The day started out pretty normal. Mabel and I were wandering around Gravity Falls, enjoying the summer sun and the nostalgic vibe of the town. We’d stopped at Greasy’s Diner for some milkshakes and were sitting on the curb, slurping down our drinks and reminiscing about our past adventures.
Just as I was recounting our encounter with the Summerween Trickster, Mabel’s eyes widened. “Look, Dipper! Isn’t that Pacifica?”
I followed her gaze and sure enough, there was Pacifica, walking towards us. But she wasn’t alone. Beside her was a tall, lanky guy who looked like he’d stepped straight out of a preppy clothing catalog. He was pale, ginger, and had a smug expression that made my skin crawl. Pacifica’s usual confident demeanor was replaced with a strained look, and she seemed almost disgusted by everything he said.
“Mabel, Dipper!” she called out, her face lighting up when she saw us.
She quickened her pace, dragging the preppy guy along with her. When they reached us, Pacifica smiled warmly, but before she could say anything, the guy stepped in front of her.
“Ah, the local commoners,” he sneered. “Allow me to introduce myself. Philipstein Collinson the Third.”
Mabel snickered, unable to contain herself. “Philipstein? That’s a name?”
Philipstein shot her a venomous look. “Yes, and it carries a lot more weight than anything you could imagine.”
I could feel my temper rising, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Nice to meet you, Philipstein. I’m Dipper, and this is my sister, Mabel.”
Pacifica shot us an apologetic look before Philipstein cut in again. “Pacifica, darling, why are you wasting your time with these... people?”
Pacifica huffed, clearly irritated. “Because they’re my friends, Philipstein. Unlike some people, they’re actually enjoyable to be around.”
Philipstein’s face twisted with disdain. He grabbed Pacifica’s arm, causing her to wince. “Not anymore, they’re not. Let’s go.”
He pulled her away, and for a moment, I saw a flash of desperation in Pacifica’s eyes. She glanced back at us, mouthing a silent apology before being dragged off by Philipstein.
Mabel and I stood there, stunned. “Did you see that?” Mabel said, her voice incredulous. “Who does he think he is?”
I clenched my fists. “Someone who clearly doesn’t know what he’s dealing with.”
We watched as they disappeared down the street, Philipstein’s grip on Pacifica tight and unyielding. Mabel turned to me, determination in her eyes. “We have to do something, Dipper. Pacifica deserves better than that jerk.”
I nodded, already formulating a plan. “We will, Mabel. We’ll figure out a way to help her. No one treats our friend like that.”
As we headed back to the Shack, my mind raced with possibilities. Pacifica might have started out as an enemy, but over the years, she’d become someone I cared about. And I wasn’t about to let some snobby rich bellend ruin that.
The summer had just taken a serious turn, and I knew we were in for a challenge. But if there’s one thing I’d learned in Gravity Falls, it’s that nothing is impossible when you’ve got your friends by your side.
And this time, I was determined to save Pacifica from more than just the town’s supernatural oddities.
