I dont own Jimmy Neutron. Read and review. Oh, by the way, Happy Holidays!
Chapter 9: The singing contest

In Jimmy's backyard were hundreds of kids. They all wanted to try out for lead singer of the rock band.

"Okay, let's get organized. For those who want to try out for the lead singer position stand to my right, and for those who want to suggest a name for our band, stand to my left. Go!" instructed Jimmy.

About twenty or so kids stood to the left of Jimmy, the rest stood to the right.

"Okay, I need to have a meeting with my band. Hold on a second." said Jimmy.

Jimmy led Cindy, Libby, Carl, and Sheen behind the lab. Once they were there, Jimmy instructed different tasks.

"Okay, since there are so many kids, we need to split up tasks. Carl and Sheen, I need you to write down potential band names from the people. Cindy and Libby, you two are going to help me judge the singing competition. Carl and Sheen, when you're done, you're going to bring out some snacks, from your house, for our competitors. Cindy, Libby, when were judging, we're going to make a list of scores. The top ten will face in a triple elimination quarterfinal competition tomorrow. Everyone understand his or her tasks? Okay good. Let's go!" said Jimmy.

Jimmy led the group back to the kids. Jimmy explained what was going to happen and then the competition began. The first competitor up was Brittney. She sang Wanna be Loved by Papa Roach, and she sang, well, she wasn't bad, but wasn't good either; she was somewhere in-between. The three judges gave her 5 out of 10. The next person up was a boy named Dave. He sang Click Click Boom by Saliva, and he was horrible, totally off key; he hacked the song. The judges gave him a 1 out of 10, and the 1 was out of sympathy; otherwise, they would have given him a zero. The next person up was Betty. She sang Love Song by Tesla. She sang pretty well. Cindy gave her a 7. Hey, nobody said she was unbiased. Libby gave her a 9. After all, she sang pretty well. Cindy, Libby and Betty were waiting on Jimmy's opinion. Jimmy gave her an 8, to be fair to both Cindy and Libby's numbers and opinions. Cindy gave a triumphant smirk in Betty's direction. Betty saw the smirk and sighed. The competition lasted for 3 hours.

Jimmy dismissed the crown by tiredly saying, "That was a good, friendly competition. Unfortunately, not everybody can be the lead singer, so we had to narrow it down. We will have the ten quarterfinalists compete again tomorrow. The ten people are Rob Y., Chris U., Paul S., Betty Q., Carlos D., Alice M., Roman N., Jordon L., April B. and our very own Band member, Cindy Vortex. Those 10 people be here tomorrow, 11 a.m., and bring smile. Now go home. Bye."

The kids nodded and went home. Carl and Sheen started to leave but Jimmy stopped them.

"Not you guys!" said Jimmy.

Carl and Sheen stopped in their tracks.

"Sorry about that." said Sheen.

"Okay, we may have a problem." said Jimmy.

"What do you mean a problem?" asked Cindy.

"You should know what I mean perfectly. Everybody who's in the quarterfinals hates each other." said Jimmy.

"I don't hate any of them." said Cindy.

"Please, you expect me to believe that. You know you can't stand any of them, especially Betty." said Jimmy.

"That was before you became my boyfriend." said Cindy.

"Wait, wait, wait, you mean to tell me that all those times you fought with her, you were fighting over me?" asked Jimmy.

"Yes!" said Cindy.

"Why?" asked Jimmy.

"Because, I guess I was sort of jealous. I'm, I'm sorry." said Cindy, guiltily.

"Its okay." said Jimmy.

"Thanks for being so forgiving. Wait, that's not like you at all. Is everything alright?" asked Cindy.

"Everything's fine." assured Jimmy.

"Jimmy, should Carl, Sheen, and I start cleaning up?" asked Libby.

"Yes, please." said Jimmy, although something seemed to be distracting him.

Libby, Carl, and Sheen started cleaning up. That left Jimmy and Cindy alone. Cindy grabbed Jimmy hands and looked into his eyes.

"What's wrong?" asked Cindy, with concern.

Jimmy let out a big sigh.

"Has it ever felt to you like life moves too fast and that if you blink, then its over?" asked Jimmy.

"Sometimes it seems like that. But…," said Cindy, looking deeper into Jimmy's eyes, "…You can't life control you emotionally. I once read a poster. It said '10 of life is what happens to you, 90 of life is how you react to it'. If you feel that life is going too fast, then slow it down. Just don't let life get you down, that's all. All anybody wants, especially me and your family, is for you to be happy."

"Your right Cindy. I can't let life get me down." said Jimmy.

"That's the spirit. Now, give me a kiss." said Cindy.

"Certinly madam." said Jimmy, lightheartedly.

Jimmy and Cindy shared a light kiss. Then they looked at each other and smiled, that is, until Sheen came over.

"Guys, guys." said Sheen.

"What do you want Sheen?" asked Jimmy and Cindy simultaneously.

"We have some bad news." said Sheen.

"What is it?" asked Jimmy and Cindy, again, simultaneously.

"Betty, she…she's…she's dead." said Sheen.