That day, I ran away like a coward.

Not anymore.

---

(( mabel ))

When I woke, it felt as though the air was fresher today. I looked over, to find empty sheets. I wondered where he went. I stretched, feeling my muscles aching with pleasure.

Just as I was about to proceed downstairs, he entered first, carrying a tray of food.

"Oh, I see you're awake," he grinned, before placing the tray of food on the bedside table. Blueberry pancakes, my comfort food.

"Thank you, you just know how to make my day!" I grinned back, before sitting back on the bed. He sat down next to me, as though watching me eat. I raised an eyebrow, and he cleared his throat, sitting up straight. However, his brows were furrowed and he looked into the distance.

"What's wrong?" I frowned as well, taking up the spoon and fork. (spork) Whenever he looked like that, it must be serious.

It took a while before he said, "I saw Dipper at the back, behind the kitchen. He was crying."

I dropped my fork, and it fell straight to the ground.

---

He was now sitting on the porch, scrolling quickly through his phone in a mundane manner, head leaning against the wall. He turned and saw us, and instantly wiped any remaining tears on his face. He placed his phone on the wooden panels, and sighed.

"Dipper-"

"No, I am not okay, if you were asking."

I turned to look at Bill with doubt.

Bill took a seat next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, reassuring him.

"Good that you said that, but what caused it?"

Dipper kept quiet.

I was so shocked when Bill told me about him. I was surprised that I, as his sister, his twin sister even, didn't even know. I was so caught up in my web of emotions, that I didn't realise he caught himself in his own web too.

I thought hard.

"Did anything happen between you and Pacifica?" I asked, and his face darkened.

Bingo.

"Did you all have a conflict of sorts?"

He shook his head.

"Did you all fight?"

He shook his head.

"Did you all break up?"

He nodded, tears leaking out.

"Who initiated it?"

"Her."

"Why?"

He shook his head, frowning.

"Do you want me to ask her?" I voiced out.

His eyes widened and jerked his head up frantically, mouthing 'no way'.

I sighed a little, before nodding. I should respect his decisions.

"Although I might not know what is happening, but I know you can't let go. And if you can't let go, go for it. There's a point feeling miserable over it, you won't go anywhere. Try again, okay?" Bill said.

"It's not as easy as you say."

"It is! Otherwise, Mabel and I wouldn't be here today." He said, looking up at me. I smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy inside .

I bent down and met him at eye level.

"I'm sure she isn't like that, it must a misunderstanding of sorts. Clear it up with her, okay? You really never know unless you try."

He sniffed.

"Thanks, but I appreciate if I can be alone for awhile."

"Sure thing, buddy. Just don't do anything foolish. We have your back." Bill said, standing up. He motioned at me to leave.

"Are you sure this is the right thing, to leave him alone?" I whispered, feeling doubtful.

He nodded back.

"Everyone needs their own quiet time."

Dipper... He liked to analyse things and would think for hours on end. I nodded. He needs time to sort his thoughts.

I peered over from the corner. Dipper was scrolling through his camera feed again. He was looking at the pictures of the both of them together.

Things will turn out alright in the end. It always does, doesn't it?

"He will be fine, we will look out for him more," Bill said, placing his hand comfortable around me. I nodded again in agreement.

---

School came after a lazy weekend. As I looked back, I realised how foolish I was in doubting Bill. After he sworn to me that he had never felt anything for Bridgette, I knew I could trust him.

We walked into the hallways, as he accompanied me to my locker to get my study notes.

As I opened my locker, I gasped in horror.

Bill's eyes widened in shock too.

There, with big, bold strokes of blood red lipstick, were the words 'pathetic', 'stupid' and lastly, 'slut' all over my books. My books, all my notes, my files were stained with the disgusting red lipstick.

That was not all.

Right there smack in the middle was my face. And an arrow anchoring it, hitting my face in the bull's eye, with the words:

'I always win.'

I ran away.

I don't know where I went, I just ran.

I/)T