Applejack raced across the southern field, darting between trees and barely dodging a low flying bird. She galloped faster and faster, the wind stinging her eyes as she looked ahead. She saw Big Macintosh, galloping in front of her by a quarter mile.
"Aww, hayseeds! How does he do that?" She asked herself, driving herself faster down a small path and onto the dirt road that led out of the orchard.
Somehow, Applejack's hat stayed on as she sped down the road leading to Ponyville. She wasn't going to lose again. Not this time. She closed the gap between Big Mac and herself, seeing that the strain of the run was beginning to ware on him. She couldn't help but smile a little as she powered ahead of him, giving a "Yeehaw!".
Big Mac just smiled. He decided it was time to stop holding back. In a burst of speed, the large red stallion shot past Applejack. A cloud of dust enveloped her as she fell behind. A short while later, Applejack caught up to Big Mac at the edge of Ponyville. He was standing by the school building talking with Apple Bloom.
"How the hay did y'all do that, Big Mac?" Asked exhausted and out-of-breath Applejack.
"Storin' up speed. Ya don't give it yer all till the last lap, little sis." Big Mac advised, winking at Applejack.
"Well, that's two bits, right?"
"Eeyup." Responded Big Mac.
Applejack flipped two coins to Big Mac and scooped Apple Bloom onto her back.
"C'mon, Apple Bloom! I'll show you some real speed! Big Mac, y'all are doin' the shopping today, right?" Asked Applejack, turning to face him.
"Eeyup."
"Alright, I'll see you back home later then. Bye!" Applejack said, starting down the road back to Sweet Apple Acres with Apple Bloom riding on her back.
"See y'all later Big Mac!" Called Apple Bloom as she and Applejack turned a corner in the dirt road.
Big Macintosh grinned and headed off to the market. Although they lived on a farm, there were some things they couldn't grow; mainly, potatoes. Every time somepony tried to plant potatoes on Sweet Apple Acres land, it failed miserably. This would not do, because Granny Smith had an amazing recipe for potato salad that was unmatched anywhere in Equestria. Or, so thought the Apple family, anyway.
Big Mac trotted slowly through the market, savoring every smell, sound and sight. He loved coming here, despite the noise. It was much quieter on the farm, but it didn't bother him much. He found the items on his list one by one; potatoes, carrots from Carrot Top, and one other thing. He couldn't find any of the spices he needed. Big Mac thought a while about who would know where to get the proper spices. Derpy? No, she was busy with her mail route. Then, a thought came to him; Pinkie Pie! She was one of the bakers of the town, so she should know where to find spices and such.
He started towards Sugarcube Corner. He hadn't been there in a while. Most of the things they sold there were too sweet for his tastes, but he thought, maybe it they had some good loaves of bread, he might pick some up.
Upon entering Sugarcube Corner, Big Macintosh was greeted by the ringing of the bell above the door and a very excited Pinkie Pie rushing to welcome the newest costumer.
"Hi! What can we do for you, Big Mac?" Asked the hyper pink pony, bouncing up and down in front of him.
Big Mac simply pulled out his list and pointed a hoof at the last items on the list.
"Oregano, cilantro, thyme…" Pinkie Pie read off, mispronouncing all of them. "You should try Zecora's cottage. She has everything with the names I can't say right."
"Thank ya kindly" Big Mac said, turning to leave.
"Say, how come you don't talk very much? Don't you like to talk? I know I do." Pinkie Pie asked, still bouncing lightly and smiling.
"Ain't nothin' wrong with keeping to yerself, Pinkie. Just ask Twilight." Big Mac explained, beginning to get dizzy from Pinkie's bouncing.
"Hey, I'll have you know I've been working on her! She'll come around eventually." Pinkie Pie stated, walking over to the counter. "Could you give these to Apple Bloom?" She asked, handing him a small sack with cupcakes in it of various sizes and shapes.
"Eeyup." Answered Big Mac, giving Pinkie Pie a smile as he left.
Pinkie Pie shut the door behind him as he left and turned back to the counter.
"That pony… He should really find a best friend or something." Pinkie mused to herself.