Chapter Text
Mabel and Dipper have just left town by bus and everyone involved in the farewell is sad.
But not only these people.
Candy and Granda headed to the diner to ease some of this grief.
On their way they notice Pacifica sitting on a bench.
"Look," said Candy. "There's Pacifica sitting there. Is she crying?"
"LOOKS LIKE IT!" Granda replied.
"I've never seen that from her before. I've never seen any emotion from her other than arrogance and anger," Candy remarked.
"SHOULD WE GO TO HER AND COMFORT HER?" asked Granda.
"Why? Just because she seems sad for once?!" Candy said.
"NOW DON'T BE SO UNFAIR! SHE SAVED US! DON'T YOU REMEMBER? AND SHE WAS ALSO BY OUR SIDE AGAINST THE YELLOW TRIANGLE!" Granda admonished her.
"Yeah, but she was pretty bitchy and wanted to sue us all, or am I remembering that wrong?" Candy replied.
"That was definitely due to the situation! We were all pretty tense. Even me, even though I didn't let them see it!" Granda said.
Candy sighed. She felt sorry for Pacifica, sitting on the bench like a miserable heap.
"Okay, Granda, you're right. We should get over our fears."
Both approached the bench.
Pacifica didn't notice them at first and was startled when Granda started blustering: "HEY PAZ! WHAT'S UP WITH YOU? ARE YOU OKAY?"
"AHHHH...um...sorry...don't scare me like that!" was Pacifica's reply.
"I'M SORRY!" Granda apologized.
"What do you want from me?" Paz asked with a skeptical look.
"We saw you crying and thought you might need some support!" said Candy.
"Oh!" was Pacifica's short and succinct reply. "Um...that's...nice of you. But what do you care how I am?"
"Okay, then don't!" Candy grumbled. "If you don't want it, you already have it!"
Candy and Granda were just about to turn around when Paz suddenly grabbed their hands.
"No, please don't go! I'm sorry! I...I didn't mean it the way it sounded!"
"Okay," Candy sighed, and she and Granda also sat down on the bench. "Then tell me what's bothering you."
Tears welled up in Pacifica's eyes again, and she said, "It's because of the twins. I never got to say goodbye to them properly. And now they're gone. And I may NEVER see them again! And I already miss them. I would have loved to get to know them better. And now...now I'm lonely and alone again!"
The tears now flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks and smudged her makeup.
Normally she would never have been seen in public like this, but at the moment she didn't care.
"WE DID NOT KNOW YOU LIKED THEM SO MUCH!" Granda said with an astonished look, to which Paz replied, "I didn't know that until recently!"
Candy also looked sad now. It was a strange feeling, but she really felt sorry for Pacifica.
"Listen..." she said to Paz. "You don't have to be lonely anymore. We're here for you."
"Seriously?" Paz asked, genuinely shocked. "Even though I've always treated you so disparagingly?"
"EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE!" Granda rejoiced. "EVERYONE'S BEEN DIFFERENT SINCE THE PARTY AT YOUR HOUSE. WE'D BE PRETTY MEAN TO LEAVE YOU DOWN NOW, WOULDN'T WE!"
Pacifica didn't know how to respond. Even more tears streamed from her eyes. But now they were no longer tears of sadness, but tears of joy!
"I'd really like to be friends with you. I don't have any other friends. My parents never wanted that because they were afraid I might be negatively influenced. So they actually meant positive, because positive is negative in their eyes, if you know what I mean!?"
Candy then remarked, "Hmmmm...your parents seem to be a bad influence on you. But as for friends...you have two girlfriends!"
"Oh, them?" Paz muttered. "No, they're not really my friends. My mom regularly paid them both to hang out with me!"
Plus, I always had to go shopping with them and buy them clothes, etc., because otherwise they would have run away. They were just there to maintain the snob image and make sure I acted like I was "something better."
But I don't want any of that anymore! I don't want to be like my parents. Do you think they have real friends? No!
They do meet regularly with other rich people, but instead of actually talking or even having fun, they just argue and compete with each other behind their backs.
But on the surface, they're always smiling fakely and toasting with champagne. And I'm in the middle of it all... I'm so sick of it! I can't take it anymore!"
Candy and Granda were shocked. Until now, they always thought Pacifica was happy with her affluent lifestyle, but they had never considered the emotional strain it also brought with it.
Candy caught herself and said to Paz, "Listen, we will help you break out of this life if it is weighing on you so much."
"Believe me, it does. Being rich is great for a while. But all the things I've accumulated over the years simply can't replace a social life. And I've only told you part of it. If you only knew how my parents treated me...but I can't talk about that now. But I want to thank you for not ignoring me. I promise I'll try to improve. It won't happen overnight, but I'll do my best. Things can't go on like this."
"Maybe you should get a job to break out of your daily routine!" Granda said, her eyes wide open.
"Who would hire me?" Pacifica asked.
But the two of them didn’t have a quick answer to that either.
They then said goodbye to Pacifica, but promised that they would meet daily from now on.
The next day the three met at Greasy's Diner.
While eating pancakes, Candy noticed a note on the wall. It read: Waiter wanted (female).
"Hey Pacifica," said Candy, "...maybe this is something for you!"
"Do you really think so?" Paz asked. "Should I really start like this? With customer contact?"
"Why not?!" Candy replied.
"Yes...because...um...I have to get used to dealing with other people first."
Candy then said, "But this is THE opportunity for it!"
Pacifica swallowed dryly. The thought frightened her. Was she ready for this yet?
Candy and Granda saw her fearful expression and were worried. "YOU CAN DO IT! WE TRUST IN YOU!" Granda yelled.
"Okay..." sobbed Paz "...I'll try."
Trembling all over, she went to the counter.
Sue, the owner of the diner, didn't notice her at first.
"Hello?" Pacifica's voice was rather quiet. "Um...I'd like to apply for a position as a waitress."
Sue was surprised to see who was talking to her. "Hello, little one. What a surprise! I've got a big visitor in my little place. And you really want to apply here? How come?"
"Ha...yes...thanks first of all...yes, I really want to. I can hardly believe it myself. Ridiculous, right? Sorry to bother you. I'm already out."
"Hold on, little miss! Don't give up so soon!" laughed Sue.
"How? What? Why?" Pacifica asked, astonished.
"Do you really think I'm going to send you away just because you're YOU?!" Sue said, smiling.
"Yeah. Well, no. I mean, I wouldn't think anything bad about you. Not anymore. So...argh...I don't know where my head is anymore!" Paz replied.
"Oh, darling, your whole body is shaking. But you don't have to. I understand if you need some time away from home," she said with a sympathetic look.
"Really?" Pacifica asked, her voice trembling.
"Yes, little one. I may come across as a little distracted most of the time, but I'm not stupid. I also heard what happened at that party. Word gets around in this small town. And I know your parents. Difficult people. I understand if you want to emancipate yourself from them."
Pacifica began to smile, and the trembling slowly stopped. She hadn't expected so much sympathy. Sue made her a good offer. It wasn't a high salary, but the hours were good. Paz wasn't really interested in the money either, but rather in the opportunity itself. A chance to finally free herself from her parents. At least to a certain extent. And she also sees it as a chance to get closer to the local community. She still has shortcomings when it comes to dealing with ordinary people, which she hopes to overcome through work. Pacifica finally wants to belong, instead of isolating herself in an elitist way, like her parents.
"Guys, I actually signed the contract!" Paz cheered to Candy and Granda.
"I'm happy for you. That's the first step in the right direction," Candy said happily.
"WOW! GREAT PACIFICA!" exulted Granda.
The three girls then toast with milkshakes.
Pacifica was a little nervous, but also proud of herself. But what would her parents say? This thought, however, left a heavy feeling in her stomach as she headed home.
The next morning, Pacifica left the house at 8:00 a.m. She was supposed to start work at 6:00 a.m., but she and Sue agreed to start at 8:30 a.m., because otherwise her parents would be suspicious. That's okay at the moment because it's summer vacation. But what will she do after that? Quit her job? Work a later shift? She wanted to make this a long-term commitment, not just as a summer job. But she could worry about that later. Not jump to conclusions.
"OMG, maybe I won't even make it through this first day!" were her anxious thoughts.
When she arrived at the diner, she was immediately greeted by Sue and her future colleagues.
Pacifica's nervousness was immediately alleviated.
The morning was relatively quiet, and even though she was a bit shaky as she delivered her speech to the guests, no one complained.
Shortly before closing time, which for Paz was just before 12:30 p.m., Wendy entered the diner. "Pacifica? Do you work here?" Wendy asked, her eyes wide open.
"Um...yes. Is that forbidden?" Pacifica replied in a feigned, annoyed tone.
"Sorry, but..." Wendy replied "...I didn't expect that!"
Paz: "*sigh* It's okay. What can I get you?"
Wendy: "Oh...a side of blueberry pancakes, please."
Paz: "Coming right away."
"Wow," Wendy thought. "You don't see this every day. A lot has changed this summer."
Pacifica placed the pancakes on the counter because Wendy had sat there.
Since this was her last order anyway, she made a brief small talk. Neither of them could have ever imagined talking like this. But it worked out quite well.
Shortly after 12:30 p.m., Pacifica changed her clothes and headed home. But her parents were already waiting for her.
Pacifica entered the house without greeting, because that wasn't customary in this family. Most of the time, her parents didn't even care whether she was there or not. But today was different.
Preston: "Pacifica-Elise Northwest...what did I have to learn today?!"
Pacifica: "Oh...haha...yeah...what?" She tried to look innocent, but her parents weren't buying it.
Priscilla: "Oh no, what a shame! What a shame! *sniff*"
Preston: "There will be consequences, you ungrateful brat!"
Pacifica began to tremble. What was her father planning? Use the bell? Pacifica still twitches when she hears a bell, but nothing more.
Preston: "I'm going to call the diner and have your employment contract canceled! You're bringing shame on our family!"
Pacifica: "No, please don't! You can't do that!"
Preston: "Oh, and HOW I can! And I can do so much more! INTO MY WORKROOM!"
Pacifica: "Why? What are you doing?"
Preston: "You'll see, you little beast!"
Pacifica had heard enough. Instead of following him, she fled through the patio door.
"I'll get you! I'll find you! You can't run away forever!" her father called after her.
Pacifica didn't know where to go, so she ran back to the diner.
"Hey, what are you doing here again? Did you enjoy it so much you want to do a second shift?" Sue winked at her.
"Sorry, but you have to hide me, Sue. My father is after me. He wanted to punish me, and I managed to escape," Paz said, panting.
"WHAT?" Sue screamed. She was so shocked by what she had just heard that even her tired eye was half-open.
*BOOM* The front door slammed open and Pacifica's father stood in the room.
"I thought you were hiding HERE! You're pretty dumb for a Northwest! Disappointing!" Preston yelled.
"Leave me alone! ... Please!" stammered Pacifica.
Preston: "Don't worry, you misbegotten brat, I will! You're no longer welcome in our house! Find somewhere to stay!"
"W...WHAT? You're kicking me out? You can't be serious!" Paz screamed.
"Yes!" Preston replied. "I'm COMPLETELY serious! I'm putting you up for adoption! You're a disgrace to us and we don't want you anymore!"
Pacifica felt dizzy. It came too suddenly and too violently. She couldn't process it and fainted.
"OMG Paz, what's wrong with you?" Sue asked, completely distraught.
Preston just grinned devilishly and left the diner.
When Pacifica came to, she didn't know where she was. It definitely wasn't the diner.
"Where...where am I?" she asked fearfully.
"Don't worry," she heard from her left. "You're home with me."
"Huh? Who? Where? ... Oh, Sue, it's you," Pacifica said, still a bit dazed.
School will start again soon. But private lessons at home are over for now.
Paz: "Oh my God...oh my God! What am I going to do? I'm homeless! I'll probably have to go to a regular school. They'll tear me apart there!"
Sue: "Calm down, little one. Yes, this is a tough situation, but don't worry, I'm here for you! You can stay with me for now, of course!"
Pacifica smiled at Sue, who smiled back. That problem was solved for now.
"But school..." Paz stammered. "How do I manage that?" She was desperate.
"I'll take care of the formalities and then...well...we'll practice. You want to become more social, don't you?" said Sue.
"Um...yeah...sure...but it's definitely going to be a real gauntlet there. *sigh* Okay...I guess I'll just have to go through it," Pacifica replied.
Sue: "I have a guest room you can use. I've put pillows and blankets on your bed."
Paz: "Thank you, Sue. That's really kind. I don't deserve this much care." She started to cry.
Sue: "Don't be so condescending to yourself. You've been through a lot. Of course you deserve it."
Pacifica wasn't sure whether she was crying out of sadness, fear, or joy. Three emotions hit her at once. Sue made her hot chocolate and pancakes for dinner. They chatted the evening away, and Pacifica went to bed relatively early. Tomorrow she has the day off and is meeting up with Candy and Granda. She has a lot to tell them.
The three girls met at the diner that morning. Over pancakes and Coke, Pacifica told the other two about what had happened.
Candy and Granda could hardly believe it.
"Oh man, that's pretty intense, Paz. Luckily you have Sue. Otherwise, things would look pretty bleak," Candy said.
"You can say that out loud," Pacifica replied. "Although...better not. Not everyone needs to know. *wink*"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?" Granda yelled, though more quietly than usual.
"Well, for now, I'm staying with Sue indefinitely, and then..." Paz said, but couldn't finish the sentence. *BZZZZZZ* *BZZZZZZ* *BZZZZZZ*
"Oh, my phone. Sorry girls," she wondered.
"Yes? Pacifica Northwest here."
"I know," came the reply from the other end of the line. "That's why I'm calling you."
"Who's there?" asked Pacifica.
"It's me, Dipper!" was the short and succinct answer.
"Oh...haha...hi. I didn't know you had a cell phone," Paz said, her eyes wide open.
"Yeah, brand new. My parents gave it to me today. Um...I actually just wanted to give you the number first," Dipper replied.
"Thank you," was Pacifica's short reply.
"Yeah...*sigh*...maybe you'd like to talk to me sometime...or at least text me," said Dipper, sounding a little unsure.
"Sure, of course," Paz smiled, even though Dipper couldn't see it. "I have a lot I can tell you anyway."
They both said goodbye to each other because Pacifica didn't want to keep the other two girls waiting too long.
"Who was that?" Candy asked curiously.
"Someone familiar," Pacifica replied somewhat snippily.
"COME ON, TELL US! PLEEEEEEEEE!" Granda yelled, now back to her usual volume.
Pacifica sighed and finally told them both that it was Dipper. They were both happy about that.
"Hey, that's great," said Candy. "You don't have to be ashamed. Dipper's a great guy."
"Yeah...sort of," Paz agreed. "But...I don't know...we haven't interacted that much this summer."
"But he apparently made quite an impression on you, didn't he?" said Granda.
Pacifica blushed. She couldn't hide from them that she kind of liked Dipper.
"Um...*cough*...yes...but there hasn't been anything more yet. So let's wait and see, okay?" Pacifica stammered.
"Well, I'd rather have another Coke. Heehe!" grinned Candy and ordered another one.
Pacifica didn't know what to say at this point. The situation was a bit embarrassing.
"Um...would you like to go for a walk?" asked Paz. "Of course, only after you've finished your drink, Candy."
"SURE!" they both cheered.
And so, 10 minutes later, they set off. Into the forest, because the city still resembled more of a construction site.