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Mrs Clarkson had been a teacher in Gravity Falls for many years. In her many years of teaching, she knew perfectly well how to keep her students in line. That was what she was hired for: to maintain a form of discipline and order in the school. After all, the town was a strange place. At least, the “Never Mind All That” Act assured some semblance of normalcy in her school. Sure, there might be the odd gnome, a rogue wizard or a world-ending demon, but none of these had shaken her.
But the two redheads in front of her were more than just a handful of trouble. Adjusting her horn-rimmed glasses, she glanced up again at the pair of twin sisters. They gazed down, eyes averting their teacher. For the seventh time that day, the teacher reviewed her yellow legal pad. On it was a list of things she wanted to discuss with the parents. She was one of the few who still made handwritten notes. Many of her younger colleagues preferred using laptops or speech-to-text devices. After she left, the art of writing would soon be lost.
She took a deep breath and gave a weary sigh. The twins sure had their parents’ spirits of mischief. Never in her career had she met such a troublesome bunch of kids. Well, except for…
Knock knock
“Come in,” she said in a crisp voice.
In came a tall, lanky redhead, her flannel attire untucked and Pine Tree cap tilting towards one side. Her red hair flowed behind her as she strutted into the office.
This was Wendy Blerble Corduroy.
Already in her short life, she was an accomplished young woman. Her achievements would have put others to shame – ranging from driving a tank to taking charge of her father's business expanding in Portland.
But these achievements meant nothing to her. At the moment, as she sauntered into her old school, she was no longer the badass, well-rounded adventurer. In the most fundamental, unbreakable core of her being, she was...
“Ah… Wendy…” The teacher looked taken aback for a moment but she was quick to recover. Rising from her seat and extending a hand, she gave her old student a practised smile. “It has been a long time…”
“Sup, Mrs Clarkson? Still not retiring anytime soon?” Returning the smile, Wendy shook her old teacher's hand briefly, before taking a seat between the redhead twins.
“Perhaps in a year or so…” She dropped her smile as she sat back into her seat. “But I still need to deal with this bunch of kids I need to talk to you about..."
“Ah yes. What have Aurora and Aurelia Corduroy-Pines done this time?”
Mrs Clarkson's frown and wrinkles deepened, as Wendy leaned back in her chair, one leg crossing over the other. Some things never change.
“Well, Wendy.” She looked down at her yellow pad, and continued, “I intend to discuss this with their father-”
“He’s busy at the moment.” Wendy cut her off. “If you have any issues with them, talk with me. I’ll convey them over.”
Mrs Clarkson scowled and scanned the tall redhead for a long moment, her glasses slipping. She pushed them back up to her nose, cleared her throat and continued, “I wish to get this done and over with quickly, in the interest of conserving time. So please stop interrupting me.”
“Sure.” Wendy nodded.
“Alright. We’re getting somewhere.” She consulted her notes once more. A box was beside the homework pile she was grading. The teacher pulled it right in front of them and opened it. Inside was an assortment of various everyday objects. But Wendy knew they were far from ordinary.
“I believe these are Dipper Pines’ gadgets, aren’t they?” She looked at Wendy, awaiting confirmation. Meanwhile, the twin sisters wrung their hands, not daring to look at either of the grown-ups.
Wendy peered at each of the two children, before speaking, “Technically, they are his Grunkles’...”
“That’s not important.” The teacher gave a dismissive wave with her hand as she straightened up. “What you need to understand is, these two have been misusing them for all the hijinks they pulled today. I understand today is April Fools’, and it’s their birthday, but it’s no excuse for causing as much trouble as they possibly can. These two children do have their father’s brain alright, but they’re wasting them…”
“What’s the point,” Wendy interrupted, smirking, “if they aren’t going to use them for fun?”
“Wendy, once again, let me finish.” The teacher closed her eyes for a moment before continuing, “They are exceptional students, scoring outstanding grades so far for the past semester. But it’ll be a waste if they carry on to make more trouble. If the kids continue the way they are going, they’ll wind up in front of the Mayor’s Office for infractions against the Never Mind All That Act.”
“What trouble did they exactly get themselves into today?” Wendy asked, folding her arms.
“Well, several things…” She wrinkled her nose as she read her notes. “Blasting a Siren’s song during morning assembly, releasing a bunch of gnomes into the corridors, luring fairies into the classrooms, liquifying the level three corridor into chocolate pudding, freezing unfortunate Mr Neil and his computers, making all the food explode during lunch, trapping several Grade 7 kids in nets and spraying glitter into their faces…”
Her eyes narrowed further as she went down the list. Wendy could not help but stifle a laugh.
“Have some decorum, Wendy,” the teacher snapped. “I don’t find any of this April’s Fools nonsense funny. They’re fortunate the principal is in a good mood not to hand them detention or even suspend them. Not least thanks to the laughing gas they released from the labs. But I, as their form teacher, had to warn the kids not to toe the line again.” She shot a stern glance at Wendy. “And you better not give them any more ideas for next year.”
“Sure do, Mrs Clarkson. I’ll keep that in mind.” Behind her, however, she crossed her fingers.
“You better not be crossing your fingers behind your back, Wendy,” she warned. “Also, one more thing.” She broke into a smile. “I’m not sure if you’ve realised, but there’s some adhesive on your seat.”
The tense silence was broken as the twins and the teacher laughed. Wendy’s cheeks flushed as she tried to get up from her seat.
The tense silence returned as Wendy drove the kids back to the Mystery Shack. Once or twice, she glanced at the twins through the rear mirror.
As they stopped at a traffic junction, she spoke, “I’ve called your Dad. He should be joining us at the Shack soon. I know it’s your birthday today, but…” She sighed. “Please don’t spoil it, ok?”
One of the girls nodded. The other continued to look down.
“I take that as a yes, my dear apprentices,” she said. She pounded twice on the horn at the crawling car in front of her, before turning right.
The rest of the journey continued in silence before they reached the Mystery Shack.
The familiar dishevelled sign welcomed them, along with an arc of red balloons right at the Shack’s entrance. Various red and green streamers draped the Shack and the surrounding trees.
“Heh, leave it to Soos to overdo it,” Wendy muttered as she passed another sign saying: Happy birthday, dudes! Welcome to the party!
Parking in the front yard (while crashing a pole in the process), Wendy and her passengers stepped out of the lumberjack truck. However, none managed to get a stretch before being greeted by a water balloon.
“Ha! Gotcha!”
“Grunkle Stan!” Aurora shouted, wiping off… some sort of sticky syrup? “What the heck did you put in the balloons?”
“Geez, I don’t know!” Stan protested, holding another sinister substance-filled balloon. “But Stan Junior knows!”
Behind him emerged a smiling Stan Ramirez, holding a bucket filled with colourful balloons.
“Aurora! Aurelia! Happy Birthday!” the younger Stan exclaimed, throwing another balloon right at them.
“Argh! Quick, to the Shack!” Aurelia shouted to her twin, dodging more balloons while wiping some mayonnaise and egg yolk off her hair.
As they barged into the Shack, however, something white and powdery fell on them, enveloping them in a white cloud.
“Gah, what is it this time?” Aurora exclaimed.
“Flour.” The dust began to clear. With a jingle of bells, a portly man emerged from the cloud. The Mr Mystery guy himself in a jester costume. “Welcome to the Mystery Shack! Here is your birthday flour, dudes!”
Aurora could not help but chortle at Soos’ poor attempt at a pun. Her sister groaned.
“You two alright?” A freckled boy, wearing the Fez, joined his father. He was a couple of years older than them. Aurelia could not help but blush scarlet like her hair in his presence.
“Yeah we’re fine, thanks,” Aurora replied while nudging her sister.
“You two look identical now!” Ford Ramirez chuckled.
This time, Aurelia laughed along with Soos, his jester bells jingling along. Aurora groaned and said, “That’s not funny, Ford.”
“See what it's like when others pull tricks on you?” Wendy appeared behind the twins, holding a box. “I hope you girls today will grow up and start taking things seriously, instead of pulling pranks on others.”
“After all, you two are turning 13 today.” Another man had appeared beside Soos. Apart from their flaming red hair, the twins resembled Dipper Pines very much in his youth. From the same hazel-brown eyes to his nose and his soft round chin. Dusting the flour off the two children, Dipper said, “Stop getting into trouble all the time, alright?”
“Go wash up, you two.” Wendy indicated the bathroom upstairs. “And here you go, Dip. Your missing gadgets.”
“Thanks, Wen.” He took the box. Putting it aside, he gave Wendy a brief hug and kissed her cheek.
“So, where’s Mabel, my sister-in-law?” Wendy asked, pulling away. “Is she coming?”
“She should be here soon along with her husband.” Dipper checked his watch. “I will put this box back in the lab before joining you at the party, ok?”
“Sure! Don’t be downstairs too long and miss the fun, alright?”
“You know me well, Wendy,” Dipper said, as he marched down the stairs to join his Grunkle Ford.
Wendy sat down on the sofa and began to check her phone. Soos, still in his flamboyant costume, went to the backyard with his son Ford to finalise the party’s preparations. Wendy was about to text her brothers when, soon later, there was a loud honk outside the Shack.
“We’re here- Argh!” A bright voice exclaimed.
“Gotcha!”
Wendy chuckled as she checked outside. Grunkle Stan and his young protégé had launched their next raid on the new arrivals.
“Halt! You two shall not pass!” the young Stan shouted.
“It’s alright, Stan,” a gruff voice replied. “They’re on the guest list!”
“Mabel!”
“Wendy!”
“You two are on time! I thought you would be late.” Wendy beamed, ushering the new guests in. “And hi, Kev.”
A much taller and bulkier redhead strode into the living room, dwarfing both ladies in the room.
“I swear,” the man grunted, putting down a box. “This door keeps getting smaller whenever I try to enter this Shack. Thanks for picking up the kids, Wendy. I hope you had no trouble looking after them.”
“No trouble at all,” Wendy replied. “I’ve dealt with Mrs Clarkson who promised not to punish them.”
“What’s this white powder doing here, Wen?” Mabel enquired, kicking the wooden floor. Years of adventuring had kept her eyes sharp on details. “You haven’t pulled a birthday trick on our daughters, have you?”
Before Wendy could answer, an ear-splitting howl erupted from downstairs, causing Mabel’s hair to stand on end.
“Oh gosh, what happened?” Mabel asked, turning to a now-smirking Wendy. Someone stormed up the stairs.
“Wendy!” Dipper appeared on the landing. “Where’s the actual box?”
Both Mabel and Wendy burst into laughter upon seeing the unfortunate Dipper, his face full of cream.
“Happy April Fools', Broseph!” Mabel greeted. “Wendy got you again, didn’t she?”
“Very funny, you two jokers,” Dipper groaned, wiping the cream off his face and glasses. He stared for a moment at the white cream coating his fingertips and took a lick. “This is actually good quality cream…”
“Only the best ingredients for the best tricks!” Wendy proclaimed.
Kevin Corduroy chuckled. “That’s my brilliant sister!” He slapped his sister on her back.
“Ow, Kev,” Wendy winced, rubbing her back. “You know I don’t like you doing that!”
“Just like the good old days,” Dipper mused, clearing his glasses. “Where’s the box again?”
“It's still in my truck, but you have to pass through the gatekeepers again.”
Dipper sighed. “Remind me to retrieve it later.” He turned to his brother-in-law. “Kevin, the party is outside. You can place the cake out there. Soos and Melody will do the arrangements.”
“Thanks, bro. Come on, my dear.” Picking up the box, Kevin took his wife’s hand. “Let’s join our daughters outside.”
“Wendy, go ahead and join them,” Dipper said, twirling his wedding ring. “I better wash up before she comes.”
“See you then, Dip. Give my well-wishes to Paz when she comes, alright?” Wendy nudged her friend in the ribs before she left.
The backyard party was going great. The children were having a whale of a time, trying out the new virtual simulator Ford had invented based on his favourite board game.
“Come, toss the Orb of Yqnthnx to me!” Aurora called her sister, her hands opened and outstretched. “We need to get the Swordslayer!”
“Not if I roll a seventeen!” the young Stan exclaimed. “You are in my quadrant!”
“You know, Poindexter,” Stan grunted, slurping a can of Pitt Cola, “I don’t understand. What’s the point of them throwing an imaginary ball or swinging a fake sword if we outsiders can’t see?”
“If you come over and help with the patties,” his brother replied, “I’ll tell you.”
“Bah, I’m not into the nerdy stuff.”
Meanwhile, at the picnic table, Dipper surveyed around, one leg shaking as he did so. It was not going great for him. The plate of shepherd pie he had accepted earlier began to go cold.
“What’s wrong, dork?” Wendy sat beside him, chewing a burger. “Did Paz say anything?”
Dipper sighed, taking out his phone for the 32nd time. “She hasn’t answered my texts or calls.”
“Maybe she’s busy getting a last-minute gift for the children?” Wendy suggested, pointing at the small pile of presents beside the large birthday cake.
“I’ve already placed both of ours there.” Dipper indicated the green and purple presents. “Her speaking engagement in Salem ended five hours ago! She should be here by now!”
“Then, maybe… her car broke down, or something? Or that her phone ran out of battery?”
“Maybe…” Though he doubted it. The dynamo he had installed in his wife’s phone ensured an endless battery supply.
Perhaps it broke down? He shook his head at the possibility. Dipper glanced at his messages again, noting the double ticks. She must have received them. Putting his phone back in his pocket, he rubbed his hands and adjusted his ring once more.
“Sorry about the trick box earlier,” Wendy said, giving her old friend a gentle nudge.
“Don’t worry, it’s April Fools' after all.” To make himself feel better, he grabbed a can of Pitt Cola and siped. “So how's the goddess of April's Fools today?”
“Ah please,” Wendy waved her hand away, chuckling. “You know I have long dropped that title.”
“Doesn’t seem so. You are still the ultimate prankster on this day.” He thought for a moment, before continuing, “Maybe except Grunkle Stan. His tricks are superb. Ford, Soos and I are still discovering the traps he set up on April’s Fools two years ago.”
“Learned from the master,” Wendy chuckled. “And soon I shall have another apprentice. One far younger and more powerful.”
“Taught my daughters some new tricks, eh?” Mabel had come over to join their conversation. Plopping herself beside them, she beamed at Wendy and asked, “Wasn’t I a good apprentice? Remember the times when we ruled this day?”
“Mabel,” Wendy replied, returning Mabel’s grin, “the only thing you are good at on April Fools’ is causing trouble.”
“Aw, come on!”
“Anyway, you are no longer my apprentice.” Wendy took another bite from her burger.
“Huh…”
“But you are now a master!”
“Oh.” Mabel thought for a moment. “So a promotion! That’s good enough for me. Thanks, Wen!”
“No problem, my new fellow master trickster!” Wendy fist-bumped Mabel.
Dipper could not help but grin at the exchange. He took another sip from the can and asked, “I still wonder how you two managed to smuggle out the box of gadgets right under my nose.”
“You will never know.” Wendy gave a gentle tip on Dipper’s nose. “The Red Menace never reveals her secrets!”
All laughed. At that moment, the weight of tension lifted off his shoulders.
“So,” Mabel asked, turning to her brother, “when are you two having kids?”
The question killed his laughter and his smile faltered. This question had been plaguing the newlyweds like the blood-sucking flies of Egypt. Especially Mabel. Dipper did not mind the early hints, but recently, Mabel kept hounding him and Pacifica about it. The Pitt Cola started to fizz in his stomach, causing him to belch.
“Why do you keep pestering them about it?” Wendy asked, defending Dipper. “They barely got settled into their married life. Also, not every couple needs to have children.”
“It’s ok, Wendy,” Dipper said, forcing a weak smile. He looked at Aurora, his favourite niece, swinging an imaginary sword at young Stan. Meanwhile, at another corner of the yard, his Grunkles and Kevin were cooing over Soos’ and Melody’s newborn son.
“Are y’all even planning to have one?”
“I told you already, Mabel, for like the 618th time, yes. Perhaps once I get my project in order first,” Dipper said, tapping the table. “That would take another few years.”
“Come on,” Mabel urged. “You two had delayed getting married until recently. Now you are delaying even having one together.”
“Give them some time, Mabel,” Wendy said. “It’s not like they aren’t trying.”
“You know,” Dipper said, taking another sip, “I wish we weren't having this conversation. And don’t try to force anything between us!” He shot a warning glance at his sister.
“Relax, Dip-dot. I wouldn’t.” Behind her, however, she crossed her fingers. “But seriously, you two. If you defer this any longer, my Aurora and Aurelia would have gotten married with their own children.”
“I better get another drink,” Dipper grunted, getting up from the table.
At the mini-fridge, he took some time to decide on the flavour. Wendy joined him.
“I recommend trying the cherry flavour,” she muttered.
“I don’t like the taste of cherry very much. Maybe I will go for the green apple instead,” he said, extracting a green can. “Is she still there?”
“You know she’s not going to drop the subject even after this, you know?”
Dipper sighed as he straightened up. “I love my sister very much. But she can be very overbearing and irritating. I wonder how Kevin handles her.” He opened and sipped from the can.
“Well, we Corduroys are a tough bunch,” Wendy replied.
“I wish she can stop pestering me about it,” Dipper said. Both he and Wendy began to walk. “She should understand my married life is not like hers.”
“You know, she does have a point, Dip. You two are getting old, and your hair is already greying.” To make her point, she brushed her friend’s hair. “You two better get a kid, fast.”
“Coming from someone who didn’t get married, eh?” Dipper scoffed, wiping his mouth.
“Hey, I’m single by choice, ok?” Wendy retorted. “Besides, I have a good-paying job in Portland, and I have my adorable friends and family here. Why should I need to start another family of my own?” She gave Dipper a hard nudge in the ribs.
“Oof! That hurts,” Dipper winced.
“Besides, coaches don’t play,” she added, adjusting her cap. “I understand you two want to take your time, but don’t put this off later than you should, ok?”
As though responding to her statement, something buzzed in his pocket. Dipper took out his phone.
A message lit the screen. From Pacifica. It was a short message: Meet me at the front door.
“Is that Paz?” Wendy asked, eyebrows raising.
“Look, I need to excuse myself to the bathroom,” Dipper said, pocketing his phone. He drained the Pitt Cola and threw it into the bin. “I will be back in a while.”
What is it that Paz wanted to tell me in private? Dipper pondered, hustling back into the Shack. His heart was pulsing like the town's No 4 steam locomotive. Judging by the message, however, it was likely groundbreaking news that would steer their lives in a whole new direction.
Ensuring no one, even Wendy, was following him, he approached the door and opened it. There stood a tall blonde woman, draped in her typical purple coat and business dress. As always, her long hair was untied, allowing it to flow down behind her.
This was Pacifica Elise Pines.
Already in her short life, she was an accomplished young woman. Her achievements would have put others to shame – ranging from being the No 1 global player in Bloodcraft: Overdeath to becoming the youngest-ever, most successful entrepreneur of the century.
But these achievements meant nothing to her. At the moment, as she stepped into the spiritual home of the Pines, she was no longer a businesswoman. In the most fundamental, unbreakable core of her being, she was…
“Ah… my Pacifica. Welcome home.”
Closing the door behind her, she rushed and scooped Dipper into her arms. Facing his taller wife, he leaned in, and their lips met.
At that precious moment, their universe became whole once more. Their worries forgotten; their troubles put aside. Dipper always enjoyed these moments of pure bliss, sensing the serenity and peace only found in each other's arms.
Still in their embrace, Dipper leaned to one side, inhaling the fresh scent of her perfume. The perfume he had gotten her for her birthday once long ago. Giving another kiss by the ear, he whispered, “Oh, I'm so glad you are here again.”
“I miss you, Dip,” she murmured. Gently placing Dipper down, she pulled away and stepped back, glancing away.
“Paz, my dear, what’s wrong?” Dipper brushed aside his wife’s blonde hair, his other hand clasping her arms. Pacifica’s hands were trembling.
“Dip, listen to me.” She turned to gaze into her husband’s eyes through his glasses. “I have something to tell you.” She sounded fainter than usual; her face ashen-white.
Something’s wrong, Dipper thought. He had never seen her so helpless, so vulnerable, in their many adventures together. Pacifica clasped her shaking hands; her mouth trying to form the words. But she couldn’t. They seemed to have died in her throat.
“What is it?” Dipper urged, his mouth dry. Dread began to fill his stomach. “What’s wrong?”
Pacifica dipped her head. Taking a few short breaths, she reached for something in her handbag. “Listen, Dip. I went to the doctor.”
“What?” Dipper raised his eyebrows, his eyes widening. “Then… What's wrong? What condition do you have? Is it terminal?”
Pacifica took a slip of paper out. “Dipper, I- I- I-” She spluttered, her lips quivering. Unable to hold herself any longer, she dropped her hand holding the paper and broke into tears.
“Why are you crying?” Dipper laid a gentle hand on his wife’s face and began to wipe the tears away. “There’s nothing to worry about. I’m here, Paz. Whatever it is, we will face it together.”
Still sniffling, she breathed and steeled herself. She lifted the paper and passed it to Dipper. He unfolded it.
Pacifica finally spilt the words. “I'm... I'm pregnant.”
For a moment, Dipper could only stare at the paper, then back at his beautiful wife, eyes wide. Waves of emotions seemed to flood him all at once. He barely registered the other words on the doctor's slip. He could not believe the incredible coincidence, given his earlier conversation. After what seemed like an eternity, he took a deep breath and asked, “This is not a joke, is it, Paz?”
“Why will I joke about this?” she asked, lifting her husband’s head. “Don’t you believe me?”
“It’s not that… it’s just… hard to take it all in, after all that happened today.” As he looked back up into his wife’s brilliant blue eyes, Dipper broke into a small, gentle smile. “It's indeed wonderful news, Paz.” He hugged Pacifica again, and muttered into her ear, “This is the happiest day of my life.”
“Oh my gosh,” someone squealed behind them, “Pacifica's pregnant?”
“Oh boy.” They broke apart.
“Guys! Guys! Guys! We have a situation!” Mabel leapt from her hiding place but tripped before she could go back to the Shack's backyard. “...ow.”
“So much for keeping things quiet.” Smiling, he watched his energetic sister picking herself up and hopping away.
“Shall we go over and break the news?” Pacifica asked, looking more confident than she had ever been.
“Let’s do that.” Dipper held his wife’s hand and led the way.
As the couple approached the backyard, both overheard the following exchange.
“What is it? The police are here?”
“The mailman! I owe him five bucks!”
“The witch! She has come to take my soul!”
“No guys! Chill! Pacifica's pregnant!”
A stunned silence hung over the party, as Pacifica and Dipper emerged from the Shack and joined them. The children stopped shouting. Pausing their game, they put aside the glasses they were provided for their virtual game.
Ford was the first person to recover from the shock, and asked, “Are you really...?”
Pacifica nodded.
“Woohoo, dudes! A double celebration!” Soos cheered, jumping up and down along with Mabel, his jester bells jingling.
“This is not an April’s Fools’ joke, surely?” Wendy gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth.
“This is too serious to be a joke!” Dipper gave Wendy the hardest nudge he could.
“Ow! But seriously, congratulations, you two.” She returned the nudge with a gentle punch on Dipper’s shoulder. “I knew you had it in you.”
Dipper blushed, rubbing his shoulder.
Soos rushed forward, squeezing Dipper into a bone-crushing embrace. “Congratulations, dudes!”
“Let go, Soos! I can’t breathe!”
“Yeah, careful with the wimp, boy,” Grunkle Stan grunted. “Good job, Dip.”
“I'm finally going to be an aunt!” Mabel snatched her sister-in-law into a hug.
“Careful, Mabel,” Dipper grunted, “You don’t want to hurt our child!”
The children could only watch, stunned, as the adults continued to celebrate.
“Wait, wait, wait…” Aurora blubbered, watching her father pop a bottle of wine for the occasion, “so we are going to have our first cousin soon?”
“Looks like it. I’m not sure what’s the big deal.” Aurelia shrugged. “Why are Uncle Dipper and Aunt Pacifica under the spotlight again?”
“Today seems to be a special day for everyone,” Ford stated, standing beside his brother and his redhead friend. He had taken another can of Pitt Cola and started sipping.
“Things are sure gonna be different now with another,” Stan muttered, biting his lips to hide a smile. “Honestly, I’m happy for them.”
“Isn’t this supposed to be our story? Why does it sound like that was tossed in at the last minute to detract our attention?”
“Everything is confusing on April's Fools,” Aurelia remarked, scrolling her Hipstergram. “Wow… #dipcificapregnancy is trending now.”
After all the tears and hugs, the adults suddenly remembered what they were actually celebrating. Beaming, Mabel told her daughters the news about their first cousin.
“Yeah, we know,” Aurora said.
“Sorry, Aurora, Aurelia,” Dipper stepped forward, ruffling the redheads’ hair. “I also did not expect this to happen, to interrupt this special occasion meant for you two. Come, let’s cut some cake and open your presents.”
After a hasty chorus of “Happy Birthday” and much gulping of cake, Dipper found himself beside his wife, stargazing on the roof of the Shack. The others continued to play in the Shack, their shouts and laughter filling the room below.
“What are we going to do, Dipper?” Pacifica asked, her soft hair fluttering with the breeze.
For a moment, Dipper did not know what to say. The euphoria earlier dissipated with the wind as he found himself back to reality. He stared into the quiet night, considering his words.
“I just… just can’t believe it. I’m going to be a dad! It’s… it’s…” His face slumped; his mouth dry. The idea of fatherhood was something Dipper found daunting, yet exhilarating. Both were busy enough with their own schedules, while trying to settle down in their married life. It was with little wonder they cherished whatever limited moments they had together. Like now.
Still, neither were ready for a baby. Yet. Dipper's shoulders slumped, as he stared down, considering the implications of this development.
“We can abort it,” Pacifica suggested, after a long silence.
“No.” Dipper shook his head, looking up. “Let’s not be too hasty on this. We are talking about a new life here, my little Princess.” He leaned close to his wife, placing a gentle hand over his wife's stomach. “A little Pine seed.”
“Gosh… I still can’t believe this is happening…” Pacifica gave a nervous laugh, enjoying the protective warmth of her husband's hand. She shifted her husband's hand and clasped it in her hand. “Aren’t you a little scared?”
“More excited than scared.” Dipper turned to Pacifica, smiling. “But it’s something we will have to face eventually. We talked about this, didn't we?”
“What about your project?”
“I will need to talk it out with Tyrone,” Dipper replied, referring to his old college friend. He dipped his head for a moment again, deep in thought. “There will be delays, alright, as I set aside time to take care of you and our child. But I’m sure he will understand.”
“Isn't what you two working on very important for both of you? Wouldn’t this mess up your- our plans?”
“Just a little out of the order I thought we were going to follow. We are going to have kids, anyway, and everyone downstairs is happy about it. Let’s worry about him later.” He put his arm around his wife. “For now, let us be happy. Whatever happens, we are all together in this. All three of us.”
Pacifica could not help but smile at her husband’s optimism. “You are a lot calmer than I expected you to be.”
“Well, we have at least eight or nine months to prepare ahead.” Dipper turned his gaze into his wife’s eyes twinkling under the night sky. “Everything will go well. You’ll be fine, Paz. You'll be a great mother.”
“I’m so glad I’ve chosen to marry you.” Leaning closer, she pecked Dipper on his cheek. “You'll be a great father too. A great father of a brilliant child.”
Their next stop: parenthood. And soon, they will welcome a new member of the Pines.
WWP AETD OE GNT, NPPS MCF UAC YIGJ HVCWE?
IYM MNU TCALAP PLX PWRYEG GTLSG
(Key: APRILFOOLS)