The Haunted Love

Chapter 14

When they returned back to the shack, Sabrina took Clayton into his study. She let him crumble onto the sofa as Dipper slowly followed them in. He glanced up to his uncle who was lying across the sofa now, Sabrina sitting at his feet. He was worried about him, but just as worried as the rift as well. Dipper wasn’t known for taking stress very well. No wonder his palms were always sweaty.

Sabrina would slide over and examine his burn from the blast. It had seared his skin the first few layers, but nothing too serious from what she could tell. She would rise and pull out the remaining bandages from earlier and some healing ointment. As she dressed his wound, Dipper would offer some help and left his backpack next to the door. It was starting to feel like the days they would traverse through the dimensions. It was rare, but one of them would always get a pretty good cut or scrap. But they were never severe enough to go to the hospital for.

“That should be good.” Sabrina said, glancing over to Dipper and smiling. “Not bad for a twelve year old.”

Dipper chuckled. “Thanks, I guess.”

Clayton stirred under them, rising slowly upwards as Sabrina assisted him to sitting. He let out a groan before rubbing his hand through his hair. “You dozed off on us for a few minutes there. We just did what we could.” Sabrina said once his eyes met hers.

He gave a nod. “I appreciate it.” He looked around the room as if trying to figure something out. “Dipper.” He said toward his nephew, who instantly perked up at his name being said. “I’ve been meaning to ask you – how’d you like to become my apprentice?”

“Who? Me? Your apprentice?” Dipper said surprised, nearly stumbling on his words.

Clayton nodded. “Yes.” He then proceed to grab Journal 3 from Dipper’s pocket. “I’ve read what you’ve added to this. And I’m impressed.”

Dipper went silent. Sabrina noticed his eyes go towards the stairs in the hallway. “But what about Mabel? She’d hate me if I was to stay here.” It wasn’t hard to deny the fact that Dipper really cared about his twin sister.

“You could always keep in contact with her with a letter or through that computing phone thing, if I’m not mistaken.” Clayton replied. “It is your choice, Dipper. You can stay here with me and we can discover all there is.” He gestured with his open faced hand. “I’m only asking cause I’m getting older. I can’t keep doing this.”

Dipper glanced between them. He was unsure. He’d love to learn more of what Grunkle Clayton has, but at the same time, was it ruining his future? His instinct though kept telling him to go for it. It may be the best thing to happen to him.

The look on his face read it all. “Yes, I’ll stay here with you.” He replied confidently.

Clayton’s face lit up. “That’s what I wanted to hear.”

Dipper then went towards the door and picked up his backpack again. He throw it over one shoulder before turning back towards them, happily. “I’m gonna go tell Mabel.” He said, right before turning and climbing quickly up the stairs.

Sabrina took a seat beside him. She was worried about how Mabel would react. From what she had heard and seen, the two had always been together. She sometimes thinks about what Stan and Clayton were like as their age. Obviously, looking at them together now – it was on a thin line that only one of them could balance on at a time. Their struggle was probably going to stick around for a very long time.