The Fireside Girls were trying to cheer Gretchen up. "You know, if you don't get what you're looking for in a relationship you should just end it." Holly said. The rest of the girls turned to her, and Isabella spoke. "So, you're saying that some of us," She indicated the group, "...should just look elsewhere because we're not getting what we want out of our relationships?" Holly looked at the group. "Well, my cousin said that when her boyfriend refused to take her out, after promising her a dinner date, she dumped him. She said that he gave the excuse that he didn't know about a family dinner he was expected to attend."

Ginger sat on Gretchen's bed. "What if he really did have a family dinner?" Holly shook her head. "My cousin said that boys lie all the time." Gretchen shook her head. "Your cousin's the one who's lying to you." Holly crossed her arms and leaned against the door. "Really? I was sitting at the table when Ferb said he couldn't dance. Everyone knows that he can dance." Gretchen shot across the room and glared at the girl. "He's still recovering from a broken leg! Besides, he said he couldn't dance much." She narrowed her eyes at the girl, spun on her heel and sat on the far corner of her bed with her back to everyone.

Holly's jaw dropped a moment. "Well, Gretchen... You've not been happy for weeks, so obviously..." Adyson stepped in front of the girl. "Look, Ferb's in the other room and can probably hear you right now. If I get a call from Gretchen tonight or find out tomorrow at school that Ferb broke up with her, I'm putting all the blame on you."

Milly excused herself from the group and left the room. She walked down the hallway to the bathroom. She came back down the hall and opened a door and walked in. She then noticed she opened the door to the wrong room. Ferb was lying on the bed, eyes closed and the neck brace was on the desk; his cane was propped against the wall near the door. She stepped closer and looked at him. She could see the stitches above his eyebrow, near his ear and on his lip. His eye looked terrible; it was still swollen and purple. His arm was in a sling and resting beside him.

She backed out of the room and hurried back to Gretchen's. "I'm so sorry, Gretch." She whispered. Gretchen looked over. "What happened?" She then noticed the horrified look on Milly's face. "Milly, what happened?" Gretchen repeated herself. Milly found her voice. "It's Ferb, I accidentally walked into the wrong room and... he looks almost dead. His eye, the stitches... There's a neck brace on the desk..." Gretchen ran out of the room and over to Ferb's.

She walked over to where he was and looked him over. Isabella made sure the rest of the troop stood just outside the door. Gretchen carefully pressed the button on his watch and the blue light on his collar went out. She then gently rested her hand against his cheek. "Ferb? Are you asleep?" She whispered and was surprised when she got a reply. "No, just resting before dinner." He answered without opening his eyes. "Someone came in though, and left." Gretchen looked to the doorway.

"How did you know?" Milly asked from the door. Ferb opened his eye and with his good hand reached out for Gretchen's and she helped him to sit up. He then looked at the gaggle of girls standing at the doorway. "There are six senses that the human body uses to take in its surroundings. When one or more are not being used, the others work to compensate. I felt the bed move when someone brushed up against it, and could smell someone's perfume. It wasn't Gretchen's."

Gretchen helped to put the neck brace on and handed Ferb his cane. She helped support him as he stood up; he lightly brushed his fingers through her hair. He looked into her eyes a moment then leaned in and whispered something in her ear that caused her to smile and blush a brilliant shade of red.

Gretchen, still blushing, walked to the front door with her friends. "I'll see everyone tomorrow at school. Goodnight."

November passed and December was cold. Phineas and Isabella broke up after the Halloween dance. Phineas didn't talk to his brother about it. All Isabella told Gretchen was "Phineas is acting like an immature little boy."

Ferb went to the school on the first Wednesday of the month as was required, those were the only two days he saw Gretchen at school. He resumed his physiotherapy at the end of November and he got the neck brace off mid-December; he still needed the cane to walk. Friday night dinners took place at the Flynn-Fletcher household and Will and Trudy hosted dinners on Sunday nights. Phineas, and Gretchen wrote their exams in December and started their Christmas break. Ferb continued going to his parents' shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the headmaster of his school couldn't believe the amount of work that was being turned in.

Ferb and Gretchen along with Phineas, went Christmas shopping at the Googolplex Mall. "Guys, I really need to talk to you." Phineas said sadly as they were walking from store to store. "Okay, how about we grab a bite to eat?" Gretchen suggested and the two boys agreed and followed her to the food court.

Gretchen grabbed a table and Ferb and Phineas went to get food. Ferb brought back some pizza, Phineas got himself a burger. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I couldn't balance everything on one tray... Phin's got our drinks." He said as he sat down and placed the cane beside him. Phineas sat down and handed the drinks over. "I guess you've heard by now that Isabella and I broke up." Gretchen and Ferb nodded. "You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to." She said. Phineas offered a weak smile. "I think it's only fair that you know my side of the story as well." He said then began. "I know Isabella's been telling everyone that I was acting immature."

Gretchen smiled uncomfortably and Phineas continued talking. "She kept asking me 'Why can't you be more like Ferb? He pays attention to his girlfriend, he listens to his girlfriend, his girlfriend is happy.' I thought I was paying attention to her. I'd compliment her on her outfits, I listened to her when she complained about how the rain was ruining her new shoes... I even bought her a new pair. I created a special water and cold resistant spray she could put on her shoes, coat or bag so they wouldn't be ruined again." He then looked at his tray. "I asked her what she wanted me to do. She told me I had to treat her with respect. I honestly thought I was. I tried so hard to make her happy, but everything I did just wasn't good enough." He then looked up at his brother and Gretchen.

Ferb ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. Gretchen reached out for Phineas' hand and looked around. "Don't tell anyone, but I think Isabella has been treating you unfair for years. She expected you to give her the world when you could only give her your love. I don't think that she realises that Ferb and I work hard to make our relationship work. We've never told this to anyone before, but the three years he was away at school and only came back for holidays..." She said and Phineas nodded. "We always ended his time here with an argument. Then after being away from each other for a while, we tried working on our communication skills." Gretchen said and Phineas' eyes went wide. "When he came back this past summer, I was apprehensive of re-starting a relationship with him. With him having the broken leg, we were given the opportunity to sit and talk. We learned quite a bit about each other that we never knew before. We still argue about stupid little things, for example, I don't like tomato bits on my pizza." She said as she looked at Ferb and picked another bit of tomato off her pizza slice and added it to the pile. Ferb glanced back at her and replied. "You also don't like all meat, all cheese or artichoke hearts."

Phineas carefully examined his brother's expression. "You did start your summer off with just a fling didn't you?" He asked and Ferb nodded and explained. "Then it progressed, I found that I couldn't just have a fling with Gretchen any longer, it had to be an 'all or nothing' relationship. We talked about it and decided to give it a try. Then other things went south and I just don't know what I would do without her." Ferb said then kissed Gretchen on the temple. Phineas smiled slightly. "You guys never threw your relationship into anyone's faces. It was there, but quiet." Gretchen blushed. "We do save much of the affection for when it's just us."

Linda and Trudy were busy in the kitchen of the Flynn-Fletcher house preparing Christmas dinner with Candace's help. Lawrence was preparing drinks for everyone and Will was tending the fireplace. Phineas and Ferb had rigged up the stereo and speakers throughout the house so each room had at least one speaker in it and Gretchen set the table. Jeremy and his family would be arriving shortly.

The three teens were sitting in the den with some hot apple cider and a bowl of chips and salsa. Ferb leaned forward, reaching for another chip when he paused and winced. Phineas, sitting on the floor, saw the pain on his brother's face. "What's wrong Ferb?" When the Brit didn't move Phineas got worried. "Ferb!" Gretchen helped Ferb to sit up straight. "Just a twinge in my neck." Ferb replied. Phineas picked up the bowl of chips and handed them up. "How long is that going to last?" He asked. Gretchen had one hand on the green-haired teen's neck. Ferb smiled a little then answered. "The twinges come and go, the pain I'll have forever." The red-head looked as though he were about to cry. "That's so unfair. You've pressed charges against Jason though. Have you heard anything about that?" Ferb and Gretchen looked at each other. "We're not supposed to discuss that until after the court date in February." She said.

The doorbell sounded and Candace, wearing a flour covered apron, went to answer it. "Jeremy! Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Suzy... welcome, please come in and Merry Christmas." Everyone entered and Candace closed the door.

Mr. Johnson went over to talk with Lawrence and Will. Mrs. Johnson went into the kitchen to see what she could do to help. "Suzy, the boys and Gretchen are in the den. There might even be some snacks left." Lawrence mentioned.

After a little while, everyone was sitting around the dining room table. Conversation started with the usual 'How's school going, how's work going...' then moved onto other topics... Ferb. Ferb wasn't impressed to be the centre of attention. He became very quiet and nervous. Once everyone had finished their dinner and moved away from the table for more drinks, Ferb and Gretchen took it upon themselves to clear the table. Gretchen returned to the table to pick up more dishes while her boyfriend stayed in the kitchen.

Ferb was looking through the cupboards for containers to put the leftovers in. He finally found them. He started putting the leftovers into the fridge when Gretchen came back with another set of dishes. "I've always admired the way you're willing to help." She said with a smile as he turned around. Ferb came over to where she was standing. "Is there anything you need help with?" He asked cheekily. She smirked at him causing him to raise an eyebrow at her. "You know, I should do something about that smirk on your face." He said and she raised her eyebrow in return. "Really? Like what?" Ferb leaned down and kissed her. He pulled her close and deepened the kiss as Gretchen wrapped her arms around his neck she returned the kiss. Ferb then lifted her up and sat her on the counter, never breaking the kiss, and pulled her closer.

Phineas walked into the kitchen, reached into the fridge and pulled out the Christmas pudding. He turned around and saw his brother and Gretchen making out. He smiled as he averted his eyes and left with the pudding.

Phineas put the pudding on the table. "Did you ask Ferb to bring in the whipped cream and hard sauce?" Linda asked. Phineas grinned. "He's a little busy at the moment." He said with a slight chuckle. Linda pulled out some plates and spoons. "What's Ferb busy with anyhow?" She then went into the kitchen to check. Phineas was pulling the two bowls from the fridge when his mother came up behind him. She took a spoon and dipped it into the whipped cream and placed a finger to her lips. She then flung the spoonful at the back of Ferb's head. Phineas' eyes went wide as Ferb turned around looking less than impressed. Ferb noticed the spoon in Linda's hand. "Real mature Mum." He said and helped Gretchen down before grabbing a towel and wiping the whipped cream from his hair.

In February, Ferb and Gretchen prepared for the court date against Jason. Statements, photos, medical records and receipts were submitted. The trial took four days and Ferb had to be present for the duration. Gretchen attended her regular classes but couldn't concentrate. Jason had been expelled from the school and he was expected to attend.

At the end of the fourth day the verdict was handed down. Jason left the court-house. Ferb left the court-house accompanied by his father and Will. They drove to Danville High to meet up with Gretchen. Ferb walked into the school and waited by her locker. Isabella walked down the hallway on her way back to class. "Hey Ferb. How's it going?" She asked and he waved in response. "Great, maybe we can get together this weekend?" She asked hopefully. Ferb shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, well... I'll see you later then." Isabella said and left.

The bell rang a few minutes later and Gretchen shuffled down the hall. Ferb watched sadly as five people bumped into her. Phineas came up behind her. "Let me help you with that." He said as he took her books. Phineas then looked up and saw Ferb standing at Gretchen's locker. "Hey bro." Phineas greeted and Ferb nodded in response. Gretchen stepped up to her locker and Ferb put his arms around her and rested his head on top of hers. "Hey, sweetheart." He said and she wrapped her arms around him and started sobbing. Ferb looked questionably at his brother who sighed. "Today just wasn't her day." Phineas said quietly. Ferb tilted Gretchen's face up and looked into her eyes. She then twisted her fists into his shirt and pulled him down and kissed him hard. She broke the kiss and asked, "What happened?" Ferb's expression never changed. "It's raining out, you'll want this." He said as he handed her an umbrella." Phineas' face fell. "You lost? I thought for sure..." Gretchen grabbed her bag and started walking out of the school. Ferb placed his hand on her back protectively.

Ferb and Gretchen exited the school closely followed by Phineas. They went to stand with their fathers. Will spoke up. "Please, into the car." Gretchen and Ferb got into the car and Phineas started to head toward his father's car when Will grabbed his arm. "This car." Confused, Phineas got into the car beside his brother and watched as Lawrence drove away.

Will started driving. "We're all going out for dinner tonight." Phineas looked toward his brother who was grinning. "You won the case?" Phineas asked and Ferb nodded. Phineas couldn't contain himself. "How much did you get?" Ferb stopped grinning. "Medical expenses plus... a little extra."

Will stopped off to pick up his wife, Trudy. "Gretchen dear, you should put your bag in the house and change your clothes." Will said as he too, exited the car. Phineas and Ferb got out of the car and went into the house for a few minutes.

The boys went to Ferb's room. "Do you have a spare pair of pants I can wear? If we're going out I don't think jeans..." Phineas said as Ferb pulled out a pair of trousers and a button shirt and handed them to his brother. "It's a good thing we're almost the same size." Phineas commented as he changed and Ferb nodded as he looked through a drawer. "Which would you rather wear?" Ferb asked as he held up two ties. Phineas looked up. "Uh, the red one." He chose.

Ferb and Gretchen's relationship remained strong and Phineas remained single. In March, plans were being put together for Ferb to return to England to write his exams. He was going to be gone for the first week of Spring Break in April and Gretchen was going to go with him.

At a Family Friday dinner at the end of March, Lawrence pulled a copy of the preliminary transcript of his son's grades. "Ferb, I've got your temporary grades. They won't be confirmed until your exams are graded." Ferb took the paper from his father and his eyes went wide, he looked between his father and the paper a few times not believing what he was seeing. "I don't believe this." Ferb said astounded. Lawrence looked at his son. "Did you even try?" He inquired and Ferb looked worried for a moment. "Mostly, there were a few things I probably could have tried harder on though."

Phineas and Gretchen wore matching worried expressions. "Ferb..." Gretchen whispered and Phineas put his hands on her shoulders in a brotherly fashion. Ferb brought the transcript over to show them. He hung his head as he handed it over to his brother who read it. "Ferb you're a git." He said and punched him in the arm. Gretchen took the paper and read it. "The lowest grade you've got here is 130% and the highest is 175%! You have the nerve to say 'I could have tried harder'? What's wrong with you?" She exclaimed and Ferb shrugged