Just a note. Okay, so because season 2 just started, and this takes place a year later, there's a possibility of me breaking continuity. I'm usually good about keeping continuity, but in the event that something in the show happens that changes the consistency of this story, I'm sorry. And I'll probably edit accordingly, unless it's a huge event that requires me to change the entire story.

Once we arrived at the ER and checked in, they took Mabel's vitals. I didn't leave her side the entire time, and I held her hand when they drew her blood. The nurses talked amongst each other, and I knew it was regarding her condition. They said a few things to Stan, and it seemed to make him feel worse.

The waiting room was a sizable area with uncomfortable metal chairs and beige walls. There were a few televisions on the wall, each playing the same soap opera.

"Mabel...," I whispered, sitting beside her as she nodded off. She smiled and playfully poked me on the nose. "Are you feeling any better?"

She looked at me and blinked. I wasn't sure she heard me.

She vomited on my favorite red shirt and blue vest. Even worse, there was glitter in it. I expected Stan to chuckle, but he just sat there, thinking. I knew he was worried, but he would never admit it.

"Pines," a voice called, not a moment too soon. I stood and helped Mabel up.

"I, uh," Stan looked down. It was a little funny, since he'd rarely show his concern for things. But then again, I always felt he loved Mabel more than me, so the thought of her being unwell took its toll on him. "I need to step out. I'll be there in a bit, Kiddo."

I turned to the nurse who had called us in. She had short, curly red hair and blue scrubs. She had a mole on her nose, and her name-tag said "Joanne".

Without a word, Joanne led us to a room with the ugliest brown curtains I had ever seen.

Mabel got into the hospital bed and sat up as we waited for the doctor. She pulled out a writing pad and began to draw pictures of kittens in pen, though her hand was shaky. I was actually quite worried at this point, unlike before. I was beginning to become more and more anxious.

Mabel hummed quietly to herself. She looked up at me, slightly more alert of her surroundings than before.

"You're not worried about me, are you?" she seemed guilty, as if she felt bad about putting us through the trouble of taking her to the ER.

"Well of course I am." I wasn't going to lie. "But I...I know you'll be okay. You always are. And I don't think you should worry either."

"Aww," she smiled a little, rubbing her eyes. I could tell she was in a lot of pain, and I just wished I could make it all go away.

The doctor entered the room, Stan following. The doctor wore a lab coat and had balding black hair and green eyes, and I took it that they had been talking a bit. They both seemed to be concerned, as well as quite anxious. They exchanged looks, and the doctor knelt down by Mabel's bed.

"Mabel, I'm Doctor Simmons," he took a long sigh. "We need to run a few tests, alright? We're pretty sure we know what's wrong, after reviewing your symptoms and looking at your blood samples, but I think it would be a good idea to rule out a few things," he looked at Stan and me, then looked down. "We're going to do our best."

"What do you think it is?" I looked up at him pleadingly. "Will she be alright? Is it serious?"

He didn't say a word before wheeling her away. I sat patiently beside Stan. I felt nauseous. I felt an uneasiness in my chest, as if I was about to cry. But I didn't like to cry in front of others. Especially Stan, since I hated for him to think any less of me.

We sat in silence for several agonizing minutes. A half hour had passed before I heard Stan clear his throat. He faced me.

"Kid," he put his hand on my shoulder. He took a long pause and swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry? About what? Sh-she's going to be fine! They don't know what it is, yet!"

"Dipper...," I knew he was biting his tongue. He sat straight and didn't say anything.

"Did he tell you what he thinks it is?" I tilted my head. "Stan, I'm old enough to understand. Y-you can tell me!" My eyes began to water, and I took a deep breath. "She's my sister, and I think I should-"

"Look, I don't want to say anything until they're sure."

They brought Mabel back in, and gave her an IV drip, which sat menacingly beside her. I hated being there. I hated the thought of being the only one who didn't know what was going on.

"We had to administer a small dose of morphine," the doctor stated. "She's in more pain than it seems," he began to leave the room. "I'm going to take a look at some of the results. I assure you, when I come back, I'll have an answer."

I held Mabel's hand, and Stan left yet again.

"It's okay, Mabel. It'll be okay," I kept saying. I knew she wasn't half as worried as I was.

"Boop," she said, pressing her hand against my cheek. She looked around. "Is this room moving? Ugh, I don't feel right..."

"It's just the medicine, don't worry," I assured her. "Y-you're going to be fine."

She hugged me tightly.

"Y-You're the best, Dipper," her voice was slightly slurred.

"How are you feeling?" I asked. She stuck her tongue out and poked my nose before answering.

"Kinda weird," she replied. "I don't feel well. I want to go home."

"We can't go back to the shack right now, Mabel-"

"No, I want to go home. I want to see Mom and Dad."

I sighed.

"Don't worry about that. Just get some rest, alright?"

She nodded.

"I love you," she said, closing her eyes. I ruffled her hair.

"Love you too."

"I love you more."

As she began to doze off, Stan returned. He looked a mess. I sniffed the air, and coughed a few times upon doing so.

"Were you...smoking?" I gave him a puzzled look as he sat down. "You quit three years ago."

He didn't answer me. We sat in silence until the doctor returned.

I dreaded this.

I almost didn't want to hear what was wrong. But I needed to.

"Well...we have an answer."

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Haha, is that even a threat? Nah, I'll continue. I just love reviews a lot.