The falls

chapter 19

The sound of the front door creaking open pulled Jessica out of her book. She glanced up just in time to see a girl standing in the doorway, clearly out of place amidst the dusty oddities of the Mystery Shack. Her clothes, clean and expensive-looking, contrasted sharply with the kitschy souvenirs and taxidermy displays scattered around the room. She didn't seem interested in the shop itself, her gaze instead honing in on Neomi.

"Are you Neomi Pines?" she asked, her tone both snooty and determined.

Neomi was in the middle of messing with a gnome figurine, trying to position it in a ridiculous pose. She glanced up, barely giving the girl her full attention. "Who's asking?"

The girl raised her chin slightly. "I'm here to personally invite you to a party at the new Northwest mansion."

Neomi froze, her hand still gripping the gnome. She shot the girl a skeptical look. "The Northwest mansion? Like, the family Dipper and Mabel have beef with? No thanks, I'm good."

The girl frowned, frustration evident on her face. "Look, this isn't just any party. It's an exclusive event, rich folks only."

"And that's supposed to make me want to go more?" Neomi scoffed. "Those are the exact kind of people my family didn't get along with."

The girl's lips tightened as she tried again. "Just... hear me out. It's different now. We really want you to come. I really want you to come."

Neomi crossed her arms, clearly still unconvinced. "Why? What's the big deal about me showing up?"

The girl hesitated for a second but didn't offer any clear answer. Instead, she simply said, "Just trust me. You'll want to be there."

Jessica, watching from the corner, arched an eyebrow in curiosity. She closed her book, sensing there was more going on than what was being said.

Neomi sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "I don't know... I mean, I'm not really into parties like that, especially with people like the Northwests."

"But you'll have fun," the girl insisted. "And you can bring a guest, if that helps."

Neomi's face lit up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Fine. I'll go, but only if I can bring Jessica." She pointed in Jessica's direction, and Jessica looked up from her seat, confused.

"Wait—where are we going?" Jessica asked, blinking.

Neomi smirked and replied, half-jokingly, "On a date."

Jessica's eyes widened in surprise before she gave a small, genuine smile. "I'd like to go on a date with you."

The other girl rolled her eyes and muttered, "Whatever, weirdos. Yeah, she can come too." With a huff, she turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Neomi and Jessica in an awkward silence for a moment.

Neomi, still standing with her arms crossed, finally broke into a grin. "Well, guess we're going to a fancy party."

Jessica nodded, still smiling to herself. "Guess so. And I've never been on a date before... especially not to a mansion."

"Me neither," Neomi said, chuckling. "This'll be interesting."