A Tense Weekend.
- Mabel's POV -
Yesterday was amazing! It felt like I was on a date with Mermando. I was a bit sad that my brother went home earlier, along with the rest, but that's okay. We only had six left, so we finished it. To be honest, I have no idea what got into Kahlil yesterday. First, he was insulting one of our guests, and then he was arguing with my crush. Jeez, didn't realize he had a hateful distaste against people. Whatever, if anything, I will always side with my crush, regardless of what he says. Besides the point, what could I do instead of working in the Mystery Shack? Well, I shouldn't be rude about it. Grunkle Stan needed help, and he asked Dipper and me to help him out. We did, and it was mostly dull, but then again, I don't want to be rude.
On the other hand, Dipper didn't seem to care about it. It looks like he's been doing this for a long time. Maybe I'm just not used to it at all. Perhaps that's the issue with me.
But... you know what was in these customer's heads? They could at least think about their decision instead of going all for it. I'm trying to think of a friendly way of saying they were stupid. But then again, what Grunkle Stan was doing was wrong, and he shouldn't be doing that. Saying as if money will disappear in the bag is stupid! He was stealing- though... he is right about the trick. I didn't confront the problem with him. If I were to do that, don't think we will have a great-uncle at all. Oh! I've also noticed something... probably forgot too! I reminded myself to call my great-uncles by grunkles! hehe... although Dipper doesn't do it. Does he know they are his great-uncles? Probably not, I'll tell him about that... eventually.
Soon the gift shop closed as Grunkle Stan went to check the money he collected. I was standing with my brother as we did some small talk. We both jumped from Grunkle Stan's voice as we looked over to see what happened.
``I can't believe we made this much money in a long while!`` He said. I tilted my head.
``This calls for a celebration! Mabel and Dipper! Please set up the dining table, would you for me?`` He asked.
I nodded, confused as ever. We both exited the gift shop area, heading over to the dining table.
``Uh- I forgot something upstairs. I'll be back in a second, Mabel.`` Dipper said before turning away before I could open my mouth. I let out a sigh.
``Did something happen? I heard a shriek.`` I looked over to Grunkle Ford's voice.
``Yeah... Grunkle Stan said we made a lot today, and he calls for a celebration.`` I explained, looking back at the staircase.
``Oh. It must be that time then.`` He said as I look back up at him. ``Every time we make big money, Stanley always calls for a celebration of our hard work.``
``Oh! How kind!`` I smiled, getting it now.
``Yeah, so let's get started!`` He said before turning towards the kitchen. I looked back at the staircase, waiting for my brother to head down. It seemed that he is taking a while, so I'll go set up the table without his help. How rude, Dipper!
I place down napkins on the table, four of them at least. I made sure they were open and laid out. I then placed the plates on them, making sure everything was perfect. Then I put the forks, knives, and spoon right next to one another. I stared at the old table, sighing. I wish we could get a new table, it doesn't look good with white. I grunted, complaining inside of my mind. I turned and exited out of the dining room before heading over to the kitchen. ``The dining table is set up!`` I called.
``Thank you, pumpkin pie! Dinner will be ready in a few hours.`` Grunkle Stan said, not looking over from his cooking process. I watched my other great-uncle helped him out. I won't get in the way, but I want to find out why Dipper is taking so long to come down from the second floor.
I turned and walked over to the staircase before climbing up, walking over to the room, and halting inside. ``Dipper?`` I said before looking over at the broken glass on the wooden floor. I saw my brother beside it as he looked at me. ``What happened?`` I asked before walking over to see his hand cut.
``I accidentally cut my finger when picking up the sharp glass.`` He said.
``Oh. You should of wore gloves!`` I said.
``I know! I just didn't think...`` He trailed off, staring at his finger. It was oozing out blood as I gagged.
``Okay, let's clean this up then! Now I help my dear brother in trouble.`` I said.
``Don't say it as if I was in trouble.`` Dipper said, glaring at me.
``It seems you were. You were staring at your finger for about a minute.`` I said. Yeah... I didn't talk during that one minute since... he was starting to creep me out.
``Oh... I'm sorry.`` He said before standing up.
``Go sit! I'll clean this up and help you bandage it.`` I said.
``I can bandage my own finger by myself, thank you very much!`` He glared at me.
``Then, I wanna see you bandage it in front of me.`` I said, crossing my arms. I didn't trust him. I thought he was cutting himself, which made my heart skip a beat. Why would I even assume that he was cutting himself? He wouldn't do such a thing! He wouldn't...
``Alright. I will.`` He said. I nodded and went back to get the dustpan and broom. I came back as I saw my brother with the first aid kit on his bed. I placed the dustpan down and swept the broken shards into it. I let out a sigh and looked over to Dipper, where he got the bandage on his finger.
``You feel better now, your majesty?`` He said.
``Yes, yes, I do. But we're equal, so don't... call me that.`` I said, darting my eyes off of him.
``Whatever you say.`` He said. I grip the broom tightly as I stared down at the broken shards in the dustpan. Such an emo mood lately... I sighed and picked up the dustpan carefully before heading down the stairs for the trash can. I dumped it in there as I put up the two tools. I headed back upstairs and into the room before closing it shut.
``Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford are making us dinner for the celebration, so it'll be ready in a few hours.`` I said.
``Okay.`` I hear him say. I sat on my bed and looked over to him, rubbing his bandaged finger. I don't want to get any ideas... but please stop rubbing your finger, Dipper.
A few hours have passed, and we were already smelling the delicious food from the first floor. I was dying to taste it so badly as my brother wasn't even moving an inch of the smell. I frowned, looking away from him. We both turn our heads to the door, opening to see Grunkle Ford saying, ``Dinner is ready!``
``Alright! I am starving!`` I said, jumping from my bed and rushing over to the door. I looked over my shoulder at my brother, walking over to us. I watched my great-uncle leave the door open for us as I told my brother to hurry up.
``I'm not as excited as you are... but it does smell good.`` He said, lighting up a bit. ``So, I won't lie.``
``You better not!`` I said, running first handed out of the room. I never learned the lesson when running down staircases, I know it is dangerous to do so, but I don't care! I ran down the stairs, managing to not fall down. I didn't bother to check if my brother was behind me. All I was doing was bolting to the dining room and sitting down.
My skin jumped as I quickly turned to the sudden crash that was just outside of the room. I looked alarmed as I walked over to see what happened. I widened my eyes at the broken plate with the cooked chicken all over the floor. I stared up to my shocked Grunkle Stan and my scared brother. Oh no...
``LOOK WHAT YOU DONE.`` My uncle's voice boomed throughout the shack, sending shivers down my spine. My heart was racing as I was frightened by his sudden shouts. I quickly looked over to my brother, who was in the same way as I was. Don't yell at him! He didn't mean to!
``We were going to have a perfect family dinner, and YOU just decided to ruin it all! Why- Why can't you just get out of the road? You have never done one sh-t right! You always try to ruin other people's lives for it! This is especially so what you did a few days ago. I am not accepting you like family anymore after this. I know what you did. You-``
``HEY THAT IS ENOUGH STANLEY.`` I saw Grunkle Ford rush over and pulled his brother to the side. He dragged him away as he was struggling to yell at Dipper more.
I rushed over to my frightened brother as he was frozen in fear. ``Dipper.`` I whispered, trying to hug him. He pushed my hands away as he ran up the stairs, almost falling in the process. I frowned, tears were in my eyes as I looked over at the mess that my family made. Why... why... why did this happen?! I don't like this at all... The mess was cleaned up as I spent the rest of the night with my two great-uncles in silence. Dipper did not once come out of his room. I wanted to do something so badly, I needed to comfort him, but... he...- my foot was tapping violently on the floor. I want to do something. After the silent dinner was over, Uncle Ford cleaned up things from here and told me to go to my room. I nodded and headed for the kitchen. I looked around and quickly fixed my brother a plate before rushing upstairs. I am not letting my brother starve after this. I entered the room quietly as I looked over to Dipper, hiding in his blankets. I walked over and set it down on the end table. That's when he uncovered himself. I looked at his wet face as I can tell he was crying. ``...`` He looked over at the plate of food, hesitating for a second. ``You can have it, it's for you after all.`` I whispered, keeping my tone calm and sweet.
``T-T..T-Thank you.`` He stuttered, grabbing the plate and placing it on his lap.
I nodded and walked over to my bed. I sat on it and stared down at the wooden floor with a cold stare. I will get to the bottom of this.
I will fix this family drama.
- Dipper's POV -
I slowly rise from lying down in my bed, I was stiff with my movements, afraid for what I would be hearing. I slowly looked out of the triangular window, seeing the sun waking up. I'm with you too, but... I do wish the moon can come out right now. So we're not similar after all. No one is... I don't think I can agree with myself anymore after what just happened. It was the next day as I didn't bother leaving my room. He made it clear that he didn't want to see me ever again. It was shown on his face, he hated me, he dislikes me, he wants me gone. I'm a terrible nephew, I knew I was one. I never followed the rules or anything. Throughout the day, my sister was the one who brought breakfast in, as well as lunch. I am grateful for her for doing that, but... what's the point? He wants me gone, he wants me dead! He ... he doesn't- Tears begin to drip from my face to my hands, I realized I was crying again. I covered my face with my blanket and sat still. Do the others notice my mistake? I'm a mistake of a child, maybe I was never meant to live.
``Dipper!`` I heard my sister call my nickname as I looked up over at her.
``Do you want to come and walk with me?`` She asked. I shook my head. What's the point?
``Please? I don't want dust collecting up in here when I am gone.`` She said.
``...What'd you mean...?`` I asked softly, looking at her, confused.
``I don't want you being here all day.`` She said.
``... No. I don't want to leave. You heard him...`` I said, trailing off. My voice was becoming upset once more as my heart raced against my chest. I listened to my sister exit the room as I put my face into my blankets again, hugging my legs closer to my chest. I don't want to leave, I want to stay where I will rot for my crimes. ``Dipper.`` I then heard my uncle's voice. I looked up to see Uncle Ford standing inches away from my bed. I noticed my sister was behind him. ``We both know staying here is not suitable for your health. I know after what happened yesterday was a nightmare for you. But you must leave your room for some time, at least get away from the negative energy that is being created here.`` He said calmly. I sniffed, slowly nodding. My uncle is right, I can't be staying in here, but... here is where I feel safe and dead inside. ``O-Okay.`` I choked.
``Good. You two have fun and be safe out there.`` He said to us before exiting our room.
``I'll be waiting for you downstairs, Dipper.`` Mabel said, leaving the room and closing the door shut.
I let out a sad sigh. I turned my body and stood up. I was in a mess where I didn't want to go. I didn't... but at least... it will help the pain. I cleaned myself up and changed into some comfortable clothing. I put my jacket on and took my phone from the end table. I place it in my pocket before exiting the room. I froze at the top of the staircase, hesitating to go down. What if he yells at me that I am existing? What if-?! A hand grabbed my hand as I was led downstairs by my sister. ``Come on, he's in the living room watching some crap.`` Mabel whispered to me. I slowly nodded, still feeling the anxiety in my chest. We sneak past the living room, into the gift shop, and out the door. The fresh outside air made me calm down a bit, although not a lot because it was evening, a time where I regret staying out here. I was already afraid of the night because of this jungle, and now I think everything about yesterday made it worse. Mabel led me right close to the jungle. I gulped, turning my head away from it. I know I have a troubled mind, but this isn't the time to be casually walking by it, Mabel! She let go of my hand as she skipped a step and turned to face me. ``Do not tell me we're going into the jungle.`` I said before she spoke.
``Why not?`` She asked frowning. ``That was my plan for you.``
``I really don't want to go into it.`` I said.
``Awww, you already hate me?~`` A voice caught me off guard as I looked at the jungle. Is it the jungle again?
``... Uh.`` I mumbled, feeling nervous already.
``You don't need to be so anxious, jeez, what happened to you?`` Now the voice was sounding familiar. I let out a sigh.``I don't want to talk about it, Kahlil.`` I said. He came behind from the tree and walked out to spook Mabel a bit.
``A lot of stuff has happened on our plate, and I want to get as far from it as possible.`` Mabel said, looking a bit nervous.
``Alright, then I won't ask again.`` He said, looking back over to me. ``But you do look like a mess.``
``Yeah... that will-`` She stopped speaking when Kahlil shot her a glare. ``Sorry.`` She said, looking away from him.
``It's related to what happened yesterday.`` I said, avoiding anyone's gaze at the moment. Mabel let out a sigh and walked up to Kahlil to pull him into the jungle. ``Mabel?`` He said before following her lead. I looked a bit confused, wondering why she pulled my friend into the jungle. I waited a couple of minutes for them to come out. What if they left me? Or just... forgot about the time. The voices may return any second now, and I might get mind controlled again. I jumped at the bushes moving as Mabel came back out with my friend.``Okay. We're taking a trip.`` Kahlil announced.
``... What?`` I said, staring at him in surprise.
``No butts, your sister already agreed.`` He said. I looked over at her as she nodded.
``... Okay.`` I said, looking a bit wary. He turned and entered the jungle. My sister walked up to me, led me into it.``I told him since... he had the face of curiosity.`` She whispered to me.
``...Oh. Well, I don't think it was a good idea to let him hear what was going on about our family drama.`` I whispered back.
``Stop that!`` She snapped at me. ``Don't say that!`` She turned away and caught up with Kahlil, who halted at the sound of her voice. I frowned, wanting to be left behind. I don't want to be on this trip any longer, I think I already messed things up. I felt someone grab my hand as they pulled me forward. I looked over to my friend, who was leading me. I felt my heart raced a bit as the warmth of my cheeks appeared again. What the hell? Kahlil took us on the branches where my sister was having trouble staying on them. I couldn't help but laugh at her struggles. She gave me the glares afterward and tried to beat me up for it. We were then told to keep it down when we were approaching something. ``What's the matter?`` Mabel whispered.
``... Eh, We're dealing with something tiny again.`` Kahlil grunted in annoyance.
``Is it the a-holes again?`` I asked as he let out a chuckle.
``Yes, it's the pink tribe again.`` He answered.
``Dipper!`` My sister shot a glare at me.
``That's what they are! Little annoying sh-ts!`` I said.
``Shut it.`` Kahlil said as we both looked over. We crawled over to the bushes as we peek through to see what was happening. I looked down to see those tiny people point their weapons up in the air. It looked like they were cheering for something. Then the tree branch shook. I looked up in alert, trying to see where the hell that shake came from.``What is going on down there?`` Mabel whispered. The branch shook again as I grabbed the bush tightly. I looked through the bushes as I saw a large creature approaching the tiny people. They all turned towards it in fear. I widened my eyes at the beast, looking to have giant claws and feet, along with a bat looking face. The worse part is that it HAD WINGS.
``K-Kahlil...`` I whispered, slowly turning to him. I saw that he was frozen in fear. He never saw this creature before, so we're doomed. I witness the creature thrash around down below us, knocking the pink tribe off of the branch. They all ran off, getting away from the creature.``I-I think we should leave.`` Mabel whispered, looking at my friend and me.
``I think we should.`` Kahlil finally said, backing up a bit. He stopped once the creature's head looked at us. We all froze in fear, hoping our movements will trick its mind. The creature roared and flew towards us.``RUN!`` My friend said as we all got on our feet and ran in the opposite direction. The creature burst through the bushes, ripping them apart as it hoped it was us who were in them. It then looked over at us and started to chase us.
``What the hell do we do?!`` Mabel shouted.
``Follow my lead, I will try to get us in places where the monster won't get us at.`` Kahlil said as we jumped off from the high level to another branch. The branch shook as it knocked off my balance. My sister caught me as she pulled me forward to catch up with Kahlil. It was night time, as this was the worse time to get chased in. We took turns and even leaped off branches to see if the creature will stop chasing us. None of them worked as it was gaining upon us. Just as I was about to check to see if the creature was gaining upon me, the beast appeared right in front of me, smashing the branch in progress. I slammed into the creature as I fell from a great distance above the ground. Luckily huge leaves were below me as I slid on them carefully. I landed on my feet as I looked up. I saw the creature dived straight towards me as I ran into the vine area. I hope this can make the creature get stuck. I push the vines away from me, jumped over some, and even squeeze through. I didn't hear the sound of flapping wings anymore. Did the creature give up finally? I ran out of the vine area as I was out in the open. Sh-t, this isn't a good idea, but I can't turn back now. One wrong move may cost my life. I desperately tried to find cover through this ground level, I failed to, and soon the sound of beating wings was coming in closer.
I panted as my running steps were getting slower. Not good... not good! I know I was terrible at athletics, but not now legs! I am being chased by a hungry-looking creature where my friend and sister is nowhere to be seen. My breathing became more difficult as I was about to trip over my own to feet. I think the creature took note of this as it was coming closer and closer to me. Why did we go to an unknown area?! I was yanked to the side quickly as I felt the wind of the creature flew right past me. I was embraced tightly as I stayed there, hugging whoever it was. My heartfelt like it was going to explode as I was panting so hard. We sat in silence that felt for hours, I did not move a muscle as my legs were hurting so badly from running.
``It's gone.`` The familiar voice said as they let me go. I scooted away as I caught my breath.
``Oh god, why...`` I said, still feeling my heart race like hell.
``... I-I... didn't know... I'm sorry, Dipper.`` Kahlil said.
``It's okay. You- you must not have heard or... seen the creature before..`` I said, looking up to him. He was still frightened at what happened.``...Where's Mabel?`` I asked.
``I took her home, then I went to get you back.`` He said.
``Okay, good.`` I said softly, looking down at the ground. ``What was that creature?!``
``... Probably one of the night creatures. I thought it was safe at night... I guess I was wrong.`` He said, his voice was still shaken up.``It's never safe at night.`` I said, looking over at him.
``I know. For me it is, but damn... I never ran for my life. Never once.`` He said, standing up.``Same...`` I said as I stood up as well. ``Do we know where it went?``
``I don't want to find out, now I just want to get out of here.`` Kahlil said. ``Away from that horrifying moment.``
``Then let's head back through the safe route.`` I said.
``O-Okay.`` I heard his voice cracked as I looked concerned.``Are you okay?`` I asked.
``I am, I-I just need to b-breath.`` He said, breathing as if he was still being chased.
``You need to calm down.`` I said.
``N-No, I don't.`` He said, refusing to look at me.
``You do, you look shaken up.`` I said, approaching him.
``So do you!`` He said, glaring at me.
``But I'm more worried about you instead of me.`` I said. It's true, I don't want him to be passing out here.
``...Fine.`` He said, darting his eyes off of me. I don't know where I was leading him to, but it was familiar to my memories. I knew the path like it was at the back of my mind. I guess the jungle helped me on that one. I led him to the... glowing mushroom biome where he could try to relax in. He looked over at me in shock. ``How did you even... know where to g-go?`` He asked.
``I don't know. Ask the jungle.`` I shrugged.
``... Well... this m-may be fine.`` He said, stepping into the glowing mushroom biome. ``Never a-as thought if I w-would be returning h-here.`` I stayed silent and sauntered behind him. I halted before I felt something in my chest. I covered my mouth before I coughed up something, which turned out to be blood. I looked shocked and looked up at my friend, who was ahead of me. He doesn't need to hear about this; he's too stressed at the moment. Luckily I didn't cough up any more blood. I wipe it off inside of my jacket, hoping he won't notice it by then. I don't need him to be worrying about me. I soon caught up to him as we reach the center of the branches. Where if you would have to look down from the sky viewpoint, it looked like a star, except for the lines where it makes a hectagon. He sat in the middle as he stretches out his limbs to relax. ``You know you can go back on y-your own.`` He said, trying to get me to leave.
``I know..`` I said, sitting down away from him so he could have space. Kahlil looked over at me as I looked down at the branch. ``... C-come over here.`` I looked back up at him in surprise.``...Why? I want you to have space-``
``Just come over here.`` He quickly said, staring at me in annoyance. I let out a long sigh and stood up. I walked over to him and sat down where he scooted over to make room. He wanted me to sit in the middle with him... oh great, now I feel like I'm special. I scooted over to the spot and sat criss-cross. I looked over at the cyan glowing mushroom, lighting up the darkness around us. The silence put our minds at ease and let it relax our nervous system throughout our bodies. I couldn't help but catch myself falling asleep. This place is too beautiful to fall asleep. I can't do this now, I must stay awake until I am ready to go back. I looked over at my friend, who was admiring the environment and somehow a few inches from sitting close to me. How did he...- I must have been observing nature while he had the chance to scoot close to me. Although I don't mind it, damn he's so sneaky.
A sudden wave of tiredness flew over me as my eyes grew heavier. Why now? Why now in all places? I don't want to be trapped here. Soon my eyes were closed, I couldn't help but rest my eyes, along with the smooth wind breezing where we were at.
And quickly, I fell into a deep slumber.
End of Chapter 20
O.o
This was a tense ride to be on, how exciting was that?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Have a good day! ^^
