This is For Your Own Good.
- Warning: Slight Sensitive Imaginary-
Turn back now or skip
- It's basically in the first section of this chapter -
- Mabel's POV -
I sauntered to the shack, staring down at the ground. I was out with my friends. They could care less about my sorry ass. I let out a sigh before smacking myself on the cheeks. Snap out of it, Mabel! This isn't you! You gotta stay happy and positive and stable! And not cursing around the place. I let out another sigh, only this time it was a disappointed one. I swear, what am I going to do? First off, I must check on my brother, that is the most important step that I must do. Once I got to the shack; I entered, greeted my great-uncles, and bounced up the stairs. I don't know how, don't take it literally. Although, I did trip and fell down the stairs, so that's something. I shrugged. I'm fine! Nothing can ever stop the Great Mabel!
I walked over to the door and opened it. ``Hello, Dipper!`` I said, smiling before it twisted into shock. I widened my eyes slowly at the scene I have witnessed. I saw blood on his arm, dripping down to his sheets, staining them completely. I then saw the bloody sharp object, more so a blade in his other hand. I heard my brother say something, but I just turned and ran down the stairs in a panic. I rushed over to the living room where I greeted my great-uncles a second ago. ``Grunkle Stan! Dipper-``
``What is it, Pumpkin?`` He responded, looking at me with an alerted expression. Grunkle Ford jumped on the situation quicker than him. He rushed out of the living room and over to the staircase. ``Stanford?``
``It's the right thing! I-... I-`` I stuttered, my mind going nuts.
``It's alright! Calm down, Pumpkin.`` Grunkle Stan said, rubbing my back. ``What happened to him now?``
I nodded and calmed myself down a bit, watching Grunkle Ford come down the staircase in a panic. ``Stanley! Get a medkit!`` He shouted.
``Shit.`` Grunkle Stan cursed before walking around me and over to the bathroom. I watched Grunkle Ford return to where Dipper was. I hugged myself, leaning on the wall, and stared in anger at the floor. I heard shouts upstairs as I grew frightened. Dipper... let them treat you. Why... why would you cut yourself? Why would you do such a thing?! I panicked out of fear for your safety and you do this crap? Why? WHY?! I covered my face before calming myself once again. Calm down, Mabel. Take deep breaths, focus on your breathing before doing something. I breathe in and out until the panic in my body vanished. I squeeze my hands into fists, anger rising in me. I looked up at the staircase, slowly inching towards it.
I halted when I saw both of my grunkles storms down the staircase. They were grumbling to each other non-stop. I didn't bother as I approach the stairs and climbed up them slowly. I crept over to the door of our room, cracking the door open. There I saw my brother with a white sheet over his head as his back faces me. I forgot to mention something, Grunkle Stan had Dipper's bedsheets in his hands. I held myself from speaking out loud. I think I will make the situation worse; I don't know. But I want to say something... I'm sorry, Dipper.
I watched him slowly looked around before trailing his dead gaze towards me. ``This is your fault.`` He snapped.
``I'm sorry I panicked! But... there was no way I would keep this a secret.`` I said, my tone balancing in and out of anger. It sounds like I'm battling between being scared or mad at him.
``You wouldn't understand a thing.`` He hissed.
``If you would tell me, maybe then I'll understand.`` I said, raising my voice.
``Never.`` He retorted. I grew angry after that, but I kept my cool. I turned and left the room. I don't want to lash out at him; he doesn't deserve it. But... sometimes... don't do something that could damage my little heart. I walked down the staircase and over to the living room. However, something is off about Dipper. He doesn't behave like himself. Is he pretending to be someone's he's not? Or is it my brain trying to come up with assumptions to blame him?
``Alright! Slacker gave us a time today to meet in his office. It's 2:56 so we'll go in an hour.`` I heard Grunkle Stan say. I looked over and tilted my head in curiosity.
``Who's... Slacker?`` Grunkle Ford asked, staring at his brother.
``Dr. Wright. The man who we met when we were walking from getting the car fixed that time.`` Grunkle Stan answered, looking over to where I was.
``Oh. Him. Good plan, I'd thought I never had you around to help me.`` Grunkle Ford said before following his brother's gaze. I wanted to know what they were talking about.
``Sweetie, we're taking your brother to the doctor's office.`` Grunkle Stan said first.
``Doctor's office...?`` I said, not putting it together in my head still. We treated him so... why take him?
``I had my suspicion for the boy earlier, but then the hospital never mentioned it. I never ruminated about it, but it bothered me now and then. And what happened today, we need to get this done instead of ignoring it.`` Grunkle Ford said. ``As if the hospital itself is not doing a good job at motoring the patient's health. But I can't say for myself.``
``That's alright, Stanford. We can't know for sure, but knowing this. We will find what's wrong with my nephew.`` Grunkle Stan said, placing a hand on his shoulder. His brother nodded and turned back to me.
``Oh... I think that's a good idea. I didn't know hospitals can do that.`` I said.
``Yeah. So take a chill pill and be ready in 30 minutes.`` Grunkle Stan said, smiling at me. I smiled back and nodded. I turned and walked over to the staircase, climbing up it and into the room quietly. I observed my brother, seeing that he's under the white sheet that my grunkles gave him. I nodded and walked over to my bed and sat on it. I lay back down and stared at the ceiling. I slowly closed my eyes and relaxed a bit.
``If you're-``
``Don't assume, brother, just rest.`` I interrupted him, not opening my eyes to look at him. I don't want to deal with it until we are there. I can let save my grunkles explain what will happen in the next hour. For now, I want to enjoy the silence for a while. I might need it until then.
The car ride was quiet as ever. I didn't want to strike up a conversation with anyone. I didn't want to ... be myself at the moment. But... I need to remember to be happy and positive. However... positivity feelings can't just pop out of nowhere, they have to come from somewhere. That's why... I need other people's energy to help me out here. And everyone here is feeling a dead tone that I refuse to enter again. Maybe, after this trip and the test... I'll open up with a new goal for him or me...
The car parked in the parking lot, where there was just us and this other car. Probably the Doctor's car. My grunkles take turns muttering to each other before getting out of the car. I opened the car door and stepped out, only for Grunkle Ford to stop me. I was told to stay put in the car. I nodded and hopped back in as I watched my brother step out. I frowned as Grunkle Ford shut my car door. I leaned back and watched them walked together, over to the building. We weren't back at the hospital, instead, more so in this doctor's own place. I don't know how it works. But I hope it goes well.
I jerked when my phone buzzed. I grabbed it and stared at the phone call coming from my boyfriend. I pressed 'accept' and held the phone up to my ear. ``Hello.`` I chirped, putting on my fake smile.
``How are you doing? Anything planned? I hope not.`` I heard Mermando say, putting weight on my heart. "I hope not." I hope not either, but I wish I had free time today...
``I believe I am not free today.`` I said. ``Something came up.``
``That's disappointing, I was hoping you could come by and cheer me on with my music runs.`` He said.
``... I didn't know you were starting back up today! I apologize.`` I chuckled nervously.
``Yeah... sorry if I didn't tell you before.`` He quietly said. ``Anyway, what came up that's more important than this?``
``I'm... at the doctor's office with my family. My great-uncles are getting my brother checked. We believe there's something wrong with him.`` I answered. "important than this." It is important! I... I don't know... Now I think about it, I'm torn between two people... So... I do not understand who's important to me.
``Did he start trouble again?`` He asked. I could hear the stern tone he had. He has this tone whenever something bad happens to me.
``... I wouldn't say it's trouble... but it is, so. Half an' half?`` I said nervously.
``I swear, I didn't like your brother ever since we've first met. And I don't like whatever he's pulling.`` He said. He just... he just got back from the hospital not too long ago and I think people with sort of "suicide" thoughts have trouble keeping up with life itself. So, I know this isn't fake coming from my brother.
``... Yeah... but maybe after this doctor visit, we might figure out what's wrong with him and fix it!`` I chirped, trying to sound happy. Even though it's slipping.
``Alright.`` I heard his bitter voice. I shivered and trailed my eyes down on the car's floor. I kept talking with him, discussing topics that happened before in the past and into the future of what will happen to us. Soon an hour past and I saw my grunkles come out with my brother. I said goodbye to Mermando as we ended the call. I place my phone in my pocket and flinched when the car's doors opened. I stared at my brother, who entered and leaned back with an annoyed expression. I looked over at my grunkles, muttering to each other once again.
I guess I will hear the end of it when we get home. I turned my head back to Dipper, who was giving me a death glare. ``... I hope it didn't trouble you.`` I whispered.
``Sure... whatever.`` He sneered before turning away to look out the window. I frowned and looked away. I leaned against the window and closed my eyes. I felt the vibrations of the car move, soon, coming to a stop. I slowly opened my eyes and noticed we were back at the shack. I love how closing your eyes can make you feel like you teleported or something. I exited the car and waited for my family to climb out of it. I shut the door and soon was walking with them. I stared down at the ground, squeezing my hands into fists again.
In my heart and soul, when I hear the news, I want to make him happy again. Like I promised last time.
- Dipper's POV -
``Dipper! Grunkle Ford wants you downstairs.`` I heard my sister's voice. Can't she go somewhere else? The selfish brat she is? I opened my eyes and stared at the wall before sitting up. I looked over at my sister, seeing her smile nervously. The blank expression remains on my face. ``Alright. I'll come down there in a second.`` I said. Although my voice sounded like it been through hell and back. And according to my sister's reaction, she quickly exits the room. So I'm scaring my sister now? I turned away and looked at the morning skies outside of the triangle window. I stood up from the bed and walked over to the door, stretching my legs.
I walked down the staircase, letting out a yawn afterward before glaring at the living room. I stumbled over and stood in the archway. I noticed Uncle Ford sitting on the couch with the prescription on the end table. Yay, medicine... I don't like this, I never knew the world can be this f-cking cruel. I guess that is what I get for cutting myself.
I watched him notice me in the archway before standing to his feet. ``I know you may not like this, but you heard what Dr. Wright said.`` Uncle Ford begins.
``I remember what he said.`` I said, waving my hand in the air to push it aside.
``Starting this morning, you will take your antidepressant. I'm sorry, but I knew there was something...``
``Off about me?`` I finished for him. I watched him nod before I glared at him.
``It will help you, Dipper.`` He said, not easing this situation.
``Trust your Grunkle, Dipper!`` I heard Uncle Stan said. ... Grunkle? What kind of nickname is that? I grumbled before finally giving in.
``Fine. I'll take the stupid medicine.`` I said. It's not like I had a choice to take it, anyway! These people force it on me for no reason! I walked over to the couch and sat down before watching my nerdy uncle pour out one tablet in his hand. He stared at me before I held hand out for him to put it there. He then stood there and make sure I would swallow it. At least there was a glass of water on the table. I let out a sigh. It's not that hard. I put it in my mouth before grabbing the glass of water and drinking. I swallow before feeling weird. I shook my head before placing the glass back on the table.
``And.. wait for it to take effect?`` I grunted.
``Yes. Don't take it offensively, It was for your own good.`` Uncle Ford said. I rolled my eyes before getting up and walking back to my room. I stumbled in and sat on my bed. I lay back down and stared at the wall for a moment.
``You're just going to go back to sleep?`` I heard my sister say.
``What else is there to do anyway?`` I answered back.
``... You could read your books you brought.`` She said.
``I don't feel like it. All I feel is going back to sleep after someone rudely interrupted me.`` I grunted.
``... Sorry. I'll leave you be then.`` She said before I closed my eyes.
I slowly opened my eyes before blinking them wide. I slowly sat up and stretched out my limbs. I noticed the bright light shining where I lay. I looked up at the window before turning to my sister's bed. ``...?`` I got up and walked over to the dresser. The door was shut, so it was safe for me to get changed. After I finished, I exited my room and headed downstairs. I cleaned myself in the bathroom before leaving and walking over to the kitchen. I don't feel hungry so, that's good I guess? I shrugged before looking over at the living room archway. I poke my head in before noticing my sister on the couch. ``Good, whatever it is now.`` I said. I watched her flinched before turning to me. She smiled before jumping off of the couch and over to me.
``Good afternoon! Did you sleep well?`` She asked.
``I guess.`` I shrugged.
``Well, since it's ten minutes after 2, Wanna go out?`` She asked.
``... It's been that long since I've slept?`` I looked a bit confused.
``Well, I could have woken you up, but I wanted you to get that sleep in case you didn't get any last night.`` She smiled. ``So, what is your answer for going out?``
``... Okay. Let me just get ready.`` I said before turning and walking up the staircase. A brief walk in the breeze won't hurt. I walked into my room and grabbed my white eye patch. I placed it on my left eye before putting on my shoes. After I finished, I walked downstairs and walked with my sister. ``Maybe this time I can take you to the park.`` She said.
``... Alright.`` I slowly said. Why do I feel like this is a dream? Everything feels like it was normal before. Like nothing ever happened, even though it did. I blinked in confusion before watching my cheerful sister. Is this really a dream? We arrived at the park as there were other people gathered there. I recognized them as my friends, as I felt more confusion coming into my brain. What's going on? ``I gave you a big surprise! It's been a while since you've seen your friends. `` Mabel said.
``Oh. That's great.`` I smiled faintly. That makes much more sense than what I thought before. It has been a while since then.
``Hey guys!`` The red-haired girl said, walking over to us. ``Dipper!`` She looks so eager to see me.
``Dipper?! You came!`` Another voice said, which turn out to be a blonde girl. Pa... Pacifica right? I'm not quite sure why I'm forgetting her name. She was smiling with joy as I got nervous.
``That's great!`` I heard Wendy say. ``Glad you could make it here, guys!`` She added on before leading us to the others.
``It's cute when they missed you.`` My sister whispered to me.
``... What is that supposed to mean?`` I whispered back to her. I watch her giggle before giving her a glare.
`` You'll see~`` She chirped before turning to the others. I don't know what she was on about.
`` Oh, he's here.`` I heard an unfamiliar voice. I looked over at the figure who said that which was giving me deja vu. I looked away and decided not to question it.
``That's the primary goal of it, Mermando.`` Wendy said. ... That name does ring a bell. Did I meet him before? I should have, I don't know why I'm forgetting people's names! Stupid brain. ``Let's go!`` We all head into the park, which has some activities going on. Races, pumpkin tag, whatever that is... So far it seems you wear a pumpkin head and tag people in it so they wear the pumpkin head. Seems like a silly game. The other activities were a mini diner in the park's corner while the other side seems to have chairs around a campfire. I'll assume that for when night time comes around. We ended up heading over to the diner where everyone got in the round table seat.
I sat down before I felt a very familiar aura next to me. ``Of course, you sit next to him, Kahlil.`` I pivoted to face him, who was rolling his eyes at Lee. I averted my gaze away, feeling all weird. I don't know why I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach, maybe I'm feeling a bit of nausea.
``Hey! There always next time.`` Mabel said to him.
``Oh, I know.`` Lee said, looking a bit grumpy about the situation.
``I don't know why sitting next to him is important to him.`` Mermando said. I think that was him since I don't quite remember him. Maybe I shouldn't do it.
``He's my friend.`` Lee said.
``And he's Kahlil's too.`` Wendy said, smiling at the kid.
``As Mabel said, there's always next time.`` I heard Kahlil say.
``You're right.`` Lee said, shaking off the attitude and returning back to being cheerful. The table talked on its own, with each person taking turns. I answer bits here and there later on, but I didn't really feel like talking much. More so glued to the silence that is being generated by my friend next to me. He was oddly quiet this entire time. ``...Are you okay, Kahlil?`` I whispered. He jerked his head to me, surprised at my question.
``Yeah, I am.`` He whispered back. ``How you've been doing?``
``Good, I guess. I feel a bit weird.`` I whispered.
``How weird?`` He asked.
``Nausea but not having the feeling to vomit?`` I said, looking confused as hell.
``... Uh...`` He slowly looked away from me, confused as well.
``You have the feeling to throw up, but not?`` I heard my sister say. I looked over to her and nodded.
``... What kind of condition is that?`` Mermando asked.
``Don't worry. I believe it's a normal side effect.`` Mabel said.
``... Side effect?`` I stared at her.
``You don't remember taking those pills this morning?!`` She said, staring back at me.
``OH. That's right... Sorry!`` I said, smiling nervously.
``... He's taking pills?`` Kahlil said.
``...uh... Yeah! ... Uh... Yeah, he is.`` Mabel stuttered. I looked at her, worried about her.
``... Well, if he's fine then it's fine.`` Wendy said. ``Although it is quite confusing why your on medication, Dipper.``
``... He got diagnosed with depression yesterday and he's on antidepressants.`` My sister quickly said. I closed my eyes, resting a bit, and questioning why I couldn't remember anything about yesterday. All I could hear was silence. I opened my eyes and looked at everyone's surprised expressions. ``Anyway, what would everyone like to have?`` My sister asked. Everyone got their orders and ate quietly, although a conversation did start up with it being school. I stared down at the tray, eyeing the untouched meal. ``Is there something wrong with it?`` I heard Kahlil say. I jerked over to him before shaking my head.
``Not really. Just... not feeling hungry.`` I said, sitting up straight. Is this still a dream? What happens if I don't eat? I can't die in a dream anyway.
``...When was the last time you ate then?`` He asked.
``... I don't know. Probably yesterday.`` I answered. I looked over to him as he gave me this glare. ``... I guess it's a bad thing.``
``It is! Starving yourself is bad!`` He said, which got the whole table's attention.
``I wasn't starving myself. I just don't feel hungry.`` I said, moving away from him. You know what, let me try to eat anyway. I managed to take a bite before forcing myself to eat the rest of the salad. The table went back to normal before we were all done. We ended up going to some activities to have fun at. I guess almost all of us enjoyed it but something still lingers on me. Why was my friend avoiding me? I did try to get him to hang out with the others, but he just won't do so. Not even talk to me whenever I ask if there's something wrong.
I frowned before looking back up at the shack door. It is now a quarter to 7, where the sun is setting. It was a nice day out. I guess... I turned to my sister who was smiling before walking up to me.
``I want to put down a rule first.`` She said.
``And that is?`` I tilted my head.
``I don't want you going into that jungle.`` She said which I started to glare at her.
Why?
End of Chapter 30