Reverse Falls [DISCONTINUED]

The Hand that Rocks the Pine: Part Six

Thursday evening proved to be calm and pleasant - which contrasted greatly with Gideon's nerves. He was regretting Pacifica's plan as the two cousins arrived at the park that night.

"Paz, maybe we shouldn't go through with this," he whispered. 

"Nonsense," Pacifica said. "This is for your own good. Everything will be great in about ten minutes."

They stopped in front of the park's gates. "Stay here," Pacifica ordered. "I'll be back."

And she went into the park.

The park was nice, Pacifica had to admit that. Different bushes were scattered across the grounds, as well as various trees that most likely provided shade in the daytime. Flowers bloomed up in neat, little bunches, lining the dirt path that led to a stone fountain. 

A few more steps, and Pacifica could see the one and only Mabel Gleeful, sitting on the rim of the fountain.

When Pacifica approached the girl, Mabel looked confused and jumped up immediately, standing in Pacifica's way.

"Oh, Pacifica!" Mabel said brightly. "What a - um - surprise -" Her cheeriness sounded forced and fake as she greeted her visitor.

"Okay, listen." Pacifica stuck her hands inside her jacket pockets. "Gideon thinks your relationship won't work out. He's only here for the summer, after all, and long-distance thingies never work."

Mabel's smile faltered, but she resumed it quickly and pointed out, "Summer doesn't end for a couple of months. Surely he still wants to date me."

Pacifica braced herself for the blow. "Yeah, sorry. He's not interested in you anymore."

Mabel's eyes flashed a brighter, more vibrant color of blue, but she composed herself. "That's fine," she said, giving a laugh. "It's just a break-up. These things can and will happen."

"So you're not mad?"

"Thanks for telling me," Mabel said. She made her way out of the garden - but as she passed Pacifica, she muttered something inaudible. 

Pacifica left the park as quickly as she could.

The walk home was cheerful. Gideon was happier already, and when Pacifica noticed this, she laughed and said, "See? It took less than ten minutes and you're already happier."

"You're sure that she was okay with it?" Gideon asked again.

"Relax, Gideon, she said she was fine."

"She's not upset, right?"

"N -" Pacifica stopped in the middle of the forest. 

Wait.

Mabel had avoided that question altogether.

Gideon stopped, too. His happy mood quickly disappeared when Pacifica showed signs of uncertainty in her voice. 

"Pacifica," he said slowly, "she said she wasn't mad. Right?"

"She didn't answer," Pacifica replied worriedly. "She avoided it completely."

Gideon looked unsure of how to react. After a moment, he began to look troubled and upset.

"Gideon." Pacifica grabbed her cousin's shoulders. "We have Ford on our side. He knows the most about the supernatural and stuff like that. If the twins become our mortal enemies, then he can help us defeat them. Okay?"

"But . . . we don't have the journal," Gideon pointed out.

Pacifica growled. "And I still resent him for that."