Sapphire Star

Chapter 5 Packing

Before we could go get Pacifica's stuff we had to ask Grunkle Stan if it was okay if she came along. Besides we had to have Grunkle Stan drive us there since neither I nor Mabel had our driver's license yet Dipper thought. "Pacific," I said. "Mabel and I are going to ask Grunkle Stan if it's ok if you come along camping." Pacifica's face faltered. "Don't worry I said with a smile. Were not leaving without you," I winked at her disarmingly as I headed for the kitchen with Mabel. Grunkle Stan was talking with Grunkle Ford about what kind of towing tolerances the transaxle on Charlotte had. As we walked in they noticed us but went back to the debate. After about another twenty seconds Grunkle Stan stopped. "All right, all right! I can't think with you two staring so loudly what do you want?"

I figured it was best to be straightforward taking the shots as they were fired. "We want to invite Pacifica to come camping with us," I said in a serious tone that implied there was no chance of me joking. Grunkle Stan said, "So let me get this straight. Princess Northwest wants to spend a day with the peasants in the mud to what, appreciate the social disparity?" "It's not like that," I said my voice dropping low as my eyes locked onto Grunkle Stan's. "Well maybe we can fan miss Northwest with palm fronds while Mabel gives her a mud bath and a pedicure," He said snorting in laughter. I took a step forward towards Grunkle Stan and stood to my full stature. "She came here to be with people she knows she can trust! She made a sacrifice to swallow her pride and come out here today. She didn't have to do any of that."

Grunkle Ford put a hand on Grunkle Stan's Shoulder. A look passed between them. Grunkle Stan breathed out. Grunkle Ford said with a smile, "Not everyone gets a second chance like me and you." Grunkle Stan nodded. He spoke in a soft voice now. "These days are all about second chances." He paused then smiled at me.

"All right you guys can let the princess come camping with you."

Mabel now squealed with delight "Thank you, Grunkle Stan! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Grunkle Stan replied, "All right, all right, Yeesh. Don't get all mushy on me kiddo." "We just need to pick her stuff up real quick is that ok?" Mabel asked putting on the doe eyes. "All right, all right but I'm not talking to anybody. And if want to burn out in their driveway spontaneously I'm doing it!" "Thank you, Grunkle Stan," Mabel said. I also thanked Grunkle Stan who just nodded. "All right let's get this convoy moving out."

Mabel was already running victory laps around Pacific in the foyer. We headed for the car. We got in packing us three in the back seat. And by the rule of skinniest butt, Pacifica got stuck in the middle. Not that Dipper was complaining. By the time we got to the Northwest mansion, Mabel was explaining toasting irons. "You take two pieces of white bread, and you butter the sides facing the griddle iron. Then you fill them with literally anything sweet and delicious. You snap the iron down together effectively cutting the sandwich in half and then cooking it over the fire and grilling it to a golden crisp perfection." " You can make grilled cheese or panini sandwiches that way too," I said. "Mabel's just trying to sustain that sugar high before she passes out in a diabetic coma." Pacifica giggled. "All right kids were here." Grunkle Stan said. Pacifica's smile instantly vanished. It was like I could see the mechanics of her mind at work. The drawbridge retracted, the portcullis was drawn down, lockdown initiated, firewall raised. Then came the fire. Her eyes blazed icy blue as she began to steal herself for confrontation. Dipper couldn't help but admire that bold tenacity. He also couldn't help but find it attractive.

"Let's go," I said trying to look supportive. Pacifica walked in front with her aquamarine Delores swing dress setting her the part for this high scale environment. I on the other hand felt uncomfortably underdressed in blue jeans and a tee-shirt. We walked past the water feature and into the foyer. As we entered the main hall I saw her mother and father having lunch at the dinner table which was of no small stature.