School.
- Dipper's POV -
Great... school starts in two days... it's Saturday and summer break is about to end. I will miss the sleep-ins and chill times, not like it really matters. We'll soon forget it once school materials fill our heads, as I heard it. Some still remember their summer break, lucky for them, I guess they're failing school or something.
Also, in these past few days, its been quite a strange experience. Uncle Stan is acting all nice all of a sudden, and I don't know why. Besides the reason he gave me, which was: "I apologize for the things I've done, Dipper." He also gave me an awkward hug.
I talked to Uncle Ford about this, but he said he has nothing to do with it. That's even more confusing as it is. I would have known if he wanted to change his ways if he wanted to, something is making him do this. But why do I care? Solving mysteries is fun, especially when it's safe within your home. But... this case, maybe outside of the house. He may have been exposed to something, perhaps in the jungle?
But... I don't think he would of gone into the jungle or... just outside of the edges. That is the only possible situation that I can think of.
``Dipper! Snap out of it!`` I snapped out of my thoughts as I looked over to my sister. ``I asked you a question not long ago, and you go silent on me with your thoughts. Tell me, what's got you more interested than my question?`` She asked.
I looked ahead, noticing we were waiting in line. Oh right, I also forgot, we're picking up our schedules, school books, etc. today. We were also waiting for our uncles to get in line behind us since... they are getting ready to transfer Mabel over to my school.
``DIPPER.``
``ACK sorry, sorry! What was your question?`` I asked, looking back at my sister. I nervously looked at her irritated expression.
``What's got you more interested than my question?`` She asked, crossing her arms.
``... I was thinking about Uncle Stan's behavior.`` I said.
``Oh. You're still thinking about that? Isn't it great that he's treating you like he's treating me?`` She asked, blinded by the false fact.
``Well, yeah... but still. It just doesn't add up.`` I said, looking over at the ground.
``Don't worry about it! Enjoy it for once.`` She said.
``Alright, I'll enjoy it for now.`` I said, letting out a sigh.
``Good. Also where is Uncle Stan and Uncle Ford?!`` Mabel whined, letting her arms go.
``Maybe they just wanted to wait until the line is not backed up?`` I said, giving a suggestion.
``That is so lazy!`` She said huffing.
I chuckled, looking ahead at the line. We soon entered the school, amazed by how many people were in, mainly for Mabel. I've seen it every time school starts up, why would she be surprised? Is she eager to meet so many different people? Her personality is that type to do those things that I couldn't do in the past. I do hope she can make new friends here, I hate to see if she misses her old friends back in California. But... it doesn't seem like she does... or... how she talks about it though. At least she's happy, I'm happy.
``The line is clearing up so they should be here by now.`` Mabel said, crossing her arms once again.
``Well, since I know my way around the school, I'm going to get my schedule.`` I said, walking away from her.
``But... what about if our uncles ask where is your whereabouts?`` She asked. I turned to her, sighing.
``Tell them what I was doing. Besides, I got my own money to get the materials that I need on whatever schedule they give me.`` I said. She nodded. I turned and walked away, into the hallways of the school where the other future-students were going. Do I need to be escorted to the mall for the school supplies? I bet since my sister is going along with me. And also, they were offering school books for today, and in the first week of school. If only they didn't cost... at least they're not expensive.
We were directed to either of the classrooms. They were labeled by the first letter of our last names, so I already knew I'm all the way down the hallway, almost last as it is. I followed the other students that had last names similar to my placement. I found my last name letter range as I got in line like the rest, lucky I was in front, so it didn't take long to get my schedule.
I exited the door and backed up against the wall. I looked at the others, watching them read their sheets. I looked both ways before peering down at the sheet. ``As always, a homeroom for every student...`` I mumbled quietly to myself. ``First period... AP English.`` I looked surprised. ``With... Mr. Hill. Hmph.`` I looked at the rest. ``Journalism II... APES... Calculus H. Economic H. and Digital Media... I feel disappointed...`` I mumbled to myself again, frowning. ``I see that I am seeing Mrs. Vernon again, that's sweet!``
I stepped from the wall and walked on the left side, where the right side of the hallway was a long line. I could see some parents with their kids. Too scared to go by yourself? Ha. You'll get there.
So, what do I need... school books... with APES, Calculus H... I looked up and stared at the sign. I was at a T cross-way. So... getting the books is east? Okay. I turned right and walked down the hallway, where it would lead to a library. A lot of staff members were working here as students were collecting their books. I gotta see what books do they have, I got a feeling that I need Economics for an odd reason...
I walked over to the book list as I nodded. Yep, I need one. So it's three books... which means 15 dollars... At least it's still fair pricing...?
I picked up the three books, the Calculus honors book being the heaviest. I swear, I couldn't carry it out of the library, and I vowed I needed no help. The other two books were light. I bet I will earn another book during class. I let out a sigh. I just need to head back to the lobby section, and we're good to go.
.
Oh, I forgot something. After all of this, I am picking up my new work schedule. I was approved to work with part-time hours, it's not like the Diner gets that busy anyway. I can't believe it! School is just around the corner, it seems so fast too quickly. I wish my summer break would last longer; every student wishes that. It's only my senior year, and then I'll be out of high school, until... I apply for a college, which I bet the school will make us do in the first quarter of the first semester. So much pressure against us! Too much of it! I'll survive, it will not kill me to apply for one.
I bumped into someone on accident. Crap! I didn't pay attention this time! Ugh, why do I distract myself with my thoughts? I backed away and was about to apologize until it was someone familiar. ``Hey, Mason.``
``...It's just you, Kahlil.`` I sighed in relief.
Kahlil turned towards me. ``Are you alright there?``
``Everyone asks me this when I was walking through the hallway, of course, I am fine!`` I huffed, getting annoyed.
``Okay! Jesus... just trying to help.`` He said, looking away from me.
``Anyways, I apologize for bumping into you.`` I said.
``It's okay. I actually thought a 9th grader ran into me. Thought I would get the chance to tease them...`` He said, frowning.
``... Why?`` I asked as I stared at him with a disappointing look.
``I sometimes get bored.`` He said, staring back at me.
``You really are a trouble maker.`` I said, sighing.
``What's wrong with teasing?`` He asked, his stare turned into a glare.
``Well, don't tease with strangers, that person may think you're picking on them.`` I said. ``It'll be best with someone you know.``
``Yeah... I know.`` He said. I turned away from his glare, knowing I made a wrong move. Was calling him a trouble maker wrong? I know he's not, I was only half-joking.
``Then why do it? Even if you're bored, why?`` I asked.
``Everyone's hates me remember? They can hate me more after this, and honestly, Mason, I don't give a shit about those 9th graders.`` He grunted, his tone was harsh.
``Good to know.`` I said, looking back at him. He was still glaring at me. Of course, glare at me as you would.
``Is that a problem?`` He asked.
``No. It's not. I know everyone hates you.`` I said. I didn't know that, which means I lied. Who cares at this point. ``And I know they are wary about you. But... it still doesn't mean you can treat them with aggression.`` I said.
``You don't understand, so don't try to make up a situation for it.`` He hissed.
I huffed, staring at the ground. I just want to go home so I can sleep my problems away. ``I'm sure we don't want this relationship to go downhill, right? So don't get on my bad side.`` I said, looking up at him to return the glare. Is this the logical move?
``Or what?`` He said, trying to push me.
.
``Um... Excuse me?`` I heard a voice behind Kahlil as he turned to it. I walked to the left a bit to see. I saw a girl who had blonde hair and was obviously panicking. ``Yes?`` I was the first to speak up.
``Uhh... didn't realize you would of respond quickly..`` She said, avoiding eye contact.
``If someone said something, that other person would turn their attention to that person, what you expected?`` Kahlil asked. I watched him slowly, annoyed at his attitude as it is.
``... To be ignored...`` She answered, acting shy.
``It didn't happen this time.`` I said. ``If it happened in the other times, then that's their fault for not paying attention to you.`` I added on. Soon at this point, I was struggling to hold these books. My arms was getting tired, but I tried not to show it.
``So, what did you need?`` I asked.
``Oh! Um... eh.. um.. this may be a stupid question to ask. I mean, you guys- ...`` She stopped herself from talking. I waited patiently for her to speak. I feel sorry for her, trying to speak up to us... to strangers, she doesn't know.
``...Do you know a girl named Mabel?`` She asked.
Both of our heads snapped to her when she mentions my sister's name. ``... How you know my sister's name-`` I said, that was first came to my mind.
``Yes, we do know her. Do you need to see her?`` Kahlil asked, interrupting me. I looked over to him to give him a glare.
``Yes actually! I lost her when I was trying to find my... schedule.`` The girl said. ``She was going to show me where my schedule spot is but... she ran off to go speak to other people...``
``Of course.`` I mumbled to myself.
``We could show you where you can get your schedule.`` Kahlil said.
What happened with teasing to people, Kahlil? You may assume she's a 9th grader, but you didn't do anything about it. Maybe you're just being a gentlemen... and I'm not. That makes sense.
``O-Oh. Thanks!`` She said, smiling faintly. But would I really go back there with these books?
``Your welcome. So, what's your full name?`` He said. Why full-... ignore me. I'm stupid.
``Pacifica Northwest.`` Pacifica said, introducing herself. Northwest... that name seems familiar... oh right, the wealthy family. They are full of Northwests, selfish people and don't need anything... but I'm confused, why is she here?
``Follow me.`` He said, turning and walking past me. The blonde girl followed him, but took one glance at me. ``A-are you coming?``
``He can show you. He doesn't needs me.`` I said, walking in the opposite direction. I'm annoyed at him at the moment, I don't need to see him at this time.
I was resting on my books on a table that was outside of a classroom. No, I didn't follow them. I actually got lost on my own. I could leave school and go with my uncles. Why did I feel jealous at the time? I shouldn't be, she was a stranger, now an acquaintance. Maybe I'm just jealous at his actions, how he dealt with the situation while I thought and question why she knew my sister. I second-guessed if she was after my sister for something, as in using her for some selfish benefit.
Hey, she could have been faking that "shy" behavior. I do know that the wealthy family up there on that hill is selfish. But what I'm thinking? Assuming the things she may or may not do. I just don't trust her.
``There you are you, little shit.`` I jumped at the voice, turning behind me to see Kahlil and Pacifica. ``L-little...?`` Pacifica said in shock.
``Why did you go after me?`` I said.
``We were going to the lobby where I assume Mabel, maybe would be there, but it happens we ran into you.`` He said. ``I believe you were heading your way there, right?``
``Yes...`` I turned away from them.
``You are heading in the right direction if you keep going straight after this left turn.`` He said.
``I know.`` I lied, staring at my books.
I heard them walk past me as I crushed my fists. I don't want to feel like this, now I just feel terrible. Maybe if I didn't half assume Kahlil was a trouble maker, perhaps the tension between us would be gone. I also need to stop thinking about it, getting a possible date. That is not important right now, Dipper. And besides, it won't happen. It'll never work.
Several minutes passed as I didn't move from my spot. I felt like, if I moved from my place, I would ruin things more then they already were. I stood up and stretched out my limbs. I wish I would just... disappear.
I flinched when someone grabbed my books, only to realize it was Kahlil glaring at me. ``Your family is waiting for you.``
I nodded, following him to the destination. ``You didn't have-``
``Shut up.`` He interrupted me as I squeaked. ``I don't need to hear it.``
``Sorry...`` I said, frowning. I stared at the ground.
.
We arrived at the lobby as I was lectured at, mainly by Uncle Stan. I accept my punishment as we left the school. We got into the car, along with my books my friend gave to me. I was quiet for the entire ride as Mabel talked to my uncles, I never joined in their conversation. I just wanted to sleep the problems away, everything that happened today.
I did just that. I set my books on the desk and just jumped in bed and went to sleep. It always helps me feel better, maybe I could spend the last two days sleeping in, even sleeping all day. I am off for the next two days because of it. I don't need to do anything this weekend, I don't need to.
Unfortunately, I can't. I couldn't do that when my sister wanted me to meet her friend. In fact, she wanted me to go school shopping with her. Oh more problems will fill into my head. I need the materials for school anyways, as long as it's quick I'm good.
``I know you don't feel great, Dipper, but we need to be prepared for school on Monday.`` Mabel said. We were walking into town. ``I told Pacifica to wait for me in front of the mall, along with someone else.``
``Okay.`` I said, staring down at the ground.
``Cheer up, brother! Aren't you excited to meet new people? Make new friends?`` She said in a cheerful tone. ``I know I can't wait.``
``Not really. Those things are not necessary to me.`` I said.
``Come on! Do something for a change!`` She said, almost yelling.
``What if I don't want to?`` I said, looking up at her.
``Your not going to be healthy if you keep going down your path. I'm just trying to help you. You won't let me.`` She said frowning.
``I'll think about it.`` I said. I see her go from sadness to happiness in an instant.
``Thank you! Now, I got to introduce you to Pacifica properly.`` She said.
``Why properly?`` I said.
``Because I wasn't there!`` She huffed. ``I want to be with her when it happens.``
``Your so complicated.`` I said.
``I'm just trying to protect her.`` She said. ``I know you won't do anything~`` She winked at me.
I widen my eyes and glare at her. ``I'm not thinking about that!``
``Of course, you're not. You will eventually.`` She said.
I grunted, looking forward. We arrived at the mall after 30 minutes of almost getting lost. I swear Mabel doesn't know her way around the town yet. I wonder how she found the mall out of luck. As promised, she introduces her friend to me, knowing that I already know her name. I follow her way for a bit before seeing my friend approach, I swear I wanted it to be a different person.
We all entered into the mall as school supplies were on sale. Mabel and Pacifica were grateful for that, I didn't bother to pay attention to it. I'll just get my things and leave. Mabel decided to go with Pacifica, leaving me with Kahlil. I swear, I wanted to go by myself, I guess she didn't want me to be lost. I stayed quiet for the entire time, only nodding to what questions he had. I couldn't tell if he was irritated at my silence, but his tone was surely turning annoyed. I guess that's good.
``Can you please speak?`` We were in the notebook section, along with blinders and folders. I looked over to his question, giving him a face that I won't.
``You know it's awkward when I'm talking to a brick wall.`` Kahlil said, sounding irritated.
``I'm answering your questions.`` I said, accidentally speaking out loud. I meant to say that in my head, oh great.
``Surely, but use your voice. I feel like your carrying this damn mood since yesterday.`` He said, turning to face me.
``Yes. Even before that.`` I said, continuing to look at the notebooks. I didn't bother to look at him.
``Why won't you tell me?`` He asked.
``I tell no one my problems, what makes you think I will tell you? It'll just make the situation worse.`` I said.
``You're making the situation worse.`` He said. I reached out to grab a green notebook, staring at its number of papers.
``Maybe I am.`` I said. ``Maybe I always have.``
``I don't like to see you like this.`` He said.
``Why? Why do you care for me?`` I finally looked up at him. ``You shouldn't be.``
``You're my friend, I am not going to stop caring for you. No matter what you think.`` He said, looking concern.
``I... I don't understand this. I thought you didn't, even after what happened yesterday.`` I said, gripping the green notebook tightly.
``I still do. Even if I'm in the moody of moods, I still care about you.`` He said.
I looked away when tears were appearing in my sight. I still feel like I should avoid my friend for what I was feeling about yesterday, but I shouldn't... it's bad. It's stupid for acting like this... so why am I acting like this?
``But I am still waiting for that... apology.`` Kahlil said.
``Sorry for calling you a trouble maker.`` I said, knowing what exactly what he wanted.
``I forgive you. Do you need to say anything else?`` He said. I hear him grabbing something off from the selves.
``I would be lying if I say I don't have anything to say.`` I said, wiping away my tears.
``Oh. Did I made you cry?`` He said.
``No. You didn't.`` I said. I don't know why I was crying.
``Oh no. Now I feel guilty for that.`` He said. I looked over to him as he "pretended" to look guilty.
``Honestly, I don't know the reason why I was tearing up.`` I said.
``Maybe it's what I said. You didn't expect me to say "I cared about you." So, that's what triggered it.`` He said, having three notebooks in his hands.
``Maybe...`` I said.
``Now, how many notebooks you need?`` He asked.
``Five in total.`` I said.
``Then let's get you six notebooks.`` He said.
``Why six, I said five. Wait. Why six?`` I said, confused.
``Seniors have six classes, two being lunch periods.`` Kahlil said, crossing his arms with his three notebooks.
``Wait. YOU'RE A SENIOR?!`` I said, looking surprised at him.
``Yes. I am. What did you expect me to be in? 10th? 11th?`` He asked.
``In 10th grade.`` I said, reaching out to grab two notebooks.
``Your so way off.`` He said, turning to the selves.
``So I'm guessing your 17?`` I asked.
``18.`` He said, correcting. I dropped the notebook down on the ground, looking back at him. ``Then why are you still here?``
``...I failed... my senior year, and I have to retake it with the same classes.`` He said.
``Oh... well that's terrible.`` I said, picking the notebook back up into my arms. Okay, that's six notebooks. Still... why do I need one for Digital Media if it's going to be on computers? I turned to the blinders and decided to get me one. Unless... he's in the same class as me in Digital Media.
.
``Uh... what classes do you have?`` I asked. We were walking out of the school supply area with bags, heading to where Mabel would be at.
``Some that are complex while others are simple. Let's just say they're all simple and easy to pass.`` He said. Not quite what I was asking, but okay. I heard some disgusting slurs from other people as they walk past us, I also caught them saying. "We don't need those type of couples mixing in with our current ones." Excuse me, lady, we're just friends, nothing more than that... Is that possible?
No. Dipper, no. We're not going there. No. no, no, no, no. I shook my head as I gave my friend confused looks. ``I'm okay.``
``Okay...`` Kahlil said, looking a bit sad.
I looked down, wondering... is that even possible?
End of Chapter 11
