Don't Let Go | Sequel to "Been Here All Along"

Chapter 15

The car ride to Lantern River took longer than it did last time. Every ounce of my body was tingling with anticipation. The fact we got up, and moved up and out of Gravity Falls shocked everyone in town, including Mabel and myself. I looked over at her numerous times during the car ride. She usually was on top of me the minute we left Gravity Falls, but time, she was propped up against the window, staring out blankly. I tried to give her hand a big squeeze a few times, but she replied lamely. She finally fell asleep, and my mind began racing more. This couldn't be a mistake...could it? Was it going to hurt us more than we thought, leaving one of the only places we considered "home"? I exited off the county highway and pulled into a rest stop, turning off the car and letting myself breathe for a moment. Mabel stirred from her slumber and opened her eyes slowly.

"Are...are we here?" she yawned softly. 

"Please tell me this isn't a mistake," I said suddenly. Mabel rubbed her eyes I immediately saw them flood with concern. 

"Dipper?" 

"Why does something about this feel wrong. Mabel were you right all along? Did I...we...go into too fast? Mabel are we ready for this?" I asked, freaking out. Mabel began breathing heavily, as she crawled up close to me. She shook her head and tilted my face towards her. 

"We made this decision together, Dipper. And it's the right know. You know it too deep down. It's just something new. Everything takes time," Mabel whispered. I batted my eyes, trying to calm myself down.

"Dipper, Dipper. Breathe. Breathe. Please," Mabel begged. I gave her hand a tight squeeze, and she squeezed it back, tighter than I can ever imagine.

"This hasn't happened in years, Mabel. Why is this happening now?" I asked, panting. It was true; I barely ever had anxiety attacks. The last time I had one was when mom and dad made us come home one summer and spend the summer back at our "real home." 

"Maybe I do know you better than you know you, Dipper. Every time you get these attacks, it's when you leave somewhere familiar, don't you see that? Moving is a big change. Please...please trust me we can get through this together?" Mabel pleaded. I sniffled my nose and began to finally steady my breathing. I nodded before I started the car again, but Mabel stopped me, pulling the keys out of the ignition. 

"No. I'm driving. You. Rest. Now," Mabel demanded. I shuffled over to her side of the car as she slipped into the driver side. I sulked by the window like she had just done and she tapped my shoulder. 

"Hey, I love you, okay?"

"I love you," I replied, giving her a quick peck. She blushed as she started the car. She slammed on the accelerator and I clutched to the door handle. I suddenly remembered why I never let Mabel drive.