Broken Hearts.


-[Recap]-

``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 any one.

.

- Dipper's POV -

I stared at my phone, staring at the time: 9:31 AM. I let out an annoyed sigh. I was trying to pass the time. I just wanted this day to be over so I could go right back to sleep. I looked up to my sister, who was sitting on her bed, looking okay. I still think I ruined the moment. I know what Mabel was trying to do three days ago, but... I think it haunts all of us. I still haven't apologized to Uncle Stan yet, I'm debating still.

``Hey, Dipper.`` Mabel said, grabbing my full attention.

``Yes?`` I said, waiting for what she had to say.

``... Did you meet that girl, Wendy, yesterday?`` She asked, looking over to me. She barely made a faint smile, I could tell it was still affecting her.

``Yes... I did.`` I said. Once again, I don't feel anything. I'm supposed to, I know I am supposed to.

``Did you ask her out?`` She asked, her smile getting wider.

``... I didn't... because she-... she was taken.`` I said, frowning a bit. Mabel frowned, standing up and walking over to me. ``Well, better luck next time, brother.`` She said before sitting next to me.

``... Everything was so useless at that moment.`` I said, staring down at my hands.

``It is what it is. You'll find someone lucky enough to love you back.`` She said.

``... I guess.`` I looked away from her. I hate this atmosphere, I hate it all. Why did I have to go and ruin a perfect moment? I could have just listened to my uncle. Why am I like this?!

``... So. You have to work today. Anything planned afterward?`` My sister asked. I looked back over to her.

``Sleep.`` I said. She let out a chuckle as I stared at her. ``I'm serious!``

``I can tell your broken after that.`` She said.

``Of course, I'm heartbroken. What did you expect?`` I said, huffing.

``I expected it, Dipper. Jesus, no need to get so you.`` She said as her cheerful mood was dying slowly.

``Anyways, I may just take a walk in town before heading to work.`` I said, getting up.

``Really? You don't seem heartbroken at all.`` She said, getting up as well. I walked over to my bag., picking it up. ``... I am. Maybe you just don't see it often as people getting thrown left and right for the perfect soulmate.`` I said, walking over to the closet. I open it and put my work clothes in my bag.

`` I usually don't be around those type of people. Maybe that's why I see your reactions so weird.`` She said.

``And to top that, everything that happened three days ago is still affecting me.`` I said, zipping my bag up and putting it on my back.

``Don't take it too seriously, I don't think Uncle Stan means it. I mean, he doesn't even have a lover yet, and he is still single. Same with Uncle Ford.`` Mabel said.

``... I don't know how to respond to that.`` I turned to her.

``Well... just don't end up like our uncles. Unless they choose to be single their entire life. At least they get to be surrounded by family.`` She smiled.

``True. Anyways, I'm going now.`` I turned to the door and walked over.

``Alright, have a good day! I'll be here, trying to figure out what to do with my life here.`` She said.

``And I am guessing, getting a date?`` I said as I looked over to her while opening the door.

``Yes.`` She nodded. I chuckled and left the room. I headed downstairs and peered in to the dining room. I only saw Uncle Ford studying the journal in front of him. ``Hey, Uncle Ford.`` I said.

Uncle Ford looked up at me. ``Going somewhere? You do have work today, but it seems a bit too earlier for that.``

``I'm just taking a walk in town before heading to work. I'll be near it, so I won't be late.`` I said.

``Alright. Have a good day!`` He chirped. I nodded and made my way to the door. I didn't see Uncle Stan at all; usually, he isn't awake by this time. Oh well, at least I won't get picked on during the mornings. I exited the shack and down the path into town.

The silence came back and now I'm just staring at the dirt below me. It's the first time I'm not thinking about anything, it's strange, I'm not. Maybe my mind went to take a break from creating so many questions, guesses, etc. I sighed, staring up at Greasy's Diner. I don't know what to do if I just walk around, I'll just wait until my shift comes.

And I did just that. That was an hour-long waiting, feeling the cool jungle breeze through my hair. It was great before it was ruined by Mr. Bossy over here. I shouldn't be insulting someone in my head, it's wrong. But he's horrible as a person. He goes by Vincent Waters, Mr. Waters, etc. He is very strict and commanding, almost like a commander. I do feel like he could be a veteran, but I could be wrong. That is his skill, being as good of co-manager as he can be. But what's irritating is that he... doesn't respect us. Mainly me since I'm a teenager, he thinks I'm going to do something wrong, do something like all teenagers do. Be stupid, loud, and all of that. I let out an annoyed sigh, just finishing doing an order.

``No slacking on the job!`` I jumped when I heard Mr. Water's voice. Jesus, is he that close to scaring me?!

``I am not, sir.`` I said.

``You better not be, teenager.`` He said, glaring at me before going to my older co-workers.

``I have a name, you know...`` I mumbled under my breath.

The other one is the opposite of him. Rose Garter. She tries to do her job, but she is... bad at it. She's too friendly to order someone around. At least I still obey what she tells me to do. My male co-workers don't, especially Chris.

.

Soon it was my lunch break, I use that time to talk to someone. I entered the office after I was allowed in. ``Come in, Mason. You are welcome.``

``Thank you, boss.`` I sat in the chair. I watch my boss, Ms. Wentworth, stacked papers and put them somewhere before looking over to me.``Is there anything you need?`` She waited patiently for my response.

``... This may sound... weird, but... is there any way I could be placed on a part-time schedule?`` I said. My reason is that school is starting soon, I don't want to quit this job when going back to school. If I have to, then so be it.

`` Why is that? You are working well on your current one, why be on a shorter schedule?`` She asked, having a confused expression. ``You'll earn even less money each week.``

``I know that. I want to be put on one because school is starting up and... the times of this current one doesn't add up with the current school times.`` I said. This may be my stupidest approach, I may have to quit my job.

``... Oh, that's right. Kids are going back to school this month. I totally forgot, I also thought you graduated, but recalling your age, now I remember. I am sorry, Mason, my memory is a mist currently. I'll see what I can do. For now, go back to work.`` She said, turning away to continue her work.

``Alright.`` I stood up and exited the office, only to be shouted at by Mr. Waters, saying, "Where was I" and such. I thought I got a 10-minute break, not a 5-minute break. It looks like he wants me to get back to work. Alright, I shall starve myself, since... I forgot to take a lunch with me. Whoops.

My shift ended as I quickly walked out of there, so I don't have to be lectured by Mr. Waters anymore. He lectured me at least 10 times, he seriously thinks I'm a trouble maker. I sighed, staring back at the sidewalk. It's so dull without thinking about something, I feel like... I don't feel like myself. I feel like all of the actions and emotions I felt were lies. I don't really mean them, I just did what life told me to do and followed its... games.

All I want to do is sleep. That is all I want to.

``Hey, Mason!`` I opened my eyes to the voice up ahead. Oh, it's the third time I'm running into him. The white-haired teen walked up to me, looking a bit concerned.

``Hello, Gideon.`` I said.

``You okay?`` He asked.

``Yes. I'm alright, just got off of work.`` I said. Was I really lying to myself this time? I can't tell if I'm lying.

``You sure? You seem bothered by something.`` He said.

I looked away, staying quiet this time. ``Come on, let's take a seat. I'm sure you can tell me.`` He said. I let out a sigh and nodded. I followed him to a bench as we sat. I set my bag down on the seat as I turned over to Gideon, who was waiting patiently.

``... Well... don't you feel numb after you got your heart broken?`` I asked, carefully choosing the right words to say.

``Not really. Wait, did you got rejected?`` He looked at me, surprised.

``... Yes.`` I looked away.

``Oh. I am so sorry that happened. Makes sense on why you look like that.`` He said.

``Looking like trash, probably?`` I said. I probably do.

``You look sick to me. You're not trash, don't say that to yourself.`` He said.

``How sick?`` I asked, looking confused at him.

``You know, ill. Not that kind of sick. Just have a cold, you know?`` He said. I could tell he was struggling to explain.

I nodded. ``I understand now.``

``Good. I don't mean to be mean, I didn't mean to sound rude.`` Gideon said, looking guilty.

``I don't mind, really.`` I said, looking at the street.

``You should. If I called someone "sick." I think they would misunderstand me.`` He said.

``Depending on the person.`` I said, emotionless.

``... You know. I have never experienced a broken heart before or any crushes. I wish I had, but sometimes it's hard to find anyone nowadays. Everyone wants you to be like the others, instead of a... what's the word... a different person than they are.`` He said.

``Do you have something against it?`` I asked, looking back over. What does he mean by that?

``No, no. I have nothing against it. It's just that. I like both genders, and it's difficult for me to like who and who. People would assume I'm homosexual because I like guys, but I also like girls so. It's confusing, but I don't care.`` He said chuckling.

``Well, since you're favor by the town, they wouldn't care, right? They wouldn't judge you or anything, right?`` I asked.

``... Now I think about it. They wouldn't care at all. They only care about my shows and looks.`` He said. ``I have no idea what I was going on about, I apologize.``

``It's alright.`` I said, looking back at the street again.

``Well. I'm going to go practice some more.`` Gideon stood up from the bench as I looked up at him. ``I hope you feel better later in the week.`` He said as he walked away. I hope so too, because the conversation we just had, just seemed pointless to me. I grabbed my bag and stood up after several minutes had passed.

Why do I feel so numb? Maybe it was just because of the incident yesterday, it'll go away soon. And soon, I can start feeling like myself.

.

I walked close to the jungle's edge. I stared at the dirt, trying to think. Is this what it feels like when Mabel can't think? Whoops, I think that's a bit mean. She can think, and I do feel like something is going on in that cheerful brain of hers. I wonder, I never asked what happened back then... I don't think it's important right now. I can't feel anything for the sake of it. Perhaps, I can wait until I can feel again.

``BOO.`` I jumped and shrieked from the scare. I turned around just to see my friend, Kahlil, laughing.

``Don't do that!`` I said, getting all embarrassed.

``No one's out here, so stop getting all red.`` He said giggling.

``I-I.. W-.. I-... W-.. I-I W-we don't know that.`` I stuttered. Jesus, that stuttering.

``Are you having trouble speaking there?`` He chuckled.

``Stop laughing at me!`` I said, getting irritated.

``I'm sorry, your face is priceless!`` He chirped.

``You just like to mess with me, that's all.`` I said, crossing my arms.

``I just love to scare ya. It's easier to.`` He said, putting his arms behind his back.

``That's because you're in the jungle. It's 'easy' for you to blend in.`` I said, turning away.

``With my blond hair? I think you got the wrong color.`` He said, walking over to my side.

``The vines, leaves, and everything in that can hide you in that jungle.`` I said.

``I still can't camouflage, though.`` He whined.

``Stop it.`` I stared at him.

``Fine. You're no fun.`` He huffed. I turned my head away and continued walking.

``Sooooo, could I ask why you didn't see my text messages that I sent yesterday? Did something happen?`` He asked, walking beside me.

``Kind of. Something did happen, though...`` I said.

``Ooooh. What is it then?`` Kahlil asked.

I sighed in irritation. Why is he acting like a child around me? ``Now I think about... it wasn't a rejection...`` I mumbled quietly.

``...What? What rejection?`` He said.

``Oh. Um.`` I snap back to reality. ``I-``

``Did you get rejected by Wendy?`` He asked, interrupting me.

``...Kind of. I didn't really ask her out... she mentioned she has a boyfriend, and it's like, well, there goes my chance.`` I said.

``Yeah. To be honest, they have been together for 2 years.`` He said. I turned my head to him in shock. ``WHAT?`` I said.

``Yep.`` He chirped. ``Long years, right?`` I nodded, looking away from him. We were approaching the Mystery Shack as I stopped. Well damn, I hope they're happy then. ``You don't seem to be... too sad about it.`` He said.

``That's the odd part. I should be, but I don't feel like it.`` I said, looking confused.

``Well, people with broken hearts react differently. Maybe that's why.`` He said. ``Also, could I hang out with you, since you didn't answer my texts yesterday.``

``I'm sorry, I felt like shit yesterday.`` I said, almost snapping. The atmosphere fell into silence. I looked up from the ground and over to him. He looked at me with a concerned expression. ``And sure, you can.`` I said. It was slowly becoming awkward and strange.

``Ooookay. Something other than a heartbreak happened yesterday.`` He said.

``How you know?`` I said, walking up to the porch.

``It's how you talked and reacted differently around different situations. You are not acting like you were before.`` He said, following behind.

``Are you trying to read me like a book? Is that what your trying to do?`` I asked, looking at him.

``Maybe. I'm just trying to read you. Since you never tell anyone your problems.`` He said, grunting afterward. I turned away, knocking on the door. He's got a point, I don't tell my problems, and I don't want to. I backed away and waited patiently. ``Don't...-``

``I won't this time.`` He said, waiting.

``Good.`` I said as the door swung open, almost hitting Kahlil in the face. I stared at him. You idiot, you should have backed up. ``Dipper!`` I looked over to Uncle Stan in the doorway. ``And you brought a friend.`` He added in. I nodded.

``Well, come in.`` He turned and let us both in. Uncle Stan closed the door behind us as he disappeared in the curtains. I stood on the welcome mat, staying quiet. ``I don't like this atmosphere, what happened?`` Kahlil asked.

``That's none of your concern. I need to talk to you, Dipper.`` Uncle Stan answered before I could. He came back out and waited for me.

``Ooookay... I'll just wait in here.`` Kahlil said, walking away from me and went to look around the gift shop area. I followed Uncle Stan into the living room.

.

- Stanley's POV -

``You still tried anyway, and you see what happened? You waited too soon.`` I said, crossing my arms in disgust at my nephew.

Dipper stayed quiet, staring at the floor. ``You see what happens now?``

``... That... things changed? I mean, the things you said three days ago hurt me... and you know that.`` He said, avoiding looking at me.

``No, it's to teach you a lesson. And look at what happened, you delayed it. You might even fail on the next chance on which young lady you choose to date.`` I said.

``Do you even care?`` He looked up at me.

``I'll care if you follow my mark.`` I said. ``Besides, aren't you the one who suppose to know things around here? It seems like you don't. Looks like Uncle Ford never taught you nothing about respect.``

``Why do you have to ruin every moment?!`` He snapped, turning away and storming out of the living room. I'm not ruining moments, I'm just telling you what's up, Dipper. I sighed, I'm slowly getting irritated at this boy. He never does what he is told. Maybe, I could take over and teach the boy some manners. Stanford never does that. He is always in that basement, studying crap in the jungle that is less important than this. At least he's still alive.

I turned around and stared at Kahlil, who made his way into the living room. ``I heard your little conversation...`` His eyes were weird, something that I never saw before. ``I didn't like it one bit. I know I'm not supposed to get involved, but I can't help it when I see my friend upset by a family member who... only supports them if they are acting the way you wanted him to be.``

I looked around, noticing it was black and white, What is going on? ``Oh. Don't worry about that, it's nothing, really. I just thought the surroundings needed some... dull coloring, that's all.`` He said.

I looked over to the TV, seeing as it was still on, but the picture of the screen wasn't moving. It was like it was buffering forever. I looked back over to the teenager, keeping my distance. ``What do you want?``

``Oh. Um. I, I need to make this clear...`` He trailed off, looking down at the floor before looking back up to me. ``Can we not ruin lives? Like, really ruin lives? Before, you know. Something bad happens. I don't want to jump into family drama and stuff, but seeing how you treat your nephew like shit is no acceptance for me.`` He said, his tone was so cold to the bone, I got shivers.

``So, you want me to treat him like a person?`` I said, laughing afterward. ``Not after he-`` I got scared suddenly from this teen, his yellow eyes glowing more brighter than before.

``Yes. That is all I want.`` He said.

``W-w-what if I r-r-refuse?`` I said, sounding frightened. What is going on? Who is this person? Why is he so scary all of a sudden? H-he's... he's just a kid! He can't do anything.

``I can't do anything? Hmph.`` He grunted.

I froze, he can... read minds...?

``If you refuse... things won't be good for you.`` He said, walking over to me. I couldn't move, I was too scared.

``Such as... making your life a living HELL.``

End of Chapter 10