Pacifica's lawyer seemed nice. He visited often leading up to the trial. Dipper explained all that happened, only changed the part as to why he was in the woods. Gideon had told the police he became emotionally unbalanced and did admit to the assault. Both parties agreed he had every right to defend himself, but the state he left Gideon was why the state was pressing charges against him.
"So… how does this work? What's going to happen?" Dipper asked the lawyer during their meeting.
"Simple, we use the same excuse. You obviously were not in your right state of mind when you maimed him and left him for dead. He already has a criminal record and has been shown to have violent outbursts. I am confident, if we take this to trial, we should be able to win."
"Did they give us a plea?" Dipper asked. His lawyer nodded.
"Five years for criminal negligence, endangerment, and assault. You obviously didn't have intent to kill him or you would have. With the situation and Gideon's past, they didn't want to push for a larger sentence.
"I'd be 19…" Dipper said. "And a felon."
The lawyer didn't say a word, just nodded.
"If we argue the case what will we be doing?" Dipper asked.
"I don't want to sugar coat this," The lawyer said. "You're not going to get off scott free. They expect us to try a not guilty verdict. I want to whittle down the charges to reckless endangerment. It's a misdemeanor and will only be on your juvenile record. You can't get into those when you're an adult. I want to try and argue time served and probation. House arrest if needed."
"Why didn't they press charges against Gideon for the poison on his knifes?" Dipper asked.
"No knives were recovered. He denies it, and we had no evidence. I've already put in charges against him for your attempted murder. With the media coverage of this case, I have doubts it will even go to trial."
Dipper sighed and nodded. He was presented with a stack of papers to sign. After dealing with Bill, he made sure to read each line and ask as many questions as he could. The lawyer was patent and took the time to make sure Dipper knew everything that was going to happen.
"... and I couldn't believe I scored a C in that report. That's what I get for trying to do an assignment myself and not have one of Daddy's staff go fact checking…"
Dipper stared off into space, his mind wandering while Pacifica sat across from him with glass between them. Was this how his Grandfather felt?
"... and the new fall line arrived. Dipper, I picked out this cute outfit I know you'll love…"
He appreciated their visits. He knew he needed to be strong and stoic for them. He still couldn't get over what happened with the trial.
"... Mabel dared Grenda to wrestle Waddles. I got the whole thing on Youtube, it's already at ten thousand views!..."
Pacifica was ecstatic that the judge overseeing his case was one of Mr. Northwest's golf buddies. She was confident things would turn out perfectly fine.
"... Are they feeding you ok? I'll make sure to add some special treats in the next care package we send you…"
Dipper's eyes teared up. He loved them all, they were so supportive and visited all the time. For a moment, he thought they would abandon him, slowly stop visiting and leave him here.
He had spent four months in jail before the trial. The court date kept getting pushed back over and over. Jury selection took a month, as lawyers argued over who to pick. Some members became contaminated due to the media frenzy and they had to re-start the whole process over.
When it finally went to to trial. Gideon's testimony was spot on. He gleefully told everyone he tried to kill Dipper and get his revenge. He admitted going off his medication and finding himself in the woods and that voices lead him to where Dipper was. He described the attacks and recounted their entire fight, including the gem..
He sounded crazy, and that's how they approached their attack. Dipper's self defence from the attack was justified but he maimed and left for dead a sick boy who didn't know what he was doing.
Dipper's looks didn't help the case. All the scars and burns, along with his eyepatch made him look like a grizzled and uncaring person who would kick a puppy as soon as help you.
His lawyer did an excellent job refuting the charges. Pacifica did a great job picking him. He showed the jury his many public services in Gravity Falls. Even President Trembly was called as a character witness and admitted he would give him a pardon if he was still in office.
Dipper's lawyer's plan was executed flawlessly. The jury came back and only found him guilty of reckless endangerment, since he did provide a means of escape, although the intent was filled with malice. The jury even asked for leniency in the sentencing.
The judge had something else in mind.
He was sentenced to eight months with time served with no probation. The judge made it sound like he was doing Dipper a favor…. 'four more months and we can put this all behind us.' he said.
The pines family voiced their protest rather loudly Gideon smiled and winked at Dipper. He was held back as he lunged over and tried to throttle him. An officer dragged him out of the courtroom and back to his cell.
The next time he met with the lawyer, he was told the appeals process would probably take longer than the four months he left at the time. If he showed he was a model prisoner, he might be released early. Dipper asked to try anyway. What would it hurt?
"... Dipper?... " Pacifica said. Dipper's eye focused back at her. She looked worried. They all look worried. "Dipper, we're holding the fort till you get back. It won't be much longer."
He had two more months to go.
"Are you still in school? I don't blame you if you left and went back…" Dipper asked, they put forth so much effort to keep him cheered up, he should do the same.
"Don't think you're getting out of that!" Pacifica said indignantly. "I checked the dates, and you'll be able to take me to at least 2 dances when you're released."
"You sure you want to go with a criminal?" Dipper said with a grin.
"Honey, the fact that you're behind bars only adds to your mystique. I'm more popular than the local trollops now that my boyf...er… companion is in jail." Pacifica grinned as she corrected herself.
Dipper smiled. he was glad she's having fun and was sure Mabel and the others are treating her well.
"You still staying with us?" Dipper asked.
"That was only for a few weeks till you got better… and a few after because I missed you. I'm sorry, I kinda took over your room and went through your things while I was there."
"Find anything interesting?" Dipper said with a grin. Pacifica's face turned bright red.
"No!" She said with a slight stammer. "But… It did warm my heart to find I have a scrapbook too."
"I put that together a while ago, before the sleepover. I was going to show you at some point, but I wanted Mabel to help me add to it." Dipper said.
"God… Wendy was right… you'll take any chance you can get to make us cry." Pacifica said, dabbing her eyes.
"You two getting along?" Dipper asked.
"Oh god… she won't leave me alone. She's all cool and chill, and then she'll want to talk to me alone and start blubbering all over me." Pacifica said dismissively.
"I'm sure you return the blubbering just as much." Dipper said. Pacifica's stone face cracked a smile.
"I may… not that I want to leave you with images of us embraced in your bed with your clothes between us, crying over you." Pacifica said coyly. "Because that will never happen."
"That's mean." Dipper said.
"My time is about up. You need anything? I'm sure we can smuggle in some cigarettes for you."
"Stop watching prison movies with Wendy." Dipper chuckled. "We're all under 18 here so no smokers. Just the normal things I guess. I do enjoy the letters.
Dipper put his hand against the glass. He spread his fingers and Pacifica nodded and put her's against it.
"I'll see you next week." Pacifica said.
Dipper licked his thumb and rubbed it against the inside pad of his ring finger, wiping away the number 12 drawn in ink.
Dipper read the letters when the care package arrived. He had just left from visiting Billeah. The other inmates hated that he got so many visitors and had expressed their distaste for him with soap inside socks. He knew he could retaliate, but he was afraid he may go too far and kill one of them. Even though he hated feining defeat, the inmates were only kids and not Redhats or Multi-bears. If he lost control, he could do a lot of damage to them. He didn't want to hurt them. A few bruised ribs were a small price to pay.
Early on he did attempt to distance himself from everyone and not make friends but even in Juvenile detention politics reigned supreme. The more he avoided everyone, the more he seemed to stand out. His scars and burns made him stand out like a sore thumb. It only took a few fights to prove he was not someone easily manipulated.
When one person can't be won over to one side or another, that's when the groups come. After the first "welcoming" he let it drop. Some of the leaders would rummage through his care box and take some of the candies or other food. One made the mistake of trying to steal a picture the girls sent of them at the pool together. Dipper dislocated his thumb. He made them aware how much he will tolerate and the message was clear; foodstuffs were welcome, but personal effects were off limits.
Dipper laid in bed and waited for Tiger to finish his rummaging. His real name was Jimmy, but people tended to try to make themselves sound more intimidating. He chuckled to himself, remembering "Dipper the Destructor".
"Man, you got some weird crap." Tiger said. he passed the various cookies and chips to a few of his friends who hovered around his cell. "Never seen someone get so many books."
"I like to read." Dipper said. Tiger turned over the box and dumped the leftover contents across the floor and giggled.
'Well, read this…" he said and feinted jumping at Dipper. He didn't react, and kept an indifference about him. Tiger and his crew left, recounting the skewed events of how he was sobbing like a baby as they took his stuff.
Dipper got up and put his things back in the box. He added the few books to his small shelf, and put the ones he was done with inside the box. He'd have the guard store them with his effects and have Stan pick them up later.
Dipper opened the letters and added the photos that were included to his wall. Mabel took a snapshot of Wendy chopping wood. Pacifica was on her laptop at the Malt Shop with Billeah. Looked like they were doing some homework. Stan and Grandpa were doing some sort of act at the took a bunch of selfies with funny faces.
Two more months he reminded himself.
He flipped over the letters he got. Each one would write him. He would read them over and over hearing their voices in his head. He saw one from Stan, there was a pyramid drawn in the right corner. Dipper opened that one first and got out his notebook. Looking at the image, he counted the number of bricks. It totaled up to 9. He pulled out his math book and turned to a back reference page that had pi to 100 places written out. He counted 9 places in. It was 3.
Dipper read the letter, it talked about how the shack was doing well, how they missed him and hope he gets out soon. Dipper re-read the letter, but opened his mind to every third word. The trick of the cypher he worked out with Stan was to filter the junk words as well. If the word didn't make sense, it was junked and he would move on to the next.
Hat is in the wind, may have discovered microphone and glasses.
Gideon and his father must have left the country. He was alway suspicious of how much media coverage came from his case. It was a national circus. There was no reason his trial should have gained such notoriety, unless Rick whispered to certain people.
Glasses was different. Had they found McGucket?
Dipper had gone over the events of the last few years over and over in his head. He had a few suspicions and he began his response to Stan. Pacifica already had the number of the cypher. 12. That would make the number 9. Dipper closed his eyes and thought about how to word it, since there was going to be so little space.
Star may be involved with Robbie's return, along with Axe and Smiles
Dipper rubbed his eyes and finished the letter. He suspected one of the deputies could be on the circle. Their involvement with Robbie's resurrection and lack of surprise seemed too weird. Also they were his arresting officers. Robbie's parents seemed to be part of Rick's plans. They were the biggest smilers he knew and it was rather convenient they found a way to bring their son back without his help. Dipper's stomach twisted at the thought of Manly Dan being part of this, but based on the trending connections, it was probably a good guess.
DIpper felt crazy, he couldn't trust anyone. Everyone was a suspect. What was worse is they were all good people. Even Gideon's father was not what he would call evil. He was sure finding what he did to his son was hard for him and he retaliated like any father would.
The thought dawned on him about what Billeah once said. Rick's whispers were so soft, people don't notice them. What if they were good people, and don't even think they are being influenced. That Rick is pulling strings so gently, that through everyone's self interest, they are following the plan?
Dipper mulled this over while he read the new meditation book that was sent to him. There were highlighted sections Stan wanted him to go over. Dipper took his incarceration as an opportunity to better himself and work on his mental faculties. His scholastic plans were not hindered, and he was able to keep up with the education he was given here. He focused on weight training and started a high carb diet to add some mass to his tiny frame. He was a quick study and the weight training was coming along nicely.
Dipper packed his things and looked at the cell one last time. It was time for him to go. He walked out and said goodbye to the few people he made acquaintances with. He said what was expected, suggesting they should meet up on the outside knowing that it would never happen. It's an empty promise you make to everyone who leaves. He was surprised when Tiger and his friends came up to him and shook his hand. He felt paper being slipped to him, and he closed his fist without any reaction.
"I'll catch ya on the outside," he said and headed out. Dipper shifted his box of effects and lost his grip. They tumbled to the floor, and everyone who was watching him leave erupted in laughter. Dipper hastily gathered them up and slipped the sheet in between the pages of one of his books.
Dipper continued the processing and was given two more boxes with books and effects he asked to be stored. No one said a word or offered him help. The whole process was emotionless and routine for everyone involved but him.
Stan met him at the door. They didn't exchange words, but he grabbed two of the boxes and carried them out with him. Dipper groaned at the limo waiting outside the detention hall. His cellmates had perfect views of the front and would often talk about who was picking who up. He wondered what sort of rumors would be flying around when he got in the fancy vehicle.
After loading the trunk with his effects, Stan got in and Dipper followed and got a face full of confetti.
"SURPRISE!" everyone screamed. Inside the limo was decorated with streamers, balloons and a disco ball. Dipper was at a loss of words. Mabel put a crown on his head and gave him a soda.
"We didn't know what to really do for you when you got out…" Mabel said. "it's a three hour drive, so we figured we're going to party till we get you home and have another party when you get there!
Dipper smiled and took a sip of his soda. He gave everyone a hug, including Candy and Grenda. Pacifica had him sit on the side seat while Mabel put on BABBA. Everyone sung to Disco Girl and ate junk food during the drive. Dipper smiled and laughed with everyone, but didn't sing. there was an anxiety that was filling his chest the closer and closer he got home.
"Show me the tattoo!" Candy asked. "Your are a jail bird, you are supposed to have a tattoo!"
Dipper laughed and sighed. "I don't have a tattoo... They don't let you get them while you're inside… we're kids."
Candy looked disappointed and he let out a big sigh.
"Alright… I got a tattoo…" Dipper admitted. It was Tiger who gave it to him. He said he needed to pay him back for all the snacks he was giving him, and refused to go away until he let him. This was after the broken thumb incident.
Dipper took off his shirt to a car full of hoots and whistles. He flexed his arms and chest unconsciously to stunned silence. Stanford on the other hand burst out laughing hysterically.
"Just couldn't wait to take your shirt off could ya? I see you've been hitting the weights. Ah, reminds me of that one time…" Stanford said, Stan glared at him. "... that I can't seem to remember…"
"Oh… umm, it's on my shoulder." he said and turned to show them. it was a triangle, a circle inside that and an oval. If one knew what they were looking at, it would appear to be an eye. Dipper looked at Billeah and grinned. She covered her mouth and turned bright red.
"Wow… can I touch it?" Candy asked. Dipper nodded and she rubbed the raised skin.
"Looks like it got infected." Stan said with a grunt. "They let you keep it?"
"Yeah, the nurse told me they deal with these all the time. It would have been a problem for me if I got it removed. It was given to me as payment for services." Dipper said. Stanford nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, not the best thing to do." Stanford explained. "It's like a slap in the face to turn away a gift… even if it's a tattoo."
Dipper answered all the questions he was given. Everyone was getting tired after a while and silence filled the limo. Dipper was nodding off when Wendy moved next to him and made him scoot over one seat. Pacifica gave her an indignant look when she put her finger to her lips.
"Dipper, you look tired, lay down." She said and laid him across her lap with his head on Pacifica's. Pacifica grabbed one of the pillows and put it under his head and shushed him when he protested. Dipper could barely keep his eyes opened as Pacifica ran her fingers through his long and uncut hair. He never bothered to get it trimmed, and it was now past his shoulders.
Wendy rubbed his hands and forearms. tracing the burns and scars he'd gotten.
"This one is new." Wendy commented to a long scar that went from the back of his hand to mid forearm.
"A new kid was trying to take your pictures." Dipper said softly, reveling in the touch of Pacifica's soft fingers. "I had a disagreement about that. We came to terms."
"And this one?" Pacifica asked, trailing across his eyebrow.
"There was a fight in the shower… someone hit me with soap." Dipper said softly.
The mood became somber at Dipper's explanations. Dipper was slowly drifting to sleep. He felt both of his hands being taken and fingers interlocking. He didn't have to open his eyes to know whose was whose.
There was a slight moment of panic as he slowly let his guard down. He felt the reassuring squeezes of Wendy and Pacifica's hands, he was able to subdue the panic and fall asleep.