Wedding Bells & Whiskey Bottles

by Ogreking94

This is a story of an alternate universe where Jimmy and Cindy dated as teenagers until a tragic event when they were 15 changed their lives. Now 10 years later they reunite at their mutual friends wedding where truths in their lives come to light. Odd numbered chapters are in Cindy's POV and even are in Jimmy's POV. Please R&R. Thank you :)

1. Chapter 1

Wedding Bells & Whiskey Bottles. Chapter 1

Jimmy Neutron Fan Fiction.

I do not own Jimmy Neutron.

Rated M for language and adult themes.

Cindy Pov.

"I still can't believe that we're going to Carl and Elke's wedding! Who would have thought that they would actually have made it this long with all the bullshit they had to put up with for their relationship?"

Libby laughed hard while still somehow keeping the car straight.

"I know out of all the relationships to have survived from our childhood who would have guessed that one would have made it to this point?"

I laughed while saying "Ha out of everything that happened who would have guessed they'd be married first. By the way congratulation on the engagement!"

"I know girl I still can't believe that we're finally engaged!"

Sheen had proposed to Libby only two weeks ago after being together since we were all twelve. Well except Sheen who was fourteen at the time. Now that we've been out of school and on our own for the last few years that it just seem so surreal. The fact that they have been together for thirteen years it's crazy that it took him so long given his eccentric personality. I still think that Libby could do so much better but, he makes her happy so its what it is.

"So have you two decided on the date and location yet?"

"Yup, Sheen wants to get married on Valentine's day next year back in Retroville! Can you believe that!"

"Wow that is so cliché, so I shouldn't be surprised on the date but, back in Retroville? I haven't been back there in the past four years. Why there of all places?"

"He said that it's home and where everything started for us so he wants us to start the next chapter in our lives there as well."

Libby smiled and so did I.

"Well that's sweet and kinda unexpected."

"I know, I can't wait to see him when we get there. We'll be there in about ten minutes."

We are now on our way to some giant house on a private lake that somehow they'd been given to have the ceremony at so that it would be as romantic as possible. With the people on the guest list you would have thought that we were having a high school reunion. Libby, Sheen, Betty, Nick, Brittany, Butch, Marissa, Bolbi, and even our parents were to join. My mother was asked to be the decorator, which is the only reason I can see her even coming. I wondered if anyone else would be coming but, Libby told me that they had wanted to keep the wedding small and private. We pulled up to the gate of house barely able to see anything other than the stone wall that enclosed the property. Libby punched in the access code, then we drove up the paved driveway to see what had to be the most elegant house I had ever seen in my life. It was like one I had dreamed of living in when I was a child. The front had several cars parked in front of it with all of our friends sitting on the deck overlooking the beautiful lake. I thought this is the place of my dreams and wondered who could possibly have owned this palace in the middle of what seemed like a paradise. As we parked next to Sheen's truck I looked around in bewilderment at the serine landscape that was before us. I looked at the other cars to see all who were here when I was interrupted by an old familiar voice.

"Well hey there little Cindy! How are you doing?"

I turned around to see Mr. Neutron displaying that heartwarming grin I always remember being plastered on his face with Mrs. Neutron following right behind him. While being so happy to see them again it confirmed a question that I had been wanting to avoid all day. He would be here. Jimmy Neutron would be here. It would be the first time I had seen him in the last ten years. I flashed a smile right back to them.

"I'm doing great Mr. Neutron! How have y'all been?"

"Well other than working all the time we've been doing great! Isn't that right sugar-booger?"

Mrs. Neutron walked next to him with a big smile on her face.

"That's right, honey. It's great to see all you children again it takes me back to when you were all back in school. Minus having to worry all the time of Jimmy's experiments. Ha ha."

Mr. Neutron laughed in agreement and excused them stating that they had continue unpacking before dinner was ready. Libby walked over to me with a look of concern on her face which I could tell was a reaction to the current look that was plastered on mine as held my hand over my heart. I thought that I was going to break down all I wanted to do was get in the car and leave this place. I didn't want to start something that could ruin the upcoming wedding or, as selfish as it sounds, rub salt into wounds that have never fully healed. Libby placed her hand on my free arm and squeezed it slightly.

"You okay girl?"

"Yeah. I'm fine it's just I wasn't expecting to see him again after all this time."

"Well he is Carl's best friend so you should have expected he might be here."

"Haha, yeah you're right. I wonder what he looks like now bet he's got an even worse fashion sense than before and probably still the same squirt he was from before."

"Cindy, that's mean. Let's hope its true."

We started laughing and gathered our luggage from the trunk of the car. As we walked up the stairs we heard footsteps pounding coming in our direction and before we could look for whatever was making them Sheen was shouting.

"Libby, my Ultra queen, put that down. My queen never carries her own bags while I'm around."

Libby practically threw her bag down and rushed up the stairs to embrace her beloved fiance. I grabbed her bag and carried it up the stairs as they started a make out session. When I arrived at the top I threw the bags down and put my hands on my hips looking at the two of them as they separated as they blushed.

"You could at least wait until you get to your room ya know?"

Libby giggled and Sheen apologized. Carl and Elke showed up soon after to greet us. We chatted for a bit and congratulated them on everything that was about to happen in the next few days. When Sheen interrupted by stating how lucky we were to be at this place.

"Man this place is awesome! I wish there was someplace like this in Retroville for our wedding huh Libs?"

"I know right this place is beautiful! How did you guys get this place?"

Carl looked at Sheen with a questioning look and Sheen had a look of discomfort on his face.

"You didn't tell them?"

"I was gonna wait until they got here before I told them otherwise Cindy might not have came."

"Tell us what?" Libby and I said in unison.

Sheen spoke up first.

"Well this is one of Jimmy's houses. He said that we could use it for the wedding and everyone could use it instead of staying at a hotel or something."

Libby and I looked at each other with bewilderment showing all over our faces. My mind raced with questions and shock. THIS WAS JIMMY'S HOUSE! How could it be this place was gigantic and so ornate? How could a person his age afford this place? As I looked around the porch my eyes locked onto the door as I saw the door had a large N surrounded by bars that made it look like an atom symbol displayed when the doors were together. This was definitely Jimmy's house.

"Why didn't you tell me that this was Jimmy's house?"

Sheen hesitated for a bit before answering and was looking in my direction when he finally did.

"Well I only found out myself just a few hours ago. I didn't want to tell you right away because we thought that Cindy would have refused to come and they really wanted her in the wedding."

Before Libby could yell at Sheen I interrupted.

"It's fine guys. I'm cool with everything."

They all looked at me with shock displayed all over there faces.

"Are you sure that this is okay?"

"Yeah Libby. I mean we're all adults it's not like we can't put everything aside for this special occasion right?"

"Yeah. So where is Nerdtron?"

Sheen looked at his phone.

"Well Jimmy went to town to get some propane for the grill so we could all have a cookout tonight. So he should be here any second. Oh speak of the devil."

We turned around to see what he was talking about. Coming up the driveway was a 1967 Chevy Impala painted red with a large atom symbol on the hood in yellow. I thought "That's so typical of him." The car pulled into the garage on the side of the house.

"Wow that car is beautiful!"

I jumped as I realized that the voice that said that was my dad as he walked out of the house with my mother.

"I think that it's a little gaudy myself dear with that big yellow atom symbol on the hood."

I giggled at my mother's comment and blurted out "I know right? Jesus you think he would have outgrown that habit of putting atoms on everything?"

"Who would have outgrown that habit dear?"

Before I could answer a deep booming voice spoke behind them.

"I believe she's talking about me Mrs. Vortex."

We all looked up to see what I could only describe as a HUNKMUFFIN of a man. The years had been good to him to say the least. He easily was 6'4 and even with that dress shirt on you could see he was built like a Greek god. I couldn't believe it was him.

"I think we were wrong about that fashion sense being just as bad."

"Uh huh." Stated with a sense of awe. He was wearing what were easily $2000 boots, some of the nicest jeans I've ever seen, a red undershirt that matched perfectly with the black dress shirt he was wearing over it, and a pair of sunglasses that pulled the entire outfit together. He put down the two canisters of propane he was carrying and walked over to us.

"I'm sorry dear but, I don't believe we've met."

He laughed a little while running his hand through the back of his hair. He still had that nervous tick like when were kids.

"Its me Mrs. Vortex. It's Jimmy. Jimmy Neutron."

My mothers eyes went wide and her mouth was open a sight that I've never seen in my life but who could blame her it was a radical change from the boy next door that she had a disdain for to the beautiful man that stood before us.

"My god you really did grow up. I remember when you were no higher that a knee to a grasshopper."

"Well thank you Mr. Vortex."

"My god I would have never recognized you dear. I apologize it's just so radical a change."

"Its no problem I hardly recognized anyone else when I saw them either. But, your still beautiful as always Mrs. Vortex."

My mom blushed at his comment.

"Well thank you, James."

He started talking to everyone and then made his way to where Libby and I were.

"Libby, it's so good to see you! Congratulations on the engagement."

He gave her a hug and she stuttered as she spoke.

"Th-thank you Jimmy it's good to see you too. You've done really well for yourself and look amazing."

He chuckled as he thanked her for her comments.

"This house is amazing. I still can't believe that this is your place."

"Well this is now just one of my vacation houses. I used to live here mainly but, I'm currently living in Colorado, but in another month I'll be staying at my house in Los Angeles for the opening of my next company."

My mother and father then sparked up a conversation that went on for what felt like forever.

"This is your house, James?"

"Yes ma'am. This is one of my houses."

"How many houses do you own. If you don't mind me asking?

"Well I own twelve that I visit and have about sixty that I rent out Mr. Vortex."

"Wow. Well you really have done well for yourself. You said that you were opening another company?"

"Yes, sir. This will be my fourth company. I opened my first one when I was in college making new designs for gaming systems. Then I opened one after I graduated were we make different custom engineering request. The last one I just opened is where I get to make my own things and sell them as I please."

"Outstanding! Well you really used that big brain of yours for something other than causing havoc in the town. Huh?"

Jimmy started to rub the back of his head and blush, as did I. I couldn't imagine my dad making such an offhand comment. My father finally recognized how offensive his comments were.

"Oh I'm sorry Jimmy. I didn't mean any offense by that."

"It's okay Mr. Vortex."

Sheen chimed in soon after asking Jimmy about his investments which was of course in his rude manner.

"Hey Jimmy didn't you say you made a lot of your money in investment crap?"

"Well yeah, I made a good bit investing in stocks after I got my fifth degree in economics and from all the rent houses keep the cash flow pretty steady."

"Fifth?" we all said in unison.

"Oh yeah. Well, after I got my Mechanical Engineering degree at Caltech I went on to get a degree in Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Business Management, and Economics."

"Still a big arrogant showoff" I said under my breath.

"Well that's very impressive James. Cindy is actually doing some impressive work on finding a cure for Alzheimer's at the company she is working for. They are having amazing breakthroughs thanks to her as I have heard."

My mother said as though making an attempt to one up him in some manner. He turned in my direction and exclaimed with a big smile.

"Wow! That's great! Congratulations Cindy!"

I stuttered, shocked by his enthusiastic comments.

"Th-Thank y-you Neutron."

I couldn't believe it the first time we've spoken in ten years and all he could comment on was something my mother was saying as an attempt to gloat. Not anything about me, how we've been, what we may have been, or what we shared. I felt hurt. I wished more than anything that he would have seen me on my own standing not through the words others had to spout out. He then walked over to me and took off those sunglasses to show those amazingly beautiful sapphire blue eyes. My heart skipped a beat as I knew that this really was Jimmy and not an illusion. I almost buckled at the sight of them; all I wanted to do was kiss him.

"You hungry? I remember barbecue was your favorite."

I looked at him, speechless to which he just chuckled.

"Rare sight to see you speechless Vortex. Well lets get to the grill and start cooking."

As he walked over to the canisters and picked them up he flashed his signature smile and asked if we were ready. We all started walking to the patio where the rest of our friends were. To my shock everyone that was invited was already there including all our parents. Mrs. Neutron walked over to us and asked had we seen Jimmy around.

"I'm here mom."

She looked over to him and was shocked by the man she saw.

"Jimmy you look so different."

"Well it has been a few years I guess. What's it been four years, right?"

I was shocked to say the least as was everyone in our group. He hadn't seen his parents in four years what the hell? Even with my schedule I still saw my parents every few months.

"Well you have been busy. How is everything going? Is Tiffany going to join us?"

"She's upstairs. She said that she will be leaving tomorrow in the morning so unfortunately she won't be making it to the wedding."

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that though I'm still very excited to meet her."

I thought who the hell is Tiffany? Is she his girlfriend or even worse is she his wife? I couldn't help but look over to his left hand. No ring. I don't know why I was getting so angry but, somehow not seeing a ring made me a little bit relieved. Nick and Betty walked over to join us all.

"Hey guys, how's it going?"

"Oh hey Nick. Everything is going well. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Who are you?"

Jimmy laughed.

"Well it has been a while. It's me Jimmy."

Nicks eyes went wide.

"Nerdtron?!"

At this outburst everyone looked at us and started whispering among themselves.

"First one of those in a while. I was expecting Vortex to be the one to say that to me first but, oh well I guess it was gonna happen. I'll start the grill."

He walked over to the grill and set up the propane while we all started catching up with one another. All the girls started moving over to the corner opposite of the guys and our parents. Betty and Brittany were the first to speak up.

"Is that really Neutron? He's so different from the days back in school."

"I know he's so fucking hot! I wish Butch would dress like that."

"I wish Nick had a voice like that, I'm not gonna lie I got turned on Just listening to him."

"I know right plus look at that ass."

"Think he's single?"

"Betty! You and Nick are married. Though I feel ya. Next time I'm with Butch I won't be thinking of him."

We were all giggling at the conversation even though I couldn't believe they were talking so blatantly about cheating or imaging someone other than their husbands. Libby was giving me a smug look with a raised eyebrow. I knew that look she was ready to talk about how I was constantly glancing in Jimmy's direction.

"You gotta admit he's changed and everything looks amazing. Jesus he's got everything going for him right now. I mean this house is glorious it reminds me of the one you described when we were kids isn't that a weird coincidence?"

I knew what she was getting at and she was right this house is exactly like how I described to her and only one other person. Him. I told him when we were laying on his bed after one of our post lovemaking sessions. Yeah that's right we were each others first of many things. Each other's first love, first relationship, and even that. I remember describing all the dreams we had, where we wanted to go to school, all things we wanted for ourselves, and we had planned on everything with the other by our side.

"Yeah, that's crazy. Though I do have to admit that he has done really well for himself. It's a far cry from where we all started back in that little town. I still find it hard to believe that he's done all this in such a short amount of time."

"Uh huh. Well I just find it funny that out of all the houses that he apparently owns that the one we go to for the wedding is exactly like the dream house you always wanted."

"What are you getting at?"

"Nothing in particular its just a little weird right?"

"I guess."

"Excuse me."

We turned around to find Betty looking at us with Marissa and Brittany next to her.

"Are you saying that this is Jimmy's house? Like as in he owns this place?"

"Uh yeah. It is." Libby replied

"Wow!" they all said in unison.

"What does he do for a living to afford all this?"

"Well, from what I know he owns a few successful companies and stuff. Thinking of getting Nick to aspire to something other than taking over his dad's company?"

Betty giggled at this all. All I could do is roll my eyes. Then suddenly the glass doors slid open with Jimmy and Sheen carrying a tray full of meat covered in spices and dripping with marinades. Leave it to a couple of Southern boys to bring flavor to the party. When they got to the grill they sat the meat down on a table and Jimmy started to unbutton his dress shirt. All of started to watch him as he started to take it off to which we were shocked to see that his arms were covered in tattoos. I swallowed the lump in my throat that had started to form and feel the pounding of my heart. I hated to admit it but, I was so turned on I could feel the drool starting to drip off my mouth. I finally snapped back to reality when I heard Mrs. Neutron practically scream.

"Jimmy! What did you do to arms?!"

He turned around with a confused look on his face.

"What do you mean? Oh! The tattoos. Yeah I've had a few of these for a while, some I've gotten just this year."

"Why would you get them in the first place?"

"I just like tattoos and I always wanted one so I went out, got one which then turned into two, then it just built up."

Jimmy's dad rushed over to his wife's side and showed off his signature goofy grin.

"Well I like them sugar-booger. They look really nice Jimbo. Which one was your first?"

"Oh, well that one is on my back. Here I'll show you."

He lifted his t-shirt off to reveal his chiseled figure with tattoos covering his entire chest and then he turned around to show his back which despite being tattooed completely you could tell it was strong and defined. Jimmy and his parents started a small conversation over his new look.

"The first one was the rocket ship."

"Wow Jimbo that is something! I've never known anyone that covered in ink."

"Oh, Jimmy. Why did you get so many?"

"Well like I said I got the rocket ship first and it just got to where I wanted another one and another one. Eventually it led to this."

A silence fell over everyone until Carl of all people spoke up first.

"Jim! Those look awesome! Put's mine to shame I'll tell you that!"

"What? You have a tattoo?" Sheen shouted.

Carl nodded then lifted his right sleeve to show a lama in photo realism style.

"Oh my god! My baby has a tattoo! Where did we go wrong!" Exclaimed Mrs. Wheezer.

"Now honey this is a normal thing in their generation and heck I think its awesome. I like it a lot. How bad did it hurt son?" chimed in to calm his wife down.

"It hurt a bit but Elke was there when I got it so she helped a lot."

"And Carl was there when I got mine. He gave me the courage to do it." Elke proudly showed her tattoo that matched Carl's.

"Well I never expected you to have a tattoo Carl but, fuck man I just got my first one last month." Sheen said while laughing the entire time.

"Sheen my son watch your language." snapped Mr. Estevez.

"Sorry dad. You want to see my tattoo?"

"Why not? I'll show you mine as well."

"You have a tattoo dad?"

"Si."

"Cool. Well here's mine."

Sheen took off his shirt to show a Ultralord tattoo on his left shoulder with another tattoo on his right upper arm. It was Libby's name written in a heart.

"When did you get that?" Libby asked in an excited manner.

"I got it the day I got into Paris for a photo shoot last week right after I proposed. I want to be with you forever so I no matter what I'll have you with me."

Libby's eyes welled up as she walked to him putting her arms around him pulling him into a deep powerful kiss.

"I love you my ultra-nerd."

"I love you my ultra-queen."

We all started laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. After that everyone started back to talking Sheen and his dad looked at their tattoos while talking of the wedding plans in Retroville. After about 45 minutes, the glass door opened up and out walked a red head with blue eyes. She went over to Jimmy who took her hand after getting the last of the meat off the grill. They walked over to his parents where he decided to introduce her.

"Mom. Dad. This is Tiffany. She's my girlfriend."

"Nice to meet you dear. I'm Judy, Jimmy's mother and this is my husband Hugh."

"Hi nice to meet you!"

"Its nice to meet you as well." she said with a smile.

"Darling, I'd like to have a word inside for a minute."

"Ok. I'll be there in just a second. I just have to help get everything inside before the bugs get bad."

"Alright I'll be waiting inside on you in library."

He just nodded and went back to the tray with Sheen helping him. There was a look in his eyes that made me think something uncomfortable was about to happen and he knew it. We all walked into the dining room where the food was placed onto a large, obviously custom built, cherry table that was easily able to seat all of here and others if they were to join. As we all looked the men were all bundled together looking at the bar and observing the medals and rewards that Jimmy had received from the past few years. Jimmy said that he was going to go to the kitchen to get the dinnerware for the meal and then stated that he would go talk to Tiffany before them joining us for dinner. Mrs. Neutron told him to just go get her while she and some the other girls would get the dinnerware. He didn't hesitate to accept her offer and left the to go find Tiffany. I went with Libby into the kitchen and gasped as I saw it in all its glory. There was all stainless steel appliances, dark cherry wood cabinets, marble counter tops with a matching island, a built in wine rack that had at least eighty bottles of various wines, and LED lighting that gave the room a perfect atmosphere.

"It's just like I imagined" I whispered under my breath.

"What's that Cin?" Libby asked with an eyebrow raised.

"I didn't say anything. Wow though this is an amazing kitchen."

My mother walked over to us on that comment and already had a glass of her favorite wine in hand.

"It really is. And James was so sweet to have a bottle of my favorite wine ready for me. He really has become a very impressive man."

"Mom. Did you just give him a complement?"

"Well he has been a very gracious host."

Libby's mother walked over to join the conversation with a glass in hand as well.

"Your right about that, Sasha. Plus he's grown into a very handsome man. If I were thirty years younger I'd give it a try."

My mother giggled as she said "Same here."

"Mom!" Libby and I said in unison.

"What its just a little fantasizing and reminiscing for a few old women. Especially fun is the fantasizing after what I saw today.."

"Mom OMG!" I screamed.

She just giggled a rare instance that I never got to see. It took me by shock and everyone started laughing.

Betty broke the laughing by stating "Cindy relax its all just in jest. Hell if I were single I'd take a crack at it myself. Now be honest you know that Jimmy has grown into a fine man and that you'd love one more chance for him to take you upstairs?"

I could feel the rage building in me and embarrassment showing all over my face as I blushed so bad that Libby just started laughing, with everyone following suit. Luckily Mrs. Neutron walked in putting an end to their cackling.

"What's so funny?"

My mother blushed so badly that she started to laugh and everyone but, me and Mrs. Neutron, followed suit.

Mrs. Folfax deescalated everything with a half-truth.

"We were just reminiscing about our youth and being a little jealous of the children."

Mrs. Neutron just nodded with a slight blush appearing on her face. We quickly gathered the dinnerware and hurried into the dining room. After everything was set at the table Mrs. Neutron asked one of us to go find Jimmy and Tiffany for dinner. Libby volunteered me with which I responded with an angry glare. I reluctantly agreed to the decision that was not of my choosing. While searching for them in the house I took a moment to survey the inner workings. I realized Libby was right this is the house from my dreams. My heart started to flutter as I could only come to one conclusion "Jimmy remembered and made the home he lived in the one I always wanted." A tear started to form which I quickly wiped away. I couldn't let myself get emotional and let them see my puffy face when telling them to come to dinner. After finally figuring out that this was the house I dreamed of I quickly remembered where the library would have been located and I quickly made my way to the library.

Secretly I also wanted to ruin any intimate moment that they may be having. As I approached the library I heard glass breaking and Jimmy pleading for Tiffany to calm down.

"Tiffany please, please, calm down my parents, friends, and their families are here I don't want to make a scene. Let's just go back to dinner we can talk about everything after the wedding an" before he could finish I heard the sound of glass shattering and Jimmy scream in pain.

"I will not calm down! I don't give a fuck what they hear! I will tell you right now you are to never see those fucking losers ever again! Especially that blonde haired green eyed bitch!"

I immediately became enraged. Who is the bitch to, berate our friends, call me a bitch, and worst of all hit him. I almost rushed into the room stopping only when I heard Neutron get up from the floor and in a serious tone spit back at her in a manner I have never heard him say in my entire life.

"You need to shut the fuck up and calm the fuck down, goddamn it. I will not have this in my house. I will not abandon my friends and they are not losers. And you will not call Cindy a bitch in front of me ever again. I will leave you."

My eyes started welling and smile covered my face at hearing Jimmy defend my honor.

Tiffany scoffed. "You can't leave me James. You can't afford it. If you even think about it I'll let every secret spill and take you down with me. Now clean yourself up your dripping blood all over MY floor. I own you don't you fucking forget it. I will be at dinner next to you and you will not speak to that blonde bitch in front of me. Understand?"

"I told you don't call her a bitch in front of me ever again. You cunt."

I heard another glass shatter. I wanted to rush in to stop whatever was happening but, so many things were flooding my mind "What secrets, what did she have on him, had Jimmy done something illegal, or something so horrible I couldn't even begin to imagine him able to do.

"How dare you speak to me in that manner! Who do you think you are?"

"The man who is leaving you. Get out of my house. I don't care what happens when you walk out of here just get out."

"You'll regret this James. Mark my words."

I heard her walking to the door. I immediately took a step back before she got close and put my hand up to knock. She opened the door with a scowl on her face and as soon she saw me her face contorted into something like a demon. Then in a flash her face changed into a small smile as if nothing had just happened at all.

"Oh hello. It's Cindy right? I'm sorry I didn't get to properly introduce myself I'm Tiffany; James' girlfriend. Well I'm sorry to make this brief but, I must be going I've been called back to work early. It was so nice to meet you." Over her shoulder she yelled. "Goodnight James, I'll see you in Los Angeles. Love you."

My immediate thought was: This bitch is crazy and super dangerous. I lingered for a moment in the hallway until I lightly knocked on the door entering as I did. I saw Jimmy was bleeding from the his head with shard of glass still stuck in his skin and his shirt covered in blood while on his knees. He wouldn't make eye contact with me when I entered the room.

"Your mom wanted me to fetch you for dinner. Are you okay?" I asked in a hushed tone.

He kept avoiding my eyes while he spoke.

"Ok. Thank you. I'll be there in a minute. I just had a mishap with my glassware. You know me always clumsy and so accident prone. Surprised that I haven't lost a finger already."

He started rubbing the back in his head with that nervous habit of his showing. I can read him like an old familiar book. I know when he is sad by the subtle changes of his eyes, scared by the lightest tremble in his voice, and happy by the slightest change in his posture. I know him like this because no matter how much I deny it I know I love Jimmy. Tears started to well so rapidly in my eyes I didn't even notice them start falling onto my cheeks until I tasted the salt on my lips. How could I be so selfish to have not flung myself in here to stop what had happened. I walked forward and knelt down to try to help him. He pushed my hand away. I felt hurt but, I still put it back on his cheek and forced his eyes on mine. Tears fell from his sapphire eyes as soon as they saw the tears fall from mine.

"Cindy." His smooth baritone voice now trembling. "Why are you crying?"

I cupped his face in my tiny hands and said as sweetly as possible for our situation.

"Because you're in pain and it hurts my heart."

"I never wanted to cause you any pain. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay Neu-Jimmy. It's okay."

Tears falling from our eyes like rivers cascading across our faces we just sat there letting the tears fall trying to let some of the pain wash away. I pulled him slightly upward to get him on his feet. He got up and started to wipe away my tears and stood on the tips of my toes leaning against his chest to balance myself. We stood there just being able to feel what the other was feeling at that one precious moment despite how it had come.

"I guess I should probably get cleaned up before we go back to dinner everyone is probably wondering where we are. Sheen and Carl are arguing about whether they should start eating or wait for us."

I laughed a little. "You're probably right. But, you need to get cleaned up first."

I walked over to the built -in bar that was in the corner of the room, grabbed a towel to run under the water to moisten it so that it would would be just enough to clean the blood off the side of his face without it turning it into a stream down onto his already soaked shirt. I ringed out the towel to the right amount of water and it suddenly struck me that I was about to hand a towel to the man I've truly loved my entire life. I was about to give him this to wipe away the blood he had spilled defending our friends honor and mine. I couldn't help the tears that once again started to form in my eyes. He was the same as I always remembered. I looked over to Jimmy who had gotten a first aid kit out of a large globe that had a storage space inside. It suddenly struck me that these were the globes that I had told him I would have made to put into my library if I could ever build my dream house. He had remembered everything I ever told him about my dreams and made them into a reality I didn't know if I should be creeped out or flattered that I meant so much to him that he would keep me in his heart and mind all these years. I chose the latter, how could I ever think of him in an ill manner this is the man who I keep in my heart as well. I walked over to him and gently handed him the towel to his left hand and placed my other hand on his right arm. He then put his hand on my arm and we looked into each others' eyes. I could see it in his eyes all the pain, sorrow, and love he still had for me. We starred into each others eyes for what seemed like an eternity. All I could think of was how I wanted him to kiss me right then and there despite all the circumstances that had brought us to that point. In this moment I could stay forever.

"I think we need to finish up here and I should go wipe my face off and change shirts before coming to dinner."

"Yeah, I guess so."

I walked to the door of the library keeping my eyes to the floor.

"Hey, Cindy."

I turned around with a sad smile on my face.

"Yes, Jimmy?"

"Could we keep this just between us. I really don't want everyone to freak out and ruin this weekend for everyone. It'd be a real shame to ruin their wedding ya know?"

"Of course, Jimmy. You need to hurry everyone is going to start to worry and dinner will get cold. I'll see you there."

As I closed the door my heart started to skip beats. Despite all the outside changes he was still who he was back then that kind, selfless, and sweet boy I fell for. He sacrificed himself to make sure that everyone would have a good time despite his sufferings. When I got closer to the dining room I could hear Sheen and Carl arguing just like Jimmy said they would. I looked at myself in the mirror outside the doors to check my appearance so no body would suspect something. My eyes were still a little puffy, my cheeks stained from my tears, and my makeup was a little smeared. I looked around and found a bathroom to wash my face and redo my makeup. Once my appearance was finally acceptable I exited the bathroom and walked into the dining area. I took a seat that was a little ways away from Libby as to not give her a chance of analyzing my emotional state which I knew she would be able to do instantly.

"Did you find Jimmy?"

I looked up to see Mrs. Neutron giving me a slight smile.

"Oh yes ma'am he'll be here any minute but he may be a little bruised up a glass figure dropped on his head and gave him a few cuts. I helped him clean himself up but, he had to go change clothes."

"Oh my goodness is he okay?!"

"Yes ma'am he said he was fine when I left the library."

Just as I said that he walked into the room and closed the door. Mrs. Neutron rushed over to him asking if he was alright and what happened.

"Yes, mom. I'm fine."

"Cindy said a piece of glass fell on your head in the library."

"Yeah. A piece of a fixture fell off and hit my head. I'm fine for real."

"Okay just watch for anymore loose fixtures.

"Alright" he replied with that signature smile of his.

Suddenly the dining room door opened up and in walked that bitch, Tiffany. She came in with a small suitcase in her right hand. Then looked over to Jimmy with a smug little smile on her face. It took everything I had to keep my composure as I saw her walk over to him with that smile on her face, All I wanted to do was take my knife to slit her throat. She walked in an obviously sexual manner which got most of the men an elbow or hit from their significant other. I didn't think it was possible, yet somehow she had pissed me off even more.

"James I will be leaving in a minute. Will you help me with my bags to the car?"

Jimmy hesitated for a moment.

"Sure I will." he said coldly which got the attention of all of us.

He grabbed her bag and excused himself. When they had left the room people started murmuring amongst themselves. Libby was looking at me, I avoided her eyes knowing that any moment that she would be coming over here to ask me what was wrong with Jimmy and Tiffany. It was something I was wanting avoid at all cost and luckily before she got up to talk to me everyone was silenced by the loud clap of thunder and bolts of lightning that were illuminating the night sky. Jimmy walked in after the others had made several comments about his actions from earlier. Mrs. Neutron decided to walk over to him to ask if everything was alright with them. He told her that everything was fine and that they were both just tired from all the things that had gone on today. His mother looked unconvinced though decided to not push the matter any further. We proceeded with the dinner and I had to say Jimmy really could cook the best barbecue it was just the right blend of smokiness and sweet. Dinner went off without a hitch as everyone started sharing stories and having their own private conversations until my mother showing off to Mrs. Neutron snapped me back to reality.

"Cynthia has been, for the past several months, seeing a very nice boy, Keith, whom is an investment banker on Wall Street and just recently published a new bestseller."

"Oh my that's great Cindy. I hope he makes you very happy." she said with that motherly smile that I wish my mother would display.

"Thank you Mrs. Neutron. Haha." I said nervously and looked over to Jimmy who avoided eye contact whilst his face showed that he was discomforted or even more so hurt by the news that had just been announced. In that moment all I could think about was telling him the truth that Keith and I weren't even close to happy; I despised him really. Kieth was truly someone that I really couldn't see myself with him like I could with Jimmy. I was planning on finding a way to leave him after I returned back to New York City; which I also wanted to leave as I hated living in that city.

"Cynthia, tell them of Keith and how he such a lovely boy. Oh, also of how you're doing so well in the city. My she loves that place so much."

"Um yeah. New York is a great city to live in, there is always something to do and Keith takes me to a lot of really nice events all the time. He's a really good guy." I said as straight as possible the truth being that I hate all the things about big city life, I loathe those damn events that he takes me to because I know that all that he is really doing is showing me off like a trophy, and he isn't a good person.

He's yelled at me several times, almost hit me a couple of times, and then there was the one time that he did. I really was dreading talking to him without first getting all my things out of his place and getting a place of my own without him knowing. I suddenly felt a something on my leg as I looked down I found it to be Jimmy's leg I looked up at him with a slight smile to see that he had a look on his face. It was one of concern, I guess that I had a look on my face that showed how stressed I was talking about Keith. He nudged my leg with his and it reminded me of when we played footsie in the library when we were little. I smiled at him and he gave me one in return. What felt like an eternity was interrupted by Libby which was a good thing as I realized that several of the others were looking at us with looks of suspicion and some, Mrs. Neutron in particular, had knowing smiles on their faces.

"So, Jimmy, is Tiffany going to be back for the wedding or will we have to wait to see her at ours?"

"Well about that." Jimmy said nervously.

Everyone looked at him with curiosity or concern, with the exception of my mom who had that smug look of knowing what was coming written all over her face.

"We broke up, she will no longer be involved with any of our lives."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that sweetie; she seemed like such a nice girl." said Mrs. Neutron with a small hint in her voice that sounded like she wasn't as upset as she seemed to be over their splitting.

"It's fine mom it was something that was a long time coming. In all honesty I should have done it a lot sooner but, I didn't really have the something to motivate me until recently."

"And what was that Jimbo?" asked Mr. Neutron.

Jimmy chuckled for a second and then answered with softly so soft that you could barely hear it.

"I saw what true happiness is when your with someone you actually love and that wasn't what I had with her. In fact it was seeing how you and Mom are with each other, as Carl and Elke, and even how Sheen and Libby are when your with the person you truly love that I realized that she didn't do that for me and never did. So there really wasn't any reason that we should be together it just didn't. It just didn't..." Jimmy smiled to himself for a second.

"Well it doesn't matter, we just weren't meant to be and now to move on with everything."

People whispered among themselves at his comments until Sheen opened his mouth unsurprisingly saying an obnoxious comment.

"Well dang dude I'm happy that you feel better but, being honest its kinda shocking I mean she was hot as red lined engine in the middle of August"

At this half of the guys made verbally agreed and the other half just smiled and nodded. At this point all the women either gave them a small nudge or a dirty look with the exception of Libby who smacked Sheen hard enough to make his scream his signature "Ow!"

We all laughed at their little squabble and then suddenly the mood changed as the sky roared as thunder and lighting filled sky. On that note we all decided to just get back to dinner. Everyone started talking amongst themselves and with the main group catching up what everyone had been doing. This felt so nice, so natural, and I never wanted this to end. Seeing how this was the only thing that could make it better was if I could be in Jimmy's embrace once more. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder that took me out of my fantasizing. I turned to see Libby with that look of,"We NEED to talk. NOW.", written across her face. We walked into the hallway as for a private discussion.

"Ok. Spill girl. What's up with you and Jimmy?"

I acted like I didn't know what she was talking about and tried to act cool but, it failed miserably as I got all flustered.

"What?! There's nothing going on with us. We're just catching up with each other and trying to act civil. Believe me Libs nothing is going on between us. Gosh, your silly." I chucked nervously afterwards. But, she saw right through everything as I could tell with her high arched brow.

"Oh and I assume you too playing your version of footsie under the table at dinner and how you too have been looking at each other like love struck teens is just in everyone's imagination?"

I blushed and couldn't think of anything to say as a response I just looked at her nervously and suddenly started to let tears fall from my eyes.

"It's, it's just that everything I said at dinner about Kieth and New York is a lie. I hate it there and he treats me like his personal whore. But, Jimmy makes me feel like I actually matter and I saw how Tiffany treated him and it made me so mad. All of the good times just rushed to me like a wave and I can't help it. I still care for him Libby and truthfully I still love him."

"Hold up. We have some stuff to talk about now. One, what do you mean like his personal whore?"

I sniffled as I answered her. This was something I needed to talk to her about but, really had been dreading for a while.

"Keith keeps track of everything I do, cusses me out for anything that he can think of, takes me to those events; which I loathe going to, just to show me off like some prized show animal, and keeps threatening to hit me like that time…" I stopped mid sentence when I realized that I let it slip that he had struck me before.

"Wait! He hit you?!"

"Only once after we went to one of those events and all the men were hitting on me. He kept saying I was enjoying it too much and was wanting to spread my legs like some streetwalker. I denied it and he hit me and said I needed to learn my place. If I didn't he'd use his connections to get me kicked out of the company and on the streets so I could do the work that I seemed to truly want to do."

"Cindy, how could you put up with that?"

"I don't know I guess I was just afraid of what he could do. He has all this power and he made me think that I was to blame even though I know I'm not. Libby I don't know what to do."

Tears ran down my cheeks and burned like acid as they came out. Libby came over and hugged me tight. She rubbed my back and kept whispering to me "It's okay we'll figure it out, everything is gonna be okay."

We let go and I whipped the tears from my cheeks once more for the night.

"Thanks, Libby I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you."

"Probably be delusional or in the nuthouse."

We both laughed and barely noticed that the door was opening. We stopped to turn to see who it was and to my surprise it was Sheen. The smile on his face faded to look of concern as he looked at me being upset. He stepped out of the doorway and closed the door softly behind him.

"Hey, is everything okay? Why are you crying Cindy?"

One of the rare times I could actually like Sheen and possibly one of his only good qualities was his caring side. I guess even a dork like him couldn't be all bad and this side of him is the reason why Libby actually loves him.

"It's fine Sheen, we were just having a girls only talk." Libby said for me so I didn't have to speak.

"Oh, okay well I was just gonna come tell you most of us were gonna go head on to bed. I just didn't want them to interrupt or overhear anything that y'all would rather keep private."

"Thanks, Sheen we'll be back in in just a minute."

He had a sad knowing look on his face that showed he wasn't convinced of our reassurance but, he didn't press it. I guess him getting older has made him a little more considerate. As he turned around he just nodded and quietly entered the dining room. We looked at each other and started to laugh.

"Wow you've really helped him become somewhat normal."

"Yeah, he's always had a sweet side to him and all the time we've been together has made him more considerate. I guess that's why I love him so much."

"Yeah. I'm glad that you found someone to make you happy."

"You know you can have that too."

I turned to look at her and she was smiling at me.

"It's never too late to try to see if you can be happy with the person that you love."

I nodded in agreement and realized what I needed to do.

"Thank you. I know what I need to do."

We walked back into the room and I walked right up to Jimmy who watched with that look of an injured puppy on his face. I grabbed his hand and interlaced our fingers. He looked at me and gave the slightest squeeze to my hand which I returned happily.

"We need to talk."

"Yeah, I think we do. Let's go to my room."

"Okay."

We walked out of the room and down the hall to the stairs. As we walked I felt a sense of calm wash over me that I haven't felt in years. It was the comfort of being with someone that I could be myself with and even be vulnerable yet, feel entirely safe knowing that they would never harm me. There was only one thought in my head as we reached his bedroom "There had to be some way for us to talk about this so that we could happy." As he opened the door I almost cried. It was perfect, like he had ripped it straight from the pages of my diary and I looked at him. I starred into his sapphire eyes and in that moment I felt all the sadness wash away. He stretched his arm out and motioned me to sit on the bed while he locked the door behind us.

"They won't be able to hear us. I sound proofed this room with some of my own technology so that sounds can get in but, not out. Just in case I had someone over and I had to have important calls or discussions."

"Oh really? Sure it wasn't in case you had some girl in here and didn't want everyone knowing what you were doing in here?" I said with a smug little smile. He laughed and just looked at me with little smirk I always loved to get out of him.

"No in fact I've never done anything like that at this place."

I just looked at him with that look of "You expect me to believe that line of bullshit?" and shook my head.

"It's true Cindy."

"What about Tiffany?"

"This was her first and believe me only trip here. She got in this morning. Besides I never really liked her we only had done it a few times and that was back in Los Angeles."

I scoffed at this but, I knew he wasn't lying to me. It made me feel better to know that they never shared this bed together though.

"So what do you want to talk about first?"

His question jarred me from my thoughts and I had to ready myself for what I was wanting to say. This confusing sense of dread and joy filled my stomach to the point that I felt that I was going to puke. I looked at him once more and looking at those eyes somehow found the strength to let it out.

"I hate my life in New York."

"Had a feeling that was the case."

"Everything about my life sucks there. They treat me like some dumb bimbo at the research lab, the city is so dirty, the people are rude, the food is bland, and Keith treats me like I'm his slave."

"What do you mean?" he said with a tone that sent chills down my spine. I started to get upset and tears started to form in my eyes. I figured that the best way to do anything was to just let it roll out and expose everything, warts and all, to him.

"Everyday I come in from work he cusses me out over the littlest things, makes me go to those fucking events that I hate just to parade me around to impress all those corporate douchebags, and threatens to hit me if I make even the slightest mistake."

"Has he ever hit you?" he said with an anger that I never knew him capable of.

"Once, after a party he took me to and all the men kept hitting on me. He said if I ever acted like that he'd ruin me to where I could be on the streets like the whore I am."

Jimmy's face went red and he started to shake in anger. It scared me. I've never seen him be so angry in my life, it looked as though he was going to tear everything in the room apart.

"Why would you stay with anyone that would treat you like that? The Cindy I know would never put up with that" His voice shaky with tears forming in his eyes.

"I don't know. I was scared of what he would do if I left. Jimmy you don't realize the connections he has could ruin me forever. I just can't find a way out and you have to believe me I've tried to find ways out."

This was it this was my breaking point. Burst into tears and couldn't find a way to make them stop. Finally saying this to him was a catharsis that I had so desperately needed. Suddenly I felt something on my cheek. It was Jimmy's finger whipping the tears form my face. He had such a melancholy look on his face. The tears kept falling and he then softly embraced me in his arms, my face resting on his shoulder, where I felt so safe that I couldn't hold back I cried even harder. He stroked my hair just the way I liked it and let me have this without any reservations. I knew that this is where I belonged. After what felt like hours I looked up at his and then it struck me that he had been crying along with me.

"There's something I need to do." I said softly.

He nodded and whipped the tears from my face once more. How I loved the feel of his warm hands on my face once again, I took out my cell phone and dialed Keith's number. After five rings he picked up.

"Do you realize what time it is? This better be an emergency bitch."

"Oh it is. This has been something that I've been needing to do for a long time. I'm leaving you. We're done. I'll send for my things."

"Have you lost your fucking mind! You can't leave me I'll destroy you! When you come back begging for my forgiveness I'll make you wish you never even had those thoughts! I'm going to hit you so hard you'll"

I hung the phone up before he even finished his sentence. I looked at Jimmy with a smile on my face that I couldn't contain. This was so freeing I finally felt that weight lift off my shoulders. Jimmy was smiling at me.

"I couldn't continue being his for a second longer and I wanted to start us off properly."

Jimmy got up from the bed and walked over to me. He took my hand in his and looked into my eyes with that small sweet smile on his face.

"Cindy"

I stopped him before he could even get another word out by pressing my lips to his. He returned it so sweetly and I felt true happiness for the first time in years.

"Let's just enjoy the moment Jimmy no more words are needed for the night."

"Yeah, you're right. Let's just go to sleep."

We undressed one another and shared kisses until we were in just our underwear. I blushed when I took my bra off and he noticed this. He went to the dresser and pulled out an old T-shirt with his signature atom symbol on. I took it from him and he spoke so calmly like a man should.

"This should be comfortable to sleep in."

"Thank you."

We shared one more kiss. Then went to his bed and laid down for the night, we were so exhausted that we just went to sleep cuddled up next to one another. My head on his shoulder and his arm wrapped around me with the sound of the rain singing us to sleep. This was heaven and the best sleep I've had in years.