The Apple of My Eye: A Collection Of Short Stories

A Hard Day's Work

"It takes leadership and skills to get where I am today. But if you keep pushing forward, one day you too can be successful as I a-"

Just then, the door creaked open. Headmaster Grimm sprang from his chair and hastily stashed his collection of ponies into his desk drawer, making it appear as though they had never been there.

"Yes, what is it?" he stuttered, momentarily caught off guard.

Catman opens the door as the four boys step foot into the headmaster's office.

"Why hello Headmaster Grimm, we're going around offering pest control for each room here at the school. Would you like for us to take out any pests in your office for eight thousand dollars?" Cartman negotiated.

Headmaster Grimm slightly rolled his eyes.

"Doesn't eight thousand dollars seem a little high for your level of experience?" He chuckled.

Kenny's gaze snapped to a corner of the room. Moments later, a pair of rats scurried out, prompting the headmaster to jump onto his chair.

"I'll give you fifty if you do it right now! Just... don't hurt the rats..." Headmaster Grimm pleaded, panicked.

"Alright boys, let's get to work," Cartman ordered.

Each of them started setting traps and spreading repellent across the office floor. With the headmaster out of the way, the boys were able to work undisturbed.

"I'll be back in ten minutes, don't break anything!" he informed.

Cartman settled into the headmaster's chair, casually leaning back and propping his feet on the desk. Meanwhile, Kyle's annoyance grew as he toiled away, doing all the work.

'Don't snap...'

He began to open the desk drawers, snooping around until something caught his eye.

"You guys! Headmaster Grimm is a brony," He laughed hysterically.

'You're doing this for Apple...' Kyle kept repeating to himself.

"I've got to get a picture of this!"

'That's it...'

"You need to help too," Kyle huffed.

Cartman snapped his fingers. Kyle's eye twitched with irritation.

"Did I not just get us fifty bucks?" he retorted, jabbing his dirty finger towards the redhead's face.

Kyle clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his anger in check.

'Keep it together, Kyle...'

"If you want your share of the money, then you're going to help us!" Kyle shot back.

Cartman pushed him against the wall.

"Don't you boss me around, nobody! I will take you down right here! Right now!" Cartman threatened.

***

"Okay gentlemen, I have your money right-"

Headmaster Grimm came to a standstill when he witnessed Cartman holding a bloody nose.

"My, what happened here?" He gasped.

Carman let out a small sigh while Kyle continued to glare at him.

"Pest control accident..."

Headmaster Grimm hands Stan the money, shoving the boys out of his office.

"Off you go now! I don't need anything to stain my beautiful carpet. Those things are hexpensive..."

The door clapped shut while Cartman was still clutching his nose.

"You're so lucky, or else you would've had it," Cartman remarked in a nasal voice.

Kenny thumped Cartman on the back of his head. Meanwhile, Stan started tallying up their earnings for the day.

"After going through eight different classrooms, we each made a hundred bucks!" Stan cheered.

He distributed the money among the boys, each receiving their share. As he gave Kyle his portion, he offered a smile and a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Now that you have the money, what do you plan on getting Apple?" He asked with curiosity.

"You'll see."

***

"Thank you so much Kyle for taking me to the Multi-Hex Theater! The way that the main character and the leading man leaned in for their enchanted kiss had me in mother-goosebumps!" Apple beamed, twirling around as she wrapped her arms around herself.

Kyle casually slipped his hand through hers. She looks up at him, her ocean eyes glowing with the crescent moon.

"Follow me."

Racing as swiftly as he could, he was oblivious to poor Apple clinging to his arm, struggling to keep pace. Kyle tenderly lifted her, cradling her like the princess she truly was. Harnessing the wind, he accelerated their pace, vanishing into the depths of the Enchanted Forest.

Gently setting her on her feet, he covered her eyes with his hands.

"Kyle, what are you doing?" Apple asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and uncertainty.

With careful steps, Kyle led Apple through the forest. When they halted, he enveloped her in his arms, resting his head gently on her shoulder.

"I know you've been wanting to get a better view, so I thought..."

"A telescope! You got me a telescope?!" Apple giggled with excitement.

She drew him near, embracing him in a warm, affectionate hug.

"Thank you, Kyle. For everything."