Chapter 3: Party Invite

Dipper's POV

"Could you repeat what you just said?"

I was now talking to Mabel who came up to tell me the horrible news.

"When you were playing… Tambry recorded and posted a video of you not knowing she wasn't supposed to… On her blog, you'll probably become a popular entertainer overnight." Mabel said waiting to get yelled at.

"Can't she take it down?!" I frantically asked.

"She can but it won't help. It already has close to 10,000 views. Probably everyone in Gravity Falls has seen it." Mable said still waiting to get yelled at.

I stood there shocked in silence for a few moments.

I then collapsed onto my bed and stared at the ceiling.

"So everyone knows then… it's all out in the open." I said in a tone as if I was defeated after a long battle.

"I'm so sorry Dipper! It's my fault!" Mabel apologized

Mabel looked like she was about to cry. She wondered if Dipper would hate her for her mistake.

But after a few moments, I looked at her and gave her a small smile to put her at ease.

"It's not your fault… It's mine. I should have never played in the first place."

"No! It is my fault. I still had the surprise party even though you said you didn't want one. That you wanted it to be just the two of us. I should have taken the hint. And even though you might hate me because of my mistake, I wouldn't have changed my decision. Dipper… Tonight you made me the happiest I've been in a long time!... I was able to listen to you perform like I used to, but this time with all my good friends and family. You granted my wish." Mabel cried.

I looked at my dear twin sister who was crying her eyes out on our birthday. This isn't what I wanted. I just wanted to see her smile like I always used to be able to. And have that smile belong to me and nobody else.

"No matter how much you want to blame yourself… it's not your fault...and I'm not angry, and there's no way I could ever hate you… In fact, it's quite the opposite." I said cheering her up.

The fact was, I needed her. I could start and end any relation with another person but for me, losing Mabel wasn't an option. And I feel like I'd crumble without her smile.

"And the reason why I wanted it to be just the two of us wasn't just because I was going to play for you or grant a stupid wish… My reason meant much more than that…" I said as I walked towards the door to listen on the others downstairs.

Mabel was quiet for a moment… I could tell she was thinking as she looked at me.

"What?"

"Is it the same reason you sang that song?" she asked softly.

I didn't answer her.

"Is it?" She asked again.

She looked at me with concerned eyes. They didn't blink, only watched every movement I made. It was how she could tell I was lying. Twin Senses. We know each other's quirks so we can know how the other feels without asking. Even if I try lying, nothing can get passed those concerned eyes.

"I'm not going to give you an answer yet, but if it was, then explain what I meant by singing you that song."

I wanted to hear her say it. I wanted her to figure it out. To get it right. To realize by herself how lonely I've felt.

"Well…" Mabel started

"If I listened to the lyrics correctly it's actually quite obvious. Even for me. Because it's about you and me Dipper" She said

"I was born to tell you I love you. That had twins written all over it. We've always been together and always told each other how much we loved each other."

"Desperate for your voice means… means I'm not there as much as you want me to be."

"Listening to the songs we used to sing means remembering what we used to do together."

"When you are sitting next to me, Will bring life into my deepest hopes. I think this means when I'm next to you, you're able to dream and be happy with my support."

"I am torn to do what I have to, to make you mine. This to you, I think means that you suffer at what you're doing to make me happy."

"And I'm tired of being all alone, and this solitary moment makes me want to come back home… This is where your true feelings showed and when I truly understood what was going on. Tired of being alone… As soon as you said that I realized how much we haven't seen much of each other the past couple of years even though we live with each other. Especially when we used to be together every minute of the day. You feel lonely. And wanting to come back home represents how you want things to be the same as it was before.

"Did I hit the nail on the head?" Mabel asked when she finished explaining the lyrics.

How she knew how I felt, with every word and every note in that performance didn't surprise me. But why did she take so long to notice. She should be good at knowing how I feel whenever. She just proved that by breaking down a song I chose to sing to her. Then why?

"For someone who is clueless and forgetful, you sure are perceptive when I comes to these things." I said sarcastically

"I'll take that as a compliment!" Mabel laughed

"Don't!" I yelled. Now I was mad.

Mabel's smile disappeared.

"Because if you really were perceptive, you would have found out how I was feeling without me having to sing that song."

"You're my twin! You're supposed to know how I'm feeling just by being in the same room with me. I always know about how you're feeling, so why did you just realize how I was feeling."

"WHY DID I HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU WITH THAT STUPID SONG!"

When I realized I was done yelling, I saw Mabel close to tears. But this time I wasn't going to cheer her up.

"I won't blame you for making me perform for you. I won't blame you for the whole world knowing my hidden talent…But I will blame you for leaving me behind and making me feel so lonely." I finished

I then left the room with my sister in tears.

Why was I so mad now? All I've been feeling is loneliness without Mabel. And now when she's in front of me, I yell at her and leave her behind?

I stomped downstairs to where everyone was. They were still talking about what they just saw me do and how unexpected it was.

When I entered the hallway they noticed me. But before they could say anything, I said "Any friends of Mabel's who wants to stay… go upstairs and cheer her up. The rest can go home. Party's over…"

I then headed to the door to leave the shack. Before I could, Grunkle Stan stopped me.

"Dipper we haven't even had the party yet!" he said

"Good, that should make it easier for them to leave…" I said then walked outside and into the forest.

It was around 10:00pm as I headed to town. I wanted some fresh air and a good walk would do me some good. I needed to think how I would apologize to Mabel. She was still probably crying with her friends at her side.

I reached the park and sat on a nearby bench.

I took out and looked at my phone. I had close to 100 unread messages.

As I skimmed through them, I noticed most of them were old friends and family seeing the video or Mabel's friends telling me I'm the worst and to apologize to Mabel.

I'm not going to apologize because they tell me to. This is between me and Mabel. And I'll apologize when I'm ready. One night of crying isn't compared to two years of being lonely because your twin sister doesn't realize she's ignoring you.

But… I regret saying anything at all. I should have just made up with her instead of yelling at her when she realized that I was feeling lonely.

Still skimming through the texts I saw Pacifica's name come up.

Oh God! What will she think? Must have been a surprise. I wish I could have seen the look on her face when she watched the video.

I started to read her text.

Pacifica: Hey

Pacifica: Just wanted to say Happy Birthday again!

Pacifica: Actually when you're done with the party…Can you maybe come help me?

Pacifica: Ok I really need your help!

Pacifica: OMG PLEASE HELP ME!

I started to get worried as I read the last text.

Dipper: What's up?

Pacifica: Those demon children I'm watching won't calm down and go to sleep! And if I don't figure something out soon, my parents are going to flip and yell at me…

Dipper: Well the party ended before it could start, so I'm free to come and help.

Pacifica: Why? What happened?

Dipper: You haven't heard? Haven't you seen the video?

Pacifica: What video?

Oh this was too perfect. I might just get to see that look on her face in person. In fact…

Dipper: Did you say you were trying to get them to sleep?

Pacifica: Ya

Dipper: I might be able to help with that. I'm on my way over. Try to get all the kids somewhere they can fall asleep and make sure to have a piano and your violin.

…

I made it to the front steps of the Northwest Mansion. I could tell Pacifica's parents were having a party just like she said they were, with all the fancy cars parked out front.

I was about to knock but a butler opened the door and pulled me in.

"Sorry sir, but Miss Northwest said you'll have to put on this if you're going to visit Pacifica tonight."

The butler held a tuxedo. The last time I put on one of these was during the party when I tried to get rid of a ghost that haunted the Northwest's.

"Where am I supposed to change?"

The butler pointed to a closet near the entrance.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I fussed, but quickly entered and closed the closet door and changed into the tuxedo.

Even if I was close to Pacifica, her parents still treat me like a commoner.

When I was done, the butler led me through the party where I saw all kinds of people. Dukes and duchesses. Politicians and dictators. Kings and emperors. People I would never get the chance to meet in a lifetime. But I also saw people I could recognize like Hollywood actors, pop singers, famous artists and movie makers, sports players and celebrities that you here about on the news, radio, and TV. And within the middle of this luxurious crowd, Mr. Northwest not only saw me but he pointed me out and called me over.

"Mr. Pines! You look half-well decent now that you're in a tux." Mr. Northwest snarled

I really hated this guy but I wasn't going to let him make me look bad in front of his guests.

They all looked at me for a response. So I put on my best masked face and started my performance.

"Mr. Northwest! You look as dashing as always, and may I thank you for allowing me into your luxurious home this fine evening."

Using my best etiquette, the guests were surprised and started to feel more comfortable with me as I had the conversation with Mr. Northwest.

"You're Welcome…" Mr. Northwest said with a stern face, even though we both knew he wouldn't have allowed it if Pacifica didn't request it.

"How is that beautiful wife of yours, Mrs. Northwest doing nowadays?"

"Ask her for yourself!"

Mrs. Northwest came from behind me.

"Mr. Pines what a pleasant surprise. I hear you are here to help Pacifica put everyone's children to bed. How sweet. But I'm sure getting 15 energetic children to sleep is quite a task in itself. If Pacifica couldn't do it, what makes you think you can?"

Pacifica never mentioned there being 15 children. She has definitely had her hands full all by herself.

"As long as the items I requested are with us, I don't think I will have a problem."

The guests started to get interested in how their children were going to be put to sleep by one teenager and what items he could have requested.

"I assure you the piano and violin you asked for will be with Pacifica and the children. You will find them in the piano lounge."

"Such a smart idea to play music to have them fall asleep, but I must tell you that neither me nor the guests will help you tonight and we have no butlers to spare." Mrs. Northwest smirked

I see her game. It's obvious that she figured that I would have Pacifica play the violin but have someone else play the piano for a lullaby not knowing my true talent. I chuckled to myself. They have no idea.

"Is your name really Dipper Pines?"

I looked behind me to find that a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Northwest's was suddenly behind me.

He was a little chubby, had long sideburns, and wore glasses. Out of all of Mr. Northwest's guests, this one looked the most cultured and I could tell he was probably just as rich as Mr. Northwest. But for some reason, I felt there was a kindness in his eyes as I looked at him. They felt nothing like Mr. Northwest's whose eyes always looked down on people and searched for their flaws.

"Yes?" I said

"My name is Edgar. Edgar Thompson."

"Mr. Pines, Mr. Thompson is a world famous critique in the entertainment world. He's been a friend of mine for years. He was with me in my younger years as a pianist. In fact if it wasn't for his guidance I might have never met Mr. Northwest." Said Mrs. Northwest.

"Shit a pianist critique!" I thought. In the back of my mind of thought of all the critiques I've met in my earlier stages of life. I was hoping that he wasn't one of them that would recognize me.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Thompson." I said in a strong tone. But truthfully, this guy made me nervous.

"Please call me Edgar."

The room was deafly silent now. Mr. Thompson doesn't let just anybody use his first name. He doesn't even let the Northwest's use his first name. The room was shocked.

"I hear you required a piano and violin. Two excellent choices to play together if I might say! Who will be playing these instruments?" Edgar asked.

"Well the violin will be played by none other than the beautiful Pacifica Northwest!" I said with excitement.

"And the piano?" he asked

"T-The piano will be played…by…"

Do I tell them I'm playing it or do I try to move the conversation? Both have their risks. If I say I'm playing it, it might give the Northwest's time to mess something up. But if I don't, it could anger the Northwest's and come back to haunt me, or worse Pacifica later. So maybe…

"It will be played by an unexpected guest!" I said

Technically I was lying but yet I wasn't. The Dipper Pines they know today is nothing like the Dipper Pines from my past. It will be like I'm a totally different person. So I believe what I said was telling the truth.

"A guest? You never said you were bringing somebody with you?" said Mr. Northwest a little annoyed.

"Well you have seen him, he is among all of us right now!"

Everyone started to look around wondering who the mystery pianist could be.

"But I'm sorry to say we both have to get moving. It's getting past the children's bedtime and Pacifica is waiting on us." I said

But before I could turn, Edgar had me by the shoulder.

"Indeed a performer must not be late for his performance. But would you be so kind to allow us to join you!" he asked

"Mr. Tho-…Edgar, you should know that the purpose of this performance is to put the children to sleep. Any commotion could wake them up or keep them from sleeping." I said trying to get them to not come.

"We are all adults here, I promise you that those of us that watch will be silent until you return back here into the main lounge. And to keep out of the way, we will watch from the door! Sound good?"

I was trapped. There was no reason to say no, and even if there was I couldn't say no to a guest at the party.

"I guess as long as you understand the situation…" I said defeated.