A Slow Day.


- Dipper's POV -

It was the day after my "incident." I wished it never happened, but that is what I get for walking next to a talking jungle. I even almost got grounded by Uncle Stan because of it. He thinks I walked into it just to stress Uncle Ford out, I didn't do it on purpose! It was an accident! But of course, it doesn't convince him to believe me otherwise. To be honest, he's been getting back into one of his moods lately. Well, behavior-wise around me. It only happened after I got back from the gloomy jungle. He's... such a handful to deal with. About that "grounded" thing, Uncle Ford stepped in and removed it since it was a stupid decision. Maybe Uncle Stan thinks I'm doing everything on purpose...

``And never, ever, WORRY ME LIKE THAT EVER AGAIN!`` I would hear my sister scold at me for disappearing off last night.

``I won't, I will not let it happen ever again.`` I said, crossing my heart.

``Promise?`` She said, staring into my eyes.

``Promise. Now stop giving me death glares.`` I said, almost whining.

``Alright.`` She looked away from me and to the two 9th graders at our lunch table. It was lunchtime as third period had ended. We were talking about the usual: class drama, lessons, and teachers. I looked over where Cole used to be, I tilted my head in curiosity. ``..Where's Cole?``

``Oh... he went to prepare for a test in one of his classes.`` Alex said.

``Teachers already giving out tests?! Why now?`` Mabel whined.

``It is the start of September, and we've been in school for about 2 weeks, of course, our teachers will give out tests.`` Kahlil said, joining in our conversation at last. He never wants to talk with or to the 9th graders, but I think he's opening up a bit to them.

``They do it to test our knowledge on the subject anyways. It's not that half bad, actually!`` Percy said, acting brave and a bit stuck-up.

``You failed that one test-``

``THAT DOESN'T COUNT. I do not count tests that appear on the first day of class! Stupid math teacher! Who does she think she is?!`` Percy interrupted Alex, having an annoyed expression.

``I hate when that happens! The teachers giving you a test on the first day! FIRST DAY!`` Mabel grunted.

``Well, I think it gets you back into how school math is.`` I said.

``No talking, Mr. Pines! You think otherwise! So your not allowed to join our conversation!`` Percy said, glaring at me.

``... Well, alrighty, then.`` I said, leaning back a bit. ``Not like I care.`` I grunted.

``I didn't say your not allowed to care, Jeez, what got into you?`` Percy said, rolling his eyes.

``Stop it. You're being rude to our friends.`` Alex said, glaring at Percy.

``I'm being rude-``

``And highly annoying.`` Kahlil said with a cold tone that probably sent shivers down everyone's spines. I just sat frozen, waiting for someone to break the silence.

``Okay! Next topic!`` Mabel said. ``How about a friends' day out?``

``No thank you, I'd rather not be with those two!`` Percy said, still being slightly annoying. I think I understand his pain now.

``I'll come!`` Alex smiled.

``How can you stand those two?!`` Percy said, looking at him.

``... They're not bad people...? They are easy to get along with, especially Mabel.`` He said.

``Not her. She's fine.`` Percy said. I looked over at Kahlil, who had his head turned away from him, he's... annoyed now. I understand why he doesn't like 9th graders, but I think it's mainly Percy who is settling this uncomfortable mood on us.

``What's wrong with me?`` I asked, looking back over at Percy with a firm look.

``The problem is mainly your friend, the scary blond over there.`` Percy said, scooting back over to Alex. I could tell he was afraid of him.

``So, you don't like me because I'm friends with him?`` I asked.

``Duh, didn't realize you were slow at things.`` He said, which offended me.

``OKAY. I will plan the hangout with the current people who are going. KAHLIL, are you going...?`` Mabel asked, looking over at him. He had his head off of the table now, he looked over at her.

``... I don't really have the mood to go.`` He said.

``It's tomorrow.`` She said.

``... Sure.`` He said, shrugging slightly.

Why not ask me? Do I not have a shot at my choices? I guess she thinks I will go where ever she does. It doesn't work like that, but... maybe we all need a break sometimes.

``Why are you even hosting this?`` Percy asked.

``None of your business.`` Mabel said, glaring at him.

``But I'm one of your friends!`` Percy said.

``I thought you weren't going. You suddenly want to go?`` I asked, staring at him.

``I don't, I just want to know.`` He said.

``Well, if you want to know, you have to join.`` I smirked at him.

``... NEVERMIND!`` He grumbled and looked away from us. I chuckled. I heard my sister let out a chuckle at the action that I just performed to him. I don't think we need any annoying little brats in this hangout tomorrow. As the school bell rang, we all got up to walk together towards the exit, although I'm not quite sure if I ever want to walk with Percy ever again. I looked at the three taking off on their own as I stood there, thinking to follow them.

``.. Uh... Mason?`` I turned to the voice behind me, seeing my friend look all nervous.

``Yes?`` I answered.

``I think you left something back in the jungle...`` He said, walking up to me.

``...Like what- OH! Is that where I left my phone at?!`` I said, realizing that I didn't see my phone this morning.

``Don't worry, I got it right here when I was looking for you.`` He said, handing back my phone.

``Thank you.`` I grabbed my phone, staring at it. I gulped looking at the battery, and then those 7 missed calls from my boss. ``I am going to be killed today at work.`` I said out loud.

``Good luck with that!`` Kahlil said as he walked past me.


I can't believe I dropped my phone in the jungle, I thought... you know what, I don't know how the jungle functions. And... how it... controls people. Let alone make me miss work for one day. I grunted, making my sister confused before we entered the door of the shack. We both got home as we greeted our uncles through the staff archway, which was our area. We both got changed in separate rooms and walked downstairs to sit at the dining table with our homework sheets. Mabel had alot on her plate while I only had one. Mine was economics while hers was math and other classes she had, I even saw one of her sheets had drawing instructions. I looked impressed that she was in a drawing class. After I was finished with my economic sheet, I went over to help Mabel with her math since she sucks at it.

``Finally, we're all finished!`` Mabel said. ``What time is it?``

``.. Uh, 2:40 PM.`` I said, reading off of my phone.

``Okay! You have work at 3:30 PM today, right? or was it tomorrow...?`` She asked.

``It's today. It's every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and yes, I have to go at 3:30 PM.`` I answered.

``Okay, we have enough time then.`` She said. I looked confused for a moment. ``I want to finish setting up our hangout for tomorrow.``

``Oh. Alright.`` I said. It's not like I have anything important to do afterward.

``We have four people so far, right? Well, make that five since... I decided to invite my crush into this.`` She said.

``Uh... just so you know. You need to introduce him to everyone in the group.`` I said.

``I know. So is there anyone you want to invite?`` She asked.

``... I could invite Lee. Who is one of my friends I made when I started this year. Not quite sure if he wants to come.`` I said.

``Text him! See what he thinks.`` She said, leaning over to grab something. I nodded and opened up the contact of the conversations we had in these past days. Compared to the other two, I got along with him just fine. I don't know if Jade and Tom want to come, I could ask them. I asked the question in the group chat that I had with them. I copy and paste the question in the conversations I had with Lee.

``You also have to introduce Lee to us since we never met him before.`` She said, pulling out a piece of paper and a pen.

``... Yea, guess he's in the same boat as your crush.`` I said. I looked up as I watched her write down the names of our friends that were going. I got a ping from my phone as Lee agrees to come.

``I forgot to tell you, I invited Pacifica as well.`` She said.

``As always.`` I said.

``Awwww, you know me so well!`` She giggled. ``But... she also invited Gideon if that's fine.``

``... Okay. I don't mind at all.`` I said.

``Alright! How many people was that?`` She asked both of us. I looked down at the paper, noticing six names on the paper. Including us, that makes eight. ``Eight.`` I said.

``This may be a big hangout now I think about it.`` She said, looking a bit guilty.

``Doesn't that make everything a bit more fun?`` I asked.

``It does! I just didn't expect it to be close to ten people.`` She said. ``I shouldn't be worrying! This is going to be a day full of relaxation!``

``There's your spirit.`` I smiled.

``Yeah, and to be honest, not to be mean or anything. I'm glad Percy isn't going, he's... a bit annoying.`` She said.

``You think? I think we all three can agree he's annoying.`` I said, looking down at the table. ``So, what time does this start at?``

``O-Oh 4 PM! I did want it to be 3 PM, but I want the ones who had school to take a break for a bit.`` She said.

``How kind, I'll text Lee that.`` I said.

``And trust me, Dipper. This will be fun!`` She said, having an excited expression.

``Yeah... uh, are we just... meeting at the park or...?`` I said, unsure about the group's location.

``OH. Okay.`` She paused before continuing. ``Since some of us may not know each other, we will be having a short meeting introducing one another at the park. Then when we are at a relaxing level, we could go to the mall-`` I grunted, interrupting her. ``Hey! A mall isn't just about clothes, it also has a whole lot of other things. I'm sure it has arcades and other stuff that boys like.`` She said. I glared at her before easing my stare.

``Your right about that. Let's just see if the group will agree.`` I said.

``Yeah.``


``I couldn't sleep. I couldn't sleep!`` I heard my sister say. We were walking on the dirt path from our shack to the town's sidewalks in the next day.

``Did you sleep in between classes?`` I asked, looking over at her.

``... Yeah... I got in trouble more because of that. But it's not my fault that I planned this all!`` She said.

``It's... kind of is... but then again, I could have helped out more so you wouldn't feel like this.`` I said.

``Yea... I think I was just too excited.`` She said. ``Like I always am.``

We were going to the park where the hangout is located at. We told everyone yesterday about the times, except for Alex. Mabel had to find him in the school crowds to tell him that, then they gave each other's phone numbers. Should have done that yesterday, Mabel. I let out a sigh, looking at the streets once we stepped onto the concrete ground. At least I will get a break from those bullies today. They didn't push too far, so we're good. I just don't want that to happen to me ever again, the headaches were so painful to bear. I shook my head to remove the thought from my mind. ``Is there something wrong?`` Mabel asked, looking up at me with a concerned look.

``I'm fine, I just wanted to stop thinking about something in my head.`` I said.

``Kahlil is right, you spend your time too much in that head of yours.`` She said.

``And- Since when he told you that?`` I asked, looking at her, confused.

``That day when you passed out in 3rd period.`` She said, looking ahead.

``Oh... well... I can't help it. I'm a thinker, not a ...- Okay. I'm mostly a thinker rather than a person who shares whatever is going on in my head. Is that better?`` I said, looked away from her, and to the park in the distance.

``That's still being in your head.`` She said as I grunted and stayed silent. I'm not going to get into another argument with you, Mabel. Not today, not at all.

We arrived at the park entrance before spotting four people who were waiting for us. ``You guys are so slow!`` Alex said.

``Hey, I'm dragging along a slow brother who won't hurry up.`` Mabel said. I shot her a glare.

``Is this everyone?`` I heard an unknown voice as I became wary of that person. I looked over to see a Mexican person besides Pacifica and Gideon. Is that Mabel's crush...? I think so...

``I think... for my beliefs, we're missing some people.`` Pacifica said, walking over to us.

``There's only six of us, we're missing two people.`` Mabel said.

``We should have started before they even arrived. That's their fault they're running late.`` The Mexican dude said.

``I do agree with Mermando... but it is a little rude to just leave them behind.`` Gideon said. "Mermando," Okay, this town can't be weirder with bizarre ways of twisting names.

``That was rude, tall person!`` Alex glared at him as he was standing next to Mabel.

``I have a name, you know.`` He said.

``Calm down guys, it's only about 3:58 PM. They have 2 minutes to get here.`` Mabel said. ``We just need to wait for them.``

As my sister said, we waited, taking turns to talk to one another. I watched everyone in their conversations, looking around to look out for the other two. I assumed that Lee would be here before I got here, but... I'm a bit shock that he isn't. He's must have been running late after all. I heard footsteps coming closer to us as I turned to it. And then here appears Lee catching his breath when he halted. You didn't need to run. ``I'm sorry, but your a creep.`` He said, looking at someone who he's wary with.

``... Okay.`` The other person responded.

``You don't do that to people, infact, don't do it at all to those who are younger than you.`` He said. I looked over to see Kahlil, who was staring him down.

I looked over at the group as they were watching. As I looked back to them and walked over, I said, ``What the hell happened?``

The two looked at me. ``He's being a creep!`` Lee said, looking to be afraid of Kahlil.

``... Like always.`` Kahlil said, looking away from us. I looked at him and then back at Lee. I mean, he is older than you and can be a creep, but... I'm sure he won't go that far. I still believe he's a good person, and something is just... controlling you. ``I don't think he would do that unless he teased you again.`` I said after several minutes of silence. I don't know who to choose. They're both of my friends, and I don't know if I can pick sides. So I'll try to be neutral.

``You never know.`` Lee said. I didn't say anything after this because I just didn't want to be in this mess anymore. The false aggressive against him is driving me insane, I know it's all a lie. I turned towards the group as Mabel walked up.

``Are we okay?`` She asked.

``Yes, I'm fine. Just needed to... g-get away from that guy.`` He said, acting his usual behavior when he's shy around strangers.

``Kahlil is fine. He won't hurt you.`` She said, patting him on the shoulder.

``B-but-``

``Anyways, let's get going and find a place to relax on!`` She said to everyone, cutting Lee off.


The first step in this big hangout was to get to know one another, and luckily we ran across Wendy. She decided to join our group even though that's nine people we have, but I know she will stay temporarily. Everyone in the group introduced one another. After it was over, Mabel let us talk to get used to one another a little more. I grabbed Lee and parked us under a tree. ``Can I talk to you?`` I asked.

``Yeah, what would you like to talk about?`` He said, waiting patiently.

``I'm still worked up about that incident earlier between you and Kahlil.`` I said. ``Can you tell me what he did?`` I want to make sure I'm correct.

He looked away from me for a bit before returning his gaze to me. ``Uh... I don't want to say... but... nothing really happened?``

``... What'd you mean?`` I asked, looking confused.

``We just walked in silence, what are you talking about?`` He said, looking more confused at me.

``... The part when you called him a creep...`` I said.

``I did that?! I must have forgotten, I'll go apologize to him if you want me to. I should anyways, I want to be good!`` He said, turning away.

``...You.. seriously don't remember..?`` I said, frozen in my steps.

``... I do not, Mason. But I can make it up to you, watch me go apologies to him right now, okay?`` He said before leaving the shade. I shook my head and sauntered. I watched him run over to my other friend, who was sitting alone from the others. He did just that. How did he not remember? He doesn't remember the scene that happened earlier. Something fishy is going on. I looked around, looking at the girl's group and then the boy's group. Something is definitely going on. We soon gathered up and discussed which place we're going to. Wendy said she had to go, so we let her be, saying our goodbyes. It was a long discussion, but we landed on the mall. I grunted silently, I never liked the mall at all. Everyone collected their things as we headed off. We arrived at the mall as I felt refreshed from the hot temperature. I probably was holding everyone back again because I was panting so much. I need to control that problem. I shook my head before looking up to the others, discussing their plans. I walked over and decided to listen in. ``It's decided then! Part of the group will go to this activity, and part of us will go to another activity.`` Mabel said.

``Or whatever we like.`` Gideon said.

``Yeah... I just want everyone to have fun here.`` She said.

``We will don't worry about us, Mabel!`` Pacifica smiled.

``Alright.`` She said. And soon, the group departed. Four of them went towards the clothing section, including my friend, Lee. I was surprised a bit but shrugged it off. It's probably something he likes doing. Now it was just us four: Me, Mabel, Mermando, and Kahlil- who was gone. I looked around for him. Maybe he went to the bathroom. ``I don't understand how boys can do what girls can.`` I heard the conversation between the two. We halted in front of a building that I was unfamiliar with.

``Like how Gideon, Alex, and Lee went to the clothing area? I thought it was fine.`` Mabel said. ``I know it's normal for Gideon because he's an entertainer. Just like you.``

``It's a bit strange, shouldn't they do it?`` Mermando said, looking at her. ``I don't think they shouldn't be doing it at all.``

``... Well. I don't know the reason for Lee and Alex. Maybe they needed more clothes?`` She said. I could see her face get more uncomfortable as this topic continues.

``And I don't like how Lee acts. He tries to be too much of a girl. It bothers me to the point that I don't want to hang out if your going to bring him.`` He said.

``I didn't bring him, Mason did.`` Mabel said. They turned to me as I stood frozen.

``... Uh. Is there a problem with him acting that way?`` I asked.

``As you heard, it makes me uncomfortable.`` He said.

``You can just ignore him if you like.`` I said. I'm starting to doubt her crush now.

``Can you at least tell him not to act like that?`` He asked.

``That's like saying, stop being who they are.`` I said, glaring at him at this point.

``That's not-``

``Shut it.`` I turned to Kahlil, who stepped in. ``If you don't like it, then shut up.`` He was visibly mad.

``UH. We don't need to get into a fight. All he says that he doesn't like Lee.`` Mabel said, stepping in between us.

``And I don't like him either.`` He said. I looked a bit shock, but I'm glad he stepped in, so I don't have to argue with this idiot.

``Oh. Glad we can make an agreement.`` Mermando said, turning away.

``... I didn't...`` Kahlil trailed off, he looked back at me as I shook my head.

``Uh, I don't like how this is going. I thought Lee was fine.`` Mabel said, looking at us.

``He is fine.`` I said, which Kahlil also said.

``... Then why you-``

``I didn't lie, he assumed that I dislike Lee for the way he acts. I don't mind how he acts.`` Kahlil interrupted her. ``I just don't like your crush.``

``It's his opinion, though.`` She said, getting defensive for him.

``And it's my opinion too to dislike him.`` He said.

``... I have no idea what got into you, Kahlil, first at the park and then here. Maybe we shouldn't hang out today.`` She turned and followed Mermando, who was waiting for her.

``... I'm starting to hate the world now.`` He said.

``I thought there's was nothing wrong with Lee, I just thought that's how he normally acts.`` I said.

``He's your friend, correct?`` He turned to me.

``Yes.`` I nodded.

``Well. That's good that he has you.`` He said, walking away from me.

``I guess it is, but... what are you going to do now?`` I asked, following him.

``Return to the bathroom.`` He said.

``Why?`` I asked, confused at his response. He didn't respond to my question but kept walking.

``... Then I'm guessing I'm asking another personal question.`` I said.

``You are.`` He responded.

``Do you feel uncomfortable about what happened?`` I asked.

``No sh-t, I do.`` He stopped and turned to me. ``Go have fun with the others instead of following me around.``

``You follow me around like I'm your owner or something.`` I said.

``I do not!`` He said, looking a bit annoyed.

``You do. And then you tease me to no ends. Why can't I do that to you?`` I asked, staring at him with a firm look.

``... Well... I'm not quite sure if it's your thing.`` He said. ``Not quite sure if you can do it.``

He may be right, I just want him to feel better. That's all. ``I may not, but I can be a friend who cheers their friend up.`` I said.

``You don't need to, now I want to be alone.`` He said, giving me the cold tone.

``... Okay.`` I said, giving up at this point. I let him walk away as I was standing alone in the mall. I heard conversations of strangers walk past me, enjoying their day, all of that. Maybe I should wait at the entrance because I don't know what to do. ``I think they broke up.`` A female voice said, which snap my focus to.

``Finally, they realized they're not good enough for one another, I don't think those type of couple should exist anyway.`` Another one said, more so a male.

``Agreed.`` I looked down at the floor. Is that what it was about? Was I acting like that? Was I acting like I... liked him? No, no. I don't! I don't like my friend, I think... it's wrong. It should be wrong... that's how everyone thinks about it. Everyone says, don't be like them, but... I don't mind them at all. If... I become them, I will get picked on, and I don't want that. I don't like him completely, I only like him as a friend. Why are those two people assuming sh-t they don't know? I let out a sigh before walking to a bench to sit down.

Maybe... I'm just going crazy for no reason.

End of Chapter 19