Stressed.

-[Recap]-

My back was up against the locker, looking over at Cole. I asked for help on my face, but all he did was stand there with a dull expression. I looked shocked, figuring out what is actually happening. I turned to Jason, who was grinning evilly.

What the hell Cole?!

Why would you join these bullies?

- Dipper's POV -

Cole. I thought you were a friend. I thought you were that timid kid who was too nervous to talk to people, to us. I stared down at the table, thinking quietly to myself. Why would Cole bother to join them? Don't tell me he had hidden intentions as Percy, but only worse than his; that wouldn't make sense. Percy is... Percy, but Cole is the timid and quiet kind that wouldn't attempt to do anything horrible like this. I bet Jason and John have to be behind this all.

"You know what happens when one of our victims tell on us, right?" The voice of Jason floods back into my head as I recall what happened yesterday.

"I know what happens, but you mentioned "one of our victims," why can't you go tease them instead of picking on me?" I said. I may be a bit selfish here, but perhaps I'm coming to my end. I could, at any given moment, break down and lose my mind.

"You give us the most reactions, and plus, we have to keep an eye on you." He answered with a cheeky grin.

"An eye on me?" I muttered, glaring daggers at him. I saw him loosen his grip on my shirt collar as I inch a bit away to the side since he had me pinned against the locker. "What'd you think I will do to you?"

"You can't do anything, hell they only gave us a warning! And if you haven't noticed by now, we're the biggest and the most wicked kids in this school. There is no way anyone will tell on us." He smirked.

Even if I did before, multiple times and I have heard this many times as well. "So, you are kids," I said, recalling what he mentioned about himself.

"Shut it, Mason!" He snapped.

I blinked out of my thoughts, only to be glared down by an annoyed sister. I looked over at her and felt a wave of guilt overflow me. I did it again. She had her arms crossed, waiting for an apology for my lack of attention. Maybe it's best if I don't focus on my mind when she's around. ``I hope you're doing okay, Mason.`` I looked over to Alex, who was giving me a concerned look.

``I'm fine, just... thinking.`` I answered aloof.

``Why should he be okay? I'm sure he's doing fine on his own with no help.`` Percy said, acting like a spoiled brat. I shot him a glare before darting my gaze back to the table.

``You say that after what he has gone through?!`` Alex said, raising his voice and facing the 9th grader. ``He was picked on by those kids, Percy!``

``That sounds like the whole situation you guys made it, make it seems like he's a wimp.`` Percy said, chuckling to himself. I looked back over to him, giving him an insolent look.

``We chose that plan so the bullying could stop, idiot.`` I heard Kahlil said with a hiss.

``Yeah! Infact, it makes no sense to call him a wimp!` `Mabel said, looking like she's ready to punch him in the face.

``Okay, first off, there was no point in calling me an idiot. Secondly, it is! If you think it's not, then tell me. What does it make him?`` Percy said, glaring at us. ``Oh right, your sister is still new to this all.``

``What do you mean?`` Mabel asked, tilting her head in confusion.

``Let me explain, this school has its mess and its problems. You have to be firm and sturdy to survive. Regardless if you tell a school staff member or not, they're not going to solve your problems. And in my viewpoint of it, our friend didn't do anything about it. What a wimp I see.`` Percy said chuckling. I wish I could ignore him, but his words cut deep within me. I pretend my expression is just as unaffected as it was from the inside.

``And how would you solve that if you were only in this school for probably a month and a half. How would you possibly know that fast?`` Kahlil asked.

``Well, I do have brains better than you seniors.`` Percy responded. ``Why would you be hanging out with 9th graders instead with your fellow seniors?``

``Percy... this is a bit-``

``I don't care what you have to say, Alex. I just want to see what a bunch of seniors doing with some 9th graders.`` Percy said, interrupting Alex from finishing his sentence.

``I just wanted to meet new people.`` Mabel said, speaking up first. ``I don't care about the negativity that is happening around us, all I rely on is the positivity.``

``... I wanted to change for this year from last year's experience.`` I said, looking from my sister over to Percy. He narrowed his eyes and turned to Kahlil, who was just glaring daggers at him. Yeah, I want to beat him up too.

``I just went along with these two.`` My friend said.

``No purpose? No reason? Man, your life must be hell.`` Percy said.

``Yeah. At least it's better than yours.`` He said smirking.

``...`` At that moment, the bell rang, and it was time to go. Finally, perfect timing! I can't wait to go and walk away from this looser, annoying us like crazy. We all got up and dumped our trays in the trashcan before heading out of the lunchroom. I looked at the group ahead of me as my sister was the one who started back up the conversation into a relatable topic. That is good, at least something to ease the tension in the atmosphere.

``Hey, Wimp.`` Oh great. Here comes Mr. Know-It-All. I looked over at the voice to stare at a smug-looking Percy. ``Your slowing us down.``

``Isn't that always true? I'm the last one out, so why bother to rub it all over my face?`` I said. Don't make me feel terrible or worsen it.

``I think we should leave you behind.`` He said. I glared at him. Oh, what makes you think they would leave me behind? Part of the group doesn't want me gone, or do they? Don't think that way, Dipper, of course, they want to keep you. ``You said it yourself, you are the last one out, so why not leave you behind? I bet the others will agree with me just fine.``

``Sure. We'll see about that.`` I rolled my eyes, looking away from him.

``You don't believe me? We talked and talked and agreed on one thing. You slow us down.`` He begins. ``You are always in your head, always caring about yourself more than others. Infact, I don't think you care about your sister-``

``I do!`` I raised my voice, snapping my eyes back to him.

``Do you? She seems to be annoyed with you every time you get lost in that head of yours.`` He tried to push me away from his finger when he placed it on my forehead.

``Do not touch me.`` I halted.

``Or what? Are your friends gonna be by your side?`` He smirked.

``Just drop it, it's not gonna affect me.`` I lied. I'm starting to get upset by this dude, and I really want to get away from him.

``It's already affecting you, dumbhead! Look at you! You don't even realize what you are doing! See you only care about yourself, and no one else!`` He said. He then goes on a rant about everything about me, which part of it is not valid. I know his words aren't correct, but why am I getting affected by this all? Is he trying to make me feel like a wimp? Am I that weak of a person? I felt my heartbeat against my binder fast as my breathing started to race. Stop it, it's not true. Anything that Percy says isn't right. I'm not weak... I'm not... I saw tears being well inside of my eyes as I blinked, trying to get them away.

``Aww, did I may someone cry?`` Percy said.

``Shut up! Just SHUT UP! I had enough of this!`` I snapped at him.

``Oh, wow. I'm surprised! `` He smirked.

``Just leave me alone.`` I said the tone of my voice was upset as hints of sobs were heard. My legs were being to faltered as I took a step back from him.

``Why would I leave a wimp like you here?`` He sneered. I saw him take a step forward.

``I am not a wimp! Stop calling me that!`` I shouted. Do they hear me? Did they leave me with him? Did... they forgot about me? Am I that selfish of a person? I saw Percy laugh as he had his joy out of this. Tears begin to appear in my eyes as I couldn't take any of this.

``HEY.`` A voice that made Percy jumped a few feet from the ground. ``I thought something was wrong here.`` I turned over to see Kahlil with an angry look. I'm sorry, I'm sorry I slow everyone down.

``Nothing is wrong here, Kahlil.`` Percy said, trying to play as the victim. ``We were just having a friendly conversation.``

The blond turned and grabbed my wrist to pull me away from him. ``I-I.`` I stopped myself as my legs were forced to walk alongside my friend. I want to apologize to him, I know it's my fault.

``Don't leave me behind!`` I heard Percy say. Kahlil didn't bother to stop, nor did I. I couldn't stop, even if I want to. We made it in front of the school entrance as he let go of my wrist. I didn't bother to look at him, still thinking that he was mad at me.

``Are you alright?`` He said.

``Yes... I'm fine... fine, fine, yes.`` I said, staring at the school's steps.

``Are you sure-``

``I'm fine, Kahlil. You don't need to worry about me.`` I said, turning to stare at him with a significant look, even if my eyes were glossy from the tears from earlier.

``... But I do...`` He muttered, looking away from me.

``You shouldn't at all. I can handle everything on my own. See you later.`` I said before heading down the steps and on the path to the shack. I just want to be left alone.

I was the first to walk in the shack, not even greeting my uncles as I walk past them. Uncle Ford asks me if there was anything wrong or something happened. I lied and told them I was fine, I need some time alone. I turned and climbed up on the second floor and walked past the triangular window and into the shared room. I entered as I place my binder down on the desk next to the end of my bed. I was still shaken up from what happened several minutes ago. I took a breath in and let it out a few seconds later. Just calm down, maybe being at work will take all of that off for a bit. I won't be able to escape it, but at least I can ease it for now. I turned and sat on my bed, staring at the door wide open. I'm a bit too lazy to close it at the moment. Mabel could be coming up anytime to set her things down.

I scooted backward and sat criss-cross, staring at the doorway. I watched my sister enter with a smile on her face. She walked over to her bed and placed her backpack down next to it on the floor. She got in and lay on her back, letting out a sigh. I looked away and stared at my sheets with my usual dull expression. ``I won't be staying here for long,`` Mabel said, interrupting the silence between us. ``I may be back by around 7.``

``That's alright, I may be reading around that time.`` I said quietly, not bothered by the fact that my sister may not hear me.

The silence unfolds between us, leaving the room in an awkward atmosphere, at least to me. I feel like there is still that leftover tension from earlier during that lunch period, maybe we just need a break from it. I'm already overwhelmed at what just happened after. I thought Percy was smart enough not to torture me with the word "wimp" after the topic has been switched. Infact, why is he trying to bully seniors? I let out a sigh and shook my head. I may never know the answer, but soon enough, he better halts his decisions.

Soon it was time to go. I fix myself up and put on my work clothes before heading out the door with my nerdy uncle. We both got in the car before driving to the destination. I exited the vehicle and waved a temporary goodbye to my uncle before entering the Diner. I was greeted by my co-workers as I headed to the back to put my bag down in one of the lockers I claimed. I turned and exited the back room, only to be greeted by my co-manager that I hated the most. I grunted and listened to his rant before going over to my position. Better do a good job today, so Mr. Grumpy Pants won't shout at me. During my 3 hours being here, I took orders, made drinks, and place the food with them on the counter for our other co-workers to serve them to the customers. Or, in other cases, the customers can get their orders by themselves.

I was finishing up the last order of drinks before my shift was over. I place them carefully on a cup holder tray before turning around. I didn't pay attention to my surroundings, as I was only focusing on getting these last batch to the counter. I move a step forward only to slip on the floor, making the drinks fall on the floor. I flinched when I saw a pair of feet next to me. I widened my eyes as I slowly looked up at my soaked co-manager. I frowned, feeling so bad about what's going to happen next.

``GET UP.`` He ordered as I obeyed. ``I knew I shouldn't trust teenagers like you, always trying to cause some kind of scene or trouble it seems-``

``It was only an accident-``

``SHUT UP.`` He raised his voice at me. I looked frightened by his words.

``Hey, he didn't mean to.`` I heard James say.

``Do not get involved in this. Go back to your station!`` Mr. Waters ordered. James did as he was told. My co-manager soon grabbed my arm, gripping it tight before dragging me into the back room.

``I didn't mean to, I slipped on something on the floor!`` I said. I don't need to hear this!

``Another problem that you need to fix after work.`` He said.

``Really?! I have to clean up that mess?`` I said as he yanks me into the room before closing the door shut.

``WHAT DID YOU EXCEPT WHEN YOU SPILL THE DRINKS ALL OVER ME?!`` He shouted at me.

``I said I didn't mean to! What part of your ears can you not hear me?!`` I started to raise my voice, getting angry by the seconds.

``Why would I believe you? You're nothing but trouble.`` He said coldly, spilling venom in his tone. I stopped myself from speaking as I froze. I am...

``I want you here after work, cleaning up the entire Diner.`` He hissed before walking out of the room.

My eyes trailed on the door when it was shut as my body was frozen in place as if something was happening somewhere else. Mr. Water's right... I am nothing but trouble. All I've been doing is causing mistakes left and right, tearing a hole in my family, and making errors in my messy life. I went and argued with Uncle Stan whenever I attempt to make a difference about something, but only the cost of that made my decisions seem harmful than it is. I made him mad multiple times, what is my purpose on that? I need to take the fact that I am the fault of all of this, I need to know that... I... I... My mind, my thoughts begin to race before I could even create new ones or look over the old ones. I couldn't read them anymore. My breathing started to shorten, shallowed, where I was desperate to breathe in, only to feel more shards damaging whatever was wrong in there. I clenched my hand to my chest, hearing the pounding of my heart race like it never did before. I widened my eyes as the world was numb all around, everything begins to fade to darkness. I don't know what's happening, I don't know if I'm really here, where was I? All I could feel is the trembling fear, the awakening pain that I was feeling within me. Is this what it feels like to lose everything dear to me? The pounding of my heart, the pain that is being delivered within, and the voices in my head. The thoughts, everything burying me alive... before I even knew it, I fell into a slumber.

I slowly opened my eyes, feeling a heavy weight on them. I saw the color and environment around me, it revealed to be a room where I was lying. I peer around, as I move my eyes so quickly, everything would be a blur still. My eyes were still adjusting to the room. I blinked a couple of times before my vision was clear. I noticed someone was on the bed as it revealed to be Uncle Ford. He was staring down at the bedsheets, having a concerned and panicked look in his eyes, it even looked like he was on the verge of crying. I tried to move my limbs around a bit, only to halt when my uncle notice I was awake. ``Oh, thank god.`` I heard him say. His voice sounded so hurt.

``...What happened?`` I asked quietly.

``Your boss told me you passed out in the staff room.`` He choked out. His facial expression was a twist of frightened and anxious put together as one. I passed out...? Did I go into another panic attack? I closed my eyes, refusing to remember what happened before. ``I'm making you take a day off from school tomorrow.`` Uncle Ford said. ``You need it. I want you to get better so that you can return healthy again on Friday.`` I nodded as he mentions that dinner will be ready in an hour. I heard the chair move away from my bed and the door closing. I don't like to feel immobilized, I want to move a bit at least, but at the same time, after everything that has happened today, I don't want to. Should I just go back to sleep?

``DIPPER!`` I jerked up to the voice of my sister as my head pounded once more. Great, here we go again. ``I heard you passed out during work, is everything alright?`` I looked over to her, watching her rush over to my bed. I lean my head back into the pillow as I sigh.

``I'm fine, I just need some rest.`` I said before closing my eyes once more.

``Also, I heard that you will be staying home tomorrow. I think it's a good idea for you. Well, I can always bring your food up to you if you would like.`` She offered.

``Sure, although I may be asleep by then.`` I said, feeling the sleep crawl up into my brain.

``Then, I can always wake you up later when it is ready.`` She said.

``Don't... I can always eat tomorrow.`` I said, trying to convince her to leave me alone. She... was starting to get on my nerves, but being in this state after what happened, I don't think my irritation is showing.

``Okay, Dipstick.`` She said giggling.

``Dipstick?`` I opened my tired eyes at her.

``Or should I say Dipsick?`` She said, letting out another giggle. I chuckled at her made-up nickname. ``Whatever is good with me.`` I said.

``Dipsick, it is!`` She said, walking back over to her bed to sit on it.

``Just don't say it when I'm sick...`` I muttered, closing my eyes once more.

``Rest, brother. You have all night and tomorrow to rest.`` She said, easing me once more. I soon felt my body shutting down as I was slowly falling into a deep slumber. I did hear my sister talk again, but that was when sleep took over.

Dipsick... I think I like Dipstick better.

End of Chapter 22