Diamond Tiara isn't happy with her life anymore. But unfortunately for her, she just doesn't know how to escape it. Money can't solve every problem.
Diamond Tiara just isn't happy with where her life is. She misses her father, she's stuck with a dictator of a mother, and she only has one friend to speak of, whom she only sees at school. Why hasn't her father come home? Will she ever be happy again?
Applebloom took her spot behind the clubhouse podium.
“Well now that we’ve got our Cutie Marks, we don’t have to spend our days plotting how to get them! So what do we want to do today, girls?”
“I dunno. It’s kind of hard thinking of what to do now that we got our cutie marks.” Sweetie Belle stated, looking up towards the ceiling in a contemplative gesture.
“Yeah. I guess that’s true. Say, Diamond, have you heard back from your father yet?”
“Hm?” Diamond Tiara, who was spaced out, snapped her attention to Applebloom. “Oh. I don’t know. I haven’t talked to the school board since then.”
“Well if they did, shouldn’t the playground be there already?” Scootaloo asked.
“I guess, but...” Applebloom started, “Delivery takes a while. Why not just ask your father if he got the letter?”
“He’s...” Diamond started, carefully phrasing her words. “Out of town. Sending him a letter would accomplish nothing.”
“Well that makes sense.” Said Sweetie Belle. “Do you know when he’ll be coming back?”
Diamond Tiara gave a small wince, large enough, though, to denote her uncomfortability with the subject matter.
“No. It’s a business trip. He could be there for weeks. How about we go swimming?” Diamond deflected the conversation.
“Are you kidding?” Scootaloo exclaimed, “The water’s freezing!”
“Well, it IS that time of year...” Sweetie added.
“Oh. I’m not sure what I was thinking. How about bowling?”
“With hooves?”
“Right. Uh...chess!”
“None of us know how to play that, Tiara. Are you feeling alright?” Applebloom asked, heading away from the podium towards her. Diamond felt little twinges of sadness, as if tears were trying to force their way out.
“No. I mean yes! Perfect!” her voice faltered.
“Are you sure? You seem a little...” Scootaloo started.
“I’M FINE! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” Diamond yelled, clamoring to her hooves, bursting out the clubhouse door, crying. The Cutie Mark Crusaders stood in the doorway, confused, watching her gallop in the distance.
“Was it something I said?” Applebloom asked.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know what’s gotten into her. Should we go check on her?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“I think she needs some time to herself right now. Come on girls, let’s go do something else.” Scootaloo suggested. The crusaders followed suit and headed back inside the clubhouse to figure out what they would do today.
***
“Mom?” Diamond Tiara called out into the darkness of her estate. To her relief, there was no answer. She dragged her hooves upstairs to her room, flopping down on her down, designer pillows. She stared up at the ceiling, feeling some tears still forcing their way down the sides of her face. “Dad?” she said, still staring at the ceiling. “I know you can’t hear me, but...I miss you. Come back soon. I’m not happy anymore...”
Diamond sat up and looked over towards her desk. A piece of parchment sat there next to an inkwell with a single feather in it. She hopped off her bed and sat down in front of it, grasping the feather in her mouth.
“Dear father,” she started. Out of all the letters she sent, not a single one of them had been returned. It had to have been dozens of letters over the last year and a half. Maybe he just didn’t care. Maybe her mother was right...maybe he really did move just to get away from them.
“I know I haven’t written in a few months. I guess I was expecting a reply. I know you’re awfully busy with the new business in Canterlot. When will you be done? I miss you. Please come home soon.
Love,
DT”
Diamond Tiara read over the letter. She felt like she wanted to say more, but really, there wasn’t anything more she COULD say. She put it in an envelope, addressed it, and trotted out in front of the house, dropping it inside the gem-encrusted mailbox. It was barely 11, and Derpy should be there within an hour. She sighed, looking up towards the sky, as if there would be an answer there. Eventually, she turned around and trotted back inside the house. She flopped back down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Though she wasn’t tired, she rolled on her side, closed her eyes, and tried to sleep. All she could do, however, was cry.
“Father!” she exclaimed, seeing his figure approaching the estate. Filthy Rich smiled, trotting a little faster as she galloped towards him. She jumped on him, hugging his leg, giggling. He gave a small chuckle himself and bent down to give her a proper hug. “How was the trip? Is Saddle Arabia going to have a new Rich’s Barnyard Bargains?”
“Oh, I’m sure they will. We’ve only just started working on the foundations, Diamond! But yes, in due time, they will.”
“That’s great!”
“Yes. Yes it is. And after them, Canterlot!”
“Yay!” Diamond exclaimed. Filthy Rich looked towards the front of the estate, seeing his wife, spoiled, staring at them front the front door. Maybe it was his poor eyesight in his old age, but he could have sworn he saw her turn up her nose as the trotted back inside, closing the door behind her. He sighed, exasperated. “What’s wrong, Father?”
“Hm?” He snapped his attention back to her. “Oh, nothing.” He said, ruffling her hair. “I’m just exhausted, that’s all. It’s good to see you again, Di.”
Diamond Tiara looked up at him and beamed.
***
“Filthy?”
“Rich. Call me Rich.”
“Right, sorry. Rich, we have some more business reports for you.”
“Put them on my desk.” said an exasperated, exhausted Filthy Rich. The business reports never stopped coming. At this rate, he’d never get to go home. It’d been nearly a year and a half, and the recent expansion of his Barnyard franchise was moving slower than a snail. The little light he had to look forward to was the infrequent letters from his daughter. He looked over at a picture of her he kept on his desk and smiled, putting his hoof on the picture. “Miss you, honey.”
“Rich?”
“Hm?” He snapped his attention back to his secretary.
“This letter just arrived for you.” she said, stepping into the office to bring it to him. The hoofwriting was very familiar. He beamed.
“Thank you!” he said, tearing open the letter.
“I know I haven’t written in a few months. I guess I was expecting a reply.”
“Expecting a reply? I’ve written back every single time! Has she not been getting them? Preposterous! I know I’ve written!”
Rich took out his parchment and quill, writing his own letter back. He carefully wrote down his address, just in case he had somehow managed to put the wrong one down all these letters. Derpy wasn’t known for being able to figure it out. That being said, one particular thing bothered him: if she wasn’t getting the letters, why wasn’t he getting his letters back? Surely a “Return to sender” letter would have come back to him. He licked the envelope.
“Oh, Sundown?” His assistant showed her head in the doorway.
“Yes, sir?”
“Can you mail this letter off for me?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, sir.” She gave him a gentle smile, trotting out of the room. He turned his chair around, looking at the great Canterlot sunset from his office window. A small twinge of nostalgia hit him.
“Father, it’s so pretty!” Diamond Tiara gasped at seeing her first sunset.
“Almost as pretty as my wonderful daughter.” he chuckled. She gave him a gentle hug as they sat silently under an old oak tree on a hill on their estate.
“Why didn’t Mother join us?”
“I don’t know, honey. I guess she had other things to do.”
“Oh.” she said, staring at the sunset in silence. “Hey Father?”
“Yes, honey?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Di. More than you’ll ever know.” They pulled each other into an even tighter hug.
“Can we see the stars tonight, Father?”
“That would be past your bedtime.”
“Please?”
“Oh, alright, I suppose.” He gave her a little wink as she smiled. She leaned against him, giving a small sigh of content.
Filthy Rich snapped back to reality, seeing that it was dark outside. Few stars shone in the night sky, most drowned out by the light pollution of the big city. He sighed heavily. What he wouldn’t give to get one weekend off to see his daughter again.
***
Spoiled Rich trotted outside to collect the mail. She sifted through them systematically. Bills, bills, a letter from Canterlot friends, an invitation to a ball...and a letter addressed to Diamond Tiara from Filthy Rich.
“Hmph!” she stared with contempt at it. She turned around to take all the letters back inside. Diamond Tiara was still at school for now, so she would never know. She threw the letter away in the trash can without a second thought, and trotted off elsewhere, preparing to socialize with only the upper class.
Filthy Rich looked over his collection of work papers. Ever since he received that last letter from his daughter, the notion that she hadn’t been receiving them had been eating away at him. He ruminated through all possible ways the letters could be lost. Derpy was too good of a mailmare to let those slip through her grasp. He knew he had the address correct, unless his wife decided to move to a different estate, for some reason. The only other option would be that she was throwing the letters away, which made no sense either. In an effort to get to the bottom of it, he had been working overtime, trying to minimize those business reports so that he could give himself a valid reason to go home. The stacks on his desk never seemed to get smaller, despite working longer hours at a faster pace. it was like he’d never get to go home. He stared at the reports, spacing out.
“Sir?” his Secretary called. “Are you ok?”
“Hm?” Filthy snapped out of it, giving her his full attention. “Am I what?”
“I called you three times. I don’t think working these longer hours are healthy. Is something going on?”
“No, it’s nothing. I’m just trying to expedite this work so I can get finished.”
“You want to see your wife and kids again, don’t you?”
Filthy Rich sighed, resting his head on his hooves. “Yes. Yes I do. I haven’t seen them in a year and a half. My daughter’s been sending me letters, and I corresponded with her plenty of times, but apparently she hasn’t received any of them, and it’s driving me up the wall!”
“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t say I truly understand, as my family’s here in Canterlot, but I know what it’s like to miss your family.”
“I know. It’s just...” he sighed again, rubbing his eyes, yawning. “I can’t get away.”
“What if I handled some of the business reports over the weekend, sir?”
“I couldn’t ask that of you. You have your own responsibilities!”
“Be that as it may, sir, I do know that family is more important than work. I think you may have forgotten that whilst trying to complete the work for the new store.”
Filthy sat there. Those words hit him like a ton of bricks. He didn’t feel like he did, but did he truly forget how much more important family was than work? He had been gone a year and a half...that was far too much time. But if he didn’t get the new store underway, how could he possibly afford to support his family? His wife? Diamond Tiara? Maybe Sundown was right, though.
“I...I think I needed to hear that. Thank you. Are you sure you’re up for doing these reports?”
“Yes, sir. If it would make you smile again, and make you happy like you were when you first got here, it would be my pleasure.”
“Well, then. I’ll work on these reports for the rest of the week. Can I come back Sunday night?”
“Take as much time as you need, sir.”
“I won’t make you do these for that long. Hell, I might even give you a bonus for it. Thank you, Sundown. I can’t tell you what it means to me.”
“Don’t mention it, sir. Really. It’s my pleasure.”
Filthy chuckled a little bit, a faint smile coming across his lips as the prospect of seeing his family again gave him a small gleam of hope.
“But first, sir, you might want to take a nap.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Can you close the door on your way out?”
“Absolutely, sir.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
Filthy gave another small smile and trotted over to a couch he kept in the room for visitors. He layed down, closed his eyes, and envisioned his wife and daughter before the powerful clutches of sleep overtook him.
***
Diamond Tiara stood outside the mailbox, waiting for Derpy to deliver the mail. It was Ponyville Founder’s day, so there was no school. She eagerly awaited the possibility of a letter from her father. She checked the clock affixed the the house, seeing that it was almost noon. No sooner than she had turned around, she noticed Derpy on the horizon, flying towards her with her mailbag in tow. Diamond beamed, bouncing up and down impatiently. Eventually, Derpy reached the estate, giving the mail to her. Diamond Tiara zipped back inside the house, sifting through it. Bills, a Letter to mom, a flyer for an upcoming social, a pair of tickets to the grand galloping gala...bills...but nothing from her father. She threw the mail on the counter and gave an angry growl.
“Ugh! Why hasn’t he written back? Am I not good enough? Is this because of the playground equipment? What did I do wrong? Did I send them to the wrong place?” she asked herself. There was no possible way they could be going to the wrong address. Otherwise, she’d get a “Return to sender” error, and she never did. She bowed her head and slowly trotted up the stairs to her room, passing her mother on the way there.
“That is NOT the way a well-to-do mare should carry herself, Diamond Tiara. Head up, nose up. I will not have my daughter giving in to the mannerisms of the common folk.”
“Leave me alone, mother.”
Spoiled Rich gasped in shock. “Young lady! That is no way to talk to your mother! Go to your room this instant!”
“That’s where I was going, anyway.”
“What has gotten into you, Diamond Tiara? All you do is droop like the plebeians around town! That’s not how I taught you to behave!”
“I miss Dad. He hasn’t written back to me.”
“I told you, it’s because he doesn’t care anymore. He left to get away from us. Should he ever return, it won’t be for long.”
“But why? What did we do?”
“Who knows. Men leave all the time.”
“That doesn’t sound like Father, though.”
“Whether it sounds like him or not, it’s the truth. Think about it. Over a year and a half, has he written you back?”
“...no...”
“Case in point, Diamond Tiara. If he truly cared, wouldn’t he have written back?”
“...Yes.”
“Exactly. Now, go to your room. I’ve had enough of your commonfolk attitude for now.”
“Yes, Mother.” she begrudgingly stated. She trotted off, closing her door behind her, and curled up on her bed again, feeling the tears well up once again. “Father...it can’t be true. Please tell me it’s not...”
“But Father, why do you have to go?” Diamond Tiara asked, as Filthy Rich stood outside of a private carriage.
“I have to oversee construction of the new store in Canterlot, honey! I shouldn’t be gone for long. At most, 6 months. Remember, the one in Manehattan only took 2 months!”
“I know, I just...I’ll miss you.”
“Oh, Sweetie...” he started, bending down and embracing her in a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you, too. But I’ll be back before you can say ‘Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis.’”
“Say what?”
“Told you. Where’s your mother?” he asked, seeing his wife nowhere in sight.
“She stayed inside. I guess she just couldn’t handle you leaving.”
“I guess so. I’m glad you’re here, though.” he added, kissing her forehead.”
“I love you, Father.”
“I love you, too, Di. Stay safe, look after your mother. Help out where you can. I know the hired help doesn’t cover everything.”
“Filthy, we should get going if we’re to get there.” the carriage driver interjected.
“Rich. Call me Rich.”
“Rich, sorry.”
Filthy Rich hopped in the carriage, closing the door behind him. He looked out the window and waved goodbye to his daughter, who waved back until he disappeared over the horizon.
***
Filthy took a look at the clock. Ten minutes until closing time. Ten minutes until he could leave and go see his wife and daughter again. The minutes ticked off like hours, and he sort of ignored all his business reports as he fidgeted in his chair. Eventually, 5 o’ clock came and he nearly sprang out of his chair, trotting out the door.
“Off for the weekend, sir?” Sundown asked, giving him a smile, as she knew the answer already.
“Yes. If that’s alright with you?”
“Of course, sir.”
“You’re sure you’re up for this.”
“Get out of here. Go.”
Filthy Rich smiled. “Thanks again. You’re a lifesaver.
“I know. Have fun. See you Monday, perhaps?”
“Supposing nothing goes wrong, absolutely.”
Filthy Rich stepped out the door of his office to the street, where a carriage was waiting for him.
“Good to see you again, sir. Heading home, I assume?”
“I haven’t changed my mind since I told you to get here, no.” he chortled.
“Very well, sir. He should be there in a matter of hours.”
Hours that Filthy knew would crawl slower than a snail on a sloth. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Surely he would be there if he just took a nap. He gave some thought to what he could possibly say when he returned. Who he would visit. Other than his family, he might visit Granny Smith. He’d been hunkering for some zap apple jam. The very thing that started his business. The taste was sublime, and the harvest was soon, actually. Regardless, it would be good to check in with some old friends of his.
“Father!” Diamond shouted, “You’re home!” she threw herself upon him, nearly knocking him to the ground. He laughed and hoisted her up, giving her one of the biggest hugs of his life. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Oh, I’m happy to see you, too.”
Spoiled Rich came out of the house and trotted over to him with that smile that first charmed him so many years ago. She gave him a kiss that made both of them blush.
“I wasn’t expecting you, but tomorrow, we’ll have your favorite. Welcome back, honey. I’ve missed you.” Filthy Rich smiled as they headed inside.
A bump in the road brought Filthy Back to his senses.
“Sir, you have a letter here.” Sundown peeked into the doorway.
“From whom? Come in, come in.” Filthy motioned his hoof at her. She carefully trotted inside, as if she was breaking some sort of cardinal rule by entering his office.
“It looks like a foal’s hoofwriting. Some Diamond Tiara?”
“Oh, that’s my daughter!” he exclaimed, snatching the letter from her. He quickly read it over, feeling that small twinge of homesickness work its way to his throat.
‘Father, It’s me, Diamond Tiara. I just felt like I should write because I miss you already. I know it’s only been a week, but the house feels so empty without you. Mother’s always going to balls, and though I sometimes hang out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, I spend most of my evenings after school just reading or something. I miss spending time with you. I hope your store opens soon. I’d like to see you again.
With love,
Diamond Tiara’
Filthy smiled a bit to himself and wiped a tear off his cheek. He carefully folded the letter and put it in one of his drawers.
“Sir? Are you alright?”
“Oh! I’m sorry, I forgot you were here.” Filthy felt his cheeks flare up. He hated when ponies saw him shed tears. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“Oh, it’s no problem, Sir. I completely understand. Is it alright if i take my lunch break now, sir?”
“Yes, yes, that’s fine. Take your time. And Sundown?”
“Yes, sir?”
“You can call me Rich.”
Sundown gave a small smile of appreciation. “Yes, sir. Er...Rich. I’ll see you after lunch.”
“Sir?”
“Sir?”
“Sir?” Filthy Rich snapped awake, rubbing his eyes.
“Hm?” he asked, checking his surroundings.
“We’re about 5 miles outside of Ponyville. I figured you should know.”
“Oh. Thank you, Cart.” he said, yawning. “What time is it, perchance?”
“I believe it’s 15 till 10, sir.”
“Late night," Filthy thought to himself. What he once thought to be a long trip barely seemed like an hour after falling asleep. That was natural for sleep, he supposed. "Thank you, Cart.”
“It’s no problem, sir.”
Filthy stuck his head out the window, seeing the small lights of Ponyville in the distance. He gave a small sigh of content, happy to finally be home. ***
“Thanks again, Cart. I appreciate it.” Filthy tossed him his fare, plus a 100 bit coin as tip.
“Oh, wow. Thank you, sir!”
“Don’t mention it. Tell the wife and kid hello for me.”
“Will do, sir. Have a nice night.”
“You, too.”
Filthy heard Cart’s cart rumble off over the horizon. Filthy hoisted his saddlebag, filled with all the necessary supplies for a weekend trip, upon his back, and took a deep breath, letting the cool Ponyville air fill his lungs. He sighed and took a good look at his estate. Something wasn’t right.
All the lights were off, save for one where Diamond Tiara’s room should be. Not even the porch lights were on to welcome him home. Granted, he was planning a surprise visit, but the lights only turned off when nobody was home. He trotted up to the door, finding the spare key he left for the housekeepers. He carefully opened the door to a dark entryway, the only light being that from a small crack in Diamond Tiara’s door.
“Huh. Odd.” he muttered, trotting off to his bedroom to set his bags down before he would see Diamond Tiara. He flipped the lights to his bedroom, seeing that his wife had changed the style of the room a bit. He gave a small groan. She knew that orange was his least favorite color. Oh well. He was only here for a weekend. He’d have her change it later. He set his bags on the bed, trotted out the door, and up the stairs towards his daughter’s room. He playfully pushed the door open, shouting, “How’s my little-” he stopped. Diamond Tiara was nowhere to be seen. He quickly silenced himself, a little dismayed that nopony was home to greet. He sighed to himself and hung his head, trotting back down the stairs to the kitchen. Having neglected to eat before his trip, he was absolutely ravenous. He opened his refrigerator, spying some fresh vegetables from the local harvester. He licked his lips in anticipation and grabbed some necessities for a sandwich. He took a look at the trashcan next to the island, seeing that it was overflowing. There wasn’t a way he could possibly put anything else in there. He sighed, moderately annoyed that he wouldn’t get to make his sandwich for a bit, and tied up the trashbag, slinging it over his shoulder to take it out to the receptacle. Halfway between the front door and the bin, the weight of the trash made the bag rip, sending moldy bits of food, discarded mail, and Celestia knew what else on the walkway.
“AGH!” Filthy exclaimed, frustrated. He stomped his hoof on the ground, shook his head, and trotted back inside to get another bag. As he trotted back outside, a shadowy figure approached the house. He squinted his eyes to get a better view.
“Father?” it called. Filthy smiled uncontrollably, hustling out to it. Diamond Tiara bumped into her father, nearly knocking him over in possibly the tightest embrace she’d ever given him.
“Hello, Sweetie.” he said, hugging her just as tight.
“Hello, Father. Are you done? Are you home now?”
“No, Honey, I’m afraid not. I got my secretary to handle things for the weekend so I could come see you and Mother!”
“Oh. Well, I’m glad you’re home, even if just for a little bit.”
“I’m glad to be home. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Father.” she said, burying her face into his leg. He chuckled a bit.
“Say, where’s your mother?”
“Oh, she’s at some social with all the other nobles. That’s all she does anymore.” She stated, releasing her grip on his leg.
“Oh. Well, can I ask a favor?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Can you go make me a sandwich with the stuff on the island? I ripped a trashbag and need to clean it up.”
“Why not just wait for the help to do it? That’s their job.”
“Yes, but who wants the trash to sit out there? Besides, it could blow all over the yard.”
“Oh. Ok. I’ll see you inside.”
“Thanks, honey. This shouldn’t take too long.”
Diamond Tiara trotted back inside the estate with a small pep in her step, happy for her father to be home. They could catch up, play around, watch movies after school or something. She hummed to herself a little as she started making her father’s favorite sandwich. Filthy Rich, on the other hoof, toiled outside, stuffing disgusting bits of food and trash back into the bag. How long had it gone without being taken out? This was inexcusable. He angrily muttered to himself as he shoved discarded mail back into the bag. As he sifted through them, however, one of them caught his eye. Mustard stained, it was an unopened letter addressed to the house. Something about the hoofwriting looked familiar. He set it aside and finished scooping up the rest of the trash. He trotted up to the porch, snatching the letter on the way, looking at it in the light from the porch.
“Son of a...” he started. He recognized this envelope. He tore it open, hurriedly reading the letter. It was the letter he most recently sent Diamond Tiara. He felt his legs shake in anger. Why was this in the trash? Was she throwing them away? No, couldn’t be. She thought he hadn’t written. Which means...either the help...or his wife. It didn’t sound like her to throw away letters from him...so what was happening?
“Father?” Diamond Tiara called to him, snapping him back to reality.
“Hm?”
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, nothing sweetie. Just enjoying the view.”
“What’s that letter?”
“Just a business report. Nothing to worry about!”
“Oh. Well, I finished your sandwich!” she stated, holding up a plate. Mayonnaise dripped off the side of the bread, the vegetables weren't center, and the cheese had ripped off. She had also managed to squish it putting the top piece back on.
“Thank you, sweetie.” he said, taking it from her, taking a bite. It may not have been the prettiest thing in the world, but it sure was tasty. “Say, why don’t we look up at the stars? Like we used to do?”
“I have school tomorrow. It’s already past my bedtime.”
“It’s the weekend, honey. There’s no school tomorrow.”
“No, but I’m meeting there for a school project.”
“Well, I won’t tell anypony.”
Diamond Tiara gave a small giggle. “Alright.”
She and Filthy sat down on the porch, looking towards the stars on the horizon. Filthy set the letter to his side, away from her, finishing his sandwich as the two caught up. ***
Diamond Tiara Slumped against her father, having fallen asleep whilst stargazing. Filthy silently chuckled to himself, and gently picked her and the letter up, taking them both inside the house. Filthy set the letter on a nightstand inside the front door, and carefully trotted his daughter up the stairs to her room. He gently placed her on her bed, never seeing her stir awake, giving those slow, shallow breaths. He smiled to himself and pulled some covers over her, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.
“Goodnight, Honey. I love you.” he said, turning her lights off on his way out. He trotted back down the stairs, picking the letter back up on his way to his room. He had a bit of a tough decision. Should he ask his wife about this? Or just let it go? He closed his bedroom door behind him, sighed, and put the letter away in a nightstand. Maybe another day. He was far too tired to deal with it at the current moment. He looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand. His wife must have bought a new one. An orange one. Egh. He hated Orange. He set his alarm to wake him up before Diamond Tiara would leave, then layed down on the bed, resting his eyes, awaiting the smiling face of his wife any minute. ***
A harsh, unfamiliar buzz jolted Filthy awake. He had a small panic attack, clutching his chest as he came to realize that the sound was the new alarm he hadn’t grown accustomed to yet. He hit the power button, noticing that the bed next to him was empty. Odd, he thought. Surely Spoiled would have come home by now. He rolled his eyes, got dressed, and trotted off to the kitchen, preparing to cook some hay bacon to send Tiara off.
“Good morning, Sunshine!” he said as she groggily trotted in.
“Hey. What’s for breakfast?”
“Hay Bacon.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“Mother doesn’t let me have it anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s ‘not the kind of food the rich should be eating.’” she mocked her mother’s voice. Filthy paused for a second, slightly offended at that statement.
“Your mother said that?”
“Yeah. There’s a lot of things I haven’t been able to do anymore.”
“Like what?”
“Well...” She started.
“What is that AWFUL smell?” a voice said, as the sound of the front door closing followed. A soft clopping on the hardwood floor drew closer to the kitchen. “I swear, Diamond Tiara, if you’re frying up that Bacon again...” she started, showing her face in the door. “Oh. You’re home.” She looked over at Filthy.
“Yes, I am. I was just cooking breakfast for Tiara before her school project.”
“Oh. Well, I’m happy for you.”
“And I’m happy to see you!” he said, trotting over to her, aiming for a kiss on the lips. She moved her face sideways, however, only letting him kiss her cheek. “It’s uh...” he started, flustered by her obvious affection deflection. “...been a while. How have things been at home?”
“Oh, the usual. How’s the business coming along?”
“Oh, it’s coming along fine. I’m only here for the weekend, but we’ll make the most of our time, right?”
“Sure,” she said, emotionless and unenthused. “That’s fine.”
Filthy felt a small pain in his heart at the lack of emotion in her voice. Was he not good enough? Something wasn’t right. Something felt off about her.
“Well, I’m heading off to brunch.” she huffed. “I’ll see you later.” She turned her nose up and trotted off to the bedroom to get dressed. Filthy stood there in awe of what just happened. It was like all the love that she once had for him had disappeared.
“Father, the bacon’s burning.”
“OH!” He snapped out of it, rushing over to the fryer, hurriedly taking the bacon out and putting it on Tiara’s plate.
“Father, are you ok?” she asked, legitimately concerned.
“Yes, Honey, I’m fine. Just upset about the bacon, is all.”
“Are you sure?”
“What time are you supposed to be up at the school?”
“Um...” she started, checking the clock on the wall. “In 10 minutes. I gotta go!” She snarfed down the rest of her bacon and dashed out the door with a small “Love you!” to her dad before she disappeared in the distance, a small dust cloud behind her. Filthy watched from the doorway, his mind still racing.
“Rich, dear, you’re in my way.” Spoiled said from behind him. Filthy turned to see her dressed in some more regal regalia. He sighed and stepped aside, letting her out the front door. “I’ll be back later,” she stated, once again without emotion.
“Ok.” Filthy said, feeling somewhat defeated. He was looking forward to this weekend, but so far, only his daughter could be counted as positive. He sighed heavily. Maybe he needed to take a walk around town to clear his mind. Yeah, that’s what he’d do. Stop by the Sweet Apple Acres for that zap apple jam he’d wanted yesterday. He smiled a little to himself just thinking about it. He went to his bedroom, donned his casual attire, and trotted out the door, eager to revisit with his old friends.
Filthy happily trotted along the Ponyville square, hustling and bustling with daily market activities. He took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air only Ponyville could provide. He never realized how much he truly missed home until he was able to return. Giving a contented sigh of relief, he continued on his merry way, passing through the restaurant section of Ponyville square. Up ahead, he recognized the attire of his wife, sitting at a table with some other stallion whom he presumed to be this character she mentioned have brunch with. Another stallion, though? Why wasn’t she with her usual gang of girls? He rolled his eyes, trying not to look too much into it, and trotted off towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Applejack noticed a figure arriving over the horizon, casually trotting towards them. Sweet Apple Acres didn’t get many visitors outside of the few times of year they sold cider or jam.
“Hey, Big Mac?”
“Eeyup?”
“Who you reckon that is over yonder?”
“Hm...” Big Mac stared off into the distance. “I don’t know,” he finished, bucking another tree behind him.
“Well, I hope it’s not trouble.”
“Eeyup.”
Filthy saw the farmhouse up ahead, noticing the rocking figure of Granny Smith on the porch. To his left, he noticed Applejack and her brother hard at work collecting for cider season. He diverted, trotting over to them.
“Well, hello, Applejack! Big Mac!”
“Oh, it’s just Filthy!” Applejack chuckled to herself, mentally retracting her earlier comments.
“Rich,” he said, audibly annoyed.
“Oh, that’s right, I forgot. Sorry, Rich. What are y’all doin’ round these parts?”
“Well, I just happened to get a weekend off, so I thought I’d drop by and see my old friend. Maybe see if you had any zap apple jam left.”
“Well, I believe we’re about all sold out, but maybe Granny Smith will let you fight her for the last jar she’s been saving.” Applejack and Filthy both gave a quick chuckle.
“I’m sure she will. You two have a good afternoon,” he said, giving them a wave goodbye.
“See y’all later!”
“Eeyup.”
Filthy worked his way up to the porch, seeing Granny Smith rocking back and forth, napping away in her favorite position.
“You always did enjoy your naps,” he said, announcing his visit.
“Eh? What? Who’s there?” Granny stirred awake, shaking her head and rubbing her eyes. “Oh, it’s just Filthy!”
“Rich.”
“Right. It’s been so long, I forgot what yer preferred name was!”
“A common mistake, don’t worry.”
“So what are y’all doin’ in town? I thought you were away at that Canterlot place makin’ a new store? Are you done? Back home for good?”
“I’m afraid not. I just managed to get a weekend off and wanted to come see my friends and family.”
“Well, I’m glad you consider me family, but we’re not related, so I’m not entirely sure how that works out. Maybe we’re three times removed? I never did understand that...” Her voice trailed off as she mentally tried figuring out how they could be family.
“Uh...we’re just such good friends that it FEELS like family.”
“Oh, right, that makes much more sense. So what brings you by these parts?”
“Just thought I’d see hello and see if you happened to have any zap apple jam left from the season!”
“Well, I have one jar left. I suppose I could give it to ya if you’re willing to fight me for it,” she cackled. Filthy gave her a small smile.
“I won’t force you, but I’d sure pay you well for it.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that. Fact is, I was actually savin’ it for you, just in case you came back in season. Lemme go fetch it for ya.” Granny hopped off the rocking chair, straightening out her back, then worked her way inside the house. Filthy turned around, looking out towards the farm. It was a sight to behold. It was just as beautiful as the view from his front porch, in a way. Just...a different kind of beauty. It was simplicity, where his was complexity. He gave a quick, contented sigh.
“It’s a beautiful view, ain’t it?”
“Hm?” Filthy turned around, seeing Granny with two jars of zap apple jam.
“Here. I happened to find an extra one while rummaging around. Take one fer yourself and Spoiled, and give the other to that other feller your wife’s always with.”
“Other fellow?” he asked, handing her more bits than the jam was worth. She politely refused the money and continued on her story.
“Oh, yes! She’s always getting lunch or dinner with him. What was his name...Pennybags? Moneybags? Something like that. I see them at the local diner all the time!”
“...how often?”
“Seems like every time I feel like going there for some lunch, I catch those two together. They must be really good friends, seein’ as they’re always so dern affectionate.”
“Hm. Is Diamond Tiara ever with them?”
“I think I saw her once, but they didn’t talk to her much. Lately, she’s been spending all her time with Applebloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
“Huh. The blankflanks?”
“Oh, not anymore. They got their cutie marks not too long ago. We were so proud of them.”
“Oh, I can imagine,” Filthy said, taking the jars from Granny. “You said his name was Moneybags?”
“Somethin’ like that. Why?”
“I just figured I should get to know my wife’s friends, you know?”
“Oh, you mean you don’t know him?”
“I think I saw him on my way over here, but no, I have no idea who he is. I never saw him at any of the noble balls held here.”
“Oh. I was under the impression that you knew about him.” Granny inquisitively stroked her chin.
“No, unfortunately not. I’ve been away for far too long, it seems.”
“I can agree with that there observation.”
“It’s good to be back. Anyways, I have other ponies to see, so I must bid you adieu. It was great seeing you again, though, Granny.”
“Oh, yes, the pleasure’s all mine, dearie.”
Filthy put the jars in his saddlebags and took Granny Smith’s hoof, giving it a cordial kiss. Granny blushed a little bit, giving her usual giggle.
“No, ma’am, it’s all my pleasure. Have a wonderful afternoon.”
“You too, Rich.”
Filthy trotted away from the farm, back towards ponyville square, making it a point to pass through the restaurants again in case his wife was still having brunch with this “Moneybags” character. Not seeing her where she was last time, he gave a small smirk of disapproval and shook his head. The smell of the local bakery, however, caught his attention, giving him an idea. He trotted over,
“Well, hey there, Filthy!”
“Rich. You should know that, Honeybuns.”
“That’s right. It’s been too long, man!”
“Yes, I’ve been out of town. How’s the business?”
“Oh, we’re doing as well as always. I’m just happy to be baking for a living, you know?”
“Yeah. Do you have any fresh white bread?”
“I’ve got a batch due to come out in about a minute if you don’t mind waiting.”
“Oh, of course not. Can I get it sliced, too?”
“I dunno, man. That’s a lot of work...” he chuckled to himself. “Of course.” Filthy smiled at him, and they exchanged some small talk until the bread was ready. Filthy paid him double the price, putting a large smile on the baker’s face, and strolled out the door, heading towards the schoolhouse.
***
“Girls, please!” Applebloom exclaimed, trying to regain control of the situation.
“I’m not sure I understand entirely what’s going on,” Scootaloo commented.
“I say we go over it again from the top.” Diamond Tiara authoritatively declared.
“Well, we need to at least get a rough idea of what we’re going to do!” Sweetie Belle sighed. All 4 of them felt their stomachs growl.
“Oh, I’m hungry...” Applebloom said.
“But we don’t have time to stop! The performance is tomorrow and we’re nowhere near ready!” Scootaloo laid on the ground.
“Well,” started Filthy, “Maybe I can help?”
“Father!” Diamond Tiara shouted, running up and giving him a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by. I heard you were hungry. Maybe this will help a bit,” he added, pulling the bread and one jar of zap apple jam out of his bag.
“Oh, this is great!” she said. “Thank you!”
“Wait, how’d you get this? Granny said she was saving it!” Applebloom said, staring curiously at the jar.
“I dropped by the farm. She said she was saving it for me, anyway. Are you saying you don’t want any?” he teased.
“No! I do! I mean, that’d be nice. Thank you. Sorry.”
Filthy chuckled at her confusion. “So, what are you girls doing? What’s this project?”
“Oh. We’re just supposed to perform a play based on a poem we had to write last week,” Sweetie Belle piped up, “It’s nothing special. We just can’t seem to get the choreography right.”
“Does there have to be a dance?”
“No, but we thought it might get us first prize.”
“Oh, there’s prizing?”
“Yeah. And we’re going to win first,” Diamond Tiara stated, giving that haughty air about her to reminiscent of her mother. “I hate losing.”
“Oh, trust me, I know that,” Filthy stated, matter-of-factly. “Is there anything I can help with, perhaps?”
“I don’t think so. Unless you wanna watch and give us pointers?”
“I suppose I can stay for a little bit. I can’t stay for too long, though.”
“Yay!” Diamond shouted, “Ok, girls, let’s take it form the top...”
***
“Oh, they’re hopeless,” FIlthy muttered to himself, closing the front door behind him. He gave a sigh and a small prayer for their grade, and trotted off to his bedroom. He was somewhat tired and felt like taking a small nap before dinner. After that, he planned to take his family to the local movie theater. Now that he had time, he could go see that new thriller that came out. He hadn’t been to a movie in over a year and a half due to work. It would be fun. He opened the door to his room, finding it completely dark, with the blinds closed. Something stirred in the bed.
“Rich, close the door. I can’t sleep with that light in here.”
“Oh,” he started, feeling a small wave of sadness come over him. “Sure. Sorry.”
Filthy closed the door behind him, sighing. He felt a sense of sadness and anger wash over him. He couldn’t hold it in anymore. Filthy pushed open the door, flipping on the lights.
“Rich, I told you I’m trying to sleep.”
“We need to talk.”
“What’s there to talk about? Can’t it wait?”
“No. I’m not waiting.”
“Get it over with, then.” Spoiled flipped over, staring at him with a small look of annoyance as she continued laying in bed.
“What’s gotten into you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You used to be so happy to see me. This entire weekend, you’ve been nothing but cold and unresponsive.”
“Nonsense. Of course I’m happy to see you.”
“Not once this entire weekend have you said that you love me. Not once have you kissed me. When I tried to kiss you, you deflected.”
“Of course I told you I loved you.”
“When?”
“I can’t remember exactly, but I know I did.”
“Uh huh. Another thing. I took a visit out to Sweet Apple Acres today.”
“Why on EARTH are you associating with such simpletons?”
“Those SIMPLETONS are the reason we’re living well.” Spoiled opened her mouth to say something, but looked away, embarrassed. “I had a good talk with Granny Smith. Who’s this other fellow you’re seeing? Always having brunch with him? I saw you two today on my way there.”
“He’s just another noble. You’ve been gone for so long I needed another rich pony to spend my dining hours with. That’s all.”
“Are you sure it’s not something more?”
“I’m positive. Do you really think I’d stoop so low?”
“I didn’t think so. But I’m not so sure. Where were you last night? You never came home.”
“I was...at an all-night masquerade ball.”
“Uh huh. I’ll check on that. What’s with changing the furniture? You KNOW I hate orange.”
“I was just changing the look to make it more comfortable. I planned on changing it when I knew you would return.”
“Mhm. One last thing...”
“Yes?”
“Explain this,” Filthy said, going to the nightstand, retrieving the letter he’d put there just last night. “Why was this in the trash?”
“What is it?”
“It’s a letter I sent to the house. I found it in the trash.”
“Why were you looking through the trash?”
“The trash was full, so I took it out. The bag ripped, and I happened to find it. Now explain, to me, why this letter, which I carefully made sure to send to our daughter, was in the trash.”
“That must have been an accident. Sorting through the mail often make me throw away important papers. Perhaps the help did it.”
“The help doesn’t go through the mail. Tiara’s last letter to me said that she hadn’t gotten ANY of my previous letters. Why have you been throwing them away?”
“We...I mean...none of the other ones have made it.”
“That’s HORSEFEATHERS!” Filthy yelled. Spoiled’s eyes got big. She had never heard him yell before. “WHY HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THIS?”
“Why are you yelling?”
Filthy whipped around to see Diamond Tiara standing at their open bedroom door, a sad, confused look on her face.
“Oh, Honey, I-” he started. Diamond Tiara couldn’t listen, however, as she sniffed and ran away, up the stairs to her room, audible sobs resounding about the house before the slamming of a door. Filthy glared over at the bed. Spoiled gave a shrug and turned back over, trying to go back to sleep. Filthy suddenly felt a huge wave a guilt pass over him. He’d never lost his temper like that before. What had come over him? He sighed heavily, closing the bedroom door, trudging up the stairs to Diamond Tiara’s room. He listened outside, hearing muffled sobs. He gave a gentle knock at the door.
“Di?”
“Go away,” came a sad voice on the other side, followed by more muffled sobs. Filthy opened his mouth to speak again, but decided against it. He slowly trotted downstairs, to the living room, laying down on the couch. He stared up at the ceiling, a little confused by the day’s events. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes, drifting off into a sadness induced slumber.
“Father, wake up! It’s almost time for the movie!” An excited Diamond Tiara pushed against Filthy. He stirred awake, finding himself back on his couch.
“Hm? How did you know?” he asked, confused. Didn’t he plan that to be a surprise?
“You told me. Duh.”
“I guess I did,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Also, Di...I’m sorry about earlier.”
“What happened earlier?”
“You know, you catching me yelling at your mother.”
“That never happened. What are you talking about?”
“Oh. I guess I was dreaming that. Well, then, let’s head off to the movie, shall we?”
“Yay! Let me get my coat!”
“Coat? Honey, it’s only 70 degrees outside.”
“Father, do you feel alright? It’s winter.”
Filthy looked out the window in confusion. Sure enough, snow littered the outside of the estate. A small snowpony stood in the front yard, proudly smiling, as if to symbolize all the hard work that had gone into making it.
“I feel fine. Just...lost track of the time in a dream, I suppose.”
Diamond Tiara clamored back into the room, sporting her adorable down coat. She beamed at her father, and the two trotted out the door. Diamond Tiara rushed on ahead, playing in the snow a little. Filthy smiled at her foalish simplicity, and took another sentimental look at the snowpony. However, it had changed. Instead of the generic snowpony there before, it was an immaculate ice sculpture of his wife, who, even in her icy, transparent state, was still casting a snobbish glare over at the two of them. Filthy felt a small sense of uncomfortability and turned his attention back to Diamond Tiara, finding himself suddenly in front of the movie theater. He paid the ticket master, and the two of them trotted off to the concession stands, buying popcorn and hot chocolate before going to their theater.
“Thank you, father.” Diamond said, a rare form of gratitude from her.
“It’s my pleasure, honey. Sh!” he quieted her, as the theater dimmed and the previews began.
“Coming soon, to a theater near you...” one of them began. “The epic journey of a foal through the imaginative world of Marenia. Brought to you by the director of ‘Nightmare Moon before Christmas,’ experience the story that critics say is set to be the best picture of the year.” Filthy raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Hey, Di, why don’t we go see that one when-” he turned his attention to Diamond’s seat, seeing that she was suddenly gone. In fact, everypony that was in the theater had suddenly disappeared. He was utterly alone. “Diamond?” he called out to her. No answer. “DIAMOND?” No response. He tried to exit his seat, but suddenly found himself strapped to the chair, floating in space, nothing but darkness around him. A wave of sadness, despair, and an overwhelming feeling of being alone washed over him, causing him to break down and cry. He yelled into the void, tears still in his eyes.
“WHY?” he yelled, sitting upright. He panted, finding himself back in his living room, on the couch. Small beads of sweat rolled down the side of his face. A small twinge of sadness still hung around, but the majority of the feelings in his dream disappeared. He looked out the window, seeing nothing but the pitch-black embrace of night. He swallowed, remembering the events of...how long ago was it? He checked his watch. Nearly 2 hours had passed. He didn’t mean to sleep that long. Rubbing his face, he hopped off the couch and trotted up the stairs toward Diamond’s room. The door was left ajar, the light still on. Filthy gently pushed it open, finding an empty room. He sighed heavily to himself, feeling that small twinge of sadness grow a little. He hung his head low and trotted back downstairs towards his own room, finding the door open and the lights off. He flipped them on, seeing the ugly orange furniture and an empty bed. Spoiled must have gone to some sort of social for the upper-class. He sighed once again and trotted back upstairs towards his study, which he hadn’t come back to see since he arrived. At least one room in the house was sacred.
As he trotted down the dim hall, flipping lights as he went, he pondered to himself. ‘What if they’re gone? What’s been happening recently? Is Diamond Tiara going to be ok?’ He had little time to answer these questions as he opened the study door. He flipped on the lights, staring in sheer amazement.
“Celestia Dammit!” he yelled. His sacred room, his study, his thinking chamber...none of it was the same. While the books were in the same place, his desk, his pure mahogany desk imported from Yakyakistan, was gone, replaced by some yew oak lounge chair. All of his little trinkets, like an ink well and quill, a bust of his favorite composer, and a small clock given to him for boss appreciation month, were gone. He frantically searched the room, high and low, but unfortunately didn’t see any sign of them. Glancing the bookshelf behind him, however, he did notice one particular thing missing: an old photograph of him and his grandfather at Filthy’s first hoofball game. That photo had been his favorite for years. He’d taken it with him to every single house he lived in, every estate, and placed it within sight in every study he’d ever owned. What’s worse, some new chairs had been placed in various corners of the room, as if it were set up for some sort of book club meeting...and they were all orange. Tears welled up in Filthy’s eyes. He slammed his study door behind him and collapsed on the floor, bawling his eyes out. He knew it shouldn’t bother him as much as it did, but it certainly, undeniably did. ***
Diamond Tiara tried stifling back a few tears that were trying to come back. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle sat on either side of her, patting her back in an effort to comfort her. She had burst into the clubhouse in tears just minutes before the CMC were planning to leave for the day, since the clubhouse didn’t have all that many lighting options. The only lighting they currently had was a small lantern, and some light that Sweetie Belle produced from her horn. She hadn’t managed to produce a single coherent sentence within the last 20 minutes, but it seemed that her emotional wreckage was almost over.
“Do ya think you can tell us about it now?” Applebloom asked, rubbing her back a little. Diamond Tiara nodded.
“I just...I came home today...and Father was yelling at Mother. They’ve never done that before...I just...” she started, trying to get the next few words out without breaking down, “...maybe Mother was right...and Father doesn’t really love us. Maybe he...Maybe...” she managed to choke out before utterly weeping, nearly slamming her head down on the wooden floor. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle both looked at each other, giving a non-verbal “I don’t know what to say” kind of look.
“Listen...” Sweetie started, “Maybe he didn’t mean it. I mean, ponies get mad all the time. Maybe his favorite sports team lost and he was taking it out on her?”
“The Broncos haven’t even started their season yet.”
“Oh. Well, maybe...I don’t know, Diamond Tiara. I won’t lie and try to tell you I know how this feels, because I don’t. All I can really tell you is that we’re here for you.”
“I know...” Diamond stated, her head still buried on the floor, “and I really appreciate it. I just...I don’t understand. That’s never happened before. Father has never yelled before. I just don’t...”
“We get it, Diamond Tiara. But it’s getting late and our parents are expecting us to be back any minute now. Why don’t you head on home as well?”
“I guess...” Diamond Tiara clamored to her hooves, “Thanks for letting me get it off my chest. I don’t really have anypony else to talk to.”
“Oh, that’s what friends are for!” Applebloom exclaimed, “And we’re friends now!”
Diamond smiled a little to herself, “I guess we are, huh?”
“Well, I’d hope we are,” Sweetie Belle muttered.
“Thanks, girls. I’ll make it up to you somehow.” Diamond muttered, carefully trotting down the small path to the treehouse. She parted ways with Applebloom at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, and continued trotting with Sweetie Belle until they passed by Carousel Boutique. Then, it was just Diamond, trotting all by herself in the dimly lit square. Some hanging lights in the distance, accompanied by some music, was her only indication that there was some sort of gathering. Since it was on her way home, she glanced at the activities. Seeing a lot of nobles she knew, she rolled her eyes. How many gatherings could they possibly have without getting bored? A familiar voice amongst the crowd caught Diamond’s attention, and she snapped her head to a small table out on the patio, where she saw her mother sitting next to an elderly noble, whose Cutie Mark was just a bag of pennies. Curious, Diamond hid from sight but listened to their conversation.
“...of course not,” Spoiled said.
“I mean, it should be fairly obvious.”
“It’s not like that will matter soon, anyway. If he doesn’t get the hint soon, then I’ll just have to be more obvious about it. Maybe I’ll just tell him. You’re far more affluent than he is, and what’s better, you know how it all works, so you can help me keep everything.”
“Well, you’re getting a little ahead of yourself, but I can do most of that, yes.”
“Good. Now...shall we dance?”
“I’d love to, darling.”
Diamond Tiara, not understanding any part of the conversation, decided to gallop away, out of sight, back towards the estate. The porch lights were on, and she could see the silhouette of her father on the porch, smoking a pipe. He hadn’t done that in years. Why was he doing it now? Filthy, lost in his own little world of thought, didn’t even notice Diamond Tiara until the loud clop of her hooves on the stone porch snapped him back to the real world. He jerked his head towards the sound, seeing his daughter.
“I’m sorry!” he yelped, dropping his pipe, trying to hide it in shame. It bounced on the ground, the tobacco spilling out, chipping the main pipe, which frustrated Filthy. He loved that pipe.
“Father...is something wrong?”
“I’m just...upset that I have to leave tomorrow. I feel like I haven’t gotten to spend as much time with you as I’d like. That’s all,” he stuttered, an obvious lie he hoped Diamond would simply accept.
“What time do you leave tomorrow?”
“Probably not until late afternoon. Can I have a hug?” he asked. Diamond had never known him to ask for such things, and as she looked at him, she could tell his eyes were red, as if they had been crying. Maybe some tobacco smoke got in his eyes, though.
“Of course,” Diamond Tiara gave him a smile of comfort, knowing that in order for him to ask something like that, he had to have been seriously hurting.
“Thanks, honey,” Filthy said as he crept out of his chair, taking a seat on the porch, pulling Diamond Tiara into a tight hug. They gazed out at the stars, like they did the previous night, Filthy trying to forget about all of the things that had been bothering him.
“Father?”
“Yes, Di?”
“I’m sorry I got mad at you earlier.”
“I’m sorry that you caught me yelling. That was wrong of me.”
“It happens, I guess. I can’t stay up for too late tonight, either.”
“Gotta go back up to the school to work on the project again?”
“Yeah. I’ll be done before noon, so I’ll make sure to see you before you leave.”
“That would be great, honey. I don’t want to miss you again. I don’t know when I’ll be back again.”
“I’ve tried writing...”
“I know, honey. And I’ve written back. I guess the letters just...” he started, wondering whether to tell her or not, “got lost in the mail or something.”
“All 12 of them?”
“Yes. Maybe I didn’t write the address correctly. But I have been writing, I promise.”
“I was worried that you didn’t love us anymore,” she said, her voice faltering a little. “at least, that’s what Mother said.”
“Mother told you that?” asked Filthy, another strong sense of anger building up inside of him.
“She said that if you weren’t writing then you couldn’t love us...that you were going away to get away from us. That-”
“That is absolutely not true at all, Diamond. I love you more than life itself. You’re my daughter! My sweet, precious child and it hurts me when I’m away from you. Please don’t listen to your mother when she tells you those things. I don’t know why she’s lying, but...” Filthy trailed off, unsure of what to say next. Diamond Tiara sniffed next to him, as if she was crying. He looked down at her, seeing a sole tear run down one cheek. He felt her hug him harder, as if she wanted to make sure he didn’t leave. Filthy smiled to himself and let the silence between them speak all the words they wanted to say, as they stared at the night sky.
After about 20 minutes, Filthy saw the dark silhouette of his wife in the distance, accompanied by another figure. Filthy saw, what looked to him, kiss, as the other figure trotted away and her figure trotted towards him.
“Hey, Honey, why don’t you go to bed? I need to have a talk with your mother.”
“Hm?” Diamond asked, slightly out of the loop. “Yeah, sure. Goodnight, Father.”
“Goodnight, Di. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she stated, trotting back inside the house, to her room to sleep. As Spoiled’s figure drew closer to the porch, Filthy felt a sense of anger, guilt, and fear well up inside of him. What would he say? How could he say it? Would it really change anything?
“I wasn’t expecting you to be up,” said a somewhat annoyed Spoiled.
“Who was that?”
“Who was whom?”
“I saw them off in the distance. Don’t lie to me. I’m sick of it.”
“Just the pony I’ve been having brunch with. He offered to accompany me home from the dance this evening. I just couldn’t refuse.”
“Mhm. On another note, we need to have a serious talk.”
“What about, dear? I’m rather tired, can’t it wait until tomorrow?” she asked, starting to walk her way to the door. Filthy stood in front of it, refusing to let her take another step.
“No. I’m not letting you ignore me and shrug me off again.”
Spoiled looked at him with a sense of curiosity and anxiety. He had never been this authoritative. He’d always been a push-over. Something had changed inside of him, and it made her very uncomfortable.
“Fine. What is it?”
Filthy gathered his thoughts, trying to figure out what he wanted to discuss first. There were a multitude of issues going on, and though he knew talking about them wouldn’t fix most of them, he needed answers. He needed to know why. And with that on his mind, he took a deep breath and started speaking.
“Why?” Filthy scrambled for the words to say, but all he could manage to choke out was the question.
“Why what? Why are you bothering me with this?”
“What changed? You’re not...the same.”
“Of course I am. You’re the one that’s changed.”
“The furniture. Let’s start there. Why did you make changes to the manor without telling me?”
“I was tired of the original color scheme. It was so drab and dreary. We needed something to spruce up the place.”
“I hate orange. You know that. You know damn well I hate that Celestia Awful color.”
“Oh, you do? I must have forgotten. I swear it looked more red in the store.”
“My office. Why did you change my office?”
“Oh, the girls and I have started having a book club.”
“I told you before I left not to change anything in there. You’ve known for years how important my study is to me. You got rid of that imported desk, you made everything orange, and a lot of my prized possessions are gone!” Filthy huffed, attempting to keep his demeanor. “Where are they?”
“I did some spring cleaning and sold quite a few things. I might have accidentally thrown a few things in there.”
“Accidentally? That doesn’t just happen! The photo, Spoiled. Of me and my grandmother. Where is it? What did you do with it? Why did you do it? What did I ever do to you?”
“So many questions. I just simply don’t know, dear.” Spoiled gave him a devious smirk.
Diamond Tiara listened to the conversation from her bedroom. She had opened it before bed for the cool air, but wound up getting far more than she bargained for. She lay there, her eyelids heavy, but desperate to listen to this conversation. Maybe if she just closed them and listened...Her plan was to no avail, however, as these voices slowly dulled out and she found herself slipping into the realm of sleep. It couldn’t be that important, anyway, could it?
“And Diamond.” Filthy continued. “Why have you been telling her I hate her?”
“That wasn’t me. That must have been somepony else. I have no earthly idea where she would get such a notion.”
“And the letters. Why have you been hiding them?”
“Hiding them? We haven’t gotten any letters.”
“I took the trash out the other day. I saw one of my letters in there,” he glared at her. She stared back, her face suddenly showing a look of anxiety. She’d been caught.
“That must have been an accident.”
“An accident that happened 11 times? No. No, you’re intentionally sabotaging my life here, and I don’t appreciate it.”
“That’s crazy talk, you know that. That’s absolute rubbish. Now, let’s go to bed, shall we?” she said nervously.
“No.”
“No?” Spoiled’s look of fear and anxiety returned.
“No.” An unknown anger boiled inside of Filthy. His “Wife” and her apathetic and snarky stance on these matters. He wasn’t going to tolerate it anymore. He had never done anything this drastic before, and anger managed to get the best of him. “You’re not sleeping here tonight. Go sleep with whomever escorted you home tonight. I’m not having this shit.”
Filthy stared at her wide-eyed. She had never heard him use that kind of language other than an occasional instance where he hurt himself fairly bad.
“Filthy, I-”
“Don’t. Just go. I’m leaving tomorrow. Come back then.” Filthy huffed, storming his way into the estate, slamming the door behind him. Spoiled stared at it for a short while, trying to contemplate what had just happened. She sighed heavily. No sooner than she had turned around to head off to her escort’s estate, the porch lights turned off, leaving her nearly unable to see in the darkness, with no moon to guide her. Luna must be slacking.
Filthy, on the other hoof, after slamming the door, tried to keep himself composed. He couldn’t stand to go back to his room, in that awful color. Knowing that, and feeling more defeated because of it, he trotted over to the couch he slept on the previous night, seeing the blanket still haphazardly strewn on it. He sighed, tears welling up in his eyes. Then...then he layed down and cried until he fell asleep.
***
Filthy awoke to the sound of a sharp rapping at his door. He checked his watch, finding it well after noon. He wasn’t used to ever sleeping this late. He groaned and trotted off to the door, attempting to make himself seem presentable, presuming that Spoiled was at the door begging for forgiveness. instead, he was pleasantly delighted to open the door to an old friend and his wife.
“A little birdy told me you were in town, Filthy. Why didn’t you drop by?” Filthy smiled to himself.
“How are you, Fully Loaded? Garnet Gem?” he asked, turning both to his friend and his wife, respectively.
“I believe we’re doing fine, Filthy.” Filthy thought of correcting him, but to be honest, he was one of the few people that was allowed to call him that. “Better than you seem to be doing at the moment.”
“...why do you say that?”
“Well...There’ve been some rumors going about town. Since you haven’t actually been here, I figured you might want to hear them.”
“I suppose that’s fair, yes.”
“Well...it’s not pretty. Are you sure you can handle it?”
“Yes. It’s nothing I probably don’t already know.”
“Well...ok. If you say so. Lots of ponies have spotted Spoiled at a lot of the regal’s events with that ole lawyer Pennybags.”
“Pennybags? Wait, isn’t he the lawyer that-”
“The very one. Once or twice would be nothing to think about, but over the course of the year and a half you’ve been gone, they’ve been spotted together at least once or twice a week. I’m sorry to say, Filthy, but-”
“Enough. I’ve noticed it. I just...” His lips quivered, “Nevermind. I leave in a little bit. I should probably get ready.”
“Oh. Well, I’ve got another something else that may interest you.”
“What is it?”
Fully Loaded looked over to his wife, who smiled at Filthy and reached into her saddlebags, pulling out a small, wrapped package.
“What’s this? What’s the occasion?”
“You’ll see.”
Filthy, a confused look on his face, unwrapped the present, revealing a picture frame. He flipped it over to reveal a picture he recognized. The picture of him and his grandmother at his first Hoofball game. Tears of happiness welled in his eyes and he stared in shock at Fully loaded, who could only smile at him.
“I...how...I...”
“Oh, Filthy,” started Garnet, patting him on the back, “your wife held a yard sale a few months back. He decided to drop by, and, well...we saw that most of your stuff was there. We couldn’t believe it, honestly. We thought that maybe you had died, seeing your fancy desk you were so proud of. Then we saw that picture in a discount pile and...we knew something was wrong. You love that picture.”
“I...”
“Filthy,” started Fully, getting a solemn look on his face, “Seeing that we thought you had passed on, I made sure to purchase what I could. I always did enjoy your desk. Unfortunately, we couldn’t buy everything. I saved, what I could, I guess.”
“I can’t thank you enough for saving this photo,” Filthy managed to say, hugging on Garnet, “What else did you manage to save?”
“Your desk, of course. Some other furniture items, a few desktop accessories, like your inkwell and a few other trinkets. I mean, we bought what we could. I don’t know what’s missing or not. But we’re certainly happy to give all of it back to you.”
“I...” Filthy whimpered, gratitude filling his heart to the point of tears, “I’ll let you keep most of it for now. At least until I get this all settled out. I think this picture is enough for now. I...” he continued, before grasping Fully into a friendly embrace, “I can’t thank you enough. Why don’t you come in for a while? Let’s catch up. I have some time yet.”
“That would be splendiferous!” Garnet added, stepping inside the estate.
***
Diamond Tiara wiped some sweat from her forehead.
“This is hard work!” she griped.
“Well, we’re almost done.” Scootaloo added, hoisting up another plank.
“We do much more than this at the farm. Quit yer complainin’.”
“How can you stand to work like this?” Diamond asked, “Why don’t you just have other ponies do the work for you?”
“Some of us can’t afford everything in life, Tiara.”
“Well, I know, but still.”
“AND...Done.” Sweetie Belle yelped. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Diamond Tiara stood back and admired their...whatever it was.
“You think it’ll do?”
“Well, it satisfies all the grade requirements, I guess. So...Let’s call it finished, girls!”
“Yay!” they all cheered.
“Now we just have to get it to the schoolhouse.” Applebloom said.
“I’ll leave that up to you girls. I need to get home to make sure I see Father before he leaves.”
“Oh yeah, he leaves today. Well, have fun. We’ll see you at school tomorrow!”
“Bye! See you girls later!” she said, waving them off. She happily trotted towards town square on her way to the house, with a small pep in her step. She stopped by Sugarcube Corner on her way, picking up a small order she placed earlier that morning.
“Well hello, Diamond Tiara! Are you doing well today?” asked Mrs. Cake, giving her a joyful smile.
“Yes, Ma’am! How are you? How are Pound and Pumpkin?”
“Oh, they’re just napping upstairs, along with Mr. Cake. Here to pick up your order?”
“Oh yes. They’re father’s favorite.”
“Well, tell your father I said hello, will you?”
“Of course.” Diamond said, leaving the bits on the counter, taking the box. “You have a wonderful afternoon!”
“You too, Diamond.”
Diamond strutted out the door, a smile on her face, heading towards the estate. She spotted a familiar figure in the distance, sitting outside, having tea with a stranger. Since it was on her way, she trotted closer, recognizing her mother with that same pony she saw the other night. Diamond trotted over her way.
“Oh, Hello, Mother!”
“Oh! Diamond!” Spoiled looked surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, is that your daughter?” asked the stallion across from her.
“Yes. Diamond, honey, what are you doing?”
“I was heading home to see father before he left. Would you like to join me?”
“I’d love to, honey, but...I said goodbye to him earlier, and Mother has some important business to attend to. Why don’t you run along? I’ll be home later.”
“Oh. Ok...” Diamond said, a little dismayed. What could be so important that it couldn’t wait? Diamond pretended to trot off, sneaking around the cafe, hiding behind a bush to listen in on the rest of the conversation.
***
“...and then Garnet says, ‘But Fully, your hat’s in the kitchen!’” Filthy, Fully, and Garnet bust out laughing, catching up on recent events since his departure.
“Oh, I’ve certainly missed the pleasure of your company, Fully.” Filthy said, wiping a tear from his eye from laughing so hard. “I should be able to come home, soon, though, don’t worry. My work is almost done.”
“Oh, that’s good. I can’t wait to have you back. That awful desk is taking up too much space.” Fully winked.
“Father?” rang a small voice from outside the living room.
“Diamond! I was wondering when you would return.” Filthy hopped off the couch, trotting off towards her, embracing her in a hug.
“Well, I think that’s our cue to leave. We’ll visit you another time, Filthy. Be sure to write, you hear?” Garnet smiled and winked at him. Filthy gave them both a gentle nod of recognition as they trotted out the door. He turned his attention back to Diamond.
“I’m glad you came back, Diamond. How did the project go?”
“Well, we finished. That’s about as declarative a statement as I can make.”
“Well, that’s good, I guess. Why don’t we sit down? My carriage should be here within the hour.”
“Oh, of course,” Diamond added, taking a seat next to her father on the couch. “I got these for you,” she added, handing him the box she got from Sugarcube Corner earlier.
“Oh? Sugarcube Corner?” he asked, opening the box. He couldn’t contain his smile as he looked inside to see his favorite-Zap Apple strudels- in the box. “Oh, you shouldn’t have, Diamond. I’ve been so busy I didn’t even think of getting any.”
“Well, I can always eat them myself...” Diamond said, playfully taking the box from him.
“Oh, Don’t you dare.” He snatched the box back from her, giving her a sarcastic look of anger. They both laughed. “Well, I have some time. Why don’t we just have one? And only one.” Diamond smiled at him.
“Sure,” she said, flashing him another one of her adorable smiles. After getting some small serving plates from the kitchen, they both dug in, talking and laughing, her pointing out a mess on her father’s face, him nudging her occasionally, making it hard for her to eat it. They ate. They laughed. They talked, like it was the last time they’d see each other. Deep down in his heart, Filthy had a fear, a deep-rooted and seemingly justifiable fear that it would, indeed, be one of the last times. After they finished eating, he closed the box on the pastries, making sure to save some for later. The trip back to Canterlot. The office. They probably wouldn’t last long, to be honest. He gave Diamond a hug.
“I love you, Diamond,” he stated, making sure he knew he said it before he could potentially lose her.
“I love you too, Father.”
“Hey, Diamond, There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you...”
“Yes?”
“Listen, your mother and I-”
Filthy couldn’t finish, however, as a soft knock at the door alerted him that his carriage had arrived.
“I guess you have to go now, huh?”
“I guess. But I’ll make sure to try and visit soon, honey. Definitely sooner than a year and a half,” he smiled at her. Filthy trotted off to the front door, grabbing his bags, and his favorite photo, opening the front door.
“Good afternoon, sire. Are you set to leave?”
“Of course. Let me just say goodbye first,” he said, throwing his bags in the carriage, trotting back towards the front porch. “Hey, Diamond? You know I love you, right?”
“Yes, Father.”
“No matter what Mother tells you, don’t believe her. I do love you. i think about you every day.”
“Ok, Father. Hey...I have a question before you go,” she stated, giving him another hug.
“What is it, Honey?”
“Well, I was on my way back from Sugarcube Corner and I heard mom talking. She just used I word I don’t understand.”
“Oh. What did she say?”
“I just want to know...What’s a divorce?”
Filthy felt his heart drop into his stomach as the finality of these past few days was finally being realized.