The Dainessetchen Barnacle Tales

Season 2 Episode 1

Gretchen's Point of View

The first to get to my house was Jesse. His cheeks were damp, and I knew it couldn't be from the rain because he had red eyes to really set off the whole "I've been crying" look. I stood in the doorway for a minute and we spent a little while just looking at each other, my lips pursed, and him brushing his purple hair out of his eyes.

"Hey," I said.

"Hi," he replied. It was quiet for a few more seconds.

"Welcome home," I finally said and stepped aside. Instead of running straight inside, Jesse almost tackled me in a bear hug. I was surprised at first, but just let myself pull him close to me. It was the longest hug we ever had. You know, when you're best friends with the opposite sex and they're going through something, sometimes you just have to treat them like you're a couple, and people don't understand that you're just best friends. So when Jesse pulled away, I held both of his hands and kissed his cheek. It was wet with tears.

"It's going to be ok, Jesse Monster," I whispered. He sniffed and nodded.

"Can we talk in your room?" he asked. I nodded and held his hand until we got to my room. My bed has a black comforter with white designs all over it and I threw him a pillow. We spent about an hour talking (well, I was mostly listening) and I knew Jesse had done the right thing by coming here. There was no way my parents would have a problem with that, especially with Jesse's situation.

Before I could get out a blow up mattress and start setting up a space for Jesse, I heard the front door open and Gerard say, "And this is your new home!" He had texted me about Dylan before Jesse had come to the house, so I wasn't surprised.

"Well, let's go meet the new Way." Jesse and I walked out of my room just in time to meet my brother and some other guy. They were holding hands.

"Gretchen, this is my boyfriend, Dylan," Gerard said with a huge grin on his face. Dylan was shorter than him and kind of seemed shy when he said hi. I already knew who wore the pants in this relationship. I waved before actually getting a good look at him. Oh my gosh. He was so cute! I mentally slapped myself for thinking that about my brother's boyfriend. Damn you, Gretchen!

"So, yeah, we're going to have three people staying here with us..." I said to Gerard after all the awkward introductions.

"Oh, cool!" Gerard exclaimed. I don't think anything could make him stop smiling right then.

"I guess Dylan will be sleeping in your room." Gerard nodded vigorously and Dylan blushed.

"Jesse will obviously be in mine," I said.

"Obviously," Gerard replied.

"Where will Lainey be sleeping?" Jesse asked. I shrugged.

"Not in our room!" Gerard exclaimed. I rolled my eyes.

"I guess we'll ask her when she gets here," Dylan piped up. That was the longest sentence he had formed yet. His shyness was adorable. DAMN YOU, GRETCHEN. I wondered if Peter had the power to read my thoughts. I hoped not. I felt a little guilty.

Gerard and Dylan went in Gerard's room to get him settled in and I was left in the hallway with Jesse.

"Jesse?" I asked. He looked up.

"Sup?"

"I think it's time you see Peter."

Jesse's Point of View

"You mean...the dead guy?" I asked hesitantly. Gretchen rolled her eyes.

"No...I mean my dead guy."