Gretchen came back to the room after an hour. Ferb was sitting at the desk, drinking a coffee and reading a book. She placed a bakery box on the counter, poured herself a coffee and curled herself into the chair in the corner as she looked out the balcony door. I don't want to disturb him. He'll talk when he's ready. Maybe he'd like to go to that nice restaurant down the block. Maybe we can find the time to take a couple of tours. She thought to herself.

Gretchen was startled out of her thoughts when a hand was placed on her shoulder. Somehow, Ferb had taken her cup from her without her realising. He had placed a hot, fresh coffee on the table, along with one of the bakery treats Gretchen had brought back. "Ferb, I didn't want to disturb you." She said eliciting a soft smile from him.

Ferb ran his fingers through her hair a moment then kissed her on the forehead. "Is there something you'd like to do this evening?" Gretchen averted her eyes and smiled. "I-I've no idea." Ferb held out his hand to her. "Let's start with this." He said as he handed her the coffee and square, then went to retrieve one for himself; then sat in the chair opposite. "Would you like to take a tour of one of the castles, or would you rather take in a play?" He inquired of her as he watched, and admired her. Why does she even put up with me? He thought to himself.

Gretchen blushed. He's good. She thought. "Is there time to take in both before we have to leave?" Ferb nodded. "There are also a few other places you might like to see." He said then started listing them off.

Gretchen and Ferb drank their coffees and ate the treats. "That's a lot to take in Ferb. What are your suggestions?" Gretchen asked as she looked at him. "This is your vacation. I'd be happy to just have dinner in the local pub with you." He replied.

Gretchen smiled and blushed. "I'll just go fix my hair." She said and went to the bathroom. While she was behind the closed door the phone in the room rang.

Ferb answered the phone on the second ring. "Hello? Phin, why are you so panicked?" He said then closed his eyes tight. "I went to my mother's. Dad stopped by this morning and we came back to the hotel. I'm sorry Phineas, no one told me or I would have called."

Phineas was sitting in the living room, in the middle of a conversation with his brother in England. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the evening? You and Gretchen huh? You're lucky to have her, she's great... she's perfect for you. She really loves you, you know. Don't mess up like I did. Isabella still won't speak to me. She's going out with some linebacker now. You'll be back Wednesday? I'll set something up for you... okay fine, not too big. I swear! Bro, have I ever let you down? See ya Wednesday. Bye Ferb."

Gretchen emerged from the bathroom and reached for her cardigan when Ferb stopped her. He held her shoulders then moved his hands down until he was holding hers, all the while looking into her eyes. "I had to call him." Gretchen pleaded. "I was so worried about you, your father had no idea where you'd gone." Ferb looked into her eyes a few moments longer then let her hands go. "I love you Gretchen." He said.

Gretchen wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Ferb, I love you too. That's why I've asked my parents if I can transfer to the all girls' academy not far from your school."

Will Weiss picked them up from the airport and drove to the Flynn-Fletcher house. Phineas was watching for them at the front window and opened the door in greeting. "Did you have a good trip? How were your exams?" He rambled, as he pulled his father's suitcase out of the trunk of the car. "Mom's got cake and snacks in the kitchen. You said you didn't want anyone to make a fuss."

Ferb and Gretchen walked into the living room of the Flynn-Fletcher house and sat on the couch. Will and Lawrence were standing near the table, talking. "Gretchen will be starting at the Girls' Academy near your son's school in the fall." Will said as Linda passed him a coffee. Lawrence glanced over to where the two teens were sitting, enjoying each others company. "Gretchen's already told him, he seemed surprised; but pleased." Lawrence replied.

Phineas came into the living room and sat in a chair near his brother. "Hey, bro. How'd your exams go?" Ferb nodded. "I should be getting my final grades within the next few weeks." He replied and Phineas frowned and inquired, "How could you not know how you did?" Ferb shrugged. "Everything's subjective, just because I can put together the ideal program or comprehensive report doesn't mean anything if that's not what the examiner is looking for. If I put together a 20 page report explaining how applied physics is beneficial to one's daily life, but the examiner was looking for the ideal temperature to melt butter... I won't pass the course." Phineas started to laugh, then turned serious when he saw the look on his brother's face. "You're serious."

Linda walked into the living room with a large cake. Ferb's eyes went wide, he then closed them tight. Why does she do this? At least it's just... His thoughts were interrupted by the doorbell.

Ferb got up to answer the door. "Mrs. Weiss, please come in." He said as he stepped aside.

The evening progressed. Linda and Trudy were talking about Ferb and Gretchen, as were Will and Lawrence. Phineas was talking with Gretchen and Ferb about their plans for the next school year when Gretchen's phone buzzed. She pulled it out and looked at the text and covered her mouth with her hand. "Excuse me a moment." She said and went to talk with her mother.

"Mom," Gretchen started. "Can you drive me somewhere? It's really important." Trudy looked at her daughter. "How important dear?" She asked and Gretchen showed her the text. Trudy read it then turned to Linda. "I'm sorry Linda, Gretchen's right... it's important."

Gretchen went back to where the brothers were sitting. "I'll see you in a bit, Ferb. I have to..." She said and Ferb stood up when he saw the look in her eyes. "What's wrong?" He said as he placed his hands on her arms. Gretchen looked up at him. "It's Isabella, she's..." She said and Ferb placed his hand on her cheek. "Of course."

Trudy and Gretchen left. They drove to the bluff overlooking Danville. Trudy parked the car and Gretchen got out. "Isabella!" She shouted. "Isabella!" She tried again and listened for a response. "Gretchen? Is that really you?" Isabella called back and ran, sobbing, to her friend.

Gretchen took one look at the sobbing girl. Her hair was beyond dishevelled, her lipstick smudged as was her mascara. Isabella's blouse was also ripped. "What happened?" Gretchen inquired as she helped her friend to her mother's car. "He tried... tried... to..." Once the car door opened Gretchen got a good look at her friend. That wasn't smudged lipstick, that was blood. That wasn't mascara, that was a bruise.

Phineas and Ferb were sitting in their parents' living room chatting while having their cake and coffee when Phineas received a phone call. "Hello? Gretchen, slow down..." He said and Ferb raised an eyebrow. "Is she okay? Uh, sure... come on over." Phineas looked toward his brother. "Isabella's boyfriend..." He started and looked around then continued in a whisper. "He left her. He beat her, then left her." He finished.

Trudy was driving back to town when she looked in her mirror. "Oh, sweety. Would you like me to drive you to the hospital?" She asked and Isabella shook her head. "I'm sure it looks worse than it is, I just want to be with my friends right now." Trudy frowned. "Do you want me to call your mother? I'm calling the police for you."

Phineas opened the door when the car pulled into the driveway. He went out to greet everyone. He took one look at Isabella and hugged her tight. "I'm so sorry." He whispered in her ear. Isabella hugged him back. "It's not your fault Phin." She replied and kissed him. Gretchen and her mother went into the house.

Gretchen went into the den and saw Ferb, leaning on the cane, standing at the fireplace and looking at some framed photos. She stepped closer to him and quietly called. "Ferb." He looked into her eyes and rested his hand against her cheek. Neither said anything and when a couple of tears started to escape Gretchen's eyes Ferb pulled her into a protective embrace.

Phineas led Isabella into the den. "Would you like me to get you anything?" He asked and she shook her head. "I just want to be held." She said as she looked at Gretchen and Ferb.

Will and Trudy drove Gretchen, Ferb and Isabella back to their house. Ferb went to his room and Gretchen and Isabella went to her room. Ferb changed for bed, took his contacts out and was lounging on his bed reading when he heard a knock on the bedroom door. He raised his eyebrow, and before he had a chance to sit up; Gretchen came in with Isabella on her heels. "Ferb, can we ask you something?"

Ferb placed his bookmark and sat up. Gretchen pulled the chair out from behind the desk and indicated for Isabella to take a seat. "Ferb," Isabella started, as she wrung her hands. "What would you do if your girlfriend told you she was pregnant?" Ferb's eyes went wide as he looked to Gretchen who was shaking her head. "Hypothetically speaking." Gretchen answered the silent question.

Ferb put his glasses on, then ran his hands through his hair. "Hypothetically speaking; I would ask if she was sure about that and if she was absolutely sure that I was the father." Isabella nodded "Yes to both." She replied. Ferb sighed as he rubbed his eyes. "If that were the case, I would have to ask what your plans are." He said as he looked at Gretchen as she sadly looked toward her best friend. Isabella's eyes started to tear up as she looked to her childhood friend. "I want to keep it."

Ferb let his head drop. After a few minutes of silence he looked up and spoke. "Isabella, are you sure that's what you want? As your friend, I'll support your decision either way." She nodded and left the room.

Gretchen moved across the room and sat beside Ferb who wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She looked up at him. "He left her. She told him tonight, he hit her, broke up with her and left. Isabella's got no one." Ferb sadly looked into his girlfriend's eyes. "Effectively, we're still kids." He said and Gretchen kissed him. "I don't want to end up in the same situation." She whispered to him. Ferb hugged her tighter and returned the kiss. "You've got nothing to worry about." He quietly replied.

Gretchen broke the kiss and stood up. "I should..." She said as she pointed to the doorway. "She really needs someone right now." Gretchen finished and Ferb nodded. Once Gretchen left and closed the door behind her, Ferb once again lay down and continued reading.

The door burst open and Will Weiss stormed in. "What have you done! You've got 20 minutes to get out of my house!" He yelled at a very stunned Ferb.

Ferb opened his mouth to say something when Gretchen's father started yelling at him again. "Just who do you think you are? I bring you into my home, knowing full well you're dating my daughter and now this! You've got some nerve boy." Ferb couldn't think, he just started doing what was demanded of him; he started packing his suitcase. Will kept his tirade up while Ferb packed.

Ferb had his belongings packed in 10 minutes. He made his way to the front door when Will bellowed out the most hurtful words Ferb ever heard in this household. "You are not permitted to have any contact with Gretchen from this point forward."

Ferb put his shoes on, grabbed his jacket and suitcase. With his cane in one hand and suitcase in the other, he found his voice. "Thank you for your hospitality, sir." Ferb said quietly as he opened the door and stepped out.

He walked down the driveway and down the street. He had no idea where he was going to go. He couldn't go back to his parents' house, he's not supposed to stay there. He couldn't just show up on the doorstep of Buford or Baljeet's house with a suitcase in hand. It didn't matter that he had a credit card, he was too young to get a hotel room. Ferb just kept walking.