter as a cutie mark that is amazing at data entry.
>You know, that's one thing I really, really hate about this world.
>It's so hard to find a job when everyone in society already has a task that they can just do so much better than any other pony.
>What the hell am I supposed to do then?
>Scoop shit off the ground?
>Ugh.
>Sorry. I'm just upset.
>I'm down to three bits for the whole week.
>It's not really... bad, but I'm going to have to be more careful with my bits.
>Fluttershy came home and got an A on her pop math-quiz.
>She was so happy to show it off to me.
>I complimented her on doing such a great job, and rewarded her by reading one of her favorite books to her.
>Salad again tonight.
>Shy didn't say anything, just ate happily and talked about how Cheerilee had some big surprise announcement for tomorrow.
>[spoiler]I hope it's that she's quitting.[/spoiler]
>...
>Wow, that was spiteful out of nowhere.
>I, uh. I'm sorry, Journal.
>I guess I'm just... mad.
>The idea of somepony like that who is just not getting the hint is eating at me.
>Do I really want this mare teaching my children?
>Ugh.
>Let's just say, if the new job needs me to move to another city, I might not be so upset.
>It might be worth it.
>Anyway, I'm exhausted, Journal.
>Tomorrow's another day.
>Night.


Day 40 – Wednesday Morning
>Alright.
>Shy is on her way to school.
>She skipped her way out the door in the blink of an eye, all excited about the new big announcement.
>I'm going to hit up the board today and see if there's something I can do to keep in budget.
>At this point, I just need to get something, anything.


Day 40 – Wednesday Evening
>Almost got a job at the Quills and Sofa's shop, but they turned me away at last minute when I couldn't identify the furniture by name.
>It's not my fault they have all sorts of fancy names.
>Who actually cares what a pouf is anyway?
>If ponies can sit, or lay down on it, isn't it good enough?
>Seriously.
>It's just a-
>Okay. I need to calm down.
>I did a job on the bulletin board and hauled some wagons of waste and trash outside of town.
>After I got done with the job, I got three bits, but I saw some poor stallion in rags looking on the board for something to do.
>I gave him a bit and he smiled very thankfully at me.
>So, after I got a loaf of bread, I'm back up to 4.
>Not terrible, but still not a real job.
>I'll get there, I just have to keep looking.
>Fluttershy was a whole new level of excited when she got home.
>She barged through the door, chanting "Field trip! Field trip!"
>Recognizing that phrase from my own childhood, I asked her to tell me about it.
>Apparently, it's normal in Ponyville for the class to take a trip to a larger city so they can examine the differences between urban and rural life.
>And go to an amusement park.
>She's so excited and I can't bear to break her little heart.
>I told her I'd have the money she needed for her class trip on Friday morning.
>The whole trip costs her 10 bits.
>I can always take it out of savings, but I'd really prefer not to do that.
>I suppose that if there is no other choice, then I will, but I think I can raise up enough money for her trip.
>Fluttershy has a lesson with Miss Rosemary tomorrow after school, which buys me some more time.
>I just wish the trip wasn't this coming weekend, then I'd have more time to prepare.
>Time for some rest.
>Night Journal.


Day 41 – Thursday Early Morning
>Morning, Journal.
>I woke Shy up early and made sure she had her breakfast, that way both of us would be out the door early.
>Keeping this one short.
>Gotta make some dough.

Day 41 – Thursday Evening
>I'm speechless right now, Journal.
>It's been a hell of a day.
>I earned 8 extra bits today, going door to door and doing home repairs for anything the residents could spare.
>I got to 12 bits.
>Then, as I was getting ready to head home when the sun was setting, that homeless stallion came up to me and... well.
>He took my wallet.
>I chased him across town, but he ducked into an alley and was gone.
>When I couldn't find him I just sat down at a bench in the market, trying to figure out what in the world I try to do next.
>Did I go home and tell Shy we couldn't afford her weekend trip?
>I didn't care about the bills, the mortgage, the savings or anything...
>What I cared about was how disappointed she was going to be because I failed.
>I messed up.
>I tried to recompose myself in the center of Ponyville when I heard a familiar voice come up to me.
>Accompanied by a barren cart with a squeaky wheel was Granny Smith, who was eyeing me with concern and asking what was wrong.
>I told her my woes about the trip, losing my job, Cheerilee and how I had to go home and tell Fluttershy she couldn't go on the trip with Applejack and Rarity.
>There was silence as I stared at the dirt, when I finally raised my voice again.
"Granny Smith... do you think I'm a bad father?"
>I felt something hard smack into the side of my head and it caught me off guard.
>It bounced off and landed on the ground in a small little heap.
>"Don't you dare ask me that question again," Granny replied. "Yer all that filly has in her life. Yeh can't afford to be second guessin yerself every chance you get. Next thing yeh know, she'll be second guessin' you."
>I looked up at her in surprise at the spontaneous lecture.
>Her voice wasn't one of anger, but of wizened concern.
>She spoke from experience, rather than thinking that something was actually wrong with you.
>Did this mean-
>"I want you at the farm directly after the filly goes to school, and early on the weekends so that the two of yeh can spend the afternoon together. You hear me?" she said.
>I looked down at what rested on the ground, and it was a small coin-purse.
"But-"
>"I'll see yeh tomorrow, Anonymous," Granny said, pulling her cart back towards home.
>I sat on the bench, dumbfounded at her actions, but smiling wider than I had all week.
>I found a job.
>Grabbing my, I guess... advance pay, I checked it out to find 30 bits sitting inside.
>Not as much as my old job, but it'll do.
>It'll pay bills and put food on the table.
>Even if it's... still salads.
>Maybe if I work at the orchard, I can take home some of the bad apples.
>Cutting out the bruised and rotten parts, of course.
>I better get permission for that first though, before I do it.
>I got home and Fluttershy I could already tell was eagerly anticipating if I had a new job.
>She leaped from the kitchen table where she was doing her homework, and asked with concerned eyes if I had a good day.
>I love my little girl so much.
>So, of course, I told her yes, and that I'd be working on Applejack's farm.
>The lights on her face just seemed to all turn on high-blast at the same time.
>"Does this mean I get to play with Applejack -everyday-?!" she asked.
"Of cour-... Well, I think so," I answered, trying to be cautious.
>Honestly, I got no idea what Granny will or won't let me do.
>At this point, I'm just happy for the opportunity.
>We had salads for the fourth night in a row, then hit the hay.
>Tomorrow's my first day back to work, and Fluttershy will be on her class trip all weekend.
>
>Wait. Fluttershy will be gone all weekend.
>...
>How will I know if she will be safe?
>I'm trusting Cheerilee with Fluttershy in Manehattan for three days.
>What the hell did I just agree to?
>Shit.
>I can still pull out now.
>Maybe.
>Shit.
>I need to sleep on this.


Day 42 – Friday Morning
>Alright.
>I decided I would leave the decision up to Fluttershy.
>It wouldn't really be fair for me to get this far saying "yes, you can go," and then decide at last second that "no, you can't."
>Except, here's what I keep getting hung up on.
>Sometimes it's not always about what's fair or what seems right in the child's eyes, it's about doing the thing that will keep them safe.
>So, I asked myself an honest question: Would Fluttershy not be safe?
>All of the other parents in town are trusting their little ponies into Cheerilee's hooves.
>They trust her.
>She's done, what seems like, an excellent job at separating personal life and professional life.
>Cheerilee seems to do everything she can for her students, which I suppose I would call a healthy professional life.
>So, even if her personal life seems to be a bit focused on me, I think I can trust her to take care of my child.
>At that point, I asked Fluttershy over breakfast what she was looking forward to.
>Apparently they were going to be going by this massive fashion emporium that Rarity couldn't stop gushing over, they would be trying some of the city's nicer foods, which Applejack was excited for, and she was excited to see what sort of animals existed in the city.
>I opened my mouth to explain that the city didn't really have animals, when I decided that maybe I shouldn't crush her hopes before she even left the house.
>She'll find out herself.
>I could tell how excited and how badly she wanted to go on this trip, so, I took a deep breath and trusted that Rarity's parents and Granny Smith knew what they were doing.
>After breakfast, the three fillies all met up outside the house and jumped about, excited for their weekend.
>I called back Fluttershy and gave her one last big hug and kiss before she left.
>So, now here I am, wondering if I did the right thing.
>Well, I have job to go do now.
>Time to see what's in store for me at the farm.
>See ya, Journal.

Day 42 – Friday Evening
>Morning, Journal.
>It's... empty here.
>I even called out for Fluttershy once I got home.
>Then, I remembered.
>A slight melancholy overwhelmed me and sorta took over my evening as I wrapped up the rest of the salad for the week.
>I suppose now I can grocery shop like normal.
>Today was my first day at work with the Apples.
>The work is hard, but it's fulfilling and really gives a hell of an endorphin rush.
>My task is simple.
>Go up the tree and pick fruit.
>The ponies have it easy, they can just buck the trees and all the apples fall down.
>However, I'm not as lucky.
>The trees here go up to about 9 or 10 feet, thanks to everything being remarkably smaller than me.
>Thank goodness this is a world of little ponies.
>So, I have to climb up and pick the apples up one by one.
>I've found that shaking the branches will knock down most of the apples on that limb, which sped up the process.
>However, I was so exhausted half way through the day that I nearly collapsed at lunch break.
>Which wasn't long, mind you.
>The sun was hot and bore down on me.
>I might have a sunburn, but I'm not sure.
>Although... I gotta admit, Granny is extremely kind.
>I didn't bring anything out for lunch, trying to save money and count calories.
>Which was a terrible idea.
>So, she brought out lunch for both Macintosh and I.
>And, intends to keep doing it.
>I'm not sure how to feel about this, but apparently, the employment situation all works out for the apples.
>Granny had to alternate days of selling in the market and bucking trees to try and have enough apples to send to market.
>Now, with me picking during the day, Granny can take a cart into town to sell.
>Which, in turn, means more profit for the farm.
>So, my paycheck comes out of whatever extra profit the farm is making.
>Which, I mean, is pretty simple logic there.
>So, I worked all day with Macintosh.
>He's a good kid, but his silence unnerves me.
>The colt kept giving me odd glances underneath his stetson.
>I tried to start conversation with him a few times, but nothing seemed to really pan out.
>The best answer I got of the day was a grunt, when I asked if you get better at this apple pickin stuff over time.
>Still, it's something.
>I think maybe, I'll try to get a word out of him.
>...
>This house is so empty without her.
>It's absolutely cutting.
>I didn't realize how much different it would be without her around.
>I'm not really sure how I used to live day to day before.
>Anyway, I think I'm going to try and get some sleep, put in some good hours tomorrow, and try to get another early night of rest.
>Night, Journal.


Day 43 – Saturday Morning
>Fell back into old routine
>Late to orchard
>More later


Day 43 – Saturday Evening
>Home.
>Holy shit, my muscles.
>I feel like every step is testing my ability to function as a human being.
>To walk makes my legs shake and uneasy.
>I admit, I stayed way, way later than I should have.
>I felt bad for being late, but I more than doubled the hour that I was late for.
>At about 3 hours of overtime, I guess Macintosh thought I was trying to show him up, so we both worked late.
>About the time I was about to collapse on the ground and the sunset was fading away, Granny came out, called us dimwits and sent us inside for dinner.
>I resisted, saying I had dinner at home, but when these Apples have their mind set on something, it's impossible to get their mind off of it.
>Kinda like... southern hospitality from back home.
>Is that stereotyping?
>I dunno.
>If it is, I don't mean it harshly.
>Granny prepared a feast for us, and trust me, I had my fill.
>I probably ate like a pig.
>Granny didn't seem to mind though.
>She mentioned I looked gaunt earlier today.
>Well, maybe not quite like that, it was more like: "With a body like that, I could snap you in two even even though I got old."
>Heh.
>Macintosh ended up passing out on the couch right after dinner.
>I'm sure the exhaustion and warm, delicious food all hit him at the same time.
>I helped Granny with the dishes, and when that was done, she said she had to check on little Bloom.
>It was a name I hadn't heard before, so I pressed for more info.
>Granny nodded to me to follow, so I went upstairs with her.
>In the back of their upstairs hallway was a room with a small crib, no taller than maybe my waist.
>Snuggled up in the center of the crib was a small yellow filly, just a baby, with the beginnings of a red mane.
>"That's our little Applebloom," she said. "Ambrosia didn't like to stay down long. As soon as she could walk, it meant she could buck. If she could buck, she was going with Jazz on that trip."
>Granny sighed.
"Your daughter?"
>"The stubbornness comes from me. It passes through the mares," she chuckled.
>We closed the door to Applebloom's room carefully and headed down to the kitchen so we wouldn't disturb Mac.
>I had to admit, I was curious about Ambrosia and Jazz Apple, so I asked.
>Granny sighed, but wore a weary smile.
>She told me how she married into the Apple Family from a long line of bakers.
>Of course, she gave everything up to join the farm, and it wasn't long before they had Ambrosia.
>Ambrosia spent almost all of her time on the farm, creating a wake of Applepicking and bucking like no pony else on the farm.
>However, that meant that she had very little time to go out and do anything special or find a special somepony.
>It was fate that one day, a stallion with a guitar, who went by the name of Jazz, got lost and stopped by the Farm.
>After that small hour exchange, she daydreamed while out on the farm.
>She took more interest in going into town.
>It took a week for her to find him again.
>It took two more weeks for her to bring him to the farm for dinner.
>Ambrosia's grandparents were outraged.
>A stallion with almost no strength, that couldn't take over the farm?
>There was no way they could bless it.
>Until one day, he perched himself outside the stall with his guitar and played music for the town.
>The stall had such a surge of sales, they had to go back to the farm and get another cart.
>Or, they would have, if Jazz didn't follow them.
>Along with the listeners.
>After that day, Jazz said he would sacrifice his last name, and work on the farm if it meant the blessing of the family.
>Well, those lovebirds got their blessing.
>Granny smiled and looked at the ceiling.
>"If there's one thing that stays the same, no matter where you go, love makes you do crazy things," she said.
>That's so true.
>I remember being young and putting on a big scene in high school to profess my crush on a girl I liked.
>There were flowers and the whole bit.
>And I was turned down.
>I felt so silly.
>I bet the ponies have their own form of hopeless romance as well.
>I talked with Granny for awhile, who seemed to enjoy the company, and then I took my leave.
>Once I got home, I kinda just dawdled for awhile, until I found myself sitting on Shy's bed, feeding Angel a carrot.
>I could tell he missed Shy.
>He sat at the door most of the time, waiting.
>When I got home, he had the most hopeful look, just to have it dashed.
>The way his ears are hanging are just heartbreaking.
>Honestly, I kinda feel my ears hung low too.
>I'm just happy she's coming back Sunday.
>At least, she should be.
>No. She is.
>And I shouldn't be staying up so late anymore.
>I have to wake up to pick apples now.
>I'm going to try to fall asleep and not worry about Shy so much.
>Although, I dunno how successful I'll be.
>It was so hard to fall asleep last night.
>I kept worrying that maybe... Maybe Cheerilee is doing something devious.
>I just have to stay calm and accept that it'll be okay.
>It has to be.
>If anything funny happens, I swear to god I'll kill Cheerilee.
>Night, Journal.


Day 44 – Saturday Morning
>Morning, Journal.
>Didn't really sleep well, but at least I'm up at the right time.
>Just another bowl of cereal.
>Uhhh.
>Man my life is boring without Shy around.
>Off to work.


Day 44 – Saturday Evening
>Just an average day at the farm, I guess.
>It's an eerie silence out in the fields with just Macintosh and I.
>He clearly isn't going to talk to me, so I didn't bother too much.
>So, I found myself humming some tunes from back home.
>Humming, cause, honestly, I don't remember all the words.
>I just remember getting really, really into it and at one point, I looked over at Macintosh, and he was just staring at me.
>His stetson was pulled up, and he was looking at me with some odd form of curiousity.
>I asked him if something was wrong and he just shook his head and went back to work.
>I have no idea what it was all about.
>But, I just tried to get more and more work done.
>And like hell I was gunna stop humming.
>If I'm going to have 'Apologize' stuck in my head, I'm going to hum it, and nopony is going to stop me.
>I gotta admit, having the Apples partially pay me with meals is a bigger help than I thought it would.
>I can feel myself get stronger each day and I can see my number of bushels increase.
>You know, something dawned on me as I wrote that line.
>Was that hat something that was passed down from their parents?
>Was the stetson Jazz or Ambrosia's?
>Now I'm very, very curious.
>Either way, I came home and sat down to pick up a book, when I realized I was out of parenting books to read.
>You know, honestly?
>I'm just not that enthralled by them anymore.
>Most of them all go over the same things every time, and their written so... basic.
>Most of the problems I've ran into from my experience so far are nothing like what's outlined in the book.
>So far, I've had to go almost entirely by the seat of my pants.
>Sure, it told me when to teach about the birds and the bees and WAY, WAY more about how a filly's maturation works more than I EVER wanted to know, however the books haven't been massively helpful.
>I'm not quite sure why I devoured them so hard.
>Everything in here seems to make... I dunno. Sense.
>Like, I would just guess that this is what I should do.
>I glanced back at some of my older entries, and I can't believe just how little confidence I had in myself.
>Now, I'm not even really thinking about being a bad Dad anymore.
>I suppose I'm just building confidence.
>Once you do this stuff long enough, you get the hang of it.
>...
>I miss my little girl so much.
>I hope she got enough to eat.
>I hope she's safe.
>I hope she didn't get lost or break off from the group.
>I hope she got to see one animal in the city. At least one.
>Okay.
>I should probably go to bed.
>Take it easy, Journal.
>Keep being... well. A book.


Day 45 – Sunday Morning
>Morning, Journal.
>I can't wait for Fluttershy to get back.
>Hopefully work goes by quickly.
>See ya.


Day 45 – Sunday Evening
>My little girl is home.
>All is right with the world.
>Work was boring, whatever.
>Fluttershy told me at length all about her trip.
>They went to a zoo, journal.
>They went to a zoo in Manehattan.
>She couldn't stop talking about all the rare and exotic creatures she talked to.
>There were tigers, peacocks, rhinos, penguins and all sorts of animals she talked to.
>I asked about some animals she encountered off the top of my head, and she said she saw every one... but monkeys.
>They didn't go see the monkeys.
>I was more than confused.
>When I asked about them, Fluttershy's ears went down and she tried to dodge around the question.
>I wasn't going to have that.
>I asked if something happened at the monkey area.
>She nodded.
>I knew instantly why.
>I'd been here long enough to have heard the ponies judge me before.
>I asked if it was because of me, and she nodded.
>I picked her up and gave her a warm hug and told her I was sorry.
>She snuggled her head into my chest.
>"I missed you bunches," she said.
"I missed you too, sweetheart," I replied.
>I made her favorite meal tonight.
>I know I should have probably made it when she got her A, but I was worried that we wouldn't be able to make ends meet.
>Not that we're poor or anything.
>...
>Okay, we're kinda poor.
>But, I can do this.
>It just takes scrimping.
>Maybe I'll still do odd jobs in town.
>I dunno.
>I'll make it happen.
>If I have to...
>...
>If I have to, I'll go back to the parlor.
>At least there I could save some money for a rainy day.
>I don't want to, but, I mean.
>Ugh.
>ANYWAY.
>I asked what the other girls thought of the class trip.
>Shy told me that Rarity was up in arms... uh. Up in hooves?
>She was extremely excited to see all the clothing in Manehattan.
>On that trip, Rarity decided that she was going to try to make her own fancy clothes when she got home.
>Also, Applejack seemed to be completely enamored by all things fancy.
>The hair styles, the dresses, the food that she saw from far off, but never got to try, the way that the others talked all intrigued her.
>Apparently she wants to learn all about it and try to live the fancy life.
>AJ told her that she had relatives in Manehattan so it would be easy to-
>Then she trailed off.
>I filled in the gaps.
>AJ wants to move, I think.
>As much as I'd love to sit here and worry that AJ might leave Fluttershy, I don't think the Apples could do that.
>I mean, they have too much going on at the farm.
>So, I'm not going to spend any more time worrying that Fluttershy could lose half of her friends.
>Especially her closest one.
>...
>Okay, I'm entitled to worry a little bit.
>But, still, it seems unlikely.
>It's just so nice to have her back.
>Just knowing she's in the other room, sound asleep, is relaxing.
>And, maybe I'll be the first to admit that I might have doubted Cheerilee too much.
>I don't think she would hurt Shy.
>I don't think she's even trying to hurt me.
>I just think her heart is hurting and she doesn't know what to do.
>Maybe it's some of that hopeless romantic pony-logic coming out.
>Maybe I should cut her a little more slack.
>I mean, who hasn't been there before?
>Either way, I gotta get to the orchard tomorrow.
>I just needed to tell you about Shy's trip.
>I'm so happy she had a good time.
>A ZOO!
>Perfect.
>Anyway, good night.


Day 46 – Monday Morning
>It's an early morning, but I just saw Shy and AJ head off to school.
>Time to get some work done at the apple farm.
>I slept really well last night.
>I'm just so happy she's safe.
>See ya, Journal.


Day 46 – Monday Evening
>Howdy, Journal.
>It was a big day today.
>I had my highest bushel count ever today.
>I watched some of what Mac was doing and tried to find some of the tree weak points.
>It's not like I can kung-fu the tree and knock the apples down, but the limbs... maybe.
>Time will tell.
>I noticed that whenever I hum, Macintosh likes it.
>AJ got home about when I was leaving the orchard, and I overheard them talking about Manehattan.
>As much as I wanted to eavesdrop, it's not my place.
>Hopefully it's just a phase that will pass.
>I got home and Fluttershy was already deep in her homework.
>She seemed a little down, so I sat down at the table with her and asked her what was wrong.
>Shy sighed and didn't raise her gaze.
>She was disappointed that all Rarity and AJ wanted to talk about today was... fancy things.
>Dresses, Manehattan high life, fine dining.
>It was all those two fillies could have their mind on.
>She was quick to say that she sort of expected it from Rarity, but from Applejack?
>It seemed like Applejack was just... trying to be somepony she's not.
>I asked her why she thought that and she sort of shrugged.
>Shy said that it was just way too different.
>Applejack usually exclusively talked about the farm, and how much she loved it.
>To her, seeing AJ somewhere outside of a farm felt... out of place.
>She didn't want to be unsupportive to her friend, but she didn't know what to do.
>She asked me if she should tell AJ about how she felt about the farm filly's idea to move to Manehattan with her extended family.
>Honestly, I wasn't sure.
>I told her that... sometimes our friends and family have to learn things the hard way, because they need to learn things for themselves.
>Yet, that doesn't mean we can't try to help them before they get hurt.
>She nodded her head, and said she was going to try to tell AJ tomorrow.
>I hope this doesn't implode in her face.
>I'm concerned for her.
>I'll talk to you later, Journal.
>If you get any good ideas about how to handle this, be sure to tell me.


Day 47 – Tuesday Morning
>Morning, Journal.
>I think I'm beginning to get used to this 'get up early' thing.
>Today I even get to write down a few words before I head off to work.
>I slept pretty well, but I found another window open.
>This time, downstairs in the kitchen.
>I never open the kitchen window.
>Unless something's burnt.
>So, I'm a little bit weirded out.
>I have no idea why this has been happening.
>I'm making a mental note to lock every window before I begin writing in you tonight.
>Actually, hell with it...

NOTE TO SELF: LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS.

>See ya, Journal.


Day 47 – Tuesday Evening
>Okay, everything's locked.
>Now then, Shy came home even more defeated today.
>I'm so worried about her.
>She told me that she talked to the other girls about their latest obsessions today during lunch.
>Both of them really, really didn't take it well.
>They didn't know why Fluttershy wasn't more supportive of the things they wanted to do.
>The two fillies moved to other tables and left Shy all alone.
>I told her to just be patient, they will come around.
>It'll all be okay.
>Except...
>I know it's not going to really be okay, Journal.
>I was at work today and saw AJ come back in a huff.
>I knew it couldn't be good, so today I -did- eavesdrop.
>She's going to Manehattan to stay with her Aunt and Uncle Orange this Friday.
>And... it sounds permanent.
>I'm worried for Shy, Journal.
>I don't want those bullies to come back for her.
>In the time I've stayed here, I've noticed that ponies have a pretty interesting trait.
>When they have their minds set on something, or they have a goal in mind, they will stop at nothing in order to achieve it.
>So, Applejack wants to get fancy.
>Rarity, I guess, wants to be good at making dresses?
>Both of those are major skills that take years and years to master.
>I just... I hope they don't sacrifice their friendship with Shy in order to accomplish their goal.
>She's so crushed, Journal.
>We read four stories together tonight, just because she didn't want there to be school tomorrow.
>I'm going to talk to Granny tomorrow and tell her what I've seen and my concerns.
>I hope she can do something.
>Anything.


Day 48 – Wednesday Morning
>The fucking front door was open.
>The front door.
>What the hell is going on.
>I checked the entire house.
>Nothing is missing.
>Holy shit.
>I'm really nervous right now.
>Should I get a weapon or something?
>Change the locks?
>Nothing is stolen.
>A few bookshelves turned inside and out, but nothing that couldn't be picked up.
>That's not the point.
>I don't feel safe here.
>I don't feel safe having Shy here.
>I have a lot to talk about with Granny.
>See ya.


Day 48 – Wednesday Evening
>I've decided it's not best to tell Shy about the break in.
>It might just make things worse for her.
>She was all alone today at school.
>Nobody sat by her in class anymore.
>Her head is constantly down and she can't work up the passion for anything.
>All evening, she's just sat on the couch silently, petting Angel with a brush.
>I asked if she wanted to play a game or read a book, but she didn't want to.
>I even tried my patented tickle attack, but it didn't work.
>I tucked her into bed and tried to talk through what she's going through, but she's inconsolable.
>I tried going to Granny today to ask about working with AJ, but Granny says she doesn't want the Manehattan trip either.
>In fact, she doesn't want it at all.
>The last time one of her girls went there, they never game back.
>But, the Apple blood runs strong in AJ, she said.
>There's no setting her mind off it.
>Knowing that filly, granny figures that J will either run away or leave with Granny's blessing.
>At least with Granny's blessing, the filly can come back if she's unhappy.
>As for Fluttershy, Granny said she would try to convince AJ to make amends before she left.
>As for Rarity...
>Well, Rarity went back to the teasers.
>When she came to school today, she had an elegant dress, just like one she saw in Manehattan.
>All the other students 'ooh'ed and 'aah'ed at the custom creation, and got Rarity all the popularity she needed to be considered 'in' again.
>Fluttershy got the note, which helped her though the afternoon, according to her.
>It's unnerving how determined these ponies are once they made their minds up.
>Hopefully Granny's words strike a chord in AJ.
>I don't know what else to say.
>I just wish I could swoop in and make everything better for her.
>It hurts so much to see her so down.
>To see her dawdle the last few mornings, hoping AJ will come to walk with her.
>It hurts to see her not want to go to sleep, meaning that she'd have to go back to school tomorrow.
>I love her so much, Journal.
>What do I do?
>I'm going to check the doors and windows a third time, then head to bed.
>Hopefully I get some other idea.


Day 49 – Thursday Morning
>Okay.
>Nothing.
>No open doors or windows.
>Everything was still locked.
>Everything was in it's proper place.
>I don't get it, if someone broke in, why?
>I can't get it out of my head.
>What if they weren't looking for valuables, but something specific?
>If so, what were they looking for?
>I can't wrap my head around it.
>I packed Shy a special lunch with a note.
>Hopefully it makes up for having to eat alone again.
>I'm so worried about her.
>It's not like I have Cheerilee to ask for help anymore.
>Fluttershy just went to school alone.
>Off to the orchard, I guess.


Day 49 – Thursday Evening
>Apparently, AJ sat with Fluttershy at lunch today.
>They didn't talk though.
>Fluttershy wanted to say things, but her voice didn't co-operate.
>She said it made her feel kind of better though, in a way.
>Maybe it meant AJ could be friends again.
>She wanted to see if she could invite her to the pond this weekend.
>I told her... we'll see.
>I didn't want to get her hopes up.
>AJ leaves tomorrow.
>I feel the filly should tell her in person, not me.
>She seemed a little perkier tonight.
>I'll take what I can get.
>Also, on a personal note, Macintosh said something to me today.
>During lunch today, he asked me why I haven't been humming lately.
>When it happened, I was shocked.
>I turned to him and he just looked at back at me like it was something completely normal.
>I haven't heard this kid say a word in, what, 20 days?
>And out of nowhere he asks: "Why haven't you been humming?"
>So, I shrugged and said that I've been thinkin.
>Then, the silence returned.
"Why?" I asked.
>"It was nice," he replied.
>Then the silence continued.
>I sat there, munching on Granny's sandwich, wondering how I could continue this conversation.
>"It reminded me of Pa," he said.
>And instantly my throat swelled.
>I hummed during the afternoon.
>Triple checked all the locks and doors.
>Maybe I can sleep soundly.


Day 50 – Friday Morning
>I had to panic clean the place.
>Stuff was upturned everywhere this morning.
>All the doors and windows were still locked.
>I'm beyond words.
>I took a baseball bat out of the closet and I have it by my bed.
>Just in case.
>When Fluttershy went outside to go to school, AJ was waiting for her.
>They apologized to each other and AJ told her that it was her last day in Ponyville.
>So, they agreed to make it the best day they could.
>I'm happy they are on good terms again.


Day 50 – Friday Evening
>It seems like Fluttershy had a good day at school today.
>The other girls even invited her out to play with them while I'm at the orchard.
>Which is perfect, because Rosemary is remarkably hard to get in contact with lately.
>I wonder if she went on vacation or something.
>I can't get this intruder out of my head.
>Who is it?
>Why?
>What do they want?
>It would be easier if they just stole something and stopped.
>Then at least I could feel safe in my own home.
>I'm going to try to sleep.
>I don't know what else to say.


Day 51 – Saturday Morning
>Fluttershy just ran off to go play with Rarity and the girls.
>I hope she has fun and makes some friends.
>The house looks clean.
>Nothing out of place, nothing moved.
>It must not be an every night thing.
>Who is breaking into my home?
>What are they looking for?
>Is... is it Cheerilee?
>Perhaps that's a bit too hasty.
>I'll figure this out.


Day 51 – Saturday Evening
>Fluttershy came home with a bruise on her face late into the evening.
>I could tell she was crying.
>The girls tricked her.
>Apparently it was Rarity that finally got the girls to stop.
>I wanted to go scream at Rarity's parents, but Rarity is the one that did the good deed here.
>Shy doesn't even know all the names of the other girls.
>I have nothing to go off of.
>I can't go to Cheerilee, I think she's breaking in my home.
>I don't know what to do.


Day 52 – Sunday Morning
>The last place I used to hide you was torn apart.
>It was next to my bed.
>I began hiding you under my pillow to keep you safe.
>I think the intruder is trying to get you, Journal.
>Why?
>What do they want you for?
>This only raises more questions than answers.
>I can't focus.


Day 52 – Sunday Evening
>Fluttershy is depressed and reclusive.
>She doesn't even want to play with her animal friends.
>The filly isn't even talking to Angel.
>We're going to sleep in the same bed tonight.
>I'm veiling it as something that will make her feel better.
>I don't feel safe having her out of my sight.


Day 53 – Monday Morning
>Shy woke me up in the middle of the night.
>She said somepony was in the house.
>I had her stay there and I grabbed my bat.
>I raced downstairs to find a pony rushing out of my house.
>The silhouette looked just like Cheerilee.
>Why does Cheerilee want my journal?
>I'm going to the station today.
>Shy just left for school.
>I wish the swelling on her eye went down.
>Just gotta push through.
>This will get better.


Day 53 – Monday Evening
>Journal.
>I swear to god.
>Every window is closed.
>The door is locked.
>I'm going crazy.
>The cops laughed me out of the station.
>I have no other options
>I'm going to try and stay awake as long as I can.
>If someone is breaking into this house tonight, I'm going to destroy them.
>I won't let anything happen to Shy.
>Wish me luck.


[hr]
This is the conclusion of Exhibit A, evidence found in the case of Ponyville v Anonymous the Human.