Chapter Nineteen
A Hard Offer to Refuse
Noi and Ruby released Apple Bloom from the restraints, before the finer details of what she needed to do, including the paperwork once they released her. Completing that seeming drawn out process. Ruby passed over Apple Bloom's keys and a second small object, which turned out to be an enchanted clip with the ability to record conversations, that could attach to her duster.
Whatever pseudo pleasantries the trio seemed to partake in, ended at the end of their interactions, leaving Apple Bloom grumbling on her walk back to her car. She began muttering to herself as if some invisible pony had been traveling with her, "They could have at least brought me back... and the day was going so well." She shook her head, happening to look down the path that wound its way to the farm, while she absently kicked a stone down the path that had the misfortune of being at her hoof. She let out a sign only to quickly add the comment, "Ah well, almost home, then ah can put this rotten day behind me."
After driving the rest of the way back home with no other incident, she pulled the vehicle into her usual spot behind the bar. She shut off the engine then proceeded to slide out of the driver's seat, she happened to spot the familiar faces of Applejack and Big Mac. Her mood did not improve seeing the worried look on Applejack's which was mirrored in the older mare's ton of voice when Applejack called over. "Apple Bloom! Where have you been? We were worried something had happen to ya."
Apple Bloom could not hide the smile that crept over her face, "Ah'm fine, just had a few things to deal with." She asked with uplifted spirits, quickly adding the question, "Y'all doin alright here? Need help with anything?" As she spoke, she looked around the farm, and even inside the bar, adding the gesture of a wave to brother, whom gave her the silent response of a nod.
Being thankful for the conversation that broke the silence she was enduring with Big Mac, Applejack continued, "Nah, we got everything under control. Thanks for offerin though." Looking over Apple Bloom before continuing, "Y'all sure, yer okay sis?" She then thought about adding a hint to the previous night's conversion, so she quickly added "Ah see y'all replaced yer car."
"Everything is great sis," Apple Blood responded, finding the smile she now wore had been forced, yet she continued, "Ya we needed a new one and this is a good one. " She stopped long enough to have a deep breath, the weight of the night had at last bore down on her yet she had continued before trotting off, "If y'all don't need any help, ah'm gonna head inside and take a bath before getting something to eat."
"Alright sis..." Applejack said while she watched the filly trot off.
Once she was out of sight, and more import ear shot Big Mac finally spot asking, "She okay?"
Applejack gave her brother a sidelong glance, while she replied, "Ah do'n think so Big Mac... Something is going on."
"Eeyup... I feel it to, she is worried and on edge." Big Mac agreed while he looked at the cider still, only to add, "We doing the right thing here?"
"Ah do'n know anymore Mac." Applejack sighed, knowing she had no other idea's left to give, her voice trailed off when she repeated herself, "Ah just don't know."
Apple Bloom lounged in the tub trying to relax, however the more she tried to push the nights happenings away, she could not help but get the image of Risky's face out of her mind, nor could she shake the deep remorse of those she had either hurt or killed. She sunk deeper into the water, letting out a groan, only to start talking to herself.
"How did it get like this? Ah just wanted to help mah family..." With failed attempt of finding solace in a hot bath, she continued to grumble, then decided to get out of the tub.
Though she did not feel hungry, despite the fact she had not eaten all day, she thought it would have been a wise idea to have some form of nourishment in her body. With that now being the short-term goal, she dried herself and headed to the kitchen. Though she had gotten some left over salad, she merely picked at it for a while. After deciding any further attempt was futile, she grabbed a bottle of cider, then headed to her room. Finding the liquid meal was far better than what she attempted to eat, she drained the bottle of its contents, only to flop down on her bed, then proceeded to do her best to fall asleep, and escape into the land of dreams for her limited escape of reality.
She slipped into a restless sleep, tossing and turning while trying to banish the ghosts of those she had killed plagued her mind. Come morning she felt drained due the inability to sleep well. Hoping she could get some rest with wishes to grant her a quiet day to have it, she pushed herself out of bed. She made her way to the kitchen, and got some coffee to help wake her up, not knowing what was to happen next, or the unseen hand of fate leading her.