Deal Again

Prologue

It was finally over, Weirdmageddon finally came to an end and we did it all without the journals. We sat in the living room of the Mystery Shack, laughing in relief and happiness, that Stan didn't lose his memories. Thank god Mabel made that scape book, without it I don't know what would've happened. I sighed looking at Stan pet Waddles and hug Mabel with tears in his eyes. He was willing to sacrifice everything he had for his family even if we didn't want him to. He was willing to put everything on the line for his twin. 

Why is it so hard for Mabel to do the same?

I looked over at Ford who was smiling in relief that he brother safe and back to normal. "Grunkle Ford, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked leading Ford out of the house to the gift shop. 

"What's the matter, Dipper?"

"It's about the apprenticeship.  I've been thinking a lot about it and what it could mean for me and Mabel."

"I understand that you don't to do it. Family is important and I could never ask you to leave behind-"

"Ford, I'll do it. I've been waiting all summer for an opportunity like this and I'm going to let it slip by. I'll just have to explain to Mable that I'm staying here." It's about time I start making decisions for my own happiness. I've sacrificed so much for Mabel, it's time that she does the same.

"Alright, Dipper, we'll start with the advanced stuff tomorrow."

"Shouldn't we start with the basics?" Ford smiled and laughed. "You made it this far without my and the journals' help. You're far beyond any beginner." I smiled. This was going to be awesome! I finally get to investigate the paranormal stuff around Gravity Falls and get some well deserved answers. All I have to do is tell Mabel. But maybe later. Right now I just want to enjoy the moment. 

Later that night, I watched Mabel pack her bags, ranting on and on about how she was going to see her friends, Chloe and Venz, and tell them about Grenda and Candy. I layed on the bed staring up at the ceiling listening to her. Mabel got done stuffing her last gallon of glitter into her suit case as she looked over at me with her usual optimistic grin. 

"Dipper, why aren't you packing?" Mabel asked. "We leave tomorrow morning. You won't have enough time to pack."

"Mabel we need to talk," I sighed. This was going to be hard but it needed to be done. "I'm staying in Gravity Falls to be Ford's apprentice whether you agree with it or not. This is exactly what I've been looking for ever since I found Journal 3, I want to pursue the paranormal and Gravity Falls is the exact place I need to be with the only man alive that has documented proof and first hand experience with it! I'm not asking for the impossible, just that you support my decision for once." 

I looked away from her. I didn't want to see disappointed look for the second time today. I put my head down hearing a sniffle from Mabel, I knew she wouldn't take it well but it still hurts to hear her cry. I stood up to comfort my twin but she stepped back.

"Are you serious, Dipper? After all of this you still want to leave me behind? After losing each other and almost losing Stan and the entire town, you're still choosing to be selfish and inconsiderate?"

"Mabel, it's not-"

"Fine then! If you really want to stay then I won't stop you," she said as she stormed down the stairs, out of the shack, and into the woods. I want to run after her but she needs to understand that I want to have a life separate from her. I'll always be there for her, but I don't want to always follow her, I want something that I can be happy with too.

Mabel's POV

I can't believe Dipper! Even after all we've been through he still wants to split up. Piedmont won't be the same without him, it's just not fair. I ran through the woods tripping on nearly every root and stone that was in my way. My knees are scratched and badly hurt but I don't care. My feelings are already hurt, why not add to the pain? I slowed my sprint to a causal walk, drying my eyes on my sweater sleeve, as I came into a clearing.