Time slowed. Dipper's blood ran cold. There lied Mabel, his sister, in a heap. Dipper took slow careful steps, his walk turning into a jog, then a full-out sprint. Dipper knew he'd catch hell from any suspecting teachers by running in the hallway but he couldn't care less. Dipper skidded on his bare knees, taking a second to inhale sharply at the skin burn.

"Stupid lack of pants." He muttered under his breath. Dipper shook his sister by her arms. "Mabel?" He shook her again. "Mabel!" His voice rose every passing second. It was right then that he noticed the blood trailing on the floor. Dipper's hands shook violently. His voice got caught in his throat, only stutters manage to escape. Dipper tried to carry Mabel bridal-style, but his sister proved heavier than she looked. Of course Dipper knew the real reason why he couldn't pick Mabel up, but there was NO way he was ever admitting to it.

'Noodle arms.' Dipper recited in his mind, feeling helpless. His emotions were getting the better of him, but he pushed his anguish down. He dug around in his pocket for his phone, and pulled it out. He scrambled to call the ambulance.

After what seemed like an eternity, someone finally picked up.

Dipper's throat felt raw.

"I need an ambulance at Gravity High. I don't know what's wrong with my s-sister." Dipper struggled to get the words out.

"Hang tight, ambulance is on their way down right now." The dispatcher responded, ending the call. Dipper hugged Mabel tight. Mabel's poofy sweater was warm, as were the sweaters Mabel had anonymously sent to him over last winter break. Dipper buried his head in Mabel's strawberry scented hair, the scent soothing him somewhat. Dipper felt something on his cheek and he brushed his hand against the weird substance. The teen nearly lost it when he saw red all over his fingers.

Dipper paled and panicked. EMTs rushed over out of nowhere, teachers and the principal tagging along. Startled, Dipper instinctively held Mabel close, refusing to let go. Fresh, hot tears brimmed in the corner of Dipper's eyes. He didn't know what to think anymore. Mabel would die if Dipper didn't let her go, but he didn't want to. He didn't want to be alone anymore. Tears streaked down the teen's face, the salty tears mixing with the blood on his vest and shirt. Taking in the sweet scent of Mabel's hair one last time, Dipper's lips quivered as he passed Mabel up. Dipper knew it would be a long time before he could see Mabel again.

EMTs put Mabel on a stretcher and hauled her off to the hospital. Dipper felt no reason to stay at school any longer, and he rushed out without his backpack. Reporters were in a frenzy outside, hoping to get information about the 'Pines Accident.' One reporter with glasses held a mic up to Dipper's lips.

"As brother to Mabel Pines, what are your thoughts on this?" Dipper gave the reporter a look of disgust, as he walked off. 'Insensitive little-'

Dipper's attention snapped away from the reporter to his current situation. Mabel. Crying was very tempting at this point. His house was in view. He ran, key in hand. Once Dipper unlocked the door, he slammed it shut. He pressed his back to the door and slid down, holding his face with his hands, sobbing. The house was dark, and it was like that for hours to come.

"Tyrone, I'm worried about Dipper. He hasn't been here for a week!"

"Wendy, haven't you stopped and think for a second? Dipper needs to be alone."

"But what if Dipper isn't ok?" Wendy asked for the umpteenth time.

"Tell you what, we leave school and go check up on Dip. Sound good?" Tyrone offered. They were in the hall after all. Wendy chewed her lip before nodding.

"Fine, but if the school catches us.." And just like that, the two were gone.

Back at Dipper's house, things weren't looking good.

"Dipper, open the door!" Tyrone shouted.

"He's not answering any of my texts." Wendy sighed in defeat. Tyrone looked down and mentally smacked himself for being so oblivious. Dipper ALWAYS left a key under the mat. Once Tyrone retrieved the key, he opened up the door. Wendy and Tyrone dropped their stuff on the floor and closed the door. The only thing that illuminated the house at all was a TV in the living room. Upon further inspection, they found Dipper snuggled in his boxers and a sweater that Mabel had given him on a couch. He shivered, his breathing hitched.

Tyrone wiped his eyes, his jacket sleeve moist. Wendy rubbed Dipper's hair. They found Dipper's hat torn up, along with his vest.

"I was wrong Wendy." Tyrone said softly. Wendy looked at Tyrone, he barely got emotional about anything. "Dipper, I'm sorry buddy. Some friend I am."

A/N: Sorry for the freaking long wait and if this seemed rushed. But I bring you guys this chapter. Good news, updates will be more frequent from this point on. Later!