The days after Preston’s visit had been a whirlwind of quiet conversations and careful planning. Mabel and I did our best to support Pacifica, who was clearly shaken but trying to put on a brave face. Despite the tension, we managed to keep things light around the Shack, hoping to offer her some sense of normalcy.
It was a rainy afternoon when the next surprise arrived. Mabel and I were lounging in the living room, engaged in a heated debate over which TV show was better—“Gnome Wars” or “Mystery Detectives”—when a knock on the door interrupted us.
I groaned. “Who could that be at this hour?”
Mabel hopped up, her excitement piqued. “Ooh, maybe it’s someone with free pizza!”
She bounced to the door, flinging it open with a flourish. But instead of a pizza delivery person, we were greeted by a tall, serious-looking man in a dark suit, holding a briefcase. His expression was stoic, and his eyes scanned the room with a hint of disapproval.
“Can I help you?” Mabel asked, her enthusiasm waning.
The man adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “I’m Mr. Jenkins, from Preston Northwest’s legal team. I’ve been sent here to handle a few matters related to Miss Pacifica Northwest.”
I glanced over at Pacifica, who was sitting on the couch, her face suddenly paling. She looked up at me with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. “What’s going on?”
Mr. Jenkins stepped inside, setting his briefcase down with a thud. “I’m here to discuss a formal agreement regarding Miss Northwest’s living arrangements and other related issues.”
I frowned. “You mean to say there’s more to this?”
“Indeed,” Mr. Jenkins said, opening his briefcase and pulling out a stack of documents. “Preston Northwest is very particular about ensuring all legalities are handled properly. He wishes to formalize the arrangement for Miss Northwest’s stay here at the Mystery Shack.”
Pacifica’s eyes widened. “Formalize? What does that even mean?”
Mr. Jenkins flipped through the papers. “It means Mr. Northwest wants to ensure that Miss Northwest’s time here is fully documented and that all her needs are met according to his standards.”
Mabel, ever the optimist, chimed in with a grin. “So, does that mean he’s going to be paying us for hosting Pacifica?”
Mr. Jenkins’s face remained impassive. “Essentially, yes. But it’s not just about payment. There are specific conditions and clauses that need to be agreed upon. For example, there are stipulations about her daily schedule, her privacy, and other aspects of her stay.”
I shook my head, trying to process it all. “You mean to tell me that Preston wants to impose rules even while she’s staying here?”
“Precisely,” Mr. Jenkins said. “And these documents outline those rules.”
I looked over at Pacifica, who was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. “Pacifica, do you want to go through this?”
She shook her head, a hint of defiance in her eyes. “No, I don’t. I’d rather stay here with you guys without any more interference.”
Mr. Jenkins sighed, closing his briefcase. “Well, if you ever change your mind, these documents will be here. For now, I’ll leave you to your afternoon.”
As he left, Mabel turned to Pacifica with a sympathetic look. “Are you okay?”
Pacifica sighed heavily. “I just wish things could be simple for once. I don’t need more complications.”
I put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’ll figure this out. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
Later that evening, after Mr. Jenkins had departed, Mabel and I tried to lift the mood with some homemade cookies and a movie marathon. We settled in, Pacifica joining us with a reluctant smile. As we watched a cheesy sci-fi film, Mabel nudged me with a grin.
“You know,” Mabel said, “this is a great distraction. It’s like we’re having our own little movie night party.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, at least it’s better than dealing with lawyers and Preston.”
Pacifica seemed to relax a bit, the tension easing from her shoulders. “Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate you being here for me.”
“Of course,” I said, handing her a cookie. “We’re a team, remember?”
As the movie continued, I noticed Pacifica glancing over at me with a hint of gratitude. Despite the chaos, it was nice to see her smile, even if it was just for a moment.
Mabel, always perceptive to these things, nudged me again. “Hey, Dipper, I think you’re doing a great job. You’ve really been there for Pacifica.”
I glanced over at Pacifica, who was now more relaxed and engaged in the movie. “Thanks, Mabel. I guess we’re all just trying to make the best of things.”
The evening passed with more laughter and lighthearted moments, a welcome break from the seriousness that had enveloped us. Despite the challenges, it was clear that together, we could handle whatever came our way. And for Pacifica, that sense of camaraderie was probably the best comfort she could ask for right now.
