( bill )

When I reached home, it was already late. Mabel wasn't waiting for me out at the porch.

Instead, I spotted her on the couch, watching her favourite childhood animation, Detective Duck.

I caught her attention by squeezing on the couch next to her and placing an arm around her.

She surprised me greatly as she shifted a bit further away from me.

"I went out for dinner with the just now, we ate some burgers."

She nodded.

"You don't have to report that to me."

I shifted awkwardly in my seat. I have never felt like this before. She was never that cold to me before.

"Oh, and it's the competition tomorrow, do you want to go with me together?" I added.

I turned to look at her.

She was staring at the screen, averting my gaze.

"Ok." was her short answer.

I couldn't take it anymore. I bridged the gap between us, wrapping my arm around her.

She didn't have any reaction, her hands were almost lifeless.

"Mabel, what happened? Please tell me."

It took a long moment before she replied.

"It's nothing, it's just me-" her voice quivered. My heart skipped a beat.

"- I'm okay, I will get going now." Her words were rushed and she hurriedly got up and left, leaving me on the couch.

I couldn't sleep that night.

The next morning, I felt a bit tired. Not well-rested, not even prepared, head with thoughts of her.

Her missing presence at the left hand side of the table made me worse. I wanted to stay and wait for her, but I had a competition to go to.

As I walked out of the door, I saw Dipper.

"Hey Pine Tree, where's Mabel?"

"Mabel? Oh she left really early today!" He looked up, thinking.

"I remembered she said she wanted to go support you for your competition, good luck for later, hope you win something." He smiled, patting me on the back.

I perked up. Maybe things weren't as bad as it seemed.

"Thanks," I smiled back, before setting off , hopes high in seeing her there.