Tiny Problems.
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-[Recap]-
``I feel... a heavy weight on me, a pressure of responsibility. I feel like everyone is wary of me, always... aggressive every time I take a step... except for one... but she's too blind to see the truth.`` I said, staring at the wet sidewalk once more.
``Time will go on, you'll soon make friends with them, and soon they'll get used to you being there. I'm sure you'll get out of that range.`` He said. I slowly nodded, feeling a little better, at least.
``Thank you.`` I said, looking up at him. He smiles, ``You're welcome.``
- Dipper's POV -
Something about yesterday just clicked like a lightning bolt. Telling someone else my problems may be me being a bother, but it made me feel relief. I always told my nerdy uncle about my issues, but... he's busier and we drifted apart. He's been trying to figure out the phenomenon of this jungle lately. While he was doing that, I have no one to talk to, not even that greedy uncle who could listen. He thinks that if you let your problems out, you'll just be a weakling. That really hurt me, but... I don't want to turn up weak as hell, I want to be strong like the rest of my family members.
Back to the topic, does opening myself up help my relationships? It seemed like it when we both enter the jungle again. Of course, as a "coward," I wanted to go and hang out somewhere safe since I was still afraid of what happened that night. Kahlil wasn't taking "no" for an answer. I had no choice but to follow him into the jungle. I could have rejected his offer... I wonder why I didn't think of that yesterday, maybe I was still upset all of that. His actions made me wonder if he worries about my mental state. He knew I was upset by the way I was acting, probably he was trying to cheer me up. It makes sense of why he rejected my "no." He just wanted to make me feel better, and that's precisely what he did. He showed me parts of the jungle that were very interesting to see, and I enjoyed all of them!
Let me tell you! There was this part of the tropical forest where everything was strangely covered in crystals. There were tall trees that surrounded this vast area, oddly enough, the mirror-like surface would appear on the tree's trunks, reflecting sunlight onto the massive crystal in the center. Kahlil mentioned that this place was close to an oddly shaped hill that looked like a ufo crashed there. I instantly click my attention when he said that, asking him about it. He told me not to worry about it, he soon distracts me off of the topic onto the crystals below us.
By the way, we were way above the area, where the giant crystal was still in our sight.
My friend told me to never go into the light, the crystals possess the magic of shrinking and enlarging powers. An example flew by- a butterfly from above our heads and down into one of the blue lights. It sank into a matter that I couldn't see, I was lost on where it went. When I saw the butterfly fly into view again, but only more massive than it originally was. I noticed it appeared while passing through the red lights. I was surprised at the discovery, wanting to know more. Kahlil was happy to show a few each day, as traveling to them at this pace will take a while. Yeah... I agreed on that part, not much of a climber, not much of a walker or runner. Especially when I slipped several times getting here.
It was turning evening as it was time to head back. I told Kahlil to take me back to the shack since... I still don't know my way through this jungle. He did so, guiding me through some unknown branches and possibly territory of a creature's. We came across these tiny men, greeting us as we walked by. I stopped and waved back at them, smiling. I turned back and caught up with my friend. I didn't realize there were tiny men in this tropical forest, it's so weird and strange. I decided to ask my friend this since I was so curious about them.
He told me, ``Those tiny folks? Well, you see, they are apart of a tribe that they formed. They are not the only tribe in this jungle, though. There are a total of four different tribes, each having their own beliefs, but they do not like each other when in contact. The ones we just came by were the nice ones, willing to help any creatures who pass by. The other two are the same, they respect other creatures, but not themselves.``
I nodded, tilting my head. ``That's... confusing, but interesting to say the least. What about the fourth one?`` I asked.
``Well... the fourth one isn't much of a friend or ally. They tend to be aggressive when creatures enter their territory. So, let's avoid them. I'd rather not deal with angry tiny people today.`` He said, sounding irritated as hell. He continued the way as I followed behind with my thoughts. I wonder why they dislike each other, is it because they don't like their treats or beliefs? Or is it because they want war? Also, if that fourth tribe hates other living beings in their territory, how can it hurt them? With their little hands? All of this makes no sense, magic makes no logical sense at all.
We arrived as I looked tired, not my fault that I was walking all over the place. My legs are also starting to hurt. ``I won't be here tomorrow due to family issues.`` Kahlil said, catching my attention.
``That's fine; we can continue another time... besides...`` I trail off, looking away from him before looking back at him. ``I have my first day off on Thursday.`` I finished my sentence.
``That's nice!`` He said.
``Yeah... and, I was wondering if... we don't finish the traveling the day after tomorrow, we could start earlier in the day on my day off.`` I said, acting a bit nervous. I don't think asking for his time would be good.
``Alright, that sounds good, if my problem at home won't take up two days. If it does, then we can begin on your day off.`` He said.
I looked a bit surprised, staring at him. ``You don't mind?`` I asked.
``Yeah, I don't mind taking another living being with me in this jungle. I enjoy walking through its atmosphere.`` He said, turning away.
``Okay. Well, see you, then.`` I said before turning away and following the small path that leads out of the jungle, I also heard my friend said goodbye behind me.
I was greeted by my nerdy uncle once I arrived at the shack. We told each other how our day was and other daily conversations. He also stared at my wet clothes and hair, telling me to take a shower. Oh, right... I guess I forgot it was raining while I was out. Oh well, I will take a complete shower this time instead of a half one. I took a shower, doing my business, and any other things I needed to get done. I stepped out of the bathroom in my galaxy pjs, drying my hair off with a towel. ``Dipper!`` I turned over to the hallway, tilting my head. What does he want? I thought before walking over.
I stopped, seeing my greedy uncle standing in the arch of the living room, looking at me. ``Yes?`` I said.
``Was the job hard?`` He asked. I looked shocked. ``No, it wasn't.`` I said. ``My day at work wasn't hard.`` Besides all of the drama that happened today.
``It'll get tough working at a job, boy.`` He turns and walks back into the living room.
``Not like I know that already.`` I whisper to myself. I sighed as I turned and climbed up the staircase and into my room. I threw the towel into my laundry basket, sitting on my bed once I was done. I let out a sigh of relief as I was getting under the covers of my bed. My life is running good so far, I wonder what challenges are up ahead for me. I thought before I drifted off to sleep.
In the late afternoon, after a day had passed, I was still getting shove and push around by Chris and James. I wished they could stop, but... I recalled my decision making two days ago, calling them a "three-year-old", etc. I regret my word choice two days ago, I made them mad and they came after me because of it. I did deserve it, maybe I should apologize. I don't know, will they accept it? I stood in front of the register, looking over at my two older co-workers. I should, after my shift ends, I will.
I lifted my head up to the sound of the doorbell, I look over to four customers, one of them was Wendy as I flustered, avoiding my eyes to look at her. The other three were unfamiliar to me. As they approached, their conversation became clearer. I prepared myself for their greeting, breathing in and out. I stood up straight and pushed my emotions back, I can deal with them later.
I saw Wendy turn to me, smiling. ``Hey, Dipper.``
I turned slightly a bit red, but I ignored it. ``Hello. Welcome to Greasy's Diner, what would you guys like to order?`` I said, waiting patiently for their orders.
The slight black girl with dark hot pink hair grunted at my response, staring straight at her phone. Rude, I can tell you that much. The white guy with brown hair looked to be a bit tired of telling jokes to his friends. I think he should rest upon that, but that's not my concern right now. Last, another white guy whose hair is black with an edgy appearance. He was standing right beside Wendy as he glanced at me in disgust. It's okay, I won't bite you.
The four gave their orders as I calculated the total cost. As soon as I was finished, I turned and gave the cook the order. I turned and walked over to the fountain drinks, remembering what each person wanted. ``Hey Mason, it's your girlfriend.`` I looked over to see Chris's smug look behind me, standing with an empty tray in his hands. I sighed and continued my task. I wouldn't really want to give them the apologize that I had planned for them, but... it's worth it instead of getting attacked from multiple sides.
I put the drinks on a drink holder as I carried them out and to the talkative table. I let them take their drinks out before taking it and coming back. The food is all on our waitress unless she's getting distracted with another man. I went back to my position in front of the register, looking around. I saw Phyllida carry the ready food to the talkative table. I took back what I said, she actually did her job. I can't believe she did it, I do notice that she's been busy today, making sure the whole diner was cleaned.
``Oh. Does our little co-worker has a crush on our waitress?`` I heard Chris's voice again. I sighed in annoyance. These people won't leave me alone, right? I can't wait until the day ends so that I can go home. By the way, Uncle Ford is coming to pick me up when my shift ends. I looked over to my co-workers, giving them a tired look. ``Not really.`` I responded.
``Those eyes don't lie, Mason.`` Chris said, glaring down at me.
``And jumping to assumptions is a wrong way to go.`` My voice was calm and chill, mostly I was tired of this drama. ``But even if I say my truth card, you wouldn't believe me.``
He looked over at the clock on the wall; it was nearing 5:00 PM, just 3 minutes before my shift is up. Some time had passed between the five of us, including Gregg, who is our cook. I looked away and over to the old talkative table, the four weren't there as they left 2 hours ago. I stretched out my limbs before looking back over to Chris once more. ``That is true, but still.`` He looks back at me.
``Also, I have something to say to you.`` I said, ignoring his response. I stood up straight and prepared myself if he got anything else to say to try and break my mental wall. ``What is it?`` He still looked a bit wary at me.
``I apologize for what I said two days ago, calling you and your friend "three-years-old." It was wrong of me, and I noticed my mistake in the path.`` I said, keeping eye contact still, even if I wanted to look down and feel ashamed of myself.
``You actually felt regret for saying that phrase? Ha.`` Chris chuckled. I waited for him to accept it so that I can go home. ``Fine, teenager, I'll accept your apologies. But don't take anything for acceptance from me ever again.`` He turns and walks away. At least he's not storming off, I believe I am making progress.
It was a minute after 5 o'clock, I was removing my work cloth, placing it in my bag in the locker room. I zip it up and pack everything before checking myself out. I head out as Phyllida said goodbye to me, I waved at her before stepping out of the diner. I said that I wasn't going to get along with her, fate decided to go opposite of that choice. I sighed as I looked up to the familiar car, where my uncle was waiting for me beside the sidewalk. I hurried over and opened the car's front door, climbing in.
``How's your day?``Uncle Ford said as we walked inside the Mystery Shack, seeing the gift shop had already closed.
``It was good, I am a bit tired.`` I said, yawning.
``That's good.`` He said before announcing that we were home. I hear Uncle Stan grunt in the living room. ``Welcome back, oh dear family.`` He said, sarcastically, I believe.
I chuckled silently. What happened to being enemies forever? I don't care if it's sarcastic, at least you show you care. Uncle Ford and I departed as I left for the staircase before I stopped myself. Sh*t, I forgot! Not the apology, the show for... the...- Oh! Old Great Gleeful show! I turned around, seeing Uncle Ford heading to the basement. ``Uncle Ford!`` I called out, rushing over to him.
He paused and turned over to me. ``Need something, kid?``
``No, but I need to tell you.`` I said. I caught my breath before I spoke the whole thing. ``Do you know about the Old Great Gleeful show?`` I asked.
``I've heard of it, why?`` He said, crossing his arms.
``Well... I want to go there tomorrow, just to see what it is all about.`` I said, acting all awkward and nervous.
``I didn't realize you're into that kind of stuff. Sure, I could get Stanley to come with us.`` Uncle Ford said before his brother interrupted him.
``To where?`` I turned to see Uncle Stan standing in the arch of the living room.
``The Old Great Gleeful Show!`` I said, sounding excited like a little kid again.
``Oh, that show.`` Uncle Stan seemed like he was disgusted at the name.
``It's has been a while since we went, Stanley, we could go for his sake.`` Uncle Ford said. I couldn't stand still. I had to fidget my fingers or my feet to keep my excitement up. I stared at Uncle Stan, waiting for his response patiently. He looks at me, sighing in annoyance. ``Fine. We can go tomorrow. I really hate going to that teenager's show...`` I heard his voice trail off as he mumbled the rest. I smiled, happy that he accepted.
``Well, that does it. I'll go check what time we need to be there.`` I turned to Uncle Ford and nodded. ``You go rest, Dipper, you had a long day today.`` He added before I nodded and left for the staircase.
As I entered my room, I was screaming inside, happy that I was going to the show. It's better than sitting in this room, making me feel unhealthy about myself. Now, now, Dipper, let's rest before I get bags under my eyes from staying up all night long. I did my business and everything before I headed to bed. I laid in it, curling under the blankets with a smile.
``It's a bit odd they wear... paint marks on their bodies.`` I said, walking on the tree's massive branches in the afternoon jungle with my friend, Kahlil. It was the next day.
``That's how they are. They are also a bit annoying with their... "man" stuff.`` Kahlil said, getting a bit irritated for a second before bouncing to a regular mood. I cover my mouth before letting a snicker slip through. ``I wouldn't want to go through that process.``
``Never go through it. Unless you want to be strong-willed.`` He jumped on a higher branch.
``Well... I can't lie about that.`` I shrugged before taking his hand as he help me up on the branch.
``That you're not strong-willed?`` He asked
``No, no, I am strong-willed, it's... just that... it's weakened.`` I said, looking to be a bit embarrassed.
`` "weakened" We'll see what that confidence can do.`` He speeds up his pace on the branch, leaving me with my careful steps.
``How can you even walk fast on these branches? Aren't you afraid?`` I asked, looking down at the never-ending void below me, filled with only trees vines and large branches to see.
``You gotta know you can trust nature. Gotta, let yourself be free.`` He said, a bit loud since he was on the other side of the branch.
``...That will take me a while.`` I said, getting closer to where he stood. ``So.`` I stopped beside him once I reached the safe zone. He looked at me, waiting for what I was going to say. ``Where are we going after... what we just interacted with?``
``Hmmm... probably just to relax, for now, we can make our way up to the bridge branch from here.`` He said. ``Don't really have the mood to show you the rest today.``
``Understandable.`` I said before we continue our walk. We climbed trees, which was a massive disagreement with me, I am terrible at climbing! He decided I needed to get used to these travels instead of taking the long route. I agreed with a grunt. We came across paths that were cool, some beautiful to see, and some not so beautiful to see. Now we walked on a slightly more giant branch, which means we were nearing the Branch Bridge I believe.
I walked on the branch in silence, being careful as it was. Of course, I was slow, and Kahlil was fast, I wasn't ready to let my confidence show. I slowly looked up as my friend was ahead of me, he turns around and sighs. He walked back over to me as I halted, avoiding to look at him. ``You're so slow.`` He said.
``I know I am! I know Kahlil. I'm not used to these woods like you are.`` I said. He sighed, nodding his head. ``I'm just impatient today, sorry.``
``It's alright.`` I said. It sometimes is like that, but... practice makes perfect, and being slow at it will help me learn the ways to, showing my confidence more. I think. I don't know. I heard something behind me as I turned to look. I looked at the leaves of the jungle trees, noticing how they were shaking. I looked around us, all of them were shaking. ``...`` Kahlil saw it too as he gets defensive.
``Well, well, well. Look what we have here, two humans who stepped into our territory.`` I heard a squealing voice above my head. I looked over in the direction of the sound, noticing a tiny person on one of the smaller branches. I felt my friend grab my wrist as I know we entered something terrible.
``You know what they say about intruders!`` The tiny person jumps off and onto the other branch across from our large branch. ``But... it's not the first time I've seen you yellow head.``
Kahlil huffed as I looked over at him. He's been here, then... should we leave already? If it's dangerous, shouldn't we go?
``But... your friend over there. I have never seen him before.`` It said as it sat down on the branches. I then started to hear grunting noises from all around us, I began to panic as I looked around, seeing more of those tiny people rise from the jungle leaves. We should've left when we had the chance.
``Let me introduce myself. I am Taraka, leader of the pink tribe! We are thieving folks who steal from other creatures and take down what they have planned. But when you step into our territory, we rage war on you.`` Taraka said, making me squeal quietly. Their just tiny people Dipper! Nothing to be afraid of! They can't hurt you. I watch the small people crawl onto the giant branch, which we were on. They had short spears that probably couldn't cut through skin, that's a relief.
``We had to get through your "territory" to the Branch Bridge.`` Kahlil begans to say. ``Would you let us continue our way there?`` He asked.
I looked at the two glaring at each other. Taraka grunted and stood up. ``Get them. Rob them of what they have left!`` It shouted, making me freeze in place. I heard my friend curse as I couldn't move a muscle at the shouts of the tiny people coming to rob us. Snap out of it, Dipper! Their just tiny people! You can just kick them!- I jumped in pain from a stab at my ankle. I didn't land back on the branch, I slipped off, falling down and farther from my friend who was left alone on the branch.
I wanted to scream, but my voice wasn't working, I was still frozen in fear. As I fell down, the sound of the wind snaps me out of my state as I looked around in a panic. I felt something whip my back as I turned my body to grab what hit me. It was a vine, I held onto the vine tightly as I swung into a tree. I closed my eyes when I came in contact with the bark.
I open my eyes as I was crawling with pain and sores all over my body. I slowly sat up and looked at my surroundings, I was down on the jungle's floor, looking to be less messy as it is. I sighed in relief, leaning back on the tree's bark. I slowly moved my legs out, wincing at every moment. I went to check my ankle as I saw a small spear into it, much bigger than the tiny spears I saw. I reach out and grab it, pulling it out fast as I winced. Stupid little... people.
I am glad that I was wearing long pants so I could cover up my small wound. I did so as I got ready to stand up, I use the tree to help me up. I can't believe I survive a fall, but... I left my friend up there. Is he going to be okay? I looked up, seeing vines high above me. ``Finally, found you!`` I jumped at the voice as I turned. I winced as I fell onto the ground, the sores were catching up with me. ``Hi... Kahlil.`` I weakly said.
``I'm sorry, I should think of another direction to that place.`` He said as I hear him sit by me. I let out a sigh and sat up again. ``It's alright.`` I responded.
``I'm sure you're hurt; let's get you back to your home.`` He said, having a severe concern look on his face.
``I'll be fine! I just have sores from... the fall?`` I said as I saw his eyes widen in horror. ``No, no! Not that fall! I grabbed a vine from above, although... I did hit a tree, so I probably loosened my grip and fell down.`` I explained quickly. He calmed down as he sighed.
``Let's... still take you back... I'm just worried.`` He said, looking to be guilty.
``Alright, if that will make you feel better.`` I said. I started to get up, I notice he help me up as well. I accepted his offer as he helps me walk back home. It is not a good day to get injured in the jungle. Please do not take me to the pink tribe's territory again, I swear, I was going to die.
Kahlil left me in front of the shack's entrance as he left for his home, probably getting his parents to worry or something. Still, he was more worried about my injury than that. I still convinced him to go back home; I can handle myself, you know. My nerdy uncle, Ford, invited me in as he panicked at my injured state. I said I was fine, but he went away anyways before I can get another word out to him. Looks like I have to lie now, don't I?
At least I can come up with something fast, but not hidden as it is. Uncle Stan was looking at me funny, saying things like ``Did you get in a fight, boy?`` or ``Did you have a dirt bath.`` etc. It was obviously embarrassing, especially when I'm in the gift shop area where there are people there, shopping for or looking at whatever on the stock. I attempt to ignore him and walk past the staff entrance, into the hallway.
I walked over to the dining room and I turned to sit on one of the seats. I looked up and saw Uncle Ford rush in and take a look at my wound, which was on my right back ankle. ``How did you get this wound?`` He asked me.
I frowned, acting as if telling the truth would be painful to bear. ``Some guys... decided to pick on a younger person... just some random dudes doing.. stupid stuff again.`` I lied, trying to sound so beaten up by them.
``Man, those people need to learn how to respect one another.`` He said. He fell for it! Thank you, so I don't have to explain a long paragraph.
``Yea... lucky I got that person away from them... at least the beating was worth it.`` I said sarcastically. I looked at Uncle Ford's serious expression and I looked away. ``Sorry.``
``Getting yourself hurt and making a joke about it is bad Dipper.`` He said, bandaging my ankle.
``I know... I shouldn't say that.`` I said, regretting my tone in that sentence. He sighed and then stood up after he was finished. ``I believe we can't-``
``No! No! I can still go! It's just a minor wound, I can handle myself.`` I said, interrupting my uncle with a defensive tone.
``Are you sure?`` He looked worried.
``Yes, I'm sure.`` I said, nodding. He sighed, giving up this fight. ``Alright, the show starts at 7:00 PM, so we may want to leave about 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM. No, later then 6:30 PM.`` He said. I nodded as he walked away from me and into another room.
``I guess I will rest up while I have the chance.`` I said out loud accidentally. I slowly stood up, carefully walking to my room. I was slightly limping, but I tried my best not to show that I was hurt when, in reality, I was a little. A little rest should do before the show.
End of Chapter 3
