Gravity Pines

Part 6: What Lies Within

If my days weren't weird enough, I found myself actually looking forward to hanging out with Robbie and the gang, I mean... Robbie, sheesh this was surreal. Still it was good to see he grew up, then again I also had to grow to stop seeing him as some douche who would trick a girl into loving him, this time at least it was Mabel who tricked... well both of them. 

" Hey dude, I have Pizza on the way. Halfsies? Melody is getting a salad. " I knew this was Soos just looking after me but I soon chuckle and flop the magazine onto the counter, it was a slow Sunday but hell why not enjoy it with family.. right? I take out my wallet and place down a ten for Soos as he swipes it up with a bit of that dramatic anime like flair, making me laugh out with him when he looks up at me from his leaning pose. Soon to pocket it and give me the pistol aim. " Italian with Pep right? "

" Haha Of course Soos, you know the best. " The local pizzeria was rather popular, it had a buffet when you went in but when you ordered you could tell them exactly what to put into your salad so they could package it nice and neat for you. As he walks off Mabel came downstairs and around the corner as she waves to Soos and hops up to sit on the counter sideways in front of me.

" What do I owe ya bro? " I shake my head and smile to her as she smiles back knowing I was good to share my half, we usually didn't do leftover pizza unless it was all there was. She hops back down and throws her arms up and out with an announcement like pose. " I got a date! Well more like a Lunch but still. "

" Really? So if it's not a date date, but a lunch date... who are you reconnecting with? " I asked but would have better silence myself for the answer that came.

" Pacifica and Gideon! I ran into them when Lee and Grenda took me to the mall. Gideon just got home for break and Pacifica is on vacation! " She semi lunged over the counter as her palms kept herself stable while she hops slightly, giggling a bit and then pausing as she noticed my awkward expression.

" Really? I mean I know Pacifica was doing better after the whole ghost thing, but Gideon is probably still trying to find a way to date you for real. Think it's a good idea to get his hopes up? " I asked, lifting a hand with my body still resting back into the chair.

" Oh Peeshaw brother, we already said it was a catch up lunch. Besides you should see him. Omygawd he isn't that tall but he grew into those cheeks! Oh oh and his hair is actually still white! He got a little bit of a tan so it kinda sticks out atcha." 

Mabel went on for a few minutes, telling me how she was so excited and ready to ask all kinds of questions, at one point even seeing if Pacifica still had a thing for me which left me confused more or less because she had become a friend but I think after Wendy turned me down, Mabel always thought Pacifica would be better because she was our age. " Alright well I have another hour here, just don't eat my share and spend some time with Soos and Melody. "

" Alright Dip. Just don't get too bored. " She reaches out and pinches the tip of my nose making a honking nose with that goofy expression she liked to sport. I laugh out a bit and shake my head just showing I was fine with her goofiness as always before she ran off to the living area while I sat back entirely once more.

For the next half hour I was pretty occupied, a few people stopped in and said their hellos and a few of them, realizing who I was, said their welcome backs and even gave a shout out to Mabel in the back of the house. I agreed to come into town and visit and a few people even offered me and Mabel deals at their businesses because we were returning heroes, I declined of course but said Mabel might enjoy some of the stuff.

Though what came through the door with about ten minutes to kill surprised me the most that day. Mayor Tyler walks in with his skinny arms out and exclaims. ' Dipper Pines! Man you give a guy a key to the city and he never uses the door! " Planting his fists onto his hips before I rose a brow at him.

" Well you never really gave us a key to the city. Nevermind All That. Remember? " I smile a bit, trying to keep it from me sounding like a smart ass while Tyler rubs his chin and nods.

" Well I suppose you got me there Dip Dip. Well word got around to me that the heroes returned and I had to come see myself, and oooboy did you grow up. Look I think I see a little fuzz on that chin! " He had made his way up to the counter and gave a point right where he spot about, making me laugh nervously and wave him away.

" Hey come on, I couldn't stay little forever. How has the town been? Nobody better to ask than the Mayor right? " I got up from my seat and plant my hands on the counter top, mostly making what small talk I could since Tyler was so nice to make his way here, he was never athletic but he did always seem to hike wherever he needed to be. 

" Oh good good. Normal things happen most days while every now and then we leave out food for the gnomes, easier than repairing broken casserole dishes right?  " He turns and juts out his elbow as if to nudge me but misses in such a spectacular way.

" Heh right. Well you will be seeing me and Mabel around a lot more now. We are moving here past summer. I am taking online classes and Mabel is going to State so we will be able to catch up with everyone. "

" Oh Fantastic! Well I won't spread word but count me excited! Now don't forget the fair in a month! Also we began a New Day What a Day celebration at the end of Summer! We were all hoping you two would be visiting every summer but it still means a lot to everyone to enjoy life! Of course you are all invited, The Pines and the Ramirez's.  No way we'd let you all miss out now that you are back. " He reaches across and nudges my shoulder with his fist, though short, he was still ever noticeable from his voice and upbeat energy.

" Of course. I doubt Mabel would miss a party. Once our Gruncles call, we will make sure they get back so they can show us around. " As I said that, Tyler would reach up rubbing the back of his head slightly.

" Actually Dipper, they would be first timers too... They never really thought it made sense to be a part of the celebration without y'all. " I would narrow my eyes in confusion but then smile with a shrug.

" Well then it would work out afterall. Take care ok Tyler? Need a ride back? We still have the golf cart out back. "

" Oh no I am good, scariest thing out there now doesn't compare to those flying eyeballs. " He would pause for a moment at the door as he realized he broke his own law, looking out the door in fear of the Sheriff and his Deputy before waving to me and leaving. Soon I was alone as I began to close up the register and write down the numbers for the safe. Shutting off the display lights on the counters and locking up the doors. 

It had been a pretty carefree day, more and more the old world I knew was steadily being rebuilt for me and easing my mind, though I was still rather shaken in my core, I felt like maybe someday soon I could just let my past be in the past, and live without nightmares.