Abnormal Gravity: A Parapines Fanfic

The Mystery (S)hack

"What?" Dipper said. His two friends were giving him a look that was equal part surprised and worried.

"Dipper," Mabel said, "That was cool and all, but maybe a little... harsh?"

"Yeah," added Norman, "I mean, you weren't actually going to exorcise her, right?"

"Of course not, this is a water gun," Dipper replied, squirting out a jet of water to emphasize. "See?"

"Oh, good," Mabel said, visibly relaxing, "I thought you were having like a 'bad ghost cop' phase or something. Phew!"

"By the way," Norman said, "are ghost encounters usually that... dangerous?"

"Not usually," Dipper answered, stuffing the water gun back in his vest, "but we've seen scarier ghosts before."

"Yep!" Mabel chimed, "Once we fought off a ghost lumberjack. We totes almost died!"

"He wasn't as dangerous as Bill. But I ghost he doesn't really count."

"Oh, don't even get me started on that triangular jerk!"

Instead of asking all of the questions now popping in his head, Norman laughed with the Pine twins and wonder just how weird this town really was.

...

After exiting the storage room to find the diner in pristine condition, Dipper explained the ghastly encounter to a very relieved Miss Rosie. Now in possession of coupons for free breakfasts on Sunday's - although only once a month - the three kids began making their way home. Or rather, the Pines twins walking home and Norman sheepishly following. Finally noticing the boy, Mabel spoke up.

"Hey, Norman. Where are you staying?"

Norman snapped out of daydream he was having and perked up. "Um... I think it was called the  Twin Bed Motel."

The twins looked back at him wearing the same puzzled expression.

"Twin Bed?" said Mabel.

"Motel?" said Dipper.

"Yep,"

"Where is that?" Mabel asked.

"It's on the other side of town... I think." Norman tried to remember in which direction it was, but couldn't.  After a moment of pondering and trying to retrace the steps of his walk, he came to a troubling realization, and gave a small, dry laugh.
"I have no idea where it is, actually."

"You don't?" Mabel asked, her expression turning from puzzlement to concern, "Well, how are you gonna get home?"

"I guess... I'll ask around?"

"No way!" Mabel said adamantly, "Hey, Dipper, we have a map at the Shack, right?"

"Yeah, probably, but-"

"Then that settles it! Norman, you're coming home with us."

"Thanks, but I can just use my phone to-"

"With what signal? You're in the boonies, Norman. We're way behind the times up here. Also, I doubt this town will even show up."

Norman checked his phone. Mabel was right. His phone had one bar that flickered on and off at irregular intervals. It wasn't steady enough to be useful.

"Wow, you're right" Norman said. "I guess I have no choice, then."

"Darn right, you don't!" Mabel cried, "Now let's get to stepping!" And she walked off, leaving the two boys behind. Norman looked at Dipper who simply shrugged as if to say "watcha gonna do?" and walked after his sister.

Norman followed.