The falls

chapter one

The airport was bustling with the hum of voices and the rolling of luggage wheels against the tiled floor, but in one corner near the gates, a strange little scene was unfolding. Jessica stood among her family—her wide, inquisitive eyes scanning the terminal. For most nine-year-olds, this would be their first flight, maybe to visit relatives. But for Jessica, this was the start of something more—a trip to Gravity Falls. The town she'd been dying to explore for as long as she could remember.

Amelia, her mother, knelt down, smoothing out Jessica's jacket for the third time in five minutes. "Are you sure you have everything?" she asked, her voice shaking a little. Jessica could see her mother's hands trembling. There was still tension between them all. Not because of anything recent, but because of a long, twisted past that none of them could completely shake. But this moment, it wasn't about that. Amelia had done all she could to make up for the hurt she'd caused, and now, she was here, supporting her daughter.

Jessica nodded, her lips twitching into a small smile. "Mom, I told you, I packed everything. Twice."

Henry and Lucy stood a little behind, exchanging a glance. They'd come a long way, too. There were days when they could barely look at Amelia, their faces tight with the memories of betrayal. But today was different. Today wasn't about grudges or pain from the past. Today was about Jessica.

"We're proud of you, Jess," Henry finally said, stepping forward. He placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair gently. "You're going to do amazing things out there."

Lucy smiled, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She bent down to hug Jessica, whispering in her ear, "Keep your head on straight, okay? Don't get caught up in too many mysteries at once. We'll be here when you get back."

As the emotional exchange unfolded, Madeline stood off to the side, her arms crossed and her lips pulled into a tight frown. She was only older than Jessica by three weeks, but their parents treated her like she was still just a kid. It didn't make sense. Jessica, the sister with all the answers, got to hop on a plane by herself and fly to another state to explore a town full of weird mysteries. Meanwhile, Madeline couldn't even go to a sleepover at the neighbor's house without their parents checking on her every hour.

"It's not fair," Madeline muttered under her breath, loud enough for only Jessica to hear. "You get to go on this big adventure, and I'm stuck here like a baby."

Jessica turned to her, offering a sympathetic look. "I know, Mads. But this isn't about who gets to do what. You'll have your own adventures soon." She paused, glancing around the crowded terminal. "Besides, I'm just as nervous as you are. But you know why this matters to me."

Madeline just huffed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, whatever."

Nearby passengers looked on, their confusion obvious. Why were these people letting a nine-year-old go on a flight alone? Some whispered amongst themselves, their expressions a mix of concern and judgment. Jessica ignored them. Her mind was set on Gravity Falls, on Dr. Mathis, and on the answers that had eluded her for so long.

The final boarding call rang through the air, and Jessica knew it was time. She hugged Amelia tightly, then turned to Henry and Lucy for a last, reassuring smile. Despite the confusion and silent stares, Jessica felt no fear. Only excitement.

As she walked toward the gate, she glanced back one last time. Her family, imperfect and complicated, was still her rock. No matter what awaited her in Gravity Falls, she knew she could face it because they had faced so much together.

And as the plane doors closed behind her, Jessica felt it—a new chapter of her life beginning.