WARNING! THERE WILL BE SOME SENSITIVE TOPICS AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER!
Also from this point on, some chapters forward are gonna be a bit edgy. Along with a stupid Mabel.
- Mabel's POV -
I'm confused. Everything was okay with Dipper yesterday before he went to hang out with his friends, and now he's all bruised up and acting very strange. In every line he says, he's fine and he was glad to see us, but when he walked away, that aura disappeared instantly. It was like he was a different person. I don't want to assume, I just hope he's alright. This morning, Grunkle Ford wanted him to stay home so his injuries could heal up, even though they were minor. Dipper refuses and says in his empty lie that he will be alright. Hearing that makes me feel so uneasy about everything. Some kids decided to beat up my brother to the point he changed how he acts around us, probably around everyone. You know what I think, if I was in charge of this, I would of let him stay home either way. Your health is so much more important than school, Dipper, especially times like these.
I stared down at the floor, walking down to my 3rd class. Well... let's see how Dipper is in this block.
I entered into the classroom, looking over at the clock on the wall, seeing that I still had time to settle in. I smiled and began to walk over to where I usually sit. I saw that my brother got here before I did, like always, but I also noticed something... Kahlil was staring him down with a worried look. I frowned and set my bag down before I sat in the chair. I shook my head before I took a look over at my brother. He was acting like himself before so far. I smiled faintly, hoping to my heart, to my soul that nothing or anything bad will happen after this.
``Hey, Dip!`` I managed to say. I watched him look over to me with a blank expression before turning it into a friendly one. ``Hello.`` I've also noticed that Kahlil took notes while this was all happening, probably since class just started. ``Uh... I'll ask you after this lesson.`` I said as he nodded before we turned forward and sat comfortably in our chairs.
The class started as the teacher taught us a new lesson beforehand. I hated this new lesson already. It has to do deal with math and everything that happened to me so far. I sighed in annoyance before I was given a worksheet about the given problem on the board. The whole class went over it twice before we were dismissed into our little groups to work on the rest of the issues. Okay, Mabel. It's only four more problems that I have to solve; I can do this! A few minutes later, I couldn't. I let out a frustrated sigh as I looked over to my brother, who was solving them just fine. Oh right! ``Hey, Dip, Is everything alright with you?`` I asked, watching him turn over to me.
``Yes. Why?`` He answered, looking at me with a confused look.
``You just seem... to be, odd this morning and yesterday.`` I said, fiddling with my fingers in nervousness.
``How... odd?`` He said as I heard the confusion in his tone.
``Well... uh... you were oddly friendly to our great-uncles, and the next thing I know, you were so empty that it kind of scared me.`` I said, looking at him with an unsure expression. He looked down, which hinted that he went into another thinking habit. ``I... don't remember that happening. I'm sorry if that happened.`` He said, getting uncomfortable.
``It's alright! I just wanted to know if you were doing okay.`` I said. ``Always a big twin sister will be worried about your health.``
``... Thanks.`` His empty tone made me flinch as he turned back to the computer. I widened my eyes in fear as I shook my head. He didn't even smile... he's not alright, he's lying! But... if I even try to ask forcibly, he's gonna push me away, and I don't want him to think I'm a bad sister. What am I suppose to do? I hugged myself before going back to my worksheet.
Several minutes have passed, and it was time to go. We picked up our things and turned them in before heading out of the classroom. I was talking to Kahlil when suddenly my brother had to go. We told him we'll wait for him here, although he denies it and says he will find us in the lunchroom. Easier said than done. We let him go as we walked in the direction of the cafeteria.
``Something's off about him.`` Kahlil said.
``You don't say.`` I said, looking over to him.
``He is really acting strange, kind of like he has no emotions.`` He said. I see him getting a bit uncomfortable before shaking his fear off.
``Yeah... that's what I noticed yesterday. I just hope everything is alright with Dipper.`` I said.
``When someone acts like that, they're not. It's like he has no thoughts being made within him...`` He said, which confused me. I tilted my head in curiosity. ``What do you mean?``
``Sh-t. Sorry, I said that out loud-``
``What do you mean he has no thoughts being made in his head?`` I asked, stopping right in front of him.
``...Uh... it's just a guess, okay?`` He said, avoiding to look at me.
``Kahlil, tell me right now.`` I said harshly. Stop lying! I hate all of this lying! He stared at me with a worried look before letting out a sigh. I think he gave up. ``Fine, but we have to go somewhere quiet.`` He said.
``Why?`` I asked, getting a bit suspicious about him.
``Just please, maybe in the corner of the library?`` He whispered, getting all panicked.
``Fine. But you better promise me you will tell me.`` I said. ``I don't like it when people lie just for my sake.``
``I will. You can trust me.`` He said before leading the way to the library. I followed behind. I hope Dipper doesn't assume that we didn't come. We walk down the hallway and into the section where he leads me all the way back where no one was at. Although I did see some students enter in and go since they probably finish their meal or just went here because they like the silence. He stood against the bookshelf as he slowly sat down on the carpet. I sat down with him as I had my hands crushed into fists. He better.
``Uh. How do I put this... right.`` Kahlil begins before staring at me with a serious look. ``Before I tell the truth on how or what I mean about what I said earlier, do NOT tell anyone this.`` He said before I felt a sudden fear from him. I quickly nodded, noticing that I wasn't in control of my emotions. Soon the fear disappears, and I was confused like a fly. ``...I... have powers.`` I blinked at him as the silence crept in. He was, again, avoiding to look at me, panicking at the slightest. I slowly lit up like a spark, which confused the hell out of him. ``You have powers?!`` I shouted before my mouth was covered up. ``SHUSH.`` He hissed. He looked around frantically in case anyone was listening in or looking even, before uncovering my mouth. ``Sorry.`` I chuckled silently.
``Yes, I have some, just... don't shout it this time!`` He hissed, glaring at me.
``Sorry, sorry! I'm just very excited and surprised at this! I knew it was real! It's just that people thought I was crazy that fantasy and magic existed.`` I whispered, smiling so brightly.
``...Well, that was easy of you to believe.`` He said, raising a brow.
``Yeah... I'm a fantasy person, don't mind me at all.`` I said, giggling quietly. ``So... I assume you can read thoughts?``
``Yes, I can. Although I wish I didn't.`` He said.
``No, no! It's the coolest thing you ever have! Trust me! I would be using it for something useful!`` I said, raising my fist into the air as I heard a chuckle from him as I smiled.
``Well... at least it is useful... sometimes.`` He said, looking unsure of it.
``Like what?`` I asked, having a curious expression.
``Lie detector and seeing every secret thought and everything else.`` He said. I smiled brightly, chuckling. "Lie detector." Mr. Detector, I say so myself. He manages to laugh at that as I joined in with him. Luckily our laughs were quiet so no one can hear us. ``Nice one, Mabel.`` He said.
``Thank you. Anyways, what... did you discover for Dipper?`` I asked as the atmosphere got colder as I felt a shiver down my spine. I frowned as I looked over at him. He was feeling a bit sad, as well. ``Sorry for that sudden aura change, that's also another power I have. It happens at random times or whenever I feel incredibly upset at something.`` He gulped before speaking his mind. ``Normally, his mind is all over the place, so many thoughts running back and forth like a hive worker working for its queen. Now... it's... empty.``
``... empty...?`` I looked a bit worried.
``Nothing rings a bell in it at all, it's almost like a wasteland when I try to read it. And it makes me worry like hell for him.`` He said, staring down at the carpet. I widened my eyes before standing up. He did the same, wanting to know what got me up on my feet. ``Let's see if Dipper is at the lunchroom.`` I said.
``Yes! I totally forgot that we told him that.`` He said. ``Let's hope he's not doubting himself.`` I nodded as I lead the way this time. We were at a fast pace as I was hoping he would be there. We entered and noticed how empty it was. How long were we gone?
``Hey, Mabel!`` I turned to see Alex running over to us. ``I thought you guys weren't here today, but here you are!``
``Hey, have you seen Dipper come here by any chance?`` I asked. Alex looked at me with a concerned look. ``No, I have not seen him. Did something happen to him?`` I turned to Kahlil as we both had a worried expression on our face. ``He said he went to the bathroom, but... it's been more than five minutes...`` I muttered. I looked back at Alex, who had an unsure expression before turning over to some commotion. I looked over, and some students talked about how an ambulance truck came up to the school. I had a confused expression as I look back at Alex.
``That's why there are not many people in the lunchroom...`` I heard Kahlil say. I turned to him.
``Yeah, everyone went to see what was happening outside of the school. Although the school staff and security didn't want us passing their borderlines, so yeah.`` Alex said.
``Who got injured?`` I asked, looking back at Alex.
``Some students overheard the adults say that a boy was found lying in the boys' bathroom, ... bleeding... which is very concerning. The police and the school security are trying to find the ones who did such a thing.`` Alex said, having an angry and disgusted expression.
``What the hell?! Oh my god, can this school get any worse than before?`` I said. I hope it's not my brother. He's probably just lost... somewhere...
``No, it cannot, Mabel, and I hate it. Well, it's grateful for the police to track those kids down.`` Kahlil said.
``Yeah...`` I said before turning away and exiting the lunchroom. This bad feeling isn't disappearing, and I don't know why. I know Dipper isn't the boy who got injured, I just know it. He's more careful, right?
I stared up at the ceiling of my room, with wide, stressed eyes. I came home without Dipper. Kahlil and I never found him, and I'm starting to think it's true. If it's true, then who would do such a thing to my brother?! It's probably those people who beat him up from before! I sat up and stared down at my bedsheets in anger. I'm not losing my brother again after what happened last time. I jerked up once the door opened to see Grunkle Ford standing in the doorway with a sad expression. ``Mabel, get ready, we're going somewhere. Me, you and Stanley.`` He said before closing the door.
I jumped off of my bed. They must have found him, I hope so! I got fresh clothes and changed into them. I then got my hair fixed up before I took my phone and headed out of my room with a firm look. I walked down the staircase and over to the gift shop area to see my great-uncles arguing. ``Uh... guys?`` I said before their heads looked over at me. ``I'm sorry you have to see that, Mabel.`` Grunkle Ford said.
``I still don't quite understand why I need to go for all places. You usually handle the parenting.`` Grunkle Stan said, which hurt my heart a bit. You don't... put effort or... care the slightest?
``It's still necessary to receive this news. Now come on, I don't want to waste time.`` Grunkle Ford said before opening the door for us to go through.
``Tsk, Alright. Let's just not take that long. I need to prepare the shop for tomorrow.`` Grunkle Stan said before walking through and going over to the car. I walked through and nodded to my great-uncle before following the other one. We got into the car as I put my seatbelt on and waited patiently. Grunkle Ford was the one who was driving as the atmosphere was quiet. ``Stanford, instead of keeping it a surprise, why not tell us?`` Grunkle Stan asked, staring at his brother with an annoyed expression.
``Well. I've got a call from the school about Dipper's whereabouts.`` Grunkle Ford said before my other great-uncle had to butt in. ``He's skipping?!`` Grunkle Stan said in anger.
``No, he's not. In fact, he's in the hospital if you would let me finish my sentence!`` Grunkle Ford snapped, shutting his brother up.
``He's in the hospital?!`` I said, raising my voice.
``Yes... Mabel, he is.`` Grunkle Ford said before the car ride got silent again. I sat back in the seat in shock. I was hoping it wasn't true, but it is. I hope he's not injured badly, I just hope he's not. I crush my hands into fists as I was fueled with rage. The police better find out which student did this, because they won't be alive once I find them. I jerked up as I looked over at the hospital in front of us. We arrived. I'm coming, my brother. We got out of the car as we walked along the sidewalk and inside. Grunkle Ford checked us in and said that we were seeing my brother. ``Can't believe he came back worse than before, no wonder why this town is messed up.`` The clerk said. I frowned as I got goosebumps. ``My assistant will show you the way to his room.`` I looked over at the young lady who smiled at us on the side of the counter that we were on. ``Come.``
We walked down the hallway, hearing nurses and doctors, talk and walk in and out of each patient's room. I looked straight ahead, anxious about my brother. Although the conversations tend to distract me from my thoughts, I'm glad for that. The nurse's assistant halted at the room as I gulped, preparing to step in. My great-uncles went in first as I followed them. As the view grew more significant, I saw my brother on the hospital bed, covered in bandages around his facial area, and some IVs sticking into him. I frowned and picked up my pace. I grip the railing of the bed tightly, staring down at my brother's ruined state. I swear, on how many times I say this, I will kill them. ``... He looks terrible..`` I heard Grunkle Stan say.
I turned my head over to him as he was shocked. I looked over at Grunkle Ford, bringing a chair over to his bed, and sat there, praying that he'll be okay. I frowned and looked back over to Dipper, who was still unconscious. ``Did... the school say anything about Dipper's incident?`` I asked.
``They did but didn't mention very much about it. They're still trying to find the assaulters who injured him.`` Grunkle Ford said. I let out a sigh and turn my head over to Grunkle Stan, who can't figure out which is wrong or not. ``I know he has done some bad things, but do you think he deserves this..?`` I asked him.
``No... he doesn't.`` He responded without hesitation. He then walked over to us. ``He doesn't at all. No one deserves this. Just what are the young folks doing nowadays?``
``Something messed up.`` Grunkle Ford muttered. I shook my head as we stood in silence. Usually, we would be chatting up and about, but with this case happening right in front of us, I think when we return to the Mystery Shack, everyone will be quiet with the sadness of the news. I can only watch my brother from this position, hoping the people up in the heavens won't take him away.
``Sorry to disturb you. He will be staying here until he is healed and rested. The estimated release would be around Oct. 4th.`` I heard the nurse assistant say.
``Thank you.`` Grunkle Ford said with sobs in his voice. I looked over at him as he rose from his chair. He turned and walked towards the entrance; Grunkle Stan did the same and the nurse assistant. I guess they couldn't stand seeing him like this. I would do the same, but I saw movement underneath the sheets. I turn to face an awaken Dipper. ``Dipper!`` A smile appeared on my face. Although he seemed so mad. I would be too if some kids attempted to murder me. ``How are you feeling?`` I asked.
``... nothing.`` He responded with an empty tone, which sent shivers down my spine. ``Well, uh, the medicine that you are on will make you numb so... I understand that.`` I said, feeling a bit nervous.
``... what do you mean by assaulters..?`` He asked. I looked back at him as he was staring at me. ``The ones who injured you! I know you don't remember-``
``No one was there in the bathrooms, it was just me.`` He said, interrupting me.
``... Then, how'd you get injured...?`` I asked, looking confused. He slowly turned away from me, letting out a frustrated sigh. ``I wanted to end it all, let it erase myself from history. I was so numb with my emotions that I thought I deserved to be put in the ground, deep underground. My existence at that moment wasn't valuable to me. Nothing was. Why live when all I get is beaten down to the ground?`` I stood frozen at his answer, shock at what he was saying.
``That's why I'm so mad, I didn't get that taste of death. I guess life wants me to continue suffering, so I will.`` He muttered. My world shut down. The words that my brother was saying froze me like a statue. My brother... wanted to throw his life away. Just like that... how could... how could he do such a thing?! I hugged myself as I backed away, unable to see anything anymore. Everything was black, like a void coming at me to stink me down into the abyss' depths. Until I bumped into someone from behind. I blinked, and slowly my vision, the reality returned to normal. I turn my head over to my great-uncle, who was worried at my movement. I then begin to cry as tears pour down my face. I cried into his chest as I couldn't stop. I never stop crying that day. Never once in my lifetime have I felt like this before.
Why Dipper...?
.
End of Chapter 26
Dunno if this counts as a surprise. This chapter is meant to be uploaded next week, but I decided to change my schedule and update every week since I just got done with the last chapter up ahead. No, I'm not ending it so soon yet, it's gonna be a long hiatus from there on out but it'll be worth it!
So every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST, this story will be updated!
And also, I do hope your enjoying these chapters so far, sorry If I decided to hint a curve and fall down a cliff for this one, but I needed to get Dipper's self-doubting and mental problems out of the way for the next surprise to work.
I do hope it doesn't affect people that much. Anyway,
See you later and Have a Good day !
P.S. Feedback and Support are always welcome !