Chapter 2: Wonder
I entered the diner. I removed my hood and felt the air conditioned breeze flowing through my hair. The diner was the same as I remember. I looked around to see Candy sitting alone. She wears the usual green sweater and dark green skirt. Her glasses seems new, The frame is neon green. Right beside her is her pink, one-strap backpack. She's eating a small sunny side up egg with a side of bacon. With courage, I came up to her, and she noticed me. She greeted me warmly, like she missed me. I sat across her and positioned myself by the window. Her long jet black hair was turned a slight wavy. Her cheeks were turning a slight red.
I could see in her hand a golden ring with an emerald gem. It kept bugging me about seeing them on the altar, saying their vows. It doesn't make any sense. "So I heard the news, about you and Gideon." I tapped my fingers. Still bugged.
"Oh yeah." She looked at her ring. "Isn't he dreamy? I mean he just proposed to me 3 weeks after we first met. We may not have a lot in common, but I think he's perfect for me." Three weeks?! Man, What's into her?
"But why?" I protested, "You're just marrying a man you've barely know. You're jumping into conclusions, Candy. Besides, you do remember what he did to Mabel, right? He's dangerous. You don't deserve to be with him."
She slapped me in disgust. "I'm happy, Dipper. I'm happy I found the man of my dreams." I could barely see her tears. "I found the man of my dreams and now, you just want to ruin our love. Don't you like me being happy, Dipper?"
"Candy, I like you being happy. Its that Gideon is not what he seems. You have to trust me on this." I felt awkward when I said it.
"After you bailed on me like 25 times 2 years ago?" So those creepy letters made of magazine cut outs are from her. Oops. "That was our last chance to be together even for an hour, Dipper. And you just lost it!"
"But really?! Magazine cutouts?! Who would think that's attractive?!" I slammed the table, shaking her plate.
"Dipper, I thought you like mysteries! That's why I made it out of cutouts!"
"Yeah, Mysteries that doesn't involve a letter, making it look like a murder letter!" I slammed my hands so hard, it turned red.
"But…. Dipper…." Her tears were trailing on her cheek. "I liked you…."
"I was-" My anger faded off. My hands were about to slam the table, but it ended up landing softly on the table. The reason? Her secret, spilled on me. "You like me?"
She wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and nodded her head. "Dipper, I had feelings for you. I lost it when you and Mabel went to college. I thought to myself, I have to move on."
I don't know what to react. She had feelings for me and I didn't even notice. I was drowned with the mysteries of this town (and maybe a little feelings for Wendy [OK, Huge feelings. You happy?]) that I have no time to chill, even for a second. She was searching her bag for something "Here, I was gonna give it to you before you leave, but here." A silver baton and a golden ring. "I took it from Gideon's room. Thought you'll sell it or use it or something."
I have no comment. This is worth the value, I could sell it for Mabel's college fund. I have a scholarship, but she has none. It shines with the sun as it glares my eyes. But hunting werewolves and stuff, this is useful. She wipes her mouth with a tissue. She was done. She was about to leave, but I still wonder,
"Candy. I was wondering, you still have feelings for me?"
"Now that you mention it, I don't know." That raised my mood a little bit "But still, I'm marrying Gideon." Dammit. Plumed down to depression creek. I had to hide that. I don't want her to cry again.
"I can't argue with that." I said, with a fake smile.
She walked out the diner, leaving me here to wonder. Should I stop the wedding or not? She seems happy, but I'm not sure for Gideon. He's still an asshole, I can assume that. Hmph. I can't be the only option, right? She could be making a bad choice. I'm still down that an asshole like him can get married, no matter how large the damage he's caused. I left the diner with hands in pocket and hoodie on. The rain dropped on my hood, then my skin. Washing off my sadness, anger and regret. Forgetting the mysteries I've done over my summer days. Why did I even keep the journal for fuck's sake? If I left it, then I wouldn't be standing on this land of Gravity Falls, but it also cost me my summer and my life, almost. I walked home with sorrow. At least I have 2 months to stay here. Besides, If I'm done at college, then I'm staying here. Solving the damn mysteries in this town, and finally get over with it. Candy's wedding is just 2 weeks from now. I'll just raise my wineglass as soon she exits the church, I guess. Love, such a mysterious case. Unsolvable I suppose.