Three members of the Apple family sat within their kitchen. The youngest Apple was away on a school trip, leaving them in a significantly quieter household. In front of each pony was a warm mug of cider. The stetson wearing family member took the last few sips from her mug and placed it on the table her family sat at.
“Thanks for the cider,” she said. “I’d best be heading to bed. Good night Mac, good night Granny.” She got up from her seat and began to leave the room.
“Before you go, AJ,” the elderly green mare said. “I have a question for you. What are you hiding from us?” Applejack froze in place.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Granny” she lied.
“Really now?” Granny Smith took a sip from her mug. “Then those creaks coming from your room aren’t you sneaking out in the middle of the night?”
“Nope,” Applejack’s eyes darted back and forth. “Granny, I can honestly say that I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Child, I’ve outlived three generations of Apples,” Applejack turned around. “You can’t hide anything from me. I’ve lived longer than you can even imagine. I’ve met every living family member we have, and I know them all like I know my reflection. I know all of our habits and ticks. And I can tell when we’re lying. You in particular are not a very good liar. So tell me, what are you hiding?”
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Again, Applejack’s eyes darted back and forth. A grin formed on Granny Smith’s mouth.
“Ah, I see,” she said. “Who’s the lucky pony?”
“What?!” Granny Smith took a calm sip from her mug. “I’m not seeing anypony!”
“Again with the lying, don’t you get tired with the paper thin lies?” Applejack shuffled her hooves. “It’s nothing that you should hide. Hell, I remember pulling the same thing you did when I was much younger. Oh, those were some fun days. Is it safe to assume that you’re having fun with your special somepony?” She pulled her stetson over her face to hide a blush.
“Fine,” Applejack said. “I’ll admit it. I’ve been sneaking out every night to visit somepony very special. And, as much as I’d hate to admit it, yes, we are having fun. Lots of fun with their boundless energy. Never thought a pony like that would be so energetic.”
“Why wouldn’t you tell me, AJ?” Granny Smith asked. “What possible reason do you have to hide the fact that you’re seeing some stalli…” Her sentence stopped in her throat when she looked to Applejack. She was looking to the side and could not look her in the eyes.
“I see.”
“Granny, let me explain…”
“Why would you hide this?” Applejack blinked. “Did you think I’d cast you out? Did you think I’d resent you just because you’re involved with a mare? I haven’t thrown Macintosh out even though he’s been seeing that saxophone playing stallion for a while.” At the mention of his name, Big Macintosh spat out his cider in surprise. He coughed a few times before turning to his grandmother.
“Making music?” she asked. “Is that what you youngins call it now a days? Back in my day we just called it se…” A red hoof slamming itself on the table stopped her. It then pointed to Applejack.
“Right, thanks for reminding me,” Granny Smith turned to Applejack. “AJ, even if you do love a mare, what right do I have to tell you that it’s wrong? I have no right to tell you who to love, just like I have no right to tell others how to live. I can guide them with my experience, but I can’t force them to change their life.” Applejack was silent.
“Just let me ask this one thing, does she make you happy?” Applejack smiled.
“Yes, she does,” she answered.
“Then that’s all I need to hear. Go on, you don’t want to keep her waiting do you?” Applejack returned her stetson to her head and left the room. When she heard the house’s door close, Granny Smith turned to her grandson. “Now, we need to talk about you denying your relationship.” Big Macintosh gave her a stoic glance.
“I honestly can’t tell whether or not you’re lying about that.”