Under the sunken eyes of Dipper, Wendy was not just a girl. She was the girl of his dreams. She was the girl next door. In his opinion, she was the best-kept secret in the hidden woods of Gravity Falls. What he had initially thought was going to be a boring, worthless trip turned into something worthwhile. Of course, summer with his uncle meant that he had responsibilities. And of course, he had to share those responsibilities with his lovable, cheerful sister Mabel. And of course, the chagrin of splitting his funds with his sister under the expense of his cheapskate uncle. Nevertheless, the joy of seeing the lovely redheaded Wendy was enough to make his summer there worthwhile.

However, just like his dreams of exploring the paranormality of the hidden town, so were the chances of being with his Wendy.

"Yo, Wendy! What's up!" said a voice when entering the Mystery Shack.

Dipper frowned when seeing his rival and Wendy's boyfriend, Robbie Valentino, entered the Mystery Shack. Just his presence was enough to make the irritable Dipper retch.

"Hey, babe. What's up," said Wendy before pecking him on the cheek.

"Nothing much," replied Robbie. Robbie gave Dipper a sly look before returning Wendy's kiss.

Dipper played coy of the matter. But within, he was enraged. He also knew that Robbie was fully aware of his crush on Wendy. And that was enough material to give Dipper the dissatisfaction of service, much to Robbie's advantage.

"So, the reason why I am here is to see if you wanted to go to Tambry's party tonight," asked Robbie as he leaned in front of Wendy on the counter. He peered forward to keep eye contact with his woman. His jarring was getting her attention and she became attracted by this.

Meanwhile, Dipper was trying to keep his composure by organizing the postcards. His other alternative was helping his sister Mabel outside with Soos, but he did not want Robbie out of his sight.

"Tambry's house, tonight," questioned Wendy. "Sure, why not? Wouldn't mind having a rest of the legs."

"Awesome," he cried. "Plus," he added. "Tambry's folks are out of town. And you know what that means."

"I know where you are getting at," replied Wendy. "But I like your song. Tell me."

He cracked his knuckles before pursuing his chapped and cracked lips. "Booze, booze, and more booze." His smile spread with excitement. However, it was not the same with Wendy.

"It's not much of a big deal to me," she easily admitted. "Don't need alcohol to have a great time."

At a girl. Dipper thought.

Robbie was taken aback. "When I meant by booze…." He staggered at the mouth, appearing he was trying to find something better to say without upsetting his girlfriend. "What I was saying was that she was having alcohol. My tone of excitement was based on surprise. Yeah, that's right. Surprise!"

Wendy shrugged her shoulders. "If you say so. I really don't care to drink. It clouds your judgement."

"Yeah, yeah," replied Robbie. "I agree with you all the way. One hundred percent!"

She smiled while closing her eyes. "Good," she said before grabbing his collar. "So, it means we can have a great without touching any strange liquid on our lips. Correct?"

"Sure," he said.

She gave him a peck on the cheek.

Dipper quickly turned when she faced him. He forgot he was listening in on their conversation.

"Aww, don't pretend you didn't hear," she laughed.

He returned a smile. "Well, I wasn't exactly paying attention. I had happened to be in the room."

She giggled, but Robbie was staring daggers at Dipper.

"Really," Robbie replied with haste and aggression. "Then it shouldn't matter that you can leave the room and have my time with my girlfriend. Capiche?"

Wendy interjected. "Relax, babe. Dipper is cool. You know if I am down with him, then you should be too,"

Robbie became tensed. "It's cool. It's cool. The little runt knows that I am playing around. Right?"

Dipper sort of laughed. "Yeah, right. Cool!" Like tangling with a boa constrictor, he thought to himself.

"So, anyway. Pick you up at eight," asked Robbie.

"Sure," she answered.

"Alright, then," he said. "See you then."

Robbie embraced Wendy before heading out of the Mystery Shack. Wendy walked away from the counter and entered the backroom. When Wendy was out of sight, Robbie quickly turned to face Dipper.

"Can I help you with something," asked Dipper with a tone of sarcasm.

Robbie grabbed Dipper by his shirt collar and pushed him against the shelf.

"Listen and listen as hard as you fucking can, dipshit," he said.

"Careful with the comment, Rob," Dipper responded. "Your girlfriend could be around the corner."

"Leave Wendy out of this, dipdick," he said. "This is between you and me."

As much Dipper wanted to rebuttal, Robbie had the advantage of height and girth. Words could only do so much before facing Robbie's wrath. The best he could do was stand his ground, even though he was somewhat scared of what Robbie could do.

"Honestly, you and I ain't cool," said Robbie callously. "I can't stand the fact that your punk ass has something to do with my girlfriend."

"I knew Wendy before I met you," said Dipper. "If she knew how much of a man you were, then you can do the same shit in front of her. Can you?"

Dipper was met with a punch to his stomach. The impact caused him to lose his breath. He coughed a few times. Throughout this, Robbie continued to hold on to Dipper. He released a smirk.

"Watch that tone, if I were you," said Robbie.

"Fuck you," responded Dipper.

Dipper was met with a second hit to the stomach.

"Had enough," asked Robbie.

"Do your worse," responded Dipper.

Dipper was met with a third hit to the stomach.

"No matter how tough you think you are. No matter how much words you use against me," replied Robbie. "I have something over you that you can never have."

He gave Dipper a final hit to the stomach.

"Wendy," Robbie grimaced.

He released his grip on Dipper. Dipper leaned to the floor to catch his breath. He used his hand to wrap around his tender stomach.

A few moments later, Wendy returned from the back. She saw Robbie wrapping his arms around Dipper's neck.

"Dipper. Oh my God," she cried. "Is everything alright?"

"Dipper had an accident," cried Robbie. "Something caught hold of him, leaving him breathless. Thank God I was still here to help him." He faced Dipper with devilish eyes. "Isn't that right."

Dipper wiped the saliva off of his face with his shirt. "Right," he said.

Wendy went closer to observe Dipper. She came and helped him up from the floor.

"I hope he will be okay," said Robbie. "No further harm done. He's a kid. He will live."

"Yeah," she replied. "Got to be careful, Dip."

"That's right," said Robbie. "Anyway. See you tonight, Wendy."

"See ya," said Wendy.

She and Robbie kissed on the lips before he left out of the Mystery Shack. Dipper walked slowly to the counter where he took a seat. His stomach was sore from the hits Robbie gave him.

That fucking pussy, he thought to himself. Only shows his true colors whenever Wendy is not around.

Wendy came to Dipper. Her eyes were met with worry. She kneeled next to Dipper.

"Are you okay," asked Wendy.

"I am okay," said Dipper. "Nothing to worry about."

"Do you want anything?"

"No," he smiled. "Nothing at all."

"Are you sure, Dip?"

"Relax, Wendy. This is Dipper you are talking about. I can withstand worse."

"Alright," she said. She rubbed the top of his cap before returning the cash register. Dipper took a breath before retreating back to the shelves to resume his afternoon duties.

That evening, Dipper was in the attic when he heard the sound of laughter coming from his window. He perched to the window when overlooking the excitement of a few teenagers departing from the Mystery Shack. He saw Wendy along with Robbie. He also saw Tambry and some other local teenagers. From his point of view, they had some merchandise. He had assumed it was for the party.

Dipper rested his head on the window to see Wendy leave. He watched the hidden gem of the woods fade into the distance. He took another breath before retreating back to the bed.

On any other night, he would spend time with Mabel. Unfortunately, Mabel had plans to have a sleepover at Candy's. His grunkles decided to go "sightseeing," or whatever code he couldn't interpret. Even Waddles was alongside Mabel.

For the first time in awhile, he was alone.

He could have studied the mysterious books to pass the time, but he was unable. For his eyes were focused on the sea of red. The sea of strawberry fields gazing from ear to ear. He was thinking of his dear Wendy Corduroy.

He went back to his bed. He wanted to rest his eyes. He wanted to picture himself in an oasis where there was nothing but his Wendy. After giving some thought, he did.

He had imagined that he was in the desert. He was floating and drifting through a massive bonfire party. He saw people and they were wearing the most beautiful of outfits. It was like an array of fire, flashing in different colors. A sea of colors painting the desert sand, matching the light of the bonfire as well. Many were shooting orange, purple, and blue flames into the star-filled sky. Spectacular colors, he thought.

It was beautiful. He saw Mabel. He saw Waddles. He saw his Grunkle Stan and the Author. He saw Soos. He had even seen Gideon. He saw many people having a great time in this festivity of lights.

Centered in the flames, he saw his Wendy.

She was wearing the most revealing genie outfit. The colors were blue, teal, and purple. She was dancing in the most provocative, yet spellbinding way. She was alluring him, entrancing him, and inviting him. She waved her gentle palms for him to enter her direction. He did exactly what she wanted. She was smiling at him. Her eyes never left his sight. When they finally unite, she grabbed him by the wrists, twirling him in circles.

The hypnotic music of trance began playing. She continued to spin him in circles and circles. She was smiling. He was smiling. The combination of colors and lights and friends flashing and flashing. He was finding peace.

For a moment, he imagined that he was heaven. If so, it was a place he would never leave.

He was awoken by the sound of a slamming door. The sounds of heavy footsteps were growing louder by each step that led to the attic. He watched the doorknob and opened. He was surprised to see an unfamiliar guest.

It was Wendy.