I still couldn’t believe I was so blind. The signs were right in front of me. I guess my stubborn and trusting nature made me blind. Or maybe I just didn’t want to see it. Even as my hero held
me, comforting me as I cried. I still wanted to not believe it. All the lies played in my mind once more. Let me tell y’all something, money changes ponies it makes them do things. It could be jealousness or greed maybe even hate. I just couldn’t believe somepony I loved would use me.
I cried and kept crying while I was held. Finally my tears seem to have dried only when my sniffling stopped did my hero pulled away staring straight into my eyes, “Applejack, I know it hurts. Just know I’m here for you.” As she spoke I could see the pure honesty shining in her eyes. Heck if I was honest with myself I would have noticed sooner. She had been there the whole time looking out for me.
It was funny just a couple of days ago we had a huge fight. She was trying to pull the wool away from my eyes. All I did was yell at her and call her a horrible friend. Yet here she was holding me like it never happened. I truly didn’t deserve her. At that moment I wanted to say so many things but the words never came to me. So instead of speaking I choose to act.
Without pause or hesitation, I kissed her. It wasn’t beautiful or reality breaking. It just was just right, you know? Many would tell me I made a hasty mistake or I was using her to fill the gap in my heart. An in all honesty I might have at first. Even with all that it was easily the best decision I had made in a long while. Looking back on it, I think I would have givin all my money to have done it sooner.
Well heck here I go, getting ahead of myself. You guys still aint caught up. Guess we should get back to the story. Now where was I? Oh yeah, I just passed out.
“Applejack? Applejack? Applejack!”
As I came to, I was greeted by quite a funny sight. There were three Twilights standing over me. It took a moment for me to catch my bearings. The room stopped spinning as the three Twis morphed to one. I glanced at the fancy stallion who seemed not to have a care in the world. I guess he would be used to ponies acting this way.
Gathering myself, I spoke, “Sorry for worrying you Twilight. I’m fine; it just took me by surprise.” Twilight kept her worried gaze but soon smiled as she helped me from the cold floor. Getting myself settled I stared at the fancy pony once more, “You're pulling my leg right? That is a ridiculous amount of bits. Ah’m willing to bet Ah could buy most of Ponyville with that kind of dough, heck Ah probably could buy all of it.” I know I should’ve been happy with the money, but I didn’t get to where I was without being cautious.
Mr. Fancy Stallion only shook his head before clearing his throat, “Ms. Applejack, your grandmother was one of the richest ponies in equestria. A better example would be this. I believe a mister Filthy Rich lives in Ponyville?” I only shook my head, to be honest. I was sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Well your new net worth compared to his is laughable. Yes Mister Rich is one of the richest in Ponyville, but to compare him to your grandmother. Well would be like comparing a princess to a train conductor.”
Yet again, my breath faulted. This was crazy. My family stilled owed Filthy money. The stallion was telling me that I was now richer than a pony whose name was literally Rich. The stallion kept speaking not really caring about my state of mind. “Now your grandmother was in the top five of the wealthiest ponies. You may not have all of her assets and her business. But I am willing to say you’re in the top thirty.” Twilight sprang to action stopping me from falling. Everything seemed unreal. Like at any moment I would wake up and see this was all a dream.
“Now Ms. Applejack I know this is a lot to take in. But Miss. Isabel thought ahead and kept her accountant here to speak with you. She is waiting for you down the hall. It just so happens your uncle employs her as well.” The fancy stallion started to gather his papers. Looked like he was about to skedaddle.
“Hopefully, she can help you with all your other questions. Now Ms. Applejack it is time we part ways. On behalf of your friendly life insurance company we at Ponco thank you for choosing us to help you in these grave times.” And without another word, he left the room, leaving me and Twilight alone.
I could only sit there, my legs feeling as heavy as lead. It was a lot to take in. Twilight sat and let me have my moment. Thankfully she got my attention. I probably would have just sat there. “Applejack, I know this is a lot to take in. we should probably go see her accountant it may clear things up.”
I know most of you would have been jumping for joy at this kind of news. I on the other hoof couldn’t wrap my head around it. Why would my grandma leave me so much money? She never really showed any interest in my life nor Applebloom’s. Those thoughts could wait, however. Twilight was right. I needed to go see this accountant. Granny always said, “Let the past rest.”
No words were spoken as we left the room in silence. I couldn’t help but take in the hall around me. Even the dang halls were massive I could roll a whole wagon in here easy. Is this what money leads to? Wasting it on unnecessary things. The walls were covered in portraits which I could only assume were the Oranges. I was so entranced I nearly walked head-first into the door. Felt like a mile walk and, no, I’m not over exaggerating. My shock was shattered by Twilights gasp.
I raised brow, noticing Twilight get all giddy reading the nameplate on the door. “Oh my gosh! Your grandmother’s accountant is Ms. Pennyworth. She does all the finances for the equestrian games. She has also helped the princess out of financial binds she’s a legend. I wonder if she is as cold as her sister.”
Before I could ask what Twilight meant. Fate seemed to answer it for me as the door opened to reveal Ms. Harshwhinny. It took me a moment to realize I was looking at another pony. She looked just like her except her mane was in a bun and she wore glasses.
“Are you Ms. Applejack? Pleasure to meet you; if you would come in; I would like to get this over with. There is much to discuss.” It hit me; she had to be Ms. Harshwhinny’s twin sister. I could only roll my eyes as Twilight switched to her fan girl mode.
“Ms. Pennyworth it is a honor to meet you. I have read all your books on economics. And I must say your slides on tax breaks are mind blowing.” And just like her sister Ms. Pennyworth showed no signs of caring. I kinda felt bad for Twi but I sort of had my own problems to deal with.
Ms. Pennyworth lead us into the office, I was surprised to see it wasn’t huge. It was just a simple office. I probably would have looked around more if my attention wasn’t drawn to the objects on the desk.
There was four objects lined in a neat row. One such item was what look to be a checkbook. Before I could look at the other three Ms. Pennyworth spoke, “Ms. Applejack if you would take a seat. It would seem you have gain quite the fortune and it’s my job to make sure you don’t lose it.” Whoowee! This was great. I’m not going to lie to you hearing her say those words took a giant weight of my shoulders. I was very willing to have outside help on this.
“Now I’m sure you have ran a business or handled finances at one point or another. Let me tell you Ms. Applejack, handling a fortune is not easy. This amount of money is a business on its own.” That made sense I guess; I was still trying to grasp everything.
“So first, I went ahead and took the liberty of going over your accounts and made a finer statement of your money, Ms. Applejack. Miss. Isabel held her funds for ten years and let the interest build on it. Now they told you it was around twenty million correct?” I’m telling you guys my head pounds every time I hear that number. I only nodded my response. “Well it’s actually around twenty seven million. I don’t think they took in the interest. Now I will say you are quite lucky. Most ponies who inherit this type of money don’t get a pre made cushion.” Cushion? Now I was confused, how the heck would a pillow help me with money? Luckily I got my answer.
“Your stocks and interest give you a great limit or cushion as we call it. Your stock will give you about three hundred thousand a year maybe more and your interest will also be about three hundred thousand a year. This gives you a bare minimal limit of six hundred thousand a year to spend.” Six hundred thousand! We barely spend thirty thousand a year at the farm. That was ridiculous.
“As I was saying that is the limit if you don’t want to touch any money in the bank. However in truth you could probably spend up to two million and not get hurt... Not that I’m advising that. So keep a million dollar limit a year and you can live happily tell probably death.”
Whelp I’m done I don’t think I can handle any more good news. I mean come on the number just keeps getting bigger. What the heck was I supposed to do with it? I couldn’t keep my thoughts silent as I spoke up, “Umm Ms. Pennyworth, how the heck do I spend that much money. Ah’m just a simple farmer.” Ms. Pennyworth didn’t answer right away. Instead she gave me a hard look before letting a small smile slip through.
“Well Ms. Applejack, I can see you are going to do just fine. As for what you should do investments are a good thing. Looking into helping business like your farm and the biggest thing pay of any debt. This is important debts can grow don’t ignore them. I have seen many ponies go bankrupt letting their debts gain.” I tell ya it didn’t take long to think of our debts. It pains me to say it. But sometimes we needed to borrow money from Filthy to stay afloat.
“Well we do owe Mr. Filthy Rich about forty thousand that is probably our only true debt. We just normally don’t have enough to pay him; often we give him price cuts on our products.” So have you ever seen someone go from happy to pissed in no time. Well Ms. Pennyworth did justthat.
“Ms. Applejack, that pony is a known crook. Many ponies talk about his underhanded tactics to keep ponies owing him. My suggestion is to pay him off while not telling him where you got the money. This may sound harsh but he will try to drag you into schemes that will drain your
money.”
It was kind of funny to watch her try to compose herself. It was even funnier to see Twilight's slacked jaw close. “Now back to business. I would also suggest getting any medical work out of the way. Letting injuries grow only increase the medical bill.” That one made the most sense. I could finally get Granny that hip replacement and get me and Big Mac to the dentist. It wasn’t like I was avoiding it. Me and my brother decided our little sister health was more important. Besides I brush everyday thank you very much.
“While we are on the subject, I would be willing to get some separate accounts setup for you. You know like life insurance accounts or saving funds for a family member. I know this is a lot all at once but it would be better to get these things set up sooner than later.”
She did bring up a good point; I knew Granny would want nothing to do with the money. Her and the Oranges never got along. Granny would often say if her son wasn’t good enough for them. Then the Oranges weren’t good enough for the Apple’s either. Big Mac was a wild card, I didn’t know if he would go for it or not. I would have to talk to him. Although, there was one family member who I could decide for.
“Ah would like to make a account for my sis. She may want to leave the farm someday and it would be nice for her to have this cushion you speak of. Ah don’t want her to have access ‘till she's older though. She is still just a filly.”
I guess Ms. Pennyworth liked the idea seeing she only smiled before showing me the information. She set up a savings that would pull a hundred thousand from my earnings a year. It also showed I had to approve any withdrawals. I don’t know if I will tell Applebloom about the account or just sit on it, just another thing to add to the list of future thoughts.
“Now Ms. Applejack, before I explain the items in front of me. I have some advice, one of the biggest things ponies do to hurt themselves is not spend their money. I know that doesn’t make sense but hear me out.” Okay that was something I never thought an accountant would say. “So when you don’t spend some of your money it can lead to misplaced purchases. I have seen firsthand ponies spending way too much on something cause they thought ‘Well I do have a crap ton of bits; it probably won’t hurt. I must also mention that stress can be built on being to thrifty, so have a little fun with your money. Just don’t go hog wild.”
I could only sit there, trying to put all the pieces together. Now I’m not dumb by any means, but if you put yourself in my hooves this was a huge game changer. Ms. Pennyworth grasped my attention once more, “So on to the objects in front of me. I’m going to explain the checkbook and bag first. These are not normal ones they’re magic.” I found myself once more sitting on the edge of my seat. I nearly jumped out of my seat when Twilight brushed against me leaning in as well;I had almost completely forgotten she was there.
“First the checkbook, Ms. Apple if you be so kind and sign the front line: neatly please.” I guess my nerves were really getting to me; it took me a minute to stop shaking enough to get a good signature.
“Good, now this is the only signature that will work on this book. Like I said before this is not a normal check book. Many wealthy ponies use these for quick access to their funds, allow me to demonstrate.” I probably never blinked, watching Ms. Pennyworth open the book and show me how to fill out every line. She only stopped once she reached the part that needed the amount.
“It’s probably safe to assume you’re going to lunch and treating your friend correct?” I nodded.
“Good I will put fifty bits so you can enjoy a nice restaurant.. Now of you would just sign the signature line so we can see if the magic works.” Without question I filled the line with my name. Only to jump back as the page burst into flames. Twilight gasped as well, turning my attention toward the expanding bag.
“As you can see the bag and check book are linked together. This was created so ponies didn’t have to go back and forth all the time to withdraw bits. You can access your account from anywhere with this book.” Now that was nifty. This would make things so simple. There wasn’t any bank near Sweet Apple Acres and Celestia knows I wouldn’t store that much bits in the barn.
“Onto the third item, this will be the most helpful it’s a statement book. Every time you take or give money to your bank it will fill a slot. Once a month it will give you and me a copy of your bank statement, allowing me to keep an eye on you and for you to keep an easy record.” To quote my good friend Rainbow dash, “That was awesome!” I really didn’t need to add more things to my growing plate. It did bring up a good question though.
“Not to sound ungrateful, but why are you helping me with the statements. My grandmother passed away why are you helping me?” My answer was a full hearty laugh.
“Ms. Applejack, please, your grandmother has me on a retainer my bill is cover for at least ten more years. This was her original idea to help you get situated of course when my time runs out you candecide to rehire me. We’re getting off track. Here is the fourth item.” Once again my grandmother surprised me; my attention was drawn as Ms. Pennyworth grabbed the blank card at the end. She also retrieved an exact copy from behind her desk. “This is my business card; it is also magic. If you end up having any questions or want to know if something is a good investment just write on theback.” While she spoke she wrote a tiny line on the card, once more Twilight gasped as the sentence faded only to appear on the other card.
Twilight, for first time since we entered the room spoke, “That is amazing, I wonder why the princess just doesn’t use that. Don’t get me wrong Spike, my dragon, is an awesome assistant but this would be some much simpler.” I chuckled as Twilight inspected the card; I of course knew the answerto that.
“Think about it Twilight, which would be a better alert system a quite card or a panicking dragon?” It was funny watching Twilight smack her own head, guess even a princess can overlook smallthings.
“Yes it comes in quite handy, so with this Ms. Applejack we can stay in touch. If you lose this one just write to this office and I will get you a new one. Write me any time and I will get back to you assoon as possible.” I felt another wave of relief hit me; this was great now that I had a helping hoof whenever I needed it. I got to say my grandmother was one smart mare.
Our session was coming to a close as Ms. Pennyworth spoke one last time. “Well Ms. Applejack, I’m sure you want to get out of here. Our business is done here and I look forward to working with you in the future.Remember, don’t be a stranger write me anytime.” She struck a small smile. My thoughts were still scattered even as I shook her hoof goodbye and headed out. At least my life couldn’t get any more confusing right?
“Wait up, Applejack! Mother left you something else.”My auntie came into sight. I could only kick myself. I really needed to learn how to not jinx myself.