Dreamer

Northwest Mansion Mystery

It was a rainy day. Perfect for what was on TV. Dipper and I had snacks surrounding us, drinks on the side. His head was on my shoulder as my arm was around him. The TV was bright in front of us, showing pictures that were supposed to be spooky.

"You asked for it, you got it! An entire forty-eight-hour marathon of Ghost Harassers. On the Used To Be About History Channel."

Dipper scooted closer into me, making me smile. I kissed his forehead softly. We liked our silence. Our silence was we could talk without actually talking. We could sit there for hours, holding each other and just talking without breaking the silence.

"We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news!"

"Oh, what?" Quiet broken.

"It's starting!"

"Turn it up."

"Make room for Grenda." The three girls crowded on the couch.

"Tonight's the night, but I've been out here for days. The Northwest family's annual high-society shindig ball soiree is here. And even though common folk aren't let in, that won't stop us from camping out for a peek at the fanciness."

I frowned as the girls awed at the TV. I couldn't tell Mabel. It would break her heart.

"Okay, can someone please explain why people care about this?" Dipper asked.

"It's a whole party full of multi-millionaires getting together and showing off their wealth," I explained. "It's either that or families of multi-millionaires or those of high importance."

"Did you or Lyric get one?" Dipper asked.

I made sure the girls weren't looking and leaned in. "Yes. And we plan to attend. There's supposed to be a bunch of mysteries involving that mansion and we're only going to explore. No one will care about us, anyway."

"Rich food, richer boys," Grenda gushed.

"They say each gift basket has a live quail inside," Mabel explained.

Candy leaned her cheek against the TV screen. "Give me your life, Pacifica."

"Girls, I'm going to break it to you. If you want her life, at least let your family have that life. Because her parents are the worst. Her mother and father are snotty rich people who only care about their daughter being the best at anything and everything. Pacifica was trained to be ruthless and tricky because all her parents want are the titles and the fame."

"You say that like you've met them," Dipper mumbled.

I looked at him, giving him that look. "Oh. I'm sorry you had to deal with that." Dipper looked back at the girls. "And guys, in case you have already forgotten, Pacifica Northwest is the worst." Dipper got up to get the door. "And that's not just jealousy talking. I'd say that to her face."

"I need your help."

I got up, startled. Pacifica was at the door.

"You're the worst." Dipper slammed the door in her face.

The girls gasped in disbelief. "See?"

Pacifica knocked on the door again, with Dipper answering again. "Look, you think it's easy for me to come here? I don't want to be seen in this hovel. But there's something haunting Northwest Manor. If you don't help me, the party could be ruined."

"And why should I trust you?" Dipper asked. "All you've ever done is try to humiliate me and Mabel."

"Just name your price, okay?" Pacifica looked desperate. "I'll give you anything."