We're Going In For a Ride
- Dipper's POV -
"I don't think our teachers need to remind us every single period that Thanksgiving week is coming up." I heard my sister say. Her voice was filled with annoyance to the brim. "Or the fact that I heard from the other students that their math teachers are giving them a math packet."
"Of course, they're doing that." I muttered.
"I hope I don't get one." Mabel said, putting on her grumpy look. I smiled slightly before looking ahead. We were walking through the hallway, making our way out of the school.
"Hmmm... there could be a chance your class may get it." I said.
"Chance' I don't want it to be a chance!" She said, raising her voice.
"Well, that's how life is." I said, getting slightly annoyed.
"... I don't need to be reminded, Dipper." She said. The slight aggression popping up in her voice made me look over to her.
"I know that." I said, narrowing my eyes. She turned to glare at me.
"Then why did you say it?" She asked.
"I was just saying! Jeez, I can't say things that won't make you trigger?" I snapped.
"Hey-"
"And don't you dare forget your damn promise. Remember you didn't want to revert back to your "Anti-self?" Remember that?" I hissed. That seems to shut her up. Soon all of that annoyance on her face disappear. She slowly frowned and looked away from me. There was silence where we stood. Only the voices of the other students charmed in every now and then. After a couple of minutes, my sister finally spoke. "Yeah. I remember. Thank you." She whispered before continuing to walk.
"Besides... you have me if your class ever gets the chance to have those math packets." I said, continuing on from the last conversation.
"That's right... I keep forgetting you're good at math. How do you do it?" Mabel asked, looking over at me with curious eyes.
"Well... I'm just naturally good at it. I can't really explain it. Once I see a math problem, it instantly clicks with me. And soon, I've already solved the problem." I answered.
"... So you've been good at math ever since, right?" She asked.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"I wish I had that talent." My sister said, huffing in disappointment.
"I don't think being good at math is called a talent." I said.
"It is! Anything that most people cannot do is called a talent!" She said.
"... Whatever you say then." I said, smiling softly. Soon we exited the school building, breathing in the fresh air that it was giving us. I scanned the environment, watching everything in place. As usual, students are either walking home or gathered around over something simple. I looked back at my sister, who stood there with her phone up to her ear. I tilted my head in curiosity before shaking the thought away. I don't need to be noisy. "... I.. I have a bad feeling that... something may have happened to Pacifica..." I heard Mabel begin to say.
I turned to look at her, watching her look down at her phone. "What makes you think that?"
"... She's... been ...- she hasn't been answering her phone." She said. "I had hints that she may be sick or... a teacher caught her but... as the days passed with no avail to my calls... something bad had happened to her."
"... You could be right..." I muttered. "However I don't want to jump to conclusions."
"... Yeah. I don't want that to be the case. Maybe her family punished her or something." She said, her lively self coming back. "Though I do want to see if she's okay."
"If that's the case, then let's drop our stuff back at the shack and head over." I said.
"Alright!" She said. We soon took off, although she seems to be a bit faster than before. Now I think about it, she appears to be slightly stressed at something. Did something happen yesterday? Should I ask her about it? Maybe just to be sure I'm wrong. "Were you okay yesterday when you had to walk... home..." I trailed off when she stopped walking. I halted my steps and stared at her shocked and frightened expression. Soon she drops it and smiled, although she seems to be nervous about the smile. "Yeah! I was! No trouble at all." I know you're lying, Mabel, and I'm sure you know that too. I looked worried before giving up. "Okay." I won't push her to do it, but... the worry is building up within me... I don't like these signs she's pulling off. I sighed before continuing the way back home.
We arrived as we greeted our grunkles and went upstairs. We put our stuff down and headed right out, telling our grunkles we'll be back later. Soon we were back on the dirt path and onto the concrete sidewalk. I mainly observed the environment, making sure anything wasn't off while Mabel was staring down at the sidewalk. I frowned and looked away from her. I know I can do something... I just... don't know how to do it.
We walked past a sign that was beside a pathway that leads into the jungle. I happen to stop and stare at it confused. Why would someone build this here? Or... the real question is... where did this pathway lead to? I jerked my head over at my sister's voice. "Oh! I should've called her to let her know we're coming over. I hope she answers this time around." She said before pulling out her phone. I sighed and looked at the sign before walking back to Mabel. When she was calling her friend, I heard a faint ringing sound. I looked alerted and looked around to locate the sound. I turned my head to the jungle, hearing the sound a bit closer. I widened my eyes before walking over to the noise. I heard my name being called however my focus wasn't on that. It was on this phone ringing...
I halted at the bush, crouching down and spotting a phone behind it. I reached and grabbed it, looking to see it...- Oh God. I widened my eyes at this discovery. Pacifica's phone is here. Why is it here?! I jerked up to my name being called once more, looking at my sister. She had a confused expression, wondering why I was crouched next to the jungle. I stood up and walked back over. I didn't want to jump to conclusions... I didn't want to...
"... Why do you have Pacifica's phone?" Mabel asked slowly.
"I... I found it behind a bush." I said, my voice shaking. Oh no... Mabel's facial expression turned into this panicked look, soon becoming sadness.
"...no... No, no, no!" She snatched the phone out of my hand and examined it. "No... No. This...- no... No." Her voice was shaken to the point of creating a sob. "Why?! Why her?! What did she do to get kidnapped?!"
I was speechless, I couldn't do anything at all. Nor figured... out...- wait. Didn't Pacifica mention that she had the feeling of someone was watching her? ... On that day... where I and my sister was having our little conversation... And she walked with Mabel to let her get some fresh air... she... she must have... gotten kidnapped at that time... Oh shit! the kidnapper is targeting us. Great... This is bad, very bad.
"...Dipper?" I looked back at my sister, looking at her sad expression. "What do we do?"
"... I... I don't know." I managed to say, my mind is all over the place. I can't even think straight.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" A country accent voice appeared into hearing range. I looked over, seeing the white-haired person walking over with a worried expression. I quickly drop my current act and looked back at Mabel. She didn't quite drop hers as he arrived. "... Oh... Um, I... I think we need some time." She answered. Although it seemed she was having trouble coming up with an excuse.
"Time for what?" Gideon asked. None of your fucking business.
"... I'm very upset that I've failed a quiz today that I missed the other day and... I don't know how to make it up." Mabel lied, appearing to be depressed and shaken. "I... I don't want to fail my math class."
"Oh. I'm sorry that happened. Maybe try and talk with your teacher?" Gideon asked.
"Yeah." I said, playing along with this fake situation.
"I could do that when I see her again, maybe if I have some time tomorrow after school." She said, sniffing quietly.
"I'm sure your teacher will understand your desperation. Anyway, how are you guys doing?" Gideon asked. I wanted to glare at him so badly, however, I don't want him to know of anything that we're doing. Because I know he will tell people and somehow the kidnapper will know.
"I'm doing well, we were just heading home after a walk around town." I lied, looking at him with a calm attitude.
"Yeah, after that thought about the quiz, it kind of ruined my mood and now I want to head back home." Mabel said, wiping away her tears. Thank God he came at the right time because I don't think Mabel can pull this off without feeling upset at her missing friend.
"Oh. That's unfortunate." Gideon frowned.
"Why is that?" Mabel asked, tilting her head.
"Because I was going to ask if you guys could help me with some decoration. I'm setting up a party tonight, and I don't know if the decoration fits perfectly for it." Gideon answered, although... it seemed like he didn't mean it. Then again I could be wrong either way. I pretended to think for a moment, looking back at my sister. She looks at me with a smile as her face lights up like a lightbulb. I sighed and gave in.
"We can help you." Mabel said, holding her hands together. "But its gotta be quick."
"Oh! It will be quick! Don't you worry, sweetheart." Gideon said before leading the way. 'Sweetheart.' You don't want to know how much I wanted to correct him so badly. I swear, I'm very overprotective of my sister...
We followed Gideon to where he was holding this "party" at. I carefully remembered the way back out to the familiar walk-ways, because at this current street, I didn't know it very well. Infact, it seems too creepy to visit again anyway. Soon we arrived and it almost seemed like a festival at first. However, there were only us and a few people here. Probably staff members or just people preparing the party. It seemed to be a dream goal come true for my sister. Soon after, I bump my elbow into her side, reminding her we weren't staying here for the party. And to be honest, I don't know how we're not talking while doing what we planned to do. Maybe it's an invisible ability to twins. Telepathy..? who knows at this point.
She nodded and pretended to act surprised, I think. "Wow! It's so pretty here!" She said. Gideon turned to us with a smile. However, it didn't feel real to me.
"I'm glad you think it is, however, I disagree." He said.
"What's the problem you don't like?" Mabel asked.
"Do you mind if I show her the issue, Mason?" He asked me. I suddenly got a bad feeling about this. I nodded slowly, looking back at my sister. She nodded, probably telling me she'll be alright. I sighed and looked away. "Do not worry, it won't be long. Come on, sweetheart." He said, leading her the way. Soon I was left alone at the entrance. And already my anxiety started to set in. Just relax, Dipper. I'm sure nothing can jump out to get you. When I repeated what the kidnapper is doing... Oh boy, I don't think I can stay here. I just gotta be patient. I stepped inside and took a look around. There were many tables with white cloaks covering them. They were decorated with beautiful flowers, each of them was different. I walked up to the first table, staring at the white-pink flower. So many of them in one pot. "Those are Petunias if you wanted to know that." I jerked my head over to the voice. A young lady who seemed to be a gardener with how her outfit is showing off. "Petunias?" I said quietly.
"Yep! However, don't give them to your loved one if you ever find one, it could cause a break up between you two." She said. I looked confused, wondering why she said that.
"Does each table have its own flower?" I asked.
"Mhm! This one is the Petunia table, the one behind this table is Chrysanthemums, specifically yellow chrysanthemums. Another is called white lily table and so on. I could go on however I don't want to waste your time." She answered.
"No no, it's okay. Thanks anyway." I said.
"Alright, take care now! You might need it." She said before walking away. I narrowed my eyes and looked confused. What do you mean I might need it? I grip my hand on the white sheets of the table, staring at it. I... I don't want to stay here to find out. I looked away and froze. I felt shivers going down my spine as I widened my eyes. I looked around, wondering where that figure was at. Probably in the darkness somewhere. However, whenever I try to do my own thing, the feeling of being watched keeps coming back. Great. Okay, we gotta go, Mabel. I can't stay here any longer. People are saying weird shit as if all of this was a lure. I took off and went to search for my sister.
I spotted her, however, she seemed to be visibly uncomfortable. I walked closer, to spot Gideon making "moves" on her. I was pissed. I rushed over just in time before he could corner her even more. "Okay, I think that's enough. You guys were done with the decoration right?" I said, reminding the asshole. He looked to be a bit shocked, before growing disappointed.
"Right, right. We were." He said. "However I seemed to get distracted by-"
"I get it. But you don't need to talk about how creepy you were doing it." I hissed. I grabbed my sister's hand, giving her a concerned look. She smiled at me nervously, probably thankful for my timing. "I think we'll be taking our leave." I said.
"Okay. Well, it was nice having you guys here!" He said with a fake smile. We didn't bother to say anything, soon we made our way out of the place and headed back home.
"... Thank you. I don't know how we manage to say nothing to communicate but you knew what I wanted." Mabel said.
"And you knew did too." I said, looking surprised.
"Yeah! WAIT. What if we do have powers?" She said.
"Well, if we do. Then this power is a bit unique to what you know who has." I said, snickering quietly.
"Yeah. We're better than him." She chuckled.
"Well, I wouldn't say that." I said. "We're all equals no matter what."
"Exactly." She nodded. "I'm so glad that bit is over. I hope that lie I pulled was good."
"It was. It was probably hard to tell since you were already upset." I said.
"Yeah... About that... What are we going to do?" She asked, frowning. I looked at her before turning my head away.
"Honestly, I don't know."
Another day went by, school's done, and already Mabel is in her depressed mood. I know she's sad about Pacifica's disappearance. And I know I can't do anything about it... However, I can always try and figure out how all of the pieces can be put to figure out something. But... this fear has my tongue and I don't know if I can continue. The fear of being watched by this kidnapper and knowing that they're targeting us is driving me insane. "Dipper!" I ran into a pole, hearing my stuff fall in front of me. Well... It was going to happen sooner or later.
"Were you even listening?" I heard my sister say.
"I'm sorry... the events of yesterday have my mind." I said, crouching down to pick up all of my sheets that slip out of my binder.
"Yesterday? Did I miss something?" Kahil asked.
"... Uh. Not really. Actually, I don't want to think about what happened yesterday." Mabel said. I picked up my binder and held it better. However, it was my fault for running into the pole in the first place.
"What made it that horrible that you didn't want to remember at all?" He asked, a cocky smile appearing on his face. I know he doesn't know what happened but that still triggered me regardless. And I'm glad I held myself back.
"... Well um-"
"Gideon was making moves on her." I said, answering for my sister.
"Okay, I understand now." He drops the smile as he grew disgusted. "Jeez, I've seen him do that lately."
"Really?" Mabel asked. "... What's his motivation?"
"To be a dirty asshole, that's what." I cursed.
"Language!" Mabel snapped at me.
"I'm sorry but that's what he is!" I said. "I swear I wanted to tell him off yesterday when he called you "sweetheart'."
"Oh yeah... I didn't like that much..." She said, growing uncomfortable.
"Maybe you deserve it." I heard Kahlil said. I snapped my head over at him to glare at him.
"... Did I?" Mabel asked.
"Really?" I hissed. Kahlil narrowed his eyes at me as if I'm doing a wrong move.
"Like I said, "maybe." He said, shrugging. However, he seems to be enjoying himself. I grumbled and push the door, leaving them. I walked over to the steps, hearing footsteps behind me. I looked over to see my sister. "Don't get mad! I know Kahlil... kinda... you know, doesn't trust me yet. I don't want you getting mad at him for that reason."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" I said, frowning.
"Let time do its own thing. Soon he'll come around." She said. I heard a snicker behind as I turned away from the sound. I...- I'm about to explode. I'm already dealing enough shit this week.
"So Kahlil, are you going to hang with us?" Mabel asked.
"... I don't really know. I almost don't want to." He answered.
"Oh, are you not feeling well?" She asked. I slowly turned around to see the conversation unfold.
"... It's not that." He said.
"Then what is it?" She asked.
"None of your business." He said, stone cold in his voice.
"Okay!" Mabel smiled. Which confused the hell out of him. I almost snicker from that reaction. "Though, I have a question to ask."
"... And what is that?" Kahil said, raising a brow.
"I'm curious to know. How long are you going to keep this up?" She asked. I widened my eyes, looking a bit surprised. I looked over at the blond who had the same reaction as mines. His expression soon turned into a dull look.
"Why are you asking this? Is my proper behavior isn't enough for you?" He asked. "Or is it because you're getting tired of it?"
"Answer the question, Kahlil." I said, almost snapping.
"But what if I don't want to?" He said, whining.
"Don't play fucking games with me, this is serious." I said, glaring at him.
"I know it is. That's why my behavior is serious too." He said, appearing to be proud of it. Oh God.
"Nevermind." Mabel said, turning away and walking down the steps.
"Looks like she can't-"
"Shut it." I snapped, glaring at him.
"Hey, it's not my fault that-"
"You acted like this before with Wendy. And I do not like this disgusting behavior." I said.
"... That is true... And I come to realize that behavior was wrong." He said. "However, are you really going to get mad at me due to how accordingly I act towards someone who tore down someone's mental health before and took as if it was his fault?" He asked.
... My mind went blank. Or... Am I just thoughtless? I look shocked, realizing the pieces. I hugged my binder closer to myself. "... I can't."
"Right-"
"However, I'm not mad at my sister for her mistakes." I said.
"... Are you sure she's telling the truth?" He asked.
"She is... Why do you think so? Don't you have the power to read minds?" I asked. "Can't you tell she isn't lying about this all? She really wants to change how she behaved before. And... how she's just giving off signs of some abusive relationship..." I trailed off.
"Abusive relationship?" He tilted his head. "This is getting more intense than I thought it would."
"Kahlil." I said sternly.
"Okay! Okay... She isn't lying at all, but... How do we know she's serious?" He asked.
"I know she is. I just gotta keep tabs on her." I said.
"Looking out for her?" He asked.
"... Yes, not in that way, just to make sure she corrects her errors." I said. "I really want this to become much better than before. I don't want a broken sibling relationship." My voice became an upset tone as I was growing more and more desperate. And probably, if I can't fix this situation, I might as well lose my mind. After a few minutes of silence, Kahlil sighed. "Alright. I'll believe you and your sister. I don't like agreeing with this, however... I don't like seeing you this way."
Even though your the one who made me upset in the first place. I glared at him.
"Don't turn the blame on me!" He said, glaring back at me.
"I won't. I'm turning it on someone else." I said, turning around.
"Like who? Gideon?" He asked. I stared at my sister who seemed to be a few feet away from the steps and with someone else. Although, that someone else is her boyfriend. He seemed to catch up on us. I walked down the steps, looking up at them as I'm being watched. I avoided his gaze, wanting none of this. I reached the bottom as I stepped out of the way.
"Hey!" I looked back at him as he made his way to me with bold steps. I saw my sister try to stop him, but it's too late. What the fuck do you want?
"Can you please keep away from her, you lousy freak?" He asked in a pissed off tone.
"... She's my sister, I can't just simply keep away from her." I answered. You're joking, right?
"I've seen people with siblings cut ties with their siblings. I'm sure you can too." He said.
"No. I'm not doing that. That would upset her deeply." I said.
"Mermando! Please!" I heard my sister's voice. I swear you need to get another boyfriend or something... This one isn't giving you a good time or life at that.
"So, if you kindly would just leave me be? I have no input of this." I asked kindly. Even if I did.
"Why should I? You've been pulling her away from me." He said.
"Excuse me? She's hanging out with her brother for fuck sakes! Why do you think that's a bad idea?" I asked, backing up as he was trying to inch closer to my face. I'm already riding with anxiety, don't worsen it even more.
"Hanging out" it's more of an agreement to get her away from me. You don't understand, do you? Do I need to tell you how you freaks do it? Or does that leads to more stupidity in your head? Talking about dating other guys for fun-" He was interrupted when Mabel tried to pull him away, although he ended up pushing her to the ground. After she was on the ground, deeply hurt and in pain by this, I ended up making a move. Which of course, lead to my stuff getting knocking down on the ground. I didn't even have time to make the move! Soon I was being yelled at, sending me back to the days where I would get shouted at for no reason.
I'm not quite sure if it was a flash or not, however, I watched it all happen. Kahlil shoved Mermando so hard that he fell and probably broke his guitar. It was on his back and he managed to land on it when he hit the ground. Mermando looked pissed and was about to get up to fight him however fear struck his face. Even within his moments. "I think that's enough for you." Kahlil said, his voice stone cold.
"W-who do you think you are?! Someone that can just b-boss anyone around?!" He shouted.
"I wish, so I can put your butt in place. However, I don't want to kill you to do that." He said, smiling in a twisted way.
"W... What?" Mermando looked terrified by now.
"Now, be a good boy, and don't make anyone your own thing. If I could possibly make this clear for your stupid brain. You. Don't. Own. ANYONE." He said, his voice darkens into a demonic tone. I... I... I don't know what to say. All I see is Mermando getting up so fast and running away, although he seems to slow down and turn grey. Actually now I think about it, everything was grey. As if time stopped itself.
Soon time began and anyone who was watching just walked away as if the scene never existed. I blinked in absolute confusion. What the hell just happened?
I watched Kahlil help Mabel up and ask if she was okay. I think... I think my world is frozen. My mind was racing to so many places that I can't even catch up. I can't even hear voices or the world. And soon the only thing I saw was darkness.
End of Chapter 45
hehe, I had fun writing this. I finally show off Kahlil's powers once again. That was satisfying.
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy that one.
Stay safe and have a good day / night!
See you in the next chapter(s)!