[*Following day*]

Libby Folfax was running up the stairs of her best friend's home, holding what appears to be a vinyl record. She was bursting in urge to share the important news. Well, news only important to her. Making a left turn, she reached Cindy's room.

"Cindy! Girl, you won't believe what happened to me today! My cousin's friend's brother knew a guy who was once a manager to a hit 80s' RnB band, otherwise known as the PYTs, and guess what, they managed to get me a copy of their original recorded album, ON VINYL RECORD! You won't believe how much blood and sweat it took to get-"

Before Libby could finish, a piece of cloth hit her face. Cindy has turned her own bedroom topsy turvy. Toys were rearranged, clothes scattered around everywhere, makeup sets piled up and disorganized. Outfits of different colors flew around the room, out of the dresser. She appeared to be wearing a blue and purple ripple blouse. From the looks of it, Cindy may have news more important than hers.

"Cindy, may I ask?"
"Shoot!"
"What are you doin'?"
"Trying to look for something fab to wear!"
"What about that cute blouse on you? Isn't that good enough?"
"I know, it's pretty, but I want to look BETTER!"
"Why do you care so much about how you look? Don't tell me it's about Jimmy."

Cindy stopped what she was doing at that moment.

"If I tell you, it wouldn't be a secret."
"Well, I know I shouldn't be poking at anybody's business, so I guess I'll be leavi-"
"But I'll tell you anyways! Girl to girl talk!"

Grabbing Libby by the hand, she helped her to a seat on the messy bed, with the clothes supporting as a cushion.

"Libby... Dear friend Libby... Me and Jimmy have been going out for a long, long time. What started out as rivalry and hatred, slowly evolved into something new. We have bonded throughout many courses of adventures, including during our social lives. I've come to realize how much Jimmy means to me, more than any boy in my life. Nick is good looks and all, but he sure lacks some brains and courage. Jimmy, he's much different. He's so sweet, and sensitive. No one has showed me any passion so pure. He'll go out of his way just to keep me out of harm, no matter how the going gets rough. Not to mention, we make a good team together. The whole world would've gone to the pits if not for our collaborating intelligence. ...s. I don't know if you notice, but I think I'm in love."

Some of the things Cindy said would be considered bull by Libby. "He'll go out of the way just to keep me out of harm." He pretty much does so with all his friends, so what makes Cindy think she's so special? "The world would've gone to the pits if not for us." In a manner of speaking, at times, they'd make it worse. Overall, Jimmy and Cindy are growing closer to one another. Their relationship isn't really perfect, to be exact. Whenever Jimmy is slightly late to a date, or if he's not giving Cindy the attention she craves, she would then scold him. Hell, Cindy wouldn't even allow him to talk to any girl prettier than her. Sometimes, she'd pretend to have no money just so Jimmy would help pay for her, because that's what gentlemen are suppose to do. They're still at it with their arguing, continuing to wage brain power, and Cindy can get a little violent when angered. But aside from their flaws, the two are getting along good. Cindy does have a tendency of showing she cares, and Jimmy's not afraid to hold hands with her in public anymore. They are not even afraid to display their affection in front of their own friends. That's all the pros Libby could think of out of her head.

"Why am I not surprised?"
"As a matter of fact, I think Jimmy's starting to feel the same way, too."
"Huh?"
"This afternoon, Jimmy emailed me to come meet him at Paste Pot's Pizza Palace for an important meeting! You know what this means, Libby? He's gonna pop the question!"
"Say what?! Aren't you too young for that?"
"I mean ask me to be his girlfriend! Finally! OH MY GOODNESS, I CAN'T CONTAIN MYSELF!"
"Calm down, Cindy! Calm down! It happens to everyone!"
"I can't help it! This has got to be one of the most happiest days of my life! I feel like a princess reaching closer to a happy ending! OH, LOOK AT THE TIME! Why did you hold me back?!"

She grabbed her purse, which Humphrey had been taking a nap on, then dashed out the room within a second, just before Libby could say anything else.

"I hope she isn't like this 10 years from now."

...

Cindy walked through the door of the pizzeria, eyes scanning the room for her lover. Families were dining, and so were some happy couples. Seeing all their smiles gave Cindy the idea why Jimmy chose this place for a proposal. Although, she prefers it'd be done in a place more fancy or formal, instead of a greasy eatery. But, since Jimmy already had this plan reserved, might as well play along with it. She then spotted Jimmy afar by his tall, shiny brown hair, which always stuck out like a sore thumb. He looked like he was about to break into jitters. Must be the feel of butterflies in his stomach. It's completely normal, Cindy understands. Boy, he looked so adorable right now. She walked over to the table, in a fashionable ladylike style to make herself appear more attractive to him. So far, she won the hearts of a few young boys. Jimmy didn't even notice her coming his way, since he was distracted by the reflection on his drink. He then stopped looking at the glass as the sound of throat-clearing got his attention.

"CINDY! Sorry, I didn't notice you there."
"It's okay, honey-bear. No need to apologize. What matters is that I'm here. Now, how about we get down to the nitty gritty, shall we?"

It's obvious Cindy came here for the news Jimmy emailed her about. And judging by her expression, she probably knows this whole idea is based around them, and their relationship. She leaned in forward across the table, batting her eyelashes in a flirty gesture. Jimmy became flustered by Cindy's pass, but his red cheeks were merely out of intimidation. Cindy mistook it as a sign of affection. She looked really pretty today, but Jimmy could only look through her beauty with his bashfulness blinding him. Then, she was starting to loose patience, much to the genius's dismay. Cindy can grow a bit of a temper when you keep her waiting. Right before Jimmy could utter a word, their pizza arrived to the table. Jimmy dared not to make eye contact with the waitress, or Cindy will get into a pissy fit with him for looking at another attractive broad.

"Well, I'm vanished! Is it okay we discuss the matter after we eat? Can't think straight on an empty stomach!"
"... Sure. Whatever."

However, Jimmy forgotten how aggravated Cindy can be. People know better not to leave her hanging. If Jimmy isn't gonna break it to her unless they're finished eating, that's a challenge she's willing to take. As the boy was about to help himself to a slice, Cindy grabbed the entire pie, folded it, then scarfed it down like a garbage disposal. Shocked, Jimmy never knew she possessed this sort of talent. It was impressive, yet embarrassing at the same time. Everyone began to stare, even the employees. Just goes to show you that Cindy will undertake any amount of challenges just to get what she wants. With nothing left on the plate, she washed the pizza down with a gulp from her purple flurp. She didn't seemed dizzy, or full at all. She wasn't gonna regurgitate anytime soon, either.

"OKAY. We're finished eating now! Now gimme the scoop! Uhh, please, I mean."

Jimmy hesitated for a short moment, just to take a deep breath. This isn't gonna end unless he tells her. He might as well give her what she came for.

"Cindy, it has been months now. I feel like we're getting more closer than ever. Wow. A few more months, and we can make it a year. As you may recall, I transmitted you for an appointment here just to talk about us. You, me, and our communion. I don't know how to put it out, though. This atmosphere is making me irritable. All in all, I'm a little mortified, additionally."
"Its okay, baby. It happens to everyone. You don't have to be afraid."

The poor genius was nervous. Cindy could only divide it in two ways. One, he's scared he might be rejected. Or two, if she says "yes," this may change his life forever. They are this close to becoming an official couple. It may be a little too early to think of this, but Cindy just imagined what their wedding would be like. All their friends and family would attend, with a cake 12 tiers long. She'd wear the most beautiful white gown to knock all the girls off their feet. Picture their children. She would like to have at least 18, with majority of them being girls. She'll remain by his side as they both age, hair starts to turn gray, and they're sitting in rocking chairs. What she'd want for them is to be the happiest couple in Retroville.

"I think we should dismiss all this romantic livelihood."

Cindy shattered the glass she had been clutching in her hand.

"Um, Jimmy dear, could you translate that for me?"
"I don't think I wanna keep on."
"With...?"
"...with this relationship."
"It's the pizza thing, isn't it? I'm so sorry you had to witness that! It'll never happen again, I swear of it!"
"No no no, it's not that! It's about us in general."

Cindy could hear her own heart splitting in two.

"Don't take it personal, Cindy. What I'm trying to clarify is, I care about you very much, but what we have isn't healthy. Sometimes I can't rely on you for trust, you have a temper problem, you tend to get physical based on your mood, your jealousy is keeping me from socializing with any female you feel threatened by, and may I bring up our arguing?"
"I-... I only hit you as a way of showing I care! Don't you see it?! And what's wrong with arguing? Every couple does it once in a while!"
"You're positive on that one. But for us, we argue way too often. Not even middle aged couples could keep up with us."
"And how dare you accuse me of not being trustworthy! Are you saying you don't trust me at all?!"
"On certain grounds, yes. For example, you almost betrayed your own friends all because my formal enemy promised to make you the richest girl on Earth. And there was that time I asked you to set my rocket on autopilot, but you went ahead and piloted it yourself, despite having zero experiences!"
"You know what I think? You're just being selfish right now."
"Cindy, this isn't just for me, it's for you too. Aside from the borderline abuse, we are still obsessed with surpassing one another. Anything related to science, we are bound to compete for it. We can't even admit to each other that one of us are better at some things. You may think our relationship is all hugs and kisses, when in reality, it's based off of competition. Would you wanna remain with a man getting in the way of your goals? Like I said, what we have is unhealthy. We've both had a fair share of sweet times, but it can't erase what we've been through. Who knows if it'll continue like this. We deserve more than each other. Also, we rarely agree on anything, or have anything in common whatsoever. We're solely just opposite gendered counterparts. Let's face it, our personalities just don't balance well together."

Silence took place. The reaction may be too much for her, but Jimmy was only doing what was best for them, and possibly the sake of their future. Speaking of future, "You just reminded me that my life is awful." Sure, that was only the tampered future, but it may be possible to happen in the real thing. His friendship with Carl and Sheen didn't seem any different in that future. In fact, they were still the same loving three amigops. It's likely for Cindy to grow up into that same obnoxious diva who acted like she had control over him. Their relationship is way too dysfunctional. What starts out as only borderline abuse will eventually lead to real abuse. Jimmy's no better in the relationship as well. He's always putting Cindy down whenever she does bring up a good point, and he will never admit to her achievements. Both of them are obsessed with topping each other.

"What do you say, Cindy? Back to our usual lives?"

...

[*The Neutron household*]

Carl was practicing magic in the living room, tapping his wand on the edge of his hat. Sheen accompanied as his solo audience.

"Splunk glunk, flibble flubble!"

Carl looked into the hat, and to his disappointment, was still empty. Sheen applauded, as if that were part of the act.

"Sheen! That's not how it was planned!"
"I'm just trying to be supportive! Sheesh!"
"The bunny still hasn't come out yet. I think maybe I've lost them. Gee, it's been an hour already. I didn't even get the chance to name them, or figure out their gender yet. How does something so small and cute get lost in such tiny space?"
"It's quite obvious!"
"Really?"
"Of course! Everyone knows you can tell which gender the animal is by *Whispers into Carl's ear*"
"I meant how do you loose a tiny critter so easily inside something like this hat?! And... Is that how you really identify an animal's gender?"
"Yup."
"Ohhhhhhhh."

Not very long ago, ever since Jimmy put on a magic show to entertain his fellow peers, mostly just to impress Betty Quinlan, Carl had been inspired to try his own magic, but using the power of wits. Besides, Spamdini's Magical Kit was proven to be a ripoff anyways. Best trying his own magic instead. He purchased a hat, wand, and cape from a local novelty store. He borrowed a tutorial magician book from the library just to learn a few hacks. He even bought his own bunny rabbit for the job. This was a new life goal for him. He wanted to be a someone for once, not just some socially awkward allergy boy who's obsessed with llamas. His llama loving days are over. It's time for a brand new Carl, one people will actually pay respect to. And, there's another explanation behind this: A week back, he overheard that Judy was a big fan of magic. Sheen doesn't know that, neither does Jimmy.

"Okay, lets give it one more go."
"Carl, I'm no expert, but I think you should try saying 'abracadabra.'"
"'Abracadabra.'" OF COURSE! Why didn't I think of that?"

Before Carl tapped on his hat again, and say the words that go with it, Jimmy entered through the front door, which caught the two friends' attention. He was covered in bandages, his shirt and pants were torn, his hair was out of shape, and he was left with a right broken leg. He walked all the way home on crutches. Jimmy looked like he got into a fight with three Terry Finsters. Carl and Sheen assisted him inside.

"Cindy didn't take it so well, did she?" Asked Sheen.
"No. To be frank, it actually turned out how I expected it to be. She understood greatly, and now we're in good hands! Unfortunately, in my mere excitement, I didn't take any precaution when crossing the street. Then, right there, I got hit by a car."
"*Phew* Thank Ultralord! For a moment there, I thought you made Cindy mad. Looks like I won't have to beg my dad to move!"
"OF COURSE SHE DIDN'T TAKE IT SO WELL!"

Scared, Carl and Sheen let go of their injured friend, dropping him, then held onto each other in their arms. Cindy was a force you can't recon with, and the two know better than to cross her path. If she's angry at Jimmy, good chance she'll take it out on his best friends, too. Now that Jimmy has broken her heart, Carl and Sheen knows this means serious business. They've encountered an angry Cindy lots of times, and it's not pretty. With Jimmy still on the floor, Goddard helped him up instead.

"Jimmy, I hope this isn't too much to ask, but could you lend us one of your inventions? Like, I don't know, your freeze ray, or your heat vision goggles? Or anything I don't care if it looks stupid but it'll save our butts anyways?" Spoke Sheen.
"That's a negatory! Like I'd even trust someone like you to take possession over some advanced gadgetry. Besides, it's only me she's mad at, not you guys. And let me tell you something: I don't really care. She can be mad all she wants. I'm not gonna back down just because of how she's feeling. I made my decision, and it's my life. That's the way human nature cycles. Cindy is just gonna have to open her eyes, and see that real life isn't just some badly written romcom. We can't always have what we want. She'll get over it in the meantime."

Jimmy can be very blunt sometimes, but he's strong. The best way to avoid someone's feelings is to just steer clear from them. Only the weak give in. I'm not wrong, Jimmy thought, she is. And if she's smart as she says she is, she'll move on like any other sane individual. Carl and Sheen say otherwise.

"Hey Jimmy, how 'bout a magic trick to cheer you up? I've been practicing this all morning." Said Carl.
"You haven't even found the rabbit yet." Butted Sheen.
"Shhhhhhh."
"Maybe later. I need some rest." Replied Jimmy, as he limped upstairs.

...

For a whole week, Cindy has been making Jimmy's life a living hell. The day after their breakup, Cindy trashed his lab; by smashing heavy machinery, shattering beakers and test tubes, and spraying graffiti, in form of the word "PIG", on his main computer's monitor. It was easy to access inside. All she had to do was harass Carl for a hair sample, since he holds a bag of Jimmy's hair with him. Day after that, she ratted one of Jimmy's personal secrets, which he shared with her from when they were still dating, to her classmates. What was that secret? We may never know. All throughout the remaining week, she treated him badly. Whenever he's about to sit down in class, she pulls out his chair. Every time he walks by, she'd trip him over. One time, a bunch of young girls gathered into a mob, then beat him senseless for breaking Cindy's heart without regret. It seems this won't stop until her thirst for revenge is quenched.

It was time he'd rest this case once and for all. Someone oughta put Cindy in her place. Saturday afternoon, after locating her location, he paid a visit to the Candy Bar. Cindy sat at a table, accompanied by Libby, with seven sundaes in front of her. Having to deal with sorrow, she could only eat away the pain, while crying. Libby supplied her with a box of tissues.

"Slow down, will ya, hun? You're gonna get a brainfreeze." said Libby.

Jimmy walked straight forward to that table, with a game face on. Cindy stopped eating after she caught sight of him. Both of them stared at each other, for what seemed like a couple minutes. Libby, without having Cindy notice, signaled Jimmy through body language. She was trying to tell him to leave, it's not worth it. Libby is quite apprehensive on Cindy's immature actions, and believes the cause of them is merely based off a misjudgment. She was on Jimmy's side, but Cindy should never know, because otherwise she'd allege her for disowning their friendship. It's likely to happen, since she's taking this breakup thing way too seriously. After receiving Libby's warning, Jimmy only declined it.

"You have every nerve showing your face in front of mine!" Cindy was the first to speak.
"Cindy, I'm here to make a commitment with you."
"Haven't you made me suffer enough, Neutron?!"
"You need to forget about this whole thing. It's not making you feel any better. You can't stay mad for the rest of your life."
"I CAN, AND I WILL!"
"Okay, now you're just overreacting."
"EXCUSE ME?!"
"I told you, I did this for us! Me and you were unhealthy together! Most of what we did was argue, compete, and degrade each other! Aren't you ever tired of all the fighting? And when we are happy together, you won't let me please you on my own terms. Attention is earned, you know."
"FOR US?! We were meant to be! Look at what we've been through, and the sacrifices we made! I've been next to you as much as your two Stooges have! You would've have stayed a hulking oompa loompa if not for me! Did you really decide it was time for us to split cuz you were embarrassed to be with me?! You always take pride in your work, reaching out for that number one! Even while we were dating at that time, you still couldn't stand seeing me ahead of you! Is that it, Neutron? You don't want me cuz I'm not good enough for you, and you feel you're smarter than me?!"
"Even though that fact is valid, that's not the point!"

Jimmy admitted; He thinks he's smarter than her. Hearing that come out of his mouth made Cindy believe her side of the argument was true. She was much more angrier at him than before. She balled up her fist. Swinging a blow, she gave Jimmy a punch in the gut. She hit him so hard, she flung him out of the two doors, sending him flying to whoever knows where. Jimmy didn't even get the chance to explain more. Well, it's not like Cindy would've listened, anyways. After that commotion, Libby provided her with some comfort.

"Ya know, Cindy, as much as I agree with you, and what Jimmy did was unforgivable, but he's right on one part: You'll have to get over it. Just look at you!"
"I can't seem to get over it! You wouldn't understand. I've always looked at me and Jimmy as a perfect pair, only for him to have it all thrown away. Months of tender loving care put to waste. This aching won't stop until he feels the pain I'm enduring!"
"Vandalizing his lab, letting out his secret, sending an angry mob on him, etc., aren't you even satisfied?"
"It's not enough, Libby. Somehow, all of those weren't really what I've been looking for. I wanna hurt him good, send him crawling on his knees. None of those felt like punishments, just child's play."
"(That is one thirsty chick.)"
"So far, I've run out of ideas. Do you have any suggestions, Libs?"

As if on cue, Nick Dean entered the Candy Bar. Cindy began to set a gaze on him, trailing her eyes all over him as she watched him walked forward. He passed their table and headed up to the counter, his usual seat. Of course, Cindy exclaimed, jealousy is the perfect revenge! Just the remedy she needs. Nick was her first crush, back when she and Jimmy were still rivals. She was always fascinated with him for his distinctive qualities; Tall, perfect hair, warm scent, carefree attitude, dresses nice, and everything else that Jimmy lacked. Nick is the most popular guy in school, and he was a must-have to all the girls. Dating him would possibly be the biggest F-U to her ex. She'll have Jimmy begging her to take him back. It's time to give Neutron a taste of his own medicine.

"Wish me luck, Libby!"
"Wait, what are you doing?"
"Watch me!"

She strutted her way over to the counter, looking her most sultry. Nick ordered himself a large root beer float, slurping it through a bendy straw. Cindy, now sitting right next to him, introduced herself with a simple "Hi!" The surprise made Nick choke on his drink, but he still managed to swallow afterwards. He was now face to face with her.

"Hey, Cindy. Can I help you with anything?"
"Yes! You know recently me and Jimmy had eventually split our ways, so that means I'm a free bird once again!"
"Good for you."
"I was wondering, Nick. Do you have any plans this week?"
"Not much I even care about. Why do you ask?"
"Well, how would you like to-"
"Wait a minute. You're asking me on a date, aren't you?"
"Why, yes! Yes I am! You have just been asked by a smart and pretty girl! We could visit a concert, eat out at Paste Pot's Pizza Palace, and maybe sneak into a PG-13 movie!"
"No."
"No one's gonna catch us."
"I mean, 'no.' I'm not interested. Sorry."
"But... I'll pay for it all, if you like!"
"Money is the least of my problems."
"I'll do your homework!"
"Already got some geeks on board for that."
"I- I know how to access Neutron's lab!"
"Listen, Cindy: You're a good girl, but I'm afraid you're not my type. You're too smart for me. Plus, isn't it a little too insensitive to date another person after you've just broken up with someone?"

Cindy felt her heart drop to her stomach. She got dumped by two men. How embarrassing. Angered, she stormed out of the Candy Bar.

"UGHHHHHHHHH! MEN ARE SUCH PIGS!"

As soon as Cindy left, Sheen popped up from under the table where Libby sat. He wrapped an arm around the confused girl, speaking sweetly to her.

"I thought she'd never leave."
"Sheen, go home."
"Okay."

And so Sheen did. Nick, on the other hand, was still slurping from his throat. He thought about Cindy. She was upset, but Nick didn't care. He thought Jimmy did make the right choice, knowing how their relationship didn't function properly. Nick didn't reject Cindy because she was too smart, but because she was a girl. Boys are his main preference, though nobody knows that. Cindy's no longer in the way, but that doesn't mean Nick will make his move at that opportunity. For all he knows, Jimmy could end up with a new girl. He's still weighed down over for the conscience of his sexuality. Single or not, Jimmy must be straight anyways.