Hey guys, back with the second chapter! Sorry I had to cut this one short, I have an idea for the third chapter and I needed to cut it there. Hope you guys are liking it so far, I'm having fun writing this. Please leave a review if you enjoyed, it helps me continue! Thanks!


Dipper made his way through the big city of Portland, passing numerous shops and people out late. It was surprisingly busy for the time, it was one o'clock in the morning, but it was the weekend and people were out partying or working night shifts. Dipper passed a drunk man, who stopped him and asked for change for the city bus. "Uh, sorry man. I got nothing." He answered. The man reeked of alcohol, and Dipper held his breath.

"Why you out this late, boy? Where are your parents?" the man slurred, looking like he was about to topple over.

"My parents are…uh…" Dipper began, jerking his head over to the nearest shop. It was a late-night breakfast parlor. "Over there."

"Well, you be careful out here. There are a lot of weirdos roaming these streets this late."

And you aren't one of them? Dipper thought bitterly. He said his farewells to the man and trudged over to the diner, looking both ways before crossing the busy street. The area he was in was a fairly large shopping area, an outdoor mall of sorts. He had grabbed a map of the area before leaving the lodge and studied it, setting his heart on traveling by foot to this location. Dipper's legs were sore from the long walk.

Dipper opened the door to the diner, walking in cautiously. It was full of all-nighters, college students and drunks looking to sober up. A waitress walked up to Dipper, holding a menu. "You waiting for someone, dear?" she asked.

"Oh, uh, I was told by my parents to get a seat and wait for them. And if they didn't come in time, just to order." Dipper answered, clearing his throat. The waitress looked unsure. It took her a moment to look behind her for an empty table, and then beckoned the young boy to a clear table in the back near a window.

"A-actually, they told me to order now and they will order when they get here." Dipper quickly said as he scanned the menu in front of him when the waitress returned to check on him fifteen minutes later.

"Alright, honey. What do you want?" the waitress asked.

I have to ration my money. "Just the pancake dish. With scrambled eggs."

"Alright dear. Alert us when your parents arrive." And with that, the waitress grabbed his menu and hurried off to put the order up.

The minutes ticked by. Dipper could feel a pair of eyes on him.

"That poor boy… he's been waiting for his parents this late at night to arrive." One of the waitresses whispered to a waiter. They both frowned, watching as Dipper fiddled with his hat, which was on the table in front of him. He had long gotten his breakfast and gulped down the remainder of the eggs, setting down his fork. "We should give his breakfast to him. On the house."

"We can't do that…" the waiter countered.

"Then I'll pay for it. No big deal. Just look at him!" the waitress replied, motioning to Dipper, who was now looking around for his waitress from the table.

The waiter sighed. "Fine." he gave in reluctantly. He walked over to Dipper's table. "Hey, kid, your parents not making it tonight?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, man. They got stuck in traffic or something." Dipper replied nervously. "Can I just have the check now?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll pay for it. You just, go along now." The waiter cleared his throat, picking up Dipper's plate and placing it on the tray.

"Are you sure? Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I, gotta go now." Dipper grabbed his hat and put it on, getting up hurriedly, making his way to the door. He took a look back at the waiter and smiled slightly, exiting. Once he was outside, he breathed a sigh of relief, closing his eyes.

"Hey, kid, watch it!" an older man grumbled as Dipper blocked the entrance to the diner.

"Sorry." Dipper replied hastily, moving out of the way. He fished for the map from his vest pocket, opening it and studying it, his eyes darting across the page. Where do I go now? Dipper felt a drop of water hit his nose. Confused in the moment, he looked up, another drop rolling down his cheek. It had started to rain. Drops hit the sidewalk pavement, the soft rumble of thunder in the distance. Great.

The air became humid and wet; Dipper pulled his hat down further as the drops of rain dripped down from the brim. He was about to run for cover, under a bus stop, something. He just had to find it first. Dipper was starting to have second thoughts. Maybe I shouldn't have ran away. I should have just stayed. I should catch a bus back or something. Plus, they'll notice me gone by morning. I can't believe I stole all that money… oh god, I'm going to hear it from Grunkle Stan…

Dipper's thoughts were struck short as the rain continued to come down harder now, his clothes becoming soaked. Dipper frantically looked around for somewhere to take cover, and he saw an area across the way, a construction site. He bolted to the small building that was being built, possibly another store to accompany the ever growing shopping strip. He hid inside as others ran to their cars and the streets became deserted.

Dipper huddled in a corner of the building, sawdust sticking to his clothing, tools left strewn about. He sniffed and shivered, cold and wet from the sudden storm. Lightning lit up the room, a crack of thunder loud and ominous shook the area. Dipper covered his ears, jumping from the sudden loud noise. He uncovered his ears after the thunder had passed, shaking violently. Tears rimmed his eyes. He didn't want to admit to himself that he was scared. He was supposed to be seen as brave, manly. No one was around now to see the tears mixing with the rain. Dipper let the tears come freely, hugging his knees.

Wet, cold and scared, Dipper had to wait out the storm now. I'm so tired. Dipper thought, his eyes beginning to droop. I can't sleep here. But I have no choice. I brought this upon myself. No hotel is going to allow a twelve-year-old book a room by himself. Dipper continued to shiver, rubbing his tired eyes. "Gotta… stay awake…" Dipper said aloud to himself weakly. He pushed himself to keep his eyes open, but to no avail. He soon fell into a deep sleep, the rain continuing to fall.