Well, I'm really excited because this story has a little bit of support. A couple favs and a couple follows. Yay! I've got the next few chapters written, but like to make sure everything is consistent. Thus, I wait until I'm three to four chapter ahead before posting the next one on here. That, and I'm pretty critical about my writing, and never think it's good enough, so I obsess over trying to improve it. Sooooo… without further ado, here is chapter twelve.
Disclaimer: I do not own Phineas and Ferb.
CHAPTER TWELVE:
Welcome
FERB
I almost choked on Mum's shepherd's pie, coughing sporadically before swallowing the hot lump of chicken, vegetables and gravy. I grabbed my glass of water and took a hard gulp, pounding on my chest twice. When I looked up from my plate, the entire dinner table was staring at me with confused and alarmed faces.
"Ferb, sweetie, are you alright?"
I nodded my head and cleared my throat, focusing on regaining my composure. I never talked at the dinner table, but this moment was so out there, that I deigned to break that tradition; "sorry Mum," I coughed, "I just—I'm not sure I heard you correctly."
"I said," she began again, scooping up another spoonful of delicious goop, "that Vivian's niece had a baby. She's going to be helping out up on the eastern side, so Isabella will be staying with us for the next few weeks or so."
Ah, so I had heard correctly… Honestly, I had no clue where to go with that.
"That sounds like fun!" Phineas exclaimed before taking a drink of his milk.
"Of course you're all for it," Candace said, giving Phineas one of her knowing smiles.
"Well, yeah, we're both all for it, right, Ferb?" Phineas laughed, the suggestive undertone to Candace's voice going right over his head.
I nodded, and Candace's gaze fell on me. I know the whole choking fiasco was definitely a change from my silent indifference, but what was with the suspicious stare?
"Jolly good show!" Dad enthused, taking a bite of steamed green beans.
"I'm happy you boys understand," remarked Mum. "It's way better than having a young girl stay in a house by herself for so long. I know we live in a pretty safe neighborhood, but you just never know. Plus, it'll be fun."
Phineas beamed at me. "I guess I know what we're going to do tomorrow, eh, Ferb?"
ISABELLA
"Well, sweetheart, you already know where the kitchen is, of course," Mrs. Flynn-Fletcher chuckled as we made our way up to the stairs. "But if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Any of us will be delighted to help you."
"Thanks, Mrs. Flynn-Fletcher," I said with a laugh, following after her with a small duffle bag over my arm.
"Honestly, Isabella, you've known me for twelve years. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Linda. Please," she sighed with mock exasperation.
I laughed again; that had always been a running battle between us, but I suppose if I was going to be staying here for an extended period of time, I should respect her wishes.
"Now, Candace is using our guest bedroom in the basement," Mrs. Fly—Linda continued. "But the boys have agreed to share a room for the duration of your stay. You'll be sleeping in Ferb's room while the boys crash in Phineas'."
I was completely and utterly taken aback by the swell of giddiness inside of me when she said I was staying in Ferb's room. Jeese, what was happening to me?
"Thanks," I responded as I walked into the Brit's familiar bedroom. I hoped beyond hope that my face wasn't red. None of the other Flynn-Fletchers knew how much time I'd actually spent here, talking to Ferb. I tossed my bag on the bedspread and sat down, tracing its diamond stitching with a well-known movement of my fingers. "This is perfect."
"Don't worry," Linda said from the door. "I made sure to change the sheets and everything. It's all clean."
"Thanks," I said again, lying back so that my legs were hanging off the bed at my knee. I sighed with content, and Linda left.
After a few minutes, I swung around so I was lying on the bed like a normal person. I pulled the pillow under my head and took a deep breath, but it smelled like laundry detergent instead of Ferb now… not that I cared, of course.
"What is going on?" I groaned into the fabric. For the past three weeks, I'd tried to act normal. I'd taken a step back from Phineas to just enjoy life in general. But as soon as I took a step back from Phineas, I started noticing Ferb more and more.
Phineas was the idea man. He was brilliant, optimistic, and creative. He was outspoken and confident. Ferb was a man of action, like Phineas had claimed years ago. He was building and making things happen, often outshined and forgotten.
I felt an overwhelming amount of guilt. I loved Ferb; he was one of my best friends, and he was always there for me, but even I was negligent when it came to him. Sometimes I addressed only Phineas when they were both there, or when complimenting creations, I would forget to include him in my praise.
What kind of friend did that?
I felt so stupid for never noticing all the older brother did, and I was sad, because everyone else did it too. Everyone looked past Ferb and straight to Phineas. I couldn't imagine how that felt.
And now I finally recognize the extent of his worth, but couldn't necessarily act on that, because it might give Ferb a false sense of hope about the two of us.
But was it even false? I had felt something when he kissed me. I felt something when he made me laugh. Was it possible to like two guys at once? I mean, sure, I'd read about it in books and seen it in movies, but I'd never actually experienced it.
"Hey, Isabella!" Phineas exclaimed, bounding into the room and jumping on the bed. Ferb approached more casually, saluting me from the door.
"Hey," I responded, banishing the more depressing thoughts of the past few minutes.
"We're both really excited you're staying here," Phineas said, grabbing my wrists and pulling me off the bed. "Follow us, and we'll show you how much!"
"What?" I asked as Phineas dragged me to the door. I met Ferb's eyes as I passed and he shot me a look that said, just go with it.
Phineas pulled me to the backyard, where there was a banner that said, Welcome, Isabella! In front of it was a stack of board games and movies. There was a table set up next to the tree with pink bowls filled with food.
"Tada!" he exclaimed, a giant smile on his face. "It's a welcome party for you!"
I took in the sight in front of me, and had to resist the urge to cry. I seriously had the best best friends ever.
"Guys, this is so sweet!"
"Well," Phineas said, rubbing the back of his neck, "we wanted to make sure you knew we were happy to have you. I was going to go all out. You know, giant neon signs and maybe a castle, or something. But Ferb said you'd like something a little quainter, and I figured he was probably right."
I took a step forward, taking in the stack of games and movies; all of my all-time favorites were here. The banner had the visible streaks of a hand-held brush, and was tied up with a couple simple bungee cords. The bowls held my favorite snacks.
"This… this is perfect." I turned around and pulled both guys into a giant hug. "Thank you so much!"
"The party has arrived!" Said a new higher-pitched voice. Baljeet opened the gate and walked in with Buford. I smiled at the newcomers and went to hug them.
"You know," Buford grumbled, addressing Phineas, "when you said there'd be a little party, I didn't realize it'd be so girly and touchy-feely."
"Don't worry, Buford," I giggled. "Your street cred will remain intact."
For the rest of the daylight hours, we played board games, ate food, and hung out. It was something that everyday, run-of-the mill teenagers would do, which meant it was beyond weird for us, but I loved it. Once the sun began setting, Buford and Baljeet started home, and I reveled in the realization that I didn't have to.
Dinner was next. Mr. Flynn-Fletcher—I suppose I should start calling him Lawrence—and Linda were pleasant, Phineas was engaging, and Ferb was quiet, but Candace was… odd. She kept giving me this mischievous smile and making comments like, is it a little chilly in here? Eventually Linda sent her to away to get a jacket, since she kept commenting on the temperature. I just chose to ignore her; it wasn't worth exploring further.
After dinner, Phineas proclaimed that it was time for movies, and I picked one at random from the stack they'd made, since I knew I already loved them all. While Phineas set it up, I ran to the bathroom. When I returned, I couldn't believe the situation in front of me.
A year ago, the Flynn-Fletchers had replaced their thirteen-year-old ratty couch with a plush sectional. It had a couple of loveseats divided by squishy armrests. It was really nice, but just became the bane of my existence.
Phineas and Ferb sat on two separate sides. There was plenty of room beside either boy. And I would have to choose which brother to sit next to.
This would be an interesting few weeks.
R/R please!
I know this one wasn't as fun, but the next chapter will definitely make up for it (evil snicker). I think you guys will like it. Anyhoo, I'm happy that I have a little smidge of support, but I can't tell what you guys are thinking if you just hit follow. Thus, I humbly request a review.
Keep an eye out for the next chapter! It'll have that shipping stuff that you guys desire!
Have a happy day!
