It Started With a Partnership (discontinued)

eight: the investigations

I had some serious investigating to do. For starters, I had to figure out who the heck that strange Dipper boy was. And, in tow, I'd learn all about the creatures of Reverse Falls.

The only clue I had to 'Dipper's' whereabouts was the receipt that had probably fallen out of his pocket.

And Greasy's Diner seemed like a good place to start.

I'd told my parents that I was going to meet some of my friends from work, yes I had to break the news to them that I accidentally got a job at a golf course, at a typical restaurant.

Surprisingly, they didn't ask too much about it. The only one who seemed skeptical was, of course, my cousin Gideon.

"You looked upset when you came home the other night." Gideon said, shifting in the chair in front of the television. "You're not gonna say what happened?"

I'd already thought of the white lie. "I was upset because I think Robbie has a girlfriend." It was true. I was a little upset about that fact, but what unnerved me the most was the ghost that had terrorized my friends. And the Mystery Boy.

"But you're meeting up with them at what, Greasy's Diner?" He wrinkled his nose.

"I still wanna be friends with Robbie." I admitted, finding that I was actually speaking the truth. "Even though Wendy can be a bit of a jerk, the rest are actually pretty nice."

Gideon shrugged. "Whatever you say. Maybe I can come with ya?"

I froze on my way to the door. Was this the life of a liar? Yikes, I sucked at it. "Ah, no." I gave a light laugh. "Uhm, I can talk to them about inviting you the next time we go hang out?"

Gideon looked slightly hurt. "Oh, okay. See ya, Paz."

I felt bad but this was something I couldn't drag Gideon into. Shaking my head, I walked out the front door and made my way to the diner.

Once I made it there, I was a little surprised. It was a dingy little place, but seemed homey enough.

I walked inside and sat down at a booth near the exit; precautions. My eyes wandered around the diner, taking in every bit of it.

For a guy as mysterious as Dipper, I was expecting this place to be a secret hideaway. Maybe there was a secret base underneath? Or a in a different room? And I just didn't know the password or something?

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe this was just the place he happened to eat at a few days ago. There had to be people who knew him here, right?

A waitress came over to where I sat, smiling hugely. "Alrighty, my name's Lazy Susan, what can I get started for you two?"

"Two?" I looked around the booth. It was literally just me sitting there. "I'm sorry, there's only one person here. Just me."

"Oh honey, it's alright." Lazy Susan coaxed. "It's okay hat you got stood up. He probably ain't worth it then." She let out a deep throaty laugh.

"No, you're mistaken. I wasn't stood up." I shook my head, hopin that with her one good eye, she could still see me. "I came here by myself. I'm looking for something."

"Don't worry, people find love here all the time." She waved a hand in a 'girl please' motion. "It'll happen to ya too. Now, what can I get for just you?"

"I just have a question." I admitted. "Do you know anyone who comes here by the name of Dipper?"

Lazy Susan pondered it for a moment. "Hmm, sorry, can't remember anyone with that name. But a ton of people come by here so maybe I just forgot."

"Well, if you do remember, please let me know." I pleaded. "Thanks."

As soon as she walked away, I slumped down against the back rest of the booth. So this investigation thing of mine was going to be harder than I thought.

I should've expected that though, considering Dipper himself. He was just too much of a mystery. Even that night at the convenience store, he managed to make sure that no one else saw him but me.

Not to mention the fact that his eyes glowed blue. Maybe it was just a trick of the light or something stupid like that.

I sighed again and thought about where to take this now. I definitely needed to find out about who this Dipper guy was, and he would then be able to tell me all about the craziness of Reverse Falls. Hopefully.

He seemed to be the only person who knew anything at all.

I rose from my spot and started heading toward the door. Greasy's Diner seemed to be what spies would call a 'false lead' and I was extraordinarily bummed.

"Hey Mabel, isn't that your new servant?"

I froze at the mention of that name. Mabel? From the golf course?

"No. Not my new servant. She just works at the golf course."

I looked up to find three girls standing near the entryway. One with short black hair and an evil smile, one with short brown hair that was pulled back into a ponytail who also seemed to be extremely muscular. And then Mabel Gleeful.

"Patricia, right?" Mabel snapped her fingers and walked to where I was frozen to the spot.

"Pacifica." I corrected. "Nice to see you again, Miss Mabel."

The girl with black hair cackled. "Oh em gee, she calls you 'miss Mabel'. Hahaha."

The other brown haired girl joined in with the short girl's laughter, making me feel embarrassed.

Mabel rolled her eyes. "Well, Candy, Grenda, I could start making you two call me that. There's nothing wrong with being polite." She flashed me a small grin. "I appreciate the formalities, Pacifica, truly."

I nodded. What the heck was going on here?

"Anyways," she turned back to her entourage. "We should try to find somewhere to sit for the time being." She looked back at me. "You're welcome to join us, Pacifica."

"Really?" I asked.

"Why not?" She shrugged nonchalantly. "Come on girls, let's go find a booth. Need one big enough for five people."

I wrinkled my nose. "Five? But there's only four of us?"

"Oh right, my brother will be here shortly." Mabel rolled her eyes. "Has to be fashionably late for everything."

I nodded. I wanted to hang out with Mabel for a bit, because maybe we could be friends. I hoped that's why she invited me, not just to make fun of me like her friends were already doing.

So, I followed the three girls to where they chose to sit and waited for the last person to arrive.

My investigation would have to be put on hold for the time being.