Florence Nightingale Syndrome. What a bunch bologna. Just because I like taking care of Robbie doesn't mean I have some romantic complex with him. All I've done was help him put on his eye paint, braid his hair, hold his laser gun when we were playing laser tag, etc. Nothing creepy about that. Sure, I'll watch him sleep from time to time, but just to make sure he doesn't cough up blood or anything (no that that's ever happened).
One day, Mr. and Mrs. Valentino called Dipper and I over to the living room. I didn't know what they wanted to talk about, but I would soon learn and wish I hadn't.
"Dipper, Mabel," said , "we thank you for taking such good care of Robbie, but we think now we need some professional caretakers looking after him."
"WHAT?!" I exclaimed.
"We feel you, being kids, would get too stressed out taking care of someone who's quadriplegic, so we've hired someone who would look after him." said Mrs. Valentino.
"You can't just kick us out; he needs us!"
"Mabel," said Dipper, "I think it's obvious you need him more than he needs us."
I looked at my brother. Somehow, he seemed to be involved in all this.
"You told them." I spoke, "You told them I was obsessing over Robbie and are trying to get me replaced."
"Mabel, wait-"
"No, don't say anymore. Its clear you don't think I'm just an idiot."
I started running upstairs crying. I flung opened the door to Robbie's room and came to the side of Robbie's bed sobby.
"I'm sorry, Robbie." I sobbed.
"About what?" Robbie asked.
"Your parents want to get rid of Dipper and me and replace us with a professional caretaker for you."
"Mabel, I never wanted you to feel burdened with taking care of me."
"I don't feel burdened. I..."
I don't know why, but I planted a kiss on Robbie's cheek. I blushed.
"I'm sorry. I know this is awkward."
Robbie's cheeks were just as red as mine.
Suddenly Dipper came in.
"Mabel, I'm sorry. I just didn't want to see you being obsessive."
I remained quiet.
"I know you care about Robbie, but you've got your whole life to think about. Don't you wanna go to high school or get your braces off?
I looked at Robbie.
"Your brother is right, Mabel. If you really love me, you would go enjoy your life."
They were both right. I placed another kiss on his forehead and went to Dipper.
"I'm ready."
"Awkward sibling hug?
"Awkward sibling hug."
We hugged and awkwardly patted each other on the back.
