AN: Hello everyone. Thank you for the great reviews. Since we've reached the minimum review goal, I shall continue Hearts within. Like I said before, I'm abandoning Return Feelings. I know it is upsetting news but I thought long and hard on this decision because I lost control on how I should have continued it. I'm deeply sorry but I hope my future fanfiction will make up for it. Also on another note. I would like to point out my book "Town of Horror" will be published next year. So please, if you are into horror stories check it out when it comes out. But enough of me rambling…Enjoy.
Warning chapter will contain: Language and violence. Readers' discretion is advised.
Chapter 2
The decision.
After the cafeteria incident, Mabel left to find Pacifica and assumed she'd be in a restroom so she went to the closest one from the cafeteria. When Mabel walked into the restroom, she could hear crying coming from the farthest stall.
"Pacifica?" Mabel called out.
"W-What do you want Mabel? Just leave me alone." Pacifica shouted.
"Hey. Come on now. Didn't I say we were friends? You can talk with me." Mabel said.
"W-Why…is this place…like this?" Pacifica cried out in between breaths.
"Pacifica…Please tell me what's going on?" Mabel asked and suddenly the stall door opened.
"Mabel! The students here are the worst! Between the heartless girls and the smothering guys, it's like this whole place has it against me!" Pacifica shouted with endless tears rolling down her face.
"Hey hey…Don't be like that Pacifica. You know I'm here for you and also Dipper. Why don't you hang out with us after school? Our parents won't mind if it's alright with your family." Mabel said as she placed a hand on Pacifica shoulder.
"Th-That…sounds nice." Pacifica said wiping away tears.
"Also you get to play with Waddles with me while we get to hang out." Mabel said with a smile.
"Hehe. Your silly Mabel but I would also like to do some of my homework with you and…" Pacifica said but soon stopped before she could say Dipper's name.
"Pacifica?" Mabel asked confused about why Pacifica didn't say Dipper's name.
"…Mabel. Can you keep a secret?" Pacifica asked.
"Sure." Mabel said.
"I mean a really big secret. You have to promise not to tell anyone especially Dipper." Pacifica said and Mabel was starting to put two and two together.
"Pacifica…by any chance…Does this secret have to do with Dipper?" Mabel asked but then saw Pacifica looking in another direction and blushing.
"Oh…my…GOSH!" Mabel shrieked while holding her smiling face.
"M-Mabel!" Pacifica shouted in embarrassment.
"Pacifica. I promise I won't tell but you got to tell me…Why, when, and how?" Mabel asked.
"Well…I don't know really why exactly…but I guess it seemed to start back when I asked for his help during the time my mansion was being haunted a while back. I don't know why but you both really impacted my life in the short time you've been in Gravity Falls. You became my realist friend but Dipper…he really awoke something deep inside me." Pacifica said while holding her blush.
"You should tell him!" Mabel said while lightly shaking Pacifica.
"NO! He can never know!" Pacifica said now getting serious.
"But why not?" Mabel asked.
"Because! My father and mother… They can't stand Dipper after what he's done during the summer. Even though my father foolishly invested his money in that weird Bill guy during that apocalypse, he blames Dipper for ruining our family name." Pacifica said.
"Why does he think Dipper had anything to do with it?" Mabel asked.
"Because Dipper exposed that our family wasn't the first ones that founded Gravity Falls, he helped me stick up for myself and let everyone in during the mansion party to get rid of the ghost and save the guests, and most importantly Dipper helped to get rid of Bill the very thing my father put most of his money in. Since we lost our fortune, we had to sell the mansion and move here to try to rebuild the Northwest name. However, if my parents find out I…have feelings for Dipper then they would completely disown me." Pacifica explained.
"…I understand Pacifica. But there is something you should understand too. You should listen to your heart and follow what will make you feel happiest. If your parents really do love you, they will understand. Also…Dipper will understand too." Mabel said which made Pacifica nod but with her head hung low because there was a lot she had to think about.
"Now, can we please get out of here? It smells like butt." Mabel joked which lightened the mood and made Pacifica laugh a little as both girls left the restroom.
Meanwhile back in the cafeteria, Johnny just sat at the table where Pacifica yelled at him. He was lost in thought while feeling rejected. All he really wanted was to be closer with Pacifica but figured he went a little too far by buying her lunch and kept on pressing the option to go to the dance with him. Suddenly, someone sat next to him which broke his solitude and for a split second, he was hopeful that it was Pacifica. However, the girl that sat next Johnny wasn't Pacifica but it was Susy with the biggest smile on her face that was so smug it was very easy to see.
"What do you want Susy?" Johnny asked a little irritated by her presence.
"That was really sad Johnny. You'd just had to rush things with the new girl, huh?" Susy said while eating some of Pacifica's abandoned lunch that Johnny bought.
"Sh-Shut up. Why do you care?" Johnny questioned.
"What if I can tell you a secret to get Pacifica to like you again?" Susy said.
"Why? You hate Pacifica and you really don't care much about me…So why are you telling me this?" Johnny asked.
"Because you just look so damn pathetic sitting here looking all rejected. Besides…I found out something recently which caught my…attention." Susy said.
"What are you talking about?" Johnny asked starting to get impatient.
"Do you know the Pines twins?" Susy asked.
"Yeah. What about them?" Johnny asked.
"I found out from a friend of a friend, that one of their relatives lived in Gravity Falls too just like that Pacifica bitch." Susy explained.
"So…What does this have to do with anything?" Johnny asked.
"Well it so happens that both of the twins spent their entire summer in Gravity Falls. Don't you think that's a little past a coincidence?" Susy said which got Johnny thinking.
"…What are you getting at?" Johnny asked now starting to get a sinking feeling.
"Dipper Pines." Susy simply said which made Johnny's eyes widen a little.
"N…No way. There is no way she's interested in him. He's a geek that spends all his time with his geek friends. He even spends his lunch time at the freak'n library." Johnny said.
"But besides his sister, he's the only one that spent the most time with Pacifica. Don't you think that raises the question…Is there something between the two?" Susy asked with a sadistic smile while drinking the juice box from the lunch.
Johnny just sat there mildly shaking at the very thought Susy might be right and he couldn't help but feel jealous about the situation. Susy was eating this up because her plan was starting to begin and she just needed Johnny to take the bait.
"…So what is this secret?" Johnny defeatedly asked which made Susy smile even more.
"Do to her what she is doing to you." Susy said.
"What you mean?" Johnny asked.
"Make Pacifica jealous and want to be with you." Susy said.
"And how exactly do I do that?" Johnny asked.
"Get Mabel Pines to go to the dance with you. Once you do, Pacifica will be infuriated with her and will try to get with you. She'll forget about Dipper and want to be with you." Susy explained.
"I don't think that would work. For one Mabel won't be interested to say yes to me also you assume Pacifica will get jealous but you don't know for sure. Plus, why would Pacifica want to be with me after I upset her?" Johnny asked.
"Well…Pacifica will see you in a new light after you bring Mabel to the dance and as for getting her to agree to go to the dance with you, just leave all that to me." Susy said with a smile.
"Why…Why does this all feel wrong to me?" Johnny asked.
"Make your decision Johnny. Do you want Pacifica to be with you or not?!" Susy pressed.
"Fine! Fine. I do." Johnny said which made Susy happy because she had lied to Johnny the whole time to get Johnny to do what she wanted.
Susy's real intention in all of this was to get back at Pacifica and she didn't care who got in the way. One way or another Susy was determined to make Pacifica pay for not respecting her. Even if her plan failed, she still would make Pacifica's life here in Piedmont a living hell. Susy had the rest of the school year to get Pacifica to gravel at her feet.
Suddenly, the bell rung and students had to go back to class. Afterwards, the rest of the day went by smoothly. The students left school either by bus, car rides, bicycle, or walked home if it wasn't too far. Pacifica got on the bus with the Pines' twins after she told her parents about spending time with friends on her cell phone. They agreed but Pacifica would need to find a local bus station to drive her back home since her father didn't want to waste the gas to come get her. Pacifica was glad though because she didn't want her parents to find out the Pines' twins were here in Piedmont.
On the way home, Dipper kept on looking out the window on the bus while Mabel chatted with Pacifica the whole time. It's not like Dipper didn't want to talk with Pacifica but for some reason he felt like he didn't have anything to say. Also it still felt a little weird that Pacifica was here now in Piedmont but after looking at her for a moment Dipper agreed with himself that it was a good weird and he was thankful for it.
"So have you heard about the new movie coming out Pacifica?" Mabel asked.
"Which one?" Pacifica asked.
"Unicorn bloodbath 6! It's supposed to be the most epic sequel yet!" Mabel cheered.
"Oh um…I haven't watched any of those yet." Pacifica admitted which rendered Mabel speechless.
"OH MY GOD! You really haven't watched any of them?" Mabel asked.
"No not really. My dad always had our very own theater in the mansion but he always chose the movies." Pacifica said.
"That sucks." Dipper said finally breaking his silence.
"Well now. Welcome back to the social world Dipster." Mabel joked.
"H-Hey. I'm social. I just thought to give you girls some girl-talk time." Dipper said while lightly blushing.
"It's cool. I'm sure you watched movies with Mabel all the time, huh?" Pacifica asked.
"Not really. I wasn't a fan of Mabel's obsession of watching unicorns get brutality murdered. I always liked the mystery and paranormal movies." Dipper said.
"Oh. So which one was your favorite?" Pacifica asked.
"I liked so many so it really wouldn't be fair of me to choose just one…However, there was one that…really stuck with me." Dipper said.
"Oh really? Which one?" Pacifica pressed but before Dipper could say anything, he was interrupted.
"Hey guys! Oh and…Pacifica." Timmy said from the next seat up.
"What's up Timmy?" Mabel asked.
"I was wondering if I could talk with you for a moment Mabel…If it's alright." Timmy requested.
"Sure. I'll be back guys." Mabel said as she got out of her seat she was sharing with Dipper and got into the seat with Timmy. Pacifica was on the other side of the bus but when Mabel's spot was vacant, she quickly took it while she was gone to talk with Timmy. This made Dipper slightly blush but he didn't mind it.
"So what was the movie you said you really liked?" Pacifica asked again.
"Oh um…I kinda forgot the title but it's a paranormal one where a guy and his good friend were trying to get a ghost out of the house but it was too strong and terrifying. Even though the guy came to his friend's house to help get rid of it, the friend was the brave one and even saved his life. The movie ended where their time together made their friendship even stronger and…made the guy realize there was more to his friend than what he thought of…which made him like his friend even more." Dipper explained which made his heart beat a few paces more.
"O-Oh. That…sounds like a great movie. I…should really look that up." Pacifica said as her heart was doing the same as Dipper's.
Meanwhile, Mabel was having a serious talk with Timmy about something that she never would have expected…
"ABSOLUTLY NOT!" Mabel near shouted.
"Come one Mabel! If you do this, I'll owe you for the rest of my life!" Timmy urged.
"Do you realize that Johnny guy is a creep that made Pacifica upset with his pushy attitude?" Mabel said.
"Well…Yeah. But he's over her now and wants to go to the dance with you." Timmy said.
"And why are you relaying this to me? What do you get out of it Timmy?" Mabel demanded.
"Well…He told me he could hook me up with one of the popular girls to the dance if I get you to agree to go with him." Timmy admitted.
"I'm not trying to be rude Timmy but you seem pretty pathetic to do this just for a date. Why don't you just ask a girl out like normal guys do instead of doing some buttmuncher's dirty work?" Mabel asked while crossing her arms in disapproval.
"BECAUSE I'M AFRAID ALRIGHT!" Timmy shouted which half the bus noticed but ignored after a moment. However, Dipper didn't because he was going to ask Mabel later what the two of them were talking about.
"Afraid of what?" Mabel asked.
"Look…I know today I was going to ask the new girl out to tonight's football game but after I found out she was Pacifica Northwest from Gravity Falls Oregon, I completely wussed out. So I sold the tickets I bought for half price and decided to go home instead. Johnny came by before last period and told me about this deal. If I could convince you to go to the dance with him, he would talk to Sarah Kyle to go out with me. Please Mabel! I need a girlfriend before high school or I'll be the laughing stock of the eight grade!" Timmy begged.
"Ugh…Fine! But I'm doing this for you not that sleazebag Johnny." Mabel said but was soon startled by Timmy hugging her.
"Oh thank you so much Mabel! I promise you won't forget it!" Timmy said.
"W-Whatever. Now can you quit hugging me? People are beginning to stare." Mabel said and Timmy quickly broke off the hug.
"Oh sorry. I guess I kinda went a little too far with my excitement." Timmy said while blushing from embarrassment.
"Don't worry about it. Just save it for your soon-to-be girlfriend during the dance." Mabel joked around and the two shared a laugh together.
Later on, the bus finally reached the twins' house and Dipper, Mabel, along with Pacifica got off. Pacifica looked in astoundment at the twins' home…
"You alright Pacifica?" Mabel asked.
"Oh…Yeah. Sorry, your house looks almost exactly like the house my family and I live in right now." Pacifica said.
"No kidding? Must be you really did have to down grade, huh?" Dipper asked.
"Yeah but I don't mind it really. In a way I'm grateful because even though being rich and popular had its advantages, it's nice to be somewhat common instead of being a part of the high society life. It was annoying to be around arrogant adults that talked about their business ventures and dumb achievements that they made. Always being extra courteous and proper like the Northwest that I was. It was smothering and tiresome. I'm just glad to unwind finally even if it's just a little." Pacifica explained.
"Well we're glad. I hope it can stay this way for a while." Dipper said with a smile.
"…I wish this would last forever." Pacifica mumbled to herself but neither of the twins heard her because they were startled by their mother opening the door.
"Welcome home kids. Who is this you brought with you?" Carol greeted.
"Hey Mom. This is Pacifica from Gravity Falls. She moved here. Can she stay for dinner?" Mabel asked with the biggest smile on her face.
"Wait! Dinner?!" Dipper and Pacifica said at the same time and then suddenly blushed.
"Oh of course sweetie. I hope you brought your appetite Pacifica, we're having homemade hamburgers with french-fries." Carol said as she opened the way for the teens.
"Oh um…" Pacifica said trying her best to think of an excuse to not attend without being rude but before she could say anything Mabel grabbed her by the hand with another big smile and lead her in.
Dipper followed too and he couldn't help but smile also because he was glad Pacifica is getting to spend some time with him and Mabel. However, little did the three know, someone was watching from a far with binoculars.
Once inside Mabel lead Pacifica up to her room so both of the girls could play with Waddles. Dipper walked into the kitchen where his father was sitting at the table while reading his newspaper like he did this morning…
"Hey Dad." Dipper said plainly.
"Hello son. (David folds his newspaper and placed it on the table) We need to have a talk." David said.
"What's up?" Dipper asked.
"Your mother told me that girl you both brought home is Pacifica from Gravity Falls. Is she from the Northwest family?" David asked.
"Well…Yeah but they moved here after what happened back in Gravity Falls. They lost their fortune and are now middle class citizens like us." Dipper said.
"That's fine with me Dipper…but what I'm concerned about is that girl's parents. Sure they aren't wealthy now but do they know their daughter is friends with you and Mabel? They might feel a little upset if they find out about all of this." David pointed out.
"Well…The way I see it we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Who knows, they might let old hatreds go now." Dipper said.
"I hope so son. From what my uncle told me while you two were there, you both made quite the splash to their plans. I hope for all three of your sakes that they still don't hold any grudge." David said.
Dipper was silent after hearing what his father said as he saw him reopened his newspaper. Dipper knew his father had a point and if the Northwest family besides Pacifica still held a grudge then their friendship with Pacifica might be ruined if they found out they lived here.
However, Dipper couldn't let that scare him as he grabbed Wendy's hat from the counter and was about to put it on. After thinking about it for a minute, Dipper decided not to wear it. Something inside Dipper told him that if he wore it, Pacifica might not like it. So he put it back which surprised his father but figured Dipper was starting to grow up a little by not being afraid of what he looked like.
"Dad. From now on, I'm taking responsibility for what happens." Dipper said before he took his leave and David just sat there smiling.
Dipper then walked upstairs with his book bag and headed to Mabel's room where she and Pacifica were. Before he opened the door he heard Pacifica and Mabel talking…
"Mabel I don't think that dress would work for Waddles. He is a boy after all." Pacifica said.
"But he looks so cute!" Mabel gushed.
Dipper hated walking in during Mabel's girl activities that she would have with her friends. Ever since Gravity Falls she did this but now Candy and Grenda weren't here, Pacifica was the only girl friend Mabel could hang out with that didn't mind Mabel's craziness.
"Girl…friend." Dipper said to himself as his blood temperature raised but soon shook the thoughts.
"Get a hold of yourself Dipper! Pacifica is just a friend! Yeah she smart, brave, smells awesome, has great blonde hair, and….STOP IT!" Dipper thought as he mentally slapped himself.
After a few more moments to collect himself, Dipper finally entered Mabel's room. He saw Mabel's old princess costume from Halloween a few years back on Waddles while Mabel and Pacifica were on the floor with the poor pet pig.
"What are you doing?" Dipper asked.
"We are trying to make Waddles gorgeous, duh." Pacifica played.
"Come on broseph, your next." Mabel joked while holding up make up.
"Nope. I told you Mabel, I'm not doing that. Never again!" Dipper said while taking off his backpack and opened it up.
"Awe come on bro bro. You liked it last time." Mabel whined.
"No I didn't! You had Grenda hold me down in a chair while Candy restrained me with duct tape!" Dipper said.
"Wow…That sounds scary." Pacifica said.
"You don't know the half of it…To this day I still have nightmares." Dipper said.
"Yeah yeah yeah. Well we should probably get to our homework now." Mabel said changing the subject.
"Sounds good to me." Pacifica said and Dipper nodded in agreement.
For the next hour, the three worked on their homework until they were finished. Afterwards, they talked about memories the twins had back at Gravity Falls with Pacifica. At first Pacifica thought they were making half the stuff up but after surviving living miniature golf balls, a terrifying ghost, and a weird Armageddon Pacifica knew the twins' stories weren't too farfetched.
Suddenly, Carol called the three from down stairs that dinner was ready and all three left the room to head down to the kitchen were the dining table was. This would be Pacifica's first time eating at a table that was located inside of a kitchen. Not only that, this was the first time she had a hamburger and fries for dinner. All this was so new to her and weird. However, after eating her first bite of the burger that was given to her, she began to cry a little.
"Pacifica sweetie…Are you alright?" Carol asked.
"Yeah…sorry. (Pacifica wiping away her tears) I never knew what it was like to eat these things…but it feels different too while eating with other people around." Pacifica said.
"What do you mean?" Mabel asked.
"Well…Ever since I was little, I ate all my meals alone. My parents never wanted to eat at the same time I was and…the food wasn't this good." Pacifica said.
"Probably, because it wasn't made from the heart." Carol said.
"What do you mean?" Pacifica asked.
"Well…Not to be rude to your cooks or anything but when I cook our meals, it's usually when I put my love into it. It always makes the meals taste a lot better." Carol said with a smile.
"Love…" Pacifica said but couldn't help but look towards Dipper but quickly looked into a different direction once his eyes looked back. Afterwards she blushed but for a moment and during this awkward moment Dipper diverted his attention towards his glass of water and decided to drink some.
"So...Dipper. Have you asked Pacifica out to the upcoming dance?" David asked which made him spit out the water he just tried to drink in disbelief.
"D-DAD! Why would you ask such a thing!?" Dipper said now blushing red like a lobster from the embarrassment.
"I wouldn't see the harm in it neither sweetie. I mean she is your age and so much better looking than that Wendy girl you tried to get with during the summer." Carol added with another smile and a wink.
"MOM!" Dipper embarrassedly shouted as Pacifica herself blushed a little but looked away in awkward silence.
"Mom…Dad…I think that's too much." Mabel said.
"We're just teasing, don't worry. It's not every day we get the chance to embarrass our kids in front of their own friends." David said.
"Oh Pacifica you just got to see Dipper's baby pictures!" Carol insisted as she got up and led Pacifica out the kitchen to the living room.
Never in Dipper's life, had he ever felt so humiliated. As he got up and walked to his room upstairs, he didn't know why he was feeling this way. It was way too fast and confusing but the weirdest thing about it was…it felt right.
Mabel joined her mother and Pacifica in Dipper's baby picture album while David walked upstairs. He then decided to knock on Dipper's door…
"Dipper. It's me. Can I come in?" David asked.
"Sure…" Dipper said and David opened the door.
"Hey kid. I know we picked on you a little hard today but you wanna know something?" David said as he sat next to Dipper on his bed.
"What?" Dipper asked.
"I truly think she's the one for you Dipper." David said while placing a hand on Dipper shoulder.
"But Dad! She's…She's just a friend. Plus we are in the eighth grade." Dipper pointed out.
"Does that matter? I met your mother back in the sixth grade and we've been in a relationship ever since." David said.
"Really?" Dipper asked.
"Yup. Of course I meant what I said earlier. If her parents still harbor a grudge against you, you'd better be prepared." David said.
"…I understand." Dipper said.
"Good. Now I think it's about time she headed home before her parents get suspicious. The local buses stop at eight so you should hurry and get her on one before they are done making their rounds." David said while getting up.
"What do you mean that I should hurry up?" Dipper asked.
"Well you are her friend, right? It's only right if a friend makes sure she's not alone during her travel to the bus stop." David said as he took his leave. Dipper then flopped on his bed in defeat as he let out the biggest sigh of his life.
"What did I get myself into?" Dipper said.
Dipper walked downstairs and offered to walk Pacifica to the bus stop before it was too late. Normally Mabel would offer to come along but she wanted to give Pacifica and Dipper a little alone time. So Dipper and Pacifica left the house together once Pacifica got all her things. The two then walked down the street in awkward silence until Pacifica decided to break the quiet….
"Your family…Seems interesting." Pacifica said.
"Y-Yeah. Sorry about that. They just wanted to embarrass me." Dipper said.
"Even so…I envy you. I wish my parents were goofy and…loving as yours." Pacifica said.
Suddenly, both stopped because they finally reached the local bus stop but the bus hadn't arrived yet. Dipper then took a deep breath before he spoke again.
"Would…you…like to hang out at our place again sometime?" Dipper asked while madly blushing
"Yeah I would actually." Pacifica said also blushing but lightly.
"R-Really?!" Dipper asked while feeling happy.
"Yeah but…on one condition." Pacifica said.
"What?" Dipper asked but then saw Pacifica getting a little nervous herself.
"I'll only hang out with you if you agree…" Pacifica said but then paused.
"Agree…to what?" Dipper asked.
"To take me…to that school dance." Pacifica said now blushing even more as she awaited Dipper's answer in anticipation.
"…Pacifica…Do you…like me?" Dipper asked.
"JUST ANSWER!" Pacifica shouted as she couldn't wait any longer.
"Okay! Yes! I agree to go to the dance with you." Dipper said while holding his ear from Pacifica yelling but suddenly Pacifica pulled him into a hug. At first Dipper was surprised but decided to hug Pacifica back
"Let me guess, you're going to pay me to forget about this hug too?" Dipper asked.
"No. For one, I don't have that kind of money. And two, I…don't want you to forget this one." Pacifica said. However, before Dipper could say anything else, the bus arrived and Pacifica got on it. Both waved goodbye to one another and Dipper just stood there afterwards.
"I…can't believe today just happened." Dipper said out loud to no one in particular.
Dipper never felt this way before, not even when he confessed to Wendy. Dipper's chest felt like his heart was about to bust out of his chest from what he was feeling. However, it felt amazing to him like it was the best day of his life.
However, just as he was about to walk home…
BAM!
A fist hit Dipper in the face knocking him to the ground.
"Well well. Look what I found here." Daniel said while cracking his knuckle.
TO BE CONTINUED…
AN: Oh boy! Things are getting heating in more ways than just one! Why do you think Daniel showed up like this and why? Also will Dipper be able to go with Pacifica to the dance? Find out next time…BYE.