Chapter #4
It was the following day after our peculiar journey...Dipper was working at the register, still down in the dumps after a strange finding. I tried to talk to him about the identity of that one girl, but to no avail. He was keeping it a secret as if the whole world's balance depended on it. Therefore, I embarked on a magical journey to find out this mysterious person. And who better to help me, but Mabel:
-Heeeey, Mabel, do you want to help me with...
-YES! She yelled not even letting me finish my sentence
-Don't you want to know what you're helping me with first?
-No, as long as we'll spend some time together.
Stop! Timeout! What did she just say? It took a while for me to process, but she was openly hitting at me while she did it rather shyly to begin with. I think there is something odd here, but I was going to leave this here for a while. Don't worry, I won't let anything get the best of me.
I presented Mabel with my plan, and she found it awfully cute that I cared so much about Dipper. Be that as it may, our wonderful trek through the town started. I started with some intuitive deduction. This town had a population of about 1000 people. 25% of them were under the age of 16 and the proportion was 50-50 boys to girls. This left me with only...one hundred...twenty five girls to investigate...Ergh...Okay. I couldn't let Mabel do it alone because...let's say it's better for us to both judge the candidates (I am not objectifying), not do it separately. I will spare you the gory details of our span of analysis through 120 girls, because it was basic elimination. It only took 10 hours to narrow it down to 5 which is good, I guess. But now with a smaller sample size, I had to use my induction on Dipper. That meant for me to go home now...Until Mabel decided to spend the evening to the carnival. And forced me to stay with her.
-Why do I have to stay again?
-Because you like spending time with me?
-True enough for an answer.
It was true, she was a delightful company to have. It wasn't until then that I started to see her in a whole different light. She was funny, and had a slightly unusual sense of fashion which may be called very silly looking and adorable at the same time. And to be fair I kinda liked her. But I wasn't going to let a prophecy lead my life into doing something I am not 100% sure I want.
I spent the whole evening deriving from my goal of finding out "that" person's identity to going on basically a date with Mabel. I won her a big fluffy teddy bear at a throwing booth, and proved my strength at a simple hammer game. A big hit was in the carousel. We went in and by the time we were at the top, the whole Ferris wheel stopped. Because I lived my life in movie clichés, and this is the way that my original personality is complemented by my existence…We were stuck up there for about a half an hour, time in which I was just standing on the verge of sleep while I could feel a fuzzy ball sitting on my shoulder. I am going to stick to that for now. It was something meaningful for her, because even in my tired state of overanalyzing 120 people, I could hear her giggling and her eyes were shining of success. Another thing had gotten past me. I only remembered later that she tried to say something, but she held it in, and adopted a slightly sad face afterwards, as if she was mad at herself for not being able to spit it out. Guess what, the carousel wasn't our final stop. And let me stop you right there, it was not the love tunnel, because I specifically avoided that. It was a small rock standing atop of a hill, providing a good watch point over the quiet and peaceful forest. It was a relaxing view…finding how the moon was slowly being born from beneath the trees, offering her blessing over the dormant innocents. I was drifting towards total fatigue, having not slept for about 20 hours, because nightmares, and the same complementary fuzziness was tickling me back into consciousness. As if I was already dreaming, I heard a faint call:
-Andy? Hello? Earth to planet sleepyhead, you copy?
It was Mabel trying to make her best general impression.
-Yeah, yeah, I responded drowsily, what?
-I've got something that I've been meaning to tell you for a while now…
Such a movie setting. Quiet woods, night time, full moon reigning over everyone, a girl and a boy. You cannot possibly guess what is going to happen, right? I am not giving any hints, I am actually going to fast forward to us walking together to the shack through a small path, holding hands while she was seeking to cause me a rash by constantly bumping her head in me. Wonderful setting.
As we arrived home, we decided to keep this a secret from Dipper for a little while, at least. Until we found his match. Who would've thought it was going to be that easy, as going to a party.
I wake up tomorrow morning seeing Dipper staring waitingly at me.
-What? I said trying to hold up my creeped out voice.
-I need your help.
-What with?
-Well guess what happened.
He wouldn't let me guess, because he was proud as punch of this unknown accomplishment.
-I was called to solve a paranormal problem as an expert?
-By whom? (This is me, the writer calling out that I am not sure whether this is the correct use of whom)
-Have you heard of the NorthWest family?
I mentally screamed of joy as if I just remembered something amazing. There was a girl, Pacifica NorthWest in this family, still remaining in my small sample size. She was also a family-friend that I've never met in person. Just seen in pictures, because I was restricted to participate to any meetings. Don't ask why, because the answer will be delayed forever. I basically don't know why. Coming back, to what I was saying…she was some sort of nemesis/friend to Mabel, because of some certain happenings from the past, which I don't want to know very much about. Either way I find her the most possible now based on an analysis of future interactions possible (I basically thought about how probable it was for them to meet in the future). Now the odds seem to shine. But for them to shine I have to play my cards right, then it's all up to Dipper to kick the ball in the goal, after it was passed from the destiny to me and then to him.
-No, I lied.
-They are the founders of this town. Allegedly. Anyway, Pacifica asked me to come and supervise her party, and rid her of any ghosts that might be chiming in due to an ancient curse. Long story short you're going to help me?
-Sure thing, I said holding out a smirk on the corner of my mouth. When is the party?
-Tonight.
-Ok…Not at all sudden.
After I ate my breakfast, and finished my entire morning routine, I had to go to the NorthWest mansion to start the preparations. . I basically did the handwork, while Dipper was pretty much giving all the excuses to the mansion staff and personnel, as to why we were here. This reminded me of my old life too much, so after a while I let Dipper switch in for me, while I took a break and went on the big balcony to take a breath. The second I leant forward I was interrupted by a voice, which sounded as if she wanted to take my head and show it to the villagers.
-Why are you standing here, and who are you may I ask?
I turned around to pretty much see the same face I associated with Pacifica only a bit more grown up from 6 to 12. She seemed to recognize me too, but her snide attitude pretty much took over.
-Don't you recognize me Pacifica? I asked her trying to search for something I took to remind me of…
-I don't and I would still want to know what are you doing in my house…And how do you know my name.
-I am helping Dipper set up some sort of ghost traps (it was put so she could understand it), and I know your name because of this.
I pulled out a picture of my parents and her and her parents sitting in front of this very mansion. I seemed to trigger something in her as she suddenly started crying and leaning on me as if I was some sort of wall.
-How do you have that picture? She said between sobs and with some sort of ancient wrath in her voice.
-You see these people?
-Yes?
-You're looking at their son.
Shock and surprise mixed with anger were shown but only one emotion shined through.
-Andy?
-Yep…
-What are you doing here?
I started a nice storytelling of my history as to how I reached this town and got here in the first place. She stood listening in awe as I unveiled a surprising story.
-Wow, at least you had the courage to do this…
That was pretty much the only line she said as I was gradually throwing chunks of information towards her. However I realized something that wasn't going as I planned it to…I shouldn't spend time with her…Dipper should. Little did I know by then, I wasn't influencing at all, what was going to go off later that night…Either way, Dipper came in to tell me that I had to check on some sort of old legend.
-Oh here you are, Dipper…Are you done already?
-Not quite, I've sent Andy to check on your ancestor's ancient legend. He seems to be the one causing all this trouble. Did your parents annoy him or something?
-Who cares about that stupid old man? Just make sure that my party won't be destroyed…
That was cold. This is why I pretty much couldn't stand rich people. They are more stuck up than a post booth at Christmas. I think she's a tough nut to crack, but someone will obliterate that shell of hers. Either way I had a job to do, so I went to the local library in order to research the NorthWest. It was interesting to see the entire naming process, the discovering of this amazing land. But I couldn't find anything about the whole ummm… 200 year gap between the present Northwests and Nathaniel. Be that as it may, I needed to find out about someone, therefore back to the mansion I go. Dipper was gone, apparently to refill our ghostbusters (don't even try) equipment.
-Pacifica?
-Yes, she said rolling her eyes. What is the problem now?
I swear to god I was going to purge the snobbishness out of her, but after I find out what's going on.
-Do you have any sort of library containing your family's history?
-Of course! We take pride in the core family we represent.
-Do you even have information about that guy?
I pointed to a big picture of what was seemingly a lumberjack. He didn't seem very official, or very imposing, however he was the strongest man I've seen through the entire history. He was literally holding two trees on his shoulders while chopping a third with his teeth. That wasn't at all weird.
-I think he is the only one we don't have anything on…I am not even sure he is from our family…My parents won't remove this picture only because none of us can reach that far up, not even with ladders.
-Great, now to a more important question…Is anything wrong? You seem pretty tense.
-Sure, nothing's wrong.
And that's why rich people don't know how to lie. No eye contact, shaky voice and a rapid fast answer as if it was programmed into her brain.
-Okay, you can't lie to me and you should know it, so I ask again, differently. What's wrong?
-It's just…it's this party…
-What about it?
-It's…
I can recognize a textbook interruption from a mile away. I can also know when people deliberately chime in to force someone to withheld unwanted or confidential information. This is why her parents suddenly came to us to ask her:
-Pacifica? Who is this young man?
-You remember our best friends' family?
-Oh, sure I do, we are going to visit their mansion next week, in Florida.
-Sure then, this is their…
-Distant relative…that they don't care to much about and they sent here to live with some poor people, I said while gently but rapidly covering her mouth.
-I see. If you see their son, Pacifica, I advise you to tell us because apparently he has gone missing for one or two weeks, and his parents are so worried. And I can imagine.
-How would it be if you ran away, Pacifica, her mother spoke after holding her mouth for a long time? We would be worried sick and then we would ground you forever.
Saying that with a smile opens up a whole different can of worms. Which I won't dig enough, because I am saving it for another time, and for another person. Her parents left, and she looked at me with surprise…
-What?
-Why did you have to cover my mouth?! Do you have any idea how suspicious that is?!
-You seriously yell after your parents just left?
-Still it didn't call for that.
-I am sorry, but I cannot risk anything…
-You have so much courage, she said with a small disappointment in her voice.
-Thank you…
My job was done here. I left the mansion and headed back to the shack to prepare myself. I couldn't stop thinking about the trip of the Northwests to my parents' house. What if after that another link will be made, causing them to find my location? What if this was the end of my trip. I had to clear my mind about that, and what better activity to do this, then shopping. With Mabel. Yay…If I hadn't had to buy a tuxedo in order to attend that party, I wouldn't have gone out shopping, but oh well.
-You really wanted me to come with you didn't you? She said while clinging on to me.
-Well you auto-invited, and you pretty much suggested it too, but…
-Oh, just shut up.
It's not unusual to wear a blue tuxedo, unless you are a game show host, but it pretty much appealed to me, because I wanted to look special for once in my life. And maybe do something more…Be that as it may I found it pretty sweet for me to spend some quality time with Mabel in a secluded place far from anyone we know. Delightful. After I picked my outfit, I had to obviously help Mabel pick hers. Needless to say she had already prepared a cupcake dress, in order to not only impress, but also to astonish and surprise the party. In whatever way.
Party time…. We arrived at the mansion lead by Pacifica, who was forced by Dipper to let her sister and her friends participate. I didn't know about that…However I couldn't party as I wanted because I was on duty…On ghostbusters duty…For now, everything seemed totally fine. It was a nice quiet party, the kind of which I hate, for I have attended too many. Anyway, I hoped I could jam it up when a band player was distraught by anything. The second the saxophone player lowered his gaze, and closed his eyes, I grabbed his instrument from his old lips and ran off in the scarce crowd.
A moment later, I tried to bring out one of the best jazz music I knew, just to animate the people a bit, but despite my best efforts I was cut short by the ghost we feared escaping from his painting. The most unexpected deal breaker I could've imagined. He was preceded by Dipper and Pacifica running and shouting their lungs off in fear…
-You found the ghost, in his painting right?
-How did you know?
-An…
-Educated guess, continued Pacifica, we know now get him out of here!
-Don't worry I am going to stop him with this…It was a small vacuum cleaner…
-Really?
-Don't let his appearance fool you, it's very strong and it's science enhanced…
As he said that the ghost, sending zaps from his fingers turned half the guests into wooden statues…lumberjacks never grow old…Oh, and Dipper's vacuum was also turned into wood.
-Dipper?
-Yes, what? (I pointed at his vacuum), OH! New plan…RUN!
-Go with Pacifica I'll try holding him off.
It was a great assumption I made, and that was that I could hold him off. I removed my jacket and I faced him…
-Hey you big fat muscly hilly billy, come and get me?
Enraged, the ghost tried to hit me, but I dodged his zaps one after the other…However he turned absolutely every guest to wood, including Mabel and her friends, the band, the butlers, but I couldn't find her parents anywhere…And I couldn't hold him much longer. I tried reasoning with him
-Why are you doing this?
-Revenge…Revenge on the Northwests!
-But why?
-They are the world's worst chain, and as your friend stated each is nothing but another link…
-It's not true…
-It is…Just LOOK!
The ghost seemed to be reasonably calmer, and teleported right next to me.
-Gaze deep into my hands!
His hands suddenly turned into a small view allowing me to see were Dipper and Pacifica were hiding. It was a room…
-A hidden room…Why is this hidden? Asked Dipper.
-It is a record, Pacifica said between sobs…of every dreadful thing my family done in our entire history…From betrayal to burglary…we have done it all…You were right calling me a link in the world's worst chain…
-You know? This is true…Your family is dreadful, said Dipper while Pacifica held back her tears…But, it's not too late to change…You showed me this…you are showing tons of remorse for your actions…You ready to act up to your feelings?
It was an emotional moment, but it was interrupted by the ghost's scream and them being dragged out of there and thrown into the main room's red carpet…
-NORTHWEST, YOUR DOOM AWAITS YOU!
-What's going on?
-You, little girl, you're going to be the last NorthWest standing as I turn your last friend into material for my wood chipper…
Suddenly, two zaps hit me and Dipper…They were not the same, because they worked slowly, corrupting our bodies and rooting us in place…
-Pacifica, yelled Dipper, I think I figured out what the ghost wanted…But you must disobey your parents in order to do this…
-Pacifica don't you dare said her parents and her butler suddenly emerging from their underground secret room. Come here and stay until this ends. We have food, drinks and if they end…We'll eat the butler, said her dad whispering…
-Don't! Dipper and I both yelled…
Pacifica slowly stepped to a big lever who was built to easily open her enormous gates…
-Pacifica, said her father with an assertive tone, while ringing a small bell. It caused Pacifica to stop a bit as if it was somehow wedged into her very brain…
-Pacifica, it's either your family, or yourself…Choose right…I said while the wood was sneaking over my chest…
I went blind and numb…I couldn't see anything, hear anything, nor sense anything…Just, just…
Suddenly I finally woke seeing the door open and all the people who were stuck outside entering…And I saw Pacifica running off in her garden, and Dipper running after her. I was searching Mabel, and I found her immobilized…
-Mabel? MABEL?! I yelled while shaking her amazingly rigid body?
-… … …
-Mabel?
-Yes silly, I was just yanking your chain!
-Offf, I said gently hugging her. I told her about Dipper and Pacifica, and we rushed to the balcony to see the two lovebirds at the edge of the garden.
-They will make such a cute couple, we said in unison…
-Tomorrow?
-Tomorrow.