He's Back-ish!
- Mabel's POV -
I tapped my notebook with my pen, staring at the date I wrote. "Oct. 3rd," It read. I scanned the words I've written, making sure everything is in order. "I may have just realized that my brother comes home after school, hehe, oh god. Well, at least it gave me some time to prepare myself. I hope that my grunkles can fix and change things around to make his life much better than before. My only goal in this is to find out what happened to him before."
I shook my head before placing my pen in the book, closing it afterward. I sat up straight from the desk, looking at my brother's empty bed. ``It's... 3 PM... they should be calling.`` I mumbled before getting up and tucking the chair in. I walked over to my brother's bed and fixed it up nicely, even though I have done so this morning. I jerked my head over to the sound of the door opening, seeing Grunkle Ford poke his head in. ``Did they call?`` I asked before he could have said anything. He nodded. A smile quickly appeared on my lips before I turned to get ready. ``I'll be down there in a second!`` I chirped. He nodded again, closing the door.
I changed into some comfortable clothing, fixed my hair, and cleaned myself up. I smiled into my mini mirror before placing it down and walking out of the room. I headed down the stairs, walking past the rooms and into the gift shop area. I heard the voices of my grunkles outside of the shack, mumbles, and muffled here and there. I continued to smile before exiting the shop and gazing over at them. ``Yeah, and I thought this wasn't important to you at all.`` Grunkle Ford said, crossing his arms. ``You don't have to go, you know.``
``It is! I want to be apart of this, at least in his life. Besides, I'll gladly leave with you guys and see how my great-nephew is doing.`` Grunkle Stan said, glaring down at his brother before easing his stare. ``By the way, does he know that we're his great-uncles and not uncles?``
``Probably not!`` I said, walking over to them.
``We'll just have to remind him when we get there... if he will care.`` Grunkle Ford said, looking a bit worried.
``He will care! Trust me. The kid just needs some time to open up after being in the hospital for almost 2 weeks.`` Grunkle Stan said, turning and walking over to the car.
``I don't think that will happen; I know how these features work.`` Grunkle Ford muttered. I happened to catch a few of it.
``Features?`` I asked, looking up at him.
``Nothing, dear.`` He said before walking over to the car. I tilted my head in confusion, following behind him. I don't know what that was about. I got in the back seat. This time around, Grunkle Stan was driving. We all bucked up and drove on the path to our destination. ``Jeez Stanley! Drive a little gentle next time?`` Grunkle Ford said, having a spooked expression. ``Fine, I'll only do it once since we're getting Dipper.`` I let out a small chuckle before I was being glared down by Grunkle Ford. I'm sorry if you're so paranoid, but he's not going to do anything! We soon arrived at the hospital. We got out of the car and walked in silence towards the entrance. I kept my excitement down a bit. I have to not be so overjoyed; It may freak him out. Grunkle Ford checked us at the counter at the front before we were lead down the hallway a second later. We arrived in his room after a couple of seconds.
I couldn't help but smile. I finally get to see my brother after long days without him. Of course, I did survive, but barely without seeing my nervous brother in his bed, glaring at me every day. I let out a small chuckle before following my grunkles in. I heard the conversation happen between them and the nurse. I turned over to see my brother sitting on the side of the bed, all healed up with only a few bandages. Hey, he now has an eye patch on his left eye. I do hope he doesn't become blind in that eye. It'll make everything worse. I walked over to him to give him a wave.
Dipper kind of waved back. I watched him look over to his gifts, appearing to be uncomfortable. ``Don't worry! I'll help you carry them to the car.`` I said.
``... I mean... why?`` He muttered.
``Why? It's because everyone cared about you. That's all you need to know.`` I said, smiling. He looked over to me and let out a sigh. ``Fine.`` I turned away and held back a cringe expression. I grabbed the cup of flowers before staring at their rotten petals—no wonder he looks so uncomfortable. I let out a sigh and facepalmed myself. ``Do you want to keep these flowers?`` I asked.
``Just the rose.`` He said. I blinked and noticed that the rose he mentioned wasn't rotten at all. I nodded and picked it up, flinching at its tiny thorns on the stem. I placed it down on the table before I went and threw all of the old flowers into the trash bin outside the room. I walked back in and over to him, staring at the little boxes and letters. ``Imma let you keep those.`` I said.
``I don't see the problem of keeping them. I think they're a waste.`` He said, looking away and over to our great-uncles. They're not a waste, Dipper! I sighed and picked them up and place them in my bag that I forgot I brought with me. Whoops. I grabbed the rose, flinching at the tiny thorns once again, but I notice a small note attached to it. I was curious to open it, but I don't want to ruin Dipper's gifts any longer. I turned and watched Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford approach us. Grunkle Stan was the first to speak. ``I'm... sorry.`` I watched my brother's expression go from a blank one to an irritated look. ``I shouldn't have made those decisions in the past, so please forgive me.`` Dipper shrugged, not caring in the slightest. I'm sure he will forgive you!
``Give it time, Grunkle Stan. I'm so glad you're coming home.`` Grunkle Ford said, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder before looking back to Dipper. My brother's expression turned from irritation to a gentle stare at our nerdy great-uncle. Hearing from the nurse that we're in the clear, Dipper slowly stood up, wobbling a bit before I came to help him. I smiled before we headed out. We left the hospital and walked over to the car. I placed my bag down on the floor, taking a look at the rose before giving it to Dipper, who slowly grabbed it out of my hands. He stared at it longer than I did before smiling faintly. I raised a brow before sitting in neatly and shutting the car door. I looked over at my brother as an evil grin appears on my lips. Is that a secret admirer? I was letting out a chuckle before turning away when my brother looked over. Who is that person? Must be a shy girl, no doubt about it! That's it; this is my goal as of today! I jumped from my phone ringing. I grabbed it and looked to see who is it. I blushed faintly before ending the call. Not now, Mermando! I texted him to call me later. I put my phone back in my pocket before staring at my brother, who had a confused look on his face. ``It's nothing!`` I chirped nervously. He slowly nodded before turning his head away from me. Well, that just ruined the mood. I guess he will now think of me as a creep or a weirdo.
We got home and Dipper was given a tour of the gift shop. Good job, Grunkle Stan! Maybe then, he might trust you soon enough. I left them be and head up the staircase. I entered the shared room and shut the door. I placed my bag down beside my bed and hopped on it as I took out my phone and opened it up.
[Hey, Wendy! I have something to ask.] - Me. Hope she isn't busy... I rested my arms on the sheets before getting a notification sound.
[What's up?] - Wendy. Oh, I guess I hit it at the perfect time!
[Did you know that Dipper was given a rose?] - Me. I'm sure she knows, we were all there when it was making gifts and etc. for him.
[... I did not know... Is it a red rose?] - Wendy. She seems confused... I think? I don't know if you can detect emotions in texts.
[Yes. Is- oh, wait. Does it means faith or some type of romance symbol?!] - Me. I should know this! It may be a sign that something good will happen soon; it should be it!
[It does! But I don't know who gave him that.]- Wendy. Dang, it may be more challenging than this.
[Well, this mystery of finding this secret admirer is going to be the death of me.] - Me. Literally.
[Don't worry, I'm sure it's not that hard... unless you include your school.] - Wendy.
[Don't make it worse than it's already is!] - Me. I let out a sigh and looked up to my brother, standing in the doorway, staring at me. I looked a bit nervous before shutting my phone off. ``I suppose it's nothing, right?`` He asked.
``Well... I'm trying to solve a mystery on my own without any help.`` I said, smiling at him.
``Good luck with that.`` He said before leaving the room. I grunted before opening my phone. Thought he'll be interested in it, I guess not.
[I apologize, but I have to go. Talk to you later!] - Wendy. I frowned before looking up at the ceiling. I wonder where I'm going to search first at... possibly school is the first place. Yeah, I should start there. I stared at the sheets for a second before remembering something. Oh right! I have to call back Mermando!
- Dipper's POV -
I stared at the ceiling, watching how dark it was. I looked over at the clock on the end table, noticing it read 6:25. I sat up and stared out of the window, watching the slight orange sky appear. I turned my head over to my sister, who was about to wake up. I narrowed my eyes before getting out of my bed and walking over to the dresser. I opened the drawer and pulled out some fresh clothes. ``Are you sure you're going to school today?`` I heard my sister ask. ``You can stay home if you want to.`` I turned to look at her over my shoulder. ``Why bother? It's boring here.`` I said.
``Aww, how harsh you have to be to this old shack.`` She said, wobbling out of her bed, walking over to me, and halting at my left side. I shook my head before turning back to my drawer. ``If that's what you want to do, then go for it.`` She said before placing a hand on my wrist. I stared at it before she removed it. ``I'll change in the bathroom.`` She said before getting her clothes and walking out of the room. I turned my gaze to the drawer before closing it. I gripped my clothes tightly before placing them on top of the dresser. I turned and exited the room, heading downstairs and into the living room's arch. I looked at Uncle Ford, who was waiting on the couch. He looked over to me and immediately got up. ``Are you going to school today?`` He asked as I froze. This sudden fear came slipping in, making me afraid of what will happen at that... hell hole. Soon my mind begins to race as I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. ``Are you alright, kiddo?`` I turned my head to see Uncle Stan with a worried look. ``I... I don't know... can I stay home?`` I said, panicking. ``Alright, but you must go tomorrow.`` I quickly looked back at Uncle Ford, nodding, and promptly running back upstairs to my room.
Time passed. All I did was sit on the seating area where the triangular window lies, reading a book. I barely moved from the spot, except to get up and fetch food or a snack. I stared at the page, getting less interested in the book itself; nevermind the fact that I reread it twice. I let out a sigh before flinching at the buzzing of my phone next to me. I stared down at it before picking it up and opening it. I tapped the message that my sister sent me and read what it said: [I'm out of school! Well, school released us. Also, our friends miss you just to let you know! :)] I shook my head and exited out of the conversation. Do I feel guilty that I left them? They'll see me tomorrow, and the day after, so it's no big deal. I shrugged it off before closing the book. I placed my phone in my pocket and stood up from the sitting range. I walked into the room and put the book on the end table. I then sat on my bed and laid down, staring at the ceiling.
I jumped once my phone buzzed multiple times. Why is she bothering me?! I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and opened it, only to realize it's somebody else calling, more so of a boss. Oh right, I forgot I had work... uh... I blankly stared at the call before accepting it slowly and putting it up to my ear. What do I say? ``Ah, Mr. Pines. You finally picked up after several attempted calls.`` I poked at the sheets of my bed, nodding slowly as if this person could see it. ``Can you come to Greasy's Diner today? I think you left something here.`` I blinked, not remembering what I left. ``... Sure, I'll come now.`` I answered blankly. ``Good! See you soon.`` The call ended as I stared at my phone. What does Mr. Waters want?
I got up and got ready. I walked over to my end table and put my white eye-patch on my left eye. Don't want anyone to see what's under there. I turned and exited the room, heading downstairs and over to the living room. I would see Uncle Stan sitting on the couch, watching his shows. I hesitated a bit before walking in. ``Uh... Uncle Stan?`` I said before getting his half attention. He stopped his show and turned to me with his full attention. ``Yes?``
I'm not quite sure if they called my job to say I was out for... a week... or.. two. ``Did either you or Uncle Ford call the job that I was out?`` I asked.
``Stanford did that, why? Did they call to ask you back?`` He asked. I nodded. ``I have to go there, although I'm quite confused on why they mentioned I left something at the place.``
``To be honest, you're not supposed to be in work until tomorrow.`` I heard Uncle Ford's voice behind me. I turned to him. ``But hearing them call you today, it must be busy.``
``They didn't say anything about me coming in, though.`` I said, staring at him.
``Oh, well-``
``I'll take him to his job.`` Uncle Stan volunteers. I turned to him, raising a brow. ``You sure you don't want to miss your shows? I think-``
``No, no, it's okay, Dipper. This is more important than my shows.`` He said, exiting the living room. ``Come on.`` I blankly stared at Uncle Ford before following Uncle Stan. He's changed like a fixed light bulb. Although it's best if you don't stick around me. I feel like I give off negative energy to everyone here. We left the shack and got into the car. We then drove off to Greasy's Diner.
``I suppose you're coming back?`` Uncle Stan asked, catching my attention. ``I think so, I should be.`` I answered. ``I just gotta figure out what they need or what I forgot here.``
``Alright, I'll be waiting in the parking lot!`` He said before I exited the car. I nodded to him before walking up to the diner. I tilted my head at the building, realizing how long it's been since I've seen it—nothing changed since then. I spotted the door and sped up my pace, soon entering the diner. I took a look around, noticing some familiar faces at the cashiers. As I was doing this, they saw me too, looking surprised. To be honest, it was slow as there were barely any customers here. I looked suspiciously as I approach the counter. ``Mason! Oh gosh, I thought something happened to you!`` I heard a squeaky voice to my left. I turned to see Phyllida racing over to me. ``We were all worried, dude!`` I turned to look at James. I thought they would forget about me at this point; I'm confused.
``What happened? You were gone for 2 weeks!`` Phyllida said, taking a seat on the toll. She patted the seat next to her for me to sit down. I guess I can sit down. I was hoping I would walk in and out in a snap. I took the seat and stared at my co-workers surrounding me. ``... I don't want to talk about it...`` I said.
``Something personal got in the way?`` Chris asked, leaning on the counter. I nodded. ``Yes, some personal issues got in the way, and I don't want to bring them up.``
``That's totally understandable! We're just glad you're okay, Mason,`` Phyllida said, which almost melted my heart. I held back a smile and kept my blank expression on. I shouldn't be acting like this; I shouldn't be smiling at all. ``What brings you here today?`` I looked back over to James, who was waiting for an answer.
``I've got a call from one of the bosses.`` I answered.
``Oh! I forgot. While you were out, Mason.`` Phyllida begins as I look over to her. ``Mr. Waters got promoted while Ms. Garter was... fired. So yeah, he's now a co-manager.``
``Yeah, I forgot about that. I wish Ms. Garter didn't, she was the sweetest co-manager that we could ever have, and now Mr. Waters took it away from us.`` James said.
``You're just saying that so you can date her.`` Chris said, elbowing him.
``I am not! I'm just throwing out facts!`` James said, glaring at Chris, who had a smug expression.
``I mean, she is cute, so you have to give it to her.`` Phyllida said, winking at James, who got all red. ``You guys aren't helping!`` James hissed. I wanted to laugh so badly, but it pains me to do so. Wouldn't they judge me? They wouldn't... maybe just a small smile is enough for this conversation. I managed to smile faintly before turning to my co-workers. Who were arguing if James had a crush on the old co-manager.
``What are you guys doing?!`` The booming voice said, making us jump from our seats. We looked over to Mr. Waters, who was standing in the staff archway. ``We're just relaxing!`` Chris said.
``No talking back, Mr. Johnson.`` He said before marching over to see me. ``Oh. You finally arrived.`` No Sh-thead, I've been here this entire time. I didn't notice that I had this rush of rage growing within me, almost as if my mood has been switched from cheerful to anger. ``Come with me, Mr. Pines.`` He said before walking back to the staff room. ``Good luck, Mason!`` Phyllida said. I nodded and got off of the seat. I entered through the staff area and following the faint trail of my co-manager.
What I didn't expect is to get fired. I thought Uncle Ford told them I was out. I blankly stared at Mr. Waters, realizing how stupid he was. ``Didn't Susan tell you that I was out?`` I said.
``Excuses... such as a teenager would make. I knew you wouldn't last this long. Always making mistakes along the lines.`` He said. ``Now, get your stuff and run out of here!`` I glared at him before turning and walking over to my locker. I put in the pin number and grab my bag before slamming it shut. ``Don't damage my locker!`` I heard him say. I turned and walked out from the lockers and over to the staff door, looking at him. He was glaring me down, waiting for me to leave. ``You could have left when I was getting my stuff.``
``I wouldn't leave-``
``And by the way, I'm an adult, not an f-cking teenager.`` I interrupted him, glaring him down before leaving the staff room. I didn't quite hear what he shouted as I was so pissed off. I walked into the staff area and out of the entrance. I looked over to the others, who looked at me in curiosity. I decided to walk over and tell them the news. ``WHAT?! HOW?!`` I jumped at Phyllida's shouts.
``Why would Susan hire that piece of trash?! He just got rid of a good guy!`` Chris said, outraged as ever.
``He must have been planning this idea for weeks, and when Susan finally wasn't at work, he made his move.`` James said, turning to me. ``I'm sorry, Mason.``
``Promise you'll come and visit us? Hang out with us for a change! Hey, even bring some cute boys as well~`` Phyllida said, winking at me. I blankly stared at her, keeping my rage in. ``Maybe. Let's just see if I'm not too f-cked in the head. See you guys later.`` I said before exiting the diner. I walked over and got in the car without saying anything, along with giving my uncle glares. He got the answer as we drove off. I leaned my head against the window glass. I hate this world.
- Mabel's POV -
I sat at the picnic table, staring down at the wooden planks. I looked over to my brother, who was drinking his drink quietly. I let out a sigh and looked around. Grunkle Ford wanted us out of the house today. I'm not quite sure why it had to be after Dipper got home from getting fired from his job. Maybe it's to cool him off? I sighed again and turned to my brother with a smile. He stared at me with a blank stare, turning away. I frowned and looked back at the wooden plank.
It's okay; we can sit in silence.
End of Chapter 28