Chapter 2 - Settling in

Mabel POV

It has been a rough week to put it lightly. The week started off great. We surprised my brother with the movie tickets to a showing of "The Mummy Returns Again" after my movie ended. We were then going to have to walk back home slightly later but still a reasonable time. Out of nowhere a car came and caused both my parents to lose their lives. While both Dipper and I did not see the impact we sure as hell saw the results.

We had been at the police station for the whole night. Dipper did not sleep as far as I know but I on the other hand did. As I slept I relieved the dreadful events but in a more graphic light. When I awoke I was given a nice dose of reality ala Dipper. Turns out my dream was actually a true event and I just could not hold the liquid in my eyes.

As time passed we were informed of all things that would occur and now we are getting off the bus in Gravity Falls, Oregon. The first thing I notice when we get off was that it was pretty late and the sun was already going down. Through the fading light I was able to spot a sign with the words 'pines twins'.

"I think I found uncle Stan" I told Dipper. He turned his head and followed my gaze. "Let's go and introduce ourselves I guess" was his reply as he let go of my hand and went to grab another one of our bags from the bus storage area. I did the same and followed his lead to uncle Stan's location.

After introductions we all packed the car and started to drive through the small town. Under different circumstances I would have probably been excited at the prospect of exploring the town. Right now I just wanted to see our school and maybe eat something.

As we passed by the town I was able to make out some main buildings. I saw a library, what looks to be town hall, and off at the distance I could see a giant mansion. 'Must be the rich townsfolk'. In the background I was hearing what sounded like a small explanation of where everything important was but I would just ask Dipper to fill me in later. I finally heard Stan say that we have arrived at our location.

I looked and we had parked at a local restaurant called Greasy's Diner. From the outside the restaurant looked like a log but homey in a way. As we entered and were seated I was able to observe that the restaurant is definitely more pleasant out than in. Renovations are definitely needed in this local restaurant. The waitress would be akin to that of a waitress from one of my trashy films. I order a normal burger and Dipper does the same. Stan decides to order the endless waffles. During the wait time Stan starts explaining how things will be going with a business-like tone.

"Kids I am going to be your new guardian and as such here are some ground rules. No loud noises past 10, no touching the merchandise, and do not abuse the freedom I am giving you by not giving more rules. When summer starts you guys will be expected to help around the shack during the week but for now I may ask for your assistance on weekends. Got it?"

I looked at Dipper for his thoughts. His reply was a shrug and I replied with a nod. "Sounds reasonable" Dipper replied.

Uncle Stan looked between Dipper and I and nodded. "Now that all of that crap is out of the way. I know what it is like to lose someone so if you all need someone to talk to I am here to listen."

"We appreciate it" Dipper replied.

Stan then asked us about hobbies and the usual things to try and get to know us more. I mostly was not paying too much attention to the conversations between Dipper and Stan, but every once in awhile I would a frown on Dipper's face but it was only there for a split second when it was. I assumed Dipper spoke about his paranormal interests with an appreciation for film about the subject maybe even the math board game he liked to play with his friends. When uncle Stan asked me about my personal likes and dislikes I responded with my love of art and spoke of some of the things I had created. When I spoke of my sweaters he complimented my current sweater which was of a shooting star.

When the food finally arrived both Dipper and I were surprised at how good all the food was. It was obvious that the restaurant's food was one of the only things keeping the joint alive. The lady that served us spoke with Stan for a bit before he introduced us. Apparently the woman's name is Susan Wentworth but she also goes by the name Lazy Susan. Dipper and I were in for a surprise, Stan has been in a relationship with Susan for a couple of years now but not married for whatever reason. We left shortly after because Susan had a busy night ahead of her and had to attend others.

On our way to Stan's home we passed by Falls Junior High, the school where we shall be attending for the next month. It looked smaller than the one back at Piedmont but considering it is a small town it came as no surprise. Good news for us is that because our old school had our paperwork all ready we had no issues with the grading system here and will be able to keep our grades as is for the most part.

We drove out to the outer town limits before we took a swift right. At this point we were in the forest and it was near 10PM so it was pretty hard to see outside. I was about to ask Stan where exactly we were but as if he read my mind he spoke up "Yea we live a little further than most people but when you see it you will notice why". After what seemed to be ten minutes (it was really just another minute or two) we came up to a lone wooden building. I could see a sign on top of the building but I could not make out the words.

"Welcome to the Mystery Shack. A place full of oddities and other 'amazing' merchandise that make people want to give me money. " Stan proclaimed with I assume to be his 'showtime' voice.

"You run a tourist trap" I heard Dipper say "No wonder you don't believe in the paranormal you constantly stories in order to sell your stupid merchandise".

"It's a living kid so get used to it" Stan defended.

We grabbed our stuff and hauled it up all the way to the attic where we will be staying for the next few years. The attic was not too bad all things considering. It looked like it was cleaned enough to be habitable but the roof still showed signs of its 'history'.

"I know it is not the best place right now but I got the drawers and wardrobe brand new earlier today. I cleaned the parts you will be inhabiting tonight. I have some people coming on Monday to renovate it to be habitable all over. Tomorrow we will order the beds in town and have them shipped over on Monday as well. When you guys arrive from school Monday I am sure you will be pleased. So for at least the weekend try to deal with the mess."

"No problem then" we both replied.

"I know it will take some getting use to but I will try to get this place as homely as I can. Good night kids make sure you all are ready for a busy day of shopping tomorrow. We still need to get you your school supplies. "

"Got it." we said in unison.

"Good night uncle Stan " I said.

"Drop the uncle part. You can call me Stan. That goes for you to Dipper." he said with a slight smile. "Bathroom is down the hall and kitchen is downstairs to the right" After he said that he closed the door and promptly left to what I guess is his room.

"He seemed nice" I began as i started to unpack.

"For the most part he seems to be trying." Dipper replied with a thoughtful pause "I hate how we are living with a liar though. Did you hear him at the restaurant? He called my hobbies stupid ".

"To be honest I wasn't paying too much attention to the conversation between you two but he seemed to be trying to get to know you. I am sure it wasn't that bad. Give him a chance."

Dipper sighed but nodded in agreement. We decided not to unpack all of our things considering the layout may change drastically and it would be a lot of extra stuff to lug around and organize when the renovators were done.

We went through our nightly routines and before going to bed we head down to the kitchen. To our luck Stan is down there and we ask him about drinking water. He says that he buys his drinking water in bottles while pulling two bottles out of the fridge and tossing them towards us. He tells us to be awake by 10 to get home early tomorrow we nod in acknowledgement as we head back upstairs.

Dipper set his alarm for 9:30 and we both nod off rather quickly because of our exhaustion for such a troubling set of events and the lack of having slept in beds for the past few days.

A.N: Hi guys. So I was thinking of trying to make the next chapter in Third Person just to see if I can make that flow more. It may just be me being a worrywart but I feel that I am not doing the whole first person thing correctly. I am gonna do the next chapter in third person. If you guys feel that it is better in third person let me know. If I get a resounding yes or I feel that I was able to get more detail out of it I may rewrite these first two chapters in third person and save the first person for more personal situations.