Flashback one week ago. San Diego, California
"Cindy you need to chill," Libby said over the phone, her best friend had been talking her ear off for the past ten minutes.
"I can't chill, this is Jimmy and I's first Christmas back in Retroville. Not to mention both our families are having dinner together, it needs to be perfect" Cindy huffed a but too dramatically. Since her move out to Stanford for college five years ago she hadn't gone home for the Holidays at all.
Libby sighed "You want it to be perfect for yourself or for your mom?" -silence on the phone- "Cindy!"
"What? I'm thinking!"
"Girl, you're just overthinking it." Maybe Libby was right, Cindy really had no reason to be stressing out, but she was. She knew her mother wasn't the biggest fan of Jimmy but she tolerated him, or at least she thought so. Then there was the huge topic about marriage her mother would always ask about, she wanted it more than anything. However a ring isn't needed to justify her and Jimmys love for each other and she would constantly tell herself that.
"Everything is going to be perfect we'll all going be back in town so if anything does go wrong you'll have have us for support," Libby was always the voice of reason.
We'll that's easy for you to say , "at least you and Sheen are married."
"That didn't come without hardship Cin, we both sacrificed a lot, you know that" and Cindy did know that. Sheen had spent two years in and out of crappy jobs to save enough money for an engagement ring. Meanwhile Libby was two thousand miles away studying in New York City for fashion design.
"I've got to admit, Sheen proposing after your graduation was smooth and so sweet. You guys were made for each other" Cindy was honest, as much Sheen annoyed her, he was always so sweet when it came to Libby.
"Did you just compliment Sheen?" she questioned laughing
Cindy had to pause for a moment "Don't get used to it."
"Can you believe it's been five years since we've all been in Retroville together?" Cindy questioned her brunette friend.
"It would be less if you and Jimmy actually came home for the Holidays, we live in Colorado and always come back home, what's your excuse?"
"Ugh, It always one thing or the other during these times, we always end up staying in California." Cindy was right , either Jimmy had to work , or his parents decided to come up, or her parents decided to come up. She loved California but she wanted to come home for the Holiday. However his year would be different, Jimmy had gotten off work for a week, and she had finished her studies early for the semester. Everything was lining up for a Holiday back home.
Libby knew Cindy could go home whenever she wanted too. She just didn't want to leave Jimmy alone for the Holidays. "So I guess we owe it all to Jimmy that we're having this holly jolly reunion?"
Well there's a few more factors into it , but yeah, you could say that" Cindy really didn't even know if Jimmy wanted to go back home.
"You are ill girl"
Jimmy was browsing the web upstairs when his phone lit up "Sheen." he read out out loud. "Hey Sheen, what's the occasion?" he asked.
"No occasion, I just overhead Libby talking to Cindy on the phone and got jealous. So I called you."
Jimmy could only roll his eyes , typical Sheen. "So how's the best mechanic in Denver doing?" he asked while typing away on his computer.
"Pretty good, the business runs itself basically , so I just get bored. I owe everything all to my my waifu though! So i'm forever grateful."
Jimmy smiled to himself , he was glad Sheen had found a passion and skill that didn't involve Ultralord or putting his leg behind his back. Of course a lot of it was due to Libby. After graduating she returned home ,turning down multiple job offers in NYC to encourage Sheen to find a passion. Sheen did, he found himself going to trade school for auto body. Fast forward two years Sheen finishes school, and they get married in Colorado. Life and love truly works in odd ways.
"Hows the best Caltech graduate of all time doing? You ready to go back to Retroville? It's been awhile" Sheen asked gleefully.
"Yes and no, for some odd reason Cindy has been on edge since she drove down here ,something must be on her mind, and don't even get me started on Mrs. Vortex," Jimmy replied.
"Oooo drama, keep going" Sheen replied wanting to hear more.
"It's nothing really Mrs. Vortex is just a bit difficult at times especially around the Holidays, nothing I can't deal with. As for Cindy she's probably just a bit stressed about something" Jimmy had no idea what though.
"Probably because it's your fifth Christmas together and you haven't put a ring on it yet" Sheen responded almost immediately knowing this would draw the ire of his friend.
"Sheen, I hardly-"
"Relax Jim, I'm just busting your jingle balls , have you talked to Carl? Apparently he's picking us up from the Airport," He questioned, interrupting Jimmy before he could finish.
" I did, I can't believe the clinic gave him a whole week off." Carl had been working as a Vet in Florida, his love and passion for animals never dying. Working almost everyday basically nonstop, his motto "I MUST SAVE ALL THE ANIMALS" became his lifestyle. He also rarely returned to Retroville, unless special occasions occured.
"Can I ask you a question Jim?." Sheens toned completely changed, he became more serious ,causing Jimmy to tense up. " Go ahead" Jimmy responded with caution.
"What's the real reason you're coming back to Retroville , I mean the past 5 years you've probably visited twice, none during the Holiday. What's up with that?"
Jimmy had to ponder for a bit. Wondering if he really wanted to share with Sheen, why he rarely went back home. At first he felt like nothing was there for him, besides his parents, he really had no reason to go back, but that wasn't the case at all.
"I just got busy with school and work" Jimmy lied through his teeth.
Sheen called his bluff. "Excuses" he responded simply.
"What are you trying to say Sheen?" Jimmy fired back, in that moment he swung his chair around aggresively, knocking over his decanter and shatterting it. "Damn it" he muttered to himself.
Sheen was quick to respond ,ignoring the loud crash on the other end. " What I'm trying to say is you don't want to relive old memories good or bad, you're kind of a big deal back home"
Sheen was right in the aspect of memories, but it's not the main reason why he didn't want to visit. That used to bother him but no, not anymore.
"They used to bother me yes, but that's not the reason I don't visit , I don't visit Retroville because I hate leaving Retroville, that's why." Jimmy felt an instant relief after revealing why he rarely went home. However opportunity was here in California this was his new home. " There, happy?" he asked Sheen.
"Nope" Was all Sheen could respond, he knew Jimmy was getting agitated, but what else was he known to do?
"I also owe it to Cindy, she's been so patient with me, we haven't spent a Holiday home in years she deserves it." When Cindy first brought up the idea of going back to Retroville, Jimmy was hesitant. Until she used her puppy dog eyes on him. He had to give in. She had worked so hard to get off school early, and Jimmy had the week off. Everything added up perfectly. "She loves Retroville and I love her, it only made sense".
" Wow Jimmy you lovesick fool, I'm proud of you." Sheen was well aware of how he could throw Jimmy off by getting serious on him, he actually enjoyed it and he got the answer he wanted. "Well Jimmy it was nice talking to you but Libby and I have some dates with steaks, see you in a week" he spoke up again.
"Yeah , yeah, enjoy your meal" Jimmy hung up. " I am not a lovesick fool" he said to himself while folding his arms.
"Jimmy" Cindy called upstairs.
"Yeah honeybun" He responded quickly. "Honeybun"? What the hell was he thinking, even he was confused.
Did you just call me honey bun? Cindy asked walking into Jimmy's office room.
"Yeah I don't even know…" He responded awkwardly.
"Okay whatever ,hunkmuffin. She gave him a slight smile almost as confused as he was. "So the chinese place down the street is closed how's Mexican sound?" Jimmy smiled, he knew Mexican was her favorite or at least a close second to French cuisine. " Mexican sounds great."
"Perfect I'll call and order delivery then" Cindy didn't even bother asking what Jimmy wanted she already knew his favorites. Jimmy was truly blessed with the best, the little things matter.
"Hey Cindy" Jimmy called out to his girlfriend who was getting ready to go back downstairs.
"Yeah?"
"I can't wait to spend Christmas in Retroville with you"
Cindy's smile spoke louder than any words could.
Present. Friday, December 21. Location: San Diego International Airport. December 21st, Time: 7:30 am PST
"Was it completely necessary to wake up at five am and come to an Airport that we live ten minutes away from?" A yawning Jimmy asked his girlfriend. He was sleep deprived and hadn't had a drop of coffee at all, bad combination.
"As a matter of fact, yes Jimmy it is. Airports get really busy this time of year, we can't take any chances."
Jimmy could only yawn a response.
"It's not my fault you stayed up watching forensic files all night, not that it isn't a good show" she added.
Jimmy loved her quirkiness, however if he knew they'd be leaving his condo at the early hour of five am. He would of had a different game plan, one involving not staying up watching TV.
San Diego's airport was huge and so modern, they even had palm trees outside. Jimmy and Cindy had made it through security without a now awaited to board their respected flight. One of the many things he loves about Cindy despite getting here a tad bit early for his taste, was that she was well organized. Tickets purchased on time, packing on time, and checking in on time. She was going to make one hell of a lawyer.
Cindy on the other hand despite being organized, was a bit stressed, and for the first time in years it wasn't school related. She loved that fact that she was going home for the Holiday. Being able to see old friends and family. She just didn't want to deal with the bombardment of questions from her mother, non school related mind you. Especially the "Big one" as Cindy likes to call it. Whatever, she'dl deal with it when the time comes. She thought to herself.
How excited are you to be going home? Cindy asked Jimmy.
Jimmy looked up from his phone "I'm excited to see my parents and stuff." She rolled her eyes at his lazy response.
"What about our old classmates and friends?"
"Yeah sure, let's go see Butch and Oleander , really excited to see those guys again" Jimmy was beyond sarcastic with his response. He really didn't keep in touch with anyone from the old days , minus family and his core group. He didn't really care for his old classmates, especially Nick, he despised Nick.
"Not them you doofus, I'm talking about Libby , Sheen and Carl" She looked over to him as if it wasn't obvious what she meant.
" Of course I'm excited to see them, those are our best friends, we've always been a bit dysfunctional, but we compliment each other." The nostalgia was indeed killing him, all of them together back home like old times. Cindy couldn't agree more.
A gate agent begin to speak, no doubt they'd be boarding soon. "Attention, we will now be boarding for flight 34, to Retroville, First class only. A few moments later she spoke again, Business class you may now begin to board. "That's us" Cindy said, getting up. They scanned their tickets before being stopped by a gate agent.
"It's your lucky day, how would you two like sit in first class?" Jimmy and Cindy turned to one another both smirking.
"Well that was super clutch, we're lucky" Cindy plumped down on a leather plane seat. Jimmy nodded in agreement, putting both their carry ons in the overhead bin. Clutch indeed at least now he could try to get some shut eye, despite knowing damn well he hated sleeping on planes. Hopefully the next few hours would go by smoothly.
Just then the planes intercom went on, "Good morning this is your captain speaking, we'll be ready for takeoff in just a few moments, we're looking at smooth conditions throughout this flight. ETA is 12:40 local Retroville time. So if everyone could find their seats. Please enjoy your flight, and thank you for flying with us ,Happy Holidays."
Jimmy took his seat next to Cindy, yawning yet again. "Would you quit yawning, you know that's contagious." Jimmy couldn't help it. Cindy mentioned something about taking a nap however Jimmy just shook his head. "No can do"
"Or I can just slap the yawns away" Cindy grinned, but before she could even think about Jimmy planted a kiss on her, immediately making her forget what she planned on doing.
Cindy blushed "Ugh, you're such a dork."
"Maybe, but I'm your dork"
A few moments later the airplane took off, onward to Retroville. Thanks to numerous trips into space Cindy had grown immune to to her ears popping. She turned , looking around at everyone in pain rubbing their ears. " What a bunch of weaklings". Jimmy chuckled. " It's true" she said. At that moment a flight attendant approached them.
"Would anyone care for a beverage, all drinks are complimentary in first class." Cindy smirked at that.
"I'll have a coffee , two cream and two sugar thank you." The flight attendant handed Jimmy his drink, then asked Cindy what she would like.
"I'll have some wine" she said a bit too innocently. Jimmy looked over and gave her a look. "Are you serious?" it's barely past eight." The attendant handed Cindy her drink and and turned the other way to attend to the other passengers
Cindy took a sip, "mhmm, not bad for airplane wine' she turned over to Jimmy who was just staring at her.
"What are you gawking at?" Jimmy just shook his head, Cindy would never cease to amaze him.
"What do you wanna do for the next few hours" She asked Jimmy. He gave it some thought , he knew he wasn't going to get any sleep at all, plus Cindy was day drinking ,yeah there was definitely no way.
"Forensic files?"
"Deal, but first , excuse me" she called out to the flight attendant. " May I get a refill " She asked holding up her empty plastic cup smiling. This was going to be quite the interesting plane ride.
Location : Denver International Airport Time: 9:30 am MST (FIX TIME)
"WHAT? what do you mean you oversold the flight, how is that even possible?" Sheen roared causing everyone to stare and Libby only to sigh.
"Sir please step aside while I look to reschedule you for a different time" That was the last thing we need , Libby thought She whispered something into Sheens ear that made him step away, Libby proceeded to flip her hair and walk ahead. "Excuse me cutie, this flight is really important to me, if we miss it, It'll make me a sad, sad, girl" She purred into the gate agents ear, who looked ready to faint. Libby's seduction must of worked as the agent began typing away on his computer, finding 2 seats in economy. Sheen and Libby had no choice but to accept, and take their seats until boarding time.
"What kind of voodoo did you use on that guy." Sheen was curious..
"The voodoo of seduction" she smirked. For the next five minutes Sheen kept insisting that she try it on him. "I don't need too you already love me". Sheen wrapped an arm around her, that was very true, he did love her and very much.
"I can't wait to see everyone and be home" Libby exclaimed. The last time she was home was months ago at least.
"Me too, I miss the squad even Cindy, I also heard Nick Dean was in town, Carl told me." He updated Libby.
"Ugh, how do you think Jimmy would react if he saw him?" Sheen only shrugged, he knew for sure Jimmy still hated Nick, but he had no idea how he'd react if he saw him. They would just have to brace for anything.
"It's crazy to see how different Cindy is, she's more forgiving and accepting , like who in their right mind would forgive Nick especially after everthing he did to her." Sheen stated. He was right no one would, but Cindy wasn't a different person ,she was just being the Cindy that's in love with Jimmy.
" She saw the good in him" Libby wasn't really sure on how to respond to her husband. All she knew was that Cindy forgave Nick and that's that.
"Blondie must be blind" Sheen answered back receiving a whack from Libby in return. "Owww, I'm kidding." Libby glared at him.
"We will now begin boarding for flight 35 to Retroville first class and business class only" The gate agent sounded like she smoked one too many packs of cigarettes in her day.
"This lady sounds like Carls mom."
"Economy" The gate agent called.
"That's us come on" Libby grabbed Sheens hand, and walked up to the gate agent.
" Yuck this lady smells like Carls mom too" Sheen spoke a bit too loudly which earned him a scorn from Libby as they proceeded to scan their tickets.
"Sheen if you're going to insult people at least try not to be so loud about it." Sheen could only smile saying something along the lines of "It comes with the package babe."
"Would you stop fidgeting, around and sit still" Libby was growing impatient.
"Why do I have to sit in the damn middle. I hate the middle" Sheen tried to get comfortable but couldn't.
"Maybe because your ticket says so?
"No, your ticket said middle, you just wanted the window seat for yourself"
"It's better this way ,what if I sat next to some creep or pervert in a Santa hat, would you like that?" Sheen could only huff in response , hopefully some babe would take the seat next to him, yeah that'll show her"
"Where the hell is row 36" someone roared , the man made it to Libby and Sheens row, he stood at least six foot six, covered in tattoos,wearing sunglasses, and reeking of smoke, typical biker. Libby could only laugh at the look on Sheen's face.
"The names Buck , looks like we're plane partners today boy" He directed to a terrified Sheen, who turned to Libby.
"Uhh babe, this guy smell a lot more like Carls mom than the gate agent" Libby laughed even harder.
The intercom went on and a groggy annoyed voice spoke, " Good morning , evening, night ,whatever the hell it is. This is your underpaid and sleep deprived captain speaking. We'll be ready for takeoff soon so if everyone could find their damn seat and buckle up, and try to enjoy the flight on this cheapass underpaying….." The intercom cut off.
"Talk about charming"
A few moments later the plane took off.
"I'm so thirsty, oh here comes a flight attendant. How's your boy Buck" Libby asked Sheen who pointed at him, they were an hour into the flight and Buck was fast asleep, snoring, Sheen hoped he'd stay that way the entire flight.
"Would anyone like a beverage?"
"Orange juice please" Libby answered kindly.
"What kind of beer do you-" Before Sheen could finish his sentence Buck awoke gasping for what seemed to be his last breath, scaring half the plane.
"Did someone say beer, whadda y'all have?" Buck turned to the flight attendant, who proceeded to name off all the beers they have which was surprisingly a lot. "We have Texas pale ale…." She said lastly.
"I love Texas pale ale , it reminds me of home" Both Sheen and Buck said in perfect union. They turned to each other in awe. In that moment a friendship was made. The next hour of flight consisted of Sheen and Buck getting to know each other. Buck was apparently a school teacher during the day and a bouncer by night. He told Sheen that if he ever needed protection to call him up. To which Sheen responded by saying if his car ever needed repairs to come to his shop, he'd fix it free of charge.
Libby could only look on smiling, turns out Buck was in town to visit his Uncle Captain Betty. What a small world , Sheen loved Captain Betty. Libby thought to herself, sure Sheen wasn't as smart as Jimmy ,or as generous and caring as Carl, but he had the ability to befriend anyone he wanted to, and that was truly one of a kind.
Location Retroville International Airport. Time 12:20 PM
"Home sweet home" The nostalgia was basically punching Jimmy in the face, he looked over to Cindy, how was she even able to walk, she had to of finished close to 2 bottles of wine at least. " You okay?" he asked.
"Please I didn't even drink that much" Cindy giggled, she was feeling fantastic, despite going through most of the airplanes wine and just waking up from a nap she was perfectly able to function. It was good to be home.
Jimmy laughed to himself. "Carl said to meet us at lot A, closest to the parking lot. Ttext Libby and tell her to meet us at Lot B and we can walk down together"
Cindy pulled phone out "I'm on it chief". She texted libby , who immediately responded. Words couldn't' explain how happy she was too see her best friend.
Libby and Sheen were picking up their luggage when she received a text from Cindy.
"Yo Sheen, Cindy said to meet at Lot B, so we can walk up together and meet up with Carl." checking her phone and responding to her. Sheen was upset he didn't want to say goodbye to his new friend Buck.
"Take care Buck, and say hello to Captain Betty for me"
"Will do, brother, and take good care of your lady she's a keeper" This caused Libby to blush.
"You got it brother!." Sheen and Buck fist bumped
"Rock on" Slowly Buck walked away until his figure disappeared. " I'll never forget you Buck" Sheen stretched his arm out as if he was reaching out to his departing friend.
"Hey Sheen" a familiar voice called. Sheen looked to his left then right unaware of where the voice was coming from "SHEEN!" someone called out again.
"LIBBY!" "CINDY" "JIMMY" All four friends rushed rushed into each other, embracing each other like it was their last.
"Libs I missed you so much" Cindy was finally reunited with her best friend after months of being seperated.
"Cin I missed you too girl...girl you smell like Cabernet"
"Good to see you Jim, I missed you man. Sheen burped on Jimmy during their embrace.
"Likewise Sheen I missed yo….you smell like beer." He sniffed him again, yup, definitely beer.
"Oops" Cindy and Sheen said in union.
Libby and Jimmy embrace " Oh we missed you Jimmy" Libby said with sincerity
"I missed you guys too"
Cindy slapped Sheen's arm " Hey Sheen good to see ya" Cindy could feel the effect of the alcohol now.
"Wish I could say the same about" Sheen had mumbled hoping she wouldn't hear.
However she did. "Speak up"
"Nothing good to see you too" Cindy was so small compared to Sheens six foot one frame, but her intimidation and attitude could make even the biggest of men tremble.
The group made their way towards lot A where Carl was supposedly at discussing how their flights went.
"I made a friend but we got bumped down to economy"
"You're always making friends , but really? we got bumped up to first" Cindy responded.
"Don't be jealous." Sheen fired back, earning an eyeroll.
"I guess the only thing our flights had in common was that both our significant other got trashed" Libby turned to Jimmy. While Cindy and Sheen could only laugh.
Carl had told Jimmy that he'd be holding up airport pickup signs , but there was a rush of people around them making it hard to see. "It might be hard to find him, look for signs" Jimmy ordered the group.
"How hard can it be? Just look for a six foot ,slightly chubby as he likes to call himself, red haired guy" Sheen gave his input.
Libby squinted her eyes "I think I see him, yeah he's definitely holding something alright."
"What the hell does that say?" Cindy asked
One by one each friend read their respected pickup sign.
"Jimmy "The Brain" Neutron" Jimmy stated confidently.
"Cindy " Loudmouth" Vortex" she said offended.
"Libby "The Fuuuuunk" Folfax, she sang.
"Sheen "Loco" Estevez, he said using his accent.
The gang walked up to Carl greeting him.
" Cool signs Carl" Jimmy gave him a high five
" I am not a loudmouth," Cindy said a bit too loud in Carls ear causing passing people too look by.
"Oww Cindy you're going to give me an ear ache, oooh you smell like wine " Carl began sniffing her.
"Good you deserve it, and yes, yes I do" Cindy added proudly.
" Hey Carl , may the funk always be with you" Libby was more than amused.
"I'm only Loco for Libby so your sign is half right" Sheen gave Libby a quick wink. " It also feels great to be together again, GROUP HUG" Sheen shouted pulling everyone in. Normally Cindy would pass however this time was different. She'll let it slide, these guys were basically her best friends too.
"Come on let's get your bags in the SUV" pulling away from the hug and leading them to his car. " You guys must be exhausted." The gang put their bags in Carls car and were off.
"How was everyone's flight?" Carl asked.
"Great" They all said in union. Carl was happy that both pairs arrived at the same time, he wasn't great with number and would've definitely messed up the pick up hours if they didn't. No doubt it was the girls great planning, however he was grateful for all of them.
"By the way Carl, is this a new car?" Jimmy asked his best friend.
"Oh yeah baby, I call her bertha" He responded , rubbing his steering wheel with love. " Oh yeah Cindy" Cindy looked up ahead to Carl. "Before I forget, I was at Retro-Mart yesterday picking up cookies to bake. I overheard your mom say something about a "big move" and "Cindy". Those were the only words he had heard. "Just wanted to give you a heads up."
"Thanks Carl." Cindy was beyond confused, what could her mother of been talking about? Her interest grew.
"What she talking about" Libby asked
Cindy shrugged in response "No Idea, guess I'll find out soon though." Jimmy just brushed it off , probably nothing of importance he thought to himself.
Carl turned up the radio it was on the Christmas channel " Jingle bells jingle bells, jingle bell rock, jingle bells swing , and jingle bells ring, snowing and- " The music was abruptly stopped by Jimmy.
"Hey" Sheen cried out " Where's your Christmas spirit?"
Jimmy turned from his passenger seat to face Sheen , Libby and Cindy. " Bah humbug." before slowly turning back around to look at the road.
Sheen was disappointed " You think Cindy would be the grinch , but noooo"
"I happen to love Christmas, fyi" Cindy replied slightly annoyed she was sitting next to Sheen.
"I do too " Libby added.
"Same" Carl was the last to speak.
"Then it's settled then, we listen to CHRISTMAS MUSIC." Sheen reached over from his middle seat and turned the radio on max volume. " What a bright time, it's the right time, to rock the night away, the gang started singing and humming along. Except for Jimmy who looked back at Cindy watching her sing along, he smiled to himself and joined in. "That's the jingle bell, that's the jingle bell , that's the jingle bell rockkkkk!" They sounded terrible, but it was fun.
Carl had made it to their neighborhood parking at Jimmy's house. " Are you two sure you don't wanna come eat with us?" He asked Jimmy and Cindy who were taking their luggage out from his SUV. "This new buffet has all you can eat mini weenies!" he added in a last ditch attempt.
"Sorry Carl, I'm going to stay in with the parents tonight and catch up"
"Ditto, I know better than to miss out on mothers dinners" Cindy cringed remembering the last time she ditched dinner.
"Suit yourselves then!" Carl put his car in reverse and began to pull out slowly, driving cautiously was his style.
"Bye Cindy! Libby spoke up. "I'll text you girl. " She waved as Carl drove away.
Jimmy walked up to Cindy "I'll see you tomorrow?" he asked his girlfriend.
Cindy got on her tippy toes and gave him a quick kiss "Only if you're lucky" Cindy then headed off into her home across the street. Jimmy watched her until she entered her home. " I sure am lucky" he whispered to himself.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home" Jimmy entered his home everything was completely dark and silent, he wandered around cautiously.
" Welcome HOME JIMBO" Hugh Neutron appeared from out of nowhere
"AHH dad" Jimmy nearly had a heart attack, what the hell was his father thinking.
"Whoops, sorry. Didn't mean to scare you" Hugh pulled in Jimmy for a hug which hehesitantly accepted.
" Welcome home."
"Thanks, where's mom? and why is it dark and silent in here like a horror movie? Jimmy was beyond confused.
"Your mother went to the store about an hour ago, and I am currently meditating" Hugh gave Jimmy his best pose.
Jimmy didn't even want to ask why, instead he took off to his room upstairs yawning again, yup he was definitely sleep deprived. " Hey dad, when mom gets home tell her to come to my room, and please turn on a light before someone breaks a bone"
"Will do Jimbo" Hugh returned back to his meditation.
Jimmys room had gone through many changes over the years, gone were all the toys, his inventions however were moved to his new lab in California. His bed remained the same, it was super comfortable, why the hell would he get rid of it? He sat on his bed eventually laying down and closing his eyes falling asleep.
"Knock knock" Jimmy awoke hearing a fvoice at his door. "Jimmy can I come in?" It was his mother oh was he glad to see her again.
Judy walked in and immediately embraced her son, "How was the flight and how's Cindy?" she asked.
He laughed "Well your son Jimmy is fine, as for Cindy she's great ,she got drunk on the flight and took a nap so that's how the flight went"
" Something about that girl that I love, she has such fire and passion in her, and we share the same love for wine. Is she joining us for dinner tonight?"
Jimmy smiled at his mother's comment. " No she isn't unfortunately. Her mom made dinner tonight for her so she's staying in" There was a slight disappointed tone in Jimmys voice
I love her mom, I'm glad we're here together"
"Well honey if you really did love her then why haven't you put a ring on it? She responded quickly.
Jimmy stared at his mother for a second almost shocked by her vocabulary.
"Mom I hardly think…CRASH" Jimmy started up before a loud noise outside interrupted their conversation. " That must me Goddard" he said to his mother
"Goddard what did I tell you about going into top speed mode" He scolded his mechanic canine, his parents in tow. " Bark bark" was all Goddard had to say for himself.
"Where was he?" Judy asked wondering why she hadn't seen Goddard when she arrived home earlier.
"Back in California , waiting on my last invention aka gift."
"Is it for me!" Hugh asked half excited. Jimmy just nodded his head "no, sorry."
"DING" "Dinner is ready" Judy walked back into the house. " Oooo I hope it's pie" Hugh followed her in.
"Did you bring what I asked for boy"
"Bark bark" Goddard handed him a small black box. Jimmy proceeded to take it out , and raise the gift under the light. " I hope she likes it boy, I really do. Jimmy smiled and headed back into his house, goddard following closely behind.
"Hello" Cindy called out walking into her house, the TV was on but no one in sight. She missed the old days where she'd come home from school and be greeted by a bunch of wet kisses from Humphrey, he sadly passed away a few years ago.
"Hellooooo" She called again, "what the hell is going on" her parents knew she was coming home at this hour.
"Hey princess" Cindy jumped from being sneaked up on.
"Jesus Christ dad, you're lucky I didn't kick your head off" Cindy said. trying to regain her composure.
"That would have made for an interesting present" Mr. Vortex pulled his daughter in for a hug. " I missed you honey" Cindy embraced him back happily.
"I missed you too dad" Cindy looked up to her father.
"Judging by how much you reek of alcohol, I'd say you had a pretty good flight " Mr. Vortex said high fiving his daughter. Cindy loved her dad he was also so carefree and understanding with her.
"Where's mom" Cindy had to ask.
"Upstairs on the phone with , no idea what for though" Cindy nodded
"Okay , well I'm going to go upstairs and sleep off this buzz before dinner, you know how mom gets" Her dad nodded in approval.
"Oh boy do I, there's also a game on tonight, let's say we watch it together?" Cindy nodded her head in approval smiling at her dad. She headed on upstairs as silently as she could trying her best to avoid her mother.
"CYNTHIA" her mothers voice roared. Damn it, so close yet so far. Well at least now she could deal with her mother sooner rather than later. Cindy opened the door to her mothers bedroom revealing Mrs. Vortex.
"Cindy darling how are you" Mrs. Vortex had just hung up the phone, but still had it up to her ear.
Cindy looked up, " I'm great just a bit sleepy from the flight"
"Oh darling , sleep is for the weak" Mrs. Vortex said without a doubt in her mind. Cindy was still feeling a bit tipsy, "This lady is crazy" she thought to herself. Of course Cindy would never say that to her mother, or would she?
"Cynthia!" her mother called, knocking Cindy out of her trance like state. " What's the matter with you? And why am I getting the essence of cheap wine?" She said sniffing the air.
"Oh, that I can explain-" Cindy started up, but was hushed by her mother.
"No need, just freshen up for dinner I made your Holiday favorite, Liver and onions" she spoke as if it were a fact.
" Eww that sounds disgust…" Her mother gave her a glare. " Absolutely yummy" she quickly corrected herself.
"Indeed , now excuse yourself, I have to make another phone call, oh and welcome home" Cindy exited her mothers room, and entered her own , boy was she glad that was over. Cindy plumped down on her bed. Her room had stayed the same for the most part, same pink walls, just with more modern technology and band posters. She loved being home, so many adventures and memories.
"This house is where it all started" she said to herself , he phone lit up, text from Jimmy.
"Sheen wants to go out for drinks tomorrow, you in?" Winky emoji" she read and responded. "Ohhh you bet I am." Cindy laid her phone down on her drawer and got up searching for something in her closet.
"Come on, where is it " she questioned until she came upon a pink and white shoe box. " Here it is" Cindy smiled and opened it up finding her diary and a small black ring box. She opened it and upon seeing it her heart immediately warmed up.
It was the pearl Jimmy had given to her more than a decade ago, she kept it in Retroville at all times. The reason being is because home is where the heart is ,and her heart consisted of the pearl, Retroville and Jimmy.