Chapter 1: Without the Love

Isabella's POV

'Why are we acting like lovers?

We don't know each other

Even though we used to rule the world

Why are you singing me love songs?

What good is a love song?

A love song without the love'

Demi Lovato -Without the Love

All I wanted to do was be alone; I couldn't stand to be around anyone for a moment longer. I quietly slipped out the gate before anyone could notice me. I slowly made my way to the Danville Park, there's no way anyone would be there right now...not with the huge party that is going on at Phineas and Ferb's house.

I slowly made my way over to the swing set. I knew that it was stupid to feel upset and frustrated; I tried telling my-self that, but I couldn't help it. I finally got what I wanted for so many years, yet why couldn't I be happy about it?

"...Bella?"

I was surprised to hear my name being called. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice whoever was in front of me. Slowly I raised my head to see who had followed me, I didn't think anyone would have noticed that I had left. Looking up I saw Ferb standing there with concern all over his face.

"Ferb! How long have you been there," I asked as he sat down on the swing next to me.

"I've been calling you're name for a while now; is everything alright?"

It always amazed me when Ferb sits down and starts talking to me like this. Ever since we came back from that trip around the world, Ferb and I have been closer. He is one of my best friends now. We only talk like this when the others aren't around. Even after all these years, he still doesn't like talking around a lot of people.

I thought about lying to him and telling him that everything was fine, but he knows me too well to believe that. "It's just...how can I say it...it's been over a year since Phineas and I started dating, but it doesn't really feel like it."

Ferb didn't say anything, he knew that there was a lot that I had to get off my chest. Neither one of us looked at the other, we were both staring up into the star filled sky.

Taking a deep breath, I went on talking, "Nothing has changed between us. When we are in school, we are both busy with separate activities, but even when we would hang out, it wouldn't just be the two of us; everyone would be there... And now that it is summer, things are still the way they were when we were all kids. I just wish he would treat me like I was special to him."

"Phineas just has a hard time when it comes to dealing with relationships and feelings. He isn't used to this, so for him, he thinks that everything is already great. He won't know unless you tell," Ferb said finally looking at me.

"But, that's just it Ferb. I don't know how to tell him. I feel so selfish every time this emotion surfaces within me. I've waited years for this, but now that I have it...it just doesn't..." I couldn't finish what I was saying. It was too hard to hold in the tears.

Ferb got off the swing set and pulled me into his arms. He held me tightly and closer as I cried harder.

"Isabella, everything is going to work in the end. You waited years for this moment. You finally got Phineas to be yours. Just try to enjoy the moment you two have together," Ferb said once I calmed down.

I loved the relationship that I had with Ferb. Something as simple as this, talking, is something that I don't have with Phineas. "Come on its late, let me walk you home," Ferb said pulling me up with him. The years have been very nice to him. He was no longer than skinny kid who was just Phineas' step brother. He was still taller than all of us, but he now had a little bit of muscle on his frame. He also grew his hair out some and spiked a little, unlike his brother who enjoys keeping his hair short. Most people still only saw him as Phineas' brother, but slowly some people were beginning to see him for who he was.

We walked in silence, both lost in our own thoughts. Being with Ferb felt easy. There was no need to try to always pretend to be chipper. With everyone I always have to make sure that there is a smile on my face. That's what everyone expects of me. Phineas can't even tell when something is wrong with me.

"Well, my lady, this is where I must leave you even though it pains me to do so," Ferb said smiling at me as we stopped at my driveway.

I smile at him and glance over at him backyard, "looks like the party is finally over."

Ferb looked back behind him and sigh with relief, "Good night Ferb; thank you tonight."

"Things will get better Isabella," he said before walking away.

I watched him cross the street before I turned and walked back to own door. Right before I went into the house, I turned around to make sure he made it inside, only to see that he had the same idea. I waved at him once before going inside.

As soon as I got into my room, I grab my phone to see if I missed anything. Thankfully I only had two; one from my mother telling me that she would be late. And the other from Ginger. Instead of texting her back, I opened my computer to IM her, she was always online.

Dreamer Girl: hey ginger

Fireside 46231: where did you disappear too?

Dreamer Girl: what are you talking about?

After sending her the message, I went into my bathroom to change into my pajamas. When I got back into my room there was something waiting for me on my bed, I smiled at the red carnation laying on my pillow. I wasn't exactly sure how it got there, but I did have an idea who it was from. The new IM that was on my computer put an end to the puzzle.

Silent Deviser: I thought you could use something to cheer you up

Dreamer Girl: thanks Ferb! I love it :)

Fireside 46231: you know what I am talking about. You just up and left the party. So spill!

I knew it was going to be a long night now that Ginger wanted to have "girl talk". But there was no harm in it, there was nothing important going on tomorrow.

Dreamer Girl: I just had to get away for a little while. I just felt trapped.

Fireside 46231: trapped how?

Dreamer Girl: I just felt like I am stuck in a runt with everything. Nothing ever changes. Even though I have been dating Phineas for a while now, nothing has changed between us. Even on days like this when I slip away from the group, Phineas never notices that I am missing. Only you and Ferb do.

As soon as I sent that message I had another message from Ferb. I sent a message to Ginger explaining everything that I told Ferb earlier before I checked his message.

Silent Deviser: Would you like for me to tell Phineas to call you?

Dreamer Girl: *sigh* no that's alright

Fireside 46231: Have you ever thought that you might be dating the wrong guy?

Dreamer Girl: ...

What do you mean Ginger?

Fireside 46231: Don't get me wrong; I know how you feel about Phineas. But you never really hear him say how he feels about you; he doesn't even show it. If it wasn't for Buford and Balijeet, he wouldn't even know that you liked him.

She gave me a moment to think all this over before she went on.

Fireside 46231: It's been a year now and he hasn't changed at all. But look at Ferb. Over the years he has changed. He may still be quiet around everyone else, but he doesn't act that way around you. He cares about you, but he is too afraid to do or say anything about it.

I couldn't believe what she said. Phineas was right for me. He was just pure and unsure about relationships...right?

Dreamer Girl: Ferb doesn't like me. He is just being a really good friend.

Fireside 46231: Then explain the flower Isabella

Dreamer Girl: It was just something to put a smile on my face.

As I sat back and thought about everything Ginger said, I received another IM.

Carpe Diem: Wasn't that a great party?

Dreamer Girl: Yea, it was fun. Sorry I didn't stay long.

Carpe Diem: You didn't stay? O_O I thought you were there the whole time.

I had to clue what to say back to him. Even though I thought he might not notice I was gone, it still hurt to be right. I received one last message before I left my house.

Fireside 46231: What good is a love song without the love?