School.


- Dipper's POV -

``Dipper! Get up! It's time for school!`` The voice of my sister poked in my head, signaling me to wake up.

Oh, great... I forgot the early times of getting up in the mornings every single day. This will be hard to adapt to.

Well, the day has come to take away all of our freedom. School. Hell, some students call it as it educates us once again. Our parents would be happy once again since they get the house to themselves, making me wonder if my uncles feel that way. I feel like I had enough education for once, but I don't think my sister cares. All she cares about is making new friends. Maybe... I could try it too.

We both got out of our beds and got ready. While I changed in the bathroom, getting myself cleaned and awakened a bit, Mabel took our room and changed in it. I left the bathroom so she could do her business as well. Once we were done, we hurried down to eat breakfast.

``I can't wait to meet some new friends! Don't you agree- ACK.`` Mabel began to choke on her breakfast.

I sighed, ``Don't eat when you are speaking, Mabel.``

She fixed herself as she nodded. ``I know, I'm just excited! Aren't you too?`` She asked me. I looked up from my cereal bowl to my sister. I shrugged, looking off to the side. ``I don't know. Should I try to? I could attempt it again if no one bothers me this time.``

``They shouldn't. Make friends, do whatever because the only friend that you made is that jungle boy.`` Mabel said.

``Oh, Kahlil is a Jungle boy now?`` I said, staring at her.

``Yes! He lives in the jungle, apparently!`` She said.

``Who lives in a jungle?`` Uncle Stan walked in, all ready to take us to school.

``Some old dude. We saw him cover in jungle vines one day in an alleyway!`` Mabel said. Wow, nice lie, Mabel!

``Well. I hope you don't come in terms with him. Anyways, are you guys ready? You're going to be late on your first day.`` He said, walking towards the closed gift shop.

``We're coming!`` Mabel called out. ``Let's hurry, Dipper!`` She said as I nodded.

After we were done, we exited the shack and hopped in Uncle Stan's car and buckled up, driving off to the high school. I let out a yawn as I stretch out once more in the back seat. I turned over to my sister, who was smiling brightly like a sun. I smiled faintly and looked out the window. It'll be hard adapting to these times once again. Soon we were dropped off as we said our temporary goodbyes to him, only if I could share the same wave as Mabel did from him. I let it go as I walked with her to the school's front doors.

``Too bad we got different classes until tomorrow.`` She whined as we entered through the doors.

``Yeah...`` I said, chuckling at her statement.

``Well. Make a lot of friends and tell me all about it when we get out of school.`` Mabel said, turning towards me. I turned towards her, nodding. ``Do not be a lonely bird.``

I chuckled. ``I won't, Mabel.``

``Alright, see you after school, bro-bro!`` She said, turning away from me and headed to her classes.

``See you too!`` I called out. Does she know her way around the school? She better not complain to me afterward if she got lost a couple of times. It's her fault that she didn't ask for any help. I let out a quiet chuckle. Her face would be funny if she overreacted about it. I turned forward and walked down to my homeroom number. It'll be hilarious.

.

Oh. I'm not quite sure if this is the same for everyone, but we have homeroom periods for the first three days of the first week. I have no idea why they do it like that. Perhaps if the newer students get lost on their way? I shrugged, sitting in my homeroom period. This block only lasts 15 minutes, though, so we don't do anything meaningful here. Some teens sleep while others make friends or talk to those who knew each other from last year. Soon I was getting tired by every minute. I kept my eyes open until the bell rang.

Soon we were up on our feet, moving to our first period.

Hmm... AP English... I stared down at my schedule, eyeing the room number. I looked up and searched for the room. I found it and I entered the room. Watching those fresh students wander around and asking for help is making me nostalgic. Oh, I remember those days... getting lost as a freshman... Jesus, I love how time flies past us like it's nothing. But we made some experiences and challenges on the way to getting here. And I think I can finally be set free once I'm out of this mess.

Soon class started, off with something easy. The teacher, Mr. Hill, introduced himself and presented his basic info on a PowerPoint. And Already, he wants to write a mini-essay and read to the entire class. I can already see some students shaking slightly in their seats. It'll be easy, but half of us or most of us have to finish next time. We only had 25 minutes left in this period due to homeroom, so we were told to just write our introduction to ourselves as a whole.

I tilted my head in curiosity. Do I really know myself?

Before long, the first block was over. We were told that "If you guys didn't finish your one-page essay, you might finish it at home! That will be your only homework today! Make sure to not forget it at home! You will be presenting next class!" I nodded as I head out with my binder. On to second period, Journalism II.

You know, Mr. Hill wasn't that bad. He seems like a decent teacher, like the rest I had. With some correctable senses and logical terms. Although he is strict or appears to be, I'm sure he can lift his wall and welcome us once he gets used to us.

I headed down to the same classroom as last year with the same teacher as before, Mrs. Vernon. I am fortunate to have the same teacher, with the same respect to one another, I'm sure we could hold up our friendship. Once I entered the classroom, she was surprised to see me and asked if I had her class for Journalism II. I nodded as she gasped in shock. She was actually happy to see a good student again in her class. We gave a short conversation before I headed to my seat, I am glad that I'm back in the same classroom.

Today's worksheet was a simple and easy one as well, just a "Get to know me" paper. I guess Mrs. Vernon didn't want to be complicated with it. I did give her an idea like that before, but she didn't go with it. Glad she didn't because I don't remember what I mention- Oh yes! The report about knowing the necessary information and stuff about a case of a criminal... yeah... I'm glad she didn't go with that now.

Soon came lunch, and I rushed down there after saying goodbye to Mrs. Vernon. I didn't know why I was rushing, maybe it's because I want to hang out in the library once I was done eating. I arrived at the cafeteria as I went to get my lunch and sit down at one of the lunch tables.

I watched the students walk past me and over to where a group was forming at the entrance. Oh no, are they surrounding a freshman... Jesus, I feel bad for those freshmen, being picked on by higher grades than they are. I decided to finish my lunch up and headed over as other students were too.

``I don't have any lunch money! Leave me alone!`` The voice of the freshman said. It was a male voice, so I assume the group of students were male as well. I could see he was trying to act tough, defending his place.

``Come on! How come you brought that lunch bag? You got to have something on you.`` One of the guys said.

``I don't! My mom fixed this for me!`` The freshman said.

``Then let's have that instead.`` I saw one of the henchmen grab the bag out of the freshman's hand. Oh no, stealing someone's lunch? That's going too far!

``Hey! Give me that back!`` The freshman said before getting shove down to the floor. He coughed a bit before looking up to give another attempt. ``G-Give me... my.. l-lunch... b-bag.`` He was struggling to breathe now.

``Hey!`` I called out, stepping into the scene. I saw one of them had their mouth open to speak, lucky I interrupted him. They all turn their gaze on me, giving me disgusting looks until one of them recognized me.

``Why of all people you? Huh, Mason? You're usually the watcher. Don't do anything, just like these guys.`` The amber haired dude said.

``When I see crap like this, I will step in and stop it.`` I said. Mostly it's a lie... because it's been happening to me too.

``Oh, playing the hero, I see? I get it.`` He said as he told one of his henchmen to give the boy back his lunch bag. ``I'll let you win this time, Mason. But if I ever see you in my way next time, it won't be pretty.`` He warns me before walking off with his group. Those are the coward bullies who just gives off threats and try to scare you. What of a bunch of losers.

.

I turned to the freshman as he looked okay, sitting on the dirty floor. ``T-thank you. No one ever stood up for me.`` He said, getting up by himself. Ah, I should have helped him.

``They should, problems like these should get solved.`` I said.

``Yeah... I really don't want to find myself up in this mess again.`` He said, laughing nervously.

``I guess it's tough on your first day of this school then.`` I said. ``Also, your welcome.`` I quickly said.

``Oh, it's not my first day to this school. I'm a sophomore, by the way if you didn't know.`` He said.

I slowly flushed. ``Oh, sorry! I kind of thought you were a freshman... my bad!``

``It's alright! No worries! By the way, I'm Lee Williams.`` He said. I looked at the ginger kid in surprise. He's introducing himself to me... should I do the same?

``...Mine's Mason Pines.`` I introduced myself.

``Nice! Oh right! I have to eat my food before lunch is over, I hope it's not ruined!`` Lee said, looking panicked.

I began to back away from him, letting him have some space. ``Oh, then I should leave you be-``

``Hey, do you want to chat for a bit?`` He asked. I paused in my steps, surprised at his offer. ``Really?`` I said.

``Yeah. You seem like a nice person to be with unless you don't want that, then it's okay.`` He said.

``No, no. I guess... I can stay for a bit.`` I said. He smiled as he led the way. We sat at a table as we started up a conversation. At every sentence he spoke, he would apologize. I felt guilty for the way he acted, I thought he usually is like this, so I was fine with it. I didn't mind his persona at all. We spoke a few about ourselves before the bell interrupted us. We parted our ways and went to our last class.

Did... I make a friend? Well, I'm not quite sure if we are friends... I could see in a couple of days if we want to be friends. It's always a test with me when I see if that person wants to be my friend. I sighed, heading to AP Environmental Science, or for short, APES. After I entered in, I sat right next to the window, getting my things out, preparing for anything that could happen. Soon class started, and I was watching the teacher introduce himself. Mr. Owens. Well... before two students came in and interrupted his speech. They were told to quickly sit down and listened in. They end up picking the seats right next to me.

I sighed and shook my head before continuing to listen to Mr. Owens.

Each of us was given a syllabus to take home to our parents, uncles in my case. After that, we would go over what we will need and what will be happening in this class. It soon got tiresome as I looked over at the clock, wondering if time could hurry up a bit. ``Hey.`` A voice whispered to me. I looked over to my right side, staring at the two late students. ``..Yes?`` I answered back in a whisper.

They were surprised a bit before opening their mouth. ``You seem strange.`` I blinked at the male student comment. I slowly looked back at the teacher. How in what part I seem strange? I don't understand that statement... I saw a student raise their hand up as Mr. Owens answered them.

``Are you always alone...?`` The same male voice whispered to me. I looked at him, nodding. ``Yes... is there something wrong with that?`` I asked. I'm alone and strange, what else you can comment about me?

``Nothing, nothing at all. You just... it seems you need more people to talk to. You know, not be alone all the time.`` He said.

``...Yeah...`` I slowly said, staring at him. Are they trying to be my friend? They're doing a weird way of doing it. `` Do you... want to...`` I trailed off, stopping myself.

``Sure. If "friends" is your word. It just seems like you need one.`` He said.

``I guess. I don't mind.`` I said. I do mind... and like before, it's a test if you want to be my friend or not. I am still confused about the part where they called me strange... do I look odd to people?

``Tom Ryan.`` Tom said. ``That's my name.``

``Don't forget, Jade Taylor.`` The female student said. Taylor...? Where did I hear that last name from. Oh! Gregg Taylor! She must be his daughter... oh... that what they were talking about before. Oh... oh... no.

``I am Mason Pines.`` I said, forgetting to give my name. Stop forgetting already! Jesus, I distract myself with my brain; sometimes, I need to turn my mind off for a minute. The two students seemed like good people, surprisingly decent, not acting like those seniors who goof around. Oh, I forgot. This class was an all-senior one, so we were in the same grade. After Mr. Owens stopped talking, I guess the class's chance was to speak to one another. I did the same with Tom and Jade. We got to know a little about one another, then onto topics that I didn't know. I tried to join in, but in the end, I stayed quiet.

I stepped out of the school's door, breathing in the fresh air of afterschool. Finally, I'm out of the building and into the wilderness. I only have one homework, and that's from AP English class, although I'm almost done with it... so It'll be easy to complete. So far, for my day, it was good. I stopped a group of bullies and met three people in the process. So far, I think it's going great, let's see if it stays this way later in the week.

I halted at the end of the stairs as I looked up, waiting for my sister. I saw her walking out with two people. She probably made friends already to her liking. That's nice. She soon spotted me as she said goodbye to her friends before running down to me. ``Oooo! My day was fantastic! What about yours?`` She asked.

``Well... such a heroic person I rarely am... I stopped a group of bullies and met three possible friends. Today was great for me, by the way.`` I said, smiling.

``Really?!`` Mabel said, looking shocked. ``I never thought you had it in you. I thought you would of been a coward.`` We begin to walk away from school as I glared at her. ``Hey!``

``I'm just kidding with you! Of course, you stopped a group of bullies! I'm proud of you. Now, those "three possible friends"? Are you not sure you're going to be friends with them?`` She asked, crossing her arms.

``Yeah... I'm not quite sure... I mean, they wasted their time just to come to talk to me. That was nice of them to do that for me.`` I said, looking down at the sidewalk.

``At least, you found someone to talk to besides, Kahlil.`` She said.

``Okay. What's wrong with him now? I feel like you have something against him.`` I said, glaring up at her.

``I'm just saying, make more friends instead of Kahlil!`` She said, looking away from me.

``...What you mean by that?`` I asked. ``I mean, I know you want me to make friends besides having Kahlil as my only friend... well... I forgot about Gideon but... we rarely see each other so... I wouldn't count that.`` I said.

``You know...- Yeah. I meant by that. It's good to have more friends instead of one.`` She said.

``I guess you're right.`` I looked away from her, easing my glare into a calm expression.

``Now tell me. WHY DO WE HAVE HOMEWORK ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?!`` Mabel shouted, making me jump.

``Don't worry, you're not the only one who has homework, although mine was simple so yeah.`` I chuckled.

``How simple?! I got Algebra 2 homework!`` She said, glaring at me. I looked at her expression. ``A one-page essay about yourself and three syllabi. I'm almost done with the one page, so... I'll be free!`` I smiled.

``Lucky! I have to recap my skills from Algebra 1 and Geometry to handle Algebra 2!`` She said huffing. ``I don't even remember any of that stuff!``

``Looks like I'm lucky on the math side.`` I said.

``What? You're not taking Algebra 2?`` She asked, looking at me.

``Nope. I'm taking Calculus Honors. I took Pre-Calculus last year.`` I said, feeling proud.

``Wow... if I ever get into an advanced class, I'm asking for your help.`` She said.

``Alright. I'd be glad to help!`` I chirped.

We arrived home as both of our uncles greeted us. Before we went to do anything fun, we decided to do our homework first, just so we can get that out of the way. I got Uncle Ford to sign my syllabuses, so I won't forget about them for the next two days. I then finished my one-page essay and went to help my sister with her homework.

After about... 2 to 3 hours, we were done, chilling on our beds, probably drifting off to sleep. Or so I thought to Mabel when she had my phone in her hands! I know she stole my phone the other night and it was not fun! I sighed. ``What's your password?`` Mabel asked.

``Why should I tell you?`` I said, glaring at her in annoyance.

``Why not? I'm your sister, I should know!`` She said, sitting up. She gives me the glare back at me.

``No, you don't! You just want to be nosey!`` I said, crossing my arms.

``Just tell me! So I will leave you alone!`` She said, whining loudly. Oh god...

``FINE. Give me my phone,`` I said, making up my mind. I held out my hand.

``You should tell-``

``GIVE. Me my phone Mabel.`` I said, almost snapping. She put it in my hands in a flash. I unlock my phone before handing it back to her. ``Thank you! Now I see what you're hiding from me!`` She said, chuckling evilly.

I quietly chuckled, looking down at my bedsheets. I hate how some people know me... it's not my fault we were placed in the same grade. They usually call me the loner boy or the quiet boy, they don't pick on me at all, only make comments as I walk by. I really hate it, but I pay no attention to them.

What I did hate during my high school year is how there was a popular kid. People were just talking about him crazy, and I hate it all. But wishing someone's death is not what I should think of.

``DIPPER.`` I jumped at the call of my name as I looked over to my sister.

``WHO IS THIS?!`` She shoves my phone in my face as I snatch it from her hands. ``DO NOT MAKE ME GO BLIND.`` I shouted, looking over at the screen, only to see my friend's chatbox open.

``Who's "Creepyboi"? And why is "boy" spell like that?`` She asks me, now sitting on my bed.

``That's Kahlil, I nicknamed him that on my phone since... he started with a flirt text... I believe...`` I said, trailing off a bit.

``Ooooo looks like someone's hitting on you.`` She said. I glared at her.

``What makes you think he's hitting on me?`` I said.

``It just looks like it. It also looks like he's playing with you.`` She said, making a smug look on her face.

``Don't just assume... you know it will take me a while to love someone again.`` I said.

``I know.`` She said.

``So why assume that? Isn't that wrong?`` I asked.

``No. It's not. It's not at all.`` She said, looking at my glare. ``Love is love, like whoever you want. I won't mind, not quite sure for our uncles, but if they judge, I'll beat them up for you!``

I let out a laugh. ``I doubt you can beat both of them up.``

``I can! I could do it right now!`` She said huffing.

``Sure. Sure, sister.`` I said, relaxing my facial expression once more. ``To be honest, I don't think I will end up liking a boy. It's impossible for me, anyway.``

``Nothing is impossible!`` Mabel said.

``Well, for me, it is.``


It was the next day. The conversation with my sister about liking the same gender was in my head once more. It's an unnecessary thought for me, I won't end up like that. For now, I must focus on school, after homeroom, Calculus was next on my list. Once all the students settle down in the classroom, we began right away. It wasn't really a surprise to me, unlike the other students. Almost every math class starts off right away. No introduction, no nothing. Also, this period's teacher is a bit strict and can be rude in all ways... since they just yelled at the students who complained... better wanna keep my best behavior.

Economic Class was alright, everything was the same thing as yesterday.

Soon Digital Media came as I hurried my way down to the classroom. I'm not quite sure what I'll be learning, but if I were to pick a guess... probably has to do with the internet software or just the internet media in general? I think I'm way off with this one. I entered and saw it was a computer room, interesting... I quickly took my seat in the first row of computers on the left side. The desk of computers was cut in the middle where students and the teacher walked through. I sat down and sat my binder on the left desk of me where there was no one there. I looked over to the rest of the classroom, seeing unfamiliar faces. I sighed. Mabel told me I would be meeting her in one of the classes that I had, did she lie, or did she just misread our schedule sheets? That could be a possibility.

I sighed, looking back at my computer. We can survive without each other, I'm sure of it.

``Hey, bro-bro! Told ya, we would see each other!`` I turned to my right to see my sister sitting down in the seat next to me.

``Oh. So I was totally wrong.`` I said.

``Sorry it took so long, my last class is way far away from this classroom.`` She said frowning.

``It's alright. It can be like that sometimes. Trust me, I had those issues before last year.`` I said.

``Oh. Do they do that to these students on purpose?`` She asked, putting her bag down on the floor.

``They just put you in random classes that have your required courses. They don't care about the distance.`` A familiar voice appears on my left. I turned my head to Kahlil, sitting down.

``Oh. Hi there, I didn't realize we're sharing the same class.`` I said.

``Of course. It's a bit surprising...`` He said, sounding a bit disappointed.

``I think he just doesn't want to see us.`` Mabel said, letting out a small chuckle.

``That's not it, Mabel.`` He said, raising his voice.

``Well, glad to see your alright then.`` I interrupted the post-argument. ``Like what he said, they don't care about you. All they care about is the education that will shove in our brains.`` I said, returning the conversation.

``You seem to be against it...`` Kahlil said, moving my binder out of the way. I grabbed it and hugged it to myself in embarrassment. Whoops.

``Yeah. I don't really mind the teachings, all I care about is the friends.`` My sister said, smiling.

``Then how did you survive High school?!`` I said, looking surprised at her.

``Ignore the problems and do what you do. Nobody can't stop you, and they can't either!`` She said. ``Haters will be haters.``

I heard my friend chuckle at her response as I turned to my computer in front of me. I wish it was like that for me, I want that for my entire life in school in general. I sighed, hearing the door close. It looks like class was about to start.

The teacher took role and began the class with introductions. I didn't join in the conversations that my sister and my friend had, I didn't at all. I focus on the sheet and just thought about what will happen next.

And soon, I was out the door. I rushed out so I can get out of there. Nothing in there bothered me, It's just that... I've always been alone, and adapting to these changes is hard. I don't think they even notice anyway, besides the fact that I lied to their faces. I know it's wrong, but they didn't pay attention anyway.

I just want this day to end. I can get yelled at later.

I walked down the hallways, hearing my name called by a voice I hate hearing. I halted and looked over to see four guys approaching me. I grunted, being on guard.

``Mason! It's been a while!`` The tall dude said.

``It's been almost three months.`` I said.

``That's a long while! Don't be a smartass with me already!`` He grunted in annoyance.

``And how many times I was called "smartass" by you? A thousand already?`` I said.

``I just want to see how our p- friend is doing!`` He said, fixing his behavior. I know what you were going to say. I am your prey to your foolish actions.

``Can I ask just one question?`` He asked.

``I'm doing good.`` I said, holding my binder close.

``Good. You'll need it for the rest of the year!`` He said, letting out a laugh as his friends join in. I turned and walked away from them, grumbling to myself. This year will just be the same as last year.

Don't let it get to you, Dipper.

End of Chapter 12