The falls

chapter 20

Jessica stood next to Neomi as they entered the grand ballroom of the new Northwest mansion. It was just as extravagant as she had expected—massive chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, marble floors polished to perfection, and gold accents everywhere. The guests were all dressed to the nines, mingling and sipping on champagne, but there was a strange air of tension. It was as if the party wasn't just about the rich celebrating themselves—it felt like something more.

Lilien, the girl who had invited them, was standing near the center of the room, clearly in charge. She was wearing a silver dress that shimmered in the light as she grabbed a fork and gently tapped it against her champagne glass, the sound ringing out through the room and quickly silencing the chatter.

"I'd like to make a toast," Lilien began, her voice confident and clear. "We all know that Gravity Falls is no ordinary town. It's a place filled with mysteries, strange creatures, and magic, but most of all, it's a place shaped by its people—by all of its people."

The crowd shifted uncomfortably as Lilien continued. "Weirdmageddon changed everything. It wasn't just an apocalyptic event—it was a moment that revealed the truth about this town. We faced the bizarre, the terrifying, and the unexplainable, and we came out the other side stronger. Everyone here was affected, and we owe our survival to many who stood against the chaos."

Jessica glanced at Neomi, who was listening intently. Lilien hadn't mentioned why she had been so eager for Neomi to attend, but it seemed like she was about to reveal something important.

Lilien's gaze swept over the room before it landed on Neomi. "Tonight, I want to honor someone special. Neomi Pines, the daughter of one of Gravity Falls' heroes, Dipper Pines."

Neomi blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting to be singled out like this. Jessica felt a similar shock ripple through her. They had come expecting just another stuffy party, but this was turning into something far more personal.

Lilien continued, her voice unwavering. "Dipper Pines, along with his sister Mabel, fought to save Gravity Falls during Weirdmageddon. They weren't the rich or powerful; they were just kids. And yet, they made a difference. They risked everything to protect this town, and without them, who knows where we'd be."

She paused, glancing at the crowd. "I don't care what my mother, Pacifica, says about keeping up appearances and focusing on the elite. The truth is, this town is made up of people from all walks of life, and the so-called 'common people' are just as important as the rest of us. They shaped Gravity Falls, and they deserve recognition."

There was a murmur of discontent from some of the more traditionally wealthy guests, but Lilien pressed on, unbothered. With a dramatic flourish, she gestured behind her, and a golden curtain was pulled away to reveal a massive golden statue. Jessica's eyes widened in awe. The statue was of Dipper and Mabel Pines, standing tall and proud, with their arms raised in a victory pose. It gleamed under the chandelier light, and the sight was nothing short of breathtaking.

"I present to you," Lilien announced, "this statue of Dipper and Mabel Pines, the heroes of Gravity Falls. And as a token of my gratitude, I'm giving this statue to Neomi as a gift, because her father helped save this town."

Jessica was absolutely floored. She couldn't believe what she was hearing—this girl, who had grown up in the lap of luxury, was standing in front of everyone, defying her mother's legacy, and giving a gift of this magnitude to Neomi. It didn't seem real.

Neomi, however, looked genuinely confused. She glanced at Jessica, her expression asking, How is Lilien so different from her mom?

Lilien stepped down from the raised platform and approached Neomi directly. "I know my family has a reputation," she said softly, so only Jessica and Neomi could hear. "But things change. I want to be different. Gravity Falls isn't just for the rich, and I'm done pretending otherwise."

Neomi opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. She just stared at Lilien, trying to make sense of everything. It was clear Lilien's intentions were sincere, but the whole situation felt surreal.

Jessica, still processing everything, finally spoke up. "I... I don't even know what to say. This is incredible."

Lilien smiled warmly. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that you're welcome here, both of you. This town is as much yours as it is mine." She glanced at the statue one last time before turning to mingle with the rest of the guests.

As she walked away, Jessica turned to Neomi, who was still staring up at the golden figures of her father and aunt. "So... that was unexpected," Jessica muttered, shaking her head slightly in disbelief.

Neomi finally let out a breath and nodded. "Yeah. Really didn't see that coming."

Jessica chuckled softly. "You think she's for real?"

Neomi glanced back at Lilien, who was already surrounded by other guests. "Honestly? I think she is. Weirdmageddon must've left an impact on more people than anyone realized."

They stood there in silence for a moment, just taking in the weight of the moment.