Nothing is happening right now in the town of Bootsville except with a massive amount of heavy rain coming down hard. Power was still on as Coop Burtonburger was caring less about it. Somehow, he doubt that video games were on his mind right now; only the important things were. Coop was looking out the side window and saw nothing but the balcony room outside of Old Lady Munson's.

He sighed deeply to not see his crush inside the room: Fiona Munson. Coop was feeling sad for the moment to why Fiona wasn't her normal self this past week. He was wishing he may know if it has something to do with her great aunt. Still, he didn't want anything to happen to her. After all the times they helped each other out, he considered her precious to him. Coop then lost track of his own thoughts as he felt something on his shoulders.

"Hey there, sport!" It was his dad, Burt Burtonburger, and he noticed that was not doing anything for fun. "What's wrong? Heck, you never act this way when you and Mr. Kat fight all the time."

"Oh, it's not that." Coop said in a quiet voice. "It's just… I'm just wondering what's up with Fiona this week. She hasn't said much to me in three days, barely played anything, and she never hung out with me and Dennis."

"Hmm, that is strange." Burt answered. "Come to think of it, Old Lady Munson never once watched over her garden gnomes or sit to knit outside her front porch."

"Yeah, but I'll bet she has nothing to do but watch television. But the only thing I'm worried about is Fiona. I just don't want anything to happen to her. I mean, she's always a nice and fun person to hang out with all the time. She never acts like this before and I'm not there to try and help her. Even after saying some things at me…" Coop said sincerely in his voice.

Burt was surprised by this reaction that maybe his son cared for the girl than just a friend. Ever since they met, Coop felt head-over-heels for the girl and he knows that there was a spark between them. Coop's dad did nothing but smiled.

"You know, son?" he spoke to his son.

"Yeah, Dad?" Coop asked.

"I've felt the same way when I met your mom. For some reason, you and Fiona never stop being there for each other as friends." Burt commented.

Coop blushes a little and realizes what his dad was talking about. "W-well… It's just that-"

"Coop. We're guys here. It's not ashamed to be embarrassed about which girl you like. What matters is that you have a best female friend like Fiona. And besides, one day you may tell her how you feel." Burt explains.

Coop smiled about it and thinks his dad may be right about it. Burt then got up before he said more as he head upstairs. "Hey, Dad?"

His dad stopped halfway up when he heard his son. "Yes, Coop?"

"Thanks." Coop said with a smile. His dad nodded and went upstairs. It was a good thing Millie left for a party with Kat because it would be complicated if it was to have no quiet night. Coop began to look out the window and look at the rain outside.

It was getting late as Coop was yawning. It's been two hours since he kept looking out the window and staring at the balcony. He didn't give a care in the world as he soon feels a little hungry. He decided to head inside the kitchen to grab a little snack. Coop was halfway there until he heard a knock on the door. Strangely enough, it was only 9:00 PM and there was no way that someone could visit this late. Or outside in the cold weather.

"Hey, Coop! Do you mind opening that? I'm in the middle of something!" Burt asked kindly.

"Sure thing, Dad!" Coop replied. He may think that Millie and Kat came back early. Coop just sighed and prepared for the worst as he opens the door. "Hey, Millie. Was the party that boring for you or-"

Coop then paused for a minute and heard some sobbing in front of him. He opened his eyes and couldn't believe who it was: Fiona! He wanted to say something, but he soon felt a pair of arms wrapped around his neck. He soon blushed red and didn't know what to do or say. But he then backed away slowly to notice that she was either crying or raindrops were falling on her.

"Coop… I-I'm s-sorry…" trembled Fiona.

"What's wrong? And for what, Fiona?" Coop asked carefully.

"Can I… come in?" Fiona asked while tears were going down fast.

"Fiona, you can come in any time you want. And you're soaked!" Coop quickly picked her up and laid her down on the sofa. Coop then head upstairs to find her a towel and find her some spare clothes he could pick up. And before he went down, Coop saw his dad and stopped for a moment.

"Coop, why are you walking with a towel and some clothes in your hands?" Burt asked.

"Because Fiona's here, she's crying, her whole clothes were wet, and I needed to see what's wrong." Coop said quickly.

"What? That can't be good. Lead the way, son!" Burt replied as they head downstairs.

The guys came down noticing that Fiona covered her face with her palms to hide the tears. It wasn't that hard to know about some crying sounds made. It broke Coop's heart in two to feel terrible for what happen to her. But what shocked him the most is that Fiona's arms and wrists were bright red.

"Dad, her arms are bruised!" Coop shouted.

"I'll get the medical kit!" dashed Burt as Coop went to Fiona's aide. He couldn't bear to watch as he came to sit by her. He soon wrapped his arms around her to make sure she feels safe. No matter how wet he may get, Coop will always be there.

"Coop," said Burt as he came back with some rubbing alcohol, "I couldn't find much, but this will do."

"Thanks, Dad, but where's the cloth?" Coop asked.

"I couldn't find one, but-" Burt stop there and saw his son tore a part of his shirt and use it as a cloth.

"I think this might work." Coop replied as he gave the cloth to his dad. Burt didn't know how much Coop cared for her in the generous ways.

"All right, son." Burt said as he looked at the crying Fiona. "Now, Fiona, I need you to place your arms down so I can ease the pain. Ok?"

Fiona didn't hesitate on that and place her arms down. She was still sobbing her heart out as Burt dabbed a little alcohol and began to rub her arms. "Hold on, it may sting a bit."

After gently rubbing the flesh wound, Fiona gasped sharply from feeling the burn. But Coop held on to her hand and making sure he's always there by her side. It was a good thing that Burt got those lessons from his daughter after having the same situation.

"There! All finished!" Burt said after wrapping some bandages on Fiona's arms. "So, you think you're feeling all better now?" But to Fiona's point of view, she was about to cry again.

"Fiona! Please don't cry. You're safe now; everything's all right." Coop said with care.

"So tell us: what happened to you?

"Yeah, we never saw you in this condition. You always be in a good mood." Burt replied to mention that.

Fiona then wiped her tears away and stopped crying for a minute. She then looks up to Coop and notice he's smiling with care. For what it's worth, Coop and his dad are OK in her book. "Look, I really do appreciate your hospitality, but I don't want you to think I'm a burden."

"Are you kidding? You're not a burden to the Burtonburgers. A friend of Coop's is like a family to… (shuddering) … Old Lady Munson's. You're one of us now." Burt said with secure.

Just hearing that made Fiona feels a little happier than she is before. At least she knows that Coop is lucky to have a family who cares. And it's a good thing that she has the chance to explain herself for why she ignored Coop and never have a chance to apologize to him for saying the worse things at him.

"Thank you, Mr. Burtonburger. And can I tell you something, guys?" Fiona said quietly.

"Sure thing, Fiona. And just call me 'Burt'." Coop's dad replied.
Fiona was still scared and nervous to tell them anything in front of them. Her body was either shivering to her wet clothes or scared to death. But it soon paused as Coop enclosed his hand to Fiona's and waited for her to take her time, followed by a towel to warm her up.

"Okay." Fiona said calmly, "There is a reason why I was not myself…"

[Flashback]

I was in my room the whole week just after things were getting worse for me. I was on sitting down with my legs covering my face while crying. My day was a wreck as I got a call from an old friend that there was a car accident and my mom was involved in. And it was tragic and told me she didn't made it. It hurts me so much that it happened. She was the only one there for me after the divorce. But then, my aunt came in.

"FIONA! Stop you're crying! Now get moving and clean out the rest of my bunions!" She just yelled and barely cared about my mom. "Hey! Are you listening?"

I was listening. I even tried telling her about what happened to my mom. "Please, I j-just want t-to b-be alone."

My aunt was mad at me and grabbed my arm very tightly. "Don't sass me, little Fiona! I don't know what's making you cry, but you better end this charade. Now do as I say and clean my bunions!"

I was crying, but mad about what she said doing some of the things she force me to do. "I don't know why you are even that cold! My mom just died three days ago without no one telling me!

"Well, then! I guess she shouldn't got in the car's way with her careful behavior. And trust me: Those neighbors of hers should mind their business."

After hearing that, it just struck me right there. Did she knew about it the whole time? "Y-You… knew about that? Why didn't you tell me? You could have-"

She stopped me there. "SHUT IT! As long as you live here, you're my responsibility now. And another thing: clean up that attitude! I knew something was up ever since you met that young Burtonburger! He is, and always will be, trouble! You have no right to-"

"NO!" I suddenly felt something that told me if I was doing the right thing. "You were wrong about the Burtonburgers! You are wrong about Coop! You blame him for many things he never thought of doing. He is kind, honest, and a sweet guy to never do anything to your stupid make-believe gnomes and your fence. I don't believe you were mean to him or his dad! Have a heart and be nice to them for a change like you were to Millie! Why won't you just-"

I paused it after auntie slapped my face. It hurts so much! I couldn't even bear the pain. My cheek was dark red and it stung me a bit. I just know I've said too much.

"You know what? You are in a world of trouble after that attitude! I forbid you to ever see that boy again! If you ever do, the worse your life will be. UNDERSTAND?"

I couldn't do anything but nod to her as she slammed the door. I cried miserably after what just happened to me. I couldn't even get the chance to tell you, your dad, or anyone.

And things were not the same when I saw you and Dennis playing basketball. I just came back to get some items that day and I didn't want this to start and I want this day to end.

"Hey, Fiona!" You called me and I stopped to hear you out. "Do you want to play basketball? We'll let you pick what team you'll be on." But you then ask about something with my cheeks. "Fiona! Your cheeks! What happened to you?"

"I-It's nothing." I lied to make sure you don't get in trouble with my aunt.

"But Fiona-" I stopped you there.

"Please, Coop. I'm going to be late right now." I was about to get angry when you stopped me with your hand.

"Wait! Just tell me what's-"

(SLAP!)

But what I did was unforgivable and heartless when I then slapped you across the face. I felt mad and I couldn't help it. Auntie just hurt me inside. I had to say something before my auntie hurts me worse. And I couldn't forgive myself for what I had said: "I SAID BACK OFF! IT'S NOTHING, OK? JUST LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU FREAK! WHY CAN'T YOU STOP CHASING A CAT YOU CAN'T PROVE NOTHING ABOUT! WHY CAN'T YOU BE NORMAL? I HATE YOU!"

I just ran inside and shut the door behind me. And before I knew it, I cried again for what I've done. And when I saw you through the window, I felt like I broke your heart. You cancel your game, I hurt your feelings, and made you cry. I didn't mean it. I should've taken it back. And for the whole week, I was pushed, insulted, forced to do her work and needs, and given less freedom. I escaped through the window and was scared to think you hate me because of what I said. It was the only place here and… I wanted to seek your forgiveness.

[End Flashback]

Fiona cried more and hoped Coop would understand it all. Burt was shocked to believe what has just happened to her from Old Lady Munson. He know she was mean, but never knew she was sick in her own attitude. And what was worse is that the poor girl's mom was killed in a car crash. It's like she's been through much this week. "P-Please, Coop. I'm s-sorry for h-hurting y-you! I d-didn't mean it. I was a complete jerk to you. Please forgive-"

Fiona soon stopped talking and felt a pair of arms around her waist. It was Coop who wanted to not hear more. His eyes were filled with tears that he understood it all: her words, her absence, and her action towards him. Old Lady Munson should have never treated her that way. She's just Fiona. He completely forgives her for what she did to him. It was never her fault; none of it was. As Coop pulled her back, he looks Fiona in the eyes. Burt decided to give them some space and head upstairs.

"Fiona… I forgive you." Coop said sincerely.

Fiona then sobbed more and Coop wanted to see if it wasn't truthful enough. He didn't mean to make her worse, but it changed as he saw a smile on her face. She just looks up and said only two words: "Thank you…"

They both hugged each other and smiled. They didn't care what happened to them, they just want to be back together again.

"Fiona, I would never hate you. I thought you really hated me before. I mean, I did gave up on fighting Kat ever since. I always do get carried away of proving it. Still, it would have been nice to try and be normal again. And it is true: I am a freak…" Coop said with sadness.

It all soon changed as Fiona tenderly kissed him on the cheek. Coop look up surprised and see Fiona smiling a little. "I think of you as my friend; not a freak. I was a wreck for a week. Also, I wanted you to know that I always care for you in every situation we are in. You stood up for me, and I will help you out like you did entirely for me."

Coop's heart was feeling with happiness and caring as he realized that Fiona is always by his side and be there for each other. But before he would say anything else, he still noticed that cheek was still red. So for something to heal that, Coop thought it might be embarrassing, but he had to. Coop plucked up some courage and quickly kissed her on the cheek. And when Fiona felt that, she giggled.

"It tickles." Fiona said quietly.

"Yeah, I-I w-wanted to make sure your cheek would feel better." Coop couldn't say more than that as his face lit up brightly. Fiona just smiled and took the spared clothing.
Coop changed into his sleeping pajamas and setting up the couch in the living room. He gave Fiona his room that he insisted on and she accepted it. Later on, his dad came down to see what's up.

"Say, Coop! It was very nice of you to let her have your room." Burt said.

"It's the least I do. She is my friend." Coop replied happily.

"Well I'm happy for you, son." Burt said. "Still, I never knew how much you cared for her. I mean, you and her are almost 'connected' of some sort."

Coop blushed for a moment and not realizing Fiona was hiding by the stairs. "Like I said: She is my friend. Fiona is awesome in every way I can describe her: smart, brave, kind, and beautiful. She's into guy stuff and rules the skate park. Even though she is related to Ms. Munson, I'll do anything to be by her side if anything goes down. And the craziest thing is: I was wishing we would be more than just friends.

Fiona smiled and blushed red after hearing this. But what she also thought of if Coop and her would end up together. She sighed quietly as Richard began to pat on his son's back.

"Well, it's up to you two to choose." Coop's dad said as he began to leave. "Good night, Coop."

"Good night, Dad!" Coop said as he prepared the sheets. But as his dad left, Fiona came down and talk for a little. "Say! Dig the new nightshirt."

Fiona blushes a little. "Thank you. Anyway, I just wanted you to wish you a goodnight sleep and thank you… for everything."

Coop rubbed his head and blushed red. "It's no problem. I just don't want to see you cry no more. I just want to see you smile again."

Fiona giggled and extended her hand. "Well… Good night, Coop."

"Yeah, you too." Coop agreed as they shook hands. Coop was about to let go, but felt Fiona's hand still closed.

Coop tried to pull away, but Fiona kept holding. And when he was about try again, Fiona surprised him and pulled him to her. And at that moment, she pressed her lips against his. Coop was shocked in many ways, but that didn't stop him from liking it. He kissed back and they pulled away. They each said nothing and had their faces turned red.

"Well… I-It was better than the first time I kissed you. I was worse back then." Coop said embarrassingly.

"I kind of… like this one more." Fiona said shyly.

"So… Does this make us a c-couple?" Coop asked as he then pulled out a ring; the same one he got from returning all the jewelry.

Fiona did nothing but let him slid the ring on her finger. It fits perfectly as they both hugged and looked at each other. "Yes, Coop. And I would love that." And with that, Coop and Fiona sealed it with a kiss.

Burt decided to go down and put his son's game console in the basement after playing it all night. But when he head down, he noticed two kids taking a nap. Burt thought they were in different rooms to sleep in. But instead, Fiona wanted to be with Coop after a tough week. Burt couldn't say much and be proud of his son. In his book, Coop Burtonburger became a man. He let them be and headed downstairs. But as he did, Coop and Fiona wrapped themselves in each other's arms and smiled together.

Fiona found her happiness again and Coop promise to never leave her. Never alone forever.

To Be Continued….