Beneath the Surface

Chapter 1: Flight

Disclaimer: I do not own Jimmy Neutron

Squeal of the tires against a wet road, the deafening sound of glass being smashed against steel, the red crimson puddles mixed with the rainfall. Then all she heard just the constant platter of raindrops against the windshield. Constant, a pounding rhythm within her paralyzed body; even then she could not cry nor breathe. Metal was pressing hard against her chest. She was suffocating, desperately holding her hand above the water that engulfed the vehicle, to be saved.

Cindy had awoken at the stroke of midnight in a cold sweat. She had been having the same nightmare again and again, leaving her sleeps deprived and Cindy listless the following morning. It had taken a toll on her overtaxed body and everyone plainly noticed. She had been less angry, less happy, less tuned to the world around her. Whether it was depression or post traumatic stress, she knew she couldn't go on like this.

The dream was about the car crash. A car had rammed into a side impact a drove them off the road into a nearby flooded stream. It had been pouring hard that night, and she knew that she shouldn't have survived it. Somehow, she did, because it was Jimmy's invention that saved her. It was a watch her gave her for her birthday, and one of its multi functions was a vital sign check. It sent off an SOS signal when she became unconscious. Police reached her in a matter of minutes, but it was too late for her parents, who died from the actual collision.

She looked at the watch fondly. It gave the time, location of where she was, radio, a direct connection to Jimmy's watch, and was water proof. It wasn't as fancy as Jimmy's with laser beams and weapons attached, but it was compact so hers didn't waste as much energy. She sighed and began packing up.

She should be living at the orphanage, but Libby had opted to let her stay at her place for the next few nights to get sorted out. Jimmy even offered to invent something to prevent the tradegy, such as the time booth, but Cindy was afraid something might happen accidentally as with all his inventions. Still she didn't give him permission, she didn't have enough trust to give him control over the past mistakes of her life. Who knew what else he would change? This had hurt Jimmy considerably but she didn't flat out refuse. She just said she would think about it.

Finished packing she snuck out of Libby's house and into the outside damp. She already informed her about the expedition and Libby had granted her leave, worried but happy Cindy was doing something, doing anything really.

Quietly and slowly she made her way to Jimmy's club house. The was a whirl of mechanical gears and a wrench cranking a stubborn bolt, and this told Cindy Jimmy was already up and getting ready for leave. Jimmy was on a creeper, focusing on the wires and technicalities of the machine. Smiling to herself in the dark, she walked up to him and using her toe pulled the creeper and Jimmy out from underneath the rocket.

"Puk'in Pluto! What the-, oh, Cindy, what are you doing up so early?" Jimmy asked, startled.

Cindy looked down at the small figure. "I couldn't sleep." She replied. Jimmy nodded his empathy and scooted back underneath the rocket.

"Just a few more repairs and we'll be ready to go." Jimmy stated. Cindy hummed a small 'hm' and waited patiently. When Jimmy completed his work, the first rays of sunlight were inching from the horizon. It could have been 4 to 5am by now but she was enjoying the warmth from the light. "Done." Jimmy said. "Now, prepare for blast off!"

The rocket was positioned and equipped with luggage, mounted on a jack and the engines flaring. Stepping into the rocket, Cindy felt that same insecurity as when the car crashed. Seeing her hesitate, he reassured her with a thumb up and Cindy slid into the vehicle without another second thought.

"Count down!" Jimmy yelled, climbing into the rocket with her. And before Cindy knew it they were blasted off into the blue. Feeling exhilarated and awed, all the troubles she had known had shed from her face and emerged a happiness she hadn't known for a long time. It was joy, and for a moment she didn't know what to do with it. It was so alien to her that it was terrifying even. She had taken a rocket ride before but somehow this one seemed different. It was… nice.

I'm taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He knows where he's taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I'm taking a ride
With my best friend

We're flying high
We're watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down
On the ground

I'm taking a ride
With my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
Promises me I'm as safe as houses
As long as I remember who's wearing the trousers
I hope he never lets me down again

Never let me down, never let me down.

See the stars they're shining bright
Everything's alright tonight

Cindy smiled as they broke the atmosphere and into the final frontier of space. She finally felt secure, and who knew that it would be in the presence of her long time rival? Somehow she knew, she knew a lifetime ago. And it wasn't a weakness. No, it would not be a weakness. She would no longer be afraid of her feelings. No matter what pain it may bring.

A/N: This song is from the album "Depeche Mode: Music for the Masses", "Never Let Me Down Again" Just give credit to him. He's a great artist. I'm not usually a songfic writer but somehow this one seemed appropriate. Please review!