.
33%
As Phineas and Ferb continued to build, so did their reputation. Events such as their recent pillow-festival attracted groups so large it was hard to maneuver in their modest backyard.
"Excuse me, pardon me," Phineas slipped past adults and children alike as he made his way through the crowd, "Excus-whoa!"
He stopped as he collided face first with Isabella, who stared with red cheeks and wide eyes.
"Sorry!" He laughed, "That was close! We were only 33% away from kissing there!"
"Yeah." She seemed oddly sad, "Only 33%."
.
Dead Wrong
"Hey, bro? Got a minute?"
Ferb looked up from his book as Phineas sat on his bed. He blinked at him; it wasn't like Phineas to look so guilty.
"I need advice." He admitted, staring at his shoes instead of Ferb, "I think I made Isabella uncomfortable the other day. I sorta almost kissed her on accident. Think she's mad at me?"
Ferb gave a curt snort before shaking his head. Phineas looked up at him in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yes. Really." Ferb returned to his book.
.
Running Away
The temperature outside was scorching, but that didn't stop five crazy kids from running around the neighborhood with water-guns. It was ordinary, but sometimes those days were the best.
"Did we lose 'em?" Isabella panted, hiding behind the corner of her house with Phineas following.
"I think so." His whispering was horrible. Isabella nudged him.
"Hush, you'll give us away!"
Buford then rounded the corner, weapon aimed and ready, "Gotcha nerds!"
"Run!" Phineas and Isabella exclaimed in unison, laughing as they held hands and ran.
.
Judgment
The boys didn't get much girl-free time, so when a "guys night" was established, it was exciting.
Then they started talking.
"So hows your girlfriend, Phineas?" Buford laughed as Phineas did a spit-take of his soda.
"What do you mean?"
"Isabella, duh! Aren't you her boy-toy or somethin'?"
"No." Phineas shifted uncomfortably, the others staring, "I'm not anyone's 'toy'."
"Yeah, sure." Buford kept laughing.
Phineas avoided Isabella for the rest of the week.
.
Seeking Solace
"Phineas? Why are you in here?" Lawrence stared, his son sitting alone in the garage.
"No reason..." Phineas mumbled as his father joined him.
"Oh? Well, the garage is quite nice; not where I would spend my summer, mind you, but-"
"Dad." Phineas interjected,"Is it weird to be best-friends with a girl?"
"No. Why?"
"Buford said-"
"Phineas." Lawrenced smiled gently, "Only you can pick your friends. Not Buford."
That day Isabella received a plate of apology cookies, slightly burnt...but still sweet.
.
Excuses
Phineas awoke groggily; if he didn't know better he'd say there were rocks hitting his windo-oh wait.
He sat up and turned to look.
"Isabella?" He blinked down at his friend who was, apparently, up in the middle of the night to abuse his window.
"Phineas!" She whispered, "Come here!"
Careful not to wake Ferb, the boy crept out of the house, meeting Isabella on the front porch.
"What's going on?"
"Sneaking-out patch." She explained, grinning.
He grinned back, and took her offered hand.
.
Vengeance
The first year of teenage-hood was awkward for Phineas. He supposed everyone went through it, but the knowledge didn't help his painful growth spurts.
He went on with his projects regardless; today it was a gill-patch that allowed his friends to breath underwater; only Isabella's accidentally turned her into a fish. They had to keep her in a bucket of water until they were able to reverse the affect.
They succeeded; however Isabella was still soaked after turning human, making her clothes cling skin-tight...as did Phineas's pants.
Karma had an odd sense of revenge.
.
Love
School was back in session; it felt odd, but Phineas supposed summer couldn't last forever.
He spotted Isabella at her locker and grinned; time for fun.
"HI ISABELLA!" He laughed as she jumped, clearly startled by him.
"Oh-my-gosh Phineas, I love you!" Isabella blurted, ceasing Phineas's laughter. Though shocked, he couldn't help smiling.
"I've been trying forever to get rid of these hiccups! Thank you!"
"Oh." He felt his heart pounding, "You're welcome."
Scaring someone had never felt so rewarding.
.
Tears
Phineas was 15-years-old when Isabella got a boyfriend. He was good-looking with charm and a motorcycle; Phineas didn't trust him.
As it turned out, Phineas was right. Isabella sat in his bedroom, hugging his pillow and crying.
"It's not your fault!" He insisted, but it didn't help.
"He actually told me 'Either put out, or get out'." She sobbed, "I've never felt so stupid!"
"Isabella." He hugged her tight, "You're one of the smartest people I know."
.
My Inspiration
"Wooow ! This is amazing!" Isabella gawked at the fireworks above, spiraling vibrant and intricate designs. The city of Danville cheered in applause.
"Thanks!" Phineas beamed, lifting a phone to his ear, "Ok, Ferb, time for the finale!"
Isabella's eyes lit up against the fantastic sparkles in the sky, her expression one of child-like wonder and astonishment.
"Oh Phineas." She breathed, "How did you think of this?"
Phineas said nothing, but while everyone else was focused on the fireworks, he looked to Isabella, and gave a soft smile.