Ensure.
- Dipper's POV -
A voice was waking me up. No... I don't want to get up... it's my day off, let me sleep, Uncle Stan... The voice was clearing up as it was my sister's. She was repeating, "Wake up," "Get up." etc. She was shouting too. I sighed, waking up at last. I slowly sat up as I stretched out. ``Yay! You're awake!``
I looked over at her with a grumpy look. ``Yes. I am.`` I grunted.
``I'm sorry that I woke you up, but I want to explore some more!`` She said, standing in her pjs in the middle of the room.
``Can't you do that at your own time?`` I asked her, being an annoyed, grumpy person.
Mabel shook her head. ``I want to explore with you. If I go out alone, I might get lonely or lost.`` She said.
I let out a grumble. All I wanted to do was sleep in! Not go-... I looked away from her and stared at the blanket. Actually, that may be fun, but... leading her into the jungle is a bad idea. Even if it's day time, we may get lost and get carried away with the time. Perhaps, the time doesn't get carried away if we are together... I believe it only happens with one person. I don't know, I still don't want to take her.
``Please? This is your only day off, right? Before you go back to work. And I really want to spend it with you.`` She said, getting on the floor and giving me the puppy dog eyes.
Oh no. I hate it when people do that. I can't believe she does that! We're almost 18, and you're still doing the "puppy dog eyes?" I bet that's how she got away with this permanent stay. All we're doing is going out and venturing into the town, which is uninteresting in my opinion, besides the Old Great Gleeful Show, but that's only at nights. I wonder... when's the next one?
``Please!`` I hear her say as I stared down at her. I sighed. If I say no, she probably will have a fit. ``Alright!`` I said, making my decision. ``Just let me get dressed and ready!`` I said, still feeling grumpy.
``Okay! I'll get ready in the bathroom!`` She said, turning away to get new fresh clothes. She stood there for a second before walking out of the room and to the bathroom. She forgot to close the door. I stood up as I flinched at her reappearance at the door.
``Whoops! I forgot! Sorry, Dipper.`` She closed the door as I chuckled. It's alright, Mabel, I'd probably do the same if I was changing in the bathroom. I got ready in my blue-gray pants, gray-white striped shirt, and my old light blue-gray jacket. I stood in the center of the room, staring at the triangular window. Now I just needed to fix my messy hair. I jerked at the knock on the door. ``Come in!``
The door opened as my sister peeked in. She gasped. ``You can't-``
``I know! I was waiting for you to get out of the bathroom.`` I said, interrupting her.
``Alright! I'll be downstairs!`` She opened the door wide as she turned and went downstairs. I sighed, slowly regretting this decision. I'm just making her happy, instead of me. Well, whatever she wants, she'll get it. Unless it's too extreme, then it's a no. I walked out of my room, closing it, and going to the bathroom. I fixed my hair as I was all ready. I turned and exited the bathroom. I made sure I grabbed my phone before going downstairs. It was around 10:30 AM, plenty of time to do stuff in the house.
Oh well, getting out of the shack is good for my health. I hear some voices, a few from the living room and alot from the gift shop area. I guess Uncle Stan is working. I walked forward and turned into the living room, seeing Mabel and Uncle Ford facing one another with unpleasant looks. What happened?
``That's not fair! Is the jungle really that bad?`` Mabel asked, huffing. Oh, she actually wanted to go into the jungle.
``Yes. And this is final, your not going in there, Mabel. I don't want to lose you after you just arrived. Your parents would kill me if you went missing.`` Uncle Ford said with a serious tone.
She sighed, ``Fine. I won't go. That would be bad, after all.`` I stood in the arch, waiting on her. I saw my uncle turn and look at me. ``Good morning, Dipper.``
``Good morning, Uncle Ford.`` I answered back. My sister turned towards me and walked over. ``There's pancakes in the kitchen!`` Uncle Ford said as I nodded. ``Let's eat first before we head out.`` I told my sister. She nodded.
.
After our breakfast, we were already on the trail, leaving the Mystery Shack. We were also walking on the side of the dust road so cars can drive by us, don't want to get hit today. I looked over to my sister, questioning her silence. ``Is there something wrong? You were so excited this morning.`` I asked.
``It's not fair. Uncle Ford can go into the jungle, but we can't!`` Mabel said, huffing.
``He must know his way around then if he can go into the jungle.`` I said. I know I'm lying, I'm not telling her the truth yet. If I do, she will go nuts about asking me to go into the jungle with her. And soon, she will accidentally tell our uncles that we went into the tropical forest. Soon we will be sitting in our room, grounded. I don't want that.
``What if we just go in without his permission?`` She said, crossing her arms. She soon removes the annoyed expression from her face. ``What if- Yes!`` Oh no. She stopped walking and turned towards the tall trees, I halted, panicking a bit.
``Um. Shouldn't we not break his promises? It will crush his old heart.`` I said, rushing over to her.
``If we do not tell him, then we won't.`` She smiled merciless at me, giving me a smug look. Oh god, since when she's this rebellious?
``Then, we will be lying to him every single day.`` I said, trying to convince her not to go in there. She grabbed my hands, having a tight grip on it.
``Stop worrying, I've prepared for this moment. After I found out you were here in Jungle Falls, I practiced lying. So I'm sure Uncle Ford won't see my lies.`` She said. She's not taking no for an answer, I guess I have to go with her.
``Alright, but we'll get lost.`` I said. She rolled her eyes as she pulls me into the jungle. I recognize the environment already, so I can tell she's wandering aimlessly through it. We walk through the tropical forest, smelling it's moist air, feeling the small vines and its plants. We're not close to any creature's territory yet.
She halted and looked around. She still had a grip on my hand, that's good. If she let go, it'll be doom for us. I looked around the environment, admiring its beauty. It gave me a warm feeling, making sure I was alright. I smiled faintly as I turn to my left. Oh crap. My sister was gone. Where the hell did she go?! I looked panicked as I quickly look around. I told her and she didn't listen to me! I facepalmed, shaking off my fear. As I said, we're not nearby any creature's territory, not even that pink tribe.
I look up at the parted bushes, giving me a clue to follow. Maybe Mabel went that way, please tell me she went that way. I walked through, scanning the environment for any clues. I stepped in a puddle as I grumbled. I lift up my feet and stepped out of it. ``I hate this.``
``Oh, you do?`` A familiar voice said. Which, of course, scared me. It's not night time, Dipper!
``Yes, I do, Kahlil.`` I turned to look over to the voice.
``How you know it's me?`` Kahlil said.
``Because you love venturing in this jungle.`` I said.
``Yes, I do.`` He said. I was waiting for him to come out. Although I didn't see him. ``Up here.`` I look up to see him on a branch. Oh, now I'm the peasant.
``What are you doing here?`` He asked. ``I thought-``
``My sister dragged me in here and now she's gone.`` I interrupted him, sounding annoyed as hell.
``You have a sister? Since when?`` He tilts his head, moving his body to get off of the branch and onto ground level.
``Since yesterday. She moved in with us.`` I said, standing still. His body language gives off a wary feeling, a feeling I shouldn't cross yet.
He chuckled. ``So. What are you going to do now she's lost?`` He asked. I could tell he's acting so guarded. Not acting like we're friends or something, he sees me as a stranger.
``Find her, of course. I'm not that selfish, she's my sister and I'd rather not lose her on the second day.`` I said. She's so stubborn as well.
``Alright. No help at all?`` He asked. I think I know what he's doing. He's going to decline if I ask for help, but then again, I may need it later on. And then he's going to toy with me emotionally and I don't like that. What's got into you. Kahlil?
``Nope. I got it on my own.`` I said.
``That's a long thought process, isn't it?`` He said, ignoring my response. ``You don't trust me or something?`` I stood frozen, staring up at him in shock. Why is he reading me like a book?
``I don't know what's wrong with you. You're act-`` I heard a shout. It stopped me in my speech as it was my name. I turn to the loud voice, looking where I entered from.
``Looks like your sister is looking for you. I guess she wasn't lost after all.`` He said. I heard the voice coming closer until I saw a familiar figure.
.
``Finally, found you!`` Mabel said, shouting at me. ``Damn, I was going to scare you, but you decided to disappear on me! You little sh*t!`` I look surprised at her. She was going to scare me? Well, I dodged a bullet. She turned over to my friend as I look over.
``Who's this? One of the lost teens?`` She asked me.
``I'm not lost at all.`` Kahlil answered first. I stayed quiet, feeling uncomfortable.
``Then, who are you?`` She said, sounding demanding.
``Don't need to be sounding defensive, little one.`` He said. I grunted, what are you doing, Kahlil?
``I know I'm shorter than you, but that's no way to call a stranger that.`` She said.
``And there's no way to sound controlling towards a stranger.`` Kahlil said. I looked over to my sister, seeing her get mad. Such a smartass, he's gonna piss her off.
``Just tell before this becomes even worse.`` I said, stepping into the conversation.
``Why should I tell? What if-``
``Gideon is so better than you when greeting her.`` I mumbled to myself, and that somewhat stopped him from continuing speaking. Did he hear me? He couldn't hear from over there.
``It's Kahlil.`` He said, giving up. My sister crossed her arms, looking over to me.
``You know him, don't you?`` She asked. I look at her.
``Yes, not all the way.`` I said. I don't know him fully, that would be a lie.
``And I bet you went in this jungle with him without telling me?`` She asked, getting more annoyed.
``How can I tell you when I didn't know you existed during those times?`` I asked her, backing away. I heard my friend chuckle a bit, making Mabel jerk her head towards him.
``I don't like this friend of yours.`` She said.
``All you need to know he's a smartass.`` I said, looking at Kahlil, smiling like he's enjoying this.
``I still don't like him.`` Mabel said.
``You don't need to, little one.`` He said.
``Stop it with the names!`` She raised her voice. I glared at Kahlil, getting more irritated. All of what Kahlil is doing is making me mad. Is this his plan, after all? What did I do to deserve this? It's like, he's acting like this with Wendy before. I must have done something to make him behave like this, but what? I don't remember anything.
``But it's fun~`` He said, snickering silently. My sister looks at me for any help, she looks like she's going to lose it. I look back at my friend, still giving him my glares.
``Is there something wrong?`` I asked. He stopped and looked at me.
``Nothing. Why ask?`` He said, keeping his arms behind his back.
``Why are you picking on my sister then? She didn't do anything wrong.`` I asked. Besides... being controlling. She shouldn't do that towards someone, but I bet she was thinking Kahlil was messing with me. I guess she was trying to protect me.
``That is true. Maybe I just had the mood to mess with someone.`` He said. ``I apologize if I took it too far.``
``It's... okay. It's just that I got picked on about my height with other boys...`` Mabel said, sounding upset. I looked over to her. She also suffers from bullying? I didn't realize that. My friend was also feeling the same way I was, I'm glad he was.
``Oh. Now I just feel guilty.`` He said.
``It's okay. You apologize! That's alright!`` She said, smiling. ``So, we're good?`` She asked him.
``Yeah... we are.`` He looked away from her.
Mabel turned to me with a happy smile. I guess that is all done with them, but it's not with me. She stops smiling and gasped. Oh no. I stepped back, not wanting this. Before I knew it, I fell through something. I tumble down the slope and onto the lower ground level. Why do I keep getting hurt in this damn jungle?! I slowly sat up, flinching at every little pain. I heard the shouts of my name from above, soon it disappears. My head was throbbing again. ``Not again...``
I lay down on the dirty ground, trying to get rid of the headache. Did I hit my head on something while I was tumbling? I don't remember... remembering is painful. I hid my head in my arms, curling up into a ball. I then heard my name being called once more, but closer. I open my eyes and slowly sat up, my head was throbbing lightly, so it was alright for now.
I stood up carefully and followed the voices. I push through a bush as I fell onto the ground, faceplanting. Nice going, Dipper!
``Dipper!`` I heard my sister's voice and rushing by my side. ``Are you okay?! You just fell, and- and I was panicking so badly!`` I sat up and looked at her.
``You're so messy again! Oh, god, you don't wanna know how much I was worried about you.`` She said, calming down with her breathing.
I smiled faintly. ``I'm alright. Just a slight headache, that's all.`` I said softly. ``It'll go away in time.``
``Still, your clothes! You're a mess!`` She said.
``I am not going into a pond to wash the dirty off!`` I raised my voice at her.
``At least dust yourself off!`` She begins to wipe the dirt off of my clothes as I look away in annoyance. I look up to Kahlil, who was laughing by the tree. I felt embarrassed, looking down. I feel like my sister is my mother, even if I don't know what she was like.
She was about to wipe the dirt off of my cheek with her saliva as I stopped her. ``DON'T DO THAT INFRONT HIM. I'm already embarrassed as it is!`` I shrieked, putting her hands down onto the ground. She smirked, looking smug.
``But I'm cleaning you.`` She said.
``No.`` I stood up and quickly moved away from her. ``I'll get the dirt off of me from here on out.`` I said as I was wiping the dust off of my face.
``Nice-``
``Shut up, Kahlil.`` I said, interrupting him and giving him a glare. He chuckled, ``Okay, Mr. Tomato.`` I grumbled to myself, ignoring everything around me.
.
I don't even know where to begin. Mabel wanted to stay in the jungle, although away from me, which hurt my feelings. And I probably took it literally. I wanted to stay in my secret place in this jungle. Mabel didn't care about it in the slightest, she was just excited to explore the safe level of the jungle. Kahlil offers to take me there, but I decline it. He can show Mabel the area. Maybe I was a bit too mean because I sounded aggressive when I refused it.
I sighed, sitting on the soft moss on the ground. I stared up at the high vines, and then the tree branches. I wonder how trees connect to one another. Unless they don't and just wrap their limbs around each other if that is even possible. I should look next time. I also notice it was turning evening, getting darker at it seems. I close my eyes and relax for a bit, listening to the tropical forest.
Several minutes passed as I flinch at the sudden sound from the bushes. I open my eyes and looked over. I stared at Kahlil, who was walking over to me. ``We need to talk.`` He said, glaring at me. We do. Yes, we do.
He took me to the Branch Bridge as our trip was silent. I did want to ask him how it feels like taking my sister to see the low levels of this jungle, but... I think he's annoyed at me, I think he's been mad at me ever since he saw me. I wish I could remember what I did to him.
I stopped as he halted ahead of me. I stood up straight and put my hands down by my sides since I was fiddling with them nervously. I will apologize for my ways earlier, I didn't mean it. ``... Is there something bothering you?`` I asked. 'Cause I'm sure something is bothering you.
``Yes. There is.`` He turns to me with a wary present.
``Well. Before you go on, I apologize for earlier, you know. Me being aggressive when I decline your offer.`` I said.
``That's not it, idiot.`` He said as I flinched. Idiot? He's furious. I still don't know...
``I'm sorry.`` I look away from him, feeling uncomfortable.
``Let's see... do you remember what happened two days ago?`` He asked. Two days ago..? Now I think about it, I barely remember anything that happened on that day, except... the stress that I gained on that day. I do know I had worked on that day. What else did I do... I stared down at the branch, trying to remember what happened. I remember I got told that my sister was coming over. That's it.
``... I feel like I miss a lot on that day.`` I said out loud.
``Miss a lot?`` Kahlil said as I jerk up, realizing I said that out loud.
``I just feel like I did. I know I'm missing something on that day, I know I am. But I just can't remember.`` I said, my voice was starting to sound sad as I didn't notice it.
``So you don't remember?``
``I'm sorry If I don't!`` I quickly said, raising my voice. My mind was racing to track the missing memory, the more I try, the more I stress.
``Oh...`` He said, sounding like he didn't trust what I said. I tried, I try to remember what happened two days ago, but it's hurting my head. I wouldn't say it's hurting my head... I'm just overthinking what that means. I really hate these missing memories, just keep forgetting the important things. I hate it all.
``It's sad that you don't remember what happened a few days ago.`` My friend said.
I stared at the ground, zoning out of reality. I know his game, is it just to make me suffer? Just to feel pressure from it? Just to see me cry all of my stress out of my mind so you can make yourself feel good? Maybe stepping into this friendship was a wrong decision, if your going to like, you know, make me feel like I'm trash. I felt a touch on my arm as I pulled away. ``What?`` I snapped, going back into reality to find Kahlil right in front of me.
``... I...`` He stepped away, looking sorry. ``...`` He looks away.
``What is it? Say it!`` I said.
``I'm sorry.`` He said.
``Sorry for what exactly?`` I said, not noticing my sudden anger.
``...For trying to push you...`` He said slowly.
``Why feel sorry for what you did?`` I said, glaring at him.
``... It was an accident...`` He backed away and turned away from me. I crossed my arms, looking down. I wouldn't want to continue this fight any longer. I looked over to the sun, we had a clear view of the sky, so this was our main come-to. I sighed, calming down. I'd probably did an accident too.
I watched the sunset as the environment grew dark within seconds. I looked over to where my friend was. He was sitting on the branch, staring off into the darkness.
``I won't ask, but... I'm sorry for lashing out.`` I said, slowly walking over to him. And I shouldn't think those things about him, I'm sure he's better than this.
``It's alright, I deserve it.`` He said, avoiding to look at me.
``No, you don't. You do not deserve any of the negativity that I was giving off.`` I slowly sat next to him.
``I feel like I do.`` He said softly.
``Don't think that way, please.`` I said.
``Okay. Then, I apologize for calling you an idiot.`` He said, looking over at me. I stared at him, totally forgot that he called me one. ``And the behavior I was acting out earlier.``
``I forgive you.`` I said, smiling faintly. I see him reveal a smile back to me. I then turn away, getting embarrassed.
``You should smile more, it looks good on you.`` He chirped. I could feel my cheeks getting redder by the second. Why are you suddenly happy?
``Nah, I'll embarrass myself.`` I said, looking off to the side so I could hide my face.
``Not around your close ones.`` He said.
``Maybe not out in public? I don't want to look emotional. If I do look emotional, people might come and pick on me.`` I said, as my blush disappears. I look over back at my friend.
``That is true nowadays, but... I think being yourself is better than being a masked person.`` He said.
``Really? It's hard to show your true colors.`` I said, curious at his... advice.
``Well, if people don't like you, why not ignore them? They don't matter to you, and you don't matter to them. Unless they're jealous and just pick on you to make themselves the superior ones.`` He said, looking over where the sun set.
``I'll try. It may take time, but I'll try.`` I said, looking over where his glaze was at.
``You could also try and stop hiding your face.`` He said.
``I did that for a reason.`` I huffed.
``Why? Don't want me to call you, nicknames?`` He said. I look over to him almost with a glare but stop when he was giving me a smirk smile.
``That too!`` I said, quickly looking away.
``You're getting red again~`` He chirped.
``I'm going home.`` I stood up and turned away.
``Aww, you're no fun.`` I hear him whine as I roll my eyes and sigh. What am I going to do with you? I watch my friend walk past me as I felt a different emotion in me.
``Come on, slowpoke.`` He said. I grunted following him. ``I am not slow!``
What am I feeling inside of me?
It's so strange.
End of Chapter 7
