Author's Note: Impulsive is such an easy word for Phineas, but I didn't want it to sound just like all the other chapters. They're all starting to sound the same to me, and it really bothers me. Hopefully I'll be able to get some new information and such and be able to keep all of my work from blending together. Until that time, cheers.
Chapter Nine: I is for IMPULSIVE
Impulsive: without forethought
Loud, sudden rings burst through the air, turning the calm surroundings tense.
Phineas groaned, running his tanned, slender fingers over his stubbly chin. He was warm and content underneath his covers, his face buried deep into the fabric of his pillowcase. It was safe and comfortable, and getting up was not high on the young man's priority list. Phineas took a moment to glance at the clock, growling at the glowing red numbers as they taunted him.
Fumbling extensively, hands searching for his cell phone on the nightstand frantically. He felt the cool device almost instantly, using the palm of his hands to pull it towards him. Turning onto his shoulder and using his right elbow to support himself, Phineas cleared his throat before answering the phone's calls reluctantly.
"Hello?" Phineas drawls groggily, blinking slowly to relieve his eyes of their desire to return to the world of peaceful slumber.
"Hey," comes an airy response.
Phineas grins, reaching for the lamp on his bedside table. Finding the light switch, he rubs his eyelids furiously, adjusting to the departed dimness.
"What time is it back home?" Phineas asks breathily, rearranging his body. He untwists the blankets from around himself, leaning against the headboard as the voice responds.
"Eight," the feminine voice responds shortly. "Why?"
"It's two in the morning here," Phineas responds, chuckling lightly.
Phineas hears the young woman gasp, and he almost laughs. "I'm sorry," she apologizes quickly. "I didn't mean to wake you. I should have calculated the time difference before I called."
Phineas made a disinterested noise, brushing her words away. "Don't worry about it, Isabella," he assured. "So why did you?"
Isabella didn't answer for a moment, cautiously asking, "Why did I what?"
Phineas smiled at his girlfriend's hesitance, explaining, "Why did you call?"
"Oh," Isabella breathed, seemingly embarrassed. "I was lonely. I miss you."
Phineas stilled, smiling sadly. "I miss you, too," he returned, toying with the hem of his sheets for a moment. A sudden crowd of voices filled his ear, causing him to pull the phone away from his face in mild surprise. "Where are you?"
Isabella giggled, "That was just the television." Back in Danville, the woman was walking aimlessly about the room, cradling her cell phone between her neck and ear. "I'm at Ferb and Vanessa's place. They had to go to some really sudden business meeting at Vanessa's work. They asked me to watch Emmett for them; they should be home soon."
Phineas smiled on the other line. He loved that Isabella was so close to his family. She always went with him when he visited his parents, and she was happy to call Ferb and Vanessa some of her best friends. She was even a good friend of Candace, and it was no secret that Phineas' elder sister wasn't exactly the easiest person to get along with. Still, Isabella appeared undoubtedly happy in the presence of any and all of the Flynn-Fletcher line.
"How is he?" Phineas asked, genuinely interested in the well-being of his young nephew.
"Adorable," Isabella spoke honestly, "He's such a good kid."
"He's only two, Isabella," Phineas chuckled, brushing long red bangs behind tanned ears. "How could he possibly be bad?"
"You know what I mean. He's pretty quiet for a toddler. Despite being as energetic as you and your brother," Isabella joked.
Phineas laughed, looking out the window wistfully. "I can imagine," he spoke, soft words followed with a sigh. "I miss you."
"You already said that," Isabella replied just as dully.
"I know," Phineas responded. "But I do. It feels like forever since I've seen you." Isabella quietly agreed, and a short silence came upon them.
Phineas had been traveling for the past month and a half, venturing wherever his business took him. His boss was one of many people to recognize and appreciate Phineas' people skills, making him a key opponent in several important business deals. Not to mention his being the boss's faithful right hand man. And hence his journey began.
Normally Phineas would love the adventure. He loved traveling, learning, and discovering new things. He always had as a child, and the trait carried through far into his adulthood. But traveling had never been like this.
When he was just old enough to be these endeavors, Ferb was always by his side, and Candace was never far behind. Eventually several friends joined them. Baljeet, Buford, the Fireside Girls. Isabella. And anyone else who joined them along the way.
When Ferb and Phineas graduated and Isabella left Danville, it was obvious losing touch was imminent. And so it was. Ferb and Phineas worked together since then, being partners no less, not that it was surprising; the boys made an incomparable team. And at the beginning it was pleasant, being just as it was when they were children. But soon after, Vanessa joined the picture and things became strained. The new situation didn't last long, however, for Isabella's return marked a new beginning. Suddenly Isabella became the one Phineas savored excursions with. It became common, and the couple grew closer.
And now… he hadn't seen the woman for nearly two months. And unfortunately for both, his mission had over three weeks left to endure.
"You should get some sleep," Isabella suggested, sounding distant. Phineas nodded despite being so far away, and spoke softly.
"Yeah," he agreed, "Yeah, probably."
"So, I guess I'll-"
"Isabella?" Phineas interrupted, sitting up slightly, straightening his spine considerably.
"Yes?" she asked gently, stopping in place as she strolled about the room back in Danville.
"Why did you call?" Phineas asked once again.
Isabella made a sound that was the equivalent of a giggle, but the humor was not there. "You already asked that," she pointed out mindlessly, before responding nonetheless. "I already told you, I missed you, Phin."
"No," Phineas corrected, "I mean why now. "You must have had some idea the time here."
Isabella blushed on the other line, hugging herself tight. "Oh," she stammered, her breathing ragged in humiliation. "Well, yes," she entertained. "I suppose it was just a sudden urge. Call it an impulsive move."
Phineas accepted the answer well enough, bidding his girlfriend good night.
Back in Danville, Isabella hung up rather reluctantly. She sauntered about Ferb and Vanessa's living room a while longer, merely trying to use up time. She'd been doing that a lot lately, she realized, since Phineas' departure set in. Three weeks, she constantly reminded herself, just three more weeks.
Ferb and Vanessa returned as promptly as they had left, and Isabella left just as quickly. She was glad for Emmett's temporary company, but there wasn't much a toddler could do for loneliness.
Isabella went to bed as soon as she arrived home, despite the night being so young. The sooner sleep was upon her, the sooner the next day would come, and the sooner the pattern would continue until Phineas returned home to her.
The next morning consisted of a shower and breakfast, and a lot of roaming the hallways of the couple's home, searching for something new, something unfamiliar. Finding nothing, Isabella disappointedly retreated to her tower, sitting in her director's style chair dejectedly.
She earned some energy a few minutes later, choosing to begin a new painting in order to rid her mind of the isolation she felt was encompassing her. Hours passed quickly while her mind wandered in the form of art on canvas. She didn't pay much attention to the time, but midday had long passed since the last time she had viewed the clock above.
An unexpected thumping broke Isabella's concentration like glass. Setting down her paintbrush curiously, she cautiously exited the tower and padded down the hall. The thumping repeated itself, Isabella recognizing the sound as someone knocking on the door.
"Coming!" she shouted carefully, smoothing her skirt before opening the door. "Hey," she spoke before looking up.
"Hey," a cool voice responded. Isabella's head whipped up like lightning.
"Phineas?" Isabella asked incredulously, almost certain her eyes were deceiving her. "Phineas!"
Phineas' laugh was low and hearty, ringing out into the clean room. The couple kissed briefly before Phineas had Isabella by the waist, twirling her around as she clung to his neck. Isabella pulled back to look into Phineas' face the moment her feet touched the ground.
Shaking her head, she laughed as Phineas brushed tears away. "How are you…? Why are you…? What are you doing here?" she finally managed.
Phineas laughed, capturing Isabella's lips before responding. "I missed you. I talked to the boss, made some arrangements, got everything worked out. There's never going to be a trip where you can't come along," he explained happily.
Isabella held Phineas face cupped in her hands, moving her arms around his neck to encircle the young man in a gentle embrace. "You're insane," she sputtered.
"No," Phineas chuckled. "I just had to see you."
"Just then?" Isabella asked incredulously from over Phineas' shoulder. "Why would you do that?"
Phineas chuckled into Isabella's dark hair, pulling her close to him. He smiled when he retorted, "I suppose it was a sudden urge. Call it an impulsive move."
Author's Note: So about my author's note above; I wrote it before I wrote the chapter itself. And just so you know, I LOVE this chapter. I think it has to be the cutest thing ever. I like this chapter. And the last chapter, too. Getting some suggestions is really doing my confidence some good. :D Reviews are appreciated, although not expected. I will update inconsistently, but the story will be finished within the month, I'm certain. Look out for new chapters.
Coming Up Next: J is for JOCOSE
