A New Face.
- Mabel's POV -
I woke up under an early morning time, the usual, getting up and getting ready for school. I stretched my arms out and turned to the edge of my bed. The only thought that continued to lurk in my mind was the night of my birthday, our birthday, I should say. I was thinking about Pacifica's rejection, wondering how she is feeling after all of this time. I crushed my hands into a fist, wanting to know why her date bailed out on her, halfway through. I'll just give him a chit chat whenever I can get to see him.
I let out a yawn, turning over to my brother, who was covering his face with a book. I looked confused as I got off of my bed and stood up. ``Dipper?`` I said, tilting my head.
I watched the book slowly moved off of his face. I saw his face looking a bit spooked before returning to a calm expression. ``... Yes?``
``Was there something bothering you?`` I asked, a bit concerned for my brother.
``No. There wasn't.`` He said, his voice was quiet, which led my worryings to grow a bit bigger.
``You sure?`` I asked once more.
``Yes, I'm sure, Mabel.`` He said, putting up his book in the end table we had between our beds.
``Alrighty then!`` I turned and went to get fresh clothes. ``I call dibs on the bathroom!``
``You always call dibs on the bathroom.`` I heard him say. I turned and watched him stand up from his bed.
``That's because I'm faster than you, you move so slow.`` I said, making my voice sound a bit playful. I folded my arms in a cross, looking at him with a pretend annoyed expression.
``That's what everyone says nowadays.`` He said. His voice was so faint that I could barely hear him.
``... Cheer up! I was only playing around.`` I said, looking a bit sad.
``... Still. It's quite bothersome, you know?`` He said, walking over to our closet, which was behind us.
``I know... but you know what?`` I walked and stood by our door.
``What?`` I heard him say.
``Just tell me when you need to vent or anything. Besides all of the teasing and playing around... try to tell me if there's something on your mind. I'll be here to support you.`` I said. I don't know why I needed to expand my reason, but I wanted to tell him that I will always be there for him.
``... Thanks.`` His voice was faint once more. I nodded before exiting the room and walking downstairs where the bathroom was located. Once I changed into my blue sweater with a long lilac skirt going down to my ankles, I exited and put my dirty clothes in the laundry basket. I did knock before I entered the room.
I went down to eat breakfast and wait for before my brother since he was slow this morning. It was bizarre that he was delayed or running a bit late, I did tell him if he needed someone to talk to, I'm here for him. I just feel like something is wrong with him.
We were sitting in the car in silence, it was bothering me to the point our uncle asked us if there's something wrong. ``Well. We're fine... right, Dipper?`` I said, turning to him. He looked over to me from the window. ``I guess... I'm just all caught up in my head, that's all.``
``You are always in that mind of yours. I would love to hear you guys talk like what Stanley says.`` Uncle Ford said. We talk every once a while in every car ride we have with Uncle Stan, but not much.
``Uh... he forces us to talk... or me in this case.`` Dipper said.
`` "Forces" He wanted to see how we're doing this morning, Dipper. I feel like you're a grumpy head, are you?`` I asked.
``... I am. I am grumpy.`` He said, his voice getting low.
``He's always grumpy in the mornings. Don't worry, he'll lighten up a bit more when we get to the afternoons.`` Uncle Ford said.
``... Okay.`` I said, looking away from my brother. As I said, we don't talk much in the car.
Once we arrived, we waved a temporary goodbye. We walked together towards the school until we departed to our classes alone.
.
Besides the part that just happened a few days ago, living in Jungle Falls is so fantastic! Nothing has ruined my life yet! Although there are some objects and trouble in the way, I promise to myself that I will fix it all. I just need to know where each problem is... starting with my family!
I have to know what happened here when we were apart. Just... gotta start on that case soon... I don't know when.
But on the bright side, I made friends these past weeks! Besides Pacifica, of course. I made two friends, one is named Jessie Cathon, and the other is Kate McDonalds. They were, at first, trying to be popular girls... but they opened up to me slowly. And soon, they don't seem to be popular girls, they decided to be, but I can tell they're decent people.
Although... I have to say, what did Jessie mean there was a popular kid?
``Yeah. There were popular kids before. I don't know where they went, but school is school, and now we need a new one.`` Jessie said. She was sitting at the lunch table, where we always chit-chat.
``Uh... wouldn't that be wasteful? I mean, I don't see myself as trying to be a better, stuck-up person who is trying to best other students in this school.`` I said, looking nervous. This was a couple days ago.
`` "Stuck-up"?! Was that an insult? Well, tell that to your tiresome friends then!`` She said.
``B-But... she has a hot guy friend!`` Kate said.
``... "hot" Do you mean my brother or his friend?`` I said, looking at Kate.
``Not your brother- gosh, I can imagine his personality being annoying as hell.`` Jessie said, grunting in annoyance. ``The blonde! I bet he's single.``
``... Well, that is just a bit mean! I know Dipper can be annoying sometimes, but please, give him a chance.`` I said.
`` "Dipper" Did he named himself after the "Big Digger"?`` Jessie would laugh, making me a bit irritated.
``That's his nickname!`` I said, grinding my teeth together.
``Well, it's a terrible name, being named after a bunch of stars?! I wouldn't even nickname myself!`` She snorted. ``I think he needs a new nickname, What is his name again?``
``... Mason.`` I said, glaring at her.
``Hmmm...`` She snapped her fingers together, coming up with a nickname. ``I got it! Annoying Brat. How about that?``
``He's not that annoying! At least he's smarter than you!`` I shouted, getting frustrated.
``Are you calling me dumb?`` Jessie said, soon to return the glare at me.
``Uh, guys. Don't fight one another, I think you went too far on the insults, Jessie.`` Kate said at last. I bet she was nervous about all of this.
``Too far?! She insulted me first! At least I get to insult her brother!`` Jessie shouted.
``Well, I'm sorry! I just don't feel like you should best everyone above you. You won't get anywhere... and I bet that what happened to the last popular kid.`` I said, calming my voice down.
``... That... might be right...`` Jessie said, doing the same thing I was. ``... That may- but... they... disappeared before they could graduate.``
``...Oh. It was a senior? Of course, it was a senior...`` I said, annoyed.
``But...`` Jessie trailed off as it seems. I looked over at Kate, who seems to be panicked. ``...What's...- Is there something wrong?``
``... The Kidnaps.`` Kate muttered. ``... They come every year to pick out they're victims... and those people never get to see their families.``
``Oh... That is terrible! Did the police ever get them?`` I asked.
``...No. We're not safe, and we have to make sure we stay home.`` Jessie said, looking down at the table.
``...Okay.``
Back to the present time, 3rd block came around, interrupting me with my thoughts. Oh god. I'm thinking like Dipper. OH GOD. I must not! But then again, I am curious about the last popular kid and... The Kidnaps... I feel so sorry for those people. Maybe I can discuss it with him when I get home.
I sat in music class, hearing whispers left, and right getting louder. I looked over to where they were pointing out, and now, I was joining in with them. There was this boy, tall and handsome, wearing classic tropical clothing. He had a guitar case as he had this long braided ponytail. It was a bit strange to me, but when I look over to the other girls, they were going crazy over it. I sighed, maybe it's just my tastes. But... I can tell you he is hot. Very hot!
During the lesson, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. I couldn't even focus on my work. I also think I wasn't the only one, but probably the only one who got caught by the teacher. And then I was shamed by the teacher, and I got embarrassed. I frowned and looked away. I guess I'm getting a talk after class.
.
The period ended as I packed my things and put my bag on. I walked towards the door, only to be called over by my teacher. I turned and walked over to the teacher's desk and looked at her.
``Hello, Ms. Pines.`` My teacher said, giving me glares.
``...Hi...`` I said quietly.
``Do you know why you were called over here today?`` She asked.
``... Yes... I think...`` I said, avoiding looking at her.
``Well. Let me tell you. Recently, you have not been paying attention in my class. Goofing off and messing around is not an acceptance, Ms. Pines!`` She said.
``..Yes, I'm sorry...`` I muttered.
``Next time, if I catch you off-topic or distracted, you may as well fail without my help.`` She said. I nodded and quickly exited the classroom. I headed to the Cafeteria, keeping my head down. Now I seem be just like the troubled kid in class, I don't cause trouble! Ugh, stupid teacher...
I got distracted this time because I was staring at a cute boy! I bet she would be doing the same thing if she was my age! Or if she was finding someone to date! Ugh. I entered the lunchroom and got my lunch for today. I sat alone at a table before looking around. A crowd of students caught my eyes as I looked curious. I decided to finish my meal quickly and rushed over.
I quietly walked over as the sound of guitar music was fading in. Is it the person before in my music class? I went to get a closer look as I found a spot for myself to look in front of me. It was! It was! Oh, I wanted to scream so badly, but I held myself back. Ask him, Mabel! Ask him! Oh, I can't just interrupt him on his music... maybe I can have a chance after his performance.
I heard the bell ring as it was already time to go. I jumped and forgot about my bag. I turned and rushed over to grab it, but as soon as I turn around, I saw the crowd carry the boy out, and I was too late. Damnit! I grumbled to myself before leaving the lunchroom. I halted at the entrance of the school, waiting for my brother in a bad mood.
``...You okay?`` I turned and looked at my brother, who was standing right behind me.
``Just an irritating day.`` I said.
``Oh. It'll be like that sometimes. What happened exactly to yours?`` Dipper asked. We walked down the stairs together.
``I didn't get to make a friend with someone.`` I said. You know what, let me say it for once! ``And that someone is a crush I developed today.``
``Oooh. Um. You-``
``I know you ain't the perfect person to talk to, but your the only person here to talk to about it. So deal with it!`` I interrupted him, grunting.
``Okay. So just like me, you missed your opportunity to ask him to be your friend?`` He asked.
``Yep. JUST LIKE YOU. Ugh. Why would it be similar to your situation?`` I said, looking to him.
``I don't know. It just happens... yeah... it happens... I mean... it wouldn't work out anyway.`` He said.
``Work out with what?`` I asked, looking confused.
``Uh... me asking my last crush out. She's been with her boyfriend for two years...`` He said.
``Ouch... that definitely wouldn't have worked out.`` I said, feeling sorry for him. ``Well. You'll find someone better than her.``
`` "Better" Or someone fit for my taste.`` He said.
``Why do you have to mock me with the word? I just thought that if she wasn't the right one.`` I said.
``What would you say if a boy was brave and strong and all of those features?`` He asked.
``... Well... if he was good looking, then I would buy it.`` I said.
``That didn't even relate to what I was pointing out.`` He said.
I stopped and turned to him. ``I said something about what you didn't point out or am I wrong in this case?``
``Maybe I didn't specify it enough. I was mostly describing how she was, how she was like. I tried to give an example for a boy you may like, but I may be wrong.`` He said.
``Well, I like appearances, and you may not.`` I said.
``... So. If you go and date a boy because of his looks, wouldn't it be a red flag? I mean they could like...-``
``It's not a red flag, Dipper. It's how I am. I like boys who have a handsome face, such as Kahlil, who is standing right behind you.`` I said. I watched him jump as he turned to Kahlil, who was glaring at me.
``Thanks. You ruined my plan to scare him.`` He said.
``I think I helped that one out. But anyway, it's how I am, Dipper. I may not be like you, but at least I have better taste than you.`` I said.
``Excuse me?`` Dipper turned to me with a glare. `` ... You don't know that.``
``You just said you liked a person because of their personality. I don't find that attractive.`` I said.
``And you just said you wanted to make friends with your crush, which means you will discover their personality traits.`` He said. I was slowly starting to heat up with this conversation. I think it's an argument at this point.
``And I also liked their looks. Tell me. Do you think your old crush is hot and cute?`` I asked. I see him get flushed a bit.
``Well yeah... I understand that, but I'd rather know who they are as a whole.`` He said. He looked down at the ground.
``Well, that's you, Dipper. Not me.`` I said.
``... I'm just warning you.`` He said.
``You don't need to protect me, Dipper. I can handle myself.`` I said.
``Well, just in case.`` He said, looking back up at me.
I huffed, crossing my arms. ``You will never forgive up, am I right?``
``I wanted to repay in what you said this morning. So-``
I burst out in laughter, scaring both of them. ``You protecting me? I don't think I see that happening!``
``Hey! I- You know what.`` I heard the sudden change in Dipper's voice. I stopped and stared at him. ``I tried doing something nice for you, and you go on and laugh at me like I'm such a damn weak person? Oh nice, HAVE FUN WALKING ON YOUR OWN!`` He snapped and turned away, leaving us. I widened my eyes, looking over at Kahlil. He was in shock too.
.
``... I think that was a bit too much, Mabel. He was trying to protect you from the person you liked.`` Kahlil said, looking at me.
``... I think the laughter was a bit too much, but... I didn't expect him to snap at me like that.`` I said.
``What'd you expect? For him to be quiet and stuff?`` He said.
``Well, yeah... that was such a sudden turn, though.`` I said, not really interested in what just happened.
``... I'll go cheer him up while you think about your crush.`` He said before following Dipper. It's not like that, Kahlil! Jesus, what's got into everyone's minds lately? Is thinking about my crush is just a selfish thing?! Ugh. I hate everything that just happened! I turned and stormed off.
I entered the shack in quiet and went to my room. I changed into comfortable clothes and took my bag and headed downstairs. I shoved my brother out of the way when he tried to use the staircase. I'm pissed off right now, not a bother to ask me what's wrong.
I entered the dining room and sat at the table. As I was opening my bag and pulling out my homework, I went to do it afterward. I couldn't finish it as I was having trouble focusing on it. I stood up quickly. Maybe I just needed some fresh air. Perhaps I need that. I think I do. I put my homework up and told my uncles I will be back.
I headed out in my shoes and walked into town. I don't think it worked. My head was still up in the clouds, wishing to yell at someone. Damn, I hate acting like this, but everyone made me mad today! Everything did!
I bumped into someone as they fell back onto the ground. I looked up and widened my eyes. OH- IT'S THE GUY FROM MY CLASS. UH... wHAT DO I DO?! OH RIGHt, APOLOGIZE! I felt panicked as I quickly rushed over to put my hand out. ``I am so sorry! I didn't see you-``
``It's alright, I hope I didn't hurt you or nothing.`` He said, taking my hand. My brain exploded as I could feel myself getting warmer and hotter. FOCUS! FOCUS! I KNOW HE'S HOT AND TOUCH YOUR HAND, BUT FOCUS!
``O-oh, you didn't! I think I'm the fault for this.`` I said, chuckling nervously. I looked over at his guitar case and widened my eyes in horror. ``DID I BREAK IT?!``
``Oh, heavens, no! That's why it has a case.`` He said, picking it up. I let out a sigh of relief.
``I'm sorry, I'm such a mess. Should I repay you in any source?`` I asked.
``No, no, you don't need to.`` He said, pulling the case over his shoulder. ``Unless you want to come to my next performance if that would lighten up things.``
``... That could work! I'm just apologetic for what just happened.`` I said, breathing in and out.
``As I said, it's alright.`` He began to walk as I followed from behind. ``Say, what's your name?``
I blushed, staring up at him. ``I-It's Mabel.``
``Nice to meet you, Mabel, I am El Pescado Mustachio, but you can call me Mermando for short. It's a nickname from my friends... I guess they discovered I like mermaids.`` He said.
I chuckled. Mermando. It seems like Mexican and Merman was combine to one. Oh right, he did sound Mexican... OH GOSH. THAT MAKES IT EVEN WORSE. He started a conversation with me as I said what I was interested in, and we went on from there. I think we both enjoyed each other interests, especially when he plays for people. Another entertainer in town! Oh, I can't wait to tell Pacifica this.
.
I said goodbye to Mermando as he waved back. I turned away and walked with my phone close to my chest. I was making excitement noises, almost like I was getting something else in my interest or something.
I can't believe I got my crush's number.
This is the best day ever!
End of Chapter 16
