Issues.


- Dipper's POV -

I slowly opened my door, seeing that my sister had left her bed. I yawned with a great stretch. I stood in the arch of the door, with a messy look. It was my day off, and Mabel decided to let me sleep in, I'm grateful for that. I decided to clean myself up in the bathroom and put on some fresh clothes, I then headed downstairs to get some breakfast. The smell of pancakes was already in the air, the usual is always nice... maybe something new could be a change? I walked into the kitchen to grab the remaining pancakes and placed them on an empty plate. I put syrup and grabbed a fork and a knife.

I headed to the dining room and sat down in one of the seats. As I ate, I could hear the voice of my sister from the hallway.

``GOOD MORNING BROTHER!`` Mabel said, making me jump from her shout. ``How did you sleep?`` She asked afterward.

``You could of, at least not shouted?`` I said, taking another bite. ``And... I slept well last night.``

``That's good!`` She said, ignoring what I said the first time. ``I gotta tell you something.`` She sat right next to me with a bright smile. ``I had the best dream ever!``

``What was it about?`` I asked, finishing up my breakfast. It looks like my sister slept better than I did, I wish I had had a dream last night.

``I found my loved one and finally got married!`` Mabel chirped, giggling to herself. She was all lovey-dovey at the moment as I sighed.

``... Nice, did you do anything else about your dream goal?`` I asked.

``That was my dream goal, Dipper. I want to get married in life.`` She said, looking over at me.

``... Nothing else?`` I said. I was confused by this, she doesn't want to do her clothing store idea or nothing... well it was a suggestion so... I'm not quite sure if she went with it. It's her life, she can do whatever in it.

``... I did have a shop... but I didn't pay any attention to it. All I did was, spend time with my handsome husband.`` She laid her head down on the table, being lovey-dovey again.

``... Yeah...`` I looked off to the side, wanting to get out of this conversation.

``We're almost 18! AHH, I need to find a boyfriend.`` I heard her say. I looked back over to my sister, chuckling slightly. ``I did just move in here, but I need one.``

``Why? I know we're almost adults and all, but why now?`` I asked. Why am I asking this when I want a girlfriend, and the only girl I choose is, of course, Wendy. I'm not even entirely sure if I'm matched with her.

``Don't you have love thoughts of who you want to be with?`` Mabel asked, looking up at me.

I stared at her with a surprising look, I didn't expect her to ask me that. ``... Y-yes... I do...`` I said, acting all shy once more.

I saw her smile turn into a smirk, I gulped, getting prepared on what she will say next. ``Do you have someone in mind? It looks like you do.`` She asked.

``W-well... I do... but you don't have to know. It's my own thoughts.`` I said, looking away from her.

``Awww, you won't relate to what I am talking about if you don't join in.`` She said frowning.

``I-I do relate, it's... just difficult.`` I said, looking back at her. I felt like I was turning a bit red.

``Difficult?`` Mabel tilted her head. She looked away from me for a bit before looking back at me. ``Have you ever experienced a crush? I should be asking you that instead of questioning that, I assumed you dated girls before.`` She said.

``I haven't... I wanted to do... but... I was afraid to ask anyone. I am experiencing a crush currently...`` I trail off, slowly turning red. My heart was pounding as I was getting quieter. My sister chuckled at my reaction as I threw embarrassed into the mix of emotions I'm experiencing. ``D-Don't laugh! I can't control my emotions.`` I said, freaking out a bit.

``It's nice to see you finding someone. Now, tell me. Who's this crush of yours?`` She asked, smirking at me. I place my hands in my lap, gulping. I didn't want to tell, I feel like she's gonna push me into asking her out. It feels like she will do that. I'm already in this mess, there's no way backing out of it. ``You don't know her. She is Wendy, a girl who I see coming in my work place, eating with her family or friends, rarely by herself. She is not a school friend, unfortunately, and that's the hard part, I am not sure... if I even have a chance with her.`` I said, accidentally telling more of my thoughts. I soon realized that afterward.

``Oh. So my ears tell me, you're having trouble asking her out.`` She said.

``N-no... I-... Y-Yes... yes, I am..`` I said, stuttering in my speech. ``I'm not quite sure... how am I suppose to ask her out...`` I added. I don't want to do this now, I didn't mean to say that at all. Why is it so hard to say what I'm thinking? The chances of me asking her out is a flat no, it's never a yes.

.

``Hey, kids.`` Mabel and I looked up to one of our uncles, it was Uncle Stan. ``Hey, Uncle Stan! Have you had any experience with romance? I think... Dipper needs it.`` Mabel asked.

Oh, don't pair me up with him, he already dislikes me. ``He's having trouble getting a lady for himself? Oh, kid! You're falling behind, you know that, right?`` He walked over to us as he sat close to us. ``I could tell you many of my experiences about women, Dipper, but Pumpkin. You may have to excuse yourself.`` He said, talking to Mabel at the end.

``Why...? Did those girls in your past do something terrible to you?`` She asked, holding up her two fists.

Uncle Stan laughed. ``Something like that. If you want, you can stay then.`` He said, stopping his laughter. Before he could say anything, Uncle Ford stepped in, probably to greet us. ``Good morning, Dipper.`` He said as I turned to him.

``Good morning, I'm being taught a lesson about... women.`` I said, already annoyed and embarrassed.

``Why is that? You're crushing on someone?`` Uncle Ford asked, standing behind me.

``... Yes.`` I slowly said, looking down at the table. He grabbed my plate and snickered. ``Good luck then.``

``You're not helping me?`` I said, looking back at him.

``I'll listen in.`` He left to put the plate in the sink. I frowned, looking at Mabel and Uncle Stan. I surrendered my present to them, listening in.

``So, Dipper. You're having trouble getting a lady I heard?`` He begins. ``Well, lucky for you, I had a bit of experience with them.`` He said as I grunted. ``You see-`` Soon after that, I stop listening to him. Why would he give me advice if he hates me so much? Is he doing this in front of Mabel so she can tell our bond is good? If that is his plan, why lie about it? Unless your trying to hide your anger for me, then I can understand that. I'm a terrible nephew, I know that, but now you have a niece to talk to. At least you'll forget me soon enough.

``Dipper!`` I flinched when my name was called, I looked over, pretended to be confused. ``You didn't- You seriously didn't listen to anything I just said?`` Uncle Stan said, looking annoyed. ``You're not going to get anyone in your life if you don't learn from others.``

``What if I just want to learn on my own, Old man?`` I snapped, glaring at him. I heard shocked gasps from my sister and my other uncle.

``Oh boy, I'm not old yet, and I can still move around. You're wrong on that fact. But I'm trying to teach you a life lesson, and now you go on and do what some "teenagers" do nowadays, besides you, Pumpkin.`` Uncle Stan said, getting more irritated. Yes, favor her more than me.

``That wasn't very nice, Dipper!`` I hear Uncle Ford say.

``Yes, even that sharp attitude.`` Uncle Stan agreed with him. I look down to the table in front of me, I'll just answer when needed.

``Do I need to repeat my lesson, or do I go? Because someone here looks like they didn't need it.`` Uncle Stan said, he sounded irritated. I can't tell if he wants to leave or not.

``... I thought... you needed it, Dipper... I mean, you do. But why would you let it go on your own terms? You're never going to ask her out like that!`` Mabel said, finally speaking up. That is true... I stutter in my actions, and I may be too late on that.

I looked up at them with a blank expression. I don't know what to say. ``Let me tell you. If you want to succeed in your life when you are living on your own, you must know the consequences that will happen. Lovers, Dream job, anything about it, you have to know.`` Uncle Stan said. I nodded.

``Delaying on something-``

``I know.`` I interrupted him. ``Even if I didn't hear what you said, it can still be tough to ask a girl out.`` I said.

``You're clearly missing the point. Even if you choose to ignore me like you always do.`` Uncle Stan said. I looked away from him. I don't want to be here any longer.

``Yea...`` I muttered, tapping my foot in impatience.

``You know what. Forget everything I said, I'm sure I helped you, Pumpkin, but with your brother. I don't think he can get a date with the attitude he is acting, with the way it is going now, you may not have a healthy relationship with your crush. I'd say, forget about her.`` Uncle Stan said.

``No! Why say that?!`` Mabel said, getting loud. Which surprised me. ``If-``

``Pumpkin. I'll tell you another time. For now, you need to get your act together, Dipper.`` He said.

I had enough of this. I stood up out of my seat so quickly, slamming my hands down on the table. ``Maybe, you need to get your damn relationship issue together!`` I shouted at him, storming up to my room.

``Dipper!``

``What, Mabel? Trying to make up with the problem between me and Uncle Stan?`` I said. We were in our shared room. I was standing next to my bed, angry as ever.

``You didn't need to shout.`` She said. I looked up to her with my expression as it spooked her a bit. ``You don't know the history between him and me, you don't need to help.`` I said, turning away from her. ``Just leave me alone for a bit.``

``... Alright, Dipper..`` I hear her leave the room and shut the door.

I sat on my bed and lay down. I was holding back my anger, I don't like getting this mad, but when I'm around my stupid uncle... it happens. I may ignore him as I like, but I don't do it all the time. Maybe once in a while, I'll ignore him. But It's still wrong to do that! Damn, I really wish we could of gotten along. After what I said this morning, I don't think we will.

And everyone will think I'm the bad guy at everything. I swear, I'm not trying to. It's just hard to be living in this life, living with actions that I sometimes regret. I wish I could go back and change how I was in 9th grade, or maybe younger than that. I just wish I could change all of that. Why am I stressing so much like this?!

My mind swirled with questions and actions that I wanted to change in my younger life. I soon grew quiet, with my eyes closed. I probably drifted off to sleep by now, I just- I'm just trying to change.

.

The light was different and high up in the sky. I sat up, stretching out my limbs. I must have taken a nap after that, I did get what I wanted, to be left alone. Now I feel a bit better... I should probably go apologize. I stood up from my bed and headed towards the door. I opened it and headed downstairs, I look up to hear a lot of commotion in the dining room. Did I accidentally start an argument and ruin this family?

I walked in the arch of the door, staring in to see something different. My Uncles were happy, chatting with one another as if nothing happened. ``Oh, Hey Dipper!`` I heard a voice behind me as I turned around to see my sister. ``Oh... hi.`` I said, confused.

``I guess you had a good nap or... whatever you were doing.`` She said, smiling.

``Uhh... what is going on?`` I asked.

``Oh. Did you forget already? I guess having some of your memory-missing is terrible.`` She chuckled. I never told you that. What is going on?

``Wendy's here.`` She said, walking into the dining room. ..What? I... When? What is going on? This isn't real... is it? I don't know. I looked at the living room doorway and walked over. Why did she come over? It makes no sense. I looked in the living room, seeing the amber haired girl's back turned towards me. ``... Wendy?``

``You sound confused.`` She said. She sounded nothing like the real her. What is this?

``I-I do actually...`` I said, stuttering a bit. She's not real, Dipper, get that in your head.

``What if I am real?`` I froze, staring up at her. ``And what if you can't do it?`` What? I was confused at this point, what... what are you saying? Am I losing my mind? ``I don't think you can do it, you possibly can't.`` She continues to speak.

``What are you saying, Wendy?`` I said. Acting as if something is wrong here. This environment is weird.

``Isn't it what you wanted? Something so peaceful and gentle? Nothing affecting you at all?`` She asked. Yes? But it's challenging to achieve it.

``Yes... but why?`` I asked. ``Why ask that? I don't understand all of this.`` I said.

``You could stay here forever, away from your family problems. Don't you want that?`` She asked, ignoring what I said. "away from my family problems?"

``This isn't real, this is a dream. Another one, what is my mind trying to trick me now?`` I said.

``You don't get it. You'll end up homeless and dead.`` The surroundings turned pitch black within seconds, making me flinch in fear. I only see the figure's back. ``You don't deserve me.`` She said before disappearing into nothing.

I froze, realizing a second later I am sinking into pitch-black quicksand. Wait! I- no. I changed my mind!

.

I woke up with a racing heart. I grabbed my chest, catching my breath. I blinked and looked around, I then turned to my phone on the end table. I grabbed it and opened it up. It read: 12:34 PM.

I let out a sigh, turning my body to the edge of my bed, and I got up. ``What was that dream?`` I muttered to myself. ``More like a nightmare...`` I turned and slowly walked over to the door. I hesitated to open the door. What if it's a never-ending nightmare? I shook my head, opening it, and leaving my room. I slowly walked downstairs, almost falling over because I don't know if this is reality or not.

I stood by the staircase, looking around. I flinched when I saw my sister leaving the dining room. She looked up at me with a frown. I looked away, realizing it's real. ``...I'm sorry.`` I said.

``You should be saying that to Uncle Stan, you really hurt his feelings... I think.`` She said, walking over to me.

`` I know. I am still apologizing for my actions. I should have never done that in front of you guys.`` I said.

``And... don't listen to what Uncle Stan said. I think he's wrong.`` She said. I looked back at her as she was avoiding looking at me. ``You can always ask your crushes out. I'm sure you'll find a lady to enjoy. Just... don't act the way you were before.`` She said. She sounded a bit sad and disappointed.

``...Alright.``


It was the day I had work, two days have passed, and I am still thinking if I have a chance with Wendy. I should just forget about it... the incident is messing with my head, especially the nightmare I had. But... giving up is never an option in my steps. I will try and see if she comes in today.

It was about 4:30 PM, as I was regretting my decision. It was a slow day, and it was annoying. I forgot to tell the new co-managers, maybe I'll just mention one of them, he's essential instead of the other one. He's aggressive and disrespectful to us... but at least it put us on our job. I'm just glad he's not here today.

The doorbell rang as I stood up quickly, my co-workers did the same. It was Wendy who entered in. ``Hey, Dipper.`` She said, walking up to my counter.

``Hello. What would you like to order?`` I said, acting as if she's a customer, instead of an important person to me.

``Just a coke would do.`` She said, handing me the money after I put in the order. ``What size?`` I said.

``Medium, please.`` She smiled. I nodded and went to get her drink. I came back and handed her drink. ``Thank you.`` She said. I nodded and went back to collect the money and put it in the right slot. When I looked up, she was sitting right there on the counter. I looked a bit shock. She didn't want to sit in one of the seats next to the window?

``Um...`` I mumbled under my breath, feeling a bit awkward.

``Oh, sorry if I'm bothering you.`` Wendy said.

``Oh. You're not, it's quite surprising you're here alone.`` I said. Ask her, this is your chance. But I don't feel attached to her anymore, maybe a little... Maybe because she isn't smiling as brightly as before.

``That's because I'm waiting for my boyfriend.`` She said. ``He's taking me to see the movies tonight, so I'm hanging here until he comes to pick me up.`` I nodded slowly, feeling like my soul had been broken. Well, I waited too long, and that happened. Uncle Stan was right... I probably won't have someone to love.

``Are you okay, Dipper?`` She asked.

``Oh. I'm okay.`` I lied. Not really, didn't realize your taken. I knew it, but... I just wanted to be sure.

``Mason, your shift is up.`` I was told by one of my co-workers. I looked at the time and let out a sigh of relief. ``Alright. Well, I have to go, Wendy. Have fun at the movies with your boyfriend.`` I said, staying calm.

``Thanks. Have a nice evening!``

I walked away from my job with my things and onto the sidewalk.

I felt so empty.

He was right... I don't need anyone.

End of Chapter 9