The Haunted Love

Chapter 6

The next morning, Clayton opened the vending machine to find the chubby pig casually sitting there waiting. “Waddles?” He c****d a brow as the pig ran off towards the kitchen. Sabrina was just rubbing her eyes when Clayton approached her. “What the hell was the pig doing down here?” He asked sternly.

“Uh well-” She begun to explain, just for Clayton to lift his hand up.

“Nevermind.” He replied. He scanned the room as if checking for something. “Doesn’t appear he broke anything.”

Sabrina let out a yawn and stretched. “He just slept most of the time he was down here.”

“Thought he was Mabel’s pig?” Clayton quizzed sarcastically, his finger on his chin.

Sabrina punched him lightly in the arm. “Shut up. Not my fault the pig likes me.” Clayton roared a laugh.

Sabrina just grinned cheekily. It disappeared, just as it appeared as her eyes went wide. “What’s wrong?” He said instantly once he saw her expression.

“Where’s my scarf? Oh no – Clayton go get it.” She begged.

It took him a second to realize what was happening. Waddles. Waddles had taken her scarf. He briefly saw a glimpse of red when he had gone towards the kitchen just seconds earlier. Sabrina had a worried look etched on her face when he regained her gaze.

Clayton’s strong hands squeezed around her arms as his eyes were direct.“I’ll bring it back, I promise.” Sabrina nodded to him. She knew he’d get it back for her. That scarf meant the world to her. It was the last thing her mother had given her before tragically passing away.

The moment she felt his six fingers move away, she felt like a piece of her did too. Her face suddenly felt hot as it went red. She feared of him looking back at her and seeing what she was hiding for so long. He didn’t need to see. Half of her, deep down, was hoping he felt the same. That was something she had longed for since meeting him that faithful day on the frozen wasteland.

He did look back. She sulked away, hoping he wouldn’t comment on it. He was an observer after all. That’s what scientists do. To her surprise, he didn’t. She wasn’t sure if he didn’t quite notice or he did – realizing it was awkward. Sabrina hopped for the first one as she watched him make his way back up the stairs.

-

“Waddles? Waddles!” Mabel said loudly, growing progressively worried. She entered the kitchen where her brother and uncle already were. Stan glanced over his newspaper towards her, noticing the missing smile she always had.

“What’s wrong, pumpkin?” He asked, placing the newspaper down.

“Have you seen Waddles?” She asked, tears teasing the sides of her eyes. Dipper stopped munching on his cereal once he noticed his sister was about to cry.

“That stupid pig. No, sorry Mabel.” Stan said apologetic. He just wanted to squeeze his niece as hard as he could looking in those tearful eyes.

Dipper jumped down from his seat and pulled her into a hug. “I’ll help you find him.” He offered as she pressed her face deep into his orange shirt.

She sniffled, wiping at her eyes with her sweater sleeve. “You will?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t be a good brother if I didn’t.” He winked. Mabel got all gitty as her brother was the best.

“Thanks Dipper. You’re the best.” Mabel replied, squeezing him back tighter. Dipper struggled under her affection, trying to ease her off a bit.

“Ok. Mabel. Mabel! You are – squeezing too tight.” He said hoarsely as she suddenly let go. He gasped desperately for air. Once he caught his breath, he adjusted his pine tree hat and stood proud. “Let’s find this pig.”

-

“Grunkle Clayton!” He had just reached the gift shop when he heard Mabel calling him.

“Morning Mabel. Dipper.” He replied when they came running up to him. “Mabel, where’s your pig?”

“That’s who we are trying to find.” Dipper replied.

“Then let’s look together. Three eyes are better than two.” Clayton suggested. Dipper and Mabel agreed.

They scattered across the whole shack, searching high and low for the pink round. They searched under the furniture, under the cushions, under Soos, who just asked what they were doing. They thought they’d never find him until they heard Stan yell from the hallway.

Mabel! I found your stupid pig!” They heard as the three of them rushed to his location. He had just left his room, carrying Waddles under his arm.

Mabel’s eyes lit up brightly as Stan handed him off to her. “Waddles!” She squealed. She squeezed him tightly and rubbed his cheek on hers. “Never ever do that again.” She growled towards the pig. He just stared blankly.

Clayton noticed Sabrina’s scarf wrapped around him. He was about to grab it when Dipper suddenly picked it up and examined it. “Hey, whose scarf is this?” He asked, showing it to the group.

“Waddles! Did you steal someone’s scarf? You are a naughty boy.” Mabel flicked his snout playfully.

“It’s mine.” Clayton lied through his teeth as all eyes went to him.

Stan just laughed. “Ha, I have never seen you like a scarf.”

“How do you know, Peter? It’s been thirty years!” Clayton protested.

Stan just narrowed his eyes towards him. “Really? Gonna pull that card?”

Mabel and Dipper tried to separate them. It was never fun to see their two grunkles argue. But it has been a thin thread between them since Clayton returned. He was still angry Stan ignored his warnings and never considered what it may bring in the future. While Stan was upset that he was, and that he won’t say those two words he desperately wants.

“Stop it you two.” Dipper said towards the bickering brothers. He pulled the scarf off Waddles and offered it to Clayton. “You can have it, Great Uncle Clayton. Just don’t fight about it, ok?” The look in Dipper’s eyes were just enough to stop Clayton from saying anything else.

He smirked towards him, kneeling down and taking the scarf from his hand. “Thanks, Dipper.” He rubbed his hat before rising back up. He shared a glance with his brother, only for him to turn his back towards him. Clayton just rubbed it off, for he had a mission – he had to return Sabrina’s scarf. “You know where to find me if you need me.” He said to his niece and nephew before walking away. As he made his way back, he could feel Stan’s eyes burn into him. He frowned, knowing how hurt his twin really was.